SEAL WITH A LIGHT DEVICE

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a door seal for a motor vehicle, the seal comprising a lighting device. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a door seal. The invention further relates to a method for mounting such a door seal. Prior art

[0002] In the automotive industry, design is paramount. Every manufacturer seeks to stand out by creating distinctive lighting signatures on its vehicles. A lighting signature is an optical effect generated by a light source. It illuminates a specific part of the vehicle to highlight it.

[0003] A distinctive lighting signature is traditionally focused on the front and rear exterior light clusters. However, to achieve greater individuality, automakers are also seeking to integrate lighting signatures into the vehicle's interior, particularly on the dashboard or door panels, for example. However, existing lighting signatures often lack originality. The light sources used are not discreetly integrated into the passenger compartment, and their aesthetic appearance can be disappointing.

[0004] JP 5 455744 B2 is also known as a sealing gasket featuring a peelable cord to facilitate its assembly. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a light signature device that remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon known prior art light signature devices.

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

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

[0008] A third objective of the invention is to obtain a discreet and aesthetically pleasing light signature.

[0009] A fourth object of the invention is to provide a light signature that is simple to manufacture and assemble on a motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

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

[0011] The sealing gasket may include a frame for fixing the sealing gasket to a motor vehicle body, the first lip covering the frame.

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

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

[0014] The sealing gasket may include a substantially constant cross-section.

[0015] The lighting device may include an LED strip, and / or a reflective tube cooperating with a single light source.

[0016] The first lip may include an outer face intended to be visible and an inner face intended to be masked, the inner face including a first means for retaining the light device, in particular the first means for retaining comprising a bead formed of elastomer.

[0017] The first retaining means may cooperate with a first edge of the luminous device, and the sealing joint may include a second retaining means of the luminous device, the second retaining means cooperating with a second edge of the luminous device.

[0018] The sealing gasket may include a peelable cord, the peelable cord being attached to the first lip, the peelable cord being intended to be separated from the sealing gasket to ensure proper positioning of the first lip above the trim element.

[0019] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a door frame having an opening, a door capable of closing said opening, and a sealing gasket as defined above, the sealing gasket being fixed to the door frame.

[0020] The lighting device of the sealing gasket can be configured to emit light beams into the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for mounting a sealing gasket as defined above on the body of a motor vehicle, the mounting method comprising: a step of fixing the sealing gasket without its light device to the vehicle body, then a step of inserting the light device under the first lip, then a step of fixing an interior trim element to the vehicle body, then a step of positioning the first lip above the interior trim element. Presentation of the figures

[0022] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is an isometric and perspective view of a part of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2is an isometric and perspective view of a part of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is an isometric and perspective view of the interior of the motor vehicle according to the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing joint according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing joint according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing joint according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is a schematic view of the sealing gasket during its manufacturing process. Fig. 8 ] There figure 8is a schematic view of the sealing joint during its manufacturing process according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0023] There figure 1 This partially illustrates a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 can be of any type. In particular, it can be, for example, a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, a truck, or a bus. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 2 forming a rigid structure of the vehicle 1. The body 2 delimits a passenger compartment 3 inside which passengers can be seated. The vehicle 1 therefore includes at least one opening 4 allowing passengers to enter or exit the passenger compartment 3. This opening 4 can be closed by a door 6 (visible in the illustration). figure 3). The body 2 therefore includes a door frame 5 delimiting the opening 4. Inside the vehicle 1, i.e. in the passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle, the body 2 is covered by interior trim 7. The interior trim 7 hides the body 2 and contributes to the aesthetics and comfort of the passenger compartment.

[0024] Opening 4, shown on the figure 1 is a vehicle opening positioned on the driver's side of the vehicle. Alternatively, the invention could also be applied to an opening for a front passenger, located on the opposite side from the driver. It could also be applied to a rear opening allowing passengers to board the rear seats of the vehicle. It could also be applied to a trunk opening, a sunroof opening, or any other vehicle opening capable of being closed by a locking mechanism.

[0025] The vehicle 1 includes a sealing gasket 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The sealing gasket 10 is fixed to the door frame 5. Advantageously, the sealing gasket is ring-shaped and extends all around the opening 4, along the door frame 5. Alternatively, however, the sealing gasket could extend only over a portion of the circumference of the opening 4, for example, only in the lower half of the circumference of the opening 4. The sealing gasket 10 is in contact with both the door frame 5 and the door 6 when the latter is in the closed position. The sealing gasket isolates the passenger compartment 3 from the outside of the vehicle 1. It seals the interface between the door 6 and the door frame 5. In particular, it prevents water or dust from entering the passenger compartment. The sealing gasket therefore forms a line following the contour of opening 4 and delimiting the passenger compartment from the outside of the vehicle.As a side note, the invention could also be transposed to a sealing gasket fixed not to the door frame 5 but to the door 6.

[0026] The sealing gasket 10 includes a luminous device 11 (visible on the figure 4) capable of emitting light beams 12 into the vehicle. The light beams may be directed substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the opening 4 and into the vehicle. The light beams may be visible to the driver or a passenger seated inside the vehicle. The light beams 12 may be visible at least when the vehicle door 6 is open, or even regardless of the door's position, i.e., even when it is closed. However, the light beams are not intended to be projected outwards from the vehicle. Therefore, the light beams may preferably be invisible from outside the vehicle when the door is closed.

[0027] As it appears on the figure 1The lighting device can extend along the entire length of the sealing gasket 10. It can therefore emit light rays 12 around the entire perimeter of the opening 4. Alternatively, as shown on the figure 2 The lighting device can extend along only part of the sealing strip 10. For example, the lighting device can be configured to emit light beams illuminating only a door sill, i.e. a lower horizontal part of the door frame 5. It can be configured to highlight a logo, or a particular decorative element of the passenger compartment.

[0028] There figure 3 is a partial view of the vehicle of the figure 2From a viewpoint inside the passenger compartment 3, it can be seen that when the door 6 is closed, the weatherstripping 10 is obscured, but light rays 12 illuminate the interior of the passenger compartment. The light rays appear to originate from a gap located between the interior trim 7 attached to the door sill and a trim 8 attached to the door 6. The resulting visual effect is therefore that of light leaking around all or part of the perimeter of the door 6.

[0029] The sealing gasket 10 can have a cross-section in the direction in which it extends that is substantially constant. In particular, the sealing gasket 10 can be obtained from an extrusion manufacturing process. The figure 4illustrates in more detail a section of the sealing gasket 10 according to a cross-section AA. The sealing gasket 10 comprises a reinforcement 13 and an elastomer portion 14 covering the reinforcement 13. The elastomer portion 14 includes a first lip 15 partially covering the inner trim 7 fixed to the body 2 of the vehicle 1. The elastomer portion 14 also includes a second lip 16 intended to come into contact with the door 6 when it is in the closed position.

[0030] The frame 13 can be substantially U-shaped. The frame therefore comprises a first arm 13A (facing outwards from the vehicle) and a second arm 13B (facing inwards from the vehicle), substantially parallel to the first arm 13A. The frame also includes a base 13C connecting the two arms 13A and 13B. The frame can be fitted, in other words, mounted onto an edge of the door frame 5. The body walls 2 forming the door frame 5 can simultaneously bear on the two arms 13A and 13B in order to put the frame under tension and thus ensure sufficient cohesion of the seal on the door frame 5. The frame can be deformed when the seal is fixed to the door frame 5. The frame 13 can, for example, be a metal element, in particular a sheet metal element bent into a U-shape. The reinforcement 13 can be completely encased or covered by the elastomer part 14.Inside the U of the frame, the sealing gasket may include various tabs 17. The tabs 17 may function as clips and contribute to the good cohesion of the sealing gasket on the door frame 5, as well as to the good sealing of the interface between the sealing gasket 10 and the door frame 5.

[0031] The elastomeric portion 14 can be made, for example, of EPDM (i.e., ethylene propylene diene monomer) or, alternatively, of any other material sufficiently flexible and elastic to form a watertight interface with the door 6. The elastomeric portion 14 can be made from a single material or, alternatively, from different materials. For example, the first lip 15 and the second lip 16 could be made of different materials.

[0032] The first lip 15 originates approximately at the junction between the first arm 13A and the base 13C. It extends generally towards the interior of the vehicle. The first lip 15 therefore covers the base 13C of the frame 13. The first lip 15 includes an end 15A that partially covers an interior trim element 7. The end 7A of the interior trim is thus concealed by the first lip 15. The end 15A of the first lip 15 rests against an upper surface of the interior trim 7. Note that an air gap or crack may form, at least locally, between the end 15A and the upper surface of the interior trim 7. This air gap may be due to a non-perfectly smooth surface finish of the first lip 15 or the upper surface of the interior trim 7. The air gap may also be due to the shape of the sealing gasket and / or the interior trim 7.This air gap allows the passage of light rays 12 from the light device 11.

[0033] The light 11 is covered by the first lip 15. It is therefore both protected and masked by the first lip 15. The light 11 is not directly visible; however, the light rays 12 emanating from the light are clearly visible. This prevents dazzling the vehicle's passengers, since they cannot directly see the light 11.

[0034] The first lip 15 may comprise a simple wall. The first lip comprises an upward-facing outer surface 15B and a downward-facing inner surface 15C on the figure 4The outer surface 15B is a visible part of the sealing joint, while the inner surface 15C is invisible or concealed. The first lip 15, by covering the reinforcement 13, helps to conceal deformations of the reinforcement, particularly deformations resulting from the fitting of the reinforcement onto the door frame 5. Thus, the first lip 15 could also be called the "cosmetic lip" or "appearance tubing".

[0035] The second lip 16 originates substantially at the level of the first arm 13A of the frame. The second lip 16 may have a double wall. A first wall 16A originates substantially at the junction between the first arm 13A and the bottom 13C, that is, substantially at the same location as the first lip 15. A second wall 16B originates substantially at the end of the first arm 13A. The two walls 16A and 16B meet so that the second lip essentially takes the form of a horizontal "V". The two walls 16A and 16B may be connected by a rib 16C providing adequate rigidity to the second lip. The second lip 16 is designed to interfere with the door 6 when the latter is closed. Thus, the second lip 16 could also be called a "sealing lip" or "sealing tubing".

[0036] The light-emitting device 11 is housed inside the sealing gasket 10. More precisely, it is positioned between the elastomer-coated base 13C of the frame and the inner surface 15C of the first lip. As shown in the figure 4The lighting device can be in the form of an LED strip. The lighting device 11 therefore comprises a support 18 on which a series of LEDs 19, i.e., a series of light-emitting diodes, is fixed. The lighting device is thus electrically connected to a power source (not shown) so as to activate the light-emitting diodes. The support 18 may include at least one electrical wire connected to each of the LEDs. Advantageously, the LED strip can be identical or of the same technology as the LEDs used in the optical units located at the front and rear of the vehicle. Thus, a homogeneous light signature is obtained between the light produced inside the passenger compartment and the light produced outside the vehicle.

[0037] The light-emitting device 11 is held in position by two retaining means 21, 22. Each retaining means cooperates with an edge of the support 18. The first retaining means 21 comprises a bead, or hook, formed on the inner surface 15C of the first lip 15. This bead is made of elastomer. It consists of a protrusion of the first lip. It cooperates with a first edge of the support 18 to retain the light-emitting device between the first lip 15 and the base 13C of the frame. The second retaining means 22 is also formed in the elastomer portion 14 of the sealing gasket. More precisely, the second retaining means 22 is formed by a bead, or hook, positioned on the back of the frame, that is, against the base 13C of the frame and opposite the first retaining means 21.The second retaining means 22 cooperates with a second edge of the support 18 to retain the light-emitting device between the first lip 15 and the base 13C of the frame. The light-emitting device 11 is thus held directly by the elastomeric portion 14 of the sealing gasket 11. The sealing gasket 10 therefore does not include a specific fixing piece that would serve to attach the light-emitting device to the elastomeric portion 14.

[0038] There figure 5This illustrates a first embodiment of the sealing gasket 10. In this embodiment, the outer surface 15B of the first lip 15 extends into the continuation of the outer surface of the first wall 16A of the second lip 16. Consequently, the apparent surface of the sealing gasket is generally smooth. It does not include any angle or edge marking a boundary between the first and second lips. In this embodiment, the first lip 15 is supported by a leg 24, also formed of elastomer. The leg 24 originates substantially at the junction between the first arm 13A and the base 13C and extends substantially to the midpoint of the first lip 15. The first retaining means 21 is then formed substantially at the junction between the leg 24 and the first lip. The integration of the leg 24 can facilitate the manufacturing process of the sealing gasket by extrusion.In this embodiment, the sealing joint therefore comprises three tubes parallel to each other, whereas it comprises only two in the embodiment illustrated in the . figure 4 .

[0039] As a note, in this embodiment as in the previously described embodiment, the light device provides a support function for the first lip 15. The position and shape of the first lip 15 is therefore different from that which it would take in the absence of the light device 11.

[0040] There figure 6This illustrates an alternative embodiment of the lighting device 11. In this embodiment, the lighting device 11 comprises a reflective tube 26 cooperating with a single light source. The reflective tube can, for example, be made of a transparent and translucent material with a constant cross-section. It acts as a light guide for the single light source. The light is thus diffused uniformly along the entire length of the reflective tube 26. The reflective tube can have a cross-section substantially in the shape of a quarter disk: it can comprise two roughly perpendicular edges connected by a circular arc. It can cooperate with the retaining means 21 and 22 so as to hold the lighting device in place between the first lip 15 and the frame 13.As a note, the lighting device of this variant embodiment could also be used in combination with the variant embodiment of the first lip 15 as shown in the figure. figure 5 According to other embodiments, the lighting device could be made with any means capable of emitting light rays in the visible spectrum. In particular, the lighting device could include, for example, an incandescent element and / or an optical fiber.

[0041] The sealing gasket 10 can be manufactured using an extrusion process. For example, an extrusion mold with a shape complementary to the cross-section AA of the sealing gasket can be used. To facilitate the insertion of the lighting device between the first lip and the base 13C of the frame, a first peelable bead 27 can be provided. As illustrated in the figure 7The first peelable cord 27 can be substantially elliptical in shape. It can connect a first point located approximately at the junction between the second arm 13B and the base 13C to a second point, approximately halfway along the length of the first lip 15. In particular, the first peelable cord can extend between the two retaining means 21, 22. The peelable cord is loosely attached to the rest of the seal. It can be easily torn off (i.e., cut or peeled), thus exposing the housing into which the light-emitting device 11 will be inserted. The first peelable cord 27 can facilitate the extrusion process of the seal.

[0042] As illustrated on the figure 8The sealing strip 10 can also be fitted with a second peelable cord 28 positioned against the inner surface 15C of the first lip at its end 15A. Similar to the first peelable cord, the second peelable cord is loosely attached to the first lip 15. It can be cut when fitting the sealing strip to the door frame 5. The second peelable cord can facilitate the correct positioning of the first lip over the interior trim element during assembly.

[0043] To assemble the sealing strip to the door frame 5, the light assembly can, for example, be assembled first to the rest of the sealing strip 10, and then the sealing strip, fitted with the light assembly 11, can be attached to the door frame 5. According to an alternative embodiment of the assembly method, the sealing strip 10, without its light assembly 11, can also be attached first to the vehicle body 2. Next, the light assembly 11 can be inserted under the first lip 15. The interior trim 9 can then be attached to the body 2. Finally, the first lip can be positioned above the interior trim 6. This last step can advantageously be carried out using a second peelable strip 28 as described previously.

[0044] When the vehicle 1 is in use, the electrical power source can activate the lighting device 11. Light beams 12 are emitted by the lighting device. They pass between the first lip 15 and the interior trim 7, producing a visible light leakage effect inside the passenger compartment. The interior trim 7 is thus illuminated by the lighting device along the sealing strip. This results in a unique lighting signature in the vehicle. The invention therefore makes it possible to create an original lighting effect without modifying the vehicle's architecture, in particular without modifying the interface of the sealing strip. Furthermore, since the lighting device is located between the cosmetic lip, visible to a vehicle user, and the reinforcement of the sealing strip that holds the strip in position, it makes it possible to mask any perceived quality defect due to deformation of the sealing strip reinforcement during installation.

Claims

1. Seal (10) for a door (6) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising a framework (13) and an elastomer part (14) covering the framework (13), the elastomer part comprising a first lip (15) intended to at least partially cover an inner trim element (7) of a motor vehicle (1), the first lip (15) comprising an outer face (15B) intended to be visible and an inner face (15C) intended to be concealed, the seal comprising a first peelable bead (27) connected to the first lip (15), characterized in that the inner face (15C) comprises a first means (21) for retaining a luminous device (11), the first retaining means (21) comprising a ridge formed of elastomer, and in that the seal comprises a second means (22) for retaining a luminous device (11), the second retaining means (22) comprising a ridge formed of elastomer, and positioned on the back of the framework, against a base (13C) of the framework (13) and opposite the first retaining means (21), the first peelable bead (27) being intended to be detached from the seal (10) in order to uncover a housing that makes it possible to mount the lighting device (11) under the first lip (15).

2. Seal (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a second peelable bead (28) being intended to be detached from the seal (10) to ensure correct positioning of the first lip (15) above the trim element (7).

3. Seal (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first lip (15) covers the framework (13).

4. Seal (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second lip (16) intended to come into contact with a door (6) of a motor vehicle (1) in the closed position.

5. Seal (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first lip (15) comprises an outer surface (15B) extending in the continuation of an outer surface of the second lip (16).

6. Seal (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a substantially constant transverse section (A-A).

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

8. Motor vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the seal (10) comprises the luminous device (11) configured to emit light rays (12) towards the interior of the motor vehicle (1).

9. Method for mounting a seal (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 on a body (2) of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a step of attaching the seal (10) without its luminous device (11) to the body (2) of the vehicle (1), then - a step of inserting a luminous device (11) under the first lip (15), the luminous device (11) comprising a strip of LEDs (19) and / or a reflective tube (26) cooperating with a single light source, then - a step of attaching an inner trim element (7) to the body (2) of the vehicle, then - a step of positioning the first lip (15) above the inner trim element (7).

10. Mounting method according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of inserting the luminous device (11) under the first lip (15) consists in making a first retaining means (21) cooperate with a first edge of the luminous device (11), and a second retaining means (22) with a second edge of the luminous device (11).