Side door assembly for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a side door assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a side frame (2) defining a door opening (7), on which side frame a side door (1) movable between a closed position and an open position is supported; and a catching device (14) comprising a mandrel element (15) arranged on the side frame side and a door-side receiving element (21) arranged on the structural component (8) of the side door (1), which mandrel element and receiving element engage with each other in the event of a deformation of the side door (1) due to an accident caused by a side impact. In order to create a side door assembly, the catch device (14) of which is not adversely affected when a vehicle occupant gets on and off, it is provided according to the invention that the mandrel element (15) is arranged behind a trim part (16) of the side frame (2) and penetrates the trim part in the event of a deformation of the side door (1) caused by an accident due to a side impact, the door-side receiving element (21) is arranged on the door-side receiving element (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a side door assembly for an automobile according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] A particular problem arises in side impacts (in which the side door deforms violently due to the input force) where, in electrically operated vehicles, the side sill beams, rigidly constructed to protect accumulators located at the bottom, rise along the side sill beams and impact the side door relatively high or centrally. This results in high intrusion into the side door and high loads on the door's body-side connection points. The rise of the side door at its lower end causes slippage relative to the side frame, further intensifying the intrusion, or, in cases where the side door is relatively wide, even completely crushing through the door opening at the lower part. Furthermore, the forces and moments acting on the door hinges and lock-lock system increase due to the rise and slippage of the side door. Such side impacts are simulated, for example, using the IIHS 2.0 side impact test.

[0003] US5306067A already discloses a side door assembly for an automobile, in which multiple spindle elements of a capturing device are arranged at a side frame defining a door opening, and a side door movable between a closed position and an open position is supported at the side frame. When the side door is closed, the spindle elements on the side frame side engage in a form-locking manner with corresponding receiving elements arranged at structural members of the side door, such that the spindle elements and the receiving elements also interlock even if the side door deforms due to a side impact, thereby fixing the side door to the side frame.

[0004] A problem with known capture devices is that the pin-shaped spindle element protrudes inward from the side frame toward the door opening. This can cause obstruction, contamination, damage to clothing, and, in particular, injury to vehicle occupants during boarding and alighting. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a side door assembly whose capture device provides particularly advantageous support for the side door in the event of a side collision without adverse effects on vehicle occupants getting on and off the vehicle.

[0006] According to the invention, the task is accomplished by a side door assembly having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] The side door assembly according to the invention includes a side frame defining a door opening, with a side door movable between a closed position and an open position supported on the side frame. Furthermore, the side door assembly includes a capturing device having a spindle element disposed on the side of the side frame and a receiving element disposed on the door side of a structural member of the side door, the spindle element and the receiving element engaging with each other in the event of deformation of the side door due to a side impact. The invention should prevent rising and sliding, thereby reducing the forces and moments acting on the connection points. Simultaneously, it should create additional mating supports for support.

[0008] In order to provide a side door assembly whose capturing device does not adversely affect vehicle occupants when boarding and alighting, according to the present invention, the spindle element is arranged behind the trim member of the side frame and penetrates the trim member in the event of deformation of the side door due to a side collision, so as to engage with the receiving element on the side of the door.

[0009] Therefore, according to the invention, the mandrel element is initially concealed behind the trim member of the side frame, which is generally referred to as the side frame outer member. This trim member of the side frame is, for example, constructed from a sheet metal forming material with a thickness of approximately 0.7 mm, wherein, of course—especially depending on the material—other material thicknesses can also be used. Plastic or composite materials are also conceivable.

[0010] Because the spindle element is typically concealed, it will not obstruct or, in the worst case, injure vehicle occupants when getting in or out of the vehicle. Occupants' clothing will also not be soiled at the spindle element. Finally, a smooth surface can be achieved through the trim panel components, which can be cleaned easily without being obstructed by the spindle element.

[0011] In the event of a severe side impact, the spindle element then breaks through or penetrates the trim panel of the side frame to engage with the receiving element on the door side. This is achieved, for example, by the fact that the corresponding structural member of the side door, constituting the load-bearing structure of the side door, moves toward the side frame due to the force acting in the direction of the vehicle center during a side impact, causing the trim panel of the side frame to be penetrated by the spindle element. Therefore, the spindle element on the frame side engages with the receiving element on the door side, for example, constructed in a cup-like, perforated, or similar structure, so that forces acting in the vehicle height or lateral direction can be absorbed by means of a catch-and-anchor mechanism. Thus, the side door neither rises excessively and slides off the side frame nor is it excessively pressed into the door opening, but instead remains in place with its corresponding structural area. This prevents rising and sliding and thereby reduces the forces and moments acting on the connection point. Simultaneously, additional mating supports are created for support.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spindle element is fastened to a support assembly, which is fastened to an inner part of the side frame. This support assembly is thus configured as a collision box, by which a force can be applied to support the spindle element at the side frame, and this force ultimately determines how and with what force the spindle element penetrates the trim panel or is embedded into the receiving element on the door side.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the mandrel element is constructed as a tubular component. Such a tubular component, due to its work hardening during forming, possesses particularly advantageous strength / stiffness precisely in the base region, thus preventing undesirable deformation of the mandrel component when penetrating the trim component or otherwise.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the receiving element on the door side is covered by a support member, particularly an inner door panel, arranged inside it. This support member is penetrated by the spindle element in the event of deformation caused by a side collision, thereby engaging with the receiving element on the door side. Therefore, according to this advantageous embodiment, in the event of a side collision, not only is the trim panel of the side frame penetrated by the spindle element, but also the corresponding support member of the side door, particularly the inner door panel, which is arranged inside the structural members of the side door, or the collision-bearing structure, and penetrates the receiving element on the door side.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the structural member of the side door having the receiving element on the door side is constructed as a side impact brace. This highly rigid structural member, or impact-bearing structural component, of the side door allows for particularly advantageous anchoring of the side door against the vehicle frame, and more precisely, especially in the lower corner region of the side door on the side opposite to the door hinge.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the capturing device is arranged in the lower corner region of the side frame between the laterally corresponding side sill beam and the laterally corresponding doorpost. In this case, it is further advantageous that the side door is supported by a corresponding hinge on the side opposite to the capturing device. This is especially because, in the event of a force loading caused by an accident involving a side impact, the lower corner region of the side door, exactly on the side opposite to the door hinge, is at risk of rising and sliding off the door frame.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the trim components and / or support members of the side frame, especially the inner door panel, have a weakening structure in the contact area with the spindle element. This allows for particularly advantageous penetration or breaking through of the corresponding contact / covering area of ​​the trim components and / or support members of the side frame, especially the inner door panel. The weakening structure can be implemented, for example, by having a small wall thickness, perforations, grooves, or plugged openings in the contact area. Other weakening structures are also conceivable.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the spindle element is obliquely positioned with respect to the lateral direction of the vehicle. This results in an advantageous orientation of the spindle element, for example, as perpendicular as possible to the trim and / or support members of the side frame, especially the impact contact area of ​​the inner door panel, or also perpendicular to the impact rigid structural members or impact-bearing collision structural members of the side door, such as side impact braces.

[0019] Finally, it has proven advantageous that the receiving element has a larger cross-section than the spindle element. This makes the spindle element and the receiving element particularly advantageously interlocked in situations involving force loading caused by a side impact accident.

[0020] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, and subsequently mentioned in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A partial and perspective side view of the side door assembly of the front side door at the side frame of the car.

[0023] Figure 2 A partial and perspective side view of the lower corner region of the side frame between the laterally corresponding side sill beam and the laterally corresponding door post (B-post), in which the spindle element of the side door's capture device is arranged behind the transparently represented trim member of the side frame in the corner region.

[0024] Figure 3 In the absence of the side frame trim panel components, the arrangement of fastening to the support assembly and placed according to the side frame trim panel components is shown. Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the spindle element in the corner region;

[0025] Figure 4 The arrangement is shown according to Figure 2 and Figure 3A partial and partially sectional top view of the mandrel element in the corner region;

[0026] Figure 5 The diagram shows the side door, side frame, and arrangement according to... Figures 2 to 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the side door assembly with a spindle element in the corner region, along a horizontally extending section plane along the vehicle's transverse and longitudinal directions, the spindle element being arranged in the side door to... Figure 1 The receiving element on the door side of the load-bearing structural member in the form of a side impact brace constitutes a capture device, in which the spindle element and the receiving element are interlocked in the event of deformation of the side door due to a side collision.

[0027] Figure 6 A perspective sectional view is shown, with a cutting plane extending vertically along the vehicle's lateral and height directions, passing through the capture device. The view illustrates a moment in the accident process, in the case of deformation of the side door due to a side impact, at which point the spindle element has not yet fully pierced the trim panel of the side frame and the inner panel of the side door, and has just engaged with the receiving element of the capture device.

[0028] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 A partial and perspective rear view of the capture device, showing the moment in the accident process when the side door is deformed due to a side collision, at which point the spindle element completely pierces the trim panel of the side frame and the inner panel of the side door and is fully engaged with the receiving element of the capture device. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 The side door assembly of the front side door 1 is shown in a partial and perspective side view at the left side frame 2 of the car, viewed in the forward direction.

[0030] Here, the frame-like inner panel 3 or similar structural member of the side door 1 is generally visible from the side door 1; this inner panel is sometimes also referred to as a door support or door frame component. This generally rectangular frame-like inner panel 3 is pivotally abutted at the front of the side frame 2's front post (A-post 6) via upper and lower hinges 4, 5, for example, so that the door opening 7 defined by the side frame 2 is locked in the closed position of the side door 1. The side door can be moved from this closed position to the open position about a corresponding pivot axis extending substantially vertically near the A-post 6.

[0031] In addition, a side impact bracket 8 is visible from the side door 1, which extends from the middle of the bracket area 9 at the front to the lower corner area 10 at the rear of the inner door panel 3.

[0032] Figure 2 A partial and perspective side view of the lower corner region 11 of the side frame 2 between the laterally corresponding side sill beam 12 and the laterally corresponding door post (B-post 13) is shown. In the lower corner region, the spindle element 15 of the capture device 14 of the side door 1 is arranged behind the transparently represented trim member 16 of the side frame 2.

[0033] The spindle element 15 is currently fastened to the so-called inner side frame component 17 by means of the support assembly 18 and covered by the outer side frame component 16, which constitutes the trim component of the side frame 2. Here, the inner side frame component 17 and the outer side frame component 16 form corresponding cavities in the side frame 2, wherein the support assembly 18, along with the spindle element 15 arranged outside the support assembly, is fastened in the lower corner region 11 between the laterally corresponding side sill beam 12 and the laterally corresponding doorpost 13 of the side frame 2. The outer side frame component 16 is, for example, made of sheet metal with a thickness of approximately 0.7 mm, wherein, of course—especially depending on the material—other material thicknesses can also be used. Plastic or composite materials are also conceivable.

[0034] Figure 3 The arrangement is shown with the aid of support assembly 18 according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A partial and partially sectional top view of the spindle element 15 in the corner region. The support assembly 18 is currently constructed as a collision box by means of which forces can be applied to support the spindle element 15 at the inner part of the side frame 17. The support assembly 18 is currently constructed as a sheet metal part and is fastened to the inner part of the side frame 17, for example, by spot welding via corresponding tabs 19.

[0035] The mandrel element 15 is currently constructed as a so-called tubular component. This tubular component is currently introduced through the forming of the sheet metal portion constituting the support assembly 18. This is specifically achieved through… Figure 4 As can be seen, the figure shows in cross-section the arrangement according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A partial and partially sectional top view of the mandrel element 15 in the corner region 11. Such a tubular component, due to its work hardening during forming, possesses particularly advantageous strength / stiffness precisely in the base region, thus preventing undesirable deformation of the mandrel element 15 when penetrating the outer component 16 of the side frame, or otherwise. At its free end, the mandrel element 15 has, for example, a pointed tip. Obviously, the mandrel element 15 can also be constructed in other ways, for example, as a forging or the like.

[0036] Figure 5A partial cross-sectional view along a horizontally extending cutting plane in the vehicle's transverse and longitudinal directions is shown. The side door assembly includes a side door 1, a side frame 2, and, with the aid of a support assembly 18, is arranged according to… Figures 2 to 4 The spindle element 15 is located in the corner region 11 of the inner component 17 of the side frame. The spindle element 15 is arranged here with a small pitch relative to the trim component (outer component 16 of the side frame) of the side frame 2.

[0037] Regarding the lateral direction of the vehicle, a side door 1 is visible on the outside of the side frame 2 having a spindle element 15. The side door includes an inner door panel 3 or similar structural member of the side door 1, a side impact bracket 8 fastened thereto on the outside, and an outer door trim panel 20.

[0038] Here, by Figure 5 It is clearly visible that a receiving element 21 for the door side of the capturing device 14 is provided at the load-bearing structural member in the form of a side impact bracket 4 on the side door 1. This receiving element 21... Figure 5 The term "receiving element" is indicated by an opening, a recess, or a similar structure. However, the receiving element 21 is specifically constructed as a cup, jar, or similar object, as in... Figure 6 In the perspective cross-sectional view of the capturing device 14, and in the view of the cutting plane extending vertically along the vehicle's transverse direction and along the vehicle's height direction. Figure 7 As can be seen in a partial and perspective rear view of the capturing device 14.

[0039] If a side impact occurs where the car collides with an obstacle, obstruction, or other party involved in an accident, as simulated, for example using the IIHS 2.0 side impact test, then the side door 1 moves inward toward the center of the vehicle along the lateral direction of the vehicle, thereby impacting the side frame 2, especially in the lower corner region 11.

[0040] Here, under sufficiently high force loading, the trim component of the side frame 2, i.e., the inner component 17 of the side frame, is first penetrated or broken through by the tip of the spindle element 15. In a further progression of the accident scenario, the structural member of the side door 1, in the form of the inner door panel 3, is then penetrated or broken through, after which the spindle element 15 on the frame side or the body-in-white side engages with or extends into the receiving element 21 on the door side. By engaging the spindle element 15 into the receiving element 21, the intrusion of the side door 1 is prevented from excessively rising at its lower rear end region and sliding along the side frame 2 and being pulled into the door opening 7. Conversely, the forces introduced into the receiving element 21, particularly those acting in the lateral and height directions of the vehicle, are received by the spindle element 15.

[0041] Therefore, in a collision, door 1 is pressed against the side frame 2 by the obstacle. Here, the spindle element 15 not only breaks through the outer side frame 16 but also penetrates the inner door panel 3 and gets stuck in the hole / receiving element 21 of the side impact bracket 8. This creates a form-locking engagement that prevents door 1 from sliding off and rising and forms a mating support for the side impact bracket 8.

[0042] in this case, Figure 6 The following moment is shown in the accident process when the side door is deformed due to a side collision, at which point the spindle element 15 has not yet completely pierced the trim part (side frame outer part 17) of the side frame 2 and the inner door panel 3 of the side door 1 and has just engaged with the receiving element 21 of the capture device 14. Figure 7 The following moment immediately following the incident in the case of deformation caused by a side collision of the side door is shown, at which point the spindle element 15 has completely pierced the trim panel component (outer side frame component 17) of the side frame 2 and the inner door panel 3 of the side door 1 and is fully engaged with the receiving element 21 of the capture device 14.

[0043] Therefore, it is clear that the current system achieves a form-locking connection between the side frame 2 and the collision structure in the side door 1 during a collision. Importantly, the spindle element 15, along with the collision box / support assembly 18, is located within the vehicle body structure and is invisible to the user. During a collision, the outer shell (in this case, the outer side frame 16 and the inner door panel 3) is punctured, and the collision structure is hooked. Thus, the collision structure of the side door 1 acts as a bending beam with a corresponding form-locking mating support and prevents the side door 1 from rising vertically. Here, the system can be tuned to the required rigidity and flexibility through geometric construction. In a preferred embodiment, the spindle element 15 is directly formed into a tubular member from the collision box / support assembly 18 to support the forces and moments that occur, and is fitted into the corresponding opening in the high-strength side impact brace 8 of the door 1. However, threaded, welded, or press-fit elements are also conceivable.

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 1. Side door

[0046] 2 side frames

[0047] 3. Inner door panel

[0048] 4. Hinges

[0049] 5. Hinges

[0050] 6 A-pillar

[0051] 7 door openings

[0052] 8 Side impact protection brackets

[0053] 9. Support area

[0054] 10-corner area

[0055] 11-corner area

[0056] 12 side sill beams

[0057] 13 B-pillar

[0058] 14. Capture device

[0059] 15. Mandrel Components

[0060] 16 side frame external components

[0061] 17. Internal components of the side frame

[0062] 18. Collision box / support assembly

[0063] 19 Connecting pieces

[0064] 20 Door trim panels

[0065] 21 Receiving element

Claims

1. A side door assembly for a motor vehicle, the side door assembly comprising: A side frame (2) that defines the door opening (7) is supported on the side frame, and a side door (1) that can move between a closed position and an open position is supported on the side frame; and a capturing device (14), the capturing device comprising a spindle element (15) disposed on the side of the side frame and a receiving element (21) disposed on the door side of the structural member (8) of the side door (1), the spindle element and the receiving element being interlocked in the event of deformation of the side door (1) due to a side collision, characterized in that, The spindle element (15) is arranged behind the trim piece (16) of the side frame (2) and penetrates the trim piece in the event of deformation caused by a side collision of the side door (1) so as to engage with the receiving element (21) on the side of the door.

2. The side door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spindle element (15) is fastened to the support assembly (18), which is fastened to the inner part (17) of the side frame (2).

3. The side door assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spindle element (15) is constructed as a tubular component.

4. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving element (21) on the door side is covered by a support member, especially the inner door panel (3), arranged on its inner side. The support member is penetrated by the spindle element (15) in the event of deformation caused by a side collision of the side door (1), thereby engaging with the receiving element (21) on the door side.

5. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The structural member of the side door (1) having the receiving element (21) on the side of the door is configured as a side impact brace (8).

6. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The capture device (14) is arranged in the lower corner region (11) of the side frame (2) between the side sill beam (12) and the side post (13).

7. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The side door (1) is supported by a corresponding hinge (4) on the side opposite to the capture device (14).

8. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trim and / or support components of the side frame (2), especially the inner door panel (3), have a weakened structure in the contact area with the spindle element (15).

9. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spindle element (15) is tilted about the lateral direction of the vehicle.

10. The side door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving element (21) has a larger cross-section than the spindle element (15).

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