Sealing element for a car door

Abstract

Arrangement comprising a sealing element (30) to be attached to a car door and a door flange (11d), wherein the sealing element (30) comprises the following: - an insertion groove (S) formed on the sealing element (30); and - an opening width adjustment part (41c) provided on a side surface (S1) of the insertion groove (S) with a projecting end part which projects towards another side surface (S2) of the insertion groove (S) and which abuts the other side surface (S2) in order to adjust the width of an opening of the insertion groove (S) to a predetermined opening width or wider, - wherein the sealing element (30) is attached to the door flange (11d) and covers the door flange (11d) at least from one outside side of the car, - wherein the door flange (11d) projects from a window frame of the door to the outside of the car interior, - wherein the inlet groove (S) is designed such that it opens into the outside of the car interior, - wherein the arrangement comprises a decorative strip (65) with a fastening leg (47) which is inserted from the outside of the car interior into the insertion groove (S), characterized in that - that the opening width adjustment part (41c) has a surface (41d) facing away from a lowest end of the insertion groove (S), - that the surface (41d) is designed such that it is positioned deeper in the insertion groove (S) towards the projecting end part of the opening width adjustment part (41c), and - that the opening width adjustment part (41c) engages a stepped engagement part (47b) formed on the mounting leg (47) of the decorative strip (65).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an arrangement comprising a door flange and 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 the 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] As disclosed in the patent publication, an elongated decorative strip is 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.

[0007] The window frame of a car's front door typically has an upper edge section that is designed to curve around, resulting in a lower profile as it extends towards the front. Consequently, the upper edge section is shaped with a curved portion. Meanwhile, the sealing element is a molded insert. When this insert-shaped sealing element is attached to the upper edge of the window frame, it is forcibly bent to fit the shape of the curved portion of the upper edge. The sealing element cannot adapt to the difference between the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the curved portion of the upper edge. 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] US 2013 / 0292965 A1 discloses a daylight opening system for a vehicle window opening. The daylight opening system comprises a module with a support, a trim element, and a first seal. The support is designed to be attached to a vehicle door. The trim element can be attached to the support and can interact with the support to define a space in which a window pane can optionally be accommodated. The first seal element can be formed integrally with the support and configured to engage with the window pane in a sealing manner. 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 an opening of the insertion groove greater than or equal to a predetermined width and ensures high formability during insertion. SUMMARY

[0011] In the present disclosure, an insertion groove into which various parts are inserted is formed on a sealing element. An opening width adjustment element is provided such that it projects from one of the side surfaces of the insertion groove.

[0012] According to the invention, an arrangement is provided comprising a sealing element to be attached to a car door, a door flange and a part.

[0013] According to the invention, the sealing element comprises an insertion groove formed on the sealing element into which a part is inserted; and an opening width adjustment part formed on one side surface of the insertion groove, projecting to another side surface of the insertion groove and abutting the other side surface in order to adjust the width of an opening of the insertion groove to a predetermined opening width or wider.

[0014] According to these features, the opening width adjustment element formed on one side of the insertion groove abuts the other side of the insertion groove. When an external force is applied to narrow the opening of the insertion groove, the opening width adjustment element prevents the opening from becoming narrower than the predetermined width. The opening width adjustment element keeps the trim insertion groove open. As a result, various types of parts, such as a trim strip and a door flange, can be easily inserted into the insertion groove.

[0015] According to the invention, the opening width adjustment part has a surface extending away from a lowest end of the insertion groove, wherein the surface is designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove, extending to a projecting end of the opening width adjustment part.

[0016] According to this feature, when different parts are inserted into the insertion groove of the sealing element, the opening width adjustment part guides the insertion tips of the different parts deeper into the insertion groove.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing element includes a part made of an elastic material and a core that is harder than the elastic material, and the core is provided with the opening width adjustment part.

[0018] According to these characteristics, the opening width adjustment element is located on the core, which is harder than the elastic material, making the opening width adjustment element difficult to deform under an external force. Consequently, the opening width adjustment element can reduce the risk of the insertion groove opening becoming narrower.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the core is designed to be arranged on a door flange provided on a window frame of the door, while the door flange is inserted into the insertion groove.

[0020] According to this feature, the core is positioned on the door flange, making it more resistant to deformation and more rigid. The opening width adjustment mechanism is integrated into this rigid core, enabling it to reliably maintain the correct width of the insertion groove opening.

[0021] According to the invention, the sealing element is attached to the door flange and covers the door flange at least from an outside side of a car interior, wherein the door flange projects from a window frame of the door to the outside of the room, wherein the insertion groove is designed to open into the outside of the room, the part comprises a decorative strip having a mounting leg that is to be inserted into the insertion groove from the outside of the room, and the opening width adjustment part engages with a stepped engagement part formed on the mounting leg of the decorative strip.

[0022] According to these features, attaching the sealing element to the door flange creates a door that incorporates a concealed sealing element. After inserting the mounting leg of the trim strip, the opening width adjustment part engages the stepped engagement portion of the mounting leg. In particular, such engagement can effectively reduce the risk of the trim strip separating from the sealing element by using the opening width adjustment part to maintain the width of the insertion groove.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure according to the fifth aspect, the other side surface of the insertion groove is provided with a projecting part which is arranged on a fitting part formed on the mounting leg of the decorative strip.

[0024] According to this feature, the opening width adjustment part and the protruding part engage with the mounting leg of the trim strip from their respective side surfaces of the insertion groove. This engagement makes it difficult for both the opening width adjustment part and the protruding part to disengage from the mounting leg.

[0025] Another aspect is that the opening width adjustment mechanism is located on one of the side surfaces of the insertion groove. This feature allows the width of the insertion groove opening to be greater than or equal to a predetermined width and ensures high formability after the attachment of various parts, such as a decorative strip.

[0026] According to another aspect, the opening width adjustment part has a surface extending away from the lowest end of the insertion groove, the surface being designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove and extending to a projecting end of the opening width adjustment part. This feature allows the tip of the trim mounting leg to be guided deeper into the insertion groove when the mounting leg is inserted. This contributes to a smooth insertion of the mounting leg.

[0027] Another aspect is that the opening width adjustment part is located on the core. This feature makes it more difficult for the opening width adjustment part to deform and effectively reduces the risk of the insertion groove opening becoming narrower.

[0028] Another aspect is that the opening width adjustment part is located on the core that is positioned on the door flange to achieve greater rigidity. This feature reliably maintains the width of the insertion groove opening.

[0029] According to another aspect, the opening width adjustment 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 opening width adjustment part to maintain the width of the insertion groove opening.

[0030] According to another aspect, the other side surface of the insertion groove is provided with a protruding part that is positioned against a fitting element formed on the mounting leg of the trim strip. This feature makes it more difficult for both the opening width adjustment part and the protruding part to disengage, and can thus effectively reduce the risk of the trim strip separating from the sealing element. 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 embodiments; Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of a rear door for the car with the construction for attaching a decorative strip according to the embodiments; 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. 7 according to a modified Example 1 of the embodiments; and Fig. 9 is a representation in Fig. 7 according to a modified example 2 of the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] 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 invention, the application for the present invention, or the use of the present invention. (Door configuration)

[0032] 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 embodiments 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 embodiments 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.

[0033] 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 window pane 13 and a window regulator (not shown) for lifting and lowering the window pane 13.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 along 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 11. The upper end section is inclined downwards as it extends towards the front section.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, 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 1. Fig. The upper frame edge section 11c, as shown in Figure 1, is to be limited. The upper frame edge section 11c can be bent upwards in its entirety. 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.

[0040] The door flange 11d is fitted with the 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.

[0041] 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)

[0042] The sealing element 30, referred to as the "hidden type," is designed to cover the door flange 11d from outside the space. The sealing element 30 is configured to cover both the top and bottom surfaces of the door flange 11d. It seals a gap between the edge of the window frame 11 and the edge of the opening portion of the body. The sealing element 30 also seals a gap between the edge of the window frame 11 and the edge 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) or thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and a core 40 made of 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.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the sealing element 30 comprises: an upper sealing edge portion 31 extending along the upper frame edge portion 11c of the window frame 11; a front longitudinal directional edge portion extending along the front longitudinal frame edge portion 11a of the window frame; and a rear longitudinal sealing edge portion 33 extending along the rear longitudinal frame edge portion 11b of the window frame 11. The upper sealing edge portion 31, the front longitudinal sealing edge portion 32, and the rear longitudinal sealing edge portion 33 are integrated as a single unit.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[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 11t. 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 11a, 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 form a seal 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 side surface S1 (one of the side surfaces) that is positioned above has a projecting part (an opening width adjustment part) 41c, which is formed near the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S. The projecting part 41c extends towards and abuts the side surface S2 (the other side surface) that is positioned below, so that the width of an opening of the trim strip insertion groove S is set to a predetermined opening width or wider.

[0053] The projecting part 41c is integrally formed with the upper plate part 41 of the core 40 and is made of a material harder than the elastic material. This makes the projecting part 41c difficult to deform under an external force. The predetermined opening width is approximately as wide as the thickness of a tip portion of the fastening leg 47 in the decorative strip 45, which will be described later. The predetermined opening width allows easy insertion of the tip portion of the fastening leg 47 into the opening of the decorative strip insertion groove S. The predetermined opening width can be adjusted to any given width, depending, for example, on the part to be inserted.

[0054] The projecting part 41c has a surface 41d that is positioned towards the opening (the outside of the space) of the trim strip insertion groove S. The surface 41d is inclined towards a deeper position (towards the inside of the space) in the trim strip insertion groove S, extending to a projecting end portion (downwards) of the projecting part 41c. The projecting part 41c can extend longitudinally over both ends of the sealing element 30. The projecting part 41c can be continuous and interrupted along the sealing element 30.

[0055] After the sealing element 30 has been formed, the projecting tip portion of the projecting part 41c can abut the side surface S2 provided in the lower part of the decorative strip insertion groove S. After the sealing element 30 has been formed, the projecting tip portion can be separated from the side surface S2. However, the dimensions of the projecting tip portion of the projecting part 41c can preferably be adjusted such that the projecting tip portion abuts the side surface S2 after the sealing element 30 is attached to the window frame 11.

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

[0057] A glass contact element 39 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 is formed integrally 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 formed integrally 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 part 44 is designed to cover, from the outside of the space, a portion of the upper frame edge part 11c below the door flange 11d. The plate part 44 has a side facing the outside of the space that is provided with (i) an upper lip part 44a formed in the vertical center of the side, and (ii) a lower lip part 44b formed on a lower part of the side. When the upper lip part 44a and the lower lip part 44b contact the edge part 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 includes a body panel part 46 extending along the outer side of the longitudinal panel part 42 of the core 40. The fastening leg 47 projects from an upper portion on the inner side of the body panel part 46 near the space to the inner side of the space, and the fastening claw 48 projects from a lower portion on 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. The fastening leg 47 is designed to extend so that, after insertion, it comes close to a lower part of the trim strip insertion groove S. The fastening leg 47 has a projecting tip (an insertion tip) which is provided with a fitting part 47a. The fitting part 47a has a projecting portion that extends downwards from an underside of the fastening leg 47. The fitting part 47a is hooked by the projecting tip 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 is formed in the middle of the fastening leg 47 along the projection. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the stepped engagement part 47b fits the projecting part 41c and engages it, 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 and positioned in 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 portion 41c is formed on the side surface S1 in the upper part of the decorative trim insertion groove S of the sealing element 30. When the tip of the projecting portion 41c abuts the side surface S2 in the lower part of the decorative trim insertion groove S, the opening width of the decorative trim insertion groove S is adjusted to a predetermined width or wider. This action prevents the width of the decorative trim insertion groove S from narrowing further and keeps the opening of the decorative trim insertion groove S open.

[0072] A worker can therefore easily insert the fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45 into the maintained opening of the trim strip insertion groove S in 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 surface 41d of the projecting part 41c. This pressing force causes an elastic deformation of the core 40, so that the projecting part 41c is displaced upwards. This feature reduces the risk of the projecting part 41c 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 41c 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, according to this embodiment, the sealing element 30 includes the projecting part 41c provided on the side surface S1 in the upper part of the trim strip insertion groove S. Such a feature can reliably adjust the opening width of the trim strip insertion groove S to a predetermined width or wider and ensure high formability when attaching the trim strip 45.

[0075] Furthermore, the projecting part 41c has a surface extending away from a lowest end of the insertion groove S, the surface being designed to be positioned deeper into the insertion groove and extending to a projecting end of the projecting part 41c. This feature allows the tip of the mounting leg 47 of the trim strip 45 to be guided deeper into the trim strip insertion groove S when the mounting leg 47 is inserted into the trim strip insertion groove S. This contributes to a smooth insertion of the mounting leg 47.

[0076] Furthermore, the projecting part 41c engages the stepped engagement 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 41c to maintain the width of the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S.

[0077] It should be noted that in the embodiments described above, the projecting part 41c is formed on the side surface S1 in the upper part of the trim strip insertion groove S. Instead of the side surface S1, as shown in modification example 1, the side surface S2 in the lower part of the trim strip insertion groove S can be provided with a projecting part 41e, which acts as an opening width adjustment element. The projecting part 41e can abut the side surface S1 to maintain the width of the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S. In this case as well, the projecting part 41e has a surface 41f that is positioned towards the opening (towards the outside of the space) of the trim strip insertion groove S. The surface 41f is inclined towards the deeper positioning (towards the inside of the space) in the trim strip insertion groove S, extending to a projecting end (upwards) of the projecting part 41e.In this modified example 1, the fitting part 47a is designed to project upwards. Furthermore, the stepped engagement part 47b is provided on the underside of the mounting leg 47. Additionally, the side surface S1 in the upper part of the trim strip insertion groove S is provided with a projecting fitting part 41g.

[0078] Like a in Fig.As shown in modified Example 2, Figure 9 illustrates, the side surface S1 in the upper part of the trim strip insertion groove S can be provided with a projecting part 41h, which acts as an opening width adjustment element. The side surface S2 in the lower part of the trim strip insertion groove S can be provided with a projecting part 41i, which also acts as an opening width adjustment element. The projecting part 41h located above abuts the projecting part 41i located below the side surface S2, while the projecting part 41i located below abuts a part located above the side surface S1. This feature allows the width of the opening of the trim strip insertion groove S to be adjusted to a specific opening width or wider.In this modified example 2, the projecting part 41h and the projecting part 41i can guide the fastening leg 47 of the trim strip 45 to the center of the trim strip insertion groove S in the width direction.

[0079] Furthermore, a projecting part 41c can be formed on each of the side surfaces S1 and S2 in the upper part and lower part of the trim strip entry groove S.

[0080] In these embodiments, the opening width adjustment element is further provided on the side surface S1 of the trim strip insertion groove S. Alternatively, the opening width adjustment element can be formed on a side surface R1 in the upper part of the door flange insertion groove R and / or a side surface R2 in the lower part of the door flange insertion groove R, so that it abuts the other side surface R1 or side surface R2 and adjusts the width of the opening of the door flange insertion groove R to a predetermined width or wider.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 also included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0083] 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] Arrangement comprising a sealing element (30) to be attached to a car door and a door flange (11d), wherein the sealing element (30) comprises: - an insertion groove (S) formed on the sealing element (30); and - an opening width adjustment part (41c) provided on a side surface (S1) of the insertion groove (S) with a projecting end part which projects towards another side surface (S2) of the insertion groove (S) and which abuts the other side surface (S2) in order to adjust the width of an opening of the insertion groove (S) to a predetermined opening width or wider, - wherein the sealing element (30) is attached to the door flange (11d) and covers the door flange (11d) at least from one outside side of the car, - wherein the door flange (11d) projects from a window frame of the door to the outside of the car interior, - wherein the inlet groove (S) is designed such that it opens into the outside of the car interior, - wherein the arrangement comprises a decorative strip (65) with a fastening leg (47) which is inserted from the outside of the car interior into the insertion groove (S), characterized by , - that the opening width adjustment part (41c) has a surface (41d) facing away from a lowest end of the insertion groove (S), - that the surface (41d) is designed such that it is positioned deeper in the insertion groove (S) towards the projecting end part of the opening width adjustment part (41c), and - that the opening width adjustment part (41c) engages a stepped engagement part (47b) formed on the mounting leg (47) of the decorative strip (65). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein - the sealing element (30) contains a part made of an elastic material and a core (40) made of a harder material than the elastic material, and - the core (40) is provided with the opening width adjustment part (41c). [3] Arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the core (40) is designed to be arranged on the door flange (11d) provided on the window frame of the door, while the door flange (11d) is inserted into a door flange insertion groove (R). [4] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the other side surface (S2) of the insertion groove (S) is provided with a projecting part which is arranged on a fitting part (47a) formed on the fastening leg (47) of the decorative strip (65).

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