CA2297697C - Door trim panel with integrated defrost duct and substructure - Google Patents
Door trim panel with integrated defrost duct and substructure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2297697C CA2297697C CA002297697A CA2297697A CA2297697C CA 2297697 C CA2297697 C CA 2297697C CA 002297697 A CA002297697 A CA 002297697A CA 2297697 A CA2297697 A CA 2297697A CA 2297697 C CA2297697 C CA 2297697C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trim panel
- panel
- duct
- wall
- substructure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008707 rearrangement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R13/0237—Side or rear panels
- B60R13/0243—Doors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/24—Devices purely for ventilating or where the heating or cooling is irrelevant
- B60H1/247—Disposition of several air-diffusers in a vehicle for ventilation-air circulation in a vehicle cabin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R2013/0287—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners integrating other functions or accessories
Abstract
The invention relates to a structure for use on a vehicle, and particularly for a door panel. A door trim panel (10) is disclosed which has an integrated defrost duct (12) and substructure (14) for supporting the arm rest area (16). The panel including the duct and substructure are created in the same mold, eliminating the need for separate molds, a fastening system and assembly time to assemble a separate duct substructure panel.
Description
DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH INTEGRATED DEFROST DUCT AND
SUBSTRUCTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field This invention relates to a structure for use on a vehicle, and particularly for a door panel.
Description of the Related Prior Art The design for a vehicle interior, whether it be a passenger car or industrial truck, is a balance of many demands. For example, the interior must serve functional purposes, such as forming ducts for air flow for air conditioning, heating, defrosting and the like, provide efficient use of space and also provide an attractive appearance.
These demands are particularly important in the type of truck designs used for the common eighteen-wheeler. The sales of such trucks are extremely competitive and a high premium is put on interior designs which are pleasing and useful to the purchaser. Even so, it is important to minimize the cost and difficulty of installing such interior components to remain competitive as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in a vehicle, comprising: a first wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle structure; a second wall adapter to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interposition between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing a panel for a vehicle, comprising: molding the trim panel, wherein the trim panel includes: a first wall adapted to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interpositioned between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door trim panel forming a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the door trim panel in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along line D-D in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along section E-E in the direction of the arrows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference now to the figures, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is a door trim panel 10 having an integrated defrost duct 12 and substructure 14 formed underneath the arm rest area 16 in the door trim panel for support.
With reference to FIG. 1, the door trim panel 10 can be seen to include an exposed panel 18 which is molded to provide an attractive and functional shape.
For example, holes 20 about the outer perimeter of the exposed panel 18 are provided for securing the door trim panel 10 to the door of a vehicle, such as a truck. Various provisions exist for mounting a door handle 22. A grommet 24 is provided for passage of the door lock.
SUBSTRUCTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field This invention relates to a structure for use on a vehicle, and particularly for a door panel.
Description of the Related Prior Art The design for a vehicle interior, whether it be a passenger car or industrial truck, is a balance of many demands. For example, the interior must serve functional purposes, such as forming ducts for air flow for air conditioning, heating, defrosting and the like, provide efficient use of space and also provide an attractive appearance.
These demands are particularly important in the type of truck designs used for the common eighteen-wheeler. The sales of such trucks are extremely competitive and a high premium is put on interior designs which are pleasing and useful to the purchaser. Even so, it is important to minimize the cost and difficulty of installing such interior components to remain competitive as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in a vehicle, comprising: a first wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle structure; a second wall adapter to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interposition between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing a panel for a vehicle, comprising: molding the trim panel, wherein the trim panel includes: a first wall adapted to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interpositioned between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door trim panel forming a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the door trim panel in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along line D-D in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the door trim panel of FIG. 1 taken along section E-E in the direction of the arrows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference now to the figures, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is a door trim panel 10 having an integrated defrost duct 12 and substructure 14 formed underneath the arm rest area 16 in the door trim panel for support.
With reference to FIG. 1, the door trim panel 10 can be seen to include an exposed panel 18 which is molded to provide an attractive and functional shape.
For example, holes 20 about the outer perimeter of the exposed panel 18 are provided for securing the door trim panel 10 to the door of a vehicle, such as a truck. Various provisions exist for mounting a door handle 22. A grommet 24 is provided for passage of the door lock.
The door trim panel 10 also includes defrost duct panel 26 which is created in the same mold as the exposed panel 18, eliminating the need for separate molds, a fastening system and assembly time required to assemble a separate duct and panel. With reference to FIGs. 2-6, the defrost duct panel 26 can be seen to be shaped to provide a defrost duct 28 which extends from a duct inlet 30 to a duct outlet 32. The duct inlet 30 would be positioned adjacent to a defrost outlet in the vehicle dashboard when the door of the vehicle is closed. The duct outlet 32 is positioned to distribute air along the inside surface of the rollup glass window of the door on which the door trim panel 10 is mounted. Preferably, a flexible bellows 34 is secured around the opening 36 in exposed panel 18 forming the duct inlet 30 to provide a mechanism forming an air seal between the outlet in the dashboard and the inlet duct 30. The bellows 34 will typically be mounted in the opening 36 after the molding of the door trim panel 10. However, if desired, the bellows 34 can be formed as part of the exposed panel 18 as well and molded along with the panel 18 and duct panel 26.
The duct 12 and substructure 14 are produced in their final position in the same mold and in the same molding cycle as the exposed panel 18, providing great efficiency in assembly and construction. The duct 12, substructure 14 and exposed panel 18 can be molded as a single unit by the process and apparatus disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,846,578, issued December 8, 1998. The process and apparatus includes producing a component from two sheets of thermoplastic material joined together by delivering a compressed air jet between the sheets to expand them against dies.
Although a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions for parts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The duct 12 and substructure 14 are produced in their final position in the same mold and in the same molding cycle as the exposed panel 18, providing great efficiency in assembly and construction. The duct 12, substructure 14 and exposed panel 18 can be molded as a single unit by the process and apparatus disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,846,578, issued December 8, 1998. The process and apparatus includes producing a component from two sheets of thermoplastic material joined together by delivering a compressed air jet between the sheets to expand them against dies.
Although a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions for parts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. An apparatus for use in a vehicle, comprising:
a first wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle structure;
a second wall adapted to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interpositioned between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
a first wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle structure;
a second wall adapted to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interpositioned between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trim panel is a door trim panel.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the air flow duct is a defrost duct.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trim panel is formed from an exposed panel and an air flow duct panel, and wherein said panels are created in the same mold.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a substructure to support an arm rest.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a flexible bellows mounted on the trim panel.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the duct has an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the outlet is directed at a window on a door on which the trim panel is mounted.
8. A method for producing a panel for a vehicle, comprising:
molding the trim panel, wherein the trim panel includes:
a first wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle structure;
a second wall adapted to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interpositioned between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
molding the trim panel, wherein the trim panel includes:
a first wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle structure;
a second wall adapted to be operatively exposed when the first wall is mounted to the vehicle structure; and an integrated air flow duct, wherein the integrated air flow duct is interpositioned between at least a portion of the first wall and at least a portion of the second wall.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of molding a substructure integrated with the trim panel and integrated air flow duct.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of mounting a flexible bellows on said trim panel at a duct inlet.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/492,918 US6296296B1 (en) | 2000-01-27 | 2000-01-27 | Door trim panel with integrated defrost duct and substructure |
| US09/492,918 | 2000-01-27 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2297697A1 CA2297697A1 (en) | 2001-07-27 |
| CA2297697C true CA2297697C (en) | 2008-04-15 |
Family
ID=23958131
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002297697A Expired - Lifetime CA2297697C (en) | 2000-01-27 | 2000-02-03 | Door trim panel with integrated defrost duct and substructure |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6296296B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2297697C (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10044760A1 (en) * | 2000-09-09 | 2002-04-04 | Findlay Ind Deutschland Gmbh | Multi-layer interior trim part |
| GB0030527D0 (en) * | 2000-12-14 | 2001-01-31 | Meritor Light Vehicle Sys Ltd | Vehicle door |
| DE10211684A1 (en) * | 2002-03-15 | 2003-10-16 | Johnson Contr Interiors Gmbh | sealing element |
| KR20040042951A (en) * | 2002-11-14 | 2004-05-22 | 기아자동차주식회사 | Improved structure of inner molding structure for a vehicle |
| US8128161B2 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2012-03-06 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Interior body trim with integrated HVAC duct |
| PL2979975T3 (en) | 2014-07-30 | 2018-01-31 | Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH | An aircraft with a framework structure that comprises at least one hollow frame. |
| US11305705B2 (en) * | 2019-09-30 | 2022-04-19 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Door lining upper base and method of manufacture |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2127724C3 (en) * | 1971-06-04 | 1975-06-05 | Ford-Werke Ag, 5000 Koeln | Vehicle door, in particular for passenger vehicles |
| US4783115A (en) * | 1987-07-13 | 1988-11-08 | General Motors Corporation | Motor vehicle air duct seal |
| US4882842A (en) * | 1987-09-15 | 1989-11-28 | United Technologies Automotive, Inc | Method of simplifying on-line assembly of vehicular door components |
| US5095659A (en) * | 1989-05-02 | 1992-03-17 | Atoma International, A Magna International Company | Automobile door modular assembly |
| US5846578A (en) | 1994-04-18 | 1998-12-08 | Cesano; Franco | Apparatus for producing a component obtained from two thermoplastic sheets |
| JPH08282286A (en) * | 1995-04-11 | 1996-10-29 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Door for automobile |
| US5906409A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1999-05-25 | Chrysler Corporation | Vehicle door assembly |
| AUPN416295A0 (en) * | 1995-07-14 | 1995-08-03 | Nylex Corporation Limited | Moulded article |
| US5529370A (en) * | 1995-08-04 | 1996-06-25 | Ford Motor Company | Trim panel mounting assembly |
| US5820191A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1998-10-13 | Freightliner Corporation | Inner-door panel for a vehicle |
| US5868455A (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1999-02-09 | Prince Corporation | Vehicle door panel with integral handle and method of manufacture |
| DE19732225B4 (en) * | 1997-07-26 | 2004-05-19 | Kiekert Ag | Motor vehicle door |
| US5932331A (en) * | 1998-10-08 | 1999-08-03 | Simco Automotive Trim, Inc. | Automotive trim panel having dual density foam support layer |
-
2000
- 2000-01-27 US US09/492,918 patent/US6296296B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-03 CA CA002297697A patent/CA2297697C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6296296B1 (en) | 2001-10-02 |
| CA2297697A1 (en) | 2001-07-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20200203 |