Profile strip and profile strip arrangement

Abstract

Profile strip (12) for arrangement between a vehicle window (18) and an adjacent component (16), wherein the profile strip (12) extends along a profile axis (30), wherein the profile strip (12) has a window-side connection area (32) for connection with the vehicle window (18) and a component-side connection area (34) for connection with the adjacent component (16), wherein the component-side connection area (34) has at least one fastening element (68, 70) for detachably fastening the adjacent component (16) to or in the component-side connection area (34), wherein the at least one fastening element (68, 70) extends parallel to the profile axis (30) and has an annular profile section (78) in cross-section, which, with an inner surface (82), defines a cavity (84) extending parallel to the profile axis (30), characterized in thatthat at least one additional element (86) is arranged in the cavity (84).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a profile strip for arrangement between a vehicle window and an adjacent component, wherein the profile strip extends along a profile axis, wherein the profile strip has a window-side connection area for connection with the vehicle window and a component-side connection area for connection with the adjacent component, wherein the component-side connection area has at least one fastening element for detachably fastening the adjacent component to or in the component-side connection area, wherein the at least one fastening element extends parallel to the profile axis and has a profile section with an annular cross-section, which delimits a cavity extending parallel to the profile axis with an inner surface.

[0002] Profile strips of the aforementioned type are known from EP 3950395 B1, CN 217532520 U, CN 223420476 U and CN 221316030 U. It has been found that assembly and stability problems can occur when using the aforementioned profile strips.

[0003] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide an improved profile strip.

[0004] This task is solved in a profile strip of the type mentioned above by arranging at least one additional element in the cavity.

[0005] The additional element according to the invention makes it possible to influence the deformability of the annular profile section. In particular, the additional element makes it possible to increase the deformation resistance of the annular profile section. In this way, a fastening element can be provided that simplifies the assembly of an adjacent component. Furthermore, the stability of the connection between the profile strip and the adjacent component is increased in an assembled assembly.

[0006] It is preferred that the additional element extends at least along part of the length of the cavity, preferably along the entire length of the cavity. In this way, the deformation behavior of the annular profile section of the fastening element can be influenced over the length of the profile strip.

[0007] It is further preferred that the additional element has a covering surface extending parallel to the profile axis, which at least partially, and preferably completely, abuts the inner surface of the profile section. This enables particularly effective support of the annular profile section by means of the additional element.

[0008] It is particularly preferred that the profile section and the at least one additional element are made of different materials. For example, the additional element is made of an additional element material that is softer and / or more easily deformable than the profile section material from which the profile section is made. This allows for targeted support of the annular profile section without preventing its desired deformability. "Made of different materials" means that the materials differ in at least one of the following parameters: chemical composition, hardness (e.g., Shore hardness), degree of foaming, or modulus of elasticity.

[0009] The profile section material is preferably an elastically deformable material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example a thermoplastic elastomer based on olefins (TPO), for example based on polypropylene / ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP / EPDM), or in particular a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), for example based on PP / EPDM or flexible polyvinyl chloride (flexible PVC). It is particularly preferred that the profile section material is a solid material, i.e., one that does not contain any gas inclusions.

[0010] The additive element material is preferably also an elastically deformable material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example a thermoplastic elastomer based on olefins (TPO), for example based on polypropylene / ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP / EPDM) rubber, in particular a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), for example based on PP / EPDM or flexible polyvinyl chloride (flexible PVC). The additive element material is, for example, a foamed material which may contain bubble-like gas inclusions.

[0011] The cavity extending parallel to the profile axis and / or the additional element is / are preferably circular or oval in cross-section. This minimizes the notch effect of the cavity.

[0012] The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity is preferably at least 0.5 square millimeters, and in particular at least 1 square millimeter. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity is preferably at most 6 square millimeters, and in particular at most 5 square millimeters.

[0013] It is further preferred that the profile strip has a sealing element designed to form a seal against an edge of the vehicle window and / or against an edge of the adjacent component. In this context, it is preferred that the outwardly facing (i.e., towards the environment) surfaces of the vehicle window, the sealing element, and the adjacent component are flush with each other.

[0014] It is possible that the aforementioned sealing element is provided separately from the profile section, thus allowing for a high degree of design freedom for both the sealing element and the profile section. However, it is also possible that the sealing element and the profile section are formed as a single piece, which simplifies the manufacturing of these sections, particularly if the profile strip is produced using an extrusion process.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the profile section is adjacent to a support section made of a support section material that is harder and / or less deformable than the profile section material from which the profile section is made. Such a support section allows for further control of the deformation behavior of the profile section, in particular stabilization against undesirably strong deformation.

[0016] It is preferred that the support section extends in a plane, that the adjacent component is assigned a joining direction relative to the profile strip, and that the plane and the joining direction are oriented transversely to each other, preferably substantially perpendicularly. In this way, the support section counteracts undesirably strong deformation of the profile section during the assembly of the adjacent component to the profile strip and / or in an assembled service state of the adjacent component and the profile strip.

[0017] It is further preferred that the component-side connection area comprises a receiving space, U-shaped or V-shaped in cross-section of the profile strip, which is bounded by a first leg facing the connection area on the side of the panel and by a second leg facing away from the connection area on the side of the panel, wherein the at least one fastening element is arranged on the first leg or on the second leg facing the receiving space. This allows for a simple and protected arrangement of the fastening element.

[0018] It is also possible that the profile strip has at least one second fastening element, which is arranged on the other of the two aforementioned legs, facing the receiving area. In other words, at least one fastening element facing the receiving area is arranged on each of the two legs.

[0019] It is also possible that an elastically compliant sealing element is arranged in a bottom area of ​​the receiving space. This forms a lining of the receiving space and can optionally also serve to form a support for a material section of the adjacent component, in particular for a locking element.

[0020] The invention further relates to a profile strip arrangement comprising a profile strip as described above and a keder detachably attached to or within the second connection area. Such a keder serves – particularly during the transport of a profile strip arrangement – ​​to stabilize the second connection area, especially the U-shaped or V-shaped receiving space seen in cross-section of the profile strip.

[0021] The invention further relates to a profile strip arrangement comprising a profile strip as described above and an adjacent component, wherein the component has a locking element extending parallel to the profile strip, which is detachably locked or lockable to the at least one fastening element. The adjacent component is advantageously a water tank cover.

[0022] It is possible that the profile strip arrangements described above also include a vehicle window.

[0023] Alternatively, a profile strip arrangement according to the invention comprises (optionally only) a profile strip as described above and a vehicle window.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description of preferred embodiments.

[0025] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a cross-section of a profile strip according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to Fig. 1 and with a keder; Fig. 3 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to Fig. 1, with an adjacent component and with a vehicle window; Fig. 4 a cross-section of a profile strip according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to Fig. 4 and with a keder; Fig. 6 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to Fig. 4 and with an adjacent component; Fig. 7 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to a third embodiment and with an adjacent component; Fig. 8 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to a fourth embodiment and with an adjacent component; and Fig. 9 a cross-section of a profile strip arrangement with a profile strip according to a fifth embodiment and with an adjacent component.

[0026] In the drawing, profile strip arrangements are each collectively designated by the reference numeral 10. The profile strip arrangements 10 comprise at least one profile strip 12 and additionally at least one of the following components: welt 14 (see figure). Fig. 2 and Fig. 5), adjacent component 16, in particular in the form of a water tank cover (see Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9), vehicle disc 18 (see Fig. 3).

[0027] The vehicle window 18 is, in particular, a windshield. The vehicle window 18 has a border 20, which can correspond to the lower border of a windshield. The vehicle window 18 also has an outer surface 22, which, when the profile arrangement 10 is mounted on a vehicle, faces the vehicle's surroundings. The vehicle window 18 also has an inner surface 24, which faces away from the outer surface 22.

[0028] The adjacent component 16 has a viewing surface 26, which is preferably flush with the outer surface 22 of the vehicle window 18. The adjacent component 16 also has a ridge-shaped locking element 28, which is arranged on a side of the adjacent component 16 facing away from the viewing surface 26.

[0029] The profile strip 12 extends along a profile axis 30, which is located in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 each runs perpendicular to the drawing plane. The edge 20 of the vehicle disc 18, the locking element 28 of the adjacent component 16 and the keder 14 also extend parallel to the profile axis 30.

[0030] The profile strip 12 has a glass-side connection area 32 for connection to the vehicle window 18 and a component-side connection area 34 for connection to the adjacent component 16. In cross-section, the connection areas 32 and 34 are arranged on opposite sides of a central area 36.

[0031] The profile strip 12 has a main body 38 made of a main body material, which may preferably be a relatively hard plastic material, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl chloride / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (PVC / ABS), or polypropylene (PP). The main body 38 extends over the disc-side connection area, the central area 36, ​​and the component-side connection area 34.

[0032] The main body 38 is preferably reinforced by at least one stiffening insert 40, 42 (for example, made of metal). For example, a stiffening insert 40 extends over the disk-side connection area 32, the central area 36, ​​and the component-side connection area 34. For example, the stiffening insert 42 extends exclusively within the central area 36.

[0033] The disc-side connection area 32 advantageously comprises a double-sided adhesive tape 44, which is bonded to the main body 38 of the profile strip 12 with a first adhesive side 46 and which can be bonded or is bonded to the inner surface 24 of the vehicle disc 18 with a second adhesive side 48.

[0034] The central area 36 has a raised ridge 50, which serves for the arrangement of a sealing element 52. The sealing element 52 has a surface 54 which, as part of a profile strip arrangement 10, is preferably flush with the outer surface 22 of the vehicle window 18 and / or with the visible surface 26 of the adjacent component 16, cf. Fig. 3.

[0035] The sealing element 52 has a first sealing area 56, which serves to seal against the edge 20 of the vehicle window 18.

[0036] The sealing element 52 further comprises a second sealing area 58, which serves for sealing against an edge 60 of the adjacent component 16. It is understood that the drawings are as follows: Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 insofar as only schematic representations are concerned and that the second sealing section 58 of the sealing element 52 - in contrast to the schematic representation - abuts the edge 60 of the adjacent component 16 in a sealing manner.

[0037] The sealing element 52 is made of a sealing element material, which may preferably be a comparatively soft material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example a thermoplastic elastomer based on olefins (TPO), for example based on polypropylene / ethylene propylene diene rubber (PP / EPDM), in particular a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), for example based on PP / EPDM or on soft polyvinyl chloride (soft PVC).

[0038] The component-side connection area 34 comprises a U-shaped or V-shaped receiving space 62 as seen in the cross-section of the profile strip 12, which is bounded by a first leg 64 which is arranged facing the disc-side connection area 32, and which is bounded by a second leg 66 which is arranged away from the disc-side connection area 32.

[0039] The component-side connection area 34 further comprises at least one fastening element 68, 70 for the detachable fastening of the adjacent component 16 to or in the component-side connection area 34.

[0040] It is possible that the fastening element 68, 70 is provided in a simple version (see Fig. 1 to 7 and 9) or in duplicate (see Fig. 8).

[0041] It is possible that the at least one fastening element 68 is arranged on the first leg 64 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8) It is possible that at least one fastening element 70 is arranged on the second leg 66 (see Figure 8). Fig. 8 and Fig. 9).

[0042] In any case, the at least one fastening element 68, 70 is arranged facing the receiving space 62 and forms a narrowing of an access opening 72 of the receiving space 62. The access opening 72 serves to insert the locking element 28 of the adjacent component 16 into the receiving space 62, in accordance with a joining direction 74, cf. Fig. 3 and 6 to 9. For a locking element 76 of a keder 14, a corresponding joining direction 74 applies, cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 5.

[0043] The at least one fastening element 68, 70 extends parallel to the profile axis 30 and has a profile section 78 with an annular cross-section, which is made of a profile section material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a soft polyvinyl chloride (soft PVC).

[0044] The annular profile section 78 is materially bonded to the first leg 64 and / or the second leg 66 via a contact surface 80. It is also possible that the annular profile section 78 is an integral part of the first leg 64 and / or the second leg 66 and is made of the same main body material as the main body 38.

[0045] The profile section 78, with an inner surface 82, defines a cavity 84 extending parallel to the profile axis 30. An additional element 86, made of an additional element material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a soft polyvinyl chloride (soft PVC), is arranged in the cavity 84.

[0046] Preferably, the additional element 86 extends along the entire length of the cavity 84.

[0047] The additional element 86 has a covering surface 88 extending parallel to the profile axis 30, which preferably rests completely against the inner surface 82 of the profile section 78. To improve clarity, the covering surface 88 is shown only in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 is indicated, but is of course also present in all other embodiments.

[0048] The cavity 84 and the additional element 86 are preferably oval in cross-section. It is preferred that a longer principal axis 90 of the oval shape and an axis (without reference numeral) associated with the joining direction 74 form an acute angle with each other, cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 5.

[0049] The profile strip 12 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 comprises a support section 90 made of a support section material, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl chloride / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (PVC / ABS), or polypropylene (PP), or of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example, an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPO), for example, based on polypropylene / ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP / EPDM), in particular a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), for example, based on PP / EPDM or flexible polyvinyl chloride (flexible PVC). The support section 90 can be made of the same material as the main body 38. The support section 90 extends in a plane 92, which is preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis associated with the joining direction 74, cf. Fig. 2. The support section 90 is preferably materially bonded to the ring-shaped material section 78 and forms part of the fastening element 68.

[0050] The support section 90 preferably borders the raised web 50 of the central area 36 and is preferably connected there by a material bond.

[0051] It is possible that the at least one fastening element 68 and the sealing element 52 are formed in one piece, cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. It is possible that the sealing element 52 and the at least one fastening element 68, 70 are provided separately from each other, cf. Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9.

[0052] Optionally, an elastically flexible sealing body 96 is arranged in a floor area 94 of the receiving space 62, cf. Fig. 9.

[0053] It is possible that the component-side connection area 32 has a bottom-side support section 98 on the side facing away from the receiving space 62, cf. Fig. 4 to 6, 8 and 9. This section 98 serves in particular to support the component-side connection area 34 on a vehicle body.

[0054] It is also possible that the main body 38 of the profile strip 12 has a support section 100 projecting beyond the second leg 66, which protects the profile strip 12 and the receiving space 62 from excessive deformation during upright transport of the profile strip 12 and a vehicle window 18, especially if no keder 14 is arranged in the receiving space 62.

[0055] It is understood that the features described above for individual embodiments can also be combined with the other embodiments. For example, the following can also be done in the embodiments according to Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 at least one fastening element 68, 70 shall be provided which supports a support section 90 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. This applies accordingly to other features which are described above with reference to only individual embodiments, but which may also be present in the other embodiments. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3950395 B1

[0002] CN 217532520 U

[0002] CN 223420476

[0002] CN 221316030 U

[0002]

Claims

[1] Profile strip (12) for arrangement between a vehicle window (18) and an adjacent component (16), wherein the profile strip (12) extends along a profile axis (30), wherein the profile strip (12) has a window-side connection area (32) for connection with the vehicle window (18) and a component-side connection area (34) for connection with the adjacent component (16), wherein the component-side connection area (34) has at least one fastening element (68, 70) for detachably fastening the adjacent component (16) to or in the component-side connection area (34), wherein the at least one fastening element (68, 70) extends parallel to the profile axis (30) and has a profile section (78) with an annular cross-section, which, with an inner surface (82), defines a cavity (84) extending parallel to the profile axis (30), characterized by , that at least one additional element (86) is arranged in the cavity (84). [2] Profile strip (12) according to claim 1, characterized by that the additional element (86) extends at least along part of the length of the cavity (84), preferably along the entire length of the cavity (84). [3] Profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the additional element (86) has a covering surface (88) extending parallel to the profile axis (30), which at least partially, preferably completely, abuts the inner surface (82) of the profile section (78). [4] Profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the profile section (78) and the at least one additional element (86) are made of different materials. [5] Profile strip (12) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the additional element (86) is made of an additional element material that is softer and / or more easily deformable than a profile section material from which the profile section (78) is made. [6] Profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cavity (84) and / or the additional element (86) is or are circular or oval in cross-section. [7] Profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the profile strip (12) has a sealing element (52) which is designed to form a sealing connection against an edge (20) of the vehicle window (18) and / or against an edge (60) of the adjacent component (16). [8] Profile strip (12) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the sealing element (52) is provided separately for the profile section (78), or that the sealing element (52) and the profile section (78) are formed in one piece together. [9] Profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the profile section (78) borders a support section (90) which is made of a support section material that is harder and / or less deformable than the profile section material from which the profile section (78) is made. [10] Profile strip (12) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the support section extends in a plane (92), that the adjacent component (16) is assigned a joining direction (74) relative to the profile strip (12), and that the plane (92) and the joining direction (74) are oriented transversely to each other, in particular essentially perpendicularly. [11] Profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the component-side connection area (34) comprises a U-shaped or V-shaped receiving space (62) seen in the cross-section of the profile strip (12), which is bounded by a first leg (64) which is arranged facing the disc-side connection area (32), and which is bounded by a second leg (66) which is arranged away from the disc-side connection area (32), wherein the at least one fastening element (68, 70) is arranged facing the receiving space (62) on the first leg (64) or on the second leg (66). [12] Profile strip (12) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the profile strip (12) has at least one second fastening element (70) which is arranged facing the receiving space (62) on the other of the two legs (64, 66). [13] Profile strip (12) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by, that an elastically flexible sealing body (96) is arranged in a floor area (94) of the receiving space (62). [14] Profile strip arrangement (10) comprising a profile strip (12) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a keder (14) detachably attached to or in the component-side connection area (34). [15] Profile strip arrangement (10) comprising a profile strip (12) according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an adjacent component (16), wherein the adjacent component (16) has a locking element (28) extending parallel to the profile strip (12), which is detachably locked or lockable with the at least one fastening element (68, 70). [16] Profile strip arrangement (10) according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a vehicle window (18). [17] Profile strip arrangement 10 comprising a profile strip 12 according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a vehicle window (18).

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