Assembly for a door of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to an assembly for a door of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. The utility model relates to an assembly comprising a guide groove (16) and at least one fixed guide rail (18), in particular for the implementation of a method for assembling a vehicle door. The at least one fixed guide rail (18) is located on a corresponding end (32a, 34a) of a guide slot (16) that has not been mounted to the door frame (12) of the door (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an assembly for a door of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a guide channel and at least one fixing rail. BACKGROUND

[0002] The assembly of a vehicle door is a time-consuming and tedious operation, the reason for which is that the door comprises several components which are large in size and which are not always easy to assemble on a production line. This assembly is therefore generally carried out in a manual manner.

[0003] The vehicle door comprises a door frame comprising a lower cabin and an upper inverted U-shaped frame. The frame comprises an upper crosspiece and two side uprights extending downwards from the crosspiece as far as the cabin. The door frame also comprises a glass channel extending between the side uprights.

[0004] The door also comprises a glass which is movable through the glass channel. The glass is movable between an upper position in which it closes the opening defined by the upper frame and a lower position in which it is at least partially housed in the cabin and leaves an opening.

[0005] The door also comprises a guide channel which guides the glass from the upper position to the lower position and vice versa. The guide channel has an overall shape of an inverted U and comprises at least two side edges connected to each other by an upper cross edge. The cross edge extends along the crosspiece of the frame and the side edges extend along the side uprights of the frame. Each side edge of the guide channel comprises a guide groove for the glass.

[0006] The guide channel is fixed in the cabin by means of fixing rails. The fixing rails are housed in the cabin and extend along the lower end portions of the side edges of the guide channel, respectively. The fixing elements allow the fixing of the rails to the cabin.

[0007] In the current technology, the vehicle door is installed by the following means. In order to install the guide channel on the door frame, the ends of the side edges of the guide channel which are opposite the cross edge are first inserted into the glass channel of the door frame, then the side edges are moved downwards through the glass channel until the lower end portions of the side edges are housed in the cabin of the door frame. The fixing rails are fixed to the cabin by inserting them into the cabin through the openings of the upper walls of the openings in the cabin. The fixing rails can be fixed to the cabin before the installation of the guide channel. In this case, when the guide channel is inserted, the ends of the side edges are directly inserted into the fixing rails which are previously fixed in the cabin. As a variant, the fixing rails can be fixed to the cabin after the insertion of the side edges of the guide channel into the glass channel. In this case, the ends of the side edges are installed in the fixing rails before the fixing rails are fixed to the cabin or preferably after the fixing rails are fixed to the cabin.

[0008] In both cases, the assembly of the guide channel and of the fixed guide rail requires two separate installation steps, which are relatively difficult to perform, in particular because of the relatively limited access to the installation environment inside the door pocket. The assembly is even more complex when the door is of the "flush" type.

[0009] The application provides a simple, effective and economical solution to this problem. Invention content

[0010] The application proposes a method of assembling a door of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, the door comprising at least:

[0011] - a door frame having a lower pocket and an upper inverted U-shaped frame comprising an upper crosspiece and two side uprights extending downward from the crosspiece as far as the pocket, the door frame further comprising a glass channel extending between the side uprights,

[0012] - a glass movable through the glass channel between an upper position in which the glass closes the opening defined by the upper frame and a lower position in which the glass is at least partially housed in the pocket and leaves an opening,

[0013] - a guide channel capable of guiding the glass from the upper position to the lower position and vice versa, the guide channel having an overall inverted U shape and comprising at least two side edges connected to each other by an upper cross edge extending along the crosspiece, the side edges extending along the side uprights and comprising a lower end portion housed in the pocket, each side edge comprising a guide groove for the glass.

[0014] - at least one fixed guide rail of the guide channel, the fixed guide rail being housed in the pocket and extending along at least a portion of one or each of the end portions respectively,

[0015] - a fixing element fixing the at least one guide rail to the pocket,

[0016] characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0017] a) manufacturing an assembly comprising the guide channel and at least one fixed guide rail located at a corresponding end portion of the guide channel,

[0018] b) installing the assembly on the door frame by inserting the end portions and the at least one fixed guide rail into the pocket through the glass channel, in particular from top to bottom, and by fixing the cross edge of the guide channel along the crosspiece of the frame,

[0019] c) fixing the at least one guide rail to the pocket by means of the fixing element, and

[0020] d) installing the glass in the door frame.

[0021] It will thus be understood that the one or more fixed rails are mounted on the door frame simultaneously with the guide channel and in particular inserted through the glass channel simultaneously with the guide channel. This makes it possible to achieve in one step the two steps of the prior art and avoids having to mount the ends of the side edges of the guide channel in the fixed rails in the limited space inside the cabin.

[0022] Step a) thus comprises manufacturing an assembly according to the application, defined as comprising the guide channel and at least one fixed rail. There can be a fixed rail on each side edge or only on one side edge, the other side edge possibly being free of fixed rail or for example associated with a fixed rail as mentioned in the prior art.

[0023] Step b) involves mounting the assembly through the glass channel of the door frame. The insertion of the ends of the side edges through the glass channel can be achieved by moving the guide channel from top to bottom. This movement can be made for example by pure translation or pure rotation, or by a combination of translation and rotation.

[0024] Step b) also comprises fixing the cross edge of the guide channel along the crosspiece of the frame. The insertion and fixing of the guide channel in step b) can be carried out in any order: insertion first, then fixing, or fixing first, then insertion.

[0025] Step c) involves fixing the one or more fixed rails to the door frame by means of fixing elements of the rivet or screw-nut or quick-fastener type, for example.

[0026] Step d) comprises mounting the glass in the door frame. This mounting can be carried out after step c) or after one or more steps after step c).

[0027] The method according to the application comprises one or more of the following features or steps, which can be considered independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0028] - in step a), the at least one fixed rail is connected and fixed to the corresponding end of the guide channel;

[0029] - in step a), the at least one fixed rail is formed integrally with the corresponding end of the guide channel;

[0030] - the side edges of the guide channel comprise a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer material and the at least one rail comprises a material chosen from a plastic material, a metal material or a combination of the two;

[0031] - The rubber or thermoplastic elastomer is selected from EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPEV (thermoplastique 6lastomère-vulcanis 6, vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer), TPES (thermoplastique polyesters, thermoplastic polyesters), etc.

[0032] - In step c), the fixing element is installed through the fixing screw hole of at least one guide rail;

[0033] - The fixed crank pin and the rest of the guide rail are integrated and form a single unit;

[0034] - In step c), at least one fixed crank pin rotates about the axis from the unfolded position to the folded position located on the rest of the guide rail, with an angular travel about the axis between 50° and 250°, and preferably between 100° and 200°.

[0035] - In step c), at least one fixed crank pin is secured to the rest of the guide rail in its folded position by hooks or elastic clips;

[0036] - In step c), before securing at least one guide rail with the fixing element, the fixing crank pin is connected and secured to the rest of the guide rail;

[0037] - The hull has a complete outer wall and an open inner wall, the inner wall being able to accommodate a door liner for concealing the opening in the inner wall, and step c) is carried out at least partially through at least one of these openings;

[0038] - The glass includes a glass wall and two parallel guides fixed to the inner surface of the glass wall, the guides being at least partially received in grooves on the sides of the guide channel;

[0039] - The glass wall has an outer surface that is opposite to the inner surface and aligned with the outer surface of at least one decorative element or fixed glass, the decorative element extending along one of the side posts of the frame; this alignment, commonly referred to as "flush", is well-known in the field of motor vehicles and is a particularly sought-after and appreciated aesthetic appearance.

[0040] - Decorative components are selected from door panels, central column panels, etc.;

[0041] -The guide channel includes a fixed glass module;

[0042] - The fixed glass module is not necessarily an integral part of the guide channel. It can be a separate component that is installed on the door and contacts the guide channel, or installed on the body along a side pillar of the frame (e.g., the rear windshield).

[0043] - the guide channel forms a single integral component;

[0044] - the glass channel has an elongated shape between the side posts and comprises a pitch measured in a direction perpendicular to the extension axis of the glass channel, and the assembly formed by the guide channel and the at least one fixed rail has, at the respective end portions, a cross section having, at the time of insertion in step b), a maximum lateral dimension extending along the extension axis of the glass channel, and a minimum lateral dimension extending along the pitch direction, the minimum lateral dimension being smaller than the pitch;

[0045] - the minimum lateral dimension is obtained by elastic deformation of the end portion, in particular by crushing the end portion;

[0046] - the door comprises two fixed rails of the guide channel, which are housed in the cabin and extend along at least part of the end portions, respectively.

[0047] The application also relates to an assembly comprising a guide channel and at least one fixed rail, in particular for implementing the method as described above, the at least one fixed rail being located on a corresponding end portion of the guide channel, the guide channel not yet being mounted to the door frame of the vehicle door.

[0048] The assembly according to the application is particularly suitable for implementing the method according to the application, but can be used for another assembly method if necessary.

[0049] The assembly according to the application comprises one or more of the following features, which can be considered independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0050] - the at least one fixed rail is inserted and fixed to the corresponding end portion of the guide channel, or formed integrally with the corresponding end portion of the guide channel, for example by overmolding;

[0051] - the guide channel comprises a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer material, and the at least one rail comprises a material chosen from a plastic material, a metal material or a combination of the two;

[0052] - the rubber or thermoplastic elastomer material is chosen from EPDM, TPEV, TPES, etc.

[0053] - the guide channel also comprises a non-elastic material, for example PP (polypropylene);

[0054] - the at least one rail comprises a plurality of fixed cleats, which are integral and monolithic with the at least one rail, or connected and fixed to the at least one rail;

[0055] - the at least one fixed cleat is at least partially flexible or articulated;

[0056] - at least one fixed cam is connected to the rest of the corresponding rail by a hinge, in particular by a mechanical hinge or a flexible hinge;

[0057] - the at least one fixed cam is rotatably movable about an axis from an unfolded position to a folded position located on the rest of the rail, the angular travel about the axis being between 50° and 250° and preferably between 100° and 200°

[0058]

[0059] - the at least one fixed cam can be fixed to the rest of the rail in its folded position by hooking or elastic snapping;

[0060] - the assembly also comprises a door frame comprising a lower cabin and an upper inverted U-shaped frame;

[0061] - the frame comprises an upper crosspiece and two side uprights extending downward from the crosspiece as far as the cabin, the door frame also comprising an elongated glass channel extending between the side uprights and having a pitch measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of extension of the glass channel;

[0062] - the guide channel and the at least one fixed rail have, at the respective end, a cross section having a minimum transverse dimension that is less than the pitch;

[0063] - the minimum transverse dimension is obtained by elastic deformation of the end, in particular by crushing the end;

[0064] - the assembly also comprises a glass movable through the glass channel between an upper position and a lower position, the glass closing the opening defined by the upper frame in the upper position and being at least partially housed in the cabin and leaving an opening in the lower position, the glass comprising a glass wall comprising an outer surface aligned with at least one trim of the assembly or with the outer surface of the fixed glass, the trim extending along one of the side uprights of the frame; this alignment, commonly referred to as "flush", is well known in the field of motor vehicles and is an aesthetic appearance that is particularly sought after and appreciated;

[0065] - the trim is chosen from among door trims, center pillar trims, etc.;

[0066] - the guide channel comprises a fixed glass module;

[0067] - the fixed glass module is not necessarily integral with the guide channel, it can be a separate part mounted on the vehicle door in contact with the guide channel or mounted on the cabin along one of the side uprights of the frame (for example: rear windshield);

[0068] - the guide channel forms a single integral member;

[0069] - each end of the guide channel comprises a fixed rail.​ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0070] The present application will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of non-restrictive example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to the present application, comprising one guide channel and two fixed rails;

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of another assembly according to the present application, comprising one guide channel and one fixed rail;

[0073] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a fixed rail;

[0074] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a door frame of a vehicle door;

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic partial sectional view of a vehicle door at the glass channel of the door;

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of an assembly according to the present application, and shows the transversal dimension of the assembly;

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 8A and 8B is a schematic sectional view of an assembly according to a second embodiment of the present application, and shows the elastic deformation and flattening capacity of the assembly;

[0079] Figure 9A and 9B is a schematic sectional view of an assembly according to a third embodiment of the present application, and shows the deformation and flattening capacity of the assembly;

[0080] Figure 10A and 10B is a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to the present application, and shows the steps of a method according to the present application;

[0081] Figure 11A and 11B is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the present application, and shows another step of the method;

[0082] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the present application, and shows another step of the method; is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the present application, and shows another step of the method;

[0083] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the application and illustrates another step of the method;

[0084] Figure 14A and 14B is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the application and illustrates another step of the method;

[0085] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a variant embodiment of the fixed rail carrying the fixed curved peg in the unfolded position;

[0086] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the fixed rail of Figure 15 , the fixed curved peg being in the folded position;

[0087] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the application equipped with Figure 15 the rail of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The present application relates to two aspects. The first is an assembly comprising a guide channel and at least one fixed rail, and a method of assembling a vehicle door comprising such an assembly.

[0089] Figures 1 to 9A and 9B illustrate features of the assembly according to the application, and Figure 10A and 10B to Figure 14A and 14B illustrate steps of the method according to the application.

[0090] With reference to Figures 1 to 5 , the door 10 of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprises at least:

[0091] - a door frame 12, an example of which is visible in Figure 4 ,

[0092] - a movable glass 14, an example of which is visible in Figure 5 ,

[0093] - a guide channel 16, two examples of which are illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and

[0094] - at least one fixed rail 18, an example of which is illustrated in Figure 3 .

[0095] The door frame 12 comprises a lower cabin 20 and an upper inverted U-shaped frame 22 Figure 4 .

[0096] The frame 22 comprises an upper crosspiece 24 and two side uprights 26, 28 extending downwardly from the crosspiece 24 as far as the cabin. The side upright 26 can be a front upright (located on the front side of the vehicle) and the side upright 28 can be a rear upright (located on the rear side of the vehicle).

[0097] The cabin 20 can have a complete outer wall 20a and an inner wall 20b with openings 20c that can accommodate a door lining (not shown) for concealing the openings 20c in the inner wall 20b. Figure 4

[0098] The door frame 12 further comprises a glass channel 30 extending between the side uprights 26, 28 and between the outer wall 20a and the inner wall 20b, and is visible in Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The glass channel 30 is an elongated gap extending between the side uprights 26, 28, in this case from rear to front, through which the glass 14 moves.

[0099] The glass channel 30 has a length or longitudinal dimension, denoted L, Figure 4 and a width or pitch or transverse dimension, denoted E, Figure 4 and 5 . The length L is measured along the extension axis of the glass channel 30 and the pitch E is measured in a direction perpendicular to the extension axis.

[0100] The glass 14 is visible in Figure 5 . The glass can move through the glass channel 30 between an upper position, in which it closes the opening 22a defined by the upper frame 22, and a lower position, in which it is at least partially housed in the cabin 20 and leaves the aforesaid opening 22a.

[0101] As is more clearly seen in Figure 14A and Figure 14B , the glass 14 comprises a glass wall comprising an inner surface 14b and an outer surface 14a. The glass 14 comprises at least one guide 31 parallel to a side edge of the glass and fixed to the inner surface 14b of the glass wall. The glass 14 can comprise two guides along two opposite side edges of the glass wall, respectively a front edge and a rear edge.

[0102] The guide channel 16 is able to guide the glass 14 from the upper position to the lower position and vice versa.

[0103] The guide channel 16 forms a single integral member.

[0104] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 ​As shown, the guide channel 16 has a general shape of an inverted U. The guide channel 16 comprises at least two side edges 32, 34 connected to each other by an upper cross edge 36.

[0105] The cross edge 36 extends along the cross beam 24 and the side edges 32, 34 extend along the side uprights 26, 28.

[0106] Each side edge 32, 34 comprises a lower end portion 32a, 34a for being housed in the cabin 20.

[0107] Furthermore, each side edge 32, 34 comprises a groove 38 for guiding the glass 14. Figure 6 An example of such a groove 38 is shown.

[0108] As Figure 6 shown, each side edge 32, 34 can have a cross section of a general shape of a U. It can be seen that each edge 32, 34 comprises two longitudinal side walls 40a, 40b which are generally parallel to each other and connected to each other by a longitudinal intermediate wall 40c.

[0109] Each edge 32, 34 can comprise a longitudinal sealing lip 42, for example cooperating with the glass 14.

[0110] Among the side walls 40a, 40b, one side wall can comprise or define a longitudinal groove 44 for housing and sliding one of the aforementioned guides 31 of the glass 14. The guides 31 are at least partially housed in the groove defined by the U shape of the side edges 32, 34 of the guide channel.

[0111] The cross edge 36 can have a cross section shape similar to the side edges 32, 34 and define a groove for housing the glass 14 when the glass 14 is in the upper position.

[0112] The guide channel 16 can comprise a rubber or thermoplastic elastomeric material. This material can be chosen from EPDM, TPEV, TPES, etc. The guide channel 16 can also comprise a non-elastic material, for example PP, optionally reinforced with glass fibers or talc filler.

[0113] The end portions 32a, 34a of the side edges 32, 34 are fixed to the cabin 20, in particular inside the cabin 20 Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 ) by the fixing rails 18.

[0114] A fixing rail 18 is generally associated with each of the end portions 32a, 34a in order to fix the end portions 32a, 34a to the cabin 20 of the door 10 and to the door frame 12.

[0115] Thus, each fixing rail 18 of the guide channel 16 is housed in the cabin 20.

[0116] Each fixed rail 18 extends along at least a portion of the end 32a, 34a and is secured by a securing element (not shown in the first figure).

[0117] In the example shown, it can be seen that the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. Figure 3 As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0118] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. Figure 3 As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. Figure 6 As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0119] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. Figure 6 As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0120] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0121] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. Figure 3 As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0122] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0123] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. Figure 6 As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a. As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0124] As can be seen in the example shown, the fixed rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated main body 18a and fixed knobs 18b, 18c which are raised with respect to the main body 18a.

[0125] Each guide rail 18 may include a material selected from plastic, metal, or a combination of both.

[0126] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that each fixed guide rail 18 can extend along the length L2 of the corresponding side 32, 34, where the length L2 represents 30% to 60%, preferably 40% to 50%, of the side length L3.

[0127] The length L2 or the length of the guide rail 18 is preferably such that the guide rail 18 does not exceed or only slightly exceeds the door's guide line C1 (see...). Figure 13 And 14a), and once all the parts of the door are assembled, they are no longer visible.

[0128] As described above, the assembly of the guide groove 16 and the fixed guide rail 18 is complex, especially when the door is of the "flush" type, because the edges 32, 34 slide in the presence of the groove 47, which engages with the lug branching off from the wall 44a of the guide rail 18. This engagement allows the guide 31 to be positioned in the groove 44.

[0129] This application relates to an assembly including a guide groove 16 and at least one fixed guide rail 18. The component is characterized in that the fixed guide rail 18 is located on the corresponding ends 32a, 34a of the guide groove 16 that are not installed in the door frame 12 of the door 10.

[0130] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, a fixed guide rail 18 is located on each side 32, 34. The first fixed guide rail 18 is located on the end 32a of the side 32, and the other fixed guide rail 18 is located on the end 34a of the other side 34.

[0131] exist Figure 2 In the example, the fixed guide rail 18 is located on one side 32 or 34, specifically on end 32a or 34a of that side. The other side 34 or 32 does not have a fixed guide rail and may be associated with, for example, a prior art fixed guide rail (attached to the side after the guide groove is installed on the door frame).

[0132] In the following description, a fixed guide rail 18 is used as a reference, but these descriptions apply to each of these guide rails 18.

[0133] There are two possible scenarios.

[0134] According to the first embodiment, the fixed guide rail 18 is connected to and fixed to the corresponding ends 32a and 34a of the guide groove 16.

[0135] According to a variant embodiment, the fixed guide rail 18 is integrally formed with the corresponding ends 32a, 34a of the guide groove 16, for example, by overmolding.

[0136] The components according to this application are advantageously configured such that the sides 32, 34 of the guide groove 16, equipped with one or more fixed guide rails 18, can be installed through the glass groove 30 and inserted into the cabin 20. Therefore, the components according to this application should have dimensions, particularly the lateral dimensions, that allow for such assembly.

[0137] like Figure 6 As shown, the assembly formed by the guide groove 16 and the fixed guide rail 18 includes a cross section at the corresponding ends 32a and 34a, which includes a maximum lateral dimension D1 for extending along the glass groove 30 and a minimum lateral dimension D2 for cutting across the extension of the glass groove 30.

[0138] The length L1 of the glass groove 30 is significantly greater than the dimension D1, therefore the dimension D1 is not a limiting parameter for the installation of the components according to this application. On the other hand, the dimension D2 should be smaller than the spacing E to allow the edges 32, 34 with the fixed guide rails 18 to pass through the glass groove 30 and be inserted into the cabin 20.

[0139] Figures 7 to 9A 9B illustrates several possible scenarios.

[0140] In Figure 6 akin Figure 7 In this case, the fixed guide rail 18 is relatively rigid and therefore not elastically deformable or hinged. Therefore, it is impossible to deform the guide rail 18 to reduce its minimum lateral dimension D2.

[0141] exist Figure 8A and 8B In this case, the fixed guide rail 18 includes a resiliently deformable portion. In particular, at least a portion of at least one fixed crank pin 18b, 18c is flexible. For example, at least one of the fixed crank pins 18b, 18c can be connected to the body 18a via a flexible hinge 48.

[0142] In a state of unconstrained freedom, such as Figure 8A As shown, the component has a minimum lateral dimension D2' at its ends 32a and 34a, which is greater than E. Figure 8B Under the constrained state shown, the component has a minimum lateral dimension D2 at its ends 32a and 34a, which is less than E. The transition from the unconstrained state to the constrained state is achieved by elastically deforming the crank pins 18b and 18c or by bending the crank pins 18b and 18c relative to the flexible hinge 48 forming the bending axis. This deformation can be considered as the flattening of the corresponding edges 32 and 34; in other words, the deformation of edges 32 and 34 to give them the flattest and thinnest possible shape.

[0143] exist Figure 9A and 9B In this case, the fixed guide rail 18 includes a hinged portion. In particular, at least one of the fixed cranks 18b and 18c is hinged. For example, at least one of the fixed cranks 18b and 18c can be connected to the body 18a via a mechanical hinge 50.

[0144] exist Figure 9A In the state shown, the component has a minimum lateral dimension D2' at its ends 32a and 34a, which is greater than E. Figure 9B In the illustrated state, the component has a minimum lateral dimension D2 at its ends 32a and 34a, which is less than E. The transition from one state to another is achieved by moving the fixed crank pins 18b and 18c with the aid of hinge 50. This movement can be considered as the flattening of the corresponding edges 32 and 34; in other words, the variation of edges 32 and 34 to give them the flattest and thinnest possible shape.

[0145] Here, refer to Figure 10A and 10B Pages 14A and 14B illustrate the steps of assembling doors for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles.

[0146] The method according to this application includes the following steps.

[0147] First of all, Figure 10A and 10B In the first step a), the component as described above is manufactured. This component includes a guide groove 16 and fixed guide rails 18 located at corresponding ends 32a, 34a of the guide groove 16. As described above, the rails 18, or each rail 18, can be connected and fixed to the corresponding edges 32, 34, or, for example, overmolded onto those edges.

[0148] Subsequently, Figure 11A and 11B In the second step b), the components formed in step a) are installed onto the door frame 12. This installation is achieved by inserting the ends 32a, 34a, and the fixed guide rails 18, or each fixed guide rail 18, through the glass groove 30 into the cabin 20. The assembly of these parts 32a, 34a, and the guide rails 18, or each guide rail 18, can be done simultaneously, immediately after each other, or sequentially (e.g., the whole component method, but guided by the operator side by side, manipulating each side and its guide rail with both hands).

[0149] This displacement can be achieved by moving the guide groove 16 from top to bottom. This movement can be, for example, by pure translation or pure rotation, or by a combination of translation and rotation. Figure 11B The diagram shows that this assembly is performed by an operator, and therefore is done manually.

[0150] As mentioned above, step b) can be performed with or without deformation or articulation of the fixed rail 18 or of each fixed rail 18.

[0151] When inserted into the edges 32, 34 of the slot 16, the maximum transverse dimension D1 of each edge 32, 34 extends along the glass slot 30, and the minimum transverse dimension D2 extends transversely with respect to the glass slot 30.

[0152] Then, as shown in Figure 12 , the transverse edge 36 of the slot 16 is fixed along the crosspiece 24 of the frame 22.

[0153] Then, the method comprises a further step c) of fixing the rail 18 or each rail 18 to the cabin 20 by means of the fixing elements 52 schematically shown in Figure 13 These fixing elements 52 pass through the aforementioned holes 46 of the curved pegs 18b, 18c and are fixed to the cabin 20 with suitable tools.

[0154] In the case where the aforementioned curved pegs 18b, 18c are flexible or deformable, these pegs can be deformed, folded or fixed in order to facilitate the installation of the rail 18 or of each rail 18 through the glass slot 30.

[0155] In the case where the curved pegs 18b, 18c are folded to reduce the transverse dimension to its minimum dimension D2. Figure 8B In the case where the curved pegs 18b, 18c are articulated or moved to reduce the transverse dimension to its minimum dimension D2.

[0156] Figure 9B

[0157] Figures 15 to 17 Another variant is shown, in which at least one of the fixing pegs 18b, 18c is movable in rotation about the axis A from an unfolded position Figure 15 to a folded position Figures 16 to 17 . The angular travel about the axis A can be between 50° and 250°, and preferably between 100° and 200°. For example, the angular travel is of the order of 180°.

[0158] In the example shown, the fixing peg 18b, 18c can be fixed in its folded position on the rest of the rail by hooking or elastic snapping. To this end, the peg 18b, 18c, or alternatively the rest of the rail, comprises for example one or more hooks 54 that can cooperate by elastic snapping with one or more grooves 56 of the rest of the rail, or alternatively of the fixing peg 18b, 18c. As a variant, other means of fixing the peg 18b, 18c in its folded position can be used. ​​

[0159] Thus, it should be understood that during step b) the fixed clips 18b, 18c are in their unfolded position of the rail, so that the transverse dimension of the rail is as small as possible. During step c) the fixed clips 18b, 18c are moved in rotation about the axis A from the unfolded position to the folded position and are then fixed on the rest of the rail by the cooperation of the hooks 54 with the grooves 56. Figure 15

[0160] Step c) can be at least partially achieved by means of an opening 20c in the inner wall 20b of the cabin 20.

[0161] Before step c), in the case where the fixed clips 18b, 18c are detachable and thus removable, the fixed clips 18b, 18c can be connected and fixed to the main body 18a between steps b) and c).

[0162] The method then comprises a further step d) of installing the glass 14 in the door frame 12, as shown in Figure 14A and 14B The guides 31 of the glass 14 are then at least partially housed in the grooves 38 of the side edges 32, 34 of the guide channel 16.

[0163] The door 10 can comprise a trim or fixed glass, for example forming part of a fixed glass module. In the upper closed position of the opening 22a of the door frame 12, the outer surface 14a of the glass 14 is preferably aligned with the outer surface of the trim or fixed glass (of the "flush" type).

[0164] The trim element can extend along one of the side uprights 26, 28 of the frame 22. The trim is for example chosen from among a door trim, a center pillar trim, etc.​

Claims

1. An assembly for a door (10) of a vehicle, comprising a guide channel (16) and at least one fixed rail (18), said guide channel (16) being able to guide a glass (14) from an upper position to a lower position and vice versa, said guide channel (16) having an overall shape of an inverted U and comprising at least two side edges (32, 34) connected to each other by an upper transversal edge (36), each of said side edges (32, 34) comprising a guide slot for the glass (14), said at least one fixed rail (18) of the guide channel (16) extending along at least a portion of one or each of the end portions (32a, 34a), respectively, characterized in that said at least one fixed rail (18) being located on the end portions (32a, 34a) corresponding to the guide channel (16) before the assembly is installed into the door (10).

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, said at least one fixed rail (18) being inserted and fixed to, or integrally formed with, the corresponding end portions (32a, 34a) of the guide channel (16), for example by overmolding.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, said guide channel (16) comprising a rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer material and said at least one rail (18) comprising a material selected from a plastic material, a metallic material or a combination of both.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, said at least one rail (18) comprising a plurality of fixed knobs (18b, 18c) which are integral and unitary with, or connected and fixed to, the rest of the rail (18).

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein, At least one of said fixed knobs (18b, 18c) is at least partially flexible or articulated.

6. The assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein, At least one of said fixed knobs (18b, 18c) is connected to the rest of the corresponding rail by a hinge.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein, Said hinge is a mechanical hinge (50) or a flexible hinge (48).

8. The assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein, At least one of said fixed knobs (18b, 18c) is rotatably movable about an axis (A) from an unfolded position to a folded position located on the rest of the rail (18), the angular travel about said axis (A) being between 50° and 250°.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein, Said angular travel is between 100° and 200°.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein, Said at least one of said fixed knobs (18b, 18c) is able to be fixed to the rest of the rail (18) in its folded position by hooking or elastic snapping.

11. The assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The assembly also comprises a doorframe (12) of a door (10), the doorframe (12) having a lower cabin (20) and an upper inverted U-shaped frame (22) comprising an upper crossbeam (24) and two side uprights (26, 28) extending downward from the crossbeam (24) as far as the cabin (20), the doorframe (12) also comprising an elongated glass channel (30) extending between the side uprights (26, 28) and comprising a spacing (E) measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of extension of the glass channel, the cross section of the guide channel (16) and of the at least one fixed rail (18) at the corresponding end portions (32a, 34a) having a minimum transverse dimension (D2) smaller than the spacing (E).

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein, The minimum transverse dimension (D2) is obtained by elastic deformation of the end portions (32a, 34a).

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein, The minimum transverse dimension (D2) is obtained by flattening the end portions (32a, 34a).

14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein, The assembly also comprises a glass (14) movable through the glass channel (30) between an upper position, in which the glass (14) closes an opening (22a) defined by the upper frame (22), and a lower position, in which the glass (14) is at least partially housed in the cabin (20) and leaves the opening (22a) free, the glass (14) comprising a glass wall comprising an outer surface aligned with the outer surface of at least one trim or fixed glass extending along one of the side uprights (26, 28) of the frame (22).

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein, The glass (14) comprises a glass wall and two parallel guides (31) fixed to an inner surface (14b) of the glass wall, the guides (31) being at least partially housed in recesses of the side edges (32, 34) of the guide channel (16).

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein, The glass wall of the glass (14) comprises an outer surface (14a) opposite the inner surface (14b) and aligned with the outer surface of at least one trim or fixed glass extending along one of the side uprights (26, 28) of the frame (22).

17. The assembly of claim 11, wherein, The at least one rail (18) is fixed to the cabin (20) by a fixing element (52).

18. The assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The guide channel (16) comprises a fixed glass module.

19. The assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The guide channel (16) forms a single integral component.

20. The assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, Each of the end portions (32a, 32b) of the guide channel comprises a fixed rail.

Images