Front structure of an automated 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

[0004] , , Ru , ,

[0003] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a front structure of a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment and an engine compartment arranged in succession with each other.

Background Art

[0002] A known front structure of a motor vehicle includes a partition wall extending in the transverse direction 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 partition wall in the engine compartment. Therefore, these structures include a steering column and a rack connected to each other within the region of the steering box provided in the partition wall. 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. Ru The steering box is provided in the partition wall so as to be aligned linearly with the steering column, and protrudes near the connection between the side members but between the partition wall and one of the side members, particularly the left front side member in the case of a left-hand drive vehicle, into the engine compartment.

[0003] The steering box Ru [[ID=二十]]is provided in the partition wall so as to be aligned linearly with the steering column, and protrudes near the connection between the side members but between the partition wall and one of the side members, particularly the left front side member in the case of a left-hand drive vehicle, into the engine compartment.

[0004] The steering box <00000IS]]has a flat base provided with an oval hole so as to ensure the connection between the steering column and the rack. On the engine compartment side, the steering box has an edge extending around the oval hole against which the rack is pressed. There, between the two, a joint adapted to be driven in a translational motion by the rack against the edge while being compressed, taking into account the assembly features, is inserted. For such an assembly, a relatively wide edge around the oval hole is required to ensure its implementation and obtain excellent sealing. Ru has an edge extending around the oval hole against which the rack is pressed. There, between the two, a joint adapted to be driven in a translational motion by the rack against the edge while being compressed, taking into account the assembly features, is inserted. For such an assembly, a relatively wide edge around the oval hole is required to ensure its implementation and obtain excellent sealing.

[0005] For reasons of comfort in the passenger compartment, the steering column, which is supported by a bulkhead, is adjusted laterally as far to the left as possible in a left-hand drive vehicle, for example, to free up space for the forward passenger.

[0006] However, the new requirements regarding wheel width and / or turning radius necessitate that the front lateral members be closer to each other.

[0007] As a result, if the aforementioned comfort level is desired, the steering board Ru The dimensions become restricted and are therefore forced into the corners between the bulkhead and the lateral members, making it impossible to maintain them. This is especially true for the width of the rim surrounding the oval hole.

[0008] As a result, the aforementioned assembly of the steering column and rack becomes more difficult. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] Therefore, the problem that arises, and the problem that the present invention intends to overcome, is the ability to receive the front lateral members that move together, while the steering board Ru The objective is to provide a front-end automatic vehicle structure that allows for the common assembly of the rack and steering column via a hub.

[0010] Therefore, the front structure of an automobile having a passenger compartment and an engine compartment extending continuously from the passenger compartment comprises a bulkhead extending transversely between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment and suitable for supporting a steering column, two substantially parallel front lateral members connected to the bulkhead and extending longitudinally into the engine compartment, and a steering rod positioned within the bulkhead substantially in line with the steering column and projecting into the engine compartment between the two lateral members near the connection between the bulkhead and one of the lateral members, having a base and an oval hole that defines an edge extending around an oval hole provided in the base and facing the engine compartment. RuWhen the rack mounted in the engine compartment and the steering column are connected to the rack via an oval hole, the rack and steering column Ru A front structure is proposed, comprising a rack joint that enables engagement between and . The structure further comprises an annular planar component that is fitted in an applied state to the edge and extends around an oval hole, in order to allow the receiving support portion of the rack joint to be widened.

[0011] Thus, the features of the present invention are, Ru This involves the use of annular planar components that can extend around an oval hole wide enough to allow assembly of the rack and steering column in a conventional manner relative to the base and the opposite edge of the steering board. Ru Considering the dimensional constraints imposed, the bow on the opposite side of the base that extends around the oval hole Ru The edges are not large enough to precisely enable this general assembly. As a result of the annular planar component, the receiving support of the rack joint is thus expanded, making this assembly possible.

[0012] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, two lateral members define a mean plane, and the annular planar component is inclined with respect to the mean plane. The mean plane defined by the two lateral members is substantially parallel to the mean horizontal plane of the vehicle, and the annular planar component is inclined with respect to this horizontal mean plane by a value between, for example, 40° and 50°. How this inclination facilitates assembly will be described in more detail in the remainder of the following description.

[0013]

[0001] Thus, one of the lateral members and the bulkhead define a bisecting plane, and the oval hole extends, advantageously, along the components contained within the bisecting plane. The bisecting plane extends substantially vertically and is effectively inclined at 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. As a result, the oval hole extends substantially diagonally within the engine compartment, thereby facilitating, in particular, the assembly of the rack and the steering column.

[0014]

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

[0015]

[0003] Furthermore, according to a particularly advantageous feature of the present invention, the annular planar component is connected to the edge by a welding point. Steering board Ru Depending on the width of the edge, the annular planar components can be joined at their positions by welding points that are evenly spaced around the oval hole, for example, using a conventional set of welding tongs having two opposing electrodes.

[0016]

[0004] Preferably, the structure according to the present invention includes an annular mastic joint between the annular planar component and the edge. Thus, for example, the annular planar component and the steering board Ru Before welding to the edge, mastic is applied. In this way, the mastic is applied to the annular planar component and the steering board. Ru Ensure complete sealing between them.

[0017]

[0005] Thus, the annular planar component has an inner edge and an opposite outer edge, and the minimum distance between the two opposite edges is, advantageously, between 15 mm and 25 mm. For example, this distance is 20 mm. Such a width allows the rack and steering column to be mounted according to a general method in which their joint is then compressed, as will be described below.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the inner edge defines a boundary of a cross-section that coincides with the cross-section of the oval hole. Thus, the annular planar component is adapted by pressing it onto the edge of the steering boss such that its inner edge exactly coincides with the oval hole. Ru The annular planar component is further welded to the steering boss at this position. Ru

[0019] Preferably, the annular planar component has a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge extends to the opposite side of the steering boss, and when they are compressed during the assembly of the rack and the steering column, the edges of the joint can thus fit in. Ru

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic top perspective view of a part of a front vehicle structure from a perspective view. [Figure 2] It is a schematic top perspective view of other parts of the front structure shown in [Fig. 1]. [Figure 3] It is a schematic top perspective view of the front structure part shown in [Fig. 1] from another perspective view. [Figure 4] It is a schematic perspective view of an element intended to be mounted on the parts shown in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2]. [Figure 5] It is a schematic detailed view of [Fig. 3] showing the elements of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic partial side view showing a method of assembling the object of [Fig. 4] onto the element of the object of [Fig. 5]. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attached elements of the object of [Fig. 4] and the object of [Fig. 5].

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0023] Therefore, the front automatic vehicle structure 10 shown in [Figure 1] is oriented to an orthogonal reference system X, Y, Z such that axis X corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and points from the front to the rear of the vehicle, axis Y corresponds to the transverse direction and points from left to right of the vehicle when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and axis Z indicates a perpendicular direction opposite to the surface on which the vehicle is normally operating.

[0024] Figure 1 shows the left front lateral member 18 extending substantially in the direction of axis X as defined above from the bulkhead transverse member 15 within the engine compartment 14. The bulkhead transverse member 15 itself can be seen to extend substantially in the direction of axis Y. Figure 1 also shows the steering bow protruding into the engine compartment 14 within the connecting region between the bulkhead transverse member 15 and the left front lateral member 18. Ru Figure 20 is shown.

[0025] Next, referring to [Figure 2], Figure 2 shows the bulkhead 12 as seen from the crew compartment 16, rather than from the engine compartment 14. Thus, the steering box Ru 20 is located inside the bulkhead 12. Steering board Ru 20 is hollow and has a base 22 in which an oval hole 24 is formed. Steering board Ru 20 defines a housing large enough to accommodate an operator's hand, as described below. The oval opening 24 opens into the engine compartment 14, which is located behind the bulkhead 12.

[0026] Next, the steering box from the engine compartment 14 RuRefer to Figure 3, which shows 20. The viewing angle is along axis X within the region of the left front lateral member 18. Thus, the oval hole 24 and the base 22 through it can be seen in place. This defines the edge 26 extending around the oval hole 24 in the engine compartment 14. As a result, the edge 26 is oval-ringed.

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

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

[0029] The rack 34 is equipped with an oval casing 36 for torque conversion. The oval casing 36 can convert the torque applied by the steering column.

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

[0031] Therefore, the rack 34 has a rack shaft 44 that extends through the oval opening 38 and protrudes at an eccentric position of the oval opening 38. As will be described below, the rack shaft 44 is a steering bow Ru The oval edge 40, which is fitted to engage through 20 oval holes 24, and on the other hand, a compressible oval sealing joint 42 is provided, is a steering board Ru This applies to 20.

[0032] On the passenger compartment 16 side, the steering column 32 has a final segment 46 with a final cardan coupling 48. This final cardan coupling 48 is a steering board as described below. Ru The 20 is adapted to be connected to the rack shaft 44 by connecting screws 49 inside.

[0033] Next, referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is more restrictive than those shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 and shows a structural environment that justifies the use of the present invention. Thus, elements in Figure 5 that are equivalent to those in the drawings prior to Figure 5 have the same reference number, denoted by a dash ''.

[0034] Therefore, in Figure 5, the steering board located at the connection between the bulkhead 12', the bulkhead transverse member 15' and the left front lateral member 18' as viewed from the engine compartment. Ru You can see the 20' in more detail. Ru 20' is substantially more compact than that shown in drawings prior to [Figure 5], and therefore the left front lateral member 18' can be configured to be closer to its relative, the right front lateral member. In other words, the steering board Ru If the relative position of 20' and the steering column is maintained, the left front lateral member 18' had to be configured more compactly in the transverse direction of axis Y. Ru It can be brought closer to 20'.

[0035] This is because the use of a larger front wheel structural casing necessitates the movement of the front lateral members toward each other. In [Figure 5], we can also see the oval hole 24' extending from the upper end 30' to the lower end 28', and its annular edge 26' covered by an annular planar component 50. This annular planar component 50 is also oval and is fitted by being applied onto the annular edge 26'.

[0036] Therefore, the annular planar component 50 is defined by definition by its inner edge 54 and its dimensions are those of the steering board Ru It has an oval central aperture 52 which is the same dimension as the 20' oval hole 24'. In other words, the inner edge 54 defines the same cross-sectional or surface boundary as that defined by the oval hole 24'.

[0037] Furthermore, the annular planar component 50 is substantially a constant distance from the inner edge 54. d It has an outer edge 56 with a gap of only this much. The distance d is preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm. d For example, this is equivalent to 20mm.

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

[0039] Thus, the annular planar component 50 is an oval plane and steering board Ru The annular receiving support portion 60 is defined to be wider than the annular edge 26' of 20'. Therefore, the annular planar component 50 is designed to allow for an annular receiving support portion 60 to be larger than the annular edge 26', and the steering bow Ru It extends beyond 20'.

[0040] Furthermore, the annular planar component 50 is fluid-tight steering ball RuIt is necessary to connect to 20'. Therefore, first, an annular mastic joint (not shown) is formed on the annular edge 26' near its edge around the oval hole 24'. Next, the annular planar component 50 is pressed flat against the annular edge 26', thereby flattening the mastic joint so that the oval hole 24' perfectly coincides with the oval central aperture 52 of the annular planar component 50. Then, the annular planar component 50 is connected to the annular edge 26' by a weld point formed by a pair of welding tongs around the flattened annular mastic joint. In this way, the seal is made secure as a result of the mastic, and the annular planar component 50 is connected as a result of the weld point. Ru The joint is fixed at 20'. Advantageously, between 6 and 10 weld points are created around the annular mastic joint. For example, 8 weld points are created.

[0041] Thus, as described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7 and with the assistance of Figures 4 and 5, the oval-shaped, planar annular receiving support portion 60 makes the sealing assembly of the oval casing 36 of the rack 34 very easy.

[0042] Thus, in [Figure 6], the rack 34 and its oval casing 36, which includes a compressible oval sealing joint 42 on top, can be seen schematicly. Furthermore, the rack shaft 44 protruding from the oval opening 38 of the oval casing 36 can also be seen.

[0043] Furthermore, in [Figure 6], the steering bowl Ru A steering bow with an annular planar component 50 applied to the 20' annular edge 26'. Ru You can see part of 20'.

[0044] In the first stage, the oval casing 36 is thus fitted to be inclined with respect to the oval hole 24', more specifically, the rack shaft 44 is aligned with its lower end 28'.

[0045] Next, in the second movement phase, the oval casing 36 is moved in translational motion along the vertical axis Z relative to the annular planar component 50, thereby allowing the rack shaft 44 to penetrate through the lower end 28' of the oval hole 24', while the compressible oval sealing joint 42 makes planar contact with the annular receiving support portion 60 of the annular planar component 50.

[0046] Next, in the third movement phase, the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is compressed between the oval edge 40 of the oval casing 36 and the annular receiving support 60, while the oval edge 40 is driven to slide relative to the annular receiving support 60. In this way, the rack shaft 44 is driven to translate toward the upper end 30' of the oval hole 24' while moving away from the left front lateral member 18', while the compressed compressible oval sealing joint 42 is fitted around the oval hole 24'.

[0047] In other words, the annular receiving support portion 60 is wide enough to receive the compressible oval sealing joint 42 by friction until the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is fully fitted around the oval hole 24'.

[0048] Thus, between the oval edge 40 and the oval sealing joint 42, as shown in Figure 7, which shows a cross-section viewed from below, and which also shows the rack shaft 44 extending to the upper end 30' of the oval hole 24', the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is completely compressed between the oval edge 40 of the oval casing 36 and the annular receiving support 60, and in this way the oval casing 36 of the rack 34 and the steering board Ru Excellent sealing between 20' and 20' is ensured.

[0049] Therefore, the oval casing 36 is fixed in this position where it is compressed against the annular planar component 50, while the final cardan joint 48 is connected to the rack shaft 44 using connecting screws 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 contact with the annular planar component 50, while the compressible oval sealing joint 42 is compressed. Thus, the sealing is achieved between the oval casing 36 and the steering bow Ru It will be completely certain between 20 and 20'.

Claims

1. This is the front structure of an automatic vehicle having a passenger compartment and an engine compartment that extends continuously from the passenger compartment. A bulkhead (12') extending transversely between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment, supporting the steering column, Connected to the aforementioned bulkhead (12'), two parallel front lateral members (18') extend into the engine compartment in the longitudinal direction which is the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The steering ball (20') is positioned in line with the steering column within the bulkhead (12'), protruding into the engine compartment between the two lateral members near the connection between the bulkhead (12') and one of the lateral members (18'), and has a base and an oval hole (24') provided in the base that defines an edge (26') extending around the oval hole (24') facing the engine compartment, A rack (34) mounted in the engine compartment, and a rack joint (42) that enables engagement between the rack (34) and the steering ball (20') when the steering column is connected to the rack via the oval hole (24'), The front structure, which includes, An annular receiving support portion (60) that makes planar contact with the rack joint portion (42), and an annular planar component (50) having an oval-shaped plane and an annular receiving support portion (60) that is wider than the edge (26'), further comprising an annular planar component (50) that is attached in a state welded to the edge (26') and extends around the oval hole (24'), The annular planar component (50) has an inner edge (54) and an outer edge (56) on the opposite side, and the shape of the inner edge (54) is characterized in that it matches the shape of the oval hole (24'). Front structure.

2. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the two lateral members define an average plane which is the horizontal plane of the automatic vehicle, and the annular planar component (50) is inclined with respect to the average plane.

3. The structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the lateral members (18') and the partition wall (12') define a bisecting plane inclined at 45° with respect to the vertical axis of the automatic vehicle, and the oval hole (24') extends along the components included in the bisecting plane.

4. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the oval hole (24') has a lower end (28') positioned toward one of the lateral members (18') and an upper end (30') located opposite the lower end and spaced apart from one of the lateral members.

5. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the annular planar component (50) is connected to the edge (26') by a welding point.

6. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an annular mastic joint is provided between the annular planar component (50) and the edge (26').

7. The 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. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the annular planar component (50) has a peripheral edge (58).

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