Frame for guiding a window of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame for guiding a window of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the frame (1) having an elongate shape and comprising an elastically deformable area (3) capable of allowing the temporary bending of at least one portion (1a) of the frame, located on one side of the elastically deformable area along the length of the frame, the elastically deformable area (3) comprising at least one notch (5).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Frame for guiding a vehicle window.

[0002] The invention relates to a frame for guiding a window of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a body element, in particular a door, comprising such a frame. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a frame or such a body element. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such a frame in a vehicle.

[0003] In a motor vehicle, it is important to provide a guide to guide the movement of a movable window.

[0004] Assemblies comprising a movable window and a guide are known.

[0005] However, these solutions have drawbacks. In particular, inserting a guide into a vehicle door frame can be complex to implement.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a frame for guiding a window of a vehicle and a method for mounting a frame which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the devices and methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce a frame and a mounting method which are simple and reliable and which have a reduced cost.

[0007] The invention relates to a frame for guiding a window of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the frame having an elongated shape and comprising an elastically deformable zone capable of allowing temporary bending of at least a portion of the frame located on one side of the elastically deformable zone along the length of the frame, the elastically deformable zone comprising at least one notch. The frame may comprise a core and a first edge perpendicular or substantially perpendicular along the length of the frame, the at least one notch comprising:

[0008] - a cavity located in the core, extending in particular transversely over at least part of the width of the core; and

[0009] - a slot located in the first edge, extending in particular transversely over at least part of the width of the first edge.

[0010] The cavity and the slot can be aligned transversely, in particular.

[0011] The bottom of the cavity may have a concave shape on the internal side of the cavity.

[0012] The frame may further comprise a second edge opposite the first edge, the core being located between the first and second edges and connecting the first and second edges, in particular along a first center line and a second center line respectively of the first and second edges, the second edge being in particular continuous.

[0013] In a deformed state of the reinforcement, the slot of the at least one notch may be closed and the first edge may be temporarily continuous.

[0014] Advantageously, the core and / or the first edge and / or the second edge may be mechanically connected, in particular in the form of a single piece, for example formed by molding or profiling.

[0015] The at least one notch may be configured to allow bending of said portion of the reinforcement with a deflection or deflection of a value greater than or equal to 20 mm. The reinforcement may comprise at least two notches spaced along the length of the reinforcement, in particular at least three notches, for example regularly spaced along the length of the reinforcement.

[0016] In an undeformed state of the reinforcement, the thickness of the at least one notch along the length of the reinforcement may be between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular of the order of 2 mm, and / or the distance between two neighboring notches along the length of the reinforcement may be between 10 mm and 75 mm, in particular of the order of 30 mm.

[0017] The frame may comprise a flexible retaining means extending at least above the at least one notch, the retaining means being in particular a wire or a cable, for example made of a metallic material or an alloy of at least one metal, the retaining means being capable of deforming, in particular in compression, in particular during temporary bending of said portion of the frame.

[0018] The frame may comprise at least one material chosen from the group comprising metals, alloys based on at least one metal and polymers.

[0019] The frame may have a curved or bent shape, especially in an undeformed state.

[0020] The frame may include a body having an H-shaped cross-section.

[0021] The frame may include a locking member at a first end, such as a finger.

[0022] The invention also relates to a body element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the body element being in particular a door and comprising a frame defined above, the frame being in particular intended to ensure the guidance of a movable window and possibly the holding of a fixed window, the frame being located at least partly in a rocker panel so that the elastically deformable zone is located in the rocker panel, the frame comprising in particular a first fixing means, for example a fixing lug, located at a distance less than or equal to 30 mm from at least one notch of the elastically deformable zone, the frame being in particular fixed to the rocker panel via the first fixing means.

[0023] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a frame defined previously or a body element defined previously.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a previously defined frame in a vehicle, comprising the following steps:

[0025] - partially insert a frame into a rocker panel;

[0026] - apply a force to the reinforcement to cause temporary bending of said portion, in particular so as to insert one end of the reinforcement into the upper part of a box.

[0027] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a frame according to the invention and an embodiment of a method of mounting a frame according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a beam for guiding a window of a vehicle. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a beam for guiding a window of a vehicle.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a step in the installation of a fixed window and a beam in a vehicle door. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a frame.

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view partially showing one embodiment of a frame.

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view partially showing one embodiment of a frame.

[0032] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view partially showing one embodiment of a frame.

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along a plane AA corresponding to Figure 7.

[0034] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a frame comprising a locking element and first, second and third fixing means.

[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view partially showing one embodiment of a frame in a deformed state, including an elastically deformable zone and a retaining means in a deformed state.

[0036] Figure 11 represents the transition of an armature from an undeformed state to a deformed state.

[0037] Figure 12 shows an exterior face of a door of a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of a frame.

[0038] Figure 13 shows an interior face of a door of a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of a frame.

[0039] Figure 14 is a sectional view showing a door of a vehicle equipped with one embodiment of a frame.

[0040] Figure 15 is a sectional view partially showing a door of a vehicle equipped with one embodiment of a frame.

[0041] Figure 16 shows a step in the assembly of a frame in a vehicle door.

[0042] A direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system is defined, in which the X axis denotes the longitudinal direction in which the vehicle usually travels in a straight line, and is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The Y axis denotes a horizontal direction, perpendicular to the X axis, and is oriented from the left side to the right side of the vehicle. The Z axis denotes the vertical direction, and is oriented from the bottom to the top, from the lower part to the upper part of the vehicle. The terms "right" and "left" are defined with reference to the Y direction, according to the point of view of a driver of the vehicle. The terms "lower" and "upper" are defined with reference to the Z direction. The vehicle is considered to be resting on horizontal ground.

[0043] An example of a beam 201 for guiding a window of a vehicle is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0044] The beam 201 has an elongated curved or bent shape. The beam 201 includes a locking finger 203 at one end 201a. The beam 201 has an H-shaped cross-section or profile, defining a first channel 202a for guiding a movable window 206 and a second channel 202b for holding a fixed window 207.

[0045] An example of a step of mounting a beam 201 as described above in a door 205 of a vehicle 200 is described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0046] The door 205 of the vehicle 200 comprises a movable window 206 and a fixed window 207. The beam 201 is intended to guide a movement of the movable window 206 and to hold the fixed window 207.

[0047] Since the beam 201 is rigid, in such a configuration of a vehicle door, it is difficult or even impossible to implement the mounting of a beam 201 by a window well 209, i.e. to insert it into the underbody, in the lower part of the door, in a housing provided for this purpose. The insertion of the upper end 201a of the beam 201 into the door frame 205 proves to be complex to implement or even impossible. When it is inserted into the window well 209, the beam 201 braces itself on the vehicle door, preventing the beam from being mounted.

[0048] The invention provides a frame for guiding a window of a vehicle comprising at least one notch configured to make the frame flexible. Such a frame can thus be arranged in a door of a vehicle, in particular easily.

[0049] To enable the mounting of a frame while retaining an optimized guiding function for the movement of a movable window, in particular according to a sliding movement, the invention proposes a flexible frame, comprising at least one notch, the number and / or the shape and / or the arrangement of the notches being chosen so as to obtain optimum flexibility of the frame while remaining within the elastic deformation range, so that bending of the frame is reversible and does not cause plastic deformation of the frame.

[0050] An embodiment of a frame 1 for guiding a window of a vehicle 100 is described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0051] The vehicle 100 may be a motor vehicle, for example a motor vehicle comprising a sliding side rear door 105.

[0052] Frame 1 has an elongated shape.

[0053] The frame 1 comprises a body 2 having an elongated shape. The body 2 of the frame 1 may comprise a first end 2a and a second end 2b.

[0054] The frame 1 may have an elongated, curved, bent, curved, or curved shape, particularly in an undeformed state. In an undeformed state, the radius of curvature of the frame 1 is, for example, of the order of 3200 mm.

[0055] Advantageously, the frame 1 has a radius of curvature chosen so that the shape of the frame 1 matches the shape of a door 105 of a vehicle 100.

[0056] A door 105 of a vehicle 100 can be curved.

[0057] The radius of curvature, or bend, of the body 2 of the frame 1 can be calculated according to the curve of a window so that it slides in an optimized manner when moving in the frame 1.

[0058] According to a variant, the frame 1 could have an elongated, rectilinear or straight shape.

[0059] The length of the reinforcement 1 is its dimension along or substantially along its main direction of elongation. The term "transverse" or "transversely" refers to a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main direction of elongation of the reinforcement 1.

[0060] The reinforcement 1 comprises an elastically deformable zone 3 capable of allowing temporary bending or flexing of at least one portion 1a of the reinforcement 1 located on one side of the elastically deformable zone 3 along the length of the reinforcement.

[0061] The elastically deformable zone 3 comprises at least one notch 5.

[0062] The at least one notch 5 may in particular be configured to allow elastic deformation of a portion 1a of the frame, so as to cause said portion of the frame to pass from an undeformed state to a deformed state and vice versa, in particular so as to allow temporary bending of said portion 1a of the frame 1 when it is placed in a vehicle 100.

[0063] The frame 1 may comprise at least two notches 5 spaced along the length of the frame.

[0064] The frame 1 may comprise at least three notches 5. The frame 1 comprises for example a first notch 5a, a second notch 5b, a third notch 5c.

[0065] Said at least three notches 5 may be regularly spaced along the length of the frame. According to a variant, the distance between two neighboring notches along the length of the frame 1 may vary.

[0066] The at least one notch 5 may be configured to allow bending of said portion of the frame 1 with an arrow F or deflection of a value greater than or equal to 20 mm, in particular of the order of 45 mm.

[0067] The dimensions and / or the shape and / or the number of the notches 5 are chosen so as to obtain a sufficient deflection to be able to insert a portion 1b of the frame 1 into a housing of a door of a vehicle 100, in particular into a window well, and so as to insert an end 2a of the frame 1 into the upper part of a body of a vehicle 100.

[0068] The at least one notch 5 of the elastically deformable zone 3 may be located at an upper end of a portion 1 b of the frame 1 intended to be inserted into a body 102 of a vehicle 100, in particular approximately in the middle of the length of the frame 1.

[0069] The body 2 of the reinforcement 1 may comprise a core 11 and a first edge 12. The first edge 12 is for example perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the core 11 depending on the length of the reinforcement 1.

[0070] The at least one notch 5 may comprise a cavity 6. The cavity 6 is for example located in the core 11. The cavity 6 extends in particular transversely over at least part of the width Wn of the core 11. By width Wn of the core 11 is meant a dimension of the core 11 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the reinforcement 1. Advantageously, the cavity 6 may extend over the entire width of the core 11.

[0071] The at least one notch 5 may comprise a slot 8. The slot 8 is for example located in the first edge 12. The slot 8 extends in particular transversely over at least a portion of the width W12 of the first edge 12. By width W12 of the first edge 12, we mean a dimension of the first edge 12 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the frame 1. Advantageously, the slot 8 may extend over the entire width of the first edge 12.

[0072] Preferably, the cavity 6 and the slot 8 can be transversely aligned. Advantageously, the cavity 6 and the slot 8 can communicate with each other.

[0073] Advantageously, the bottom 7 of the cavity 6 of the at least one notch 5 may be concave in shape on the internal side of the cavity.

[0074] Each notch 5 may comprise a cavity 6 and a slot 8. The first notch 5a may comprise a cavity 6a and a slot 8a, the second notch 5b may comprise a cavity 6b and a slot 8b, the third notch 5c may comprise a cavity 6c and a slot 8c. Advantageously, the bottom 7a, 7b, 7c of the respective cavities 6a, 6b, 6c of each notch 5a, 5b, 5c may be concave in shape on the internal side of the respective cavity.

[0075] The concave or rounded or non-planar shape of the bottom 7 of the cavity 6 of the at least one notch 5 is intended to avoid plastic deformation of the body 2 of the frame 1. The concave or rounded or non-planar shape of the bottom 7 of the cavity 6 of the at least one notch 5 is intended to limit or avoid concentrations of mechanical stresses, in particular at the bottom 7 of the cavity 6 of the at least one notch 5.

[0076] The body 2 of the frame 1 may further comprise a second edge 13.

[0077] In an undeformed state of the frame 1, the body 2 of the frame 1 may in particular be concave in shape on the side of the second edge 13.

[0078] The second edge 13 is in particular opposite the first edge 12. The core 11 is in particular located perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly between the first edge 12 and the second edge 13 and connects the first and second edges 12, 13, in particular along a first median line and a second median line respectively of the first and second edges 12, 13.

[0079] Advantageously, the core 11 and / or the first edge 12 and / or the second edge 13 may be mechanically connected, in particular in the form of a single piece, for example formed by molding or profiling. This results in particular in a reduced manufacturing cost of a frame 1.

[0080] The frame 1 may comprise at least one material chosen from the group comprising metals, alloys based on at least one metal and polymers. The body 2 of the frame 1 is for example made of at least one metallic material, for example steel.

[0081] Advantageously, the second edge 13 can be continuous. This results in increased strength or solidity of the frame 1.

[0082] The frame 1 may comprise a first fixing means 9. Advantageously, the first fixing means 9 may be fixed to the second edge 13, in particular on the face of the second edge 13 opposite the facing face of the first edge 12. The first fixing means 9 is in particular intended to fix the frame 1 to a body 102 of a vehicle 100, in particular to a rocker panel 103 of a vehicle 100.

[0083] The first fixing means 9 is in particular intended to guarantee the rigidity of the frame 1 once arranged in a door 105 of a vehicle 100.

[0084] The first fixing means 9 is in particular intended to ensure optimized sliding of a window 106. The first fixing means 9 is in particular intended to prevent vibration of the frame 1 when it is assembled in a vehicle 100.

[0085] The first fixing means 9 is for example fixed to the second edge 13 by welding, in particular by welding.

[0086] The first fixing means 9 is for example located close to the elastically deformable zone 3, in particular at a distance dg less than or equal to 30 mm from the closest notch 5, on the side of the first end 2a. By distance dg is meant the distance along the length of the frame 1 between a portion of the first fixing means 9 closest to a notch 5 and a transverse wall of said notch 5. The first fixing means 9 comprises for example a fixing lug, in particular in the shape of a Z.

[0087] The fixing lug 9 comprises, for example, an opening 93 intended to receive a screw 91.

[0088] The fixing lug 9, advantageously Z-shaped, may in particular be capable of allowing the arrangement of a joint between the body 2 of the frame 1 and the fixing lug 9.

[0089] The frame 1 may comprise a locking element 10 at the first end 2a, in particular a locking finger.

[0090] The body 2 of the frame 1 may have a cross-section or an H-shaped profile (figure 6), defining in particular a first channel or guide 2c for guiding a movable window 106 and / or a second channel 2d for holding a fixed window 107.

[0091] As an example of the order of magnitude of dimensions, in an undeformed state E0 of the reinforcement 1, the thickness e of the at least one notch 5 according to the length of the reinforcement is for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular of the order of 2 mm. The distance d between two neighboring notches 5 according to the length of the reinforcement is for example between 10 mm and 75 mm, in particular of the order of 30 mm.

[0092] The dimensions of the notches 5, in particular the ratio between the distance d between the notches 5 and the thickness e of the notches 5, and / or the number of notches 5 and / or the shape of the notches 5 in an undeformed state may in particular be chosen to obtain a determined deflection value, in particular as a function of the shape of a door and / or a window of a vehicle in which the frame 1 is intended to be arranged. The thickness e of the at least one notch 5 may in particular be chosen or optimized as a function of the desired deflection or deflection, in particular so as to obtain sufficient bending of the portion 1a of the frame 1 while avoiding plastic deformation of the body 2 of the frame 1.

[0093] The depth W (figure 8) can be chosen or optimized according to the desired deflection or deflection, in particular so as to obtain sufficient bending. For example, the depth W can be approximately 12 mm.

[0094] Advantageously, the frame 1 may comprise a retaining means 20, in particular flexible, extending at least above the at least one notch 5. The retaining means 20 is configured to prevent the frame 1 from bending in at least a first direction and to allow the frame 1 to bend in at least a second direction distinct from the first direction.

[0095] The retaining means 20 may extend above the elastically deformable zone 3.

[0096] The retaining means 20 extends for example continuously above the first notch 5a, the second notch 5b, and the third notch 5c.

[0097] Advantageously, the retaining means 20 can be fixed on the side of the entrance to the cavity 6 of the at least one notch 5.

[0098] Advantageously, the retaining means 20 can be fixed to the first edge 12, in particular by crimping.

[0099] The frame 1 may comprise a holding means 22 intended to fix the retaining means 20 to the body 2 of the frame 1. The holding means 22 comprises for example a first holding element 23a, in particular in the form of a ring, and a second holding element 23b, in particular in the form of a ring. The body 2 and the holding means 22, in particular the first holding element 23a and / or the second holding element 23b, may be mechanically connected in the form of a single piece.

[0100] The retaining means 20 is for example fixed along the length of the reinforcement 1 on either side of the assembly of the first notch 5a, the second notch 5b and the third notch 5c, in particular on either side of the edge of the elastically deformable zone 3 along the length of the reinforcement 1.

[0101] The retaining means 20 is for example arranged along the first median line of the first edge 12, in particular in an undeformed state E0 of the frame 1.

[0102] The retaining means 20 may be a wire or a cable, in particular braided, for example made of a metallic material or an alloy of at least one metal, for example steel.

[0103] A diameter of a cross-section of the retaining means 20 is for example less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0104] The shape and / or dimensions and / or at least one material of the retaining means 20 may be chosen so that the retaining means 20 can deform while remaining sufficiently rigid.

[0105] Advantageously, the retaining means 20 may be capable of deforming, in particular in compression, in particular during temporary bending of said portion 1 a of the reinforcement 1. In an undeformed state E0 of the reinforcement 1 (figure 7), the retaining means 20 is undeformed. The retaining means 20 may have a substantially straight shape or a straight shape. The retaining means 20 has, for example, a curved shape with a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the zone of the body 2 of the reinforcement 1 on which it is arranged, in particular a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the elastically deformable zone 3.

[0106] Advantageously, the retaining means 20 is intended to prevent deformation or bending or flexing of the body 2 of the frame 1 in a direction other than the bending direction chosen for its installation in a vehicle 100.

[0107] The frame 1 may further comprise a fixing system 30 (figure 9). The fixing system 30 is intended to hold the frame 1 in position in a door 105 of a vehicle 100. The fixing system 30 is in particular intended to fix the frame 1 in a body 102 of a vehicle 100.

[0108] The fixing system 30 may comprise, in addition to the first fixing means 9 described previously, a second fixing means 31 and / or a third fixing means 35.

[0109] The second fixing means 31 may be located at a second end 2b of the body 2 of the frame 1 opposite the first end 2a of the body 2 of the frame 1 with which the locking element 10 is arranged.

[0110] The third fixing means 35 may be located at a location on the body 2 of the frame 1 between the second fixing means 31 and the first fixing means 9. The first fixing means 9 and the third fixing means 35 may be arranged along the length of the frame 1 so that the elastically deformable zone 3 is located between the first and third fixing means 9, 35 (figures 9 and 15).

[0111] The second fixing means 31 comprises for example a fixing lug 33, comprising in particular an opening intended to receive a screw 32. The fixing lug 33 is for example intended to be welded to a body 102 of a vehicle 100. The fixing lug 33 is for example fixed to the body 2 of the frame 1 via the screw 32.

[0112] The third fixing means 35 comprises for example an opening 37 intended to receive a screw 36.

[0113] A deformed state of a reinforcement 1 is described below with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 illustrates in particular a deformed state of the elastically deformable zone 3 of the reinforcement 1 and a deformed state of the retaining means 20.

[0114] In a deformed state E1 of the armature 1, the slot 8 of the at least one notch 5 is in particular at least partially closed due to the coming together of the two opposite transverse walls delimiting the slot 8 in the first edge 12. The tent 8 can be closed. The entrance to the cavity 6 is in particular closed and the first edge 12 can be temporarily continuous. The retaining means 20 is compressed. The retaining means 20 has a concave shape on the side of the first edge 12 of the armature 1. The radius of curvature of the retaining means 20 in a deformed state E1 of the armature 1 is in particular less than the radius of curvature of the retaining means 20 in an undeformed state E0 of the armature 1. A transition of an armature 1 of the type described above from an undeformed state E0 to a deformed state E1 is described below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0115] Advantageously, the transition of a reinforcement 1 from an undeformed state E0 to a deformed state E1 is carried out elastically in a single direction 25, on the side of the first edge 12 of the reinforcement 1.

[0116] The deformation of the reinforcement 1, in particular of its elastically deformable zone 3, makes it possible to cause elastic bending or elastic flexing of said portion 1 a of the reinforcement 1, in particular according to an arrow or deflection F.

[0117] The at least one notch 5 allows bending of the reinforcement 1 on the side of the first edge 12 of the reinforcement 1, in particular in the direction 25. The retaining means 20 is advantageously deformed during bending of the reinforcement 1. The retaining means 20 makes it possible to prevent bending or sagging of the reinforcement 1 on the side of the second edge 13 of the reinforcement 1, in particular in the direction opposite to the direction 25.

[0118] In the undeformed state E0, the portion 1 a of the reinforcement 1 is aligned or substantially aligned with the portion 1 b of the reinforcement 1.

[0119] In a deformed state E1, the portion 1a of the reinforcement 1 is deflected or deflected, according to a deflection F, relative to the portion 1b of the reinforcement 1 and relative to the position of the portion 1a in the undeformed state E0.

[0120] An embodiment of a body element 102 for a vehicle 100, in particular a door 105, is described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. The vehicle 100 may be a motor vehicle, for example a motor vehicle comprising a sliding side rear door 105.

[0121] A frame 1 of the type described above may be arranged in the vehicle 100, in particular in an opening 105, in particular in a door 105, for example a left sliding side rear door 105.

[0122] The door 105 comprises, for example, an interior face 105i intended to be arranged opposite the passenger compartment of a vehicle 100 and an exterior face 105e opposite the interior face 105i.

[0123] The frame 1 is in particular intended to ensure the guidance of a movable window 106 and possibly the maintenance of a fixed window 107.

[0124] The door 105 of the vehicle 100 may comprise a movable window 106. The frame 1 is intended to guide a movement of the movable window 106 between a deployed position above a rocker panel 103 and a stored position inside a rocker panel 103. In a stored position inside a rocker panel 103, a lower edge 108 of the movable window 106 is for example located substantially at the same level along the Z axis as an upper portion of a wheel arch 110.

[0125] The portion 1a of the frame 1 is in particular intended to be arranged between the movable window 106 in the deployed position and a fixed window 107. The portion 1b of the frame 1 is in particular intended to be arranged in the underbody 103, and is capable of receiving the movable window 106 in the stowed position.

[0126] The frame 1 makes it possible to guide a movement, in particular sliding, of the movable window 106 between a deployed position and a stowed position, in particular in the first channel or guide 2c of the body 2 of the frame 1. The door 105 of the vehicle 100 may further comprise a fixed window 107. The frame 1 may also be intended to hold the window 107.

[0127] The frame 1 can also make it possible to maintain the fixed window 107 in the second channel 2d of the body 2 of the frame 1, in particular in the portion 1a of the frame 1.

[0128] The door 105 of the vehicle 100 may be curved, in particular slightly curved.

[0129] Advantageously, the frame 1 is located at least partly in a rocker panel 103 so that the elastically deformable zone 3 is located in the rocker panel 103.

[0130] The frame 1 is in particular arranged in the door 105 so that the retaining means 20 is located in the rocker panel 103, on the side of the outer face 105e of the door 105. The fixing means 9 may be located at least partially in the rocker panel 103, on the side of the inner face 105i of the door 105.

[0131] The frame 1 is in particular fixed to the underbody 103 via the first fixing means 9, the first fixing means 9 being for example a fixing lug, in particular in the shape of a Z. A screw 91 is for example inserted into an opening 93 of the first fixing means 9 to fix the frame 1 to the underbody 103. The screw 91 is located in particular above the elastically deformable zone 3 and / or the retaining means 20.

[0132] Advantageously, the frame 1 can also be fixed to the underbody 103 via the third fixing means 35. A screw 36 is for example inserted into an opening 37 of the third fixing means 35. The screw 36 is located in particular below the elastically deformable zone 3, for example opposite an end 20b of the retaining means 20.

[0133] Advantageously, the frame 1 can also be fixed to the underbody 103 via the second fixing means 31. A screw 32 is for example inserted into an opening of the second fixing means 31.

[0134] An embodiment of a method for mounting a frame 1 in a door 105 of a vehicle 100 is described below with reference to FIG. 16. This embodiment is described in the case of a sliding side rear door 105, in particular in the case of a left sliding side rear door 105.

[0135] In a first step, the frame 1 can be partially inserted into a rocker panel 103.

[0136] A portion 1b of the frame 1 is notably inserted into a rocker panel 103.

[0137] In a second step, a force is applied to the reinforcement 1, in particular so as to cause the reinforcement 1 to pass from an undeformed state E0 to a deformed state E1.

[0138] A deformation of the reinforcement 1, in particular of its elastically deformable zone 3, makes it possible to cause elastic bending or elastic deflection of said portion 1 a of the reinforcement 1, in particular according to an arrow F.

[0139] The bending of the portion 1a of the frame 1 makes it possible to insert the end 2a of the frame 1 in the upper part of the body 102. Advantageously, the deformation of the elastically deformable zone 3 and the bending of the portion 1a of the frame 1 are temporary. Once placed in the door 105, the frame 1 returns to its undeformed state E0.

[0140] The arrow F of the frame 1 has been previously chosen or adjusted so that the portion 1a of the frame 1 can move away from the door 105, in particular from the window 106, in particular during the second step of assembly or installation of the frame 1.

[0141] The locking element 10 of the frame 1 is in particular inserted into the box 102, in particular into a pin, for example made of plastic, of a finger / pin system for the upper locking of the frame 1. The bending of the frame 1 advantageously makes it possible to insert the frame 1 in the upper part of the door 105.

[0142] Prior to mounting the frame 1, the following steps can be carried out.

[0143] An outer seal may be provided. A fixed window 107 may be inserted into the seal. A movable window 106 may be arranged in the door 105.

[0144] During the first and second steps of mounting the frame 1, the insertion of the frame 1 into the underbody 103 is carried out in particular so that the portion 1 b of the frame 1 is in its final position in the underbody 103 (figure 13). The portion 1 b of the frame 1 is in particular inserted up to the bottom of a housing in the underbody 103, in particular up to the bottom of a window well 109.

[0145] After the second step of mounting or installing the frame 1, the frame 1 can advantageously be fixed to the underbody 103, in particular at least via the first fixing means 9, and possibly via the second fixing means 31 and the third fixing means 35.

[0146] Once the frame 1 is in place, the at least one notch 5 is advantageously located in the lower body 103, in particular in a box of the door 105. The at least one notch 5 is thus located in a hidden area of ​​the body 102. The at least one notch 5 is not visible once the frame 1 is in place. This results in an increased perceived quality of a vehicle 100 and an increased service life of the frame 1.

[0147] Although the invention has been described in the case of a door of a motor vehicle, the invention applies to any type of vehicle.

[0148] Although the invention has been described in the case of a left sliding side rear door, the invention applies to any type of opening of a vehicle, in particular to front doors.

[0149] Although the invention has been described in the case of a slightly curved door, the invention applies to any type of door, in particular to flat, non-curved doors. In this case, a frame 1 may be provided having a straight or rectilinear elongated shape in an undeformed state.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Frame for guiding a window (106) of a vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle, the frame (1) having an elongated shape and comprising an elastically deformable zone (3) capable of allowing temporary bending of at least a portion (1a) of the frame located on one side of the elastically deformable zone along the length of the frame, the elastically deformable zone (3) comprising at least one notch (5).

2. Reinforcement according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a core (11) and a first edge (12) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular along the length of the reinforcement (1), at least one notch (5) comprising: - a cavity (6) located in the core (11), extending in particular transversely over at least part of the width (Wn) of the core; and - a slot (8) located in the first edge (12), extending in particular transversely over at least part of the width (W12) of the first edge, the cavity (6) and the slot (8) being in particular aligned transversely, the bottom (7) of the cavity (6) having in particular a concave shape on the internal side of the cavity.

3. Reinforcement according to claim 2, characterized: - in that it further comprises a second edge (13) opposite the first edge (12), the core (11) being situated between the first and second edges and connecting the first and second edges, in particular along a first median line and a second median line respectively of the first and second edges, the second edge (13) being in particular continuous; and / or - in that, in a deformed state (E1) of the armature (1), the slot (8) of at least one notch (5) is closed and the first edge (12) is temporarily continuous; and / or - in that the core (11) and / or the first edge (12) and / or the second edge (13) are mechanically linked, in particular in the form of a single piece, for example formed by molding or profiling.

4. Reinforcement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one notch (5) is configured to permit bending of said portion (1a) of the reinforcement (1) with a deflection or deflection of a value greater than or equal to 20 mm.

5. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized as follows: - in that it comprises at least two notches (5) spaced according to the length of the armature, in particular at least three notches (5a; 5b; 5c), for example regularly spaced according to the length of the armature; and / or - in that, in an undeformed state (E0) of the reinforcement (1), the thickness (e) of at least one notch (5) along the length of the reinforcement is between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular of the order of 2 mm, and / or in that the distance (d) between two adjacent notches along the length of the reinforcement is between 10 mm and 75 mm, in particular of the order of 30 mm.

6. Reinforcement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a flexible retaining means (20) extending at least above at least one notch (5), the retaining means being in particular a wire or cable, for example in a metallic material or in an alloy of at least one metal, the retaining means being capable of deforming, in particular in compression, in particular during a temporary bending of said portion (1 a) of the reinforcement (1).

7. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized as follows: - in that it comprises at least one material selected from the group including metals, alloys based on at least one metal, and polymers; and / or - in that it has a curved or arched shape, in particular in an undeformed state (EO); and / or - in that it comprises a body (2) having an H-shaped cross-section; and / or - in that it includes a locking element (10) at a first end (2a), in particular a finger. Body element (102) for a vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle, the body element being in particular a door (105) and comprising a frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the frame (1) being in particular intended to ensure the guidance of a movable window (106) and possibly the retention of a fixed window (107), the frame (1) being located at least partly in a sill (103) so that the elastically deformable zone (3) is located in the sill, the frame (1) comprising in particular a first fastening means (9), for example a fastening tab, located at a distance less than or equal to 30 mm from at least one notch (5) of the elastically deformable zone (3), the frame (1) being in particular fixed to the sill (103) via the first fastening means (9).Vehicle (100), in particular motor vehicle, comprising a frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a body element (102) according to claim 8. Method of mounting a frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in a vehicle (100), comprising the following steps:. - partially insert a frame (1) into a bottom of the body (103); - apply a force on the reinforcement (1) to cause a temporary bending of said portion (1a), in particular so as to insert one end of the reinforcement (1) into the upper part of a box (102).

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