Door handle with reduced component tolerances and method of assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle (10) intended to be mounted on a door of a motor vehicle, comprising:-a handle portion (1),-a compressible portion (2) adapted to receive at least a portion of a threaded assembly (3),-a metal portion (5). The invention also relates to a sub-assembly of the door handle (10) and the threaded assembly (3) and an assembly (1000) of the door panel (4) and the sub-assembly. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a door panel (4) and a subassembly or assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door handle intended to be mounted on a door of a motor vehicle, an assembly of the door handle and a door panel, and a method for assembling the door panel and the door handle. Background Art

[0002] Due to the manufacturing tolerances of the components commonly used in automotive applications, and the fact that some components may expand and change volume when subjected to thermal stress, misalignments may occur between different components when they are assembled during vehicle manufacturing. For example, when assembling a door handle with a corresponding door panel, misalignment may occur between the handle and the door panel.

[0003] Misalignment between components may cause many problems, including reduced performance: for example, misalignment between a door handle and a door panel may make the handle difficult to operate or cause some aesthetic problems.

[0004] To prevent misalignment, it is known in the prior art to use precision manufacturing, i.e., manufacturing components with very strict tolerances to minimize the amount of dimensional variation. However, this technique has proven to be expensive and requires a large amount of manufacturing work.

[0005] In addition, it is known in the prior art to use electroless corrosion connections, such as those disclosed in EP1929161, in order to compensate for these misalignments. However, these connections can be complex and expensive to manufacture. This is because electroless corrosion connections typically require specialized materials and manufacturing processes. Another disadvantage of electroless corrosion connections is that they may be difficult to inspect and maintain.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0007] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a door handle for a vehicle door, an assembly of the handle and a door panel, and an assembly method that are economical and simple to implement during vehicle manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a door handle intended to be mounted on a door of a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0009] - a handle part,

[0010] - a compressible part adapted to receive at least a part of a threaded assembly in order to allow the assembly of the handle part and the door panel together,

[0011] - a metal part that extends at least partially around the compressible part and at least partially between the handle part and the compressible part.

[0012] Advantageously, the described structure of the door handle is adapted to receive at least a portion of the threaded assembly so as to facilitate easy and convenient assembly with the door panel during the manufacturing process.

[0013] The door handle may also have one or more of the following features, used individually or in combination.

[0014] The compressible portion has a hole adapted to receive at least a portion of the threaded assembly to allow assembly of the handle portion and the door panel together.

[0015] Advantageously, the hole facilitates insertion of the threaded assembly into the compressible portion.

[0016] The handle portion has a through hole, and the compressible portion extends at least partially in the through hole along the axis of the through hole, and the compressible portion extends, for example, radially from the axis towards the handle portion.

[0017] The compressible portion is configured to deform when in contact with the threaded assembly.

[0018] The compressible portion can advantageously deform and exert an elastic force on the portion of the threaded assembly inserted into the compressible portion to adjust the insertion path of the threaded assembly into the compressible portion and thus alleviate any misalignment between the handle and the door panel.

[0019] The compressible portion is configured to deform in at least one of the following directions, for example, in any of the following directions: a direction orthogonal to the axis of the through hole and a direction along the axis of the through hole.

[0020] For example, when the compressible portion is compressed in the direction along the axis of the through hole, compression of the compressible portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the through hole can be restricted or prevented by the threaded assembly, and thus the threaded assembly can exert a force on the compressible portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the through hole.

[0021] The metal portion and the compressible portion are arranged such that the metal portion extends further along the axis of the through hole than the compressible portion, for example, to allow the compressible portion to deform along the same axis when receiving the threaded assembly.

[0022] The compressible portion and the metal portion are annular.

[0023] The weight distribution of the annular member is good, meaning that vibration or noise is not easily generated. It is also easy to manufacture.

[0024] The handle portion includes a first part and a second part. The first part is configured to rest on the door panel, for example, on the outer side of the door panel, and the second part has a through hole and extends from the first part, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the through hole.

[0025] The described shape of the door handle allows it to be easily assembled with the door panel.

[0026] The compressible part includes an elastomer, in particular a foam or rubber.

[0027] Elastomeric materials are generally very durable and wear-resistant.

[0028] The metal part includes a metal selected from the list consisting of the following metals: steel, aluminum, brass.

[0029] Advantageously, the metal part can withstand high loads and forces without failure and is not easily deformed under load.

[0030] The invention also relates to a subassembly of a door handle and a threaded assembly, comprising:

[0031] - A door handle according to the previously described one;

[0032] - A threaded assembly, the threaded assembly including a screw configured to be at least partially inserted into the compressible part.

[0033] The subassembly may also have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0034] The threaded assembly is at least partially inserted into the compressible part. For example, the threaded assembly is at least partially screwed into the compressible part.

[0035] The screw has a sharp tip.

[0036] The tip may be a conical tip.

[0037] The threaded assembly includes a washer configured to be positioned on the screw between the head of the screw and around the shaft of the screw.

[0038] The washer helps to distribute the load or force exerted by the screw on the section so as to prevent the screw from damaging the handle part.

[0039] The invention also relates to an assembly of a door panel and the subassembly according to what has been previously described, the assembly comprising:

[0040] - A subassembly according to what has been previously described;

[0041] - A door panel having a hole adapted to receive at least a part of the threaded connection assembly for assembling the subassembly and the door panel together.

[0042] The assembly allows for reducing any misalignment caused by manufacturing part tolerances.

[0043] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a door panel and the subassembly according to what has been previously described or the assembly according to the previous description, comprising the following steps:

[0044] - Providing the subassembly,

[0045] - Position the sub - assembly such that the compressible portion faces the orifice of the door panel.

[0046] - Tighten the threaded assembly until:

[0047] At least a portion of the threaded assembly contacts the metal portion, and

[0048] At least a portion of the threaded assembly passes through both the compressible portion and the orifice, and

[0049] When the threaded assembly contacts the compressible portion, the compressible portion deforms and exerts an elastic force on the threaded assembly to fix the sub - assembly and the door panel together.

[0050] Advantageously, the method uses a single screwing operation, thus being simple and convenient during vehicle manufacturing.

[0051] Advantageously, the method helps to reduce any misalignment due to manufacturing part tolerances. Description of the Drawings

[0052] The present invention will be better understood based on the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 A cross - sectional view of a door handle according to the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross - sectional view of the sub - assembly and the threaded assembly of the door handle.

[0055] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A cross - sectional view of the assembly of the sub - assembly and the door panel.

[0056] Figure 4a Shows Figure 2 A detailed view of the assembly area.

[0057] Figure 4b Shows a cross - sectional view of the assembly area according to section AA from Figure 4a

[0058] Figure 5a Shows a cross - sectional view of the same assembly when misalignment occurs between the assembly and the door panel Figure 3

[0059] Figure 5b Shows a cross - sectional view of the assembly area from Figure 5a when misalignment occurs between the assembly and the door panel.

[0060] Figure 6a ​​Shows a first step of a sub - assembly providing a method for assembling a sub - assembly and a door panel together.

[0061] Figure 6b Shows a second step of positioning the sub - assembly so that the compressible part faces the orifice of the door panel.

[0062] Figure 6c Shows a third step of tightening the threaded assembly.

[0063] In the following detailed description of the drawings defined above, elements that are the same or perform the same function may retain the same reference numerals in order to simplify the understanding of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0064] The present invention relates to a door handle 10 intended to be mounted on a door of a motor vehicle, such as a car. The door is, for example, a car door.

[0065] The door handle may be located near or on the B - pillar region or the C - pillar region or in the continuity of the window seal. The door handle may be located near or on the B - pillar or C - pillar region and / or in the continuity of, for example, the window seal. Such positioning may facilitate easy and ergonomic access for vehicle occupants. By being close to a certain pillar, for example, the door handle is intended to be positioned closer to a certain pillar than to another pillar, for example closer to the C - pillar than to the B - pillar or vice versa, or closer to a certain pillar than to any of the remaining pillars, for example among the remaining pillars of the A - pillar, B - pillar, C - pillar or D - pillar, for example on one side of the car, or the door handle is positioned closer to a certain pillar than to any other equivalent structural element of the car.

[0066] For example, the door handle is located between the B - pillar and the C - pillar, or the B - pillar is located between the door handle and the C - pillar, for example in continuity with the window seal.

[0067] The window seal is, for example, a window seal of the door or a window seal shared by the door of a motor vehicle and another door.

[0068] The door handle 10 may be positioned on the same side as the B - pillar or the C - pillar C of the car.

[0069] More specifically, the handle may be located near the B - pillar or the C - pillar and / or in continuity with the window seal, thus facilitating easy and ergonomic access for vehicle occupants.

[0070] The door handle 10 is shown in Figure 1 .

[0071] The door handle 10 includes:

[0072] - a handle part 1,

[0073] - A compressible portion 2, which is adapted to receive at least a part of the threaded assembly 3 to allow the assembly of the handle portion 1 and the door panel 4 together.

[0074] - A metal portion 5, which extends at least partially around the compressible portion 2 and at least partially between the handle portion 1 and the compressible portion 2.

[0075] Advantageously, the described structure of the door handle is adapted to receive at least a part of the threaded assembly to facilitate easy and convenient assembly with the door panel during the manufacturing process.

[0076] The handle portion 1 may have a through-hole 7, which allows the handle portion 1 to be easily assembled with the door panel 4.

[0077] The handle portion 1 may include one or more organic polymers, such as polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, polyamide glass fiber filled or other thermoplastics. Thereby, it is possible to achieve the lightweight, durability, water resistance, and chemical resistance of the handle portion 1. For example, the handle portion may be made of one or more organic polymers.

[0078] The handle portion 1 may include a first portion 1a, which is configured to rest on the door panel 4, for example, on the outer side of the door panel 4.

[0079] The outer side of the door panel refers to the outer surface of the car door panel, that is, the part of the door visible from the outside of the car.

[0080] As can be seen from Figure 1 the first portion 1a may have a T-shape. The T-shape allows the first portion 1a to slide within the space of the car while resting on the door panel 4. The first portion 1a may include a first part 1a1 and a second part 1a2 extending from the first part 1a1 towards the second portion 1b. The first part 1a1 may be the cross-arm of the first portion 1a, and the second part 1a2 may be the shaft extending from the cross-arm. This shape for the first portion 1a allows the first portion 1a to be easily assembled with the door panel.

[0081] The first portion 1a may have a chamfer on at least one edge. The radius of curvature of the chamfer may be greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. This reduces the risk of injury to the user who may touch the handle portion 1.

[0082] The handle portion 1 may further include a second portion 1b, which extends from the first portion 1a, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the axis X of the through-hole 7.

[0083] The second portion 1b may have a rectangular shape.

[0084] The first part 1a can be integrally formed with the second part 1b. The first part 1a and the second part 1b can be a single molded part. Alternatively, the second part 1b can be overmolded onto the first part 1a, for example according to a two-step process, such as after the molding of the first part 1a. Alternatively, the first part 1a can be overmolded onto the second part 1b, for example according to a two-step process, such as after the molding of the second part 1b.

[0085] The second part 1b can have a through-hole 7. The second part 1b can have, for example, a shape selected from one of the following: cuboid, rectangular prism, parallelepiped. However, the second part 1b can have any other shape. In Figures 1 to 6c the illustrated embodiment, the second part 1b has a parallelepiped shape.

[0086] Figure 1 A compressible portion 2 extending along the axis X of the through-hole 7 is shown.

[0087] In Figure 1 the presented embodiment, the whole of the compressible portion 2 extends in the through-hole 7. In other words, the dimension of the compressible portion 2 along the axis X of the through-hole 7 is smaller than the dimension of the through-hole 7 along the same axis X.

[0088] However, it is also possible that only a part of the compressible portion 2 extends in the through-hole 7.

[0089] As can be seen in the sectional view of the cross-section AA according to Figure 4b , the compressible portion 2 can extend radially relative to the axis X towards the handle portion 1, for example towards the second part 1b.

[0090] The compressible portion 2 can be configured to receive a threaded component 3. In other words, at least a part of the threaded component 3 can be pressed into the compressible portion 2 so as to penetrate and pass through the compressible portion 2. The threaded component refers, for example, to a component including a screw, also known as a screwing mechanism.

[0091] By the threaded component 3 can be pressed into the compressible portion 2 so as to penetrate and pass through the compressible portion 2, this means, for example, that if there is no hole in the compressible portion 2, the threaded component 3 can break through the compressible portion 2.

[0092] Alternatively, the compressible portion 2 can have a hole 6 which is adapted to receive at least a part of the threaded component 3 so as to allow the assembly of the handle portion 1 and the door panel 4 together. The hole can have a circular shape 6 and / or can have a diameter included between M1 and M10, preferably M5.

[0093] The hole 6 facilitates the insertion of the threaded component 3 into the compressible portion 2.

[0094] In Figure 4bIn the example presented, the compressible portion 2 extends radially from the first inner wall W1 between the hole 6 and the compressible portion 2 towards the second inner wall W2 between the compressible portion 2 and the metal portion 5. The metal portion 5 extends between the second inner wall W2 and the third inner wall W3 between the metal portion 5 and the second part 1b.

[0095] The compressible portion 2 may comprise an elastomer, in particular a foam or rubber. Elastomers are generally very durable and resistant to wear. For example, the compressible portion 2 may comprise an elastomer such as TPE, TPV, EPDM.

[0096] The compressible portion 2 may be configured to deform when in contact with the threaded component 3. In particular, the compressible portion 2 may be configured to deform in at least one of the following directions, for example in any of the following directions: a direction orthogonal to the axis X of the through-hole 7 and a direction along the axis X of the through-hole 7. Alternatively, the compressible portion 2 may deform only in one of these directions.

[0097] For example, when the compressible portion 2 is compressed in the direction along the axis X of the through-hole 7, the compression of the compressible portion 2 in the direction orthogonal to the axis X of the through-hole 7 may be restricted or prevented by the threaded component 3, and thus the threaded component 3 may exert a force on the compressible portion 2 in the direction orthogonal to the axis X of the through-hole 7.

[0098] The compressible portion 2 may deform and / or compress while maintaining a constant volume.

[0099] When in a stationary state, in other words, when the compressible portion 2 is not in contact with the threaded component 3 and no other components are pressing on it, the compressible portion 2 has an elongated annular shape, such as a cylindrical shape or an oval shape, such as Figure 4b the one shown in

[0100] When in contact with at least a portion of the threaded component 3, that is, when a portion of the threaded component 3 presses against the compressible portion 2, the shape of the compressible portion 2 may change, and the compressible portion 2 may deform and exert an elastic force on the portion of the threaded component 3 inserted into the compressible portion 2. The threaded component 3 is at least partially inserted into the compressible portion 2. For example, the threaded component 3 is at least partially screwed into the compressible portion 2.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, when in contact with at least a portion of the threaded component 3, the compressible portion 2 may be permanently deformed.

[0102] This allows adjustment of the insertion path of the threaded component 3 into the compressible portion 2, and thus alleviates any misalignment between the handle and the door panel 4.

[0103] The metal portion 5 is in Figure 1shown in FIGS. 0 to 6. The metal part 5 may also have an elongated annular shape, such as a cylindrical shape or an oval shape, and it may include a metal selected from the list of metals including: steel, aluminum. The metal part 5 may be made of one of the metals selected from the list of metals including: steel, aluminum, brass.

[0104] The metal part 5 may be compressed due to the insertion of the screw assembly 3. The compression may depend on the screwing torque and the metric of the screw. The compression may have a value of thousands of Newtons, such as 4000 Newtons.

[0105] The elongated annular metal part has a good weight distribution, which means that it is less likely to cause vibration or noise. It is also easy to manufacture.

[0106] Advantageously, the metal part 5 can withstand high loads and forces without failure and is not easily deformed under load.

[0107] The metal part 5 may have an elongated annular shape, such as an oval shape, such as the oval shape shown in Figure 4b such that the dimension of the metal part 5 along the axis Z is greater than the dimension of the metal part along the axis Y.

[0108] The compressible part 2 and the through hole 7 may have an elongated shape, such as corresponding to the elongated shape of the metal part, such as the same elongated shape as the metal part 5, as Figure 4b visible in.

[0109] Advantageously, this elongated shape increases the contact area with the threaded assembly 3 and provides better centering of the threaded assembly 3.

[0110] The metal part 5 that at least partially surrounds the compressible part 2 is the same metal part 5 that at least partially extends between the handle part 1 and the compressible part 2.

[0111] The metal part 5 and the compressible part 2 may be arranged such that the metal part 5 extends further along the axis X of the through hole 7 than the compressible part 2, for example, as Figure 1 visible in.

[0112] This allows the compressible part 2 to deform along the same axis X when receiving the threaded assembly 3.

[0113] The handle part 1 and the metal part 5 are fixedly connected so that there is no movement between them. The metal part 5 may be forcibly inserted into the handle part 1, or overmolded in the handle part 1, or inserted into the handle part 1 using thermal insertion.

[0114] The compressible part 2 is fixedly connected to the metal part 5 such that the compressible part 2 cannot slide relative to the metal part 5 along the central axis X.

[0115] As inFigure 1 As can be seen, the compressible portion 2 may only partially extend over the metal portion. In other words, the compressible portion may have a smaller length than the metal portion 5.

[0116] The dimension of the metal portion 5 along the axis X may be equal to or greater than the dimension of the second part 1b along the axis X, and the dimension of the compressible portion 2 along the axis X may be less than or equal to the dimension of the metal portion 5 along the axis X. These dimensions ensure metal-to-metal contact.

[0117] The second part 1b may extend equally from both sides of the through hole 7 with respect to the axis Z and with respect to the axis Y, as Figure 4b can be seen.

[0118] Advantageously, the described structure of the door handle 10 is adapted to receive at least a part of the threaded assembly 3 for easy and convenient assembly with the door panel 4 during the manufacturing process.

[0119] The invention also relates to a subassembly 100 of the door handle 10 and the threaded assembly 3. The subassembly is as Figure 2 shown.

[0120] The subassembly includes the door handle 10 and the threaded assembly 3.

[0121] The threaded assembly 3 may include a screw configured to be at least partially inserted into the compressible portion 2.

[0122] As Figure 2 can be seen, the screw has a head 3a and a shaft 3b connected to the head 3a.

[0123] The shaft 3b may be threaded. The threaded shaft provides a more secure and reliable means of connecting the door handle 10 and the threaded assembly 3 together.

[0124] If the shaft 3b is threaded and the compressible portion 2 has a hole 6, the hole 6 may also be threaded. Otherwise, the hole 6 may be a non-threaded hole.

[0125] The shaft may have a tip 3d, and the tip 3d may be a sharp tip.

[0126] The sharp tip means that the distal end of the shaft 3b relative to the head 3a is sharper than the proximal end of the shaft 3b relative to the head 3a, and it is configured to pierce the compressible portion 2.

[0127] The tip 3d may be a conical tip.

[0128] The threaded assembly 3 may be at least partially inserted into the compressible portion 2, as Figure 2 shown. In other words, as Figure 2 shown, only a part of the shaft 3b may be inserted into the compressible portion 2.

[0129] The threaded assembly 3 may also include a washer 3c configured to be positioned on the screw between the head 3a of the screw and the shaft 3b of the screw, as Figure 2 shown.

[0130] The washer 3c helps distribute the load or force applied by the screw on the second part 1b so as to prevent the screw from damaging the handle portion 1.

[0131] The washer 3c may be annular and may include steel or aluminum.

[0132] The washer 3c may be made of or include metal, such as stainless steel.

[0133] The subassembly 100 may be assembled by partially or fully inserting the threaded assembly 3 into the compressible portion 2. For example, Figure 2 shown is the threaded component 3 partially inserted into the compressible portion 2, which means that only a part of the shaft 3b is inserted inside the compressible portion 2, while Figure 4a and Figure 4b shown is the threaded assembly 3 fully inserted into the compressible portion 2, which means that the screw is tightened until the washer contacts the metal portion 5 and the shaft 3b passes through the compressible portion 2.

[0134] Alternatively, if the threaded assembly does not have the washer 3c, the screw is tightened until the head of the screw 3a contacts the metal portion 5 and the shaft 3b passes through the compressible portion 2.

[0135] Whether partially or fully inserted into the compressible portion 2, the threaded assembly 3 can withstand the elastic force exerted by the compressible portion 2 on the part of the threaded assembly 3 inserted into the compressible portion 2.

[0136] To exert this elastic force, the compressible portion 2 is at least partially elastically deformed and changes its shape so as to adjust the insertion path of the shaft 3b inside the compressible portion 2.

[0137] The insertion path of the shaft 3b is the trajectory taken by the shaft 3b when it is driven towards the door panel 4 into the compressible portion.

[0138] The present invention also relates to an assembly 1000 of the subassembly 100 and the door panel 4. The door panel 4 may be a motor vehicle door panel, more specifically an automotive door panel.

[0139] Figure 3 The assembly 1000 presented in

[0140] includes the subassembly 100 and the door panel 4.

[0141] As in Figure 3As can be seen, the door panel 4 can include two different parts, which are separated by the space therebetween. This space is intended to receive the handle part 1, and more specifically, is intended to receive the second part 1a2 of the first part 1a and the entire second part 1b.

[0142] Figure 4a Shown is the threaded assembly 3 fully tightened and the handle part 10 assembled with the door panel 4. In this case, the washer 3c is in direct contact with the metal part 5. This prevents the screw from sinking into the metal part 5 and damaging the metal part 5 and also prevents the screw assembly 3 from loosening.

[0143] As an alternative or supplement to the use of the washer 3c, the threaded assembly 3 can include a pan head screw or a screw having a large head diameter compared to the screw thread diameter.

[0144] The assembly 1000 allows for reducing any misalignment between the orifice 8 and the threaded assembly 3 due to manufacturing part tolerances.

[0145] The misalignment can include the inclination of the threaded connection assembly 3 with respect to the insertion path of the shaft 3b.

[0146] Figure 5a First shown is an example where the threaded assembly 3 is only partially inserted into the compressible part 2 and where a misalignment M occurs between the sub-assembly 100 and the orifice 8. In other words, the axis X passing through the center of the through-hole 7 and the axis G passing through the center of the orifice 8 are misaligned. In other words, there is an offset in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the through-hole 7 between the axis X and the axis G.

[0147] In this case, when the shaft 3b is guided by the orifice 8, the compressible part 2 deforms when in contact with the shaft 3b to adjust the trajectory of the threaded assembly 3 when tightening the threaded assembly 3 to assemble the handle part 1 and the door panel 4 together. In other words, the threaded assembly 3 compresses the compressible part so as to correct the misalignment M and allow the handle part 1 and the door panel 4 to be assembled together.

[0148] Figure 5b Also shown is the assembly 1000 when the screw has been fully tightened and the washer 3c is in contact with the metal part 5.

[0149] It can be seen that according to Figure 5b the cross-sectional view, the lower part 2b of the compressible part 2 has a width smaller than that of the upper part 2a. This is because the lower part 2b is compressed by the shaft 3b, such that the misalignment M is reduced, enabling the shaft 3b to at least partially pass through the compressible part 2 and the orifice 8 in order to assemble the handle part 1 and the door panel 4 together.

[0150] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling the door panel 4 and the sub-assembly 100 or a method for obtaining the assembly 1000.

[0151] The steps of the method are shown in Figure 6a , 6b , 6c.

[0152] The method first includes the step of providing a sub - assembly 100 as shown in Figure 6a . The sub - assembly is provided with a threaded assembly 3 partially inserted into a compressible part 2 such that the sub - assembly 100 can slide in the space between two different parts of the door panel 4, as can be seen in Figure 6b .

[0153] The sub - assembly is pushed towards the door panel 4 such that a first part 1a contacts the door panel 4. In other words, the first part 1a rests on two different parts of the door panel 4, as shown in Figure 6b .

[0154] Then, the method includes the step of positioning the sub - assembly 100 so that the compressible part 2 faces the orifice 8 of the door panel 4.

[0155] In this step, a second part 1b is entirely within the space between two different parts of the door panel 4, and the compressible part 2 is positioned to face the orifice 8 of the door panel 4. In other words, the compressible part 2 is positioned such that the shaft 3b can at least partially pass through both the compressible part 2 and the orifice 8. Due to component manufacturing tolerances, misalignment M may occur in this step.

[0156] The method further includes the step of tightening the threaded assembly 3 until at least a part of the threaded assembly 3 contacts the metal part 5 and until at least a part of the threaded assembly 3 passes through both the compressible part 2 and the hole 8, as shown in Figure 6c . In other words, the screw may be tightened with a screwdriver until the shaft 3b passes through both the compressible part 2 and the orifice 8, and the washer 3c (or the head of the screw 3a if no washer is present) contacts the metal part 5.

[0157] The tightening of the screw causes the door handle 10 to be pushed towards the inner side of the door panel 4 in a first direction Z1 orthogonal to the axis X of the through - hole 7 and to be pushed in a second direction Z2 towards the part of the door handle 4 having the orifice 8.

[0158] The inner side of the door panel 4 is the side of the door panel 4 facing the inside of the vehicle, the side that is not visible from the outside of the vehicle.

[0159] When the threaded assembly 3 contacts the compressible part 2, the compressible part 2 deforms and is able to change its shape in order to adjust the insertion path of the shaft 3b in the compressible part 2. This helps to reduce any misalignment that may occur between the threaded assembly 3 and the orifice 8. In other words, the compressible part 2 can exert an elastic force on the threaded assembly 3 in order to fix the sub - assembly 100 and the door panel 4 together.

[0160] Advantageously, the method uses a single screwing operation and is thus simple and convenient during vehicle manufacture.

[0161] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is clear that the invention is in no way limited thereto, and the invention includes all technical equivalents of the described devices and combinations thereof, provided these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A door handle (10) for installation on a door of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a handle (1), - a compressible portion (2) adapted to receive at least a portion of a threaded assembly (3) so as to allow the handle portion (1) and the door panel (4) to be assembled together, - a metal portion (5) extending at least partially around the compressible portion (2) and at least partially between the handle portion (1) and the compressible portion (2).

2. The door handle (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The compressible portion (2) has a hole (6) adapted to receive at least a portion of the threaded assembly (3) so as to allow the handle portion (1) and the door panel (4) to be assembled together.

3. The door handle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The handle portion (1) has a through hole (7), and the compressible portion (2) extends at least partially in the through hole (7) along an axis (X) of the through hole (7), and the compressible portion (2) extends from the axis (X) toward the handle portion (1), for example radially.

4. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The compressible portion (2) is configured to deform when in contact with the threaded component (3).

5. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The compressible portion (2) is configured to deform in at least one of the following directions: a direction orthogonal to the axis (X) of the through hole (7) and a direction along the axis (X) of the through hole (7).

6. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The metal part (5) and the compressible part (2) are arranged so that the metal part (5) extends further along the axis (X) of the through hole (7) than the compressible part (2), for example so as to allow the compressible part (2) to deform along the same axis (X) when receiving the threaded assembly (3).

7. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The compressible portion (2) and the metal portion (5) are annular.

8. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The handle portion (1) comprises a first portion (1a) and a second portion (1b), wherein the first portion (1a) is configured to be placed on the door panel (4), for example, on the outer side of the door panel (4), and the second portion (1b) has the through hole (7) and extends from the first portion (1a), for example, in a direction orthogonal to the axis (X) of the through hole (7).

9. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The compressible part (2) comprises an elastic body, in particular foam or rubber.

10. The door handle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The metal part (5) comprises a metal selected from the list consisting of: steel, aluminum, brass.

11. A subassembly (100) of a door handle (10) and a threaded assembly, comprising: - Door handle (10) according to claims 1 to 10; - a threaded assembly (3) comprising a screw configured to be at least partially inserted into the compressible portion (2).

12. The subassembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The threaded component (3) is at least partially inserted into the compressible portion (2).

13. The subassembly (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The screw has a sharp tip (3d).

14. The subassembly (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The threaded assembly (3) comprises a washer (3c) configured to be positioned on the screw between the head (3a) of the screw and around the shaft (3b) of the screw.

15. Assembly (1000), comprising a door panel (4) and a subassembly (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, the assembly (1000) comprising: - a subassembly (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 14; - a door panel (4) having an orifice (8) suitable for receiving at least a portion of the threaded assembly (3) in order to assemble the subassembly and the door panel (4) together.

16. A method for assembling a door panel (4) and a subassembly (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 14 or an assembly according to claim 15, comprising the following steps: - providing said subassembly (100), - positioning the subassembly (100) so that the compressible portion (2) faces the orifice (8) of the door panel (4), - Tighten the threaded assembly (3) until: At least a portion of the threaded component (3) is in contact with the metal part (5), and until At least a portion of the threaded component (3) passes through both the compressible portion (2) and the orifice (8), and When the threaded component (3) contacts the compressible portion (2), the compressible portion (2) deforms and exerts an elastic force on the threaded component (3) so as to fix the subassembly (100) and the door panel (4) together.

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