DASHBOARD CROSSBEAM ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

A dashboard crossbeam assembly for a vehicle includes a dashboard crossbeam with a first longitudinal portion, preferably made of plastic-containing material, the first longitudinal portion forming a plurality of fastening interfaces. Each fastening interface has a recess for receiving a lug. The dashboard crossbeam assembly further includes at least one fastening tab having at least one lug received in one of the recesses forming a fastening interface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dashboard crossbeam assembly (CCB, or Cross Car Beam), for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a dashboard assembly for a vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle, including such a crossbeam assembly.

BACKGROUND

In the automotive field, a dashboard crossbeam assembly is known, which especially allows the dashboard to be fastened to the body of the motor vehicle. Such a dashboard crossbeam assembly may also have a safety function, for example by absorbing part of the energy in the event of a frontal impact causing the body to deform, in order to limit the deformation of the dashboard.

Conventionally, such a dashboard crossbeam assembly is made of metal.

However, a dashboard assembly, referred to as “hybrid”, is known, for example from application EP-A-3,162,671, the crossbeam of which includes a first longitudinal portion made of a first material, especially made of metal, and a second longitudinal portion made of a second material, especially made of composite material. Such a dashboard crossbeam assembly is especially lighter than an identical dashboard crossbeam assembly, entirely made of metal. Dashboard accessories are fastened to the first longitudinal portion and to the second longitudinal portion of the crossbeam.

Such a design, however, requires a mold for molding the second longitudinal portion, specific to each dashboard crossbeam assembly developed. Indeed, the first and second longitudinal portions of the crossbeam differ a priori as a function of the accessories to be fastened to the crossbeam, and the positions thereof. Thus, to produce two different dashboard crossbeam assemblies, it is necessary to implement two separate molds. However, such molds are expensive.

SUMMARY

The present invention aims to improve the situation.

To this end, a dashboard crossbeam assembly for a vehicle is proposed, including:a dashboard crossbeam with a first longitudinal portion, preferably made of plastic-containing material, the first longitudinal portion forming a plurality of fastening interfaces, each fastening interface comprising a recess for receiving a lug, andat least one fastening tab comprising at least one lug received in one of the recesses forming a fastening interface.

Thus, advantageously, a longitudinal portion forms a large number of fastening interfaces, allowing a wide variety of configurations for fastening accessories to the crossbeam. Thus, a single longitudinal portion, especially made of plastic-containing material, can be implemented, for example, in different configurations of dashboard crossbeam assemblies.

According to preferred embodiments, the dashboard crossbeam assembly has one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:the at least one fastening tab comprises two lugs, each received in a respective recess;the plurality of fastening interfaces comprises:a first plurality of fastening interfaces in the form of recesses for receiving a lug, opening onto a first face of the first longitudinal portion, anda second plurality of fastening interfaces in the form of recesses for receiving a lug, opening onto a second face of the first longitudinal portion,the first and second faces of the first longitudinal portion preferably being opposite each other;the dashboard crossbeam assembly comprises a first bracket for fastening to the body of a vehicle, the first bracket defining at least one interface for fastening the dashboard crossbeam assembly to the body of the vehicle, wherein one of the first fastening bracket and the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam defines a first protruding relief, and the other one of the first fastening bracket and the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam defines a first complementary recess for tightly receiving the first protruding relief;the crossbeam comprises a second longitudinal portion, preferably made of metal, fastened to the first longitudinal portion, such that the first and second longitudinal portions of the crossbeam extend substantially next to each other in a direction in which the crossbeam extends;the dashboard crossbeam assembly further comprises a second fastening bracket, attached to one end of the second longitudinal portion of the crossbeam, the second fastening bracket defining at least one interface for fastening the dashboard crossbeam assembly to the body of the vehicle, wherein one of the second fastening bracket and the second longitudinal portion of the crossbeam defines a second protruding relief, and the other one of the second fastening bracket and the second longitudinal portion of the crossbeam defines a second complementary recess for tightly receiving the second protruding relief;at least one of the first longitudinal portion and the second longitudinal portion includes, at one longitudinal end, a recess for tightly receiving a longitudinal end of the other, among the second longitudinal portion and the first longitudinal portion;the dashboard crossbeam assembly further comprises a connector for fastening the first and second longitudinal portions of the crossbeam, with:at least one lug tightly received in a recess of the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam, forming a fastening interface;a first recess for receiving a longitudinal end of the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam; anda second recess for receiving a longitudinal end of the second portion of the crossbeam, the first recess of the fastening connector and the longitudinal end of the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam received therein being preferably suitable for limiting or even preventing the movements of the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam relative to the fastening connector;the fastening connector forms a strut for fastening the dashboard crossbeam assembly to the body of a motor vehicle and/or a fastening tab for fastening an accessory to the crossbeam;the dashboard crossbeam assembly further comprises at least one screw for fastening the fastening connector with the first longitudinal portion and/or the second longitudinal portion of the crossbeam, the dashboard crossbeam assembly preferably comprising a first screw for fastening the fastening connector to the first longitudinal portion of the crossbeam and a second screw for fastening the fastening connector to the first and second longitudinal portions of the crossbeam;the first longitudinal portion comprises a substantially S-shaped cross section, each recess being delimited by a central branch and an end branch of the S, on the one hand, and by two reinforcing ribs, on the other hand; andthe dashboard crossbeam assembly comprises a support for fastening a steering column, fastened to the second longitudinal portion of the crossbeam.

According to another aspect, a dashboard assembly for a vehicle is described, comprising a dashboard and a dashboard crossbeam assembly as described hereinbefore in all its combinations, the dashboard being fastened to the dashboard crossbeam assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the various figures, the same references designate elements that are identical or are identical in function. Only the differences between the different examples presented are described in detail.

FIG.1andFIG.2depict an example of a dashboard crossbeam assembly10for a motor vehicle.

The dashboard crossbeam assembly10is intended to form a structural element of the dashboard D of the motor vehicle V. The dashboard crossbeam assembly10is especially intended to stiffen the body BIW (Body In White) of the motor vehicle V and/or to support equipment or accessories of the motor vehicle V, especially the dashboard D and/or a steering column and/or air ducts of a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning HVAC system of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle V and/or a screen S and/or a glove compartment G and/or an airbag module Ab and/or a heads-up display H.

As illustrated, the dashboard crossbeam assembly10firstly comprises a crossbeam12. The crossbeam12extends mainly along a longitudinal axis A intended to be oriented in a transverse direction in the motor vehicle V. The crossbeam12is said to be hybrid in that it includes a first longitudinal portion16, in this case made of plastic-containing material, and a second longitudinal portion14, made of metal. The term “plastic-containing material” is understood here to mean a plastic material, optionally loaded with reinforcing fibers, especially glass fibers. Thus, plastic-containing materials comprise plastics and composite materials. The material of which the first longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam12is formed comprises for example at least 50% by mass of glass or carbon fibers, preferably at least 60% by mass of glass or carbon fibers.

Herein, the two longitudinal portions14,16extend adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends. In other words, herein, a majority of the length of the first longitudinal portion16and/or a majority of the length of the second longitudinal portion14are not superimposed, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends.

As shown, the second portion14has a substantially tubular shape. Herein, the second portion14has a substantially circular cross section. As can be seen inFIG.1andFIG.2, the dashboard crossbeam assembly10comprises a steering column support17fastened to the second portion14. Especially, the steering column support17can be welded to the second portion14. Specifically, it appears preferable for such a steering column support17to be fastened to a portion14of the crossbeam12made of metal, in order to ensure satisfactory resistance in the event of an impact, especially a frontal impact. In other words, such a configuration wherein a steering column support17is fastened to a metal portion of the crossbeam12appears to be preferable for ensuring the safety of the driver of the motor vehicle V.

Furthermore, a device18for fastening the crossbeam12on to the body BIW of the vehicle V, especially the apron Ta of the body BIW of the motor vehicle and/or to the lower bay crossbeam T of the body BIW of the motor vehicle V, may be fastened to the second longitudinal portion14of the crossbeam12. For example, as shown, the fastening device18is arranged substantially at the same level longitudinally on the second longitudinal portion14of the crossbeam12as the steering column support17.

The dashboard crossbeam assembly10further comprises a first bracket20fastened to a longitudinal end of the second portion14of the crossbeam12, forming one end of the crossbeam12. The first bracket20is for example press-fit and/or screwed onto the second portion14of the crossbeam12. Alternatively, the first bracket20is for example welded to the second portion14of the crossbeam12. The first bracket20is for example made of plastic-containing material or metal. The first bracket20makes it possible to fasten the dashboard crossbeam assembly10onto the body BIW of the motor vehicle V, for example to a first A-pillar of the body BIW of the motor vehicle V.

The dashboard crossbeam assembly10comprises a second bracket22for fastening the crossbeam12onto the body BIW of the motor vehicle V. The second bracket22makes it possible, for example, to fasten the crossbeam12to a second A-pillar of the body BIW of the motor vehicle V. The second bracket22is for example made of plastic-containing material or metal. The second bracket22is for example press-fit and/or screwed and/or welded onto the first portion16of the crossbeam12.

Hereinafter, the first portion16of the crossbeam12is described in more detail, especially in view ofFIG.3toFIG.6.

As can be seen inFIG.3andFIG.4, the first portion16of the crossbeam12comprises substantially a central portion161having a cylindrical outer shape, extending in the direction of the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends, between a first end relief162and a second end relief163. The term “cylindrical” is understood here to mean a shape having a cross section with a constant contour, extending along a longitudinal axis, corresponding herein to the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends. The central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12preferably has a substantially S-shaped cross section.

The central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12forms a plurality of first fastening interfaces24, herein in the form of first recesses25. Herein, all the first recesses25are identical. According to the example shown, twenty-four first recesses25are formed over the entire length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Of course, this number is in no way limiting and a different number of first recesses25can be formed on the central part161. Especially, a number of first recesses25greater than or equal to 4, preferably greater than or equal to 8, and/or less than or equal to 40, preferably less than or equal to 30, may be formed on the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. In addition, herein, the first recesses25are formed over substantially the entire length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Alternatively, first recesses25can only be formed over a limited length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Preferably, first recesses25are formed on at least 25%, preferably on at least 50%, more preferably on at least 75% and even more preferably on 100% of the length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12.

When the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12has a substantially S-shaped cross section, the S shape can be defined by a central branch, extending between two end branches, preferably substantially parallel to the central branch, each end branch being connected to the central branch by a connecting branch, preferably substantially vertical. With such an S-shaped cross section of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12, the recesses25can be delimited by the central branch and one of the two end branches—also referred to as outer or extreme, especially upper—of the S, on the one hand, and by two neighboring ribs or reinforcing walls, on the other hand, the reinforcing ribs or walls extending between the faces of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12forming the central branch and the second branch. For example, the reinforcing ribs or walls extend substantially vertically.

Herein, each first recess25is substantially prism-shaped, with a square cross section, extending along a longitudinal axis comprised in a plane normal to the direction A in which the crossbeam12extends. Of course, other shapes of the first recesses can be imagined, which are accessible to a skilled person.

Each first recess25thus makes it possible to receive, tightly, a lug26of a fastening tab28. Each lug26has a shape that is complementary with a first associated recess25. However, to facilitate the insertion of the lug26into a first recess25, the lug26can be provided with blades30that come into contact with the walls of a first recess25when the lug26is inserted into the first recess25. Thus, the friction between the lug26and the walls of the first associated recess25occurs on a smaller surface, facilitating the insertion of the lug26into the first associated recess25. Each blade30may extend for example substantially perpendicularly to the surface from which it originates. Preferably, the lugs26are hollow to make them easier to form, especially by molding. Alternatively, the lug26is received in the first recess25with play. In this case, the lug26can be fastened in the first recess25by means of a fastening element, such as for example a screw and/or a rivet.

In one embodiment not shown, a device for fastening by elastic fitting (or fastening clip), for example made of metal, is integrated into the first recess25, preferably at the bottom of the first recess25. The lug26can then include a complementary shape, for example a complementary relief, to cooperate with this fastening device by elastic fitting.

As can be seen especially inFIG.5, each fastening tab28may further include a first surface31, herein upper, and/or a second surface33, herein lower, defining a recess tightly receiving the first longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam12. Thus, the first longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam12can be held tightly between at least one of:both surfaces31,33,between the first surface31and a lug26of the fastening tab28, and/orbetween the second surface33and a lug26of the fastening tab28.

Herein, in addition, the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12forms a plurality of second fastening interfaces36. Each second fastening interface36is herein produced in the form of a second recess37. Herein, all the second recesses37are identical. According to the example shown, twenty-four second recesses37are formed over the entire length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Of course, this number is in no way limiting and a different number of second recesses37can be formed on the central part161. Especially, a number of second recesses37greater than or equal to 4, preferably greater than or equal to 8, and/or less than or equal to 40, preferably less than or equal to 30, may be formed on the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. In addition, herein, the second recesses37are formed over substantially the entire length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Alternatively, second recesses37can only be formed over a limited length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Preferably, second recesses37are formed on at least 25%, preferably on at least 50%, more preferably on at least 75% and even more preferably on 100% of the length of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12.

When the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12has a substantially S-shaped cross section, as previously described, the recesses37can be delimited by the central branch and one of the two end branches—also referred to as outer or extreme, especially lower—of the S, on the one hand, and by two neighboring ribs or reinforcing walls, on the other hand, the reinforcing ribs or walls extending between the faces of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12forming the central branch and the second branch. For example, the reinforcing ribs or walls extend substantially vertically.

Herein, each second recess37is substantially prism-shaped, with a square cross section, extending along a longitudinal axis comprised in a plane normal to the direction A in which the crossbeam12extends. Of course, other shapes of the second recesses37can be imagined, which are accessible to a skilled person.

The second recesses37are formed herein so as to open onto a face of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12, opposite the face of the central part161of the first portion16of the crossbeam12, onto which the first recesses25open.

Herein, as shown inFIG.5and inFIG.6, in a plane transverse to the axis A extending the crossbeam12, the section of each second recess37is substantially symmetrical to the section of a first recess25, with respect to the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends.

Each second recess37makes it possible to receive, tightly, a lug26of a fastening tab28. To facilitate the insertion of the lug26into a second recess37, the lug26can be provided with blades30that come into contact with the walls of a second recess37when the lug26is inserted into the second recess25. Thus, the friction between the lug26and the walls of the second associated recess37occurs on a smaller surface, facilitating the insertion of the lug26into the first associated recess37. In this case, each blade30may extend perpendicularly to the surface from which it originates.

Alternatively, the lug26can be received in the second recess37with play. In this case, the lug26can be fastened in the second recess37by means of a fastening element, such as for example a screw and/or a rivet.

In one embodiment not shown, a device for fastening by elastic fitting (or fastening clip), for example made of metal, is integrated into the second recess37, preferably at the bottom of the second recess37. The lug26can then include a complementary shape, for example a complementary relief, to cooperate with this fastening device by elastic fitting.

As can be seen especially inFIG.6, each fastening tab28may further include a first surface31, herein upper, and/or a second surface33, herein lower, defining a recess tightly receiving the first longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam12. Thus, the first longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam12can be held tightly between at least one of:both surfaces31,33,between the first surface31and a lug26of the fastening tab28, and/orbetween the second surface33and a lug26of the fastening tab28.

Each fastening tab28belongs to a support34for fastening an accessory to the crossbeam12. As illustrated especially inFIG.10, each accessory that can thus be fastened to the crossbeam12, especially on the first portion16of the crossbeam12, may for example be chosen from:a glove compartment G;an airbag module Ab;an electronic module M;a screen S, especially a central screen;a dashboard D;an interior trim Tr, especially on the driver side and/or passenger side;a head-up display H;a dashboard Tb comprising at least one equivalent counter or device Di for displaying information relating to the motor vehicle V, especially a velocity and/or engine speed counter of the motor vehicle V and/or at least one such counter or display device Di.

As can be seen inFIG.1, each support34for fastening an accessory to the crossbeam12may include one fastening tab28, two fastening tabs28or even more than two fastening tabs28. The number of fastening tabs28of a support34can especially be chosen based on the weight of the accessory to be supported.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one fastening tab28can be fastened to the body BIW of the motor vehicle V thus strengthening the fastening of the dashboard crossbeam assembly10to the body BIW of the motor vehicle V. Such a fastening tab28may for example be fastened to the apron Ta of the body BIW of the motor vehicle or a lower bay crossbeam T of the body BIW of the motor vehicle V.

It is recalled here that the body BIW of a motor vehicle V comprises, from front to rear, an engine compartment which is closed by a hood and which is separated from the passenger compartment of the vehicle by an apron, Ta and, in the upper part, by a lower bay crossbeam T The lower bay crossbeam T may be integral with the apron Ta. The lower bay crossbeam Ta then differs from the apron T in that it extends substantially horizontally while the apron Ta instead extends rather vertically or obliquely in the vertical direction. The lower bay crossbeam T is intended to support a lower part of a windscreen of the motor vehicle V.

Furthermore, the second end relief163is suitable for allowing fastening of the first bracket20, for example by shape matching. For example, the first bracket20forms a recess for tightly receiving at least part of the second end relief163and/or the second end relief163forms a recess for receiving a complementary relief of the first bracket20. Preferably, the first bracket20forms a recess for tightly receiving at least part of the second end relief163and the second end relief163forms a recess for receiving a complementary relief of the first bracket20, the reliefs and recesses being coaxial, for example having as their axis the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends. Alternatively or additionally, the second end relief163and the first bracket20each comprise a relief, for example a hole, in order to allow the first portion16of the crossbeam12and the first tip20to be screwed together, especially when the recess of the first bracket20receives at least part of the second end relief163and/or the recess in the second end relief163receives the complementary relief of the first bracket20.

The first end relief162includes at least one of a relief suitable for being tightly received in the second longitudinal portion14and a relief suitable for tightly receiving one end of the second longitudinal portion14. Preferably, the first end relief162includes both a relief suitable for being tightly received in the second longitudinal portion14and a relief suitable for tightly receiving one end of the second longitudinal portion14. As shown, the first end relief162projects longitudinally from a substantially planar base42, perpendicular to the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends. The base42protrudes radially with respect to the central part163of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Herein, the base42is generally disc-shaped, with the center thereof comprised on the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends.

The crossbeam12obtained by fitting, here forcibly, first and second longitudinal portions14,16together, is received in a fastening connector56, as shown inFIG.7. The term “fitting” is understood herein to mean a partial overlap of the two longitudinal portions14,16, especially the reception of at least part of one longitudinal portion in the other longitudinal part. The expression “fitting by force” is understood to mean partial overlapping with friction, especially a reception of at least part of one longitudinal portion in the other longitudinal part, with friction.

As is especially visible inFIG.1orFIG.2, the fastening connector56extends outside the first and second longitudinal portions14,16. Preferably, the fastening connector56is however in contact with each of the first and second longitudinal portions14,16, for example on part of the first and second longitudinal portions14,16matching an angular sector of a longitudinal segment of the first and second longitudinal portions14,16. Contact between the fastening connector56and each of the first and second longitudinal portions14,16, outside these longitudinal portions14,16contributes to reinforcing the fastening of the first and second longitudinal portions14,16together, especially by limiting or even avoiding at least some relative movements of the longitudinal portions14,16, with respect to each other, and/or a movement of the assembly formed by the first and second longitudinal portions14,16with respect to the body BIW of the vehicle.

As shown in thisFIG.7, the fastening connector56includes first of all a first recess58for receiving an end portion of the second portion14of the crossbeam12. Herein, the first recess58is formed by a surface60bulging so as to complement the outer surface of the end portion of the second portion14of the crossbeam12. Thus, the surface60herein has the shape of an angular sector of a cylinder, with a radius substantially equal to the outer radius of the second portion14of the crossbeam12and with an axis matching the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends in the dashboard crossbeam assembly10.

The surface60herein has a through-hole62intended to be arranged facing a hole passing through the wall of the end portion of the second portion14of the crossbeam12in the dashboard crossbeam assembly10. It is thus possible to fasten together the fastening connector56and the second portion14of the crossbeam12, received in the first recess58, at a first fastening point, for example by means of a removable fastening device. Removable fastening makes it possible to remove the crossbeam at the end of life, to recover its constituent elements and recycle them. A removable fastening device is for example a screw or a bolt. In contrast, a weld, for example, does not appear as a removable fastening device. Herein, the through-hole62is intended to be opposite an opening in the first end relief162of the first portion16of the crossbeam12and an opening in the second longitudinal portion14of the crossbeam12. Thus, at this first fastening point, the fastening connector56, the first portion16of the crossbeam12and the second portion14of the crossbeam12are fastened together, using a single removable fastening device.

The fastening connector56further includes a second recess64suitable for receiving an end part of the first portion16of the crossbeam12, arranged in the vicinity of the first end relief162. The second recess64is thus delimited by a cylindrical surface66, having as its axis the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends, in the dashboard crossbeam assembly10. The cross section of the surface66is substantially complementary with the outer contour of the cross section of the first portion16of the crossbeam12, in particular in the vicinity of the first end relief162.

In addition, herein, two lugs38as described previously, extend from the surface66delimiting the second recess64of the fastening connector56. Both lugs38are herein suitable for being tightly received in second recesses37of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. As shown, the lugs38may comprise blades30extending perpendicularly to the surface from which the blades30originate. The lugs38thus make it possible to fasten the fastening connector56to the first portion16of the crossbeam12.

Herein, in addition, a through-hole68is provided through the surface66delimiting the second recess64, intended to be opposite an opening70through a wall delimiting a first recess25in the first portion16of the crossbeam12. It is thus possible to fasten the fastening connector56and the first portion16of the crossbeam12together at a second fastening point, for example by means of a removable fastening device. Herein again, removable fastening device is understood to mean, for example, a screw or a bolt.

The fastening connector56further includes a third recess72, arranged between the first and second recesses58,64in the direction of the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends, in the dashboard crossbeam assembly10. The third recess72includes a hollow groove74, suitable for receiving the base42of the first end relief162of the first portion16of the crossbeam12. Herein, the groove74of the third recess72is shaped to limit or even prevent a movement of the base42received in the groove74in the direction of the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends, in the dashboard crossbeam assembly10. Herein, the groove74is delimited by a wall in the form of a cylinder portion, having as its axis the axis A in which the crossbeam12extends.

According to a variant, a fastening element fastens the fastening connector56, at the third recess72, both with a portion of the first longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam12and with a portion of the second longitudinal portion14of the crossbeam12. Preferably, the fastening element is in contact with the first longitudinal portion16and the second longitudinal portion14at the area at which the first and second longitudinal portions16,14fit into each other. The fastening element is for example a screw and/or a rivet.

The fastening connector56contributes to particularly robust fastening together of the two longitudinal portions14,16of the crossbeam12.

Furthermore, in the example shown, the fastening connector56forms a strut32. The strut32may for example be intended to be fastened to the body BIW of the motor vehicle V, especially to the tunnel Tu formed by the floor of the body BIW for receiving a transmission shaft and/or a gas exhaust duct. Alternatively, the strut32can be intended to be fastened to a box of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system HVAC for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle V. In this case, the fastening of the two longitudinal portions14,16of the crossbeam12is further reinforced.

Alternatively, the fastening connector56may form a fastening tab28, intended to allow an accessory to be fastened to the crossbeam12.

The present invention is not limited to only the examples described hereinbefore, but rather is capable of numerous variants accessible to a skilled person.

Especially, in the example described hereinbefore, the second portion14of the crossbeam12is made of metal and the first portion16of the crossbeam12is made of plastic-containing material. However, these first and second portions14,16of the crossbeam12can be made of other materials. Preferably, however, the first and second portions14,16of the crossbeam12, are made of different materials.

According to another variant also, the crossbeam12comprises a single longitudinal portion16of the crossbeam, which is made of plastic-containing material.