A positioning insert, a clamping structure, a method and a vehicle for the end of a european guide groove

Abstract

The application discloses a positioning insert for the end of a European guide groove, a clamping structure, a method and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of automobile door sealing. The positioning insert comprises an insert main body, a first positioning boss and a second positioning boss. The first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are respectively arranged on two mutually perpendicular sides of the insert main body and are arranged in a staggered manner in the length direction of the insert main body. The two bosses are each provided with a hook-shaped structure at the end away from the insert main body. The first limiting surface and the second limiting surface of the first positioning boss are respectively matched with the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip in the vehicle body inside-outside direction and the vehicle body up-down direction. The third limiting surface and the fourth limiting surface of the second positioning boss are respectively matched with the two sides of the door sheet metal positioning gap in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The application solves the problems of uneven surface difference and decarburization caused by the insufficient clamping force of the metal bright strip flanging position due to the lack of precise positioning mechanism of the end of the traditional European guide groove B column, and the gap in the vehicle body front-rear direction is out of tolerance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive door sealing technology, and in particular to a positioning insert, snap-fit ​​structure, method, and vehicle for the end of a European-style guide groove. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, European-style guide channels are widely used in automotive door sealing systems. The B-pillar end connects to the door sheet metal via an injection-molded connector, and a metallic strip is attached to the outer surface of the guide channel body, serving as the exterior finish. In traditional structures, the European-style guide channel relies on the insert positioning boss on the injection-molded connector to cooperate with the door sheet metal trim to achieve positioning in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle body. The metallic strip is fixed by snapping into the lip of the European-style guide channel body.

[0003] However, traditional structures may have dimensional deviations during the production process of trimming the sheet metal of the car door, and operators may not assemble the European-style guide channels properly in the front and rear directions of the vehicle body. This results in excessive gaps between the metal bright strips of the European-style guide channels in the front and rear directions of the vehicle body, affecting the overall appearance and refinement. In addition, part of the hook edge of the metal bright strip near the flange is punched off, which further weakens the clamping force at that position. This leads to uneven surface differences of the metal bright strips of the European-style guide channels in the front and rear directions of the vehicle body, as well as problems such as gaps, lifting, or even detachment of the bright strip from the guide channel body. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a positioning insert, snap-fit ​​structure, method, and vehicle for the end of a European-style guide channel. This solves the problems of excessive clearance in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body due to the lack of a precise positioning mechanism at the B-pillar end of the traditional European-style guide channel, as well as uneven surface differences and detachment caused by insufficient snap-fit ​​force at the metal bright strip flange position.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a positioning insert for the end of a European-style guide groove, comprising: an insert body, a first positioning boss and a second positioning boss; the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are respectively disposed on two mutually perpendicular sides of the insert body, and the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are staggered in the length direction of the insert body; the ends of the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss away from the insert body are each provided with a hook-shaped structure, so that the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are both L-shaped.

[0006] As a further implementation, the first positioning boss includes a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface; the first limiting surface is used to cooperate with the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the metal bright strip in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body; the second limiting surface is used to cooperate with the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the metal bright strip in the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

[0007] As a further implementation, the second positioning boss includes a third limiting surface and a fourth limiting surface; the third limiting surface is used to cooperate with one side of the door sheet metal positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the rear of the vehicle; the fourth limiting surface is used to cooperate with the other side of the door sheet metal positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the front of the vehicle.

[0008] Secondly, the present invention also provides a snap-fit ​​structure for the end of a European-style guide channel, comprising: a European-style guide channel body, an injection-molded connector, a metal bright strip, and the aforementioned positioning insert; the injection-molded connector is disposed at the end of the European-style guide channel body near the B-pillar, and the positioning insert is pre-embedded inside the injection-molded connector by an injection molding process, and is integrally injection molded with the injection-molded connector; the metal bright strip is fastened to the outer surface of the European-style guide channel body, serving as the appearance surface.

[0009] As a further implementation, the metallic bright strip includes a first limiting hook edge and a second limiting hook edge; the first limiting hook edge cooperates with the first positioning boss of the positioning insert in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body and in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, wherein the fifth limiting surface of the first limiting hook edge cooperates with the first limiting surface of the first positioning boss in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, and the sixth limiting surface of the first limiting hook edge cooperates with the second limiting surface of the first positioning boss in the vertical direction of the vehicle body; the second limiting hook edge engages with the European-style guide groove body to jointly restrict the displacement of the metallic bright strip.

[0010] As a further implementation, the second positioning boss of the positioning insert engages with the positioning notch on the door sheet metal in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; the third limiting surface of the second positioning boss engages with the first positioning surface of the positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the rear of the vehicle; the fourth limiting surface of the second positioning boss engages with the second positioning surface of the positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the front of the vehicle.

[0011] As a further implementation, the positioning insert is made of PA66+GF30; the European-style guide groove body is made of EPDM.

[0012] As a further implementation, the end of the metal bright strip is provided with a flange structure; the first positioning boss of the positioning insert is set at the position of the flange structure, and the hook structure of the first positioning boss cooperates with the first limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip to make up for the defect of insufficient clamping force after the metal bright strip clamping hook edge at the flange position is punched, thus ensuring a firm connection between the metal bright strip and the European-style guide groove body.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention also provides an installation method for a snap-fit ​​structure at the end of a European-style guide channel, comprising the following steps: installing the metal bright strip to the body of the European-style guide channel by snap-fit, such that the first limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip engages with the first positioning boss of the positioning insert in the inward and outward directions and the vertical direction of the vehicle body, thereby restricting the displacement of the metal bright strip in the inward and outward directions and the vertical direction of the vehicle body; pushing the European-style guide channel with the positioning insert integrated therein into the door sheet metal stop along the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, such that the second positioning boss of the positioning insert engages with the positioning notch of the door sheet metal, thereby restricting the displacement of the European-style guide channel toward the rear of the vehicle by the engagement of the third limiting surface of the second positioning boss with the first positioning surface of the positioning notch, and restricting the displacement of the European-style guide channel toward the front of the vehicle by the engagement of the fourth limiting surface of the second positioning boss with the second positioning surface of the positioning notch, thereby completing the positioning of the European-style guide channel in the forward and backward directions of the vehicle body.

[0014] Fourthly, the present invention also provides a vehicle, including a door sheet metal and a snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove; the door sheet metal is provided with a positioning notch, the positioning notch cooperates with the second positioning boss of the positioning insert to realize the limiting of the European-style guide groove in the front and rear directions of the vehicle body on the door sheet metal; the snap-fit ​​structure at the B-pillar end of the European-style guide groove is installed at the stop of the door sheet metal through the injection molding joint.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention integrates a first positioning boss and a second positioning boss onto the same insert body. The two bosses are respectively positioned on two mutually perpendicular sides of the insert body and staggered along their length, each independently performing a limiting function in a different direction without interference, resulting in a compact and rational structure. The first positioning boss, through a first and second limiting surface formed by an L-shaped hook structure, simultaneously provides bidirectional constraint on the metal bright strip in both the inward / outward and vertical directions of the vehicle body, effectively preventing surface deviation and vertical movement of the metal bright strip. The second positioning boss, through a third and fourth limiting surface formed by an L-shaped hook structure, provides bidirectional constraint on the European-style guide groove in the forward / backward direction of the vehicle body, fundamentally eliminating the movement of the European-style guide groove in the forward / backward direction of the vehicle body and ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0016] This invention achieves precise positioning of the European-style guide channel in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and secure locking of the metal strip in a single part by pre-embedding the positioning insert inside the injection-molded joint. The bidirectional cooperation between the second positioning boss and the positioning notch of the door sheet metal replaces the traditional method of positioning by relying on sheet metal trimming. The positioning benchmark is clear, and the positioning accuracy is not affected by the manufacturing deviation of sheet metal trimming, fundamentally eliminating the problem of excessive gap between the front and rear door metal strips in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The cooperation between the L-shaped hook structure of the first positioning boss and the first limiting hook edge of the metal strip is specifically designed to address the defect of insufficient locking force at the end of the metal strip after the hook edge is punched. It specifically compensates for the locking force at this position, effectively preventing gaps, lifting, and detachment at the edge of the strip, ensuring a firm connection between the metal strip and the European-style guide channel body, and improving the overall appearance refinement of the vehicle.

[0017] The installation method of the snap-fit ​​structure of this invention is simple to operate and consistent with the assembly method of traditional European-style guide channels, requiring no additional procedures and not increasing assembly time. The metal bright strip is snapped onto the European-style guide channel body, allowing the first limiting hook edge and the first positioning boss to achieve limiting engagement in the inward and outward directions and the vertical direction of the vehicle body. The European-style guide channel is pushed into the door sheet metal stop along the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, allowing the second positioning boss to engage with the door sheet metal positioning notch, completing precise positioning in the forward and backward directions of the vehicle body. The operator can feel a distinct locking sensation when it is pushed into place, making the positioning judgment intuitive and reliable. Because the positioning accuracy is guaranteed by the component structure rather than relying on the operator's skill, assembly consistency is good, making it suitable for mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the positioning insert of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the positioning insert of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the positioning insert of the present invention and the sheet metal of the car door; Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point DD; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the positioning insert of the present invention and the sheet metal of the car door.

[0020] Among them: 1. Positioning insert; 11. First positioning boss; 111. First limiting surface; 112. Second limiting surface; 12. Second positioning boss; 121. Third limiting surface; 122. Fourth limiting surface; 2. Door sheet metal; 21. Positioning notch; 211. First positioning surface; 212. Second positioning surface; 3. European-style guide groove corner; 4. European-style guide groove body; 5. Metal bright strip; 51. First limiting edge; 511. Fifth limiting surface; 512. Sixth limiting surface; 52. Second limiting edge. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0022] Example 1 This embodiment provides a positioning insert at the end of a European-style guide groove, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown. The positioning insert 1 includes an insert body, a first positioning boss 11, and a second positioning boss 12. The insert body is the main load-bearing part of the positioning insert 1. It is elongated in shape, and its cross-sectional shape can be rectangular or approximately rectangular, meeting the structural strength requirements after being embedded inside the injection-molded joint. The two mutually perpendicular sides of the insert body are used to support the first positioning boss 11 and the second positioning boss 12, respectively. The perpendicular relationship between the two sides ensures that the extension directions of the two bosses are perpendicular to each other, so that they extend in different directions in space, each corresponding to a limiting function in a different direction.

[0023] The first positioning boss 11 is disposed on one side of the insert body, and the second positioning boss 12 is disposed on another side of the insert body perpendicular to the side where the first positioning boss 11 is located, such that the extension directions of the first positioning boss 11 and the second positioning boss 12 are perpendicular to each other and extend in different directions. The first positioning boss 11 and the second positioning boss 12 are staggered in the length direction of the insert body, that is, when viewed along the length direction of the insert body, there is a certain distance between the root position of the first positioning boss 11 and the root position of the second positioning boss 12 in the length direction, and the two do not overlap in the length direction, thus avoiding each other in space and preventing the two bosses from existing at the same cross-sectional position of the insert body at the same time, which would cause structural interference or local stress concentration.

[0024] The first positioning boss 11 has a hook-shaped structure at one end away from the insert body, making the first positioning boss 11 L-shaped in cross-section. Specifically, the first positioning boss 11 includes a main body portion extending vertically from the side of the insert body and a hook-shaped portion formed by bending at the end of the main body portion along the direction perpendicular to the extension of the main body portion. The angle between the main body portion and the hook-shaped portion is a right angle or close to a right angle, thereby forming an L-shaped cross-sectional profile as a whole.

[0025] The first positioning boss 11 includes a first limiting surface 111 and a second limiting surface 112. The first limiting surface 111 is a limiting contact surface facing the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, located on the inner side of the hook-shaped structure, and is used to cooperate with the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip 5 in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body to limit the displacement of the metal bright strip 5 in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body. The second limiting surface 112 is a limiting contact surface facing the vertical direction of the vehicle body, located on the end face of the hook-shaped structure, and is used to cooperate with the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip 5 in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to limit the displacement of the metal bright strip 5 in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. The two limiting surfaces constrain the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip 5 from the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body and the vertical direction of the vehicle body, respectively, to achieve synchronous limiting of the metal bright strip 5 in both directions. It should be noted that the first limiting surface 111 and the second limiting surface 112 are perpendicular to each other and correspond to the two inner sides of the L-shaped cross section, respectively. Together, they form an envelope constraint on the limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip, so that the metal bright strip 5 is reliably limited in both the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body and the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

[0026] The second positioning boss 12 also has a hook-shaped structure at the end away from the insert body, making the second positioning boss 12 L-shaped in cross-section. Similar to the first positioning boss 11, the second positioning boss 12 also includes a main body extending vertically from the side of the insert body and a hook-shaped portion formed by bending vertically at the end of the main body. The angle between the main body and the hook-shaped portion is a right angle or close to a right angle. The second positioning boss 12 includes a third limiting surface 121 and a fourth limiting surface 122. The third limiting surface 121 is a limiting contact surface facing the rear of the vehicle, located on the side of the hook-shaped structure of the second positioning boss 12 facing the rear of the vehicle, and is used to cooperate with one side of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to limit the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the rear of the vehicle. The fourth limiting surface 122 is a limiting contact surface facing the front of the vehicle, located on the side of the main body of the second positioning boss 12 facing the front of the vehicle, and is used to cooperate with the other side of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to limit the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the front of the vehicle. The third limiting surface 121 and the fourth limiting surface 122 are located on both sides of the second positioning boss 12 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. They cooperate with both sides of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 to form a bidirectional constraint on the European-style guide groove in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, thereby fundamentally eliminating the movement of the European-style guide groove in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and ensuring the positioning accuracy of the European-style guide groove on the door sheet metal.

[0027] The positioning insert 1 is made of PA66+GF30, which is a composite material with PA66 (polyamide 66, also known as nylon 66) as the matrix and 30% glass fiber reinforcement by mass. PA66+GF30 material has the following performance characteristics: First, it has high flexural modulus and tensile strength, and its stiffness is significantly better than unreinforced PA66, ensuring that the positioning boss does not deform significantly when subjected to the matching load of metal strips or door sheet metal, ensuring the contact accuracy of the limiting surface; Second, it has good heat resistance, maintaining stable mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, adapting to the temperature environment of automotive door sealing systems (including high-temperature exposure and low-temperature conditions); Third, it has certain corrosion resistance and weather resistance, resisting the erosion of moisture, cleaning agents, and other media that may come into contact with the door sealing area, ensuring long-term reliability. Compared with the EPDM material used in the European-style guide groove body 4, PA66+GF30 has a much higher stiffness than EPDM, which enables the positioning insert 1 to provide sufficient support stiffness for the positioning boss, ensuring the reliability of the limiting fit and making up for the deficiency of pure EPDM material in achieving precise rigid limiting due to its soft texture.

[0028] The positioning insert 1 is pre-embedded inside the corner of the European-style guide groove 3 through injection molding process. It is integrally injection molded with the injection joint to form an inseparable whole, ensuring the installation reliability of the positioning insert 1 on the European-style guide groove and preventing the positioning insert 1 from loosening or falling out during use.

[0029] Example 2 This embodiment provides a European-style guide groove end snap-fit ​​structure, such as Figures 3-5 As shown. The European-style guide channel end snap-fit ​​structure includes a European-style guide channel body 4, an injection-molded connector, a metal bright strip 5, and a positioning insert 1 as described in Embodiment 1. The cross-section of the European-style guide channel body 4 is U-shaped or approximately U-shaped, including an inner lip for sealing with the window glass, an outer slot for engaging with the door sheet metal stop, and a decorative slot located on the outer side. The decorative slot extends along the length of the European-style guide channel body 4 and engages with the second limiting hook edge 52 of the metal bright strip 5 to fix the metal bright strip 5 on the outer side of the European-style guide channel body 4. The injection-molded connector is located at the end of the European-style guide channel body 4 near the B-pillar and is used to connect the European-style guide channel body 4 to the door sheet metal 2. The positioning insert 1 is pre-embedded inside the injection-molded connector and integrally formed by injection molding. The metal bright strip 5 is snapped onto the outer side of the European-style guide channel body 4, providing a metallic decorative effect for the overall vehicle appearance.

[0030] The European-style guide channel body 4 is made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, which has good elasticity, weather resistance and sealing performance, and is a commonly used material for automotive door sealing strips.

[0031] The metallic bright strip 5 includes a first limiting hook edge 51 and a second limiting hook edge 52. The first limiting hook edge 51 is located in the end region of the metallic bright strip 5 near the positioning insert 1, and its overall shape is hook-shaped. The first limiting hook edge 51 is provided with a fifth limiting surface 511 and a sixth limiting surface 512. The fifth limiting surface 511 is the contact surface of the first limiting hook edge 51 facing outward of the vehicle body, and the sixth limiting surface 512 is the end contact surface of the first limiting hook edge 51 facing upward or downward of the vehicle body. The two are perpendicular to each other and form an enveloping fit with the L-shaped hook structure of the first positioning boss 11.

[0032] During assembly, the engagement between the first limiting hook edge 51 of the metal bright strip 5 and the first positioning boss 11 of the positioning insert 1 is achieved through elastic deformation and snap-fit. Specifically, when the metal bright strip 5 is pressed into the European-style guide groove body 4, the first limiting hook edge 51 first contacts the outer side of the hook-shaped structure of the first positioning boss 11. As the applied pressure increases, the first limiting hook edge 51 undergoes slight bending deformation along the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body under the action of elastic deformation, allowing it to pass over the end of the hook-shaped part of the first positioning boss 11. Subsequently, under the action of elastic restoring force, the first limiting hook edge 51 snaps into the inner side of the L-shaped hook-shaped structure of the first positioning boss 11. The fifth limiting surface 511 and the first limiting surface 111 of the first positioning boss 11 abut against each other in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, and the sixth limiting surface 512 and the second limiting surface 112 of the first positioning boss 11 abut against each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, completing the snap-fit. The above-mentioned elastic deformation snap-in assembly method is simple to operate, requires no tools, and after snap-in, the engagement between the first limiting hook edge 51 and the first positioning boss 11 has a certain pre-tightening force, which can prevent the metal bright strip 5 from loosening under vibration or external force.

[0033] After the metal bright strip 5 is installed to the European-style guide groove body 4 by snap-fit, the fifth limiting surface 511 of the first limiting hook edge 51 and the first limiting surface 111 of the first positioning boss 11 abut against each other in the direction of the inside and outside of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the metal bright strip 5 in the direction of the inside and outside of the vehicle body, preventing the metal bright strip 5 from shifting to the outside or inside of the vehicle body, thereby ensuring that the surface difference of the metal bright strip of the European-style guide groove of the front and rear doors is uniform in the direction of the inside and outside of the vehicle body; the sixth limiting surface 512 of the first limiting hook edge 51 and the second limiting surface 112 of the first positioning boss 11 abut against each other in the direction of the vertical and horizontal of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the metal bright strip 5 in the direction of the vertical and horizontal of the vehicle body, preventing the metal bright strip 5 from moving up and down. The second limiting hook edge 52 engages with the decorative slot of the European-style guide channel body 4. The hook-shaped end of the second limiting hook edge 52 is inserted into the decorative slot of the European-style guide channel body 4. Through the elastic clamping force of the EPDM material, it forms a snap-fit ​​and fixation with the metal bright strip 5. Together with the first limiting hook edge 51, it restricts the displacement of the metal bright strip 5, thereby achieving a stable installation of the metal bright strip 5 on the outer side of the European-style guide channel body 4.

[0034] The second positioning boss 12 and the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 form a bidirectional fit in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The door sheet metal positioning notch 21 is a notch structure formed by stamping on the door sheet metal 2. Its width in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body matches the thickness of the second positioning boss 12 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The fit clearance should meet the assembly accuracy requirements to ensure that the positioning notch 21 effectively constrains the second positioning boss 12.

[0035] The single-sided mating gap between the second positioning boss 12 and the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body can be controlled within a small range to ensure the positioning accuracy of the European guide groove in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, thereby effectively controlling the consistency of the gap between the metal bright strips of the front and rear doors.

[0036] The third limiting surface 121 of the second positioning boss 12 abuts against the first positioning surface 211 of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the rear of the vehicle; the fourth limiting surface 122 of the second positioning boss 12 abuts against the second positioning surface 212 of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the front of the vehicle body. The two limiting surfaces cooperate with the two sides of the positioning notch 21 respectively, forming a bidirectional constraint on the European-style guide groove in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, ensuring the consistency of the gap between the front and rear door metal bright strips, and effectively solving the problem of gap deviation caused by door sheet metal trimming deviation or improper assembly.

[0037] Compared with the traditional positioning method that relies on the trimming of the car door sheet metal, the positioning method of the present invention adopts a positioning method in which a special positioning notch 21 cooperates with the second positioning boss 12. The positioning benchmark is clear, and the positioning accuracy is not affected by the manufacturing deviation of the sheet metal trimming, which fundamentally improves the reliability and consistency of the European-style guide channel positioning in the front and rear directions of the car body.

[0038] It should be noted that the end of the metal bright strip 5 has a flanged structure. Near the flanged position, the snap-fit ​​hook edge of the metal bright strip 5 is partially cut off due to the flanged process requirements, resulting in insufficient snap-fit ​​strength between the metal bright strip 5 and the European-style guide channel body 4 at this position. Specifically, the edge of the end of the metal bright strip 5 is folded inward to form a neat edge finish. During the flanged process, the metal material in the flanged area needs to be bent and deformed, and part of the snap-fit ​​hook edge near the flanged position must be cut off. After being cut off, the length of the snap-fit ​​hook edge at this position is shortened, and the contact area with the decorative slot of the European-style guide channel body 4 is reduced, resulting in insufficient snap-fit ​​strength. Under vibration or external force, problems such as gaps, warping, or even detachment of the bright strip at the flanged position are likely to occur. To address the aforementioned issues, the first positioning boss 11 of the positioning insert 1 is specifically arranged to correspond to the position of the flange structure. Through the cooperation of its L-shaped hook structure with the first limiting hook edge 51, it specifically compensates for the defect of insufficient clamping force after the hook edge at the flange position is punched. This fundamentally solves the problems of gaps, warping, and detachment at the flange of the bright strip, ensuring a firm connection between the metal bright strip 5 and the European-style guide groove body 4.

[0039] Example 3 This embodiment provides an installation method for a European-style guide groove end snap-fit ​​structure, including the following steps: The metal strip 5 is installed onto the European-style guide channel body 4 using a snap-fit ​​method. The specific operation is as follows: align one end of the metal strip 5 with the outer side of the European-style guide channel body 4, aligning the second limiting hook edge 52 of the metal strip 5 with the decorative slot position of the European-style guide channel body 4. Then, apply pressure from the outside to the inside along the vehicle body direction, gradually pressing the metal strip 5 from one end to the other, so that the second limiting hook edge 52 sequentially engages with the decorative slot of the European-style guide channel body 4 until the entire metal strip 5 is fully engaged. During the gradual pressing of the metal strip 5, when the pressing position reaches the area of ​​the first positioning boss 11, the first limiting hook edge 51 of the metal strip 5, under the applied pressure, elastically deforms past the hook-shaped end of the first positioning boss 11, and then elastically returns to engage with the inner side of the L-shaped hook structure of the first positioning boss 11, completing the engagement between the first limiting hook edge 51 and the first positioning boss 11.

[0040] After installation, the first limiting hook edge 51 of the metal bright strip 5 and the first positioning boss 11 of the positioning insert 1 form a cooperating constraint in the inward and outward directions and the vertical direction of the vehicle body. Specifically, the fifth limiting surface 511 of the first limiting hook edge 51 and the first limiting surface 111 of the first positioning boss 11 abut against each other in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the metal bright strip 5 in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body; the sixth limiting surface 512 of the first limiting hook edge 51 and the second limiting surface 112 of the first positioning boss 11 abut against each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the metal bright strip 5 in the vertical direction of the vehicle body; at the same time, the second limiting hook edge 52 of the metal bright strip 5 engages with the decorative slot of the European-style guide groove body 4, completing the fixed installation of the metal bright strip 5 on the European-style guide groove body 4.

[0041] The European-style guide channel, integrated with the positioning insert 1, is pushed into the stop of the door sheet metal 2 along the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body. Specifically, the operator holds the European-style guide channel, aligns the end of the injection molding connector with the stop position of the door sheet metal 2, confirms that the second positioning boss 12 of the positioning insert 1 is aligned with the positioning notch 21 of the door sheet metal, and then applies force evenly along the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body (from the outside to the inside) to push the European-style guide channel into the stop. During the pushing process, the second positioning boss 12 moves along the inward and outward direction of the European-style guide channel as a whole. When pushed into place, the second positioning boss 12 engages with the positioning notch 21 of the door sheet metal. The operator can feel a clear sense of engagement to determine that the European-style guide channel has been pushed into place. After the second positioning boss 12 is engaged with the positioning notch 21, the third limiting surface 121 of the second positioning boss 12 and the first positioning surface 211 of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 abut against each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the European-style guide channel to the rear of the vehicle; the fourth limiting surface 122 of the second positioning boss 12 and the second positioning surface 212 of the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 abut against each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the European-style guide channel to the front of the vehicle body, thus completing the precise positioning of the European-style guide channel on the door sheet metal 2 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0042] After installation, the operator checks the surface difference of the metal bright strip 5 in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, observes whether the surface difference between the metal bright strips of the European-style guide grooves of the front and rear doors is uniform and consistent, and whether there are obvious inward and outward deviations; checks the gap between the metal bright strips of the European-style guide grooves of the front and rear doors in the forward and backward directions of the vehicle body, observes whether the gap between the ends of the metal bright strips of the front and rear doors meets the design requirements, and whether there are any gap deviations; checks whether there are gaps, warping, or detachment at the flange position of the metal bright strip 5, to confirm whether the fit between the first positioning boss 11 and the first limiting hook edge 51 is good. The above verification operations do not require the use of special inspection tools and can be completed by the operator visually, which facilitates quick judgment of assembly quality on the production line.

[0043] In this embodiment, the assembly action of pushing the European-style guide groove into the stop along the inside and outside of the vehicle body is completely consistent with the traditional assembly method of the European-style guide groove. No additional procedures are required for the operator, and assembly time is not increased, facilitating its engineering application. Simultaneously, since the positioning method of the second positioning boss 12 and the door sheet metal positioning notch 21 replaces the traditional method of positioning based on sheet metal trimming, the positioning accuracy is no longer affected by the dimensional deviation of the sheet metal trimming, fundamentally ensuring assembly consistency. In some embodiments, the execution order of steps one and two can be adjusted according to the actual assembly process requirements. For example, the European-style guide groove can be pushed into the stop first to complete the front-to-back positioning of the vehicle body, and then the metal bright strip 5 can be fastened to the European-style guide groove body 4; or the fastening of the metal bright strip 5 to the European-style guide groove body 4 and the action of pushing the European-style guide groove into the stop can be combined into a single continuous operation to further improve assembly efficiency.

[0044] Example 4 This embodiment provides a vehicle, including a door sheet metal 2 and the European-style guide groove B-pillar end snap-fit ​​structure described in Embodiment 2. The door sheet metal 2 has a positioning notch 21, which is a notch structure formed on the door sheet metal 2 by a stamping process. Its position and size match the second positioning boss 12 of the positioning insert 1. The positioning notch 21 cooperates with the second positioning boss 12 of the positioning insert 1 to limit the European-style guide groove in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body on the door sheet metal 2; the European-style guide groove B-pillar end snap-fit ​​structure is installed at the stop of the door sheet metal 2 through an injection molding joint.

[0045] The vehicle described in this embodiment is applicable to passenger car models with front and rear doors. The European-style guide channel B-pillar end snap-fit ​​structure can be applied to the European-style guide channel ends on the B-pillar side of the front door and the B-pillar side of the rear door respectively. By setting the above-mentioned snap-fit ​​structure at the ends of the European-style guide channels of both the front and rear doors, the European-style guide channels of the front and rear doors can be accurately positioned simultaneously, ensuring the consistency of the gap between the metal bright strips of the front and rear doors in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0046] After the vehicle assembly is completed, the positioning state of the European-style guide channel is as follows: In the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the second positioning boss 12 of the positioning insert 1 is engaged with the door sheet metal positioning notch 21. The third limiting surface 121 and the fourth limiting surface 122 of the second positioning boss 12 abut against the two sides of the positioning notch 21 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, so that the European-style guide channel is precisely limited in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The position of the European-style guide channel in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is uniquely determined by the position of the positioning notch 21 and is not affected by sheet metal trimming deviation or assembly operation differences. In the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body and the vertical direction of the vehicle body, the metal bright strip 5 is effectively constrained in both the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body and the vertical direction of the vehicle body through the cooperation of the first limiting hook edge 51 with the first positioning boss 11 and the engagement of the second limiting hook edge 52 with the European-style guide channel body 4. This ensures a firm connection between the metal bright strip 5 and the European-style guide channel body 4 and prevents the metal bright strip 5 from shifting, moving up and down, separating, or coming off during use.

[0047] The gap consistency of the European-style guide groove metal strips on the front and rear doors of this vehicle is ensured in the front-to-back direction, avoiding uneven gaps caused by positioning deviations in the front-to-back direction of the European-style guide grooves, thus enhancing the overall refinement of the vehicle's side profile. The uniformity of the surface difference of the metal strip 5 in the interior and exterior directions of the vehicle body is ensured, avoiding uneven surface differences caused by poor snap-fitting of the metal strip, making the overall side profile lines smoother. The snap-fit ​​reliability at the flange position of the metal strip 5 is also improved, effectively preventing gaps, lifting, or detachment at the flange position of the strip, ensuring the neatness of the end appearance of the European-style guide groove, and enhancing the overall refinement of the vehicle's appearance.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A positioning insert at the end of a European-style guide groove, characterized in that, include: The insert body comprises a first positioning boss and a second positioning boss; the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are respectively disposed on two mutually perpendicular sides of the insert body, and the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are staggered in the length direction of the insert body; the ends of the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss away from the insert body are provided with hook-shaped structures, so that the first positioning boss and the second positioning boss are both L-shaped.

2. The positioning insert at the end of the European-style guide groove according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning boss includes a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface; the first limiting surface is used to cooperate with the limiting edge of the metal bright strip in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body to limit the displacement of the metal bright strip in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body; the second limiting surface is used to cooperate with the limiting edge of the metal bright strip in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to limit the displacement of the metal bright strip in the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

3. The positioning insert at the end of the European-style guide groove according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second positioning boss includes a third limiting surface and a fourth limiting surface; the third limiting surface is used to cooperate with one side of the door sheet metal positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the rear of the vehicle; the fourth limiting surface is used to cooperate with the other side of the door sheet metal positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the front of the vehicle.

4. A snap-fit ​​structure at the end of a European-style guide groove, characterized in that, include: The European-style guide channel body, the injection joint, the metal bright strip, and the positioning insert as described in any one of claims 1-3; the injection joint is disposed at the end of the European-style guide channel body on the side near the B-pillar, and the positioning insert is pre-embedded inside the injection joint by the injection molding process and integrally injection molded with the injection joint; the metal bright strip is fastened to the outer surface of the European-style guide channel body and serves as the appearance surface.

5. The snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove according to claim 4, characterized in that, The metallic bright strip includes a first limiting hook edge and a second limiting hook edge; the first limiting hook edge cooperates with the first positioning boss of the positioning insert in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body and in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, wherein the fifth limiting surface of the first limiting hook edge cooperates with the first limiting surface of the first positioning boss in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body, and the sixth limiting surface of the first limiting hook edge cooperates with the second limiting surface of the first positioning boss in the vertical direction of the vehicle body; the second limiting hook edge engages with the European-style guide groove body to jointly restrict the displacement of the metallic bright strip.

6. The snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second positioning boss of the positioning insert mates with the positioning notch on the door sheet metal in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; the third limiting surface of the second positioning boss mates with the first positioning surface of the positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the rear of the vehicle; the fourth limiting surface of the second positioning boss mates with the second positioning surface of the positioning notch in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, restricting the displacement of the European-style guide groove to the front of the vehicle.

7. The snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning insert is made of composite material and is manufactured by integral injection molding; the positioning insert is embedded in the European-style guide groove body.

8. The snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the metal bright strip is provided with a flange structure; the first positioning boss of the positioning insert is set in the position corresponding to the flange structure. The hook structure of the first positioning boss cooperates with the first limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip to make up for the defect of insufficient clamping force after the metal bright strip is punched at the flange position, and ensures a firm connection between the metal bright strip and the European-style guide groove body.

9. A method for installing the snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove as described in any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The metal bright strip is installed to the European-style guide groove body by snapping, so that the first limiting hook edge of the metal bright strip cooperates with the first positioning boss of the positioning insert in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body and in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, thereby restricting the displacement of the metal bright strip in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle body and in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. The European-style guide channel, which integrates the positioning insert, is pushed into the door sheet metal stop along the inward and outward directions of the vehicle body. The second positioning boss of the positioning insert is engaged with the positioning notch of the door sheet metal. The third limiting surface of the second positioning boss cooperates with the first positioning surface of the positioning notch to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide channel to the rear of the vehicle. The fourth limiting surface of the second positioning boss cooperates with the second positioning surface of the positioning notch to restrict the displacement of the European-style guide channel to the front of the vehicle, thus completing the positioning of the European-style guide channel in the forward and backward directions of the vehicle body.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The device includes a car door sheet metal and a snap-fit ​​structure at the end of the European-style guide groove as described in any one of claims 4-8; the car door sheet metal is provided with a positioning notch, which cooperates with the second positioning boss of the positioning insert to realize the limitation of the European-style guide groove in the front and rear directions of the car body on the car door sheet metal; the snap-fit ​​structure at the B-pillar end of the European-style guide groove is installed at the stop of the car door sheet metal through the injection molding joint.

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