A pusher assembly for a motor vehicle door

摘要

A pusher assembly 11 for a motor vehicle door (10 figure 1) is disclosed in which a side impact pusher 12 is used to connect a door latch 14 to a support 13 for an exterior door handle (9). The side impact pusher is used to assist with assembly of the latch mechanism and support to the door and then is located in a pre-defined position within the door by means of its connection to the latch and the support which are accurately secured to the door. The pusher may have an integrally formed handle 18 to assist with assembly, and a bracket 20 may be embedded in the pusher, said bracket connecting the latch and support. The side impact pusher may be made from a honeycomb plastics material which will first push an occupant away from the door and then possibly deform in the event of a side impact.