A sealing system for connecting a drain device to a vehicle window glass

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a sealing system for connecting a drain device and a vehicle window glass, comprising: a fixed section for connecting to the vehicle window glass and a snap-on section for detachably connecting to the drain device, the snap-on section comprising a support body, an elastic arm, and a transition portion connecting the support body and the elastic arm; wherein the sealing system further comprises a positioning element connected to the transition portion and the support body, the positioning element being at least partially elastically deformable; further, the positioning element comprises an elastic foot connected to the transition portion and a snap-on joint connected to the support body, and the cross-section of the snap-on joint is U-shaped or V-shaped, with the opening of the U-shape or V-shape facing the support body. The sealing system according to the present disclosure makes it easier to assemble the drain device into the sealing system, and the drain device can still remain in the sealing system after experiencing long periods of bumps and use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automotive subassembly, and more particularly to a sealing system for connecting a drain device to a vehicle window glass. Background Art

[0002] In order to facilitate the drainage of water flowing down the vehicle window glass (especially the front windshield) to the outside of the vehicle to avoid damaging the engine and other components inside the vehicle, a sealing system (also known as a "lower clip") is usually used in the prior art to connect the vehicle window glass and the drainage device (such as the water tank).

[0003] For example, patent CN1210172C discloses a special-shaped part used as a sealing system for automobile windshields, which includes a contact surface section for fixing to the lower edge of the windshield and a section with a hook-shaped cross section. On the one hand, the automobile glass is fixed to the special-shaped part by bonding at the contact surface section, and on the other hand, the water tank is fixed to the special-shaped part by introducing ribs on the water tank cover into the above-mentioned section with a hook-shaped cross section. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, due to the dimensional tolerances often found in drainage devices (e.g., water tanks), it is often difficult or requires considerable force to insert the drainage device into the sealing system during assembly. Furthermore, the drainage device often pops out after assembly, leading to water leakage.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sealing system for connecting a drain device and a vehicle window glass, which solves or at least partially solves the above-mentioned problems and other potential problems existing in the assembly process of the drain device and the sealing system in the prior art.

[0006] Specifically, the present disclosure provides a sealing system 100 for connecting a drain device 200 and a vehicle window glass 300, comprising:

[0007] A fixing section 110 for connecting to the vehicle window glass 300 ; and

[0008] The clamping section 120 is used to be detachably connected to the drainage device 200. The clamping section 120 includes a support body 121, an elastic arm 122, and a transition portion 123 connecting the support body 121 and the elastic arm 122;

[0009] in,

[0010] The sealing system 100 further comprises a positioning element 130 connected to the transition portion 123 and the support body 121 , wherein the positioning element 130 is at least partially elastically deformable;

[0011] Furthermore, the positioning element 130 includes an elastic support foot 131 connected to the transition portion 123 and a clamping joint 132 connected to the support body 121, and the cross-section of the clamping joint 132 is U-shaped or V-shaped, and the U-shaped or V-shaped opening faces the support body 121.

[0012] A basic idea is that when the drainage device 200 is assembled / introduced into the snap-fit ​​section 120 of the sealing system 100, since the positioning element 130 is at least partially elastically deformed, the snap-fit ​​joint 132 is deformed and moved toward the direction of the U-shaped or V-shaped opening (for example, the support body 121), so that the drainage device 200 can be easily introduced into the sealing system 100.

[0013] After the drain device rib 210 is fully inserted into the sealing system 100, the protrusion at the free end of the rib 210 extends beyond the clamping joint 132, which reduces the force acting on the clamping joint 132. As a result, the clamping joint 132 can partially rebound and abut against the drain device rib 210, thereby securing the drain device 200 to the sealing system 100. At this point, the first side 1321 and second side 1322 of the clamping joint 132, which has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section and extends along the length of the sealing system 100 (i.e., perpendicular to the paper), are both located above the rib 210. To pull the drain device rib 210 out of the sealing system 100, it is necessary to simultaneously overcome the resistance of the first side 1321 and second side 1322 located above the rib 210, which obviously requires a greater amount of force.

[0014] In summary, according to the design disclosed herein, the drainage device can be assembled to the sealing system more easily, while more force is required to pull the drainage device out of the sealing system. Therefore, the drainage device can still remain on the sealing system after experiencing long-term bumps and use.

[0015] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to determine the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Below, the present disclosure is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate a better understanding of the purpose, features and advantages of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing system according to the present disclosure in an unassembled state;

[0018] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing system according to the present disclosure in an assembled state;

[0019] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Detailed magnified image of the middle Z region;

[0020] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a sealing system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] The same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to several exemplary embodiments so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the discussion of these embodiments is only for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described in the present disclosure, and does not limit the scope of protection, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. It should be understood that various features can be omitted, replaced, or added as needed in each embodiment without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In addition, the features described in some embodiments may also be combined in other embodiments.

[0023] In this disclosure, the term "including" and its various variations may be understood as open-ended terms, meaning "including but not limited to," the term "one embodiment" may be understood as "at least one embodiment," and the term "another embodiment" may be understood as "at least one other embodiment." Other terms that may appear but are not mentioned herein should not be interpreted or limited in a manner that is inconsistent with the concepts underlying the embodiments of this disclosure, unless explicitly stated.

[0024] First, combine Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sealing system 100 for connecting a drain device 200 and a vehicle window glass 300 according to the present disclosure is presented in an unassembled state. The length of the sealing system 100 refers to the length extending in a direction perpendicular to the drawing paper, which is substantially consistent with the length of the lower edge of the drain device 200 and the vehicle window glass 300. It should be understood that the length of the sealing system 100 may be greater than or less than the length of the lower edge of the vehicle window glass 300 without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that although several specific elements are shown here, those skilled in the art may also add one or more elements thereto, delete one or more elements therefrom, or replace one or more elements with other elements, etc., without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the sealing system 100 according to the present disclosure includes a fixing section 110 for connecting to a vehicle window glass 300. The fixing section 110 can be connected to the vehicle window glass 300 via an adhesive layer 400. The adhesive layer 400 is preferably applied to the fixing section 110 as an adhesive film or an adhesive strip (e.g., a double-sided tape).

[0026] The sealing system 100 according to the present disclosure further includes a snap-on section 120 for detachably connecting to the drain device 200 . The drain device 200 has elastic ribs 210 , through which the drain device 200 can be fixed in the sealing system 100 .

[0027] The clamping section 120 includes a support body 121, an elastic arm 122, and a transition portion 123 connecting the support body 121 and the elastic arm 122. Figure 1 As shown, the support body 121 has a generally T-shaped or L-shaped cross section. After assembly, it is positioned between the drain device 200 and the vehicle window glass 300. The cross section of the free end of the elastic arm 122 is hook-shaped or inverted L-shaped. The specific geometry of the elastic arm 122 can be adjusted accordingly based on the shape of the drain device rib 210. The size of the opening between the elastic arm 122 and the support body 121 can also be adjusted accordingly based on the size of the drain device rib 210.

[0028] The sealing system 100 further includes a positioning element 130 connected to the transition portion 123 and the support body 121. The positioning element 130 is at least partially elastically deformable. The recessed portion formed by the positioning element 130 and the elastic arm 122 is referred to as the positioning groove 124, and the groove formed by the positioning element 130 and the support body 121 is referred to as the hollow groove 125.

[0029] The structure of the sealing system 100 is briefly described above. The drain device 200 is secured to the sealing system 100 through the materials and geometric design of the components of the clamping section 120. The design of the positioning element 130 is particularly critical, ensuring ease of assembly of the drain device and a secure connection between the drain device and the sealing system.

[0030] As described above, the positioning element 130 is at least partially elastically deformable. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the positioning element 130 includes an elastic leg 131 connected to the transition portion 123 and a snap joint 132 connected to the support body 121. The snap joint 132 has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section, with the opening of the U or V facing the support body 121.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, based on the material characteristics and geometric characteristics of the above-mentioned positioning element 130, especially the material characteristics and geometric characteristics of the clamping joint 132, when the drainage device 200 is assembled / introduced into the clamping section 120 of the sealing system 100, since the positioning element 130 is at least partially elastically deformed, under the action of the force acting on the rib 210 along the R1 direction, the clamping joint 132 is deformed and moved toward the direction of the U-shaped or V-shaped opening (for example, the support body 121), so that the drainage device 200 can be easily introduced into the sealing system 100.

[0032] After the drain device rib 210 is fully assembled into the sealing system 100, the protrusion at the free end of the rib 210 extends beyond the clamping joint 132, which reduces the force acting on the clamping joint 132. As a result, the clamping joint 132 can partially rebound and abut against the drain device rib 210, thereby securing the drain device 200 to the sealing system 100. At this point, the first side 1321 and second side 1322 of the clamping joint 132, which has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section and extends along the length of the sealing system 100 (i.e., perpendicular to the paper), are both located above the rib 210. To pull the drain device rib 210 out of the sealing system 100, it is necessary to simultaneously overcome the resistance of the first side 1321 and second side 1322 located above the rib 210, which obviously requires a greater amount of force.

[0033] After testing, in some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the maximum insertion force F required for the assembly process of guiding the rib 210 of the drainage device into the positioning groove 124 so that the drainage device 200 is fixed to the sealing system 300 is Insertion Less than or equal to 2N; the maximum pull-out force F required to pull the rib 210 of the drainage device out of the sealing system 300 Extraction Greater than or equal to 3N. In some preferred embodiments, the maximum insertion force F Insertion Less than or equal to 1.5N, maximum pull-out force F Extraction Greater than or equal to 3N and less than or equal to 5N.

[0034] Therefore, based on the above design, the drainage device can be assembled into the sealing system more easily, which can greatly shorten the assembly time of workers and improve production efficiency; and it requires greater force to pull out the ribs of the drainage device, so the drainage device can still remain in the sealing system after experiencing long-term bumps and use, thereby improving product stability.

[0035] Of course, it should be understood that although several specific cross-sectional shapes of the clamping connector 132 are shown herein (i.e., U-shaped or V-shaped), this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Any other appropriate shapes are also possible without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the clamping connector 132 may also be W-shaped or other similar shapes with a convex curved structure. In other embodiments, one end of the clamping connector 132 is connected to one end of the elastic leg 131, and the cross-sectional shape of the positioning element 130 as a whole is barbed.

[0036] In order to facilitate water flowing down from the vehicle window glass to enter the drainage device 200 , the geometric design of the sealing system 100 satisfies the following requirements: after the drainage device 200 is assembled to the sealing system 100 , the outer surfaces of the drainage device 200 , the vehicle window glass 300 and the sealing system 100 are flush.

[0037] In order to better understand the principle of engagement between the rib 210 of the drain device and the positioning element 130 of the sealing system, Figure 3 It further shows Figure 2 Detailed magnification of the middle Z region.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the rib 210 of the drain device has an introduction surface 211 located at the lower edge of its longitudinal edge and a clamping surface 212 located at the upper edge of its longitudinal edge. The clamping joint 132 of the positioning element has an engagement guide surface 133 located at the upper edge of its longitudinal edge and a clamping surface 134 located at the lower edge of its longitudinal edge. When the rib 210 of the drain device is introduced downward into the positioning groove 124, the introduction surface 211 of the rib 210 first contacts the engagement guide surface 133 of the clamping joint 132 and laterally squeezes the clamping joint 132, causing the clamping joint 132 to deform and move toward the support body 121. After the rib 210 of the drain device is fully introduced into the positioning groove 124, the clamping surface 134 of the deformed clamping joint 132 abuts against the clamping surface 212 of the rib 210 of the drain device, thereby securing the drain device 200 to the sealing system 100. On the contrary, when the drain device 200 is removed from the sealing system 100, since the first side 1321 and the second side 1322 of the U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section of the clamping joint 132 extending along the length direction of the sealing system 100 are both located above the clamping surface 212 of the rib 210, in order to pull the rib 210 of the drain device out of the sealing system 100, it is necessary to overcome the resistance of the first side 1321 and the second side 1322 located on the rib 210 at the same time, which obviously requires greater force. Of course, it should be understood that although Figures 1 to 3The schematic cross-sectional shapes of the introduction surface 211 and the engaging surface 212 of the rib 210 of the drainage device, and the engaging guide surface 133 and the engaging surface 134 of the clamping joint 132 of the positioning element are shown (e.g., as an inclined surface), but this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, any other appropriate shapes are also possible. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the introduction surface 211 and the engaging surface 212 of the rib 210 of the drainage device, and the engaging guide surface 133 and the engaging surface 134 of the clamping joint 132 of the positioning element can also be curved surfaces.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in order to accommodate the dimensional tolerance of the drain device 200, the sealing system according to the present disclosure can also be provided with a sealing element 140 on the support body 121. This can avoid both the leakage caused by an excessive gap between the sealing system support body 121 and the drain device and the difficulty in assembly caused by an excessive gap between the two. This makes the sealing system of the present disclosure more widely applicable.

[0040] The sealing element 140 is at least partially elastic and can be at least partially elastically deformed. In some specific embodiments, the sealing element 140 is made of an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some specific embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). Furthermore, the selection of such materials also helps reduce wind noise generated between the sealing system and the window glass during vehicle operation.

[0041] In addition, it should be understood that without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the sealing element 140 can be either a solid body or a hollow body; the sealing element 140 can be connected to the support body 121 of the sealing system through the contact surface 141, but they can also be constructed in one piece.

[0042] In order to facilitate water flowing down the vehicle window glass to enter the drainage device 200, the geometric design of the support body 121 and the sealing element 140 satisfies the following requirements: after the drainage device 200 is assembled into the sealing system 100, the outer surfaces of the vehicle window glass 300, the seal 140 and the drainage device 200 are basically flush.

[0043] As described above, according to the sealing system of the present disclosure, the positioning element 130 is at least partially elastic and can be at least partially elastically deformed. In some specific embodiments, the positioning element 130 is made of an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some specific embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

[0044] In addition to the above-mentioned positioning element 130 and sealing element 140, other sections and / or elements of the sealing system can be made of relatively hard materials (such as thermoplastic or thermosetting materials), for example, the fixing section 110 and the clamping section 120 are made of one of the following materials or a combination thereof: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic (ABS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).

[0045] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, there is typically a certain distance between the sealing system and the vehicle body sheet metal. To secure the sealing system 100 to the vehicle body, in some embodiments, the fixing section 110 of the sealing system according to the present disclosure further includes a support rib 111 on the side away from the glass. Similar to the materials of the fixing section 110 and the clamping section 120 described above, the support rib 111 can be made of one or a combination of the following materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

[0046] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a buffer portion 112 is provided at one end of the support rib 111 away from the fixing section 110. Similarly, the snap-in section 120 also includes a buffer portion 112 on the side of the transition portion 123 away from the positioning element 130. Similar to the materials of the above-mentioned positioning element 130 and the sealing element 140, the buffer portion 112 is made of an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some specific embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). The provision of the buffer portion 112 can provide a buffering and shock-absorbing effect between the sealing system 100 and the vehicle body sheet metal, and reduce the noise caused by vehicle body vibration.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the fixing section 110 and the clamping section 120 further include a reinforcing insert 150. The reinforcing insert 150 is made of metal, an organic polymer, or a synthetic material. In some embodiments, the metal reinforcing insert is, for example, an aluminum strip or a steel strip. The provision of the reinforcing insert further enhances the stability of the fixing section 110 and the clamping section 120.

[0048] The sealing system according to the present disclosure can be prepared by extrusion. In some embodiments, it can be formed in one step by extrusion. In some embodiments, the fixing section 110, the clamping section 120, and / or the support rib 111 made of a relatively high hardness material can be first formed by extrusion, and then the positioning element 130, the sealing element 140, and / or the buffer portion 112 made of a relatively low hardness material can be formed by secondary extrusion.

[0049] It should be understood that the above detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are merely illustrative or illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. At the same time, the claims appended to the present disclosure are intended to cover all changes and modifications that fall within the scope and boundaries of the claims.

Claims

1. A sealing system (100) for connecting a drainage device (200) and a vehicle window glass (300), comprising: A fixing section (110), used for connecting to a vehicle window glass (300); as well as A clamping section (120) is used for being detachably connected to the drainage device (200), wherein the clamping section (120) comprises a supporting body (121), an elastic arm (122), and a transition portion (123) connecting the supporting body (121) and the elastic arm (122); in, The sealing system (100) further comprises a positioning element (130) connected to the transition portion (123) and the support body (121), wherein the positioning element (130) is at least partially elastically deformable; Furthermore, the positioning element (130) includes an elastic support foot (131) connected to the transition portion (123) and a clamping joint (132) connected to the support body (121), and the cross-section of the clamping joint (132) is U-shaped or V-shaped, and the opening of the U-shape or V-shape faces the support body (121), and the positioning element (130) and at least a portion of the support body (121) form a hollow groove (125), and the hollow groove (125) extends away from the fixed section (110) on opposite sides in the thickness direction of the fixed section (110).

2. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein During the process of assembling the drainage device (200) to the sealing system (100), the clamping joint (132) is deformed and moved toward the U-shaped or V-shaped opening.

3. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: After the drainage device (200) is assembled to the sealing system (100), the first side edge (1321) and the second side edge (1322) of the clamping joint (132) extending along the length direction of the sealing system (100) are both located above the rib (210) of the drainage device (200).

4. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: After the drainage device (200) is assembled to the sealing system (100), the outer surfaces of the drainage device (200), the vehicle window glass (300) and the sealing system (100) are flush.

5. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support body (121) further comprises a sealing element (140), and the sealing element (140) is at least partially elastic.

6. The sealing system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the positioning element (130) and / or the sealing element (140) are formed integrally with the fixing section (110) and the latching section (120).

7. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning element (130) and the sealing element (140) are made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

8. The sealing system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

9. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing section (110) and the clamping section (120) are made of one of the following materials or a combination thereof: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic (ABS), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

10. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the snap joint (132) of the positioning element (130) has a joining guide surface (133) located at the upper edge of its longitudinal edge and a snap joint surface (134) located at the lower edge of its longitudinal edge.

11. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing section (110) and the clamping section (120) further comprise a reinforcing insert (150), wherein the reinforcing insert (150) comprises metal, organic polymer, or synthetic material.

12. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross section of the support body (121) is T-shaped or L-shaped.

13. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of the free end of the elastic arm (122) is hook-shaped or inverted L-shaped.

14. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing section (110) includes a protruding support rib (111) on a side away from the glass, and a buffer portion (112) is further provided at an end of the support rib (111) away from the fixing section (110).

15. The sealing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the snap-fit ​​section (120) comprises a protruding buffer portion (112) on a side remote from the positioning element (130).

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