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
  • B60J5/0413—Inner panel, e.g. characterised by carrying components
• • 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
  • B60J5/0468—Fixation or mounting means specific for door components

Definitions

• the present disclosure generally relates to door frame assemblies for vehicles, and particularly relates to improved door assembly and method that minimizes lateral deflection of a door lining.
• a conventional door assembly includes a window regulator and a door lining, both mounted to a door mounting structure.
• the window regulator opens and closes a window pane within a sash attached to and/or partially formed by the door mounting structure.
• One longstanding problem in such door assemblies is perceived abnormal movement of the door lining during up/down operation of the door window.
• the door lining can move (e.g., breathe or vibrate) in a manner that may, at least from the customer's viewpoint, seem unusual or give the feeling of weakness or poor quality.
• the problem typically relates to the window pane reaching its full stroke (i.e., either completely closed or completely open).
• the window regulator can transmit a force directed toward an interior of the vehicle cabin on the regulator mounting structure (e.g., a portion of the door mounting structure).
• This force can cause a temporary deflection in the mounting structure which, when the door lining is attached to the same structure, can cause the door lining to visibly move.
• This problem is often accentuated when the window regulator is an X-type regulator. This is sometimes due to the portion of the mounting structure for the regulator being positioned very near the portion of the mounting structure used for mounting the door lining.
• One current technology employed for dealing with the problem of the door lining moving laterally during window up/down operation is to strengthen the regulator mounting structure to minimize deflection of the door lining.
• This can include adding a stiffening shape to the mounting structure, such as a raised rib or embossment.
• the material of the mounting structure can be changed to impart strength thereto (e.g., a stronger material can be used, the material thickness can be increased, etc.).
• separate members e.g., steel stiffeners
• Another current technology attempting to address the problem of the door lining undesirably moving is to optimize the mounting point of the door lining, particularly those proximate to the mounting points of the window regulator. For example, the door lining mounting points can be moved apart as far as possible from the regulator mounting points so that deflection of the mounting structure transmitted to the door liner is minimized. Unfortunately, this often is very difficult due to layout limitations.
• a door frame assembly for a vehicle that can overcome the aforementioned shortcomings includes a door frame, a window regulator mounted to the door frame for opening and closing a window pane, and door lining mounted to the door frame.
• a plurality of mounting apertures is defined in the door frame, including at least one first mounting aperture for mounting the window regulator and at least one second mounting aperture for mounting the door lining.
• An isolating aperture is defined in the door frame between the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture for isolating the at least one second aperture from the at least first aperture to thereby reduce lateral forces imparted to the door frame from the window regulator from transferring to the door lining.
• a vehicle door assembly includes a door mounting structure having a window regulator mounted thereto.
• a door lining is also mounted to the door mounting structure.
• At least one first mounting aperture for mounting the window regulator to the door mounting structure and at least one second mounting aperture for mounting the door lining to the door mounting structure are defined in the door mounting structure.
• An elongated isolating aperture is also defined through the door mounting structure between the at least one first mounting aperture and the at least one second mounting aperture for isolating lateral movement of the door mounting structure imparted thereto from the window regulator.
• the door mounting structure is provided with at least one first aperture defined therein for mounting a window regulator and at least one second aperture defined therein for mounting the door lining.
• An elongated isolating aperture is provided through the door mounting structure at a location disposed between the at least one first mounting structure and the at least one second mounting structure.
• the window regulator is mounted to the door mounting structure via the at least one first aperture.
• the door lining is mounted to the door mounting structure via the at least one second mounting aperture.
• FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a door frame assembly for a vehicle having a window regulator and a door lining, both mounted to a door frame according to an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the door frame assembly of FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 is another elevation view of the door frame assembly of FIG. 1 shown with the window regulator and the door lining removed.
• FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a door frame or mounting structure of the door frame assembly.
• FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a door frame assembly for a vehicle having a window regulator and a door lining, both mounted to a door frame according to another exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the door frame or mounting structure showing an isolating aperture defined therein.
• FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a door frame assembly 10 for a vehicle including a window regulator 12 and a door lining 14, both mounted to a door frame or door mounting structure 16.
• the window regulator 12 opens and closes a window pane 18 within a window opening 20 framed by the door frame 16 and a door sash structure 22 attached to or formed integrally with the door frame.
• a plurality of mounting apertures are defined in the door frame 16, including a first set of apertures 24 for mounting the window regulator 12 and a second set of apertures 26 for mounting the door lining 14. Additional apertures (e.g., apertures 27) can be provided for mounting other components of the window regulator to the door frame 16.
• the door frame 16 includes a stiffening shape or portion 28.
• the stiffening shape 28 is a raised portion of the door frame 16, such as a raised rib or embossment.
• the illustrated stiffening shape 28 extends longitudinally from an upper side or edge 30 of the door frame 16 down toward a lower side or edge 32 of the door frame 16.
• the stiffening shape 28 strengthens the door frame 16, particularly at and near the location of the stiffening shape 28. This can advantageously prevent or limit the door lining 14 from moving abnormally (i.e., laterally inwardly) during up/down operation of the window pane 18 by the regulator 12. In other words, deflection of the door lining 14 can be reduced or minimized as relates to the window regulator 12.
• the regulator 12 can be an X-type regulator, which includes a main portion or bracket 34 to which a motor 36 of the regulator 12 is mounted.
• This type of regulator 12 uses a large number of mounting apertures to secure the main bracket 34 to the door frame 16. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, at least four apertures are used to secure the main bracket 34 to the door frame 16, though other numbers of apertures could be used. Absent the stiffening shape 28, the window regulator 12 can transmit a force directed laterally inwardly relative to the door frame 16 when in its closed position on a vehicle and such force is transmitted to the door frame 16. This can travel along the door frame 16 to the adjacent door lining mounting apertures 26, which can cause the door lining 14 to visibly move.
• additional or auxiliary stiffening shapes 38, 40 can be added to the door frame 16. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, these additional stiffening shapes 38, 40 can flank the main stiffening shape 28.
• the stiffening shape 38 can be positioned between the stiffening shape 28 and the apertures 26 for mounting the door lining 14.
• the stiffening shape 40 can be positioned between the stiffening shape 28 and the adjacent apertures 24 for mounting the regulator 12.
• the stiffening shapes 38, 40 can have a shorter elongation than the stiffening shape 28 and can have a direction of embossment reversed relative to the stiffening shape 28. That is, the stiffening shape 28 can project laterally inwardly relative to a vehicle on which the door frame assembly 10 is mounted and the stiffening shapes 38, 40 can project laterally outwardly relative to the same vehicle.
• the illustrated door frame assembly 50 includes a vehicle door frame or door mounting structure 52, a window regulator 54 mounted to the door frame 52 for opening and closing of window pane 56, and door lining 58 mounted to the door frame 52.
• the window regulator 54 moves the window pane 56 up and down within a window opening 60, which is framed at least in part by a door sash structure 62.
• the door sash structure 62 can be formed as part of the door frame 52 (or can be attached thereto) along an upper side or edge 64 of the door frame 52.
• a lower portion of the window opening 60 can be defined by the door sash structure 62 and/or the upper side or edge 64 of the door frame 52.
• the vehicle door frame assembly 50 of the illustrated embodiment can additionally include a plurality of mounting apertures defined in the door frame 52, including at least one first mounting aperture for mounting the window regulator 54 to the door frame 52 and at least one second mounting aperture for mounting the door lining 58 to the door frame 52.
• the at least one first mounting aperture includes a plurality of closely spaced apertures 66, 68, 70, 72 that are grouped together to secure the window regulator 12, and particularly a base plate 74 thereof, to the door frame 52.
• the window regulator 54 is an X-type window regulator having a motor 76 supported or mounted to the base plate 74 via aperture 73 for driving the window pane 56. Accordingly, the motor 76 is primarily mounted to the door frame 52 by the apertures 66-72 and transmission of lateral forces from the motor 76 to the door frame 16 tends to occur at or adjacent the apertures 66-72.
• the illustrated window regulator 54 additionally includes a main lift arm 78 that is driven by the motor 76 for moving the pane 56 in downward and upward directions when the motor 74 rotates the main lift arm 78 in opposite directions to effect opening and closing of the window opening 60.
• the main lift arm 78 can include a sector gear portion or plate 80 at one end thereof that can be driven by the motor 74 to rotate the main lift arm 78 about pivot 82.
• the sector gear portion 80 has gear teeth meshingly engaged with driving teeth of the motor 76 or a drive mechanism or gear train connected operatively thereto. In one example, appropriate reduction gears can be employed between the motor 76 and the sector gear portion 80.
• the illustrated regulator 54 additionally includes first and second sub-arms 84, 86 pivotally connected to the main lift arm 80 at floating pivot 88 (i.e., pivot 88 is not fixedly connected to the door frame 52, but instead floats relative to the door frame as the window regulator 54 opens and closes the window pain 56).
• the first sub-arm 84 and the main lift arm 78 have respective ends pivotally connected to a lower end 90 of the window pane 56.
• these ends of the arms 78, 84 are slidably disposed within a track member 92, which is itself securely connected to the lower end 90 of window pane 56, such as by suitable brackets and/or fasteners.
• An opposite end of the first sub- arm 84 is connected to the main lift arm 78 at the floating pivot 88.
• One end of the second sub arm 86 is also connected to the main lift arm 78 at the floating pivot 88 and a opposite end is pivotally connected to the door frame 52 at a vertically fixed location via track member 94, along which the end of the second sub-arm 86 is slidably moveable.
• the lower track member 94 is secured to the door frame 52 at one end via mounting aperture 96 defined in the door frame 52.
• the mounting aperture 96 can be grouped together with or considered as part of the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72 used to mount the base plate 74 to the door frame 52, though this is not required.
• the other end of the lower track member can be secured to the door frame 52 via mounting aperture 98.
• An elongated isolating aperture 1 10 is defined in and through the door frame 52 between the at least one first aperture (e.g., the plurality of closely spaced apertures, 66, 68, 70, 72) and the at least one second aperture (e.g., aperture 1 12 that mounts the door lining 58 to the door frame 52) for insulating the at least one second aperture of the door lining 58 from the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72 to thereby reduce lateral forces imparted to the door frame 52 from the window regulator 54 from transferring through the door frame 52 to the door lining 58, particularly via the mounting location provided by the aperture 1 12.
• the at least one first aperture e.g., the plurality of closely spaced apertures, 66, 68, 70, 72
• the at least one second aperture e.g., aperture 1 12 that mounts the door lining 58 to the door frame 52
• the isolating aperture 1 10 is a vertically elongated slot that longitudinally (i.e., longitudinal relative to a vehicle on which the door frame 52 is mounted) separates the plurality of closely spaced aperture 66-72 and the aperture 1 12.
• the isolating aperture 1 10 has an upper end 1 16 located adjacent an upper end 64 of the door frame 52 that defines the window opening 60 (and is spaced closely adjacent thereto) and has a lower end 1 18 located vertically below the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the isolating aperture 1 10 is elongated from its upper end 1 16 to its lower end 1 18. Thus, the isolating aperture 1 10 extends through the door frame 52 at least along an elongated height thereof. In particular, the isolating aperture 1 10 is vertically elongated to separate the mounting apertures 66-72 and the door lining aperture 1 12 from one another along a longitudinal length of the vehicle. By this configuration, the base plate 74 of the window regulator 54 is mounted via the apertures 66-72 on one side of the isolating aperture 1 10, whereas the aperture 1 12 is disposed on an opposite side of the isolating aperture 1 10.
• Another isolating aperture 1 14 can be defined in the door frame 52 between the door lining aperture 1 12 and the aperture 98 at which one end of the lower track member 94 is secured to the door frame 52. This separates the mounting location 98 of the lower track member 94 from the door lining aperture 1 12 since these apertures 98 and 1 12 are both provided on an opposite side of the isolating aperture 1 10 than the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72.
• the isolating aperture 1 10 can additionally serve to isolate the aperture 96 corresponding to the lower track member 94 from the door lining aperture 1 12.
• the isolating aperture 1 10 can limit lateral movement of the door lining 58 by isolating it from the door regulator mounting area (i.e., the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72 and 96). Accordingly, even if the portion of the door frame 52 immediately adjacent the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72 (or aperture 96) moves slightly laterally, this movement is not transmitted to the location of the door lining aperture 1 12 due to the isolating aperture 1 10. As a result, the door lining 1 10 can be limited from moving more than about 1 .5 mm with limited additional cost and a negligible or negative weight impact (i.e., no increase in material thickness is required, no additional stiffeners). In addition, a minimal amount of weight is removed from the door frame 52 reducing the weight of the assembly 50 and layout flexibility is maintained (i.e., the location of the door lining mounting locations, such as the aperture 1 12, remains flexible).
• stiffening shapes can be included in the door frame assembly 50.
• a main stiffening shape 120 in the form of an elongated raised rib or embossment can be provided at or along the door frame 52 where the isolating aperture 1 10 is defined (i.e., between the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture).
• the isolating aperture can be defined in the stiffening shape 120 and particularly within a raised portion thereof.
• Auxiliary stiffening shapes, also in the form of embossments or ribs 122, 124, can also be provided flanking the main stiffening shape 120.
• the main stiffening shape 120 can be formed as a rib projecting laterally inwardly (i.e., in a first direction) and the auxiliary stiffening shapes 122, 124 can be provided as depressions which extend laterally outwardly on the door frame (i.e., in a second, opposite direction). These can further facilitate isolation of the door lining apertures, such as aperture 1 12, from a main mounting location of the window regulator 54 (i.e., an area adjacent and surrounding the plurality of closely spaced apertures 66-72). [0028] A method of mounting a door lining to a door mounting structure of a vehicle door assembly will now be described.
• door mounting structure or frame 52 can be provided with at least one first aperture defined therein (e.g., apertures 66-72) for mounting window regulator 54 to the door frame 52 and at least one second aperture (e.g., door lining aperture 1 12) can be defined therein for mounting door lining 58 to the door frame 52.
• the elongated isolating aperture 1 10 can be provided through the door frame 52 at a location disposed between the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture.
• the window regulator 54 can be mounted to the door frame 52 via the apertures 66-72.
• the door lining 14 can also be mounted to the door frame 52 via the at least one second mounting aperture, which can include the door lining aperture 1 12.
• the provision of the elongated isolating aperture 1 10 can include providing the aperture as a vertically elongated slot in the door frame 52 that isolates the at least one second aperture 1 12 from the at least one first aperture 66-72. Accordingly, providing the isolating aperture 1 10 can include positioning the aperture 1 10 so that an upper end 1 16 thereof is located adjacent the upper end 64 of the door frame 52 that defines a lower portion of the window opening 60.

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

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Publications (1)

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Citations (6)

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• 2009
  • 2009-12-10 US US12/635,237 patent/US8661738B2/en active Active
• 2010
  • 2010-11-24 CN CN2010800558893A patent/CN102652071A/zh active Pending
  • 2010-11-24 CA CA2780654A patent/CA2780654C/en active Active
  • 2010-11-24 BR BR112012013738A patent/BR112012013738A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2010-11-24 MX MX2012006318A patent/MX2012006318A/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2010-11-24 JP JP2012543142A patent/JP5619912B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2010-11-24 WO PCT/US2010/058056 patent/WO2011071704A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (6)

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