Vehicle door and vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle door (10) and a vehicle (50). The vehicle door (10) comprises: a vehicle door frame (12) in which a vehicle window opening (14) is defined; and a vehicle window glass (16), which is configured to move relative to the vehicle door frame (12) to selectively open and close the vehicle window opening (14). The vehicle window glass (16) has an inner side (18) facing the interior (19) of the vehicle (50) and an outer side (20) facing the exterior (21) of the vehicle (50). The vehicle door (10) further comprises: a sealing device (30), which is configured to seal the vehicle window glass (16) to seal off the interior (19) of the vehicle (50) from the exterior (21); and at least one sealing support device (80). The sealing device (30) is mounted to the sealing support device (80), and the sealing support device (80) is attached to the vehicle door frame (12).

Description

Doors and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to European patent application EP23188838.9 filed on August 1, 2023, entitled “Door and Vehicle”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and in particular to a vehicle door. Background Art

[0003] In today's society and economy, mobility, in particular mobility achieved by passenger vehicles, is a key aspect. For example, many people travel relatively frequently by at least one means of transport, such as commuting to work and / or for leisure reasons.

[0004] When constructing a corresponding vehicle, several aspects of the vehicle as a means of transportation play a relatively important role. For example, vehicle manufacturers generally strive to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle, for example, to reduce the operating costs of the vehicle, reduce the ecological footprint of the vehicle, and / or comply with one or more regulations (e.g., one or more energy consumption regulations).

[0005] In this regard, a vehicle's aerodynamic performance is a significant factor in its energy consumption. For example, during vehicle movement, aerodynamic drag (also known as aerodynamic resistance) is relatively high. In particular, the resistance typically increases with the vehicle's speed. Therefore, constructing a vehicle in an aerodynamically efficient manner can significantly reduce the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0006] Although improving the aerodynamic performance of vehicles has played a relatively important role over the years, several areas of a vehicle can still be further improved in terms of aerodynamics. Therefore, it is desirable to further improve the aerodynamic performance of vehicles.

[0007] Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle is also a relatively important aspect. For example, a buyer's decision to purchase a particular vehicle is often based at least in part on the vehicle's appearance. Vehicle manufacturers therefore spend considerable time designing vehicles to be aesthetically appealing to buyers. However, certain aspects of vehicle appearance have not been addressed, or at least not adequately addressed, in the prior art.

[0008] Furthermore, vehicle packaging plays a relatively important role in vehicle construction and design. Generally speaking, it is desirable to construct a vehicle with a relatively compact package, that is, to construct and arrange the vehicle's components in a space-saving manner. However, in the prior art, particularly when one or more vehicle components are constructed with a relatively strong focus on efficient aerodynamics, one or more aspects of vehicle packaging have not been addressed, or at least have not been adequately addressed.

[0009] Therefore, despite significant effort invested in developing and improving vehicles, there remains a desire and / or need for further improvements to vehicles in light of the above aspects.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve one or more aerodynamic properties of a vehicle.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to improve the appearance of the vehicle.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to improve the packaging of the vehicle.

[0014] The above objects are achieved by a door for a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention as defined by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are correspondingly defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0015] The vehicle door may include at least one door frame defining at least one window opening therein. The vehicle door may further include at least one window glass configured to move relative to the door frame to selectively open and close the window opening. At least when the window glass is in a closed position, i.e., when the window glass substantially closes the window opening, the window glass may have an interior side facing the interior of the vehicle and an exterior side facing the exterior of the vehicle. The interior side and / or the exterior side may each include one or more surfaces.

[0016] The vehicle door may further include at least one sealing device configured to at least partially seal the vehicle window glass to at least partially seal the vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior, at least when the vehicle window glass is in a fully closed position. At least when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position, the sealing device seals to prevent or at least inhibit fluids (i.e., gases and liquids) and solid matter from passing from the exterior of the vehicle through the window opening to the interior of the vehicle and from the interior of the vehicle through the window opening to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0017] The vehicle door may further comprise at least one sealing support. The sealing device may be mounted to the sealing support, and the sealing support may be attached to the door frame. In particular for economic reasons, the door frame is usually manufactured by pressing or stamping sheet metal. However, mounting the seal / sealing device directly to the door frame, for example by configuring a portion of the door frame itself, in particular an edge of the door frame, as a sealing mounting, may be disadvantageous because, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances that can be achieved by pressing or stamping sheet metal and / or due to limitations in the shape and / or size of features that can be achieved by pressing or stamping sheet metal, this may limit the construction of such a sealing mounting. This may result in the construction of the sealing mounting being relatively bulky and / or relatively inaccurate. This may limit the flexibility in the packaging construction of the vehicle, for example due to an increase in the size of the door frame and / or a reduction in the window opening and / or a reduction in the interior space of the vehicle. Furthermore, this may reduce the safety of the vehicle.

[0018] Therefore, providing a separate seal support device, i.e., a seal mount, and then attaching it to the vehicle door frame can provide greater flexibility in constructing the seal support device, as the seal support device can then be constructed independently of the type of manufacturing process used to make the vehicle door frame. In particular, the construction of the seal support device is not limited to stamping / pressing. Instead, the seal support device can be manufactured using other types of manufacturing processes that provide greater flexibility in constructing the seal support device. This can allow the seal support device to be more precisely optimized, for example in a space-saving manner, thereby improving the packaging of the vehicle door.

[0019] Preferably, the seal support device is configured as a window glass guide for guiding the window glass during movement between the closed position and the open position. Thus, the seal support device, in its function as a window glass guide, can provide a counterforce to negative pressure distributed on the exterior of the vehicle cabin, particularly during vehicle movement, to prevent or at least limit displacement of the window glass toward the exterior of the vehicle cabin.

[0020] Preferably, the seal support device comprises at least two side segments. The side segments can be arranged towards or on opposite sides of the window opening to guide the window glass on opposite sides during movement of the window glass between the closed position and the open position.

[0021] Preferably, the seal support device comprises at least one top section connecting the two side sections to each other.Thus, the seal support device can preferably provide an attachment interface for the seal device along the top and sides of the vehicle window in an uninterrupted manner.

[0022] Preferably, the seal support device is attached to the door frame in a non-integral manner.

[0023] Preferably, the seal support device:

[0024] Made of a different material and / or by a different type of manufacturing process than the door frame, preferably by a type of manufacturing process other than stamping; and / or

[0025] Made of non-metallic sheet material.

[0026] Preferably, the seal support means extends along the sides and top of the vehicle window glass when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position.

[0027] Preferably, the seal support device extends beyond the lower edge of the vehicle window opening. This can extend the length and / or surface of the seal support device along which the vehicle window pane can extend and / or be guided. This can increase the stability and / or resistance of the vehicle window pane against external forces, in particular aerodynamic forces, such as negative pressure distributed over the exterior of the vehicle cabin, in particular during vehicle movement.

[0028] Preferably, the seal support means is removably attached to the door frame.

[0029] Preferably, at least one of the seal support device and the sealing device includes at least one receiving opening, and the other of the seal support device and the sealing device includes an engagement portion configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening to secure the sealing device to the seal support device. This can provide a relatively simple and effective way to fixedly connect the seal support device to the sealing device.

[0030] Preferably, the receiving opening extends along a receiving opening plane into the seal support device and / or the sealing device, respectively, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window pane.

[0031] Preferably, at least one of the seal support and the sealing device extends at least partially into at least a portion of the other of the seal support and the sealing device in a direction lying in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass.

[0032] Preferably, the seal support device is arranged at an edge of the door frame.

[0033] Preferably, the seal support device is attached to an inner surface of the door frame facing away from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one seal support device is configured to reinforce the door frame.

[0035] Preferably, the sealing device is constructed as an integral and / or monolithic unit.

[0036] At least when the window glass is in the fully closed position, the entire sealing device can be arranged fully on the inner side of the window glass. In other words, the car door can be configured so that when the window glass is in the fully closed position, the sealing device or any sealing element does not have a part arranged on the outer side.

[0037] In other words, the vehicle door is configured so that when the window glass is in the fully closed position, the sealing device does not extend beyond the outer surface of the window glass towards the outside of the vehicle. Preferably, when the window glass is in the fully closed position, the sealing device ends at a distance from the outer surface of the window glass.

[0038] The “inside side” of the window pane may comprise at least one inner surface of the window pane, and optionally the side of the window pane (if present), wherein the at least one inner surface of the window pane faces and / or at least partially delimits the cabin of the vehicle, and the side of the window pane connects the inner surface of the window pane with an outer surface or exterior surface of the window pane, wherein at least when the window pane is in the fully closed position, the outer surface or exterior surface faces the outside of the vehicle, i.e. the environment. Thus, the door may be free of sealing means or any sealing element along the entire outer surface or exterior surface of the window pane. Preferably, the side of the window pane (if present) is also free of sealing means or any sealing element, for example because the sealing effect along the inner surface of the window pane achieved by the sealing means may be sufficient.

[0039] The sealing device can be configured to seal the window glass, for example, substantially around the entire periphery of the window glass or along one or more portions of the periphery. For example, the sealing device can be interrupted in sealing the window glass along one or more portions of the window glass, at least when the window glass is in the fully closed position.

[0040] The sealing device may be configured such that the window glass at least partially contacts the sealing device at least when the window glass is in the fully closed position. Thus, configuring the sealing device such that the entire sealing device is completely disposed on the interior side of the window glass at least when the window glass is in the fully closed position may mean that the window glass at least partially contacts the sealing device only along the interior side of the window glass. In other words, the vehicle door may be configured such that the exterior side of the window glass does not contact the sealing device at all.

[0041] However, when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position, the sealing device can be at least partially arranged so that there is a (relatively small) distance between the sealing device and the vehicle window glass, for example, less than 1 mm. In fact, contact between the sealing device and the vehicle window glass is not necessarily required to provide a sealing effect between the sealing device and the vehicle window glass. When the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position, even if there is at least partially a (relatively small) gap between the sealing device and the vehicle window glass, such as the inner surface and / or side of the vehicle window glass, the sealing device can prevent or at least inhibit fluids (i.e., gases and liquids) and solid matter from the exterior of the vehicle through the window opening to the interior of the vehicle, and from the interior of the vehicle through the window opening to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0042] In contrast to the present invention, when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position, at least a portion of the corresponding sealing member provided in the prior art is arranged along the exterior of the corresponding vehicle window, for example, to seal and / or support the outer surface of the corresponding vehicle window. Therefore, in the prior art, the interface between the corresponding sealing member and the corresponding vehicle window glass (i.e., at the transition from the corresponding sealing member to the corresponding vehicle window glass and / or from the corresponding vehicle window glass to the corresponding sealing member) on the exterior of the vehicle, for example, on the exterior side of the corresponding vehicle window glass, may increase aerodynamic resistance to the vehicle door, for example, by causing one or more interruptions in the airflow. This may increase the vehicle's energy consumption and / or may negatively impact one or more driving characteristics of the vehicle, such as stability during driving.

[0043] Therefore, according to the present invention, the vehicle door is configured such that the entire sealing device is completely arranged on the inner side of the vehicle window pane, at least when the vehicle window pane is in the fully closed position, and thus substantially eliminates a joint surface on the exterior of the vehicle, in particular on the outer side of the respective vehicle window pane, between the respective sealing device and the respective vehicle window pane (i.e., at the transition from the respective sealing device to the respective vehicle window pane and / or from the respective vehicle window pane to the respective sealing device). This can improve one or more aerodynamic properties of the vehicle door, for example, which can reduce the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0044] The material of making vehicle window glass can be selected from various materials.For example, vehicle window glass can be made of glass and / or one or more plastic materials at least in part.Preferably, vehicle window glass is at least partially transparent and / or at least partially translucent.

[0045] The window glass may be a single integrally formed component. Alternatively, the window glass may comprise a plurality of window glass components which may or may not be connected to each other.

[0046] The sealing device may be constructed as a single integral element. Alternatively, the sealing device may comprise a plurality of sealing elements, which may be at least partially connected to each other. One or more of the sealing elements may not be connected.

[0047] The sealing means may be made of a relatively soft and / or flexible material, such as rubber or silicone.

[0048] The door frame can be constructed as a single, integral component. Alternatively, the door frame can include multiple components that can be at least partially interconnected. For example, the door frame can include multiple panels. When the vehicle is fully assembled, the door frame can at least partially define an exterior surface of the vehicle, such as an outer skin. The door frame can be at least partially formed from sheet metal.

[0049] The door frame may comprise, for example, one or more hollow spaces for at least partially accommodating one or more components, which may for example comprise one or more components relevant to the present invention, such as at least a portion of a guide element as will be described further below.

[0050] The door may be configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle, preferably hingedly coupled via one or more hinges.

[0051] At least one window moving mechanism may be provided for moving the window glass relative to the door frame to selectively open and close the window opening. For example, the window moving mechanism may be operated by a user, for example, manually, such as by a window crank, and / or electrically, such as by operating one or more operating elements, such as one or more buttons or sliders, which, when operated by the user, generate one or more electrical signals for moving the window glass.

[0052] Although the present invention is described primarily based on a vehicle door, the present invention can be implemented in any vehicle component that can include a window opening and a window glass for closing the window opening. For example, the present invention can be implemented in a trunk lid of a vehicle.

[0053] The vehicle may be any type of vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and / or commercial vehicle configured to transport one or more persons, such as a car, bus, etc. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a rail vehicle, such as a train or a railway wagon.

[0054] The vehicle door may further include at least one guide element configured to guide the vehicle window glass during movement between the closed position and the open position. For example, the guide element may provide support for the vehicle window glass during movement between the closed position and the open position and / or when the vehicle window glass is stationary, such as in the closed position, the open position, and / or between the closed and open positions.

[0055] The guide element may be arranged on the interior side of the vehicle window pane. In other words, the vehicle door is configured such that, at least when the vehicle window pane is in the fully closed position, the guide element does not extend beyond the outer surface of the vehicle window pane toward the exterior of the vehicle. Preferably, at least when the vehicle window pane is in the fully closed position, the guide element terminates at a distance from the outer surface of the vehicle window pane.

[0056] In most prior art, the window pane is at least partially received and / or guided within at least a portion of a corresponding sealing device. In other words, in known prior art solutions, at least a portion of the sealing device is arranged on the exterior side of the window pane. In contrast, the present invention does not rely on a sealing device for guiding the window pane on the exterior side of the window pane. This allows the guiding element to be positioned in a location that does not adversely affect the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle door, for example in one or more sections of the vehicle door that are substantially shielded from external airflow, or at least reduces the adverse effect of the guiding element on the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle door. For example, the guiding element may be arranged on the interior side of the vehicle window pane, for example along one or more sections of the door frame that define the window opening, i.e., along one or more edges of the vehicle window pane. Alternatively or additionally, the guiding element may be arranged at a greater distance from the window opening, for example below the window opening, for example within at least one cavity of the door frame.

[0057] Preferably, the guide element extends along at least a portion of a lateral edge of the window opening, preferably on the inner side of the window pane, and extends beyond a bottom edge of the window opening.

[0058] The guide member may be attached to at least a portion of the door frame. The guide member may provide the primary or sole support for the window glass, for example, against one or more forces (e.g., caused by airflow over the exterior of the vehicle). The guide member may also provide for securing the window, for example, to prevent vibration of the window glass.

[0059] The guiding element may be at least partially transparent, for example to make the guiding element less noticeable, in particular if the guiding element is in view.

[0060] The vehicle door may further include at least two guide elements, for example, at least two of the at least one guide element described above. The guide elements may be identical or at least similar. Alternatively, the guide elements may be differently configured. The guide elements may be arranged toward or on opposite sides of the window opening and / or the window glass to guide the window glass on opposite sides of the window glass during movement between the closed position and the open position.

[0061] The guide element can be attached to the door frame in a non-integral manner. This provides greater flexibility in the construction and / or manufacturing of the guide element. Thus, the guide element can be manufactured as a separate component, for example, rather than from a stamped sheet metal component such as the door frame. For example, the guide element can be attached to the door frame using a friction connection, a form-locking fastening (positive connection), and / or a material bond, such as glue.

[0062] The vehicle door may further include at least one secondary guide element configured to interact with a corresponding guide element to guide the vehicle window glass during movement between the open position and the closed position. One of the guide element and the secondary guide element may be attached to, and preferably fixedly attached to, the vehicle door frame or the vehicle window glass, while the other of the guide element and the secondary guide element may be attached to, and preferably fixedly attached to, the other of the door frame and the vehicle window glass. Preferably, the guide element may be attached to, and preferably fixedly attached to, the vehicle door frame, while the secondary guide element may be attached to, and preferably fixedly attached to, the vehicle window glass.

[0063] At least one of the guide element and the secondary guide element may include at least one channel configured to at least partially receive the other of the guide element and the secondary guide element to guide the window glass during movement between the open position and the closed position. Thus, the channel may provide a guiding means for guiding the window glass during movement between the open position and the closed position.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the edge of the window pane may be at least partially received and guided in the guide element during movement of the window pane between the open and closed positions. This configuration may replace the secondary guide element with a device for engaging with the guide element, or may supplement the secondary guide element, for example, by providing further guidance of the window pane.

[0065] The secondary guide element can be fixed to and / or integrated in the vehicle window glass, preferably, fixed to and / or integrated on the surface of the vehicle window glass facing the interior of the vehicle, such as the interior surface of the vehicle cabin. The connection between the secondary guide element and the vehicle window glass can be a friction connection, a form-locking fixation (positive connection) and / or a material bond such as glue. For example, one or more mechanical connectors such as screws and rivets can be provided to connect the secondary guide element to the vehicle window glass and preferably fix it to the vehicle window glass. The term "integrated", i.e. the secondary guide element can be integrated in the vehicle window glass, means that the secondary guide element can be formed integrally with the vehicle window glass.

[0066] The secondary guide element may be at least partially transparent, for example so that the secondary guide element is less noticeable, in particular if it is in view.

[0067] The vehicle door may further comprise at least one sealing mounting. The sealing mounting may be configured such that at least a portion of the sealing arrangement can be fastened to the sealing mounting. In other words, at least a portion of the sealing mounting may provide support and / or fixation for the sealing arrangement. The sealing mounting may be attached to and preferably fixedly attached to at least a portion of the vehicle door frame. Alternatively, the sealing mounting may be formed integrally with the vehicle door frame, for example, the sealing mounting may be part of the vehicle door frame. For example, the sealing mounting may be provided along one or more sections of at least one edge of the vehicle door frame. The sealing arrangement may be removably fastened to at least a portion of the sealing mounting, for example to enable replacement of the sealing arrangement.

[0068] The seal mount may include a single mounting section for securing the seal, or may include a plurality of mounting sections that may be connected to each other, unconnected, spaced apart, etc.

[0069] At least one of the seal mount and the sealing device may include at least one receiving opening, and the other of the seal mount and the sealing device may include an engaging portion configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening to secure the sealing device to the seal mount. This may provide for secure attachment of the sealing device to the seal mount along the receiving opening and the engaging portion. For example, the engaging portion and the receiving opening may be securely connected to each other by friction connection, form-locking fixation (positive connection) and / or material bonding, such as by glue.

[0070] The receiving opening can extend into the sealing mount and / or the sealing device accordingly along a receiving opening plane, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass. Preferably, the receiving opening can extend into the sealing mount and / or the sealing device accordingly along a receiving opening plane, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the vehicle window glass and / or the inner surface of the vehicle window glass, wherein at least when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position, the outer surface faces the outside of the vehicle, i.e. the environment, and the inner surface faces and / or at least partially defines the interior of the vehicle, such as the cabin. This construction, in particular with regard to the above-mentioned orientation of the receiving opening, can reduce the space required for the attachment of the sealing mount to the sealing device, which can provide a relatively compact structure, for example compared to a receiving opening that extends, for example, perpendicular to the vehicle window glass. This can provide greater flexibility in the packaging construction of the vehicle, for example to achieve a more compact packaging.

[0071] At least one of the seal mount and the sealing device may extend at least partially into at least a portion of the other of the seal mount and the sealing device in a direction lying in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass. Preferably, the extension plane may extend substantially parallel to an outer surface of the vehicle window glass and / or an inner surface of the vehicle window glass, wherein, at least when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position, the outer surface faces the exterior of the vehicle, i.e., the environment, and the inner surface faces and / or at least partially defines the interior of the vehicle, such as the vehicle cabin. This may provide a relatively compact structure.

[0072] The sealing mount may be arranged at one or more sections of at least one edge of the vehicle door frame.Preferably, the sealing mount may be formed by one or more sections of at least one edge of the vehicle door frame.

[0073] The seal mount may be integrally constructed with at least a portion of the door frame.

[0074] At least one of the seal mount and the sealing arrangement may include at least one attachment section configured to at least partially engage the other of the seal mount and the sealing arrangement.

[0075] The attachment section may comprise a first section and a second section and optionally also a third section. Preferably, the sealing mount comprises said attachment section. As described above, the sealing mount may be formed integrally with the door frame, for example, the sealing mount may be part of the door frame. For example, the sealing mount may be arranged along one or more sections of at least one edge of the door frame. Thus, the first section, the second section and, if present, the third section of the attachment section may be part of the door frame, for example at least one section of an edge of the door frame. The second section may interconnect the first section and the third section. The first section may be configured to engage with the sealing device, preferably fixedly, for example wherein at least a portion of the first section can be received in at least one section of the sealing device and / or at least one section of the sealing device can be received in at least a portion of the first section.

[0076] The first section may be a free end portion of the door frame.The second section and optionally the third section, if present, may connect the first section to one or more other sections of the door frame.

[0077] The first, second and / or third sections may be angled relative to each other, i.e. at an angle greater than 0°. This may provide a relatively simple structure for providing the attachment section, for example by bending the edge of the door frame at a corresponding angle. Furthermore, this may allow the orientation of the engagement between the sealing device and the sealing mount to be changed, for example to reduce the space required for attachment of the sealing device to the sealing mount, thereby providing a relatively compact structure. The second section may be angled relative to the first section at a angle of from 45° to 135°, preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, most preferably at substantially 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the third section may be angled relative to the second section at a angle of from 45° to 135°, preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, most preferably at substantially 90°.

[0078] The first segment, and optionally the third segment, may extend substantially parallel to at least a portion of the window pane. Preferably, the first segment, and optionally the third segment, may extend substantially parallel to an outer surface of the window pane and / or an inner surface of the window pane, wherein, at least when the window pane is in the fully closed position, the outer surface faces the exterior of the vehicle, i.e., the surroundings, and the inner surface faces and / or at least partially defines the interior of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment. Thus, the angle between the first segment and the second segment may depend on the orientation of the window pane, for example, its tilt or inclination. Thus, the angle between the first segment and the second segment may be within a range close to, but not exactly, 90°. For example, the angle between the first segment and the second segment may be within a range from 70° to 89°, or from 91° to 110°.

[0079] The first segment, and if provided, the third segment, may extend substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the angle between the first segment and the second segment, and the angle between the second segment and the third segment, are substantially the same, or at least within 30°, preferably within 20°. Alternatively or additionally, the angle between the first segment and the second segment, and the angle between the second segment and the third segment, may be positive or negative.

[0080] At least one section of the seal mount and at least one section of the sealing device may each be configured as a generally U-shaped section, with these generally U-shaped sections configured to be interconnected to secure the sealing device to the seal mount. This can provide a relatively compact structure. Preferably, as described above, the seal mount is integrally formed with the door frame, and the U-shaped section is provided at or by an edge of the door frame.

[0081] The (mutual) connection between the seal mount and the sealing device can be a friction connection, a form-locking fixation (positive connection) and / or a material or adhesive connection, for example by means of an adhesive such as glue.

[0082] When multiple guide elements are provided, they can be interconnected by at least one interconnecting element, preferably extending along a peripheral section of the door frame. This can provide greater stability for the guide elements. The interconnecting elements can also increase the stability of the door frame, for example by strengthening it, for example by providing greater resistance to forces. The peripheral section can at least partially define the upper edge of the window opening.

[0083] The interconnecting element may be configured such that at least a portion of the sealing arrangement can be fastened to the interconnecting element.For example, a portion of the seal mounting may be provided by the interconnecting element.

[0084] The vehicle door may further include at least one reinforcement structure connected to the vehicle door frame.The at least one reinforcement structure may be configured to at least partially reinforce the vehicle door frame.

[0085] The vehicle door can be configured such that, when the window glass is in a fully closed position, the outer peripheral edge (preferably the entire outer peripheral edge) of the outer surface of the window glass, which faces the exterior of the window glass, is substantially flush with the outer surface of the door frame, which faces the exterior of the vehicle. When the vehicle is fully assembled, the outer surface of the door frame can be the outer skin of the vehicle. This can provide a relatively smooth transition from the outer surface of the window glass to the outer surface of the door frame, thereby improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle door.

[0086] The invention also relates to a mounting assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.The features, embodiments and advantages described above with respect to the vehicle door therefore apply to the mounting assembly.

[0087] The mounting assembly can be configured to mount at least one window glass to at least one door frame of a vehicle door, wherein the door frame defines at least one window opening therein and the window glass is configured to move relative to the door frame to selectively open and close the window opening.

[0088] The mounting assembly may include at least one sealing device configured to at least partially seal the vehicle window glass to at least partially seal the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle when the vehicle window glass is mounted to the door frame and at least when the vehicle window glass is in a fully closed position.

[0089] The mounting assembly may include at least one seal support device. The seal device is mountable to the seal support device, and the seal support device is attachable to the vehicle door frame.

[0090] When the window pane is in the completely closed state, the entire sealing device can be arranged completely on the inner side of the window pane facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0091] The invention also relates to a vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention.The features, embodiments and advantages described above with respect to the vehicle door therefore apply to this vehicle.

[0092] The vehicle may include: at least one compartment configured to accommodate at least one object, such as at least one person; at least one compartment opening connecting the compartment to the vehicle's environment; and at least one door according to any embodiment described herein. The door may be configured to selectively open and close the compartment opening.

[0093] The vehicle may optionally include at least one drive device configured to drive the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive device.

[0094] The following series of aspects provide alternative and / or further features of the invention:

[0095] 1. A vehicle component for a vehicle, preferably a vehicle door, comprising:

[0096] at least one frame member, preferably a door frame, the at least one frame member defining at least one window opening therein;

[0097] at least one window glass, preferably configured to move relative to the frame member to selectively open and close the window opening, wherein the window glass has an interior side and an exterior side, wherein preferably when the window glass is in the closed position, the interior side faces an interior of the vehicle and the exterior side faces an exterior of the vehicle; and

[0098] at least one sealing device configured to at least partially seal the vehicle window glass to at least partially seal the vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior, preferably at least when the vehicle window glass is in a fully closed position;

[0099] Preferably therein, the vehicle component further comprises at least one seal support device, wherein the sealing device is mounted to the seal support device, and wherein the seal support device is attached to the frame component.

[0100] 2. A vehicle component according to aspect 1, wherein, at least when the window glass is in the fully closed position, there is no sealing device on the outer side of the window, and / or at least when the window glass is in the fully closed position, the entire sealing device is completely arranged on the inner side of the window glass.

[0101] 3. The vehicle component according to aspect 1 or 2, further comprising at least one guide element configured to guide the window glass during movement of the window glass between the closed position and the open position.

[0102] 4. A vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the component comprises at least two guiding elements, wherein the guiding elements are arranged towards or on opposite sides of the window opening to guide the window glass on opposite sides of the window glass during movement of the window glass between the closed position and the open position.

[0103] 5. The vehicle component according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein the guide element is attached to the frame component in a non-integral manner.

[0104] 6. The vehicle component according to any one of aspects 3 to 5 further comprises at least one secondary guide element configured to interact with a corresponding guide element to guide the window glass during movement between the open position and the closed position.

[0105] 7. A vehicle component according to aspect 6, wherein at least one of the guiding element and the secondary guiding element includes at least one channel, and the at least one channel is configured to at least partially receive the other of the guiding element and the secondary guiding element to guide the window glass during movement of the window glass between the open position and the closed position.

[0106] 8. Vehicle component according to aspect 6 or 7, wherein the secondary guide element is fixed to and / or integrated in the vehicle window pane, preferably to an inner surface of the vehicle window pane facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0107] 9. The vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one seal mount configured such that at least a portion of the sealing arrangement can be fastened to the seal mount.

[0108] 10. A vehicle component according to aspect 9, wherein at least one of the sealing mount and the sealing device includes at least one receiving opening, and the other of the sealing mount and the sealing device includes an engaging portion configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening to secure the sealing device to the sealing mount.

[0109] 11. The vehicle component of aspect 10, wherein the receiving opening extends into the seal mount and / or the sealing device, respectively, along a receiving opening plane, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass.

[0110] 12. A vehicle component according to any one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein at least one of the sealing mount and the sealing device extends at least partially into at least a portion of the other of the sealing mount and the sealing device in a direction located in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass.

[0111] 13. A vehicle component according to any one of aspects 9 to 12, wherein the seal mount is arranged at an edge of the frame component.

[0112] 14. A vehicle component according to any one of aspects 9 to 13, wherein the seal mount is integrally constructed with at least a portion of the frame component.

[0113] 15. A vehicle component according to any one of aspects 9 to 14, wherein at least one of the sealing mount and the sealing device includes at least one attachment section, which is configured to at least partially engage with the other of the sealing mount and the sealing device, wherein the attachment section includes a first section and a second section, and optionally also includes a third section, wherein the first section, the second section and / or the third section are at an angle greater than 0° relative to each other, wherein preferably, the second section connects the first section to the third section, wherein preferably, the second section is at an angle of from 45° to 135°, preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, most preferably substantially 90° relative to the first section, wherein preferably, the third section is at an angle of from 45° to 135°, preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, relative to the second section.

[0114] 16. A vehicle component according to any one of aspects 9 to 15, wherein at least a portion of the seal mount and at least a portion of the sealing device are each constructed as generally U-shaped sections, and the generally U-shaped sections are configured to be interconnected to secure the sealing device to the seal mount.

[0115] 17. Vehicle component according to any of aspects 4 to 16, wherein the guide elements are interconnected by at least one interconnecting element, the at least one interconnecting element preferably extending along an upper peripheral section of the frame component.

[0116] 18. The vehicle component of aspect 17, wherein the interconnecting element is configured such that at least a portion of the sealing arrangement can be fastened to the interconnecting element.

[0117] 19. The vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one reinforcement structure connected to the frame component and configured to at least partially reinforce the frame component.

[0118] 20. A vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the vehicle component is configured so that when the window glass is in a fully closed state, the peripheral edge, preferably the entire peripheral edge, of the outer surface of the window glass facing the outer side of the window glass is substantially flush with the outer surface of the frame component facing the outside of the vehicle.

[0119] 21. The vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support device is configured as a window glass guide for guiding the window glass during movement of the window glass between the closed position and the open position.

[0120] 22. A vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sealing support device includes at least two side segments, wherein the side segments are arranged toward or on opposite sides of the window opening to guide the window glass on opposite sides of the window glass during movement of the window glass between the closed position and the open position.

[0121] 23. The vehicle component according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support device comprises at least one top section connecting the two side sections to each other.

[0122] 24. The vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support device is attached to the frame component in a non-integral manner.

[0123] 25. The vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support device:

[0124] Made of a different material than the frame components and / or made by a different type of manufacturing process than the frame components, preferably by a type of manufacturing process other than stamping; and / or

[0125] Made of non-metallic sheet material.

[0126] 26. A vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support means extends along the sides and top of the window glass when the window glass is in the fully closed position.

[0127] 27. A vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support means extends beyond a lower edge of the window opening.

[0128] 28. The vehicle component of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support device is removably attached to the frame component.

[0129] 29. A vehicle component according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one of the sealing support device and the sealing device includes at least one receiving opening, and the other of the sealing support device and the sealing device includes a joining portion configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening to secure the sealing device to the sealing support device.

[0130] 30. The vehicle component of aspect 29, wherein the receiving opening extends into the seal support device and / or the sealing device, respectively, along a receiving opening plane, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass.

[0131] 31. A vehicle component according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one of the sealing support device and the sealing device extends at least partially into at least a portion of the other of the sealing support device and the sealing device in a direction located in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass.

[0132] 32. The vehicle component according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support means is arranged at an edge of the frame component.

[0133] 33. The vehicle component according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the seal support device is attached to an inner surface of the frame component facing away from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0134] 34. A vehicle component according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the sealing device is constructed as an integral and / or monolithic unit, wherein preferably, the entire sealing device is completely arranged on the inner side of the vehicle window glass, at least when the vehicle window glass is in the fully closed position.

[0135] 35. The vehicle component according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one seal support device is configured to reinforce the frame component.

[0136] 36. A mounting assembly configured to mount at least one window glass to at least one frame member of a vehicle component, preferably a vehicle door, preferably at least one door frame, the frame member defining at least one window opening therein, and the window glass configured to move relative to the frame member to selectively open and close the window opening, wherein the mounting assembly comprises:

[0137] at least one sealing device configured to at least partially seal the window glass to at least partially seal the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle when the window glass is mounted to the frame member and at least when the window glass is in a fully closed state;

[0138] wherein preferably, the mounting assembly comprises at least one seal support device, wherein the sealing device is mountable to the seal support device, and the seal support device is attachable to the frame member;

[0139] Optionally, when the vehicle window pane is in the completely closed state, the entire sealing device is completely arranged on the inner side of the vehicle window pane facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0140] 37. A vehicle comprising: at least one drive device configured to drive the vehicle; at least one compartment configured to accommodate at least one object, preferably at least one person; at least one compartment opening connecting the compartment to the vehicle's environment; and at least one vehicle component according to any one of aspects 1 to 35, preferably at least one door, wherein the vehicle component is configured to selectively open and close the compartment opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0141] Embodiments of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and, therefore, may not show all details of the system and its components. In particular, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the dimensions shown are illustrative only and may vary. The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims and is intended to include equivalents of the appended claims.

[0142] FIG1 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle door according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0143] FIG2 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle door according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0144] FIG3 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle door according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0145] FIG4 shows a schematic side view of a portion of a vehicle comprising a door according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0146] FIG5 shows a schematic side view of a portion of a vehicle comprising a door according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0147] FIG6 shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle door according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0148] FIG7 shows a schematic perspective view of the vehicle door of FIG6;

[0149] FIG8 shows the vehicle door of FIG6 and FIG7 in a schematic cross-sectional view;

[0150] FIG9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle door of FIG6 to FIG8;

[0151] FIG. 10 shows the vehicle door of FIGS. 6 to 9 in a schematic sectional view. Specific embodiments

[0152] 1 to 3 show exemplary configurations of vehicle doors, which are for illustration purposes only. The configurations shown in FIG1 to 3 are not embodiments of the present invention.

[0153] 1 shows a door 10 for a vehicle in a schematic top view. The door 10 may include at least one door frame 12 that may define at least one window opening 14 therein.

[0154] The vehicle door 10 may further include at least one window pane 16 configured to move relative to the door frame 12 to selectively open and close the window opening 14. Only a portion of the door frame 12 is schematically depicted in FIG1 . The door frame 12 may represent the primary structure of the vehicle door 10 and may include or define an exterior skin or outer cladding of the vehicle when the vehicle is fully assembled.

[0155] The window glass 16 can have an interior side 18 facing an interior 19 of the vehicle, and an exterior side 20. The exterior side 20 can face an exterior 21 of the vehicle when the window glass 16 is in the closed position.

[0156] The interior side 18 of the window glass 16 may include at least one interior surface 22 of the window glass 16 that faces and / or at least partially defines a vehicle cabin. The exterior side 20 of the window glass 16 may include at least one exterior surface 24 of the window glass 16. The window glass 16 may include at least one side portion 26 (e.g., a peripheral edge) that connects the interior surface 22 of the window glass 16 to the exterior surface 24 of the window glass 16.

[0157] The vehicle door 10 may further include at least one sealing device 30 configured to at least partially seal the vehicle window glass 16 to at least partially seal the vehicle interior from the vehicle exterior at least when the vehicle window glass 16 is in the fully closed position.

[0158] The entire sealing device 30 may be disposed completely on the interior side 18 of the window pane 16 , at least when the window pane 16 is in the fully closed position.

[0159] Thus, the vehicle door 10, and more specifically the window glass 16, can be free of the seal 30 or any seal along the entire exterior surface 24 of the window glass 16. This can eliminate the interface between the seal 30 and the window glass 16 on the exterior side of the vehicle, particularly on the exterior side of the window glass 16, and can provide a flush transition between the window glass 16 and the vehicle's outer skin (e.g., the exterior surface of the door frame 12). This can improve one or more aerodynamic properties of the vehicle door, thereby reducing the vehicle's energy consumption. Furthermore, the vehicle's aesthetic appeal can be enhanced, for example, by providing a smoother and more seamless exterior of the vehicle.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 1 , the side portion 26 of the window pane 16 , if present, may also be devoid of the seal 30 or any seal at all, for example because the sealing effect achieved by the seal 30 along the inner surface 22 of the window pane 16 may be sufficient.

[0161] The vehicle door 10 may further include at least one seal mount 32 configured such that at least a portion of the sealing device 30 can be secured to the seal mount 32. Various configurations and features of the seal mount 32 are shown in Figures 4 and 5 and are described in greater detail further below.

[0162] FIG2 shows a schematic top view of a similar configuration to the vehicle door 10 shown in FIG1 . Compared to the vehicle door 10 shown in FIG1 , the sealing device 30 of the vehicle door 10 according to the embodiment of FIG2 extends at least partially along the side portion 26 of the vehicle window pane 16 . The side portion 26 can be considered as part of the interior side 18 of the vehicle window pane 16 , particularly because the side portion 26 also does not face the exterior 21 of the vehicle, i.e., like the interior surface 22 of the vehicle window pane 16 . In this configuration, the vehicle door 10 , and more specifically the vehicle window pane 16 , is also free of the sealing device 30 or any sealing device along the entire exterior surface 24 of the vehicle window pane 16 .

[0163] However, the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be disadvantageous because, particularly during vehicle movement, negative pressure may be distributed on the exterior of the vehicle's cabin. This may exert a force on the window glass 16 toward the exterior of the vehicle's cabin, which may cause the window glass 16 to move and / or shift toward the exterior of the vehicle's cabin.

[0164] FIG3 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle door 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG3 , the vehicle door 10 may further include at least one guide element 34 configured to guide the window glass 16 during movement between the closed and open positions. The guide element 34 may, for example, be integrally integrated into the door frame 12 or, as shown in FIG3 , into the sealing device 30. In the configuration of FIG3 , the sealing device 30 / guide element 34 may include at least one channel 38. The vehicle door 10 may further include at least one secondary guide element 42 configured to be at least partially slidably received within the channel 38 to guide the window glass 16 during movement between the open and closed positions. As shown in FIG3 , the secondary guide element 42 may include an enlarged end section 42 to prevent the secondary guide element 42 from accidentally disengaging from the channel 38.

[0165] 3 , the vehicle door 10 may include at least two guide elements 34 and at least two corresponding secondary guide elements 42. The guide elements 34 and the secondary guide elements 42 may be spaced apart from each other, for example, toward or located on opposite sides of the window opening 14 and / or the window glass 16.

[0166] 3 can slidably hold the window glass 16. However, the configuration shown in FIG3 may result in a bulky structure, which may require a relatively large amount of space.

[0167] FIG4 and FIG5 illustrate a portion of a vehicle 50 including a vehicle door 10 (e.g., the vehicle door 10 according to any of FIG1 to FIG3 ) in schematic side views. The vehicle 50 may include at least one structural member 51, such as a portion of the roof of the vehicle 50 adjacent to the vehicle door 10. The structural member 51 may be mounted or supported by a mounting element 52. The mounting element 52 may also provide a stop for the door frame 12. Furthermore, the vehicle 50 may include at least one engaging element 53 disposed between the structural member 51 and the vehicle door 10 (e.g., the vehicle door frame 12). The engaging element 53 may be attached to the structural member 51 and engage with the vehicle door 10 (e.g., the vehicle door frame 12) when the vehicle door 10 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the engaging element 53 may be attached to the vehicle door 10 (e.g., the vehicle door frame 12) and engage with the structural member 51 when the vehicle door 10 is in the closed position. The joining element 53 may provide a sealing effect between the vehicle door 10 (eg, the door frame 12 ) and the structural member 51 .

[0168] The vehicle may include at least one compartment (i.e., interior 19 of the vehicle 50) configured to accommodate at least one object (preferably, at least one person) and at least one compartment opening 54 connecting the compartment / interior 19 of the vehicle 50 with the exterior / environment 21. The vehicle door 10 may be configured to selectively open and close the compartment opening 54.

[0169] The door frame 12 of the vehicle door 10 may include a first door frame component 12A and at least one second door frame component 12B. The door frame components 12A and 12B may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the door frame components 12A and 12B may be separate components that are connected to each other using known connection methods (e.g., welding, bonding, bending, rivets, etc.). The door frame 12 (more specifically, the door frame components 12A and 12B) may be made of sheet metal formed by stamping or pressing.

[0170] 4 , the seal mount 32 can be integrally formed with the door frame 12; for example, the seal mount 32 can be a portion of the door frame 12. For example, as shown in FIG4 , the seal mount 32 can be disposed along one or more sections of at least one edge 60 of the door frame 12.

[0171] The sealing arrangement 30 may include at least one receiving opening 64 , and the seal mount 32 may include an engagement portion (eg, edge 60 ) configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening 64 to secure the sealing arrangement 30 to the seal mount 32 .

[0172] The receiving opening 64 may extend into the sealing device 30 along a receiving opening plane that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the window glass 16 , such as substantially parallel to the exterior surface 24 and / or the interior surface 22 of the window glass 16 .

[0173] The sealing mount 32 can extend at least partially into at least a portion of the sealing device 30 (e.g., the receiving opening 64) in a direction located in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass 16, for example, substantially parallel to the exterior surface 24 and / or interior surface 22 of the vehicle window glass 16.

[0174] The seal mount 32 can include at least one attachment section (e.g., edge 60) configured to at least partially engage the seal device 30. As shown in Figure 5, the attachment section 60 can include a first section 70, a second section 72, and a third section 74. The second section 72 can connect the first section 70 and the third section 74 to each other.

[0175] The first segment 70, the second segment 72, and / or the third segment 74 may be angled relative to each other, i.e., at an angle greater than 0°. For example, the second segment 72 may be angled relative to the first segment 70 at an angle of from 45° to 135°, preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, and most preferably substantially 90°. The third segment 74 may be angled relative to the second segment 72 at an angle of from 45° to 135°, preferably from 60° to 120°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, and most preferably substantially 90°.

[0176] Figures 6 to 10 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention that can overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Specifically, the vehicle door 50 shown in Figures 6 to 10 can include at least one seal support device 80. The seal device 30 can be mounted to the seal support device 80. The seal support device 80 can be attached to the vehicle door frame.

[0177] Providing a separate seal support device 80 (which is then attached, preferably removably attached, to the door frame 12) can provide greater flexibility in constructing the seal mount (i.e., the seal support device 80) because constructing the seal support device 80 can then be independent of the type of manufacturing process used to manufacture the door frame 12. For example, constructing the seal support device 80 is not limited to stamping / pressing, for example, sheet metal - which is typically the standard method of manufacturing door frames. Instead, the seal support device 80 can be manufactured using some other type of manufacturing process that can provide greater flexibility in constructing the seal support device 80 (e.g., the shape and / or size of the seal support device 80) and / or achieving narrower tolerance ranges for more precisely manufacturing the seal support device 80. This can allow the seal support device 80 to be more precisely optimized, for example in a space-saving manner, thereby improving the packaging of the door 50.

[0178] The seal support 80 can be configured as a window glass guide for guiding the window glass 16 during movement between the closed position and the open position. When the window glass 16 is in the fully closed position, the seal support 80 can extend along the sides and top of the window glass 16. The seal support 80 can extend beyond the lower edge 87 of the window opening 14, for example, to extend the guiding surface of the seal support 80 for the window glass 16.

[0179] The seal support device 80 may include at least two side segments 82, 83 that may be arranged toward or on opposite sides of the window opening 14 to guide the window glass 16 on opposite sides of the window glass 16 during movement between the closed position and the open position. The seal support device 80 may include at least one top segment 84 that connects the two side segments 82, 83 to each other.

[0180] The door 50 may include at least one second window pane 88 , which may also include a seal 89 , which may be similar to the seal 30 .

[0181] The vehicle door 50 may include at least one additional seal 90 that may be separate from the sealing arrangement 30. The seal 90 may be disposed along the exterior surface 24 of the vehicle window glass 16. The vehicle door 50 may include at least one additional seal 92 that may be disposed along the exterior surface of the vehicle window glass 88.

[0182] At least one of the sealing support device 80 and the sealing device 30 may include at least one receiving opening 93, and the other of the sealing support device 80 and the sealing device 30 may include a coupling portion 94, which is configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening 93 to secure the sealing device 30 to the sealing support device 80.

[0183] The receiving opening 93 may extend into the seal support 80 and / or the sealing device 30 , respectively, along a receiving opening plane, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass 16 .

[0184] At least one of the seal support device 80 and the sealing device 30 can at least partially extend into at least a portion of the other of the seal support device 80 and the sealing device 30 in a direction located in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass 16.

[0185] The vehicle door 50 may include an outer shell or skin 98. An additional seal 88 may be attached to the outer shell or skin 98.

Claims

1. A door (10) for a vehicle (50), comprising: at least one door frame (12), the door frame (12) defining at least one window opening (14) therein; at least one window glass (16) configured to move relative to the door frame (12) to selectively open and close the window opening (14), wherein the window glass (16) has an interior side (18) facing an interior (19) of the vehicle (50) and has an exterior side (20), wherein the exterior side (20) faces an exterior (21) of the vehicle (50) when the window glass (16) is in a closed position; at least one sealing device (30) configured to at least partially seal the window glass (16) to at least partially seal the interior (19) of the vehicle (50) from the exterior (21) at least when the window glass (16) is in a fully closed position; and at least one seal support device (80); wherein the sealing device (30) is mounted to the sealing support device (80); and Wherein, the seal support device (80) is attached to the vehicle door frame (12).

2. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The seal support device (80) is configured as a window glass guide for guiding the window glass (16) during movement of the window glass (16) between a closed position and an open position.

3. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The seal support device (80) comprises at least two side segments (82, 83), wherein the side segments (82, 83) are arranged toward or on opposite sides of the window opening (14) to guide the window glass (16) on opposite sides of the window glass (16) during movement of the window glass (16) between a closed position and an open position.

4. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The seal support device (80) includes at least one top section (84) which connects the two side sections (82, 83) to each other.

5. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing support device (80): Made of a different material than the door frame (12) and / or made by a different type of manufacturing process than the door frame (12), preferably by a non-stamping type of manufacturing process; and / or Made of non-metallic sheet material.

6. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the vehicle window glass (16) is in a fully closed position, the seal support device (80) preferably extends continuously along the side and top of the vehicle window glass (16).

7. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The seal support device (80) extends beyond a lower edge (87) of the window opening (14).

8. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the sealing support device (80) and the sealing device (30) includes at least one receiving opening (93), and the other of the sealing support device (80) and the sealing device (30) includes a coupling portion (94), and the coupling portion (94) is configured to be at least partially received in the receiving opening (93) to secure the sealing device (30) to the sealing support device (80).

9. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving opening (93) extends into the seal support device (80) and / or the sealing device (30) respectively along a receiving opening plane, wherein the receiving opening plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass (16).

10. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the seal support device (80) and the sealing device (30) at least partially extends into at least a portion of the other of the seal support device (80) and the sealing device (30) in a direction located in an extension plane, wherein the extension plane is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the vehicle window glass (16).

11. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The seal support device (32) is arranged at an edge (60) of the door frame (12).

12. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The seal support device (80) is attached to an inner surface of the door frame (12) facing away from the exterior (21) of the vehicle (50).

13. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing device (30) is constructed as an integral and / or monolithic unit, wherein preferably, at least when the vehicle window glass (16) is in a fully closed position, the entire sealing device (30) is completely arranged on the inner side (18) of the vehicle window glass (16).

14. A vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one seal support device (80) is configured to reinforce the door frame (12).

15. A vehicle (50), comprising: at least one compartment (19) configured to accommodate at least one object, preferably at least one person; at least one cabin opening (54) connecting the cabin (19) to an environment (21) of the vehicle (50); and at least one vehicle door (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the vehicle door (10) being configured to selectively open and close the vehicle compartment opening (54).

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