Water retaining film with reinforced via hole area and moisture permeability, preparation method of water retaining film and intelligent automobile door system

Abstract

The invention discloses a water retaining film with a reinforcing via hole area having moisture permeability, a preparation method thereof and an intelligent automobile door system, the water retaining film comprises at least one reinforcing structure, the reinforcing structure comprises a reinforcing plastic flange seat ring and a reinforcing plastic cover plate, the reinforced plastic flange seat ring and the reinforced plastic cover plate respectively cover the wire harness threading through hole from the two sides of the film main body, and are welded and fixed with the film main body into a whole in a welding manner; and the waterproof, moisture-permeable and air-permeable unit comprises a moisture-removing and air-permeable hole formed in the film main body and an ePTFE waterproof and air-permeable film patch covering the moisture-removing and air-permeable hole. Through the mode, the two major problems of external rainwater leakage and internal moisture condensation are comprehensively solved, comprehensive and reliable protection is provided for key electrical elements of the intelligent vehicle door, the overall safety and reliability of the system are remarkably improved, and it is ensured that the intelligent door opening function is continuous and effective in extreme weather or emergency situations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water-retaining membranes, and in particular to a water-retaining membrane that reinforces the perforated area while allowing moisture to pass through, its preparation method, and an intelligent car door system incorporating the water-retaining membrane. Background Technology

[0002] Existing intelligent vehicle door systems have significant reliability deficiencies. Their safety risks are particularly pronounced under extreme environmental conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or high temperatures and humidity. The main problem stems from the traditional automotive slicker membranes used to protect the vehicle's electrical components.

[0003] First, the wiring harness needs to pass through the water-retaining membrane to form a through hole. Continuous vibration of the wiring harness during driving can easily cause the through hole to become larger or create a gap, allowing rainwater to seep into the electrical side space inside the door (i.e., the area between the water-retaining membrane and the door sheet metal, which houses key components such as the door opening actuator, electric suction door lock, and ECU).

[0004] Secondly, traditional water-resistant membranes are mostly made of airtight materials such as PE, EVA, or XPE. This structure seals high-temperature and high-humidity air within the electrical side space. When the ambient temperature changes, condensation or fogging easily forms on the internal wiring terminals or electrical components, causing occasional short circuits or grounding faults. Although such random failures are not frequent, they can cause the intelligent door opening function to malfunction, seriously affecting the reliability of the system and endangering the escape opportunities of drivers and passengers in emergencies (such as vehicle collisions or fires).

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of automotive water barrier membrane to improve the reliability and safety of smart car doors in complex environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a water-retaining membrane that reinforces the through-hole area while also being breathable, its preparation method, and an intelligent car door system. This invention can improve the reliability and safety of intelligent car doors in complex environments by enhancing the sealing of wiring harness through-holes, increasing moisture and air permeability, and simultaneously solving the problems of structural sealing and internal environmental humidity control.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a water-retaining membrane that reinforces the through-hole area while also being breathable, comprising:

[0008] The main body of the film is made of polymer film material;

[0009] At least one reinforcing structure is disposed at the wire harness through-hole of the film body to enhance the mechanical strength of the through-hole area and prevent liquid leakage. The reinforcing structure includes a reinforcing plastic flange seat and a reinforcing plastic cover plate. The reinforcing plastic flange seat and the reinforcing plastic cover plate cover the wire harness through-hole from both sides of the film body and are welded to the film body to form a whole.

[0010] At least one waterproof, breathable, and ventilated unit is disposed on the membrane body at a position away from the wire harness through-hole, for realizing air filtration, convection, and pressure balance between the electrical side space and the external atmosphere, so as to expel internal moisture and prevent condensation; the waterproof, breathable, and ventilated unit includes a moisture-ventilating hole opened on the membrane body, and an ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patch covering the moisture-ventilating hole.

[0011] The two core functional modules of this invention are the integrated membrane body containing both "reinforcing structure" and "waterproof, breathable and hygroscopic unit". These modules are also key technical means to solve the problems of structural reinforcement to prevent liquid leakage and environmental moisture permeability to prevent internal condensation.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polymer film material is one of PE, EVA or XPE.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the welding method is ultrasonic welding or hot-press welding, the purpose of which is to achieve efficient and firm welding between plastic parts, ensuring the reliability and sealing of the connection between the reinforcing structure and the film body, and realizing "welding and fixing into one body".

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing plastic flange seat and the reinforcing plastic cover are made of the same material as the film body. This ensures good intermolecular fusion during ultrasonic welding or hot-pressing, thereby achieving optimal connection strength and sealing effect, which is an important guarantee for process reliability.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patch is bonded to the moisture-ventilating pore by a water-resistant pressure-sensitive rubber ring. The process of using pressure-sensitive rubber ring bonding is simple and reliable, and can ensure that the breathable membrane effectively covers the moisture-ventilating pore while its edges are well sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in from the bonding point.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side of the film body that is bonded to the door sheet metal is coated with butyl adhesive, and the butyl adhesive is covered by release paper during storage and transportation. The butyl adhesive provides excellent long-term sealing and shock absorption, while the release paper protects the adhesive from contamination and failure during storage and transportation, together ensuring that the product can easily and reliably achieve a tight fit with the door sheet metal during on-site installation.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central through hole of the reinforcing plastic flange seat is interference-fitted with the wire harness rubber plug, ensuring that the wire harness rubber plug can form a tight, waterproof dynamic seal with the through hole of the reinforcing flange seat, preventing rainwater from leaking along the wire harness.

[0018] Another technical solution adopted by the present invention is: providing a method for preparing a water-retaining membrane, comprising the following steps:

[0019] S1: Prepare film raw materials, reinforced plastic flange seat rings, reinforced plastic cover plates, ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patches, water-resistant pressure-sensitive rubber rings, and butyl adhesive.

[0020] S2: The film is unwound, die-cut, and vacuum-formed to form the main body of the film;

[0021] S3: Die-cut wire harness through holes and moisture venting holes on the formed film body;

[0022] S4: Place the reinforcing plastic flange seat and the reinforcing plastic cover plate at the wire harness through holes on both sides of the film body, and fix them by welding to form the reinforcing structure.

[0023] S5: The ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patch is bonded to the moisture-wicking and breathable holes by a water-resistant pressure-sensitive rubber ring to form the waterproof, moisture-wicking and breathable unit;

[0024] S6: Apply butyl adhesive to the bonding side of the film body and cover it with release paper;

[0025] S7: Inspect and package the finished product.

[0026] Another technical solution adopted by this invention is to provide an intelligent automotive door system, including a door sheet metal, an opening actuator, an electric suction door lock, a radar, an ECU, and connecting wiring harnesses mounted thereon. The system is equipped with the aforementioned water-retaining membrane, which is sealed and attached to the door sheet metal via a butyl adhesive layer. The opening actuator, electric suction door lock, radar, and ECU are located within the electrical side space formed by the water-retaining membrane and the door sheet metal. Placing the water-retaining membrane product in the specific application environment of an "intelligent automotive door system" clarifies its installation location, sealing method, and the core electrical components it protects, clearly demonstrating how this invention, as a key component, solves practical engineering problems in intelligent door systems.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting harness passes through the reinforcing structure in a sealed manner via a harness rubber plug, and the waterproof, breathable, and ventilated unit maintains pressure balance and air convection between the electrical side space and the external atmosphere, thereby preventing internal condensation.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a reinforcing structure at the through-hole of the wiring harness, the mechanical strength of this area is effectively improved, enabling it to withstand the long-term vibration load of the wiring harness during operation, preventing cracking and extending the service life of the water-resistant membrane. Simultaneously, the through-hole rigidity of the reinforcing flange seat is good, allowing for a tight fit with the wiring harness rubber plug, fundamentally preventing rainwater leakage along the wiring harness. Furthermore, by integrating waterproof, breathable, and ventilated components, air filtration, convection, and pressure balance between the electrical side space and the external atmosphere are achieved, effectively expelling internal moisture and preventing condensation or fogging due to temperature changes, thereby eliminating random faults such as electrical short circuits and grounding caused by these factors.

[0029] This invention comprehensively solves the two major problems of external rainwater leakage and internal moisture condensation, providing comprehensive and reliable protection for the key electrical components of the intelligent vehicle door, significantly improving the overall safety and reliability of the system, ensuring the continuous effectiveness of the intelligent door opening function in extreme weather or emergency situations, and providing an important guarantee for the safe escape of drivers and passengers. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the water-retaining membrane that reinforces the through-hole area and is also breathable.

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The cross-sectional view shown is of the reinforced via area that also functions as a moisture-permeable waterproof membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is conventionally placed during use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" a first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes: a water-retaining membrane 100 that reinforces the through-hole area and is also breathable.

[0040] The water-retaining membrane 100 is mainly used for installation on the sheet metal of automobile doors. It is used to provide waterproofing and dustproofing while creating a dry and stable working environment for intelligent electrical components inside the door (such as door actuators, electric suction door locks, ECUs, etc.).

[0041] The water-retaining membrane 100 mainly includes a membrane body 101, at least one reinforcing structure 102, at least one waterproof, breathable and air-permeable unit 103, and a butyl adhesive layer 104.

[0042] The membrane body 101, serving as the basic structure of the entire water-retaining membrane, is made of a polymer membrane material with certain flexibility and waterproof properties, such as PE (polyethylene), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), or XPE (chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam). The shape of the membrane body 101 is adapted to the shape of the inner sheet metal of the vehicle door to cover the entire area where electrical components are installed.

[0043] The reinforcing structure 102 is the core design of this invention that solves the problem of easy damage and sealing failure in the wire harness through-hole area due to long-term vibration. It is installed on the film body 101 at the wire harness through-hole 102c reserved for the wire harness. Specifically, the reinforcing structure 102 includes a reinforcing plastic flange seat 102a and a reinforcing plastic cover plate 102b. Preferably, the reinforcing plastic flange seat 102a and the reinforcing plastic cover plate 102b are made of the same material as the film body 101, such as PE, EVA, or XPE, to ensure good welding compatibility.

[0044] The reinforcing plastic flange seat 102a and the reinforcing plastic cover plate 102b cover and clamp the wire harness through hole 102c from both sides of the film body 101 (i.e. facing the outside of the door and facing the inside of the door), respectively. The two are welded to the film body 101 and fixed as a whole by welding, such as ultrasonic welding or hot pressing.

[0045] The sandwich welding structure greatly enhances the mechanical strength of the via area, enabling it to withstand the long-term vibration load of the wiring harness during operation and preventing via cracking or deformation.

[0046] The central through hole of the reinforcing plastic flange seat 102a and the rubber plug 105 through which the wiring harness passes form an interference fit, thereby ensuring dynamic sealing at the point while allowing the wiring harness to pass through, fundamentally preventing rainwater from seeping into the electrical side space inside the door along this path.

[0047] The waterproof, breathable, and moisture-permeable unit 103 is a key design feature of this invention for solving the problem of condensation caused by moisture in the sealed electrical space. It is installed on the membrane body 101 and located away from the wiring harness through-hole 102c, typically in the upper part of the vehicle door or an area with good air circulation.

[0048] The unit includes a moisture-venting and breathable hole 103c formed on the membrane body 101, and an ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patch 103a covering and sealing the hole. The ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane has a microporous structure, allowing water vapor molecules to pass through, but effectively blocking liquid water droplets. The membrane patch 103a is bonded and fixed to the membrane body 101 by a water-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive ring 103b, covering the moisture-venting and breathable hole 103c.

[0049] This unit enables air filtration, convection, and pressure balance between the electrical side space of the door and the outside atmosphere. It can effectively and continuously remove the heat and moisture generated when electrical components are working, preventing condensation or fogging from forming on internal wiring terminals or electrical surfaces due to temperature changes, thereby eliminating electrical faults such as short circuits and grounding caused by these factors.

[0050] A butyl adhesive layer 104 is applied to the entire edge area of ​​the film body 101 (i.e., the side that adheres to the door sheet metal). Butyl adhesive has excellent adhesion, aging resistance, and sealing properties. During storage and transportation, the butyl adhesive layer 104 is covered by a release liner 106 to maintain its adhesion. During installation, the release liner 106 is removed, allowing the entire water-resistant membrane 100 to be smoothly and tightly adhered to the door sheet metal, forming a complete sealing barrier.

[0051] Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes: a method for preparing the water-retaining membrane 100 as described in Embodiment 1. The method has clear steps and is suitable for automated production, including the following steps:

[0052] S1: Raw material preparation. Prepare film raw material rolls, injection-molded reinforcing plastic flange seat rings 102a and reinforcing plastic cover plates 102b, ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patches 103a, water-resistant pressure-sensitive rubber rings 103b, and butyl adhesive.

[0053] S2: Film body forming. The film raw material is unwound and cut into a blank of a predetermined shape through a die-cutting process. Then, through a vacuum forming process, the blank is formed into a three-dimensional shape that matches the curved surface of the car door sheet metal, resulting in the film body 101.

[0054] S3: Hole processing. On the formed film body 101, wire harness through holes 102c and at least one moisture venting and ventilation hole 103c are processed by die cutting or punching.

[0055] S4: Welding of the reinforcing structure. Place the reinforcing plastic flange seat 102a and the reinforcing plastic cover plate 102b on both sides of the film body 101, and align them with the wire harness through hole 102c. Use an ultrasonic welding machine or a hot press welding machine to weld around the through hole, so that the three are fused and fixed to form a solid reinforcing structure 102.

[0056] S5: Breathable unit integration. A water-resistant pressure-sensitive rubber ring 103b is attached to the back of the ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane patch 103a, and then aligned and pressed onto the moisture-wicking and breathable hole 103c of the membrane body 101, ensuring that the ePTFE membrane completely covers and seals the hole, forming a waterproof, moisture-wicking and breathable unit 103.

[0057] S6: Adhesive application and lamination. Butyl adhesive is evenly applied to the pre-defined bonding area (usually the edge) of the film body 101 using an automatic adhesive application device to form a butyl adhesive layer 104. Subsequently, release paper 106 is applied over the butyl adhesive layer 104.

[0058] S7: Inspection and Packaging. The finished water-resistant membrane 100 is inspected for dimensions, sealing (such as pressure testing of the air-permeable unit), and appearance. After passing the inspection, it is packaged and put into storage.

[0059] Embodiment 3 of the present invention includes: an intelligent car door system, which uses the car water barrier 100 that reinforces the through-hole area and is also breathable as described in Embodiment 1.

[0060] The system includes door sheet metal, door opening actuators located inside the door sheet metal, electric suction door locks, radar, ECU and other electrical components, as well as wiring harnesses connecting these components.

[0061] The water-repellent membrane 100 of the present invention is sealed to the door sheet metal by its butyl adhesive layer 104. Key electrical components such as the door opening actuator, electric suction door lock, radar, and ECU are all located within the relatively enclosed "electrical side space" formed by the water-repellent membrane 100 and the door sheet metal.

[0062] The wiring harnesses connecting the various electrical components are equipped with rubber receptacle plugs 105 at their ends. These rubber receptacle plugs pass tightly (interference fit) through the central through-hole of the reinforcing structure 102 on the water-blocking membrane 100, achieving the introduction of the wiring harness and dynamic sealing at that point.

[0063] During operation, the reinforcing structure 102 ensures the robustness and waterproof seal of the area through which the wiring harness passes, blocking external rainwater. Simultaneously, the waterproof, breathable, and ventilated unit 103 allows for slow exchange of air between the electrical side space and the outside atmosphere, balancing pressure and expelling moisture. The synergistic effect of these two elements provides dual reliable protection for the critical electrical system of the smart door, offering both external waterproofing and internal condensation prevention. This significantly improves the system's operational stability and safety in complex and harsh environments, ensuring the reliability of various functions, including the automatic door opening function in emergency situations.

[0064] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reinforced via region with a moisture permeable water barrier film, characterized by: The application relates to a waterproof and moisture-permeable film for a vehicle door, which comprises the following parts: a film body made of a high-molecular film material; at least one reinforcing structure arranged at a wire bundle through hole of the film body, which is used for reinforcing the mechanical strength of the through hole area and preventing liquid leakage; the reinforcing structure comprises a reinforcing plastic flange seat ring and a reinforcing plastic cover plate, the reinforcing plastic flange seat ring and the reinforcing plastic cover plate cover the wire bundle through hole from two sides of the film body respectively, and are fixed to the film body by welding; at least one waterproof and moisture-permeable unit arranged at a position away from the wire bundle through hole on the film body, which is used for realizing air filtering convection and pressure balance between an electrical side space and external atmosphere, discharging internal moisture and preventing dew condensation; the waterproof and moisture-permeable unit comprises a moisture discharge and air permeation hole opened on the film body and an ePTFE waterproof and air permeable film patch covering the moisture discharge and air permeation hole. The high-molecular film material is one of PE, EVA or XPE. The welding mode is ultrasonic welding or hot pressure welding. The material of the reinforcing plastic flange seat ring and the reinforcing plastic cover plate is the same as that of the film body.

2. The reinforced via region with moisture permeable water-blocking film according to claim 1, characterized by: The ePTFE waterproof and air permeable film patch is bonded to the moisture discharge and air permeation hole by a water-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive ring.

3. The reinforced via region with moisture permeable water-blocking film according to claim 1, characterized by: The side of the film body bonded to the vehicle door metal plate is coated with butyl adhesive, and the butyl adhesive is covered by a release paper during storage and transportation.

4. The reinforced via region with moisture permeable water-blocking film according to claim 1, characterized by: The central through hole of the reinforcing plastic flange seat ring is connected to the wire bundle rubber hole in interference fit.

5. The reinforced via region with moisture permeable water-blocking film according to claim 1, characterized by: The application further discloses a manufacturing method of the waterproof and moisture-permeable film.

6. The reinforced via region with moisture permeable water-blocking film according to claim 1, characterized by: The system is provided with the waterproof film as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, the waterproof film is sealed and attached to the vehicle door metal plate through a butyl adhesive layer, and the door opening executor, electric door lock, radar and ECU are located in an electrical side space enclosed by the waterproof film and the vehicle door metal plate.

7. The reinforced via region with moisture permeable water-blocking film according to claim 1, characterized by: The connecting wire bundle passes through the reinforcing structure in sealing mode through the wire bundle rubber hole plug, and the waterproof and moisture-permeable unit keeps the electrical side space and external atmosphere in pressure balance and air convection, thereby preventing internal dew condensation.

8. A method of producing a water-retaining film as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 9. An intelligent vehicle door system comprising a door panel, a door opening actuator, an electric door lock, a radar, an ECU and a wiring harness, characterized in that, ​ 10. The intelligent vehicle door system of claim 9, wherein, ​

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