Vehicle door assembly with improved stiffness

By using external and internal components to form a closed section in the door assembly, the problem of reduced stiffness caused by poor B-pillar beam connection in B-pillarless vehicles is solved, achieving the effect of improving stiffness and preventing door jamming in B-pillarless vehicles.

CN121848902APending Publication Date: 2026-04-14HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-16
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In vehicles without a B-pillar, the upper and lower ends of the B-pillar beam are not effectively connected to the door, resulting in reduced stiffness. Furthermore, existing technologies make it difficult to improve stiffness by changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the B-pillar beam.

Method used

The outer and inner components form a closed section with different cross-sectional shapes in the vehicle height direction. They are manufactured by hot stamping to ensure connection. The outer and inner components are joined to the outer and inner panels at the upper and lower ends of the door, respectively, forming a double closed section to improve rigidity.

Benefits of technology

It effectively improves the rigidity of the car door, ensuring that it can withstand side collision loads and protect passengers in the event of a rollover, even in vehicles without B-pillars, meeting legal and regulatory requirements, and preventing the front and rear doors from jamming against each other during a collision.

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Abstract

The invention provides a door assembly with improved rigidity, which can ensure sufficient rigidity even if a pillar is not formed in a vehicle. A door assembly includes a front door and a rear door, each including an outer panel and an inner panel bonded to the outer panel. The door assembly also includes an outer member having upper and lower ends coupled to the upper and lower ends of the outer panel, respectively, and spaced apart from the outer panel between the upper and lower ends thereof. The door assembly also includes an inner member having upper and lower ends coupled to upper and lower ends of the inner panel, respectively, and spaced apart from the inner panel between the upper and lower ends thereof. The outer member and the inner member are coupled to each other in a height direction of the vehicle. Thus, a closed cross section is formed between the outer component and the inner component.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door assembly with increased rigidity, which ensures sufficient rigidity in vehicles without pillars for the door assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Car doors are typically manufactured by processing outer and inner panels from sheet metal, and then joining the outer and inner panels together.

[0003] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the front door 110 and the rear door 120 are manufactured by joining their respective outer panels 111 and 121 with their corresponding inner panels 112 and 122.

[0004] Inside the doors 110 and 120, there are reinforcing members arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle to enhance the rigidity of the doors 110 and 120.

[0005] Specifically, in vehicles without B-pillars for connecting the roof 131 and the lower longitudinal beam 132 of the vehicle, the respective B-pillar beams 113 and 123 formed in the vertical direction of the vehicle at the rear end of the front door 110 and the front end of the rear door 120 are arranged between the corresponding outer panels 111 and 121 and the inner panels 112 and 122.

[0006] Generally speaking, the B-pillar of a vehicle can support or absorb the side impact load during a side collision and can support the roof during a rollover.

[0007] In some vehicles, B-pillars may not be provided for reasons such as ease of passenger access or to provide a greater sense of openness. In this case, B-pillar beams 113 and 123 are provided at the rear end of the front door 110 and the front end of the rear door 120, respectively, to perform the function of a B-pillar.

[0008] Traditionally, B-pillar beams 113 and 123 are manufactured into tubular shapes through roll forming and installed on the front door 110 and rear door 120. For example... Figure 1 As shown, B-beams 113 and 123 are installed on the front door 110 and the rear door 120, respectively.

[0009] However, since the B-beams 113 and 123 are formed with a consistent cross-sectional shape and diameter along their entire length, there is a problem that the B-beams 113 and 123 do not extend to the upper and lower ends of the front door 110 and the rear door 120.

[0010] At the upper and lower ends of the front door 110 and the rear door 120, the gaps between the outer panels 111, 121 and the inner panels 112, 122 are generally narrow. As a result, at the upper and lower ends of the doors, the B-pillar beams 113, 123, manufactured with a consistent cross-sectional shape, are either not arranged or are positioned between their respective outer panels 111, 121 and inner panels 112, 122.

[0011] For example, Figure 4 As shown, at the upper end of the front door 110, due to the installation of the upper latch 133, a space S1 is formed between the lower end of the upper latch 133 and the upper end of the B-pillar beam 113. Furthermore, Figure 5 As shown, a space S2 is formed between the lower end of the front door 110, the lower end of the B-pillar beam 113, and the lower longitudinal beam 132.

[0012] Due to the limited space inside doors 110 and 120, the upper and lower ends of B-pillar beams 113 and 123 are not connected to doors 110 and 120, resulting in reduced rigidity.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 To install the B-pillar beams 113 and 123 into the doors 110 and 120, reinforcements 117A, 117B, 117C, 127A, 127B, and 127C were used. Thermal deformation occurred during the welding of the B-pillar beams 113 and 123 to the reinforcements 117A, 117B, 117C, 127A, 127B, and 127C, and during the welding of the reinforcements 117A, 117B, 117C, 127A, 127B, and 127C to the doors 110 and 120.

[0014] Furthermore, to improve the stiffness of B-column beams 113 and 123, it is necessary to increase their cross-sectional area. However, when manufacturing B-column beams 113 and 123 using roll forming, it is difficult to change the cross-sectional area of ​​different parts, making it difficult to improve stiffness.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, reference numerals 116 and 126 indicate door anti-collision beams, and reference numeral 125 indicates the side wall panel connecting the front end of the outer panel 121 and the inner panel 122 in the rear door 120. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Aspects of the present invention aim to provide a door assembly with increased rigidity. The outer and inner members of the door assembly have different cross sections for each section, and the outer and inner members are joined together to have a closed cross section.

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide a door assembly with increased stiffness through a closed cross-section. A primary closed cross-section is formed by an outer member and an inner member, and a secondary closed cross-section is formed between the inner member and the inner panel of the door. This double closed cross-section increases stiffness.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a door assembly with increased rigidity through door overlap. The outer and inner components overlap with an adjacent door or another outer and inner component. This prevents the front and rear doors from jamming together in the event of a collision.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a door assembly with increased rigidity by connecting the upper and lower ends of an outer member and an inner member to the upper and lower ends of a vehicle door.

[0020] An improved door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, intended to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, includes a front door and a rear door, each comprising an outer panel and an inner panel bonded to the outer panel. The door assembly also includes an outer member, the upper and lower ends of which are bonded to the upper and lower ends of the outer panel, respectively, and spaced apart from the outer panel between the upper and lower ends. The door assembly also includes an inner member, the upper and lower ends of which are bonded to the upper and lower ends of the inner panel, respectively, and spaced apart from the inner panel between the upper and lower ends. The outer and inner members are bonded to each other along the height direction of the vehicle. This forms a closed section between the outer and inner members.

[0021] The outer components may have a cross-section that opens to the inner panel. The inner components may have a cross-section that opens to the outer panel. The outer and inner components may be joined together at both ends along the length of the vehicle.

[0022] External or internal components can be joined to the corresponding external or internal panels along the height direction of the vehicle, thereby forming another closed section between the internal component and the internal panel.

[0023] The door assembly may also include a side panel configured to connect the front end of the outer panel of the rear door to the front end of the inner panel. In the rear door, the front ends of the outer and inner components may be joined to each other and attached to the side panel.

[0024] External and internal components can each be formed by pressing metal sheets (i.e., sheet metal).

[0025] External and internal components can each be formed by hot stamping steel sheets.

[0026] The outer component may include a main body portion arranged along the height direction of the vehicle, a flange portion joined to the inner component, and an extension portion extending from the main body portion to the flange portion. The main body portion and the flange portion are thus connected.

[0027] In order to align the joint positions when the outer and inner components are joined, a forming part can be provided on the flange in a convex or concave shape along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0028] The internal component may include a main body portion arranged along the height direction of the vehicle, a flange portion joined to the external component, and an extension portion extending from the main body portion to the flange portion. The main body portion and the flange portion are thus connected.

[0029] In order to align the joint positions when the outer and inner components are joined, a molding portion can be provided on the flange in a concave or convex shape along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0030] The outer components can be configured to be spaced apart from the outer panel with a variable gap along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0031] The internal components can be configured to be spaced apart from the inner panel with a variable gap along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0032] The outer and inner components can each be formed with a predetermined thickness along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0033] The part where the outer and inner components of the front door meet is located further out of the vehicle than the part where the outer and inner components of the rear door meet.

[0034] The rear end of the part where the outer and inner components of the front door are joined can overlap with the part where the inner components and inner panel of the rear door are joined in the length direction of the vehicle.

[0035] The upper end of the outer component can be located higher than the upper latch installed on the upper part of the front or rear door.

[0036] The upper end of the outer component or the upper end of the inner component can be located at a position higher than the lower end of the vehicle roof. Thus, the upper end of the outer component or the upper end of the inner component can overlap with the lower end of the vehicle roof along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0037] The lower end of the outer component or the lower end of the inner component can be located lower than the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam of the vehicle. Thus, the lower end of the outer component or the lower end of the inner component can overlap with the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0038] The external component may have a gradually changing range in height of the main body of the external component along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0039] The door assembly of the present invention having the above-described structure improves stiffness by forming the outer and inner members with different cross-sectional shapes for each section along the height direction of the vehicle and joining these outer and inner members to form a closed cross section.

[0040] Specifically, because the outer and inner components have different cross-sectional shapes for each section, the front and rear doors each form closed cross-sectional structures at their upper and lower ends. By applying this to the rear end of the front door and the front end of the rear door, the lateral stiffness of the vehicle is increased, even in vehicles without B-pillars.

[0041] In addition, the internal components and the inner panel of the door form a double closed section, which further improves rigidity.

[0042] Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the outer and inner components are connected to the car door, respectively. This increases the connection rigidity between the upper and lower ends of the car door and the car body.

[0043] The outer and inner components overlap with adjacent doors or other outer and inner components installed in adjacent doors. This prevents the front and rear doors from jamming together in the event of a collision. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the front and rear doors of a pillarless vehicle according to the prior art.

[0045] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line II in the diagram.

[0046] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II in the diagram.

[0047] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram in section A shows the positional relationship between column beam B and the upper latch.

[0048] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram in section B shows the positional relationship between column B beam and the lower longitudinal beam.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a door assembly according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the outer and inner components of the door assembly according to the present invention, which are respectively arranged at the rear end of the front door and the front end of the rear door.

[0051] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III in the diagram.

[0052] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0053] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-section of the outer and inner members mounted on the front door in a door assembly according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-section of the outer and inner members mounted on the rear door in a door assembly according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the molded portions on the outer and inner components of the door assembly according to the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the gradient range of the outer component in the door assembly according to the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the outer and inner components of the front door overlap with or overlap with the outer and inner components of the rear door in the upper part of the door assembly according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the outer and inner components of the front door overlap with or overlap with the outer and inner components of the rear door in the lower part of the front and rear doors according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the upper ends of the outer member and the inner member of the door assembly according to the present invention overlap with the upper ends of the outer panel and the inner panel, respectively.

[0060] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the outer component of the front door in the door assembly according to the invention is covered by a latch.

[0061] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lower ends of the outer member and the inner member of the door assembly according to the present invention overlap with the lower longitudinal beam. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The following will describe in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the door assembly with improved rigidity according to the present invention.

[0063] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same elements even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of some embodiments, detailed descriptions of known functions and constructions contained therein are omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0064] When the components, devices, parts, assemblies, devices, etc. of the present invention are described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, in this document, the components, devices, parts, assemblies, or devices shall be considered as "constructed" to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "forming" and its variations may refer to the process of manufacturing or forming the aspects of the door assembly, or may refer to the arrangement, setting, or positioning of the aspects as described.

[0065] The rigidity-enhanced door assembly according to the present invention includes a front door 10 and a rear door 20, each comprising outer panels 11 and 21 and inner panels 12 and 22 joined to the outer panels 11 and 21, respectively. The door assembly also includes outer members 13 and 23, the upper and lower ends of which are joined to the upper and lower ends of the outer panels 11 and 21, respectively, and spaced apart from the outer panels 11 and 21 between their upper and lower ends. The door assembly also includes inner members 14 and 24, the upper and lower ends of which are joined to the upper and lower ends of the inner panels 12 and 22, respectively, and spaced apart from the inner panels 12 and 22 between their upper and lower ends. The outer members 13 and 23 and the corresponding inner members 14 and 24 are joined to each other along the height direction of the vehicle. This forms a closed section between the outer members 13 and 23 and the inner members 14 and 24.

[0066] The front door 10 and the rear door 20 of the vehicle are each formed by joining the outer panels 11 and 21 with the inner panels 12 and 22 respectively.

[0067] Between the outer panels 11 and 21 and the inner panels 12 and 22, devices such as door windows, adjusters for operating the door windows, and speakers can be installed. Decorative parts can be installed on the inner panels 12 and 22 to decorate the inner surfaces of the front door 10 and the rear door 20.

[0068] In most vehicles, the B-pillar connects the vehicle roof 31 to the lower longitudinal beam 32 and supports the rear end of the front door 10 and the front end of the rear door 20.

[0069] However, in some vehicles, for reasons such as passenger convenience and providing a sense of openness, a B-pillar is not provided between the roof 31 and the lower longitudinal beam 32.

[0070] Therefore, in vehicles without a B-pillar, it is necessary to have a structure to support the side impact load in the event of a side collision to prevent the front doors 10 and rear doors 20 from intruding into the vehicle interior. Furthermore, in the event of a rollover, it is necessary to support the roof to protect passengers. Even without a B-pillar, the front doors 10 and rear doors 20 should exhibit performance comparable to vehicles with a B-pillar. This is subject to various laws and regulations, which are becoming increasingly stringent.

[0071] The present invention applies a reinforcing structure comprising outer components 13, 23 and inner components 14, 24 to the front door 10 and the rear door 20 to improve the rigidity of the front door 10 and the rear door 20. Due to the reinforcing structure formed by the outer components 13, 23 and the inner components 14, 24 in the front door 10 and the rear door 20, the rigidity of the vehicle side is improved.

[0072] For example, at the rear end of the front door 10, the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are disposed between the outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12 constituting the front door 10. Thus, the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 form a closed section C1, that is, a first or primary closed section.

[0073] The upper and lower ends of the outer member 13 are respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of the outer plate 11 on the inner surface of the outer plate 11. Except at the upper and lower ends, that is, between the upper and lower ends of the outer member 13, the outer member 13 is spaced apart from the outer plate 11.

[0074] The upper and lower ends of the inner member 14 are also attached to the upper and lower ends of the inner plate 12 on the inner surface of the inner plate 12, respectively. In addition, except at the upper and lower ends, that is, between the upper and lower ends of the inner member 14, the inner member 14 is spaced apart from the inner plate 12.

[0075] The outer member 13 has a cross section that opens to the inner member 14. The inner member 14 has a cross section that opens to the outer member 13.

[0076] The outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are joined together at both ends along the length of the vehicle. (Refer to...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 The two ends (in the left and right directions) are joined together.

[0077] The outer member 13 and the inner member 14 are joined together at both ends to form a closed section C1 between the outer member 13 and the inner member 14.

[0078] The stiffness of the rear end of the front door 10 is improved by forming a closed section between the outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12 with the outer member 13 and the inner member 14.

[0079] Furthermore, the outer member 13 or the inner member 14 is joined to the outer plate 11 or the inner plate 12. Thus, another closed section C3 is formed between the inner member 14 and the inner plate 12, namely the second, additional, or secondary closed section.

[0080] The stiffness is further improved by forming double closed sections C1 and C3 at the rear end of the front door 10.

[0081] At the front end of the rear door 20, similar to the rear end of the front door 10, an outer member 23 and an inner member 24 are provided to improve the rigidity of the front end of the rear door 20.

[0082] The rear door 20 is also formed by joining an outer panel 21 and an inner panel 22. An outer member 23 and an inner member 24 are disposed between the outer panel 21 and the inner panel 22. Thus, the outer member 23 and the inner member 24 form a closed section C2, i.e., a first or primary closed section. The front ends of the outer panel 21 and the inner panel 22 of the rear door 20 can be directly joined to each other. However, in one example, the front ends of the outer panel 21 and the inner panel 22 are joined using a side wall panel 25. In this case, the front ends of the outer panel 21 and the inner panel 22 are joined by edge rolling or welding.

[0083] Similar to outer member 13, the upper and lower ends of outer member 23 are respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of outer plate 21 on the inner surface of outer plate 21. Except at the upper and lower ends, that is, between the upper and lower ends of outer member 23, outer member 23 is spaced apart from outer plate 21.

[0084] The upper and lower ends of the inner member 24 are also attached to the upper and lower ends of the inner plate 22 on the inner surface of the inner plate 22, respectively. In addition, except at the upper and lower ends, that is, between the upper and lower ends of the inner member 24, the inner member 24 is spaced apart from the inner plate 22.

[0085] The outer member 23 and the inner member 24 also form cross sections that are open to each other.

[0086] The outer component 23 and the inner component 24 are joined together at both ends along the length of the vehicle. This forms a closed section C2 between the outer component 23 and the inner component 24.

[0087] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The outer component 23 and the inner component 24 are joined together at both ends along the length of the vehicle, thus forming a closed section between them. By forming a closed section between the outer panel 21 and the inner panel 22 by the outer component 23 and the inner component 24, the stiffness of the rear end of the rear door 20 is improved.

[0088] Furthermore, in the rear door 20, the outer member 23 or the inner member 24 is directly or indirectly connected to the outer panel 21 or the inner panel 22. This creates another closed section C4 between the inner member 24 and the inner panel 22, i.e., a second, additional, or secondary closed section. For example, in the rear door 20, the front ends of the outer member 23 and the inner member 24 are connected to each other and to the side wall panel 25. The rear ends of the outer member 23 and the inner member 24 are connected to each other and directly connected to the inner panel 24. In other words, the front ends of the outer member 23 and the inner member 24 are connected to each other and connected to the outer panel 21 and the inner panel 22 via the side wall panel 25. This creates a closed section C4 between the inner member 24 and the inner panel 22.

[0089] The front end of the rear door 20 also has double closed sections C2 and C4, which provide further enhanced stiffness.

[0090] In the cross-section, the outer members 13 and 23 and the inner members 14 and 24 are formed with convex or concave shapes to achieve sufficient or adequate rigidity. Furthermore, flanges are formed at both ends to facilitate easy joining by methods such as welding. Figure 10A and Figure 10B Shown on the upper part of the stripe of the front door 10 and the rear door 20 ( Figure 6 Examples of cross-sections of outer members 13 and 23 and inner members 14 and 24 (shown by line III-III in the diagram).

[0091] For example, the outer components 13 and 23 are configured to include main body portions 13a and 23a formed along the height direction of the vehicle, flange portions 13c and 23c connected to the inner components 14 and 24, and extension portions 13b and 23b extending from the main body portions 13a and 23a to the flange portions 13c and 23c. Thus, the main body portions 13a and 23a are connected to the flange portions 13c and 23c.

[0092] The main body parts 13a and 23a are spaced apart from the outer panels 11 and 21 between the upper and lower ends.

[0093] Flanges 13c and 23c are joined to inner components 14 and 24.

[0094] Extensions 13b and 23b connect the main body portions 13a and 23a with the flange portions 13c and 23c. This creates a cross-sectional structure where the outer members 13 and 23 are open to the inner members 14 and 24.

[0095] The inner components 14 and 24 are configured to include main body portions 14a and 24a formed along the height direction of the vehicle, flange portions 14c and 24c that are joined to the outer components 13 and 23, and extension portions 14b and 24b extending from the main body portions 14a and 24a to the flange portions 14c and 24c. Thus, the main body portions 14a and 24a are connected to the flange portions 14c and 24c.

[0096] The main body parts 14a and 24a are spaced apart from the inner plates 12 and 22 between the upper and lower ends.

[0097] Flange portions 14c and 24c are respectively attached to flange portions 13c and 23c of outer components 13 and 23. Thus, outer components 13 and 23 and inner components 14 and 24 form a single structure.

[0098] Extensions 14b and 24b connect the main body portions 14a and 24a with the flange portions 14c and 24c. This creates a cross-sectional structure where the inner members 14 and 24 are open to the outer members 13 and 23.

[0099] To ensure alignment of the mating positions when the outer components 13 and 23 are joined with the inner components 14 and 24, a molded portion 13d is formed on the flange portions 13c and 23c in a convex or concave shape along the vehicle's height direction. Furthermore, a molded portion 14d is formed on the flange portions 14c and 24c in a concave or convex shape along the vehicle's height direction. In other words, Figure 11 An example is shown where molded portions 13d are spaced apart and concavely formed on the flange portion 13c of the outer member 13, and molded portions 14d are spaced apart and convexly formed on the flange portion 14c of the inner member 14. The molded portions 13d of the outer member 13 and the molded portions 14d of the inner member 14 form a concave-convex structure. This facilitates easy alignment of the mating positions.

[0100] The outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are easily aligned to a predetermined position by forming portions 13d and 14d, respectively. In this aligned state, when the flange portion 13c of the outer component 13 and the flange portion 14c of the inner component 14 are in contact, the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 can be joined together by methods such as spot welding.

[0101] Once the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are combined into a single assembly by means of welding or other methods, this assembly is joined to the inner panel 12. Welding can also be used when joining the assembly of the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 to the inner panel 12. The assembly of the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 can also be joined to the outer panel 11.

[0102] In the rear door 20, a molded part may also be formed on the outer component 23 and the inner component 24.

[0103] The cross-sections of the outer members 13 and 23 and the inner members 14 and 24 at the lower part of the strip of the front door 10 and the rear door 20 may differ slightly in specific form. However, they may also include main body portions 13a, 14a, 23a, 24a, flange portions 13c, 14c, 23c, 24c, and extension portions 13b, 14b, 23b, 24b. A molded portion may also be formed.

[0104] The outer components 13 and 23 and the inner components 14 and 24 each have a cross-section that varies along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0105] To achieve this, the outer components 13 and 23 and the inner components 14 and 24 are each formed by pressing metal sheets, i.e., sheet metal. Specifically, the outer components 13 and 23 and the inner components 14 and 24 are each formed by hot stamping steel sheets.

[0106] Traditionally, B-pillar beams 113 and 123 are manufactured by roll forming, resulting in the entire section of B-pillar beams 113 and 123 having the same cross-sectional shape. However, in this invention, outer components 13 and 23 and inner components 14 and 24 are manufactured by hot stamping, thereby enabling outer components 13 and 23 and inner components 14 and 24 to have cross-sections that are variable along their length direction, i.e., the height direction of the vehicle.

[0107] Since the cross-sections of the outer members 13 and 23 can vary along the height direction of the vehicle, the outer members 13 and 23 can be configured to be spaced apart from the outer panels 11 and 21 with variable gaps along the height direction of the vehicle. For example, the outer members 13 and 23 can be configured to be spaced apart from the outer panels 11 and 21 with narrower gaps at the top and bottom and wider gaps in the middle. Similarly, the inner members 14 and 24 can be configured to be spaced apart from the inner panels 12 and 22 with variable gaps along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0108] In this way, when the outer members 13, 23 and the inner members 14, 24 are formed to be spaced apart from the outer plates 11, 21 and the inner plates 12, 22 by a variable gap in each interval, the dimensions of the closed sections C1, C2 formed between the outer members 13, 23 and the inner members 14, 24 can vary.

[0109] Therefore, in areas where the gaps between the outer panels 11, 21 and the inner panels 12, 22 are narrower, such as the upper part of the strip of the doors 10, 20, the cross-sectional areas of the closed sections C1, C2 formed by the outer members 13, 23 and the inner members 14, 24 can be narrower or narrower (see...). Figure 8 In the lower part of the strip, the cross-sectional areas of the closed sections C1 and C2 can be formed to meet the required performance (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0110] Since the outer components 13 and 23 and the inner components 14 and 24 can be formed into the desired shapes, a gradually changing section L with a gradually changing cross-section can be formed in the strip portion of the doors 10 and 20. In other words, referring to... Figure 12 In the transition zone L, the height of the main body portions 13a and 23a of the outer components 13 and 23 changes along the height direction of the vehicle, so that their height increases as they descend. In the lower part of the belt, as the space between the outer plates 11 and 21 and the inner plates 12 and 22 widens, the transition zone L can be formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer components 13 and 23 and the inner components 14 and 24 increases.

[0111] Furthermore, the outer components 13, 23 and the inner components 14, 24 can each be formed with a predetermined thickness along the height direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the outer components 13, 23 and the inner components 14, 24 can have different thicknesses along their length direction. In other words, areas of the outer components 13, 23 and the inner components 14, 24 requiring high crash performance can be formed with a greater thickness than other areas. For example, in the case of a side impact, the thickness of the areas where side impact loads are expected can be increased. This allows these areas to more robustly support or absorb the impact load.

[0112] The portion where the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 of the front door 10 are joined is located further outward of the vehicle (relative to the centerline of the vehicle's length direction) compared to the portion where the outer component 23 and the inner component 24 of the rear door 20 are joined.

[0113] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 It can be seen that, in the front door 10, the part where the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are joined is located further outward of the vehicle by the dimensions S3 and S5 compared to the part where the outer component 23 and the inner component 24 are joined in the rear door 20.

[0114] Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the collision load is supported or absorbed to prevent the rear end of the front door 10 or the front end of the rear door 20 from intruding into the vehicle interior.

[0115] Furthermore, the rear end of the portion where the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are joined in the front door 10 overlaps with the portion where the inner component 24 and the inner panel 22 are joined in the rear door 20 in the length direction of the vehicle.

[0116] In other words, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the portion where the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 are joined in the front door 10 overlaps with the portion where the inner component 24 and the inner panel 22 are joined in the rear door 20 by dimensions S4 and S6.

[0117] Therefore, when an external load is applied due to a collision, the rear end of the front door 10 and the front end of the rear door 20 are prevented from jamming together. This allows the front door 10 and the rear door 20 to open even in the event of a collision.

[0118] Compared to conventional designs, the outer components 13 and 23 and the inner components 14 and 24 extend further in the upper and lower parts. This increases the connection rigidity between the doors 10 and 20 and the vehicle body.

[0119] At the rear end of the front door 10, the upper end of the outer member 13 extends to engage with the upper end of the outer panel 11. Thus, the upper end of the outer member 13 overlaps with the lower end of the roof 31 at a predetermined height S7. In other words, referring to... Figure 15 The upper end of the outer member 13 is higher than the lower end of the roof 31 on which the striker 34 is mounted. This causes the outer member 13 and the roof 31 to overlap each other at a certain height S7. This increases the connection stiffness between the front door 10 and the roof 31. Furthermore, the upper end of the inner member 14 also extends to connect to the upper end of the inner panel 12. In the front door 10, the upper ends of the outer member 13 and the inner member 14 are higher than the lower end of the roof 31, thus overlapping along the height direction of the vehicle. This increases the connection stiffness between the front door 10 and the roof 31.

[0120] Furthermore, in the front door 10, the upper end of the inner member 14 extends to the upper end of the inner panel 12 to surround the upper latch 33. In other words, in the front door 10, the upper end of the outer member 13 is positioned higher than the upper latch 33 installed on the upper part of the front door 10.

[0121] Traditionally, space is limited in the area where the upper latch is installed, so the B-pillar beam on the door is only applied up to the lower part of the upper latch. However, in this invention, the inner member 14 can extend further in the dimension of section S8 to surround the upper latch 33 (see...). Figure 16 This increases the connection rigidity between the upper part of the front door 10 and the vehicle body.

[0122] At the rear end of the front door 10, the lower ends of the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 extend to the lower ends of the outer panel 11 and the inner panel 12. Thus, the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 overlap with the lower longitudinal beam 32 at a certain height S9 (see...). Figure 17 In other words, the lower end of the outer member 13 or the lower end of the inner member 14 is lower than the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam 32. Therefore, the lower end of the outer member 13 or the lower end of the inner member 14 overlaps with the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam 32 along the vehicle's height direction. Thus, even at the lower end of the front door 10, the connection rigidity between the front door 10 and the vehicle body is increased.

[0123] At the rear end of the front door 10, the connection rigidity with the vehicle body is improved by the outer component 13 and the inner component 14 at the upper and lower parts of the front door 10, which can also be achieved between the rear door 20 and the vehicle body.

[0124] Specifically, in the rear door 20, the upper end of the outer component 23 or the upper end of the inner component 24 is also positioned higher than the lower end of the roof 31. Thus, the upper end of the outer component 23 or the upper end of the inner component 24 overlaps with the lower end of the roof 31 along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0125] If a latch is also installed in the rear door 20, then in the area of ​​the rear door 20 where the latch 33 is installed, the upper end of the outer member 23 is also positioned higher than the latch 33.

[0126] Furthermore, at the front end of the rear door 20, the lower end of the outer component 23 or the lower end of the inner component 24 is also positioned lower than the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam 32. This causes the lower end of the outer component 23 or the inner component 24 to overlap with the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam 32 in the vehicle height direction.

[0127] Unspecified reference numerals 16 and 26 indicate door anti-collision beams on the front door 10 and rear door 20, respectively.

[0128] While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated for purposes of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described for the sake of brevity and clarity. The scope of the inventive concept is not limited to the illustrations and embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the claims is not limited to the explicitly described embodiments, but is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A door assembly, comprising: The front door and the rear door each include an outer panel and an inner panel bonded to the outer panel, wherein the door assembly further includes: An outer component, the upper and lower ends of which are respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of an outer plate, wherein the outer component is spaced apart from the outer plate between its upper and lower ends, and An internal component, the upper and lower ends of which are respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of an inner plate, wherein the internal component is spaced apart from the inner plate between its upper and lower ends, and The outer component and the inner component are joined together along the height direction of the vehicle, thereby forming a closed section between the outer component and the inner component.

2. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer member has a cross section open to the inner panel, and the inner member has a cross section open to the outer panel, wherein the outer member and the inner member are joined to each other at their ends along the length of the vehicle.

3. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer component or the inner component is joined to the outer panel or the inner panel along the height direction of the vehicle, thereby forming another closed section between the inner component and the inner panel.

4. The door assembly according to claim 3, further comprising: The side panel connects the front end of the outer panel of the rear door to the front end of the inner panel. In the rear door, the front ends of the outer component and the front ends of the inner component are joined together and attached to the side wall panel.

5. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer component and the inner component are each formed by pressing metal sheets.

6. The door assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The outer component and the inner component are each formed from hot-stamped steel plates.

7. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The external component includes: The main body is arranged along the height of the vehicle. The flange portion is attached to the inner component; and An extension extends from the main body to the flange and connects the main body and the flange.

8. The door assembly according to claim 7, wherein, A convex or concave forming portion is provided on the flange portion along the height direction of the vehicle so as to align the engagement position when the outer component and the inner component are engaged.

9. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The internal components include: The main body is arranged along the height of the vehicle. The flange portion is attached to the outer component; and An extension extends from the main body to the flange and connects the main body and the flange.

10. The door assembly according to claim 9, wherein, A shaped portion is provided on the flange portion in a concave or convex shape along the height direction of the vehicle so as to align the engagement position when the outer component and the inner component are engaged.

11. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer component is spaced apart from the outer panel with a variable gap along the height direction of the vehicle.

12. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The internal components are spaced apart from the inner panel with a variable gap along the height direction of the vehicle.

13. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer component and the inner component each have a predetermined thickness along the height direction of the vehicle.

14. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The portion where the outer and inner components of the front door meet is located further outward of the vehicle than the portion where the outer and inner components of the rear door meet.

15. The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: In the first part, the outer component and the inner component of the front door are joined together in the first part; as well as In the second part, the inner components and inner panel of the rear door are joined together. The rear end of the first part overlaps with the second part in the length direction of the vehicle.

16. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the outer component is located at a position higher than the upper latch installed on the upper part of the front or rear door.

17. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the outer component or the upper end of the inner component is located at a position higher than the lower end of the vehicle roof, such that the upper end of the outer component or the upper end of the inner component overlaps with the lower end of the vehicle roof along the height direction of the vehicle.

18. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The lower end of the outer component or the lower end of the inner component is located at a position lower than the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam of the vehicle, such that the lower end of the outer component or the lower end of the inner component overlaps with the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam along the height direction of the vehicle.

19. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer component has a gradually changing range in height of its main body along the height direction of the vehicle.