US20140203590A1 - Structural Door - Google Patents
Structural Door Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140203590A1 US20140203590A1 US14/224,227 US201414224227A US2014203590A1 US 20140203590 A1 US20140203590 A1 US 20140203590A1 US 201414224227 A US201414224227 A US 201414224227A US 2014203590 A1 US2014203590 A1 US 2014203590A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- door module
- structural
- carrier plate
- door
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J5/00—Doors
- B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
- B60J5/0412—Lower door structure
- B60J5/0413—Inner panel, e.g. characterised by carrying components
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J5/00—Doors
- B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
- B60J5/0412—Lower door structure
- B60J5/0416—Assembly panels to be installed in doors as a module with components, e.g. lock or window lifter, attached thereto
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a module for a motor vehicle door body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a structural module that both strengthens the motor vehicle door body and acts as a hardware carrier for hardware subsystems in order to minimize subsequent assembly operations.
- a motor vehicle door typically includes an outer sheet metal panel, an inner sheet metal panel, and a plurality of hardware components mounted within an inner cavity formed between the outer and inner sheet metal panels.
- Common hardware components mounted to a door body include inner and outer door handle assemblies, window regulators, latch assemblies and speaker assemblies, along with their ancillary connecting and electrical components.
- the complete assembly of the door involves multiple manufacturing steps and numerous parts.
- an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will install each individual hardware component to the structural door body along an assembly line.
- vehicle occupants are less protected against side-impact collisions than front or rear-end collisions due to the relative thinness of the motor vehicle door.
- the door body itself can be forced into the passenger compartment, since the door body typically absorbs only a limited portion of the collision energy.
- rigid hardware components that are mounted between the outer and inner sheet metal panels can also be forced into the passenger compartment.
- the vehicle door is typically reinforced by strengthening the sheet metal panels, or by mounting reinforcing structures such as crash beams to the door body.
- one or more energy absorbing foam blocks are typically mounted between the inner and outer sheet metal panels to reduce the severity of a side-impact collision.
- a door module typically involves using a carrier plate to partially assembly and orientate hardware components thereto prior to installation to the structural door body.
- One disadvantage associated with such door modules is that once the door module is installed to the door, the carrier body typically serves little or no purpose since all of the hardware components are eventually securely fastened to the structural door body and the door module itself does little or nothing to strengthen the door body.
- Another disadvantage associated with such door modules is that the door modules themselves are very labour intensive and require a large number of parts and steps to assemble before they can be delivered to the OEM.
- a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body.
- the structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation.
- the structural door module also includes an arm rest support that is integrally formed from and extends out from the first surface of the structural plate and forms a hollow in the second surface.
- an array of crumple zones are provided around the surface of the arm rest support to minimize the dangers of a side-impact collision.
- a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body.
- the structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation.
- An energy absorption block is integrally formed from the first and second surface of the carrier plate.
- the energy absorbing block is a series of raised and lowered terrace portions arranged concentrically and spaced apart by wall portions of the energy absorbing block.
- a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body.
- the structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation.
- a handle support is integrally formed from the carrier plate. The handle support provides a cavity to receive a door handle assembly on the first surface.
- a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body.
- the structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation.
- a drum housing is integrally formed from one of the first and second surface, and includes a shaft passage extending from the first surface to the second surface.
- a rail is mounted to the same one of the first and second surface as the drum housing and includes a flange that is mounted at least partially over the drum housing.
- a lift member is slidably mounted on the rail.
- a motor is mounted to the carrier plate on the surface opposite the drum housing. The motor includes a drive shaft that extends through the shaft passage in the drum housing.
- a cable drum is housed within the drum housing and is retained there within by the flange on the rail. The cable drum is rotatably mounted to the drive shaft between the carrier plate and the at least one rail.
- a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body.
- the structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation.
- a latch presenter is integrally formed from the first surface and a glass guide is integrally formed from the edge of the latch presenter.
- a structural door module for a convertible motor vehicle door body.
- the structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation.
- a window regulator is mounted to one of the first and second surface, and includes a first and a second rail.
- a glass guide channel is mounted to each of the first and second rail.
- Each of the first and second rail mounted at a first end to the carrier plate.
- Each rail is provided with an independent rail adjustment means operable to change the displacement of its respective rail and the mounted glass guide channel relative to the carrier plate.
- the present invention provides a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body, comprising a carrier plate with a plurality of door hardware components mounted to the dryside and wetside surfaces of the carrier plate.
- the carrier plate includes a number of preformed components that allow door subsystems to be pre-mounted to the door module and tested prior to mounting the structural door module in the motor vehicle door body.
- An energy absorbing area is molded into the carrier plate.
- a protruding arm rest support is designed to collapse during a side-impact collision.
- a second embodiment provides a structural door module for a convertible vehicle door body, comprising of a carrier plate with a plurality of door hardware components mounted to the dryside and wetside surfaces of the carrier plate.
- a pair of glass guide channels are mounted to two rails on the window regulator.
- An integrally formed mirror flag is provided on one of the two glass guide channels.
- a latch presenter is mounted to the other of the two glass guide channels.
- Each of the two rails is provided with an independent adjustment means that allows the rail to be moved closer to or farther away from the carrier plate.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a structural door module according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the structural door module shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the structural door module shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the structural door module shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 a is a detail view of an arm rest support and an energy absorbing block located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 b is a detail view of the energy absorbing block located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 a is an exploded front detail view of an inner handle support located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 b is an exploded rear detail view of the back of the inner handle support located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 a is a front detail view of the cable drum housing located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 b is a front detail view of a portion of the mounted window regulator located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a latch presenter located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a structural door module according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the structural door module shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a portion of the structural door module shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the structural door module shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 13 is a detail view of a portion of a window regulator located on the structural door module shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIGS. 1-8 show a first embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 9-13 shows a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 1 to 4 show a structural door module 20 , which includes a plurality of hardware subsystems mounted to or otherwise integrated with a carrier plate 22 , and discussed in greater detail below.
- FIGS. 1 to 2 show an exploded perspective view of the structural door module 20 and FIGS. 3 to 4 are an assembly view of the structural door module 20 .
- Carrier plate 22 provides opposing first and second surface, hereafter referred to as the “dryside” and “wetside” surfaces respectively. Shown in FIG. 1 , the dryside surface of carrier plate 22 faces the interior of the vehicle when mounted to a motor vehicle door body (not shown). Conversely, as shown in FIG. 2 , the wetside surface of carrier plate 22 faces the exterior of the vehicle when mounted to a motor vehicle door body (not shown).
- Hardware subsystems that are typically pre-mounted to carrier plate 22 include a window regulator assembly 24 , a latch assembly 26 , a handle assembly 28 , a speaker assembly 30 and an electrical harness assembly 32 .
- Carrier plate 22 includes a number of integrally formed or molded components. Integrally formed components on carrier plate 22 include support ribs 33 , an integral arm rest support 34 , at least one integral energy absorption block 36 , an integral inner handle support 38 , an integral drum housing 40 , an integral latch presenter 42 , harness clips 44 , and a speaker housing 46 .
- a plurality of fastener holes 48 spaced apart around the surface of carrier plate 22 provide a means to attach structural carrier plate 22 to the motor vehicle door body through the use of carriage bolts, screws or the like.
- a plurality of access holes 49 are formed in carrier plate 22 to allow passage of articulating rods and electrical cables (both described in greater detail below).
- a water-sealing bead 50 is formed around the perimeter of carrier plate 22 on the wetside surface.
- the sealing bead 50 engages the inner wall of the motor vehicle door body, providing a watertight seal for structural door module 20 .
- Water sealing bead 50 can be integrally formed from carrier plate 22 or, alternatively, water sealing bead 50 can be affixed to carrier plate 22 as a foam adhesive or the like.
- a sealing gasket 51 is mounted over access holes 49 for additional weather proofing.
- Carrier plate 22 is preferably manufactured from a composite material and molded into the desired shape.
- carrier plate 22 is manufactured using a 40 % polypropylene matrix with glass reinforcement fibers.
- Other matrix materials will occur to those of skill in the art.
- Other reinforcement fibers contemplated include Kevlar, carbon fibers, and hemp, and other reinforcement materials will occur to those of skill in the art.
- the support ribs 33 are a series of integrally formed ridges that traverse portions of the dryside and wetside surfaces of carrier plate 22 , reinforcing carrier plate 22 .
- the inherent material strength of the composite material used in carrier plate 22 combined with support ribs 33 reinforces door module 20 , and thus strengthens the motor vehicle door body when mounted thereto.
- arm rest support 34 is shown in greater detail.
- Arm rest support 34 is integrally formed with the carrier plate 22 and projects outwards generally perpendicularly from the dryside, forming an arm rest hollow 35 on the wetside surface of carrier plate 22 .
- Arm rest support 34 is configured to mount a piece of armrest trim (not shown) on the interior of the motor vehicle door body.
- At least one fastener hole 37 is provided on the arm rest support 34 to secure the arm rest trim using a conventional fastener such as a screw, bolt or the like.
- the exact shape of arm rest support 34 can vary in order to accommodate differently shaped pieces of arm rest trim. Although the current embodiment uses only one arm rest support 34 , it is contemplated that carrier plate 22 could provide two or more arm rest supports 34 to mount a piece of arm rest trim.
- arm rest support 34 is designed to collapse in upon itself, absorbing kinetic energy as arm rest support 34 pushes into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
- an array of beveled crumple zones 54 are provided spaced across the horizontal and vertical surface of arm rest support 34 .
- crumple zones 54 are diamond-shaped and straddle the corners between horizontal and vertical portions of arm rest support 34 .
- Crumple zones 54 comprise thinner portions of arm rest support 34 that are weaker than the thicker, non-crumple zone portions.
- the thickness of crumple zones 54 is 0.5 mm and the thickness of the non-crumple zone portions of arm rest support 34 is 2 mm.
- crumple zones 54 could be holes spaced across arm rest support 34 .
- Crumple zones 54 are engineered to buckle under compression, but remain firm under tension and bending loads. When subjected to a violent compression force, crumple zones 54 buckle, causing arm rest support 34 to partially compact into hollow 35 , rather than remain rigid.
- arm rest support 34 requires a force of at least 2000 N maintained over a displacement of a minimum of 38 mm to begin collapsing.
- Other embodiments of the invention will compact under different loads.
- arm rest support 34 is capable of withstanding the rigors of conventional use.
- arm rest support 34 is designed to support a load of up to approximately 100 kg. Arm rest support 34 is also designed to withstand a force of approximately 196 N (as would be caused by an occupant slamming the motor vehicle door shut or pushing the door open by the armrest trim).
- At least one integral energy absorption block 36 is formed from structural carrier plate 22 .
- Energy absorption block 36 is structurally stiff across its length and width but designed to crumple upon perpendicular impact (i.e., perpendicular to the general plane of carrier plate 22 ), absorbing energy from the collision.
- energy absorption block 36 is molded into a series of concentric raised and lowered terraces 56 that first extend out from the dryside of carrier plate 22 and then recede into carrier plate 22 forming a hollow 58 .
- Terraces 56 are spaced apart by contoured wall portions 60 .
- Adjacent wall portions 60 are connected to each other by trough-shaped web portions 61 .
- Web portions 61 are preferably thinner than the other portions of energy absorption block 36 as to tear more easily. Impact causes energy absorption block 36 to collapse inwards into hollow 58 prior to intruding into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As each terrace 56 collapses into hollow 58 , the material of carrier plate 22 shears along web portions 61 . In the illustrated embodiment, energy absorbent block is required to maintain a force of at least 6000 N maintained over a minimum displacement of 55 mm to begin collapsing. Again, other embodiments of the invention having different dimensions and/or block geometry will collapse under different amounts of force.
- Inner handle support 38 forms an integrally formed handle chamber 62 and lock switch chamber 64 that are both open to the dryside.
- Handle chamber 62 is adapted to receive a handle 66 and includes two opposing pivot holes 68 to pivotally mount handle 66 using pins, screws or the like.
- Handle 66 further includes a hinged mount 67 that secures handle 66 to inner handle support 38 , while still permitting handle 66 to pivot within handle chamber 62 , typically using a screw fastener.
- Lock switch chamber 64 is adapted to receive a door lock switch 70 , which is held in place by detent tabs, screws or the like.
- Handle chamber 62 further includes a connecting rod passage 71 between the dryside and the wetside of carrier plate 22 .
- An articulated rod 72 a (not shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b ) passes through rod passage 71 to connect a rod arm 73 extending from handle 66 to latch assembly 26 (described in greater detail below).
- Lock switch chamber 64 further includes electrical access passage 74 .
- a cable from electrical harness assembly 32 (not shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b ) passes through electrical access passage 74 and plugs into a socket (not shown) on door lock switch 70 , and is described in greater detail below with reference to electrical harness assembly 32 .
- Inner handle support 38 is further adapted to receive a fitted piece of trim (not shown) on the dryside that includes an opening to provide access to handle 66 in the passenger compartment.
- the entire handle assembly 28 can be assembled as part of structural door module 20 prior to being mounted to a motor vehicle door body, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, handle assembly 28 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
- window regulator assembly 24 includes two rails 76 , mounted in parallel at both ends to carrier plate 22 .
- An opposing pulley 78 is rotatably mounted at each end of both rails 76 .
- Each rail is further adapted to mount a lift member 80 in a slidable engagement.
- One of the rails 76 mounted to the carrier plate 22 has a flange situated to partially cover drum housing 40 .
- a motor 82 is mounted to the dryside of carrier plate 22 and drives a cable drum 84 .
- a cable 86 is threaded around the four opposing pulleys 78 , cable drum 84 and connected to the two lift members 80 .
- drum housing 40 is integrally formed on the wetside surface structural carrier plate 22 .
- drum housing 40 receives cable drum 84 and includes a cylindrical sidewall 88 .
- Cylindrical sidewall 88 contains a gap portion 90 , allowing cables 86 to wrap around cable drum 84 and towards opposing pulleys 78 on the further rail 76 .
- Centered in drum housing 40 is a shaft opening 92 (see FIG. 7A ) that provides a passage between the dryside and wetside of carrier plate 22 .
- a circular arrangement of tabs 94 allows an assembler to temporarily situate cable drum 84 in drum housing 40 prior to being permanently coupled to motor 82 .
- Motor 82 is coupled with a drive shaft 96 and situated so that drive shaft 96 passes through shaft opening 92 .
- Gear teeth 98 on drive shaft 96 engage cable drum 84 so that it is held in place between the carrier plate 22 and the over-mounted flange on rail 76 .
- Drive shaft 96 extends through and is freely rotatable within a shaft opening 100 in the over-mounted rail 76 .
- a cable from electrical harness assembly 32 plugs into a socket (not shown in FIG. 7 a or 7 b ) on motor 82 , and is described in greater detail below with reference to electrical harness assembly 32 .
- the entire window regulator assembly 24 can be assembled on carrier plate 22 as part of structural door module 20 , reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, window regulator assembly 24 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
- a latch presenter 42 is integrally formed from an edge of structural carrier plate 22 .
- latch presenter 42 forms a box-like compartment 102 on the wetside surface of carrier plate 22 .
- the sidewall of compartment 102 is open on one side to receive and mount latch assembly 26 .
- a rod passage 103 in the opposing sidewall of compartment 94 allows articulated rod 72 a to pass into compartment 102 and connect latch assembly 26 to rod arm 73 .
- An articulated rod 72 b also passes through rod passage 103 and terminates in a lock status indicator 105 (not shown in FIG. 8 ).
- a cable from electrical harness assembly 32 plugs into a socket (not shown) on latch assembly 26 , and is described in greater detail below with reference to electrical harness assembly 32 .
- the entire latch assembly 26 can be assembled on carrier plate 22 and connected to handle assembly 28 as part of structural door module 20 prior to being mounted to a motor vehicle door body, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, latch assembly 26 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
- Glass channel 104 provides a C-shaped channel that runs generally parallel to rails 76 adapted to provide additional stabilization for a window glass (not shown) mounted to window regulator assembly 24 .
- weather stripping (not shown) is added to glass channel 104 to provide a water-tight seal around the window pane.
- the carrier plate includes an integrally formed outside handle base 106 that extends substantially perpendicular to glass channel 104 .
- Outside handle base 106 is exposed to the outer surface of the vehicle door by means of an opening (not shown) formed in the outer sheet metal panel of the motor vehicle door.
- Outside handle base 106 provides an linked end 107 which is contiguous with the glass run channel and a free end 109 intended to be fastened to the outer sheet metal layer of the vehicle door using screws or the like.
- the outside handle base 106 includes a cavity 108 A enabling an outer door handle (not shown) to be inserted therethrough for connection to a U-shaped biased hinge mechanism 108 mounted to linked end 107 .
- the outer door handle preferably seats in a feature 108 C of the hinge mechanism but may be connected to the hinge mechanism 108 using other conventional means.
- the hinge mechanism 108 includes an arm 108 d which swings as the U-shaped part of the hinge mechanism pivots in response to actuation of the outer door handle.
- the arm 108 d is in turn connected to latch assembly 26 by a rod 110 a which activates a latch outer door release lever.
- Rod 110 b connects a door handle key cylinder (not shown) to the latch assembly, as known in the art per se.
- electrical harness assembly 32 includes a plurality of cables 112 originating from a face boot 114 . Cables 112 provide signals and power to all the electrically-driven subsystems mounted to structural door carrier 20 , including window regulator assembly 24 , latch assembly 26 , inner handle assembly 28 and speaker assembly 30 . Each cable 112 ends in an electrical controller 116 . Each electrical controller 116 is adapted to plug directly into a complementary socket on its designated subsystem.
- electrical controller 116 a plugs into a socket on motor 82 to provide power to window regulator assembly 24
- electrical controller 116 c plugs into a socket on latch assembly 26
- electrical controller 116 b plugs into a socket on door lock switch 70 to provide power to inner handle assembly 28
- electrical controller 116 d plugs into a socket on speaker assembly 30 .
- Other electrical controllers 116 can be provided to power other subsystems mounted to structural door module 20 . By using electrical controllers 116 that plug directly into their designated subsystem, wiring time is minimized.
- each electrical controller 116 and complementary electrical socket can differ in shape from each other electrical controller 116 -electrical socket pair as to prevent miswirings.
- Harness clips 44 on the surface of carrier plate 22 hold electrical cables 112 in place.
- harness clips 44 are integrally formed from the surface of carrier plate 22 as to eliminate the need to separately mount harness clips 44 to carrier plate 22 .
- FIGS. 9 and 10 show a structural door module 120 that embodies a second aspect of the invention.
- the structural door module 120 is particularly useful for a convertible vehicle door and includes a carrier plate 122 .
- Carrier plate 122 includes a number of integrally formed or molded components. Integrally formed components on carrier plate 122 include support ribs 133 , an integral arm rest support 134 , at least one integral energy absorption block 136 , an integral inner handle support 138 , harness clips 144 , and speaker housing 146 .
- a plurality of fastener holes 148 spaced apart around the surface of structural carrier plate 122 provide a means to attach structural carrier plate 122 to the convertible vehicle door body through the use of carriage bolts, screws or the like.
- a water-sealing bead 150 is formed around the perimeter of carrier plate 22 on the wetside surface.
- the sealing bead 150 engages the inner wall of the convertible vehicle door body, providing a watertight seal for structural door module 120 .
- Water sealing bead 150 can be integrally formed from carrier plate 122 or, alternatively, water sealing bead 150 can be affixed to carrier plate 122 as a foam adhesive or the like.
- a window regulator assembly 154 is mounted to the wetside surface of carrier plate 122 .
- Window regulator assembly 154 includes a pair of lift members 156 slidably mounted to parallel first and second rails 158 .
- Each of first and second rails 158 is mounted to carrier plate 122 by a jack screw 160 secured near one end of first and second rails 158 .
- Jack screws 160 provide for cross-car adjustment of the window glass.
- each of first and second rails 158 includes a locking nut 161 to securely mount jackscrew 160 to rail 159 .
- Jack screws 160 extend through carrier plate 122 and are mounted to carrier plate 122 via an adjusting nut 163 .
- jackscrew 160 By rotating adjusting nut 163 clockwise or counterclockwise, jackscrew 160 is displaced further towards either the dryside or the wetside, adjusting the positioning of the rail 158 relative to carrier plate 122 .
- the position of a mounted window glass (not shown) can be easily adjusted.
- Each of the jackscrews 160 can be adjusted independently of the other, allowing for a more precise fit.
- a C-shaped front guide channel 162 and an opposing C-shaped rear guide channel 164 provide additional stability for a mounted window glass (not shown).
- An integrally formed bracket 166 on front guide channel 162 and rear guide channel 164 mounts front guide channel 162 and rear guide channel 164 to their respective first and second rail 158 .
- Brackets 166 can be mounted to first and second rail 158 using clips, screws or other conventional mounting means.
- Each of front guide channel 162 and rear guide channel 164 are further mounted to their respective first and second rail 158 by a dual link bracket 168 .
- Each dual link bracket 168 is comprised of a first portion 170 , a second portion 172 and a middle portion 174 .
- First portion 170 is integrally formed at one end from one of front guide channel 162 and rear guide channel 164 and extends at a perpendicular thereto.
- Second portion 172 is rotatably connected at a one end to one of first and second rails 158 .
- Middle portion 174 is rotatably connected at both ends to first portion 170 and second portion 172 .
- a mirror flag stem 176 is integrally formed from one end of front guide channel 162 .
- Mirror flag stem 176 is adapted to receive a side mirror assembly (not shown) on the exterior of the motor vehicle door body.
- Mirror access holes 178 provide an opening to interconnect the mirror assembly with electrical cables 112 (for mirror assemblies that are electrically steerable or heated or to an actuating rod (for mirror assemblies that are manually steerable).
- the entire mirror assembly can be assembled and aligned as part of structural door module 120 prior to being mounted to a motor vehicle door body, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, the mirror assembly can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
- a latch presenter 180 is mounted to rear glass guide channel 164 near bracket 166 .
- Latch presenter 180 can be mounted to rear guide channel 164 using clips, screws or other conventional mounting means.
- a latch assembly 126 is mounted to latch presenter 180 . Once window regulator assembly 154 is mounted to carrier plate 122 , latch assembly 126 can be interconnected to the inner and outer door handles (not shown) and electrical cables 112 (not shown), reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, latch assembly 126 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
- An outside handle base 182 is formed from latch presenter 180 .
- Outside handle base 182 is adapted to pass through an opening in the motor vehicle door body (not shown) and to be exposed to the outer surface of the vehicle.
- Outside handle base 182 provides an attached end 184 and a free end 186 .
- a hinge mount 188 is fitted around attached end 184 .
- An outer door handle (not shown) complementary to outside handle base 182 can be pivotally mounted to hinge mount 188 using conventional means.
- Hinge mount 188 connects to latch assembly 126 by a pair of outer articulating rods 190 (not shown).
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Abstract
A structural door module for a motor vehicle door body includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface. The structural door module also includes a plurality of door hardware components mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. A handle support is integrally formed from the carrier plate, and provides a cavity to receive a door handle assembly on the first surface.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/172,032 filed Jun. 29, 2011 which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/629,426 filed Dec. 13, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,347, which claims the benefit and priority of International Application No. PCT/CA2005/000956 filed Jun. 21, 2005 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/582,300 filed Jun. 23, 2004.
- The present invention relates to a module for a motor vehicle door body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a structural module that both strengthens the motor vehicle door body and acts as a hardware carrier for hardware subsystems in order to minimize subsequent assembly operations.
- A motor vehicle door typically includes an outer sheet metal panel, an inner sheet metal panel, and a plurality of hardware components mounted within an inner cavity formed between the outer and inner sheet metal panels. Common hardware components mounted to a door body include inner and outer door handle assemblies, window regulators, latch assemblies and speaker assemblies, along with their ancillary connecting and electrical components. The complete assembly of the door involves multiple manufacturing steps and numerous parts. Conventionally, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will install each individual hardware component to the structural door body along an assembly line.
- In general, vehicle occupants are less protected against side-impact collisions than front or rear-end collisions due to the relative thinness of the motor vehicle door. The door body itself can be forced into the passenger compartment, since the door body typically absorbs only a limited portion of the collision energy. Additionally, rigid hardware components that are mounted between the outer and inner sheet metal panels can also be forced into the passenger compartment. To improve safety in side-impact collisions, the vehicle door is typically reinforced by strengthening the sheet metal panels, or by mounting reinforcing structures such as crash beams to the door body. Additionally, one or more energy absorbing foam blocks are typically mounted between the inner and outer sheet metal panels to reduce the severity of a side-impact collision.
- The conventional installation of the hardware and safety components has, however, several drawbacks. First, a high assembly cycle is required to assemble the door in this fashion since installation of each hardware and safety component is a separate task requiring human effort. Hardware components must be mounted to the door body and then interconnected. Second, operability of the hardware components cannot be determined until the respective components are installed onto the door. Thus, time and labor may be wasted installing inoperable or ill-fitted components. Finally, additional time is required to inventory each hardware component as it arrives at the OEM to ensure that all of the hardware components are available for assembly.
- Pre-assembled door modules have been proposed to overcome some of the deficiencies of conventional door assembly methods. A door module typically involves using a carrier plate to partially assembly and orientate hardware components thereto prior to installation to the structural door body. One disadvantage associated with such door modules is that once the door module is installed to the door, the carrier body typically serves little or no purpose since all of the hardware components are eventually securely fastened to the structural door body and the door module itself does little or nothing to strengthen the door body. Another disadvantage associated with such door modules is that the door modules themselves are very labour intensive and require a large number of parts and steps to assemble before they can be delivered to the OEM.
- It is therefore desired to provide a door module that adds structural support to a motor vehicle door body, provides greater protection to passengers, and is easy to assemble at an OEM plant.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body. The structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. The structural door module also includes an arm rest support that is integrally formed from and extends out from the first surface of the structural plate and forms a hollow in the second surface. Preferably, an array of crumple zones are provided around the surface of the arm rest support to minimize the dangers of a side-impact collision.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body. The structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. An energy absorption block is integrally formed from the first and second surface of the carrier plate. Preferably, the energy absorbing block is a series of raised and lowered terrace portions arranged concentrically and spaced apart by wall portions of the energy absorbing block.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body. The structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. A handle support is integrally formed from the carrier plate. The handle support provides a cavity to receive a door handle assembly on the first surface.
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body. The structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. A drum housing is integrally formed from one of the first and second surface, and includes a shaft passage extending from the first surface to the second surface. A rail is mounted to the same one of the first and second surface as the drum housing and includes a flange that is mounted at least partially over the drum housing. A lift member is slidably mounted on the rail. A motor is mounted to the carrier plate on the surface opposite the drum housing. The motor includes a drive shaft that extends through the shaft passage in the drum housing. A cable drum is housed within the drum housing and is retained there within by the flange on the rail. The cable drum is rotatably mounted to the drive shaft between the carrier plate and the at least one rail.
- According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body. The structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. A latch presenter is integrally formed from the first surface and a glass guide is integrally formed from the edge of the latch presenter.
- According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural door module for a convertible motor vehicle door body. The structural door module includes a carrier plate forming a first and second surface, and a plurality of door hardware components are mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation. A window regulator is mounted to one of the first and second surface, and includes a first and a second rail. A glass guide channel is mounted to each of the first and second rail. Each of the first and second rail mounted at a first end to the carrier plate. Each rail is provided with an independent rail adjustment means operable to change the displacement of its respective rail and the mounted glass guide channel relative to the carrier plate.
- The present invention provides a structural door module for a motor vehicle door body, comprising a carrier plate with a plurality of door hardware components mounted to the dryside and wetside surfaces of the carrier plate. The carrier plate includes a number of preformed components that allow door subsystems to be pre-mounted to the door module and tested prior to mounting the structural door module in the motor vehicle door body. An energy absorbing area is molded into the carrier plate. Additionally, a protruding arm rest support is designed to collapse during a side-impact collision.
- A second embodiment provides a structural door module for a convertible vehicle door body, comprising of a carrier plate with a plurality of door hardware components mounted to the dryside and wetside surfaces of the carrier plate. A pair of glass guide channels are mounted to two rails on the window regulator. An integrally formed mirror flag is provided on one of the two glass guide channels. A latch presenter is mounted to the other of the two glass guide channels. Each of the two rails is provided with an independent adjustment means that allows the rail to be moved closer to or farther away from the carrier plate.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a structural door module according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the structural door module shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the structural door module shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the structural door module shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 a is a detail view of an arm rest support and an energy absorbing block located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 b is a detail view of the energy absorbing block located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 a is an exploded front detail view of an inner handle support located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 b is an exploded rear detail view of the back of the inner handle support located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 a is a front detail view of the cable drum housing located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 b is a front detail view of a portion of the mounted window regulator located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a latch presenter located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a structural door module according to a second embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the structural door module shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a portion of the structural door module shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the structural door module shown inFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 13 is a detail view of a portion of a window regulator located on the structural door module shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIGS. 1-8 show a first embodiment of the invention, andFIGS. 9-13 shows a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 1 to 4 show astructural door module 20, which includes a plurality of hardware subsystems mounted to or otherwise integrated with acarrier plate 22, and discussed in greater detail below.FIGS. 1 to 2 show an exploded perspective view of thestructural door module 20 andFIGS. 3 to 4 are an assembly view of thestructural door module 20.Carrier plate 22 provides opposing first and second surface, hereafter referred to as the “dryside” and “wetside” surfaces respectively. Shown inFIG. 1 , the dryside surface ofcarrier plate 22 faces the interior of the vehicle when mounted to a motor vehicle door body (not shown). Conversely, as shown inFIG. 2 , the wetside surface ofcarrier plate 22 faces the exterior of the vehicle when mounted to a motor vehicle door body (not shown). Hardware subsystems that are typically pre-mounted tocarrier plate 22 include awindow regulator assembly 24, alatch assembly 26, ahandle assembly 28, aspeaker assembly 30 and anelectrical harness assembly 32. -
Carrier plate 22 includes a number of integrally formed or molded components. Integrally formed components oncarrier plate 22 includesupport ribs 33, an integralarm rest support 34, at least one integralenergy absorption block 36, an integralinner handle support 38, anintegral drum housing 40, anintegral latch presenter 42, harness clips 44, and aspeaker housing 46. A plurality of fastener holes 48 spaced apart around the surface ofcarrier plate 22 provide a means to attachstructural carrier plate 22 to the motor vehicle door body through the use of carriage bolts, screws or the like. A plurality of access holes 49 are formed incarrier plate 22 to allow passage of articulating rods and electrical cables (both described in greater detail below). Preferably, a water-sealingbead 50 is formed around the perimeter ofcarrier plate 22 on the wetside surface. The sealingbead 50 engages the inner wall of the motor vehicle door body, providing a watertight seal forstructural door module 20.Water sealing bead 50 can be integrally formed fromcarrier plate 22 or, alternatively,water sealing bead 50 can be affixed tocarrier plate 22 as a foam adhesive or the like. Preferably, a sealinggasket 51 is mounted over access holes 49 for additional weather proofing. -
Carrier plate 22 is preferably manufactured from a composite material and molded into the desired shape. In the preferred embodiment,carrier plate 22 is manufactured using a 40% polypropylene matrix with glass reinforcement fibers. Other matrix materials will occur to those of skill in the art. Other reinforcement fibers contemplated include Kevlar, carbon fibers, and hemp, and other reinforcement materials will occur to those of skill in the art. - The
support ribs 33 are a series of integrally formed ridges that traverse portions of the dryside and wetside surfaces ofcarrier plate 22, reinforcingcarrier plate 22. The inherent material strength of the composite material used incarrier plate 22 combined withsupport ribs 33 reinforcesdoor module 20, and thus strengthens the motor vehicle door body when mounted thereto. - Referring additionally to
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b,arm rest support 34 is shown in greater detail.Arm rest support 34 is integrally formed with thecarrier plate 22 and projects outwards generally perpendicularly from the dryside, forming an arm rest hollow 35 on the wetside surface ofcarrier plate 22.Arm rest support 34 is configured to mount a piece of armrest trim (not shown) on the interior of the motor vehicle door body. At least onefastener hole 37 is provided on thearm rest support 34 to secure the arm rest trim using a conventional fastener such as a screw, bolt or the like. The exact shape ofarm rest support 34 can vary in order to accommodate differently shaped pieces of arm rest trim. Although the current embodiment uses only onearm rest support 34, it is contemplated thatcarrier plate 22 could provide two or more arm rest supports 34 to mount a piece of arm rest trim. - During a side-impact collision,
arm rest support 34 is designed to collapse in upon itself, absorbing kinetic energy asarm rest support 34 pushes into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As can be seen clearly inFIG. 5 a, an array ofbeveled crumple zones 54 are provided spaced across the horizontal and vertical surface ofarm rest support 34. In the presently illustrated embodiment,crumple zones 54 are diamond-shaped and straddle the corners between horizontal and vertical portions ofarm rest support 34.Crumple zones 54 comprise thinner portions ofarm rest support 34 that are weaker than the thicker, non-crumple zone portions. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the thickness ofcrumple zones 54 is 0.5 mm and the thickness of the non-crumple zone portions ofarm rest support 34 is 2 mm. Dimensions can vary due to differing force requirements for different models of door modules. Alternatively,crumple zones 54 could be holes spaced acrossarm rest support 34.Crumple zones 54 are engineered to buckle under compression, but remain firm under tension and bending loads. When subjected to a violent compression force,crumple zones 54 buckle, causingarm rest support 34 to partially compact into hollow 35, rather than remain rigid. In the illustrated embodiment,arm rest support 34 requires a force of at least 2000 N maintained over a displacement of a minimum of 38 mm to begin collapsing. Other embodiments of the invention will compact under different loads. In addition to collapse upon impact,arm rest support 34 is capable of withstanding the rigors of conventional use. For example, when a heavy load is applied to the attached armrest (as would be caused by an occupant leaning on the armrest trim), the orientation ofcrumple zones 54 causearm rest support 34 to buckle slightly rather than break. In the illustrated embodiment,arm rest support 34 is designed to support a load of up to approximately 100 kg.Arm rest support 34 is also designed to withstand a force of approximately 196 N (as would be caused by an occupant slamming the motor vehicle door shut or pushing the door open by the armrest trim). - As mentioned earlier, at least one integral
energy absorption block 36 is formed fromstructural carrier plate 22.Energy absorption block 36 is structurally stiff across its length and width but designed to crumple upon perpendicular impact (i.e., perpendicular to the general plane of carrier plate 22), absorbing energy from the collision. As can be clearly seen inFIGS. 5 a and 5 b,energy absorption block 36 is molded into a series of concentric raised and loweredterraces 56 that first extend out from the dryside ofcarrier plate 22 and then recede intocarrier plate 22 forming a hollow 58.Terraces 56 are spaced apart by contouredwall portions 60.Adjacent wall portions 60 are connected to each other by trough-shapedweb portions 61.Web portions 61 are preferably thinner than the other portions ofenergy absorption block 36 as to tear more easily. Impact causesenergy absorption block 36 to collapse inwards into hollow 58 prior to intruding into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As eachterrace 56 collapses into hollow 58, the material ofcarrier plate 22 shears alongweb portions 61. In the illustrated embodiment, energy absorbent block is required to maintain a force of at least 6000 N maintained over a minimum displacement of 55 mm to begin collapsing. Again, other embodiments of the invention having different dimensions and/or block geometry will collapse under different amounts of force. - Referring additionally to
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b,inner handle support 38 is shown in greater detail.Inner handle support 38 forms an integrally formedhandle chamber 62 and lockswitch chamber 64 that are both open to the dryside. Handlechamber 62 is adapted to receive ahandle 66 and includes two opposing pivot holes 68 to pivotally mounthandle 66 using pins, screws or the like.Handle 66 further includes a hingedmount 67 that secures handle 66 toinner handle support 38, while still permittinghandle 66 to pivot withinhandle chamber 62, typically using a screw fastener.Lock switch chamber 64 is adapted to receive adoor lock switch 70, which is held in place by detent tabs, screws or the like. Handlechamber 62 further includes a connectingrod passage 71 between the dryside and the wetside ofcarrier plate 22. An articulatedrod 72 a (not shown inFIGS. 6 a and 6 b) passes throughrod passage 71 to connect arod arm 73 extending fromhandle 66 to latch assembly 26 (described in greater detail below).Lock switch chamber 64 further includeselectrical access passage 74. A cable from electrical harness assembly 32 (not shown inFIGS. 6 a and 6 b) passes throughelectrical access passage 74 and plugs into a socket (not shown) ondoor lock switch 70, and is described in greater detail below with reference toelectrical harness assembly 32.Inner handle support 38 is further adapted to receive a fitted piece of trim (not shown) on the dryside that includes an opening to provide access to handle 66 in the passenger compartment. As such, theentire handle assembly 28 can be assembled as part ofstructural door module 20 prior to being mounted to a motor vehicle door body, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, handleassembly 28 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body. - Referring back to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , in the illustrated embodiment,window regulator assembly 24 includes tworails 76, mounted in parallel at both ends tocarrier plate 22. An opposingpulley 78 is rotatably mounted at each end of bothrails 76. Each rail is further adapted to mount alift member 80 in a slidable engagement. One of therails 76 mounted to thecarrier plate 22 has a flange situated to partially coverdrum housing 40. Amotor 82 is mounted to the dryside ofcarrier plate 22 and drives acable drum 84. Acable 86 is threaded around the four opposingpulleys 78,cable drum 84 and connected to the twolift members 80. - As mentioned earlier, drum
housing 40 is integrally formed on the wetside surfacestructural carrier plate 22. As can be more clearly seen from the detailed view ofFIG. 7 b, drumhousing 40 receivescable drum 84 and includes acylindrical sidewall 88.Cylindrical sidewall 88 contains agap portion 90, allowingcables 86 to wrap aroundcable drum 84 and towards opposingpulleys 78 on thefurther rail 76. Centered indrum housing 40 is a shaft opening 92 (seeFIG. 7A ) that provides a passage between the dryside and wetside ofcarrier plate 22. A circular arrangement oftabs 94 allows an assembler to temporarily situatecable drum 84 indrum housing 40 prior to being permanently coupled tomotor 82. -
Motor 82 is coupled with adrive shaft 96 and situated so thatdrive shaft 96 passes throughshaft opening 92. Gear teeth 98 ondrive shaft 96 engagecable drum 84 so that it is held in place between thecarrier plate 22 and the over-mounted flange onrail 76. Driveshaft 96 extends through and is freely rotatable within ashaft opening 100 in theover-mounted rail 76. A cable fromelectrical harness assembly 32 plugs into a socket (not shown inFIG. 7 a or 7 b) onmotor 82, and is described in greater detail below with reference toelectrical harness assembly 32. As such, the entirewindow regulator assembly 24 can be assembled oncarrier plate 22 as part ofstructural door module 20, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally,window regulator assembly 24 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body. - As mentioned previously, a
latch presenter 42 is integrally formed from an edge ofstructural carrier plate 22. As can be more clearly seen fromFIG. 8 ,latch presenter 42 forms a box-like compartment 102 on the wetside surface ofcarrier plate 22. The sidewall ofcompartment 102 is open on one side to receive and mountlatch assembly 26. Arod passage 103 in the opposing sidewall ofcompartment 94 allows articulatedrod 72 a to pass intocompartment 102 and connectlatch assembly 26 torod arm 73. An articulatedrod 72 b also passes throughrod passage 103 and terminates in a lock status indicator 105 (not shown inFIG. 8 ). - A cable from
electrical harness assembly 32 plugs into a socket (not shown) onlatch assembly 26, and is described in greater detail below with reference toelectrical harness assembly 32. As such, theentire latch assembly 26 can be assembled oncarrier plate 22 and connected to handleassembly 28 as part ofstructural door module 20 prior to being mounted to a motor vehicle door body, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally,latch assembly 26 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body. - Extending out from the surface of
latch presenter 42 and displaced away from the wetside surface ofcarrier plate 22 is an integrally formedglass channel 104.Glass channel 104 provides a C-shaped channel that runs generally parallel torails 76 adapted to provide additional stabilization for a window glass (not shown) mounted towindow regulator assembly 24. Preferably, weather stripping (not shown) is added toglass channel 104 to provide a water-tight seal around the window pane. - The carrier plate includes an integrally formed outside
handle base 106 that extends substantially perpendicular toglass channel 104.Outside handle base 106 is exposed to the outer surface of the vehicle door by means of an opening (not shown) formed in the outer sheet metal panel of the motor vehicle door.Outside handle base 106 provides an linkedend 107 which is contiguous with the glass run channel and afree end 109 intended to be fastened to the outer sheet metal layer of the vehicle door using screws or the like. Theoutside handle base 106 includes a cavity 108A enabling an outer door handle (not shown) to be inserted therethrough for connection to a U-shapedbiased hinge mechanism 108 mounted to linkedend 107. The outer door handle preferably seats in a feature 108C of the hinge mechanism but may be connected to thehinge mechanism 108 using other conventional means. Thehinge mechanism 108 includes anarm 108 d which swings as the U-shaped part of the hinge mechanism pivots in response to actuation of the outer door handle. Thearm 108 d is in turn connected to latchassembly 26 by arod 110 a which activates a latch outer door release lever.Rod 110 b connects a door handle key cylinder (not shown) to the latch assembly, as known in the art per se. - Referring back to
FIGS. 1 to 4 ,electrical harness assembly 32 includes a plurality ofcables 112 originating from aface boot 114.Cables 112 provide signals and power to all the electrically-driven subsystems mounted tostructural door carrier 20, includingwindow regulator assembly 24,latch assembly 26,inner handle assembly 28 andspeaker assembly 30. Eachcable 112 ends in anelectrical controller 116. Eachelectrical controller 116 is adapted to plug directly into a complementary socket on its designated subsystem. For example,electrical controller 116 a plugs into a socket onmotor 82 to provide power towindow regulator assembly 24, electrical controller 116 c plugs into a socket onlatch assembly 26,electrical controller 116 b plugs into a socket ondoor lock switch 70 to provide power toinner handle assembly 28, andelectrical controller 116 d plugs into a socket onspeaker assembly 30. Otherelectrical controllers 116 can be provided to power other subsystems mounted tostructural door module 20. By usingelectrical controllers 116 that plug directly into their designated subsystem, wiring time is minimized. In addition, eachelectrical controller 116 and complementary electrical socket can differ in shape from each other electrical controller 116-electrical socket pair as to prevent miswirings. Harness clips 44 on the surface ofcarrier plate 22 holdelectrical cables 112 in place. Preferably, harness clips 44 are integrally formed from the surface ofcarrier plate 22 as to eliminate the need to separately mount harness clips 44 tocarrier plate 22. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 show astructural door module 120 that embodies a second aspect of the invention. Thestructural door module 120 is particularly useful for a convertible vehicle door and includes acarrier plate 122.Carrier plate 122 includes a number of integrally formed or molded components. Integrally formed components oncarrier plate 122 includesupport ribs 133, an integralarm rest support 134, at least one integralenergy absorption block 136, an integral inner handle support 138, harness clips 144, andspeaker housing 146. A plurality offastener holes 148 spaced apart around the surface ofstructural carrier plate 122 provide a means to attachstructural carrier plate 122 to the convertible vehicle door body through the use of carriage bolts, screws or the like. Preferably, a water-sealingbead 150 is formed around the perimeter ofcarrier plate 22 on the wetside surface. The sealingbead 150 engages the inner wall of the convertible vehicle door body, providing a watertight seal forstructural door module 120.Water sealing bead 150 can be integrally formed fromcarrier plate 122 or, alternatively,water sealing bead 150 can be affixed tocarrier plate 122 as a foam adhesive or the like. - A
window regulator assembly 154 is mounted to the wetside surface ofcarrier plate 122.Window regulator assembly 154 includes a pair oflift members 156 slidably mounted to parallel first andsecond rails 158. Each of first andsecond rails 158 is mounted tocarrier plate 122 by ajack screw 160 secured near one end of first andsecond rails 158. Jack screws 160 provide for cross-car adjustment of the window glass. Referring additionally toFIG. 11 , each of first andsecond rails 158 includes a lockingnut 161 to securely mountjackscrew 160 to rail 159. Jack screws 160 extend throughcarrier plate 122 and are mounted tocarrier plate 122 via an adjustingnut 163. By rotating adjustingnut 163 clockwise or counterclockwise,jackscrew 160 is displaced further towards either the dryside or the wetside, adjusting the positioning of therail 158 relative tocarrier plate 122. Thus, the position of a mounted window glass (not shown) can be easily adjusted. Each of thejackscrews 160 can be adjusted independently of the other, allowing for a more precise fit. - Referring back to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , a C-shapedfront guide channel 162 and an opposing C-shapedrear guide channel 164 provide additional stability for a mounted window glass (not shown). An integrally formedbracket 166 onfront guide channel 162 andrear guide channel 164 mountsfront guide channel 162 andrear guide channel 164 to their respective first andsecond rail 158.Brackets 166 can be mounted to first andsecond rail 158 using clips, screws or other conventional mounting means. Each offront guide channel 162 andrear guide channel 164 are further mounted to their respective first andsecond rail 158 by adual link bracket 168. Eachdual link bracket 168 is comprised of afirst portion 170, asecond portion 172 and amiddle portion 174.First portion 170 is integrally formed at one end from one offront guide channel 162 andrear guide channel 164 and extends at a perpendicular thereto.Second portion 172 is rotatably connected at a one end to one of first andsecond rails 158.Middle portion 174 is rotatably connected at both ends tofirst portion 170 andsecond portion 172. Given the adjustable mounting of first andsecond rails 158 onjack screws 160, combined with the pivotal mounting of thedual link brackets 168, the position of a window glass can be shifted around in a convertible door frame. - A
mirror flag stem 176 is integrally formed from one end offront guide channel 162.Mirror flag stem 176 is adapted to receive a side mirror assembly (not shown) on the exterior of the motor vehicle door body. Mirror access holes 178 provide an opening to interconnect the mirror assembly with electrical cables 112 (for mirror assemblies that are electrically steerable or heated or to an actuating rod (for mirror assemblies that are manually steerable). As such, the entire mirror assembly can be assembled and aligned as part ofstructural door module 120 prior to being mounted to a motor vehicle door body, reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally, the mirror assembly can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body. - Referring additionally to
FIGS. 12 and 13 , alatch presenter 180 is mounted to rearglass guide channel 164 nearbracket 166.Latch presenter 180 can be mounted torear guide channel 164 using clips, screws or other conventional mounting means. Alatch assembly 126 is mounted to latchpresenter 180. Oncewindow regulator assembly 154 is mounted tocarrier plate 122,latch assembly 126 can be interconnected to the inner and outer door handles (not shown) and electrical cables 112 (not shown), reducing vehicle assembly time. Additionally,latch assembly 126 can be pre-tested before being mounted to a motor vehicle door body. - An
outside handle base 182 is formed fromlatch presenter 180.Outside handle base 182 is adapted to pass through an opening in the motor vehicle door body (not shown) and to be exposed to the outer surface of the vehicle.Outside handle base 182 provides anattached end 184 and afree end 186. Ahinge mount 188 is fitted around attachedend 184. An outer door handle (not shown) complementary tooutside handle base 182 can be pivotally mounted to hingemount 188 using conventional means.Hinge mount 188 connects to latchassembly 126 by a pair of outer articulating rods 190 (not shown). - The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (13)
1. A structural door module for a motor vehicle door body, comprising:
a carrier plate forming a first and second surface;
a plurality of door hardware components mounted to at least one of the first and second surface in a pre-configured orientation; and
a handle support integrally formed from the carrier plate, the handle support providing a cavity to receive a door handle assembly on the first surface.
2. The structural door module of claim 1 , wherein the door handle assembly is mounted to the handle support prior to the door module being mounted to the motor vehicle door.
3. The structural door module of claim 2 , wherein a latch assembly is mounted to the carrier plate and the door handle assembly is connected to the latch assembly prior to the door module being mounted to the motor vehicle door.
4. A structural door module for a motor vehicle door body, comprising:
a carrier plate forming a first surface and a second surface;
an inner handle support forming a handle chamber that is open from the first surface away from the second surface, wherein the handle chamber includes an inner handle support to receive a handle, the handle forming part of a handle assembly.
5. The structural door module of claim 4 , wherein the handle mount comprises two opposing pivot holes to pivotally mount handle using pins, screws or the like.
6. The structural door module of claim 4 , further comprising a lock switch chamber that is open from the first surface away from the second surface.
7. The structural door module of claim 4 , wherein the handle assembly further includes a hinged mount that secures the handle to the inner handle support, while permitting the handle to pivot within the handle chamber.
8. The structural door module of claim 6 , wherein the lock switch chamber is adapted to receive a door lock switch.
9. The structural door module of claim 4 , wherein the handle chamber further includes a connecting rod passage open between the first surface and the second surface of carrier plate, and an articulated rod passing through the rod passage to connect a rod arm extending from the handle to a latch assembly connected to the carrier plate.
10. The structural door module of claim 6 , wherein the lock switch chamber further includes an electrical access passage, and a cable from an electrical harness assembly passing through the electrical access passage to door lock switch in the lock switch chamber.
11. The structural door module of claim 4 , wherein the inner handle support is further adapted to receive a fitted piece of trim on the first surface that includes an opening to provide access to handle through the fitted piece of trim.
12. The structural door module of claim 4 , wherein the handle assembly is assembled as part of the structural door module prior to the structural door module being mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
13. The structural door module of claim 12 , wherein the handle assembly is pre-tested on the structural door module before the structural door module is mounted to a motor vehicle door body.
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/172,032 US8763308B2 (en) | 2004-06-23 | 2011-06-29 | Structural door module |
US14/224,227 US20140203590A1 (en) | 2004-06-23 | 2014-03-25 | Structural Door |
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US14/224,227 Abandoned US20140203590A1 (en) | 2004-06-23 | 2014-03-25 | Structural Door |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1758748B1 (en) | 2012-08-22 |
CN1976824A (en) | 2007-06-06 |
CA2566275C (en) | 2013-02-05 |
CN103434371A (en) | 2013-12-11 |
US8763308B2 (en) | 2014-07-01 |
CN103434371B (en) | 2016-03-30 |
US20080276541A1 (en) | 2008-11-13 |
US20110308163A1 (en) | 2011-12-22 |
JP2008503383A (en) | 2008-02-07 |
CA2566275A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
WO2006000082A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 |
US7992347B2 (en) | 2011-08-09 |
EP1758748A1 (en) | 2007-03-07 |
CN1976824B (en) | 2013-08-28 |
EP1758748A4 (en) | 2008-09-17 |
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