Side door comprising a frame reinforcement covering a panel reinforcement for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a side door (3) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), characterised in that the side door (3) comprises: - a panel reinforcement (10), - a frame reinforcement (20), the frame reinforcement (20) being intended to extend as far as a window (7) in the closed position, - an inner casing (40), the frame reinforcement (20) covering the panel reinforcement (10) so as to wall-in the panel reinforcement (10) between the frame reinforcement (20) and the inner casing (40).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Side door comprising a frame reinforcement covering a vehicle fascia reinforcement.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a side door for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a body comprising at least one such side door. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body or at least one such side door. The invention also relates to a method of assembling such a side door.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, must meet standards and / or regulations in terms of behavior in the event of an impact. This is particularly the case for a side door of such a vehicle, in particular a front side door. Indeed, such a side door must resist and / or deform during a lateral impact suffered by such a vehicle at the level of such a side door. In particular, an interior panel of such a side door must be slowed down during its deformation and / or the travel of such an interior panel towards the passenger compartment must be limited.

[0006] However, the mass of such a vehicle constitutes a constraint, in particular in order to limit the consumption of fuel and / or electrical energy necessary for the propulsion and / or traction of such a vehicle. Thus, it remains complex to add material to reinforce such a side door.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide a side door that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention provides a side door that is compatible with the end-of-life recycling constraints of such a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a side door for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the side door comprises:

[0010] - a headband reinforcement,

[0011] - a frame reinforcement, the frame reinforcement being intended to come at the level of a window in the closed position,

[0012] - an interior box, the frame reinforcement covering the fascia reinforcement so as to trap the fascia reinforcement between the frame reinforcement and the interior box.

[0013] The fascia reinforcement can be fixed to the interior box, in particular by welding and / or by self-piercing rivet.

[0014] The frame reinforcement can be fixed to the interior box, in particular by welding and / or by self-piercing rivet.

[0015] The fascia reinforcement may comprise a beam having a closed section substantially in the shape of a quadrilateral.

[0016] The closed section of the fascia reinforcement may include an outer wall arranged on the outer side of the side door and an inner wall opposite the outer wall and the at least one rib may extend from the outer wall of the closed section toward the inner wall.

[0017] The at least one rib may extend between 10 percent and 40 percent of a distance in the transverse direction between the outer wall and the inner wall, in particular the at least one rib may extend over substantially 25 percent of this distance.

[0018] The closed section may comprise an upper wall and a lower wall, a rib being arranged so as to obtain equal or substantially equal gaps in the vertical direction between the rib and the upper and lower walls. The closed section may comprise an upper wall and a lower wall, ribs being arranged so as to obtain equal or substantially equal gaps in the vertical direction:

[0019] - between each rib, and

[0020] - between the rib closest to the upper wall and the upper wall, and

[0021] - between the rib closest to the lower wall and the lower wall. The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that the body comprises at least one side door as defined above.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a body as defined above, or at least one side door as defined previously.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a side door as defined above, characterized in that the method comprises a step of fixing a strip reinforcement to an interior box, in particular by welding and / or riveting, followed by a step of fixing a frame reinforcement to the interior box, in particular by welding and / or riveting, so as to trap the strip reinforcement between the frame reinforcement and the interior box.

[0024] Presentation of figures

[0025] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a side door made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a side door of the motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a detail of the side door according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is another partial front view of the side door according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is another partial perspective view of a detail of the side door according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a partial schematic section along a vertical and transverse plane of the side door according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Detailed description

[0032] The direction in which a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, we use a direct XYZ reference frame in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0033] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle comprises a body 2. The vehicle 1 or the body 2 comprises at least one side door 3. The side door 3 comprises a window 7. Note that the side door 3 illustrated in the figures and used to describe the solution is a side door arranged on the left of the vehicle. Obviously, a side door can be arranged on the right of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle can comprise several side doors arranged on the left and / or several side doors arranged on the right. Preferably, the side door is a front door (driver's side or front passenger's side).

[0034] More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, the side door 3 comprises a strip reinforcement 10. The door 3 further comprises a frame reinforcement 20, illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6. The frame reinforcement 20 is intended to come at the level of the window 7. Indeed, in the closed position of the window 7, the frame reinforcement 20 is at the level, or substantially at the level, of the perimeter of the window 7. The side door 3 further comprises an interior door box 40 or interior panel illustrated in Figures 2 to 6.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, the frame reinforcement 20 covers the strip reinforcement 10. Thus, the frame reinforcement 20 traps, encloses, covers, hides, the strip reinforcement 10 between the frame reinforcement 20 and the inner box 40. For this, advantageously, the frame reinforcement 20 comprises a hollow body 21 extending in the transverse direction so as to create a space 24 for receiving the strip reinforcement 10. In the same way, advantageously, the inner box 40 comprises a hollow body 41 extending in the transverse direction so as to participate in the creation of the space 24. Thus, the space 24 formed between the two hollow bodies 21, 41, respectively of the frame reinforcement 20 and the inner box 40, offers a sufficient area to accommodate the strip reinforcement 10 (see Figures 5 and 6 in particular).

[0036] Preferably, the fascia reinforcement 10 is fixed to the inner box 40, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 4 and 6. For example, lugs 16 or tabs or projections extend upwardly from the fascia reinforcement 10. The lugs 16 allow the fascia reinforcement 10 to be fixed to the inner box 40 by welding and / or by rivets, in particular by self-piercing rivets. Alternatively, other fixing means may be used, for example brazing or gluing. Preferably, the frame reinforcement 20 is fixed to the inner box 40.

[0037] For this, preferably, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the frame reinforcement 20 is shaped so as to comprise a flat or substantially flat upper portion 22 extending upwards. Preferably, the frame reinforcement 20 is shaped so as to comprise a flat or substantially flat lower portion 23 extending downwards. Preferably, the inner box 40 is shaped so as to comprise a flat or substantially flat upper portion 42 extending upwards. Preferably, the inner box 40 is shaped so as to comprise a flat or substantially flat lower portion 43 extending downwards. Thus, the inner box 40 and the frame reinforcement 20 are fixed to each other, or relative to each other, by means of the contacts of the parts 22, 42 and by means of the parts 23, 43. For example, this fixing is ensured by welding and / or by rivets, in particular self-piercing rivets.

[0038] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 6, the fascia reinforcement 10 is, or comprises, a beam.

[0039] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 4, a front end 17 of the beam 10 is fixed to an upper reinforcement 6 of a hinge 8. The upper hinge reinforcement is for example intended to overlap a front pillar. Note that Figure 4 does not illustrate the frame reinforcement, the belt reinforcement and the outer panel. Thus, the strip reinforcement 10 is arranged in a “dry” zone, preferably close to a rebate intended to receive an internal window releaser. In addition, preferably, the strip reinforcement 10 is arranged, in the transverse direction, between a window guide 9 and the door box 40. Preferably, the strip reinforcement 10 is covered by a lower zone of the window frame. Preferably, the beam 10 has a closed section 11. Advantageously, the closed section 11 is constant, or substantially constant, over the entire length of the beam.Note that the beam extends, or extends substantially, in the longitudinal direction (side door closed). Furthermore, preferably, a section along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the greatest length of the beam extends has a single closed contour. It is thus understood that the beam comprises only a single cavity over its entire length. For example, the beam is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Preferably, the beam is obtained by extrusion. Advantageously, the closed section of the beam has a substantially quadrilateral shape. More precisely, as illustrated in Figure 6, the closed section 11 of the strip reinforcement 10 comprises an outer wall 12 arranged on the outer side of the side door 3 and extending vertically and longitudinally or substantially vertically and longitudinally.The closed section 11 further comprises an inner wall 13 facing the outer wall 12 and extending vertically and longitudinally or substantially vertically and longitudinally. Thus, the inner wall 13 of the closed section 11 is arranged on the side of a passenger compartment H of the vehicle.

[0040] Preferably, at least one rib 31; 32 extends from the outer wall 12 of the closed section 11 towards the inner wall 13. In other words, the at least one rib extends within the closed section 11, preferably in the transverse direction. Thus, preferably, a rib extends substantially at a transverse and longitudinal plane inside the beam.

[0041] For example, a distance D extends in the transverse direction (side door in closed position) between the outer wall 12 and the inner wall 13 of the closed section 11. Preferably, the at least one rib 31; 32 extends between 10 percent and 40 percent of the distance D. Advantageously, the at least one rib 31; 32 extends over 25 percent or substantially 25 percent of the distance D.

[0042] Preferably, the rib(s) extend perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, from the outer wall 12. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6, two ribs 31, 32 are provided within the beam 10. Alternatively, a single rib is provided. Alternatively, three or more ribs are provided.

[0043] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one rib extends from the inner wall 13 towards the outer wall 12 of the closed section 11. Preferably, such ribs then extend perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, from the inner wall 13.

[0044] Preferably, the closed quadrilateral-shaped section 11 further comprises an upper wall 14 arranged at the top and extending substantially transversely and longitudinally. Preferably, the closed quadrilateral-shaped section 11 further comprises a lower wall 15 arranged at the bottom and extending substantially transversely and longitudinally. In the case of a single rib, this is arranged so as to obtain equal, or substantially equal, gaps in the vertical direction between the rib and the upper and lower walls 14, 15. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when two ribs 31, 32 extend within the beam, a gap E (in the vertical direction) extends between the upper wall 14 and the rib 31 arranged at the top, a gap E extends between the two ribs 31, 32 and a gap E extends between the rib arranged at the bottom 32 and the lower wall 15.

[0045] In other words, the ribs 31; 32 are arranged so as to obtain gaps E in the vertical direction which are equal or substantially equal between each rib 31; 32, and between the rib 31 closest to the upper wall 14 and the upper wall 14, and between the rib 32 closest to the lower wall 15 and the lower wall 15.

[0046] Alternatively, the rib(s) are randomly arranged between the upper wall 14 and the lower wall 15.

[0047] A method of carrying out a side door assembly process will now be described.

[0048] In a first step, the method comprises a step of fixing the strip reinforcement 10, that is to say the beam, on the inner box or panel 40. This fixing step is preferably done by welding, in particular at the level of the lugs 16 extending from the beam upwards, as illustrated in Figure 4. Alternatively, or in addition, the fixing of the strip reinforcement 10 is carried out by rivets, for example self-piercing rivets, for example at the level of the lugs 16.

[0049] A step of fixing the frame reinforcement 20 to the inner box 40 is then carried out. Preferably, this fixing is ensured by welding and / or riveting at the upper part 22 of the frame reinforcement with the upper part 42 of the inner box 40. In the same way, preferably, this fixing is ensured by welding and / or riveting at the lower part 23 of the frame reinforcement with the lower part 43 of the inner box 40. Thus, the beam is trapped, imprisoned within the space 24 between the frame reinforcement 20 and the inner box 40. As a reminder, the space 24 is created thanks to the hollow bodies 21, 41 formed respectively within the frame reinforcement 20 and within the inner box 40.

[0050] Thanks to the solution, the vehicle complies with standards and / or regulations in terms of behavior in the event of an impact. More specifically, the side door resists and / or deforms during a side impact so as to slow down its deformation and / or limit the movement of the interior panel towards the passenger compartment. The solution does not increase the mass of the vehicle. Advantageously, the solution makes it possible to reduce the mass of the vehicle. Thus, the consumption of fuel and / or electrical energy necessary for the propulsion and / or traction of the vehicle is not impacted, or is even reduced.

[0051] More specifically, the presence of the hollow extruded beam type strip reinforcement optimized by one or more internal rib(s) slows the penetration of the interior panel 40 into the passenger compartment H during a side crash, in particular a defined impact known under the name AE-MDB for the Anglo-Saxon expression “Advanced European Mobile Deformable Barrier”.

[0052] In summary, the solution makes it possible to maintain, or even improve, the inertia in the area of ​​the strip by means of the extruded beam-type strip reinforcement. In particular, the rib(s), in particular extending transversely from the outer wall 12 of the closed section 11 to the inner wall 13 of the closed section, contribute to absorbing the energy of the impact. Thus, the section of the beam 10 is optimized while maintaining the desired inertia. It should be noted that the covering of the strip reinforcement 10 by the frame reinforcement 20 also contributes to achieving the objectives in terms of rigidity and / or travel of movement of the side door at this level.

[0053] Furthermore, thanks to the solution, the strip reinforcement 10 can be arranged at the top of the side door box, close to a window seal retaining rebate.

[0054] The solution makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the closed section of the strip reinforcement 10 and / or the thickness of the frame reinforcement 20 by around 0.2 mm, for example. This results in a particularly sought-after weight saving for energy saving purposes, for example of around 300 grams per side door. Thus, the volume of materials of the reinforcement elements is reduced without impacting performance during an impact. For example, the thickness of the section of the strip reinforcement 10 is only around 2 mm and / or the thickness of the frame reinforcement 20 is only around 1.3 mm. However, in particular thanks to the ribs and the covering of the strip reinforcement 10 by the frame reinforcement 20 on the door box 40, the solution meets the requirements in terms of strength and deformations related to a side impact.In other words, the ribs 31, 32 of the strip reinforcement 10 add inertia and compensate for the partial loss of inertia resulting from the reduction in the thickness of the section of the reinforcement. Such performance is obtained in particular by ribs arranged so as to be equidistant from the upper 14 and lower 15 walls.

[0055] Preferably, the solution is intended for a door comprising sheet metal elements made of aluminum alloy, comprising high magnesium and silicon contents. Such a material is more suitable for stamping which is characterized by better formability. In addition, such a material promotes the recycling of the sheet metal part of the door, in particular at the end of the vehicle's life. Thus, preferably, at least the inner box 40 and the beam 10 are obtained from this type of aluminum alloy. Preferably, the frame reinforcement 20 and / or the outer box or panel 5 (see Figure 5) are also obtained from this type of aluminum alloy.

[0056] Note that the solution makes it possible to transmit forces in the longitudinal direction (door closed), that is to say from the front leg (generally called leg A) to the middle leg (generally called leg B), regardless of the direction of this direction. This is particularly linked to the installation and / or fixing of the strip reinforcement on or near the upper reinforcement 6 of the hinge 8. As a reminder, the strip reinforcement 10 is fixed along its extension in the longitudinal direction, via the lugs 16, on the inner box 40. Preferably, for this, at the level of each lug 16, the beam 10 has an inverted P-shaped section (head down), as illustrated in FIG. 6 which corresponds to a section illustrated in FIG. 2. As seen previously, the frame reinforcement 20 is assembled by covering the door box 40 to delimit, create, obtain, define the hollow body or space 24.In fact, the frame reinforcement comprises the hollow body 21 and the inner box comprises the hollow body 41 so that once assembled opposite each other, the space 24 created makes it possible to house the extruded beam 10.

[0057] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of satisfying standards and / or regulations in terms of side crash of a side door, while promoting the subsequent recycling of such a door, and presents the following advantages:

[0058] - it can be used in other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses or even utility vehicles.

[0059] Note that such a solution, namely the addition of an aluminum alloy beam comprising a closed ribbed section inside, can be applied within a steel side door.

[0060] Although the solution has been described and illustrated for a front door, it can be applied to a rear side door, for example a side door of a first rear row, or even a side door of a second rear row. Finally, although the solution is particularly suitable for a side door pivoting about a substantially vertical axis arranged at the front of the door to open and close, it can be adapted to a side door pivoting about a substantially vertical axis arranged at the rear of the door to open and close. Alternatively, the solution can be adapted to a sliding side door arranged at the front or rear of a vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Side door (3) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the side door (3) comprises: - a headband reinforcement (10), - a frame reinforcement (20), the frame reinforcement (20) being intended to come at the level of a window (7) in the closed position, - an inner box (40), the frame reinforcement (20) covering the strip reinforcement (10) so as to trap the strip reinforcement (10) between the frame reinforcement (20) and the inner box (40).

2. Side door (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the strip reinforcement (10) is fixed to the interior box (40), in particular by welding and / or by self-punching rivet.

3. Side door (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame reinforcement (20) is fixed to the inner box (40), in particular by welding and / or by self-punching rivet.

4. Side door (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip reinforcement (10) comprises a beam having a closed section (11) substantially in the shape of a quadrilateral.

5. Side door (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the closed section (11) of the strip reinforcement (10) comprises an outer wall (12) arranged on the outer side of the side door (3) and an inner wall (13) opposite the outer wall (12) and in that at least one rib (31; 32) extends from the outer wall (12) of the closed section (11) towards the inner wall (13).

6. Side door (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one rib (31; 32) extends between 10 percent and 40 percent of a distance (D) in the transverse direction between the outer wall (12) and the inner wall (13), in particular the at least one rib (31; 32) extends over substantially 25 percent of the distance (D). Side door (3) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the closed section (11) comprises an upper wall (14) and a lower wall (15), a rib being arranged so as to obtain equal or substantially equal gaps (E) in the vertical direction between the rib and the upper and lower walls (14, 15). Side door (3) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the closed section (11) comprises an upper wall (14) and a lower wall (15), ribs (31; 32) being arranged so as to obtain equal or substantially equal gaps (E) in the vertical direction: - between each rib (31; 32), and - between the rib (31) closest to the upper wall (14) and the upper wall (14), and - between the rib (32) closest to the lower wall (15) and the lower wall (15). Vehicle body (2), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the body (2) comprises at least one side door (3) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the vehicle comprises a body (2) according to the preceding claim, or at least one side door (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method of assembling a side door (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the method comprises a step of fixing a strip reinforcement (10) to an inner box (40), in particular by welding and / or riveting, followed by a step of fixing a frame reinforcement (20) to the inner box (40), in particular by welding and / or riveting, so as to trap the strip reinforcement (10) between the frame reinforcement (20) and the inner box (40).

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