EP0368998A1 - Assemblage de panneau de porte modulaire avec nterface de contact electrique pour vehicule automobile - Google Patents

Assemblage de panneau de porte modulaire avec nterface de contact electrique pour vehicule automobile

Info

Publication number
EP0368998A1
EP0368998A1 EP89907413A EP89907413A EP0368998A1 EP 0368998 A1 EP0368998 A1 EP 0368998A1 EP 89907413 A EP89907413 A EP 89907413A EP 89907413 A EP89907413 A EP 89907413A EP 0368998 A1 EP0368998 A1 EP 0368998A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
door
door frame
panel module
electrical
section
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP89907413A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0368998A4 (en
Inventor
James D. Dowd
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lear Corp EEDS and Interiors
Original Assignee
Lear Corp EEDS and Interiors
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lear Corp EEDS and Interiors filed Critical Lear Corp EEDS and Interiors
Publication of EP0368998A1 publication Critical patent/EP0368998A1/fr
Publication of EP0368998A4 publication Critical patent/EP0368998A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
    • H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
    • H01R13/2407—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means
    • H01R13/2421—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means using coil springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to automotive modular door panel assembly systems in which a modular door panel, such as for example, an interior trim panel module, which carries on it a number of the electrical components for the door, such as for example one or more switches, window regulator drive(s) , power door lock components, electrical wiring, etc., is separately manufactured off-line and thereafter attached to the main door frame of a vehicle in the main assembly line process.
  • the present invention is more particularly directed to the electrical interfacing and electrical interconnection of the electrical elements between the door panel module and the main door frame in the assembly line attaching process. Even more particu ⁇ larly, the present invention relates to the automatic electrical interfacing between the electrical components or wiring on the modular door panel and those still mounted directly on the door's main frame in the final door assembly.
  • the workers on the assembly line would, in essence, have to delay the attachment of the modular door panel to the main door frame until they had separately and manually interconnected the various male/- fe ale connectors between the two, or alternatively, after or while the panel and the main frame were being attached together, subsequently manually interconnecting the various male/female connectors.
  • the present invention provides for the automatic interfacing of the electrical components, regardless of the number involved and without requiring precise relative positioning of the panel module with respect to the door frame to insure a good electrical interconnecting interface in the final assembly and attachment of the modular panel to the door frame, all without the need for any manually actuated electrical connections.
  • the present invention thus provides for the automatic interfacing of electrical components between at least one electrical component provided on the modular door panel and another electrical component mounted on the main door frame, particularly during the interfacing and assembly operation of the modular door panel to the main door frame in the main assembly line operation.
  • one or more series of juxtaposi- tioned, spring-biased contacts are used to resiliently engage laterally extended, stationary contacts on the other door element or section.
  • the laterally extended contacts have relatively large, laterally extended, facial areas (in comparison to the diameter of the male/female members used in the interconnection approach of the prior art) .
  • Such allows the door panel module to be only generally located in lateral alignment with respect to the main door frame, as the two are brought together and connected together.
  • the approach of the present invention allows a substantial amount, if not the vast majority and indeed if not all, of the wiring for the automotive door to be provided on the modular door panel in the off-line, sub- assembly panel module manufacturing operation, further adding to the savings in labor and assembly line time on the main assembly line.
  • the assembly of the wiring or wiring harness is transferred from the assembly plant to the trim supplier, providing for a more controlled assembly environment.
  • the great bulk of the wiring needed to interconnect the switches, any remote multiplexing (remux) unit, as well as any power drives for the window and for the door locks, to the main wiring harness can all be placed and be pre-wired in the remote, off-site, sub- assembly operation.
  • switches are preassembled to the trim panel module and are already connected to the primary laterally extending wiring going from lateral end to lateral end of the door panel module or even to the wiring harness itself if included as part of the panel module. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to thread any wiring connector through the water shield and door trim panel hole during switch assembly, as was necessary in the prior art approach.
  • Line balancing is therefore easier, and the main assembly line operator has the same number of operations to carry out, regardless of whether power windows, power door locks, or a combination of both, are fitted.
  • Some of the other advantages of the present invention are that it allows the panel assembly to be robotically assembled with the main door frame, if desired, and there is no requirement that the two members be precisely laterally aligned together to make the electrical intercon ⁇ nections between the electrical components and wiring on the modular panel and the electrical components and any wiring on the main door frame.
  • trim panel module can be pre-tested for electrical integrity prior to shipment to the assembly plant.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded view, showing the general pre-attachment positioning of the door trim panel with respect to the main door frame in the assembly line operation, with the prior art approach of the electrical interfacing connections being positioned for manual interconnection with all of the wiring of the door being placed in door frame and none on the trim panel; while
  • Figure 1A is a partial, detail, side view, showing the relative precise positioning required for mating the male leads with the female contacts in the prior art approach of Figure 1.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded view, similar in perspective to Figure 1, but showing the general positioning in the present invention of the door trim panel module with respect to the main door frame in the assembly line operation, with the electrical interfacing connections being positioned in general opposition for automatic interconnection.
  • Figure 3 is a side, partial, cross-sectional, detail view of the fully assembled panel module and door frame, taken in the combined area of the two sets of cross-section lines 3-3 of Figure 2 , showing in detail the resilient interfacing between the electrical, spring loaded contacts on the door panel module and the stationary, flat-faced contacts on the main door frame, representing the exe - plary, preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the electrical interconnection elements of Figure 3.
  • an interior trim panel module (such as, for example, one similar to those that are disclosed in assignee's co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/097,555, the disclosure of which is incor ⁇ porated herein by reference) is positioned generally in front of and is ultimately interfaced and mated with the main automobile door frame 102 in the assembly line operation.
  • the trim panel module 101 preferably, for example, includes at least most of the electrical com ⁇ ponents (if not also most of the mechanical components) used within the complete automotive door, with only a relatively few components being directly assembled on-line within the door frame 102.
  • the main wiring harness 103 can be included with the modular trim panel 101, as shown in the Basson et al application, or associ ⁇ ated with the main door frame 102, as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the wiring harness 103 includes one or more connectors (note connectors 3B in Figs, l & 2) at its distal end for connecting the electrical door com ⁇ ponents into the main electrical system in the main body of the vehicle being made.
  • At least one electrical contact pad 120 is provided adjacent to the electrical component(s) directly assembled on the door frame 102. As illustrated in Figure 2, this can include, for example, relatively flat, stationary, laterally extended pads 120A & 120B for the electrically powered window and lock components 108 & 109, respectively, with the former being somewhat centrally located on the door frame section 102 and the latter being located at the back end 102B of the frame section. If the wiring harness 103 is to be directly associated with the door frame 102, rather than being made up and affixed to the trim panel module 101 during its manufac ⁇ ture, an additional contact pad 120C is provided at the front end 102A of the door frame 102.
  • contact pads 120 could be provided for any other component(s) directly mounted on the door frame 102, including for further example a curb or other door light, any motor drives and heaters for the side, rear view mirror on the driver's door, or for a motor drive for a vent window, etc.
  • a single, fixed pad 120 could be made to work for multiple, significantly spaced, electrical com- ponents on the door frame 102 by including wiring strung from such a single pad 120 to the various electrical com ⁇ ponents, preferably separate, juxtaposed pads 120A+, one for each component which is significantly spaced from the other(s) , are used, as illustrated.
  • minimal wiring, if any, is included directly on the door frame 102.
  • all such wiring (note e.g. phantom-lined, laterally extended wiring 103A) is preferably included on the modular door panel 101, along with, for example, the switches 104 & 105, which are connected to the wiring harness, like the rest of the wiring through the front end contact pad 120C, if the wiring harness 103 is not carried directly by the panel module 101.
  • Such an approach which has most if not all of the wiring on the panel module section 101, greatly lends itself to robotic and other automatic manufacturing techniques with respect to the electrical wiring for the door.
  • each of the electrical interfacing contact pads 120 includes a number of static contacts 121, each having, for example, an "L" shaped configuration in its side cross-section and having a significant lateral extension for its interfacing area of, for example, about an half an inch on each side or more. This is in contrast to the male terminals of the connectors 6/7 of the prior art having a diameter of only about a sixteenth of an inch, which are inserted into female holes of a like, relatively small diameter (note Fig. 1A) .
  • a sufficient number of static, "L" shaped contacts 121 are included to provide the required lead wires or connections to the electrical component(s) involved, which typically will require a minimum of two contacts or wires.
  • a like number of longitudinally or orthogonally moveable, spring biased contact members 122 are included on the door trim panel 101, which moveable contacts likewise can have a relatively large, laterally extended face or a centrally located contacting dimple or protrusion 123, as illustrated.
  • Internal springs 124 resiliently bias the contacts 122 out away from the door trim panel 101 but allow them to be pushed back into their respective seats 125, as the door trim panel 101 and the door frame 102 are brought compressively together and mechanically attached.
  • Appropriate stop means are provided between the orthogonally movable contact members 122 and their seats 125 to prevent them from coming out their seats in their normal operation.
  • a rubber sealing gasket 126 surrounding the electrical contact interfacing between the pad 120 and the movable contact members 122 is provided, preferably on the door frame 102, with the pad being included in a depressed area 127 on the door frame, as illustrated in Figure 3.
  • a plastic vapor or moisture or water shield layer 128 could be included on the modular trim panel 101, as illustrated. All of this results in a relatively water- free, electrical interfacing area.
  • the trim panel module 101 is typically positioned in parallel, frontal array to the door frame 102 and then either moved in towards the door frame 102 in direct fashion, maintain ⁇ ing an at least general parallel alignment between the two, or, alternatively, the top of the trim panel module 101 is initially engaged with a top portion of the door frame 102 and pivoted down in the interfacing, juxtaposition and attachment steps. In either case, a series of, for example, spaced snap fastening pins 112 lockingly interface with like located openings 113 on the door frame 102.
  • the orthogonally movable electrical contacts 122 automatically interface and make the circuit between it and the static contacts 121. Because of the relatively large lateral extent and flatness of the contacts 121, which allow relative side movement while still maintaining electrical contact, precise positioning and alignment of the panel module 101 and the frame 102 is not necessary to insure good electrical interfacing. Again, all of the electrical interfacing connection is achieved without any manual making-up of electrical connectors, which require for example two or more rela ⁇ tively small male terminals to be inserted into like relatively small female openings (note Fig. 1A) , requiring precise relative lateral positioning between the connector el ments.
  • the panel module 101 is merely disconnected and pulled orthogonally away from the door frame 102, and, insofar as at least the electrical interfacing connections 121/122 are concerned, no manually actuated disconnection of electrical connectors is neces- sary.
  • the resiliently biased contact members 122 merely extend further out under the action of the springs 124 from the panel module 101, ready to resiliently re-make the electrical interfacing connection when the panel module and the door frame are rejoined.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à une unité de porte de véhicule et à un système d'interface électrique pour un cadre pour porte de véhicule fixé mobile à la carrosserie d'un véhicule, ainsi qu'à un procédé d'assemblage de l'unité de porte du véhicule et d'un système d'interface électrique au cadre de porte du véhicule. Les procédés connus ont le désavantage du temps qu'il faut consacrer et de la précision requise pour le positionnement des composants. La présente invention résout ces problèmes en équipant un cadre de porte (102) avec une pastille de contact (120) et en équipant un module de panneau de porte (101) avec des éléments de contact (122) sollicités par des ressorts (124). Les éléments de contact (122) sont mis en interface avec la pastille (120) établissant ainsi les connexions électriques.
EP19890907413 1988-05-06 1989-05-05 Vehicular modular door panel assembly with laterally extended electrical contact interfacing Withdrawn EP0368998A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US191093 1980-09-26
US19109388A 1988-05-06 1988-05-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0368998A1 true EP0368998A1 (fr) 1990-05-23
EP0368998A4 EP0368998A4 (en) 1991-05-08

Family

ID=22704114

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19890907413 Withdrawn EP0368998A4 (en) 1988-05-06 1989-05-05 Vehicular modular door panel assembly with laterally extended electrical contact interfacing

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0368998A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU3778189A (fr)
WO (1) WO1989011171A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8525476U1 (de) * 1985-09-06 1985-10-17 Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8012 Ottobrunn Elektrische Kupplung für Munition
DE10040954A1 (de) * 2000-08-22 2002-03-21 Meritor Automotive Gmbh Türmodul für Kraftfahrzeugtüren
GB0030894D0 (en) * 2000-12-19 2001-01-31 Meritor Light Vehicle Sys Ltd Vehicle door
US7179133B2 (en) 2001-05-29 2007-02-20 Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh Attachment device for the sun visor of a motor vehicle
EP1355387B1 (fr) * 2002-04-17 2010-12-15 Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH Assemblage de connecteur électrique sur une pièce fixe de carrosserie de véhicule et procédé pour la formation d'un tel assemblage de connecteur électrique
EP1715500B1 (fr) * 2005-04-20 2009-03-18 ABB Schweiz AG interrupteur auxiliaire distributeur électrique à basse tension

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3530413A1 (de) * 1985-08-26 1987-02-26 Lisa Draexlmaier Fa Bausatzteil fuer die verlegung elektrischer leitungen in kraftfahrzeugen
DE3536142A1 (de) * 1985-10-10 1987-04-16 Opel Adam Ag Mehrpolige, als steckverbindung ausgebildete elektrische verbindung zwischen zwei gelenkig miteinander verbundenen bauteilen, insbesondere zwischen karosserie und seitentuer von kraftfahrzeugen

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2728062A (en) * 1952-12-04 1955-12-20 American Phenolic Corp Spring loaded butt contact with external contacting sleeve
US3771110A (en) * 1971-11-23 1973-11-06 Walton Prod Inc Electrical contact pins
US4397519A (en) * 1981-05-12 1983-08-09 Pylon Company, Inc. Electrical contact construction
US4568139A (en) * 1984-12-10 1986-02-04 Alden Research Foundation Laterally engaged electrical connector
JPH0764197B2 (ja) * 1986-07-17 1995-07-12 矢崎総業株式会社 自動車のドア用ワイヤ−ハ−ネスの接続方法
JPS63125310U (fr) * 1987-02-10 1988-08-16

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3530413A1 (de) * 1985-08-26 1987-02-26 Lisa Draexlmaier Fa Bausatzteil fuer die verlegung elektrischer leitungen in kraftfahrzeugen
DE3536142A1 (de) * 1985-10-10 1987-04-16 Opel Adam Ag Mehrpolige, als steckverbindung ausgebildete elektrische verbindung zwischen zwei gelenkig miteinander verbundenen bauteilen, insbesondere zwischen karosserie und seitentuer von kraftfahrzeugen

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO8911171A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1989011171A1 (fr) 1989-11-16
AU3778189A (en) 1989-11-29
EP0368998A4 (en) 1991-05-08

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