CLADDING ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A trim assembly for a vehicle door comprises an inner trim panel with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface together define a body and a trim strip that is integrally formed with the body, with a film hinge positioned between them. The trim assembly further comprises an outer trim panel with an inner surface that is connected to the body at the inner surface of the inner trim panel, and an opposing outer surface that is connected to the trim strip when it is folded in.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information contained in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Work by the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against this disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a trim assembly for a vehicle.

[0003] As vehicles travel on the road, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can come into contact with the underside of the vehicle. Repeated contact with these materials can eventually wear away or otherwise damage the vehicle's paint. Conventional vehicles have a piece of plastic at the bottom edge of the panel that softens contact with road materials. The plastic is typically a separately molded piece that is attached to the exterior panel with various clamps and fasteners.

[0004] Manufactured and installed separately can increase overall manufacturing costs and prolong production time. The outer panel is typically drilled with holes to accommodate fasteners that secure the plastic to the outer panel for added stability during use. Conventional panel installation involves first assembling the panels to the vehicle, then attaching the plastic to the bottom edge of the outer panels using top and bottom fasteners. The traditional approach of using plastic to protect the outer panels from damage can therefore increase overall costs and prolong the production of the vehicle panels. SUMMARY

[0005] In some embodiments, a trim assembly for a vehicle includes an interior trim panel having an upper portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a lower portion formed integrally with the upper portion. The lower portion has a first surface and a second surface. The interior trim panel further includes a living hinge defined between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the lower portion is operable between an extended and a folded position about the living hinge.The panel assembly further includes an outer panel connected to the inner panel to form a cavity and having a first end and an opposite end connected to the lower portion of the inner panel in the folded position, the lower portion being at least partially disposed over the second end of the outer panel.

[0006] In some aspects, the film hinge may be formed integrally with the upper and lower portions. The lower portion may be connected to the outer panel via a mounting flange disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel. The outer panel may include a flange that may be connected to the mounting flange of the lower portion in the folded position of the lower portion. In some examples, a center frame may be disposed in the cavity defined between the inner panel and the outer panel. Optionally, the lower portion may be connected to an inner surface of the outer panel. A door of the vehicle may include the panel assembly.

[0007] In another embodiment, a vehicle trim assembly may include a first trim panel having an outer surface and an inner surface. The first trim panel includes an upper portion and a lower portion hinged to the upper portion via a living hinge. The lower portion is operable between first and second positions about the living hinge. The vehicle trim assembly further includes a second trim panel having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface connected to the inner surface of the first trim panel and defining a cavity with the first trim panel. The lower portion of the first trim panel is connected to the outer surface of the second trim panel in the second position of the lower portion.

[0008] In some examples, the living hinge may define at least a portion of a lower edge of the vehicle trim assembly when the lower portion is in the second position. Optionally, the living hinge may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the upper and / or lower portions. The inner surface defined along the lower portion may be diametrically opposite the inner surface defined along the upper portion when the lower portion is in the second position. In some aspects, the first panel may have a length that is greater than a length of the second panel. In other examples, the second panel may define a plurality of openings along a flange of the second panel.The lower portion may include a mounting flange having a plurality of fasteners that may be selectively disposed within the plurality of openings defined along the flange when the lower portion is in the second position.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a trim assembly for a vehicle door includes an inner panel having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface together define a body and a trim strip formed integrally with the body, with a film hinge disposed therebetween. The trim assembly further includes an outer panel having an inner surface connected to the body at the inner surface of the inner panel, and an opposing outer surface connected to the trim strip in a folded position.

[0010] In some aspects, the trim strip is operable between a deployed and a folded position about the film hinge. The film hinge and the trim strip may define an extension of the interior trim panel and a bottom edge of the trim panel assembly in the folded position of the trim strip. The trim strip may have a stepped configuration including a ledge defining a lip. In some examples, the body may have a recessed portion, and the trim strip may be aligned relative to the recessed portion in the folded position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a vehicle having a trim assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a trim assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a perspective detail view of the panel assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an interior panel of a panel assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4A is an enlarged partial perspective view of an interior trim strip of Fig. 4, showing area 4A; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a trim assembly according to the present disclosure with an outer trim panel removed from an inner trim panel and a center frame; Fig. 6 is a further cross-section through the cladding arrangement of Fig. 5, wherein the outer panel is assembled with the inner panel and a decorative strip in the unfolded position; and Fig. 7 is a further cross-section through the cladding arrangement of Fig. 6, with the trim strip in a folded position.

[0012] Corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Example embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided to thoroughly illustrate this disclosure and to convey its full scope to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be used, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0014] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific training examples only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms where appropriate. The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order explained or illustrated unless they are expressly identified as being in that order of performance.Additional or alternative steps may be applied.

[0015] When an element or layer is described as being "on" or "engaging with" another element or layer, or as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" to it, it may be directly on or engaging with, connected, coupled, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" or "directly engaging with" another element or layer, or as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" or "attached" to it, there must be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g.,(e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" or "contiguous" versus "directly adjacent" or "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the related listed items.

[0016] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Unless clearly dictated by the context, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a particular sequence or order.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0017] In this application and the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) executing code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) storing code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, e.g., in a system-on-chip.

[0018] The term “code,” as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term “shared processor” includes a single processor that executes code from multiple modules, in part or in whole. The term “group processor” includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes code from one or more modules, in part or in whole. The term “shared memory” includes a single memory that stores code from multiple modules, in part or in whole. The term “group memory” includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores code from one or more modules, in part or in whole. The term “memory” may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium.The term "computer-readable medium" does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible, computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0019] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or entirely by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or be based on stored data.

[0020] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an application, app, or program. Examples of applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0021] Non-transitory memory can be physical devices used for the temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and floppy disks or tapes.

[0022] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly language / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable media, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) designed to deliver machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal designed to deliver machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0023] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, purpose-built ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be used for special or general purpose and is coupled to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions to a storage system, and at least one input device and at least one output device.

[0024] The processes and logic flows described in this patent may be performed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by responding to input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Examples of processors suitable for executing a computer program include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random-access memory, or both.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions, and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or to receive or transfer data to or from them, or both. However, a computer is not required to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data includes all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.The processor and memory can be supplemented by or integrated into special logic circuits.

[0025] To enable interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT or LCD monitor or a touchscreen for displaying information to the user, and optionally, a keyboard and pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to enable interaction with the user; for example, the user may receive any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user may be received in any form, including auditory, voice, or tactile input. In addition, a computer may interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user, e.g.,by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device after receiving requests from the web browser.

[0026] While a number of implementations have been described, it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 1-3, a vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 defining an interior 14 of the vehicle 10 having a passenger compartment 16 therein. A plurality of doors 18 are connected to the vehicle body 12 to provide selective access to the passenger compartment 16. The plurality of doors 18 may include, for example, a driver's door 18a, a passenger door 18b, and rear passenger doors 18c. The vehicle 10 may be driver-operated, semi-autonomously, or fully autonomously and may include numerous vehicle types, including, but not limited to, sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans, crossovers, commercial vehicles, service vehicles, and / or other vehicle configurations. In some configurations, the plurality of doors 18 may include a rear door providing access to the interior 14. In other aspects, the plurality of doors 18 may slide along the vehicle body 12 such that the plurality of doors 18 may be connected to the vehicle body 12 via track members.

[0028] The plurality of doors 18 may be operable along a horizontal plane such that the plurality of doors 18 may provide access to the passenger compartment 16 when a vehicle occupant moves the respective door 18 toward a front vehicle portion 20 or a rear vehicle portion 22. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the doors 18 may be operable along a vertical plane such that the respective door 18 may be pivoted toward and away from a roof 24 of the vehicle body 12. Each door 18 of the plurality of doors 18 includes a trim assembly 100 of the vehicle 10. The trim assembly 100 is described herein with respect to a single door 18 of the vehicle 10. However, it is contemplated that the trim assembly 100 may be used for any of the aforementioned plurality of doors 18.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 1-4A, the door 18 is comprised of the trim assembly 100 and may include a window member 30 connected to the trim assembly 100 and selectively received within the trim assembly 100. The trim assembly 100 includes a first panel 102 and a second panel 104 defining a cavity 106 within which a center frame 108 may be disposed. The center frame 108 abuts the first panel 102 to define contact between the first panel 102 and the center frame 108. Thus, when the door 18 is closed relative to the vehicle body 12, the center frame 108 and the first panel 102 may be engaged with the vehicle body 12. For illustrative purposes, the depicted cross-sections may show the center frame 108 at least partially spaced from the first panel 102.However, the space defined between the central frame 108 and the first panel 102 is for illustrative purposes only, and the central frame 108 is to be considered to be in direct contact with the first panel 102. .

[0030] Furthermore, the central frame 108 may extend from a leading and a trailing edge of the first panel 102 and the second panel 104. For example, the central frame 108 may be at least partially exposed along the side portions of the first panel 102 and the second panel 104 to assist in securing the panel assembly 100, and thus the door 18, to the vehicle body 12. The window member 30 may be received within the cavity 106 and disposed within a recess 110 defined by the central frame 108. Although the panel assembly 100 is described herein with reference to the door 18, it is contemplated that the panel assembly 100 may be used at various locations on the vehicle 10, particularly on sidewalls along the vehicle body 12.

[0031] The first panel 102 may be formed as the inner panel 102 of the panel assembly 100. The inner panel 102 includes an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122 that are integrally formed with each other and separated by a living hinge 124 therebetween. For example, the living hinge 124 and the lower portion 122 may define an extension of the inner panel 102. The living hinge 124 is integrally formed with the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122 and is configured to translate the lower portion 122 between a first position 126 and a second position 128, as described in more detail below. The upper portion 120 of the inner panel 102 may be referred to as the body 120 of the inner panel 102, such that the body 120 defines a major portion of the inner panel 102.The body 120 has a first outer surface (outer surface) 130 and an opposite second inner surface (inner surface) 132 defined relative to the second cover 104 and the cavity 106 defined therebetween.

[0032] For example, in an assembled configuration of the trim assembly 100, the inner surface 132 of the body 120 is proximate the center frame 108, and the outer surface 130 opposes the inner surface 132. In some aspects, the outer surface 130 is disposed within the interior 14 of the vehicle 10 such that the outer surface 130 of the body 120 may be exposed within the passenger compartment 16. For example, the outer surface 130 is defined to oppose the cavity 106 formed between the first trim panel 102 and the second trim panel 104. The outer surface 130 of the body 120 may include a post 134 extending from the outer surface 130 proximate a first end 136 of the body 120. The post 134 may be positioned proximate the window member 30 and provide support to a vehicle occupant.In some aspects, the support 134 may receive controls for the window member 30 and / or include components for securing the door 18 in a locked position relative to the vehicle body 12.

[0033] A second end 138 of the body 120 may be angled toward the interior 14 of the vehicle 10. For example, the second end 138 may include an angled portion 140. The angled portion 140 may help maximize space within the passenger compartment 16 near a footwell of the vehicle 10. Although the angled portion 140 is generally defined along the outer surface 130, the angled portion 140 may also define a recessed portion 142 along the inner surface 132 of the body 120. As described below, the recessed portion 142 is generally configured to receive the lower portion 122 of the interior panel 102 in the second position 128 of the lower portion 122.

[0034] With further reference to Fig. 1-4A, the lower portion 122 of the interior panel 102 may be referred to throughout as a trim strip 122. For example, the lower portion 122 of the first panel 102 is selectively disposed on the second panel 104, as described in more detail below, to define the trim strip 122 of the vehicle 10. The lower portion 122 may be moved between the first position 126 and the second position 128 to define the lower portion 122 as a trim strip 122 along the second panel 104. As described herein, the terms lower portion 122 and trim strip 122 may be used interchangeably.

[0035] The upper portion 120, the lower portion 122, and the living hinge 124 are all integrally molded from a single polymeric material to define the first panel 102. The first panel 102 may be manufactured, for example, by injection molding. It is also contemplated that the upper portion 120 may be manufactured from a stamped metal material in some aspects. A thickness of the living hinge 124 is less than the thickness of the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122, which advantageously promotes the flexibility and overall articulation of the living hinge 124 relative to the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122. The living hinge 124 may be defined as a piano hinge between the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122 in that the living hinge 124 extends along a length of the upper portion 120 and the lower portion 122.

[0036] Still referring to Fig. 1-4A, the first position 126 of the trim strip 122 is defined as a deployed position 126, as in Fig. 4, wherein the film hinge 124 is arranged between the body 120 and the trim strip 122 and connects them together. As already mentioned, the trim strip 122, the film hinge 124, and the body 120 are formed as a single piece, wherein the film hinge 124 can be actuated to pivot the trim strip 122 relative to the body 120. The trim strip 122 can be moved between the extended position 126 and the second, or folded, position 128. In an assembled embodiment of the trim assembly 100, the trim strip 122 is fixed in the folded position 128 relative to the second trim 104, as described in more detail below. In an unassembled embodiment of the trim assembly 100, the trim strip 122 is in the extended position 126. The assembly of the trim assembly 100 is described below with reference to Fig. 5-7 described in more detail.

[0037] The trim strip 122 includes a first surface 152 and a second surface 154. In the deployed position 126, the first surface 152 generally corresponds to the first, outer surface (outer surface) 130 of the body 120, and the second surface 154 generally corresponds to the second, inner surface (inner surface) 132 of the body 120. The first surface 152 of the trim strip 122 may also be referred to as an inner surface 152 because the first surface 152 faces the cavity 106 in both the first position 126 and the second position 128. For example, the inner surface 152 defined along the trim strip 122 is diametrically opposite the inner surface 132 defined along the body 120 when the trim strip 122 is in the second position 128.In some aspects, the first surface 152 has a stepped configuration, with the first surface 152 extending at an angle from a first end 156 of the trim strip 122 to a second end 158 of the trim strip 122. Generally, the angled first surface 152 is configured to form a unitary structure with a wheel well 32 of the vehicle body 12, as described below with respect to the second panel 104.

[0038] As in Fig. 4A, the trim strip 122 may taper from the second end 158 to the first end 156 to generally define a flat trim strip 122 in the assembled configuration of the trim assembly 100. Advantageously, the flat trim strip 122 may save production and manufacturing costs while providing a sleek configuration for the trim assembly 100. The trim strip 122 may include a shoulder 160 defined by the first surface 152 with a lip 162 proximate the shoulder 160. The shoulder 160 and the lip 162 may define the stepped configuration of the trim strip 122 along the first surface 152. The shoulder 160 may cooperate with the vehicle body 12 to at least partially define the aforementioned wheel well 32 in the assembled configuration of the trim assembly 100.

[0039] As in Fig. 4, the second surface 154 of the trim strip 122 may be angled from the first end 156 of the trim strip 122 and conform to a contour of the inner surface 132 of the body 120. For example, the trim strip 122 may be received in its second position 128 within the recessed portion 142 of the body 120, as described further below. The second surface 154 of the trim strip 122 is generally planar with a mounting surface 164 defined at the second end 158 of the trim strip 122 between the first surface 152 and the second surface 154 of the trim strip 122. A mounting flange 166 may extend from the mounting surface 164 and engage the second panel 104 in the assembled configuration of the panel assembly 100.In some examples, the mounting flange 166 may be positioned between the first panel 102 and the second panel 104 to define an attachment point 168 between the first panel 102 and the second panel 104. In other configurations, the attachment point 168 may be defined with the mounting flange 166 positioned along an outer surface 180 of the second panel 104.

[0040] With further reference to Fig. 1-4A, the second surface 154 of the trim strip 122 is progressively closer to the inner surface 132 of the interior panel as the trim strip 122 moves about the living hinge 124. In the assembled configuration of the panel assembly 100, the second surface 154 of the trim strip 122 may be substantially parallel to the inner surface 132 of the body 120. In some aspects, the second surface 154 may be in contact with or otherwise adjacent to the center frame 108 when the trim strip 122 is in the second position 128. For example, the center frame 108 may abut the inner surface 132 of the body 120 on one side and the second surface 154 of the trim strip 122 on an opposite side.

[0041] In the deployed position 126 of the trim strip 122, a gap 170 may be defined between the trim strip 122 and the second end 138 of the body 120. The gap 170 may correspond to a thickness of the living hinge 124. In some aspects, the gap 170 may provide space for the trim strip 122 to flex slightly toward the second end 138 of the body 120 while out of contact with the body 120 in the deployed position 126. The living hinge 124 may cooperate with the second end 138 of the body 120 and the first end 156 of the trim strip 122 to define a lower edge 112 of the trim assembly 100 when the trim strip 122 is in the folded position 128.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 4-7, the second or outer panel 104 is connected to the inner panel 102 with the central frame 108 defined therebetween. The central frame 108 may be a steel body that structurally supports the door 18 in the assembled configuration of the panel assembly 100. The central frame 108 may be stamped steel and form the recess 110 configured to selectively receive the window member 30. The central frame 108 may also partially define the support 134. Additionally or alternatively, the central frame 108 may define other projections, recesses, or details along the door 18 that may later be incorporated as part of one or both of the inner panel 102 and the outer panel 104.As previously mentioned, the interior panel 102 and the exterior panel 104 abut the center frame 108 to generally define a slight engagement between the first surface 130 of the first panel 102 and the center frame 108 when the door 18 is in the closed position. For example, the center frame 108 may bear against the trim strip 122 and be firmly supported as a result of the direct contact between the center frame 108 and the interior panel 102 to define a seal between the door 18 and the vehicle body 12 (FIG. Fig. 1).

[0043] The outer panel 104 is connected to the inner panel 102 in the assembled configuration of the panel assembly 100 and, like the inner panel 102, has an outer surface 180 and an inner surface 182. As illustrated, the inner surface 182 of the outer panel 104 and the inner surface 132 of the inner panel 102 define the cavity 106, with the outer surface 180 of the outer panel 104 being located outside the vehicle 10. In comparison, as mentioned above, the outer surface 130 of the inner panel 102 faces the interior 14 of the vehicle 10. In some examples, the outer panel 104 has a length L 104 which is smaller than a length L 102the interior panel 102. For example, a first end 184 of the outer panel 104 is connected to or otherwise proximate the first end 136 of the interior panel 102, while a second end 186 of the outer panel 104 is offset from the second end 138 of the upper portion 120 of the interior panel 102. The offset configuration of the outer panel 104 receives the trim strip 122. In the folded position 128, when the panel assembly 100 is assembled, the window member 30 is disposed at the first ends 136, 184 of the inner panel 102 and the outer panel 104. The first ends 136, 184 may be spaced apart from each other to define the space in which the window member 30 is disposed.

[0044] The outer panel 104 is connected to the inner panel 102 at least along the respective second ends 136, 186. In some examples, as mentioned above, the center frame 108 may be exposed at the rear and front ends of the inner panel 102 and outer panel 104 to connect the door 18 and the panel assembly 100 to the vehicle body 12 ( Fig. 1). The outer panel 104 includes a flange 188 connected to the inner panel 102 near the second end 138 of the inner panel 102. As described below, in some aspects, the flange 188 of the outer panel 104 is directly connected to the center frame 108. In other aspects, described further below, the flange 188 is not in contact with the center frame 108 but is connected to the inner panel 102 via the trim strip 122.

[0045] With further reference to Fig. 5-7, the outer panel 104 is illustrated as having two angled sections 190a, 190b, each extending from a central section 192. Generally, it is contemplated that the central section 192 may be generally straight compared to the angled sections 190a, 190b. In some aspects, the central section 192 may be curved or non-straight to define a shape or form of the vehicle body 12. The angled sections 190a, 190b may include an upper angled section 190a and a lower angled section 190b.

[0046] The upper angled portion 190a is defined at the first end 184 of the outer panel 104 and at least partially defines a window opening 34 of the vehicle body 12. In some examples, the upper angled portion 190a is angled away from the window member 30 toward the central portion 192. The angle of the upper angled portion 190a may facilitate the drainage of fluid along the outer panel 104 from various areas of the vehicle body 12, particularly from the window member 30. The upper angled portion 190a may be configured to facilitate retention of the window member 30 to the panel assembly 100.

[0047] The lower angled portion 190b is illustrated as a mirror image of the upper angled portion 190a. For example, the lower angled portion 190b may extend from the middle portion 192 toward the second end 186 and the interior panel 102. As illustrated, the middle portion 192 is curved outward from the center frame 108 due to the formation of the upper angled portion 190a and the lower angled portion 190b. The degree of the angles forming each of the angled portions 190a, 190b may vary depending on the configuration of the vehicle body 12, so that the angles may be greater or smaller than the respective illustrated angles of the angled portions 190a, 190b.

[0048] With further reference to Fig. 5-7, the trim assembly 100 is configured to form at least a portion of the door 18, with the first panel 102 connected to the second panel 104 around the center frame 108. During assembly, the first panel 102 is positioned on a side of the center frame 108 opposite the second panel 104, with the trim strip 122 extending from the film hinge 124. Once the first panel 102 and the second panel 104 are positioned, the trim strip 122 can be adjusted over the film hinge 124. Finally, the trim strip 122 is connected to the second panel 104 to define the trim assembly 100 in the assembled configuration.

[0049] As previously mentioned, prior to assembly of the trim assembly 100, the trim strip 122 extends from the body 120 of the first trim panel 102 in the deployed position 126. In some examples, the trim strip 122 is rotated about the living hinge 124 and positioned between the center frame 108 and the second trim panel 104. For example, the first trim panel 102 may be positioned proximate the center frame 108, and the trim strip 122 may be rotated about the living hinge 124 to enclose a bottom surface 114 of the center frame 108. In this example, the second trim panel 104 may then be positioned proximate the center frame 108 with the mounting flange 166 of the trim strip 122 disposed between the inner surface 182 of the second trim panel 104 and the center frame 108. The flange 188 defines a plurality of openings 188a configured to receive fasteners 166a of the mounting flange 166.For example, the plurality of fasteners 166a may be selectively disposed within the plurality of openings 188a defined along the flange 188 when the trim strip 122 is in the second position 128. While the fasteners 166a may connect the trim strip 122 to the flange 188, the flange 188 of the second panel 104 may be connected to the mounting flange 166 of the trim strip 122 using any practical fastening method to secure the second panel 104 and the first panel 102 together and define the panel assembly 100.

[0050] According to other aspects that Fig. 5-7, the trim strip 122 may be connected to the outer surface 180 of the second panel 104. For example, the second panel 104 may be positioned proximate the center frame 108, and the trim strip 122 may be connected to the outer surface 180 of the second panel 104. The flange 188 of the second panel 104 is located proximate the center frame 108, and the mounting flange 166 of the trim strip 122 is connected to the outer surface 180 of the second panel 104. The trim strip 122 is attached to the second panel 104 along the mounting surface 164 to at least partially connect the first panel 102 to the second panel 104. In general, it is contemplated that the trim strip 122 in each embodiment may be connected to the second panel 104 by any practical fastening method, in particular by spot welding and / or by means of fastening elements, such asterminals.

[0051] As already mentioned, the decorative strip 122 can be moved between the unfolded position 126 ( Fig. 6) and the folded position 128 ( Fig. 7). The trim strip 122 moves from the extended position 126 to the folded position 128 due to movement at the film hinge 124. The trim strip 122, which is formed integrally with the body 120 and the film hinge 124, forms an extension of the first panel 102 to advantageously define the lower edge 112 of the panel assembly 100. For example, the trim strip 122 defines a lower portion 196 of the second panel 104, which allows for a consistent length of the panel assembly 100 in the assembled configuration compared to the preassembled configuration. In the preassembled configuration, which is shown in Fig. 5, the first trim panel 102 extends longer than the second trim panel 104. For example, the body 120 of the first trim panel 102 has a greater length than the second trim panel 104. The trim strip 122 defines the difference in length between the body 120 and the outer trim panel 104 to define the uniform length of the trim assembly 100 in the assembled configuration.

[0052] In some examples, a channel 198 may be defined between the trim strip 122 and the second end 186 of the second panel 104. The channel 198 may facilitate fluid movement along the vehicle body 12 and is defined between the second end 186 of the second panel 104 and the first end 156 of the trim strip 122. In other examples, the second panel 104 may be flush with the trim strip 122 to define a fluid seal along the vehicle body 12. In both examples, the mounting flange 166 and the flange 188 of the second panel 104 define a seal configured to prevent fluid from entering the cavity 106.

[0053] With further reference to Fig.1-7, the trim assembly 100 advantageously minimizes production and manufacturing costs while providing improved usability of the interior trim 102 via the film hinge 124 and the trim strip 122. By encompassing the underside 114 of the center frame 108, the trim strip 122 minimizes the number of fasteners 166a used to secure the trim strip 122 to the exterior trim 104. In addition, the trim strip 122 provides additional protection to the center frame 108 by encompassing the underside 114 of the center frame 108. The underside 114 of the center frame 108 is covered by the film hinge 124 and the trim strip 122. The film hinge 124 facilitates the movement of the trim strip 122 between the extended position 126 and the folded position 128, which advantageously facilitates the assembly of the trim assembly 100.

[0054] The foregoing description is for purposes of illustration and description. It is neither exhaustive nor intended to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited thereto, but are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be modified in a variety of ways. Such modifications are not to be construed as a departure from the disclosure, but rather are to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] A trim assembly for a vehicle, comprising: an interior panel having an upper portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, a lower portion formed integrally with the upper portion and having a first surface and a second surface, and a film hinge defined between the upper portion and the lower portion, the lower portion being operable between an extended and a folded position about the film hinge; and an outer panel connected to the inner panel to form a cavity and comprising a first end and an opposite second end connected to the lower portion of the inner panel in the folded position, the lower portion being at least partially disposed over the second end of the outer panel. [2] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the film hinge is formed integrally with the upper and lower portions. [3] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower portion is connected to the outer trim via a mounting flange disposed between the outer trim and the inner trim. [4] The trim assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer trim includes a flange connected to the lower section mounting flange in the lower section folded position. [5] The trim assembly of claim 1, further comprising a central frame disposed in the cavity defined between the inner trim and the outer trim. [6] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower portion is connected to an inner surface of the outer trim. [7] A vehicle door comprising the trim assembly of claim 1. [8] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the film hinge defines at least a portion of a lower edge of the trim assembly when the lower portion is in the folded position. [9] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the second surface defined along the lower portion is diametrically opposite the inner surface defined along the upper portion when the lower portion is in the folded position. [10] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner trim has a length greater than a length of the outer trim. [11] The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper portion defines a recessed portion and the lower portion is aligned relative to the recessed portion in the folded position.

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