Motor vehicle opening including a concealed seal and a rearview mirror

Abstract

TITLE: Motor vehicle opening comprising a concealed window seal and a rearview mirror. Opening (2) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising an outer panel (21) and an inner panel (22) delimiting an internal volume (20) in which are arranged a seat belt reinforcement (3), fixed to the inner panel (22), a window seal support (4) and a rearview mirror (6), the window seal support (4) being connected to the outer panel (21) and the seat belt reinforcement (3). Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle opening comprising a concealed seal and a rearview mirror

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle opening comprising a concealed window seal and a rearview mirror, particularly of the flag type. The invention also extends to a window seal support for an opening according to the invention and to a vehicle comprising the opening and / or the window seal support. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling the opening.

[0002] In the automotive industry, vehicles are conventionally equipped with rearview mirrors, also known as side mirror devices. In order to optimize the aesthetic appearance of their attachment, it is known to integrate "flag" type rearview mirrors, the base of which extends partially through an outer panel of the opening and whose attachment is made in an internal volume of the opening located between the outer panel and an inner panel.

[0003] In the case of an opening with a visible flashing, that is, extending into the environment outside the opening and visible to a user, it is known to assemble the outer and inner panels by crimping at the extreme front, rear, and upper portions of said panels. A reinforcement belt is mounted at the crimped upper portion of said panels, and the rearview mirror is attached to it. The crimped structure of the opening and the assembly of the various panels contribute to providing sufficient rigidity for the integration of a flag-type rearview mirror.

[0004] In the case of a window with a concealed window seal, i.e., a seal extending into the internal volume of the window and not visible to the user, it is necessary to integrate a cutout in the upper portion of the outer panel, at the base of a glazed surface, to allow the seal to pass through. Such an arrangement also requires lowering the position of the belt reinforcement within the window and using welded fasteners on the inner panel so as not to affect the window's aesthetic appearance. The rearview mirror can then no longer be attached to the belt reinforcement. This results in a significant loss of modal efficiency for the rearview mirror attachment and an increase in the mirror's excitability, making the combination of a flag-type rearview mirror, whose attachment is located within the internal volume of the window, with a concealed window seal unsuitable.

[0005] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide an opening for a motor vehicle comprising a concealed seal and a flag-type rearview mirror whose fixing interface makes it possible to remedy the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] The invention relates to a motor vehicle opening comprising an outer panel and an inner panel, defining an internal volume in which are arranged a seatbelt reinforcement, fixed to the inner panel, a wiper support carrying a concealed wiper, and a rearview mirror reinforcement, fixed to the inner panel. The opening further comprises a rearview mirror: - the outer panel including an opening configured to receive a rearview mirror stand; - the base of the rearview mirror being positioned to support the wiper bracket; and - the licker support being connected to the outer panel and the belt reinforcement.

[0007] In particular, the licker support and the outer panel are connected by crimping.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the luffing support includes at least one connecting edge, configured to cooperate with the belt reinforcement, said connecting edge being interposed between the outer panel and at least a portion of the belt reinforcement along at least one direction.

[0009] Optionally, the licker support is connected to the belt reinforcement by gluing or via a fastening element.

[0010] In particular, the wiper support and the rearview mirror reinforcement each include an opening configured to receive a means for fixing the base of the rearview mirror, such as a clipping and / or clamping means.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the wiper support includes a recess shaped and dimensioned to receive at least part of the base of the rearview mirror.

[0012] Optionally, the wiper support includes at least a first flat area, configured to cooperate with the base of the rearview mirror, and at least a second flat area, configured to cooperate with the belt reinforcement.

[0013] The invention also relates to a sill support for an opening according to the invention comprising at least a first connecting edge, configured to cooperate with an outer panel of the opening, and at least a second connecting edge, configured to cooperate with a belt reinforcement, the sill support further comprising a recess shaped and dimensioned so as to receive at least a part of a foot of a rearview mirror.

[0014] The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising an opening and / or a wiper support according to the invention.

[0015] The invention further extends to a method for assembling an opening according to the invention, comprising: - a similar pre-assembly step of a first assembly, including the lipper support and the outer panel, including the fixing of the lipper support to the outer panel, in particular by crimping; - a pre-assembly step of a second assembly, including the belt reinforcement and the inner panel, including the attachment of the belt reinforcement to the inner panel; - the assembly of the first set and the second set including at least the fixing of the licker support on the belt reinforcement; - the positioning of the rearview mirror so that it extends to support the wiper support and the fixing of the rearview mirror to the wiper support.

[0016] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figures:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an opening of the vehicle comprising a rearview mirror, specifically a flag-type rearview mirror, and a concealed wiper.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the licker support and belt reinforcement.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the opening in which an outer panel has been removed for clarity.

[0021] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may be of any type, including a passenger car or commercial vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 comprises at least one opening 2, in particular a side opening. Specifically, the opening 2 is a front side door. For clarity, the opening 2 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 is the left front side door of the vehicle 1. It is understood, however, that such a representation is in no way limiting and that the invention applies mutatis mutandis to a right front side door of the vehicle 1.

[0022] By convention in the following description, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X, here oriented from front to back. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct coordinate system XYZ is defined, as represented in the figures where required.

[0023] Also, "interior" means the side closest to the interior of a passenger compartment of vehicle 1. Similarly, "exterior" means the opposite side, that is, the side closest to an environment external to vehicle 1 along the transverse direction Y. The terms "upper" and "lower" determine a position along the vertical direction Z according to their conventional definition, the term "lower" indicating greater proximity to the ground on which the vehicle rests. vehicle 1. Finally, the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to establish a hierarchy within the invention.

[0024] The opening 2 comprises an outer panel 21, configured to face the environment outside the vehicle 1, and an inner panel 22, also referred to as a box, configured to face the interior of the vehicle 1. The inner panel 22 may comprise a plurality of assembled panels, including a trim and / or lining element. The inner panel 22 and the outer panel 21 are at least partially arranged at a non-zero distance from each other so as to define an internal volume 20 of the opening, for example, located on the lower and intermediate part of the opening 2 along the vertical direction Z. Such panels may, in a known manner, be made of aluminum alloy sheet or steel sheet. Optionally, the opening 2 further comprises a glazed surface 23, such as a movable window, capable of moving within the internal volume 20.

[0025] Generally, the opening 2 also includes a belt reinforcement 3, a sill support 4 and a sill 5, arranged in the internal volume 20, as well as a rearview mirror 6 configured to be fixed on the sill support 4.

[0026] The rearview mirror 6 comprises a base 61 and a non-visible mirror element. In particular, the rearview mirror 6 is of the "flag" type, that is, a rearview mirror in which at least a portion of the base 61 is configured to extend into the internal volume of the opening 20. The outer panel 21 includes an opening 24 configured to receive at least a portion of the base 61 of the rearview mirror 6 such that a portion of said base 61 extends into the internal volume 20 of the opening 2, and that the attachment of the latter is made within the internal volume 20, particularly on the wiper support 4 as further described below. Optionally, the rearview mirror 6 includes a cover 62 covering all or part of the base 61 and configured to conceal the opening 24 of the outer panel 21 once the rearview mirror is positioned.

[0027] The belt reinforcement 3 has an elongated or profiled structure and is fixed to the inner panel 22. In particular, the belt reinforcement 3 is connected to the inner panel 22 by welding at its longitudinal ends, delimiting said belt reinforcement 3 along the longitudinal direction X. Optionally, the opening 2 further includes a shim, sealant, and / or foam arranged to be interposed between at least a portion of the belt reinforcement 3 and the outer panel 21 so as to prevent the generation of vibration between them. The belt reinforcement 3 includes at least one connecting tab 31. In particular, the belt reinforcement 3 includes a U-shaped or Q-shaped profile, one base of the U or Q being, in particular, oriented towards the outer panel 21. Preferably, the belt reinforcement 3 is made of a metallic material, such as steel or of aluminium. Optionally, the belt reinforcement 3 has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0028] The drip edge support 4 is an elongated, profiled piece attached to the outer panel 21. In particular, the drip edge support 4 is made of a metallic material such as aluminum or steel sheet. Optionally, the drip edge support 4 has a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm. The drip edge support 4 is defined by a length corresponding to the dimension between two longitudinal extremes delimiting said support along the longitudinal direction X. In particular, the drip edge support 4 extends over all or part of a length of the opening 2. In particular, the drip edge support 4 extends over most of a length of the opening 2, that is to say, over at least 50% of the length of the opening 2, or even over a length substantially equal to that of the opening 2.

[0029] In particular, the drip edge support 4 is connected to the outer panel 21 by crimping. An upper portion of the outer panel 21 is crimped onto the drip edge support 4. For example, the outer panel 21 is crimped onto a first connecting edge 41 of the drip edge support 4, which is optionally flat or substantially flat. Optionally, but preferably, the first connecting edge 41 extends over most of the length of the drip edge support 4. In particular, the crimped area of ​​the outer panel 21 extends over all or part of the length of the drip edge support 4.

[0030] The sill support 4 carries at least one sill 5. According to the invention, the sill 5 is configured and arranged so as to extend into the internal volume 20 of the opening 2. In other words, the sill 5 is configured to be concealed so as not to be visible to a user present in the external environment, in particular so as to be essentially invisible to a user present in the external environment. Here, "essentially" means that at least 50%, or even 75% or 90%, of the sill 5 is not visible to said user and / or arranged within the internal volume 20 of the opening 2.In particular, the wiper 5 is made by bi-injection and comprises at least one part made of an elastic material, in particular a thermoplastic material or an elastomer, for example a rubber such as EPDM, configured to expand in contact with the glass surface 23, and at least one part made of a more rigid plastic material, enabling the wiper 5 to be fixed to the wiper support 4. In particular, the wiper 5 is fixed to the wiper support 4 by means of fixing elements, not shown, such as clip-type clips.

[0031] The louver support 4 is arranged in the opening 2 so as to be in a higher, or superior, position than the belt reinforcement 3. In order to increase the rigidity of the louver support 4, it is also connected to the belt reinforcement 3, in particular to the connecting tab 31 of the belt reinforcement 3. Preferably, the support of The wiper 4 is connected to the belt reinforcement 3 by bonding, in particular by means of a structural adhesive. Beads or dots of adhesive are distributed over all or part of a length of a contact interface between the wiper support 4 and the belt reinforcement 3, continuously or, preferably, discontinuously.

[0032] Optionally but preferably, the contact interface between the glazing support 4 and the belt reinforcement 3 extends over most of the length of the belt reinforcement 3. The "length" of the belt reinforcement 3 is understood here to be the dimension measured between the longitudinal ends, i.e., along the longitudinal direction X or substantially along the longitudinal direction X. "Supplementarily" is understood to mean at least 50% of the length of the belt reinforcement 3. Optionally, the belt reinforcement 3 includes raised areas, not shown, delimiting the bonding areas to facilitate the execution of the assembly method for the opening 2 according to the invention, described below.

[0033] According to an alternative not shown, the drip edge support 4 is connected to the belt reinforcement 3 by means of at least one fastener such as a stud. Attaching the drip edge support 4 to the belt reinforcement 3 allows for an indirect connection with the inner panel 22 of the opening 2 via the belt reinforcement 3.

[0034] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig.2] or 3, the wiper support 4 includes at least one connecting edge configured to cooperate with the belt reinforcement 3, hereafter referred to as the second connecting edge 42. In particular, the second connecting edge 42 is opposed to the first connecting edge 41 along at least one direction, in particular along the vertical direction Z.

[0035] The second connecting edge 42 extends over all or part of the length of the licker support 4. Optionally, but preferably, the second connecting edge 42 extends over most of the length of the licker support 4, that is, as defined above, at least 50% of the length of the licker support 4. Preferably, the second connecting edge 42 extends continuously along the length of the licker support 4. According to an alternative not shown, it extends discontinuously along the length of the licker support 4.

[0036] According to the illustrated, preferred embodiment, said second connecting edge 42 is arranged so as to be interposed between the outer panel 21 and at least a portion of the belt reinforcement 3 along at least one direction, here along the transverse direction Y. In this case, the second connecting edge 42 is arranged so as to be interposed between the outer panel 21 and the connecting tab 31 of the belt reinforcement 3. Such a principle is implemented in particular when the second connecting edge 42 is bonded. The belt reinforcement 3 then cooperates with the wiper support 4 and acts as a stop for the latter along one direction of the considered direction, here the transverse direction Y.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the second connecting edge 42 is arranged so that the belt reinforcement 3, in particular the connecting tab 31, is interposed between the outer panel 21 and the second connecting edge 42 of the wiper support 4 along at least one direction, in particular along the transverse direction Y. Such a principle is preferably implemented in the case of a connection of the belt reinforcement 3 with the wiper support 4 made by means of at least one fixing element.

[0038] When the opening is assembled, the foot 61 of the rearview mirror 6 is positioned to support the sill support 4. In particular, the foot 61 of the rearview mirror 6 is positioned to support a face of the sill support 4 facing the outer panel 21. Preferably, a bearing area 64 of the rearview mirror on the sill support 4 is arranged so as to be interposed between the first connecting edge 41 and the second connecting edge 42 of the sill support 4 along at least one direction, in particular along the vertical direction Z, so as to optimize the rigidity of the fixing of the rearview mirror 6.

[0039] Optionally, the opening 2 further includes a rearview mirror reinforcement 7 configured to reinforce the support of the rearview mirror 6 provided by the wiper support 4. Similar to the belt reinforcement 3, the rearview mirror reinforcement 7 is an elongated part, in particular a profile. For example, the rearview mirror reinforcement 7 is made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum. The rearview mirror reinforcement 7 is attached to the inner panel 22, for example by welding.

[0040] In particular, when the opening 2 is assembled, the sill support 4 is positioned in contact with the rearview mirror reinforcement 7. Optionally, the sill support 4 can also be fixed directly to the rearview mirror reinforcement 7 by means of a fastening means (not shown) which may include at least one rivet and / or at least one weld point.

[0041] In particular, as illustrated, the wiper support 4 and the mirror reinforcement 7 each include at least one opening 8 configured to receive a fastening means 63 for the base 61 of the mirror 6, such as a clip and / or clamping means. The openings 8 of the wiper support 4 and the mirror reinforcement 7 extend opposite each other. The fastening means 63 for the base 61 extends through said openings 8 and bears against one face of the mirror reinforcement 7 facing the inner panel 22. The base 61 of the mirror 6 is then mounted in contact with the wiper support 4 and the mirror reinforcement 7. The fastening means 63 can advantageously be tightened so as to adjust the contact of the mirror 6 with the wiper support 4 and the mirror reinforcement 7.

[0042] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the licker support 4. For example, the licker support 4 comprises a tiered structure, or offset along two distinct directions to allow its connection with the belt reinforcement 3. In this case, when the sash 2 is assembled, the sill support 4 has a stepped structure along the transverse direction Y. The first connecting edge 41 and the second connecting edge 42 thus lie at least partially in distinct planes. Similarly, the sill support 4 has a stepped structure along the vertical direction Z, allowing it to adapt to a lower position, within the sash 2, of the belt reinforcement 3, a position typically observed in sashes with a concealed sill.

[0043] In particular, in order to optimize the cooperation of the wiper support 4 with the outer panel 21, the rearview mirror 6 and the belt reinforcement 3, said wiper support 4 comprises a plurality of flat areas.

[0044] Preferably, the first connecting edge 41 comprises a first flat area 43 and / or the second connecting edge 42 comprises a second flat area 44. Optionally, the cooperation area between the wiper support 4 and the foot 61 of the rearview mirror 6 is at least partly a flat area 45.

[0045] Optionally but preferably, the wiper support 4 includes a recess 46 shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the base 61 of the rearview mirror 6. In particular, the recess 46 is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the base 61 of the rearview mirror 6. In this case, a bottom of the recess 46 also includes one of the aforementioned flat areas. Also, said recess 46 includes at least one opening 8 configured to receive the fastening means 63 for the base 61 of the rearview mirror 6.

[0046] It is understood that the invention extends to a sill support 4 for an opening 2 according to the invention. Therefore, the preceding description applies mutatis mutandis to said support. In particular, the sill support 4 for the opening 2 according to the invention comprises at least a first connecting edge 41, configured to cooperate with an outer panel 21 of the opening 2, at least a second connecting edge 42, configured to cooperate with a belt reinforcement 3, and a recess 46 shaped and dimensioned so as to receive at least a portion of a rearview mirror foot 61.

[0047] The invention also extends to a method of assembling an opening 2 according to the invention.

[0048] The method includes a pre-assembly step of a first assembly comprising the fixing of the louver support 4 on the outer panel 21. As described previously, the louver support 4 is in particular connected to the outer panel 21 by crimping, in particular at the first connecting edge 41 of the louver support 4.

[0049] In parallel, the method includes a pre-assembly step of a second assembly comprising the attachment of the belt reinforcement 3 and, optionally, of the mirror reinforcement 7 on the interior panel 22. For example the mirror reinforcement 7 and / or the belt reinforcement 3 can be mounted by welding as described above.

[0050] The method then comprises assembling the first set and the second set, which includes at least the attachment of the wiper support 4 to the belt reinforcement 3. In particular, the second connecting edge 42 of the wiper support 4 is attached to the fastening tab 31 of the belt reinforcement 3. As previously indicated, the wiper support 4 is connected to the belt reinforcement 3 by bonding or via at least one fastening element. Also, the inner panel 22 and the outer panel 21 are conventionally assembled by crimping, at least at the extreme front and rear portions of said panels. Optionally, the assembly of the various sets includes positioning a shim, sealant, or foam between at least a portion of the belt reinforcement 3 and the outer panel 21.

[0051] The method finally includes positioning the rearview mirror 6 so that it extends in support of the wiper support 4. The foot 61 of the rearview mirror 6 is then fixed to the wiper support 4 and to the rearview mirror reinforcement 7. For example, as described previously, the foot 61 of the rearview mirror 6 is fixed by inserting the fixing means 63 through the at least orifice 8 of the wiper support 4 and the rearview mirror reinforcement 7.

[0052] The present invention thus proposes an opening in which the rearview mirror, in particular a flag-type rearview mirror, is fixed to a concealed wiper support within the opening, capable of integrating a hidden or concealed wiper within the opening. This support is connected to an outer panel and a belt reinforcement of the opening. Such an arrangement advantageously increases the rigidity of the rearview mirror's attachment within the opening, thereby providing a suitable modal performance that reduces the excitability of the rearview mirror.

[0053] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. Opening (2) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising an outer panel (21) and an inner panel (22), delimiting an internal volume (20) in which are arranged a belt reinforcement (3), fixed to the inner panel (22), a wiper support (4) carrying a concealed wiper (5), and a rearview mirror reinforcement (7), fixed to the inner panel (22), the opening (2) further comprising a rearview mirror (6): - the outer panel (21) comprising an opening (24) configured to receive a foot (61) of the rearview mirror (6); - the foot (61) of the rearview mirror (6) being arranged in support of the wiper support (4); and - the wiper support (4) being connected to the outer panel (21) and to the belt reinforcement (3).

2. Opening (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the limper support (4) and the outer panel (21) are connected by crimping.

3. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the louver support (4) comprises at least one connecting edge, configured to cooperate with the belt reinforcement (3), said connecting edge being interposed between the outer panel (21) and at least a portion of the belt reinforcement (3) along at least one direction.

4. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lick support (4) is connected to the belt reinforcement (3) by bonding or via a fastening element.

5. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wiper support (4) and the rearview mirror reinforcement (7) each include an opening (8) configured to receive a means for fixing (63) the base (61) of the rearview mirror (6), such as a clipping and / or clamping means.

6. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wiper support (4) includes a recess (46) shaped and dimensioned so as to receive at least a part of the foot (61) of the rearview mirror (6).

7. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wiper support (4) comprises at least a first flat area (43), configured to cooperate with the foot (61) of the rearview mirror (6), and at least one second flat area (44), configured to cooperate with the belt reinforcement (3).

8. A sill support (4) for an opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least a first connecting edge (41), configured to cooperate with an outer panel (21) of the opening (2), and at least a second connecting edge (42), configured to cooperate with a belt reinforcement (3), the sill support (4) further comprising a recess (46) shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a foot (61) of a rearview mirror (6).

9. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an opening (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a wiper support (4) according to claim 8.

10. A method for assembling an opening (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - a pre-assembly step of a first assembly, comprising the sill support (4) and the outer panel (21), including the fixing of the sill support (4) to the outer panel (21), in particular by crimping; - a pre-assembly step of a second assembly, comprising the belt reinforcement (3) and the inner panel (22), including the fixing of the belt reinforcement (3) to the inner panel (22); - the assembly of the first assembly and the second assembly, including at least the fixing of the sill support (4) to the belt reinforcement (3); - the positioning of the rearview mirror (6) so that it extends in support of the sill support (4) and the fixing of the rearview mirror (6) to the sill support (4).

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