Modular panel assembly, particularly automotive door panels, with independent coupling of modular components
US4766697A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/55
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A post-assembly coupling system for interfacing vehicular door components, particularly a window regulator, in a modular door panel assembly that does not require the assembler to see or reach the coupling in order to align or engage the coupling. The coupling assembly includes a dog 40 having a spring loaded pin 50 on one panel (e.g., a modular door interior trim panel 1) and a mating slide/ receiver 70, having a slopping tray or ramp 72 with "V"-shaped guides 74 which converge to a female mounting hole 71, on the other panel (e.g. the door frame exterior panel 2). After snap assembly of the door panels, the dog and slide/receiver are brought into relative close proximity to each other and then brought together with the slide/receiver then automaticall guiding the pin 50 into engagement with the mounting hole, into which it springs, thereby achieving a coupled, driving interface between the components. The pin and mounting hole serve as the power window drive interface between the drive motor mounted on the interior trim panel module and the slide/receiver mounted on the exterior panel door frame module, for driving the door window up and down. In bringing the pin and receiver tog…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.