Vehicle opening including a sealing means

Abstract

Vehicle opening comprising a sealing means. Opening (2) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one support (3) and a sealing means (6) at least partially elastically deformable, the sealing means (6) comprising a notch (19) configured to discharge a liquid contained in a space between the opening (2) and at least a portion of a body structure (7) of the vehicle (1) to an environment external to the vehicle (1) when the sealing means (6) is in a "compressed" configuration in which it is deformed. Figure for abbreviation: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle opening comprising a sealing means

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle opening, in particular a side opening, comprising a sealing means. The invention also relates to a vehicle arrangement comprising such an opening and a motor vehicle equipped with such an opening and / or such an arrangement.

[0002] As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 7], in the automotive industry, it is known that openings 2', particularly side openings, are shaped and dimensioned to fit into elements of the vehicle's body structure 7' with which they interact, such that when an opening is in the closed position, there is a gap between the outline of the opening and an adjacent opening or a fixed element of the body structure, such as a front fender, a rear fender, a roof rail, a pillar, or a side member, for example. Typically, the opening is fitted with a sealing device 6' designed to provide a seal against water, dust, and various particles, while also providing sound insulation and meeting perceived quality requirements. A body structure area 7' of the vehicle extending opposite the opening, for example a rocker panel, can also be fitted with a sealing element 71' of its own.

[0003] It has been observed that, despite these sealing means and elements 6', 71', water tends to seep between the opening 2' and the body structure 7' and, due in particular to said sealing means and elements 6', 71', the water accumulates, by gravity, and stagnates in the lower step area, specifically in an intermediate zone 150' located between the sealing means and elements 6', 71' of the closed opening 2' and the body structure 7' respectively. This water will be discharged when the opening is opened and can then spill onto the user, which can cause dissatisfaction.

[0004] The invention falls within this context and aims to provide an opening mechanism that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce an opening mechanism equipped with a sealing device that is simple to manufacture, reliable, and can be produced at a lower cost.

[0005] The invention relates to an opening for a motor vehicle, in particular a side opening, comprising at least one support, such as a housing and / or a window frame, and a sealing means disposed on said support. The sealing means is at least partially elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a "compressed" configuration, the sealing means comprising at least a first A portion extending along a first direction, in particular longitudinal and / or horizontal, and at least one notch included in said first portion and extending along a second transverse direction, in particular orthogonal to the first direction. Said notch is configured, when the sealing means is in a "compressed" configuration, to discharge a liquid contained in a first space into a second space, separated from the first space by the sealing means along at least one direction.

[0006] In particular, the first portion of the sealing means may be straight, or substantially straight.

[0007] At least one notch can extend continuously at least in part on either side of a median plane, parallel to the first direction and passing through a midpoint of a profile of the first portion.

[0008] The at least one notch may have an inclined shape with an inclination of between 25 and 50°, in particular between 30 and 45°, relative to a plane in which are inscribed a plurality of points of contact of the sealing means with the support, said points being aligned with the at least one notch along a third direction, orthogonal to the first direction and to the second direction.

[0009] At least one notch may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.

[0010] At least one notch may have a dimension, along the first direction, of between 5 and 10 mm.

[0011] At least one notch may have a central or substantially central position, along the first direction, within the first portion.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the sealing means may include, along the first direction, a primary curved portion and a secondary curved portion, each connected to an opposite end of the first portion, the sealing means comprising two notches, a first notch being disposed near the primary curved portion and a second notch being disposed near a secondary curved portion.

[0013] In particular: - the first notch may have a spacing of between 10 and 50 mm relative to the nearest point on the primary curved portion; and / or - the second notch may have a spacing of between 10 and 50 mm relative to a point on the nearest secondary curved portion.

[0014] The sealing means may extend over all or part of a contour of the opening that is part of the support, in particular in the box and / or in the frame of the opening mounted on said box, the first portion being located at the level of a lower part of the support of the opening.

[0015] The invention also relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising an opening according to the invention and a body structure configured to cooperate with the opening when the latter is in a closed configuration, the sealing means being in the rest configuration when the opening is open and in the "compressed" configuration when the opening is closed, the sealing means being deformed by cooperation with the body structure of the vehicle when the opening is closed.

[0016] The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising an opening and / or an arrangement as described above.

[0017] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figures:

[0018] Fig. 1 represents an external view of an embodiment of a vehicle comprising an opening equipped with a sealing means.

[0019] Fig. 2 represents an interior view of the opening.

[0020] Figure [Fig. 3] shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing means when it is in a resting configuration.

[0021] Fig. 4 represents a cross-sectional view of the sealing means when it is in a "compressed" configuration in contact with the body structure.

[0022] Fig. 5 represents a perspective view of part of the sealing means.

[0023] Fig. 6 represents the sealing means relative to a box structure.

[0024] Figure 7 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a prior art.

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an example of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1, comprising at least one opening 2, in particular a side door. In this case, the opening 2 considered is a front left side door. It is understood that the invention extends to any type of side door, front or rear, as well as right or left. Also, the vehicle 1 can be of any type. For example, the vehicle 1 can be a car or a commercial vehicle.

[0026] Throughout the following description, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer, unless otherwise specified, to an orientation of the vehicle 1. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the usual straight-line direction of travel of the vehicle 1 along a longitudinal axis Ox of a frame of reference Oxyz. The term "vertical" corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis Oz of the frame of reference, orthogonal to the Ox axis, and oriented vertically when the vehicle 1 is on a horizontal surface. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis Oy of the frame of reference Oxyz, perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions.

[0027] Also, the terms "lower" or "upper" refer to relative positions along the vertical axis Oz. The terms "interior" and exterior are defined along the transverse axis Oy, the term "interior" being relative to a side closest to a passenger compartment of vehicle 1 while the term "exterior" is opposite the passenger compartment and turned towards an environment outside vehicle 1.

[0028] Conventionally, the opening 2 comprises a support 3 and a sealing means 6. In particular, the support 3 comprises a housing 4, having at least one lower positioning along the vertical Oz direction and / or a frame 5, for example surrounding a movable pane. According to an alternative not shown, the housing 4 may extend over the entire height of the opening 2 along the vertical Oz direction.

[0029] The housing 4 may include at least one inner panel 41, facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1, and an outer panel 42 facing the environment outside the vehicle 1. The inner panel 41 and the outer panel 42 extend at a non-zero distance from each other. For clarity, the opening 2 illustrated in [Fig. 1] is shown without the outer panel 42 and the inner panel 41.

[0030] The inner panel 41 may, by way of non-limiting example, correspond to a lining panel made of sheet metal, or, alternatively (not shown), to a trim panel fixed to such a lining panel. The housing 4, in particular the inner panel 41, may, for example, include a curved area on which the sealing means 6 is mounted. By curved area 43, we mean an area of ​​the component whose surface vector extends in several directions of the XYZ coordinate system associated with the vehicle 1, in particular two directions. The curved area may, for example, be a stamped area extending towards the passenger compartment.

[0031] The vehicle 1 further comprises a body structure 7 cooperating with the opening 2. Optionally, the body structure 7 can be equipped with a sealing element extending over all or part of a contour of a passage 72 allowing entry and exit of a user of the vehicle, such a passage being configured to extend at least in part opposite the opening 2 considered along the transverse direction Oy.

[0032] The opening 2 and the body structure 7 together define an arrangement according to the invention. In particular, the opening 2 is mounted to move relative to the body structure 7. For example, the opening 2 can be mounted so as to be moved by pivoting or sliding relative to the body structure 7. The opening 2 can be moved between two distinct configurations: a closed configuration, in which it is closed and extends at least partially into contact with the body structure 7 so as to obstruct the passage 72, and an open configuration allowing a user to enter the passenger compartment.

[0033] The sealing means 6 is fixed to the support 3 and can extend over all or part of a contour of the opening 2 that fits within the casing 4 and / or the frame 5. Part In particular, the sealing means 6 extends over all or part of a lower, upper, rear side and / or front side portion of the opening 2. In the illustrated example, the sealing means 6 is located on the casing 4 at the level of the inner panel 41. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing means 6 is at least located at the level of the lower portion of the opening 2. The distance separating the sealing means 6 from the extreme edges delimiting the casing 4 and / or the frame 5 of the opening 2 can be variable.

[0034] Thus, when the opening 2 is closed, it defines, relative to the body structure 7, an intermediate space 150 where water is likely to accumulate, particularly in inclement weather. As further explained below, such an intermediate space 150 may be located in a lower part of the vehicle, for example, at the bottom of a step. The intermediate space 150 extends, in particular, between at least a portion of the sealing means 6 equipping the support 3 of the opening 2 and the body structure 7, which may include the sealing element 71.

[0035] In general, the sealing means 6 is at least partially elastically deformable. It can be made at least partially of an elastomeric material, in particular a rubber such as EPDM, also known as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. The sealing means 6 can be deformed between a rest configuration, illustrated in [Fig. 3], and a compressed configuration, an example of which is illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The sealing means 6 is in the rest configuration, i.e. undeformed or normal, when the opening 2 is open and there is no contact between the opening 2 and the body structure 7 at the areas of the opening 2 carrying the sealing means 6. Conversely, the sealing means 6 is in the "compressed" configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which it is deformed, when the opening 2 is closed and the body structure 7 and the opening 2 cooperate.The body structure 7 then bears at least partial support on the opening 2 and compresses, or crushes, the sealing means 6 in order to deform it.

[0036] The sealing means 6 comprises a fixing plate 8 through which the sealing means 6 is mounted on the casing 4 and / or the frame 5 of the opening 2. For example, the plate 8 may be fixed by means of one or more fixing means 9 such as a clip, a lug, and / or an adhesive such as glue or self-adhesive tape. For example, in the case of a clip, the plate 8 comprises one or more holes 16, each adapted to receive a clip, in particular a retaining collar for said clip, enabling the sealing means 6 to be held in place. The holes 16 in the plate 8 are sized and shaped according to the type of fixing means 9 considered. Here, each clipping member also cooperates with a corresponding orifice 44 included in the support 3, here the housing 4. For example, the clipping member may include a rod 91 elastically deformable, optionally equipped with retaining means. It is understood that, when the fixing means 9 is of the glue or self-adhesive strip type, the support 3 may be without the holes 16.

[0037] The sealing means 6 further comprises a sealing element 10, connected to the base 8 and projecting from the latter. The sealing element 10 is disposed opposite the support 3, i.e. the box 4 and / or the frame 5, relative to the base 8 so that it projects from the support 3 at the level of a considered area bearing the sealing means 6.

[0038] The base 8 and the sealing element 10 form a single unit, meaning that they cannot be separated without resulting in the degradation, or even destruction, of the sealing means 6. The sealing means 6 is produced by extrusion, for example by co-extrusion of materials. Preferably, at least the sealing element 10 is elastically deformable. The sealing element 10 may optionally have greater deformability than the base 8. As previously stated, the sealing means 6 may be made of elastomeric materials such as rubber, in particular EPDM. By way of non-limiting example, the base 8 may be made of solid EPDM and the sealing element 10 may be made of cellular EPDM. Thus, the rigidity of the sealing element 10 may differ from that of the base 8.According to one alternative embodiment, the sealing means 6 can be made of the same material, preferably a cellular EPDM.

[0039] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate a non-limiting example of the sealing means 6 in which, according to a preferred embodiment, the sealing element 10 has a hollow structure, in particular tubular, a wall 101 of the sealing element 10 defining, with the base 8, a first chamber 11. When the opening 2 is closed, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the first chamber 11 is compressed and deformed by the box structure 7.

[0040] The sealing means 6 has at least one closed section defining the contours of the first chamber 11 via the sealing element 10 or via the sealing element 10 and the base 8. In particular, the sealing element 10 may include at least one arc-shaped portion, such a portion being configured to cooperate with the body structure 7 when the opening 2 is closed. For example, as illustrated, the sealing element 10 may have a substantially inverted U-shaped structure connected to the base 8 via two arms 81 such that the first chamber 11 is delimited by the sealing element 10 and the base 8. Alternatively, the sealing element 10 may have a circular, substantially circular, oval, or any other suitable shape section connected to the base 8.

[0041] The base 8 has a profile, along the transverse direction Oy, substantially in the shape of an inverted U; in this sense, it has two arms 12 intended to bear against the support 3, namely the box 4 and / or the frame 5. The base 8 also includes an intermediate portion 13, connecting said arms 12 to each other and helping to delimit the first chamber IL

[0042] Optionally, the intermediate portion 13 and / or at least one of the arms 12 of the sole 8 can form an element at which the sealing member 10 is connected.

[0043] Optionally, particularly when the sealing means 6 is intended to be fixed by means of a fastening means 9 of the clip or lug type, the base 8 may include an intermediate inner portion 14, connecting the arms 12 of the base 8 to each other and configured to cooperate with the fastening means 9. The intermediate portion 13, the arms 12 and the intermediate inner portion 14 then define a second chamber 15. The first chamber 11 and the second chamber 15 are thus arranged on either side of the intermediate portion 13. In other words, the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 15 are separated by a common wall formed by the intermediate portion 13.

[0044] The intermediate inner portion 14 includes the holes 16 which are intended to receive the clipping member or the lug, for example the collar of a clipping member, so that the latter extends partly into the second chamber 15 and then through the support 3. In this way, the base 8 completely covers the orifice 44 and the latter opens into the second chamber 15, thus limiting the risk of liquid passing through the orifice 44 into the support 3, for example into the interior of the housing 4.

[0045] The sealing means 6 may be such that the sealing element 10 has at least a cylindrical shape, i.e., the cross-section of the sealing element 10 is substantially constant. Alternatively, the sealing element 10 may have cross-sections of different shapes and / or dimensions along its entire length.

[0046] The sealing means 6 comprises at least one notch 19. In particular, the at least one notch 19 extends into the sealing member 10.

[0047] At least one notch 19 is included in a first portion 20 of the sealing means 6 which extends along a first direction 100. In particular, the first direction 100 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal direction Ox. Specifically, the first portion 20 of the sealing means 6 is straight, or substantially straight. In particular, it extends horizontally or substantially horizontally relative to the ground on which the vehicle rests. The first portion 20 is framed by curved portions 21.

[0048] The first portion 20 can be arranged, relative to the vertical direction Oz, at the level of a lower part of the support 3, for example of the box 4, of the opening 2. Specifically, the first portion can be positioned in the lower third or quarter of the height of the opening 2, defined along the vertical direction Oz. The first portion 20 then includes at least one point of the sealing means 6 having the lowest possible position within the support 3 of the opening 2 relative to the vertical direction Oz.

[0049] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the first portion 20 may have an intermediate position within the opening 2 along the vertical Oz direction, for example so as to extend to the vicinity of a wheel arch. According to yet another alternative, the sealing means 6 may comprise a plurality of first portions 20, one having a position in the lower part of the opening, as described above, and the other having an intermediate position within the opening 2.

[0050] The notch 19 extends along a second transverse direction 200, that is to say secant to the first direction 100. In particular, the second direction 200 is orthogonal to the first direction 100, for example parallel to the transverse direction Oy.

[0051] The term "notch" refers to a withdrawal of a continuous portion of material from the sealing means 6, here from the sealing element 10, so as to create a recess in the sealing element. In other words, the at least one notch 19 consists of a withdrawal of a continuous portion of material from at least a part of an external surface 601 of the sealing means 6. The at least one notch 19 opens, for example, into the first chamber 11.

[0052] As illustrated in [Fig. 4] by a dashed arrow, at least one notch 19 is configured to discharge any liquid that may accumulate in the intermediate space 150 located, along the transverse direction Oy, between the opening 2 and at least a portion of the body structure 7 of the vehicle 1, to an environment external to the vehicle 1 when the opening 2 is closed, i.e., when the sealing means 6 is deformed into the "compressed" configuration. In other words, at least one notch 19 is configured such that, when the sealing means 6 is in the "compressed" configuration, it fluidly connects the intermediate space 150 to the external environment.According to yet another formulation, at least one notch 19 allows, when the sealing means 6 is in the "compressed" configuration, the evacuation of a liquid contained in a first space to a second space, separated from the first space by the sealing means along at least one direction.

[0053] When the opening is closed, the external environment is opposed to the intermediate space 150 relative to the sealing means 6, particularly at the level of the first portion 20, along at least one direction, for example along the second direction 200 and / or a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction 100 and to the second direction 200. For example, the third direction 300 is parallel to the vertical direction Oz. The sealing means 6 is thus configured to be interposed between the intermediate space 150 and the external environment along at least one direction when the opening is closed. The at least one notch 19 extends from the intermediate space 150 towards the external environment or to a space in the vehicle fluidly connected to the external space. The body structure 7 compresses the sealing means 6, which is displaced into its "compressed" configuration by contact of the body structure 7 with at least one point of the sealing element 10, i.e., of the wall 101, distinct from the at least one notch 19.The body structure 7 is in contact with the outer surface 601 of the sealing element 10 at at least one point distinct from at least one notch 19, such contact deforming the sealing element 10 into its "compressed" configuration. In such a configuration, the notch 19 defines a continuous passage from the intermediate space 150 to a space suitable for allowing the evacuation of said liquid, in particular a space connected to the environment external to the vehicle 1. Such a passage may also be defined by at least a part of the body structure 7.

[0054] In this way, the liquid to be evacuated, located in the intermediate space 150, enters the first chamber 11 by passing through the wall 101 of the sealing element 10 via at least one notch 19, passes through the first chamber 11, and exits towards the external environment via this same at least one notch 19. The at least one notch 19 thus prevents the accumulation of liquid in the intermediate space 150, as any liquid entering this space is then evacuated via the at least one notch 19 as soon as the opening is closed. Such an arrangement also simplifies the manufacture of the sealing means 6 by limiting the number of means required to enable such evacuation.

[0055] The notch 19 extends continuously, at least partially, on either side of a median plane 500 of the profile of the sealing means 6. The median plane 500 extends parallel to the second direction 200 and passes through a midpoint of the profile of the first portion 20. In particular, the median plane 500 extends along the vertical Oz and transverse Oy directions. Specifically, the sealing means 6 is arranged on the support 3 of the opening 2 such that the median plane 500 passes through the housing structure 7.

[0056] Optionally but preferably, the notch 19 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. In particular, primary edges 191, the longer edges of said rectangular shape, extend along a secant direction, for example orthogonal, to the first direction 100 of extension of the first portion 20. Secondary edges 192, the shorter edges, connect the primary edges 191 between These extend along the first direction 100. The notch 19 thus defines a passage fluidly connecting the intermediate space 150 to the external environment, the length of which is defined by the dimensions of the primary edges 191 and the width of which is defined by the dimensions of the secondary edges 192. From a geometric point of view, the notch can be seen as a parallelepiped or nearly parallelepiped-shaped volume that has been locally removed from the sealing element. This notch can be made by cutting the sealing element using one or more blades. Alternatively, in the case of a sealing element obtained by molding, the notch can be obtained directly from the geometry of the mold.

[0057] Preferably, at least one notch 19 has a width 151, along the first direction 100, of between 5 and 10 mm. Such a dimension allows, on the one hand, the passage of water and, on the other hand, limits the entry and accumulation of particles or dust in the first chamber 11.

[0058] Advantageously, at least one notch 19 may have rounded edges, particularly at the connection areas between the primary edges 191 and the secondary edges 192, in order to reduce the risks of wear or tearing of the sealing means 6 at the level of at least one notch 19.

[0059] The notch 19 has, optionally but preferably, an inclined position within the first portion 20 of the sealing means 6. In particular, at least one notch 19 has an inclined shape with an inclination a between 25 and 50°, in particular between 30 and 45°, relative to a plane in which a plurality of contact points of the sealing means 6 with the support 3 are inscribed. Said points are aligned with at least one notch 19 along a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction 100 and to the second direction 200. In particular, the third direction 300 is parallel to the vertical direction Oz. Put another way, at least one notch 19 has an inclined shape with an inclination of between 25 and 50°, in particular between 30 and 45°, relative to a contact plane 250 perpendicular to the median plane 500 as previously described.According to yet another formulation, when the first portion 20 is straight, the inclination a can be defined relative to a flat, or substantially flat, portion of the support 3 at which the first portion 20 of the sealing means 6 is fixed. The inclination a is evaluated at the level of the opposite secondary edges 192 of the notch 19. Advantageously, the inclination a can be predefined as a function of the positioning, in particular along the vertical direction Oz, and / or the shape of the part of the body structure 7 cooperating with the sealing means 6. The depth of the notch 19 is then a function of the geometry of the part of the body structure 7 against which the sealing member 10 of said sealing means 6, in its "compressed" configuration, bears so that . the notch always creates a passage suitable for allowing the evacuation of a liquid through said sealing means, regardless of its deformation.

[0060] In particular, the notch 19 extends, along the third direction 300, at a non-zero distance from the support 3. In particular, the notch 19 is at least separated from the support 3, in this case from a contact surface with the box 4, by the base 8 along the third direction 300.

[0061] In this case, in the illustrated example, the sealing element 10 has an inverted U-shaped form defined, along the second direction 200, by a first segment 102, included in one of the arms 81 and intended to be turned towards the body structure 7 and towards the passenger compartment, a second segment 103, opposite the first segment 102 and turned towards the external environment, and an intermediate segment 104, which connects the first segment 102 to the second segment 103 and is distant from the base 8. Here, "segment" means a portion or part of a whole, the segment in question being able to be straight, bent or curved. The at least one notch 19 extends from the first segment 102 to the second segment 103 via the intermediate segment 104, on either side of the median plane 500. The at least one notch 19 has an inclination a relative to the support 3 and to the contact plane 250 of the sealing means 6 with the support 3 in the vicinity of the at least one notch 19.

[0062] In addition, optionally, a plurality of perforations 17 for venting the air contained in the first chamber 11 may be provided in the sealing element 10 to prevent the door from rebounding when closing. Such perforations are sized to prevent the entry of water or particles and have a longest dimension, namely a diagonal or a diameter depending on the shape of the perforation, of less than 4 mm. Such perforations 17 are therefore not suitable for liquid drainage. Indeed, these perforations 17, present in the sealing element 10 of the sealing means 6, become wholly or partially blocked in the "compressed" configuration of the sealing element 10, which limits, or even prevents, the passage of water and / or particles through these perforations.

[0063] Also, the sealing means 6 may optionally include one or more weakening elements 18 of the sealing element 10 configured to facilitate the deformation of the latter when compressed by the body structure 7. For example, such weakening elements 18 may be areas of reduction in the thickness of the wall 101 of the sealing element 10, contained in an inner surface, opposite the outer surface 601 and facing the first chamber 11. According to another example, the weakening element 18 may be a curvature of the wall 101 forming a recess extending towards the first chamber 11.

[0064] Figures 1 and 6 illustrate an example of an embodiment of a first mode of real- implementation of the invention in which the sealing means 6 comprises, within the first portion 20, two notches 19. In particular, as previously explained, the first portion 20 may be a straight or substantially straight portion. Also, the first portion 20 can be positioned lower within the opening 2. The notches 19 are thus arranged at the bottom of the opening 2, opposite the door threshold, in the area most likely to accumulate liquid. Alternatively, the intermediate portion can be positioned intermediately along the vertical Oz direction, as described previously.

[0065] The sealing means 6 further comprises a plurality of curved portions 21 framing, along the first direction 100, the first portion 20. In particular, a primary curved portion 22 and a secondary curved portion 23 are each connected to an opposite end of the first portion 20. In this case, a first notch 19' is disposed near the primary curved portion 22 and a second notch 19" is disposed near the secondary curved portion 23. It is understood that the terms "primary" and "secondary" are intended here to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy.

[0066] In particular, the first notch 19' has a spacing of between 5 and 60 mm, or even between 10 and 50 mm, relative to a point on the primary curved portion 22 closest to the first notch 19'. Similarly, the second notch 19" has a spacing of between 5 and 60 mm, or even between 10 and 50 mm, relative to a point on the secondary curved portion 23 closest to the second notch 19". Also, the first notch 19' and the second notch 19" may optionally have a spacing, relative to each other, greater than 20 mm.

[0067] Such an embodiment can be implemented in particular when the first portion 20 has a length, along the first direction 100, greater than or equal to 150 mm. For example, such an embodiment can be implemented for a front side door or a rear side door.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the sealing means 6 comprises, within the first portion 20, a notch 19 having a central or substantially central position along the second direction 200 within the first portion 20. The preceding description applies mutatis mutandis. The notch 19 may optionally be disposed at a distance of between 5 and 60 mm, or even between 10 and 50 mm, relative to a point on the primary and secondary curved portions 22, 23 closest to the notch 19.

[0069] Such an embodiment can be implemented, in particular, when the first portion 20 has a length, along the first direction 100, of less than 150 mm. For example, such an embodiment can be implemented for a door rear lateral and / or for a first portion 20 arranged at the intermediate level of the opening 2 along the vertical direction Oz.

[0070] The present invention thus proposes an opening for a motor vehicle, making it possible to avoid the accumulation of liquid between the opening and the body structure at a lower cost and simple to manufacture.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, but also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically feasible combination of such means. In particular, the shape or dimensions of the sealing means, the fastening means, or the panels of the opening may be modified without prejudice to the invention, provided that they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. A motor vehicle (1) opening (2), in particular a side opening (2), comprising at least one support (3), such as a housing (4) and / or a frame (5) for a window, and a sealing means (6) disposed on said support (3), the sealing means (6) being at least partially elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a "compressed" configuration, the sealing means (6) comprising at least a first portion (20) extending along a first direction (100), in particular longitudinal and / or horizontal, and a sealing element (10) having an inverted U-shape defined, along a second direction (200), by a first segment (102), intended to be oriented towards a body structure (7) and a passenger compartment, a second segment (103), opposite and oriented towards an external environment, and an intermediate segment (104) which connects the first segment (102) to the second segment (103), the sealing means comprising, in addition,at least one notch (19) included in the first portion (20) and extending along the second transverse direction (200), in particular orthogonal to the first direction (100), the at least one notch (19) being configured, when the sealing means (6) is in the "compressed" configuration, to discharge a liquid contained in a first space (150) into a second space, separated from the first space by the sealing means (6) along at least one direction, and the at least one notch (19) extending continuously at least in part on either side of a median plane (500), parallel to the first direction (100) and passing through a midpoint of a profile of the first portion (20), from the first segment (102) to the second segment (103) via the intermediate segment (104).

2. Opening (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first portion (20) of the sealing means (6) is straight, or substantially straight.

3. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one notch (19) has an inclined shape with an inclination (a) of between 25 and 50°, in particular between 30 and 45°, relative to a plane in which a plurality of contact points of the sealing means (6) with the support (3) are inscribed, said points being aligned with at least one notch (19) along a third direction (300), orthogonal to the first direction (100) and to the second direction (200).

4. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one notch (19) has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.

5. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one notch (19) has a dimension, along the first direction (100), of between 5 and 10 mm.

6. Opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one notch (19) has a central or substantially central position, along the first direction (100), within the first portion (20).

7. Opening (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing means (6) comprises, along the first direction (100), a primary curved portion (22) and a secondary curved portion (23), each connected to an opposite end of the first portion (20), the sealing means (6) comprising two notches (19, 19', 19"), a first notch (19') being disposed near the primary curved portion (22) and a second notch (19") being disposed near a secondary curved portion (23).

8. Opening (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the first notch (19') has a spacing of between 10 and 50 mm relative to a point of the primary curved portion (22) nearest; and / or - the second notch (19”) has a spacing of between 10 and 50 mm relative to a point of the secondary curved portion (23) nearest.

9. An arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising an opening (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a body structure (7) configured to cooperate with the opening (2) when the latter is in a closed configuration, the sealing means (6) being in the rest configuration when the opening (2) is open and in the "compressed" configuration when the opening (2) is closed, the sealing means (6) being deformed by cooperation with the body structure (7) of the vehicle (1) when the opening (2) is closed.

10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an opening (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or an arrangement according to claim 9.

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