Mounting a motor vehicle rack and pinion system using rails

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for a micro-mobility motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a structure with a cross member (36); a rack module (28) for a motor vehicle steering system, the rack module (28) comprising a guide body (38) with a transverse passage, a toothed rod movable transversely through the transverse passage; an assembly interface (42) for the cross member (36) and the guide body; and means (60) for attaching the guide body to the cross member. The assembly interface (42) comprises a female groove (48); and a male rail (58) extending transversely within the female groove (48) to hold the guide body (38) relative to the cross member (36). The invention also provides an assembly method and a motor vehicle. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Mounting of a motor vehicle rack and pinion system using rails

[0001] The invention relates to the field of steering systems for motor vehicles. The invention deals with the mounting of a steering system for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to an assembly with a rack and pinion module for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle includes a front axle with steering wheels connected to the structure by means of suspension systems and a steering system. In this configuration, each steering wheel is linked to a dedicated support that pivots about a vertical axis. Such a steering support is indirectly connected to the structure by means of suspension arms. This configuration allows for steering wheel kinematics that optimize comfort and maneuverability.

[0003] A steering system commonly comprises a steering column with a rack and pinion module that actuates steering rods, which in turn connect to the steering wheels. To facilitate mounting, it is advantageous to develop a solution requiring only a single mounting screw.

[0004] In order to operate in urban areas, vehicle size is reduced to make them more compact. This reduction in dimensions is accompanied by a reduction in weight. Consequently, this reduces the primary energy required to power the vehicle. At the same time, such vehicles must meet requirements for reliability and simplification of their mechanisms. This constraint applies particularly to steering systems.

[0005] Document EP2783942 A1 describes a gearbox mounted on a vehicle body frame. One objective is to eliminate the deformation of an end element caused by butt contact between the end element and one side of the gearbox during the mounting of the end element to the gearbox. When a terminal bolt is installed, a ground terminal rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the terminal bolt. However, the positioning of the gearbox on its support remains imprecise. This imprecision impacts the steering maneuverability and, consequently, the trajectory control. Therefore, there is a need to improve the positioning accuracy of a rack.

[0006] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the retention of a steering rack module in a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the retention, the positioning accuracy, ease of assembly of a steering rack module of a motor vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention provides an assembly for a motor vehicle; the assembly comprising a structure with a cross member; a rack module for a motor vehicle steering system, the rack module comprising a guide body with a cross passage, a toothed rod movable transversely through the cross passage; an assembly interface for the cross member and the guide body; means for fixing the guide body to the cross member; notable in that the assembly interface comprises a female groove; a male rail extending transversely in the female groove in order to maintain the guide body relative to the cross member.

[0008] The interface formed by the groove and the rail allows for rigid mounting. Furthermore, it ensures positioning with several degrees of freedom. It facilitates the assembly operation, which can be performed with one hand. The invention offers improved ergonomics.

[0009] Preferably, the female throat comprises retention wings extending towards each other and cooperating with the male rail.

[0010] Preferably, the retention wings are horizontal.

[0011] Preferably, the female groove comprises a bottom surface and an opposite area vertically opposite the bottom surface; the male rail comprises a bottom portion against the bottom surface, and an opposite portion narrower than the bottom portion.

[0012] Preferably, the male rail includes a positioning plate in the female groove; the rack module includes at least one connecting branch linking the guide body to the assembly interface.

[0013] Preferably, the positioning plate extends transversely on either side of the at least one junction branch.

[0014] Preferably, the female groove includes a transverse stop, the male rail being transverse against said transverse stop.

[0015] Preferably, the transverse stop extends longitudinally in front of the guide body.

[0016] Preferably, the male rail and the female groove comprise equal transverse lengths.

[0017] Preferably, the female groove is formed on the cross member, the male rail is formed by the rack module; and / or the rack module is above the cross member.

[0018] Preferably, the structure comprises stringers; the cross member being welded to said stringers.

[0019] Preferably, the assembly interface is vertically away from the stringers.

[0020] Preferably, the rack module includes a pinion that meshes with the toothed rod.

[0021] Preferably, the toothed stem is crenellated.

[0022] Preferably, the male rail and the female groove are fitted.

[0023] Preferably, the retention wings protrude horizontally.

[0024] Preferably, the positioning plate extends transversely on either side of the guide body.

[0025] Preferably, the longerons are front longerons.

[0026] Preferably, the female throat includes guiding means.

[0027] Preferably, the male rail includes corresponding guiding means.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a motor vehicle; The assembly comprises a crossmember for the structure of an automotive vehicle; a rack module for the steering system, the rack module comprising a guide body, a toothed rod movable through the guide body; means for attaching the guide body to the crossmember; notable in that, between the guide body and the crossmember, the assembly includes a groove; a rail fitted into the female groove to hold the guide body relative to the crossmember. Such an assembly provides robust and precise retention of the rack module on the crossmember.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a steering system: with an assembly, a steering wheel; remarkable in that the assembly conforms to the invention.

[0030] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises an external width of no more than 1.39 m and / or an external length of no more than 2.45 m.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling a motor vehicle assembly; the assembly comprising a structure with a cross member; a rack module for the motor vehicle's steering system, the rack module comprising a guide body with a transverse passage, a toothed rod movable transversely through the transverse passage; an assembly interface for the cross member and the guide body; means for fixing the guide body to the cross member; notable in that the assembly interface comprises a female groove; a male rail extending transversely in the female groove to maintain the guide body relative to the cross member; and in that the assembly method comprises the following steps: a) supplying or producing the structure with the cross member;b) transverse sliding of the guide body against the cross member by engaging the male rail in the female groove in order to form the interface; assembly; c) locking of the guide body relative to the cross member by means of the fastening means.

[0032] Preferably, the assembly conforms to the invention.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for assembling a motor vehicle assembly; the assembly comprising a structure with a crossmember; a rack module for the motor vehicle's steering system; remarkable in that the assembly conforms to the invention; and in that the assembly method comprises the following steps:

[0034] supply or production of the structure with the cross member;

[0035] supply or manufacture of a rack module comprising a guide body with a transverse passage, a toothed rod movable transversely through the transverse passage;

[0036] matching the guide body with the cross member in order to form an assembly interface of the cross member and the guide body; the assembly interface comprising a female groove and a male rail;

[0037] transverse sliding of the male rail in the female groove;

[0038] locking the guide body relative to the cross member by means of fixing means.

[0039] Preferably, the motor vehicle conforms to the invention.

[0040] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0041] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a portion of a structure with a vehicle rack module automobile according to the invention.

[0044] Fig. 3 represents a cross member of a motor vehicle structure according to the invention.

[0045] Fig. 4 represents a rack module of a motor vehicle steering system according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. 5 is an enlargement of Fig. 4 at the level of the male rail of the rack module.

[0047] Fig. 6 represents a sliding step of the male rail in the female groove of an assembly for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0048] Figure 7 represents a step of locking the male rail into the female groove according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. 8 is a diagram of a method for assembling an assembly with a structure and a motor vehicle rack module according to the invention.

[0050] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or other steps in the assembly process to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0051] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0052] The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0053] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0054] In the present description, equality between values ​​is not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality allows a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

[0055] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0056] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the assembly mounting configuration, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0057] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0058] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0059] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delineates different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo area, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 comprises profiles, such as tubes, bent and welded together. The structure may include parts made of plastic materials.

[0060] According to an alternative or option of the invention, the structure comprises stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0061] The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain and braking systems. The motor vehicle 10 includes steering wheels 14. The steering wheels 14 pivot on their own axis to steer the motor vehicle 10. The steering wheels 14 are front wheels. They pivot about vertical pivot axes in addition to rotating about horizontal axes of rotation. The steering wheels 14 have variable steering angles.

[0062] The motor vehicle 10 includes suspension systems 16 connecting each steering wheel 14 to the structure 12. The suspension systems 16 are independent in that they allow distinct vertical movements for each steering wheel 14.

[0063] The motor vehicle 10 also includes a steering system 18. The steering system 18 comprises an assembly. The assembly includes a portion of the entities of the steering system 18 in its entirety. The steering system 18 includes a steering wheel 20 and a steering column 22. The steering wheel 20 forms a control interface for the driver. The steering column 22 is driven in rotation via the steering wheel 20.

[0064] Each steering wheel 14 is mounted on a wheel support 24, like a wheel hub. The wheel supports 24 are associated with the suspension systems 16. They are connected to the structure 12 by suspension arms. The wheel supports 24 can be steered by means of steering rods 26. Each steering rod 26 is associated with one of the steering wheels 14.

[0065] The steering system 18 further includes a rack module 28. The steering rods 26 are connected to the rack module 28. The rack module 28 links the steering rods 26 to each other. By moving laterally, it adjusts the steering angle of two steering wheels 14 simultaneously. The rack module 28 also includes a conversion mechanism 30.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle 10 is a compact vehicle, also called an urban vehicle. It falls into the category of "micromobility". The motor vehicle 10 has an external width 32 of at most 1.39 m and / or an external length of no more than 2.45 m. The external width 32 and the external length are maximum dimensions. The external width 32 adds a compactness constraint to the steering system 18 and the structure 12.

[0067] The motor vehicle 10 has a mass of at most 450 kg. It is preferably an electric vehicle, with an electric battery powering electric motors capable of propelling the motor vehicle.

[0068] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle, for example a one-seater or two-seater motor vehicle (not shown). The two seats are side by side, or one in front of the other.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a structural part 12 of a motor vehicle, according to a embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. Structure 12 defines a passenger compartment for two seats side by side.

[0070] The structure 12 is metallic. It comprises steel and / or aluminum. The structure 12 has two longitudinal members 34. The longitudinal members 34 are front longitudinal members. They form the base of the structure 12. The longitudinal members 34 are horizontal beams. They are formed of rectangular profiles.

[0071] The structure 12 includes a cross member 36. The cross member 36 is a horizontal beam. It extends laterally. It is a front cross member. It is located in front of the passenger compartment. The cross member 36 is connected to the side members 34. The cross member 36 is welded to said side members 34. At its ends, the cross member 36 has notches in which the side members 34 are arranged. Thus, the cross member 36 is raised relative to the latter.

[0072] The structure 12 supports a rack module 28 for the steering system of the motor vehicle. The rack module 28 comprises a guide body 38 with a transverse passage (not shown), and a toothed rod 40 in the transverse passage. The toothed rod 40 is movable transversely through the transverse passage. The toothed rod 40 passes through the structure 12.

[0073] The rack module 28 is fixed to the cross member 36. They define an assembly interface 42 between them. They are also fixed by fastening means. The assembly interface 42 is vertically spaced from the longitudinal members 34.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a crossmember 36 of a motor vehicle structure, according to a embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The rack module is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0075] The cross member 36 is a profile. It is an open profile, for example, downwards. The cross member 36 comprises two vertical walls 44, and an upper wall 46 connecting the vertical walls 44. The cross member 36 has an inverted "U" profile, which optimizes the mass and support of the rack module. At their lateral ends, the vertical walls 44 have step shapes in order to fit against the longitudinal members.

[0076] The assembly interface 42 includes a female groove 48. In this embodiment, the female groove 48 is associated with the cross member 36. It is located on its upper face. It is delimited by the upper wall 46.

[0077] The female groove 48 includes retaining wings 50. The retaining wings 50 extend towards each other. They are designed to cooperate with a male rail of the assembly interface 42. The retaining wings 50 are horizontal and parallel. The retaining wings 50 form longitudinally open hooks to ensure retention of the male rail. The retaining wings 50 improve retention stability.

[0078] The female groove 48 comprises a bottom surface 52 and an opposite zone 54 vertically opposite the bottom surface 52. The bottom surface 52 is formed by the upper wall 46, while the opposite zone 54 is marked by the retention wings 50. Generally, the bottom surface 52 and the opposite zone 54 are typically a first portion and a second portion. They form layers. The female groove 48 includes fastening means 60, such as an orifice passing through the bottom surface 52.

[0079] The female groove 48 includes a transverse stop 56. The transverse stop 56 is formed by a wall. The wall extends over the entire longitudinal width of the female groove 48. The transverse stop 56 projects from the bottom surface 52. The cross member 36 is symmetrical about a transverse plane.

[0080] According to an alternative of the invention, the female throat comprises wings inclined relative to each other and cooperating with the male rail; the inclined wings being inclined relative to each other by 20° and 60°.

[0081] Figure 4 shows a rack module 28 of a steering system for a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. The crossmember is not shown for clarity.

[0082] The rack module 28 includes a conversion mechanism 30 that transforms the rotational movement of the steering column 22 (partially shown) into a translational movement. The conversion mechanism 30 indexes the transverse position of the toothed rod 40 according to the angular position of the steering column 22. The toothed rod 40 is serrated. It has a series of teeth arranged transversely. The conversion mechanism 30 converts a rotational movement imposed by the driver into a translational movement.

[0083] Generally, the rack module 28 comprises a moving part and a fixed part intended to support and guide the moving part. The toothed rod 40 is substantially bent on its portions outside the guide body 38. At its ends, it has rotating joints, such as ball joints, intended to be fixed to steering rods.

[0084] The rack module 28, in particular the conversion mechanism 30, comprises a pinion meshing with the toothed rod 40. The pinion is located in the guide body 38. The rack module 28 has a guide body 38 in which the toothed rod 40 moves as a result of the action of the pinion. At the assembly interface 42, the rack module 28 has a male rail 58. The male rail 58 extends transversely. It is traversed by fastening means 60. The fastening means 60 comprise an opening through the male rail 58.

[0085] Figure 5 shows the male rail 58 of the assembly interface 42 of the rack module for a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0086] In this embodiment, the male rail 58 is associated with the rack module 28. The male rail 58 comprises an opposite portion 62 and a bottom portion 64 intended to be placed against the bottom surface and wider than the opposite portion 62. The opposite portion 62 and the bottom portion 64 are superimposed. The bottom portion 64 is vertically opposite the opposite portion 62. Due to its greater width, the bottom portion 64 forms a horizontal lip projecting beyond the opposite portion 62. The bottom portion 64 is intended to be retained vertically by the retaining wings.

[0087] The rack module 28 comprises at least one connecting branch 66, preferably two connecting branches 66, connecting the guide body 38 to the assembly interface 42. The connecting branches 66 are vertical branches. The connecting branches 66 extend substantially longitudinally.

[0088] The male rail 58 is formed by a positioning plate 68. The positioning plate 68 is horizontal. The positioning plate 68 is a mounting base. Its front and rear edges include transverse grooves 70. The transverse grooves 70 can be rebates. The transverse grooves 70 form, for example, steps. They are intended to cooperate with the retaining wings of the female groove.

[0089] The positioning plate 68 extends transversely on either side of at least one connecting arm 66. Thus, the dimensions of the male rail 58 increase stability. Preferably, the positioning plate 68 extends on either side of the guide body 38. The connecting arms 66 vertically connect the body of guide 38 to the positioning plate 68. The fixing means 60 pass through the positioning plate 68.

[0090] The guide body 38 defines the transverse passage 72 in which the toothed rod slides. The transverse passage 72 is generally cylindrical. The transverse passage 72 opens on both sides of the guide body 38. The guide body 38 comprises a tubular section.

[0091] Figure 6 shows the assembly operation of the rack module 28 and the crossmember 36 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5.

[0092] The male rail 58 is positioned opposite the female groove 48. It is oriented in alignment with the groove. It is opposite the transverse stop 56. The male rail 58 is placed vertically at the level of the base surface 52. The fastening means for the male rail 58 and for the female groove 48 are spaced transversely apart. Then, the male rail 58, in this case the positioning plate 68, is progressively inserted into the female groove 48 by sliding it against the cross member 36.

[0093] The female groove 48 and the male rail 58 then form a slide. Such a mechanism has a degree of freedom that is subsequently eliminated by means of the fastening means 60. This movement is easy for an operator to perform. Longitudinal positioning and orientation accuracy is achieved as soon as the male rail 58 enters the female groove 48. Transverse positioning accuracy is achieved thanks to the transverse stop 56.

[0094] Generally, the female groove 48 includes guiding means, and the male rail 58 includes corresponding guiding means. The male rail 58 and the female groove 48 are profiled parts that serve as guides, for example, to guide a translational movement. The female groove 48 and the male rail 58 allow for precise positioning of the rack. The alignment is exact.

[0095] Figure 7 shows the male rail 58 and the female groove 48 in a configuration such as assembled in a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 6.

[0096] The male rail 58 and the female groove 48 have equal, or at least substantially equal, transverse lengths. They may vary by at most 20%, preferably by at most 5%. The transverse lengths are at least 20 cm, preferably at least 30 cm. The assembly interface 42 extends over the entire width of the cross member 36 and the guide body 38. This geometry optimizes stability and weight.

[0097] The male rail 58 is placed at the end of its travel in the female groove 48. The male rail 58 is transversely against the transverse stop 56. The transverse stop 56 extends longitudinally in front of the guide body 38. The rack module 28 is above the cross member 36.

[0098] The male rail 58 comprises a bottom portion against the bottom surface of the female groove 48, and then an opposite portion. The bottom portion is wider than the opposite portion. They are transversely fitted to the internal widths of the female groove 48. The male rail 58 has a height greater than the depth of the female groove 48. It is thicker.

[0099] Generally, the male rail 58 and the female groove 48 are mechanically fitted to each other. They comprise complementary and / or conjugate profiles. They include profiles that fit together. The rail-groove interface increases the holding stability. In addition, this interface absorbs the mechanical forces, thus relieving the fastening means. Consequently, the mass and size of the latter are optimized, while limiting the risk of loosening or breakage.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the female groove 48 is formed on the cross member, the male rail 58 is formed by the rack module 28. According to an alternative of the invention, the female groove is formed by the rack module; the male rail is formed by the cross member.

[0101] The fastening means 60 comprise a fastening pin passing through holes in the female groove 48 and the male rail 58. After the male rail 58 is brought to a stop, the fastening holes coincide. The fastening pin is then inserted into these holes. The fastening pin passes through an opening provided in the male rail 58 and is screwed into a corresponding thread in the female groove 48, thus eliminating the last remaining degrees of freedom and ensuring a rigid fastening.

[0102] According to an alternative of the invention, the fastening means include snap-on means; for example with a flexible retention tab.

[0103] According to an alternative or option of the invention, the fastening interface is segmented. The female groove is segmented and / or the male rail is segmented.

[0104] Figure 8 shows a diagram of a method for assembling a motor vehicle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 7.

[0105] The assembly process comprises the following steps, in particular carried out in the following order:

[0106] a) supply or production 100 of the structure with the cross member;

[0107] b) transverse sliding 102 of the guide body against the cross member by engaging the male rail in the female groove to form the assembly interface;

[0108] c) locking 104 of the guide body relative to the cross member by means of the fixing means.

[0109] In other words, the invention proposes a method for assembling a motor vehicle assembly. The assembly comprises a structure with a crossmember; a rack module for a motor vehicle steering system. The assembly method comprises the following steps, in particular carried out in the following order:

[0110] supply or production of the structure with the cross member;

[0111] supply or manufacture of a rack module comprising a guide body with a transverse passage, a toothed rod movable transversely through the transverse passage;

[0112] matching the guide body with the cross member to form an assembly interface for the cross member and the guide body; the assembly interface includes a female groove; a male rail;

[0113] transverse sliding of the male rail in the female groove;

[0114] locking of the guide body relative to the cross member by means of fastening means. Assembly is quick and precise. The interface is rigid.

[0115] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0116] Figures 2 to 7 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly for motor vehicle (10); the assembly comprising a structure (12) with a cross member (36); a rack module (28) for steering system (18) of motor vehicle (10), the rack module (28) comprising a guide body (38) with a cross passage (72), a toothed rod (40) movable transversely through the cross passage (72); an assembly interface (42) of the cross member (36) and the guide body (38); means for fixing (60) the guide body (38) to the cross member (36); characterized in that the assembly interface (42) comprises a female groove (48); a male rail (58) extending transversely in the female groove (48) in order to maintain the guide body (38) relative to the cross member (36).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the female groove (48) comprises retaining wings (50) extending towards each other and cooperating with the male rail (58); preferably, the retaining wings (50) are horizontal.

3. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the female groove (48) comprises a bottom surface (52) and an opposite area (54) vertically opposite the bottom surface (52); the male rail (58) comprises a bottom portion (64) against the bottom surface (52), an opposite portion (62) narrower than the bottom portion (64).

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the male rail (58) comprises a positioning plate (68) in the female groove (48); the rack module (28) comprises at least one connecting arm (66) linking the guide body (38) to the assembly interface (42); preferably, the positioning plate (68) extends transversely on either side of the at least one connecting arm (66).

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the female groove (48) comprises a transverse stop (56), the male rail (58) being transverse against said transverse stop (56); preferably, the transverse stop (56) extends longitudinally in front of the guide body (38).

6. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the male rail (58) and the female groove (48) comprise equal transverse lengths.

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the female groove (48) is formed on the sleeper (36), the male rail (58) is formed by the rack module (28); and / or the rack module (28) is above the sleeper (36).

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the structure (12) comprises stringers (34); the cross member (36) being welded to said stringers (34); preferably, the assembly interface (42) is vertically spaced away from the stringers (34).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a steering system (18): with an assembly, a steering wheel (20); characterized in that the assembly conforms to any one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises an external width (32) of at most 1.39 m and / or an external length of at most 2.45 m.

10. Method of assembling a motor vehicle assembly (10); the assembly comprising a structure (12) with a cross member (36); a rack module (28) for the steering system (18) of the motor vehicle (10), the rack module (28) comprising a guide body (38) with a cross passage (72), a toothed rod (40) movable transversely through the cross passage (72); an assembly interface (42) of the cross member (36) and the guide body (38); means for fixing (60) the guide body (38) to the cross member (36); characterized in that the assembly interface (42) comprises a female groove (48); a male rail (58) extending transversely in the female groove (48) in order to maintain the guide body (38) relative to the cross member (36); and in that the assembly process includes the following steps: • a) supply or production (100) of the structure (12) with the cross member (36);• b) transverse sliding (102) of the guide body (38) against the cross member (36) by engaging the male rail (58) in the female groove (48) in order to form the assembly interface (42); c) locking (104) of the guide body (38) relative to the cross member (36) by means of the fastening means (60); preferably, the assembly conforms to one of claims 1 to 8.

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