Door panel for a vehicle door

Abstract

A door trim panel for a vehicle door, comprising a shell door (4) and the door trim panel (6) attached to an inner surface of the shell door (4), wherein the door trim panel (6) is of modular construction and comprises trim modules comprising a first trim module (12) and a second trim module (14) defining respective regions of the door trim panel (6), wherein the first trim module (12) is provided with first trim fastening elements (26, 28) for fastening the first trim module (12) to the shell door (4) independently of the fastening of the second trim module (14) to the shell door (4), and the second trim module (14) is provided with second trim fastening elements (34) for fastening the second trim module (14) to the shell door (4) independently of the fastening of the first trim module (12) to the shell door (4), wherein the first trim fastening elements (26,28) from the second panel fastening elements (34).,

Description

The present invention relates to a door cladding for a vehicle door, in particular a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, the vehicle door comprising a body shell door and a door cladding which is attached to an inner side of the body shell door.A vehicle door of a motor vehicle generally includes a body shell door and a door trim attached to an inner side of the body shell door.The bodyshell door includes a door frame defining the structure of the bodyshell door and a door skin attached to an exterior of the door frame and defining the exterior surface of the vehicle door.The door trim is attached to an inner side of the door frame and defines the inner side of the body shell door. The door trim panels the door frame. Preferably, the door trim is provided with functional elements integrated into the door trim or mounted on the door trim, such as an armrest, a pocket, a handle for pulling the door from the inside of the vehicle and / or operating elements, e.g. for controlling the vertical position of a window mounted on the door frame and / or for locking / unlocking the vehicle door and / or for controlling the position of a rear-view mirror mounted on the vehicle door.It is possible that it is a door cladding of modular construction. Such a door trim comprises a plurality of separate trim modules, e.g. two or three trim modules, each trim module defining a corresponding region of the door trim and the trim modules being assembled with the body shell door to form a door trim.Such a door trim of modular construction includes, for example, two trim modules, including a lower trim module defining a lower portion of the door trim and an upper trim module defining an upper portion of the door trim.A door trim of modular construction enables individual adjustment of the door trim by replacing one of the trim modules, for example depending on the end user's selection, and / or sharing of trim modules among different vehicle models along with providing differentiating trim modules for the vehicle models and / or facilitating facelifts of a vehicle model by changing one trim module and maintaining another trim module and / or facilitating repairs of the vehicle model by replacing a damaged trim module and maintaining another undamaged trim module and / or facilitating revaluability of the door trim.A problem with a door cladding of modular construction is the fastening of the cladding modules to the door cladding, since assembly tolerances between the door cladding and the body shell door and also between the cladding modules of the door cladding must be complied with.Quality requirements must be secured by the door trim manufacturer, even when the door trim modules are assembled by the automobile manufacturer to the bodyshell door, possibly at various locations along an assembly line of the automobile manufacturer.It is an object of the invention to provide a door trim of modular construction which is simple and easy to mount on a corresponding bodyshell door with satisfactory assembly tolerances.To this end, the invention proposes a door trim for a vehicle door, comprising a body shell door and the door trim attached to an inner surface of the body shell door, wherein the door trim is of modular construction and comprising trim modules including a first trim module and a second trim module defining respective portions of the door trim, wherein the first trim module is provided with first trim fasteners for fastening the first trim module to the body shell door independent of fastening the second trim module to the body shell door and the second trim module is provided with second trim fasteners for fastening the second trim module to the body shell door independent of fastening the first trim module to the body shell door, wherein the first trim fasteners are different from the second trim fasteners.The provision of first trim fastening elements for fastening the first trim module to the body shell door independently of the fastening of the second trim module to the body shell door and second trim fastening elements for fastening the second trim module independently of the fastening of the first trim module to the body shell door facilitates the mounting of the first trim module and the second trim module to the body shell door.In the present context, "independently" here means that fastening the first cladding module to the body shell door with the first cladding fastening elements is not dependent on the fastening of the second cladding module to the body shell door, and conversely fastening the second cladding module to the body shell door with the second cladding fastening elements is not dependent on the fastening of the first cladding module to the body shell door.In other words, the first trim fasteners are configured to directly attach the first trim module to the bodyshell door without the interaction of the second trim module, and conversely, the second trim fasteners are configured to directly attach the second trim module to the bodyshell door without the interaction of the first trim module.Independently attaching the first trim module and the second trim module to the bodyshell door ensures the proper positioning of the first trim module relative to the bodyshell door and the proper positioning of the second trim module relative to the bodyshell door.Independently attaching the first trim module and the second trim module to the bodyshell door enables the first trim module and the second trim module to be successively attached to the bodyshell door with appropriate positioning of the first trim module and the second trim module with respect to the bodyshell door.In some examples, the door trim includes one or more of the following optional features taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:the first trim fasteners are configured for a different type of fastener and / or a different direction of fastener than the second trim fasteners;the first panel fastening elements are configured for assembling the first panel module with the body shell door in a first direction, in particular in a transverse direction;the second trim fastening elements are configured for assembling the second trim module to the body shell door in a second direction different from the first direction), in particular in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, for example a vertical direction;the first trim fasteners include first trim fasteners configured to snap into corresponding first body shell fasteners disposed on the body shell door;the first trim fasteners include first trim fasteners configured to be threadably coupled to corresponding first body shell fasteners disposed on the body shell door;the second trim fasteners include second trim fasteners configured to hook with corresponding second body shell fasteners disposed on the body shell door;the door trim includes connection assemblies configured to attach the first trim module to the second trim module, each connection assembly including a first connection member disposed on the first trim module and a second connection member disposed on the second trim module to cooperate with the first connection member;- wherein the connection arrangements comprise:one or more hook connection arrangements, each configured to hook in the two corresponding connection elements, and / orone or more latching connection arrangements, each configured for a latching connection of the two corresponding connection elements, and / orone or more snap-hook connection arrangements configured both for hooking and snapping the two corresponding connection elements, and / orone or more screw connection arrangements, each configured to screw a connection element arranged as a screw into the corresponding connection element arranged as a nut, and / orone or more clip connection arrangements each configured to snap a connection element into the corresponding connection element, which is arranged as a clip on the corresponding trim module, and / orone or more clip-nut connection assemblies each configured to screw a bolt-type connection element into the corresponding nut-type connection element attached to the corresponding trim module,- wherein the connection arrangements comprise:one or more connection assemblies for attaching an armrest formed in the second door trim module to a wall of a pocket formed in the first trim module; and / orone or more connection assemblies for attaching a handle formed in the second trim module to a wall of a pocket formed in the first trim module; and / orone or more connection assemblies for attaching an edge of the first trim module to an edge of the second trim module;at least one of the first connecting elements adjoins one of the first cladding fastening elements of the first cladding module, in particular a first cladding fastening element defines a screw connection with a corresponding first body shell fastening element, and / or at least one of the second connecting elements adjoins one of the second cladding fastening elements of the second cladding module;The invention also relates to a vehicle door comprising a body shell door and a door cladding as defined above, wherein the door cladding is fastened to the inside of the body shell door, wherein the first cladding module is fastened to the body shell door via the first cladding fastening elements and the second cladding module is fastened to the body shell door via the second fastening elements.Also described is a method of mounting a door trim as defined above to a bodyshell door comprising:assembling the first trim module with the body shell door in a first direction, wherein the first trim fastening elements engage with corresponding first body shell fastening elements arranged on the body shell door in the first direction;assembling the second trim module to the body shell door in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the second trim fasteners engage the corresponding second body shell fasteners disposed on the body shell door in the second direction.In some examples, the method includes one or more of the following optional features taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:assembling the second trim to the body shell door comprises engaging first connecting elements disposed on the first trim module with corresponding second connecting elements disposed on the second trim module;first connection elements and corresponding second connection elements are configured to attach the second cladding module to the first cladding module in at least one direction perpendicular to the second direction, for example in the first direction and / or in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.The invention and its advantages will be better understood from reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a vehicle door;FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle door illustrating a body shell door and a door trim made of two trim modules;FIG. 3 is a rear view of the trim modules of the door trim illustrating the position of the fasteners and connectors of the trim modules;FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate fastening elements for fastening the cladding modules to the body shell door;FIGS. 7 to 12 illustrate connection arrangements for fastening the cladding modules to one another.The vehicle door 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured to be mounted in a doorway of the body of a vehicle (not shown), in particular a motor vehicle. The vehicle door 2 is, for example, a side door configured to be mounted in a side door opening of the body of the vehicle.Hereinafter, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "transverse", "front", "rear", "right", "left", "top" and "bottom" refer to a vehicle door mounted on a side door opening of the body of a vehicle, the vehicle door being closed, and to the usual orthogonal frame of motor vehicles illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12 and including a longitudinal axis X extending horizontally from rear to front, a transverse axis Y extending horizontally from right to left, and a vertical axis Z extending from bottom to top.The vehicle door 2 extends generally parallel to an extension plane that is vertical and parallel to the longitudinal axis X and to the vertical axis Z when the door is mounted to the body of the vehicle and closed.The vehicle door has a lower edge 2A, an upper edge 2B, a rear edge 2C, and a front edge 2D.The vehicle door 2 includes a body shell door 4 (FIG. 2 ) and a door trim 6 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) attached to the body shell door 4.The body shell door 4 has an inner surface 4A and an outer surface 4B. The inner surface 4A faces the inside of the vehicle when the vehicle door 2 is closed. The outer surface 4B faces the outside of the vehicle when the vehicle door 2 is closed.The bodyshell door 4 generally comprises a door frame 8 and a door skin (not shown). The door frame 8 defines the structure of the body shell door 4. The door skin defines the outer surface 4B of the vehicle door 2.The door trim 6 lines the inner surface 4A of the body shell door 4. The door cladding 6 covers the inner surface 4A of the body shell door 4, preferably completely.The door trim 6 is of modular construction. The door trim 6 includes a plurality of separate trim modules assembled to the body shell door 4 to collectively form the door trim 6.Each trim module defines a respective area or portion of the door trim 6. Adjacent fairing modules are preferably contiguous.In some examples, the door trim 6 includes a first trim module 12 and a second trim module 14. the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 are contiguous along a bond line.The first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 form, for example, a lower and an upper portion of the door trim 6, respectively. the first trim module 12 extends between the lower edge 2A of the vehicle door 2 and the second trim module 14. the second trim module 14 extends between the first trim module 12 and the upper edge 2B of the vehicle door 2.In some examples, the door trim 6 is formed from exactly two trim modules, i.e., the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14.In some examples, the door trim 6 includes functional elements, each functional element formed in one of the trim modules.The door trim 6 includes, for example, an inner bag 16 configured to store items in the door trim 6. The inner pocket 16 is opened via a pocket opening 18. The inner pocket 16 is formed in the first trim module 12, for example.The door trim 6 includes, for example, an armrest 20 having an upper surface 22. The upper surface 22 of the armrest 20 is adapted for a passenger to lay down his / her arm or forearm. The armrest 20 is formed in the second trim module 14, for example.The door trim 6 includes, for example, a handle 24. the handle 24 is configured to allow a user to grasp the handle 24 from inside the vehicle to pull the vehicle door 2 to a closed position. The handle 24 is formed, for example, by a cavity disposed in the armrest 20, particularly in the upper surface 22 of the armrest 20.As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first trim module 12 is provided with first trim fasteners 26, 28 (FIG. 3 ) configured to secure the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4. The bodyshell door 4 includes respective first bodyshell fasteners 30, 32 (FIG. 2 ) configured to cooperate with the first trim fasteners 26, 28.The second trim module 14 is provided with second trim fasteners 34 (FIG. 3 ) configured to secure the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4. The bodyshell door 4 includes corresponding second bodyshell fasteners 36 (FIG. 2 ) configured to cooperate with the second trim fasteners 34.Advantageously, the first trim fasteners 26, 28 are configured to secure the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 independently of the second trim module 14. The first trim fasteners 26, 28 are configured to cooperate with the first body shell fasteners 30, 32 without being exposed to the second trim module 14 or the second trim fasteners 34.Advantageously, the second trim attachment elements 34 are configured to attach the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 independently of the first trim module 12. The second trim fasteners 34 are configured to cooperate with the second body shell fasteners 36 without being exposed to the second trim module 14 or the first trim fasteners 26, 28.Preferably, the first trim fasteners 26, 28 are configured to secure the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 in a first direction F 1, and the second trim fasteners 34 are configured to secure the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 in a second direction F 2 different from the first direction F 1.The first direction F 1 and the second direction F 2 are not parallel. The first direction F 1 and the second direction F 2 form a non-zero angle with respect to each other. The second direction F 2 is preferably perpendicular to the first direction F 1.In some examples, the first direction F 1 is parallel to the transverse axis Y (and perpendicular to the plane of extension P) and the second direction F 2 is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and, more particularly, parallel to the perpendicular axis Z.Each trim fastener (first trim fasteners 26, 28 and second trim fasteners 34) defines a trim fastener assembly with the corresponding body shell fastener (first body shell fasteners 30, 32 and second body shell fasteners 36).More specifically, each first trim fastener 26, 28 defines a first trim fastener assembly with the corresponding first body shell fastener 30, 32 and each second trim fastener 34 defines a second trim fastener assembly with the corresponding second body shell fasteners 36.The trim fasteners of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 may define various types of trim fastening arrangements with the corresponding bodyshell fasteners.Possible types of fastening arrangements are, for example, hook fastening arrangements configured to hook the two corresponding fastening elements into one another, snap fastening arrangements for snap fastening the two corresponding fastening elements into one another, and screw fastening arrangements for screwing the two corresponding fastening elements into one another.The first trim fasteners 26, 28 include, for example, a first set of first trim fasteners 26 defining trim attachment arrangements of a first type with a first set of first body shell fasteners 30, and a second set of first fasteners 28 defining trim attachment arrangements of a second type with a second set of first body shell fasteners 32, the first type being different than the second type.As illustrated in FIG. 4, each trim attachment assembly of the first type is, for example, a snap-fit attachment assembly.For example, one of the first trim fastener 26 and the corresponding first body shell fastener 30 of each trim fastener assembly of the first type is a pin and the other is an opening, the pin configured to snap into the opening when the pin is inserted into the opening in the first direction F 1.In a particular example, the first trim fastener 26 is a pin and the corresponding first body shell fastener 30 is an opening, wherein the first trim fastener 26 is configured to snap into the first body shell fastener 30 when the first trim fastener 26 is inserted into the corresponding first body shell fastener 30 in the first direction F 1.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first trim fasteners 26 are distributed along a rear edge, a bottom edge, and / or a front edge of the first trim module 12.As illustrated in FIG. 5, each trim mounting assembly of the second type is, for example, a threaded mounting assembly.For example, one of the first trim fastener 28 and the corresponding first body shell fastener 32 of each trim fastener assembly of the second type is a bolt and the other is a nut, the bolt configured to be driven into the nut, preferably in the first direction F 1.In a particular example, the first trim fastener 28 is a screw and the corresponding first body shell fastener 32 is a nut, wherein the first trim fastener 28 is configured to be threaded into the first body shell fastener 32, preferably in the first direction F 1.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first trim fasteners 28 are distributed along an edge of the first trim module 12 that abuts the second trim module 14 when the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 are mounted to the body shell door 6.Advantageously, the first trim module 12 is provided with a removable portion 38 that is removable to access the first trim fasteners 28 of the second set of trim fasteners 28 to be bolted to the corresponding first body shell fasteners 32 of the second set of body shell fasteners 32.The removable part 38 is located, for example, in an upper region of the pocket 16, which is preferably located below the armrest 20 when the door cladding 6 is mounted on the body shell door 4.The provision of two different types of trim fasteners facilitates mounting the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 and fixedly securing the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4, particularly when using a first set of trim fasteners 26 configured to snap with the corresponding first body shell fasteners 30 in the first direction F 1 and / or a second set of trim fasteners 28 configured to be threaded with the corresponding first body shell fasteners 32.The first trim fasteners 26 of the first set are easily engageable with the corresponding first body shell fasteners 30 in the first direction F 1 and retain the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 while the first trim fasteners 28 of the second set are engaged with the corresponding first body shell fasteners 32.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second trim fasteners 34 define hook fastener arrangements with the corresponding second body shell fasteners 36.The second trim fasteners 34 are configured to engage the second body shell fasteners 36 in the second direction F 2, particularly to hook the second body shell fasteners 36 in the second direction F 2.Preferably, one or more second trim fastening elements 34 and the corresponding second body shell fastening elements 36 are configured to position the second trim fastening elements 34 and the second body shell fastening elements 36 relative to one another in at least one direction perpendicular to the second direction F 2, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and / or in the direction of the transverse axis Y.Such positioning is achieved, for example, by complementary guide features and / or inclined surfaces on the second trim fasteners 34 and the corresponding second body shell fasteners 36, which cooperate to position the second trim fasteners 34 and the corresponding second body shell fasteners 36 relative to each other when engaged together in the second direction F 2.The first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 include a plurality of connection assemblies 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 configured to secure the first trim module 12 to the second trim module 14, each connection assembly 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 including a first connection member 42, 52, 62, 72, 82 disposed on the first trim module 12 and a corresponding second connection member 44, 54, 64, 74, 84 disposed on the second trim module 14 to cooperate with the first connection member 42, 52, 62, 72, 82.Preferably, the plurality of connection assemblies comprise connection assemblies of different types.Possible types of connecting elements include, for example:one or more hook connection arrangements configured to hook in the two corresponding connection elements, and / orone or more latching connection arrangements configured for latching connection of the two corresponding connecting elements, and / orone or more snap-hook connection arrangements configured both for hooking and snapping the two corresponding connection elements, and / orone or more screw-connection arrangements configured to screw a connection element arranged as a screw into the corresponding connection element arranged as a nut, and / orone or more clip connection arrangements configured to snap a connection element into the corresponding connection element, which is arranged as a clip on the corresponding trim module, and / orone or more clip-nut connection arrangements for screwing a connection element arranged as a screw into a clip nut attached to the corresponding cladding module.The connection assemblies 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 may include:one or more connection assemblies for attaching an armrest formed in the second door trim module 14 to a wall of the pocket 16 formed in the first trim module 12, particularly an upper wall of the pocket 16, and / orone or more connection assemblies for attaching the handle 24 formed in the second trim module 14 to a wall of the pocket 16 formed in the first trim module 12, particularly an upper wall of the pocket 16, and / orone or more connection assemblies for attaching an edge of the first trim module 12 to an edge of the second trim module 14.As illustrated in FIG. 7, in some examples, the linkage assemblies include one or more hook linkage assemblies 40, each including a first linkage member 42 and a second linkage member 44, configured to hook in an engagement direction, preferably in the second direction F 2.Preferably, at least one hook connection assembly 40 is configured such that the first connection element 42 and the second connection element 44 cooperate to position the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 in at least one positioning direction different from the engagement direction, in particular in at least one positioning direction perpendicular to the engagement direction, in particular in two positioning directions perpendicular to the engagement direction and to each other.In some examples, the hook connection assembly 40 is configured such that the first connection member 42 and the second connection member 44 engage and cooperate with each other in the second direction F 2 (engagement direction) to position the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 with respect to each other in the first direction F 1 and / or in the direction perpendicular to the first direction F 1 and the second direction F 2.With regard to such positioning, the first connecting element 42 and the second connecting element 44 are provided, for example, with corresponding homologous contact surfaces 42A, 44A which contact each other when the first connecting element 42 and the second connecting element 44 are mutually engaged, wherein the homologous contact surfaces 42A, 44A are inclined with respect to the engagement direction and the positioning direction.Alternatively or optionally, the first connecting element 42 and the second connecting element 44 are provided with positioning features configured to engage with each other to position the first connecting element 42 and the second connecting element 44 with respect to each other in one positioning direction or two positioning directions.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the second connector 44 is provided with a positioning feature that is a positioning notch 46 configured to receive a portion of the first connector 42 to position the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 relative to the other in the first direction F 1.Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the first connecting element 42 is provided, for example, with a positioning feature comprising at least one guide surface 48, in particular two guide surfaces 48, which are arranged to guide the second connecting element 44 along a positioning direction perpendicular to the first direction F 1 and to the second direction F 2 (i.e. here the direction of the longitudinal axis X) when the second connecting element 44 engages with the first connecting element 42.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the second link 54 of a hook connector assembly 50 is provided with a positioning notch 56 configured to receive a portion of the first link 52 for relative positioning of the first link 52 and the second link 54 in the first direction F 1 (i.e., here, the transverse axis Y direction).For example, a hook connection assembly 50 as illustrated in FIG. 9 is disposed on a side of the handle 24 of the first trim module 12. In a particular example, such a connection assembly 50 is disposed on each side of the handle 24.As illustrated in FIG. 10, in some examples, the connection assemblies include one or more snap-hook connection assemblies 60, each including a first connection member 62 and a second connection member 64, configured to snap-hook into one another in an engagement direction, particularly in the second direction F 2.The first link 62 and the second link 64 are configured to hook each other in the engagement direction, which is, for example, the second direction F 2.With regard to the engagement, one of the first connecting members 62 and one of the second connecting members 64 includes, for example, a tooth 66 configured to engage a corresponding notch 68 disposed on the other of the first connecting member 62 and the second connecting member 64 when the first connecting member 62 and the second connecting member 64 engage in the engagement direction.In some examples, the first link 62 is provided with the notch 68 and the second link 64 is provided with the tooth 66.The snap-fit connection between the first connecting member 62 and the second connecting member 64 allows the first connecting member 62 and the second connecting member 64 to be moved closer to each other in the engagement direction, and when the snap-fit connection resists movement of the first connecting member 62 and the second connecting member 64 away from each other in the engagement direction.In some examples, a snap-hook connection assembly 60 is disposed between edges of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 at a front edge of the door trim 6, and / or a snap-hook connection assembly 60 is disposed between edges of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 at a rear edge of the door trim 6.Advantageously, each such snap-hook connection assembly 60 disposed at edges of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 is configured to position the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 relative to each other in the first direction F 1 and / or in a positioning direction perpendicular to the first direction F 1 and the second direction F 2 (i.e., here, the longitudinal direction X).This is achieved, for example, by providing positioning features and / or inclined homologous contact surfaces in a similar manner as indicated above with respect to the hook connection assemblies 40, 50.As illustrated in FIG. 11, in some examples, the connection assemblies include one or more clip connection assemblies 70, each including one of the first connection member 72 and the second connection 74 is a tab having a base and a free end, and the other is a clip inserted into an opening 75 of the other of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 engaging edges 76 of the opening 75, the tab configured to engage the clip in an engagement direction upon insertion of the tab into the opening 75, thereby subsequently preventing the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 from being moved away from each other in the engagement direction.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a clip connection assembly 70 includes a first connection member 72 arranged as a separate clip from the first trim module 12 and attached to the first trim module 12 while being clamped into an opening 75 of the first trim module 12, and a second connection member 74 arranged as a tab configured to snap into the clip when the tab is inserted into the clip in an engagement direction, thereby subsequently preventing the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 from being moved away from each other in the engagement direction.The first connection element 72 comprises, for example, two legs 76 defining a space therebetween for receiving the second connection element 74, wherein one or each leg 76 is provided with a locking feature 77, for example a flexible tongue cut into the leg 76, configured to engage the second connection element 74 to allow insertion of the second connection element 74 between the legs 76 and subsequently prevent withdrawal of the second connection element 74 from the space between the legs 76.Each leg 76 is provided with, for example, locking surfaces 78 arranged to allow insertion of the first connecting member 74, which is arranged as a clip, between opposing edges 75A of the opening 75 with elastic deformation of the legs 76 and snapping back of the legs 76 such that the locking surfaces 78 interact with the opposing edges 75A to prevent removal of the first connecting member 72 from the opening 75.This engagement direction is, for example, the second direction F 2.The first connecting element 72 is made of metal, for example.A clip connection assembly 70 may establish a very strong connection that reliably prevents the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 from moving away from each other in the direction of engagement of the clip connection assembly 70.The clip connection assembly 70, including a clip 76 attached to either the first trim module 12 or the second trim module 14, may be particularly constructed with a higher separation force than a snap-in connection assembly having a first fastener and a second fastener made from a single piece of material with the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14, respectively.As illustrated in FIG. 12, in some examples, the connection assemblies include one or more screw connection assemblies 80, each including a first connection member 82 and a second connection member 84, configured to be screwed together along a screw axis, e.g., parallel to the second direction F 2.One of the first connecting members 82 and a second connecting member 84 is a nut having a threaded hole, and the other is a bolt for screwing into the nut.As illustrated in FIG. 12, the nut is preferably a clip nut including a nut body 86 having the threaded hole 87 and a clip 88 for attaching the clip nut to the first trim module 12 or the second trim module 14.In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the first connection member 82 is a bolt disposed in the first trim module 12, e.g., on an upper wall of the pocket 16, and the second connection member 84 is a nut, particularly a clip nut, attached to the second trim module 14, particularly on a wall of the handle.A screw connection arrangement 80 can connect the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 to one another in a very reliable manner, as a result of which it is ensured that the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 cannot be moved away from one another even under high forces, as can occur in the event of a side impact on the vehicle door 2.Advantageously, at least one of the first connecting elements 42, 52, 62, 72, 82 is adjacent to one of the first cladding fastening elements 26, 28 of the first cladding module 12, in particular a first cladding fastening element 28 which defines a screw connection to a corresponding first body shell fastening element 32, and / or at least one of the second connecting elements 44, 54, 64, 74, 84 which is adjacent to one of the second cladding fastening elements 34 of the second cladding module 14.The trim fastening elements (first trim fastening elements 26, 28 or second trim fastening elements 34) are fastened to corresponding body shell fastening elements (first body shell fastening elements 30, 32 or second body shell fastening elements 36).A connecting element arranged on a trim module in the vicinity of a trim fastening element enables an accurate positioning of the connecting element with respect to the body shell door and thus improves the positioning of the trim modules with respect to the body shell door, in particular if the trim fastening element defines a screw connection with a corresponding body shell fastening element, wherein in this case the positioning of the trim fastening element with respect to the body shell door is very accurate.As illustrated in FIG. 2, a method of mounting the door trim 6 to the body shell door 4 includes:assembling the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 in a first direction F 1, wherein the first trim fasteners 26, 28 engage corresponding first body shell fasteners 30, 32 disposed on the body shell door 4 in the first direction F 1; and thenassembling the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 in a second direction F 2 different from the first direction F 1, wherein the second trim fasteners 34 engage the corresponding second body shell fasteners 36 disposed on the body shell door 4 in the second direction F 2.Advantageously, the arrangement of the first trim module 12 on the body shell door 4 comprises, for example, engaging first trim fasteners 26 with corresponding first body shell fasteners 30 that together define snap-in fastening arrangements that snap in the first direction F 1, and then engaging first trim fasteners 28 with corresponding first body shell fasteners 32 that together define screw-in fastening arrangements.Assembling the second trim to the body shell door 4 preferably includes engaging each first connector 42, 52, 62, 72, 82 disposed on the first trim module 12 with the corresponding second connector 44, 54, 64, 74, 84 disposed on the second trim module 14.Advantageously, as explained above, the first connection elements 42, 52, 62, 72, 82 and the corresponding second connection elements 44, 54, 64, 74, 84 are configured to attach the second trim module 14 to the first trim module 12 in at least one direction perpendicular to the second direction F 2, for example in the first direction F 1 and / or in a direction perpendicular to the first direction F 1 and the second direction F 2.According to the invention, the provision of first trim fasteners 26, 28 for fastening the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 regardless of the fastening of the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 and second trim fasteners 34 for fastening the second trim module 14 to fasten the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 regardless of the fastening of the first trim module 12 to the body shell door 4 facilitates the mounting of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4.Independently attaching the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 ensures proper positioning of the first trim module 12 relative to the body shell door 4 and proper positioning of the second trim module 14 relative to the body shell door 4.The independent fastening of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 enables a successive fastening of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 to the body shell door 4 with a suitable positioning of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 with respect to the body shell door 4.The provision of first fasteners 26, 28 different from second trim fasteners 34 facilitates sequentially assembling the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 with good positioning.The first trim module 12 may be rigidly mounted to the body shell door 4, e.g., with first fasteners 28 defining threaded fastener arrangements with corresponding first body shell fasteners 32.The second trim module 14 can be mounted precisely with respect to the bodyshell door 4 in consideration of the presence of the first trim module 12 and maintaining good relative positioning of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 on the bodyshell door 4.The connection arrangements for securing the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14 enable accurate relative positioning of the first trim module 12 and the second trim module 14.The invention is not limited to the examples described above and illustrated in the drawings. Other examples may be considered.In some embodiments, the door trim 6 includes more than two trim modules, e.g., three trim modules.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the door trim 6 includes the first trim module 12 defining a lower portion of the door trim 6, the second trim module 14 defining an intermediate portion of the door trim 6, and a third trim module 90 defining an upper portion of the door trim 6.Furthermore, other combinations and positionings of fastening arrangements and connecting arrangements are also conceivable, for example depending on the presence of a functional element on the door cladding 6 (armrest 20, handle 24, pocket 16) and / or depending on these functional elements.

Claims

A door trim for a vehicle door comprising a body shell door (4) and the door trim (6) attached to an inner surface of the body shell door (4), the door trim (6) being of modular construction and comprising trim modules comprising a first trim module (12) and a second trim module (14) defining respective portions of the door trim (6), the first trim module (12) having first trim fasteners (26, 26, 28) for fastening the first cladding module (12) to the body shell door (4) independently of the fastening of the second cladding module (14) to the body shell door (4) and the second cladding module (14) is provided with second cladding fastening elements (34) for fastening the second cladding module (14) to the body shell door (4) independently of the fastening of the first cladding module (12) to the body shell door (4), wherein the first cladding fastening elements (26, 28) differ from the second cladding fastening elements (34).The door trim of claim 1, wherein the first trim fasteners (26, 28) are configured for a different type of attachment and / or a different direction of attachment than the second trim fasteners (34).Door trim according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first trim fastening elements (26, 28) are configured for assembling the first trim module (12) with the body shell door (4) in a first direction (F1), in particular in a transverse direction.Door cladding according to claim 3, wherein the second cladding fastening elements (34) are configured for assembling the second cladding module (14) to the bodyshell door (4) in a second direction (F2) deviating from the first direction (F1), in particular in a second direction (F2) perpendicular to the first direction (F1), for example a vertical direction.The door trim of any preceding claim, wherein the first trim fasteners (26, 28) comprise first trim fasteners (26) configured to snap into corresponding first body shell fasteners (30) disposed on the body shell door (4).The door trim of any preceding claim, wherein the first trim fasteners (26) comprise first trim fasteners (26) configured to be threadably coupled to corresponding first body shell fasteners (32) disposed on the body shell door (4).The door trim of any preceding claim, wherein the second trim fasteners (34) comprise second trim fasteners (34) configured to hook into corresponding second body shell fasteners (36) disposed on the body shell door (4).The door trim of any preceding claim, comprising connection assemblies (40, 50, 60, 70, 80) configured to attach the first trim module (12) to the second trim module (14), each connection assembly comprising a first connection member (42, 52, 62, 72, 82) disposed on the first trim module (12) and a second connection member (44, 54, 64, 74, 84) disposed on the second trim module (14) to cooperate with the first connection member (42, 52, 62, 72, 82).The door trim of claim 8, wherein the connection assemblies (40, 50, 60, 70, 80) comprise: - one or more hook connection assemblies each configured to hook the two corresponding connection elements, and / or - one or more snap-in connection assemblies each configured to snap-in the two corresponding connection elements, and / or - one or more snap-in hook connection assemblies configured to both hook and snap the two corresponding connection elements, and / or - one or more screw-in connection assemblies each configured to screw a screw-mounted connection element into the corresponding nut-mounted connection element, and / or - one or more clip connection assemblies each configured to snap a connection element into the corresponding connection element that is clip-mounted to the corresponding trim module, and / or one or more clip-nut connection assemblies each configured to screw a screw-type fastener into the corresponding nut-type fastener attached to the corresponding trim module,The door trim of claim 8 or 9, wherein the connection assemblies comprise: - one or more connection assemblies for attaching an armrest formed in the second door trim module (14) to a wall of a pocket formed in the first trim module (12); and / or - one or more connection assemblies for attaching a handle formed in the second trim module (14) to a wall of a pocket formed in the first trim module (12); and / or - one or more connection assemblies for attaching an edge of the first trim module (12) to an edge of the second trim module (14).Door cladding according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one of the first connection elements (42, 52, 62, 72, 82) abuts one of the first cladding fastening elements (26, 28) of the first cladding module (12), in particular a first cladding fastening element (28) defines a screw connection with a corresponding first body shell fastening element (32), and / or at least one of the second connection elements (44, 54, 64, 74, 84) abuts one of the second cladding fastening elements (34) of the second cladding module (14).Vehicle door comprising a body shell door (4) and a door cladding (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the door cladding (6) is fastened to the inside of the body shell door (4), wherein the first cladding module (12) is fastened to the body shell door (4) via the first cladding fastening elements (26, 28) and the second cladding module (14) is fastened to the body shell door (4) via the second fastening elements (34).

Images