Door structure for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a door structure (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a door panel (2), a door handle (3) arranged on a first side (2a) of the door panel (2) to perform an opening / closing operation of the structure, at least one fixing device (4) of the handle, the door handle (3) comprises at least one fixing device (4) extending at least partially on a second side of the door panel (2) opposite the first side (3a), the fixing device (4) having at least two longitudinal portions (4a, 4b), each fixed to a first end (4e1) of the door handle (3) and a second end (4e2) of the door panel (2), the longitudinal portions comprising a reinforcing structure (5), the reinforcing structure (5) being configured to reinforce the first end (4e1) of the door handle (3) and the second end (4e2) of the door panel (2). The reinforcing structure (5) is configured to fix the two longitudinal portions (4a, 4b) to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door structure for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Without being limited thereto, the present invention is particularly applicable to a handle of a wing-handle type vehicle. Background Art

[0003] The fixing of door handles is a critical part of the door manufacturing process as it ensures the safety and reliability of the door by allowing it to be opened and closed easily. Many techniques have been used to fix door handles, but they all have disadvantages that need to be addressed to improve the quality and performance of the product.

[0004] Common techniques for securing door handles include the use of screws, rivets, and fasteners. The use of screws is common in furniture doors and lightweight doors, but this approach can lead to loosening and loss of handle stability over time. The use of rivets is common in automotive and machine doors, but this approach can be expensive and requires specific tools to install.

[0005] The use of fastening tabs is a common method for securing door handles because it is easy to install, economical, and provides good handle stability. However, this method can have significant disadvantages. Fastening tabs often exhibit significant bending between the portion of the tab that is secured to the handle and the portion that is secured to the door panel, which can lead to premature wear and loss of handle stability.

[0006] Typically, the fastening tab has several tabs for attaching the handle, as this allows the tension or load to be distributed over a larger surface and thus ensures a stable and robust attachment. The tabs are typically made of steel or aluminum to combine strength and lightness.

[0007] The fastening arrangement using tabs can be applied to different types of vehicle door handles, including wing handle type handles. Wing handle type door handles have gained popularity due to their unique appearance and increased functionality, providing an easier grip for drivers and passengers. However, smaller door handles of the wing handle type may be susceptible to robustness issues due to their attachment to the door panel by such fastening tabs or means of fastening tabs. However, these disadvantages are also observed in other types of locks that are fixed to the door panel by the same means. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The fastening tabs may become loose or break, which may result in damage to the handlebar and additional repair costs for the vehicle owner.

[0010] In particular, significant bending of the fastening tabs between the portion of each of the tabs that is secured to the handle and the portion of each of the tabs that is secured to the door panel may result in premature wear and loss of handle stability.

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a solution to improve the stability of the handle by reducing this bending.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve this technical problem by proposing a new door structural solution which reduces the bending of the fastening plate and thus improves the handle stability and reliability.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a door structure which improves the reliability and stability of the handle by reducing the bending of the fastening tabs between the parts of these tabs fixed to the handle and to the door panel.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a door structure for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0015] Door panels,

[0016] a door handle arranged on a first side of the door panel to perform an opening / closing operation of the structure,

[0017] the handle fixing means extending at least partially on a second side of the door panel opposite to the first side,

[0018] The fixing device comprises at least two longitudinal portions, each of which is fixed to the door handle at a first end and to the door panel at a second end,

[0019] Wherein, the door structure comprises a reinforcement structure configured to fix the two longitudinal portions to each other.

[0020] Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to provide a door structure that solves the problem of loosening and breaking of fastening tabs, which can lead to damage to the handle and result in additional repair costs for the car owner. In particular, this innovative structure is designed to significantly reduce excessive bending of the fastening tab between the part fixed to the handle and the part fixed to the door panel. This helps to avoid premature wear and maintain handle stability, thus ensuring greater durability and increasing driver safety. In addition, the solution offers the advantage of easy adaptation to different car models and can be installed quickly and easily without requiring special skills in car repair.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement structure comprises at least two side portions connected together by a central portion, and each side portion is configured to at least partially receive a corresponding longitudinal portion of the fixing device.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, each longitudinal portion of the fixing means is at least partially received by a loop of the corresponding side portion of the reinforcing structure.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, each side portion of the reinforcement structure comprises a longitudinal portion formed by a portion of a reinforcement plate, the reinforcement plate being arranged to sandwich a corresponding longitudinal portion of the fixing device between said reinforcement plate and the door panel.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, each side portion has a slot arranged to receive a portion of a door panel.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement structure only allows access to the opening for attaching the longitudinal portion to the door panel if the reinforcement structure with the slot is correctly attached to this portion of the door panel.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion of the door panel that receives the slot of the side portion corresponds to a portion of the contour of the opening of the door panel.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement structure forms a U-shape, wherein the two side portions form arms of the U-shape.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement structure is in one piece.

[0029] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The accompanying drawings show specific examples of the present invention, but other embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. The same or similar elements may be represented by different reference numerals in different drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view from the inside of a door panel is shown, which illustrates the mounting of a wing handle door handle on a door panel using a fixing device according to a known construction in the prior art.

[0031] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 sectional view showing the assembly of the door handle to the door panel.

[0032] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Rear view of the door panel and door handle structure in FIG. 1 , which is equipped with a reinforcement structure according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 sectional view showing the assembly of the door handle and the door panel with the reinforcement structure.

[0034] Figure 5Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of the drawing shows in more detail the assembly of the reinforcement structure to the reinforcement plate.

[0035] Figure 6a A perspective view is shown in which the door panel has been simplified and in which the reinforcement panel is not shown in order to better illustrate the reinforcement structure.

[0036] Figure 6b Shows Figure 6a A perspective view of a door handle in which a reinforcement structure is mounted to a fixture of the door handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the present invention, we have depicted a door structure 1 for a motor vehicle, comprising a door panel 2 and a door handle 3, which is arranged on a first side 2a of the door panel 2 for performing an opening / closing operation of the structure.

[0038] The door structure 1 of a vehicle door panel is usually made up of several assembled elements. The door panel 2 is usually made of an outer metal sheet, usually made of steel or aluminum, an inner metal sheet and an insulating layer made of foam or similar material.

[0039] The door panel 2 is typically attached to the body structure of the vehicle using bolts and nuts or clips or welding or glue.

[0040] Furthermore, the door panel 2 further comprises a reinforcement plate 21 located inside the door panel 2. The reinforcement plate 21 is generally made of steel or aluminum and allows the door handle 3 to be fixed to the door panel 2.

[0041] In the figures, the door panel 2 is shown with an outer metal plate 20 and such a reinforcement plate 21 .

[0042] The reinforcement plate 21 is assembled to the outer metal plate by riveting or by welding or by gluing.

[0043] The door handle 3 shown is of the wing handle type which suffers from robustness issues due to its attachment to the door panel.

[0044] The handle has a curved shape allowing it to be grasped by the hand of a user.

[0045] In order to ensure the fixation of the door handle 3 , a fixing device 4 is usually provided.

[0046] When the door handle 3 is operated, pressure is applied to the handle actuation button 30 to unlock the door associated with the door handle 3. The force applied to the handle 3 generates a compressive force which is then transferred to the fixing device 4 which fixes the handle 3 to the door.

[0047] Such fixing means 4 are usually in the form of tabs. The tabs allow the door handle to be fixed to the door panel by rivets or screws / nuts to a reinforcement plate located inside the door panel.

[0048] Using a plurality of tabs attached to the reinforcing plate makes it possible to distribute the pulling force applied to the tabs during opening of the door, ie, when the handle is operated to open the door.

[0049] The fixing device 4 shown here comprises two such longitudinal portions 4a, 4b. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration and the fixing device 4 may have several longitudinal portions. For example, the fixing device 4 may have four longitudinal portions.

[0050] To assemble the door handle 3 to the door panel 2 , the door handle equipped with the fixing means 4 is inserted into an opening (not shown) of the door panel 2 from the first side 2a so that these fastening means 4a , 4b extend at least partially from the second side 2b of the door panel 2 .

[0051] Thus, in the assembled state, these longitudinal portions 4a, 4b extend at least partially from a second side 2b of the door panel 2 opposite the first side 2a.

[0052] As shown, each of the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b is fixed to the door handle 3 at a first end 4e1 and to the door panel 2 at a second end 4e2.

[0053] More specifically, at the level of the door panel 2 , the longitudinal portions 4 a , 4 b are fixed to the door panel 2 by means of a screw connection and a bolt connection 6 shown as an example of the invention.

[0054] exist Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 6a to Figure 6b In FIG. 1 , we have depicted a door structure 1 according to the invention comprising a reinforcement structure 5 configured to secure two longitudinal portions 4a, 4b to each other.

[0055] By fixing the two longitudinal portions 4a, 4b to each other, bending of these longitudinal portions when the door handle 3 is operated can be reduced.

[0056] Preferably, the two longitudinal portions 4a, 4b are fixed to each other at their point of maximum bending. Preferably, this point of maximum bending corresponds to the central area of ​​the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b between their ends 4e1, 4e2.

[0057] Each longitudinal portion 4a, 4b has a curved section along its length to better conform to the shape of the door panel 2 at the end portions 4e1, 4e2.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement structure 5 has at least two side portions 5a, 5b connected to each other by a central portion 5c.

[0059] Preferably, the side portions 5a, 5b and the central portion 5c are made in one piece.

[0060] As shown, each side portion 5a, 5b is configured to receive a longitudinal portion 4a, 4b of the fixing device 4.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, each longitudinal portion 4a, 4b of the fixing means 4 is at least partially received in a ring 5a3, 5b3 of a corresponding side portion 5a, 5b of the reinforcing structure 5. Such ring 5a3, 5b3 has a hole for receiving such longitudinal portion 4a, 4b.

[0062] Each side portion 5a, 5b of the reinforcing structure 5 includes a reinforcing part formed by a reinforcing bracket 5a1, 5b1, which is designed to clamp the corresponding longitudinal portion 4a, 4b of the fixing device 4 between the reinforcing bracket 5a1, 5b1 and the door panel 2, more specifically, between the reinforcing bracket 5a1, 5b1 and the reinforcing plate 21.

[0063] Thus, the reinforcement structure 5 allows bending of the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b.

[0064] Due to the configuration of this reinforcement structure 5 , the longitudinal portions 4 a , 4 b of the fixing device 4 can be reinforced in a simple and effective manner.

[0065] Furthermore, each side portion 5a, 5b has a slot 5a2, 5b2 designed to receive a portion 23 of the door panel 2. In the example, the slots 5a2, 5b2 are formed on the rings 5a3, 5b3 of the corresponding side portion 5a, 5b. The portion 23 of the door panel 2 that receives the slot 5a2, 5b2 of the corresponding side portion 5a, 5b corresponds to a portion of the contour of the opening of the door panel 2. Here, the portion 23 is part of the reinforcement plate 21 of the door panel 2.

[0066] like Figure 6a As shown, the rings 5a3, 5b3 have a rectangular cross section, each ring receiving the end 4e1, 4e2 of the longitudinal portion 4a, 4b. Figure 5 In FIG. 5 , it can be observed that the rings 5a3 , 5b3 have a trumpet-head shape 5a30 , 5b30 , intended to prevent any binding of the reinforcing structure 5 against the door panel.

[0067] Such slots 5a2, 5b2 are formed by ribs of the respective side portions 5a, 5b.

[0068] The insertion of the slots 5 a 2 , 5 b 2 in the portion 23 of the door panel 2 makes it possible to ensure the fixing of the reinforcement structure 5 to the door panel 2 , here to the reinforcement plate 21 .

[0069] According to a preferred configuration, the reinforcing structure 5 is in the shape of a "U", with its two side portions 5a, 5b forming the arms of the U, and wherein the central portion 5c forms a central arm linked to the two side portions 5a, 5b. However, other shapes can be envisaged, such as an "H" shape, with its two side portions 5a, 5b forming two vertical bars, and its central portion 5c forming a horizontal bar.

[0070] like Figure 6a As can be seen, for example, the side portions 5a, 5b have a flared shape towards the central portion 5c.

[0071] The central portion 5c is configured to present two walls 5c1 , 5c2 that are opposite each other and are intended to frame the ends of the longitudinal portions 4a , 4b at their attachment to the door panel 2 .

[0072] like Figure 6a As shown, the central portion 5c has cutouts 5c3, 5c4 intended to be located at the level of the attachment of the ends of the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b to the door panel 2. These cutouts 5c3, 5c4 advantageously allow access to the attachment means provided for these longitudinal portions 4a, 4b. In the embodiment shown, the means for fixing the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b to the door panel 2 are screw / nut assemblies that pass through openings 4a1, 4b1 formed at the ends of each longitudinal portion 4a, 4b.

[0073] It should be noted that, in the assembled state, the openings 4a1, 4b1 formed at the ends of the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b correspond to the cutouts 5c3, 5c4 of the central portion 5c.

[0074] Furthermore, as indicated, in the assembled state, the two walls 5c1 , 5c2 of the central portion 5c frame the ends of the longitudinal portions 4a , 4b at their attachment to the door panel 2 .

[0075] This configuration ensures fixed bonding of the reinforcement structure 5 to the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b and the door panel 2 (here, the reinforcement panel 21).

[0076] Furthermore, the reinforcing structure 5 makes it possible to ensure that the handle 3 has been correctly mounted when it is assembled, since the reinforcing structure 5 only allows access to the openings 4a1, 4b1 to attach the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b to the door panel 2 if the reinforcing structure 5 with the slots 5a2, 5b2 is correctly attached to the portion 23. Therefore, the cutouts 5c3, 5c4 of the central portion 5c are arranged in such a way that the openings 4a1, 4b1 can be exposed only when the reinforcing structure 5 with the slots 5a2, 5b2 is correctly attached to the portion 23. When the handle 3 is mounted, it is delivered without screws in the openings 4a1, 4b1 and the reinforcing structure 5 is in a delivery position in which the openings 4a1, 4b1 are covered. For this purpose, a locking mechanism for the delivery position can be provided at the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b so that the reinforcing structure 5 cannot be moved by mistake. For example, this can be a locking point or shoulder on at least one longitudinal portion 4a, 4b, in which the reinforcing plate 5 engages. For this purpose, a recess or edge can be arranged on the inner side of the reinforcing plate 5 opposite the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b, which forms a form-fit connection with the locking point or shoulder. It is also possible that the reinforcing plate 5 is held in the delivery position by a force-fit connection, for example by screws. When the handle 3 is placed in the correct position in the door panel 2, the reinforcing plate 5 is moved into the assembly position so that the reinforcing plate 5 with the slots 5a2, 5b2 is correctly attached to the portion 23. After the reinforcing plate 5 has been correctly assembled, the reinforcing plate 5 releases the openings 4a1, 4b1 and the longitudinal portions 4a, 4b can be fixed to the door by screws.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, but includes all possible embodiments and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door structure (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: Door panels (2), a door handle (3) arranged on the first side (2a) of the door panel (2) to perform an opening / closing operation of the structure, a fixing device (4) of the door handle (3), the fixing device (4) extending at least partially on a second side (2b) of the door panel (2) opposite to the first side (2a), The fixing device (4) comprises at least two longitudinal parts (4a, 4b), each of which is fixed to the door handle (3) at a first end (4e1) and to the door panel (2) at a second end (4e2), Wherein, the door structure (1) comprises a reinforcement structure (5), and the reinforcement structure (5) is configured to fix the two longitudinal parts (4a, 4b) to each other.

2. The door structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcement structure (5) comprises at least two side portions (5a, 5b) connected together by a central portion (5c), and each side portion (5a, 5b) is configured to at least partially receive a corresponding longitudinal portion (4a, 4b) of the fixing device (4).

3. The door structure (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each longitudinal portion (4a, 4b) of the fixing device (4) is at least partially received through a loop (5a3, 5b3) of a corresponding side portion (5a, 5b) of the reinforcing structure (5).

4. Door structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized in that Each side portion (5a, 5b) of the reinforcing structure (5) includes a longitudinal portion formed by a portion of a reinforcing plate (5a1, 5b1), and the reinforcing plate (5a1, 5b1) is arranged to clamp the corresponding longitudinal portion (4a, 4b) of the fixing device (4) between the reinforcing plate (5a1, 5b1) and the door panel (2).

5. The door structure (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: Each side portion (5a, 5b) has a slot (5a2, 5b2) arranged to receive a portion (23) of the door panel (2).

6. The door structure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that If the reinforcing structure (5) having the slots (5a2, 5b2) is correctly attached to the portion (23) of the door panel (2), the reinforcing structure (5) only allows access to the openings (4a1, 4b1) for attaching the longitudinal portions (4a, 4b) to the door panel (2).

7. The door structure (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The portion (23) of the slot (5a2, 5b2) of the receiving side portion (5a, 5b) of the door panel (2) corresponds to a portion of the contour of the opening of the door panel (2).

8. The door structure (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The reinforcement structure (5) forms a U-shape, wherein the two side parts (5a, 5b) form the arms of the U-shape.

9. Door structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcement structure (5) is in one piece.

10. A vehicle comprising a door structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images