Instrument transverse bearing part

Abstract

The invention relates to an instrument transverse support for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross-member which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from an A-pillar to an opposite A-pillar, a plate being coupled to the cross-member in the front direction of the vehicle, at least one instrument opening being formed in the plate for receiving an instrument.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Manufacturing method, including a crossbeam, wherein the crossbeam extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from an A-pillar to an opposite A-pillar. Background Art

[0002] In current motor vehicles, generally for fixing various cockpit functions, a transverse load-bearing part is provided as a load-bearing member, which basically only extends horizontally from an A-pillar to an opposite A-pillar. At the transverse load-bearing part, additional separately constructed members are fixed, which have different functions, such as a fixing part for an imaging unit of a head-up display or other instrument fixing elements and other members.

[0003] Document DE 10 2022 116 803 B3 discloses an instrument panel having a load-bearing frame, and a large number of additional functional components are fixed to the load-bearing frame by means of additional separately constructed load-bearing parts, such as electrically operable display elements. This has the disadvantage of high assembly costs. In addition, due to its configuration, the load-bearing frame does not support significant force derivation / force absorption in a collision situation.

[0004] Document DE 10 2013 212 878 A1 discloses a cockpit structural member, which includes a cockpit transverse load-bearing part and a separate body-in-white transverse load-bearing part, and a separately constructed head-up display housing with a support part is arranged at the cockpit transverse load-bearing part. Here, there is also the disadvantage of many individual parts to be assembled.

[0005] The transverse load-bearing parts known from the prior art only extend between two A-pillars, and in order to accommodate additional functional components, additional load-bearing elements are attached at the transverse load-bearing parts. In addition, the transverse load-bearing parts in the prior art are not suitable for absorbing forces or deriving forces to attached parts in a collision situation due to their structural form and fail due to buckling or fracture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an instrument transverse load-bearing part and an associated method for manufacturing the same, in which the accommodation of functional elements is integrated and the instrument transverse load-bearing part undertakes the function of force derivation / force absorption in a frontal collision.

[0007] According to the present invention, this object is achieved in that a plate is connected to the crossbeam in the vehicle front direction, wherein at least one instrument opening is formed in the plate for accommodating an instrument.

[0008] The instrument transverse bearing part of a motor vehicle according to the present invention includes a crossbeam, wherein the crossbeam extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from an A-pillar to an opposite A-pillar. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle extends in the X direction, the Y direction extends transversely or at a right angle horizontally to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the Z direction extends perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction or also perpendicular to the Y direction, that is, extends downward or upward. A plate is connected to or arranged at the crossbeam in the vehicle front direction or in the X direction. At least one instrument opening for accommodating an instrument is formed in the plate, wherein an imaging unit of a head-up display and other display devices (such as an on-board computer, a navigation system, etc.) are understood as instruments.

[0009] Advantageously, the instrument transverse bearing part is constructed as a thin-walled member and has a wall thickness in the range between 1 and 4 mm, preferably a wall thickness between 1.5 and 3 mm. The wall thickness can vary in the longitudinal direction of the instrument transverse bearing part, that is to say, the wall thickness can be thicker in certain areas of the instrument transverse bearing part, for example, the crossbeam can be constructed thicker, such as 3.5 mm, while being thinner in certain areas, such as 1.5 mm.

[0010] Advantageously, the plate is integrally arranged at the crossbeam. This means that the instrument transverse bearing part is constructed in one piece, or the crossbeam and the plate are in one piece or form an integral body and are manufactured in a casting, and the plate and the crossbeam do not have to be joined together.

[0011] Preferably, the instrument transverse bearing part is made of a metallic material. This, in combination with the configuration of the instrument transverse bearing part, allows the instrument transverse bearing part to meet the collision requirements and can conduct and / or absorb the forces that occur without failure. Among them, the instrument transverse bearing part is preferably made of one material. Preferably, the instrument transverse bearing part is made of a light metal.

[0012] Preferably, the plate extends horizontally or the plate extends in the X-Y direction.

[0013] A preferred embodiment is that the instrument transverse bearing part is constructed as a thin-walled one-piece member. The wall thickness can vary in the cross-section of the instrument transverse bearing part.

[0014] Advantageously, at least one instrument opening for accommodating the imaging unit is arranged in the plate. Thereby, it is possible to avoid installing additional bearing elements, thereby improving the manufacturing economy of the instrument transverse bearing part.

[0015] It has been shown to be advantageous to arrange at least two instrument openings in the plate for receiving imaging units. In the development of vehicles, it has become increasingly evident that not only smaller information such as the permitted speed is projected onto the windshield or a display screen, but the entire windshield is used to integrate driver-related information and even the entire vehicle environment into the projection on the windshield in the form of augmented reality. This is why more than just one imaging unit can be arranged at the instrument cross-member in order to completely cover the projection surface.

[0016] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the instrument opening has a cooling surface against which the imaging unit is placed in a planar manner and which dissipates the heat of the imaging unit. Preferably, the cooling surface is integrally arranged in the plate and extends obliquely to the plate. In addition, the larger closed surface of the instrument cross-member is used for heat dissipation, whereby the instrument cross-member itself acts as a heat sink as a unit. This eliminates the need for additional (active) and space-consuming cooling measures for the imaging unit.

[0017] Preferably, the instrument opening has a cooling surface on the side facing away from the imaging unit, i.e., on the back or underside, where cooling ribs are arranged. Air, preferably air cooled by the HVAC unit, is guided through the cooling ribs in order to dissipate the heat of the imaging unit.

[0018] It has been shown to be advantageous to arrange fixing openings in the plate for fixing the instrument and the HVAC unit. With the aid of these fixing openings and preferably with the aid of fixing elements such as clamping elements, the instrument and the components to be assembled are fixed to the plate.

[0019] Preferably, the plate is at least partially surrounded by a support in the direction of the vehicle front. It has been shown to be advantageous for the plate to be configured in an arc segment shape in the direction of the vehicle front. Preferably, the arc segment shape is at least partially surrounded or framed by an arc-shaped extending support.

[0020] It has been shown as a preferred embodiment that the arcuately extending support has a U-shaped cross-section. The U-shape is preferably open downward or in the negative Z-direction. Preferably, the U-shape is used to guide the air duct and can be connected to the HVAC unit preferably fixed to the underside of the instrument cross-carrier. The U-shape can be used as part of the air duct, and a corresponding air duct cover (which extends along the U-shape and thus forms a closed air duct) is fixed to the U-shape. Alternatively, the air duct can be formed as a molded plastic duct, which is placed in the U-shape and has corresponding outlets for supplying air to the windshield. Thus, windshield ventilation can optionally be directly integrated into the support, for example by also providing ventilation slots in the support, which guide air from the HVAC unit through the U-shaped support to the windshield. Of course, the U-shape or the U-shaped cross-section of the support can also be used as a cable guide or for both. Advantageously, the HVAC unit is arranged at the underside of the instrument cross-carrier or panel and is connected to the air duct extending in the U-shape in the support and / or the crossmember. Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous that, through the U-shape of the support and through the support integrally connected to the crossmember or its end sections, optimal force introduction into the vehicle body and generally improved force absorption are ensured in the event of a collision.

[0021] Another advantageous design of the invention is that the crossmember has a U-shaped cross-section at least in sections. The crossmember integrally arranged at the instrument cross-carrier preferably has a U-shape in the middle section and end sections connected on both sides. Preferably, at least one section of the crossmember extends as a U-shaped profile. The end sections preferably have a closed cross-section. It has proven to be advantageous that the panel is integrally connected to the legs of the U-shaped cross-section of the crossmember and extends towards the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous that the panel is integrally connected to the legs of the support of the U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the panel is thus at least partially integrally surrounded by the crossmember and the support.

[0022] Preferably, the U-shape or the U-shaped cross-section of the crossmember is open downward or in the Z-direction. This enables, for example, an orderly and well-positioned guidance of the cables and / or can also be used as a guide channel for the supply and discharge lines of the HVAC unit at the underside of the instrument cross-carrier or at the underside of the crossmember. Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-section of the crossmember provides high stiffness.

[0023] It has proven to be advantageous that the instrument cross-carrier is constructed as a light metal die-cast part, which helps to reduce the weight.

[0024] It is again pointed out that with reference to the elements integrally arranged at the instrument transverse bearing part according to the present invention, they are always constructed in one piece with the instrument transverse bearing part according to the present invention, or should be understood as belonging to an integral whole and the instrument transverse bearing part according to the present invention is manufactured in one piece and includes the mentioned elements, and there are no separate, structure-providing or load-bearing components provided through any joining process.

[0025] Advantageously, there is a channel between the apex of the arc-shaped support and the crossbeam that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the channel extends along the X direction and preferably extends in the middle of the instrument transverse bearing part. Advantageously, the channel is connected to the U-shaped part of the support. Thereby, the air can be guided along the support to the center of the instrument transverse bearing part, where the HVAC unit is preferably arranged. As already mentioned, this air guidance is achieved at the lower side of the instrument transverse bearing part. In addition, this channel itself brings the advantage of further strengthening the instrument transverse bearing part, whereby the instrument transverse bearing part is less prone to bending in a frontal collision.

[0026] Preferably, the channel extends in the plate. It has proven to be advantageous that the channel is integrally constructed in the plate. In addition, it is also advantageous that the channel only extends over a certain area of the plate.

[0027] A proven advantageous design is that there is an integrated steering column channel extending from the crossbeam to the support in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Advantageously, the steering column channel is arranged between the U-shaped part and the end section of the crossbeam and extends in the X direction. It has proven to be advantageous that the steering column channel is constructed as a U-shaped that is open downward or in the negative Z direction.

[0028] Advantageously, the steering column channel is constructed as a U-shaped. Such a steering column channel is used not only for threading the steering column in a motor vehicle, but also for strengthening the instrument transverse bearing part according to the present invention. It has also proven to be advantageous that ribs are arranged in the U-shaped in addition.

[0029] Preferably, the U-shaped of the steering column channel is open downward or in the Z direction. As already mentioned, the advantageous embodiment is especially in view of the structure of the motor vehicle because the steering column has to pass through.

[0030] Preferably, at the end section, the cross member has a tubular section with a closed cross-section. Advantageously, the tubular section is continuously open in the Y direction and transitions into the U-shaped section of the cross member. Thereby, for example, cables can be pulled from one A-pillar to another A-pillar. As an alternative embodiment, it has proven advantageous that the end section has a closed cross-section or is configured as tubular and is closed in the Y direction towards the U-shaped intermediate section of the cross member and thereby does not form a continuous passage from one A-pillar to another A-pillar. Instead of a continuous passage, in the transition region to the U-shaped cross-section, at the end of the closed cross-section or at the end of the tubular section of the end section, a restricting element is arranged. Preferably, the end section correspondingly has an A-pillar connection at the outer end for connection to the A-pillar.

[0031] According to the invention, this object is also achieved by manufacturing the instrument cross member in a die-casting method. By manufacturing the instrument cross member, various instruments can be accommodated in one component without having to install additional load-bearing parts at the cross member. In addition, it can be configured with a thin wall and still meet the requirements for stiffness and collision requirements.

[0032] All design possibilities can be freely combined with each other, and in order to avoid repetition, the features of the device also automatically relate to the method, and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings, wherein the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0034] Wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the upper side of the instrument cross member according to the invention is shown pointing obliquely forward towards the support.

[0036] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the upper side of the instrument cross member according to the invention is shown pointing obliquely rearward towards the cross member.

[0037] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the lower side of the instrument cross member according to the invention is shown pointing obliquely forward towards the support.

[0038] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the lower side of the instrument cross member according to the invention is shown pointing obliquely forward towards the support.

[0039] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the lower side of the instrument cross member according to the invention is shown pointing obliquely forward towards the support.

[0040] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the instrument cross member according to the invention installed in a schematic vehicle body is shown.

[0041] Specific implementation forms

[0042] Figure 1 Shows a three-dimensional view of the upper side of the instrument cross-carrier 1 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The instrument cross-carrier 1 includes a crossbeam 2, which is better visible in Figure 2 . The crossbeam 2 extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction X in the Y direction, from the A-pillar 15 of the motor vehicle to the opposite A-pillar 15, which is well visible from Figure 6 . The plate 4 is connected to the crossbeam 2 in the direction of the vehicle front part 17, wherein at least one instrument opening 6 is constructed in the plate for receiving an instrument. The plate 4 is preferably integrally connected to the crossbeam 2, whereby the instrument cross-carrier 1 is constructed in one piece or as a unit. Advantageously, the plate 2 is constructed as an arc segment. The crossbeam 2 preferably has end sections 5 at two opposite ends, wherein they can be designed differently, as is the case in the shown embodiment. In addition, the instrument cross-carrier 1 preferably includes a support 3, which is integrally connected to the end section 5 of the crossbeam 2. The support 3 extends in an arc in the direction of the vehicle front part 17 or in the X direction and encloses the plate 4 constructed as an arc segment. The apex 8 of the arc-shaped support 3 forms the outermost point of the support 3 in the X direction and the ends of the support 3 are integrally connected to the crossbeam 2 or the end section 5. The crossbeam 2 and the support 3 at least partially enclose the plate 4 arranged therebetween. The partially framed plate 4, the support and the crossbeam 2 are preferably integrally or jointly constructed as a component. The instrument cross-carrier 1 according to the invention is made of a material, preferably a metallic material. Particularly preferably, it is made of a light metal, and the instrument cross-carrier 1 is made in a casting. The crossbeam 2 has at least in sections, preferably in the middle section 11, a U-shaped cross-section that is open downward or in the negative Z direction. This can be well recognized from Figures 3 - 5 , in which the lower side of the instrument cross-carrier 1 according to the invention is shown. The section constructed as a U-shaped profile in the crossbeam 2 can preferably be used as a cable guide and / or for constructing a ventilation channel. Preferably, ribs 16 are arranged in the U-shaped cross-section of the crossbeam 2 for additional reinforcement. The support 3 preferably also has a U-shaped cross-section that is open downward, into which cables can be placed, and / or the U-shape can be used as part of a ventilation channel. Figure 5It shows that the U-shape of the support member 3 serves as a ventilation channel by placing the molded plastic channel 12 into the downwardly open U-shape. Alternatively, a channel cover can also be applied to the U-shape to form a channel. Preferably, an HVAC unit is arranged at the lower side of the instrument lateral carrier 1, which is then connected to the ventilation channel. Then there is a possibility of installing a slit for supplying air to the windshield at the outer side of the U-shaped support member 2. Advantageously, at least one instrument opening 6 is provided in the plate 4, preferably for arranging an instrument, such as an imaging unit of a head-up display or other display components. It has been proven to be an advantageous embodiment that at least two instrument openings 6 are provided in the plate 4. Because a trend shows that in the future, in addition to the information important for the driver, the surrounding environment will be projected onto the windshield in the form of augmented reality and can be projected onto the entire windshield by arranging multiple imaging units, where it is not necessary to project directly onto the windshield, but it can also be projected onto a separate projection surface. Of course, the instrument opening 6 can also be used for other instruments such as a navigation system, or for displaying other driver information. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the cooling surface 19 is clearly visible, and the imaging unit (not shown) is adhesively attached to the cooling surface 19 in a planar manner. For more efficient heat dissipation, the cooling surface 19 has cooling ribs 20 on the side facing away from the imaging unit. These can be clearly identified in Figures 3 - 5 where the lower side of the instrument lateral carrier 1 is visible. Through the cooling ribs 20, the heat generated by the imaging unit can be passively and efficiently dissipated into the ambient air.

[0043] Preferably, the instrument is fastened by means of a clamping element (not shown), where the clamping element is preferably fixed in a fixing opening 18 provided in the plate 4 for this purpose.

[0044] It has also been proven to be advantageous that the channel 7 extends between the apex 8 of the arcuate support member 3 and the crossbeam 2. The channel 7 extends in the X direction and is preferably connected to the U-shape of the support member 2. This enables a continuously extending channel that transitions from the U-shape of the support member into the channel 7 and thus also as in Figure 6The possible ventilation channels extend up to the HVAC unit (not shown) preferably arranged at the lower side of the instrument cross carrier 1. The channel 7 extends in the plate 4 or is formed as an elongated recess at the lower side of the instrument cross carrier 1 and is formed by a protruding projection at the upper side. Herein, the channel 7 can extend partially through the plate 4 (as shown in the figure) or also through the entire plate 4. The channel 7 also increases the stiffness of the instrument cross carrier 1 according to the present invention. Additionally, it is advantageous that the steering column channel 9 extends in the X direction from the cross beam 2 up to the support 3. The steering column channel 9 is configured in a U shape and is open downwards or in the Z direction, whereby a steering column (not shown) can pass through. Additionally, the steering column channel 9 forms a stiffening element in the instrument cross carrier 1. Preferably, the rib 16 can also be arranged in the U-shaped cross section here. As can be seen well from Figures 1 - 5 it, the instrument cross carrier 1 according to the present invention is a member with a thin-wall structure, i.e., the wall thickness is in the range of 1 to 4 mm. As can be seen in the figure, these two end sections 5 at the cross beam 2 preferably have tubular sections 10, wherein the cross section has a closed shape in this section. The tubular section 10 is connected to the intermediate section of the cross beam 2 having a U-shaped cross section, which is well visible in Figure 3 it. These sections do not have to be directly connected to each other, and the steering column channel 9 can also extend between them as on the other side. Preferably, the tubular section 10 is tapered at the end section, whereby demolding can be achieved. In the depicted embodiment, the tubular section 10 of the cross beam 2 has a limiting element 13, whereby a continuous channel from the A-pillar to the opposite A-pillar 15 is no longer formed. Of course, the limiting element 13 can also be omitted and a continuous channel can be formed between the A-pillars 15. At the outer end of the end section 5 of the cross beam 2 (wherein the instrument cross carrier 1 is fixed to the A-pillar 15), an A-pillar connection 14 is arranged. Thereby, the instrument cross carrier 1 can be connected to the A-pillar 15 of the vehicle body.

[0045] List of reference numerals:

[0046] 1 Instrument cross carrier

[0047] 2 Cross beam

[0048] 3 Support

[0049] 4 Plate

[0050] 5 End section

[0051] 6 Instrument opening

[0052] 7 Channel

[0053] 8 Vertex

[0054] 9 Steering column channel

[0055] 10 Tubular section of the end section

[0056] 11 Middle section of the crossbeam

[0057] 12 Plastic channel

[0058] 13 Limiting element

[0059] 14 A-pillar connection

[0060] 15 A-pillar

[0061] 16 Rib

[0062] 17 Front part of the vehicle

[0063] 18 Fixed opening

[0064] 19 Cooling surface

[0065] 20 Cooling rib

[0066] X Vehicle longitudinal direction

[0067] Y Transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction or horizontally at right angles to the vehicle longitudinal direction

[0068] Z Perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction

Claims

1. An instrument transverse bearing portion (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a crossbeam (2), wherein: The cross member (2) extends transversely (Y) to the longitudinal direction (X) of the motor vehicle from an A-pillar (15) to an opposite A-pillar (15), characterized in that a plate (4) is connected to the cross member (2) in the direction of the vehicle front (17), wherein at least one instrument opening (6) is formed in the plate (4) for accommodating an instrument.

2. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate (4) is arranged integrally on the crossbeam (2).

3. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The instrument transverse bearing part (1) is made of metal material.

4. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The plate (4) extends horizontally.

5. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The instrument transverse support part (1) is constructed as a thin-walled one-piece component.

6. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: At least one instrument opening (6) is arranged in the plate for accommodating an imaging unit.

7. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: At least two instrument openings (6) are arranged in the plate (4) for accommodating imaging units.

8. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The instrument opening (6) has a cooling surface (19) against which the imaging unit bears flatly and dissipates heat from the imaging unit.

9. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The instrument opening (6) has a cooling surface (19), on the side facing away from the imaging unit cooling ribs (20) are arranged.

10. The instrument transverse support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: A fixing opening (18) for fixing the instrument is arranged in the plate (4).

11. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The plate (4) is at least partially surrounded by the support element (3) in the direction of the vehicle front (17).

12. The instrument transverse bearing part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The crossbeam (2) at least partially has a U-shaped cross section.

13. The instrument transverse bearing portion according to claim 11, characterized in that: The support member (3) has a U-shaped cross section.

14. The instrument transverse carrier (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The instrument transverse support part (1) is constructed as a light metal die-casting.

15. A method for producing an instrument transverse carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The instrument transverse bearing part (1) is manufactured by a die-casting method.

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