Vehicle comprising collision control system, collision control system and method

Abstract

Collision control system (40) for controlling deflection of an instrument cluster (30) in a vehicle during collision. Said collision control system (40) comprises a steering assembly (10) including a steering wheel (12) and a steering column (11), a cross car beam (20) comprising a first sliding surface (22), and an instrument panel assembly (35) including an instrument cluster (30) and a second sliding surface (32), which is arranged to abut and slide along said first sliding surface (22) during said collision. During collision said steering column (11) is configured to move forward in a controlled manner and said steering column assembly (10) is arranged to push said instrument cluster (30), such that said second sliding surface (32) of said instrument panel assembly (35) slides along the first surface (22) for controlled deflection of the instrument cluster (30).

Claims

1. Collision control system for controlling deflection of an instrument cluster in a vehicle during collision, wherein said collision control system comprises: a steering assembly including a steering wheel and a steering column; a cross car beam comprising a first sliding surface; and an instrument panel assembly including the instrument cluster and a second sliding surface, which is arranged to abut and slide along said first sliding surface during said collision, wherein during collision said steering column is configured to move forward in a controlled manner and said steering assembly is arranged to push said instrument cluster, such that said second sliding surface of said instrument panel assembly slides along the first sliding surface for controlled deflection of the instrument cluster.

2. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster comprises said second sliding surface or wherein said instrument panel assembly comprises an instrument panel substrate that comprises said second sliding surface.

3. Collision control system according to claim 2, wherein said first sliding surface of said cross car beam is located on a cross car beam attachment located on said cross car beam.

4. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein an extension direction of said first sliding surface defines an angle (al) relative to a direction of axial extension of the steering column, and wherein said angle (al) is in the range of 10-80 degrees.

5. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein said steering assembly comprises a steering assembly attachment arranged at said steering column, wherein said steering assembly attachment comprises a bearing surface, wherein said steering assembly is arranged to push said instrument cluster by said bearing surface during said collision, wherein an extension direction of said bearing surface defines an angle relative to a direction of axial extension of the steering column, and wherein said angle is in the range of 10-80 degrees.

6. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second sliding surfaces is equipped with at least one groove along at least part of the extension of the first or second sliding surface, which at least one groove extends in an intended sliding direction of said second sliding surface along said first sliding surface.

7. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sliding surfaces are configured for deflecting the instrument cluster in a direction towards a point above the cross car beam.

8. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein the first sliding surface is substantially flat.

9. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein the collision control system is configured such that the force needed to displace said instrument cluster 50 mm along said first sliding surface is below 500 N.

10. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or second sliding surfaces comprises two transversally spaced sliding surface parts.

11. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sliding surfaces are arranged to abut during normal operation of the vehicle.

12. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein the cross car beam has a beam-like structure that is arranged to extend from one transverse side of the vehicle to the other, and wherein the cross car beam is arranged to be fixed to a vehicle frame.

13. Collision control system according to claim 1, wherein the steering column is fastened and supported by the cross car beam or a cross car beam attachment.

14. Vehicle comprising a collision control system according to claim 1.

15. Collision control system according to claim 4, wherein said angle (al) is in the range of 20-60 degrees.

16. Collision control system according to claim 4, wherein said angle (al) is in the range of 30-55 degrees.

17. Collision control system according to claim 5, wherein said angle is in the range of 30-75 degrees.

18. Collision control system according to claim 5, wherein said angle is in the range of 45-70 degrees.

19. Collision control system according to claim 9, wherein the collision control system is configured such that the force needed to displace said instrument cluster 50 mm along said first sliding surface is below 300 N.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures in which like references characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments through schematic figures.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a longitudinally cut schematic view of a collision control system prior to deflection,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a longitudinally cut schematic view of a collision control system subsequent to deflection,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a longitudinally cut schematic view of another example embodiment of the collision control system prior to deflection,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a longitudinally cut schematic view of another example embodiment of the collision control system subsequent to deflection,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a cut schematic view of the first and second sliding surfaces, and

(7) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the collision control system prior to deflection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) FIGS. 1 and 2 show longitudinally cut schematic views of an example embodiment of a collision control system 40. The collision control system 40 is installed in the dashboard area 45 of a vehicle. The collision control system comprises a steering assembly 10, a cross car beam 20 and an instrument panel assembly 35.

(9) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the collision control 40 before a collision type event has occurred.

(10) The cross car beam 20 is fixed to a vehicle frame or chassis 50 and is a beam-like structure extending from one transverse side of the vehicle to the other. Many interior components of the vehicle are subsequently attached to the cross car beam 20. A cross car beam attachment 21 is attached to the cross car beam 20. The cross car beam attachment 21 can be part of a general cross car beam attachment, or a separate attachment specifically for the purpose of assembling the collision control system 40. The cross car beam attachment 21 may serve to provide support to the steering column 11, and/or providing support to the instrument panel assembly 35.

(11) The steering assembly 10 comprises a steering column 11, a steering wheel 12, a steering column component unit 13 and a steering column cover 14. In the example embodiment shown in the figures, the steering column cover 14 partly covers the steering column 11 and steering column component unit 13. This serves to separate mechanical elements and electronics from the passenger compartment reducing risk of accidental damage to either. The steering column 11 extends through an opening in the steering column cover 14 and is attached to the steering wheel 12 at the other end of this opening. The steering assembly 10 also comprises a steering column boot 16, which is a flexible detail arranged to enclose the more flexible parts of the gap between the steering column cover 14 and the instrument cluster 30.

(12) The steering column component unit 13 comprises electronics and mechanics for operating stalks and switches thereon and on the steering wheel for input by the driver to e.g. turn signals, windshield wipers and so on. The steering column component unit 13 also includes the horn coil and optionally knee absorption elements for reducing the impact on a driver's knees during collision.

(13) On the steering assembly 10, a bearing surface 15 is formed as part of the steering column cover 14 and/or steering column component unit 13. The bearing surface 15 defines an angle .sub.2 relative to the steering column 11. This angle .sub.2 is approximately 60 degrees in the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The specific angle .sub.2 may depend on the dimensions of the surrounding structural elements. The angle .sub.2 should preferably be between 10-80 degrees, specifically in the range of 30-75 degrees, and more specifically in the range of 45-70 degrees.

(14) Additionally, the steering column component unit 13 is provided with a similar angled surface arranged on the interior of the bearing surface 15 which among other things allows the steering column component unit 13 to be housed interiorly of the angled bearing surface 15.

(15) While not shown in the figures, the cross car beam attachment 21 also functions to fix the steering column 11 to the body of the vehicle via the cross car beam 20, thereby providing dual functionality of the cross car beam attachment 21. In particular, the steering column 11 may be clamped to the cross car beam 20 or cross car beam attachment 21 by means of threaded members or by means of welding.

(16) In the example embodiment of FIG. 1 the cross car beam 20 comprises the first sliding surface 22, and more specifically, the cross car beam 20 comprises a cross car beam attachment 21, which is provided with and comprises the first sliding surface 22. By forming the first sliding surface directly on the cross car beam 20 or cross car beam attachment 21, such that the first sliding surface is integrally formed with the cross car beam 20 or cross car beam attachment 21, no additional component is required for providing the desired guidance ramp enabling controlled deflection of the instrument cluster 30. This solution thus simplifies assembly and reduces cost. Moreover, a high strength support structure underlying the first sliding surface 22 is also provided, thereby reducing the risk for collapse of the first sliding surface 22 during a crash event.

(17) The first sliding surface 22 is substantially flat. Thereby mounting and correct positioning of the member carrying the second sliding surface 32 is simplified and cost-efficient. The first sliding surface faces in a direction upwardly and towards a rear of the vehicle for enabling the desired deflection of the instrument cluster 30.

(18) The first sliding surface 22 extends towards a point above the cross car beam 20, such as to ensure that any object sliding along the first sliding surface does not collide with the cross car beam 20. This means that a plane defined by the first sliding surface 22 does not intersect with the cross car beam 20.

(19) The first sliding surface defines an angle .sub.1 relative to the steering column 11. This angle .sub.1 is approximately 50 degrees in FIGS. 1 and 2. The specific angle .sub.1 may depend on the dimensions of the surrounding structural elements. The angle .sub.1 should preferably be between 10-80 degrees, specifically in the range of 20-60 degrees, and more specifically in the range of 30-55 degrees.

(20) The cross car beam attachment 21 forms a ramp having a ramp surface with respect to the longitudinal direction of the steering column 11, wherein the first sliding surface 22 is provided on the ramp surface.

(21) The instrument panel assembly 35 comprises an instrument cluster 30, an instrument panel substrate 36 and a second sliding surface 32, which second sliding surface 32 is arranged to abut and slide along the first sliding surface 22. The instrument cluster 30 is arranged above the steering assembly 10, inside the dashboard region 45. The instrument cluster 30 comprises electronics and meters for informing the driver of the vehicle regarding the status of the vehicle, such as e.g. the speedometer, fuel gauge, and status information display.

(22) In the example embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second sliding surface 32 is arranged on an outside part of the instrument cluster. In these example embodiments, the instrument cluster 30 has an instrument cluster portion 31, which instrument cluster portion 31 comprises the second sliding surface 32. The instrument cluster portion 31 can be an integral part of the instrument cluster 30 or formed as a separate unit and assembled to the instrument cluster 30.

(23) In FIG. 1, the instrument cluster 30 is arranged such that the second sliding surface 32 is abutting the first sliding surface 22 on the cross car beam attachment 21. However, it is also possible that the instrument cluster 30 is arranged at a short distance from the cross car beam attachment, and will abut only upon collision of the vehicle.

(24) Upon the vehicle colliding with another object, the steering column 11 will move forward in a controlled manner, which will drive the components of the steering assembly 10 in an axial direction of the steering column 11 towards a point below the cross car beam. The forward motion of the steering column 11 is the result of a controlled axial collapse of the steering column 11 upon engagement from a compressive force. For example, the force may be about 2500 N, however this value may vary depending on many factors such as the steering column design.

(25) As the steering column 11 moves forward in a controlled manner, the bearing surface 15 will start to press on the instrument cluster 30. Thereby, the instrument cluster 30 will be pressed in such a manner that it slides along the first sliding surface 22 by means of the second sliding surface 32. As the instrument cluster 30 is pressed sufficiently along the first sliding surface 22, the instrument cluster 30 will also have been sufficiently distanced from the steering column assembly 10, by travelling along the bearing surface 15, in the radial direction of the steering column that the instrument cluster 30 will have cleared the steering assembly 10.

(26) The disclosure is not limited to a direct contact between the bearing surface 15 of the steering assembly 10 and the instrument cluster 30, but any part of the steering assembly 10 may be arranged to press any part of the instrument panel assembly 35 such that the instrument cluster 30 will be slidingly displaced from a normal position to a deflected position, depending on the design of the instrument panel assembly 35 and steering assembly 10.

(27) Shown in FIG. 2 is the structural relationship of the components of the collision control system 40 after the steering column 11 has moved forward in a controlled manner. The instrument cluster 30 has been slid along the first sliding surface 22 as a result of being pressed by the bearing surface 15. The instrument cluster 30 has thus cleared the steering assembly 10 and is now essentially located above the steering assembly 10 in the radial direction of the steering column 11.

(28) The instrument cluster 30 is arranged partially enclosed by a compartment of the instrument panel assembly 35. Part of the compartment of the instrument panel assembly 35 in which the instrument cluster 30 is arranged, such as a wall or roof thereof, is arranged to flex and/or hinge to accommodate the displacement of the instrument cluster 30. The instrument cluster 30 may push on said part of said compartment, or the instrument cluster 30 may be in rigid communication with the instrument panel assembly 35, which will thus push said part of said compartment to accommodate the displacement of the instrument cluster 30.

(29) In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the compartment is formed as part of the instrument panel substrate 36, which will thus hinge/and or flex upon the instrument cluster 30 being displaced.

(30) FIGS. 3 and 4 show another example embodiment of the collision control system 40.

(31) In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second sliding surface 32 is arranged on another part of the instrument panel assembly 35, in this case the instrument panel substrate 36. The instrument cluster 30 is embedded in or arranged on the instrument panel substrate 36. The instrument cluster 30 and instrument panel substrate 36 are arranged such that when the instrument cluster 30 is pushed, pushing movement will cause at least part of the instrument panel substrate 36 slide along the first sliding surface 22 by means of the second sliding surface 32. Thereby, both at least part of the instrument panel substrate 36 and the instrument cluster 30 will slide along the first sliding surface 22 by means of the second sliding surface 32.

(32) In FIG. 3, the instrument cluster 30 is arranged such that the second sliding surface 32 is abutting the first sliding surface 22 on the cross car beam attachment 21. However, it is also possible that the instrument panel substrate 36 is arranged at a short distance from the cross car beam attachment 21, and will abut only upon collision of the vehicle.

(33) In FIG. 4, the structural relationship of the example embodiment in FIG. 3 after the steering column 11 has moved forward in a controlled manner is shown. The instrument panel substrate 36 has been slid along the first sliding surface 22 as a result of the instrument cluster 30 being pressed by the bearing surface 15. The instrument cluster 30 has thus cleared the steering assembly 10 and is now essentially located above the steering assembly 10 in the radial direction of the steering column 11.

(34) In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the tip of the dashboard 45 and instrument panel substrate 36 are flexed and/or hinged away from the steering assembly 10 by the action of the instrument cluster 30 being displaced.

(35) According to yet another example embodiment (not shown in the figures) the cross car beam 20 supports the instrument panel substrate 36, which comprises the first sliding surface 22. Thereby, the cross car beam 20 supports the first sliding surface 22. The instrument panel substrate 36 may for example be fastened to the cross car beam 20 or cross car beam attachment 21. In this case, the instrument cluster 30 comprises the second sliding surface 32, and the instrument cluster 30 moves along the first sliding surface 22 of the instrument panel substrate 36 when pressed by the bearing surface 15.

(36) FIG. 5 shows a lateral cut view of the first and second sliding surfaces 22, 32. Shown in FIG. 5, the cross car beam attachment 21 comprises an upper and a lower part, where the first sliding surface 22 is located on the topside of the upper part. The instrument cluster 30 is provided with grooves 33 which extend along the sliding direction of the instrument cluster 30. The grooves 33 reduce the surface area contact between the first and second sliding surfaces 22, 32 which reduces friction during the sliding movement upon collision. The desired friction may differ between vehicle designs, and the size of the grooves and/or proportion thereof to the abutting parts of the second sliding surface 32 may be adjusted to achieve a suitable friction, by which the force required to displace the instrument cluster may be adjusted.

(37) The desired in friction is achieved by longitudinal grooves 33 in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, but additional and/or alternative manners in which this can be achieved may be incorporated in the collision control system 40. The desired friction can for example also, or alternatively, come from the materials used for forming the first and second sliding surfaces 22, 32. Other structural designs of the sliding surfaces 22, 32 may be also be used.

(38) A perspective view of an example embodiment of the collision control system 40 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 6. The cross car beam 20 is fastened to the frame 50 of the vehicle at both transverse sides of the frame 50. The cross car beam 20 comprises a cross car beam attachment 21. A steering column 11 is disclosed permanently fastened to the cross car beam 20 via the cross car beam attachment 21. A steering wheel 12 and steering column component unit 13 are schematically illustrated in front of the instrument cluster 30 that is located in the normal position.

(39) The cross car beam attachment 21 according to the disclosed example embodiment comprises two transversally offset cross car beam attachment members. Both cross car beam attachment members have similar geometry and size and each member comprises a first sliding surface 22. Many alternative designs of the cross car beam 20 and/or cross car beam attachment 21 are however possible and the illustrated design of the two cross car beam attachment members is merely one example out of many, which may be selected according to the specific circumstances. For example, there may be only a single member having a single first sliding surface 22, or the two members are interconnected by a plate that forms a single first sliding surface 22.

(40) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. It is appreciated that various features of the above-described examples can be mixed and matched to form a variety of other alternatives. As such, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be included within their scope.

(41) The order of embodiments has no particular meaning and has nothing to do with the importance of the embodiments.

REFERENCE LIST

(42) 10 Steering assembly 11 Steering column 12 Steering wheel 13 Steering column component unit 14 Steering column cover 15 Bearing surface 16 Steering column boot 20 Cross car beam 21 Cross car beam attachment 22 First sliding surface 30 Instrument cluster 31 Instrument cluster portion 32 Second sliding surface 33 Groove 35 Instrument panel assembly 36 Instrument panel substrate 40 Collision control system 45 Dashboard 50 Vehicle frame .sub.1 First sliding surface angle .sub.2 Bearing surface angle