Method for mounting a door component on a door frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for mounting a door component (20, 22) on a door frame (6), in which a door module (16) with a component carrier (14) is provided, on which the door component (20, 22) is pre-mounted by means of a support component (24), wherein the component carrier (14) has an edge section (38) angled along a mounting direction (M), in which a door frame (6) with a mounting opening (12) that can be covered by a door module (16) and with a cutout (26, 28) for receiving the door component (20, 22) is provided, wherein the door frame (6) has a mounting section (36) oriented opposite to the mounting direction (M) in the area of ​​the cutout (26, 28), in which the door component (20, 22) is positioned in a delivery position (A) such that between the door component (20,22) and the support component (24) along a joining direction (F) oriented transversely to the assembly direction (M) a mounting gap (52) open in the assembly direction (M) is formed, in which the door module (16) is positioned along the assembly direction (M) at the mounting opening (12) such that the system section (36) engages in the mounting gap (52), and in a final assembly position (E) is arranged at least partially sandwich-like between the door component (20, 22) and the support component (24), and in which the edge section (36), the support component (24), the system section (38) and the door component (20, 22) are joined in the final assembly position (E) along the joining direction (F).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for mounting a door component on a door frame. The invention further relates to a door assembly for carrying out the method, a door module for such a door assembly, and a vehicle door with such a door assembly.

[0002] A vehicle door typically has a door body or door frame as its framework or basic structure. Such a door frame comprises an outer door panel (outer door sheet) forming the outer skin of the vehicle door and an inner door panel (inner door sheet) connected to the outer door panel on the vehicle's interior side. Between these panels is a cavity that serves as a mounting space for functional elements or door components, such as a window regulator, a door lock, an airbag, or similar items.

[0003] The door components of the vehicle door are conventionally inserted from the inside of the door into the cavity or assembly space between the outer door panel and the inner door panel through an assembly opening located in the inner door panel and brought into their functional positions (final assembly positions).

[0004] To simplify the installation of door components in a vehicle door, these components can be pre-assembled on a plate-shaped carrier, also known as a door module carrier or carrier plate. The assembled carrier is then referred to as a door module and is subsequently placed onto the mounting opening of the vehicle door. The door module, or carrier, covers the mounting opening and typically also provides a wet / dry compartment separation within the vehicle door.

[0005] It is possible that a door component on the door module is attached to the door frame in a designated final assembly position, particularly to the inner door panel and / or a welded reinforcement plate. In such cases, if the door component is pre-assembled on the door module, it is in a delivery or parking position, which must be pivoted or slid towards the final assembly position so that the door component rests against the inner door panel and / or the reinforcement. This requires at least one additional work step on the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) assembly line. Furthermore, there is a risk that a seal on the outer surface of the door component could be damaged, resulting in a leak between the wet and dry compartments.

[0006] For example, a door lock, as a door component, is typically screwed to the inner door panel and / or a welded reinforcement / strike plate on the front face of the door frame. In this process, a door lock pre-mounted on the door module is pivoted or slid from its delivery position – relative to a vehicle coordinate system – in the X-direction (vehicle longitudinal direction) so that the door lock rests against the inner door panel in the X- and / or Y-direction (vehicle transverse direction).

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable method for mounting a door module onto a door frame. In particular, it aims to achieve a simple and reliable adjustment of a door component from a delivery position to a final assembly position. The invention further aims to provide a particularly suitable door assembly for carrying out the method, a particularly suitable door module for such a door assembly, and a particularly suitable vehicle door incorporating such a door assembly.

[0008] With regard to the method, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, with regard to the door assembly by the features of claim 4, with regard to the door module by the features of claim 10, and with regard to the vehicle door by the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The advantages and embodiments mentioned with regard to the method are also transferable mutatis mutandis to the door assembly and / or the door module and / or the vehicle door, and vice versa.

[0009] If process steps are described below, advantageous designs for the door assembly and / or the door module and / or the vehicle door result in particular from the fact that they are designed to perform one or more of these process steps.

[0010] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following as meaning that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be both common and alternative to each other.

[0011] The method according to the invention is designed, suitable, and equipped for mounting a door component on a door frame.

[0012] In this process, a door module and a door frame are provided and preferably joined together along an assembly direction. The term "assembly direction" here and in the following refers in particular to a predetermined direction of movement of the door module, along which the door module is moved towards the door frame during assembly in order to mount the door module or the door component to the door frame. The assembly direction is thus oriented towards the door frame. Preferably, the assembly direction is oriented approximately perpendicular to the plane of the door module or perpendicular to the plane of the door frame. A "plane of the door module" is understood in particular to be a plane oriented parallel to the planar faces of the door module, and a "plane of the door frame" is understood in particular to be an imaginary or actual surface in which the outer or inner surface of the door frame lies.

[0013] The door module has a carrier (door module carrier) to which the door component is pre-mounted by means of a support component. The carrier has an edge section angled along the mounting direction. This edge section can, for example, be integrally formed with the rest of the carrier, i.e., as a single piece or monolithically. Alternatively, the edge section can be designed as an attachment element, such as a mounting bracket, of the door module, which is arranged on the carrier.

[0014] The door frame refers specifically to the door frame of a vehicle door, for example, a side door of a motor vehicle. The door frame comprises an outer door panel (outer door sheet) forming the outer skin of the vehicle door and an inner door panel (inner door sheet) connected to the outer door panel on the vehicle's interior side, between which a cavity serves as an assembly space.

[0015] The door frame, or the inner door panel, has an installation opening for the mounting area. This installation opening is designed and configured to be covered (concealed) by the door module. In other words, the door module can be mounted to the door frame or to / on the installation opening in such a way that the installation opening is covered by the door module, particularly by its mounting bracket. When installed, the door module closes the installation opening, with the mounting bracket preferably creating a wet / dry compartment divider within the vehicle door.

[0016] The door frame also features a (door) cutout for receiving the door component. This cutout preferably opens into the mounting opening. In other words, the cutout is located at one edge of the mounting opening. The cutout is a trim or groove-like recess in the door frame, particularly in the inner part of the door, which allows the door component, pre-mounted on the door module, to be installed along a specific mounting direction. In other words, the cutout is designed such that when the door module is positioned or mounted on the door frame or the mounting opening, the door component can be inserted into the cutout along the mounting direction. Thus, in the installed state, the door component engages at least partially in the cutout along the mounting direction. In other words, in the installed state, the door component is preferably enclosed on three sides by the edge of the cutout.

[0017] The door frame or inner door panel has a mounting section in the area of ​​the cutout that is oriented opposite to the installation direction. This mounting section is therefore oriented antiparallel to the installation direction. The mounting section is a flange-like collar located at the edge of the cutout. Preferably, the door component is screwed to the mounting section during installation. The mounting section thus serves as the mounting or fastening point for connecting the door component to the door frame.

[0018] The door component is positioned or arranged on the assembly carrier in a delivery position (pre-assembly position, parked position) such that an assembly gap, open in the assembly direction, is formed between the door component and the carrier component along a joining direction oriented transversely to the assembly direction. In other words, the carrier component is arranged in the delivery position so that a defined assembly gap, i.e., a clear distance, is created between the carrier component and the door component along the joining direction.

[0019] To mount the door component to the door frame, the door module is positioned along the mounting direction at the mounting opening. In other words, the door module is placed onto the mounting opening along the mounting direction according to the procedure. The upward-facing section of the system then engages in the mounting gap.

[0020] Since the system section engages in the mounting gap, it is sandwiched between the edge section and the support component on one side and the door component on the other in its final assembly position. The edge section, the support component, the system section, and the door component are thus arranged in a straight line or in series along the joining direction. Using a joining connection oriented along the joining direction, such as a screw connection, all components are joined together in a particularly simple manner. This results in a particularly suitable method for mounting a door module to a door frame.

[0021] Since the mounting section is enclosed by the edge section, it is possible that the edge section is at least partially visible at the vehicle door. In such a case, the edge section is preferably equipped with a visible surface. For example, the edge section is laminated. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier component can be painted and directly attached to the inner door panel, or it can be covered by a plastic cover that can either be molded onto or mounted to the door module. This cover can also be part of a subsequently installed interior door panel.

[0022] In this and the following, an "aggregate carrier" refers in particular to a flat component on which the door component and the carrier component can be (pre-)mounted. The aggregate carrier has at least one load-bearing or mounting surface for the arrangement of the door component or carrier component (or an attachment element holding the carrier component).

[0023] The mounting bracket can be made of a metal, for example, steel or an aluminum alloy. Preferably, the mounting bracket is made at least partially of a composite or plastic material. This means, for example, that part or several parts of the mounting bracket are made of a plastic material. Preferably, a large proportion of the mounting bracket, i.e., more than 40% or 50% of the mounting bracket, is made of the plastic material.

[0024] In the following, the term "door component" refers specifically to an electrical and / or mechanical functional element of a vehicle door that is part of a door module or a pre-assembled door module assembly and is intended to be coupled or attached to the door frame to perform its function. Specifically, it refers to a door component pre-mounted on the door module that can be moved from its delivery position to a desired final assembly position, in which the door component partially rests against the door frame, by means of a pivoting and / or tilting motion. In the final assembly position, the door component thus has mechanical contact with the door frame. In particular, the door component is joined to the door frame at least along the joining direction in an assembly state, preferably by positive and / or non-positive locking, for example, by screws.The door component is, for example, a door lock or a door drive.

[0025] The term "positive locking" or "positive locking connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and in the following to mean, in particular, that the cohesion of the interconnected parts in at least one direction is achieved either through a direct interlocking of the contours of the parts themselves or through an indirect interlocking via an additional connecting element. The "blocking" of mutual movement in this direction is thus due to the form.

[0026] In the following, a "force-fit" or "force-fit connection" between at least two connected parts is understood to mean, in particular, that the connected parts are prevented from sliding against each other due to a frictional force acting between them. If a "connecting force" that generates this frictional force is absent (this means the force that presses the parts against each other, for example, a screw force or the force of gravity itself), the force-fit connection cannot be maintained and can therefore be broken.

[0027] In this and the following text, the term "door lock" refers specifically to a mechanical or electrical device that enables the locking and unlocking of a vehicle door. A door lock includes, for example, a lock cylinder, a locking mechanism, and can be operated with a key or an electronic control.

[0028] In this and the following, the term "door drive" refers specifically to a device that automates the movement of a vehicle door. A door drive can be electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically operated and typically comprises a drive unit (e.g., an electric motor), a gearbox, and control elements that manage and monitor the opening and closing movements of the vehicle door. For example, a door drive can be a side door drive (SDD), designed and configured to open and / or close the vehicle door equipped with it. Such an SDD provides a convenience feature for the vehicle door, similar to an automatic tailgate.

[0029] In the following, a "carrier component" refers in particular to a mechanically stable element for holding and / or guiding the door component.

[0030] Due to its mechanical stability, the support component can also act as a reinforcing element for connecting the door component to the door frame during assembly. For example, in the case of a door component designed as a door lock, the support component is designed as a reinforcing plate (strike plate, lock reinforcement). This makes it possible to integrate the necessary reinforcing element for attaching the door component as part of the pre-assembled door module.

[0031] In the following, the term "final assembly position" refers specifically to an (installation) state in which the door component is arranged so that it can be joined to the door frame along the joining direction. Preferably, the final assembly position corresponds to an installation position of the door component in which it can essentially fulfill its specific function within the vehicle door. In the final assembly position, the door component is thus preferably ready for regular use within the vehicle door frame, and all necessary electrical and mechanical connections to other systems may already be established with the door module. However, additional fixing (e.g., screwing into the door body) may be necessary in the final assembly position.In particular, this also includes a "provisional" final assembly position of the door component (pre-positioning), which is moved into its final assembly position by a final assembly step (joining along the joining direction). For example, a door lock, as a door component, is only pulled into its final position by a screw connection to the door frame after the door module assembly is complete.

[0032] The following information regarding spatial directions, particularly in a vehicle coordinate system, is given for an exemplary installation situation of the door module in the unfinished door frame of a side door of the vehicle. The abscissa (X-axis, X-direction) is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (direction of travel), the ordinate (Y-axis, Y-direction) along the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the application axis (Z-axis, Z-direction) along the vehicle height.

[0033] The mounting direction is oriented primarily along the Y-direction, thus enabling Y-mounting of the door module and, in particular, the door component. The mounting opening, the cutout, and the door module or its assembly carrier are arranged essentially in the XZ-plane or parallel to it, so that the mounting direction, the contact surface, and the edge section are each oriented perpendicular to the mounting opening and the cutout. Specifically, the edge section is oriented essentially along the -Y-direction, i.e., along or parallel to the mounting direction, and the contact surface is oriented essentially along the +Y-direction, i.e., antiparallel to the mounting direction. The joining direction for connecting the edge section, the contact section, the carrier component, and the door component is oriented along the X-direction.

[0034] The method according to the invention thus enables the door module, including the door component, to be assembled entirely along the assembly direction. For example, a simple Y-shaped assembly of the door module onto the door frame is therefore possible. In particular, no additional step is required to bring the door component into the desired final position (final assembly position). Furthermore, tolerances can be accommodated. Additionally, small interference contours in the assembly direction (e.g., Y-direction) can be incorporated into the door frame or the inner door part, for example, to provide mechanical reinforcement or to facilitate demolding of the door frame or the inner door part.

[0035] However, the assembly procedure can also be carried out analogously in the Z or X direction as the assembly direction or in the Z and Y directions as the joining direction.

[0036] Preferably, the door component is movably coupled to the support component.

[0037] In one possible embodiment, the support component is pivotally coupled to the edge section via a first pivot point and pivotally coupled to the door component via a second pivot point. The door component is thus pivotally or rotatably coupled to the assembly support. The support component effectively acts as a lever arm of a coupling mechanism formed between the assembly support and the door component.

[0038] In this embodiment, the support component also serves to transmit or convert force during installation on the door frame. The force applied during the installation of the door module is transferred to the support component in such a way that it pivots around the first pivot point relative to the assembly carrier and / or around the second pivot point relative to the door component. The support component thus also guides the door component along a guide or movement path defined by the geometry of the pivot points and the support component. The support component therefore ensures stable, reliable, and reproducible movement of the door component from its delivery position to its final assembly position. This allows for particularly gentle installation of the door module on the door frame, thus advantageously and easily reducing the risk of damage to a sealing element on the door frame.This ensures a reliable seal for the wet / dry space separation formed by the aggregate carrier.

[0039] In this and the following, a "pivot point" is understood to be, in particular, a defined point or axis of an articulated connection around which the relatively movable joint partners rotate. The pivot point is, in particular, the center of the rotational, pivoting, or pivoting movement. Preferably, the pivot points are each configured as a pivot axis of an articulated connection, for example, a hinge connection. In other words, the support component is articulated to the aggregate carrier and to the door component, for example, by means of hinges. The pivot axes of the pivot points are preferably oriented parallel to each other. Furthermore, the pivot axes of the pivot points are preferably oriented perpendicular to the assembly direction and the joining direction.For example, the directions of rotation or pivoting for the pivot points or pivot axes are oriented in opposite directions to each other, so that during assembly, for example, the support component is pivoted around the first pivot point counterclockwise and the door component around the second pivot point clockwise or vice versa.

[0040] The support component is connected to the edge section, for example, via the first pivot point, in such a way that it can rotate, turn, or pivot about a rotational or pivot axis oriented in the Z-direction. Furthermore, the door component is coupled to the support component via the second pivot point in such a way that the door component can rotate, turn, or pivot about a rotational or pivot axis oriented in the Z-direction.

[0041] The pivot points or axes of rotation are positioned such that, in the delivery position, a defined assembly gap is formed in the joining direction (X-direction) between the support component and the door component, which is open in the assembly direction (Y-direction) towards the door shell.

[0042] Preferably, the system section engaging in the assembly gap interacts with the support component in such a way that the door component is pivoted from the delivery position into a final assembly position that is at least partially adjacent to the system section. This allows the door component to be moved automatically or autonomously to a position adjacent to the door frame during the door module assembly, so that the door component can subsequently be joined to the door frame, particularly directly or immediately.

[0043] In a suitable design, when the door module is positioned along the mounting direction at the mounting opening, the system section slides along the support component in the mounting gap, pivoting the support component about the first pivot point such that the door component is brought at least partially into contact with the assembly support. The door component is then pivoted about the second pivot point into the final mounting position, thereby closing the mounting gap. This provides a particularly convenient kinematic system for mounting or positioning the door component on the door frame.

[0044] In the delivery position, the door component is positioned at a defined distance from the assembly carrier. During assembly along the mounting direction, the rigid support section comes into contact with the carrier component at its free end and thus presses against the carrier component in the opposite direction of assembly. Consequently, the carrier component is pivoted about the first pivot point in the direction of the edge section, particularly against a restoring force acting on the door component. This reduces the distance between the door component and the assembly carrier until the door component is in contact with the assembly carrier. As soon as such contact is established between the assembly carrier and the door component, the assembly consisting of the carrier component and the door component is supported by the door module via the first pivot point and the contact point.Subsequently, the support component is pivoted further around the first pivot point towards the edge section. Simultaneously, the door component, which is partially supported on the aggregate carrier, is pivoted around the second pivot point towards the support component, thus closing the assembly gap between the support component and the door component. In the final assembly position, the assembly gap is essentially closed, so that the system section is arranged in a form-fit manner between the support component and the door component. As the system section slides along, the door component is pulled into the final assembly position, with the necessary pivoting and / or tilting movement being achieved by the movement of the support component.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the door component, for example, has an integrated hook element by means of which the door component is slidably arranged or mounted on the support component. The slidability is oriented particularly along the support component, preferably along the joining direction. In the delivery position, the door component is arranged on the support component by means of the hook element such that the assembly gap between the components is formed. In the final assembly position, the door component is then drawn into contact with the system section by the joining connection along the slidable path.

[0046] In an advantageous further development, the door component is moved from the delivery position to the final assembly position against a restoring force. In other words, the door component is pre-assembled on the door module in such a way that a restoring force acting in the direction of the delivery position is exerted on the door component. This ensures that the door component is in the delivery position in the pre-assembly state, so that no additional steps are necessary to move the door component into the delivery position during the assembly process.

[0047] For example, the door component is held in its delivery position by means of an elastically deformable retaining element. In the delivery position, the door component is held at a defined distance (e.g., in the Y-direction) from the assembly carrier and / or edge section. The retaining element can be, for example, a sealing foam or an integrated spring element of the assembly carrier.

[0048] The door assembly according to the invention is intended for, and suitable and configured for, a vehicle door, in particular a side door of a motor vehicle. The door assembly is specifically designed to carry out the method described above.

[0049] For this purpose, the door assembly comprises a procedurally conforming door module and a procedurally conforming door assembly.

[0050] The door module thus features a mounting bracket to which a door component is pre-mounted by means of a support component. The mounting bracket has an edge section angled along one mounting direction. The door frame is accordingly designed with a mounting opening that can be covered by the door module and with a cutout for receiving the door component, wherein the door frame in the area of ​​the cutout has a section oriented opposite to or antiparallel to the mounting direction.

[0051] In the pre-assembled state of the door component on the door module, the door component is arranged in a delivery position, wherein in a delivery position an assembly gap open in the assembly direction is formed between the door component and the support component along a joining direction oriented transversely to the assembly direction.

[0052] In a final assembly position, the system section is sandwiched between the door component and the support component in the assembly gap. Specifically, in this final assembly position, the system section engages in the assembly gap in such a way that the edge section, the support component, the system section, and the door component can be joined along the joining direction. In an assembled state of the door assembly, the edge section, the support component, the system section, and the door component are joined to one another along the joining direction, particularly by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection, for example, by means of a screw connection. This results in a particularly suitable door assembly.

[0053] The support component of the door assembly according to the invention is, for example, pivotably coupled to the edge section by means of a first pivot point and pivotably coupled to the door component by means of a second pivot point, so that when the door module is positioned at the mounting opening along the mounting direction, the system section engages in the mounting gap and interacts with the support component in such a way that the door component pivots from the delivery position into a final assembly position that is at least partially adjacent to the system section.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the door component is held in the delivery position by a retaining element of the door module at a predetermined distance from the aggregate carrier and / or edge section. This ensures that a sufficiently large installation gap is available for inserting the system section during assembly.

[0055] In particular, the door component is held in the direction of the delivery position by a restoring force of the retaining element, so that the assembly gap is formed without additional assembly steps. Preferably, the retaining element is designed to be elastically deformable. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element is designed as a spring element arranged on the assembly carrier. The restoring force is thus, in particular, a spring force that springs the door component in the direction of the delivery position. For example, the retaining element or the spring element is designed as a torsion spring, wherein one spring leg is fixed to the assembly carrier, and wherein the other spring leg bears against the door component, at least partially.

[0056] In a possible further development, the retaining element is attached to the door component. This attachment ensures reliable contact between the retaining element and the door component at all times, guaranteeing that the door component is in the desired delivery position during pre-assembly. For example, the retaining element or spring element is attached to the door component using a positive-locking and / or friction-locking connection. In particular, the retaining element is coupled to the door component by means of a snap-fit ​​or clip connection as a safety device to prevent loss.

[0057] In a suitable embodiment, the support component is essentially L-shaped in a section plane arranged along the assembly direction. This section plane extends particularly along the assembly direction and the joining direction. With an assembly direction oriented in the Y-direction and a joining direction oriented in the X-direction, the section plane is thus parallel to the XY plane. One of the pivot points is located, for example, at each of the free ends of the L-legs. The support component is therefore designed as an angled retaining bracket, which is pivotally connected at its ends to the aggregate carrier and the door component. In the case of a door component designed as a door lock, the support component thus also functions as a lock retaining bracket.

[0058] An additional aspect of the invention provides that the door component has an integrated hook element which partially engages the support component. The door component is positively engaged and pre-positioned on the support component by means of the integrated hook element. The resulting interface between the door component and the support component is preferably covered by the assembly carrier, so that no wet / dry compartment separation or sealing is necessary at the interface during assembly. The hook element is movably mounted along the support component. This allows the hook element to be moved during the assembly of the door component onto the door frame.When the door component is attached or screwed to the end face in the joining direction, the sliding bearing allows the door component to move towards the door frame or the inner door panel in the joining direction. This results in a particularly effective mounting of the door component to the support component.

[0059] The door module according to the invention is designed, suitable, and configured for a door assembly as described above. The door module thus comprises a carrier on which a door component is pre-mounted by means of a support component, the carrier having an edge section angled along a mounting direction. In the delivery position of the door module, a mounting gap open in the mounting direction is formed between the door component and the support component along a joining direction oriented transversely to the mounting direction. This results in a particularly suitable door module, especially for a door frame described above.

[0060] The support component is, for example, pivotally coupled to the edge section by means of a first pivot point and pivotally coupled to the door component by means of a second pivot point, so that when a system section of the door assembly engages in the assembly gap with the support component, it interacts in such a way that the door component pivots from the delivery position into a final assembly position that is at least partially adjacent to the system section.

[0061] The vehicle door according to the invention is designed, suitable, and equipped for a motor vehicle. The vehicle door is specifically designed as a side door and comprises a door assembly as described above, which is mounted in particular according to the method of the invention. This results in a particularly suitable vehicle door.

[0062] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a vehicle door in a partially disassembled state, showing a door frame and a door module. Fig. 2. Front view of an inner door part of a door shell, Fig. 3. Front view showing a section of the inner door part and the door module. Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 in schematic and successive sectional views according to section line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Assembly of a door component of the door module onto the inner part of the door frame, Fig. 9. The door component is shown in section with a retaining element. Fig. 10 in perspective view, partial view of the inner door part and the door module in a second embodiment, and Fig. 11 shows a section of the inner door part and the door module according to the second embodiment in a perspective sectional view.

[0063] Corresponding parts and sizes are always marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0064] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle door 2 of a motor vehicle, designed as a side door, in particular as a swing door, in a partially disassembled state. The vehicle door 2 has a door assembly 4 with a door frame 6 as the door body.

[0065] The door frame 6 comprises an outer door part 8 forming the outer door skin and an inner door part 10 forming the inner door panel. The outer door part 8 and the inner door part 10 form a door body for accommodating functional and door components of the vehicle door 2. The door body is open on the vehicle interior side by a mounting opening 12, which, in the installed state, is closed by an assembly carrier 14 of a door module 16 that can be mounted on the door frame 4. In the installed state, the assembly carrier 14 acts as a wet / dry compartment divider for the vehicle door 2.

[0066] In the schematic and simplified representation of the Fig. For example, three door components 18, 20, 22 are pre-assembled on the aggregate carrier 10. The door components 18, 20, 22 are positioned within the module boundaries on the aggregate carrier 14 in a pre-assembled or delivery state, so that the door components 18, 20, 22 do not protrude beyond the module or aggregate carrier edges.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the door component 18 is, for example, an electric window regulator, which is rigidly or immovably pre-mounted on the aggregate carrier 10.

[0068] The door component 20 is designed, for example, as a door lock for the vehicle door 2, and is movably coupled to the aggregate carrier 14 by means of a carrier component 24.

[0069] The door component 22 is preferably designed as a door drive for the vehicle door.

[0070] The following information regarding spatial directions is also given specifically in a vehicle coordinate system. The abscissa (X-axis, X-direction) is oriented along the vehicle's longitudinal direction (front, rear), the ordinate (Y-axis, Y-direction) along the vehicle's transverse direction (left, right), and the application axis (Z-axis, Z-direction) along the vehicle's height (top, bottom). Vehicle door 2, or rather the opening surface of mounting opening 8, is essentially oriented in the XZ plane.

[0071] The door assembly 4 is designed for mounting along a mounting direction M, which is oriented parallel to the +Y direction from the inside to the outside and approximately perpendicular to the opening surface of the mounting opening 8. In other words, the door assembly 4 is designed so that the door module 16 can be mounted on the door frame 6 along the mounting direction M. For this purpose, the door frame 6, in particular the inner door part 10, has a cutout 26, 28 at the edge of the mounting opening 12. The inner door part 10, for example, has two cutouts 26, 28. The cutout 28 is located at a door hinge-side edge of the mounting opening 12 and allows the door component 22, hereinafter also referred to as the door drive, to be inserted along the mounting direction M.The cutout 26 is designed to accommodate the door component 20, hereinafter also referred to as the door lock, and is accordingly positioned on a lock-side edge of the mounting opening 12. The dashed lines of the . Fig. Figure 2 shows the edge of the mounting opening 12 without the cutouts 26, 28.

[0072] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an assembly state of the door assembly 4, in which the door module 16 is attached to the door frame 6. In the Fig. Figure 3 shows only a partial view of the component carrier 14 of the door module 16. The component carrier 14 has, for example, a circumferential groove 30 on one side facing the mounting opening 12 ( Fig. 4) for a door module seal 32, by means of which the wet / dry room separation on the inner door part 10 is sealed in the Y direction. In the installed state, the door module 16 is attached to the door frame 6 or the inner door part 10, for example, by means of several fastening points 34 in the Y direction.

[0073] The following schematic and simplified representations of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 a procedure for mounting the door lock 20 on the door frame 6 is explained in more detail.

[0074] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a first process step in which the door module 16 is disassembled, i.e., not attached to the door frame 8. The door module 8 and the door frame 6 are thus spaced apart from each other.

[0075] The door frame 6, or the inner door part 10, has a mounting section 36 which, in the area of ​​the cutout 26, is oriented at an angle essentially in the Y direction, i.e., opposite to the mounting direction M. The mounting section 36 is, for example, a flange-like collar which is arranged at the edge of the cutout 26.

[0076] The aggregate carrier 14 has an edge section 38 angled along the assembly direction M, which is oriented essentially parallel to the system section 36.

[0077] In this embodiment, the support component 24 is designed as a lock reinforcement for the door lock 20 and is pre-mounted on the door module 16 as a multifunctional bracket (MFB) supporting the door lock 20. The support component 24 is specifically designed as a retaining bracket for the door lock 20 and has an approximately L-shaped geometry, as can be clearly seen in the sectional views. A pivot point 40, 42 is arranged at each of the free ends of the L-shaped legs.

[0078] The support component 24 is pivotally coupled to the edge section 38 via pivot point 40 and to the door lock 20 via pivot point 42. Pivot points 40 and 42 each form a pivot axis for a joint connection (not shown in detail). The pivot axes are essentially parallel to the Z-axis and thus perpendicular to the mounting direction M.

[0079] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the door lock 20 and the support component 24 in a delivery position A. A flexible retaining element 44 in the form of a spring element is arranged on the door module 16, in particular on the assembly carrier 14, which holds the door lock 20, and thus also the support component 24, in the delivery position A against a restoring force. In the delivery position A, the door lock 20 is spaced apart from the assembly carrier 14. The retaining element 44 is designed in particular as a torsion spring, with one leg 46 of the spring bearing resiliently against the door lock 20 at its free end.

[0080] As especially in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the free end of the spring leg 46 is latched or clipped to a counter contour 48 of the door lock 20 for the purpose of preventing loss. For this purpose, the spring leg 46 can, for example, have a monolithically molded extension 50 which interacts with the counter contour 48.

[0081] As in the Fig. As is relatively clearly evident in Figure 4, the restoring force of the retaining element 44 is oriented essentially parallel to the mounting direction M. The spring leg 46 and the support component 24 intersect in the depicted sectional plane, with the support component 24 expediently having a recess or through-opening for the spring leg 46. The spring leg 46 thus rests against the door lock 20 between pivot points 40 and 42 with respect to the X-direction, which is oriented approximately perpendicular to the mounting direction M. This pivots the door lock 20 about pivot point 42 relative to the support component 24, and the support component 24 pivots about pivot point 40 relative to the assembly carrier 14. The L-leg of the support component 24, which has pivot point 40, is inclined, for example, at an acute angle, for example, approximately 5° to 10°, in particular approximately 7°, relative to the mounting direction M or Y-direction.In other words, the L-shaped leg of the support component 24, which has pivot point 40, is arranged inclined towards the edge section 38 in the delivery position A, starting from the pivot point 40. In the delivery position A, a clear gap, open in the assembly direction M, is thus formed as an assembly gap 52 between the door lock 20 and the support component 24 along a joining direction F oriented parallel to the X direction.

[0082] The inclination angle of the L-shaped leg of the support component 24, which has the pivot point 40, defines the distance or mounting gap 52 between the individual parts 20, 36. The larger the angle, the larger the distance or mounting gap 52. In the case of large component tolerances or interfering contours, an angle greater than 10°, for example between 10° and 45°, may also be necessary.

[0083] In addition to the pivot point 42, the door lock 20 has a raised or projecting support point 54 in the direction of the aggregate carrier 14, in the form of a support dome that is, for example, integrally molded as a single piece or monolithically. The support point 54 is thus located further outwards along the X-direction with respect to the edge section 38 than the pivot point 42.

[0084] In the Fig. In the assembly step shown in Figure 5, the door module 16 is placed onto the door frame 6 along the assembly direction M, so that the section 36 of the inner door part 10 engages in the assembly gap 52. The free end of the section 36 is curved or bent in the X-direction, with the section 36 coming into contact with the inner side of the support component 24, which faces away from the assembly carrier 14, in the area of ​​the bend or curvature. As the door module 16 moves along the assembly direction M, the section 36 engages in the assembly gap 52 opposite to the assembly direction M and comes into contact with the support component 24.

[0085] If the door module 16 is moved further in the mounting direction M ( Fig. 6) The mounting section 36 slides along the inside of the support component 24 against the mounting direction M. Due to the inclined position of the L-shaped leg having the pivot point 40, the mounting section 36 pushes the support component 24 outwards along the X-direction, i.e., towards the edge section 38. This causes the support component 24 to pivot about the pivot point 40 against the restoring force of the retaining element 44 towards an X-end position until mechanical contact is established between the support point 54 and the assembly carrier 14. Thus, contact is established between the door lock 20 and the assembly carrier 14 in the mounting direction M. Preferably, contact is also established between the mounting points 34 of the support component 24 and the assembly carrier 14 above and below the section plane shown.

[0086] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, when the door module 16 is moved further in the assembly direction M, the L-shaped leg of the support component 24, which has the pivot point 40, is pressed further in the X direction against the edge section 38 by the system section 36. Since the L-shaped leg of the support component 24, which has the pivot point 42, is indirectly supported on the assembly carrier 42 via the support point 54, the door lock 20 is subsequently pivoted about the pivot point 42 towards the assembly carrier 14 against the restoring force of the retaining element 44, and the assembly gap 52 is closed, i.e., the clear distance between the L-shaped leg of the support component 24, which has the pivot point 40, and the door lock 20 is reduced until the Fig. 8. Final assembly position E shown is reached.

[0087] In final assembly position E, the edge section 38, the L-shaped leg of the support component 24 having the pivot point 42, and the mounting section 36 are arranged essentially parallel to each other along the Y-direction. The mounting section 36 is sandwiched between the L-shaped leg of the support component 24 having the pivot point 42 and the door lock 20. The bending radius of the free-end curvature or bend of the mounting section 36 is adapted to an inner radius in the corner region of the support component 24 and to an outer radius in a corner region of the door lock 20.

[0088] In the final assembly position E, the door lock 20 rests directly or immediately against the system section 36 of the door frame 6 or the inner door part 10. The support component 24 and the door lock 20 are held in their X and Y end positions by the fastening points 34 (above and below the cutting plane), so that the door lock 20 can be fixed in its final position. For this purpose, the door lock 20 is joined to the door frame 6 in the X direction in the final assembly position E by means of a fastening screw (not shown). The fastening screw is screwed into a corresponding threaded bore 56 of the door lock 20 along the joining direction F, so that the edge section 38, the support component 24, and the system section 36 are joined to the door lock 20 along the joining direction F in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

[0089] Since the system section 36 is encompassed by the edge section 38, it is possible, for example, that the edge section 38 is at least partially visible at vehicle door 2. In such a case, the edge section 38 is preferably equipped with a visible surface. For example, the edge section 38 is laminated.

[0090] The following is based on the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 a second embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail.

[0091] In this embodiment, the approximately L-shaped support component is rigidly or immovably connected to the aggregate carrier 14 and / or the edge section 38. The support component 24 thus has one L-leg oriented along the edge section 38 and another L-leg oriented along the remaining portion of the aggregate carrier 14. The door lock 20 has an integrated hook element 58 by means of which the door lock 20 is hooked onto and pre-positioned on the support component 24. In the delivery position A, the hook element 58 is hooked onto the support component 24 such that the mounting gap 52 for assembly along the assembly direction M (Y-direction) is created in the X-direction (assembly direction F).

[0092] The hook element 50 forms an interface which is movably mounted on the support component 24, in particular along the L-shaped leg abutting the aggregate carrier 14, so that the door lock 20 can be drawn towards the inner door part 10 or the system section 38 by means of the end-face screw connection in the final assembly position E. This means that, in this embodiment, the door lock 20 is only moved along the joining direction F during the assembly process and comes into contact with the system section 38. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the assembly gap 52 is therefore only closed by the joining connection in the final assembly position E.

[0093] The aggregate carrier 14 has a recess or receptacle 60 in the area of ​​the hook element 58, into which the hook element 58 engages. The receptacle 60 extends along a displacement direction V, which is oriented essentially parallel to the X or joining direction F, so that the hook element 58 can move without collision when tightened or moved along the joining direction F. The receptacle 60 of the aggregate carrier 14 covers the interface or the hook element 58, so that no additional wet / dry compartment separation is necessary.

[0094] The claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

[0095] The embodiments described above refer in particular to an assembly direction M oriented along the Y-direction and to a joining direction F oriented along the X-direction. However, the assembly procedure can also be carried out analogously in the Z- or X-direction as assembly direction M or in the Z- and Y-directions as joining direction F.

[0096] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments relate in particular to a door lock as a door component 20. However, the descriptions can also be applied analogously to the installation of a door drive 22. In particular, other door components that are to be added to the door frame 6 can also be installed analogously using the method according to the invention. Reference symbol list 2 vehicle doors 4 Door assembly 6 Door shell 8 Door outer section 10 Door inner part 12 Mounting opening 14 aggregate carriers 16 Door module 18 Door components 20 Door component, door lock 22 Door component, door drive 24 Carrier component 26 Excerpt 28 Excerpt 30 groove 32 Door module seal 34 Mounting point 36 Plant section 38 marginal section 40 pivot point 42 Pivot point 44 retaining element 46 spring legs 48 Counter contour 50 extension 52 Mounting gap 54 support point 56 threaded hole 58 hook element 60 recordings X Vehicle longitudinal direction Y Vehicle transverse direction Z Vehicle height direction A Delivery point E Final assembly position M Mounting direction F Leading direction V Direction of movement

Claims

[1] Method for mounting a door component (20, 22) on a door frame (6), - in which a door module (16) is provided with an aggregate carrier (14) on which the door component (20, 22) is pre-assembled by means of a carrier component (24), wherein the aggregate carrier (14) has an edge section (38) angled along a mounting direction (M), - in which a door frame (6) is provided with a mounting opening (12) that can be covered by a door module (16) and with a cutout (26, 28) for receiving the door component (20, 22), wherein the door frame (6) has a system section (36) oriented in the area of ​​the cutout (26, 28) opposite to the mounting direction (M), - in which the door component (20, 22) is positioned in a delivery position (A) such that an assembly gap (52) open in the assembly direction (M) is formed between the door component (20, 22) and the support component (24) along a joining direction (F) oriented transversely to the assembly direction (M), - in which the door module (16) is positioned along the mounting direction (M) at the mounting opening (12) such that the system section (36) engages in the mounting gap (52), and in a final assembly position (E) is arranged at least partially sandwich-like between the door component (20, 22) and the support component (24), and - in which the edge section (36), the support component (24), the system section (38) and the door component (20, 22) are joined in the final assembly position (E) along the joining direction (F). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the door component (20, 22) is movably coupled to the support component (24), characterized by , that the door component (20, 22) is moved from the delivery position (A) to the final assembly position (E) against a restoring force of a holding element (44). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that when the door module (16) is positioned along the mounting direction (M) at the mounting opening (52), the system section (36) slides along the free end of the support component (24), pivoting the support component (24) about a first pivot point (40) such that the door component (20, 22) is brought at least partially into contact with the aggregate carrier (14), and that the door component (20, 22) is then pivoted about a second pivot point (42) into the final assembly position (E). [4] Door assembly (4) for a vehicle door (2), comprising - a door module (16) with an aggregate carrier (14) on which a door component (20, 22) is pre-mounted by means of a carrier component (24), wherein the aggregate carrier (14) has an edge section (38) angled along a mounting direction (M), - a door frame (6) with a mounting opening (12) that can be covered by the door module (16) and with a cutout (26, 28) for receiving the door component (20, 22), wherein the door frame (6) has a system section (36) oriented in the area of ​​the cutout (26, 28) opposite to the mounting direction (M), and - wherein in a delivery position (A) of the door component (20, 22) a mounting gap (52) open in the mounting direction (M) is formed between the door component (20, 22) and the support component (24) along a joining direction (F) oriented transversely to the assembly direction (M), and - wherein in a final assembly position (E) the system section (36) engages in the assembly gap (52) in such a way that it is sandwiched between the support component (24) and the door component (20, 22), and that the edge section (38), the support component (24), the system section (36) and the door component (20, 22) can be joined along the joining direction (F). [5] Door assembly (4) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the door component (20, 22) has an integrated hook element (58) which partially surrounds the support component (24) and which is slidably mounted along the support component (24). [6] Door assembly (4) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the support component (24) is pivotably coupled to the edge section (38) by means of a first pivot point (40) and pivotably coupled to the door component (20, 22) by means of a second pivot point (42), so that when the door module (16) is positioned at the mounting opening (12) along the mounting direction (M), the system section (36) engages in the mounting gap (52) and interacts with the support component (24) in such a way that the door component (20, 22) pivots from the delivery position (A) to a final assembly position (E) that is at least partially adjacent to the system section (36). [7] Door assembly (4) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the door component (20, 22) is held in the delivery position (A) by a retaining element (44) of the door module (16). [8] Door assembly (4) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the retaining element (44) is a spring element arranged on the aggregate carrier (14), which spring-loads the door component (20, 22) in the direction of the delivery position (A). [9] Door assembly (4) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by , that the support component (24) is essentially L-shaped in a section plane arranged along the assembly direction (M). [10] Door module (16) for a door assembly (4) according to one of claims 4 to 9, comprising an aggregate carrier (14) on which a door component (20, 22) is pre-assembled by means of a carrier component (24), wherein the aggregate carrier (14) has an edge section (38) angled along a mounting direction (M), - wherein in a delivery position (A) of the door component (20, 22) a mounting gap (52) open in the mounting direction (M) is formed between the door component (20, 22) and the support component (24) along a joining direction (F) oriented transversely to the assembly direction (M). [11] Vehicle door (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a door assembly (4) according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

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