MXPA01003622A - Structurally integrating members between vehicle bodies and closures - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle component sub-assembly having self-aligning appropriately fitted structural members is disclosed wherein a closure member, such as a vehicle door, hood or trunk is integrated with and becomes a structural part of a vehicle body. The sub-assembly includes mating components wherein a first mating component is mounted to the vehicle body and a second mating component is mounted to the closure member in such a manner that the first and second mating components become substantially aligned and structurally engaged with one another. The first mating component includes at least one structural key member (22) formed thereon and the second mating component has a complementary mating receptacle (30) therein. When the first and second mating components are aligned into interlocking engagement, the structural key members and mating receptacles are thereby structurally integrating the vehicle body and the closure member. The structural key members (22) and mating receptacles (30) may be used with a number of vehicle component sub-assemblies such as door hinges and latches on doors;hoods, trunks, liftgates and deck lids.

Description

MEMBERS STRUCTURALLY COMPREHENSIVE BETWEEN THE BODIES OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CLOSURES FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to the structurally integral members between the bodies of the vehicle and the closures. More particularly, this invention is directed to the 10 alignment structural key members and the coupling receptacles incorporated with the sub-assemblies of the vehicle component, such as hinges and bolts, to structurally integrate the fastenings of a vehicle with a vehicle body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While conventional, known vehicle closure members, such as vehicle doors, are coupled to a vehicle body, the closure members are not structurally integrated with the body of the vehicle. Accordingly, the closure members, 25 which are of considerable mass, are simply hanging over the body of the vehicle. In this way, the rigidity and complete resistance of the body of the vehicle is reduced, which results in a perceptible sensation of vibration and rebound to an occupant of the vehicle. Agitation at rest can also be experienced, along with a 5 increase in noise and vibration, resulting in poor travel and poor vehicle handling. In addition, in the event of impact or collision with other vehicles, a non-integrated closure member may "detach" from the body of the vehicle, or the such that the closure member separates from its coupling points. The separation of the closing member from the body of the vehicle causes the loss of a significant amount of energy absorption that is necessary to protect the occupants of the vehicle. damage vehicle during a collision. To deal with these problems, it has previously been proposed to structurally integrate a vehicle door with the body of a vehicle. Door and body integration technology as is applied to vertically sliding doors described in the following United States Patents issued to John A. Townsed: No. 4,801,712 issued January 31, 1989; No, 4,940,282 issued July 10, 1990; No. 5,378,036 issued on January 3, 1995; and applied to a conventional hinged door in Patent No. 5,806,917 issued September 15, 1998. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ gg ^^^^^^^^^ __ ^^ ____ ^^ _ ^ _ ^^^^^ g ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "ma ^ ^ ^ These descriptions are incorporated by reference in the present. In operation, when the vehicle doors of the patents described above are closed, the structural key members formed on the edges of the door engage the coupling receptacles formed on the door jambs of the vehicle body that structure an opening. of the door. In the coupled position, each pair of key member and coupling receptacle is capable of transmitting compressive, tensile and torsional forces between the door and the body of the vehicle, thereby contributing to the overall stiffness of the vehicle body. . However, with current technology dimensional tolerances of accurate manufacture of a large closure member, such as the vehicle door, which incorporate the structural keys and receptacles, are difficult to achieve such that when the vehicle door is aligned with the body of the vehicle by means of hinges and adjusting bolts on the vehicle door and the body of the vehicle, the keys and the receptacles are not always properly aligned for coupling by coupling. To ensure proper alignment of the keys and receptacles, it has been proposed ^ g | j ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ g «S | j ^» ^ ttg. ' form the receptacles to be considerably larger than the keys. With such an arrangement, the keys could be loosely accommodated within the receptacles once the closure member 5 has been adjusted to its correct position, with respect to the body of the vehicle, by means of the hinge and bolt assemblies. After that, metallic epoxy resin with fast curing was applied to the internal part of the receptacles and a resistant compound, to the keys. The closure member was then closed in its final adjustment position with reference to the body of the vehicle. After curing, the keys were precisely coupled with the key impressions made in the resin inside the receptacles. Once the keys and receptacles were properly aligned, the keys and receptacles provided an excellent structural link between the closure member and the body of the vehicle, because to the precise adjustment of the keys with the receptacle filled with epoxy material. However, the addition of the epoxy resin to the receptacles required an additional alignment process on the production line, with which the manufacturing time is disadvantageously increased, which translates into increased costs. Also, since it is necessary to add ____ HEY ________________ L _ «» _-_ --- __-? __ < _._ a_3____ > ._______ »___ _- ___________ ___» _-..- ^^ 3 the epoxy resin to the receptacles on the production line, the alignment of the structural keyways of the receptacles could not be done by external suppliers. Another disadvantage associated with the known associated keys and receptacles is that the closing members and the door wings are traditionally made by stamping or die cutting of a metal of a constant gauge, such that The thickness of the closing member and the door leaf are constant. Accordingly, in order to successfully design the keys and receptacles in a locking member and the body of the vehicle, the area around the key and receptacles requires considerable localized reinforcement by adding additional metal of a heavier gauge, thereby increasing production costs. While the use in the prior art of the integration technology of the closure member and the body of the vehicle improves the structural integrity of the complete structure of the vehicle body, there are disadvantages with the known use of structural keys and coupling receptacles. Therefore, there is a need for improved structural integration of a vehicle closing member and the vehicle body, which eliminates the special alignment and the steps of _._.- »_ _-.% _- *;. -_. .., ** j¿¿. & * Í. ~. .... ........ ___________. ._ * __ t J ___? ____ te- ~ - ... ^ reinforcement, while introducing a new metallic epoxy technology in the manufacturing process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To achieve the excellent structural integration of the closing members and bodies while overcoming production difficulties, The present invention is directed to sub-assemblies of vehicle components that incorporate structural key members, self-aligning members, and coupling receptacles. The hinges, locks and other components of the vehicle are provided with structural, integral keys and receptacles, such that the keys and receptacles are integrated with the hinges, bolts and latches, as opposed to the closure member or body. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the wedge-shaped key structural members and the coupling receptacles are manufactured as an integral precision fit with and during the same manufacturing operation as a door plate and the coupling body plate of a door hinge, respectively. Once the complete sub-assembly of the hinge is formed, this is - ^^ .- < ____. ». A," - _ - .._, -.,., -, "._a -________ j __-_ *" * • - --- ^ * ° ^ connected to the vehicle in a conventional manner by bolting from the door plate to a closure member, such as the door of a vehicle, and the body plate coupled, to the body of a vehicle The closure member and the body plates are provided with an adjustment capability traditional, during assembly of the closure member to the body of the vehicle, to ensure its proper alignment 10 The structural key members and the coupling receptacles may also be incorporated with other sub-assemblies of the vehicle component having coupling parts such as brackets and door and hood bolt sub-assemblies (chest). For example, when structural cotters and receptacles are incorporated within the bolt and latch sub-assemblies, when a latch is in the correct location for attachment by engagement with a latch, structural pins and the receptacles formed on them will automatically be aligned to a precise fit. The incorporation of structural keys and receptacles with sub-assemblies of the vehicle components, provides important technical and manufacturing benefits over the keys and receptacles of the technique * ^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ 0 ^^^ ggasr ^ £ etójgj ^ ^ »Sj ^ prev. Firstly, the hinges, the keys and the hooks are traditionally manufactured in a caliber heavier than the closing member of the vehicle and the corresponding body structure. Therefore, the sub-assemblies of the components are strong enough so that the keys and receptacles emptied therein provide the maximum structural integration of the vehicle closing member with the body of the vehicle without requiring no additional reinforcement. In addition, the manufacture of the structural key and the coupling receptacles within the sub-assemblies of hinges, bolts and brackets is greatly simplified in compared to the prior art practice of manufacturing structural keys and receptacles as part of the closure member and the vehicle body since these component sub-assemblies are simple enough to allow traditional tolerances that will allow the necessary precision adjustment of the structural keyways to the coupling receptacles. Because the sub-assemblies of hinges, locks and brackets are usually either emptied or forged, it is possible form the structural keys and the receptacles as large as may be necessary while at the same time maintaining high tolerances ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ _ ^^^^^^^^^^^ desirable. In addition, disadvantages such as buckling and rebound, which were previously associated with the incorporation of punched keys and receptacles into large components, are reduced, thus reducing dimensional variation. Sub-assemblies of the vehicle component having the structural keys and the coupling receptacles of the present invention can also be easily incorporated into existing vehicle doors without needing redesign of the vehicle door or without requiring a special alignment step in the vehicle. manufacturing process by means of additional metallic epoxy material technology. Therefore, sub-assemblies of the components can be manufactured in a separate facility by the external suppliers of the closing member and the body of the vehicle, allowing the "just in time" incorporation with the vehicle in the final assembly of the vehicle and reducing the costs associated with inventory control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, the claims and the drawings, of which the following is a brief description. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hinge sub-assembly of the door of a vehicle, incorporating a structural key member and a coupling receptacle, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the vehicle door hinge sub-assembly of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative vehicle door hinge sub-assembly incorporating a vehicle door hinge subassembly. structural key and a coupling receptacle, according to the present invention. Figures 5 and 5A are perspective views of a door bolt sub-assembly incorporating a structural key member that engages a coupling receptacle, in accordance with the present invention. __S • "-" - ^^ ¡^^ ¿^ g ^^ < g * s¡te ^ * Figure 6 is a perspective view of a door latch plate having a receptacle formed therein. Figures 7-11 are perspective views 5 of alternative embodiments of a door latch plate, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 12 and 12A are perspective views of a cantilever sub-assembly incorporating structural key members that are engageable with the coupling receptacles, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 13-14 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of a sliding door for vehicle using the key members and the coupling receptacles of the present invention. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a sub-assembly of a vehicle hood bolt, incorporating the structural keys and the coupling receptacles, according to the present invention. Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of a hood latch plate or luggage rack. 25 .a ____ fa__.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The following figures describe the various coupling sub-assemblies of the vehicle components, used to integrate a vehicle door into a vehicle body. The door and body integration technology serves to transmit compression, traction and cutting forces between the vehicle door and the vehicle body, with only a minimal amount of modification to an existing vehicle door. With reference to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the present invention applied to a conventional door hinge sub-assembly 10 is shown. The door hinge 10 has a door plate 12 and a coupling body plate 14. The door plate 12 is pivotally connected to the body plate 14 by a pin 16 which extends through the sleeves 18 and 20 of the door and body plates 12 and 14, respectively. According to the invention, the door plate 12 is provided with a structural key member 22 extending laterally from a front surface 24 of the door plate 12. In a preferred embodiment, the structural key member 22 is integral with the door plate 12 and has a base portion 26 that narrows z-rafa -____ a__f. • -lífi. towards a vertex 28, such that the structural key member 22 is generally wedge-shaped. The body plate 14 is provided with a coupling receptacle 30 generally in the form of a wedge, for the complementary coupling with the structural key member 22 when the door is closed, such that the compression, traction and torsion forces they can be transmitted between the door and the vehicle body to provide a structurally stiffer vehicle. While the wedge shape is preferred, other shapes may be employed, as long as the shape of the structural key member 22 is complementary and fits appropriately with the receptacle 30. Preferably, the receptacle 30 is formed integral with the plate 14. of the body. To ensure proper fit between the structural key member 22 and the receptacle 30, either the structural key member 22, the receptacle 30 or both, 20 may optionally be coated with an elastomeric material to provide a watertight seal therebetween when the Vehicle door closes. In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 2, the door plate 12 and the body plate 14 are provided with a plurality of structural key members 22 and coupling receptacles 30, respectively. In addition, ^ & ^ ^ ^^^? J ^^ J ^^, Z-i -_; • _. -f • * V'tÍÍHff * JMh ~ s ^ > The configurations of the door plate 12 and the body plate 14 can be reversed such that the door plate 12 is provided with coupling receptacles 30 which are attached to the door plate 12 and the body plate 14. extend below the front surface 24, and the body plate 14 includes structural key members 22 extending away from a front surface 31 of the body plate 14, as seen in Figure 3. It is also within the scope of the invention that the plate 12 of The door and the body plate 14 have both structural key members which engage the coupling receptacles 30 on the other plate, respectively (not shown). In order for the structural key member 22 to be accurately coupled with the receptacle 30, an arc shape is preferred to follow the coupling path of the closure components during opening and closing. Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate the curvature of the keys and receptacles to form the proper coupling path that facilitates a smooth and precise coupling of these components in combination with the complete closure components to which they engage. To mount the door hinge 10 to a vehicle door, a rear surface 32 of the door plate 12 is secured to the door of a door.

L ... _Ru «a * J6 &« vehicle by traditional fasteners or other suitable means. The body plate 14 is preferably secured to the body of a vehicle by conventional fasteners 34, such as bolts, in a manner to ensure that the body plate 14 is substantially aligned with the door plate 12. Because the structural key members 22 and the coupling receptacles 30 are formed on the components 12 and 14 of the door hinge 10, respectively, the alignment of the door plate 12 and the body plate 14 serve to automatically align the structural key members 22 with the coupling receptacles 30. The depth of the coupling receptacle 30 typically exceeds the thickness of the body plate 14. Therefore, it may be necessary to provide a small cut-out on the body of the vehicle, corresponding to the size of the receptacle 30. In general, the cut will be slightly larger to allow proper positioning of the components 12 and 14 of the hinge 10 of the door, with respect to the vehicle door. Alternatively, the structural key members 22 may have a reduced height and the coupling receptacles 30 a reduced depth, such that the body plate 14 may be provided with a substantially flat rear surface, thereby eliminating the need for provision of a cut on the body of the vehicle. According to yet another aspect of the invention, after alignment by the traditional process of the vehicle door with the body of the vehicle, the body plate 14 can be provided with elongated slots 36 for receiving bolts, whereby the 14 body plate could be axially adjustable. The door hinge 10 can be formed as a sheet metal die, such that the structural key member 22 and the coupling receptacle 30 can be integrally formed in the same operation as the door hinge 10, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the door hinge 10 can be emptied or forged with the structural key members 22 and the coupling receptacles 30, integral, formed thereon, whereby a stronger door hinge 10 is made, and in this way a stronger structural connection between the structural key members 22 and the coupling receptacles 30. 25 Other advantages of the provision of the door hinge 10 with the structural key member 22 and the coupling receptacle 30 include the __. v = ..-__. ..-. _ • -__ * __. ^. J __-- "-_-_._-_. _. --- .._. ^ _- _. _ a_ a _ ^ _-__ AA-a6 * i-j.t- »J_.J-J > - ^ _ ^ _ J ^ .J ^ _ manufacture of the door hinge 10 in a separate installation, allowing the incorporation "just in time" with the vehicle door in the vehicle assembly line. In this way the costs of inventory control and the costs associated with storage can be reduced. Further, since the structural keys 22 and the receptacles 30 are provided on the door 12 plate and the body plate 14, respectively, there is no need to redesign the vehicle door or alter the body structure of the vehicle body, to ensure adequate reinforcement of the structural key members 22 and the coupling receptacles 30. In this way, manufacturing costs are reduced and the incorporation of the structural key members 22 and the coupling receptacles 30 can easily be achieved over the existing doors of the vehicle. Figure 4 describes an alternative door hinge 100 having a door plate 112 and a body plate 114 pivotably connected to each other once they are properly aligned. The body plate 114 is L-shaped and includes a substantially flat mounting surface 116 that is configured to engage a portion of a vehicle body. The i, -, ^. * ^ ____; __ __. Assembly surface 116 is provided with conventional, larger size openings 118 for receiving fasteners, such as bolts for securely securing and adjusting body plate 114 to the body of the vehicle. Alternatively, the body plate 114 can be welded to the body of the vehicle or coupled by other suitable means. The aligned legs 119 extend away from the mounting surface 116 and include the openings 120, which will be explained in more detail below. In accordance with the present invention, a front surface 121 of the body plate 114 is provided with a structural key member 122 extending therefrom. The structural key member 122 is slightly angled and curved relative to the body plate 114, which will be explained later, and has a rectangular cross section. Other suitable shapes may be employed for the structural key member 122. The door plate 112 includes a mounting portion 124 and a bracket portion 126. The mounting portion 124 has a substantially planar mounting surface 128 that is configured to engage to a portion of the vehicle door. The openings 130 are provided in the mounting portion 124 to receive M¿ütt _______ É ________? ________ii_tt_ _ g ^^ fasteners, such as bolts for adjusting and securely securing the door plate 112 to a vehicle door. The bracket portion 126 is connected to the mounting portion 124 by the webs 5 132. The bracket portion 126 includes an axially extending opening (not shown) corresponding to the openings 120 on the body plate 114, for receiving a pin (not shown), in a conventional manner for pivotally connecting the plate 112 of the door and the body plate 114. According to the invention, the bracket portion 126 further includes a receptacle 134 formed therein which is of a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the key member.

Structural 122. In this way, when the vehicle door is closed the structural key member 122 is coupled to the receptacle 134, similar to that of the door hinge 10, such that the compression, traction and torsion forces can be transmitted between the door and the body of the vehicle, thereby providing a structurally strong vehicle. The door hinge 100 can be directly mounted to a vehicle without requiring a additional modification to the vehicle. Contrary to the door hinge 10, there is no need for the door or body of the vehicle are provided with an additional cutout since the receptacle 134 is forged in the bracket portion 126. In this way, the incorporation of the door hinge 100 as a "just in time" component to an existing door and body of vehicle, may be achieved at low cost with a minimum of production steps. Further, in accordance with the present invention, the pre-alignment of the structural key member 122 and the coupling receptacle 134 during manufacture is not disturbed by virtue of the alignment of the door plate 112 and the body plate 114. While the members of structural key 22, 122 and coupling receptacles 30, 134 have thus been described for use with vehicle door hinges, the technology of the invention can also be used with other component parts of the vehicle. With reference to Figure 5, in an alternative embodiment a vehicle door 200 is shown having a door latch sub-assembly 202 that includes a door latch plate 204 and a coupling door latch plate 216. The door lock plate 204, as seen more clearly in Figure 5A, is shown on a trailing edge 208 of the vehicle door 200. The door lock plate 204 has a section L-shaped cross-section with a first leg 210 and a second leg 212. The first leg 212 is mounted to an outer surface 214 of the trailing edge 208, and the second leg 212 is mounted to an inner surface 216 of the trailing edge 212. Door bolt plate 204 can be assembled by conventional welding or fasteners, such as bolts. The plate 204 of the door latch carries at least one conventional door bolt 220. According to the invention, the door bolt plate 204 further includes at least one structural key member 228 formed thereon, which extends laterally from a latch. front surface 229 of second leg 212. A door engaging plate 206, as seen more clearly in Figure 6, is mounted along an inner surface 230 of a door leaf (not shown) of a vehicle body by welding or conventional fasteners to be aligned with the door lock plate 204. The door engager plate 206 includes at least one bar 232 which is captured by the bolt 220 in a conventional manner. In accordance with the present invention, the door latch plate 206 further includes a receptacle 240 having a size and shape corresponding to the structural key member 228. ¥ ,. , __ «« -.._- - _ »> -, - .- '.. ^^. ^ • SiLfegiawL ^ .j ^., ....,. "» - «.-.? ~ i ~ -.

Because of the door latch plate 204 and the door engaging plate 20e are prealigned during manufacture and properly coupled, using traditional door fitting and fitting techniques, when the vehicle door 200 is closed, the bars 232 extend inside and are captured by bolt 220 of the door. Simultaneously, the structural key member 228 extends into the coupling receptacle 240, thereby structurally integrating the door and the vehicle body via the door bolt subassembly 202. The incorporation of the structural key member 228 and the coupling receptacle 240 with the door lock assembly 202 further ensures that the door lock 220 remains secured to the bar 232 in the event of a collision. While only one structural key member 228 formed on the door lock plate 204 has been shown and a coupling receptacle 240 has been shown formed in the door engaging plate 206, the door lock plate 204 may alternatively have multiple structural key members 228 formed thereon, as seen in Figures 7 and 7A. In addition, the door lock plate 204 can be of varying lengths to adequately accommodate a predetermined number of structural key members 228 formed thereon. Similarly, the door engager plate 206 may be provided with multiple receptacles 240 5 corresponding to the number of keyway members 228. Preferably, either the door latch plate 204 or the door engager plate 206 are provided with a door lock feature 206. traditional adjustability, similar to that described with respect to the door hinge 10. With reference to Figure 7A, the front surface of the door lock plate 204 is shown having pin slots 222 formed therein, for receiving a bolt 224, such that the door lock plate 204 can be axially slidable to ensure proper alignment of the door bolt 220 with the latch. With reference to Figures 8-9A, the structural key members 328 can optionally have orientations and alternative shapes. For example, Figure 8 shows the structural key members 328 formed to be laterally extending from the surface front 329 of the door lock plate 304 at a predetermined angle. The corresponding receptacles (not shown) could be similarly angled in the door engaging plate (not shown) such that the structural key members 328 could be interlocked with the angled receptacles. Figure 9 shows the 5 structural key members 428 formed in the door lock plate 404, wherein the structural key members 428 are formed to be curved with a predetermined radius. Corresponding receptacles (not shown) could be formed to be curved, such that the structural key members 428 will interlock with the receptacles when the door 400 is closed, thereby integrating the vehicle door with the vehicle body via the door bolt assembly as was described above. In addition, structural key member 228 and receptacles 240 can be exchanged. For example, with reference to Figures 10 and 10A, door lock plate 504 may be provided with receptacles 540 and door latch plate 506 provided with structural key members 528. Alternatively, door latch plate 504 and door latch plate 506 may both be provided with a member of structural key and a coupling receptacle (not shown).

«^ A« A. __ ^ _ b_ ____L > __._ 1 With reference to Figures 11-11D, in another alternative embodiment, multiple door lock plates 604, each incorporating at least one structural key member 628 and the corresponding coupling door lock plates 606, which each incorporating at least one coupling receptacle 640 in these, they are shown mounted on the front edge 608 of the vehicle door 600 and the door leaf 630 of the body of a vehicle, respectively. In accordance with the present invention, once the door lock plate 604 is suitably positioned on the door 600 to align with the coupling engagement plate 606 the structural key members 628 are automatically aligned with the coupling receptacles 640. With reference to Figures 12 and 12A, the structural key members 728 may alternatively be provided on brackets 704 that are mounted on a trailing edge 708 of the door 700 of a vehicle. The use of brackets 704 is useful as a post-market product when it is desired to integrate an existing vehicle door 700 with a vehicle body. The brackets 704 can be mounted to the vehicle door 700 by conventional welding or fasteners. ivtJ & uJs? SLÍ iS &Jrtk ^ ¿.

Preferably, the methods μLís 704 are provided with -, # adjustment slots similar to the slots 36 described in connection with the door hinge, such that the positioning of the bracket 704 is axially adjustable to be coupled with a corresponding coupling bracket (not shown) mounted on the vehicle body. Similar to the door lock plate 204 in Figure 5, the bracket 704 preferably has an L-shaped cross section that engages both surfaces adjacent the rear edge 708 of the vehicle door 700. Integral with a first leg 712 is at least one structural key member 728. The members of structural key 728 are generally shown as wedge-shaped, although other suitable shapes are within the scope of the invention, as discussed above. A second corresponding coupling bracket (not shown) is mounted to a door flap of the vehicle body, to be in substantial alignment with the bracket 704 in a similar manner as the door engaging plate 206, in Figure 5, wherein the second bracket includes at least one receptacle that corresponds in size and shape to the structural key member 728. In this way, when the door 700 of the vehicle is closed, the key members ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ corresponding receptacles for structurally integrating the door 700 of the vehicle and the body of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. With reference to Figures 13 and 14, the present invention can also be incorporated with the sliding doors 800, for vehicle. In Figure 13, the door 800 of the vehicle is provided with a door lock plate 804, mounted along an internal rear edge 808 and a door lock plate (not shown) mounted on the door leaf of the door. body of the vehicle, to be substantially aligned with the plate 804 of the door bolt. The door lock plate 804 carries a door latch 820 which captures a coupling member 836 of the door latch plate, in a conventional manner when the vehicle door 800 is closed. In accordance with the present invention, the door lock plate 804 further includes at least one structural key member 828 formed thereon. The structural key members 828 are engageable with the coupling receptacles 840 formed on the door engaging plate, when the vehicle door 800 is closed. Due to the trajectory of the vehicle door 800, the structural key members 828 are curved to _s ensure proper coupling with the receptacles 840. Alternatively, with reference to Figure 14, the positions of the structural key members 828 can be inverted such that the structural key members 828 are connected to the body of the vehicle and the coupling receptacles 840 are carried by the vehicle door 800. In addition, structural key members 828 and receptacles 840 can optionally be integrally formed with the door 800 of the vehicle and the door leaf, respectively. With reference to Figures 15-17, in another alternative embodiment, the key members structural 928 and coupling receptacles 940 are shown incorporated with the hood lock mounts 902 for a vehicle hood 900. With reference to Figure 15, the bonnet 900 of the vehicle is provided with a hood engaging plate 906, mounted on it (as best seen in Figure 16), having a coupling member 936 which generally corresponds to the door engaging plate 206 and the coupling member 236 in Figure 5. The body 901 of the vehicle is provided with a hood lock plate 904 mounted thereon, which is aligned and engages with the bonnet engaging plate 906. The bolt plate The bonnet has a bolt or latch 920 which generally corresponds to the bolt plate 204 of the door and the bolt 220 of the door, in FIG. 5. In accordance with the present invention, the bolt plate 904 of the bonnet also includes at least one structural key member 928 formed and prealigned during manufacture, for engaging at least one receptacle 940 formed in the bonnet engaging plate 906. Because the hood lock plate 904 is placed in a conventional manner during assembly to align with the hood engager plate 906, the structural key member 928 and the receptacle 940 are automatically aligned in accordance with the present invention. invention. When the bonnet 900 of the vehicle is closed and the latch 920 of the bonnet captures the bar 932 in a conventional manner and the structural key member 928 engages the coupling receptacle 940, the bonnet 900 of the vehicle is structurally integrated with it. body 901 of the vehicle. With reference to Figure 17, hood lock plate 904 can be formed alternately with receptacles 940a that are coupling with the structural key members formed in the hood engaging plate. Additionally, structural key members they can be formed with a plurality of different shapes, sizes and orientations, with the proviso that the receptacles 940a have a corresponding shape, size and orientation. Additional embodiments of the present invention include the incorporation of the structural key members and the coupling receptacles with sunroofs, trunks or luggage racks, etc. Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. A person of ordinary skill in the art could realize, however, that certain modifications would fall within the teachings of this invention. Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the invention.

Claims (22)

1. A sub-assembly of vehicle components having self-aligning structural members, comprising: a first vehicle coupling component, fixedly connected to the body of a vehicle, having an opening; and a second coupling component of the vehicle, fixedly connected to a closure member, which selectively covers and uncovers said opening; wherein the first coupling component of the vehicle is positioned to substantially align with the second coupling component of the vehicle when the closure member covers the opening, such that the first coupling component is interlocked with the second coupling component; The first coupling component of the vehicle further includes at least one structural key member; the second coupling component of the vehicle further includes at least one coupling receptacle for receiving at least one structural key member; s ^^ y ^ ^^^^ ¡? ^^ m ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ j ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ where the alignment of the first and second coupling components of the vehicle provides self-alignment of at least one structural key member with at least one coupling receptacle, such that when the first coupling component of the vehicle is interlocked with the second component of the vehicle, the structural key member and coupling receptacle structurally connect the closure member to the body of the vehicle, when the Closing member covers the opening.

2. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is a vehicle door, the first vehicle coupling component is a hinged door plate and the second vehicle coupling component is a plate of hinge body, the hinge door plate is pivotally connected to the hinge body plate for hingedly connecting the closure member to the vehicle body.

3. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 2, wherein the hinge door plate has one of the structural key member and the receptacle ..- »aB3 ^ ._______ a_: coupling integrally formed thereon, and the hinge body plate has the other structural key member and coupling receptacle integrally formed thereon, wherein the structural key member engages the coupling receptacle when the vehicle door is covering said opening in the body of the vehicle, to structurally integrate the vehicle door with the body of the vehicle.

4. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 1, wherein the closure member is a vehicle door, the first vehicle coupling component is a door lock plate and the second vehicle coupling component is a plate door hooker

5. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 4, wherein the door-latch plate has one of the structural key member and the coupling receptacle integrally formed thereon, and the door-engaging plate has the other of the latch member. structural key and coupling receptacle integrally formed thereon, and wherein the structural key member engages ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ with the coupling receptacle when the vehicle door is covering the opening in the vehicle body, to structurally integrate the vehicle door with the body of the vehicle.

6. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 1, wherein the closure member is a vehicle door, the first vehicle coupling component is a first bracket mounted on the vehicle door, and the second component of the vehicle coupling door is a second bracket mounted on the body of the vehicle.

The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 6, wherein the first bracket has at least one structural key member integrally formed thereon, and the second bracket has at least one receptacle 20 coupling integrally formed therein, and wherein at least one structural key member engages at least one coupling receptacle, when the vehicle door is covering the opening in the body of the vehicle, to integrate 25 structurally the vehicle door with the body of the vehicle.

8. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 1, wherein the closure member is a bonnet or vehicle hood, the first coupling component of the vehicle. 5 vehicle is a bonnet latch plate, and the second coupling component of the vehicle is a hood latching plate.

9. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 8, wherein the bonnet latch plate has one of the structural key member and the coupling receptacle integrally formed thereon, and the bonnet latch plate has the other member 15 of structural key and coupling receptacle integrally formed thereon, wherein the structural key member engages with the coupling receptacle when the vehicle door is covering the opening in the body of the vehicle. 20 vehicle to structurally integrate the vehicle door with the body of the vehicle.

10. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 1, in Where the structural key member is integral with the first vehicle coupling component and the coupling receptacle is integral with the second coupling component of the vehicle.

11. The sub-assembly of components of the vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the structural key member and the first vehicle coupling component, and the coupling receptacle and the second coupling component, are each formed from 10. a simple piece of metal.

12. A sub-assembly of vehicle components having self-aligning structural members, comprising: a body hinge plate fixedly connected to the body of a vehicle, having an opening; and a hinge plate of the closure member fixedly connected to a closure member, which covers and selectively discovers the opening in the body of the vehicle; wherein the body hinge plate is positioned to be substantially aligned with the hinge plate of the door, such that the body plates and the hinge of the closure member can be interlocked in a coupled manner to each other for tA ^ '"^ - * - ~" "' - - - -Í & S¡¿ *.? & .-. s¿ > .. - ___-__ -., ,, - V ^ C. -__.._____ ^ ________. ^ ____, _.._ «__ <__, the pivot movement, for hingedly connecting the closure member to the body of the vehicle, the body hinge plate further includes one of a structural key member and a coupling receptacle, for receiving the structural key member integrally formed thereon, and the hinge plate of the closure member has the other of the structural key member and the coupling receptacle integrally formed on it. This, wherein the alignment of the body and hinge plates of the closure member during assembly, does not disturb the pre-alignment of the structural key member with the coupling receptacle, such that when the hinge plate of the closure member is moved. pivoted towards the hinge plate of the body, when the closure member covers the opening, the structural key member and the coupling receptacle structurally connect and integrate the closure member to the vehicle.

13. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 12, wherein: the hinge plate of the closure member has at least one integral sleeve section, one K * tó ¿guií £? J? Tk ^ a - '^. first flat surface for mounting on a portion of the closing member, and a second substantially flat surface for contacting a portion of the hinge plate 5 of the body, in face-to-face engagement when the closure is covering the opening, in wherein the structural key member is integrally formed by extending laterally from the second substantially planar surface; and the hinge plate of the body has at least one integral sleeve section that is aligned with the sleeve section of the closure member plate, and receives a tang for pivotal connection of the hinge plate of the closure member. to 15 the hinge plate of the body, a first substantially planar surface for mounting on a portion of the vehicle body, to be aligned with the hinge plate of the closure member, and a second surface substantially 20 flat to contact a portion of the hinge plate of the body in face-to-face engagement, when the closure is pivoted to cover the opening, wherein the coupling receptacle is integrally formed by extending laterally 25 inwardly from the second substantially planar surface.

14. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 13, wherein the coupling receptacle extends through the first substantially flat surface 5 and through a cutout portion of the body of the vehicle.

15. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 13, in Wherein the hinge plate of the body further includes at least one axially extending groove formed therethrough, the slot receives a bolt for mounting the hinge plate of the body to the body of the vehicle, such that the hinge plate of the body 15 is slidably coupled with the bolt, to properly position the closure with the body of the vehicle.

16. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 12, wherein; the hinge plate of the body is L-shaped, having coupling legs and a base portion having a first substantially flat surface for mounting on a portion of the vehicle body and a second substantially flat surface integrally formed with the mounting member. key structural that extends laterally from it; and the hinge plate of the closure member has a bracket portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion has a substantially planar surface for mounting on a closure portion, the bracket portion is positioned between and pivotably connected. To the coupling legs of the hinge plate of the body, the bracket portion further includes a coupling receptacle integrally formed therein for receiving the structural key member of the hinge plate of the body.

17. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 12, wherein the closing member is one of a vehicle's door, bonnet or trunk.

18. A sub-assembly of vehicle components having structural alignment members, comprising: a hook plate fixedly connected to the body of a vehicle, having an opening; and a bolt plate fixedly connected to a closing member, covering and discovering -__ _____ _______...TO ________." . ..... afA ...- .. selectively said opening in the body of the vehicle; wherein the engaging plate is positioned to be substantially aligned with the bolt plate, such that the engaging plate and the bolt plate can be interlocked coupled together to secure the closure member to the vehicle body; the hook plate further includes one of a structural key member and a coupling receptacle for receiving the structural key member integrally formed thereon, and the bolt plate has the other of the structural key member and the coupling receptacle, integrally formed about it; wherein the alignment of the latching and latching plates provides for self-alignment of the structural key member with the coupling receptacle, such that when the latching plate is secured to the latch plate when the closure member covers the aperture, the latching member The structural key and the coupling receptacle structurally connect the closure member to the vehicle.

19. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 18, wherein; the hook plate has a mounting surface 5 and a coupling surface, the mounting surface is mounted to a portion of the vehicle body, the coupling surface has a coupling rod extending laterally therefrom, and at least two members from The structural key extending laterally therefrom, one of the structural key members is placed on a first side of the coupling bar and the other of the structural key members is placed on a second side. 15 side of the coupling bar, such that the coupling rod is placed between them; and the bolt plate has a mounting surface and a mating surface, the mounting surface is mounted to a portion of the When the vehicle is closed, the coupling surface has a latch for capturing the coupling rod and securing the closure member to the vehicle body formed therein, and at least two coupling receptacles for receiving the vehicle. 25 members of structural key in these, one of the coupling receptacles is placed on a first side of the bolt, and the other of the _-____ fc ,, .. * __ «_ - - ^ _ .. .. aúH. • __ _ ^ ...._ VV. & __ d ____ K¡wc__fte! a ^ > - Coupling receptacles are placed on a second side of the bolt, such that the bolt is placed between them.

20. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 19, wherein the structural key members are positioned to be uniformly spaced from the tie rod, and the coupling receptacles are positioned to be evenly spaced from the bolt.

21. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 18, in Wherein a latching plate further includes at least one axially extending groove formed therethrough, the groove receives a bolt for mounting the latching plate to the body of the vehicle, such that the latching plate is axially slidable with 20 with respect to the bolt plate, for properly positioning the hook plate in alignment with the bolt plate.

22. The sub-assembly of vehicle components according to claim 18, wherein the closure member is one of a vehicle door, hood or trunk. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A sub-assembly of vehicle components having appropriately adjusted, self-aligning structural members 5 is described, wherein a closure member, such as a vehicle door, bonnet or trunk, is integrated with and becomes a structural part of a body of vehicle. The sub-assembly includes components of 10 coupling wherein a first coupling component is mounted to the body of the vehicle and a second coupling component is mounted to the closure member, in such a way that the first and second coupling components are reached 15 substantially align and structurally mate with one another. The first coupling component includes at least one structural key member (22) formed thereon, and the second coupling component has a receptacle 20 complementary coupling (30), in this. When the first and second coupling components are aligned in interlocking engagement, the structural key members and the coupling receptacles are integrating with this Structurally to the body of the vehicle and to the closure member. The structural key members (22) and the coupling receptacles (30) can be used with a number of sub-assemblies of vehicle components, such as door hinges and locks on doors, hoods or chests, trunks or luggage racks, lift doors and 5 sunroofs.