Sealing member including a light emitting device

Abstract

A seal (10) for a door (6) of a motor vehicle (1) is disclosed, characterized in that the seal comprises a first lip (15) intended to at least partially cover an interior trim element (7) of the motor vehicle (1), and a lighting device (11) extending below the first lip (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a seal for a door of a motor vehicle, the seal comprising a light emitting device. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a seal. The invention further relates to a method for assembling such a seal. Background Art

[0002] Design is of vital importance in the motor vehicle industry. Every manufacturer seeks to stand out by creating a light signature on its vehicles. A light signature is an optical effect created by a light source. It illuminates a part of the vehicle to highlight it.

[0003] Light signatures have traditionally been concentrated on the front and rear exterior optical units. However, in order to achieve greater distinctiveness, motor vehicle manufacturers are also trying to incorporate light signatures in the interior of the vehicle, for example in particular on the dashboard or door trims.

[0004] However, the light signs known in the prior art lack originality. The light sources used are not discreetly integrated into the passenger compartment and their aesthetic appearance may be unsatisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a light marking device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and improves the light marking devices known in the prior art.

[0006] A first object of the present invention is to provide an original light signature in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle by creating at least one new type of vehicle interior environment.

[0007] More specifically, a second object of the present invention is to provide a light marking located on the outline of a door.

[0008] A third object of the present invention is to achieve concealed and aesthetically pleasing optical marking.

[0009] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a light marking that is easy to manufacture and assemble on a motor vehicle.

[0010] The invention relates to a seal for a motor vehicle door, comprising a first lip intended to at least partially cover an interior trim element of the motor vehicle, and a light emitting device extending below the first lip.

[0011] The seal may include a reinforcement for attaching the seal to a body of a motor vehicle, the first lip covering the reinforcement.

[0012] The seal may comprise a second lip intended to come into contact with a door of the motor vehicle in the closed position.

[0013] The first lip may include an outer surface extending in continuation of an outer surface of the second lip.

[0014] The seal may comprise a substantially constant cross-section.

[0015] The lighting arrangement may include LED strips and / or reflective tubes in conjunction with a single light source.

[0016] The first lip may comprise an outer face intended to be visible and an inner face intended to be hidden, the inner face comprising first means for retaining the lighting device, the first retaining means notably comprising ridges made of an elastomer.

[0017] The first retaining means may cooperate with a first edge of the light emitting device, and the sealing member may include a second retaining means for retaining the light emitting device, the second retaining means cooperating with a second edge of the light emitting device.

[0018] The seal may include a peel bead connected to the first lip, the peel bead being intended to break away from the seal to ensure that the first lip is correctly positioned over the decorative element.

[0019] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a door frame provided with an opening, a door capable of closing said opening, and a seal as defined above, which is attached to the door frame.

[0020] The light emitting device of the seal may be configured to emit light towards the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a seal as defined above on the body of a motor vehicle, the method comprising:

[0022] - a step of attaching the seal without its light emitting device to the body of the vehicle, and then

[0023] - a step of inserting the light emitting device under the first lip, and then

[0024] - a step of attaching the interior trim element to the body of the vehicle, and then

[0025] - The step of positioning the first lip over the interior trim element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following non-limiting description of specific embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective isometric view of a portion of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2is a perspective isometric view of a portion of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a perspective isometric view of the interior of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal according to a first variant embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seal according to a second variant embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a seal during its manufacturing process.

[0034] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a seal according to a variant embodiment of the present invention during its manufacturing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is partially shown. The vehicle 1 may be of any type. In particular, the vehicle may be, for example, a passenger car, a utility vehicle, a truck or a bus. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 2 forming a rigid structure of the vehicle 1. The body 2 defines a passenger compartment 3 in which passengers may sit. Thus, the vehicle 1 comprises at least one opening 4 allowing passengers to enter or leave the passenger compartment 3. This opening 4 may be provided by a door 6 (in the Figure 3 The vehicle body 2 thus comprises a door frame 5 defining an opening 4. Inside the vehicle 1, that is to say in the passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle, the vehicle body 2 is covered by an interior trim element 7. The interior trim element 7 conceals the vehicle body 2 and thus contributes to the aesthetic appearance and comfort of the passenger compartment.

[0036] Figure 1 The opening 4 shown is a vehicle opening located on the driver's side of the vehicle. As a variant, the invention can also be applied to an opening for front passengers located on the other side of the driver. The invention can also be applied to a rear opening that allows passengers to come to the back seat of the vehicle. The invention can also be applied to a trunk opening, a sunroof opening, or any vehicle opening that can be closed by a closing element.

[0037] The vehicle 1 comprises a seal 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The seal 10 is attached to the door frame 5. Advantageously, the seal is annular and extends along the door frame 5 around the entire circumference of the opening 4. However, as a variant, the seal may extend only over a portion of the outer edge of the opening 4, for example only over the lower half of the outer edge of the opening 4. When the door is in the closed position, the seal 10 is in contact with both the door frame 5 and the door 6. The seal makes it possible to isolate the passenger compartment 3 from the outside of the vehicle 1. It makes it possible to seal the interface between the door 6 and the door frame 5. In particular, it makes it possible to prevent water or dust from entering the passenger compartment. Thus, the seal forms a line that follows the contour of the opening 4 and delimits the passenger compartment from the outside of the vehicle. It should be noted that the present invention can also be converted into a seal that is attached to the door 6 instead of the door frame 5.

[0038] The seal 10 comprises a light emitting device 11 (at Figure 4 The light 12 may be visible in the vehicle interior). The light may be directed substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the opening 4 and towards the vehicle interior. The light may be visible to the vehicle driver or a passenger sitting in the vehicle. The light 12 may be visible at least when the door 6 of the vehicle is open, or even independent of the position of the door of the vehicle, that is, even when the door is closed. Conversely, the light is not intended to be projected towards the exterior of the vehicle. Therefore, the light may preferably not be visible from the exterior of the vehicle when the door is closed.

[0039] like Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the light emitting device can extend along the entire seal 10. Thus, the light emitting device can emit light 12 around the entire contour of the opening 4. As a variant, Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the light emitting device may extend only along a portion of the seal 10. For example, the light emitting device may be configured to emit light that illuminates only the door sill, that is, only the lower horizontal portion of the door frame 5. The light emitting device may be configured to highlight a logo or a specific decorative element of the passenger compartment.

[0040] Figure 3 From the perspective of the passenger compartment 3 Figure 2 6. It can be seen that when the door 6 is in the closed position, the seal 10 is hidden, but the light 12 illuminates the interior of the passenger compartment. The light appears to originate from the gap between the interior trim element 7 attached to the door sill and the trim element 8 attached to the door 6. The visual effect obtained is thus that light is emitted around all or part of the contour of the door 6.

[0041] The seal 10 may have a substantially constant cross section transversely to its extension direction. In particular, the seal 10 may be obtained using an extrusion manufacturing process. Figure 4A cross section of the seal 10 along the transverse line AA is shown in more detail. The seal 10 comprises a reinforcement 13 and an elastomeric portion 14 covering the reinforcement 13. The elastomeric portion 14 comprises a first lip 15 partially covering an interior trim element 7 attached to the body 2 of the vehicle 1. The elastomeric portion 14 also comprises a second lip 16 intended to come into contact with the door 6 when the door 6 is in the closed position.

[0042] The reinforcement 13 can be generally U-shaped. Therefore, the reinforcement includes a first arm 13A (toward the outside of the vehicle) and a second arm 13B (toward the inside of the vehicle) substantially parallel to the first arm 13A. The reinforcement also includes a base 13C connecting the two arms 13A and 13B. The reinforcement can be pressed (in other words, assembled) onto the edge of the door frame 5. The wall of the vehicle body 2 forming the door frame 5 can be pressed on the two arms 13A, 13B at the same time to tighten the reinforcement, thereby ensuring that the seal is fully combined with the door frame 5. When the seal is attached to the door frame 5, the reinforcement can be deformed. The reinforcement 13 can be, for example, a metal element, in particular a metal sheet element bent into a U shape. The reinforcement 13 can be completely wrapped or covered by the elastomer portion 14. Inside the U-shaped interior of the reinforcement, the seal can include a plurality of different convex pieces 17. The convex piece 17 can act as a clamping piece, which helps to well combine the seal with the door frame 5, and also helps to well seal the interface between the seal 10 and the door frame 5.

[0043] The elastomeric portion 14 may consist, for example, of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), or, as a variant, of any material having sufficient flexibility and elasticity to form a sealed interface with the door 6. The elastomeric portion 14 may be made of a single material, or, as a variant, may consist of different materials. For example, the first lip 15 and the second lip 16 may consist of different materials.

[0044] The first lip 15 is substantially flush with the joint between the first arm 13A and the base 13C. The first lip extends generally toward the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, the first lip 15 covers the base 13C of the reinforcement 13. The first lip 15 includes an end 15A that partially covers the interior decorative element 7. Therefore, the end 7A of the interior decorative element is hidden by the first lip 15. The end 15A of the first lip 15 rests on the upper face of the interior decorative element 7. It should be noted that an air gap or gap can be formed at least partially between the end 15A and the upper face of the interior decorative element 7. The air gap can be caused by the surface state of the first lip 15 or the surface state of the upper face of the interior decorative element 7 not being completely smooth. The air gap can also be caused by the shape of the seal and / or the interior decorative element 7. The air gap allows the light 12 from the light emitting device 11 to pass through.

[0045] The lighting device 11 is covered by the first lip 15. Thus, the lighting device is protected and hidden by the first lip 15. The lighting device 11 is not directly visible, but the light 12 originating from the lighting device is clearly visible. Thus, any glare for vehicle passengers can be avoided, since they cannot directly see the lighting device 11.

[0046] The first lip 15 may comprise a single wall. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first lip includes an outer surface 15B oriented upward and an inner surface 15C oriented downward. The outer surface 15B is a visible part of the seal, while the inner surface 15C is invisible or hidden. The first lip 15 can hide the deformation of the reinforcement 13 by covering the reinforcement 13, especially the deformation caused by pressing the reinforcement onto the door frame 5. The first lip 15 can therefore also be called a "beautifying lip" or "aesthetic tube".

[0047] The second lip 16 is substantially flush with the first arm 13A of the reinforcement. The second lip 16 may include a double wall. The first wall 16A is substantially flush with the joint between the first arm 13A and the base 13C, that is, substantially in the same position as the first lip 15. The second wall 16B is substantially flush with the end of the first arm 13A. The two walls 16A and 16B intersect so that the second lip is substantially V-shaped on its side. The two walls 16A and 16B can be connected by a rib 16C that provides appropriate rigidity for the second lip. The second lip 16 is designed to interfere with the door when the door 6 is closed. The second lip 16 may therefore also be referred to as a "sealing lip" or "sealing tube".

[0048] The light emitting device 11 is housed inside the sealing member 10. More specifically, the light emitting device is positioned between the base 13C of the reinforcing member wrapped with the elastomer and the inner surface 15C of the first lip. Figure 4 As shown, the light emitting device may take the form of an LED strip. Thus, the light emitting device 11 comprises a holder 18 to which a series of LEDs 19 (i.e. a series of light emitting diodes) are attached. Thus, the light emitting device is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) to activate the light emitting diodes. The holder 18 may comprise at least one wire connected to each of the LEDs. Advantageously, the LED strip may be the same as or use the same technology as the LEDs used in the optical units located at the front and rear of the vehicle. Thus, the light generated in the passenger compartment has a consistent light signature with the light generated outside the vehicle.

[0049] The light emitting device 11 is held in place by two retaining devices 21, 22. Each of the two retaining devices cooperates with an edge of the holder 18. The first retaining device 21 includes a ridge or a protrusion formed on the inner surface 15C of the first lip 15. The ridge is made of an elastomer. The ridge includes a protrusion on the first lip. The ridge cooperates with the first edge of the holder 18 to retain the light emitting device between the first lip 15 and the base 13C of the reinforcement. The second retaining device 22 is also formed in the elastomer portion 14 of the seal. More specifically, the second retaining device 22 is formed by a ridge or a protrusion positioned at the back of the reinforcement (that is, against the base 13C of the reinforcement and opposite to the first retaining device 21). The second retaining device 22 cooperates with the second edge of the holder 18 to retain the light emitting device between the first lip 15 and the base 13C of the reinforcement. Therefore, the light emitting device 11 is directly retained by the elastomer portion 14 of the seal 11. Therefore, the seal 10 does not include specific attachment features for attaching the light emitting device to the elastomeric portion 14 .

[0050] Figure 5 A first variant of the seal 10 is shown. In this variant embodiment, the outer surface 15B of the first lip 15 extends in continuation of the outer surface of the first wall 16A of the second lip 16. The visible surface of the seal is therefore substantially smooth. The visible surface does not include any angles or corners marking the boundary between the first lip and the second lip. In this variant embodiment, the first lip 15 is supported by a support 24, which is also made of an elastomer. The support 24 is substantially flush with the junction between the first arm 13A and the base 13C and extends substantially halfway along the length of the first lip 15. The first retaining device 21 is then substantially formed at the junction between the support 24 and the first lip. Incorporating the support 24 may facilitate the process of manufacturing the seal by extrusion. In this variant embodiment, the seal therefore comprises three tubes extending parallel to each other, while Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment the seal comprises only two tubes.

[0051] It should be noted that in this embodiment and in the embodiments described above, the light emitting device acts as a support for the first lip 15. Therefore, the position and shape of the first lip 15 are different from those without the light emitting device 11.

[0052] Figure 6A variant embodiment of the light emitting device 11 is shown. In this variant embodiment, the light emitting device 11 comprises a reflective tube 26 cooperating with a single light source. The reflective tube can be made, for example, of a transparent, translucent material with a constant cross-section. The reflective tube acts as a light guide for the single light source. Therefore, the light is diffused uniformly along the entire length of the reflective tube 26. The reflective tube can have a cross-section that is substantially in the shape of a quarter disk; the reflective tube can include two substantially vertical edges connected by an arcuate surface. The reflective tube can cooperate with retaining means 21 and 22 to retain the light emitting device in an appropriate position between the first lip 15 and the reinforcement 13. It should be noted that the light emitting device of this variant embodiment can also be coupled with Figure 5 The variant embodiment of the first lip 15 shown is used in combination. According to other variant embodiments, the light emitting device can be made of any device capable of emitting light in the visible spectrum. In particular, the light emitting device can include, for example, incandescent elements and / or optical fibers.

[0053] The seal 10 may be manufactured by an extrusion manufacturing process. For example, an extrusion die having a shape complementary to the cross section AA of the seal may be used. In order to facilitate the insertion of the light emitting device between the first lip and the base 13C of the reinforcement, a first peeling bead 27 may be provided. Figure 7 As shown, the first peeling bead 27 can be substantially oval. The first peeling bead can connect a first point with a second point, the first point being approximately at the junction between the second arm 13B and the base 13C, and the second point being substantially at half the length of the first lip 15. In particular, the first peeling bead can extend between the two retaining devices 21, 22. The peeling bead is not firmly attached to the rest of the seal. The peeling bead can be easily separated (that is, cut or peeled off) so that the housing into which the light emitting device 11 is to be inserted can be exposed. The first peeling bead 27 can assist in the extrusion process of the seal.

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, the seal 10 may also be provided with a second peeling bead 28, which is positioned flush with the end 15A of the first lip against the inner surface 15C of the first lip. In the same manner as the first peeling bead, the second peeling bead is not firmly attached to the first lip 15. The second peeling bead can be cut away when the seal is positioned on the door frame 5. The second peeling bead can help to correctly position the first lip above the interior trim element during assembly.

[0055] In order to assemble the seal on the door frame 5, for example, the light emitting device can first be assembled with the rest of the seal 10, and then the seal provided with the light emitting device 11 can be attached to the door frame 5. According to a variant embodiment of the assembly method, the seal 10 can also first be attached to the body 2 of the vehicle without its light emitting device 11. The light emitting device 11 can then be inserted under the first lip 15. The interior trim element 9 can then be attached to the body 2. Finally, the first lip can be positioned above the interior trim element 6. This last step can advantageously be performed using the second peeling bead 28 as described above.

[0056] When the vehicle 1 is in use, the power source can activate the lighting device 11. Light 12 is emitted by the lighting device. The light passes between the first lip 15 and the interior trim element 7, producing a lighting effect visible in the passenger compartment. The interior trim element 7 is thus illuminated along the seal by the lighting device. A unique light signature is thereby obtained in the vehicle. The invention thus makes it possible to produce creative lighting effects without modifying the architecture of the vehicle and in particular without modifying the interface of the seal. Furthermore, since the lighting device is located between the cosmetic lip visible to the vehicle user and the seal reinforcement that holds the seal in place, any perceptible quality defects caused by deformation of the seal reinforcement during assembly can be hidden.

Claims

1. A seal (10) for a door (6) of a motor vehicle (1), the seal comprising a reinforcement (13) and an elastomeric portion (14) covering the reinforcement (13), the seal comprising a first lip (15) intended to at least partially cover an interior trim element (7) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that The first lip (15) includes an outer surface (15B) intended to be visible and an inner surface (15C) intended to be hidden, the inner surface (15C) including a first retaining device (21) for retaining the light-emitting device (11), the first retaining device (21) including a ridge made of an elastomer, the seal includes a first peeling bead (27), the first peeling bead (27) is connected to the first lip (15), the seal includes a second retaining device (22) for retaining the light-emitting device (11), the second retaining device (22) including a ridge made of an elastomer, the second retaining device (22) is positioned on the back of the reinforcement, against the base (13C) of the reinforcement and opposite to the first retaining device (21), the first peeling bead is intended to be separated from the seal (10) to expose the housing, so that the light-emitting device (11) can be installed under the first lip (15).

2. The seal (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The seal comprises a second lip (16) intended to come into contact with a door (6) of the motor vehicle (1) in the closed position.

3. The seal (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first lip (15) comprises an outer face (15B) extending in continuation of the outer surface of the second lip (16).

4. The seal (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The seal comprises a substantially constant cross-section (AA).

5. The seal (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The lighting device (11) comprises an LED strip (19) and / or a reflective tube (26) matched with a single light source.

6. The seal (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first retaining device (21) cooperates with a first edge of the light emitting device (11), and the second retaining device (22) cooperates with a second edge of the light emitting device (11).

7. A motor vehicle (1) comprising a door frame (5) provided with an opening (4), a door (6) capable of closing the opening (4) and a seal (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, the seal (10) being attached to the door frame (5).

8. A motor vehicle (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that The light emitting device (11) of the seal (10) is configured to emit light (12) towards the interior of the motor vehicle (1).

9. A method for assembling a seal (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 on a body (2) of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that: The method includes: - a step of attaching the seal (10) without its lighting device (11) to the body (2) of the vehicle (1), and then - a step of inserting the light emitting device (11) below the first lip (15), and then - a step of attaching an interior trim element (7) to the body (2) of the vehicle, and then - A step of positioning the first lip (15) above the interior trim element (7).

Images