Sealing element for a car door

Abstract

Sealing element (30) to be attached to a car door, wherein the sealing element (30) comprises the following: an insertion groove (S) formed on the sealing element (30) into which a part can be inserted; and a projecting part (36b) formed on one side surface (S1) of the insertion groove (S) projects to another side surface (S2) of the insertion groove (S) and is connected to the other side surface (S2) by a connecting part (36c) which is less rigid than the projecting part (36b), wherein the projecting part (36b) is designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove (S), extending further to a projecting tip portion of the projecting part (36b), wherein the projecting part (36b) extends from one side surface (S1) of the insertion groove (S) to the connecting part (36c) on the other side surface (S2), which is positioned deeper in the insertion groove (S).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sealing element provided on a car door and relates in particular to the technical field of a design which involves the insertion of various types of parts, such as a trim strip and a door flange.

[0002] Doors on one side of a car comprise one door with a window frame that holds the edge of a window pane, and one door without a window frame; that is, a door with a frameless window. The door with the window frame is equipped with a sealing element to seal any gap between the edge of the window frame and the edge of an opening in the car body.

[0003] A well-known example of a door construction with this type of window frame is disclosed in unexamined Japanese patent publication No. 2012-131304. The window frame in the patent publication has an upper frame section that extends along the roof of the vehicle body. The upper edge section is provided with a door flange that projects to the outside of the room. The door flange has a sealing element provided from the outside of the room to cover the door flange. Such a construction—the sealing element being provided from the outside of the room to cover the door flange on the upper frame section—is referred to as a "hidden type."

[0004] The sealing element disclosed in the patent publication includes an insertion groove that opens into the outside of the space and extends continuously from a front part to a rear part of the upper frame section. The insertion groove receives a mounting leg of a decorative strip, so that the decorative strip is attached to the sealing element.

[0005] Furthermore, the door flange, which is also formed on the door in addition to the trim strip, is inserted into the sealing element of the car door. The insertion of this door flange allows the sealing element to be attached to the door.

[0006] From DE 34 16 199 A1, a method for fixing a window pane in a window opening is known, in which the window pane is displaced in a first direction so that at least one edge of it slides through the opening of a first channel, which is arranged on at least one side of the window opening and has relatively stiff sides. A side wall of a second channel arranged on the opposite side of the window opening is bent outwards, thereby creating a space for the opposite edge of the window pane.

[0007] US Patent 8,205,389 B1 discloses a window sealing assembly with glass guide channels, external band seals, and a T-shaped trim element. This window sealing assembly eliminates the need for joints, seams, metal fasteners, and end caps, resulting in improved aesthetics and window finish.

[0008] From US patent 2013 / 0292965A1, a daylight opening system for a vehicle window opening is known, comprising a module with a support, a trim element, and a first seal. The trim element can be attached to the support and interact with it to define a space in which a window pane can be accommodated. SUMMARY

[0009] As disclosed in the patent publication, an elongated decorative strip is also attached between the front and rear parts of the upper frame section to improve the appearance of the door's window frame. A manufacturing challenge lies in attaching the decorative strip to the concealed sealing element.

[0010] The window frame of a car's front door typically has an upper edge section that is bent in such a way that the upper edge is lower as it extends further forward. Consequently, the upper edge section is shaped with a curved portion. Meanwhile, the sealing element is a molded insert. When the insert-shaped sealing element is attached to the upper edge section of the window frame, it is forcibly bent to fit the shape of the curved portion of the upper edge section. Here, the sealing element cannot adapt to the difference between the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the curved portion of the upper edge section. The resulting sealing element is forcibly bent. This forced bending of the sealing element inevitably closes the opening of an insertion groove into which the sealing element is inserted.As a result, the closed opening causes a problem; that is, inserting the mounting leg of the trim strip becomes difficult, which impairs the malleability when attaching the trim strip to the sealing element.

[0011] Once the door flange is inserted, the sealing element still needs to be bent and secured as described above. The problem is that the opening of the insertion groove is closed, making it difficult to insert the door flange.

[0012] Furthermore, the insertion groove of the sealing element could potentially close on its own, even in a straight section of the sealing element. This also makes it more difficult to insert different types of parts into the insertion groove.

[0013] The present disclosure was conceived in light of the above problems. When an insertion groove, into which various parts are inserted, is formed on a sealing element, the present disclosure successfully maintains a width of the insertion groove opening greater than or equal to a predetermined width and ensures high formability during insertion.

[0014] In the present disclosure, an insertion groove into which various parts are inserted is formed on a sealing element. A projecting part is formed on one side surface of the insertion groove. The projecting part is connected to another side surface by a less rigid connecting element.

[0015] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sealing element to be attached to a car door. The sealing element includes an insertion groove formed on the sealing element into which a part is inserted; and a projecting part formed on one side face of the insertion groove, projecting to another side face of the insertion groove and connected to the other side face by a connecting part that is less rigid than the projecting part.

[0016] According to these features, the projecting part formed on the side face of the insertion groove is connected to the other side face of the insertion groove by the connecting part. Even if an external force is applied to narrow the width of the insertion groove opening when inserting a trim piece and a door flange, the projecting part acts to brace itself between and against the side face and the other side face(s). This action prevents the width of the trim insertion groove opening from narrowing and keeps the opening of the trim insertion groove open. Consequently, various types of parts can be easily inserted into the insertion groove.When inserting the various types of parts into the insertion groove, the force applied by inserting the different parts can easily break the connecting piece linking the protruding part or detach the connecting piece from the other side surface, since the connecting piece has less strength than the protruding part. This reduces the risk of the connecting piece blocking the insertion of the different parts.

[0017] In a second aspect of the present disclosure according to the first aspect, the sealing member is attached to a door flange and covers the door flange at least from an outside of the car interior, the door flange projecting from a window frame of the door to the outside of the space, the insertion groove being designed to open into the outside of the space, the part comprising a trim strip having a fastening leg to be inserted into the insertion groove from the outside of the space, and the projecting part engaging with a stepped engagement part contained in the fastening leg of the trim strip.

[0018] According to these features, attaching the sealing element to the door flange creates a door that incorporates a concealed sealing element. When the trim strip is attached to this sealing element, the trim strip's mounting leg is inserted into the sealing element's insertion groove in such a way that the protruding portion engages with the stepped engagement portion of the mounting leg. In particular, such engagement effectively reduces the risk of the trim strip separating from the sealing element by using the protruding portion to maintain the width of the insertion groove opening.

[0019] According to the invention, the projecting part is designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove, extending further to a projecting tip portion of the projecting part.

[0020] According to this feature, the tip of the decorative trim's mounting leg is guided deeper into the insertion groove by the protruding part when the mounting leg is inserted into the insertion groove of the sealing element.

[0021] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure according to the first aspect, the connecting part comprises a thin part which is formed in the formation of the projecting part, wherein the thin part is formed integrally with the projecting tip part of the projecting part.

[0022] According to this feature, the connecting part includes a thin section, which is formed, for example, during the extrusion of the sealing element, and this thin section is integrally formed during the creation of the protruding part. Thus, the connecting part is easy to obtain.

[0023] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure according to the first aspect, the sealing element comprises a part made of an elastic part and a core made of a material different from the elastic material, the projecting part encompasses the elastic material and the connecting part connects the projecting part to the core.

[0024] According to these characteristics, the sealing element containing the core is reinforced by the core. Then, the protruding part, comprising the elastic material, is connected to the core, which comprises a material different from the elastic material. This allows the force applied during the insertion of the fastening leg to separate the connecting part from the core.

[0025] According to the first aspect, the protruding part is formed on the side surface of the insertion groove and connected to the other side surface of the insertion groove by the connecting part, which has a lower strength. Such a feature can maintain the width of the insertion groove opening greater than or equal to a predetermined width and ensure high formability when attaching various parts, such as a decorative strip.

[0026] According to the second aspect, the protruding part engages the stepped engagement element formed on the mounting leg of the trim strip. Such a feature can effectively reduce the risk of the trim strip separating from the sealing element by using the protruding part to maintain the width of the insertion groove opening.

[0027] According to the third aspect, the projecting part is designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove of the sealing element, extending further towards the projecting tip. This feature allows the tip of the trim strip's mounting leg to be guided deeper into the insertion groove by the projecting part when the mounting leg is inserted, thus facilitating trouble-free insertion of the mounting leg.

[0028] According to the fourth aspect, the connecting part includes a thin section that is formed during the formation of the protruding part, and this thin section is integrally formed with the protruding part during its formation. Such a feature allows for the easy creation of the connecting part.

[0029] According to the fifth aspect, the protruding part encompassing the elastic material is connected to the core by the connecting part. This feature allows the force applied during the insertion of the fastening leg to separate the connecting part from the core. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a front door for a car with a construction for attaching a decorative strip according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of a rear door for the car with a construction for attaching a decorative strip according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of a sealing element provided on the front door; Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of a sealing element provided on the rear door; Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the front door with the sealing element and the trim strip removed; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a representation in Fig. 6 before attaching the decorative strip; Fig. 8 is a representation in Fig. 6 according to a second embodiment; Fig. 9 is a representation in Fig. 8 before inserting a door flange. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following preferred embodiments are essentially only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure, the application for the present disclosure, or the use of the present disclosure. (First embodiment) (Door configuration)

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a front door 1 for a car, which is provided with a sealing element 30 for the car door according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of a rear door 2 for the car, which is provided with a sealing element 50 for the car door according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The front door 1 and the rear door 2 are arranged on one side of the car (not shown). The front door 1 opens and closes an opening section (not shown) defined at the front and side of the car. The rear door 2 opens and closes an opening section (not shown) defined at the rear and side of the car.

[0032] The front door 1 includes a door body 10, which is intended to represent approximately the lower half of the front door 1, and a window frame 11, which is intended to represent approximately the upper half of the front door 1. Although not shown, a front end portion of the door body 10 is attached to a pillar of the car body via a hinge with a vertically extending pivot pin. The door body 10 includes an inner panel (not shown) and an outer panel 10a, which consists, for example, of a steel plate. The door body 10 accommodates a liftable and lowerable window pane 13 and a window regulator (not shown) for lifting and lowering the window pane 13.

[0033] The window frame 11 acts as a sliding window frame to hold an edge portion of the window pane 13. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the window frame 11 according to these embodiments is a combination of a first plate member P1 and a second plate member P2, which are made, for example, from a pressed metal plate. However, the window frame 11 can also be manufactured, for example, by roll forming.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the window frame 11 comprises a front longitudinal frame edge section 11a, a rear longitudinal frame edge section 11b, and an upper frame edge section 11c. The front longitudinal frame edge section 11a extends upward from an upper front edge of the door body 10. The rear longitudinal frame edge section 11b extends upward from an upper rear edge of the door body 10. The rear longitudinal frame edge section 11b extends over the front longitudinal frame edge section 11a. The upper frame edge section 11c extends longitudinally along an edge section (not shown) of a roof of the body between an upper end of the front longitudinal frame edge section 11a and an upper end of the rear longitudinal frame edge section 11b.

[0035] A door mirror mounting part 14 is provided in front of the front longitudinal frame edge section 11a of the window frame 11, extending upwards towards the door body 10. A door mirror (not shown) is attached to the door mirror mounting part 14. An upper edge section of the door mirror mounting part 14 is designed to lead to a front end section of the upper frame edge section 11c of the window frame. As it extends towards the front section, the upper end section is inclined downwards.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a door flange 11d is provided on the upper frame edge section 11c of the window frame 11 and projects towards the outside of the room. Edge sections of the first panel member P1 and the second panel member P2, which are contained in the window frame 11, are shaped such that they extend towards the outside of the room and overlap vertically to form the door flange 11d. In the door flange 11d, the edge section of the first panel member P1 is positioned above the edge section of the second panel member P2. Furthermore, the edge section of the first panel member P1 is positioned slightly further inwards towards the room than the edge section of the second panel member P2. However, the positioning of the edges is not limited to this. The front part of the door flange 11d extends continuously to the front part of the door jamb mounting part 14.

[0037] Furthermore, a sealing element fit plate part 11e is provided below the upper frame edge part 11c such that it extends downwards. Edge parts of the first plate member P1 and the second plate member P2, which are contained in the window frame 11, are shaped such that they extend downwards and overlap each other vertically in the direction of the space from the inside to the outside, forming the sealing element fit plate part 11e.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the upper frame edge section 11c is bent in the middle when viewed from the side in the longitudinal direction. Within the upper frame edge section 11c, a portion in front of the bent portion is inclined downwards and extends towards the front portion. Furthermore, within the upper frame edge section 11c, a portion behind the bent portion is inclined at a more obtuse angle than the angle of inclination of the front portion and extends towards the bent portion. It should be noted that the shape of the upper frame edge section 11c does not correspond to the one shown in Figure 5. Fig. The upper frame edge section 11c is to be limited as shown in Figure 5. The upper frame edge section 11c can bend upwards as a whole. The position of the bent part and the angle of inclination of the upper frame edge section 11c can be adjusted in any given way to conform to the shape of the roof of the body.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the door flange 11d is provided with a sealing element 30. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a decorative strip 45 is also attached to the sealing element 30 for positioning outside the space with respect to the sealing element 30.

[0040] Basically, the in Fig. The rear door 2 shown in Figure 2 relates to the construction of the front door 1. In particular, the rear door 2 comprises a door body 20 and a window frame 21, which holds an edge portion of a window pane 23. The window frame 21 comprises a front longitudinal edge portion 21a, a rear longitudinal edge portion 21b, and an upper edge portion 21c. As shown in Figure 2, the rear door 2 comprises a door body 20 and a window frame 21b, which holds an edge portion of a window pane 23. The window frame 21 comprises a front longitudinal edge portion 21a, a rear longitudinal edge portion 21b, and an upper edge portion 21c. As shown in Figure 2, the rear door 2 comprises a door body 20 and a window frame 21, which holds an edge portion of a window pane 23. The window frame 21 comprises a front longitudinal edge portion 21a, a rear longitudinal edge portion 21b, and an upper edge portion 21c. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rear door 2 is then equipped with a sealing element 50. The reference number 65 denotes in Fig. 2 a decorative strip. The reference number 20a denotes an exterior cladding. (Configuration of the sealing element)

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the sealing element 30, referred to as the "hidden type," is provided from outside the space to cover the door flange 11d. The sealing element 30 is designed to cover a top and a bottom of the door flange 11d. The sealing element 30 seals a gap between the edge portion of the window frame 11 and the edge portion of the opening portion of the body. The sealing element 30 also seals a gap between the edge portion of the window frame 11 and the edge portion of the window pane 13. The sealing element 30 comprises a portion made of a waterproof elastic material, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and a core 40 comprising a material other than the elastic material.The core 40 can be made of any given material, which may include, but is not limited to, aluminium alloy, steel, stainless steel and hard resin, such as resin in which talc and glass fibers are mixed together.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the sealing element 30 comprises: an upper sealing edge section 31 extending along the upper frame edge section 11c of the window frame 11; a front longitudinal directional edge section 32 extending along the front longitudinal frame edge section 11a of the window frame; and a rear longitudinal sealing edge section 33 extending along the rear longitudinal frame edge section 11b of the window frame. The upper sealing edge section 31, the front longitudinal sealing edge section 32, and the rear longitudinal sealing edge section 33 are integrated as a single unit.

[0043] The lower portions of the front longitudinal sealing edge section 32 and the rear longitudinal sealing edge section 33 extend into the door frame 10 such that they are positioned near a lower portion of the door frame 10 and are held in place by a retaining element (not shown) provided in the door frame 10. The front longitudinal sealing edge section 32 and the rear longitudinal sealing edge section 33 extend in the direction of movement of the respective front and rear edges of the window pane 13 during raising and lowering, so that the front and rear edges of the window pane 13 are in slidable contact with the front longitudinal sealing edge section 32 and the rear longitudinal sealing edge section 33.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a front sealing part 34 is provided continuously on the front part of the upper sealing edge part 31 such that it extends in front of the front longitudinal sealing edge part 32. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the front sealing part 34 is designed to extend along the upper edge of the door mirror mounting part 14. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a rear sealing part 35 is further provided continuously on the rear part of the upper sealing edge part 31 such that it extends behind the rear longitudinal sealing edge part 33.

[0045] The sealing element 30 is a combination of an extruded part produced by extrusion and a compression-molded part produced by compression molding. As in Fig. Figure 3 shows a molded part in the front sealing part 34 of the sealing member 30 below a boundary L1, defined by a dashed line. Another molded part is provided in the rear sealing part 35 of the sealing member 30 behind a boundary L2, defined by a dashed line. Another molded part is provided, surrounded by a boundary L3, defined by a dashed line at the boundary between the upper sealing edge 31 and the front longitudinal sealing edge 32 of the sealing member 30. Finally, another molded part is provided, surrounded by a boundary L4, defined by a dashed line at the boundary between the upper sealing edge 31 and the rear longitudinal sealing edge 33 of the sealing member 30.The extruded part differs from the two compression-molded parts mentioned above.

[0046] The upper sealing edge part 31 of the sealing element 30 has a cross-sectional shape as shown in the illustration. Fig. 7. The cross-sectional shape corresponds approximately to that of the front end part to the rear end part of the upper sealing edge part 31, while the cross-sectional shapes of the front sealing part 34 and the rear sealing part 35 differ from the cross-sectional shape of the upper sealing edge part 31.

[0047] In particular, the upper sealing edge part 31 comprises a core 40, which forms an upper part of the upper sealing edge part 31, and a plate part 44, which extends downwards from the core 40. The core 40 comprises: an upper plate part 41, which extends in an inside-to-outside direction along the top of the door flange 11d; a longitudinal plate part 42, which extends downwards from an end part of the upper plate part 41 near the outside of the room; and a lower plate part 43, which extends along the underside of the door flange 11d to the inside of the room. Furthermore, the upper plate part 41 has an end part facing the inside of the room, which is provided with a projecting plate part 41a that projects upwards, then curves and extends to the outside of the room.The core 40 has an upper part, which is provided with a decorative strip insertion groove S, and a lower part, which is provided with a door flange insertion groove R. The decorative strip insertion groove S is defined by the upper panel part 41 and the projecting panel part 41a and opens onto the outside of the room. The door flange insertion groove R is defined by the upper panel part 41, the longitudinal panel part 42, and the lower panel part 43 and opens onto the inside of the room.

[0048] Part of the plate section 41a, which projects outwards from the room, extends downwards. This inclination makes the vertical width of an opening in the decorative strip insertion groove S narrower than that of a part located deeper in the decorative strip insertion groove S.

[0049] When the door flange 11d is inserted into the door flange guide groove R, which is contained in the lower part of the core 40, the core 40 is positioned for attachment to the door flange 11d. In the attached state, the upper plate part 41, the longitudinal plate part 42, and the lower plate part 43 of the core 40 cover the top, an outer end part, and the bottom of the door flange 11d, respectively. Furthermore, the decorative strip 45 has a mounting leg 47. When the mounting leg 47 is inserted into the decorative strip guide groove S contained in the upper part of the core 40, as described below, the decorative strip 45 is attached to the sealing element 30.

[0050] On the underside of the upper plate part 41 within the core 40, two projecting parts 36a are formed, extending longitudinally along the upper sealing edge part 31 and spaced apart in an inward-to-outward direction. The projecting parts 36a, made of an elastic material, are flexible and bend upon contact with the door flange 11d, while the core 40 is positioned on the door flange 11d.

[0051] The projecting plate portion 41a of the upper plate portion 41 in the core 40 is provided with an inner lip portion 37a and an outer lip portion 37b. The inner lip portion 37a is curved and extends from an end portion of the projecting plate portion 41a near the inside of the space to the outside of the space. The outer lip portion 37b is curved and extends upwards from an end portion of the projecting plate portion 41a near the outside of the space. When the front door 1 is closed, the inner lip portion 37a and the outer lip portion 37b provide a sealing effect by contacting the edge portion of the opening portion of the body.

[0052] Of the two side surfaces S1 and S2 of the trim strip insertion groove S, the upper side surface S1 (one of the side surfaces) has a projecting part 36b, which is formed near the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S. The projecting part 36b extends towards the lower side surface S2 (the other side surface). The projecting part 36b is made of an elastic material. The projecting part 36b is designed so that it can be positioned deeper into the trim strip insertion groove S (the inside of the space), extending further to a projecting tip (which extends downwards).

[0053] The projecting tip portion of the projecting part 36b is connected to the underlying side surface S2, i.e., the top surface of the upper plate portion 41 within the core 40, by a connecting part 36c, which has a lower strength than the projecting part 36b. The connecting part 36c includes a thin portion that is formed during the formation of the projecting part 36b. This thin portion is integral to the projecting tip of the projecting part 36b. In particular, the projecting part 36b becomes thinner towards the tip after formation, as it tapers towards the projecting tip portion. This thin portion is easily obtained during the formation of the projecting part 36b. The thin portion is formed when the top surface of the upper plate portion 41 is made contact within the core 40. The resulting thin part 36c is connected to the top of the upper plate part 41 in the core 40.The connecting part 36c may, for example, be weaker than the projecting part 36b.

[0054] The connecting part 36c is either broken or separated from the upper plate part 41 of the core 40 when the fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45 is inserted into the trim strip insertion groove S, as described below. The connecting part 36c can separate either by cohesive failure or interface separation. The fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45 is inserted into the trim strip insertion groove S with a pressing force of 196.2 N, applied every 100 mm along the length of the trim strip 45. Thus, the connecting part 36c is either broken or separated. Any given intended force can be adjusted to initiate the breaking or separation of the connecting part 36c, depending, for example, on its thickness. The force can be less than 196.2 N, as described above. Preferably, however, the force can be at least approximately 98.1 N.Preferably the force may be 196.2 N or less, since if the force that is to initiate the breaking or separation of the connecting part 36c is greater than 196.2 N, such an excessive force could cause a problem insofar as the decorative strip 45 becomes susceptible to deformation.

[0055] Furthermore, the connecting part 36c can be provided either continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction of the sealing element 30. If the connecting part 36c is intermittently provided, the projecting part 36b can be provided for connection with the side surface S2 at several points. Preferably, the connecting part 36c is intermittently provided, since the connecting part 36c is easily broken when the projecting part 36b is pressed by the fastening leg 47 of the decorative strip 45.

[0056] The top of the upper plate part 41 in the core 40 is provided with a projecting insert 41b, which is positioned deeper in the decorative strip entry groove S than the projecting part 36b.

[0057] A glass contact element 39, made of an elastic material, is provided on a lower portion of the lower plate part 43 of the core 40, extending downwards. Behind this downward extension, the glass contact element 39 is folded inwards towards the interior of the space and is formed to have an approximately V-shaped cross-section. When a tip of the glass contact element 39 comes into contact with the edge portion of the window pane 13, a sealing effect is provided. Furthermore, the glass contact element 39 has a base end portion provided with an extension plate portion 39a, which extends towards the interior of the space. This extension plate portion 39a also contacts the edge portion of the window pane 13.

[0058] On a lower part of an outer surface of the glass contact part 39, a recessed claw-receiving part 39b is formed to receive a fastening claw 48 of the decorative strip 45, which will be described later. The recessed claw-receiving part 39b has an inner surface provided with a hook part 39c that extends to the inside of the recessed claw-receiving part 39b. The fastening claw 48 of the decorative strip 45 is hooked onto the hook part 39c.

[0059] The plate part 44, contained in a lower part of the upper sealing edge section 31 and made of an elastic material, is integrally formed with the lower plate part 43 of the core 40, which is contained in an upper part of the upper sealing edge section 31. Instead of being integrally formed with the lower plate part 43, the plate part 44 can be formed as a separate element and attached to the window frame 11. It should be noted that the upper sealing edge section 31 can either be curved, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, or it can be an educated use.

[0060] The plate section 44 is designed to cover, from the outside of the space, a portion of the upper frame edge section 11c below the door flange 11d. The plate section 44 has a side facing the outside of the space that is provided with (i) an upper lip section 44a, formed in the vertical center of the side, and (ii) a lower lip section 44b, formed on a lower part of the side. When the upper lip section 44a and the lower lip section 44b contact the edge section of the window pane 13, a sealing effect is provided.

[0061] A projecting part 44c is provided on a lower part of the plate section 44, extending downwards. The projecting part 44c has a fitting groove 44d, which is designed to be open at the top. The sealing element fitting plate part 11e of the upper frame edge section 11c fits into the fitting groove 44d.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the front sealing part 34 and the rear sealing part 35 are not provided with the plate part 44. Accordingly, the front sealing part 34 and the rear sealing part 35 have a narrower width than the upper sealing edge part 31.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the sealing element 50 of the rear door 2 is similar in structure to the sealing element 30 of the front door 1 and contains an upper sealing edge part 51, a front longitudinal sealing edge part 52 and a rear longitudinal sealing edge part 53. (Configuration of the decorative strip)

[0064] The decorative strip 45 is attached so that it faces the outside of the room with respect to the sealing element 30. The decorative strip 45 is, for example, made of an aluminum alloy to give the front door 1 a metallic appearance. It should be noted that the decorative strip 45 can also be made of resin. In such a case, a portion of the decorative strip 45 facing the outside of the room can be plated or fitted with a metallic plate, so that the decorative strip 45 appears metallic.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the decorative strip 45 is an elongated element that extends the front end part of the front sealing element 34 through the rear end part of the rear sealing element 35 in the sealing element 30. As shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the trim strip 45 comprises: a body panel part 46 extending along the outer side of the longitudinal panel part 42 of the core 40; the fastening leg 47 projecting from an upper part on an inner side of the body panel part 46 near the space to the inner side of the space, and the fastening claw 48 projecting from a lower part of the inner side of the body panel part 46 near the space to the inner side of the space. The body panel part 46 has an upper edge portion provided with a curved portion 46a that is bent towards the inner side of the space. An upper end portion of the core 40 is positioned in this curved portion 46a.

[0066] The fastening leg 47 is a part to be inserted into the trim strip insertion groove S of the sealing element 30 and is designed such that, after insertion, it extends to a lower part of the trim strip insertion groove S and terminates close to it. The fastening leg 47 has a projecting tip portion (an insertion tip portion) which is provided with a fitting part 47a. The fitting part 47a includes a projecting portion that extends downwards from an underside of the fastening leg 47. The fitting part 47a is hooked by the projecting tip portion over the projecting fitting part 41b of the core 40 and engages the projecting fitting part 41b.

[0067] Furthermore, the fastening leg 47 has a top surface which includes a stepped engagement part 47b that is recessed downwards and formed in the middle of the fastening leg 47 along the projection. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the projecting part 36b fits into and engages the stepped engagement part 47b, while the fastening leg 47 is inserted into the trim strip entry groove S.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a decorative strip 65 of the rear door 2 resembles the decorative strip 45 of the front door 1 in its configuration and is attached to the rear door 2. The decorative strip 65 of the rear door 2 and the decorative strip 45 of the front door 1 are arranged continuously when viewed from the side. (Method of fastening the sealing element and the decorative strip)

[0069] Next, the method of attaching the sealing element 30 and the decorative strip 45 will be described. First, the method of attaching the sealing element 30 will be described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when attaching the sealing element 30 to the window frame 11, it is positioned outside the room relative to the window frame 11. The opening portion of the door flange guide groove R in the sealing element 30 is positioned opposite a pointed portion of the door flange 11d in the window frame 11. The pointed portion of the door flange 11d is then inserted into the door flange guide groove R of the sealing element 30. Similarly, the front sealing portion 34 of the sealing element 30 is attached to the door mirror mounting portion 14, and the rear sealing portion 35 is attached to an upper end portion of the rear longitudinal frame edge portion 11b. The lower portions of the front longitudinal sealing edge portion 32 and the rear longitudinal sealing edge portion 33 can later be inserted into the door body 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the sealing element fitting plate part 11e of the upper frame edge part 11c is arranged in the fitting groove 44b provided on a lower part of the sealing element 30, so that the plate part 44 of the sealing element 30 is attached to the window frame 11.

[0071] When the sealing element 30 is attached to the window frame 11, it is forcibly bent to fit the shape of the curved portion of the upper frame edge section 11c within the window frame 11. As a result, an external force is applied to narrow the width of the decorative trim insertion groove S. Here, the projecting part 36b is formed on the side surface S1 in the upper part of the decorative trim insertion groove S of the sealing element 30. The tip of this projecting part 36b is connected to the side surface S2 in the lower part of the decorative trim insertion groove S. Thus, the projecting part 36b acts to reliably brace itself between and against the side surfaces S1 and S2. This action prevents the width of the decorative trim insertion groove S from narrowing and keeps the opening of the decorative trim insertion groove S open.

[0072] Such an opening allows a worker to easily insert the fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45 into the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S of the sealing element 30. When the fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45 is inserted into the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S and a pressing force is applied along the insertion, the fastening leg 47 presses against the projecting part 36b. This pressing force easily breaks the connecting part 36c or separates it from the upper plate part 41. This feature reduces the risk of the connecting part 36c blocking the insertion of the fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45.

[0073] When the fastening leg 47 of the decorative strip 45 is fully inserted, the fitting part 47a is hooked onto the projecting fitting part 41b of the core 40 from the projecting tip and positioned thereon. Furthermore, the projecting part 36b is positioned on the stepped engagement part 47b and thus engaged. When the fastening claw 48 of the decorative strip 45 is inserted into the recessed claw receiving part 39b of the sealing element 30, the fastening claw 48 of the decorative strip 45 is hooked onto the hook part 39c. This makes it more difficult to detach the decorative strip 45. (Effects of the first embodiment)

[0074] As can be seen, the sealing element 30 according to the first embodiment is provided with the projecting part 36b formed on the side surface S1 in the upper part of the trim strip insertion groove S, and the projecting part 36b is connected to the side surface S2 in the lower part of the trim strip insertion groove S by the less rigid connecting part 36c. Such features keep the width of the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S greater than or equal to a predetermined width and ensure high formability when attaching the trim strip 45.

[0075] Furthermore, the projecting part 36b engages the stepped part 47b formed on the mounting leg 47 of the trim strip 45. This feature effectively reduces the risk of the trim strip 45 separating from the sealing element 30 by using the projecting part 36b to maintain the width of the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S.

[0076] The projecting part 36b is further designed to be positioned deeper in the trim strip insertion groove S, extending further towards its projecting tip. When the mounting leg 47 of the trim strip 45 is inserted into the trim strip insertion groove S, this feature allows the projecting part 36b to guide the tip of the mounting leg 47 deeper into the trim strip insertion groove S, thus contributing to a smooth insertion of the mounting leg 47.

[0077] Furthermore, the connecting part 36c includes a thin section that is integrally formed during the creation of the projecting part 36b. This feature facilitates the easy formation of the connecting part 36c.

[0078] It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the projecting part 36b is formed on the side surface S1 in the upper part of the trim strip insertion groove S. Instead of on the side surface S1, the projecting part 36b can be formed on the side surface S2 in the lower part of the trim strip insertion groove S and connected to the side surface S1 by the connecting part 36c. (Second embodiment)

[0079] The Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows features of a second embodiment according to the present disclosure. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the configuration of the projecting part 36a formed in the door flange guide groove R. Except for the projecting part 36a, the first and second embodiments are identical in their construction. Thus, the same elements in the first and second embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals, and the description of these elements is omitted. The elements that differ from those in the first embodiment are described below.

[0080] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 9, the door flange guide groove R has, in particular, a side surface R1 in its upper part, and the side surface R1 is provided with a projecting part 36a that extends to a side surface R2 contained in a lower part of the door flange guide groove R. The projecting part 36a is connected to the side surface R2 by a connecting part 36b, which has a lower strength than the projecting part 36a. The projecting part 36a, made of an elastic material, is designed such that it can be positioned deeper into the door flange guide groove R (the outside of the space), extending further to a projecting tip of the projecting part 36a (which extends downwards). The connecting part 36d comprises a thin section that is formed during the formation of the projecting part 36a. The thin section is integral with the projecting tip of the projecting part 36a.This thin part is connected to a top surface of the lower plate part 43 in the core 40.

[0081] The connecting part 36d is either broken or separated from the lower plate part 43 of the core 40 when the door flange 11d is inserted into the door flange guide groove R. The connecting part 36d can separate either by cohesive failure or interface separation. The door flange 11d is inserted into the door flange guide groove R with a pressing force of 196.2 N, applied every 100 mm along the length of the door flange 11d. Thus, the connecting part 36d is either broken or separated. Any given intended force is adjusted to initiate the breaking or separation of the connecting part 36d, depending, for example, on its thickness. The force can be less than 196.2 N, as described above. Preferably, however, the force can be at least 98.1 N.Preferably the force can be 196.2 N or less, since if the force that is to initiate breaking or separating the connecting part 36d is greater than 196.2 N, the malleability will be impaired.

[0082] Furthermore, the connecting part 36d can be provided either continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction of the sealing element 30. If the connecting part 36d is provided intermittently, the projecting part 36a can be provided for connection with the side surface R2 at several points.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the projecting part 36a is formed on the side surface R1 in the upper part of the door flange guide groove R, and the projecting part 36a is connected to the side surface R2 in the lower part of the door flange guide groove R by the less rigid connecting part 36d. Such features successfully maintain the width of the opening of the door flange guide groove R greater than or equal to a predetermined width, even if the sealing element 30 is bent before the door flange 11d is inserted, and provide high formability when the door flange 11d is inserted into the door flange guide groove R.

[0084] It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the projecting part 36a is formed on the side surface R1 in the upper part of the door flange guide groove R. Instead of being formed on the side surface R1, the projecting part 36a can be formed on the side surface R2 in the lower part of the door flange guide groove R and connected to the side surface R1 by the connecting part 36d.

[0085] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applicable to any structure in which parts other than the decorative strip 45 and the door flange 11d are inserted into an insertion groove formed on the sealing member 30.

[0086] The above embodiments are in every respect merely examples and are not intended to be limited in their interpretation. Furthermore, any modifications, including changes in form, of equivalents in the claims are to be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0087] As can be seen, the present disclosure can be applied when a decorative strip is attached to a sealing element or a sealing element is attached to a door flange.

Claims

[1] Sealing element (30) to be attached to a car door, wherein the sealing element (30) comprises the following: an insertion groove (S) formed on the sealing element (30) into which a part can be inserted; and a projecting part (36b) formed on one side surface (S1) of the insertion groove (S) projects to another side surface (S2) of the insertion groove (S) and is connected to the other side surface (S2) by a connecting part (36c) which is less rigid than the projecting part (36b), wherein the projecting part (36b) is designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove (S), extending further to a projecting tip portion of the projecting part (36b), wherein the projecting part (36b) extends from one side surface (S1) of the insertion groove (S) to the connecting part (36c) on the other side surface (S2), which is positioned deeper in the insertion groove (S). [2] Sealing element (30) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting part (36c) comprises a thin part which is formed when forming the projecting part (36b), wherein the thin part is formed integrally with the projecting tip part of the projecting part (36b). [3] Sealing element according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (30) comprises a part made of an elastic material and a core (40) made of a material other than the elastic material, the projecting part (36b) comprises the elastic material; and the connecting part (36c) connects the projecting part (36b) to the core (40). [4] Car with a car door having a door flange (11d) and a sealing element (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (30) is attached to the door flange (11d) and covers the door flange (11d) at least from an outside side of the car, wherein the door flange (11d) projects from a window frame (11) of the door to the outside of the room, wherein the inlet groove (S) is designed so that it opens into the outside of the space, the part includes a decorative strip (45) which has a fastening leg (47) that is to be inserted from the outside of the space into the insertion groove (S), and the projecting part (36b) engages with a stepped engagement part (47b) which is contained in the fastening leg (47) of the decorative strip (45).

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