METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A VEHICLE DOOR AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A SLIDING RAIL AND A FIXING RAIL FOR ASSEMBLING A VEHICLE DOOR

Abstract

An assembly comprising a slide (16) and at least one mounting rail (18), particularly for implementing a method of assembling a vehicle door, said at least one mounting rail (18) being located on the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16) that is not yet mounted in the frame (12) of a door (10). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A VEHICLE DOOR AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A SLIDING RAIL AND A FIXING RAIL FOR ASSEMBLING A VEHICLE DOOR Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assembling a vehicle door and an assembly comprising a slide and at least one fixing rail, in particular for implementing the method. Technical background

[0002] Assembling a vehicle door is a long and tedious operation because the door comprises several large parts that are not always easy to assemble on a production line. Therefore, it is common to carry out this assembly manually.

[0003] A vehicle door comprises a frame having a lower box and an inverted U-shaped upper frame. This frame has an upper cross member and two side members extending downwards from the cross member to the box. The frame further includes a window well extending between the side members.

[0004] The door further comprises a movable pane of glass that passes through this glass well. The pane is movable between an upper position in which it closes an opening defined by the upper frame, and a lower position in which it is housed at least partially within the casing and leaves the opening free.

[0005] The door also includes a track adapted to guide the glass from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa. The track has a general inverted U-shape and comprises at least two lateral arms connected by an upper transverse arm. The transverse arm is designed to extend along the transverse stile of the frame, and the lateral arms are designed to extend along the lateral stiles of this frame. Each of the lateral arms of the track has a groove for guiding the glass.

[0006] The slide is fixed in the housing by means of fixing rails. The fixing rails are housed in the housing and extend respectively along lower end portions of the lateral arms of the slide. Fastening elements allow the rails to be fixed to the housing.

[0007] In the current technique, the vehicle door is mounted as follows. The guide rail is mounted on the frame by first inserting the ends of its side arms, opposite the transverse arm, into the window well of the frame, and then sliding the side arms downwards through the window well until the lower end portions of the arms are housed inside the frame housing. The mounting rails are then attached to the housing by inserting them into the housing through openings in a perforated inner wall of the housing. The mounting rails can be attached to the housing before the guide rail is mounted. In this case, when the guide rail is inserted, the end portions of its side arms are inserted directly into the mounting rails previously fixed in the housing.Alternatively, the mounting rails can be attached to the housing after the side arms of the slide have been inserted into the glass channel. In this case, the end portions of the side arms are mounted in the mounting rails before, or preferably after, the rails have been attached to the housing.

[0008] In both cases, assembling the slide and the mounting rails requires two separate assembly steps that are relatively delicate to perform, particularly because the assembly environment within the door frame is relatively confined and therefore difficult to access. The assembly is even more complex when the vehicle door is of the flush type.

[0009] The present invention proposes a solution to this problem, which is simple, effective and economical. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention proposes a method for assembling a vehicle door, in particular a car door, this door comprising at least:

[0011] - a frame comprising a lower box and a U-shaped upper frame inverted, this frame comprises an upper transverse post and two lateral posts extending downwards from the transverse post to the box, the frame further comprising a glass shaft extending between the lateral posts,

[0012] - a movable pane of glass through said glass well enters an upper position in in which it closes an opening defined by the upper frame, and a lower position in which it is housed at least partially within the casing and leaves said opening free,

[0013] - a slide adapted to guide the glass from its upper position to its position lower, and conversely, the slide having a general inverted U-shape and comprising at least two lateral branches connected by an upper transverse branch, the transverse branch being intended to extend along the transverse upright and the lateral branches being intended to extend along the side uprights and comprising lower end portions which are housed in the casing, each of the side arms comprising a groove for guiding the glass,

[0014] - at least one slide fixing rail which is housed in the casing and which extends respectively along at least a portion of one or each of said end portions, and

[0015] - fixing elements for said at least one rail to the casing,

[0016] characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0017] a) the preparation of an assembly comprising the slide and said at least one fixing rail located on the corresponding end portion of the slide,

[0018] b) mounting said assembly on the frame, by inserting the end portions and said at least one fixing rail into the housing through said window well, in particular from top to bottom, and by positioning the transverse arm of the slide along the transverse upright of the frame,

[0019] c) the fixing of said at least one rail to the box by said fixing elements, and

[0020] d) the mounting of the glass in the frame.

[0021] It is therefore understood that the fixing rail(s) are mounted on the frame at the same time The slide and other components are inserted through the glass channel at the same time as the slide. This allows two steps of the previous technique to be performed in one and avoids having to mount the end portions of the side arms of the slide into the fixing rails in the confined space inside the housing.

[0022] Step a) thus consists of preparing an assembly according to the invention, this assembly being defined as comprising a slide and at least one fixing rail. There may be a fixing rail on each of the lateral arms, or a fixing rail on only one of the lateral arms, the other lateral arm being able to be without a fixing rail or associated with a fixing rail added from the prior art, for example.

[0023] Step b) concerns mounting the assembly through the window well of the frame. Inserting the end portions of the side arms through the window well can be achieved by moving the slide from top to bottom. This movement can be done by pure translation or pure rotation, or by a combination of translation and rotation, for example.

[0024] Step b) further includes positioning the transverse arm of the slide along the transverse upright of the frame. The insertion and positioning of the slide in step b) can be carried out in any order: insertion then positioning, or positioning then insertion.

[0025] Step c) concerns the fixing of the fixing rail(s) to the frame by the fixing elements which are for example of the rivet or screw-nut or quick fastener type.

[0026] Step d) includes mounting the glass in the frame. This mounting can take place immediately after step c) or after one or more steps following step c).

[0027] The method according to the invention comprises one or more of the following features or steps, which may be considered independently of each other or in combination with each other: • in step a), said at least one fixing rail is added and fixed to the corresponding end portion of the slide; • in step a), said at least one fixing rail is formed in one piece with the corresponding end portion of the slide; • the lateral arms of the slide comprise an elastomeric rubber or thermoplastic material, and said at least one rail comprises a material selected from a plastic material, a metallic material, or a combination of both;

[0028] — the elastomer rubber or thermoplastic material is chosen from EPDM, TPEV, TPES, etc.; • in step c), the fasteners are mounted through mounting tab holes in said at least one rail; • the fixing brackets are integrated and one piece with the rest of the rail; • in step c), at least one of said fixing lugs is rotated around an axis from a deployed position to a folded position on the rest of the rail, over an angular stroke around said axis of between 50 and 250°, and preferably between 100 and 200°; • in step c), at least one of said fixing lugs is immobilized by hooking or elastic snapping onto the rest of the rail in its folded position; • the fixing brackets are attached and fixed to the rest of the rail in step c), before the fixing of said at least one rail by the fixing elements; • the box comprises a solid outer wall and an inner wall with openings suitable for receiving a door trim to conceal openings in this inner wall, step c) being carried out at least in part through at least one of these openings; • the window comprises a glazed wall and two parallel guides fixed to an inner face of the glazed wall, the guides being at least partly housed in the grooves of the lateral arms of the slide; • the glazed pane of the window comprises an outer face, opposite the inner face, and aligned with an outer face of at least one trim element or a fixed pane, this trim element extending along one of the side uprights of the frame; this alignment commonly called " "Flush" is well known in the automotive field and is a particularly sought-after and appreciated aesthetic aspect;

[0029] — the trim element is chosen from a door trim, a base trim middle, etc.; • the sliding mechanism includes a fixed glass module;

[0030] — the fixed window module is not necessarily in one piece with the sliding mechanism, This can be an independent part attached to the door in contact with the slide, or to the body along one of the side uprights of the frame (example: a fixed rear quarter window); • the slide forms a single, unified piece; • said window well has an elongated shape between said lateral uprights and includes a spacing measured in a direction perpendicular to its axis of elongation, and in which the assembly formed by the slide and said at least one fixing rail includes at the level of the corresponding end portion a cross section which includes a larger transverse dimension intended to extend along the axis of elongation of the window well, upon insertion in step b), and a smaller transverse dimension intended to extend in the aforementioned direction of the spacing, upon insertion in step b), the smaller transverse dimension being less than said spacing; • said smallest transverse dimension is obtained by elastic deformation, and in particular flattening, of said end portion; • the door includes two slide fixing rails which are housed in the casing and which extend respectively along at least a part of said end portions.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a slide and at least one fixing rail, in particular for the implementation of a method as described above, said at least one fixing rail being located on the corresponding end portion of the slide which is not yet mounted in the frame of a door.

[0032] The assembly according to the invention is particularly suitable for implementing the process according to the invention but could be used in another assembly process if necessary.

[0033] The assembly according to the invention comprises one or more of the following features, which may be considered independently of each other or in combination with each other: • said at least one fixing rail is attached and fixed to the corresponding end portion of the slide, or is formed from a single piece, by example by overmolding, with the corresponding end portion of the slide; • the slide comprises an elastomer rubber or thermoplastic material, and said at least one rail comprises a material selected from a plastic material, a metallic material, or a combination of both;

[0034] — the elastomer rubber or thermoplastic material is chosen from EPDM, TPEV, TPES, etc.;

[0035] — the slide further comprises a non-elastomeric material such as a PP by example ; • said at least one rail includes fixing brackets which are integrated and one-piece with said at least one rail, or which are added and fixed to said at least one rail; • at least one of said fixing lugs is at least partly flexible or articulated; • at least one of the said fixing lugs is connected to the rest of the corresponding rail by a hinge, in particular mechanical or flexible; • at least one of said fixing lugs is movable in rotation around an axis from a deployed position to a folded position on the rest of the rail, over an angular stroke around said axis of between 50 and 250°, and preferably between 100 and 200°; • said at least one of said fixing lugs is capable of being immobilized by hooking or elastic snapping onto the rest of the rail in its folded position; • the assembly also includes a door frame comprising a lower box and an upper frame in the shape of an inverted U; • the frame comprises an upper transverse post and two lateral posts extending from the transverse post downwards to the box, the frame further comprising an elongated glass well extending between the lateral posts, and comprising a spacing measured in a direction perpendicular to its axis of elongation; • the slide and said at least one fixing rail includes at the corresponding end portion a cross section which includes a smaller cross dimension less than said spacing; • said smallest transverse dimension is obtained by elastic deformation, and in particular flattening, of said end portion; • The assembly further comprises a pane of glass that moves through said glass well between an upper position in which it closes an opening defined by the upper frame, and a lower position in which it is housed at least partly in the housing and leaves said opening free, the glass comprising a glazed wall having an outer face aligned with an outer face of at least one trim element or of a fixed glass of said assembly, this trim element extending along one of the side uprights of the frame; this alignment commonly called "flush" is well known in the automotive field and is a particularly sought-after and appreciated aesthetic aspect;

[0036] — the trim element is chosen from a door trim, a base trim middle, etc.; • the sliding mechanism includes a fixed glass module;

[0037] — the fixed window module is not necessarily in one piece with the sliding mechanism, This can be an independent part attached to the door in contact with the slide, or to the body along one of the side uprights of the frame (example: a fixed rear quarter window); • the slide forms a single, unified piece; • Each end portion of the slide includes a fixing rail. Brief description of the figures

[0038] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to the invention, comprising a slide and two fixing rails,

[0040] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic perspective view of another assembly according to the invention, comprising a slide and a fixing rail,

[0041] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a fixing rail,

[0042] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a vehicle door frame,

[0043] [Fig.5] Fig.5 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle door, at the level of a window well in the door,

[0044] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly according to the invention, and shows the transverse dimensions of this assembly.

[0045] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0046] [Fig. 8a-8b] Figures 8a and 8b are schematic cross-sectional views of an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, and demonstrate an elastic deformation and flattening capacity of this assembly,

[0047] [Fig. 9a-9b] Figures 9a and 9b are schematic cross-sectional views of an assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, and demonstrate a capacity for deformation and flattening of this assembly,

[0048] [Fig. 10a-10b] Figures 10a and 10b are schematic perspective views of an assembly according to the invention, and show a step of a process according to the invention,

[0049] [Fig. 1la-11b] Figures 1la and 11b are schematic perspective views of a door according to the invention, and show another step of the process,

[0050] [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the invention, and shows another step of the process,

[0051] [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the invention, and shows another step of the process,

[0052] [Fig. 14a-14b] Figures 14a and 14b are schematic perspective views of a door according to the invention, and show another step of the process,

[0053] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fixing rail, this rail carrying a fixing tab in the deployed position;

[0054] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a schematic perspective view of the mounting rail of [Fig. 15], with the mounting tab in the folded position; and

[0055] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is a schematic perspective view of a door according to the invention equipped with the rail of the [Fig. 15]. Detailed description of the invention

[0056] The present invention relates to two aspects. Firstly, an assembly comprising a slide and at least one fixing rail, and also a method for assembling a vehicle door comprising such an assembly.

[0057] Figures 1 to 9a-9b show features of an assembly according to the invention, and figures 10a-10b to 14a-14b show steps of a process according to the invention.

[0058] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, a vehicle door 10, in particular a motor vehicle door, comprises at least:

[0059] - a frame 12, an example of which can be seen in [Fig.4],

[0060] - a movable window 14, an example of which can be seen in [Fig. 5],

[0061] - a slide 16, two examples of which are illustrated in figures 1 and 2 respectively, And

[0062] - at least one fixing rail 18, an example of which is illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0063] The frame 12 comprises a lower box 20 and an upper frame 22 in the shape of an inverted U ([Fig.4]).

[0064] The frame 22 has an upper cross member 24 and two side members 26, 28 extending from the cross member 24 downwards and down to the box 20. The side member 26 can be a front member (located on the front side of the vehicle) and the side member 28 can be a rear member (located on the rear side of the vehicle).

[0065] The box 20 may include a solid outer wall 20a and an inner wall 20b with perforations suitable for receiving a door trim (not shown) to conceal the perforations 20c of this inner wall 20b ([Fig.4]).

[0066] The frame 12 further includes a window well 30 which extends between the side uprights 26, 28, and also between the outer wall 20a and inner wall 20b, and which is visible in figures 4 and 5. A window well 30 is an elongated space which extends between the side uprights 26, 28, i.e. here from the rear to the front, through which the window 14 moves.

[0067] The window well 30 has a longitudinal length or dimension denoted L ([Fig. 4]) and a width, or spacing, or transverse dimension denoted E (Figures 4 and 5). The length L is measured along the elongation axis of the window well 30, and its spacing E is measured in a direction perpendicular to its elongation axis.

[0068] The glass 14 is visible in [Fig.5]. It is movable through the glass well 30 between an upper position in which it closes an opening 22a defined by the upper frame 22, and a lower position in which it is housed at least partly in the box 20 and leaves the aforementioned opening 22a free.

[0069] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 14a-14b, the window 14 comprises a glazed wall having an inner face 14b and an outer face 14a. The window 14 includes at least one guide 31 parallel to a lateral edge of the window and fixed to an inner face 14b of the glazed wall. The window 14 may include two guides along two opposite lateral edges of the glazed wall, respectively front and rear.

[0070] The slide 16 is able to guide the glass 14 from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa.

[0071] The slide 1 can form a single, unified piece.

[0072] The slide 16 has a general inverted U shape as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The slide 16 has at least two lateral branches 32, 34 connected to each other by an upper transverse branch 36.

[0073] The transverse branch 36 is intended to extend along the transverse upright 24 and the lateral branches 32, 34 are intended to extend along the lateral uprights 26, 28.

[0074] Each of the lateral branches 32, 34 has a lower end portion 32a, 34a which is intended to be housed in the box 20.

[0075] Furthermore, each of the lateral branches 32, 34 has a groove 38 for guiding the glass 14. [Fig.6] shows an example of such a groove 38.

[0076] Each of the lateral branches 32, 34 can have a general U-shaped cross-section as seen in [Fig. 6]. It can then be seen that each branch 32, 34 comprises two longitudinal lateral walls 40a, 40b substantially parallel to each other and connected to each other by a median longitudinal wall 40c.

[0077] Each branch 32, 34 may include longitudinal sealing lips 42 cooperating for example with the glass 14.

[0078] Among the side walls 40a, 40b, there is one which may include or define a longitudinal groove 44 in which one of the aforementioned guides 31 of the glass 14 is intended to be housed and to slide. The guides 31 are at least partly housed in the grooves defined by the U-shaped forms of the side arms 32, 34 of the slide.

[0079] The transverse branch 36 may have in section a shape similar to that of the lateral branches 32, 34 and define a receiving groove for the glass 14 when it is in the high position.

[0080] The slide 16 may comprise a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer material. This material may be selected from EPDM, TPEV, TPES, etc. The slide 16 may further comprise a non-elastomer material such as PP, for example, optionally reinforced with a glass fiber or talc filler.

[0081] The end portions 32a, 34a of the lateral branches 32, 34 are fixed to the box 20 and in particular inside the box 20 by fixing rails 18 (figures 1 to 3 and 6).

[0082] A fixing rail 18 is generally associated with each of the end portions 32a, 34a for the purpose of securing them to the box 20 and the frame 12 of the door 10.

[0083] Each fixing rail 18 of the slide 16 is thus housed in the box 20.

[0084] Each fixing rail 18 extends along at least part of the portion end 32a, 34a which it is intended to fix, by means of fixing elements which are not shown in the first figures.

[0085] In the example shown in [Fig.3], it can be seen that a fixing rail 18 can essentially comprise two parts, namely an elongated body 18a and fixing tabs 18b, 18c projecting from the body 18a.

[0086] The body 18a may have in cross-section a general U-shaped form as can be seen in figures 3 and 6. The body 18a comprises two longitudinal lateral walls 44a, 44b substantially parallel to each other and connected to each other by a median longitudinal wall 44c.

[0087] It can be seen in [Fig. 6] that the end portion 32a or 34a of the slide 18 is mounted in the housing 45 defined by this U-shaped form of the fixing rail 18. By For example, walls 40a, 40c and 40b can be applied respectively against walls 44a, 44c and 44b or opposite walls 44a, 44c and 44b.

[0088] One of the side walls 40a, 40b may include a longitudinal groove 47 in which one or more lugs of the body 18a, and in particular of its wall 44a, are intended to be housed. The lug(s) protrude inside the housing 45.

[0089] In the example shown in [Fig.3], the mounting rail 18 comprises three tabs 18b. Two of the tabs 18b are located at a lower longitudinal end of the body 18a, and another tab 18c is located at its upper longitudinal end.

[0090] The legs 18b, 18c are connected to the body 18a and can be formed as a single piece with the body 18a. The legs 18b, 18c are then integrated and one-piece with the body 18a. Alternatively, the legs 18b, 18c could be attached to and fixed to the body 18a. It will be seen below that the legs 18b, 18c could also be flexible or articulated and connected to the body 18a by hinges.

[0091] In the example shown, legs 18b are connected to one of the lateral walls 40a, 40b of the body 18a, while leg 18c is connected to the median wall 40c of the body. The cross-section in [Fig. 6] can be considered as being through one of the legs 18b.

[0092] The legs 18b, 18c include mounting holes 46 for the aforementioned fasteners.

[0093] Each rail 18 can comprise a material selected from a plastic material, a metallic material, or a combination of both.

[0094] Figures 1 and 2 show that each fixing rail 18 can extend over a length L2 of the corresponding lateral branch 32, 34 representing between 30% and 60%, and preferably between 40% and 50%, of the length L3 of this lateral branch.

[0095] The length L2 or the length of the rail 18 is preferably such that the rail 18 does not protrude or protrudes very little above the belt line Cl of the door (see figures 13 and 14a), and is no longer visible once the assembly of all the door components is complete.

[0096] As mentioned above, the assembly of the slide 16 and the fixing rails 18 is complex, especially when the vehicle door is of the "flush" type, due to the sliding of the arms 32, 34 in the presence of the groove 47 which cooperates with the lug emanating from the wall 44a of the rail 18. This cooperation allows indexing of the guide 31 in the groove 44.

[0097] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a slide 16 and at least one fixing rail 18. The particularity of this assembly is that the fixing rail 18 is located on the corresponding end portion 32a, 34a of the slide 16 which is not yet mounted in the frame 12 of a door 10.

[0098] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], a fixing rail 18 is located on each of the branches 32, 34. A first fixing rail 18 is located on the end portion 32a of the branch 32, and another fixing rail 18 is located on the end portion 34a of the other branch 34.

[0099] In the example of [Fig.2], a fixing rail 18 is located on one of the arms 32 or 34, and in particular on its end portion 32a or 34a. The other arm 34 or 32 is without a fixing rail and can be associated with a fixing rail of the prior art, for example (which is attached to the arm after the slide has been mounted on the door frame).

[0100] In the following description, reference is made to one of the fixing rails 18, but this description applies to each of these rails 18.

[0101] Two scenarios are possible.

[0102] According to a first embodiment, the fixing rail 18 is attached and fixed to the corresponding end portion 32a, 34a of the slide 16.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the fixing rail 18 is formed in one piece, for example by overmolding, with the corresponding end portion 32a, 34a of the slide 16.

[0104] The assembly according to the invention is advantageously configured so that the lateral arms 32, 34 of the slide 16 equipped with the fixing rail(s) 18 can be mounted and inserted into the box 20 through the glass well 30. For this, the assembly according to the invention must have dimensions, in particular transverse dimensions, which permit this mounting.

[0105] As can be seen in [Fig.6], the assembly formed by the slide 16 and the fixing rail 18 includes at the corresponding end portion 32a, 34a a cross section which includes a larger transverse dimension DI intended to extend along the glass well 30 and a smaller transverse dimension D2 intended to extend transversely to the glass well 30.

[0106] The length L1 of the window well 30 is much greater than the dimension DI, therefore this dimension DI is not a limiting parameter for the assembly of the unit according to the invention. However, the dimension D2 must be less than the spacing E to allow the insertion of the arms 32, 34 with the fixing rail(s) 18 into the housing 20 through the window well 30.

[0107] Several scenarios are possible and illustrated in figures 7 to 9a-9b.

[0108] In the case of [Fig. 7], which is similar to that of [Fig. 6], the mounting rail 18 is relatively rigid and is therefore not elastically deformable or articulable. It is thus not possible to deform the rail 18 to reduce its smallest transverse dimension D2.

[0109] In the case of Figures 8a-8b, the mounting rail 18 includes an elastically deformable portion. In particular, at least one of the mounting tabs 18b, 18c is at least partially flexible. For example, at least one of the mounting tabs 18ab, 18c can be connected to the body 18a by a flexible hinge 48.

[0110] In the unconstrained state, illustrated in Figure 8a, the assembly has, at its end portion 32a, 34a, a smaller transverse dimension D2' that is greater than E. In the constrained state, illustrated in Figure 8b, the assembly has, at its end portion 32a, 34a, a smaller transverse dimension D2 that is less than E. The transition from the unconstrained state to the constrained state is achieved by elastically deforming the leg 18b, 18c or by bending it relative to the flexible hinge 48, which forms a bending axis. This deformation can be considered as flattening the corresponding leg 32, 34, that is, deforming the leg 32, 34 to give it the flattest and thinnest possible shape.

[0111] In the case of Figures 9a-9b, the mounting rail 18 includes an articulated portion. In particular, at least one of the mounting tabs 18b, 18c is articulated. For example, at least one of the mounting tabs 18ab, 18c can be connected to the body 18a by a mechanical hinge 50.

[0112] In the state illustrated in Figure 9a, the assembly has, at its end portion 32a, 34a, a smaller transverse dimension D2' which is greater than E. In the state illustrated in Figure 9b, the assembly has, at its end portion 32a, 34a, a smaller transverse dimension D2 which is less than E. The transition from one state to the other is achieved by moving the leg 18b, 18c by means of the hinge 50. This movement can be considered as a flattening of the corresponding arm 32, 34, that is to say, the modification of the arm 32, 34 to give it the flattest and thinnest possible shape.

[0113] We will now refer to figures l0a-lOb to l4a-l4b which illustrate steps in a process for assembling a vehicle door, in particular an automobile door.

[0114] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps.

[0115] First, in a first step a) illustrated in figures 10a-10b, an assembly as described above is prepared. This assembly comprises the slide 16 and the fixing rail or rails 18 located on the corresponding end portion 32a, 34a of the slide 16. As mentioned above, the rail or rails 18 can be attached and fixed to the corresponding arm 32, 34, or for example overmolded onto this arm.

[0116] Next, a second step b) is illustrated in Figures 1a-11b in which the assembly formed in step a) is mounted on the frame 12. This mounting is achieved by inserting the end portions 32a, 34a and the mounting rail(s) 18 into the box 20 through the window well 30. The assembly of these portions 32a, 34a and of the rail or each rail 18 can be carried out simultaneously or in immediate succession of one another or successively (for example approaching the whole piece but guiding branch by branch by the operator to manipulate each of the branches and its rail with both hands).

[0117] This movement can be achieved by moving the slide 16 from top to bottom. This movement can be done by pure translation or pure rotation, or by a combination of translation and rotation, for example. Figure 11b shows that this assembly is carried out by an operator, therefore manually.

[0118] As mentioned above, step b) can be carried out with or without deformation or articulation of the or each fixing rail 18.

[0119] When inserting the arms 32, 34 of the slide 16, the largest transverse dimension DI of each arm 32, 34 is intended to extend along the glass well 30, and the smallest transverse dimension D2 is intended to extend transversely with respect to the glass well 30.

[0120] The transverse arm 36 of the slide 16 is then positioned along the transverse upright 24 of the frame 22 as illustrated in [Fig. 12].

[0121] The method then includes another step c) of fixing the rail or each rail 18 to the box 20 by means of fixing elements 52 which are schematically represented by circles in [Fig. 13]. These fixing elements 52 pass through the aforementioned holes 46 of the tabs 18b, 18c and are fixed to the box 20 with a suitable tool.

[0122] In the aforementioned case where the fixing tabs 18b, 18c are flexible or deformable, these tabs can be deformed, bent or positioned to facilitate the mounting of the rail or each rail 18 through the window well 30.

[0123] In the case of figure 8b, the leg 18b, 18c is bent to reduce the transverse dimension to its smallest dimension D2.

[0124] In the case of Figure 9b, the leg 18b, 18c is articulated or moved to reduce the transverse dimension to its smallest dimension D2.

[0125] Figures 15 to 17 illustrate another variant in which at least one of the mounting tabs 18b, 18c is rotatable about an axis A from an extended position ([Fig. 15]) to a folded position (Figures 16-17) on the rest of the rail. The angular travel about the axis A can be between 50 and 250°, and preferably between 100 and 200°. For example, it is on the order of 180°.

[0126] In the example shown, the fixing bracket 18b, 18c is able to be immobilized by hooking or elastic snapping onto the rest of the rail in its folded position. For this purpose, the bracket 18b, 18c, or alternatively the rest of the rail, comprises, for example, one or more hooks 54 able to cooperate by elastic snapping with one or more recesses 56 of the rest of the rail, or alternatively of the bracket 18b, 18c. Alternatively, other means of immobilizing leg 18b, 18c in its folded position could be used.

[0127] It is therefore understood that, during step b), the fixing lug 18b, 18c is in its deployed position of [Fig. 15] so that the transverse dimension of the rail is as small as possible. During step c), the fixing lug 18b, 18c is rotated about an axis A from a deployed position to a folded position and is then immobilized on the rest of the rail by cooperation of the hooks 54 with the recesses 56.

[0128] Step c) can be carried out at least in part through the openings 20c of the inner wall 20b of the box 20.

[0129] Prior to step c), in the case where the fixing tabs 18b, 18c were detachable and therefore removable, it would be possible to bring them back and fix them to the body 18a between steps b) and c).

[0130] The method then includes another step d) of mounting the glass 14 in the frame 12, as illustrated in Figures 14a-14b. The guides 31 of the glass 14 are then at least partially housed in the grooves 38 of the lateral arms 32, 34 of the slide 16.

[0131] The door 10 may include a trim element or a fixed pane of glass, the latter being, for example, part of a fixed pane module. In the upper closed position of the opening 22a of the frame 12, the outer face 14a of the pane of glass 14 is preferably aligned (flush type) with an outer face of the trim element or the fixed pane of glass.

[0132] This trim element can extend along one of the side uprights 26, 28 of the frame 22. The trim element is chosen for example from a door trim, a center jamb trim, etc.

Claims

1. Demands Method for assembling a vehicle door (10), in particular a motor vehicle door, this door (10) comprising at least: - a frame (12) comprising a lower box (20) and an upper frame (22) in the shape of an inverted U, this frame (22) comprising an upper transverse post (24) and two lateral posts (26, 28) extending from the transverse post (24) downwards and down to the box (20), the frame (12) further comprising a glass well (30) extending between the lateral posts (26, 28), - a pane of glass (14) movable through said glass well (30) between an upper position in which it closes an opening (22a) defined by the upper frame (22), and a lower position in which it is housed at least partly in the casing (20) and leaves said opening (22a) free, - a slide (16) suitable for guiding the glass (14) from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa, the slide (16) having a general inverted U shape and comprising at least two lateral arms (32, 34) connected to each other by an upper transverse arm (36), the transverse arm (36) being intended to extend along the transverse upright (24) and the lateral arms (32, 34) being intended to extend along the lateral uprights (26, 28) and comprising lower end portions (32a, 34a) which are housed in the casing (20), each of the lateral arms (32, 34) comprising a groove for guiding the glass (14), - at least one rail (18) for fixing the slide (16) which is housed in the casing (20) and which extends respectively along at least a part of one or each of said end portions (32a, 34a), and - elements (52) for fixing said at least one rail (18) to the casing (20), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) the preparation of an assembly comprising the slide (16) and said at least one fixing rail (18) located on the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16), b) mounting said assembly onto the frame (12), by inserting the end portions (32a, 34a) and said at least one fixing rail (18) into the box (20) through said window well (30), in particular from top to bottom, and by positioning the transverse arm (36) of the slide (16) along the transverse upright (24) of the frame (22), c) the fixing of said at least one rail (18) to the box (20) by said fixing elements (52), and d) the mounting of the glass (14) in the frame (12).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein, in step a), said at least one fixing rail (18) is attached and fixed to the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16).

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein, in step a), said at least one fixing rail (18) is formed in one piece with the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side arms (32, 34) of the slide (16) comprise a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer material, and said at least one rail (18) comprises a material selected from a plastic material, a metallic material, or a combination of both.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in step c), the fasteners (52) are mounted through holes (46) in the lugs (18b, 18c) of said at least one rail (18).

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the fixing lugs (18b, 18c) are integrated and one-piece with said at least one rail (18).

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein, in step c), at least one of said fixing lugs (18b, 18c) is rotated about an axis (A) from a deployed position to a folded position on the rest of the rail (18), over an angular stroke about said axis (A) of between 50 and 250°, and preferably between 100 and 200°.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein, in step c), said at least one of said fixing lugs (18b, 18c) is immobilized by hooking or elastic snapping onto the rest of the rail (18) in its folded position.

9. Method according to claim 5, wherein the fixing tabs (18b, 18c) are attached and fixed to said at least one rail (18) in step c), before the fixing of said at least one rail (18) by the fixing elements (52).

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box (20) has a solid outer wall (20a) and an inner wall (20b) with perforations and adapted to receive a door trim to conceal perforations (20c) in this inner wall (20b), step c) being carried out at least in part through at least one of these perforations (20c).

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass (14) comprises a glazed wall and two parallel guides (31) fixed on an inner face (14b) of the glazed wall, the guides (31) being at least partly housed in the grooves of the lateral arms (32, 34) of the slide (16).

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the glazed wall of the window (14) comprises an outer face (14a), opposite the inner face (14b), and aligned with an outer face of at least one trim element or of a fixed window, this trim element extending along one of the side uprights of the frame (22).

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide (16) comprises a fixed glass module.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide (16) forms a single, unified piece.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said window well (30) has an elongated shape between said side posts (26, 28) and comprises a spacing (E) measured in a direction perpendicular to its axis of elongation, and wherein the assembly formed by the slide (16) and said at least one fixing rail (30) comprises at the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) a cross-section which includes a larger transverse dimension (D1) intended to extend along the axis of elongation of the window well (30), upon insertion in step b), and a smaller transverse dimension (D2) intended to extend in the aforementioned direction of the spacing (E), upon insertion in step b), the smaller transverse dimension (D2) being smaller than said spacing (E).

16. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said smallest transverse dimension (D2) is obtained by elastic deformation, and in particular flattening, of said end portion (32a, 34a).

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door (10) comprises two rails (18) for fixing the slide (16) which are housed in the box (22) and which extend respectively along at least a part of said end portions (32a, 34a).

18. Assembly comprising a slide (16) and at least one fixing rail (18), in particular for implementing a method according to any one of the preceding claims, said at least one fixing rail (18) being located on the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16) which is not yet mounted in the frame (12) of a door (10).

19. Assembly according to claim 18, wherein said at least one fixing rail (18) is attached and fixed to the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16), or is formed in one piece, for example by overmolding, with the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) of the slide (16).

20. Assembly according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the slide (16) comprises a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer material, and said at least one rail (18) comprises a material selected from a plastic material, a metallic material, or a combination of both.

21. Assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein said at least one rail (18) comprises fixing lugs (18b, 18c) which are integrated and monobloc with the rest of the rail (18), or which are attached and fixed to the rest of the rail (18).

22. Assembly according to claim 21, wherein at least one of said fixing lugs (18b, 18c) is at least partly flexible or articulated.

23. Assembly according to claim 21 or 22, wherein at least one of said fixing lugs (18b, 18c) is connected to the rest of the corresponding rail by a hinge, in particular mechanical (50) or flexible (48).

24. Assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein at least one of said fixing lugs (18b, 18c) is movable in rotation about an axis (A) from a deployed position to a folded position on the rest of the rail (18), over an angular stroke about said axis (A) of between 50 and 250°, and preferably between 100 and 200°.

25. Assembly according to claim 24, wherein said at least one of said fixing lugs (18b, 18c) is capable of being immobilized by hooking or elastic snapping onto the rest of the rail (18) in its folded position.

26. Assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising a door frame (12) (10) having a lower box (20) and an upper frame (22) in the shape of an inverted U, the frame (22) having an upper cross member (24) and two side members (26, 28) extending downwards from the cross member (24) to the box (20), the frame (12) further comprising an elongated glass well (30) extending between the side members (26, 28), and comprising a gap (E) measured in a direction perpendicular to its axis of elongation, the slide (16) and said at least one fixing rail (18) comprising at the corresponding end portion (32a, 34a) a cross section which includes a smaller cross dimension (D2) smaller than said gap (E).

27. ​​Assembly according to claim 26, wherein said smallest transverse dimension (D2) is obtained by elastic deformation, and in particular flattening, of said end portion (32a, 34a).

28. Assembly according to claim 26 or 27, further comprising a window (14) movable through said window well (30) between an upper position in which it closes an opening (22a) defined by the upper frame (22), and a lower position in which it is housed at least partly in the casing (20) and leaves said opening (22a) free, the window (14) comprising a glazed wall having an outer face aligned with an outer face of at least one trim element or of a fixed window of said assembly, this trim element extending along one of the side uprights (26, 28) of the frame (22).

29. Assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein the slide (16) comprises a fixed glass module.

30. Assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the slide (16) forms a single, unified piece.

31. Assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein each of the end portions (32a, 32b) of the slide comprises a fixing rail.

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