Steering support

Abstract

To provide a technology which can secure a space of a peripheral member disposed at a periphery of an area in front of a driver seat.SOLUTION: A steering support is mounted on a vehicle, extending in a vehicle width direction and configured to support a steering of the vehicle. The steering support includes: at least one structure; and a connection member. The at least one structure is located in a first end or a second end in the vehicle width direction and is coupled to a body of the vehicle. The connection member is arranged side by side with and connected to the at least one structure. Further, the connection member is configured to form a space in which a peripheral member may be arranged in an area located above the connection member and at the side of the at least one structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering support configured to support the steering of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering support that integrates metal parts made of different material compositions to easily and inexpensively form a closed cross-sectional shape with excellent strength and rigidity. This steering support is formed by integrating a steering hanger beam, which is a steel tubular member extending in the vehicle width direction, with a steering column mounting portion that is die-cast from a light metal. The steering column mounting portion extends in the up-down and fore-aft directions of the vehicle and has multiple plate portions that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-260479 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, with the shift to electric vehicles and the increasing functionality of vehicles, the number of peripheral components placed around the driver's seat has increased and expanded. As a result, the space available for placing steering supports has become smaller. The steering support in Cited Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to secure space for placing peripheral components because multiple plate portions are positioned in the space above the steering column so as to fill the space.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a technology that can ensure space for peripheral components arranged around the front of the driver's seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a steering support mounted on a vehicle in a state extending in the vehicle width direction and configured to support the vehicle steering, the steering support including at least one structure and a connecting member. The at least one structure is located at a first end or a second end in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the vehicle body. The connecting member connects to the at least one structure in a line in the vehicle width direction. The connecting member is configured to form a space above the connecting member and to the side of the at least one structure in which peripheral components can be arranged. With this configuration, the connecting member can secure space for peripheral components to be arranged around the front of the driver's seat.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member may be formed of a material having a higher Young's modulus than at least one of the structures. This configuration can prevent a decrease in the rigidity of the connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction below the space in which the peripheral components can be arranged. As a result, the rigidity of the steering support can be improved, and the steering feel can be improved.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member may be made of iron. At least one structure may be made of aluminum, magnesium, or resin. This configuration can reduce the cost of the connecting member while improving the rigidity of the steering support.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member may be made of any one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. At least one of the structures may be made of resin. With this configuration, the rigidity of the steering support can be improved while reducing the cost of the connecting member.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one structure may have a steering coupling portion, a body coupling portion, and a wall portion. The steering coupling portion is a portion that couples to the steering. The body coupling portion is a portion that couples to the body of the vehicle. The wall portion is a substantially planar portion that connects the steering coupling portion and the body coupling portion. The steering coupling portion, the body coupling portion, and the wall portion may be integrally molded.

[0011] In this configuration, each joint in the structure is molded as a single unit. Furthermore, the steering joint and the body joint are connected by a substantially planar wall. Therefore, when the load input from the steering is transmitted from the steering joint to the body joint, stress is less likely to be concentrated at a specific location. As a result, the rigidity of the steering support can be improved, resulting in an improved steering feel.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one structure may include a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is located at a first end in the vehicle width direction and is coupled to the vehicle body. The second structure is located at a second end in the vehicle width direction and is coupled to the vehicle body. The connecting member may be located between the first structure and the second structure and connect the first structure and the second structure. With this configuration, the connecting member located between the first structure and the second structure can ensure space for peripheral components to be placed around the front of the driver's seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Overall structure]

[0015] 1 to 8 is a device that is mounted on a vehicle in a state where it extends in the vehicle width direction (in other words, the left-right direction of the vehicle) and supports the vehicle steering wheel 100. In the following description, the front, rear, right, and left of the vehicle will simply be referred to as front, rear, right, and left.

[0016] The steering support 1 of this embodiment is for a vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the left side, and is disposed in front of the driver's seat. The steering support may also support the steering of a vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the right side. The front end of the steering support 1 is fixed to a vehicle body disposed in front of the driver's seat. The left end of the steering support 1 is fixed to a driver's seat side pillar 201 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The driver's seat side pillar 201 is a member constituting the vehicle body and disposed near the driver's seat side door. The right end of the steering support 1 is fixed to the left end of a steering member 202. The steering member 202 is a pipe-shaped member constituting part of the vehicle body, and is disposed in front of the passenger seat of the vehicle, extending linearly in the left-right direction. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis of the steering member is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0017] A right end of the steering member 202 is fixed to the vehicle body (for example, to a passenger-side pillar not shown) via a bracket 203 shown in FIG. 1 . A left end of the steering member 202 is fixed to the steering support 1. That is, the steering member 202 is for connecting the steering support 1 to the passenger-side pillar, and the bracket 203 is for fixing the steering member 202 to the passenger-side pillar. In this embodiment, the steering member 202 is fixed to the right end of the steering support 1. However, the left end of the steering member 202 may be fixed to, for example, the center portion of the steering support 1 in the left-right direction or to the left portion of the steering support 1.

[0018] 7 and 8, the steering support 1 supports the steering column 101 of the steering wheel 100 from above. The steering column 101 is a part that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the steering shaft 103 that transmits the rotational operation of the steering wheel 102 to the steering mechanism.

[0019] [2. Steering support configuration] 1 to 8, the steering support 1 includes a first structure 10, a second structure 20, a connecting member 40, and a joining member 50. In this embodiment, the structure refers to a three-dimensional member having multiple surfaces.

[0020] [2-1. First structure] As shown in FIG. 1, the first structure 10 is located on the left side in the vehicle width direction and is a member fixed to a driver's seat side pillar 201. The first structure 10 is formed from aluminum, for example. The first structure 10 has a box-like configuration with one open side. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the first structure 10 is open. Note that the first structure may also be configured so that the top surface is open.

[0021] 1 to 8 , the first structure 10 includes a left upper wall 11, a left inner wall 12, a left rear wall 13, a left front wall 14, a left connecting wall 15, and a left reinforcing wall 16. The first structure 10 also includes a left rear steering coupling portion 17, a left body coupling portion 18, and a left front body coupling portion 19.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first structure 10 is integrally molded by die casting. That is, the left upper wall 11, the left inner wall 12, the left rear wall 13, the left front wall 14, the left connecting wall 15, the left reinforcing wall 16, the left rear steering joint 17, the left body joint 18, and the left front body joint 19 are integrally molded by die casting.

[0023] The upper left wall 11 is a plate-like portion that constitutes a part of the upper surface of the first structure 10. The upper left wall 11 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and is substantially planar. In this embodiment, the substantially planar surface includes a flat surface and a surface that is not completely flat and has a slight curve or slight bend. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper left wall 11 has a shape in which the length in the front-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-right direction, and the length in the left-right direction is not constant. Note that the length in the left-right direction of the upper left wall may be constant. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper left wall 11 extends from the front end to the rear end so as to slope downward.

[0024] The left inner wall 12 is a plate-like portion that forms the side surface located on the right side of the first structure 10. The left inner wall 12 generally extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the left inner wall 12 extends downward from the right end of the upper-left wall 11.

[0025] The left rear wall 13 is a plate-like portion that constitutes the side surface located at the rear of the first structure 10. The left rear wall 13 extends in the left-right and up-down directions and is generally flat. As shown in FIG. 5 , the left rear wall 13 is formed in a generally triangular shape. The vertical length of the left end of the left rear wall 13 is longer than the vertical length of the right end of the left rear wall 13. The right end of the left rear wall 13 is connected to the rear end of the left upper wall 11.

[0026] The left front wall 14 is a plate-shaped portion that forms the side surface located in front of the first structure 10. The left front wall 14 extends generally in the left-right and up-down directions. In this embodiment, the left front wall 14 is located in front of the left rear wall 13 and is disposed so as to face the left rear wall 13. The left rear wall 13 and the left front wall 14 are disposed so that the distance between the left rear wall 13 and the left front wall 14 gradually narrows toward the left, and are connected at their left ends via a left connecting wall 15, which will be described later. The right end of the left front wall 14 is connected to the front end of the left inner wall 12.

[0027] The left connecting wall 15 is a plate-like portion that, together with the upper-left wall 11, constitutes the upper surface of the first structure 10. The left connecting wall 15 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and is generally planar. The left connecting wall 15 connects the upper-left wall 11, the rear-left wall 13, and the front-left wall 14. Specifically, the upper-left wall 11 extends rightward from the right end of the left connecting wall 15. The rear-left wall 13 extends downward from the rear end of the left connecting wall 15. The front-left wall 14 extends downward from the front end of the left connecting wall 15 and the front end of the upper-left wall 11.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the left reinforcing wall 16 is a plate-shaped portion disposed in an internal space defined by the upper-left wall 11, the left inner wall 12, the left rear wall 13, the left front wall 14, and the left connecting wall 15. The left reinforcing wall 16 is provided so as to extend downward from the upper surface of the first structure 10 defined by the upper-left wall 11 and the left connecting wall 15. In this embodiment, two left reinforcing walls 16 are provided, one of which extends to connect the left rear wall 13 and the left front wall 14, and the second of which extends to connect the left front wall 14 and the left inner wall 12. Note that one, three, or more left reinforcing walls may be provided.

[0029] [2-2.Second structure] As shown in FIG. 1, the second structure 20 is located on the right side in the vehicle width direction, and is a member fixed to a steering member 202. The second structure 20 is formed, for example, from aluminum, similar to the first structure 10. The second structure 20 has a box-like configuration with one open side. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the second structure 20 is open. Note that the second structure may also be configured so that the top surface is open.

[0030] 1 to 8 , the second structure 20 includes a right upper wall 21, a right inner wall 22, a right rear wall 23, a right front wall 24, a right outer wall 25, and a right reinforcing wall 26. The second structure 20 also includes a right rear steering coupling portion 27, a right body coupling portion 28, a right front body coupling portion 29, and a floor brace coupling portion 30.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second structure 20 is integrally molded by die casting. That is, the upper right wall 21, the right inner wall 22, the right rear wall 23, the right front wall 24, the right outer wall 25, the right reinforcing wall 26, the right rear steering joint 27, the right body joint 28, the right front body joint 29, and the floor brace joint 30 are integrally molded by die casting.

[0032] The upper right wall 21 is a plate-like portion that constitutes the upper surface of the second structure 20. The upper right wall 21 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and is generally planar. As shown in FIG. 3 , the upper right wall 21 has a shape in which the length in the front-rear direction is longer than the length in the left-right direction from the front end to the central portion, and the length in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the front-rear direction from the central portion to the rear end. In other words, the upper right wall 21 has a curved shape in a top view. The upper right wall 21 extends from the front end to the rear end so as to slope downward.

[0033] The right inner wall 22 is a plate-shaped portion that constitutes the side surface located to the left of the second structure 20. The right inner wall 22 extends generally in the front-to-rear and up-down directions from the front end to the central portion, and generally in the left-to-right and up-down directions from the central portion to the rear end. The right inner wall 22 extends downward from the left end of the upper right wall 21. The right inner wall 22 has a surface that faces the right rear wall 23 (described later) and a surface that faces the right outer wall 25 (described later).

[0034] The right rear wall 23 is a plate-like portion that forms the side surface located rearward of the second structure 20. The right rear wall 23 extends in the left-right and up-down directions and is generally planar. As shown in FIG. 5 , the right rear wall 23 has a shape in which the left-right length is longer than the up-down length, and the up-down length is not constant. Note that the up-down length of the right rear wall 23 may be constant. The right rear wall 23 is located to the right of the left rear wall 13. The right rear wall 23 extends downward from the rear end of the upper right wall 21. The left end of the right rear wall 23 is connected to the rear end of the right inner wall 22 via the upper right wall 21.

[0035] The right front wall 24 is a plate-shaped portion that constitutes the side surface located in front of the second structure 20. The right front wall 24 extends in the left-right and up-down directions. In this embodiment, the right front wall 24 is located in front of the right rear wall 23 and is disposed so as to face the right rear wall 23. The left end of the right front wall 24 is connected to the front end of the right inner wall 22.

[0036] The right outer wall 25 is a plate-shaped portion that constitutes the side surface located to the right of the second structure 20. The right outer wall 25 extends generally in the front-to-rear and up-down directions. The right outer wall 25 extends downward from the right end of the upper right wall 21. The front end of the right outer wall 25 is connected to the right end of the right front wall 24, and the rear end of the right outer wall 25 is connected to the right end of the right rear wall 23 via the upper right wall 21.

[0037] 2, the right reinforcing wall 26 is a plate-shaped portion disposed in an internal space defined by the upper right wall 21, the right inner wall 22, the right rear wall 23, the right front wall 24, and the right outer wall 25. The right reinforcing wall 26 is provided so as to extend downward from the upper right wall 21. In this embodiment, one right reinforcing wall 26 is provided, and the right reinforcing wall 26 extends so as to connect the right inner wall 22 and the right outer wall 25. Note that two or more right reinforcing walls may be provided.

[0038] [2-3. Connecting parts] The connecting member 40 is a flat, plate-like member. The connecting member 40 is formed of a material having a higher Young's modulus than the first structure 10 and the second structure 20. The connecting member 40 is formed, for example, from an iron material. In this embodiment, the connecting member 40 extends in the vehicle width direction, and has a shape in which the front end portion is bent upward. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the connecting member 40 includes a bottom surface portion 41, a first bent surface portion 42, a second bent surface portion 43, and a third bent surface portion 44. The connecting member may also have a shape that extends in a substantially planar shape.

[0039] The bottom surface portion 41 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and is generally flat. The first curved surface portion 42 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and is generally flat. The first curved surface portion 42 extends from the front end of the bottom surface portion 41 to the front and upper side with a gentle slope. The second curved surface portion 43 extends in the up-down and left-right directions and is generally flat. The second curved surface portion 43 extends upward from the front end of the first curved surface portion 42. The third curved surface portion 44 extends upward and rearward from the rear end of the bottom surface portion 41 and is provided in the central portion of the bottom surface portion 41 in the left-right direction.

[0040] The first structure 10, the second structure 20, and the connecting member 40 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. The connecting member 40 is located between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, and connects the first structure 10 and the second structure 20. The connecting member 40 is joined to the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 by various methods, for example, welding, crimping, etc.

[0041] The left end of the connecting member 40 is connected to the left inner wall 12 of the first structure 10, and the right end of the connecting member 40 is connected to the right inner wall 22 of the second structure 20. In this embodiment, the left end of the connecting member 40 is connected to the lower end of the left inner wall 12, and the right end of the connecting member 40 is connected to the lower end of the right inner wall 22. Note that the left end of the connecting member may be connected at a position slightly above the lower end of the left inner wall, and the right end of the connecting member may be connected at a position slightly above the lower end of the right inner wall.

[0042] When the connecting member 40 is connected to the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, a space is formed above the connecting member 40 and on the sides of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, in which a peripheral member 60 shown in FIG. 4 can be placed. Here, the peripheral member 60 includes parts, devices, etc. that are placed around the front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the peripheral member 60 may be, for example, a head-up display (HUD), audio equipment, a storage box, etc. The connecting member 40 may be configured to abut against the peripheral member 60 and support the peripheral member 60, or may not be configured to support the peripheral member 60.

[0043] [2-4. Connecting members] As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting member 50 is located in front of the connecting member 40 and in the center in the left-right direction, and is a member for connecting the connecting member 40 to a vehicle body provided in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. The connecting member 50 is formed, for example, from aluminum. As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting member 50 includes a left wall portion 51, a right wall portion 52, a connecting upper wall portion 53, and a front wall portion 54. The connecting member 50 also includes a front steering connecting portion 55 and a center-front body connecting portion 56.

[0044] In this embodiment, the connecting member 50 is integrally molded by die casting. That is, the left wall portion 51, the right wall portion 52, the connecting upper wall portion 53, the front wall portion 54, the front steering connecting portion 55, and the center front body connecting portion 56 are integrally molded by die casting.

[0045] The left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52 are plate-like portions that form the left and right side surfaces of the connecting member 50. The left wall portion 51 is located on the left side, and the right wall portion 52 is located on the right side. The left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52 each extend in the front-to-rear and up-down directions and are generally planar. The left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52 are arranged to face each other with a gap in the left-to-right direction. The left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52 are arranged so that the gap between them gradually narrows toward the front. Note that the left wall portion and the right wall portion may be arranged so that the gap between them is constant or gradually widens toward the front.

[0046] The connecting upper wall portion 53 is a plate-like portion that forms the upper surface of the connecting member 50. The connecting upper wall portion 53 is generally flat and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The connecting upper wall portion 53 is located between the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52 and connects the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52.

[0047] The front wall portion 54 is a plate-like portion that extends in a downward bending manner from the front end of the connecting upper wall portion 53 and constitutes a side wall located in front of the connecting member 50. The front wall portion 54 extends in the up-down and left-right directions and is generally flat. The front wall portion 54 is located between the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52, and connects the left wall portion 51, the right wall portion 52, and the connecting upper wall portion 53.

[0048] In this embodiment, the left wall portion 51, the right wall portion 52, and the connecting upper wall portion 53 are joined to the first bent surface portion 42 of the connecting member 40 by various methods, such as welding, crimping, and the like. The left wall 51, the right wall 52, and the connecting upper wall 53 each have a hole in the center thereof that penetrates through the wall 51, 52, 53. The holes make the connecting member 50 more likely to break when an impact is received from the front of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the impact. However, depending on the need to absorb impacts from the body, the walls do not necessarily have to have holes.

[0049] [2-5. Connection part between steering support and steering wheel] As described above, the steering support 1 supports the steering column 101 from above, thereby realizing support for the steering 100. Specifically, the front steering coupling portion 55 of the coupling member 50, the left rear steering coupling portion 17 of the first structure 10, and the right rear steering coupling portion 27 of the second structure 20 are coupled to the steering column 101.

[0050] <Front steering joint> 6, 7, and 8, the front steering coupling portion 55 is provided in the coupling member 50. In this embodiment, the front steering coupling portion 55 has a first through hole 511 that passes through the left wall portion 51 in the left-right direction, and a first through hole 521 that passes through the right wall portion 52 in the left-right direction. The first through hole 511 is provided rearward of a lower end portion of the left wall portion 51, and the first through hole 521 is provided rearward of a lower end portion of the right wall portion 52.

[0051] Two bolt holes (not shown) are provided at the front end of the steering column 101, one on each of the right and left walls of the steering column 101, which penetrate the right and left walls in the left-right direction, respectively, and into which the threaded portions of bolts can be inserted. With the steering column 101 positioned between the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52, the threaded portions of bolts are inserted into the two first through-holes 511, 521 and the two bolt holes on the left and right sides of the steering column 101. In this way, the steering 100 is fastened to the joining member 50 to which the connecting member 40 is joined.

[0052] <Rear steering joint> The left rear steering coupling 17 and the right rear steering coupling 27 are provided rearward of the front steering coupling 55. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the left rear steering coupling 17 is provided on the first structure 10, and the right rear steering coupling 27 is provided on the second structure 20. In this embodiment, the left rear steering coupling 17 has a second through-hole 111 that passes through the upper left wall 11 in the vertical direction, and the right rear steering coupling 27 has a second through-hole 211 that passes through the upper right wall 21 in the vertical direction. The second through-hole 111 is provided at the rear end of the upper left wall 11, and the second through-hole 211 is provided to the left of the rear end of the upper right wall 21. In other words, the left rear steering coupling 17 is provided near the right end of the left rear wall 13, and the right rear steering coupling 27 is provided near the left end of the right rear wall 23.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , an attachment portion 104 that extends in the left-right direction is provided above the rear end of the steering column 101. The attachment portion 104 has two bolt holes (not shown) that are spaced apart in the left-right direction, each of which penetrates the attachment portion 104 in the up-down direction and through which the threaded portions of bolts can be inserted. The connecting member 40 is arranged above the steering column 101 so that the third bent surface portion 44 of the connecting member 40 is positioned between the two bolt holes of the attachment portion 104. Then, with the connecting member 40 arranged as described above, the threaded portions of bolts are inserted into the two second through-holes 111, 211 and the two bolt holes of the attachment portion 104. In this way, the steering 100 is fastened to the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 that are joined to the connecting member 40.

[0054] [2-6. Joint between steering support and vehicle body] As described above, the front end of the steering support 1 is fixed to the vehicle body provided in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle, the left end of the steering support 1 is fixed to the driver's seat side pillar 201, and the right end of the steering support 1 is fixed to the left end of the steering member 202. Specifically, the left front body joint 19 of the first structure 10, the center front body joint 56 of the connecting member 40, and the right front body joint 29 of the second structure 20 are joined to the body provided in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. In addition, the left body joint 18 of the first structure 10 is joined to the driver's seat side pillar 201, and the right body joint 28 of the second structure 20 is joined to the steering member 202.

[0055] <Front left body joint> 1 to 8, the left front body joining portion 19 is provided at the front end portion of the upper left wall 11 of the first structure 10 of the steering support 1. In this embodiment, the left front body joining portion 19 has a third through hole 112 that passes through the upper left wall 11 in the up-down direction. Note that the third through hole of the left front body joining portion may also pass through the upper left wall in the front-rear direction.

[0056] <Center-forward body joint> The central front body joint 56 is provided on the front wall 54 of the joint member 50 of the steering support 1. In this embodiment, the central front body joint 56 has a third through hole 541 shown in FIG. 6 that penetrates the front wall 54 in the front-to-rear direction. Note that the third through hole that the central front body joint has may also penetrate the front wall in the up-down direction.

[0057] <Right front body joint> The right front body joining portion 29 is provided at the front end portion of the upper right wall 21 of the second structure 20 of the steering support 1. In this embodiment, the right front body joining portion 29 has a third through hole 212 that passes through the upper right wall 21 in the up-down direction. Note that the third through hole that the right front body joining portion has may pass through the upper right wall in the front-rear direction.

[0058] By inserting the threaded portion of a bolt into each of the three third through holes 112, 212, 541, the connecting member 40 is fastened to the vehicle body located in front of the driver's seat via the first structure 10, the second structure 20 and the connecting member 50.

[0059] <Left body joint> The left body joint 18 is located at the left end of the first structure 10 of the steering support 1. The left body joint 18 is a portion that connects the left end of the left rear wall 13, the left end of the left front wall 14, and the left end of the left connecting wall 15. In this embodiment, the left body joint 18 has at least one (two, for example) fourth through hole 181 shown in FIG. 1 that penetrates the left body joint 18 in the front-to-rear direction. Note that the fourth through hole of the left body joint may also penetrate the left body joint in the left-to-right direction.

[0060] The first structure 10 is fastened to the driver's seat side pillar 201 by inserting the threaded portion of a bolt into at least one fourth through hole 181.

[0061] <Right body joint> The right body joining portion 28 is located at the right end of the second structure 20 of the steering support 1. The right body joining portion 28 is a portion that connects the right end of the right rear wall 23, the rear end of the right outer wall 25, and a part of the right end of the right upper wall 21. In this embodiment, the right body joining portion 28 has an opening 281 shown in FIG. 8 .

[0062] The left end of the steering member 202 is inserted into the opening 281, and the second structure 20 is fastened to the steering member 202 by a bolt or the like (not shown). Note that the right body joining portion 28 and the steering member 202 may be fixed by, for example, press fitting, welding, or the like.

[0063] [2-7. Floor brace joint] As shown in Figure 1, the floor brace connection part 30 is provided on the right rear wall 23 of the second structure 20. The upper end of a floor brace 300 is fixed to the floor brace connection part 30 with a bolt or the like. The floor brace 300 is a member that extends upward from a portion of the vehicle body that is located below the steering support 1.

[0064] [2-8. Transmission paths connecting each steering joint and each body joint] The left rear wall 13 of the first structure 10 described above forms a substantially linear transmission path connecting the left rear steering coupling 17 and the left body coupling 18. The transmission path is a path along which the load input from the steering 100 is transmitted. In this embodiment, the left rear steering coupling 17 is located near the right end of the left rear wall 13, and the left body coupling 18 is provided at the left end of the left rear wall 13, so that the left rear steering coupling 17 and the left body coupling 18 are connected by the left rear wall 13.

[0065] The upper left wall 11 of the first structure 10 forms a substantially linear transmission path connecting the left rear steering coupling 17 and the left front body coupling 19. In this embodiment, the left rear steering coupling 17 is provided at the rear end of the upper left wall 11, and the left front body coupling 19 is provided at the front end of the upper left wall 11, so that the left rear steering coupling 17 and the left front body coupling 19 are connected by the upper left wall 11.

[0066] The right rear wall 23 of the second structure 20 forms a substantially linear transmission path connecting the right rear steering coupling 27 and the right body coupling 28. In this embodiment, the right rear steering coupling 27 is located near the left end of the right rear wall 23, and the right body coupling 28 is provided at the right end of the right rear wall 23, so that the right rear steering coupling 27 and the right body coupling 28 are connected by the right rear wall 23.

[0067] The upper right wall 21 of the second structure 20 forms a substantially linear transmission path connecting the right rear steering coupling 27 and the right front body coupling 29. In this embodiment, the right rear steering coupling 27 is provided to the left of the rear end portion of the upper right wall 21, and the right front body coupling 29 is provided at the front end portion of the upper right wall 21, so that the right rear steering coupling 27 and the right front body coupling 29 are connected by the upper right wall 21.

[0068] The bottom surface portion 41 and the first bent surface portion 42 of the connecting member 40 and the connecting upper wall portion 53 of the connecting member 50 form a substantially linear transmission path connecting the left rear steering coupling portion 17 and the central front body coupling portion 56 with the right rear steering coupling portion 27 and the central front body coupling portion 56. In this embodiment, the left rear steering coupling portion 17 and the right rear steering coupling portion 27 are located near the rear end of the bottom surface portion 41. The central front body coupling portion 56 is located near the front end of the connecting upper wall portion 53. As a result, the left rear steering coupling portion 17 and the central front body coupling portion 56 are connected to the right rear steering coupling portion 27 and the central front body coupling portion 56 by the bottom surface portion 41, the first bent surface portion 42, and the connecting upper wall portion 53.

[0069] The left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52 of the connecting member 50 form a substantially linear transmission path connecting the front steering coupling portion 55 and the center front body coupling portion 56. In this embodiment, the front steering coupling portion 55 is provided rearward of the lower ends of the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52, and the center front body coupling portion 56 is located near the front ends of the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52. As a result, the front steering coupling portion 55 and the center front body coupling portion 56 are connected by the left wall portion 51 and the right wall portion 52.

[0070] [3.Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (3a) In this embodiment, the connecting member 40 is located between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, with the left end of the connecting member 40 connected to the lower end of the left inner wall 12 of the first structure 10 and the right end of the connecting member 40 connected to the lower end of the right inner wall 22 of the second structure 20. Then, with the connecting member 40 disposed above the steering column 101, the steering 100 is fastened to the first structure 10, the second structure 20 and the connecting member 40. Therefore, a space formed by the connecting member 40 is provided above the steering column 101. Therefore, the connecting member 40 can ensure space for peripheral members 60 disposed around the front of the driver's seat.

[0071] (3b) In this embodiment, the connecting member 40 is made of iron, which is a material with a higher Young's modulus than the aluminum that forms the first structure 10 and the second structure 20. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the rigidity of the connecting member 40, which is a flat plate extending in the vehicle width direction below the space in which the peripheral member 60 can be arranged. As a result, the rigidity of the steering support 1 can be improved, and the steering feel of the steering wheel 100 can be improved. Note that, because the connecting member 40 is a flat plate, if it is not made of a material with a high Young's modulus, it is likely to deform in response to the load input from the steering wheel 100. This deformation then reduces the rigidity of the steering support 1, and the steering feel of the steering wheel 100 is likely to deteriorate.

[0072] (3c) In this embodiment, the connecting member 40 is made of iron, so the cost of the connecting member 40 can be reduced while the rigidity of the steering support 1 can be improved.

[0073] (3d) In this embodiment, the connecting portions 17, 18, and 19 of the first structure 10, the connecting portions 27, 28, and 29 of the second structure 20, and the connecting portions 55 and 56 of the connecting member 50 are integrally molded by die casting. Die casting allows for a high degree of freedom in shape design, making it possible to manufacture components with complex three-dimensional shapes. As a result, die casting makes it easy to form highly rigid shapes, and it is possible to reduce the volume of the first structure 10, the second structure 20, and the connecting member 50 themselves, thereby saving space and reducing weight within a range that allows for achieving a target rigidity.

[0074] (3e) In the above embodiment, in the first structure 10, the left rear steering joint 17 and the left body joint 18 are connected by the substantially planar left rear wall 13, and the left rear steering joint 17 and the left front body joint 19 are connected by the substantially planar left upper wall 11. Therefore, when the load input from the steering 100 is transmitted to the first structure 10 from the left rear steering joint 17 to the left body joint 18 and the left front body joint 19, stress is less likely to concentrate at a specific location.

[0075] Furthermore, in the second structure 20, the right rear steering joint 27 and the right body joint 28 are connected by the substantially planar right rear wall 23, and the right rear steering joint 27 and the right front body joint 29 are connected by the substantially planar right upper wall 21. Therefore, when the load input from the steering 100 is transmitted to the second structure 20 from the right rear steering joint 27 to the right body joint 28 and the right front body joint 29, stress is less likely to concentrate at a specific location.

[0076] Furthermore, in the connecting member 40 and the connecting member 50, the left rear steering joint 17 and the central front body joint 56 are connected to the right rear steering joint 27 and the central front body joint 56 by the substantially planar bottom surface 41, the first curved surface 42, and the connecting upper wall 53. Therefore, when a load input from the steering 100 is transmitted to the connecting member 40 and the connecting member 50, that is, when the load is transmitted from the left rear steering joint 17 and the right rear steering joint 27 to the central front body joint 56, stress is less likely to concentrate at a specific location.

[0077] Furthermore, in the connecting member 50, the front steering coupling portion 55 and the center front body coupling portion 56 are connected by the substantially planar left wall portion 51 and right wall portion 52. Therefore, when the load input from the steering wheel 100 is transmitted from the front steering coupling portion 55 to the center front body coupling portion 56 to the connecting member 50, stress is less likely to concentrate at a specific location. As a result, the rigidity of the steering support can be improved, and the steering feel can be improved.

[0078] In this embodiment, the driver's seat side pillar 201, the passenger seat side pillar, and the steering member 202 correspond to an example of a vehicle body. Furthermore, the front steering joint 55, the left rear steering joint 17, and the right rear steering joint 27 correspond to an example of a steering joint. Furthermore, the left body joint 18, the right body joint 28, the left front body joint 19, the right front body joint 29, and the center front body joint 56 correspond to an example of a body joint. Furthermore, the upper left wall 11, the left rear wall 13, the upper right wall 21, and the right rear wall 23 correspond to an example of a wall. Furthermore, the left end of the first structure 10 corresponds to an example of a first end, and the right end of the second structure 20 corresponds to an example of a second end.

[0079] 4. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0080] (4a) In the above embodiment, the first structure 10, the second structure 20, and the connecting member 50 are made of aluminum, and the connecting member 40 is made of iron. However, the materials from which the first structure, the second structure, the connecting member, and the connecting member are made are not limited to these. For example, the first structure, the second structure, and the connecting member may be made of magnesium, etc. Also, for example, the connecting member may be made of another material having a higher Young's modulus than aluminum, magnesium, etc. Also, for example, the first structure, the second structure, and the connecting member may be made of resin. In this case, the connecting member may be made of any of iron, aluminum, magnesium, etc. Also, for example, the steering support may be made of three different materials, such as aluminum for the first structure, magnesium for the second structure, and iron for the connecting member.

[0081] (4b) In the above embodiment, the steering support 1 is connected to the vehicle body by five connecting parts: the left body connecting part 18, the left front body connecting part 19, the right body connecting part 28, the right front body connecting part 29, and the center front body connecting part 56. However, the connecting points of the steering support to the vehicle body are not limited to the above five connecting parts. For example, the steering support may be configured without any of the above five connecting parts, or may have other connecting parts.

[0082] (4c) In the above embodiment, the first structure 10, the second structure 20, and the connecting member 50 are integrally molded by die casting, but the method of integral molding is not limited to this. For example, the first structure 10, the second structure 20, and the connecting member may be integrally molded by extrusion molding, press molding, injection molding, or molding using a 3D printer.

[0083] (4d) In the above embodiment, the right body coupling portion 28 of the second structure 20 located at the right end of the steering support 1 is coupled to the steering member 202. However, for example, the right body coupling portion located at the right end of the steering support may be configured to be directly coupled to the passenger-side pillar, thereby being coupled to the vehicle body. That is, the right rear wall, right outer wall, and upper right wall of the second structure are configured to extend long in the left-right direction. Then, the steering support may be fastened to the passenger-side pillar by inserting the threaded portion of a bolt into a through-hole provided in the right body coupling portion located at the right end of each of the right rear wall, right outer wall, and upper right wall of the second structure.

[0084] (4e) In the above embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the floor brace 300 is fastened to the floor brace connection portion 30 provided on the right rear wall 23 of the second structure 20 of the steering support 1, but for example, the floor brace itself may be integrally molded with the steering support.

[0085] (4f) In the above embodiment, the left body joint 18, the left front body joint 19, the right body joint 28, the right front body joint 29, and the center front body joint 56 are fixed to the vehicle body by fastening with bolts or the like. However, the method of joining the steering support 1 to the vehicle body is not limited to this. For example, the steering support and the vehicle body may be fixed by welding or the like.

[0086] (4g) In the above embodiment, the connecting member 40 was arranged between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 in the steering support 1 so that the space in which the peripheral members 60 can be arranged was located directly above the steering column 101. However, the space in which the peripheral members can be arranged, i.e., the position in the steering support where the connecting member is arranged, is not limited to this. For example, the connecting member may be arranged in the steering support so that the space in which the peripheral members can be arranged is located to the right or left of the steering column.

[0087] (4h) In the above embodiment, the steering support 1 is configured by two structures, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, and one connecting member 40. However, the number of structures and connecting members is not limited to this. For example, the steering support may be configured by one structure and one connecting member connecting the structure. In this case, the structure may be located to the right or left of the connecting member. When the connecting member is located to the right of the structure, the structure is fastened to the driver's seat side pillar 201, and the connecting member is fastened to the steering member 202. When the connecting member is located to the left of the structure, the structure is fastened to the steering member 202, and the connecting member is fastened to the driver's seat side pillar 201. Furthermore, for example, when multiple spaces are required in which peripheral members 60 can be arranged, the steering support may be configured by one or more structures and two or more connecting members. For example, two connecting members may be connected to each of the right and left sides of one structure, two structures and two connecting members may be connected alternately, or three structures and two connecting members may be connected alternately.

[0088] (4i) In the above embodiment, the first structure 10 includes the upper-left wall 11, the left inner wall 12, the left rear wall 13, the left front wall 14, the left connecting wall 15, and the left reinforcing wall 16. The second structure 20 includes the upper-right wall 21, the right inner wall 22, the right rear wall 23, the right front wall 24, the right outer wall 25, and the right reinforcing wall 26. The connecting member 40 includes the bottom surface 41, the first curved surface 42, the second curved surface 43, and the third curved surface 44. However, the configurations of the first structure, the second structure, and the connecting member are not limited thereto. For example, the first structure may be configured without at least one of the upper-left wall, the left inner wall, the left rear wall, the left front wall, the left connecting wall, and the left reinforcing wall. For example, the second structure may be configured without at least one of the upper-right wall, the right inner wall, the right rear wall, the right front wall, the right outer wall, and the right reinforcing wall. Furthermore, for example, the connecting member may be configured without at least one of the bottom surface portion, the first bending surface portion, the second bending surface portion, and the third bending surface portion.

[0089] (4j) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0090] [5. Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Present Specification] [Item 1] A steering support that is mounted on a vehicle in a state where it extends in a vehicle width direction and is configured to support a steering wheel of the vehicle, At least one structure located at a first end or a second end in the vehicle width direction and coupled to a body of the vehicle; a connecting member arranged in the vehicle width direction and connecting to the at least one structure; Equipped with A steering support, wherein the connecting member is configured to form a space above the connecting member and to the side of the at least one structure in which peripheral members can be placed.

[0091] [Item 2] The steering support according to item 1, A steering support, wherein the connecting member is formed of a material having a higher Young's modulus than the at least one structure.

[0092] [Item 3] The steering support according to item 1 or 2, The connecting member is formed of an iron material, The steering support, wherein the at least one structure is made of any one of aluminum, magnesium, and resin.

[0093] [Item 4] The steering support according to item 1 or 2, the connecting member is made of any one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium; A steering support, wherein the at least one structure is formed from resin.

[0094] [Item 5] A steering support according to any one of items 1 to 4, The at least one structure is a steering coupling portion that is a portion that is coupled to the steering; a body coupling portion that is a portion that is coupled to the body of the vehicle; a substantially planar wall portion connecting the steering joint portion and the body joint portion, A steering support, wherein the steering joint portion, the body joint portion and the wall portion are integrally molded.

[0095] [Item 6] A steering support according to any one of items 1 to 5, the at least one structure includes a first structure located at the first end and coupled to a body of the vehicle, and a second structure located at the second end and coupled to the body of the vehicle; The connecting member is positioned between the first structure and the second structure and connects the first structure and the second structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1...steering support, 10...first structure, 11...upper left wall, 12...left inner wall, 13...left rear wall, 14...left front wall, 15...left connecting wall, 16...left reinforcing wall, 17...left rear steering joint, 18...left body joint, 19...left front body joint, 20...second structure, 21...upper right wall, 22...right inner wall, 23...right rear wall, 24...right front wall, 25...right outer wall, 26...right reinforcing wall, 27...right rear steering joint, 28...right body joint, 29...right front body joint, 30...floor brace joint, 40...connecting member, 41...bottom surface, 42...first bent surface, 43...second bent surface, 44 ...Third bending surface portion, 50...connecting member, 51...left wall portion, 52...right wall portion, 53...connecting upper wall portion, 54...front wall portion, 55...front steering connecting portion, 56...middle front body connecting portion, 60...peripheral member, 100...steering, 101...steering column, 102...handle, 103...steering shaft, 104...mounting portion, 111, 211...second through hole, 112, 212, 541...third through hole, 181...fourth through hole, 201...driver's side pillar, 202...steering member, 203...bracket, 281...opening, 300...floor brace, 511, 521...first through hole.

Claims

1. A steering support that is mounted on a vehicle in a state where it extends in a vehicle width direction and is configured to support a steering wheel of the vehicle, At least one structure located at a first end or a second end in the vehicle width direction and coupled to a body of the vehicle; a connecting member arranged in the vehicle width direction and connecting to the at least one structure; Equipped with A steering support, wherein the connecting member is formed of a material having a higher Young's modulus than the at least one structure, and is configured to form a space above the connecting member and to the side of the at least one structure in which peripheral members can be placed.

2. 2. The steering support according to claim 1, The connecting member is formed of an iron material, The steering support, wherein the at least one structure is made of any one of aluminum, magnesium, and resin.

3. 2. The steering support according to claim 1, the connecting member is made of any one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium; A steering support, wherein the at least one structure is formed from resin.

4. A steering support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The at least one structure is a steering coupling portion that is a portion that is coupled to the steering; a body coupling portion that is a portion that is coupled to the body of the vehicle; a substantially planar wall portion connecting the steering joint portion and the body joint portion, A steering support, wherein the steering joint portion, the body joint portion and the wall portion are integrally molded.

5. A steering support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the at least one structure includes a first structure located at the first end and coupled to a body of the vehicle, and a second structure located at the second end and coupled to the body of the vehicle; The connecting member is located between the first structure and the second structure and connects the first structure and the second structure.

Images