Front wall, vehicle and method for manufacturing a front wall

Abstract

The invention relates to a front wall (100) for a vehicle, comprising a steering-independent front wall base part (101), a first attachment point (108) on the front wall base part (101) for attaching a stiffening element, which is arranged in a region of the front wall base part (101) in which a left-hand drive functional component (104) is installed in intended use, a second attachment point (110) on the front wall base part (101) for attaching a stiffening element, which is arranged in a region of the front wall base part (101) in which a right-hand drive functional component (106) is installed in intended use, and a reinforcement (112) detachably or permanently attached to the first attachment point (108) or the second attachment point (110), which is designed to act as a stiffening element to increase the stiffness of the front wall (100) in the region steering-dependent mounted functional components (104, 106,122). The invention also relates to a vehicle with a corresponding front wall (100) and a method for manufacturing a corresponding front wall (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a front wall for a vehicle, a vehicle with a corresponding front wall and a method for manufacturing a corresponding front wall.

[0002] Bulkheads separate the passenger compartment from the engine compartment in motor vehicles and extend essentially across the width of the vehicle in the area of ​​the front footwell. Bulkheads therefore fulfill a variety of functions within the vehicle. Firstly, they must protect the passenger compartment from impacts originating in the engine compartment. Thus, the bulkhead must be soundproof and, for example, also fluid-tight. Secondly, functional components, such as pedals or steering components, are attached to the bulkhead. These components can be subjected to particularly high forces, for example during emergency braking, so the bulkhead must be designed to be especially strong and rigid to prevent unwanted deformation.

[0003] To achieve the required stiffness, two different approaches are pursued in the prior art.

[0004] In one approach, stiffening is integrated into the body construction, specifically during the early stages of manufacturing the firewall. It can, for example, be welded to the firewall or already incorporated into the semi-finished components. With known firewall designs, stiffening is incorporated depending on the steering configuration, while adhering to weight optimization principles. Thus, in a left-hand drive vehicle, the firewall is stiffened only on the left side. Similarly, in a right-hand drive vehicle, only the right side of the firewall is stiffened. Here, the focus is on weight optimization. However, this approach has the disadvantage that the firewall can then only be used for the corresponding steering configuration (left or right).

[0005] A second approach involves reinforcing the bulkhead on both sides during the body manufacturing process, allowing it to be used independently of the steering system. The focus here is on flexibility and reducing the number of variants. However, the double-sided reinforcement has the disadvantage of increasing the bulkhead's weight.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a steering-independent front wall with minimized weight and a vehicle with such a front wall. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a method for manufacturing such a front wall.

[0007] The problem is solved by a front wall with the features of claim 1, by a vehicle with the features of claim 10, and by a method with the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The front wall according to the invention comprises a steering-independent front wall base part, a first attachment point on the front wall base part for attaching a stiffening element, which is arranged in an area of ​​the front wall base part in which, in intended use for a left-hand drive vehicle, a left-hand drive functional component is installed, and a second attachment point on the front wall base part for attaching a stiffening element, which is arranged in an area of ​​the front wall base part in which, in intended use for a right-hand drive vehicle, a right-hand drive functional component is installed, and a reinforcement detachably or permanently attached to the first attachment point or the second attachment point, which is designed to increase the stiffness of the front wall in the area of ​​steering-dependent mounted functional components as a stiffening element.Such a bulkhead, with a steering-independent bulkhead base and two mounting points, allows the reinforcement to be applied later in the body construction process, for example, during assembly. At this later stage, it is already defined whether the bulkhead will be installed in a right-hand drive or left-hand drive vehicle, so the reinforcement is only applied to the corresponding side. This minimizes the number of variants while simultaneously optimizing weight.

[0009] Preferably, the fastening points are designed as screw points, with the reinforcement having a through-hole so that the reinforcement can be detachably screwed to the end wall base part. This allows the reinforcement to be mounted to the end wall base part particularly easily.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality, in particular five, of first fastening points are provided. This allows the reinforcement to be mounted particularly securely to the end wall base part.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality, in particular five, of second fastening points are provided. This also allows the reinforcement to be mounted particularly securely to the end wall base part.

[0012] It is advantageously provided that the reinforcement is positioned and designed in such a way that a steering-dependent functional component can be attached to it during normal use. This allows for particularly reliable mounting of the steering-dependent functional components and prevents unintended deformation of the bulkhead base during normal use, e.g., when the driver applies full force to the brake pedal during emergency braking.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the steering-dependent functional component is formed as a steering component and / or as a pedal component and / or as a component of a heads-up display. This allows various functional components to be attached to the reinforcement.

[0014] Preferably, the bulkhead base section has at least one opening through which steering-dependent functional components can protrude during intended use, wherein the reinforcement is mounted in the area of ​​the opening and has an opening through which the steering-dependent functional components can protrude. This increases the stiffness of the bulkhead base section, particularly in the area where it is weakest and where deformation would be most likely without reinforcement. The opening and the passage allow the functional components to protrude from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment.

[0015] The inventive method for manufacturing the end wall comprises the following steps: - Providing a steering-independent front wall base section that includes at least one first attachment point and at least one second attachment point, and - Providing and fitting a reinforcement to the first attachment point if the bulkhead is used in a left-hand drive vehicle, or fitting the reinforcement or other stiffening element to the second attachment point if the bulkhead is used in a right-hand drive vehicle.

[0016] Therefore, the reinforcement is mounted on a steering-independent bulkhead base section as soon as it is defined whether the bulkhead will be installed in a left-hand drive or a right-hand drive vehicle. This reduces the number of variants and simultaneously keeps the bulkhead weight low.

[0017] Preferably, the reinforcement is screwed to the end wall base. This allows the reinforcement to be attached quickly and easily during assembly.

[0018] The advantages, advantageous designs and effects mentioned above in connection with the end wall also apply to the method according to the invention.

[0019] A vehicle according to the invention has a front wall according to the invention. The advantages, advantageous embodiments and effects mentioned above in connection with the front wall and the method for manufacturing the front wall also apply to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0020] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figure, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a steering-independent front wall with detachably attached reinforcement in an installation situation.

[0022] From the prior art, an end wall 100 with a passage 102 is known, through which a left-hand drive functional component 104 protrudes in the intended use.

[0023] A reinforcement 112 is welded in the area of ​​the opening 102. Such a front wall 100 can only be used for left-hand drive vehicles.

[0024] Also known from the prior art is a front wall 100 with two reinforcements 112. Here, both reinforcements 112 are arranged in the area of ​​the openings 102. Therefore, such a front wall 100 can be used for both left- and right-hand drive vehicles. Such a front wall 100 thus reduces the number of required variants, but has the disadvantage of being heavier.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an end wall 100 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the end wall 100 has an end wall base part 101 with four openings 102.

[0026] The front wall base part 101 is designed to be independent of the steering system. It can, in principle, be used for both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles.

[0027] A first opening 114 is designed such that, in its intended use for a left-hand drive vehicle, a left-hand drive functional component 104 projects through it. This is indicated by the dashed line 104.

[0028] A second opening 116 is designed such that, in its intended use for a right-hand drive vehicle, a right-hand drive functional component 106 projects through it. This is indicated by the dashed line 106.

[0029] Left-hand drive functional component 104 and right-hand drive functional component 106 are components that protrude from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment and belong to a specific steering type, namely left-hand drive or right-hand drive. These functional components 104 and 106 can, for example, be components of the pedal assembly of a corresponding steering system.

[0030] Furthermore, the front wall 100 shown has a third opening 118 and a fourth opening 119. These openings 118 and 119 reduce the weight of the front wall 100 and, if necessary, allow for additional connections from the passenger compartment to the engine compartment.

[0031] The end wall 100 has a reinforcement 112 which is detachably screwed to the end wall base part 101.

[0032] The reinforcement 112 is screwed to the end wall base part 101 at a first fastening point 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastening point is associated with the first opening 114.

[0033] The first fastening point 108 can, for example, be designed as a bore with a thread, wherein a screw protrudes through a through hole 120 present in the reinforcement 112, so that the reinforcement 112 is screwed to the end wall 100.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second mounting point 110 is associated with the second opening 116 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is free of the reinforcement 112, since it is an end wall 100 for a left-hand drive vehicle. It is possible to attach other components to this free second mounting point 110.

[0035] Furthermore, it is possible that a multitude of first attachment points 108 and second attachment points 110 are present. For example, the first passage 114 may be assigned five first attachment points 108 and the second passage 116 may be assigned five second attachment points 110.

[0036] The reinforcement 112 is designed and positioned in such a way that it achieves maximum stiffening of the end wall base part 101 with the lowest possible additional weight. The reinforcement 112 can, for example, have stiffening ribs for this purpose.

[0037] The reinforcement 112 is arranged such that, in the area of ​​the steering-dependent functional components 122 and the first passage 114, through which the left-hand drive functional component 104 protrudes during normal use, it stiffens the front wall base part 101. The reinforcement 112 thus acts as a stiffening element.

[0038] Furthermore, in Fig.1. It can be seen that the first attachment point 108 is positioned so that further steering-dependent functional components 122 can be attached to it. These can be, for example, connections for steering and / or pedal components and / or components for a head-up display.

[0039] The same applies to the second attachment point 110, to which further components can also be attached.

[0040] Furthermore, the reinforcement 112 features a seal 124, so that the engine compartment is both soundproofed and fluid-sealed from the passenger compartment. Thus, neither engine noise nor gases from the engine compartment can enter the passenger compartment.

[0041] The number and arrangement of the openings 102 can be freely configured and may vary depending on the vehicle and application. For example, it is also possible that only a single opening 102 is present. In this case, the opening 102 is designed so that, in normal use, both left-hand drive functional components 104 and right-hand drive functional components 106 can protrude through it.

[0042] The front wall 100 according to the invention can be used as a left- or right-hand drive front wall without incurring additional weight disadvantages. It allows for a reduction in variants without increasing the weight, while still meeting the stiffness requirements.

[0043] The following describes the process for manufacturing the end wall 100.

[0044] In a first step, the steering-independent bulkhead base 101 is provided, which includes at least one first mounting point 108 for a left-hand drive vehicle and at least one second mounting point 110 for a right-hand drive vehicle. This step is carried out at an earlier stage of the manufacturing process. It does not yet need to be defined whether the bulkhead 100 will later be installed in a left-hand drive or a right-hand drive vehicle. This step can, for example, be carried out during body construction.

[0045] In a second step, the reinforcement 112 is provided and mounted to the first attachment point 108 designated for left-hand drive vehicles, if the front wall 100 is installed in a left-hand drive vehicle.

[0046] If the front wall 100 is installed in a right-hand drive vehicle, the reinforcement 112 is mounted at the second mounting point 110 specified for right-hand drive vehicles.

[0047] The reinforcement 112 is screwed onto the first or second fastening point 108, 110.

[0048] In this second step, it is therefore known whether the front wall 100 will be installed in a right-hand drive or left-hand drive vehicle. This second step thus takes place at a later stage of the manufacturing process, where this has already been defined. This can happen, for example, during assembly. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 100 Front wall 101 Front wall base part 102 Passage 104 Left-hand drive functional component 106 Right-hand drive functional component 108 first attachment point 110 second attachment point 112 Reinforcements 114 first passage 116 second passage 118 third passage 119 fourth passage 120 through hole 122 Functional component 124 Seal

Claims

Front wall (100) for a vehicle, comprising a steering-independent front wall base part (101), comprising a first attachment point (108) on the front wall base part (101) for attaching a stiffening element, which is arranged in an area of ​​the front wall base part (101) in which a left-hand drive functional component (104) is installed in normal use, comprising a second attachment point (110) on the front wall base part (101) for attaching a stiffening element, which is arranged in an area of ​​the front wall base part (101) in which a right-hand drive functional component (106) is installed in normal use, and comprising a reinforcement (112) detachably or permanently attached to the first attachment point (108) or the second attachment point (110), which is designed to act as a stiffening element to increase the stiffness of the front wall (100) in the steering-dependent area to increase the number of assembled functional components (104, 106, 122). Front wall (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening points (108, 110) are formed as screw points, wherein the reinforcement (112) has a through hole (120) so that the reinforcement (112) is detachably screwed to the front wall base part (101). Front wall (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality, in particular five, of first fastening points (108) are provided. Front wall (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a plurality, in particular five, of second fastening points (108) are provided. Front wall (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinforcement (112) is positioned and designed in such a way that a steering-dependent functional component (122) can be attached to it in the intended use. Front wall (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the steering-dependent functional component (122) is formed as a steering component and / or as a pedal component and / or as a component of a heads-up display. Front wall (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the front wall base part (101) has at least one passage (102) through which steering-dependent functional components (104, 106, 122) can project during intended use, wherein the reinforcement (112) is mounted in the area of ​​the passage (102) and wherein the reinforcement (112) has an opening through which the steering-dependent functional components (104, 106, 122) can project. Method for manufacturing a front wall (100) comprising the steps of: - providing a steering-independent front wall base part (101) comprising at least one first attachment point (108) and at least one second attachment point (110), and - providing and fitting a reinforcement (112) to the first attachment point (108) if the front wall is used in a left-hand drive vehicle, or fitting the reinforcement (112) or another stiffening element to the second attachment point (110) if the front wall is used in a right-hand drive vehicle. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the reinforcement (112) is screwed to the end wall base part (101). Vehicle with a front wall (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 .

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