GB2512073A

GB2512073A - Fixing assembly for a watershield

Info

Publication number: GB2512073A
Application number: GB1305013.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Abernethy; Paul Blackmore; Mary Ayton; Ian Derbyshire; Ian Raper; Sherif Lawal
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2013-03-19
Filing date: 2013-03-19
Publication date: 2014-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-19
Also published as: GB201305013D0; CN203805817U; GB2512073B; DE102014204856A1

Abstract

A fixing assembly 1 for fixing a watershield 2 over an opening 4 in a vehicle panel 6. The fixing assembly 1 comprising a fixing bracket 8 shaped to conform to a surface 10 of the vehicle panel 6 and an alignment element 12, 18 connected to the fixing bracket 8 and configured to engage in an alignment opening 16, 22 in the vehicle panel 6. Optionally the alignment element 12, 18 is integrally formed with the fixing bracket 8 and may comprise an alignment pin, hook, recess or barb. Preferably the bracket 8 is L-shaped and comprises two elongate limbs connected at right angles and where each limb has at least one alignment element 12, 18 associated with it. Also disclosed is a method of installing a watershield 2 over an opening 4 in a vehicle panel 6 where alignment elements 12, 18 on a bracket 8 are aligned with corresponding elements 16, 22 in a vehicle panel 6.

Description

Fixing Assembly for a Watershield This invention relates to a fixing assembly for fixing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel, and specifically but not exclusively relates to a fixing assembly for fixing a watershield to a multi-planar surface on the inner panel of a vehicle door.

Background

Watershields are commonly used to protect the interior compartment of a vehicle from the ingress of external factors such as water, wind and dust, which may damage or spoil the vehicle trim and degrade the internal environment of the vehicle. In particular, it is known to use a watershield to seal about an opening in an inner panel of a vehicle door, so as to shield the vehicle trim, which is attached to the inner panel of the door, from water dust and dirt which finds its way into a hollow interior of the door.

Commonly, a watershield is positioned between an interior trim panel and a metal door skin that forms the inner panel of the door. In order for the watershield to be an effective countermeasure towards the ingress of external factors into the interior compartment of the vehicle, a reliable seal must be formed between the watershield and the inner door panel.

Owing to advances in design and manufacturing techniques, the inner panel against which the watershield must form a reliable seal, can have a multi-planar surface. Such a surface is harder to seal against.

Furthermore, the requirements for design robustness and reliability necessitate a repeatable and consistent assembly procedure. As such, it becomes important to consistently install the watershield over critical form areas such that the seal is correctly positioned on that portion of the multi-planar surface of the door panel. It is also important to ensure that the edges of the watershield will not pull away from the door panel in service.

Watershield designs have previously been proposed that provide a rigid, fully formed watershield, which are configured to conform to the multi-planar profiles of modern vehicle doors. These components are, however, heavy and expensive, and also require a large number of fixings in order to ensure that the entire rigid form of the watershield conforms to the multi-planar inner panel of the door.

Statements of invention

According to the present invention there is provided a fixing assembly for fixing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel, the fixing assembly comprising: a fixing bracket shaped to conform to a surface of the vehicle panel; and an alignment element connected to the fixing bracket and configured to engage in an alignment opening in the vehicle panel.

The alignment element may be integrally formed with the fixing bracket. For example, the alignment element and fixing bracket may be a single moulded component.

The alignment element may comprise an alignment pin. The alignment element may comprise a retaining element. The retaining element may comprise one or more ribs recesses, hooks or barbs.

The distal end of the alignment element may be tapered or chamfered.

The watershield may comprise an alignment opening that may be configured to accommodate the alignment element.

The fixing assembly may further include at least one plug and socket fixing, each plug and socket fixing having a socket which is configured to locate in a respective fixing opening formed in the vehicle panel, and a plug which is configured to engage in the socket. The plug and socket fixing may be a threaded fastening or a snap-fixing.

There may be a plurality of alignment elements connected to the fixing bracket. At least one of the alignment elements may be configured to align the bracket along two axes, i.e. a 4-way alignment element. At least one of the alignment elements may be configured to align the bracket along one axis, i.e. a 2-way alignment element. The alignment elements may be substantially circular, semi-circular or generally polygonal in cross section. The alignment elements may comprise a key feature.

The fixing bracket may be substantially L-shaped and comprise two elongate limbs attached substantially at right angles, at least one alignment element being connected to each limb The fixing assembly may further comprise a seal element configured to seal the watershield to the vehicle panel. The seal may be substantially the same shape as the fixing bracket. The seal may be formed at least partially from foam or rubber The fixing bracket may be formed from material which is stiffer than the watershield. For example, the fixing bracket may be formed at least partially from a polymeric or metallic material.

The watershield may be polygonal and the fixing bracket may be adapted to support a corner of the watershield. A plurality of the said fixing brackets may be used on a single watershield.

The fixing bracket may be shaped to conform to a multi-planar portion of the vehicle panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel, the method comprising: attaching a fixing bracket to the watershield, such that an alignment element of the fixing bracket projects from the watershield; aligning the watershield with the vehicle panel by locating the alignment element of the fixing bracket in an alignment opening formed in the vehicle panel; and pressing the watershield against the vehicle panel.

The step of attaching a fixing bracket to the watershield may comprise passing the alignment element through an alignment opening formed in the watershield.

The fixing bracket may have at least two spaced apart alignment elements and the vehicle panel may have corresponding alignment openings. The method may further comprise inserting a first one of the alignment elements into the corresponding alignment opening, then rotating the watershield about the said first alignment element until the or each other alignment element is aligned with its respective alignment opening in the vehicle panel.

In a fixing assembly according to the present invention provides, a means of sealing a watershield against the corresponding multi-planar interior panel of a vehicle door, providing a seal for a watershield in more than one plane.

The alignment element may allow for an operator to consistently assemble and install the watershield over critical form areas such that the seal is correctly positioned on a vehicle panel, such as a vehicle inner door skin. The invention may be used even where the panel surface is multi-planar and hence requires sealing in more than one plane.

The fixing bracket may serve to stiffen and reinforce an edge of the watershield, so the watershield may have a substantially less rigid construction than that embodied by fully-moulded designs, thereby reducing the weight and cost of the watershield.

List of figures For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 a is an exploded front perspective view of the fixing assembly; Figure lb is an exploded rear perspective view of the fixing assembly; Figure 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the fixing assembly showing bracket detail.

Detailed description

With reference to figure 1 a, lb and 2, a fixing assembly 1 for fixing a watershield 2 over an opening 4 in a vehicle inner door panel B comprises a an L-shaped fixing brackets shaped to conform to a multi-planar surface 10 of the door panel 6, and a similarly shaped seal 11.

A first alignment element comprising a first locator pin 12 is integrally formed with a first arm 14 of the fixing bracket 8 and is shaped to pass through a perforated region 15 of the watershield 2 and a perforated region 19 of the seal 11, and into a first alignment opening 16 formed in the door panel 6.

A second alignment element comprising a second locator pin iBis integrally formed with a second arm 20 of the fixing bracket 8 and is shaped to pass through a perforated region 17 of the watershield 2 and a perforated region 21 of the seal 11, and into a second alignment opening 22 formed in the door panel 6.

The fixing bracket 8 is fabricated from a material which is more rigid than that of the watershield 2. For example, it may be formed at least in part from metal or a plastic. As the fixing bracket 8 is more rigid than the watershield 2 it serves to reinforce and stiffen it, so that it remains sealed against the multi-planar surface 10 of the door panel 6, even after an extended service life, exposure to extremes of temperature or wind pressure or exposure to other environmental factors such as sea air, or excessive sand or dust contamination.

A plurality of fixing sockets 24 are located in fixing openings 26 in the door panel 6 and are shaped to receive and grip corresponding fixing plugs 28. The fixing plugs 28 are configured to pass through fixing openings 25 formed in the fixing bracket 8 and perforated regions 29 and 31 formed in the watershield 2 and seal 11, respectively. The fixing plugs 28 and the fixing sockets 24 may be threaded fastenings or snap-fixings.

The first locator pin 12 is circular in cross section, tapers towards its distal end 30, and is provided with a retaining element in the form of a barb or hook 32 towards its base. A ramped face 33 of the barb facilitates assembly during the installation of the watershield 2.

The second locator pin 18 is shorter than the first locator pin 12, is rectangular in cross section, and is provided with a retaining element in the form of a barb or hook 34 at its distal end. A ramped face 35 of the barb facilitates assembly during the installation of the watershield 2.

The watershield 2 has an exterior watershield surface 38, which faces the door panel 6, and an interior watershield surface 40, which faces the interior of the vehicle (not shown). The watershield 2 is shaped such that the exterior watershield surface 38 conforms to the multi-planar interior surface 42 of the door panel 6. The watershield has an alignment opening 41 remote from the perforated regions 15, 17, 29 and is configured to receive a protruding element 51 on the interior surface of the door.

The seal 11 is substantially L-shaped and has sealant recesses 43, 45 in its ends. It has as an exterior seal surface 44, which faces the door panel 6, and an interior seal surface 46, which faces towards the interior of the vehicle. The seal 11 is deformable, so that it can conform to the multi-planar portions of the door panel 6.

The seal 11 may be formed from any material suitable for use as a sealing material, including rubber, foam, or any other appropriate material. The seal 11 may be a self adhesive pad or may be coated with adhesive or have adhesive tape applied to it.

Pre-assembly of Watershield In one method of assembly, the above described components are first pre-assembled to the watershield 2, and the watershield 2 is then attached to the door panel 6 in a subsequent step. In this method, the first and second locator pins 12, 18 are pushed through the perforated regions 15,17 of the watershield 2, and through the perforated regions 19,21 of the seal 11 aided by the tapered distal ends of the respective locator pins 12,18. The fixing bracket 8 and seal 11 are then squeezed together, thereby compressing adhesive, sealant or adhesive tape between the fixing bracket 8 and the watershield 2 and between the watershield 2 and the seal 11. When the adhesive or sealant has set, the watershield assembly is ready to be attached to the door panel.

Attachment of Watershield Assembly to Door Pane! In this operation, the a bead of sealant 37, adhesive or adhesive tape is first applied around the periphery of the exterior watershield surface 38, which is terminated in the sealant recesses 43, 45 of the seal 11. The watershield assembly is then offered up to the door panel 6, such that the tapered end of the first locator pin 12 engages in the first alignment opening 16. The watershield assembly is then rotated, as necessary, about the first locator pin 12, until the protruding element 51 on the interior surface of the door engages the alignment opening 41 in the watershield. In this orientation, the watershield assembly is pushed against the door panel 6, causing the shorter second locator pin 18 to engage in the second alignment opening 22 and subsequently the retaining elements 32, 34 to engage the first and second alignment openings 16, 22, such that the watershield assembly is temporarily retained. A fitter or assembly robot can press around the edges of the watershield 2 to ensure that a reliable seal is formed between the watershield and the door panel.

Finally, the plugs 28 are pushed through the fixing openings 25 in the fixing bracket 8 and the perforated regions 29, 31 in the watershield 2 and seal 11, and into the sockets 24 fixed to the door panel 6. The plugs 28 should be applied with sufficient force to push the fixing bracket 8 firmly against the watershield 2. This serves to compress the seal 11 slightly, enhancing its sealing characteristics and ensures that the watershield 2 is fully supported against the multi-planar surface of the door panel 6.

The use of the fixing bracket 8 ensures that the compressive force applied to the plugs 28 is distributed evenly over the full extent of the seal 11, which is particularly beneficial when sealing is requiring against a multi-planar surface. As a result of the ability of the fixing bracket 8 to transfer the sealing force to the seal 1 un those critical form areas, the watershield 2 may be substantially less rigid, thinner and/or lighter than conventional watershields.

The fixing bracket 8 may prevent the corners of the watershield 2 from pealing away from the interior side of the door.

The provision of the first and second locator pins 12, 18 allow for a fitter to consistently assemble and install the watershield seal assembly over critical form areas such that the watershield 2 is correctly positioned on a multi-planar surface of the door panel 6, which must be sealed in more than one plane.

In another configuration of the watershield assembly (not illustrated), the fixing bracket 8 may be disposed between the seal 11 and the watershield 2.

Claims

Claims 1. A fixing assembly for fixing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel, the fixing assembly comprising: a fixing bracket shaped to conform to a surface of the vehicle panel; and an alignment element connected to the fixing bracket and configured to engage in an alignment opening in the vehicle panel.
2. A fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the alignment element is integrally formed with the fixing bracket.
3. A fixing assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the alignment element and fixing bracket are a single moulded component.
4. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment element comprises an alignment pin.
5. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment element comprises a retaining element.
6. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining element comprises a hook, a recess or a barb.
7. A fixing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the distal end of the alignment element is tapered or chamfered.
8. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the watershield comprises one or more alignment openings that are configured to accommodate the alignment element.g. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment element comprises a 2-way or 4-way alignment element.10. A fixing assembly according to claim 7, further including at least one plug and socket fixing, each plug and socket fixing having a socket which is configured to locate in a respective fixing opening formed in the vehicle panel, and a plug which is configured to engage in the socket.11. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein there are a plurality of alignment elements connected to the fixing bracket.12. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket is substantially L-shaped and comprises two elongate limbs attached substantially at right angles, at least one alignment element being connected to each limb.13. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a seal element configured to seal the watershield to the vehicle panel.14. A fixing assembly according to claim 11, wherein the seal is substantially the same shape as the fixing bracket.15. A fixing assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the seal is formed at least partially from foam or rubber.16. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket is formed of material which is stiffer than the watershield.17. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the watershield is polygonal and the fixing bracket is adapted to support a corner of the watershield.18. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket is formed at least partially from a polymeric or metallic material.19. A fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of the said fixing brackets for use on a single watershield.20. A fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing bracket is shaped to conform to a multi-planar portion of the vehicle panel.21. A watershield preassembled with a fixing assembly according to any preceding claim.22. A vehicle having a fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims.23. A method of installing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel, the method comprising: attaching a fixing bracket to the watershield, such that an alignment element of the fixing bracket projects from the watershield; aligning the watershield with the vehicle panel by locating the alignment element of the fixing bracket in an alignment opening formed in the vehicle panel; and pressing the watershield against the vehicle panel.24. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step of attaching a fixing bracket to the watershield comprises passing the alignment element through an alignment opening formed in the watershield.25. A method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the fixing bracket has at least two spaced apart alignment elements and the vehicle panel has corresponding alignment openings, the method comprising inserting a first one of the alignment elements into the corresponding alignment opening, then rotating the watershield about the said first alignment element until the or each other alignment element is aligned with its respective alignment opening in the vehicle panel.26. A fixing assembly as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying figures.27. A method of installing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims A fixing assembly for fixing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel. the fixing assembly comprising: a fixing bracket shaped to conform to a surface of the vehicle panel; end an alignment element connected to the fixing bracket and configured to pass through an alignment opening in the vehicle panel.2. A fixing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the alignment element is integrally formed with the fixing bracket.3. A fixing assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the alignment element and fixing bracket are a single moulded component.4, A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment element comprises an alignment pin. C")5. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment element comprises a retaining element. r6. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining element comprises a hook, a recess or a barb.7. A fixing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the distal end of the alignment element is tapered or chamfered.8. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the watershield comprises one or more alignment openings that are configured to accommodate the alignment element.
9. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment element comprises a 2-way or 4-way alignment element.
10. A fixing assembly according to claim 7, further including at least one plug and socket fixing, each plug and socket fixing having a socket which is configured to locate in a respective fixing opening formed in the vehicle panel, and a plug which is configured to engage in the socket.11 A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein there are a plurality of ahgnment elements connected to the fixing bracket.12. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket is substantially L-shaped and comprises two elongate limbs attached substantially at right angles, at least one alignment element being connected to each limb.13. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a seal element configured to seal the watershield to the vehicle panel.14. A fixing assembly according to claim 11, wherein the seal is substantially the same shape as the fixing bracket.15. A fixing assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the seal is formed at least partially from foam or rubber. C")16. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket is i-formed of material which is stiffer than the watershield. rcJ-17. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the watershield is polygonal and the fixing bracket is adapted to support a corner of the watershield.18. A fixing assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket is formed at least partially from a polymeric or metallic material.19. A fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of the said fixing brackets for use on a single watershield.20. A fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing bracket is shaped to conform to a multi-planar portion of the vehicle panel.21. A watershield preassembled with a fixing assembly according to any preceding claim.22. A vehicle having a fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims.23. A method of nstaRing a watershield over an cperrig in a vehcle panel, the method comprising: attaching a fixing bracket to the watershicid, such that an allgnment element of the fixing bracket projects from the watershield; ahgning the watershield with the vehicle panel by passing the aUgnment element of the fixing bracket through an alignment opening formed in the vehicle pane and pressing the watershield against the vehicle panel.24. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step of attaching a fixing bracket to the watershield comprises passing the alignment element through an alignment opening formed in the watershield.25. A method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the fixing bracket has at least two spaced apart alignment elements and the vehicle panel has corresponding alignment openings, the method comprising inserting a first one of the alignment elements into the CO corresponding alignment opening, then rotating the watershield about the said first alignment element until the or each other alignment element is aligned with its respective alignment opening in the vehicle panel. r26, A fixing assembly as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying figures.27. A method of installing a watershield over an opening in a vehicle panel as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures