Front structure of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front structure for a motor vehicle, comprising: a bulkhead extending between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment; two front side members connected to the bulkhead; a steering ball joint disposed within the bulkhead and projecting into the engine compartment, the steering ball joint having an oblong orifice defining a base and a rim extending around the oblong orifice disposed in the base and facing the engine compartment; a rack mounted in the engine compartment; and a rack seal designed to engage between the rack and the steering ball joint. The structure further comprises a flat annular surface attached to the rim and extending around the oblong orifice to allow for an increased range of acceptance of the rack seal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a front structure of an automotive vehicle having a passenger compartment and an engine compartment arranged adjacent to each other. [Background technology]

[0002] Known front structures for motor vehicles include a bulkhead extending transversely between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The front structure further includes two front side members extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the bulkhead within the engine compartment. These structures therefore include a steering board mounted within the bulkhead. L The steering column extends through the passenger compartment to the steering wheel, while the rack extends to the front wheels to enable steering of the front wheels.

[0003] Steering board L is mounted within the bulkhead in line with the steering column and projects into the engine compartment between the side members but near the junction between the bulkhead and one of the side members, particularly the left front side member in the case of a motor vehicle with a left-hand driver's seat.

[0004] Steering board L The steering column has a flat base with an oblong hole to ensure a secure connection between the steering column and the rack. L The has a rim extending around the oblong hole against which the rack is pressed. Between the two, a joint is inserted, which, taking into account the assembly characteristics, is adapted to be driven in translation by the rack relative to the rim while being compressed. Such an assembly requires a relatively wide rim around the oblong hole to ensure its execution and to obtain a good seal.

[0005] For reasons of comfort in the passenger compartment, the steering column supported by the bulkhead is adjusted laterally as far to the left as possible in left-hand driver vehicles, for example, to free up space for the front passengers.

[0006] However, new requirements regarding wheel width and / or turning radius require the front side members to be closer together.

[0007] As a result, if it is desired to maintain the above-mentioned comfort, the steering L The width of the rim surrounding the oblong hole is restricted and thus forced into the corner between the partition and the side member, and its dimensions are no longer sustainable. This applies in particular to the width of the rim surrounding the oblong hole.

[0008] As a result, the above-described assembly of the steering column and rack becomes more difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Thus, the problem that arises, and which the present invention is intended to overcome, is how to accommodate the front side members that move together while still allowing the steering ball to move. L The present invention provides a front vehicle structure that allows for general assembly of a rack and a steering column via a steering column.

[0010] To this end, there is provided a front structure for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment and an engine compartment extending contiguously with the passenger compartment, the front structure comprising a bulkhead extending transversely between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment and suitable for supporting a steering column, two substantially parallel front side members connected to the bulkhead and extending longitudinally into the engine compartment, a steering column disposed within the bulkhead substantially in line with the steering column and projecting into the engine compartment between the two side members near a connection between the bulkhead and one of the side members, a base, and an oblong hole provided in the base and defining an edge extending around the oblong hole facing the engine compartment. LWhen the rack is installed in the engine compartment and the steering column is connected to the rack through the oval hole, the rack and the steering column L and a rack joint that allows engagement between the rack joint and the front structure. The structure further comprises an annular planar element that is fitted in a state applied to the edge and extends around the oblong hole in order to allow the receiving bearing of the rack joint to be widened.

[0011] Thus, the feature of the present invention is that L This involves the use of an annular planar element that can extend around the oblong hole to a width large enough to allow assembly of the rack and steering column in the usual manner, against the edge opposite the base of the steering column. L Considering the dimensional constraints imposed on the ball on the opposite side of the base and extending around the oblong hole, L The edges of the rack joint are not large enough to allow this general assembly to be carried out correctly. As a result of the annular planar element, the receiving bearing of the rack joint is thus enlarged, and this assembly is thus possible.

[0012] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two lateral members define a mean plane, with the annular planar element being inclined relative to the mean plane. The mean plane defined by the two lateral members is substantially parallel to the mean horizontal plane of the motor vehicle, and the annular planar element is inclined relative to this horizontal mean plane, for example by an amount between 40° and 50°. How this inclination facilitates assembly will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the description below.

[0013]

[0001] Thus, one of the side members and the bulkhead define a bisecting plane, and the oblong hole advantageously extends along the components contained within the bisecting plane. The bisecting plane extends approximately vertically and is inclined at an angle of substantially 45° to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. As a result, the oblong hole extends substantially diagonally within the engine compartment, which may facilitate assembly, in particular, of the rack and the steering column.

[0014]

[0002] Furthermore, the oblong hole preferably has a lower end disposed toward one of the side members and an upper end opposite the lower end and spaced apart from one of the side members. Such an arrangement also facilitates assembly.

[0015]

[0003] Furthermore, in accordance with a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the annular planar component is connected to the edge by means of welds. L The width of the edges allows the annular planar components to be joined in place by weld points equally spaced from one another all around the periphery of the oblong hole using, for example, a conventional set of welding tongs having two opposing electrodes.

[0016] Preferably, the structure according to the invention comprises an annular mastic joint between the annular planar element and the edge. L The mastic is applied to the annular planar component and the steering board before welding to the edge of the L Ensure a perfect seal between

[0017]

[0005] The annular planar element therefore has an inner edge and an opposite outer edge, the minimum distance between the two opposite edges being advantageously between 15 mm and 25 mm. For example, this distance is 20 mm. As will be explained below, such a width allows the rack and steering column to be mounted in the usual manner, with their joints then being compressed.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the inner edge bounds a cross section that coincides with the cross section of the oblong hole. The annular planar element is therefore fitted to the steering ball so that its inner edge coincides perfectly with the oblong hole. L The annular planar element is then fitted by pressing it onto the edge of the steering ball. L is welded to

[0019] Preferably, the annular planar component has a periphery. L , so that the edges of the joint can fit together when they are compressed during assembly of the rack and steering column.

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top perspective view of a portion of a front motor vehicle structure from one viewing angle; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic top perspective view of another portion of the front structure shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic top perspective view of the front structure shown in FIG. 1 from another viewing angle. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an element intended to be attached to the part shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic detail view of FIG. 3 showing elements of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic partial side view showing a method of assembling the object of FIG. 4 onto an element of the object of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the object of [FIG. 4] and the attached elements of the object of [FIG. 5]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] First, the structural environment in which the problem overcome by the present invention occurs will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. Figure 1 shows a front automotive vehicle structure 10. The front structure 10 has a bulkhead 12 that extends transversely and defines a boundary between an engine compartment 14 located in front of the bulkhead 12 and a passenger compartment 16 located behind the bulkhead 12. The bulkhead has a bulkhead cross member 15.

[0023] The front motor vehicle structure 10 shown in Figure 1 is therefore oriented in an orthogonal reference system X, Y, Z such that axis X corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and points from front to rear of the vehicle, axis Y corresponds to the transverse direction and points from left to right of the vehicle when looking towards the front of the vehicle, and axis Z indicates the vertical direction oriented opposite to the surface on which the vehicle rests in its normal operating condition.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a left front side member 18 extending from bulkhead cross member 15 into engine bay 14 substantially in the direction of axis X as defined above. Bulkhead cross member 15 itself is seen to extend substantially in the direction of axis Y. FIG. 1 also shows a steering bow protruding into engine bay 14 in the connection region between bulkhead cross member 15 and left front side member 18. L 20 is shown.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows the bulkhead 12 as viewed from the passenger compartment 16 instead of the engine compartment 14. L 20 is installed in the bulkhead 12. L The steering wheel 20 is hollow and has a base 22 with an oblong hole 24 formed therein. L 20 defines a housing large enough to accommodate an operator's hand, as will be explained below. An oblong hole 24 opens into the engine compartment 14 located behind the bulkhead 12.

[0026] Next, the steering wheel from the engine compartment 14 L3, which shows the engine compartment 14 and the engine bay 16. The viewing angle is along the axis X in the area of ​​the left front side member 18. Thus, the oblong hole 24 and, through it, the base 22 are visible in its place. This defines a rim 26 that extends around the oblong hole 24 in the engine compartment 14. As a result, the rim 26 is an oblong annular shape.

[0027] Furthermore, in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the mean plane defined by edge 26 is inclined relative to another mean plane defined by left front side member 18 and bulkhead cross member 15, where left front side member 18 joins. This other mean plane is substantially horizontal and is further defined by the two front side members. In other words, the mean plane is inclined toward the center of engine compartment 14. For example, this mean plane is inclined at an angle of approximately 45° relative to axis Z. As a result, oblong hole 24 extends substantially in direction D, which belongs to the bisecting plane defined by left front side member 18 and bulkhead cross member 15, which extend along axis Z. Thus, oblong hole 24 extends along a component within the aforementioned bisecting plane, for example, at an angle of approximately 45° relative to axis Z. As a result, oblong hole 24 has a lower end 28 located near left front side member 18 and an opposite upper end 30.

[0028] Before describing the subject matter of the present invention in more detail with reference to [Figure 5], reference is first made to [Figure 4], which shows a steering column 32 that can be mounted on the bulkhead 12 in the passenger compartment 16, and a rack 34 that is suitable for mounting in the engine compartment 14.

[0029] The rack 34 includes an oval casing 36 for torque transformation, which is capable of transforming torque applied by the steering column.

[0030] The oval casing 36 has an oval opening 38 defining an oval edge 40 to which is applied a compressible oval sealing joint 42. The sealing joint 42 is annular.

[0031] Thus, the rack 34 extends through the oblong opening 38 and has a rack shaft 44 protruding from the oblong opening 38 at an eccentric location. As will be explained below, the rack shaft 44 is connected to the steering ball. L 20, while an oval edge 40 provided with a compressible oval sealing joint 42 is adapted to be engaged through the oval hole 24 of the steering ball. L Applies to 20.

[0032] On the passenger compartment 16 side, the steering column 32 has a final segment 46 with a final cardan joint 48. This final cardan joint 48 is connected to the steering column 32 as described below. L 20 is adapted to be connected to a rack shaft 44 by a connecting screw 49 therein.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 5, Figure 5 illustrates a structural environment that is more restrictive than those shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 and that justifies the use of the present invention. Accordingly, elements in Figure 5 that are equivalent to those in the figures preceding Figure 5 bear the same reference numerals with a prime symbol "'" appended.

[0034] Therefore, in this [Fig. 5], when viewed from the engine room, the steering board disposed at the connection between the bulkhead 12', the bulkhead crossing member 15' and the left front side member 18' is L This allows you to see the steering wheel in more detail. L 20' is substantially more compact than that shown in the drawings prior to FIG. 5, and thus the left front side member 18' can be configured closer to its counterpart, the right front side member. L If the relative positions of the left front side member 18' and the steering column were to be maintained, the left front side member 18' would have to be more compactly configured transverse to the axis Y. L It can get close to 20'.

[0035] This is because the use of a larger sized front wheel structural casing requires the front side members to move closer together. Also visible in this [Fig. 5] is the oblong hole 24', which extends from the upper end 30' to the lower end 28', and its annular edge 26', which is covered by an annular planar element 50, which is also oblong and is attached by application onto the annular edge 26'.

[0036] Thus, the annular planar component 50 is, by definition, defined by the inner edge 54 and has dimensions that are equal to the steering wheel. L 20' has an oblong central aperture 52 that is identical in size to the oblong hole 24' of 20'. In other words, the inner edge 54 bounds a cross section or surface that is identical to that bounded by the oblong hole 24'.

[0037] Additionally, the annular planar component 50 is at a substantially constant distance from the inner edge 54. d The distance d is preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm. d is, for example, the same as 20 mm.

[0038] Additionally, the annular planar component 50 has a peripheral edge 58 that continuously follows the outer edge 56 .

[0039] Thus, the annular planar element 50 is an oval planar element and is L Annular planar component 50 defines an annular receiving bearing portion 60 that is wider than annular edge 26' of steering ball 20'. Thus, annular planar component 50 is spaced apart from annular edge 26' and steering ball 20' to provide an annular receiving bearing portion 60 that is larger in size than annular edge 26'. L Extends over 20'.

[0040] Additionally, an annular planar element 50 provides a fluid-tight seal between the steering ball and the steering wheel. LAnnular planar component 50 is then pressed flat against annular edge 26', thereby flattening the mastic joint so that oblong hole 24' coincides perfectly with oblong central aperture 52 of annular planar component 50. Annular planar component 50 is then connected to annular edge 26' by a weld formed by a set of welding tongs around the flattened annular mastic joint. In this way, a seal is secured as a result of the mastic, and annular planar component 50 is secured to steering ball 22' as a result of the weld. L 20'. Advantageously, between 6 and 10 welds are made around the circumference of the annular mastic joint. For example, 8 welds are made.

[0041] Thus, as will be explained below with the aid of Figures 4 and 5 and with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the oval, planar annular receiving bearing 60 makes the sealed assembly of the oval casing 36 of the rack 34 very easy.

[0042] Thus, in FIG. 6, the rack 34 and its oval casing 36, which includes a compressible oval sealing joint 42 thereon, can be seen schematically. Additionally, the rack shaft 44 can be seen projecting from the oval opening 38 in the oval casing 36.

[0043] Furthermore, in [Figure 6], the steering L Steering board with annular planar component 50 applied to annular edge 26' of steering board 20' L You can see part of the 20'.

[0044] In a first step, the oblong casing 36 is thus adapted to be inclined relative to the oblong hole 24', more specifically so that the rack shaft 44 is aligned with its lower end 28'.

[0045] Then, in a second movement stage, the oval casing 36 is moved in a translational motion along the vertical axis Z relative to the annular planar component 50, whereby the rack shaft 44 penetrates through the lower end 28' of the oval hole 24', while the compressible oval sealing joint 42 comes into planar contact with the annular receiving support 60 of the annular planar component 50.

[0046] Then, in a third movement stage, the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is compressed between the oval edge 40 of the oval casing 36 and the annular receiving bearing 60, while the oval edge 40 is driven in a sliding motion relative to the annular receiving bearing 60. In this manner, the rack shaft 44 is driven in a translational motion toward the upper end 30' of the oval hole 24' while moving away from the left front side member 18', while the compressed compressible oval sealing joint 42 is fitted around the oval hole 24'.

[0047] In other words, the annular receiving bearing 60 is wide enough to frictionally receive the compressible oval sealing joint 42 until it fits perfectly around the oval hole 24'.

[0048] Thus, between the oval edge 40 and its oval sealing joint 42, as shown in cross section from below in FIG. 7, which shows the rack shaft 44 extending into the upper end 30' of the oval hole 24', the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is fully compressed between the oval edge 40 of the oval casing 36 and the annular receiving bearing 60, thus sealing the oval casing 36 of the rack 34 and the steering ball. L This ensures an excellent seal between the 20'.

[0049] The oval casing 36 is thus fixed in this position in compression against the annular planar element 50, while the final cardan joint 48 is connected to the rack shaft 44 by means of the connecting screw 49. In this way, the connection between the final cardan joint 48 and the rack shaft 44 allows the oval casing 36 to be held in force abutment against the annular planar element 50, while the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is compressed. In this way, the seal is formed between the oval casing 36 and the steering ball. L It is completely secure between 20'.

Claims

1. A front structure of an automotive vehicle having a passenger compartment and an engine compartment extending continuously from the passenger compartment, a bulkhead (12') extending transversely between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment and supporting a steering column; two parallel front side members (18') connected to the bulkhead (12') and extending in the engine compartment in a longitudinal direction, which is the fore-and-aft direction of the motor vehicle; a steering ball (20') disposed within the bulkhead (12') in line with the steering column and projecting into the engine compartment between the two side members (18') near a connection between the bulkhead (12') and one of the side members (18'), the steering ball (20') having a base and an oblong hole (24') in the base facing the engine compartment and defining a rim (26') extending around the oblong hole (24'); a rack (34) mounted in the engine compartment; and a rack joint (42) that allows engagement between the rack (34) and the steering ball (20') when the steering column is connected to the rack through the oblong hole (24'); a front structure comprising: an annular planar component (50) having an annular receiving bearing (60) in planar contact with the rack joint (42), the annular receiving bearing (60) having an oval plane and wider than the edge (26'), the annular planar component (50) being attached in a welded state to the edge (26') and extending around the oblong hole (24'); the annular planar element (50) has an inner edge (54) and an opposite outer edge (56), the shape of the inner edge (54) conforming to the shape of the oblong hole (24'). Front structure.

2. A structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that the two lateral members define a mean plane which is the horizontal plane of the motor vehicle, and the annular planar component (50) is inclined relative to the mean plane.

3. 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein one of the side members and the bulkhead define a bisecting plane inclined at 45° to a vertical axis of the motor vehicle, and the oblong hole extends along components contained within the bisecting plane.

4. 4. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the oblong holes (24') have a lower end (28') disposed towards one of the side members (18') and an upper end (30') opposite the lower end and spaced apart from one of the side members.

5. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said annular planar element (50) is connected to said edge (26') by means of welds.

6. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises an annular mastic joint between said annular planar element (50) and said edge (26').

7. 7. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the minimum distance between the inner edge (54) and the outer edge (56) is between 15 mm and 25 mm.

8. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the annular planar element (50) has a periphery (58).

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