Door with external protection and internal foam block for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a side opening (16) of a motor vehicle, such as a front door. The side opening comprises a structure with an external partition (26); the external partition comprising an upper part, a lower part (36). The side opening (16) further comprises a protective element (20) for the lower part (36); a lower housing (42) between the lower part (36) and the protective element (20). In the lower housing (42) the side opening (16) comprises a foam block (44) against the protective element (20) in order to cover and block said protective element (20). The invention also relates to a method for assembling a side opening (16) with transverse compression of the foam block (44) in the lower housing (42). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Door with external protection and internal foam block for motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle side openings exposed to projections. The invention relates to the acoustic insulation of a motor vehicle side opening. The invention proposes a side opening with a protective element, such as a lower protective panel. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle and a method of assembling a side opening.

[0002] When moving, a motor vehicle generates a more or less significant projection of gravel depending on the road profile. This gravel is emitted from the contact surface between a tire and the road, and moves in the wake of the wheel tread. It strikes the surfaces forming the lower part of the bodywork, and also at the level of visible parts. The bodywork of a motor vehicle commonly receives a layer of paint covered with a varnish which is particularly sensitive to impacts and abrasion.

[0003] In order to protect a side opening, its lower edge is equipped with a protective element; also called a lower protector. The protective element prevents abrasion of the bodywork. Door protection elements are exposed to impacts from bodies of different sizes, which, moreover, reach them at different speeds. These protective elements are generally made of plastic material in order to maintain aesthetic homogeneity despite the abrasion phenomenon.

[0004] Following the impact against the protective element, an acoustic wave is generated and propagates through the door towards the passenger compartment. The shock wave passes through the various openings, but above all through the material of the protective element itself. These impacts become the source of noise pollution and criticism from the occupants. This phenomenon harms the perceived quality specific to the motor vehicle.

[0005] Door sill protectors have been style markers in their own right for several years. The choice of material for the components, such as ABS-PC in particular, allows resistance criteria to be met. However, this choice still promotes the generation and propagation of the shock waves mentioned above.

[0006] Document WO201007269A1 presents a protection device for a motor vehicle door mounted to move relative to a body structure incorporating a floor. The protection device comprises a reinforcing element which is fixedly secured under the door and which is intended to extend directly opposite the floor when said door is in the closed position.

[0007] The protective device also comprises a protective element. The function of the protective element is primarily to protect the door from minor impacts. It is preferably made of plastic. Furthermore, the protective element acts effectively to limit the physical impacts of gravel raised during driving, which traditionally damages the bottom of the door. The protective element provides mechanical protection. However, it remains subject to noise pollution in the event of gravel impacts. In the event of a gravel impact, the shock wave propagates between the protective element and the reinforcing element, then propagates through the rest of the door to the passenger compartment.

[0008] Document WO2018154216A1 presents a motor vehicle comprising a side opening with a protective element. The protective element comprises a main wall intended to cover an exterior door panel on which it is reversibly mounted, and a lower end wall having a free inclined edge shaped to extend below the body structure in order to create with the latter a protective barrier for a lower door zone containing a sealing element against gravel projections. However, the protective element remains subject to acoustic nuisance in the event of gravel projections.

[0009] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to reduce the noise pollution generated at the level of a protective element of a side opening of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the mass, the acoustic comfort, the physical protection against projections of gravel of a side opening of a motor vehicle.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a side opening of a motor vehicle; the side opening comprises a structure with an external partition; the external partition comprising an upper part, a lower part; the side opening further comprises an element for protecting the lower part; a lower housing between the lower part and the protective element; remarkable in that in the lower housing, the side opening comprises a block of foam against the protective element in order to cover said protective element.

[0011] It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes a block of foam occupying the housing delimited by the protective element while being against the latter.

[0012] The foam block will have several technical effects. In particular, it allows the attenuation of the acoustic transfer through the protective element by reducing its oscillations. In the lower housing, it also allows the absorption of the acoustic resonance generated by impacts. In the event of an impact, the foam block compresses between the protective element and the door structure, and dissipates the energy of the impact of the gravel.

[0013] Document SK285654B6 describes an interior door panel comprising an element with a soundproofing functionality. However, this door does not include a lower protection panel. It does not provide a satisfactory solution against gravel projections.

[0014] Document US6685250B2 proposes a vehicle floor comprising a sound insulation structure provided with a bidirectional freedom system. The sound insulation structure of the bidirectional freedom system is composed of a lower mass layer and a urethane layer below it, and an upper mass layer and a layer of low resilience material below it. However, this document does not propose any solution applying to a side door, and even less to a lower protection element of the side door.

[0015] Document JP2023105633A proposes an automobile soundproofing material whose soundproofing performance can be applied without increasing weight. The document makes no mention of a motor vehicle side door.

[0016] Preferably, the foam block comprises a polyurethane foam; preferably the protective element is made of plastic and the external partition is metallic.

[0017] Preferably, the protective element passes transversely through the lower housing.

[0018] Preferably, the foam block extends longitudinally over at least half of the protective element.

[0019] Preferably, the side opening comprises a vertical direction, the lower part being inclined relative to the vertical direction, the foam block is transversely against the lower part.

[0020] Preferably, the lower part is inclined by at least 20° relative to the vertical direction.

[0021] Preferably, the lower housing comprises an upper half, a lower half, the foam block being in the lower half.

[0022] Preferably, the foam block is vertically spaced from the upper half.

[0023] Preferably, the protective element comprises an external wall extending vertically at the lower part, an internal wall extending from the external wall under the lower part of the external partition; the foam block being against the external wall and the internal wall.

[0024] Preferably, the structure further comprises an interior partition fixed to the exterior partition, the foam block is separated from the interior partition by the partition exterior.

[0025] Preferably, the foam block comprises a horizontal upper surface.

[0026] Preferably, the structure comprises a lower fixing edge, the block of foam extending vertically at the lower fixing edge; preferably, the lower fixing edge comprises a seal, the foam block extending above and vertically at said seal.

[0027] Preferably, the outer partition comprises a lower edge, the foam block vertically overlapping the lower edge.

[0028] Preferably, the lower part is inclined relative to the upper part.

[0029] Preferably, the protective element is transversely outside the lower part.

[0030] Preferably, the transverse profile of the protective element extends mainly vertically.

[0031] Preferably, the protective element extends transversely over the entire width of the lower housing.

[0032] Preferably, the foam block is solid.

[0033] Preferably, the foam block comprises a conduction coefficient thermal less than or equal to 0.70 W / (mK).

[0034] Preferably, the foam block is transversely opposite the interior partition.

[0035] Preferably, the foam block comprises a density less than or equal to 100 kg / m3.

[0036] Preferably, the foam block comprises a density of between 18 kg / m3 and 60 kg / m3.

[0037] Preferably, the foam block fills the lower housing at the level of the lower part.

[0038] Preferably, the foam block has a thickness greater than 20 mm.

[0039] Preferably, the foam block comprises a thickness greater than or equal to: 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, or 60mm.

[0040] Preferably, the protective element extends at most over 20% of the height of the side opening.

[0041] Preferably, the protective element and the external partition form the bodywork of the motor vehicle.

[0042] Preferably, the interior partition is thicker than the exterior partition.

[0043] Preferably, the protective element comprises a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

[0044] According to another aspect, the invention provides a side opening of a motor vehicle; the side opening comprises a structure with an external partition; the external partition interior comprising an upper part, a lower part; the side opening further comprises a protective element for the lower part; a lower housing between the lower part and the protective element; remarkable in that the side opening comprises a foam block passing transversely through the lower housing in order to form a barrier there. Such a foam block prevents noise pollution from rising from the protective element.

[0045] Preferably the foam block completely passes through the lower housing

[0046] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising at least one side opening, remarkable in that the side opening is in accordance with the invention.

[0047] Preferably, the side opening is a front side opening, and the motor vehicle comprises a central side member, the foam block being vertically at the level of the central side member.

[0048] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for assembling a side opening of a motor vehicle; the assembly method comprising the steps: providing or producing a structure for a side opening of a motor vehicle, the structure comprising an external partition with an upper part, a lower part; placing an element for protecting the side part against the structure, so as to provide a lower housing between the lower part of the external partition and said protective element; remarkable in that the method further comprises a step of transverse compression of a block of foam in the lower housing by transversely compressing said block of foam between the lower part of the external partition and said protective element.

[0049] Preferably, the side opening is in accordance with the invention.

[0050] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0051] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0052] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0053] [Fig.2] shows a section of a side opening of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0054] [Fig. 3] is a diagram of a method of assembling a side opening of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0055] In the following description, the term “understand” is synonymous with “include” and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle, the side opening or other steps in the assembly process to which it relates. relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will refer respectively to that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0056] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0057] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0058] In the present description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0059] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0060] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the side opening, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0061] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0062] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0063] The motor vehicle 10 comprises an outer body 12. The outer body 12 forms a chassis, a main framework of the motor vehicle. The outer body 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The outer body 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0064] The outer body 12 comprises central side members 14. The central side members 14 extend along the passenger compartment. The central side members 14 form the underbody. The outer body 12 further comprises front side members and rear side members (not shown). The central side members 14 are longitudinally between the front side members and the rear side members. They are between the front axle and the rear axle.

[0065] The outer body 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the side openings 16. The side openings 16 are mounted to move relative to the outer body 12. They comprise hinges with vertical pivot axes. They can be mounted using longitudinal slides.

[0066] The side openings 16 provide access to the passenger compartment. The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a front opening, and a rear opening also called a trunk hatch. The outer body 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems. The side openings 16 extend longitudinally at the level of the central side members 14. They are above.

[0067] The side openings 16 include front side openings 18, also called “front doors”. The front side openings 18 are exposed to projections from the front wheels 22. When driving, the front wheels 22 lift gravel towards the front side openings 18.

[0068] The side openings 16 comprise protective elements 20. The protective elements 20 are arranged at the bottom of the side openings 16. They are at the level of the underbody. These protective elements 20 protect against projections. They extend longitudinally over the entire length of the side openings 16. They comprise a material different from the outer body 12 and / or the upper bodywork. The protective elements 20 form trim elements.

[0069] At least one or each protective element 20 extends vertically over 4% to 25% of the associated side opening 16. It extends at most over 20%, preferably at most over 15% of the height of the side opening 16.

[0070] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0071] [Fig.2] shows a section of a lower portion of a side opening 16 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to [Fig.l]. This illustration corresponds to a front side opening. However, it also applies to the rear side openings; on the left and on the right. A portion of a central side member 14 is shown.

[0072] The side opening 16 comprises a structure 24. The structure 24 forms a primary support for the side opening 16. The structure 24 comprises pivot connections (not shown) which are fixed to the outer body. The structure 24 comprises several stamped sheets. The structure 24 comprises an outer partition 26 and an inner partition 28 which respectively form an outer skin and a reinforcing lining. The inner partition 28 is thicker than the outer partition 26 in order to stiffen the latter. The inner partition 28 and the outer partition 26 define an internal box 64 of the structure 24.

[0073] The outer partition 26 materializes the bodywork, it has at least one layer of paint and one layer of protective varnish. The outer partition 26 and the inner partition 28 are fixed to each other. They are connected by a lower fixing edge 30, also called a lower flange. The lower fixing edge 30 forms a lower rebate. It forms a lower projection under the structure 24. The protective element 20 is fixed to said lower fixing edge 30. The protective element 20 and the outer partition 26 partially form the bodywork of the motor vehicle.

[0074] Furthermore, the side opening 16 comprises a seal 32. The seal 32 cooperates with a fixed seal 34, for example carried by the central spar 14. The seal 32 ensures airtightness. It limits noise pollution and contributes to the perceived quality. The seal 32 is fixed to the lower fixing edge 30.

[0075] The exterior partition 26 comprises an upper part (not shown) and a lower part 36. The upper part delimits an opening for a glazed surface; preferably movable. Vertically, the lower part 36 forms the lower section of the exterior partition 26, and extends vertically over at most: 25%, or 15% of the structure 24. The lower part 36 is inclined relative to the upper part.

[0076] The protective element 20 is transversely outside the lower portion 36. The transverse profile of the protective element 20 extends mainly vertically. The lower portion 36 forms the lower fixing edge 30. The lower portion 36 is a lower end of the side opening. It is vertically at the level of the central longitudinal member 14.

[0077] The side opening 16 further comprises a protective element 20 for the lower part 36. The protective element 20 forms a shield. It forms a mask. The protective element 20 has an outer surface 38, an inner surface 40 opposite the outer surface 38. The inner surface 40 faces the structure 24. It extends vertically to the lower fixing edge 30, and preferably below.

[0078] The side opening 16 further comprises a lower housing 42 between the lower part 36 and the protective element 20. The lower housing 42 is an internal housing. It extends substantially over the entire length of the protective element 20. The lower housing 42 has a beveled shape. It tapers towards the top. The protective element 20 extends transversely over the entire width of the lower housing 42.

[0079] In the lower housing 42, the side opening 16 comprises a foam block 44 against the protective element 20 in order to cover it. The foam block 44 holds the protective element 20. It is optionally glued there. It blocks it from the inside of the lower housing 42. Thus, the foam block 44 reduces the vibrations of the protective element 20 in the event of impact with gravel. In addition, thanks to its thickness, it limits the propagation of sound waves through the internal box 64 of the side opening. The internal box 64 is separated from the lower housing 42 by the lower part 36.

[0080] The foam block 44 is a cellular body. It is homogeneous. It is preferably rigid. The foam block 44 is solid, it has cavities with a width of less than 2 mm. The foam block 44 generally forms an acoustic insulation device. The foam block 44 is vertically at the level of the central spar 14, and therefore in the extension of the tread of the front wheel which is steered.

[0081] The foam block 44 forms a thermal insulator. It comprises a thermal conduction coefficient less than or equal to 0.70 W / (mK); preferably less than or equal to 0.20 W / (mK); more preferably less than or equal to 0.065 W / (mK). The thermal conduction coefficient is measured at 20°C.

[0082] The foam block 44 extends over its entire height against the inner surface 40 and the lower portion 36. The foam block 44 is an acoustic insulation block. It is laterally and vertically against the inner surface 40. The foam block 44 and the inner surface 40 have a contact interface extending over the entire height of the foam block 44. The contact interface is continuous.

[0083] Thus, the foam block 44 opposes the generation and propagation of a sound wave in the event of gravel impacting the protective element 20. The foam block 44 acts physically in several ways against noise pollution. Firstly, it materializes a massive barrier against the passage of a sound wave. Secondly, its intrinsic rigidity limits the vibrations of the protective element 20 in the event of impact. Its contact with the protective element 20 reinforces it. This limits the amplitude of any vibrations. Thirdly, the material and thickness of the foam absorbs sound and acts as a mute. Thus, the sound level in the event of impact decreases, which contributes to the perceived quality.

[0084] The foam of the foam block 44 is polyurethane. The protective element 20 is made of plastic and the outer partition 26 is metallic. The outer partition 26 comprises steel or aluminum. These materials optimize abrasion resistance, mechanical strength and acoustic comfort. Other alloys are envisaged. According to an alternative of the invention, the foam of the foam block is polystyrene.

[0085] The foam block 44 extends to the outer partition 26. It is in contact with the inner surface 40, preferably bearing against the latter. The foam block 44 is transversely against the lower part 36. The foam block 44 fills the lower housing 42 at the level of the lower part 36. The foam block 44 transversely crosses the lower housing 42. It physically connects the protective element 20 to the outer partition 26, preferably by maintaining a mechanical prestress; for example so as to separate them. The foam block 44 extends longitudinally over at least half of the protective element.

[0086] The side opening 16 comprises a vertical direction 46. The lower part 36 is inclined relative to the vertical direction 46. The vertical direction 46 can be materialized by the axes of rotation of the pivot connections (not shown). The lower part 36 is inclined by at least 20° relative to the vertical direction 46. The side opening 16 has an angle of inclination 48 between the vertical direction 46 and the lower part 36. The angle of inclination 48 is between 5° and 35°, preferably between 15° and 25°. This aspect widens the lower housing 42 downwards, and therefore increases the withdrawal of the lower part 36 from the external partition 26. The latter becomes less vulnerable to impacts, in particular against a fixed obstacle.

[0087] The lower housing 42 includes an upper half 50, a lower half 52. The lower half 52 is wider than the upper half 50. The foam block 44 is in the lower half 52. The foam block 44 is vertically spaced from the upper half 50. The upper half 50 is empty.

[0088] The protective element 20 comprises an outer wall 54 extending vertically at the level of the lower part 36. The protective element 20 also comprises an inner wall 56 extending from the outer wall 54 under the lower part 36 of the outer partition 26. These walls respectively form a vertical wall and a horizontal wall. The outer wall 54 forms a side panel. It may comprise different segments inclined relative to each other. The outer wall 54 is inclined relative to the inner wall 56. The foam block 44 is against the outer wall 54 and the inner wall 56, which makes it possible to dampen their vibrations in the event of an impact, and therefore the propagation of noise pollution.

[0089] The foam block 44 is separated from the inner partition 28 by the outer partition 26. The foam block 44 is arranged transversely opposite the inner partition 28. The foam block 44 extends vertically at the level of the inner partition 28. It is transversely spaced therefrom. This further limits the transmission of vibrations from the protective element 20 to the inner partition 28; which is arranged on the passenger compartment side.

[0090] The foam block 44 extends vertically at the lower attachment edge 30. The foam block 44 extending above and vertically at the said seal 32. It extends transversely to the seal 32. Each of these aspects makes it possible to further extend the acoustic barrier.

[0091] The foam block comprises a density less than or equal to 100 kg / m3. The foam block 44 comprises a density between 18 kg / m3 and 60 kg / m3; preferably between 25 kg / m3 and 50 kg / m3.

[0092] The foam block 44 comprises a thickness greater than: 20 mm. The foam block 44 comprises a thickness greater than or equal to: 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, or 60 mm. The thickness is an average thickness. Increasing the thickness increases the acoustic efficiency. The thickness may correspond to the width of the lower housing.

[0093] The foam block 44 comprises an upper surface 58. The upper surface 58 is flat, and preferably horizontal. The upper surface 58 is in the lower half 52. The upper surface 58 is generally parallel to the inner wall 56. It extends from the protective element 20 to the lower part 36. Thus, the foam block 44 maintains a compact shape. This optimizes the damping of acoustic vibrations.

[0094] The protective element 20 comprises a lower wing 60 extending under the structure 24. The lower wing 60 is spaced from the lower fixing edge 30. The lower wing 60 extends vertically. The lower wing 60 extends under the internal wall 56, preferably from the latter. The foam block 44 is vertically spaced from the lower wing 60. The foam block 44 is separated from the lower wing 60. The lower wing 60 being spaced from the structure 24, it becomes less likely to transmit an acoustic wave to the side opening 16. The present configuration optimizes mass, costs and acoustic comfort.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective element 20 is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0096] The protective element comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably from 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably from 20 to 60% by weight or from 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the ecological footprint of the vehicle.

[0097] The protective element 20 preferably comprises a mixture of poly- carbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly referred to by the acronym "ABS PC". This material optimizes impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and mass.

[0098] [Fig. 3] shows a diagram of a method for assembling a side opening of a motor vehicle, according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0099] The assembly method comprises the following steps:

[0100] supply or production 100 of a side opening structure for a motor vehicle, the structure comprising: an interior partition, an exterior partition with an upper part, a lower part;

[0101] installation 102 of an element for protecting the lateral part against the structure, so as to provide a lower housing between the lower part of the external partition and said protective element;

[0102] transverse compression 104 of a foam block in the lower housing by transversely compressing said foam block between the lower part of the outer partition and said protective element. The compression provided to the foam block improves contact with the protective element, and limits the risk of sound vibrations.

[0103] In the transverse compression step 104, a compression force of at least 5 Newtons, preferably at least 50 Newtons, is exerted against the foam block. This force allows transverse blocking of the foam block, and better reduction of the noise generated by the projections of gravel.

[0104] Before the transverse compression step 104, the foam block is arranged against the lower part. Then the protective element is placed against it in order to cover it. The compression force is then applied in order to compress the foam block in the lower housing.

[0105] Following the transverse compression step 104, the compression force remains. It is maintained by the fixing means of the protective element.

[0106] According to an alternative of the invention, before the step of placing the protective element, the foam block is glued to the protective element.

[0107] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0108] [Fig.2] is an isometric view. It respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Side opening (16) of a motor vehicle (10); the side opening (16) comprises a structure (24) with an external partition (26); the external partition (26) comprising an upper part, a lower part (36); the side opening (16) further comprises a protective element (20) for the lower part (36); a lower housing (42) between the lower part (36) and the protective element (20); characterized in that in the lower housing (42), the side opening (16) comprises a foam block (44) against the protective element (20) in order to cover said protective element (20).

2. Side opening (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the foam block (44) comprises a polyurethane foam; preferably, the protective element (20) is made of plastic and the external partition (26) is metallic.

3. Side opening (16) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the protective element (20) transversely passes through the lower housing (42); preferably, the foam block (44) extends longitudinally over at least half of the protective element (20).

4. Side opening (16) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the side opening (16) comprises a vertical direction (46), the lower part (36) being inclined relative to the vertical direction (46), the foam block (44) is transversely against the lower part (36); preferably, the lower part (36) is inclined by at least 20° relative to the vertical direction (46).

5. Side opening (16) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lower housing (42) comprises an upper half (50), a lower half (52), the foam block (44) being in the lower half (52); preferably, the foam block (44) is vertically spaced from the upper half (50).

6. Side opening (16) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the protective element (20) comprises an external wall (54) extending vertically at the level of the lower part (36), an internal wall (56) extending from the external wall (54) under the lower part (36) of the external partition (26); the foam block (44) being against the external wall (54) and the internal wall (56).

7. Lateral opening (16) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the structure (24) further comprises an interior partition (28) fixed to the exterior partition (26), the foam block (44) is separated from the interior partition (28) by the exterior partition (26); preferably, the foam block (44) comprises a horizontal upper surface (58).

8. Side opening (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the structure (24) comprises a lower fixing edge (30), the foam block (44) extending vertically at the level of the lower fixing edge (30); preferably, the lower fixing edge (30) comprises a seal (32), the foam block (44) extending above and vertically at the level of said seal (32).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising at least one side opening (16), characterized in that the side opening (16) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; preferably, the side opening (16) is a front side opening (18), and the motor vehicle (10) comprises a central side member (14), the foam block (44) being vertically at the level of the central side member (14).

10. Method for assembling a side opening (16) of a motor vehicle (10); the assembly method comprising the steps: • providing or producing (100) a structure (24) of a side opening (16) of a motor vehicle (10), the structure (24) comprising an external partition (26) with an upper part, a lower part (36); • placing (102) a protective element (20) of the side part against the structure (24), so as to provide a lower housing (42) between the lower part (36) of the external partition (26) and said protective element (20); characterized in that the method further comprises a step • transverse compression (104) of a block of foam (44) in the lower housing (42) by transversely compressing said block of foam (44) between the lower part (36) of the external partition (26) and said protective element (20).

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