Vehicle door

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle door which can avoid thermal expansion difference between the vehicle door and an outer panel made of resin and can ensure the rigidity of the vehicle door. In an automobile door (10) having a metal inner panel (18) and a resin outer panel (16), the door (10) is provided with a metal upper reinforcement (24) extending along a waist line of the outer panel (16), and the upper reinforcement (24) is fixed to the inner panel (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door having a metal inner panel and a resin outer panel. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a beltline outer reinforcement extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is welded to the vehicle interior side surface of a door outer panel.

[0003] In recent years, traffic participants, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the disabled, and children, have been actively promoted to enter sustainable transportation systems. With this goal in mind, the inventor of this application is committed to research and development related to vehicle body rigidity to further improve traffic safety and convenience.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Utility Model Registration No. 2581709 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, if the outer door panel of an automobile is made of resin, and the upper skin reinforcement (waistline outer reinforcement) is made of metal, if the upper skin reinforcement is fixed to the outer panel using an adhesive or the like so as not to be relatively displaceable, a thermal expansion difference may occur between the outer panel and the resin outer panel, causing deformation of the outer panel.

[0009] Furthermore, when a metal upper skin reinforcement is connected to a resin outer panel so as to be relatively displaceable using a sliding nut or the like, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the rigidity of the door due to the displacement of the upper skin reinforcement.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door that can avoid thermal expansion differences with a resin outer panel and ensure the rigidity of the vehicle door, and further contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automobile door having a metal inner panel and a resin outer panel, characterized by comprising a metal upper reinforcement extending along a waistline of the outer panel, the upper reinforcement being fixed to the inner panel.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a vehicle door which can avoid the occurrence of a thermal expansion difference with a resin outer panel and can ensure the rigidity of the vehicle door. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a side view showing a state where the outer panel is removed from the vehicle door according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 Viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction Figure 1 Side view of the door mounted outer panel shown.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view that includes the reference point of the vehicle door.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an enlarged front view of a doghouse provided at the upper connection portion of the outer panel.

[0019] Figure 5 The clip is shown installed on Figure 4 An enlarged front view of the state of the drum cover is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 It is an enlarged front view of the drum cover set at the reference point of the outer panel.

[0021] Figure 7 The clip is installed on Figure 6 An enlarged front view of the state of the drum cover is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the outside handle along the up-down direction of the vehicle.

[0023] Fig. 9 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the decorative strip including the door glass.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 10 doors

[0026] 16 Outer Panel

[0027] 18 Inner Panel

[0028] 20 Door glass

[0029] 22 Window opening

[0030] 24 Upper reinforcement

[0031] 26a~26d upper connecting part

[0032] 44 reference points

[0033] 46 Connection

[0034] 62 front side fixing part

[0035] 64 rear fixing part

[0036] 74 Glass Lip

[0037] 76 decorative strips

[0038] 78 Installation Department DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to appropriate drawings.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle door 10 of the embodiment of the present invention is composed of a door body 12 and a window frame 14 mounted on the upper portion of the door body 12. The door body 12 has a resin outer panel 16 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 2 ) and a metal inner panel 18 located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. A door glass 20 (see FIG. 1 ) is arranged between the outer panel 16 and the inner panel 18 so as to be able to be raised and lowered in the vehicle vertical direction by means of a lifting mechanism (not shown). Figure 3 The window frame portion 14 has a window opening portion 22 located above the beltline, and the window opening portion 22 is provided so as to be openable and closable by the door glass 20 .

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a metal upper reinforcement 24 extending along the waistline of the outer panel 16 in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided on the upper part of the door body 12. As described later, the upper reinforcement 24 is fixed to the upper part of the inner panel 18 at two locations in the vehicle front-rear direction. The "fixing" of the upper reinforcement 24 includes all methods such as welding, bonding, and fixing in a manner that cannot be relatively displaced, but does not include methods such as sliding clips that can be relatively displaced.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper portion of the outer panel 16 has an upper connection portion connected in a manner that is relatively displaceable with respect to the upper reinforcement 24. The upper connection portion is composed of a first upper connection portion 26a, a second upper connection portion 26b, a third upper connection portion 26c, and a fourth upper connection portion 26d that are arranged in sequence along the waistline of the upper reinforcement 24 from the vehicle front to the vehicle rear.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the first upper connecting portion 26a is located in front of the vehicle compared to the door mirror 28, and is configured to be relatively displaceable (slidable) only in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. The second upper connecting portion 26b is located behind the vehicle of the door mirror 28, and is configured to be relatively displaceable (slidable) only in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. The third upper connecting portion 26c is located behind the vehicle compared to the center portion of the upper reinforcement 24 in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, and is configured to be relatively displaceable (slidable) only in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. The fourth upper connecting portion 26d is located behind the vehicle compared to the third upper connecting portion 26c, and is configured to be relatively displaceable (slidable) only in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle.

[0044] The first to fourth upper connecting portions 26a to 26d are respectively configured similarly, and therefore the first upper connecting portion 26a will be described in detail, and description of the second to fourth upper connecting portions 26b to 26d will be omitted.

[0045] Specifically, a recessed portion 30 having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side is provided on the upper portion of the upper reinforcement 24 (see FIG. Figure 1 ). A single mounting hole 32 is provided on the side wall of the recess 30 and is circular in shape when viewed from the side. When the outer panel 16 is mounted on the upward reinforcement 24, a drum cover 34 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided integrally with the outer panel 16 and protrudes from the surface of the outer panel 16. Figure 4 , Figure 2 ) abuts against the recess 30. The drum cover 34 is provided with a clip groove 36 extending transversely in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. A clip 38 (see FIG. 1 ) for connecting the outer panel 16 and the upper reinforcement 24 is installed in the mounting hole 32 of the upper reinforcement 24 and the clip groove 36 of the drum cover 34. Figure 5 , Figure 3 The outer panel 16 mounted on the upper reinforcement 24 is provided along the clip groove 36 so as to be slidable in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the clip 38 has: an elastic portion 40a, which shrinks in diameter when inserted into the mounting hole 32 and passes through the mounting hole 32, and returns to its original shape after passing through; an abutment portion 40b, which abuts against the side wall of the recess 30 of the upper reinforcement 24; and a locking portion 40c, which is locked in the clip groove 36 of the drum cover 34. Figure 4 As shown, the drum cover 34 has a drum cover body 42 that is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the side, and a clip groove 36 that opens toward the rear of the vehicle is provided on the upper wall of the drum cover body 42 .

[0047] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the outer panel 16 has a reference point 44 fixed so as not to be relatively displaceable relative to a portion of the upper reinforcement 24. In addition to the reference point 44, the outer panel 16 has a plurality of connection portions 46 connected so as to be relatively displaceable relative to the inner panel 18.

[0048] The reference point 44 is provided at the center of the upper reinforcement 24 in the vehicle front-rear direction (see Figure 1 ). A plurality of connecting portions 46 are arranged along the peripheral edge of the outer panel 16 below the vehicle at the reference point 44. Figure 2 As shown, each connecting portion 46 is provided with a sliding groove 47 for sliding a clip (not shown), and each connecting portion 46 is provided to be able to slide in the radial direction extending from the sliding groove 47. The plurality of connecting portions 46 are similarly constituted by, for example, a sliding nut, and can be displaced (slidable) in the radial direction relative to the reference point 44 by means of the sliding groove 47.

[0049] Specifically, the reference point 44 is provided with a recessed portion 48 in the center of the upper portion of the upper reinforcement 24, which is in a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the side (see FIG. Figure 1 ). In the recess 48, two through-holes 50a and 50b are arranged side by side in the vehicle front-rear direction. When the outer panel 16 is mounted to the upward reinforcement 24, a horizontally long rectangular drum cover 52 that is integrally provided with the outer panel 16 and protrudes from the surface of the outer panel 16 abuts against the recess 48 (see Figure 3 The drum cover 52 is provided with a clamp groove 54 extending longitudinally in the vertical direction of the vehicle and a positioning boss 58 protruding from the surface of the drum cover body 56 (see Figure 6 The positioning boss 58 is configured to have a substantially cross-shaped protrusion in an axial vertical cross section, and the width of the protrusion becomes narrower toward the top end.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the positioning boss 58 of the drum cover 52 is inserted into the mounting hole 50b on the vehicle rear side of the upper reinforcement 24. On the other hand, the clip 60 connecting the outer panel 16 and the upper reinforcement 24 is installed in the mounting hole 50a on the vehicle front side of the upper reinforcement 24 (see Figure 3 ). At the reference point 44, it can slide along the clip groove 54 in the up-down direction, but because the positioning boss 58 is installed in the mounting hole 50b (see Figure 3 ), so the upper reinforcement 24 and the outer panel 16 cannot move relative to each other.

[0051] The vehicle door 10 has a window opening 22 above the waistline by means of a window frame 14. The upper reinforcement 24 is fixed to the inner panel 18 at the front and rear of the window opening 22 in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, the upper reinforcement 24 is fixed at two locations: a front side fixing portion 62 located in front of the vehicle compared to the window opening 22 and the door mirror 28, and a rear side fixing portion 64 located in the rear of the vehicle compared to the window opening 22. A slit 66 is provided between the front side fixing portion 62 and the rear side fixing portion 64. The door glass 20 is fixed by means of the slit 66 (see Figure 3) is configured to be able to be raised and lowered in the up and down directions of the vehicle.

[0052] In addition, the door 10 has an outer handle 68 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and exposed on the outer side of the outer panel 16 (see FIG. Figure 1 The outer handle 68 is fastened to the upper reinforcement 24 by means of a stepped bolt 72 (see Figure 8 ), the stepped bolt 72 is inserted through the mounting hole 70 formed on the upper reinforcement 24.

[0053] The vehicle door 10 is also configured to include a decorative strip 76 having a plurality of glass lips 74 that can abut against the door glass 20 (see FIG. Fig. 9 The decorative strip 76 is made of an elastic body such as rubber, and is attached to the upper end of the upper reinforcement 24. The glass lip 74 is flexible and is configured to be able to bend when it comes into contact with the surface of the door glass 20.

[0054] The decorative strip 76 has a mounting portion 78 having a U-shaped cross section that sandwiches the upper end of the upper reinforcement 24. The outer panel 16 has an extension portion 80 that extends above the mounting portion 78. The top end of at least a portion of the glass lip 74 abuts against the lower end of the extension portion 80 of the outer panel 16. The glass lip 74 is provided so as to be able to protrude from the mounting portion 78 toward the door glass 20.

[0055] The vehicle door 10 of the present embodiment is basically configured as described above, and its operation and effects will be described below.

[0056] In the present embodiment, a metal upper reinforcement 24 extending along the beltline of the outer panel 16 is provided. The upper reinforcement 24 is fixed to the inner panel 18.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, by fixing the metal upper reinforcement 24 to the metal inner panel 18 side, the door rigidity can be ensured by the upper reinforcement 24, and the influence of the thermal expansion difference with the resin outer panel 16 can be suppressed. In this regard, in the prior art described in Reference 1, since the upper reinforcement 24 is fixed to the outer panel 16 side, when the outer panel 16 is made of resin, the problem described in the subject to be solved by the invention may occur.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a portion of the outer panel 16 is connected to the upper reinforcement 24 via the first to fourth upper connecting portions 26 a to 26 d so as to be relatively displaceable.

[0059] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the influence caused by the difference in thermal expansion between the outer panel 16 and the upper reinforcement 24 can be suppressed.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the outer panel 16 has a reference point 44 fixed so as not to be displaceable relative to a portion of the upper reinforcement 24. In addition to the reference point 44, the outer panel 16 has a plurality of connection portions 46 connected so as to be displaceable relative to the inner panel 18.

[0061] Thus, in the present embodiment, the deviation of the waistline that is easily visually recognized from inside and outside the vehicle interior through the door window (window opening 22) can be suppressed by the reference point 44. In addition, in other locations, the thermal expansion difference between the outer panel 16 and the upper reinforcement 24 can be allowed by means of a plurality of connecting portions 46 connected in a manner that is relatively displaceable relative to the inner panel 18.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the reference point 44 is provided at the vehicle front-rear direction center portion of the upper reinforcement 24. The plurality of connection portions 46 of the outer panel 16 are arranged slidably in the radial direction below the reference point 44 in the vehicle.

[0063] Thus, in the present embodiment, the center of the waistline where the positional deviation is most obvious is positioned by the reference point 44, and other parts other than the reference point 44 are maintained to be radially slidable by the connecting portion 46, thereby minimizing the deflection of the resin outer panel 16 and making the positional deviation inconspicuous. In addition, by positioning with the reference point 44 at the center of the waistline, the resin outer panel 16 is uniformly heat-stretched in the vehicle front-rear direction, so that the parting width of the door 10 can be uniform.

[0064] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the vehicle door 10 includes an outer handle 68 . The outer handle 68 is fixed to the upper reinforcement 24 by means of a stepped bolt 72 .

[0065] Thus, in this embodiment, since the outer handle 68 is directly fixed to the upper reinforcement 24, the mounting rigidity of the outer handle 68 relative to the door 10 can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, since the outer handle 68 can be fixed by the upper reinforcement 24, there is no need to provide a handle bracket separately, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle door 10 has a window opening portion 22 above the beltline. The upper reinforcement 24 is fixed to the inner panel 18 at the front and rear of the window opening portion 22 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0067] Thus, in the present embodiment, since the upper reinforcement 24 extends to the front and rear of the window opening 22 and is fixed to the inner panel 18, the rigidity of the door 10 can be further improved. That is, the upper reinforcement 24 is fixed at two locations: the front side fixing portion 62 located in front of the vehicle compared to the window opening 22 and the door mirror 28, and the rear side fixing portion 64 located in the rear of the vehicle compared to the window opening 22.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the vehicle door 10 includes a decorative strip 76 having a glass lip 74 that can abut against the door glass 20 and a door glass 20 that can be raised and lowered. The decorative strip 76 is attached to the upper end of the upper reinforcement 24.

[0069] In the present embodiment, by fixing the decorative strip 76 to the upper reinforcement 24 fixed to the inner panel 18, the glass lip 74 can be brought into contact with the door glass 20 without being affected by the thermal expansion of the resin outer panel 16. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the installation position accuracy of the decorative strip 76 can be improved, the position holding performance of the door glass 20 can be ensured, and the water removal performance and sound insulation performance of the door glass 20 based on the glass lip 74 can be ensured. In addition, by directly attaching the decorative strip 76 to the upper reinforcement 24, the holding rigidity of the decorative strip 76 can be improved, and the water removal performance and sound insulation performance of the door glass 20 can be improved.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the molding 76 includes a mounting portion 78 having a U-shaped cross section that sandwiches the upper end of the upper reinforcement 24. The outer panel 16 includes an extending portion 80 that extends above the mounting portion 78 of the molding 76.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the decorative molding 76 can be concealed by the extending portion 80 of the outer panel 16 , so the appearance of the vehicle door 10 can be improved.

Claims

1. A vehicle door for an automobile having a metal inner panel and a resin outer panel, wherein: A metal upper reinforcement extending along the waistline of the outer panel, The upper reinforcement is fixed to the inner panel.

2. The vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a portion of the outer panel is connected to the upper reinforcement in a manner capable of relative displacement.

3. The vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer panel has a reference point fixed in a manner that cannot be relatively displaced relative to a portion of the upper reinforcement. In addition to the reference point, a connecting portion connected to the inner panel in a relatively displaceable manner is provided.

4. The vehicle door according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reference point is set at the center of the upper reinforcement in the vehicle front-rear direction. The connecting portion is disposed below the vehicle at the reference point so as to be slidable in radial directions.

5. The vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle door has an exterior handle, The outer handle is fixed to the upper reinforcement.

6. The vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle door has a window opening above the waistline, The upper reinforcement is fixed to the inner panel at the front and rear of the window opening in the vehicle front-rear direction.

7. The vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle door includes a decorative strip and a door glass that can be raised and lowered, wherein the decorative strip has a glass lip that can abut against the door glass. The decorative strip is mounted on the upper reinforcement.

8. The vehicle door according to claim 7, characterized in that: The decorative strip has a mounting portion having a U-shaped cross section for sandwiching the upper end of the upper reinforcement. The outer panel extends above the mounting portion.

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