Door edge protection and a motor vehicle door equipped with this protection

Abstract

Edge protection (10) for a motor vehicle door (4), with - a first leg (12) which is designed for placement on an inside of a door edge (7), - a second leg (14) which is pivotably mounted on the first leg (12) with respect to a pivot axis (19) between a rest position (R) and a protective position (S), - a claw (16) which is connected to the second leg (14), wherein the second leg (14) has a free end (28) facing away from the first leg (12), which can be brought into direct operative contact with a counter-stop (9) of the motor vehicle door (4) in order to move the second leg (14) from the protective position (S) to the rest position (R) against a restoring force, wherein the second leg (14) has a proximal leg section (24) and a distal leg section (26), wherein the distal leg section (26) has the free end (28) of the second leg (14) at an end facing away from the proximal leg section (24) and wherein the distal leg section (26) transitions into the proximal leg section (24) via a connecting section (25), characterized in that the connecting section (25) is designed in a film hinge manner, so that the distal leg section (26) is pivotable in the area of ​​the connecting section (25) relative to the proximal leg section (24).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present development concerns a door edge protector and a motor vehicle door equipped with it. background

[0002] From DE 35 23 391 A1, an edge protector for a vehicle door is known, comprising a first leg bonded to an inside side of the vehicle door adjacent to the edge to be protected, a second leg bonded to a flank of the vehicle door angled from the inside, a claw molded onto an outer edge of the first leg which, in a rest position, engages the edge of the vehicle door, and a clamping device which is integrally connected with the claw and the second leg and extends diagonally through an angle formed by the inside and the flank. When the clamping device is deflected by a body wall engaging in the angle during the closing of the door, it exerts a tensile force on the claw, which deflects the claw from its rest position and pulls it into the space between the door and the body wall.

[0003] The tensioning device of this well-known edge protector is essentially a flexible band that connects the two legs, but cannot precisely define their position relative to each other. Therefore, it is quite possible that the two legs are not glued to the door at the correct distance from one another. If the distance is too small and the tensioning device is consequently not tight enough, the deflection of the tensioning device by the body wall is insufficient to make the claw disappear invisibly into the vehicle when the door is closed. Furthermore, when the door is closed, a considerable tensile load acts on the adhesive bond of the first leg, especially on its edge facing the claw, which can lead to the bond failing. As a result, the claw no longer wraps around the edge when the door is opened and therefore can no longer protect it.

[0004] US Patent 3,513,595 A discloses an edge protector for a motor vehicle door with a rocker-shaped extension formed on a web, at one end of which is an arcuate claw and at the other end a straight actuating lever. When the door is closed, the actuating lever comes into contact with a body pillar, causing the rocker-shaped extension to pivot, thereby moving the edge protector from the protective position to the rest position.

[0005] From DE 20 2007 007 826 U1, an edge protection on the motor vehicle door is known in which a protective element undergoes deformation when the door is closed and is squeezed into the gap between the door and the door frame.

[0006] From DE 10 2004 059 272 A1 a protective device with a protective strip is known in which the protective strip is moved into its protective position, which extends beyond the door edge, by a spring-loaded actuator when the door is opened.

[0007] Further protective arrangements for an edge of a vehicle door are known from the publications DE 10 2014 016 489 A1, FR 2 901 511 A1, DE 44 39 460 C1, and DE2628233A1.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of improving edge protection for a motor vehicle door.

[0009] This problem is solved by an edge protector according to claim 1, a motor vehicle door according to claim 14, and a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0010] The edge protector provided is designed for a motor vehicle door. It has a first leg, which is designed for placement on the inside edge of a door. The edge protector also has a second leg, which is pivotally mounted on the first leg with respect to a pivot axis between a rest position and a protected position. The edge protector further includes a claw, which is connected to the second leg. The claw is typically pivotally mounted together with the second leg relative to the first leg.

[0011] The second leg also has a free end facing away from the first leg. This free end can be brought into direct contact with a counter-stop of the vehicle door. Through this contact, the second leg can be moved from the protective position to the rest position against a restoring force.

[0012] The second limb has a proximal limb section and a distal limb section. The proximal limb section is connected to the first limb. The distal limb section has the free end of the second limb at its end opposite the proximal limb section.

[0013] The distal leg segment transitions into the proximal leg segment via a connecting segment.

[0014] The connecting section is designed in the manner of a film hinge, so that the distal leg section can pivot relative to the proximal leg section in the area of ​​the connecting section.

[0015] The second leg can have a Z-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional contour. The second leg has a kink in the transition area between the proximal and distal leg sections. In the protective position, the opposite ends of the proximal and distal leg sections extend in different directions. In this way, when a force acting on the free end in the direction of the first leg is applied, the second leg can transition from the protective position to the resting position in a defined manner.

[0016] The free end of the second leg is non-contacting and / or has no contact with any other components or sections of the edge protection. Its primary function is to absorb or transmit force when the door is closed, and it causes a compression of the second leg, defined by its shape or pre-tension, when the vehicle door is closed and when the free end of the second leg engages with the counter-stop or enters a contact position.

[0017] In addition to pivotability, at least one of the distal leg section and proximal leg section can be designed to be elastically deformable.

[0018] When the second limb is moved from the protective position to the resting position, the distal limb segment undergoes a pivoting movement relative to the proximal limb segment, and vice versa. A pivoting movement caused by the application of the counter-stop and / or compression of the second limb is typically accompanied by a pivoting movement of the proximal limb segment directed towards the first limb, thus pivoting the claw from the protective position to the resting position.

[0019] The counter-stop can be provided, for example, by a body pillar or another vehicle door. As a result of the closing movement of the vehicle door equipped with the edge protector provided here, the free end of the second leg comes into contact with the counter-stop. For example, the free end of the second leg can come into contact with the counter-stop or, as a result of the closing movement of the vehicle door, undergo a deformation and / or pivoting movement, causing the second leg of the edge protector to return to its rest position and the claw to move from a protective position to a rest position.

[0020] The free end of the second leg can be freely movable on the first leg and, when properly installed on the vehicle door, can project with its free end away from the first leg towards the vehicle interior or in the transverse direction (y) when the door is open. The second leg is typically elastically deformable. From its compressed rest position, for example, the second leg can automatically transition into the spatially extended protective position under the influence of an inherent elastic restoring force. When properly installed on the vehicle door, the second leg can be compressed from the extended protective position to a compressed rest position, particularly with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle. This allows for a particularly simple, lightweight, and cost-effective design of the edge protection.

[0021] The second leg, which can be brought into direct contact with the counter-stop at its free end, for example, into direct contact with the counter-stop, can compensate for or tolerate any component or assembly tolerances between the door edge and the counter-stop particularly easily and effectively. For the edge protection to function properly, the alternating arrangement of the vehicle door, especially its door edge, in relation to the body-side counter-stop must meet less stringent requirements than is usual for previous edge protection devices.

[0022] Because the free end of the second leg can be brought into contact with the counter-stop of the vehicle door, a smaller contact area can be achieved between the second leg and the counter-stop. Friction between the second leg, especially between its free end and the counter-stop, can thus be minimized. This has a significant positive impact on the service life and long-term stability of the second leg, and consequently on the service life and long-term stability of the entire edge protection system.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the claw forms a straight extension of the second leg. The claw can be connected to the second leg in a relatively rigid manner. A pivoting movement of the second leg relative to the first leg thus also results in a corresponding pivoting movement of the claw.

[0024] When the edge protector is installed correctly on the door edge, the claw, in the protective position of the second leg, grips the door edge and protects it against mechanical damage, such as when opening or striking the door against objects or structures in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0025] In the resting position of the second arm, the claw is typically located entirely on the inside edge of the door. It exposes the door edge. As the second arm moves into its resting position, it is retracted to an area behind the door edge, so that it is not visible or barely visible from the outside.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the second leg is arranged at one of the longitudinal ends of the first leg facing the door edge. The first and second legs can thus form a C-shaped cross-sectional structure. In particular, the first leg can be arranged along the door edge, typically along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and thus provide a comparatively large contact surface or large-area attachment points for fastening, for example, by gluing the first leg to the door edge.

[0027] The second leg typically projects inwards from the door edge, extending from the first leg in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The claw, however, can extend in the opposite direction, outwards from the second leg in a straight line extending from it. In the resting position, the second leg may be approximately parallel to the first leg. In the protected position, however, the second leg extends at a predetermined angle to the first leg. Typically, the second leg extends inwards relative to the transverse direction of the vehicle, so that, as a result of the inward movement, the claw performs an opposite pivoting movement, namely outwards. Upon reaching the protected position, it encloses or grips the door edge, at least partially.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the first leg is connected to the second leg in a transition area between the second leg and the claw. The first leg and the claw thus extend in opposite directions from the connection area where the first and second legs are joined. The connection area between the first and second legs typically coincides with a pivot axis or hinge section, with respect to which the second leg is pivotable or movably mounted relative to the first leg. This ensures that when the second leg pivots inwards relative to the first leg, the claw pivots outwards from its rest position to its protective position, thus at least partially enclosing or covering the door edge.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the first leg, the second leg, and the claw are formed as a single piece. They can be an integral part of an extruded profile. In the transition area between the first and second legs, the edge protection can have a type of film hinge or foil hinge. Thus, the material thickness in this transition area can be reduced compared to the material thickness of the first and / or second leg, allowing the second leg to move particularly smoothly relative to the first leg.

[0030] In a further embodiment, at least one of the first leg, second leg, and claw comprises a flexible polymer or elastomer material. Alternatively, the first leg, the second leg, and the claw may all comprise or be formed from a flexible polymer or elastomer material. Such materials exhibit inherent elasticity, allowing, for example, the second leg to be moved from the protective position to the rest position relative to the first leg against an elastic restoring force, e.g., by bending or folding. This has the particular advantage that, as a result of the door being opened and the edge protector being moved away from the stop, the second leg automatically moves from the rest position to the protective position.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the distance between the free end of the second leg and the first leg is smaller in the rest position than in the protective position of the second leg. As a result of the second leg being moved from the protective position to the rest position, its free end becomes geometrically closer to the first leg. In other words, the second leg can undergo a geometric reduction or compression during and as a result of moving from the protective position to the rest position.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the second leg can be compressed from the protective position to the rest position in the direction of a surface normal of the first leg, against the restoring force. This also has the advantage that the second leg occupies relatively little space in the rest position between the door edge and the stop. Furthermore, if the compression is possible along the surface normal of the first leg, which typically extends inwards parallel to the vehicle's transverse direction when the door is closed, the tolerance dimension with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x) between the door edge and the stop can be increased.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the proximal leg segment has a proximal inner surface and an opposing proximal outer surface. The distal end segment has a distal inner surface and an opposing distal outer surface. The proximal inner surface borders the distal inner surface. The distal outer surface borders the distal outer surface. The distal and proximal outer surfaces form an outer surface of the second leg. The proximal inner surface and distal inner surface form an inner surface of the second leg.

[0034] In the protective position, where the second leg is disengaged from the counter-stop, the second leg extends at a predetermined angle to the first leg. Typically, the second leg extends obliquely to the first leg, at least while it is in the protective position. The angle between the second leg, particularly between its proximal section and the first leg, can range from 30° to 80° in the protective position. The angle is typically greater than 30° and less than 90°. The second leg, specifically its proximal section, is mounted on the first leg with respect to a first pivot axis.In the transition zone between the proximal and distal femoral segments, a second pivot axis may also be formed, with respect to which the distal femoral segment is movable relative to the proximal femoral segment. The first and second pivot axes typically run parallel to each other.

[0035] The angle between the distal and proximal segments of the second limb can range from 45° to 160° in the protective position. Specifically, the angle can range from 60° to 150°. It can be approximately 90°. When the second limb is moved from the protective position to the resting position, the free end moves towards the proximal segment. The angle between the proximal and distal segments decreases. Likewise, the angle between the proximal segment and the first limb also decreases.

[0036] In a further embodiment, at least in the protective position of the second leg, the proximal inner side and the distal outer side face the first leg. The distal inner side and the proximal outer side of the second leg are typically oriented away from the first leg. Such a configuration ensures that, as a result of a force acting on its free end in the direction of the first leg, the second leg is folded or compressed in a defined manner. During this compression movement, the proximal leg section in particular undergoes a pivoting movement in the direction of the first leg, causing the claw, which in the protective position extends over the door edge, to release the door edge upon reaching its home position.

[0037] According to another aspect, the development also concerns a motor vehicle door with a door structure and a door edge on which at least one previously described edge protection is arranged.

[0038] Furthermore, the development relates to a motor vehicle with such a motor vehicle door or a motor vehicle whose motor vehicle door is fitted with at least one edge protection as described above. Brief description of the characters

[0039] Further objectives, features, and advantageous applications are described in the following exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 A schematic perspective view of a partially opened vehicle door with a door edge protector, Fig. 2 a cross-section through the door edge protection in a protective position with the vehicle door at least partially open, Fig. 3 a cross-section through the door edge protection with the vehicle door closed and Fig. 4 an isolated perspective view of the door edge protection Detailed description

[0040] The in Fig. The motor vehicle 1, shown in partial detail, is designed as a passenger car. It has a body 2 with an interior 3 serving as a passenger compartment. The interior 3 is accessible via a door 4. The door 4 has a door structure 6 and a door edge 7. In this case, the door 4 is pivotally mounted on the body 2. The door edge 7 is located at an end opposite a hinge or pivot axis. In the closed position, the door edge 7 comes into contact with a stop 9 on the body 2. The stop 9 can be provided, for example, by a body pillar 5, such as a B-pillar, or by an adjacent door, such as a rear door.

[0041] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is a cross-section AA according to Fig. 1 shown. Fig. Figure 2 shows a configuration of a motor vehicle door 4 shortly before reaching the closed position. Fig. 3 shows the edge protection according to Fig. 2 when the vehicle door has reached its closed position.

[0042] The vehicle door 4 has a door structure 6 which has a door edge 7 extending substantially along the vehicle's vertical axis (z) in the longitudinal direction (x). The door edge 7 has a flanged section 8 at its free end facing away from the door hinge. On an inner side of the flanged section 8, a Fig. 4. Edge protection 10 shown in isolation. The edge protection 10 has a profile body 11 with a first leg 12 and a second leg 14. Furthermore, the profile body 11 includes a claw 16, which is located in the Fig. In the protective position S shown in Figure 2, the free end of the door edge 7, and thus the free end of the flange section 8, is enclosed or extends beyond it and thus protects against damage.

[0043] In the Fig. In the rest position shown in Figure 3, the claw 16 releases the door edge 7 at least partially, so that the outer side of the door edge 7 lies flush with a body component 30 adjacent in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle. In this rest position R, the edge protector 10, and thus its claw 16, is not or only barely perceptible from the outside.

[0044] The second leg 14 has a free end 28 facing away from the first leg 12, with which the second leg 14 can be brought into operative connection with a body-side counter stop 9, for example with a counter stop 9 of the body pillar 5.

[0045] The second leg 14 is pivotably mounted at a free end of the first leg 12 facing the door edge 7 with respect to a pivot axis 19 extending longitudinally along the profile body. The claw 16 forms a straight extension of the second leg 14. The claw 16 can, in particular, form an end of the second leg 14 facing the first leg 12, or be arranged on the second leg 14 in the transition area between the first leg 12 and the second leg 14.

[0046] In the Fig. In the protective position S shown in Figure 2, the second leg 14 extends inwards in the transverse direction (y) of the vehicle, towards the interior 3. It can come into contact with the counter-stop 9 over a comparatively large tolerance range in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle. The second leg 14 has a curvature or a kinked cross-sectional contour, so that as a result of the closing of the vehicle door 4 and the approach of the door edge 7 to the counter-stop 9, the second leg 14 experiences compression in the direction of a surface normal N of the first leg 12.

[0047] The second leg 14 is typically compressible from the protective position S to the rest position R in the transverse direction of the vehicle. As a result of this compression, the second leg 14, particularly in a foot area adjacent to the first leg, undergoes a pivoting movement directed towards the first leg 12, causing the claw 16 to pivot back and releasing the door edge 7.

[0048] As particularly evident from the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the second leg 14 has a proximal leg section 24 and a distal leg section 26. The proximal leg section 24 and the distal leg section 26 can be formed as a single piece. In a transition area 25 between the proximal leg section 24 and the distal leg section 26, the second leg can exhibit the required elasticity or pivotability. In particular, the connecting section 25 can provide a second pivot axis 27, which extends parallel to the first pivot axis 19 in the west. In the region of the pivot axes 19 and 27, the second leg can be designed like a film hinge. The second leg 14 can each have corresponding hinge sections 18 and 29, respectively, which allow a defined pivoting movement of the proximal and distal leg sections 24 and 26 relative to each other as well as relative to the first leg 12.

[0049] In contrast to the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cross-sectional profile of the second leg 14 can be C-shaped. This would then cause a pivoting movement of a base or foot section, i.e., a proximal leg section 24, as a result of a closing movement of the vehicle door 4, so that the claw 16 is retracted and the door edge 7 is released.

[0050] As further illustrated by the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the proximal leg segment 24 has a proximal inner surface 34 and an opposite proximal outer surface 44. The distal leg segment 26 accordingly has a distal inner surface 36 and an opposite distal outer surface 46. The proximal inner surface 34 borders the distal inner surface 36. The proximal outer surface 44 borders the distal outer surface 46.

[0051] At least in the Fig.In the protective position S shown in Figure 2, the proximal inner side 34 faces the first leg 12, while the proximal outer side 44 faces away from the first leg 12. Thus, the proximal leg section 24 extends at a predetermined angle greater than 0° and less than 90° to the first leg 12 or to the flange section 8.

[0052] At least in the protective position S, the distal outer side 46 faces the first leg 12, while the distal inner side 36 faces away from the first leg 12. These opposing orientations of the proximal and distal leg sections 24, 26 ensure that the second leg 14 experiences intended compression when the vehicle door is closed. This compression is accompanied by a defined pivoting movement of the proximal leg section 24 towards the first leg, allowing the claw 16 to retract as intended.

[0053] The illustrated embodiments merely demonstrate possible configurations of the development, of which numerous further variants are conceivable and within the scope of development. The exemplary embodiments shown are in no way to be interpreted as limiting with regard to the scope, applicability, or configuration possibilities of the development. The present description merely shows the person skilled in the art one possible implementation of an embodiment. Thus, a wide variety of modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of protection defined by the following claims or their equivalents. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 Motor vehicle body 3 Interior 4 motor vehicle door 5 Body pillar 6 door structure 7 Door edge 8 Flange section 9 Counterattack 10 edge protectors 11 Profile bodies 12 first thigh 14 second thigh 16 Claw 18 Hinge section 19 Swivel axis 24 proximal femoral segment 25 Connecting section 26 distal femur section 27 Swivel axis 28 free ending 29 Hinge section 30 Body components 34 proximal inner side 36 distal inner side 44 proximal outer side 46 distal outer side R Resting position S protective position N surface normal

Claims

[1] Edge protection (10) for a motor vehicle door (4), with - a first leg (12) which is designed for placement on an inside of a door edge (7), - a second leg (14) which is pivotably mounted on the first leg (12) with respect to a pivot axis (19) between a rest position (R) and a protective position (S), - a claw (16) which is connected to the second leg (14), wherein the second leg (14) has a free end (28) facing away from the first leg (12), which can be brought into direct operative contact with a counter-stop (9) of the motor vehicle door (4) in order to move the second leg (14) from the protective position (S) to the rest position (R) against a restoring force, wherein the second leg (14) has a proximal leg section (24) and a distal leg section (26), wherein the distal leg section (26) has the free end (28) of the second leg (14) at an end facing away from the proximal leg section (24) and wherein the distal leg section (26) transitions via a connecting section (25) into the proximal leg section (24), characterized by , that the connecting section (25) is designed in a film hinge manner, so that the distal leg section (26) is pivotable in the area of ​​the connecting section (25) relative to the proximal leg section (24). [2] Edge protection (10) according to claim 1, wherein the claw (16) forms a straight extension of the second leg (12). [3] Edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second leg (14) is arranged at a longitudinal end of the first leg (12) facing the door edge (7). [4] Edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (12) is connected to the second leg (14) in a transition area between the second leg (14) and the claw (16). [5] Edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (12), the second leg (14) and the claw (16) are formed in one piece. [6] Edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first leg (12), second leg (14) and claw (16) comprises or is formed from a flexible polymer or elastomer material. [7] Edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the rest position of the second leg (14) the distance of the free end (28) to the first leg (12) is smaller than in the protective position (S) of the second leg (14). [8] Edge protection (10) according to claim 7, wherein the second leg (14) is compressible in the direction of a surface normal (N) of the first leg (10) against the restoring force from the protective position (S) to the rest position (R). [9] Edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal leg section (24) has a proximal inner side (34) and an opposite proximal outer side (44) and wherein the distal leg section (26) has a distal inner side (36) and an opposite distal outer side (46), wherein the proximal inner side (34) is adjacent to the distal inner side (36) and wherein the proximal outer side (44) is adjacent to the distal outer side (46). [10] Edge protection (10) according to claim 9, wherein at least in the protective position (S) of the second leg (14) the proximal inner side (34) and the distal outer side (46) are oriented towards the first leg (12). [11] Motor vehicle door (4) with a door structure (6) and with a door edge (7) on which at least one edge protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged. [12] Motor vehicle (1) with a motor vehicle door (4) according to claim 11.

Images