Door for a vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle door which features: a first door module, which forms a door skeleton, and a second door module (5) which is coupled to the first door module and forms a door-window (52), and an impact pad (10, 110, 120) which is provided on the second door module (5) between the first door module and the second door module (5), the second door module (5) has: a modular body (51) in a panel form and a door-window section (53) which forms the door-window (52) and is integrally formed with the module body (51), wherein the impact pad (10, 110, 120) is in one or more quadrilateral block shapes or conical shapes projecting towards a passenger compartment on an inner surface of the module body (51) facing the passenger compartment, and wherein at least one recess (101, 111, 121) is formed in a peripheral edge section of the impact pad (10, 110, 120).

Description

Background of the invention; Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door (e.g., a door for a vehicle). In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle door that is capable of reducing weight and cost and improving assembly practicality. Description of related technology

[0002] Generally, a vehicle door is provided with a door window to improve the ventilation of the vehicle's interior, the visibility and the comfort of the occupant, and is typically made of a steel material in consideration of collision stability and the like.

[0003] This means that the outer and inner door panels, made of steel, are coupled to form a door frame, and a door frame is attached to the upper section of the panels to create a door-window. A door module, equipped with a mechanism for raising and lowering the door-window glass, is installed in the interior space formed by the combination of the outer and inner door panels.

[0004] Furthermore, the door inner panel is combined with a door trim as an interior material, which is provided with a door switch or a window switch, and an impact beam is positioned near the door outer panel to increase the side impact stability of the door.

[0005] However, in the conventional door structure as described above, the weight of the door is increased because the inner door panel and the door frame are typically made of steel. Since the inner door panel and the door module are manufactured separately, thus increasing the number of door parts, it is necessary to develop a more innovative vehicle door by reducing the number of door parts and the weight of the materials.

[0006] The information contained in this section “Background of the Invention” is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be regarded as confirmation or in any way as an indication that this information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0007] US 2002 / 0007598A1 discloses a vehicle door and a method for assembling the vehicle door.

[0008] US 2007 / 0220811A1 discloses a door assembly with an integrated window sealing system.

[0009] US 5 857 732 A reveals a plastic modular door for a vehicle.

[0010] DE 32 21 322 A1 discloses a door and in particular a vehicle door. Brief explanation of the invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a vehicle door (e.g., a door for a vehicle) that is designed to reduce the number of door parts by modularizing a large number of parts that make up the door, to reduce the weight by making the door module a relatively lightweight material instead of a steel material, and to reduce assembly man-hours (e.g., the man-hours / time required for assembly) and costs.

[0012] For this purpose, the invention provides a vehicle door according to claim 1. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] In other words, a vehicle door (e.g., a door for a vehicle) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first door module, which forms a door skeleton (e.g., door frame), a second door module, which is coupled to the first door module and forms a door window. An impact pad (e.g., an impact cushion, an impact buffer, an impact buffer element) is provided at (e.g., on) the second door module, wherein the second door module comprises: a module body of panel shape (e.g., in a panel shape) and a door-window section forming the door-window and integral with the module body, wherein the impact pad is formed in one or more quadrilateral block shapes (e.g., shapes of a square block, shapes of a block with a square base) or conical shapes that extend towards (e.g., a) passenger compartment at (e.g., on) the (e.g.,a) inner surface of the module body, which points towards the passenger compartment, and wherein at least one recess (e.g. a groove, a notch) is formed in the (e.g. a) peripheral edge section (e.g. circumferential edge section) of the impact pad.

[0014] A door panel can be coupled with the second door module.

[0015] The first door module can comprise a door outer panel (e.g. an outer door panel) which is located outside a passenger compartment, a door inner panel (e.g. an inner door panel) which is located inside the passenger compartment with respect to the door outer panel, a door frame which is coupled to the (e.g. a) upper section of the door inner panel, and an impact beam (e.g. an impact absorption beam) which is coupled to the door inner panel.

[0016] An opening section (e.g. an open section) can be provided at (e.g. at) a central section of the door's inner panel.

[0017] A reinforcing beam (e.g. stiffening beam) can be coupled to the door inner panel in a form that crosses a section of the opening section of the door inner panel (e.g. runs perpendicular to it) or can be coupled to the door inner panel in a form that crosses a section of the opening section of the door inner panel (e.g. runs perpendicular to it, traverses it).

[0018] The door frame can have a beltline section (e.g. a beltline) arranged in a beltline section of the door, and two sill sections extending at both end sections (e.g. each at one of the two end sections) of the beltline section in the vertical direction of the vehicle to form an H-shape.

[0019] The door-window section can have a roof section which corresponds to the (e.g.) roof profile of a (e.g.) vehicle body, and a central pillar section which corresponds to a central pillar of the vehicle body when the door is closed to the vehicle body.

[0020] If the second door module is coupled to the first (e.g., to the first) door module, an interior space is formed between them, and a door glass (e.g., a door pane, a door glass pane) for opening or closing the door-window can be / be placed in the interior space in order to be vertically movable (therein it).

[0021] At least one door stop mounting projection (e.g., a door stop mounting projection, a door holder mounting projection, door stop plate mounting projection) for mounting a door stop (e.g., a door stop, a door holder, a door stop plate, a door stop plate, a door holder plate, a device for holding the door in one or more positions, a fastening means of a device for holding the door in one or more positions) may be formed to project integrally to the (e.g., an) outer surface of a (e.g., the) passenger compartment at (e.g., at) the (e.g., an) outer surface of the second door module, which faces the outer surface of the passenger compartment.

[0022] At least one assembly projection, which is inserted into and assembled with an assembly hole formed in the door inner panel, may project integrally to the outside of the passenger compartment (towards) close to (e.g. near, adjacent to) a belt line of the outer surface.

[0023] An assembly projection for engagement with the door inner panel can be formed to project integrally to the outside of the passenger compartment (towards) at (e.g. at) a lower section of the outer surface.

[0024] A rigid projecting section (e.g., a projecting section) may be formed on (e.g., at) a lower section of the door inner panel. The rigid projecting section (e.g., the projecting section) may engage with the assembly projection for assembling the door inner panel with the second door module (e.g., engaged). An extended area (e.g., extended area) may be formed between the rigid projecting section (e.g., the projecting section) and the door outer panel.

[0025] At least one reinforcing rib (e.g. stiffening rib) can be provided next to (e.g. adjacent to) the roof section, the central spar section and a belt line of the second door module.

[0026] The reinforcing rib can have a first reinforcing rib extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and a second reinforcing rib extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The first and second reinforcing ribs can be arranged to form a grid pattern (e.g., a grid-like pattern).

[0027] The outer surface of the central mullion section can be connected to a decorative element (e.g., a decorative element). A receiving groove can be formed between the decorative element and the central mullion section. A door-glass track (e.g., a door-glass guide, a door-glass rail, a door-glass guide rail) can be inserted into the receiving groove.

[0028] At least one rib can be formed integrally within the impact pad of the square-block shape.

[0029] The door for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can comprise the first door module, which is made of a metal material (e.g. a steel material), the second door module, which is made of a lightweight material (e.g. a material with low (specific) weight) compared to steel (e.g. metal), and a door panel, which reduces the number of parts and the weight and cost of the door of a vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, because only three door modules need to be assembled (e.g., together), it is possible to reduce assembly man-hours, improve assembly practicality, and enhance the appearance of a vehicle door with the simple design of the modules.

[0031] The methods and devices of the present invention have other features and advantages, which will become apparent from or be described in more detail in the accompanying drawings included herein and in the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective partial view of a door of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of a door of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 1 is taken. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second door module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional partial view of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective interior view of a door of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 6 has been taken. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of reinforcing ribs formed on (e.g. at) the second door module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an impact pad of a door of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view, which runs along line CC in Fig. 9 is taken. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of an impact pad of a door of a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line DD in Fig. 11 has been taken. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of an impact pad of a door of a vehicle according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view along line EE in Fig. 13 has been taken.

[0032] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various features that constitute the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes as disclosed herein, are partly determined by the respective intended application and operating environment.

[0033] In the drawings, (identical) reference numerals across the multiple figures of the drawing refer to the same or essentially identical components of the present invention. Detailed description

[0034] Reference is now made in particular to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to these exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0036] The drawings and description are by their very nature to be considered illustrative and not limiting. The same reference symbols denote the same element throughout the description.

[0037] Because the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the sake of simplicity, the present invention is not limited to the size and thickness of each component shown, and the thickness has been enlarged to clearly represent different parts and areas.

[0038] The following description explains how component names are divided into first / first / first, second / second / second, and so on, to separate the names because the component names are similar and there is no strict limit to their order.

[0039] Throughout the description, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word "show" and variations thereof such as "shows" or "showing" are to be understood as meaning the inclusion of specified elements, but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0040] As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in numerous different ways without each deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be a door of a vehicle (e.g. a door for a vehicle) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first door module which has a door outer panel (e.g. an outer door panel) 1, a door inner panel (e.g. an inner door panel) 2, a door frame 3 and an impact support (e.g. an impact absorption support) 4, a second door module 5 and a door trim 6 as a third door module.

[0042] The outer door panel 1 can be located outside of a passenger compartment and can be formed in a perfect panel shape (e.g., in a perfect shape of a panel) with regard to door strength (e.g., door stability). The inner door panel 2 can be located inside the passenger compartment relative to the outer door panel 1 and can have an opening section 21 at a central section of it to reduce weight and cost.

[0043] The outer door panel 1 and the inner door panel 2 can be made of a metal material such as steel.

[0044] A reinforcement beam 22 can be coupled to the (e.g. with the) inner door panel 2 in a form that crosses a section of the opening section 21 (e.g. runs perpendicular to it), or a reinforcement beam 22 can be coupled to the (e.g. with the) inner door panel 2 in a form such that it crosses a section of the opening section 21 (e.g. runs perpendicular to it, traverses it).

[0045] When the inner door panel 2 is combined with the outer door panel 1, the reinforcement beam 22 can be located close to the outer door panel 1 (e.g. near the outer door panel 1) to hold (e.g. support, bear) the outer door panel 1.

[0046] The door frame 3 can be coupled to an upper section of the door inner panel 2.

[0047] The door frame 3 can have a beltline section 31 and two sill sections 32 and 33, which extend at (e.g. at) both end sections (e.g. at each of the two end sections) of the beltline section 31 in the vertical direction of the vehicle to form an H-shape.

[0048] That is, the conventional door frame has a roof section that corresponds to the roof profile of the vehicle body, and a central sill section that corresponds to the central sill profile of the vehicle body when the door is closed, whereas the door frame 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention removes (e.g. does not have) the conventional roof section and the (conventional) central sill section.

[0049] Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the door frame 3 can reduce weight and cost compared to the conventional door frame.

[0050] The impact beam 4 can be coupled to the inner door panel 2 and positioned close to the outer door panel 1 (e.g., near the outer door panel 1) and absorb the impact (e.g., the shock force, the force) in the side collision (e.g., the side collision) and block (e.g., prevent) the door from entering the passenger compartment.

[0051] The impact beam 4 and the door frame 3 are coupled to the door inner panel 2, and the door inner panel 2 is coupled to the door outer panel 1, so that the first door module can be formed as a door skeleton (e.g. door basic frame).

[0052] The second door module 5 can be made of a relatively light material (e.g., a material of relatively low weight) compared to the first door module, for example, a plastic material (e.g., plastic material).

[0053] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 the second door module 5 can have a module body 51 (in) the panel shape and a door-window section 53 which forms a door-window 52 and is integrally formed with the module body 51.

[0054] The door-window section 53 can have a roof section 531 that corresponds to the roof profile of the vehicle body, and a central pillar section 532 that corresponds to a central pillar profile (e.g., to a central pillar) of the vehicle body when the door is closed to a vehicle body.

[0055] When the second door module 5 is coupled to the first door module, an interior space is formed between them. A door glass (e.g., a door pane, a door glass pane) 7 for opening or closing the door-window 52 can be inserted into the interior space to be vertically movable within it by means of a lifting device, such as an actuator.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 4 at least one door stop mounting projection (e.g. a door stop mounting projection, a door holder mounting projection, door stop plate mounting projection) 55 can be formed for mounting a door stop (e.g. a door stop, a door holder, a door stop plate, a door stop plate, a door holder plate, a device for holding the door in one or more positions, a fastening means of a device for holding the door in one or more positions) 8, in order to project integrally on (e.g. at) the outer surface 54 of the second door module 5, which faces the outside of the passenger compartment.

[0057] Furthermore, at least one assembly projection 57, which is inserted into an assembly hole formed on (e.g., at) the inner door panel 2 and thus assembled (e.g., mounted to it), can be formed to project integrally near (e.g., in the vicinity of) the belt line section on (e.g., at) the outer surface 54 (e.g., the belt line of the outer surface 54), and an assembly projection 58 for assembly (e.g., engagement, mounting) with the inner door panel 2 by a fastening element F can be formed to project integrally towards the outside (e.g., towards) a lower section of the outer surface 54, as shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 5 A rigid projecting section (e.g., a projecting section) 23 can be formed in a lower section of the inner door panel 2. The rigid projecting section 23 can engage with the assembly projection 58 of the second door module 5 via the fastening element F.

[0059] When the inner door panel 2 is coupled to the outer door panel 1, the rigid projecting section 23 is positioned at a distance from the outer door panel 1, so that an extended area (e.g., extended region) S can be formed between the rigid projecting section 23 and the outer door panel 1 to increase strength (e.g., stability). The rigid projecting section 23 is designed to increase the coupling strength (e.g., coupling stability) between the inner door panel 2 and the second door module 5.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 at least one reinforcing rib (e.g. stiffening rib) 9 can be provided near the roof section 531, the central spar section 532 and the belt line of the second door module 5 (e.g. near the roof section 531, the central spar section 532 and the belt line of the second door module 5).

[0061] The reinforcing rib 9 can be formed by means of a first reinforcing rib (e.g. a first stiffening rib) 91, which extends in the longitudinal direction for a vehicle (e.g. the vehicle), and a second reinforcing rib (e.g. a second stiffening rib) 92, which extends in the vertical direction for a vehicle (e.g. the vehicle), which are arranged to form (together) a grid pattern (e.g. a pattern in the form of a grid).

[0062] The reinforcing rib 9 is designed to increase (e.g., improve) the strength (e.g., stability) of the second door module 5.

[0063] An ornament (e.g., an ornamental element, a decorative element) 65 can be coupled with an outer surface of the central mullion section 532 to improve the external appearance of the door.

[0064] A receiving groove can be formed between the decoration 65 and the central mullion section 532. A door-glass track (e.g., a door-glass guide, a door-glass rail, a door-glass guide rail) 15, designed to guide and hold the door-glass 7, can be inserted into the receiving groove.

[0065] Furthermore, a door seal 25 can be attached to the second door module 5, and a vehicle body seal 35 can be attached to a vehicle body so that the airtightness (e.g. of the passenger compartment to the outside) can be maintained (e.g. ensured) when the door is closed.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 An impact pad (e.g. an impact cushion, an impact buffer, an impact buffer element) 10 can be integrally provided on (e.g. on) the inner surface of the second door module 5, which faces the interior of the passenger compartment.

[0067] The impact pad 10 can act to reduce the impact (e.g., the impact force, the impact) of the passenger by being continuous to the (e.g., adjacent to, (indirectly) touching) body section of the passenger (e.g., (indirectly) contacting the body section of the passenger) when the door is pushed into the interior of the vehicle during a side impact (e.g., a side impact) of the vehicle (and, for example, (partially) absorbs the energy during an impact).

[0068] The impact pad 10 can be formed in a square block shape (e.g., in a square block shape, in the shape of a square block, in the shape of a block with a square base) and have a plurality of blocks that are adjacent to each other (e.g., adjacent to each other).

[0069] The impact pad 10 can have a structure that protrudes in two steps (e.g. in two stages) towards the interior of the passenger compartment.

[0070] At least one recess (e.g. a groove, a notch) 101 can be formed in the peripheral edge section (e.g. the perimeter edge section) of the impact pad 10, so that the impact pad 10 can be easily broken (e.g. separated) from the second door module 5 when it receives (e.g. receives, experiences) an impact (e.g. a shock force, a blast) from the door panel 6 during a side impact of the vehicle.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. An impact pad 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided integrally in the second door module 5 in the form of only one square block (e.g. a square block, a block with a square base).

[0072] Furthermore, at least one rib 12 can be formed integrally at (e.g., in) a predetermined interval (e.g., a predetermined distance) within the impact pad 110. At least one recess (e.g., a groove, a notch) 111 can be formed at (e.g., at) a peripheral edge section (e.g., a circumferential edge section) of the impact pad 110.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. An impact pad 120 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be integrally provided in the second door module 5 in a conical shape similar to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention (e.g. in a conical shape similar to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention).

[0074] Furthermore, at least one recess (e.g. a groove, a notch) 121 can also be formed in the peripheral edge section (e.g. in the circumferential edge section) of the impact pad 120.

[0075] To facilitate explanation and to precisely define the attached claims, the terms "above...", "below...", "inner...", "outer...", "above", "below", "upwards", "downwards", "front...", "behind...", "front", "backwards", "inside", "outside", "within", "outside", "inwards / inwards", "outwards / outwards", "forwards / forwards" and "backwards / backwards" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the drawings.

Claims

[1] Door of a vehicle which has: a first door module, which forms a door skeleton, and a second door module (5) which is coupled to the first door module and forms a door-window (52), and an impact pad (10, 110, 120) which is provided on the second door module (5) between the first door module and the second door module (5), the second door module (5) has: a modular body (51) in a panel form and a door-window section (53) which forms the door-window (52) and is integrally formed with the module body (51), wherein the impact pad (10, 110, 120) is in one or more quadrilateral block shapes or conical shapes projecting towards a passenger compartment on an inner surface of the module body (51) facing the passenger compartment, and wherein at least one recess (101, 111, 121) is formed in a peripheral edge section of the impact pad (10, 110, 120). [2] Door according to claim 1, wherein the first door module is made of a metal material and the second door module (5) is made of a plastic material and the second door module (5) is made of a relatively light material compared to the first door module. [3] Door according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a door panel (6) is coupled to the second door module (5). [4] Door according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first door module comprises: a door outer panel (1) which is located outside a passenger compartment, a door inner panel (2) which is located inside the passenger compartment and is mounted on the door outer panel (1), a door frame (3) which is coupled to an upper section of the door inner panel (2), and an impact beam (4) which is coupled to the inner door panel (2). [5] Door according to claim 4, wherein an opening section (21) is provided on a central section of the door inner panel (2). [6] Door according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a reinforcing carrier (22) is coupled to the door inner panel (2) in a form such that it crosses a section of the opening section (21) of the door inner panel (2). [7] Door according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the door frame (3) comprises: a beltline section (31) and a first spar section (32) extending from a first end section of the beltline section (31) in a vertical direction of the vehicle, and a second spar section (33) extending from a second end section of the beltline section (31) in a vertical direction of the vehicle to form an H-shape. [8] Door according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the door-window section (53) comprises: a roof section (531) which corresponds to a roof profile of a vehicle body, and a central pillar section (532) which corresponds to a central pillar of the vehicle body when the door to the vehicle body is closed. [9] Door according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an interior space is formed between the first door module and the second door module (5), while the second door module (5) is coupled to the first door module, and a door glass (7) for opening or closing the door window (52) is inserted into the interior space in order to be vertically movable. [10] Door according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one door retainer mounting projection (55) is formed for mounting a door retainer (8) to project integrally to an outside of a passenger compartment on an outer surface (54) of the second door module (5) which faces the outside of the passenger compartment. [11] Door according to claim 10, wherein at least one assembly projection (57) which is inserted into and assembled with an assembly hole which is formed in a door inner panel (2) is formed to project integrally to the outside of the passenger compartment adjacent to a belt line of the outer surface (54). [12] Door according to claim 11, wherein the assembly projection (57) is formed to engage with the inner door panel (2) in order to project integrally to the outside of the passenger compartment at a lower section of the outer surface (54). [13] Door according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a projecting section (23) is formed on a lower section of the door inner panel (2), wherein the preceding section (23) engages with the assembly projection (57) for assembling the inner door panel (2) with the second door module (5), wherein an extended area (S) is formed between the preceding section (23) and the door outer panel (1). [14] Door according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein at least one reinforcing rib (9) is provided adjacent to the roof section (531) and the central lintel section (532) and a belt line of the second door module (5). [15] Door according to claim 14, wherein the door has at least one reinforcing rib (9): a first reinforcing rib (91) extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a second reinforcing rib (92) extending in a vertical direction of the vehicle, wherein the first (91) and the second (92) reinforcing rib are arranged to form a lattice pattern. [16] Door according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein an outer surface of the central spar section (532) is connected to a decoration (65), wherein a receiving groove is formed between the decoration (65) and the central stile section (532), and wherein a door glass track (15) is inserted into the receiving groove. [17] Door according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one rib (12) is integrally formed within the impact pad (110) of the square block shape.

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