A side wall trim panel assembly and vehicle

Abstract

A side panel assembly and a vehicle are disclosed. The side panel assembly (100) includes an outer side panel (10) and an inner side panel (20) sequentially arranged and fixedly connected along the direction from the outer side of the vehicle door to the inner side. The side of the inner side panel (10) away from the outer side panel (20) is connected to the side assembly (200). The lower ends of the outer side panel (20) and the inner side panel (10) together define a mounting structure (30) for mounting a window frame sealing strip (60). A vehicle including the above-described side panel assembly (100) is also provided. The side panel assembly (100) and the vehicle can improve the aesthetics of the vehicle and reduce costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a side panel assembly and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional car doors have a side panel assembly, which generally includes an outer side panel, a reinforcing side panel, and an inner side panel. A window frame is located at the bottom of the outer side panel, connecting to it and sealed by a side panel sealing strip. The window frame has a mounting structure for installing the window frame sealing strip, which seals the upper side of the door glass.

[0003] The existing door side panel assembly structure exposes the side panel sealing strip and window frame, making them visible from the side of the car and affecting its aesthetics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a side panel assembly and vehicle that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] One object of the first aspect of the present invention is to provide a side panel assembly that can improve the aesthetics of a vehicle.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a side panel structure that integrates the installation function of window frame sealing strips.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention aims to provide a vehicle including the above-described side panel assembly, which has good aesthetic appeal.

[0008] Another objective of the second aspect of the present invention is to reduce the manufacturing cost of the vehicle and improve production efficiency through the installation structure of the side panel assembly and the side panel assembly.

[0009] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, a side panel assembly is provided, comprising an outer side panel and an inner side panel that are sequentially arranged and fixedly connected in a direction from the outer side of the vehicle door to the inner side. The side of the inner side panel away from the outer side panel is connected to the side assembly. The lower end of the outer side panel and the lower end of the inner side panel together define an installation structure for installing a window frame sealing strip.

[0010] Optionally, a protruding limiting rib is provided on the inner side of the lower end of the outer side decorative panel, and the lower end of the inner side decorative panel includes a bottom extending inward therefrom and a hook bending from the bottom away from the outer side decorative panel toward the outer side decorative panel. The hook is disposed opposite to the limiting rib, and the limiting rib, the bottom and the hook together define the mounting structure for engaging the window frame sealing strip.

[0011] Optionally, the limiting rib extends in a direction toward the inner lower side of the vehicle.

[0012] Optionally, the inner side panel of the side trim is provided with a boss protruding toward the side assembly, and a first mounting hole is provided on the top surface of the boss for inserting a first fastener to fix the side trim panel assembly to the side assembly.

[0013] Optionally, a second mounting hole is provided at the bottom for inserting a second fastener to fix the side panel assembly to the side panel assembly.

[0014] Optionally, the inner side panel and the outer side panel are bonded and fixed together.

[0015] In particular, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a side panel assembly and a side panel trim assembly as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0016] Optionally, the side panel assembly includes a front door side panel assembly, which includes a front side panel outer panel, a front side panel reinforcing panel, and a front side panel inner panel arranged sequentially along the direction from the outside of the door to the inside. The lower end of the front side panel outer panel is configured to match the bottom of the side panel inner panel and is provided with a third mounting hole aligned with a second mounting hole on the bottom of the side panel inner panel for inserting a second fastener.

[0017] Optionally, the second fastener includes a matching expansion nut and a screw, the expansion nut passing through the third mounting hole and having its cap disposed between the front outer panel and the side panel trim inner panel, and the screw passing through the second mounting hole of the side panel trim inner panel from the side away from the front outer panel and then tightened with the expansion nut.

[0018] Optionally, the side panel assembly further includes a rear door side panel assembly, which includes a rear side panel outer plate, a rear side panel reinforcing plate, and a rear side panel inner plate arranged sequentially along the direction from the outer side of the door to the inner side. The upper part of the rear side panel outer plate is configured to match the protrusion of the side panel inner decorative plate, and is provided with a fourth mounting hole aligned with the first mounting hole on the protrusion for inserting a first fastener.

[0019] Optionally, the first fastener includes a matching metal nut, a sealing gasket, and a bolt, the bolt being tightened to the metal nut after passing sequentially through the first mounting hole of the boss, the sealing gasket, and the fourth mounting hole of the rear side outer plate.

[0020] This invention proposes a novel side panel assembly comprising an outer side panel and an inner side panel fixedly connected to each other. The inner side panel is connected to the side assembly, and the lower ends of the outer and inner side panels together define an installation structure for mounting a window frame sealing strip. This structure eliminates the need for a traditional window frame and side sealing strip, reducing the number of components, lowering costs, and avoiding the aesthetic problems caused by exposed window frames and side sealing strips, thus embodying a simple, novel, and aesthetically pleasing design concept.

[0021] Furthermore, the limiting rib of the outer side panel of the present invention, together with the bottom of the inner side panel and the hook, forms an installation structure. The limiting rib is set on the inner side of the outer side panel, and the hook corresponds to the limiting rib, so that the entire installation structure is hidden inside the outer side panel, which further improves the aesthetics of the structure while ensuring that the window frame sealing strip can be installed.

[0022] Furthermore, since the side panel assembly of the present invention integrates a mounting structure for installing window frame sealing strips, and the side panel assembly is fixed to the side assembly using only a first fastener that is substantially Z-oriented and a second fastener that is substantially Y-oriented, the assembly process is reduced compared to the prior art structure that includes window frames and side sealing strips. This reduces assembly steps, manufacturing costs, and production time, improves production efficiency, and decreases the probability of rework and scrap, thus enhancing overall vehicle quality. Eliminating the window frames and side sealing strips also reduces management costs.

[0023] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0024] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a side panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly state of the side panel assembly and the first fastener according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a front view of a vehicle door according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point AA;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point CC;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point D;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an assembly method for a side panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a side panel assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the side panel assembly 100 includes an outer side panel 10 and an inner side panel 20, which are sequentially arranged and fixedly connected along the direction from the outer side of the door towards the inner side. The inner side panel 20 and the outer side panel 10 can be fixed together, for example, by bonding with structural adhesive. The side of the inner side panel 20 away from the outer side panel 10 is connected to the side assembly 200, which generally includes at least an outer side panel and an inner side panel; here, the inner side panel 20 may be connected to the outer side panel. The lower ends of the outer side panel 10 and the inner side panel 20 together define a mounting structure 30 for mounting a window frame sealing strip 60.

[0036] This embodiment proposes a novel side panel assembly 100, which includes a fixedly connected outer side panel 10 and an inner side panel 20. The inner side panel 20 is connected to the side assembly 200. The lower ends of the outer side panel 10 and the inner side panel 20 together define an installation structure 30 for mounting a window frame sealing strip 60. This structure eliminates the need for the original window frame and side sealing strip, reducing the number of parts, lowering costs, and avoiding the aesthetic problems caused by exposed window frames and side sealing strips, thus embodying a simple, novel, and aesthetically pleasing design concept.

[0037] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a raised limiting rib 11 is provided on the inner side of the lower end of the side trim outer panel 10. The lower end of the side trim inner panel 20 includes a bottom 21 extending inward therefrom and a hook 22 bending from the bottom 21 away from the side trim outer panel 10 toward the side trim outer panel 10. The hook 22 is disposed opposite to the limiting rib 11. The limiting rib 11, the bottom 21, and the hook 22 together define the mounting structure 30 for engaging the window frame sealing strip 60. Optionally, the limiting rib 11 extends in a direction toward the inner lower part of the vehicle.

[0038] In this embodiment, the limiting rib 11, the bottom 21, and the hook 22 together form the installation structure 30. The limiting rib 11 is set inside the side wall decorative outer panel 10, and the hook 22 corresponds to the limiting rib 11, so that the entire installation structure 30 is hidden inside the side wall outer panel. This further improves the aesthetics of the structure while ensuring that the window frame sealing strip 60 can be installed.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the side trim panel 10 completely covers the entire mounting structure 30 and window frame sealing strip 60 on the side of the vehicle, so that the mounting structure 30 and window frame sealing strip 60 are completely invisible to the user from outside the vehicle, further improving the aesthetics of the structure.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly state of the side panel assembly 100 and the first fastener 40 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner side panel 20 is provided with a boss 23 protruding toward the side panel assembly 200. A first mounting hole 231 is provided on the top surface of the boss 23 for inserting a first fastener 40 to fix the side panel assembly 100 to the side panel assembly 200.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a second mounting hole 211 is provided at the bottom 21 for inserting a second fastener 50 to fix the side panel assembly 100 to the side panel assembly 200.

[0042] In one embodiment, Figure 1 The side panel trim assembly 100 shown is installed at the side panel assembly 200 at the front door. Figure 2 The side panel assembly 100 shown is installed at the side panel assembly 200 at the rear door. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side decorative outer panel 10 can be a single sheet metal piece or a combination of multiple pieces. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side decorative inner panel 20 can be a one-piece sheet metal part with bosses 23 and first mounting holes 231 formed at different positions, or it can be composed of multiple parts assembled together.

[0043] The present invention also provides a vehicle including a side panel assembly 200 and a side panel trim assembly 100 as described above.

[0044] The vehicle includes a side panel assembly 100, which comprises an outer side panel 10 and an inner side panel 20 fixedly connected to each other. The inner side panel 20 is connected to the side assembly 200. The lower ends of the outer side panel 10 and the inner side panel 20 together define a mounting structure 30 for mounting a window frame sealing strip 60. This structure eliminates the original window frame and side sealing strip, reduces the number of parts, lowers costs, and avoids the aesthetic problems caused by the original exposed window frame and side sealing strip.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a front view of a vehicle door according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point AA. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B. (See image below.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the side panel assembly 200 includes a front door side panel assembly 200, i.e., a side panel assembly 200 disposed at the front door. The front door side panel assembly 200 includes a front side panel outer panel 1, a front side panel reinforcing panel 2, and a front side panel inner panel 3 arranged sequentially along the direction from the outer side of the door to the inner side. The lower end of the front side panel outer panel 1 is configured to match the bottom 21 of the side panel decorative inner panel 20, and is provided with a third mounting hole 201 aligned with the second mounting hole 211 for inserting a second fastener 50. Figure 5As shown, optionally, the second fastener 50 includes a matching expansion nut 51 and a screw 52. The expansion nut 51 passes through a third mounting hole 201, and its head is positioned between the front outer panel 1 and the side trim inner panel 20. The screw 52 passes through the second mounting hole 211 of the side trim inner panel 20 away from the front outer panel 1 along the Y-direction of the vehicle and is then tightened with the expansion nut 51. Optionally, the expansion nut 51 can be an expansion square plastic nut, and correspondingly, the third mounting hole 201 is a square hole.

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point CC. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point D. (See image below.) Figure 6 As shown, the side panel assembly 200 also includes a rear door side panel assembly 200. The rear door side panel assembly 200 includes a rear side panel outer plate 4, a rear side panel reinforcing plate 5, and a rear side panel inner plate 6 arranged sequentially along the direction from the outer side of the door to the inner side. The upper part of the rear side panel outer plate 4 is configured to match the boss 23 of the side panel decorative inner plate 20, and is provided with a fourth mounting hole 202 aligned with the first mounting hole 231 on the boss 23 for inserting a first fastener 40. Optionally, as Figure 6 As shown, the first fastener 40 includes a matching metal nut 41, a sealing gasket 42, and a bolt 43. The bolt 43 passes sequentially through the first mounting hole 231 on the boss 23, the sealing gasket 42, and the fourth mounting hole 202 of the rear side panel 4 along the Z direction (or close to the Z direction) of the vehicle before being tightened with the metal nut 41.

[0047] Figure 4 and Figure 6 The front side panel 1 can be a single piece of sheet metal, forming a structure that matches the side panel assembly 100 at different locations, or it can be composed of multiple parts that are assembled together. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The front side inner panel 3 can be a single, integrally formed sheet metal part, or it can be composed of multiple parts assembled together. Similarly, Figure 4 and Figure 6 The side reinforcement plate can be a single piece of sheet metal or it can be composed of multiple parts assembled together.

[0048] like Figure 5 or Figure 7 As shown, the mounting structure 30 below the side panel assembly 100 is used to install the window frame sealing strip 60, which is used to seal the window glass 70.

[0049] Because the side panel assembly 100 of the present invention integrates a mounting structure for installing window frame sealing strips, and the side panel assembly 100 and the side assembly 200 are fixed together using only a first fastener 40, which is substantially Z-oriented, and a second fastener 50, which is substantially Y-oriented, the assembly process is reduced compared to the prior art structure that includes window frames and side sealing strips. This reduces assembly steps, manufacturing costs, and production time, improves production efficiency, and also reduces the probability of rework and scrap, thus improving overall vehicle quality. Furthermore, eliminating the window frames and side sealing strips reduces management costs.

[0050] Based on the structure of the side panel assembly 100 described above, a simpler assembly method can be adopted. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an assembly method for a side panel trim assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This assembly method is used in the aforementioned vehicle. In one embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, the assembly method includes:

[0051] Step S10: The inner side panel 20 and the outer side panel 10 are bonded together with structural adhesive to form a side panel assembly.

[0052] Step S20: Install the window frame sealing strip 60 into the mounting structure 30.

[0053] Step S30: The side panel assembly 100 with the second mounting hole 211 is fixedly connected to the front door side panel assembly 200 using the second fastener 50. Specifically, the expansion square plastic nut in the second fastener 50 is pre-installed in the third mounting hole 201 of the front side panel outer panel 1. During the assembly of the side panel assembly 100 and the front door side panel assembly 200, the screws 52 are tightened onto the expansion square plastic nut to achieve a fixed connection between the side panel assembly 100 and the front door side panel assembly 200.

[0054] Step S40: The side panel assembly 100 with the boss 23 is fixedly connected to the rear door side panel assembly 200 using the first fastener 40. The bolt 43 and sealing gasket 42 of the first fastener 40 are pre-assembled at the first mounting hole 231 of the boss 23. During the assembly of the side panel assembly 100 and the front door side panel assembly 200, the bolts 43 and metal nuts 41 are tightened to achieve the fixed connection between the side panel assembly 100 and the front door side panel assembly 200.

[0055] It should be noted that the order of steps S20, S30 and S40 can be changed, and there is no restriction on this.

[0056] Because the side panel assembly 100 of the present invention integrates the mounting structure 30 for installing the window frame sealing strip 60, compared with the prior art structure that includes both a window frame and a side panel sealing strip, this invention reduces assembly steps, lowers manufacturing costs, reduces production time, and improves production efficiency. It also reduces rework and scrap, thus improving overall vehicle quality. Furthermore, eliminating the window frame and side panel sealing strip reduces management costs.

[0057] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A side panel trim assembly, comprising an outer side panel and an inner side panel that are sequentially arranged and fixedly connected in a direction from the outer side of a vehicle door to the inner side, wherein the side of the inner side panel away from the outer side panel is connected to the side assembly, and the lower end of the outer side panel and the lower end of the inner side panel together define an installation structure for installing a window frame sealing strip. The lower end of the outer side panel is provided with a protruding limiting rib. The lower end of the inner side panel includes a bottom extending inward and a hook that bends from the bottom away from the outer side panel toward the outer side panel. The hook is disposed opposite to the limiting rib. The limiting rib, the bottom, and the hook together define the mounting structure for engaging the window frame sealing strip.

2. The side panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting rib extends in a direction toward the inner and lower side of the vehicle.

3. The side panel assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inner side panel of the decorative panel is provided with a boss that protrudes toward the side panel assembly. A first mounting hole is provided on the top surface of the boss for inserting a first fastener to fix the side panel assembly to the side panel assembly.

4. The side panel assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A second mounting hole is provided at the bottom for inserting a second fastener to fix the side panel assembly to the side panel assembly.

5. The side panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inner and outer decorative panels of the side walls are bonded and fixed together.

6. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle includes a side panel assembly and a side panel trim assembly according to any one of claims 1-5.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The side panel assembly includes a front door side panel assembly, which includes a front side panel outer panel, a front side panel reinforcing panel, and a front side panel inner panel arranged sequentially along the direction from the outside of the door to the inside. The lower end of the front side panel outer panel is configured to match the bottom of the side panel inner panel and is provided with a third mounting hole aligned with a second mounting hole on the bottom of the side panel inner panel for inserting a second fastener.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The second fastener includes a matching expansion nut and a screw. The expansion nut passes through the third mounting hole and its cap is disposed between the front outer panel and the side panel trim. The screw passes through the second mounting hole of the side panel trim away from the front outer panel and is tightened with the expansion nut.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The side panel assembly also includes a rear door side panel assembly, which includes a rear side panel outer plate, a rear side panel reinforcing plate, and a rear side panel inner plate arranged sequentially along the direction from the outside of the door to the inside. The upper part of the rear side panel outer plate is configured to match the protrusion of the side panel inner decorative plate, and is provided with a fourth mounting hole aligned with the first mounting hole on the protrusion for inserting a first fastener.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The first fastener includes a matching metal nut, a sealing gasket, and a bolt, which is then tightened to the metal nut after passing through the first mounting hole of the boss, the sealing gasket, and the fourth mounting hole of the rear side outer plate in sequence.

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