Vehicle door with storage compartment

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door (1) comprising an inner panel arranged on an inner side (5) of the vehicle door (1) facing a passenger compartment (4), and an outer panel arranged opposite the inner panel on an outer side (7) of the vehicle door (1) facing away from the passenger compartment (4), wherein a door interior (8) is formed between the inner panel and the outer panel, in which a window recess (9) is arranged, extending substantially perpendicular and parallel to the inner panel. It is proposed that a storage compartment (2) accessible from the outer side (7) of the vehicle, with a storage compartment opening (14) closable by a storage compartment door (13), is arranged in the door interior (8), wherein the storage compartment (2) is arranged in an area between the window recess (9) and the outer panel having an opening (15) for the storage compartment (2).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle door with a storage compartment having the features of the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle door with a storage compartment, wherein the vehicle door is a side door arranged on a side surface of the vehicle. EP 3 686 060 A1 relates to a device for storing objects in a cavity in a vehicle that is accessible from the outside. The cavity is accessible from inside the vehicle and can be closed by means of an opening element. Access to the outside is via an opening. This DE 10 2022 109 807 A1 concerns an autonomous vehicle that can be configured to transport either passengers or freight, or both. The various aspects of DE 10 2022 109 807 A1, which include movable seating assemblies, a door arrangement, and storage containers, provide the vehicle with increased functionality and operational flexibility, leading to more efficient use of the vehicle. Vehicle doors are an integral part of a vehicle's body and allow occupants access to the passenger compartment, which is located inside the vehicle and is at least partially enclosed by the body and the doors. Occupants can also exit the interior through the doors. For this purpose, vehicle doors can be opened and closed. Besides the functionality of vehicle doors to allow access to the vehicle, vehicle doors also offer protection to the occupants against unwanted opening when locked. Vehicle doors are typically designed as hinged swing doors. The hinge has, for example, a substantially vertical axis of rotation around which the door moves. Alternatively, vehicle doors are also known that, for example, slide along rails on the outside of the vehicle. Since vehicle doors require a window, also known as a side window, to be lowered when the door is opened, a window channel is necessary. The side window lowers into this channel when the door is opened. This window channel always requires space inside the door, which must be kept clear. It is not possible to place components such as a door handle mechanism, reinforcement elements, control electronics, or other assemblies within the window channel. Various storage compartment configurations in vehicles are known from the prior art. Such storage space serves the vehicle operator or other occupants for storing a wide variety of items, such as maps, vehicle documents or other literature, glasses, mobile phones, drinks, and much more. It is also known to provide storage compartments with open or enclosed compartments or flaps. A variant with a cover or flap, for example, prevents items from falling out of the storage compartment while driving, or even during deceleration. Such storage compartments are preferably located in the interior of a vehicle, i.e., in the passenger compartment. The arrangement of storage compartments on the inside of a vehicle door facing the passenger compartment is a known state of the art. As explained above, since space must be reserved inside the door for the window recess, the area for placing a storage compartment in the vehicle door is limited to the area below the window recess. Therefore, the storage compartments typically located on the inside of vehicle doors are situated in the lower part of the door and are quite small, particularly in terms of height. Solutions for storage compartments that are not exclusively located in the passenger compartment are also known from the state of the art. From US patent 11,608,004 B2, a motor vehicle is known which includes, among other things, a door that provides a boundary between the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and an exterior area of ​​the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the door has a storage compartment configured so that an object in the storage compartment can be accessed from both the passenger compartment and the outside. The door comprises an inner panel and an outer panel spaced apart from the inner panel. Such storage compartments can be arranged on multiple doors of the motor vehicle. US 2012 / 0068492A1 concerns a motor vehicle with a rear body closure, such as a tailgate or trunk lid. For storing an item on board a motor vehicle, a storage compartment is specified, which is arranged between an inner and an outer panel of the tailgate and has an opening through the outer panel, as well as a door that is movable between a closed position, in which it closes the opening, and an open position, in which an item can be placed in and removed from the compartment through the opening, the door including a license plate mounting plate on its outer surface. From US patent 2013 / 0147222A1, a storage compartment and a multi-purpose compartment integrated into a vehicle pillar are known. The patent describes a storage compartment integrated into a vehicle pillar, which may be enclosed by a movable door accessible from the outside. The door may support at least one audio speaker, allowing the audio speaker to function as an internal speaker when the door is closed and as an external speaker when the door is open. A disadvantage of these solutions for arranging storage compartments is their small size or limited storage volume. Furthermore, when a storage compartment is located in a vehicle's side door, only the space below the window recess is usable. In light of what has been said, there is still room for improvement in the field of vehicle doors with storage compartments, given the current state of the art. The invention aims to provide a vehicle door with a storage compartment that offers a larger storage volume than known solutions in the prior art. Furthermore, the storage compartment should be easily accessible and universally usable, adaptable to customer requirements. According to the invention, the problem is solved by a vehicle door with a storage compartment having the features of claim 1. A vehicle door with a storage compartment is shown, wherein the vehicle door has an inner panel which is arranged on an inner side of the vehicle door facing a passenger compartment, and an outer panel which is arranged opposite the inner panel and which is arranged on an outer side of the vehicle door facing away from the passenger compartment, wherein a door interior is formed between the inner panel and the outer panel in which a window recess is arranged which extends substantially perpendicular and parallel to the inner panel, wherein a storage compartment accessible from the outside of the vehicle with a storage compartment opening which can be closed by a storage compartment door is arranged in the door interior of the vehicle door, wherein the storage compartment is arranged in an area between the window recess and the outer panel which has an opening for the storage compartment. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined in any technically sensible way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures. The invention provides a door for a motor vehicle. The term "motor vehicle" in this context refers specifically to a road vehicle, i.e., a vehicle suitable and approved for road use with its own drive engine. The drive engine can be an internal combustion engine or an electric drive motor; a combination in the form of a hybrid drive is also conceivable. In particular, it can be a passenger car, a truck, or a bus. Preferably, the motor vehicle has at least two axles, each with two wheels, although deviations from this are also conceivable. The motor vehicle can be controlled by a driver, at least temporarily. However, it can also be designed to drive autonomously, at least temporarily, i.e., without driver control. For the sake of brevity, the motor vehicle will also be referred to as "vehicle" in the following text. Generally, vehicle doors consist of an inner panel and an outer panel spaced apart from the inner panel, with the door interior space formed between these panels. The panels can be made of suitable materials, such as sheet steel. However, light metals or other materials are also conceivable. Therefore, in the following, the inner panel will also be referred to as the inner sheet, and the outer panel as the outer sheet, even if both elements are made of materials other than sheet metal or are shaped differently. A vehicle door according to the invention therefore has at least one inner panel, which is arranged on an inner side of the vehicle door facing the passenger compartment, and an outer panel arranged opposite the inner panel, which is arranged on an outer side of the vehicle door facing away from the passenger compartment. In such vehicle doors, a door interior is formed between the inner panel and the outer panel, in which a window channel is arranged, extending substantially perpendicular and parallel to the inner panel. A window channel is an area inside a vehicle door into which a window pane, also called a window or side window, is lowered or inserted when the side window is opened. The window channel thus enables the side window to be lowered. This lowering, as well as raising, of the side window is achieved by a window lift mechanism, which is usually electrically or manually operated. The area for the window channel, the window lift mechanism, and the associated drive unit requires space within the vehicle door that must be kept clear. Typically, elements such as a reinforcement element are located between the inner and outer door panels. Optionally, elements such as a door handle mechanism and / or door handle electrics, a window lifting mechanism and / or window lifting electrics, or additional sensors, drives, and control electronics may also be installed. These elements cannot be arranged within the window channel. The invention provides a storage compartment located in the interior of the vehicle door, accessible only from the outside of the vehicle. The phrase "a storage compartment accessible from the outside of the vehicle" means, within the meaning of the invention, that the storage compartment has a storage compartment opening located in the area of ​​the outer panel of the vehicle door and facing away from the passenger compartment. More precisely, the storage compartment is arranged in an opening provided in the outer panel. In the case of a cuboid-shaped storage compartment, for example, this opening in the outer panel is adapted to the storage compartment and is, for example, also cuboid or rectangular in shape. Arranged in this way, the storage compartment is accessible and usable from outside the vehicle via the storage compartment opening without having to open the vehicle door itself. Since the storage compartment according to the invention is arranged in an area between the window frame and the outer sheet metal which has an opening for the storage compartment, the interior of the door can be used more optimally and a storage compartment with a larger storage volume can be provided than is known from the prior art. Such storage compartments offer, for example, a storage volume in the range of 4500 cm³ to 52500 cm³ and, arranged between the window frame and the outer sheet metal, can virtually fill the entire interior of the door. The storage compartment has a storage compartment opening that can be closed by a storage compartment door, with the storage compartment and its opening being arranged in an opening in the outer sheet metal. For this purpose, the contour of the opening in the outer sheet metal is adapted to the contour of the storage compartment in the area of ​​the storage compartment opening. The storage compartment is closed by a separate door, which, when closed, is flush with the outer panel of the vehicle door. The outer panel, which has an opening for the storage compartment, and the closed separate door together form a continuous outer surface of the vehicle door. For this purpose, the separate door is adapted to the outer contour of the vehicle door's outer panel. For example, if the outer panel has a convex curve in the area of ​​the storage compartment opening, the door closing the opening will have a compatible convex curve. In other words, the design of the storage compartment door does not alter the outer contour of the vehicle door, but rather enhances it. The storage compartment door is designed to have a locking mechanism that allows the compartment to be securely closed. This locking mechanism is opened or closed using a key or remote control when the storage compartment is used. The locking mechanism is preferably integrated into the vehicle's central locking system. In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment has a hollow, cuboid-shaped storage compartment body with the storage compartment opening. The storage compartment body, also referred to as a hollow cuboid, has a width between 30 cm and 70 cm, a height between 30 cm and 50 cm, and a depth between 5 cm and 15 cm. The storage compartment body, or hollow cuboid, has four side walls and a back wall. The back wall of the storage compartment body is essentially parallel to the window channel. The storage compartment opening is located opposite the back wall. The storage compartment has dimensions that significantly exceed those known from the prior art, particularly in terms of its height. A height of between 30 cm and 50 cm is made possible by the fact that the storage compartment is not limited to the area below the window recess. The window recess is located in the door interior, essentially perpendicular and parallel to the inner door panel. The storage compartment is advantageously positioned between the window recess and the outer door panel, with the rear wall of the storage compartment facing the window recess. The outer panel has a square, preferably rectangular, opening in which the storage compartment, i.e., the storage compartment body with its opening, is arranged. The storage compartment body extends into the door interior. Thus, the opening of the storage compartment faces outwards, away from the passenger compartment. Due to the advantageous placement of the storage compartment in the area between the window channel and the outer door panel, and with a sufficiently large distance between the inner and outer panels (i.e., in vehicles with a wide shoulder), an area is created in the door interior which is filled by the storage compartment according to the invention. The storage compartment, arranged in this way, is no longer limited in height by the window channel. The resulting storage volume is advantageously in the range of 4500 cm³ to 52500 cm³. In vehicle design, the term "broad shoulder" refers to areas on the sides of the vehicle that are intentionally wider, giving the overall proportions and appearance a sportier or more robust look. In the area of ​​the vehicle door, a broad shoulder results in a greater gap between the inner and outer door panels, creating a larger interior space that is advantageous for the placement of a storage compartment. Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one holder for an interchangeable storage compartment insert is arranged on the storage compartment body or on the storage compartment door. Using one or more brackets located on the storage compartment body or door, inserts or trays can be positioned within the compartment. These inserts are equipped with compatible mounting hardware. This allows for the installation of various desired trays during vehicle manufacturing or by the vehicle owner. It is also possible to remove or replace a tray as needed. Generally, different trays offer various options for the secure storage and safekeeping of different items within the compartment. When a tray is mounted on the door, it swings out of the compartment with the door when it is opened, providing easy access for inserting or removing items. The mounting brackets in the storage compartment body are preferably attached to the rear wall of the storage compartment body. If the storage compartment insert is located on the storage compartment door, the inside of the door is preferably chosen for attaching the storage compartment insert. In a preferred embodiment, the interchangeable storage compartment insert can be designed as a storage compartment pocket, a storage compartment net, or a storage compartment shelf, the list of which is not intended to be limiting. One version of the interchangeable storage insert is designed as a bag. This storage bag has one or more compartments and is therefore suitable, for example, for holding different items in different compartments. Such items could include sports equipment or tools. In another version, the interchangeable storage compartment insert is designed in the form of a net. This storage net offers a flexible, adjustable holder for holding and securely storing various items, such as textiles or documents. In yet another variation, the interchangeable storage compartment insert is designed in the form of a shelf. This storage shelf has at least two levels in which various items, such as umbrellas, charging cables, a warning triangle, or a first-aid kit, can be arranged and securely stored. In a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a hinge with a pivot axis is arranged between the storage compartment door and the storage compartment or the outer sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment door can be arranged to pivot about the axis of rotation of a hinge. For this purpose, a portion of the hinge is located on the storage compartment door. Another portion of the hinge is located either on the outer panel of the vehicle door or on the storage compartment. Pivoting the storage compartment door refers to its movement about the axis of rotation when the storage compartment door is opened or closed. It is advantageous if the pivot axis of the hinge is oriented essentially horizontally or essentially vertically. In the event that the pivot axis of the storage compartment door hinge is arranged essentially horizontally, the storage compartment door can be pivoted upwards or, preferably, downwards to release the storage compartment. Such an upward pivoting movement is known, for example, from a car's trunk lid or hood. In this case, the hinge and pivot point are located in the upper part of the storage compartment. To prevent the storage compartment door from closing unintentionally due to weight or other reasons, the hinge can be locked in the open position, or other measures can be taken. A downward pivoting mechanism is known, for example, from some glove compartments in vehicles or other covers. If the storage compartment in the vehicle door is located low, a downward pivoting door provides more convenient access. In this case, the hinge and pivot point are located in the lower part of the storage compartment. If the pivot axis of the storage compartment door hinge is essentially vertical, the storage compartment door can be pivoted to the left or right of the storage compartment to release it. Such a pivoting movement is generally known from vehicle doors. Preferably, the pivot axis of the storage compartment door hinge is located close to the pivot axis of the vehicle door hinge. It is also intended that the storage compartment door can be opened at an angle between 45 degrees and 110 degrees, specifically at an angle of 90 degrees. This angle is formed between the open storage compartment door and the opening of the storage compartment. To increase the ease of use of the storage compartment door, damping elements or a spring mechanism are provided. While the damping element prevents the storage compartment door from opening or closing too quickly, the spring mechanism, for example, assists in closing the storage compartment door. In an ideal embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the storage compartment door or the storage compartment opening has a circumferential seal, whereby the storage compartment is sealed dust-tight and fluid-tight when the storage compartment door is closed. A seal is positioned between the storage compartment door and the opening to ensure a dustproof or fluid-tight closure. This prevents, for example, rainwater or splashing water from entering the storage compartment. Items stored inside thus remain dry and securely protected. This seal is designed as a continuous seal around the perimeter of the storage compartment door. "Continuous" in this case means that the seal completely surrounds the outer edge of the storage compartment door. Alternatively, this seal is designed as a seal arranged around the perimeter of the storage compartment opening. "Perimeter" in this case means that the seal completely surrounds the inner circumference of the storage compartment opening. It has proven particularly advantageous that the storage compartment is connected to the outer sheet metal, with the connection being made by welding, riveting, screwing, or gluing. The storage compartment is especially stable when mounted inside the door. The storage compartment is attached to the outer sheet metal by means of a detachable or permanent connection. This connection can be achieved, for example, by welding, riveting, screwing, or gluing. For this purpose, the storage compartment, preferably its body, can have a circumferentially interrupted collar or a continuous collar, which is used to connect it to the outer sheet metal. Instead of a continuous collar, circumferentially spaced mounting tabs can also be provided. It may be sufficient if one mounting tab is located at each corner of the storage compartment body, or even if only two mounting tabs are provided for attaching it to the outer sheet metal. The continuous connection provides a hermetically sealed storage compartment in which even wet items can be stored without risk of water ingress into the interior of the door.Alternatively or additionally, sealing elements can be used to seal the storage compartment from the door interior. If the storage compartment is bonded to the outer sheet metal, for example by welding, it is preferably made of a sheet metal material of the same type as the outer sheet metal. Dissimilar materials can be joined using adhesive bonding, as is also the case with screw or rivet connections. Additionally, the storage compartment door may be equipped with a locking mechanism to secure it in the closed position. This prevents unauthorized access to the storage compartment. This type of locking mechanism ensures the storage compartment door remains securely closed, especially while driving. The locking mechanism is designed to be robust, so that the door stays securely closed despite the vibrations typically experienced while driving. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is designed in such a way that it does not obstruct other road users. This means that the locking mechanism is not sharp-edged or protrudes from the outside beyond a tolerable extent. In a preferred embodiment, the material for the storage compartment and the storage compartment door is a metal or a plastic, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer or a glass fiber composite. To ensure the storage compartment and / or door are easy to manufacture and robust, materials such as lightweight metals or plastics may be used. Examples of such plastics include PP (polypropylene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer). Alternatively, composite materials such as fiberglass composites can also be used. It has proven particularly advantageous to have several vehicle doors, each with a storage compartment, arranged on a vehicle. In one embodiment, both front doors of the vehicle are equipped with the storage compartments according to the invention. This allows items to be placed in or removed from the storage compartments located in the vehicle doors on both sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, various storage compartment inserts can be used. For example, a storage pocket for tools or toys could be located on the driver's side, while a storage net could be installed on the passenger side, from which swimwear can be taken and put back in, even when wet. Naturally, a storage shelf could also be installed in one of the storage compartments. Alternatively, two identical storage compartment inserts could be used in both door compartments. In an extended embodiment, four doors of the vehicle are equipped with the storage compartments according to the invention. In this embodiment as well, identical or different storage compartment inserts can be used. Since the storage compartment inserts are easy to attach to the storage compartment's mounting brackets, they can also be easily exchanged by the occupants and adapted to their specific needs. For example, different storage compartment inserts can be used for everyday use than for leisure activities or longer holiday trips. In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least one reinforcing element is arranged above and / or below the storage compartment in the interior of the door. Even when using the storage compartment according to the invention in a vehicle door, it is possible to arrange means for reinforcement in an area above the storage compartment or in an area below the storage compartment or in both areas, and thus avoid undesirable impairments to the occupants. In the areas surrounding the storage compartment according to the invention, i.e., in the interior of the door, further mechanical and / or electronic components can also be arranged. Since the storage compartment body itself is also designed to be medium-tight, there is no risk of moisture from the storage compartment, for example from wet swimwear, entering the interior of the door and thus impairing the function of the components described above. Corrosion of the outer or inner sheet metal caused by moisture escaping from the storage compartment body is also prevented. If wet items are stored in the storage compartment body, any moisture residue can be easily removed due to the complete accessibility of the storage compartment. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and the following description of the figures. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a vehicle door with an integrated storage compartment, Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the vehicle door from the outside with an integrated, open storage compartment, and Fig. 3 shows an illustration of exemplary storage compartment inserts. In the different figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols, which is why they are usually only described once. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a vehicle door 1 with an integrated storage compartment 2. A vehicle door 1 has an inner panel 3, which is arranged on an inner side 5 of the vehicle door 1 facing a passenger compartment 4. An outer panel 6, arranged opposite the inner panel 3, is located on an outer side 7 of the vehicle door 1 facing away from the passenger compartment 4. In such vehicle doors 1, a door cavity 8 is formed between the inner panel 3 and the outer panel 6. A window recess 9 is arranged in this door cavity 8, extending essentially perpendicular and parallel to the inner panel 3. The window 10 of the vehicle door 1 is lowered into this window recess 9 when the window 10 is opened, as indicated by an arrow. The window recess 9, a window lifting mechanism, and an associated drive require installation space in the door cavity 8 of the vehicle door 1, which must be kept clear. The window lifting mechanism and the associated drive are not shown in Fig. 1. On the inside 5, a door panel 11 covering the inner sheet metal 3 is arranged, for example made of plastic. The passenger compartment area 4 is indicated by a dash-dotted line, while the window recess 9 in the door interior 8 is represented by a dash-dash line. The dash-dash line was chosen to represent the window recess 9 because it is an area that must be kept clear and does not necessarily have to be enclosed by a structure such as a cuboid box. Typically, elements such as a reinforcing element 12 are arranged in the door interior 8 of the vehicle door 1 between the inner panel 3 and the outer panel 6. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a reinforcing element 12a is located above the storage compartment 2, and alternatively or additionally, another reinforcing element 12b is shown below the storage compartment 2. The storage compartment body 16 of the storage compartment 2 also functions as a deformation element and thus serves as reinforcement and / or energy absorber in the event of an extreme lateral impact. A description of further elements such as a door handle mechanism, door electrics, window lifting mechanism, window lifting electrics or further sensors, drives and control electronic elements has been omitted, as these are not required for understanding the present invention. According to the invention, a vehicle door 1 is shown in which a storage compartment 2, accessible from the outside 7 of the vehicle, is arranged in the interior of the door 8. The storage compartment opening 14 can be closed by a storage compartment door 13. The storage compartment 2 is located in an area between the window channel 9 and the outer panel 6, which has an opening 15 for the storage compartment 2. The storage compartment door 13 is shown in its closed state in Fig. 1, in which the storage compartment door 13 completely closes the storage compartment opening 14. The storage compartment 2 according to the invention has a preferably cuboid-shaped storage compartment body 16 with four side walls 17 and a rear wall 18. The rear wall 18 of the storage compartment body 16 is arranged essentially parallel to the disc slot 9. The storage compartment opening 14 is arranged opposite the rear wall 18. The storage compartment body 16 of the storage compartment 2, for example, has a height in the X-direction that lies in a range between 30 cm and 50 cm, since the storage compartment 2 is not limited to the area below the window channel 9 as is usual in the prior art. In an ideal embodiment, the storage compartment 2 can fill the entire door surface up to the door shoulder, as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 2. The outer sheet metal 6 has a square, preferably rectangular, opening 15 in which the storage compartment 2 with its storage compartment opening 14 is arranged. The cuboid storage compartment body 16 extends into the interior of the door 8, with the storage compartment opening 14 oriented towards the outer side 7. The storage compartment body 16 of the storage compartment 2 has, for example, a depth in the Y-direction which lies in a range between 10 cm and 20 cm. For a medium-tight, or fluid-tight, closure of the storage compartment 2, a circumferential seal 27 is arranged on the storage compartment door 13 in the example shown in Fig. 1. The storage compartment body 16 also has a circumferential collar 28 on its side facing the storage compartment opening 14, against which the seal 27 rests. The collar 28 also allows the storage compartment body 16 to be connected to the outer sheet metal 6 in a medium-tight manner, so that the storage compartment body 16 is stably mounted in the interior of the door 8. In this respect, the collar 28 has a dual function: namely, to provide a surface for the seal 27 and to offer a means of fastening the storage compartment body 16. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the vehicle door 1 from the outside with an integrated, open storage compartment 2 according to the invention. A vehicle, which is not necessary for the description of the invention and on which several of these vehicle doors 1 are usually arranged, is not shown. The vehicle door 1 shown can be in an open or closed position on the vehicle. A rearview mirror can be arranged on the vehicle door 1 in a known manner. The door trim 11, attached to the inner panel 3, is shown on the inside 5 of the vehicle door 1. The rectangular opening 15 is visible in the outer panel 6 of the vehicle door 1. The storage compartment 2 is located in this opening 15, with the storage compartment opening 14 situated within the area of ​​the opening 15. The storage compartment 2 extends with its compartment body 16 into the interior door space 8 of the vehicle door 1. At least two side walls 17 and the rear wall 18 of the storage compartment body 16 are also visible. A hinge 19, which has a pivot axis 20, is arranged on the storage compartment 2 or on the storage compartment body 16, or alternatively on the outer panel 6. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the hinge 19 is arranged with a portion in the left-hand area of ​​the opening 15 of the outer panel 6 on a side wall 17 of the storage compartment body 16, with the pivot axis 20 being substantially vertical. Another portion of the hinge 19 is arranged on the storage compartment door 13, allowing the storage compartment door 13 to open to the left in the plane of the drawing, or to pivot outwards, as indicated by an arrow. Alternatively, the hinge 19 could be arranged on the lower part of the opening 15 with a horizontally oriented pivot axis 20, which is not shown in Fig. 1. This would allow the storage compartment door 13 to pivot downwards to release the storage compartment 2. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, several brackets 21 are arranged on the storage compartment door 13. An interchangeable storage compartment insert 22 can be attached to these brackets 21. The storage compartment insert 22 has fastening elements compatible with the brackets 21, allowing it to be attached to the storage compartment door 13 by means of the brackets 21. The brackets 21 and the compatible fastening elements are designed to ensure secure attachment of the storage compartment insert 22, while allowing it to be detached from the brackets 21 as needed. Thus, the storage compartment insert 22 can be replaced. Various items can be stored and securely kept in such a storage compartment insert 22. In an alternative embodiment, several brackets 21 are arranged on the rear wall 18 of the storage compartment body 16. In this case, the replaceable storage compartment insert 22 is arranged on the rear wall 18, i.e., detachably attached. In another alternative, the brackets 21 are arranged both on the storage compartment door 13 and on the rear wall 18 of the storage compartment body 16. In this case, two interchangeable storage compartment inserts 22 are arranged in the storage compartment 2, with one storage compartment insert 22 being arranged on the storage compartment door 13 and another interchangeable storage compartment insert 22 being arranged on the rear wall 18. The storage compartment door 13 has a locking mechanism 23 for securely closing the storage compartment 2 through the storage compartment door 13. Fig. 3 shows an illustration of exemplary storage compartment inserts 24, 25 and 26 which are suitable for use in the storage compartment 2 either attached to the storage compartment door 13 or attached to the rear wall 18 of the storage compartment body 16, whereby this selection is not intended to be limiting. Fig. 3 shows at least part of the vehicle door 1, which has already been shown and described in detail in Fig. 2. An interchangeable storage compartment insert 22 is available in one variant in the form of a storage compartment bag 24. This storage compartment bag 24 has one or more compartments and is therefore designed, for example, to hold different items in different compartments. Such items could be, for example, sports equipment or tools. In another variant, the interchangeable storage compartment insert 22 is designed in the form of a storage compartment net 25. This storage compartment net 25 offers a flexible, adjustable holder for holding and securely storing various items, such as textiles or documents. In yet another variant, the interchangeable storage compartment insert 22 is designed in the form of a storage shelf 26. This storage shelf 26 has at least two levels in which various items, such as umbrellas, charging cables, a warning triangle or a first-aid kit, can be arranged and securely stored. There is no limitation to these three exemplary versions of the storage compartment insert 22. It is clear to any expert that further individual modifications to the storage compartment insert 22 can easily be made. Reference symbol list: 1 Vehicle door 2 Storage compartment 3 Inner panel 4 Passenger compartment 5 Inside of vehicle door 6 Outer panel 7 Outside of vehicle door 8 Door interior 9 Window channel 10 Window 11 Door trim 12 Side impact protection 13 Storage compartment door 14 Storage compartment opening 15 Opening in outer panel 16 Storage compartment body 17 Side wall 18 Rear wall 19 Hinge 20 Pivot 21 Bracket 22 Storage compartment insert 23 Locking mechanism 24 Storage compartment pocket 25 Storage compartment net 26 Storage compartment shelf 27 Seal 28 Collar

Claims

A vehicle door (1) comprising an inner panel arranged on an inner side (5) of the vehicle door (1) facing a passenger compartment (4), and an outer panel arranged opposite the inner panel and on an outer side (7) of the vehicle door (1) facing away from the passenger compartment (4), wherein a door interior (8) is formed between the inner panel and the outer panel, in which a window recess (9) is arranged, which extends substantially perpendicularly and parallel to the inner panel, characterized in that a storage compartment (2) accessible from the outer side (7) of the vehicle is arranged in the door interior (8) with a storage compartment opening (14) that can be closed by a storage compartment door (13), wherein the storage compartment (2) is arranged in an area between the window recess (9) and the outer panel which has an opening (15) for the storage compartment (2). Vehicle door (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage compartment (2) has a cuboid storage compartment body (16) with the storage compartment opening (14), wherein the width of the storage compartment body (16) is between 30 cm and 70 cm, the height of the storage compartment body (16) is between 30 cm and 50 cm and the depth of the storage compartment body (16) is between 5 cm and 15 cm. Vehicle door (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage compartment (2) has at least one holder (21) for a replaceable storage compartment insert (22) arranged on its storage compartment body (16) or on its storage compartment door (13). Vehicle door (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the interchangeable storage compartment insert (22) is a storage compartment pocket (24) or a storage compartment net (25) or a storage compartment shelf (26). Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hinge (19) with a pivot axis (20) is arranged between the storage compartment door (13) and the storage compartment (2) or between the storage compartment door (13) and the outer sheet metal (6). Vehicle door (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the axis of rotation (20) of the hinge (19) is oriented substantially horizontally or substantially vertically. Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage compartment door (13) or the storage compartment opening (14) has a circumferential seal (27) whereby the storage compartment (2) is sealed in a medium-tight manner, in particular dust-tight and fluid-tight manner. Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage compartment (2) with its storage compartment body (16) is connected to the outer panel, wherein the connection is made by material bonding, in particular by welding or gluing or by force-fit connection, in particular by screws or rivets. Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage compartment door (13) has a locking mechanism (23) for locking the storage compartment door (13) in a closed state. Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a material for the storage compartment (2) and its storage compartment door (13) is a metal or a plastic such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer or a glass fiber composite.

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