Profile rail for a vehicle door track

Abstract

The invention relates to a profile rail for a door rail of a vehicle, comprising a first profile rail part (2) having a first end face (S1) and a second end face (S2), and a connecting piece (4), wherein the connecting piece (4) has a first end (4a) and a second end (4b), the first end (4a) of the connecting piece (4) having a first end face connection region (5) for connection with the first profile rail part (2). The profile rail, which can be installed reliably and simply and allows low-noise operation, is configured such that the connecting piece (4) is designed as a separate profile rail part, and the connecting piece (4) can be connected with at least one end face (S1; S2) of the first profile rail part (2) via the first end face connection region (5) by means of a plug-in system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a profile track for vehicle door guide rails. Background Technology

[0002] In practice, door rails for vehicles equipped with sliding doors for personnel access are known. These sliding doors are typically guided in an integral rail by appropriate guiding or retaining devices fixed to the vehicle body. In particular, the curved sections of the integral profile rail or guide rail pose problems for the guiding devices (e.g., the rollers of the door's roller carriage), because the curved sections can shrink or bend during manufacturing processes (e.g., during the stretching and bending of the profile rail). Therefore, until now, to ensure that the guiding devices (especially in the curved sections of the profile rail) operate smoothly to a certain extent, very high manufacturing tolerances must be maintained.

[0003] CN108661476B discloses a profile rail for a vehicle door guide rail, including a first profile rail member having a first end face and a second end face, and a connector, wherein the connector has a first end face and a second end face. Here, the first end face of the connector has a first end face connection area for abutting against the first end face of the first profile rail member. The profile rail member and the connector include strip-shaped holes to allow for fixing the profile rail member and the connector to a surface by screw connection. Alternatively, the profile rail member and the connector can also be welded together.

[0004] DE102008021802A1 discloses a door guide rail with a profile track, which extends longitudinally and is divided into two parts: a lower guide rail and an upper guide rail, which are connected to each other by rivets. The upper guide rail of the profile track is a deep-drawn member, and the lower guide rail is a rolled and stretched bending member. A device for guiding and supporting the door can be inserted into the profile track and moved along it. Disadvantageously, the aforementioned profile track includes at least two parts that need to be connected, namely the upper and lower guide rails. Ultimately, the assembled profile track is equivalent to a single integral component because it is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction. In particular, for curved profile tracks corresponding to the aforementioned design, the dimensional tolerances of the upper and lower guide rails may be high due to differences in manufacturing methods, etc. Furthermore, thermal expansion and / or thermal contraction caused by temperature changes can also lead to unwanted dimensions in the profile track to be assembled. Therefore, maintaining specific manufacturing tolerances is difficult in terms of manufacturing technology. Furthermore, since the profile rails are assembled with the vehicle body and other components in subsequent assembly steps, the repeatability of the final assembly of the profile rails onto the vehicle is significantly increased. In addition, the required installation tolerances between the guide rail assembly and the profile rails may not be maintained, potentially leading to uneven sliding door operation and noise interference during the opening and / or closing of the sliding door.

[0005] DE202010010125U1 discloses a connecting device for at least two profile track members. The connecting device includes a first profile track member, a second profile track member, and a connector made of plastic. To ensure a force-fit and form-fit connection between the two profile track members, the connector is adhered to the first and second profile track members. Here, the first and second profile track members are arranged such that the first end face region of the first profile track member and the second end face region of the second profile track member abut against each other. Furthermore, the bottom side of the connector has an adhesive coating, which is also equipped with a peelable film. To connect the two profile track members, the connector is adhesively disposed on both the first surface of the first profile track member and the second surface of the second profile track member.

[0006] US20170211306A1 discloses an integral profile rail for a vehicle door guide, including a first profile rail member having a first end face and a second end face, and a connector, wherein the connector has a first end face and a second end face. Here, the connector is designed as an intermediary element to establish a specific distance between the vehicle body and the profile rail member. Here, the connector is located between the vehicle body and the profile rail member. Furthermore, the connector is oriented substantially parallel to the profile rail member.

[0007] DE102009033136A1 discloses a profile track, wherein the profile track includes a plastic component made of an irradiated cross-linked plastic material. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to manufacture a profile track for vehicle door guide rails. This profile track is easy to install, reliable in performance, and has low operating noise.

[0009] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a profile track having the features described in this application.

[0010] According to the present invention, a profile track for a vehicle door guide rail is manufactured. The profile track includes a first profile track member having a first end face and a second end face. Furthermore, the profile track includes a connector having a first end face and a second end face. In this case, the first end face of the connector has a first end face connection area for connection with the first profile track member. The profile track is characterized in that the connector is designed as a separate profile track member, and the connector can be connected to at least one end face of the first profile track member via the first end face connection area by means of a plug-in system. Compared to profile tracks having multiple interconnected profile track members, its advantage lies in the standardized modular design, so that each specific part of the profile track can use precisely defined components. This ensures high quality and also improves flexibility during assembly due to compliance with manufacturing and installation tolerances. For this purpose, the profile track according to the present invention can be composed of customized individual components that can be interconnected via an intuitive plug-in system, thereby providing profile tracks of specific lengths and orientations. Advantageously, any errors, such as those caused by unmaintained manufacturing tolerances or potential thermal variations in length, can be compensated for during assembly. Furthermore, the modular system allows for the rapid and efficient production of individual profile rails, enabling different vehicles to be equipped with individual profile rails of varying lengths and routes for door guides. To simplify assembly, the individual profile rails are intuitively interconnected via a plug-in system. This improves assembly ease, minimizes tooling requirements, and maintains small manufacturing tolerances. Another advantage of the plug-in system is that the profile rails can be easily disassembled or extended to accommodate different adjustments to their length and orientation. Moreover, the detachable connection of individual standardized profile rail components for use with other profile rails effectively avoids scrap caused by manufacturing defects. Another advantage of the plug-in system for door guides is that if a portion of the profile rail is damaged, such as from a collision, it is not necessary to replace the entire profile rail; only the defective section needs to be replaced with a complete profile rail component.

[0011] The connectors are advantageously made of plastic materials. For example, the plastic material for the connectors can be polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyoxymethylene, or polypropylene, produced through injection molding. Because plastics are much more flexible than steel or aluminum, connectors made of plastic are particularly easy to connect to other profile rail components, as the connectors can deform elastically to a certain extent. Furthermore, plastic connectors have particularly good plastic deformation properties. This is important, for example, in possible subsequent connection processes, such as clamping. Compared to metal components, plastics have a lower density, thus effectively reducing the overall weight of the composite profile rail. In addition, connectors made of plastic can act as a buffer when thermal changes occur in length, compensating for length changes in metal components. Another advantage of plastic connectors is their strong corrosion resistance. Furthermore, composite profile rails using plastic materials also have the advantage of being quiet, as plastic can absorb interfering noise and suppress potential vibrations. Because the connectors are produced through injection molding, even relatively complex shapes of connectors can be produced quickly, at low cost, and in large quantities.

[0012] The first profile rail component is preferably made of a metallic material. Because the first profile rail component is made of a metallic material (e.g., steel or aluminum alloy), the load-bearing capacity and load-bearing capacity of the door guide rail can be effectively improved, thereby extending its service life. The straight profile rail component is preferably made of aluminum alloy through an extrusion process. When using steel or aluminum alloy, each profile rail component can be anodized or coated before final assembly onto the vehicle body to prevent wear and corrosion.

[0013] According to another alternative preferred embodiment, the first profile track component is made of a plastic material. For example, the plastic material of the first profile track component and the connector can be polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyoxymethylene, or polypropylene, etc. Compared to metal components, plastic has a lower density, thus effectively reducing the overall weight of the profile track. Furthermore, since the entire profile track is made of plastic, material and production costs can be significantly reduced. In this case, all profile track components, including the connector, are produced by injection molding, which is highly cost-effective. Additionally, since plastic absorbs interfering noise and suppresses potential vibrations, profile tracks made of plastic have the advantage of being quiet. Moreover, all profile tracks used are made of the same material with the same mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties; therefore, for example, when thermal changes occur in length, the profile tracks will experience uniform thermal expansion or contraction due to the same coefficient of thermal expansion. This has the advantage of minimizing internal stresses that may occur within the assembled profile track, thereby always ensuring reliable and quiet movement of the support rollers and guide rollers.

[0014] Particularly preferred is that the plastic material is designed as an irradiated crosslinked plastic material. Advantageously, through irradiation crosslinking, the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of inexpensive industrial plastics can be altered, giving them the characteristics of high-performance plastics. Thus, irradiated crosslinked plastics can effectively improve load-bearing capacity and load-bearing capacity, thereby extending the service life of the door guide rail. On the one hand, the overall weight of the profile rail is significantly reduced due to the use of plastic materials; on the other hand, the irradiated crosslinked profile rail has excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. Furthermore, individual profile rail components and connectors can be rapidly and mass-produced using an economical and efficient injection molding process.

[0015] The second end of the connector advantageously has a second end face connection area for connecting a second profile rail member, wherein the second profile rail member has a first end face and a second end face. In this case, the connector can be connected to at least one end face of the second profile rail member via the second end face connection area by means of a plug-in system. Advantageously, the connector can serve as both a central component between two profile rails and an end component of the profile rails. This improves the functionality of the profile rails and facilitates their production and application. Therefore, the connector can have a second end face connection area, which, like the first profile rail member, can be connected to the second profile rail member via a plug-in system. The second profile rail member can be made of a steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic material corresponding to the first profile rail member.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector includes a bend having at least one radius. In this case, the connector can function as a corner connector or angle connector, allowing the assembled profile rail to extend to a corner via a corresponding profile rail member, or at least partially along the bend. Designed as a corner connector, the connector can join at least two profile rails together at an angle preferably between 90° and 150°, more preferably between 140° and 100°, and particularly between 130° and 110°. The inner radius of the connector is preferably between 50 mm and 100 mm, particularly preferably between 60 mm and 70 mm, allowing the corresponding support rollers and guide rollers of the door rail to move smoothly along the bend within the connector. In this case, the connector primarily handles the angle between the first and second profile rail members; therefore, depending on the application, individual connectors with different angles and radii can be used, providing easy-to-assemble and flexible components for assembling individual profile rails and ultimately mounting them to the vehicle body. In addition, there are straight and curved connectors, which allow for the quick and efficient provision of profile tracks with curved sections through a modular plug-in system.

[0017] The first profile track member has a first guide profile, and the connector has a second guide profile. In this configuration, the first guide profile of the first profile track member and the second guide profile of the connector are aligned and flush with each other in the assembled state of the profile track, thus allowing the device for guiding and supporting the door to move along the assembled profile track. To enable the corresponding support rollers, guide rollers, and / or sliding elements that serve as door guide components to move smoothly and quietly within at least one track member of the profile track, the respective guide profiles are preferably identical with respect to each profile track member or connector. Furthermore, in the assembled state of the profile track, the transitions between the respective profile track members or connectors are continuous with almost no gaps. Therefore, with respect to the connector and at least one profile track member, the corresponding guide profiles or at least the guide diameters are oriented to be aligned, flush, and mated with each other. The guide diameter should be understood as the area where the guide profile contacts the guide rollers, support rollers, and other potential sliding elements during door movement. Furthermore, the entire guide diameter of the profile track is preferably smooth. Therefore, whether manually or by motor, the doors can be opened or closed very smoothly, with a smooth and quiet operation.

[0018] The cross-sections of the first profile track component and the connector are preferably C-shaped. The advantage of the C-shaped cross-section is that it is particularly suitable for inserting the corresponding guide rollers and support rollers into the guide profile of the profile track and allowing them to move reliably within it without undesirable disengagement between the profile track and the guide rollers and support rollers. Furthermore, the production of C-shaped components, such as injection molding of plastic components or extrusion of metal components, can be easily and cost-effectively completed because the overall geometry of the profile track component is relatively simple. In addition, the C-shaped cross-section has excellent mechanical stability, thus ensuring a high load-bearing capacity for the profile track.

[0019] The angle of the other leg extending from the support leg of the C-shaped profile track is preferably between 80° and 135°, preferably between 90° and 110°, and particularly preferably between 90° and 100°. Advantageously, the inclined extended leg of the C-shaped profile track can serve as a support, preventing the guide roller and support roller from falling laterally or sliding out of the profile track. Therefore, the guide roller and support roller are always reliably fixed within the guide rail diameter provided for the guide roller and support roller.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector includes at least one plug-in element and at least one guide element. The corresponding connection area of ​​the connector preferably has a male connection element for plug-in connection with a profile rail member. These connection elements include, among others, guide and retaining aids designed as vertical plates, each extending from the connector at its end face. Furthermore, the connector includes plug-in elements and latching elements, both extending from the connector at their end faces. The guide and retaining aids of the connector are arranged to be flush with another profile rail member in the assembled state. Moreover, the guide and retaining aids, as well as the plug-in and latching elements, effectively prevent gaps from forming in the connector in the assembled state, thus ensuring that the connector does not change its position relative to the connected profile rail member in any direction. Additionally, the plug-in element may be equipped with at least one resilient latching protrusion, giving the connector at least one latching element. The combination of the latching element and the plug-in element can be used to achieve a stable force-fit or form-fit plug-in connection between the connector and the next profile rail member. This is preferably a detachable plug-in connection with small tolerances, allowing the connector to be tightly attached to the profile rail component. For attaching the connector to the profile rail component, the profile rail component preferably has a female cavity element corresponding to the male connector of the connector. Furthermore, the profile rail component preferably has at least one corresponding alignment latching element designed as a recess. The resilient latching element or resilient latching protrusion of the connector can be latched into the alignment latching element in a force-fit and form-fit manner. Advantageously, with the corresponding male and female connectors, a simple, quick, and intuitive plug-in system for installing profile rails can be provided without additional tools.

[0021] Alternatively, the connector may include a female cavity element at at least one end, wherein at least one cavity element has at least one aligning latching element. Thus, on at least one end face, the first profile rail and the second profile rail may each have a corresponding male plug element and latching element for mating connection with the connector.

[0022] In the assembled state of the profile rail, at least one guide element of the connector preferably engages with the inner or outer side of the first profile rail member in the longitudinal direction. In this configuration, the connector can be stably held in place in the assembled state of the profile rail, especially under potential torsional forces, thus preventing accidental rotation of the connector. In summary, the protruding plug-in element, latching element, and guide element effectively prevent the connector from changing its position relative to the first profile rail member in any direction during the assembled state of the profile rail. Furthermore, potential torsional rotation of the connector is also prevented, ensuring that the orientation of the corresponding guide profile or guide diameter remains aligned and flush, guaranteeing easy, smooth, and quiet movement of the support rollers and guide rollers throughout the profile rail.

[0023] Further advantages, features, characteristics, and developments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a first example embodiment of the profile track is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Perspective view of the curved connector of the medium profile rail.

[0027] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the first profile track along line III-III.

[0028] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the profile track in its assembled state.

[0029] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A top view of the profile track.

[0030] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the first profile track along line VI-VI. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1An exploded perspective view of a first example embodiment of a three-piece profile track 1 is shown, comprising a first straight profile track member 2, a second straight profile track member 3, and an arc-shaped connector 4 located between the two profile track members 2 and 3. Therefore, the connector 4 is designed as a third profile track member. The first profile track member 2 has a first end face S1 in the direction toward the connector 4 and a second end face S2 in the direction away from the connector 4. Corresponding to the first profile track member 2, the second profile track member 3 has a first end face S3 in the direction toward the connector 4 and a second end face S4 in the direction away from the connector 4. The connector 4 has an arc-shaped cross-section, comprising a first end portion 4a facing the first end face S1 of the first profile track member 2 and a second end portion 4b facing the first end face S3 of the second profile track member 3. On one hand, the first end 4a of the connector 4 includes a first end face connection area 5 for connection with the first profile track member 2; on the other hand, the second end 4b of the connector 4 includes a second end face connection area 6 for connection with the second profile track member 3. Therefore, the connector 4 is symmetrical with respect to the central plane E. The first connection area 5 and the second connection area 6 have the same or mirror-symmetrical geometry.

[0032] Figure 2 Shown in magnified view Figure 1 The connector 4 has an arc-shaped connector 4 with an inner radius R. The first connection area 5 includes a first linear insertion element 8, a second linear insertion element 9, and a first linear latching element 7a with a first latching protrusion 7b. Furthermore, the first connection area 5 of the connector 4 includes a first linear guide element 10 and a second linear guide element 11, both designed as flat, thin-walled plates. The second connection area 6 of the connector 4 includes a first linear insertion element 13, a second linear insertion element 14, and a first linear latching element 12a with a first latching protrusion 12b. Additionally, the second connection area 6 of the connector 4 includes a first linear guide element 15 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown) 16 second linear guiding elements (e.g.) Figure 5 (As shown). Due to their guiding and retaining functions, the guiding elements 10; 11; 15; 16 can prevent the connector 4 from rotating or changing position in any direction while it is assembled in the profile track 1. In general, the connector 4, its latches and plugging elements 7a; 7b; 8; 9; 12a; 12b; 13; 14, and the guiding elements 10; 11; 15; 16 are integral or formed from a single casting.

[0033] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1The profile track member 2 has a C-shaped cross-section along line III-III. The C-shaped cross-section of the profile track member 2 has a base 17, which is designed with vertical walls having an inner side 18 and an outer side 19. A first guide profile 20a of the profile track member 2 is located on the side facing the inner side 18, and guide and support rollers can move within the first guide profile. Furthermore, the base 17 also has a lower support leg 21 and an upper support leg 22, wherein a third support leg 23 extends from the end face of the upper support leg 22 toward the lower support leg 21. The lower support leg 21 has a first cavity H1 in which an alignment latching element 26 is arranged. The upper support leg 22 has a second cavity H2, and the third support leg 23 has a third cavity H3. The cavities H1, H2, H3 and the alignment latching element 26 of the first profile track member 2 are used as... Figure 2 The corresponding male insertion elements and female receiving elements 7a; 7b, 8; 9 of the connecting member 4 are provided. Furthermore, the cavities H1; H2; H3 of the first profile track member 2 have rounded corners 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f and guide chamfers 25a, 25b, 25c. The guide chamfers 25a, 25b, 25c are all located at the entrance of cavities H1, H2, H3 and completely cover the periphery of the corresponding cavities H1; H2; H3 so that the insertion elements and latching elements 7a; 7b, 8; 9 of the connecting member 4 can be smoothly inserted into the corresponding cavities H1; H2; H3 of the first profile track member 2. The alignment latching element 26 arranged in the lower support leg 21 of the profile track member 2 is designed as a through hole, which, when the connecting member 4 is inserted into the profile track member 2, Figure 2 The latching elements 7a and 7b of the intermediate connector 4 can be latched in the through hole in a form-fit manner. In addition, the base 17 includes a stepped bend 27, so that the lower region 17a and the upper region 17b of the base 17 are offset from each other.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows the result of Figure 1 Profile rail 1 is assembled from individual profile rail components 2, 3, and 4. Profile rail 1 is designed for use as a door guide rail in vehicles. Figure 4 The profile track 1 shown is used to guide the support and guide device of the vehicle sliding door (not shown in detail here) and extends axially generally along the main sliding direction of the vehicle sliding door. For mounting the profile track 1 to the vehicle body, both the first profile track member 2 and the second profile track member 3 have at least one slotted hole 28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e. The profile track 1 can be connected to the vehicle body by means of force-fit and form-fit connection devices, such as screws, passing through the slotted holes 28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e of the first profile track member 2 and the second profile track member 3. Furthermore, Figure 4Guide elements 10 and 15 of the connector 4 are shown, arranged on the inner side 18 of the profile track 1. Here, the guide element 10 of the connector 4 extends longitudinally relative to the first profile track 2 and extends toward the second end face S2 of the first profile track 2. The guide element 15 of the connector 4 extends longitudinally relative to the second profile track 3 and extends toward the second end face S4 of the second profile track 3. The first profile track 2 has a first guide profile 20a. The connector 4 has a second guide profile 20b, and the second profile track 3 has a third guide profile 20c. To ensure optimal movement of the corresponding support and guide rollers within the guide contours 20a, 20b, and 20c, the assembled profile track 1 features flush transitions between the first profile track component 2 and the connecting component 4, and between the second profile track component 3 and the connecting component 4. This allows the guide contours 20a, 20b, and 20c of the first profile track component 2, the second profile track component 3, and the connecting component 4 to form a single unit. This enables the support and guide rollers to move quietly and smoothly within the assembled profile track 1. Furthermore, the transition sections of the profile track 1 are designed to be virtually seamless and continuous.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the assembled profile track 1. Because the connector 4 has a curved portion with an inner radius R, the first profile track 2 and the second profile track 3 are at an angle W to each other due to the connector 4. Here, the angle W is 120°. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the inner radius R of the connector 4 is 65 mm, thus ensuring a smooth and uniform transition from the first profile track 2 to the second profile track 3. Furthermore, from... Figure 5 The outer side 19 of the profile track 1 can be seen, thus revealing the guide elements 11 and 16 of the connector 4. Here, the guide element 11 of the connector 4 extends longitudinally relative to the first profile track 2 and extends toward the second end face S2 of the first profile track 2. The guide element 16 of the connector 4 extends longitudinally relative to the second profile track 3 and extends toward the second end face S4 of the second profile track 3.

[0036] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5The profile track member 2 has a C-shaped cross-section along line VI-VI. With the profile track 1 inserted, the guide elements 10 and 11 of the connector 4 are arranged longitudinally along the profile track member 2 to engage with the inner side 18 and outer side 19 of the base 17. Here, the first guide element 10 of the connector 4 is located on the inner side 18 of the lower region 17a of the base 17. The second guide element 11 of the connector 4 is located on the outer side 19 of the upper region 17b of the base 17. Therefore, this arrangement of clamping the base 17 prevents accidental rotation of the connector 4 relative to the first profile track member 2. Furthermore, Figure 6 The latching protrusion 7b of the connector 4 located in the lower leg 21 of the first profile track member 2 is shown. The latching protrusion engages with the alignment latching element 26, thereby securing the connector 4 in the first profile track member 2.

[0037] Corresponding to the first profile track member 2, the second profile track member 3 has the same cross-section. Therefore, the second profile track member 3 can be inserted into the connector 4 via the connecting area 6 at the second end 4b. The second end 4b is symmetrical to the first end 4a.

[0038] In order to connect the connector 4 to the first profile track 2 in a form-fit manner, the connector 4 and the first profile track 2 must initially be arranged matingly. For example, the first end 4a of the connector 4 is oriented parallel to the first end face S1 of the first profile track 2. Furthermore, both the connector 4 and the first profile track 2 have a C-shaped cross-section, so the orientation of the first end 4a of the connector 4 and the first end face S1 of the first profile track 2 coincides with their C-shaped cross-sections. In this respect, it should also be noted that the insertion elements and latching elements 7a; 7b, 8; 9 are all concentrically and coaxially oriented relative to the cavities H1; H2; H3 of the first end face S1 of the first profile track 2, so that the insertion elements and latching elements 7a; 7b, 8; 9 can be inserted into the corresponding cavities H1; H2; H3 located within the end face S1. The latching element 7a, having a latching protrusion 7b, is assigned to the first cavity H1, which has an aligning latching element 26. The insertion element 8 is assigned to the third cavity H3, and the insertion element 9 is assigned to the second cavity H2. Furthermore, it should be noted that the guide contour 20a of the first profile track 2 and the guide contour 20b of the connector 4 are arranged parallel, aligned, and flush with each other. Once the first profile track 2 and the connector 4 are properly positioned, the connector 4 can be inserted with its insertion elements and latching elements 7a; 7b, 8; 9 into the corresponding cavities H1; H2; H3 of the first profile track 2, thereby connecting them together until the latching protrusion 7b of the connector 4 engages with the alignment latching element 26 in the lower leg 21. Thus, a force-fit and form-fitting insertion connection is formed between the connector 4 and the first profile track 2. The alignment latching element 26 is arranged in the lower leg 21 within the guide contour 20a of the first profile track 2. Furthermore, the alignment latch element 26 is designed with a through hole on the lower leg 21 of the first profile rail member 2, allowing the latch protrusion 7b to freely contact its underside. By pressing the bottom side of the latch protrusion 7b in the direction toward the upper leg 22 of the profile rail member 2, the latch protrusion 7b can be moved to a position outside the alignment latch element 26, i.e., the latch protrusion 7b moves upward until it disengages from the alignment latch element 26. If the latch protrusion 7b is outside the alignment latch element 26, the connector 4 and the first profile rail member 2 can be separated by pulling. In this case, the plug-in connection between the connector 4 and the first profile rail member 2 can be easily separated without the use of tools, so that the plug-in elements of the connector 4 and the latch elements 7a; 7b, 8; 9 can be pulled out from the corresponding cavities H1; H2; H3 of the first profile rail member 2. Therefore, two separate profile track components were obtained, namely connector 4 and first profile track component 2.

[0039] To connect the second profile track member 3 to the second end 4b of the connector 4, the above steps correspond to the connection steps of the first profile track member 2. The connection and separation between the connector 4 and the second profile track member 3 are also performed according to the connection method of the first profile track member 2 described above. Since the first profile track member 2 and the second profile track member 3 are connected to the connector 4, as... Figure 4 The profile rail 1 shown is assembled in this way, and therefore can be used as a door rail for vehicles.

[0040] The curved connector 4 is made of plastic and can be produced using injection molding, as this process allows for the economical mass production of connectors of any shape and wall thickness. The first profile rail 2 and the second profile rail 3 are made of aluminum alloy, with the two straight profile rails 2 and 3 produced through an extrusion process. The use of aluminum alloy ensures the required load-bearing capacity and load capacity of the door rails, allowing for reliable use and operation of the heavier doors.

[0041] In summary, the profile rail 1 adopts a modular design, and any guide rail can be produced in a variety of ways through a modular plug-in system. Due to the modular design of the profile rail 1, multiple curved or straight connectors 4 can be plugged into other profile rail components 2 and 3, as the end faces S1; S2; S3; S4 of the profile rail components 2 and 3 and the ends 4a; 4b of the connectors 4, as well as the connection areas 5; 6, always match each other. Therefore, any individual guide rail of the profile rail 1 can be assembled. The advantage of this is that the required manufacturing and installation tolerances can always be maintained, allowing for repeatable assembly on the vehicle. In this way, the individual components of the profile rail 1 used for door guide rails are standardized, and they perfectly match each other. Furthermore, this lays the foundation for robot-assisted automated assembly. The profile rail 1 ultimately ensures quiet operation and a long service life, resulting in extremely high quality for the corresponding door guide rail.

[0042] The plug connection technology of the aforementioned profile track 1 includes a first form-fitting plug-in connection portion, which is formed by the engagement of the latching elements 7a and 7b of the connector 4 and the corresponding alignment latching elements 26 of the first profile track component 2. The profile track 1 also includes a second force-fitting plug-in connection portion, where the plugging elements 8 and 9, the first plugging area of ​​the latching element 7a, and the guide elements 10 and 11 of the connector 4 are press-fitted together in the lower region 17a and upper region 17b of the base 17 and the cavities H1, H2, and H3 of the first profile track component 2 by friction and clamping. Furthermore, another plug-in technology for the profile track 1 can be achieved entirely through force fit, i.e., without providing latching elements, thus allowing for easier and faster disassembly of the profile track 1 into individual components 2, 3, and 4.

Claims

1. A profile rail for a vehicle door guide rail, comprising: A first profile track member (2) having a first end face (S1) and a second end face (S2); and Connector (4) The connector (4) has a first end (4a) and a second end (4b). The first end (4a) of the connector (4) has a first end face connection area (5) for connecting with the first profile rail member (2). Its features are, The connector (4) is designed as a separate profile track component, and The connector (4) can be connected to at least one end face (S1; S2) of the first profile rail member (2) via the first end face connection area (5) using a plug-in system without the need for additional tools. The first profile track component (2) has a first guide profile (20a), and the connector (4) has a second guide profile (20b). In the assembled state of the profile track (1), the first guide profile (20a) of the first profile track component (2) and the second guide profile (20b) of the connector (4) are arranged to be aligned and flush with each other in each case, so that the device for guiding and supporting the door can move along the assembled profile track (1).

2. The profile track according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (4) is made of plastic material.

3. The profile track according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plastic material is designed as an irradiated cross-linked plastic material.

4. The profile track according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The second end (4b) of the connector (4) has a second end face connection area (6) for connection with the second profile rail member (3), wherein the second profile rail member (3) has a first end face (S3) and a second end face (S4), and the connector (4) can be connected to at least one end face (S3; S4) of the second profile rail member (3) via the second end face connection area (6) by means of a plug-in system.

5. The profile track according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connector (4) includes at least one bend having at least one radius (R).

6. The profile track according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (4) is designed as an angle connector with an angle (W) between 90° and 150°.

7. The profile track according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (4) is designed as an angle connector with an angle (W) between 140° and 100°.

8. The profile track according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (4) is designed as an angle connector with an angle (W) between 130° and 110°.

9. The profile track according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The connector (4) has an inner radius (R), wherein the inner radius (R) is between 50 mm and 100 mm.

10. The profile track according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner radius (R) is between 60 mm and 70 mm.

11. The profile track according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The connector (4) includes at least one plug-in element (8; 9; 13; 14) and at least one guide element (10; 11; 15; 16).

12. The profile track according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the assembled state of the profile track (1), at least one guide element (10; 11; 15; 16) of the connector (4) is connected to the inner side (18) or the outer side (19) of the first profile track (2) along the longitudinal direction of the first profile track (2).

13. The profile track according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The connecting area of ​​the connector (4) has a male connecting element for plug-in connection with the profile track (2).

14. The profile track according to claim 13, characterized in that, The profile track component (2) has a corresponding female cavity element (H1; H2; H3) relative to the male connecting element.

15. The profile track according to claim 14, characterized in that, The connecting elements are guiding and holding aids or plugging and latching elements, which are designed as vertical plates and extend from the end face of the connector (4).

16. The profile track according to claim 15, characterized in that, The latching element (7a; 12a) has at least one resilient latching protrusion (7b; 12b).

17. The profile track according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The profile track member (2) has at least one corresponding positioning latching element (26) formed as a recess.

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