Door assembly for a vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to a door assembly for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, having a frame-like door inner part (2) with a frame cutout (6) and a door module (10) which is mounted on the door inner part (2), wherein the door module (10) has a unit carrier (12) and at least one unit (12a) fastened thereto, and wherein the unit carrier (12) is fastened to an A pillar (2b) of the door inner part (2), to a B pillar (2c) of the door inner part (2) and / or to a door base (2d) of the door inner part (2), and / or wherein the fastening is provided and designed to collapse when a force is applied, in particular in the course of a side impact.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Door assembly for a vehicle door

[0003] The invention relates to a door assembly for a vehicle door, in particular for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising a particularly frame-like door inner part with a door module mounted thereon. The invention further relates to a door module for such a door assembly and a vehicle door with such a door assembly, as well as a method for assembling the door assembly.

[0004] A vehicle door of a motor vehicle (motor vehicle door) typically comprises a particularly frame-like inner door part, also referred to as the door shell, an outer door panel forming the outer door skin, and optionally an inner door panel. The inner door part, or door shell, connected to the outer door panel, typically comprises two spaced-apart, opposite side frame sections (A-pillar of the door, B-pillar of the door), a connecting sill section, and a lower sill section (door bottom).

[0005] The parapet section oriented in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, i.e. in the X-direction in the vehicle coordinate system, together with the side frame sections oriented in the direction of the vehicle height (Z-direction in the vehicle coordinate system) and the sill section running in the X-direction that connects these to the underside of the door, delimits a frame cutout (door cutout) of the inner door part. This frame cutout serves as assembly access to the door shaft and, when the vehicle door is in the assembled state, is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by a plate-like or plate-shaped unit carrier (door module carrier, functional carrier) of a door module. Various functional components of the vehicle door, in particular a window lifter or at least its respective guide rail, can be pre-assembled on the unit carrier. The unit carrier connected to the unit orThe door module carrier pre-assembled with the units, which is also referred to as a door module, in particular its unit carrier, serves in particular to separate a wet space formed between the outer door panel and the door module from a dry space formed between the door module (door module carrier) and the inner door panel or the inner door panel of the vehicle door, in particular for moisture-sensitive functional components of the door module.

[0006] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a vehicle door 1 for a motor vehicle according to the prior art, wherein the vehicle door here is, by way of example, a side door. The door 1 comprises an inner door part 2, also referred to as the door shell. This has a flange 4 (Y-flange) which is oriented perpendicularly and / or substantially perpendicularly to a direction referred to as the Y-direction. The flange 4 has fastening points 8 in the region of the circumference of a recess 6 (frame cutout), which are provided for fastening an assembly carrier 12 of a door module 10.

[0007] The flange 4 thus delimits the recess 6. This serves to allow units 12a attached to the unit carrier 12, such as a window lifter, a door lock, and / or a door drive, to be introduced into the door shaft 14 formed and / or delimited by the inner door part 2 and the outer door panel 22. In summary, the door module 10, in particular its unit carrier 12, covers the flange 4 with respect to the Y direction, thus the flange 4 and the door module are arranged one behind the other in the Y direction.

[0008] In the event of a side impact, the door shell is pushed against the door by a body (barrier) moving against the door in the opposite direction to the Y direction, i.e., towards the inside of the vehicle. As a result, the door module is also moved towards the inside of the vehicle due to the way the door module is fastened to the inside of the door. Movement of the door trim panel should be prevented, inhibited, or at least delayed in order to protect the passenger. Furthermore, in the event of a force being applied, in particular due to a side impact, it is known to use collapsing structures in the interface between the module carrier 10 and a door trim panel 24 in order to interrupt the flow of force. The collapsing structures within the module carrier 10 are typically represented by predetermined breaking points, in particular by a reduction in wall thickness. Depending on the location of the reduced wall thickness, this can disadvantageously lead to filling problems during the injection molding of the assembly carrier 12 of the module carrier 10.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a particularly suitable door assembly for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle. The invention is further based on the object of providing a particularly suitable vehicle door.

[0010] With regard to the door assembly, the problem is solved according to the invention with the features of claim 1, and with regard to the vehicle door with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The advantages and embodiments cited with regard to the door assembly are also transferable to the vehicle door, and vice versa.

[0011] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in such a way that the features linked by this conjunction can be formed both together and as alternatives to one another.

[0012] The door assembly according to the invention is intended for a vehicle door, in particular for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle (motor vehicle door), preferably for a side door, and is suitable and configured therefor.

[0013] The following provides information regarding the spatial directions, particularly in a motor vehicle coordinate system (vehicle coordinate system), for an example installation situation of the door assembly in a side door. The abscissa axis (X-axis, X-direction) is oriented along the vehicle's longitudinal direction (direction of travel), the ordinate axis (Y-axis, Y-direction) along the vehicle's transverse direction, and the applicate axis (Z-axis, Z-direction) along the vehicle height.

[0014] The door assembly includes a frame-like door inner part defining a frame cutout (door cutout) and a door module mounted on the door inner part.

[0015] The inner door part has a sill section oriented in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system), in particular extending in this direction. This sill section, together with two lateral frame sections oriented in the direction of the vehicle height (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system) and a sill section (door base) connecting these to a door bottom and extending in the X direction, delimits or frames the frame cutout. The front lateral frame section in the X direction is referred to as the A-pillar of the door, and the rear lateral frame section in the X direction is referred to as the B-pillar of the door.

[0016] The door module comprises an assembly carrier (functional carrier, door module carrier) and at least one pre-assembled assembly mounted thereon, which may be, for example, a door lock, a door drive, a door brake, or a window lifter. The assembly carrier is mounted on the interior door panel as a wet / dry compartment divider. In particular, the assembly carrier (assembly carrier) covers and / or closes the frame cutout.

[0017] The assembly carrier is attached to the A-pillar of the inner door part, to the B-pillar of the inner door part, and / or to the door base of the inner door part. This (first) attachment is preferably designed and configured to collapse upon application of a force, particularly during a side impact. The attachment (in particular a fastening element used for this purpose) is therefore designed and configured to ensure that the joint connection between the assembly carrier and the door base, the A-pillar, or the B-pillar is destroyed due to the application of a force during a side impact. In particular, the joint connection between the assembly carrier and the door base, the A-pillar, or the B-pillar is designed such that it is destroyed upon application of a force, particularly in the Y direction, acting on the joint connection, which exceeds a predetermined first threshold value and / or a predetermined second threshold value for a force application per unit of time.

[0018] Due to the destruction of the joint, i.e. due to the collapse of the fastening, no force is transferred from the inner door part to the door module via the fastening.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the unit carrier has a support section, for example a plate-shaped support section, for fastening the unit, wherein, in particular on the circumference of the support section, a fastening section protrudes into a door shaft for mounting the unit carrier on the A-pillar, on the B-pillar and / or on the door base, in particular in the Y-direction.

[0020] The aggregate support, which is particularly plate-shaped, can be a plastic part or be formed largely from an organic sheet. Such an organic sheet is typically a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic, in which continuous fibers in the form of non-crimp, woven, or knitted fabrics, for example made of glass or plastic fibers, are embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. Polyamide, for example, is a suitable thermoplastic for the matrix, particularly due to its good adhesion properties to the fibers. If such an aggregate support is additionally reinforced by shaping or incorporated or applied structural elements, such a door module is often also referred to as a structural module.

[0021] When installed, the fastening section is located on the inside of the A-pillar, B-pillar, and / or door base facing the door shaft. The fastening section is expediently oriented parallel to the A-pillar, B-pillar, and / or door base, at least in sections.

[0022] For fastening the unit carrier to the A-pillar of the inside door section, to a B-pillar of the inside door section and / or to the door floor, a fastening element is expediently used which joins the A-pillar, the B-pillar and / or the door floor to the unit carrier.

[0023] According to a practical embodiment, the assembly support is attached to the A-pillar, the B-pillar, and / or the door base using the fastening element. The respective fastening element expediently has a predetermined breaking point, particularly for shear force application, i.e., for force application in the Y direction.

[0024] The fastening element is, for example, a screw, a rivet, in particular an expanding rivet, or a bayonet.

[0025] For example, the fastening element is made of metal or plastic. The material is appropriately selected according to the expected force in a side impact, so that the collapse occurs relatively reliably in a side impact.

[0026] Preferably, the connecting element with the predetermined breaking point is not part of the supporting section of the unit carrier. For example, the connecting element with the predetermined breaking point is arranged on the supporting section, in particular, attached there or molded onto it.

[0027] The unit carrier is conveniently attached to the A-pillar, the B-pillar and / or the door base of the inner door section using a second fastening element.

[0028] The second fastening element is designed to resist collapse when subjected to a force that would cause the (first) fastening element to collapse. Additionally or alternatively, the second fastening element does not have a predetermined breaking point.

[0029] Therefore, the fastening intended to cause collapse when the force is applied is only present in predetermined, local connection areas.

[0030] For example, a collapsible fastening is used only on the B-pillar. For example, to fasten the engine support to the inside door section, a first fastening element is used only on the B-pillar. This first fastening element is designed to collapse in the event of a side impact, in particular, it has a predetermined breaking point. The engine support is fastened to the inside door section on the A-pillar in a conventional manner, and / or the engine support is fastened to the inside door section on the A-pillar using the second fastening element, which does not have a predetermined breaking point.

[0031] For example, a collapsible fastening is used only on the A-pillar. In particular, a first fastening element is used to fasten the engine support to the inside door section only on the A-pillar. This first fastening element is designed to collapse in the event of a side impact, in particular, it has a predetermined breaking point. The engine support is fastened to the inside door section at the B-pillar in a conventional manner, and / or the engine support is fastened to the inside door section at the B-pillar using the second fastening element, which does not have a predetermined breaking point.

[0032] For example, a collapsible mount is used only on the A-pillar and the door bottom. For example, a collapsible mount is used only on the B-pillar and the door bottom.

[0033] For example, a fastening to the A-pillar with non-collapsing connecting elements can function as a joint or hinge if the fastening to the B-pillar and / or the door base collapses, so that the subframe serves as a kind of retaining strap for the components located further inside the door shaft, and / or so that support on an instrument panel is supported. In summary, the subframe is fastened only to the A-pillar, only to the B-pillar, only to the A-pillar and the door base, or only to the B-pillar and the door base by means of a fastening that is intended and configured to collapse upon the application of force, particularly during a side impact.

[0034] The second fastening element, for example a screw or a rivet, expediently extends through the A-pillar, the B-pillar and / or the door bottom, and / or thus extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y-direction.

[0035] The vehicle door according to the invention has a door assembly as described above.

[0036] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to form a comparatively stable base support, in particular a supporting section, which is subjected to comparatively low stress in an accident and thus less prone to breakage. This advantageously reduces the risk of sharp-edged fragments or components (e.g., window regulators, loudspeakers) penetrating the passenger compartment and thus reduces the risk of injury to an occupant.

[0037] Furthermore, the predetermined breaking points within the aggregate carrier mentioned at the beginning with reduced wall thickness are avoided (and are not formed for practical purposes) and thus do not lead to filling risks during injection molding and / or to stiffness reductions of the aggregate carrier.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a vehicle door with an inner door part and with a door module according to the prior art,

[0040] Fig. 2 shows an inner door part of a door assembly according to the invention, and Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the door assembly with a barrier for a side impact, and

[0041] Fig. 4 shows schematically in plan view the door assembly, with its unit carrier

[0042] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows an example of an inner door part 2 according to the invention. The inner door part 2 and a door module 10 (cf. Fig. 3) together form a door assembly for the vehicle door.

[0044] The frame-like door inner part 2 has a sill section 2a oriented in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system), which, together with two lateral frame sections 2b, 2c oriented in the direction of the vehicle height (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system), and with a sill section (door bottom, stiffening plate) 2d connecting these to a door underside and extending in the X direction, delimits or frames a recess 6. The front frame section 2b in the X direction is also referred to as the A-pillar of the door, and the rear frame section 2c in the X direction is referred to as the B-pillar of the door.

[0045] The door assembly further comprises the door module 10 (Fig. 3), which is mounted on the door inner part 2 in the region of the frame cutout 4. The door module 10 comprises an assembly carrier 12 and at least one assembly 12a pre-mounted thereon, such as the window lifter, the door lock, and / or the door drive.

[0046] Preferably, particularly in comparison to the door inner part 2 of Fig. 1, the door inner part 2 does not comprise a Y-flange. For example, if previously present, this is cut off. This advantageously facilitates accessibility and / or an assembly process of the door module 10. For example, the frame section 2b and / or the frame section 2c and / or the door base 2d has a Y-flange oriented perpendicular to the Y-direction. However, compared to the door inner part of Fig. 1, this is comparatively small and serves, for example, to increase rigidity, i.e., not for assembly of the door module. For example, this comparatively small flange remains when the Y-flange is cut off to form a frame cutout. However, its extent in the plane perpendicular to the Y-direction from the respective frame section 2a to 2d is preferably less than 5 cm, for example, less than 3 cm, in particular less than 1 cm.

[0047] In the sectional view shown in Fig. 3, with a sectional plane III corresponding to that of Fig. 2, a section of the door module 10 is shown in the assembled state on the door inner part 2, in particular on its B-pillar 2c. Also shown is a barrier 28, which impacts against the door in the opposite direction to the Y direction during a side impact.

[0048] The assembly carrier comprises a support section 16, for example, a plate-shaped support section, for fastening the assembly 12a. At least in sections, a fastening section 18 protrudes from the support section 16 and extends into a door shaft 14 for mounting the assembly carrier 12 on the B-pillar 2c.

[0049] For example, the fastening section 18 is designed as a flange that is angled, for example, by 90°, relative to the support section 16. Preferably, the fastening section is monolithically connected, thus integrally connected to the support section 16.

[0050] The fastening section is fastened to the B-pillar 2c by means of a fastening element 20, which here is designed, for example, as a screw. This extends through the B-pillar and / or thus extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y-direction. The (first) fastening element 20 has a predetermined breaking point 26, for example a thinning of the screw shaft. As a result, this fastening, i.e. this joint connection, is intended and configured to collapse when a force acts on the fastening element, in particular in the Y-direction. In other words, the fastening element 20 is intended to break when a force acts on it in a side impact. Consequently, the assembly carrier is no longer joined to the door inner part 2 at this point.

[0051] According to alternatives not shown further, the door module 10 is joined to the door base 2d and / or to the A-pillar 2b in an analogous manner by means of the or a further fastening section 18 in addition to or as an alternative to the fastening to the B-pillar shown in Fig. 3.

[0052] The assembly support 12 is made of organic sheet, at least in sections around its circumference, particularly in those areas where a fastening section 18 is arranged. Preferably, the assembly support 12 is formed entirely of organic sheet. This serves to increase its flexural rigidity.

[0053] A sealing element, for example a rubber seal, is expediently arranged between the fastening section 18 and the B-pillar (and / or in an analogous manner between the fastening section 18 and the A-pillar 2b and / or between the fastening section 18 and the door bottom 2d) (not shown further).

[0054] Preferably, the fastening section 18 extends along the entire side, so that a seal between the door module 10 and the door inner part 2 can be formed comparatively easily.

[0055] In Figures 2 and 3, the outer sheet 22 is not further shown.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of the assembly support 12 fastened to the door inner part 2. Here, the assembly support 12 is only fastened to the B-pillar 2c with a collapsible fastening according to Fig. 3. Thus, the assembly support 12 is fastened to the B-pillar 2c by means of the first fastening element 20, wherein the first fastening element 20 has the predetermined breaking point 26. Furthermore, the assembly support 12 is joined to the A-pillar 2b by means of a second fastening element 30, for example a screw or a rivet. The second fastening element 30 does not have a predetermined breaking point. The second fastening element 30 is therefore not designed to collapse in the event of a crash.

[0057] Optionally, the unit carrier 12 is fastened to the door base 2d and / or to the door sill 2a by means of a further fastening element 32, wherein the further fastening element 32 has a predetermined breaking point corresponding to the first fastening element 30 or, alternatively, wherein it has no predetermined breaking point.

[0058] In summary, the attachment is provided on the A-pillar 2b with the non-collapsing connecting element 30, and on the B-pillar 2c with the fastening element 20, which collapses in the event of a crash. In the event of a crash, the joint on the A-pillar 2b (and, if applicable, on the door bottom) remains intact and acts like a hinge. The assembly support 12 thus forms a kind of retaining strap for the components located further inside the door shaft in the event of a crash.

[0059] The shaft of the respective fastening element 20, 30, 32 is indicated by dashed lines, since in the view of Fig. 4 it is covered by the door inner part and / or the unit carrier 12.

[0060] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by those skilled in the art from this and / or within the scope of the disclosed claims, without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims, without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. List of reference symbols

[0061] 1 vehicle door

[0062] 2 Door interior / door shell

[0063] 2a Parapet of the door interior

[0064] 2b A-pillar of the inner door section

[0065] 2c B-pillar of the door interior

[0066] 2d door bottom of the door inner part

[0067] 4 Y-flange

[0068] 6 Recess / frame cutout

[0069] 8 Attachment point

[0070] 10 door module

[0071] 12 aggregate carriers

[0072] 12a aggregate

[0073] 14 Door shaft

[0074] 16 supporting section

[0075] 18 Fastening section

[0076] 20 first fastening element

[0077] 22 Outer door panel

[0078] 24 Interior door panel

[0079] 26 Predetermined breaking point

[0080] 28 Barrier

[0081] 30 second fastening element

[0082] 32 first fastening element

[0083] X Vehicle longitudinal direction

[0084] Y vehicle transverse direction

[0085] Z Vehicle height direction

Claims

Claims 1. Door assembly for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising a frame-like inner door part (2) with a frame cutout (6) and a door module (10) mounted on the inner door part (2), wherein the door module (10) has an assembly carrier (12) and at least one assembly (12a) fastened thereto, and wherein the assembly carrier (12) is fastened to an A-pillar (2b) of the inner door part (2), to a B-pillar (2c) of the inner door part (2) and / or to a door base (2d) of the inner door part (2), and / or wherein the fastening is provided and designed to collapse upon the application of a force, in particular in the course of a side impact.

2. Door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit carrier (12) comprises a, for example plate-shaped, support section (16) for fastening the unit (12a), wherein, in particular on the circumference of the support section (16), a fastening section (18) protrudes into a door shaft (14) for fastening the unit carrier (12) to the A-pillar (2b), to the B-pillar (2c) and / or to the door base (2d).

3. Door assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastening section 18 is a flange of the unit carrier (12) which is turned over, for example by 90°, to the support section 16.

4. Door assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the unit carrier (12) is fastened to the A-pillar (2b), to the B-pillar (2c) of the door inner part (2) and / or to the door bottom (2d) by means of a fastening element (20), and / or wherein the fastening element (20) has a predetermined breaking point, in particular for the action of a shear force.

5. Door assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the assembly carrier (12) is fastened to the A-pillar (2b), to the B-pillar (2c) and / or to the door bottom (2d) of the door inner part (2) by means of a second fastening element (30), - wherein the second fastening element (30) is not intended to collapse when subjected to a force, and / or - wherein the second fastening element (30) has no predetermined breaking point.

6. Door assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the unit carrier (12) is fastened only to the A-pillar (2b) or only to the B-pillar (2c) or only to the A-pillar (2b) and the door base (2d) or only to the B-pillar (2c) and the door base (2d) by means of a fastening intended to collapse when a force is applied.

7. Vehicle door, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a door assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6.

Images