Steering column support structure

Abstract

To provide a steering column supporting structure capable of: improving the rigidity and the steering stability when a steering is operated; and suppressing a movement of a brake pedal bracket when a vehicle collides.SOLUTION: A steering column supporting structure 10 includes: a steering column supporting bracket 12 which is joined to an instrument panel reinforcement 11 and which supports a steering column 1; a brake pedal bracket 13 which is joined to the instrument panel reinforcement 11 and which serves for preventing a brake pedal 2 from moving backward; and a bracket coupling member 20 that couples the steering column supporting bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 to each other. The bracket coupling member 20 is configured to release the coupling between the steering column supporting bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 when a vehicle collides and when a load exceeding a threshold is applied to the steering column supporting bracket 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column support structure provided in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a support structure for an operating device. In this support structure, a support bracket called a steering anchor bracket that supports a steering column is joined to a front pillar pipe. The steering column is provided to support a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of steering column support structure, in order to improve the rigidity and handling stability during steering operation, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the support bracket. Although it is possible to increase the rigidity of the support bracket itself by increasing the thickness of the support bracket, there are problems of increasing the mass and cost.

[0005] Therefore, the rigidity of the support bracket can be increased by connecting it to existing brackets in the surrounding area. For example, a support bracket can be connected to a brake pedal bracket that prevents the brake pedal from moving backward. However, if a support bracket is connected to a brake pedal bracket, there is a risk that the brake pedal bracket may move together with the support bracket to a position detached from the brake pedal if the support bracket is deformed under load during a vehicle collision. This could result in a problem where the original function of the brake pedal bracket is impaired.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a steering column support structure that can improve rigidity and handling stability during steering operations and suppress the movement of the brake pedal bracket during a vehicle collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is, A steering column support structure provided in a vehicle, It is attached to the instrument panel reinforcement and is a steering column support bracket that supports the steering column, A brake pedal bracket is attached to the instrument panel reinforcement mentioned above to prevent the brake pedal from moving backward, A bracket connecting portion that connects the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, Equipped with, The bracket connection portion is configured to release the connection between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket when the steering column support bracket is subjected to a load exceeding a threshold during a vehicle collision, thus forming a steering column support structure. It is located there. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the steering column support structure described above, the bracket connecting portion that connects the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket releases the connection between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket when the steering column support bracket receives a load exceeding a threshold during a vehicle collision.

[0009] Under normal driving conditions, the bracket connection maintains the connection between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket. This increases the rigidity of the steering column support bracket without increasing its thickness, thereby improving rigidity during steering and handling stability. On the other hand, in the event of a vehicle collision, if the steering column support bracket is subjected to an excessive load, the bracket connection releases the connection between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket. This prevents the brake pedal bracket from moving together with the steering column support bracket, thus preventing damage to the brake pedal bracket's intended function.

[0010] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a steering column support structure that can improve rigidity and handling stability during steering operations and suppress the movement of the brake pedal bracket during a vehicle collision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the steering column support structure of Embodiment 1, seen from the front and slightly above the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a bottom view of the area around the bracket connection point, seen from the direction of arrow A. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a front view of the area around the bracket connection point, seen from the direction of arrow B. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a view of the vehicle from above, illustrating how a load is applied to the steering column support bracket during a vehicle collision. [Figure 5]Figure 1 is a view of the vehicle from above, showing how the steering column support bracket deforms when subjected to load during a vehicle collision. [Figure 6] Figure 2 shows how the steering column support bracket deforms when subjected to an excessive load during a vehicle collision. [Figure 7] A bottom view of the steering column support structure of Embodiment 2, corresponding to Figure 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] A bottom view of the steering column support structure of Embodiment 2, corresponding to Figure 6 of Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In the steering column support structure according to the above-described embodiment, the bracket connecting portion has a fastening member for connecting the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, and a notch through which the fastening shaft of the fastening member is detachably inserted between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, wherein the notch extends to allow deformation of the steering column support bracket in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0013] This steering column support structure allows for the construction of a bracket connection using a fastening member and a notch through which the fastening shaft of the fastening member is detachably inserted.

[0014] In the steering column support structure according to the above-described embodiment, the bracket connecting portion comprises a first bracket fixed to the steering column support bracket and a second bracket fixed to the brake pedal bracket, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are fixed by the fastening member, and it is preferable that the notch portion is provided in either the first bracket or the second bracket.

[0015] According to this steering column support structure, a bracket connection part can be constructed by two brackets, one with a notch provided on one side and the other without a notch on the other side, and a fastening member that connects these two brackets with a fastening shaft inserted through the notch, thereby simplifying the structure of the bracket connection part.

[0016] In the steering column support structure of the above aspect, it is preferable that both the first bracket and the second bracket extend along the vehicle width direction.

[0017] According to this steering column support structure, since both of the two brackets extend along the vehicle width direction, the rigidity of the steering column support bracket against the load in the vehicle width direction can be increased, and deformation in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed.

[0018] In the steering column support structure of the above aspect, it is preferable that at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket has a stepped shape with a height difference in the vehicle height direction.

[0019] According to this steering column support structure, by providing a stepped shape with a height difference in the vehicle height direction on the bracket, the rigidity of the steering column support bracket against the load in the vehicle height direction can be increased, and deformation in the vehicle height direction can be suppressed.

[0020] In the steering column support structure of the above aspect, it is preferable that the bracket connection part is configured to form an annular connection shape together with the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket.

[0021] According to this steering column support structure, since the bracket connection part forms an annular connection shape together with the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, the rigidity of the entire steering column support structure 10 can be increased.

[0022] The following describes specific embodiments of the steering column support structure described above, with reference to the drawings.

[0023] In the drawings illustrating this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the front of the vehicle is indicated by the arrow FR, the top of the vehicle by the arrow UP, and the inside of the vehicle by the arrow IN.

[0024] (Embodiment 1) The steering column support structure 10 of Embodiment 1, shown in Figure 1, is installed in a vehicle. This embodiment exemplifies the case where the steering column support structure 10 is installed in a left-hand drive vehicle. Of course, this steering column support structure 10 can also be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle.

[0025] 1. Configuration of the steering column support structure 10 The steering column support structure 10 comprises a steering column support bracket 12 and a brake pedal bracket 13. Both the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 are joined to the instrument panel reinforcement 11 by welding. The instrument panel reinforcement 11 is a pipe member with a circular cross-section that extends axially in the vehicle width direction X. The axial ends of this instrument panel reinforcement 11 are fixed to the inner surface of the front pillar (not shown). This instrument panel reinforcement 11 is made of metal.

[0026] The steering column support bracket 12 is a bracket that supports the steering column 1. The steering column 1 is provided to support a steering shaft (not shown) to which a steering wheel (not shown) is attached. The steering column support bracket 12 has its rear end where it connects to the instrument panel reinforcement 11, and extends forward from this rear end along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This steering column support bracket 12 is made of metal.

[0027] The brake pedal bracket 13 is a bracket for preventing the brake pedal 2 from moving backward. The brake pedal bracket 13 has its rear end where it connects to the instrument panel reinforcement 11, and extends forward from this rear end along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The brake pedal bracket 13 is made of metal. The brake pedal bracket 13 is formed to have a U-shaped cross-section. The brake pedal bracket 13 is fastened and fixed to the brace 14 by fastening member 16. The brake pedal bracket 13 and the brace 14 are each provided with a through hole into which the fastening shaft of the fastening member 16 is inserted. The brace 14 is fastened and fixed to a connecting member 15 which is connected to the instrument panel reinforcement 11 by fastening member 17 (see Figure 2).

[0028] The front end of the brake pedal bracket 13 is provided with a support plate portion 13a positioned behind the upper end portion 2a of the brake pedal 2. The upper end portion 2a moves backward in conjunction with the driver's operation of pressing the brake pedal 2. At this time, the brake pedal bracket 13 prevents the brake pedal 2 from moving backward by receiving the upper end portion 2a of the brake pedal 2.

[0029] The steering column support structure 10 includes a bracket connecting portion 20. This bracket connecting portion 20 is configured to connect the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13.

[0030] 2. Configuration of the bracket connecting section 20 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bracket connecting portion 20 comprises a first bracket 21, a second bracket 22, and fastening members 23 and 24.

[0031] 2.1 Configuration of the first bracket 21 The first bracket 21 is a plate member that extends along the vehicle width direction X, with the vehicle height direction Y being the thickness direction. The right end of the first bracket 21 in the vehicle width direction X is fixed to the steering column support bracket 12 by welding, and the left end in the vehicle width direction X is fastened and fixed to the second bracket 22 by a fastening member 23. The left end of the first bracket 21 is provided with a through hole into which the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23 is inserted. The fastening member 23 is used to connect the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13.

[0032] In this embodiment, for convenience, the bolt and nut that are screwed together are collectively referred to as the "fastening member 23," and the shaft of the bolt constituting this fastening member 23 is referred to as the "fastening shaft 23a." The same applies to other fastening members besides the fastening member 23.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the first bracket 21 has a stepped shape with a height difference in the vehicle height direction Y. Specifically, the first bracket 21 has an upper plate portion 21a which is fixed to the steering column support bracket 12, a lower plate portion 21b which is fixed to the second bracket 22, and a connecting plate portion 21c which extends from the upper plate portion 21a to the lower plate portion 21b along the vehicle height direction Y, and a step is formed between the upper plate portion 21a and the lower plate portion 21b. This stepped shape of the first bracket 21 provides high rigidity against loads in the vehicle height direction Y. In particular, if the first bracket 21 is configured to form a roughly Z shape when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, it is effective in further improving rigidity.

[0034] 2.2 Configuration of the second bracket 22 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second bracket 22 is a plate member that extends along the vehicle width direction X, with the vehicle height direction Y being the thickness direction. The left end of the second bracket 22 in the vehicle width direction X is fastened and fixed to the brake pedal bracket 13 by a fastening member 24. The left end of the first bracket 21 and the brake pedal bracket 13 are each provided with a through hole into which the fastening shaft of the fastening member 24 is inserted.

[0035] A notch 22a is provided on the right side of the second bracket 22. The notch 22a is an opening that extends along the vehicle width direction X, and is formed so that the right end of the second bracket 22 is the open end. This notch 22a extends to allow deformation of the steering column support bracket 12 in the event of a vehicle collision. The dimensions of this notch 22a are set so that the opening width is equal to or slightly larger than the shaft diameter of the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23. With the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 fastened and fixed by the fastening member 23, the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23 is detachably inserted through the notch 22a of the second bracket 22.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, when the steering column support structure 10 is viewed from the vehicle height direction Y, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 of the bracket connecting portion 20 are configured to form an annular connecting shape together with the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13.

[0037] 3. Operation of the steering column support structure 10 Next, the operation of the steering column support structure 10 during a vehicle collision will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5, which show the steering column support structure 10 viewed from above the vehicle, and Figure 6, which shows the steering column support structure 10 viewed from below the vehicle.

[0038] 3.1 During normal operation As shown in Figure 4, during normal vehicle operation, the steering column support bracket 12 of the steering column support structure 10 is positioned in its initial assembly position. At this time, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 of the bracket connecting portion 20 remain fastened and fixed to each other by the fastening member 23. Therefore, the bracket connecting portion 20 maintains the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13.

[0039] In this configuration, the bracket connecting portion 20 can increase the rigidity of the steering column support bracket 12 by connecting the steering column support bracket 12 to the brake pedal bracket 13. Specifically, in this configuration, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22, both extending along the vehicle width direction X, are interposed between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 and fastened together. This increases the rigidity of the steering column support bracket 12 against loads in the vehicle width direction X, thereby suppressing deformation in the vehicle width direction X. Furthermore, in this configuration, the first bracket 21 has a stepped shape. This increases the rigidity of the steering column support bracket 12 against loads in the vehicle height direction Y, thereby suppressing deformation in the vehicle height direction Y.

[0040] Therefore, the bracket connecting portion 20 in this embodiment improves rigidity and handling stability during steering without increasing the thickness of the steering column support bracket 12 itself. Furthermore, the bracket connecting portion 20 in this embodiment, together with the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13, forms an annular connecting shape, thereby increasing the overall rigidity of the steering column support structure 10.

[0041] 3.2 Regarding vehicle collisions During a vehicle collision, the brake unit 30, located in front of the steering column support structure 10, moves towards the rear of the vehicle (see the white arrow in Figure 4 for the direction of entry of the brake unit 30 at this time). In particular, during an offset collision, the brake unit 30 moves to interfere with the steering column support bracket 12 of the steering column support structure 10 from the left front. As a result, the steering column support bracket 12 receives a load F input from the left front. At this time, since both the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 are connected using the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22, which extend along the vehicle width direction X, if the load F is below a threshold when a vehicle collision occurs, the movement of the steering column 1 in the vehicle width direction X can be restricted. In addition, the stepped shape of the first bracket 21 can restrict the movement of the steering column 1 in the vehicle length direction X when the load F is below a threshold when a vehicle collision occurs.

[0042] On the other hand, if the load F acting on the steering column support bracket 12 exceeds a threshold (for example, if the load F exceeds the fastening axial force by the fastening member 23), the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23 will slip through the notch 22a of the second bracket 22 and detach, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. At this time, the first bracket 21, which is integrally fixed to the steering column support bracket 12, and the second bracket 22, which is integrally fixed to the brake pedal bracket 13, will separate from each other. In other words, the bracket connection portion 20 is configured to release the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 when the steering column support bracket 12 is subjected to an excessive load exceeding a threshold during a vehicle collision.

[0043] When the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 by the bracket connecting portion 20 is released, the holding effect of the second bracket 22 on the brake pedal bracket 13 side on the first bracket 21 on the steering column support bracket 12 side is lost, causing the steering column support bracket 12 to deform diagonally rearward to the right according to the load F. As a result, the brake pedal bracket 13 is prevented from moving together with the deformation of the steering column support bracket 12, and the original function of the brake pedal bracket 13 is prevented from being impaired. In other words, the brake pedal bracket 13 can maintain its function of preventing the brake pedal 2 from moving backward.

[0044] 4. Effects According to Embodiment 1 described above, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

[0045] According to the steering column support structure 10 of Embodiment 1, during normal driving, the bracket connecting portion 20 maintains the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13. This increases the rigidity of the steering column support bracket 12 without increasing the thickness of the steering column support bracket 12 itself, thereby improving rigidity and handling stability during steering operations. On the other hand, in the event of a vehicle collision, if the steering column support bracket 12 is subjected to an excessive load, the bracket connecting portion 20 releases the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13. This prevents the brake pedal bracket 13 from moving together with the steering column support bracket 12, thus preventing damage to the original function of the brake pedal bracket 13.

[0046] Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to provide a steering column support structure 10 that can improve rigidity and handling stability during steering operations and suppress the movement of the brake pedal bracket during a vehicle collision.

[0047] Furthermore, the steering column support structure 10 simplifies the structure of the bracket connection portion 20 by constructing it with two brackets 21 and 22, one of which has a notch 22a and the other does not, and a fastening member 23 that connects these two brackets 21 and 22 with a fastening shaft 23a inserted through the notch 22a.

[0048] Furthermore, as an example of a modification particularly relevant to Embodiment 1, a structure can be adopted in which a stepped shape similar to that of bracket 21 is provided on bracket 22, instead of or in addition to the stepped shape of bracket 21.

[0049] Next, other embodiments related to Embodiment 1 described above will be explained with reference to the drawings. In these other embodiments, elements identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0050] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Figure 7, the steering column support structure 10A of Embodiment 2 differs from the steering column support structure 10 of Embodiment 1 in that the bracket connecting portion 20 uses only one bracket 21 to connect the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13. In other words, in this embodiment, there is only one bracket used to connect the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13.

[0051] In the steering column support structure 10A, a notch 21d is provided in the bracket 21. The notch 21d is an opening that extends along the vehicle width direction X, and is formed so that the left end of the bracket 21 is the open end. This notch 21d extends to allow deformation of the steering column support bracket 12 in the event of a vehicle collision. The dimensions of this notch 21d are set so that the opening width is equal to or slightly larger than the shaft diameter of the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23. With the bracket 21 and the brake pedal bracket 13 fastened and fixed by the fastening member 23, the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23 is detachably inserted through the notch 21d of the bracket 21.

[0052] The other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, with the steering column support structure 10A configured as described above, if the load F acting on the steering column support bracket 12 exceeds a threshold (for example, if the load F exceeds the fastening axial force by the fastening member 23), the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23 slips through the notch 21d of the bracket 21 and detaches. At this time, the bracket 21, which is integrally fixed to the steering column support bracket 12, and the brake pedal bracket 13 are separated from each other. As a result, the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 by the bracket connecting portion 20 is released.

[0054] Furthermore, it exhibits the same operation and effects as in Embodiment 1.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the typical embodiments described above, and various applications and modifications are conceivable as long as they do not depart from the purpose of the present invention. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented by applying the embodiments described above.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the example given for releasing the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 is one in which the fastening shaft 23a of the fastening member 23 is detachably inserted into the notch 21d of the bracket 21 or the notch 22a of the bracket 22. However, instead, the connection between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13 may be released by a weak point provided on the bracket splitting open due to excessive load.

[0057] In the above-described configuration, the example shows a case where the number of brackets constituting the bracket connecting portion 20 (i.e., the number of brackets interposed between the steering column support bracket 12 and the brake pedal bracket 13) is one or two. However, the number of brackets may be three or more as needed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1…Steering column, 2…Brake pedal, 10,10A…Steering column support structure, 11…Instrument panel reinforcement, 12…Steering column support bracket, 13…Brake pedal bracket, 20…Bracket connecting part, 21…First bracket (bracket), 21d…Notch, 22…Second bracket, 22a…Notch, 23…Fastening member, 23a…Fastening shaft, X…Vehicle width direction, Y…Vehicle height direction

Claims

1. A steering column support structure provided in a vehicle, It is attached to the instrument panel reinforcement and is a steering column support bracket that supports the steering column, A brake pedal bracket is attached to the instrument panel reinforcement mentioned above to prevent the brake pedal from moving backward, A bracket connecting portion that connects the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, Equipped with, The above-mentioned bracket connection portion is configured to release the connection between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket when the steering column support bracket is subjected to a load exceeding a threshold during a vehicle collision, thereby providing a steering column support structure.

2. The steering column support structure according to claim 1, wherein the bracket connecting portion has a fastening member for connecting the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, and a notch through which the fastening shaft of the fastening member is detachably inserted between the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket, and the notch extends to allow deformation of the steering column support bracket in the event of a vehicle collision.

3. The steering column support structure according to claim 2, wherein the bracket connecting portion comprises a first bracket fixed to the steering column support bracket and a second bracket fixed to the brake pedal bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket are fixed by the fastening member, and the notch portion is provided in either the first bracket or the second bracket.

4. The steering column support structure according to claim 3, wherein both the first bracket and the second bracket extend in the direction of the vehicle width.

5. The steering column support structure according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket has a stepped shape having a height difference in the vehicle height direction.

6. The steering column support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bracket connecting portion is configured to form an annular connecting shape together with the steering column support bracket and the brake pedal bracket.

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