Arrangement of a dashboard on a support structure for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of a dashboard (2) on a support structure (3) for a motor vehicle, in which the dashboard (2) is held on the support structure (3) by means of a holding device (4), wherein the holding device (4) has at least two deformation elements (10, 11) which are adjacent to one another in a movement direction (9) and which can be moved into one another relative to one another by deformation of at least one of the deformation elements (10, 11) in the event that the dashboard (2) is impinged on as a result of an accident, in order to move the dashboard (2) relative to the support structure (3) in the movement direction.

Description

[0001] Arrangement of an instrument panel on a supporting structure for a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement of an instrument panel on a supporting structure for a motor vehicle according to patent claim 1.

[0003] Instrument panels for motor vehicles are already well known in the general state of the art. Such an instrument panel, in particular, includes gauges and control levers. Furthermore, such an instrument panel is typically mounted on a supporting structure of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, a holding device is usually provided, by means of which the instrument panel is held to the supporting structure.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement of an instrument panel on a supporting structure for a motor vehicle so that the safety of the motor vehicle can be particularly increased.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by an arrangement of an instrument panel on a supporting structure for a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0006] The invention relates to an arrangement of an instrument panel on a supporting structure for a motor vehicle, which is designed, for example, as a passenger car. The motor vehicle, particularly in its fully manufactured state, preferably comprises the instrument panel and the supporting structure.

[0007] The instrument panel, which can also be referred to as an I-panel, can be understood in particular as a dashboard. The instrument panel can preferably be arranged or is arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle. The interior, which can in particular be referred to as the vehicle interior or cockpit, can be understood in particular as a passenger compartment or a passenger cell. The instrument panel and the supporting structure are formed separately from one another. The supporting structure is, for example, part of a, in particular self-supporting, body of the motor vehicle. Thus, the supporting structure can be understood, for example, as a body component of the motor vehicle.

[0008] The instrument panel is held, particularly in the interior, to the support structure via at least one holding device, in particular at least indirectly or directly. This means that the instrument panel is fastened to the support structure via the holding device or by means of the holding device. In other words, the instrument panel and the support structure are coupled to one another via the holding device, in particular at least indirectly or directly. The holding device can therefore be referred to in particular as a coupling device. Coupling can be understood in particular as a mechanical coupling. For example, the instrument panel and the support structure are screwed to one another via the holding device. Thus, at least one, in particular respective, screw point can be provided for screwing the instrument panel to the holding device and / or for screwing the holding device to the support structure.

[0009] In order to be able to particularly increase the safety, in particular the passive safety, of the motor vehicle, the invention provides that the holding device has at least two deformation elements that adjoin one another in a direction of movement, in particular at least indirectly or directly. This means that the instrument panel is held on the supporting structure via the deformation elements, i.e., with the mediation of the deformation elements. In other words, the deformation elements are arranged adjacent to one another, in particular in the direction of movement. The deformation elements, which can in particular be referred to as deformation regions, can be understood in particular as energy absorption elements.This means that the deformation elements are specifically deformable or are deformed in the event of an accident-related, in particular mechanical, impact, in particular with energy absorption, in particular in order to dissipate collision energy, which can also be referred to as accident energy. It is provided that the deformation elements are specifically deformable or are deformed in the event of an accident-related impact on the instrument panel, in particular resulting from a person impacting the instrument panel, by deforming at least one of the deformation elements, in particular by deforming the first and / or the second deformation element, along the direction of movement relative to one another, in particular by pushing the deformation elements together, in order to displace the instrument panel in the direction of movement relative to the supporting structure, in particular forwards in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.This means that the deformation of at least one of the deformation elements can be effected or is effected by the accident-related impact on the instrument panel, wherein this deformation is accompanied by the movement of the deformation elements along the direction of movement relative to one another and into one another, wherein this movement is accompanied by the displacement of the instrument panel in the direction of movement relative to the supporting structure. In other words, the deformation elements are telescopically movable relative to one another when the instrument panel is subjected to an accident-related impact or when the instrument panel is subjected to an accident-related impact with deformation of at least one of the deformation elements along the direction of movement in order to displace the instrument panel in the direction of movement relative to the supporting structure.

[0010] This can be understood in particular as the following: The instrument panel is held in an initial position, in particular rigidly, i.e. immovably, on the support structure via the holding device. Thus, it is particularly provided that in the initial position, displacement of the instrument panel relative to the support structure is avoided, i.e. prevented or not possible. As a result of the accident-related impact, at least one of the deformation elements is deformed, in particular if the accident-related impact is greater than a, in particular predetermined, threshold value. As a result of this deformation, the deformation elements can be moved relative to one another along the direction of movement, in particular telescopically.This results in the instrument panel being able to be or being moved from its initial position into a protective position, particularly one that differs from the initial position, in the direction of movement relative to the supporting structure. This means that the instrument panel is moved from its initial position into the protective position.

[0011] The term "accident-related impact" can be understood in particular as a mechanical impact, in particular the application of a force to the instrument panel. The term "person" can be understood in particular as the vehicle occupant, who can also be referred to simply as "occupant." The fact that the deformation elements are movable into one another can be understood in particular as meaning that one of the deformation elements can be moved into the other of the deformation elements and / or can be moved within the other deformation element. It can therefore be provided that at least one of the deformation elements has a receiving space, for example, delimited by a wall of this deformation element.The other deformation element, which is initially located outside the receiving space, for example, can be moved into the receiving space and / or within the receiving space relative to the deformation element having the receiving space. The fact that the deformation elements are movable relative to one another can be understood in particular to mean that the first of the deformation elements is movable or is moved relative to the second deformation element and / or that the second deformation element is movable or is moved relative to the first deformation element.

[0012] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: Challenges in vehicle cockpit development can become increasingly extensive. Furthermore, crash-relevant requirements are constantly increasing worldwide due to respective national laws and respective consumer protection goals. Therefore, for example, it may not be sufficient to develop trim components facing the vehicle occupant, particularly referred to as the customer, as a "deformable membrane". Additional measures may therefore be necessary to meet these increasing worldwide requirements for occupant safety or, in the case of a crash test, requirements for dummy restraint. In particular, technical solutions must be developed so that a developed cockpit can be approved on the entire global market. Special measures may be necessary, especially in the area of ​​contact points between dummy legs and dummy knees.In principle, it is conceivable to use deformable components that release energy when subjected to load from the occupant or the dummy's legs during the deformation path, thereby absorbing or dissipating energy. Such deformable components, which can be referred to in particular as energy absorption elements, can be extruded aluminum profiles in a honeycomb structure or separate sheet metal components. However, these components can be very expensive, especially when combined with assembly. Furthermore, it is conceivable in principle to provide more installation space for the necessary deformation path. This means that a "slim design" is difficult or even impossible to implement. This necessary installation space in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (direction of travel or X-direction) can then be used at the expense of other components in the cockpit, whose design would then require greater compromises.Furthermore, the safety of a vehicle can be evaluated or simulated using crash tests. In the event of a crash in such a crash test, it can happen that the legs of a crash test dummy strike the instrument panel and thus touch it. This can result in the dummy's knee and / or lower leg (tibia) being pushed into the instrument panel. The resulting force in the dummy's thigh must not exceed 3.8 kN, for example. Otherwise, so-called "modifiers" can be assigned in a crash assessment, which would then result in a lower "star rating."

[0013] Because the holding device in the arrangement according to the invention has the deformation elements, a crash-load-dependent connection of the instrument panel to the supporting structure can be effected. With the aid of such a crash-load-dependent connection of the instrument panel to the supporting structure, for example, at the bottom relative to a vertical direction of the motor vehicle, a supporting structure of the holding device in the form of the deformation elements can collapse under a certain crash load, i.e. a certain accident-related force, and, in particular additionally, by further pushing the deformation elements together, free up a path which can in particular be referred to as the deformation path. In order to be able to utilize this path, components of the holding device, in particular the deformation elements, must, so to speak, be pushed into the interior of the instrument panel. This requires, in particular, energy.For this purpose, the kinetic energy of the vehicle occupant or, in the case of a crash test, the dummy, can be used. In the event of a crash, the occupant or dummy can thus be gradually decelerated as they enter the dashboard or impact the dashboard. This can significantly increase the safety of the vehicle, particularly the occupant safety. This means that in the event of a vehicle accident, the risk and / or severity of injury to the vehicle occupant can be kept particularly low. The vehicle occupant can be, for example, a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. Furthermore, a particularly good result can be achieved in the crash test, which can lead to a maximum value, i.e., in particular, a five-star rating, in the consumer protection ranking.A vehicle cockpit or dashboard, for example, can thus fully meet ranking requirements. This, in turn, can impact the vehicle's sales prospects. Thus, the vehicle's sales prospects can be significantly improved.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the direction of movement extends at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in particular forward. Thus, upon impact of the occupant or dummy against the instrument panel, the deformation of the deformation elements creates a deformation path extending at least substantially forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, along which the instrument panel can be displaced or moved relative to the supporting structure, in particular from the initial position to the protective position. This significantly increases the safety of the motor vehicle.

[0015] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the holding device has at least one, in particular targeted or defined, predetermined breaking point, at which the holding device can be broken open or is broken open in the event of an accident-related impact on the instrument panel or as a result of an accident-related impact on the instrument panel, in particular locally, in order to move the deformation elements into one another by deforming at least one of the deformation elements along the direction of movement relative to one another. This means that the movement of the deformation elements relative to one another can be effected or is effected by breaking open the holding device at the predetermined breaking point. This makes it possible to deform the deformation elements or to displace the support structure in a targeted manner, in particular when the threshold value is exceeded.The relocation of the supporting structure can thus be carried out in a defined and / or particularly reliable manner. This can significantly increase safety. Breaking open can be understood, in particular, as the targeted local destruction of the support structure, particularly to effect the relocation of the instrument panel.

[0016] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the deformation elements are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking point, in particular directly. In other words, the deformation elements are connected to one another via a transition region, in particular directly, in which the predetermined breaking point is arranged or which is designed as the predetermined breaking point. As a result, by breaking open the predetermined breaking point, a fastening of the deformation elements to one another can be broken, whereby the deformation elements can be moved relative to one another, in particular within one another. As a result, the deformation path can be provided in a targeted and defined manner, whereby safety can be particularly increased. The predetermined breaking point is designed, for example, as a perforation.Thus, the transition region can have at least one perforation, particularly to create the predetermined breaking point. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined breaking point is designed, for example, as a reduced wall thickness area with a wall thickness step. Thus, the predetermined breaking point can be designed as the perforation, as the reduced wall thickness area, or as a combination of these two possibilities.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the deformation elements merge into one another in a stepped manner. In other words, the transition area extends diagonally or perpendicularly to the deformation elements. This allows the retaining device to be opened particularly precisely or reliably at the predetermined breaking point. Furthermore, the deformation elements can be moved telescopically relative to one another, thereby initiating the deformation path for displacing the dashboard.

[0018] In a further embodiment, it is provided that one of the deformation elements projects beyond the other deformation element at least in a direction that is oblique or perpendicular to the direction of movement. In other words, one of the deformation elements extends further than the other deformation element in at least one direction that is oblique or perpendicular to the direction of movement. This means that one deformation element is designed to be larger than the other deformation element. As a result, for telescopic movement of the deformation elements, one of the deformation elements, in particular the smaller one, can be moved into the other of the deformation elements, in particular the larger one.

[0019] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the instrument panel can be or is displaced by deforming at least one of the deformation elements from the starting position in the direction of movement relative to the support structure into the safety position. This means that displacing or moving the instrument panel relative to the support structure in the direction of movement is accompanied by a displacement or movement of the instrument panel from the starting position into the safety position. In the safety position, the instrument panel, in particular any further displacement, in particular in the direction of movement, relative to the support structure is prevented. This means that in the safety position, the support structure, in particular any further movement or displacement, in particular in the direction of movement, is prevented.This can thus, so to speak, effect a blocking of the holding device or the deformation elements, in particular in order to fix the instrument panel in the safety position relative to the support structure. In a further embodiment, it is provided that at least one of the deformation elements has a hollow profile. In other words, at least one of the deformation elements is designed as a hollow body. This means that at least one of the deformation elements has the receiving space. As a result, the deformation elements can be deformed while absorbing energy, whereby collision energy can be dissipated. Furthermore, the deformation path can be provided in a targeted and defined manner. The safety of the motor vehicle can thus be particularly increased. The hollow profile can be designed as an open profile or as a closed profile.

[0020] In a further refinement, it is intended that the accident-related impact on the instrument panel results from an impact of the person's leg or, in the case of a crash test, from an impact of the dummy's leg. This means that the accident-related impact on the instrument panel is an impact on the instrument panel from the person's leg or the dummy's leg, respectively.In other words, it is provided that the deformation elements are movable or moved relative to one another during or as a result of the accident-related impact on the instrument panel resulting from the impact of the person's or dummy's leg on the instrument panel by deforming at least one of the deformation elements along the direction of movement in order to displace or move the instrument panel in the direction of movement relative to the supporting structure, in particular from the starting position into the safety position. As a result, the load acting on the person's leg in the event of a motor vehicle accident can be kept particularly low, thereby significantly increasing the safety of the motor vehicle. In other words, the deformation path for the impact of the person's leg on the instrument panel can be provided, so to speak.

[0021] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the deformation elements are made of plastic. In other words, the holding device is made of plastic at least in part, in particular predominantly or completely. The respective deformation element can therefore be a respective plastic geometry. As a result, the deformation of the deformation elements can be effected with particularly little effort and / or particularly reliably in order to displace the instrument panel relative to the supporting structure. Furthermore, it can be ensured that a force exerted by the person or dummy on the instrument panel in the event of an accident, which force is required to deform the deformation elements, can be kept particularly low. As a result, the risk of injury or the severity of injury to the occupant can be kept particularly low.

[0022] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an inventive

[0025] arrangement; and

[0026] Fig. 2 is a schematic further perspective view of an inventive

[0027] Arrangement.

[0028] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an arrangement 1 of an instrument panel 2 on a support structure 3 for a motor vehicle or the motor vehicle. The instrument panel 2 is held on the support structure 3, for example directly, via at least one holding device 4. For this purpose, the support structure 3 has, for example, at least one connection area 5, via which the holding device 4 is fastened, for example directly, to the support structure 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection area 5 of the support structure 3 is connected, for example by means of at least one screw connection, to a base body 6 of the support structure 3. For example, the holding device 4 and the connection area 5 of the support structure 3 lie directly against one another. In particular, the holding device 4 can be or is supported on the support structure 3 towards the front in the longitudinal direction 7 of the motor vehicle, for example via the connection area 5.Thus, the instrument panel 2 can be or is supported on the support structure 3, for example via the holding device 4 in the vehicle longitudinal direction 7 to the front, in particular via the connection area 5.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement 1 in a further schematic perspective view, wherein in Fig. 2 in particular a different viewing angle is shown than in Fig. 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a connection of the instrument panel 2 via the holding device 4 to the support structure 3 is provided in a lower region of the instrument panel 2 relative to a vehicle vertical direction 8 of the motor vehicle, in particular at a lower end. The instrument panel 2 is held on the support structure 3 via the holding device 4, in particular by means of at least one screw connection, i.e. via at least one screw point. This means that several connections, in particular screw points, can be provided for fixing the instrument panel 2 in the motor vehicle, in particular in an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the connections shown in Fig. 1 and Fig.The connection of the instrument panel 2 via the holding device 4 shown in FIG. 2 is a lower connection with respect to the connections. Thus, additional upper connections may also be provided, in particular, via which the instrument panel 2 is held in an upper region of the instrument panel 2 relative to the vehicle vertical direction 8 on the support structure 3 or on a further support structure different from the support structure 3.

[0031] In order to be able to particularly increase the safety of the motor vehicle, in particular in the event of an accident involving the motor vehicle, it is provided that the holding device 4 has at least two deformation elements 10, 11 adjoining one another in a direction of movement 9, for example at least indirectly or directly. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the holding device 4 has three deformation elements 10, 11, 12 adjoining one another in the direction of movement 9, for example at least indirectly or directly.In the event of an accident-related impact on the instrument panel 2, the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 can be moved relative to one another by deforming at least one of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 along the direction of movement 9, in particular in the direction of movement 9, in order to displace or move the instrument panel 2, for example from an initial position 13, in the direction of movement 9 relative to the support structure 3, in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction 7 forwards, for example into a safety position.Thus, for example, it is provided that the instrument panel 2 is movably held on the support structure 3 via the holding device 4, in particular through the intermediary of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, between the starting position and the safety position, wherein the movement of the instrument panel 2 from the starting position 13 into the safety position can be effected or is effected by the, in particular targeted, deformation of at least one of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 as a result of the accident-related impact on the instrument panel 2. As a result, at least part of an installation space of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, extending, for example, in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 7, can be used to displace the instrument panel 2, in particular from the starting position 13 into the safety position.The deformation elements 10, 11, 12, or the deformation of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, can thus serve to provide a deformation path 14. Along the deformation path 14, the instrument panel 2 can be displaced from the starting position 13 into the safety position. The deformation path 14 can thus be understood as a targeted deformation path for displacing the instrument panel 2, in particular from the starting position 13 into the safety position. By deforming at least one of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, in particular by deforming all of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 can be moved telescopically relative to one another, in particular into one another. The holding device 4 can thus have a telescopic structure which is or will be formed by the deformation elements 10, 11, 12.The respective deformation element 10, 11, 12 can thus be understood, in particular, as a respective telescopic stage of the telescopic structure. The respective deformation element 10, 11, 12 is designed, for example, as a crash box, in particular as a respective crash box.

[0032] As illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a crash-load-dependent functional design of the connection of the instrument panel 2 to the supporting structure 3 or the connection of the components forming it can be implemented, for example by means of the geometric design of a crash box, for the screw point of the instrument panel 2, for example, relative to the bottom of the vehicle's vertical direction 8, on the supporting structure 3. In this way, legal requirements and the goals set by consumer protection organizations regarding vehicle safety can be met with particular reliability. Furthermore, load values ​​for dummies can be maintained with particular reliability during crash tests.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment, a first of the deformation elements 10 adjoins a second of the deformation elements 11 toward the front in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 7. Furthermore, the second deformation element 11, in particular, adjoins the third deformation element 12 toward the front in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 7. In other words, the second deformation element 11 is arranged between the first and third deformation elements 10, 12 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 7.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the direction of movement 9 runs at least substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction 7. This means that the direction of movement 9 and the vehicle longitudinal direction 7 of the motor vehicle run at least substantially parallel to each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment provides for the holding device 4 to have at least one predetermined breaking point 15, 16, at which the holding device 4 can be broken open, in particular locally, when the instrument panel 2 is subjected to an accident, in order to move the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 into one another by deforming at least one of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 along the direction of movement 9 relative to one another, in particular to represent the deformation path 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, two such predetermined breaking points 15, 16 are provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second deformation elements 10, 11 are connected to one another via a first of the predetermined breaking points 15, for example directly. Furthermore, the second and third deformation elements 11, 12 are connected to one another via the second of the predetermined breaking points 16, for example directly.This means that the holding device 4 has a first transition region over which the first and the second deformation element pass.

[0036] 10, 11 are connected to each other, and that the holding device 4 has a second transition region, arranged in particular in the vehicle longitudinal direction 7 behind the first transition region, over which the second and the third deformation element

[0037] 11, 12 are interconnected, wherein the transition regions are designed as predetermined breaking points 15, 16. Thus, by collapsing the predetermined breaking points 15, 16, specifically designated as breaking points, the released deformation path 14 can be created, particularly for the instrument panel 2, in particular in order to move the instrument panel 2 from the initial position 13 into the safety position. Of course, it is possible to provide more than the predetermined breaking points 15, 16 shown as examples in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 merge into one another in a stepped manner. This means that the first and second deformation elements 10, 11 merge into one another in a stepped manner. In particular, the second and third deformation elements 11, 12 merge into one another in a stepped manner. In other words, the respective transition region is designed in a stepped manner. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, it can be provided that the stepped transition, in particular between the respective deformation elements 10, 11, 12, is rounded, i.e. has rounded corners, so to speak. The stepped transition regions can therefore have at least one curve, which can in particular be referred to as a radius.

[0039] By means of the telescopic structure, it can be achieved that an installation space available in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 7 or in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle can be used particularly extensively, in particular to its maximum, as deformation path 14. The telescopic structure, which is designed, for example, as a telescopic box structure, can be adjusted in advance, for example by simulation, such that the predetermined breaking points 15, 16, designed, for example, as perforated step changes, tear or break open under a certain force, in particular one caused by an accident.During such a process, i.e., during the tearing or breaking of the predetermined breaking points 15, 16, the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 can then, in particular mutually, collapse into one another, thereby releasing a path or penetration depth, in particular in the form of the deformation path 14, into the interior of the instrument panel 2 or a cockpit. This allows the force acting on the occupant during the accident to be kept particularly low. Furthermore, during the crash test, the force level in the dummy's thigh can be kept particularly low, for example, according to a simulation pre-design, and in particular, cannot exceed 3.8 kN.

[0040] Preferably, it is provided that in the safety position, the displacement or movement of the instrument panel 2, in particular from the safety position, relative to the support structure in the direction of movement 9 is prevented or can be prevented. Thus, if in the event of a crash the predetermined breaking points 15, 16, which are designed in particular as connecting points, break open, in particular in a targeted manner, and the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, which are then, so to speak, broken free, collapse into themselves, remaining or further components of the holding device 4, for example the deformed deformation elements 10, 11, 12, can become blocked, in particular again. However, this preferably only occurs when a residual structural height of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12, which are referred to in particular as breaking elements, has been or will be reached in the deformation path 14. In this case, the force level in the thigh can then increase again.Preferably, the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 are formed at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, from plastic 17. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment provides for the second deformation element 11, and in particular the third deformation element 12, to project beyond the first deformation element at least in a direction 18 running obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement 9, which direction can in particular be referred to as the first direction. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment provides for the third deformation element 12 to project beyond the second deformation element 11 in the first direction 18. As can be seen in particular in Fig.1, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment that the second deformation element 11, and in particular the third deformation element 12, projects beyond the first deformation element 10 at least in a second direction 19 running obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement 9, which second direction 19 runs, for example, obliquely or perpendicularly to the first direction 18. In particular, it is provided that the third deformation element 12 projects beyond the second deformation element 11 in the second direction. This can create the box structure of the telescopic structure. In the exemplary embodiment, the second deformation element 11 is therefore larger than the first deformation element 10 with respect to the directions 18, 19. Furthermore, the third deformation element 12 is, in particular, larger than the first and second deformation elements 10, 11 with respect to the directions 18, 19.The first direction 18 runs, for example, at least substantially parallel to the vehicle vertical direction 8. The second direction 19 runs, for example, at least substantially parallel to a vehicle transverse direction of the motor vehicle.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the respective deformation element 10, 11, 12 has a respective hollow profile 20, which is designed, for example, as an open or closed profile. The hollow profile is designed, for example, as an L-profile, a U-profile, or the like. In other words, the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 are designed as a pure linear shape, in an L-shape, a U-shape, in a rounded or circular design. Thus, different shapes of the telescopic structure can be used and, in particular, designed, for example, in an L-shape, U-shape, arched or closed round, i.e., in a closed and round shape, or closed box-shaped, i.e., in a closed box-shaped shape. A telescopic shape of the deformation elements 10, 11, 12 is particularly important.A number of telescopic stages can enable or release the maximum deformation path 14, especially before the components lock together again in the event of a crash. The more telescopic stages provided, the greater the possible deformation path 14.

[0042] Overall, it can be seen that a crash box or a holding device 4 acting as a crash box can be created for at least one screw point of the instrument panel 2, in particular at the bottom, on the support structure 3. The connection of the instrument panel 2 to the support structure 3 is designed, for example on a driver's side, preferably in the area of ​​a right leg of the occupant or driver sitting on a vehicle seat, as a lower connection point of the instrument panel 2 at the bottom of the support structure 3 in such a way that a telescopic plastic structure of the holding device 4 can break open under a certain load level, in particular in a targeted manner, due to an accident and can then be pushed together, in particular in order to move the instrument panel 2 from the starting position into the safety position.The deformation path 14 thus released can be used for a nearly uniform energy dissipation or for a nearly uniform energy absorption of accident energy. In the case of a crash test, the energy dissipation or energy absorption can therefore be an energy dissipation or energy absorption of the crash test dummy. The vehicle occupant, or in the case of a crash test, the dummy, can thus be decelerated particularly gently, which allows crash specifications in particular to be met particularly safely. The direction of the load of the occupant or crash test dummy impacting the instrument panel 2 in the event of an accident is illustrated in Fig. 2 by an arrow 21.

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] Arrangement Instrument panel Support Structure Holding device Connection area Base body Direction of movement Vehicle vertical direction Vehicle longitudinal direction First deformation element Second deformation element Third deformation element Initial position Deformation path First predetermined breaking point Second predetermined breaking point Plastic First direction Second direction Hollow profile Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Arrangement (1) of an instrument panel (2) on a support structure (3) for a motor vehicle, in which the instrument panel (2) is held on the support structure (3) via a holding device (4), characterized in that the holding device (4) has at least two deformation elements (10, 11) which adjoin one another in a direction of movement (9) and which, in the event of an accident-related impact on the instrument panel (2), can be moved into one another by deforming at least one of the deformation elements (10, 11) along the direction of movement (9) relative to one another in order to displace the instrument panel (2) in the direction of movement (9) relative to the support structure (3).

2. Arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction of movement (9) extends at least substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction (7).

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding device (4) has at least one predetermined breaking point (15) at which the holding device (4) can be broken open in the event of an accidental impact on the instrument panel (2) in order to move the deformation elements (10, 11) relative to one another by deforming at least one of the deformation elements (10, 11) along the direction of movement (9).

4. Arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the deformation elements (10, 11) are connected to one another via the predetermined breaking point (15).

5. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation elements (10, 11) merge into one another in a step-like manner.

6. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the deformation elements (11) projects beyond the other deformation element (10) at least in a direction (18) extending obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement (9).

7. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the instrument panel (2) can be displaced by the deformation of at least one of the deformation elements (10, 11) from an initial position (13) in the direction of movement (9) relative to the support structure (3) into a safety position in which the displacement of the instrument panel (2) relative to the support structure (3) in the direction of movement (9) is prevented.

8. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the deformation elements (10, 11) has a hollow profile (20).

9. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation elements (10, 11) can be moved into one another relative to one another in the event of an accident-related impact on the instrument panel (2) resulting from an impact of a person's leg on the instrument panel (2) by deforming at least one of the deformation elements (10, 11) along the direction of movement (9) in order to displace the instrument panel (2) in the direction of movement (9) relative to the supporting structure (3).

10. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation elements (10, 11) are formed from plastic (17).

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