Abstract: The present invention provides a steering support frame composed of a deck cross member and fastening brackets attached to right and left ends of the deck cross member, and structured by fastening the fastening brackets to respective fitting parts provided in right and left vehicle body frames so as to bridge the deck cross member between the right and left vehicle body frames. To connect the deck cross member and the fastening brackets, one of the ends of the deck cross member is welded to both of a body plate and a surface contact plate of the fastening bracket on a driver seat side, and the other end of the deck cross member is welded only to a body plate of the fastening bracket on a passenger seat side, whereby the deck cross member has a strength difference between the driver seat and passenger seat sides.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a vehicle body front part has a reinforcing member 10 disposed at a corner portion 9 formed by a dash panel 5 and a dash side panel 6. The reinforcing member 10 includes a plate-like main body portion 11 that has a width in a horizontal direction and extends between the dash panel 5 and the dash side panel 6 near the corner portion 9, a first connection portion 12 that is provided at a first end portion 11a of the main body portion 11 and extends in a vehicle vertical direction, and a second connection potion 13 that is provided at a second end portion 11b of the main body portion 11 and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The dash panel 5 and the first connection portion 12 of the reinforcing member 10 are connected to each other by welding, and the dash side panel 6 and the second connection portion 13 of the reinforcing member 10 are connected to each other by welding.

Abstract: A hybrid cross bar is provided, such as for supporting a vehicle dash board. The cross bar is supported, directly or indirectly, on at least one body location of the vehicle by a deformation element. The deformation element has a first sub-region enclosed by a plastic encapsulation. A second sub-region of the deformation element has a deformation region outside of the plastic encapsulation.

Abstract: One aspect according to the present invention includes a base portion and a clamp portion. The base portion can be joined to a first member of a vehicle. The clamp portion is formed integrally with the base portion and can joined to a second member of the vehicle. The clamp portion includes a first jaw and a second jaw defining a receiving space therebetween. The receiving space can receive a part of the second member. A support portion is formed on one of the first and second jaws and is positioned within the receiving space. The support portion is resiliently deformable and can apply a pressing force against the part of the second member in a direction toward the other of the first and second jaws during and after insertion of the part of the second member into the receiving space.

Abstract: A rear loaded part for attaching to a mounting plate having a mating part with a pair of parallel side walls each having a proximate end attached to the mounting plate. An upper surface, which extends between the pair of parallel side wall, includes an aperture and an elongated rib extending parallel to the pair of parallel side walls. The rear loaded part having a pair of parallel guide rails with a proximate end and an opposite distal end. The pair of parallel guide rails extends outwardly from the rear loaded part to define an elongated channel which is dimensioned to receive the elongated rib of the mating part. A pair of tabs extends outwardly from the pair of guide rails, and are dimensioned to snap into the aperture of the upper surface to releasably lock the rear loaded part to the mounting plate.

Abstract: An airbag mounting assembly for vehicles to mount a passenger airbag housing to a cowl cross bar may include a mounting bracket, a first end thereof being mounted to the passenger airbag housing and a fastening unit mounting a second end of the mounting bracket to the cowl cross bar.

Abstract: An attachment element is provided with a central cylinder. The first end of the central cylinder has an internal thread and the other end terminates with an outer disk, where it can be screwed down, and passes through an inner disk between the outer disk and its first end.

Abstract: A structure for the front section of the vehicle body of a vehicle in which the windshield glass is curved to a large extent and the position of the front end of the hood is located below the position of the rear end thereof, the structure enabling a dust seal to be more easily applied to the areas about dashboard lower and upper sections and a windshield support. A structure for the front section of a vehicle body is provided with a joint section (62) at which a rear end flange (51) of a dashboard upper section (22) and a rear end flange (61) of a windshield support (31) are welded together by spot welding. Protrusion sections (63) which protrude rearward relative to a dashboard lower section (21) are provided to the left and right of the joint section (62). An air introduction space (64) is formed so as to open forward from the joined section (62) and so as to continuously continue in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tubular dashboard beam (100) has a circular cross-section and extends transversely between vertical pillars of a motor vehicle. The beam is formed in one piece and has at least two different diameters (d1, d2, d3) between the two ends thereof, a larger diameter (d1) of the beam being in the region of an end (101, 102) of the beam which is intended to be located in the region of a driver's seat of the motor vehicle. At least the end at the driver's seat side which must be fixed to a vertical pillar of the motor vehicle is partially crushed so as to have a cross-section in the form of a circular arc whose chord (105) which closes the cross-section extends at one side and the other of the circular arc (106), providing a planar face whose lateral edges (109) surround the curved face of the circular arc.

Abstract: A dash assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body defining an access opening includes a dashboard configured to extend across and generally obstruct the access opening. The dashboard includes a mounting tab configured to engage a portion of the vehicle body adjacent to the access opening. The dash assembly also includes a retainer having an elongated body configured to connect to the vehicle body. The elongated body extends at least partially about a perimeter of the access opening such that the mounting tab of the dashboard is sandwiched between the retainer and the portion of the vehicle body to secure the dashboard to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A dashboard support for a motor vehicle includes a tubular cross member for installation between A-pillars of a vehicle body, and a holder joined to the cross member for attachment of functional vehicle components. The cross member has at least one slot, oriented in a direction transversely to a longitudinal axis of the cross member, for receiving a limb of the holder such as to allow adjustment of a position of the holder in relation to the cross member by sliding and/or turning the limb before the holder is being joined to the cross member.

Abstract: There is provided a reinforcing structure for a steering support member, which is made up of a pipe part, and is set across in the vehicle width direction. In this reinforcing structure, a pin part is penetratingly arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction in a location in which a steering bracket of the steering support member is fixed, and the end portions of the pin part are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe part.

Abstract: Deformation of an instrument panel reinforcement is effectively suppressed even if there is a large difference between impact loads that are inputted to a driver seat side and a passenger seat side of the instrument panel reinforcement. At the passenger seat side of the instrument panel reinforcement, a passenger seat side brace member is provided that joins a cowl inner panel with a small diameter portion of the instrument panel reinforcement in a vehicle front-rear direction. The passenger seat side brace member is structured by a front side bracket and a rear side bracket being detachably joined by a bolt. Therefore, the rear side bracket is detached when an offset impact occurs at the driver seat side, a large load is inputted to a large diameter portion of the instrument panel reinforcement and the small diameter portion is pulled to the vehicle rearward side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge arrangement for an airbag flap hinged to a dashboard. The motor vehicle dashboard body (1) is provided with an opening closed by a flap (4), both the opening and the flap being defined by an outline (3) that is generally rectangular, the flap being suitable for opening so as to allow an airbag to be deployed. It is further provided with one or more linear ties (11-14) fastened to one face of the dashboard body and to one face of the flap, in such manner that segments (43, 44) of linear ties straddle a portion (6) of the outline that extends transversely relative to the vehicle on which the dashboard is to be mounted, in order to constitute or reinforce a hinge (AX) via which the flap is hinged to the dashboard body. The invention relates to motor vehicle safety.

Abstract: An automotive audio bracket for mounting a vehicle component to an interior surface of the vehicle includes a first mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to a rigid support structure of the vehicle, and a second mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to the vehicle component. An elongated aperture extends through one of the first and second mounting surfaces, the aperture being elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the interior surface. A fastening mechanism is positioned within the aperture and connects the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface.

Abstract: An integrated bracket for attaching multiple components to a vehicle instrument panel reinforcement includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is configured to receive a first component and the second attachment portion is configured to receive a second component. The integrated bracket also includes at least one flange for attaching the integrated bracket to an instrument panel reinforcement.

Abstract: An assembly includes: two crossbars extending substantially in parallel to each other; and two securing members for securing onto the vehicle body, each securing member being secured to one end of each crossbar so as to connect the two crossbars together. The two securing members are made of the same material as the two crossbars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transverse-member motor-vehicle module for receiving the instrument panel and reinforcing the bodywork for the direct connection of the two A-pillars of a motor vehicle, composed of a transverse member with a steering-column retainer, where the transverse-member module, i.e. not only the transverse member but also the steering-column retainer, are manufactured using a metal-plastic-composite design (hybrid technology), and these are composed of at least one main body and of at least one first thermoplastic part and one second thermoplastic part, where these have been securely bonded via injection moulding firstly to the main body and simultaneously the various plastics parts have been bonded to one another, where the two plastics parts are composed of different plastics materials and these are injected in the bi-injection moulding process, where they fuse with one another when they encounter one another.

Abstract: A dashboard support of a motor vehicle includes a cross member having at least two axial profile sections of different cross-sectional configuration. The profile sections are coupled to one another by a flange plat. Secured to the cross member are support arms which are made of profile elements, with one of the support arms being a transmission tunnel support arm arranged substantially in midsection on the cross member or the flange plate. The transmission tunnel support arm is made of two sections of U-shaped cross section, with one of the two sections being shorter than the other one of the two sections.

Abstract: An integrated structural system for a vehicle is provided. The integrated structural system having a molded duct system configured to guide airflow, the molded duct system having a first section and a second section, the molded duct system configured to provide a supporting surface; and a metal structure, the metal structure integrated with the molded duct system by a means for integrating the metal structure with the molded duct system forming an integrated structural load path assembly, the integrated structural load path assembly being configured as a load bearing area to distribute a load on the supporting surface over the integrated structural load path assembly, wherein the means for integrating the metal structure with the molded duct system includes one of sonic welding, heat staking, insert molding, and gluing.

Abstract: A crossbeam for a motor vehicle comprises a crossbeam body and at least one attachment device for attaching at least one vehicle component of the motor vehicle to the crossbeam, the attachment device having an attachment body which is fastened to the crossbeam body and extends in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam body over a partial length of the crossbeam body and away from the crossbeam body in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of attachment elements being present on the attachment body. The attachment body is built up from a plurality of individual blanks which are fastened to the crossbeam body in a distributed manner over the partial length and which each extend with their longitudinal direction and with their blank area transversely to the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam body.

Abstract: A vehicle interior structural assembly includes an instrument panel that is dimensioned to extend laterally between opposing interior side walls of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A structural member extends between first and second ends of the instrument panel such that the structural member is substantially concealed by the instrument panel. A stay bracket is connected to the structural member and extends downward from the structural member. The stay bracket is located forward of a rearmost extent of the instrument panel. A reinforcement member is connected to the stay bracket at a first point and a second point that are vertically spaced from one another. The reinforcement member includes a support portion cantilevered from and extending rearward of the rearmost extent of the instrument panel such that forces applied to the reinforcement member are directed to the stay bracket and the structural member.

Abstract: A support brace supports the instrument panel above the floor pan of an automotive chassis and includes a lap joint that dampens the transmission of low range vibrations through the support brace to the instrument panel. The support brace is formed in two pieces, an upper member and a lower member, that have an overlap section between them, where an elastomeric pad joins the two members. The elastomeric pad can be bonded to the overlap sections or joined with rubber buttons inserted through holes formed in the overlap sections. The overlap sections are vertically spaced above the floor pan to position the elastomeric pad above the heat generated by the vehicle exhaust system. A floating positive mechanical connection in the form of an interlocking tab on one member engaged through an opening in the other member, which stays out of metal to metal contact unless the elastomeric pad fails.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly that includes a first component and a second component fixedly installed within the vehicle interior assembly at spaced apart locations. A trim panel is fixedly attached to the first component in a fixed positional orientation relative to the first component and is attached to the second component in a predetermined range of orientations in order to compensate for minor alignment variations resulting from the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the first and second components.

Abstract: An instrument panel comprising a synthetic resin base material and a skin material covering and integrated with the surface of the synthetic resin base material. The instrument panel may be disposed ahead of a seat within a driving cab in a vehicle. A metal support is integrally formed in the synthetic resin base material and insert-molded in such a state that a part of the metal support is protruded from the synthetic resin base material. The site protruded from the synthetic resin base material has a frame fixing section, which can be fitted and fixed to the cab frame of the vehicle. In such an the instrument panel, even upon exposure to vibration or impact, neither drop of various mounted instruments nor damage to the instrument panel takes place. Further, in mounting various instruments, the necessary number of components can be reduced, and stable mounting of instruments can be realized.

Abstract: The invention concerns the assembly of a cross-member and an instrument panel. The invention concerns an assembly method including assembling a ventilation element (40, 42) on a cross-member (26, 28), and assembling the panel instrument on the cross-member (26, 28) such that a centering device penetrates into the orifice. The method includes: prior to assembling the ventilation elements (40, 42) on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging thereon a base (10) of the centering device of reduced height so that it does not obstruct the assembling of the ventilation elements (40, 42), and, prior to assembling the instrument panel on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging, on the base (10), a body of the centering device. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle cockpits.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption body with essentially in axial direction oriented side elements, whereby the side elements are convex, and with at least one energy absorption element, whereby the energy absorption element is located between the side elements, and whereby the energy absorption element is formed for absorption of a tensile force (F?) which can be applied by the side elements on the energy absorption element, and for deformation upon a compressive force (F?) applied in radial direction on one of the side elements.

Abstract: Noise occurring in an upright air-conditioning unit is greatly reduced. An upright air-conditioning unit 1 is disposed under a steering member support part 23, a vent opening 15 and a vent outlet port 20 are made to communicate with each other via a vent duct 25, a defrost opening 16 and a defrost outlet port 21 are made to communicate with each other via a defrost duct 26. The vent opening 15 assumes a position further frontward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body whereas the defrost opening 16 assumes a position further rearward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: System for engaging two components with each other wherein one of the components has hook-like devices (1) which are suitable for being engaged in an opening (L) of the other component and for co-operating with an engagement lock (2) and which can be moved between a retracted assembly/disassembly position for the two components and an active position for engaging the two components under the control of an operating device (3).

Abstract: A tubular dashboard beam (100) has a circular cross-section and extends transversely between vertical pillars of a motor vehicle. The beam is formed in one piece and has at least two different diameters (d1, d2, d3) between the two ends thereof, a larger diameter (d1) of the beam being in the region of an end (101, 102) of the beam which is intended to be located in the region of a driver's seat of the motor vehicle. At least the end at the driver's seat side which must be fixed to a vertical pillar of the motor vehicle is partially crushed so as to have a cross-section in the form of a circular arc whose chord (105) which closes the cross-section extends at one side and the other of the circular arc (106), providing a planar face whose lateral edges (109) surround the curved face of the circular arc.

Abstract: An instrument panel support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel assembly in a fore/aft direction and an up/down direction within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a lateral support bracket and an end bracket. The lateral support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle and presents a support surface that defines an up/down datum feature and includes a rear edge that presents a fore/aft datum feature. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel assembly. The end bracket presents a first edge and a projection that extends from the first edge. The first edge abuts the support surface of the up/down datum feature to locate the instrument panel assembly in the up/down direction. The projection abuts the rear edge of the fore/aft datum feature to locate the instrument panel assembly in the fore/aft direction.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly that includes a first component and a second component fixedly installed within the vehicle interior assembly at spaced apart locations. A trim panel is fixedly attached to the first component in a fixed positional orientation relative to the first component and is attached to the second component in a predetermined range of orientations in order to compensate for minor alignment variations resulting from the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the first and second components.

Abstract: An energy transferring system for transferring energy from an occupant's knees through an instrument panel assembly to a vehicle cross beam when an occupant's knee drives the instrument panel assembly into the cross beam as a result of an external load placed on the vehicle. The system having an elongated member projecting from the cross beam towards the instrument panel assembly, and an instrument panel assembly having an energy transferring member and a recess registered to said elongated member. Said elongated member and recess working in concert to prevent said cross beam from slipping past said energy transferring member thereby increasing the energy transferring from an occupant's knees to other vehicle structures.

Abstract: A supporting device supports a cockpit, in particular a control panel, on a central tunnel of a motor vehicle. The supporting device has an X-shaped configuration with two arms which carry the cockpit and two legs which are supported on the central tunnel. The tendency of the cockpit to vibrate is minimized precisely because the central tunnel is connected to the cockpit by the X-shaped support.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle, includes: a steering device; a steering hanger beam supporting the steering device; a bracket including a base fixed to the steering hanger beam, an extending portion that extends to a front of the vehicle from the base, a support section that is curved toward an upper portion of the vehicle at a front portion of the extending portion and extends substantially toward a rear of the vehicle; and a vehicle-mounted device supported by the support section and fixed to the steering hanger beam via the bracket.

Abstract: A trim component such as a bezel for attachment to a trim panel, such as an instrument panel of a vehicle, is disclosed and includes one or more retention tabs for securing the trim component to the trim panel. The retention tabs provide for a plurality of limiting features that help in preventing a non-blunt contactable edge condition from occurring, particularly during an impact between the vehicle and another vehicle or object.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle having an instrument panel support configured to be supportive in the vertical direction. The instrument panel support is inserted into a receptacle contained on the underside of the instrument panel such that the receptacle holds the support part in the vertical and lateral directions. The instrument panel support is then affixed to the instrument panel by a fastener. Loads applied to the instrument panel are transferred to the instrument panel support which, in turn, transfers the load to an instrument panel reinforcement thereby improving the rigidity of the instrument panel.

Abstract: System for engaging a dashboard (P) with a chassis (C) of a motor vehicle wherein one of the components, the dashboard or the chassis, includes hook-like elements (1) which are suitable for being engaged in an opening (L) of the other component, the chassis or the dashboard, and for co-operating with members which form an engagement lock (2) and which can be moved between a retracted assembly/disassembly position for the two components and an active position for engaging the two components under the control of operating elements (3).

Abstract: A dash assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body defining an access opening includes a dashboard configured to extend across and generally obstruct the access opening. The dashboard includes a mounting tab configured to engage a portion of the vehicle body adjacent to the access opening. The dash assembly also includes a retainer having an elongated body configured to connect to the vehicle body. The elongated body extends at least partially about a perimeter of the access opening such that the mounting tab of the dashboard is sandwiched between the retainer and the portion of the vehicle body to secure the dashboard to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle reinforcing structure includes an instrument panel crosspiece (1) fixed between the left and right front pillars (2) of the vehicle, and a hollow tube (7) having a length substantially less than the instrument panel crosspiece (1) and substantially parallel to the instrument panel crosspiece, and the hollow tube (7) being fixed to an end portion of the instrument panel crosspiece (1). The hollow tube (7) is rigidly fixed to the instrument panel crosspiece by first and second linking elements (8, 9) so as to form a quadrilateral therewith and through its end proximate the end of the instrument panel crosspiece (1) to the pillar (2) adjacent the vehicle by a threaded element (20) whereof the axis is parallel to the axis of the hollow tube (7) and is inscribed in an inner volume of the hollow tube (7).

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle having an instrument panel support configured to be supportive in the vertical direction. The instrument panel support is inserted into a receptacle contained on the underside of the instrument panel such that the receptacle holds the support part in the vertical and lateral directions. The instrument panel support is then affixed to the instrument panel by a fastener. Loads applied to the instrument panel are transferred to the instrument panel support which, in turn, transfers the load to an instrument panel reinforcement thereby improving the rigidity of the instrument panel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an instrument panel assembly affording for installment in a motor vehicle as one unit even though the assembly has a final width that is greater than a predetermined maximum width criterion for passing the assembly through a doorframe. The instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel having a front side and a rear side, the front side having a temporary attachment structure and a permanent attachment structure. The assembly also includes an electronic panel with a temporary attachment structure and a permanent attachment structure, the electronic panel being operable to temporarily attach to the instrument panel in a position that affords for a reduced width of the instrument panel assembly. A process is also disclosed for installing an instrument panel assembly having an overall width that is greater than a predetermined maximum width criterion.

Abstract: A cockpit module for a vehicle body includes a driver interface such as a steering wheel and a driver information display. The cockpit module is substantially non-self-supporting prior to installation in the vehicle body and is adapted to be structurally supported externally at one or more external support surfaces by at least one structural beam of the vehicle body once installed in the vehicle body. The cockpit module is suitably adapted to be structurally supported externally by an external carrier frame at one or more further external support surfaces during installation until it is secured to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A multi-component instrument panel assembly for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The multi-component instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel component including a first storage unit and a second storage unit. A first insert component is adapted to interconnect with a first side of the instrument panel component. A second insert component is adapted to interconnect with a second side of the instrument panel component. An eyebrow component is adapted to interconnect with the first insert component, the second insert component, and the instrument panel component. A beverage holder is adapted to interconnect with and outwardly extend from the instrument panel component and the eyebrow component.

Abstract: A supporting device supports a cockpit, in particular a control panel, on a central tunnel of a motor vehicle. The supporting device has an X-shaped configuration with two arms which carry the cockpit and two legs which are supported on the central tunnel. The tendency of the cockpit to vibrate is minimized precisely because the central tunnel is connected to the cockpit by the X-shaped support.

Abstract: Provided is a lead-in structure of a front console side panel for guiding the assembly thereof to a driver side lower panel. The lead-in structure includes a substrate having an elongated aperture and a plurality of lead-in bumps, whereas the lead-in bumps are spaced apart and aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aperture. The lead-in bumps collectively have a lead-in surface and are connected onto the substrate and separated from the aperture by a distance. The lead-in bumps optionally are merged to form a singly elongated bump. The angle between the lead-in surface and the aperture is greater than 90 degree, preferably greater than 110 degrees, and more preferably greater than 130 degrees. The number of the lead-in bumps aligned is an integer between 2 and 10. Alternatively, the lead-in bumps are resiliently deformable so as to minimize contact friction during panel assembly.

Abstract: An interior part of a vehicle comprises an outer wall constituted by a resin and/or a material containing the resin, and a thermal conductive member joined to the outer wall. The thermal conductive member is partially joined to a vehicle body panel and/or a metal part engaged with the vehicle body panel, so that temperature increase in a vehicle cabin is controlled effectively.

Abstract: A motor vehicle reinforcing structure includes an instrument panel crosspiece (1) fixed between the left and right front pillars (2) of the vehicle, and a hollow tube (7) having a length substantially less than the instrument panel crosspiece (1) and substantially parallel to the instrument panel crosspiece, and the hollow tube (7) being fixed to an end portion of the instrument panel crosspiece (1). The hollow tube (7) is rigidly fixed to the instrument panel crosspiece by first and second linking elements (8, 9) so as to form a quadrilateral therewith and through its end proximate the end of the instrument panel crosspiece (1) to the pillar (2) adjacent the vehicle by a threaded element (20) whereof the axis is parallel to the axis of the hollow tube (7) and is inscribed in an inner volume of the hollow tube (7).

Abstract: An instrument panel system includes box sections that increase the stiffness, rigidity, and natural frequency of the instrument panel system. A two-piece instrument panel system provides a two-tone appearance with differing die draws and grains.

Abstract: A bracket enables mounting of non-standard sized or shaped instruments in openings of a standard pillar mount or similar instrument mounting arrangement. The bracket includes a first extension that fits in a standard opening and a second extension that mounts the instrument at a position offset from the standard opening.