Flush doors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a "flush" type vehicle door, which includes a mounting seat, an encapsulated fixed vehicle window module (20), a movable vehicle window (14) and a sliding joint (30), wherein the vehicle window includes outer surfaces aligned with each other and with the outer surfaces of a first decorative member (40) and an outer surface (50a) of a second decorative member (50), the first decorative member (40) being attached to a first rising wire strand (30a) and fixed to the first rising column (12a), and the second decorative member (50) being attached to a second rising wire strand (30b) and fixed to the rising profile (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a "flush" type vehicle door and a method for installing the vehicle door. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle includes doors, each of which typically includes at least one window. Figure 1 As shown, the door 10 includes a lower part 10a and an upper part 10b, the upper part 10b forming a frame 12 for surrounding a window 14. When the window 14 is movable, it can be moved from the upper part 10b to the lower part 10a. The frame 12 has a generally inverted U shape and includes two rising posts 12a, 12b connected by an upper track 12c.

[0003] In the present application, "rising" refers to an element having a generally elongated shape and extending substantially from bottom to top or from top to bottom (eg, extending vertically).

[0004] Most doors for installation on standard range vehicles are of the "non-flush" type, ie the outer surface of their window is not aligned with the outer surface of an element (eg a trim piece) extending at least partially around the window.

[0005] In this application, "trim part" refers to any decorative element used for a vehicle door, including appliques, metal or metallized profiles, etc.

[0006] For the more luxurious vehicle lines, it is known that they are equipped with "flush" doors. This type of door has a movable window, the outer surface of which is aligned with the outer surface of the surrounding elements. This alignment or flushness provides an aesthetic aspect that customers are looking for.

[0007] The present invention proposes an improvement in a "flush" vehicle door which facilitates its installation and final painting. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a vehicle door, comprising:

[0009] - a mount comprising a lower part and an upper frame defining an opening, the upper frame comprising two rising columns connected by an upper rail,

[0010] - an encapsulated fixed window module, the module having a generally P-shape, the module comprising a fixed window and a rising profile, the fixed window being mounted in a portion of the opening, the rising profile extending along a rising edge of the fixed window and extending from the opening to a lower portion of the mounting seat,

[0011] - a movable window capable of closing the rest of the opening, the window comprising two raised edges along which the guide is fixed,

[0012] - a sliding joint having a generally U-shaped shape, comprising two rising strands connected by an upper strand, said rising strands having a generally C-shaped cross section, each of said rising strands comprising a longitudinal recess for housing and guiding one of said guides, a first of said rising strands extending along a first of said rising posts and a second of said rising strands extending along said rising profile,

[0013] The fixed window and the movable window include outer surfaces aligned with each other and with the outer surfaces of a first trim piece attached to a first riser strand and fixed to the first riser column and the outer surfaces of a second trim piece attached to a second riser strand and fixed to the riser profile.

[0014] Thus, the present invention provides a vehicle door designed to provide a "flush" appearance between the fixed and movable windows and between the fixed and movable windows and the trim of the door.

[0015] The vehicle door according to the present invention may include one or more of the following features, which may be independent of each other or in combination with each other:

[0016] - the rising profile comprises a body and an overmolded coating, the body being made of hard plastic, the overmolded coating being configured to fix the plastic body to the fixed window,

[0017] - said body comprises a base for attachment to the inner surface of a fixed window, said overmould coating comprising a first portion interposed between the base and the inner surface of the fixed window and a second portion covering said rising edge of the fixed window,

[0018] - the body comprises a rising slot for receiving a lug of the second decorative element,

[0019] - the slot extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the fixed window, the slot comprising a first side wall substantially aligned with the rising edge or a portion of the overmould coating,

[0020] - said slot comprises a second side wall comprising a hole for elastically clamping a hook carried by said lug,

[0021] - the second decorative element has a substantially L-shaped cross section,

[0022] - the second decorative element comprises a wall extending parallel to and between the fixed window and the movable window, the wall comprising the outer surface of the second decorative element,

[0023] - said wall of said second decorative element further comprises an inner surface, on which a rising rib protrudes or is recessed substantially parallel to said rising edge,

[0024] - the ascending line strands each include an outer branch, an inner branch and an intermediate branch for connecting the inner branch and the outer branch,

[0025] - the outer branch of at least one of the rising strands comprises a first rising groove facing outwards, said first rising groove at least partially engaging therein a rising rib of the corresponding decorative element,

[0026] - the outer branch of at least one of the ascending strands comprises a second ascending groove facing inwards, into which at least a portion of at least one hook of one of the guides is engageable.

[0027] - the upper strand comprises a U-shaped clip for attachment to the upper rail,

[0028] - the upper strand comprises an extension extending around a portion of the fixed window and along one of the rising posts,

[0029] - at least one of the first decorative element and the second decorative element is made from a single piece of two materials,

[0030] - The sliding joint is integral.

[0031] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising at least one vehicle door as described above.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for installing a vehicle door as described above, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0033] - Install the encapsulated fixed window module on the mounting base,

[0034] - Install sliding joints,

[0035] - Install removable windows, and

[0036] - Install the first decorative element and the second decorative element.

[0037] Preferably, in step b), the upper strand of the sliding joint is mounted on the upper track by translating it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the upper frame of the door mount and oriented towards the interior of the door.

[0038] Advantageously, the second decorative element is fixed to the rising profile by elastic clamping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages thereof will appear more clearly when reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a car door.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of a vehicle door in FIG.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of some elements of a vehicle door in FIG.

[0043] Figure 4 is based on Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of line CC in,

[0044] Figure 5 is based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of line BB in FIG.

[0045] Figure 6 is based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of line AA in FIG.

[0046] Figure 7 is with Figure 6 A similar view, and showing a variation of the embodiment,

[0047] Figure 8 is with Figure 6 A similar view, and showing a variation of the embodiment,

[0048] Fig. 9 is with Figure 6 Similar views and showing a variation of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, three-dimensional reference notations are used, of which the axis X is horizontal and oriented in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the axis Y is horizontal and oriented towards the inside of the vehicle, and the axis Z is vertical and oriented ascending. The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the front and rear of the vehicle relative to the axis X. The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of the vehicle relative to the axis Y. Finally, the terms "lower" or "lower part" and "outside" or "upper part" refer to the lower part or the upper part of the vehicle relative to the axis Z.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3 A vehicle door 10 is shown, comprising a mounting 11, an encapsulated fixed window module 20, a movable window 14, a sliding joint 30 and trim pieces 40, 50. In the example shown, the door 10 is a front door.

[0051] The mounting base 11 includes a lower portion 10a and an upper frame 12 defining an opening 13, the upper frame including two rising posts connected by an upper rail 12c, the two rising posts being a rear rising post 12a and a front rising post 12b.

[0052] The module 20 has a general P-shape and comprises a fixed window 22 mounted in a portion of the opening 13, here the front portion of the opening 13, and a rising profile 24; the rising profile 24 extends along the rising edge of the fixed window 22, here the rear portion 22a of the window 22, and extends along the opening 13 and below the beltline in the mounting seat. It thus extends at least partially into the lower portion 20a of the mounting seat 11. The fixed window 22 comprises a front rising edge 22b extending along the rear pillar 12b. The inner and outer surfaces of the window 22 are indicated by reference numerals 22c and 22d, respectively.

[0053] The movable window 14 is capable of closing the rest of the opening 13 behind the fixed window 22. The window 14 comprises two rising edges, respectively a rear rising edge 14a and a front rising edge 14b, along which guides 25, 26 are fixed. Each guide 25, 26 is elongated in shape and fixed by any suitable technique, for example by gluing to the inner surface 14c of the window 14. The outer surface of the window 14 is indicated by reference numeral 14d.

[0054] The sliding joint 30 has a generally inverted U-shape and has two ascending strands, namely a rear strand 30a and a front strand 30b, which are connected by an upper strand 30c. The rear strand 30a extends along the rear pillar 12a, the front strand 30b extends along the profile 24, and the upper strand 30c extends forward and is connected to an additional ascending strand 30d at its front end. The extension of the strand 30c extends along the upper edge 22e of the window 22 and the front portion of the upper track 12c. The additional strand 30d extends along the front edge 22b of the fixed window 22 and the front pillar 12b.

[0055] The first trim (rear) 40 is attached to the rear strand 30a and fixed to the rear pillar 12a. The second trim (front) 50 is attached to the front strand 30b and fixed to the profile 24.

[0056] The door 10 is of the "flush" type as described above, Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 4 The Figure 1 AA, BB and CC in FIG. Therefore, Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the upper strand 30c and upper rail 12c is shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the rear pillar 12, the rear strand 30a and the rear trim 40 is shown, and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the front pillar 30 b , the front trim 50 , and the profile 24 is shown.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 As can be seen, the upper rail 12c consists of a folded metal sheet, the upper longitudinal edge 12c1 of which is engaged in a U-shaped clip 32 of the upper strand 30c. The upper edge 12c1 faces outwards and the clip 32 is mounted on this edge by translating from the outside to the inside until the edge 12c1 engages at the bottom of the opening of the clip, which thus faces inwards. The clip 32 comprises two side walls 32a, 32b, respectively a lower side wall and an upper side wall, which are connected to each other by an outer intermediate wall 32c.

[0058] In addition to the clip 32, the upper strand 30c comprises a U-shaped portion 34 having an opening directed downwards to accommodate the upper edge 14d of the movable window 14. The portion 34 comprises two side walls 34a, 34b, respectively an inner side wall and an outer side wall, which are connected to each other by an upper intermediate wall 34c. The wall 34 comprises, at its lower end, a lug 36 for hanging on the lower longitudinal edge 12c1 of the rail 12c.

[0059] In the example shown, the clip 32 and the portion 34 are combined to limit their dimensions, where the walls 32a and 34c merge together.

[0060] The upper strand 30c includes a plurality of sealing lips that cooperate with the window 14, the track 12c, and the vehicle body.

[0061] Reference Figure 5 , the guide 25 is fixed to the inner surface 14c of the window 14 along the rear rising edge 14a of the window 14. The guide 25 is of elongated shape and extends beyond the edge 14a along the axis X to engage in the longitudinal recess 37 of the strand 30a. In addition, the guide 25 may include at least one guide and / or retaining hook 28 facing outwards at its rear end opposite to the window 14.

[0062] The rear strand 30a has a generally C-shaped cross section to define a receiving recess 37 of the guide 25. The strand 30a includes two branches, namely an outer branch 30a1 and an inner branch 30a2, which are connected together by a middle branch 30a3.

[0063] The outer branch 30a1 has a generally S-shaped cross section and includes a rising groove 30a11 facing inwards and for receiving the hook 28 of the guide 25 and a rising groove 30a12 facing outwards to receive the rising rib 42 of the decorative element 40. The groove 30a11 is located between the middle branch 30a3 and the groove 30a12. In addition, the branch 30a includes a rising sealing lip 30a13 at its free front end, which occupies the space between the decorative element 40 and the edge 14a of the vehicle window 14 and is supported on this edge 14a. The strand 30 may include other sealing lips for cooperating with the vehicle window 14, the guide 25, the column 12a, etc.

[0064] The internal branch 30 a 2 is supported inwardly on the front portion 12 a 1 of the pillar 12 a 1 , and the rear portion 12 a 2 of the pillar 12 a 1 extends outwardly behind the branch 30 a 3 so as to define with the latter a space for engaging the lug 44 of the decorative element 40 .

[0065] The internal branch 30a2 comprises, at its front end, a lug 30a21 for attachment to the longitudinal front edge of the portion 12a1 .

[0066] The trim 40 comprises a rising wall 46 parallel to the axis X and including an inner surface 40 b and an outer surface 40 a aligned with the outer surface 14 d of the window 14 .

[0067] The rib 42 and lug 44 as described above protrude from the inner surface 40b of the wall. They are substantially parallel and the rib 42 is located in front of the lug 44, close to the rising front edge of the wall. The dimension of the rib 42 along the axis Y is smaller than the dimension of the lug 44 along the axis Y. The rib 42 fits tightly into the groove 30a12 and allows the strand 30a to be accurately positioned and retained. The lug 44 also fits tightly between the rear portion 12a2 and the branch 30a3.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 The guide 26 is fixed to the inner surface 14c of the window 14 along its front rising edge 14b. The guide 26 is of elongated shape and extends beyond the edge 14b along the axis X to engage in the longitudinal recess 37 of the strand 30b.

[0069] The front strand 30b has a generally C-shaped cross section to define a recess 37 for receiving the guide 26. The strand 30b includes two branches, an outer branch 30b1 and an inner branch 30b2, which are connected together by a middle branch 30b3.

[0070] The outer branch 30b1 includes an outwardly facing rising groove 30b12 to accommodate the pin of the rising rib 52 of the trim 50. In addition, the branch 30a includes a rising sealing lip 30b13 at its free rear end, which occupies the space between the trim 50 and the edge 14b of the window 14 and bears on the edge 14b. The strand 30 may include other sealing lips for cooperating with the window 14, the guide 26, the pillar 12b, etc.

[0071] The inner branch 30 b 2 is supported inwardly on the rear portion 24 a of the profile 24 , the front portion 24 b of which is fixed to the fixed window 22 .

[0072] The profile 24 has a generally L-shaped shape and comprises a rear portion 24 a substantially parallel to the axis X and a front portion 24 a extending outwardly parallel to the axis Y from the front end of the portion 24 a.

[0073] The profile 24 includes a body 27a made of hard plastic and an overmolding coating 27b configured to fix the plastic body to the fixed window 14. The body 27a includes a base 27a1 for attachment to the inner surface 22c of the fixed window 22. The overmolding coating 27b includes: a first portion 27b1 interposed between the base 27a1 and the inner surface 22c of the fixed window 22; and a second portion 27b2 covering the rising edge 22a of the fixed window 22.

[0074] The body 27a also comprises a rising slot 29 for receiving the lug 54 of the decorative element 50. The slot 29 extends parallel to the axis Y and comprises a first side wall, in this case a front side wall 29a, substantially aligned with the edge 22a or portion 27b2.

[0075] The slot 29 comprises a second side wall, in this case the rear side wall 29 b , having a hole 31 for a resilient snap hook 56 carried by a lug 54 .

[0076] The side wall 29b of the slot 29 is supported here by a wall of the body with an L-shaped section, a portion 29b1 of which extends parallel to the axis Y and comprises the hole 31, and a portion 29b2 of which extends from the outer end of the wall 29b1 to the rear, parallel to the axis X. This portion 29b2 comprises a rising rib 29b3 facing rearwards, which engages in a rising recess 58 with a shape complementary to the rib 52 of the trim 50.

[0077] The trim 50 includes a rising wall 56 parallel to the axis X, the rising wall 56 including an inner surface 50b and an outer surface 50a aligned with the outer surfaces 14d, 22d of the windows 14, 22. The rib 52 and the lug 54 protrude from the inner surface 50b of the wall 56. The pin protrudes inwardly at the inner end of the rib 52 and forms a notch 58 on the rear surface of the rib 52.

[0078] It is understood that the trim 50 can be fixed to the profile 24 by double elastic clamping, one of the lugs 54 in the slot 29 and one of the ribs 52 at the rib 29 b 3 and the groove 30 b 12 .

[0079] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A modified embodiment of strand 30b is shown.

[0080] exist Figure 7 In a variation of the embodiment of the present invention, the body 27a does not include the portion 29b2. The outer branch 30b1 of the strand 30b has an S-shaped cross section and includes an inner facing rising groove 30b11 and an outer facing rising groove 30b12 to accommodate the rib 52 of the decorative element 50. The groove 30b11 is located between the middle branch 30b3 and the groove 30b12. The rib 52 of the decorative element 50 does not include a pin or groove 58.

[0081] Figure 8 A variant implementation scheme of Figure 7 The variant embodiment differs in that the guide 26 comprises at least one hook 28 intended to engage in a groove 30 b 11 of the strand 30 b in order to ensure correct positioning and retention of the window 14 .

[0082] Fig. 9 The variant implementation scheme in Figure 7 and Figure 8 The variant embodiment in is different in that the outer branch 30 b 1 of the strand 30 b comprises neither a groove 30 b 11 nor a groove 30 b 12 . This branch 30 b 1 is substantially flat and is interposed between the guide 26 and the wall 56 of the decorative element 50 .

[0083] Preferably, when one window 14 is equipped with a guide 25 or 26 comprising a hook 28 , the other guide 26 or 25 of this window does not comprise such a hook, in order to facilitate the installation and sliding of the window 14 in the door 10 and the sliding joint 30 .

[0084] The present invention also relates to a method for installing a vehicle door 10, the method comprising (for example, referring to Figure 2 )The following steps:

[0085] a) installing the encapsulated fixed window module 20 on the mounting seat 11,

[0086] b) Install the sliding joint 30,

[0087] c) installing movable windows 14, and

[0088] d) Installing the decorative parts 40, 50.

[0089] Preferably, in step b), the upper strand 30c of the sliding joint 30c is mounted on the upper rail 12c by translating it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the upper frame of the door mount and oriented towards the interior of the door. This direction is schematically indicated in the figure by two parallel arrows. Advantageously, at least the second trim element 50 is fixed to the rising profile 24 by elastic clamping.

Claims

1. A vehicle door (10), comprising: - a mounting (11) comprising a lower part (10a) and an upper frame (12) defining an opening (13), the upper frame comprising two rising columns (12a, 12b) connected by an upper rail (12c), - an encapsulated fixed window module (20), the module having a generally P-shape, the module comprising a fixed window (22) and a rising profile (24), the fixed window (22) being mounted in a portion of the opening, the rising profile (24) extending along a rising edge (22a) of the fixed window and extending from the opening to a lower portion of the mounting seat, a movable window (14) capable of closing the rest of the opening, the window comprising two raised edges (14a, 14b) along which guides (25, 26) are fixed, - a sliding joint (30) having a generally U-shaped configuration, said sliding joint (30) comprising two ascending strands (30a, 30b) connected by an upper strand (30c), said ascending strands having a generally C-shaped cross section, each of said ascending strands comprising a longitudinal recess (37) for receiving and guiding one of said guides, a first one (30a) of said ascending strands extending along a first one (12a) of said ascending columns, a second one (30b) of said ascending strands extending along said ascending profile (24), The fixed window and the movable window include outer surfaces (14d, 22d) aligned with each other and aligned with the outer surface (40a) of a first decorative piece (40) and the outer surface (50a) of a second decorative piece (50), the first decorative piece (40) being attached to the first rising strand (30a) and fixed to the first rising column (12a), and the second decorative piece (50) being attached to the second rising strand (30b) and fixed to the rising profile (24), The rising profile (24) comprises a main body (27a) and an overmolding coating (27b), wherein the main body (27a) is made of hard plastic, and the overmolding coating (27b) is configured to fix the plastic main body to the fixed vehicle window (22). wherein the body (27a) comprises a rising slot (29) for receiving a lug (54) of the second decorative element (50), And wherein the slot (29) extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the fixed window (22), the slot (29) comprising a first side wall (29a) substantially aligned with the rising edge (14a) or a portion (27b2) of the overmolded coating (27b).

2. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The body (27a) includes a base for attachment to the inner surface (22c) of the fixed vehicle window (22); the overmolded coating (27b) includes a first portion (27b1) and a second portion (27b2), wherein the first portion (27b1) is interposed between the base and the inner surface of the fixed vehicle window, and the second portion (27b2) covers the rising edge (22a) of the fixed vehicle window.

3. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The slot (29) comprises a second side wall (29b) comprising a hole (31) for elastically clamping a hook carried by the lug (54).

4. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The second trim (50) includes a wall (56) extending parallel to and between the fixed window (22) and the movable window (14), the wall comprising the outer surface (50a) of the second trim.

5. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The wall (56) of the second decorative member (50) further includes an inner surface (50b) on which a rising rib (52) is protruded or recessed substantially parallel to the rising edge (22a).

6. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The ascending strands (30a, 30b) each include an outer branch (30a1, 30b1), an inner branch (30a2, 30b2), and a middle branch (30a3, 30b3) for connecting the inner branch and the outer branch.

7. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The outer branch of the first rising strand includes an outwardly facing first rising groove (30a12), in which the first rising groove (30a12) at least partially engages with the rising rib (42) of the first decorative piece (40), and / or the outer branch of the second rising strand includes an outwardly facing first rising groove (30b12), in which the first rising groove (30b12) at least partially engages with the rising rib (52) of the second decorative piece (50).

8. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 6, wherein: An outer branch (30a1, 30b1) of at least one of the ascending strands (30a, 30b) comprises an inwardly facing second ascending groove (30a11, 30b11), into which at least a portion of at least one hook (28) of one of the guides (25, 26) is engageable.

9. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The upper strand includes a U-shaped clip for attachment to the upper rail.

10. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The upper strand (30c) includes an extension that extends around a portion of the fixed window (22) and along a second one (12b) of the riser pillars.

11. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first and second decorative elements (40, 50) is made from a single piece of two materials.

12. A vehicle comprising at least one door (10) according to claim 1.

13. A method for installing a vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: a) installing the packaged fixed window module (20) on the mounting seat (11), b) Install the sliding joint (30), c) installing movable windows (14), and d) Installing the first decorative element and the second decorative element (40, 50).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: In step b), the upper strand (30c) of the sliding joint (30) is mounted on the upper track (12c) by translating the upper strand in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the upper mounting seat of the door frame (12) and oriented towards the interior of the door.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The second decorative element (50) is fixed to the rising profile (24) by elastic clamping.

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