MOTOR-VEHICLE DOOR

Abstract: Motor vehicle (1) comprising an inner framework (2) and an outer sheet (3) connected together and having respective corresponding apertures defining a window opening (4), and a channel interposed between the framework (2) and the outer sheet (3) at least in correspondence with the upper edge (4a) and side edges (4b, 4c) of the window opening (4). The channel is defined by a plurality of bent tabs (5) formed integrally with one of the outer sheet (3) and inner framework.

Description: Motor-vehicle door The present invention relates to motor vehicle doors of the type comprising an inner framework and an outer sheet connected together and having respective corresponding apertures defining a window opening, and a channel interposed between the framework and the outer sheet at least in correspondence with the side and upper edges of the window opening and intended to house a weather-strip. In current forms of motor vehicle doors of the type specified above, the said channel is constituted by a suitably-folded, continuous U-section profile which is inserted between the framework and the outer sheet of the door after these two parts have been connected. The assembly effected in the manner indicated above may not be easy and in any case requires a certain amount of time. The object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle door in which the need to insert the channel after the inner framework and outer sheet have been connected is eliminated. This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a door of the type defined at the beginning, characterised in that the channel is defined by a plurality of bent tabs formed integrally with one of the outer sheet and inner framework. Conveniently, these tabs may also act as elements for connecting the outer sheet to the inner framework. According to the present invention, there is thus achieved the advantage that a complete door, already including the channel for housing the weather-strip for the window, is formed when the inner framework is connected to the outer sheet. Further characteristics an advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a motor vehicle door according to the invention, Figure 2 is a section taken on the line II-II of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of Figure 1. With reference to the drawings, a motor vehicle door is generally indicated 1 and comprises an inner metal framework 2 and an outer sheet 3 connected together in a conventional manner. The outer sheet and the inner framework have respective corresponding apertures which define a window opening 4. The upper edge of this window opening 4 is indicated 4a, while its side edges are indicated 4b and 4c. A channel-shaped seat for housing a weather-strip for a vertically-sliding window pane associated with the window opening 4 is provided along the edges 4a, 4b and 4c. According to the invention, this channel-shaped seat is formed integrally with one of the two components of the door, unlike conventional doors in which the seat for the weather-strip is constituted by a U-profiled section inserted between the framework 2 and the sheet 3. As is best seen in Figures 2 and 3, in the embodiment illustrated, the outer sheet 3 has a plurality of bent tabs disposed at intervals along the edges 4a, 4b and 4c and being generally U-shaped with their cavities facing towards the opening 4. The tabs 5 are formed directly during the pressing of the outer sheet 3 and are arranged to receive the weather-strip for the window. The free ends of the tabs 5 are normally fixed to the inner framework 2 by welding or equivalent systems, so that, to advantage, they also act as the elements for connecting the framework 2 to the outer sheet 3. It should be noted that the tabs 5 could also be formed along the lower side of the opening 4 in the case of a window with a fixed pane. Moreover, although the embodiment illustrated relates to a front door, it is clear that the invention can also be applied to any glazed aperture of a motor vehicle. Finally, it must be pointed out that the tabs 5 defining the channel for the weather-strip could be formed from the inner framework 2 instead of from the outer sheet 3.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Motor vehicle door (1) comprising an inner framework (2) and an outer sheet (3) connected together and having respective corresponding apertures defining a window opening (4), and a channel interposed between the framework (2) and the outer sheet (3) at least in correspondence with the upper edge (4a) and side edges (4b, 4c) of the window opening (4), characterised in tria. the channel is defined by a plurality of bent tabs (5) formed integrally with one of the outer sheet (3) d inner framework. 2. Door according to Claim 1, in which the bent tabs (5) act as elements for connecting the outer sheet (3) and the inner framework (2). 3. Door according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised 1 that the tabs (5) are formed directly from the outer sheet (3) during pressing thereof.

Inventors: FRANZERO, PIER RENATO, LUISOLO, ANTONIO
Applicants: FIAT AUTO S.P.A.
Application year: 1986
Main classification: B60J5
IPC codes: B60J5