FRAMELESS DOOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A frameless door vehicle (10) comprising: - a frame (15), - two frameless front doors (12), and - sealing gaskets mounted in the front openings (16) and capable of providing a seal between the frame (15) and the doors (12) when the doors (12) are in their closed position, the sealing gaskets being entirely made by co-extrusion from thermoplastic material and each comprising a longitudinal tube (60) which is closed along its length and covered with a longitudinal sliding layer (64) on which the glass of the corresponding door can cooperate by bearing and sliding. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: FRAMELESS DOOR VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a frameless door vehicle. Technical background

[0002] A frameless door vehicle is a vehicle in which at least some of the doors do not have a peripheral frame around the glass of each of these doors.

[0003] Figure 1 shows an example of such a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 shown here is of the 4-door type but could be of the 2-door type. Therefore, the number of doors on the vehicle 10 is not limited, and neither is the number of frameless doors on the vehicle.

[0004] As in the example shown, a 4-door vehicle 10 generally comprises 4 frameless doors 12, 14, which are the side doors of the vehicle 10. The doors 12 are the front side doors, respectively on the driver's side and passenger's side. The doors 14 are the rear side doors, at the level of the rear seat of the vehicle 10.

[0005] In the case of a 2-door vehicle, the vehicle generally includes 2 frameless doors, which are front side doors of the vehicle 10 and which are similar to the doors 12 of [Fig.1].

[0006] The vehicle 10 includes a frame 15 having two front lateral openings 16 and two rear lateral openings 18.

[0007] The two front doors 12 are associated respectively with the two front openings 16, each of the front doors 12 being pivotally mounted from an open position to a closed position in which it folds into the corresponding front opening 16. The front doors 12 are in the open position in [Fig. 1], and the axes A represent the pivot axes of the front doors 12. These axes A are substantially vertical here, although this aspect is not limiting.

[0008] The two rear doors 14 are associated respectively with the two rear openings 18, each of the rear doors 14 being pivotally mounted from an open position to a closed position in which it folds into the corresponding rear opening 18. The rear doors 14 are in the open position in [Fig. 1], and the axes B represent the pivot axes of the rear doors 14. These axes B are substantially vertical here, although this aspect is not limiting.

[0009] Each of the doors 12, 14 comprises a lower box 20 and a pane of glass 22 movable from a lower position in which it is housed at least partially in the box 20 to an upper position in which it extends at least partially above box 20. In [Fig.1], the windows 22 are shown in upper position.

[0010] The window 22 of each door 12, 14 has a peripheral contour divided into several peripheral edges. The contour of each window 22 includes an upper peripheral edge 24, a front peripheral edge 26, and a rear peripheral edge 28.

[0011] Depending on the position of the window, at least part of these edges may be free. For example, with regard to the front doors 12, the upper peripheral edges 24 and rear edges 28 may be free when the window 22 is in its upper position. The front edge 26, on the other hand, may be engaged in a rearview mirror module or a fixed window module 30 carried by the corresponding door 12, for example. When the window 22 moves, the front edge 26 of the window 22 then slides within the fixed window module 30.

[0012] With regard to the rear doors 14, the upper peripheral edges 24 and front edges 26 can be free when the window 22 is in its upper position. The rear edge 28, on the other hand, can be free, or in some cases engaged in another fixed window module carried by the corresponding door 12, for example. When the window 22 moves, the rear edge 28 of the window 22 then slides within the fixed window module.

[0013] In a known manner, sealing gaskets are mounted in the openings 16, 18 and are suitable for making a seal between the frame 15 and the doors 12, 14 when the doors 12, 14 are in their closed position.

[0014] When the vehicle doors are of the framed or framed type, each frame extends around the peripheral contour of a window and is designed to cooperate in compression with the frame seals when the door is closed. The seal is compressed when the door is folded into the opening and the frame presses against the seal to crush it against the frame.

[0015] When the vehicle doors are of the frameless type as in [Fig. 1], the glass of each frameless door is designed to cooperate in compression with the frame seals when the door is closed. The seal is compressed when the door is folded into the opening and the free peripheral edges of the glass press against the seal to flatten it against the frame.

[0016] Furthermore, in the context of a frameless door vehicle, in addition to resisting compression, the seals must resist sliding and friction of the free peripheral edges of the windows on these seals. Indeed, due to the absence of a frame, it is the free peripheral edges of the windows that directly cooperate by sliding with the seals when the windows move between their lower and upper positions, and vice versa.

[0017] The requirements for the strength of the seals on a vehicle with framed doors are therefore different from those of the seals on a frameless vehicle. The seals on a vehicle with frameless doors must withstand the friction and abrasion forces of the peripheral edges of the windows in addition to the compressive forces, which is not the case for the seals on a vehicle with framed doors, which only have to withstand the compressive forces.

[0018] As schematically represented in [Fig.2], the seals of a frameless door vehicle 10 can generally comprise:

[0019] - a first vertical joint 34 which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame 15 at the rear of the front door 12 in the case of a 2-door vehicle (and also between the front and rear doors 12, 14 in the case of a 4-door vehicle),

[0020] - a second seal 36 which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame 15 above of the front door 12 in the case of a 2-door vehicle (and also above the rear door 14 in the case of a 4-door vehicle), and

[0021] - a third joint 38 which forms a closed loop and which is fixed to the frame 15, on all around the front opening 16 in the case of a 2-door vehicle.

[0022] In the case of a 4-door vehicle, there is also:

[0023] - a fourth vertical joint 40 which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame 15 at the front of the rear door 14 (or between the front and rear doors 12, 14),

[0024] - a fifth joint 42 which forms a closed loop and which is fixed to the frame 15, on all around the rear opening 18, and

[0025] - possibly a sixth joint 46 which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame 15 at the rear of the rear door 14.

[0026] Each of these joints is generally formed by an extruded longitudinal body on which a sliding layer is deposited which makes it possible to reduce the aforementioned friction forces during the movement of the glass as mentioned above.

[0027] Moreover, these joints are generally associated with moldings, for example at the ends of the joints.

[0028] In current techniques, to obtain a finished part (extrusion and molding) with a uniformly sliding property, the solution consists of coating, in a secondary operation, in one or more passes, certain portions or even the entire part by means of a projection or spraying process of a varnish that forms the sliding layer. This type of joint is, however, complex, time-consuming, and expensive to produce.

[0029] The present invention proposes a solution to this problem, which is simple, effective and economical. Summary of the invention

[0030] The present invention proposes a frameless door vehicle comprising:

[0031] - a frame comprising two lateral front openings,

[0032] - two frameless front doors associated respectively with the two openings front, each of the front doors being mounted pivotally from an open position to a closed position in which it folds into the corresponding front opening, each of the front doors comprising a lower housing and a movable window from a lower position in which it is housed at least partly within the housing to an upper position in which it extends at least partly above the housing, the window of each front door comprising at least upper and rear peripheral edges which are free when the window is in said upper position, and

[0033] - sealing gaskets mounted in the front openings and capable of making a sealing between the frame and the doors when the doors are in their closed position, the sealing joints comprising, in each of the openings:

[0034] - a first vertical joint which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame at the rear of the front door and which is capable of cooperating, firstly by sliding with the rear peripheral edge of the glass when the glass is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and secondly by compression with the glass when the door is moved from its open position to its closed position,

[0035] - a second seal which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame above of the front door and which is capable of cooperating, firstly by sliding with the upper peripheral edge of the glass when the glass is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and secondly by compression with the glass when the door is moved from its open position to its closed position, and

[0036] - a third joint which forms a closed loop and which is fixed to the frame, on all the perimeter of the opening, this third seal being able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the peripheral rear and upper edges of the glass when the glass is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the glass when the door is moved from its open position to its closed position,

[0037] characterized in that:

[0038] - said first seal is made of thermoplastic (TP) material and comprises a first longitudinal tube produced by coextrusion which extends vertically and is closed along its length, the first tube comprising a first longitudinal wall covered with a first longitudinal sliding layer produced by coextrusion on which said rear peripheral edge is able to bear during said compression, and on which said rear peripheral edge is capable of sliding during the aforementioned sliding, and / or

[0039] - said second seal is made of thermoplastic (TP) material and comprises a a second longitudinal tube produced by coextrusion which extends at the top of the opening and is closed along its length, the second tube comprising a second longitudinal wall covered with a second longitudinal sliding layer produced by coextrusion on which said upper peripheral edge is able to bear during said compression, and on which said upper peripheral edge is able to slide during the aforementioned sliding, and / or

[0040] - said third seal is made of thermoplastic (TP) material and comprises a third longitudinal tube made by coextrusion which extends around the entire perimeter of the opening and which is closed along its length, the third tube comprising a third longitudinal wall covered with a third longitudinal sliding layer made by coextrusion on which said front, rear and upper peripheral edges are able to bear during said compression, and on which said front, rear and upper peripheral edges are able to slide during the aforementioned sliding.

[0041] The distinctive feature of the invention lies in the fact that the three aforementioned seals can all be produced by co-extrusion with their respective sliding layers. Furthermore, these seals are advantageously made entirely of thermoplastic.

[0042] Each of the seals comprises a longitudinal tube that is closed along its length, and is therefore of the "closed" type, as opposed to an "open" tube, which has a slit along its entire length. A closed tube thus comprises an internal (closed) cavity extending along the entire length of the tube and communicating with the outside only at the longitudinal ends of the tube. Air passage holes may, however, be provided through the wall of the seal to facilitate compression of the seal by allowing the air contained in the tube to be expelled.

[0043] The tube of each seal comprises a wall covered with the sliding layer, this sliding layer being able to cooperate with a peripheral edge of a window on the one hand by support during compression of the seal, and on the other hand by sliding during movement of the window.

[0044] The distinctive feature of this sliding layer is that it is produced by co-extrusion with the tube, and no longer by projection or spraying as in the prior art. This sliding layer can be combined with molded or overmolded portions or parts that are inherently slippery and do not require the projection or spraying of additional slippery varnish, as mentioned above.

[0045] The vehicle according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0046] + the structure further comprises:

[0047] - two rear side openings,

[0048] - two frameless rear doors associated respectively with the two openings rear, each of the rear doors being pivotally mounted from an open position to a closed position in which it folds into the corresponding rear opening, each of the rear doors comprising a lower housing and a movable window from a lower position in which it is housed at least partly within the housing to an upper position in which it extends at least partly above the housing, the window of each rear door comprising at least upper and front peripheral edges which are free when the window is in said upper position, and

[0049] - sealing gaskets mounted in the rear openings and capable of making a sealing between the frame and the doors when the doors are in their closed position, the sealing joints comprising, in each of the openings, a fourth vertical joint which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame at the front of the rear door and which is capable of cooperating, on the one hand by sliding with the front peripheral edge of the glass when the glass is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the glass when the door is moved from its open position to its closed position,

[0050] said fourth joint being made of thermoplastic material and comprising a fourth longitudinal tube made by coextrusion which extends vertically and which is closed along its length, the fourth tube comprising a fourth longitudinal wall covered with a fourth longitudinal sliding layer made by coextrusion on which said front peripheral edge is able to bear during said compression, and on which said front peripheral edge is able to slide during the aforementioned sliding;

[0051] + each second joint extends from the corresponding front opening to the rear opening located behind this front opening, each second seal being fixed to the frame above the rear door and being able to cooperate, firstly by sliding with the upper peripheral edge of the rear door window when the window is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and secondly by compression with the rear door window when the rear door is moved from its open position to its closed position, and the upper peripheral edge of the window is able to bear against the second layer of sliding during said compression, and sliding on this second sliding layer during the aforementioned sliding;

[0052] + the sealing gaskets comprise, in each of the rear openings, a a fifth seal which forms a closed loop and is fixed to the frame, around the entire perimeter of the rear opening, this fifth seal being capable of cooperating, on the one hand by sliding with the front, rear and upper peripheral edges of the rear door glass when the glass is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the rear door glass when the rear door is moved from its open position to its closed position, and said fifth seal is made of thermoplastic material and comprises a fifth longitudinal tube made by co-extrusion which extends around the entire perimeter of the rear opening and is closed along its length, the fifth tube having a fifth longitudinal wall covered with a fifth longitudinal sliding layer made by co-extrusion on which said front peripheral edges,rear and upper edges are capable of bearing weight during said compression, and on which said front and upper peripheral edges are capable of sliding during the aforementioned sliding;

[0053] + the sealing gaskets comprise, in each of the rear openings, a sixth seal which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame at the rear of the rear door and which is capable of cooperating, on the one hand by sliding with a rear peripheral edge of the rear door window when the window is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the rear door window when the rear door is moved from its open position to its closed position, and said sixth seal is made of thermoplastic material and comprises a sixth longitudinal tube made by coextrusion which extends vertically and is closed along its length, the sixth tube having a sixth longitudinal wall covered with a sixth longitudinal sliding layer made by coextrusion on which said rear peripheral edge is capable of bearing during said compression,and on which said rear peripheral edge is capable of sliding during the aforementioned sliding;

[0054] — each of the rear doors further comprises, behind its movable window, a fixed window and includes sealing gaskets which comprise, in each of the rear openings, a sixth gasket which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame at the rear of the fixed rear door window and which is capable of cooperating by compression with the fixed rear door window when the rear door is moved from its open position to its closed position, and in which said sixth gasket is entirely made by coextrusion of thermoplastic material and comprises a sixth longitudinal tube made by coextrusion which extends vertically and which is closed along its length, the sixth tube comprising a sixth longitudinal wall covered with a sixth longitudinal sliding layer produced by coextrusion on which said peripheral edge is able to bear during said compression;

[0055] + the tube or each tube is made of TPE;

[0056] + the joint or each joint comprises a joining and / or finishing piece made by overmolding in a thermoplastic material; this type of part can be a functional part and not just an aesthetic one;

[0057] + the thermoplastic material of the joining and / or finishing part and the material thermoplastic of the sliding layer of the corresponding joint each have a coefficient of friction less than 1;

[0058] — the thermoplastic material of the joining and / or finishing part and the material thermoplastic of the sliding layer of the corresponding joint have Shore hardnesses which differ from each other by less than 30 points, and preferably by less than 15 points;

[0059] + the one or each sliding layer is made of TPE;

[0060] + the tube or each tube comprises at least one wall having a density between 0.8 and 1.1, and preferably between 0.8 and 0.9;

[0061] + the one or each sliding layer has a hardness greater than the rest of the tube corresponding;

[0062] + the one or each sliding layer has a hardness of less than 85 Shore A, and of preference less than 80 Shore A;

[0063] + the one or each sliding layer is smooth and therefore untextured;

[0064] + the or each sliding layer has a thickness less than a thickness of the longitudinal wall covered by this layer;

[0065] + the one or each sliding layer has a thickness between 50 µm and 200 µm, and preferably between 70pm and 130pm;

[0066] + the one or each longitudinal wall has a hardness between 20 and 60ShA, and of preference between 25 and 40ShA;

[0067] + the one or each longitudinal wall has a thickness between 0.5 and 2 mm, and of preference between 0.8 and 1.8mm;

[0068] + the or each longitudinal wall is cellular;

[0069] — where each longitudinal wall is multilayered;

[0070] — where each longitudinal wall is compact;

[0071] — the tube or each tube comprises, in addition to the longitudinal wall covered by the sliding layer, a longitudinal wall that is more rigid than the longitudinal wall covered by the sliding layer, and / or a longitudinal wall that is more flexible than the longitudinal wall covered by the sliding layer;

[0072] + the tube or each tube comprises, in addition to the longitudinal wall covered by the sliding layer, a longitudinal wall with a V-shaped cross-section forming a compressible bellows;

[0073] + the seal or each seal comprises at least one sealing or cosmetic lip in protrusion, the one or each lip being compact;

[0074] + the joint or each joint includes at least one frame fixing element chosen from at least one hook, at least one harpoon, at least one adhesive, at least one recess and at least one clamp;

[0075] — the or each sliding layer has in cross-section a general shape in L, C or U;

[0076] — the one or each sliding layer covers a convex curved surface of the tube corresponding. Brief description of the figures

[0077] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0078] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a doorless vehicle frame ;

[0079] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a very schematic perspective view of the frame of a vehicle with a frameless door, equipped with sealing gaskets;

[0080] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a very schematic view of sealing gaskets for a frameless door vehicle;

[0081] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic view of an embodiment of sealing joints for a frameless door vehicle;

[0082] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is another schematic view of the sealing joints of the [Fig.4], in assembled position;

[0083] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a very schematic view of sealing joints for a frameless door vehicle, according to one embodiment variant;

[0084] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a very schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing gasket for a frameless door vehicle;

[0085] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a very schematic cross-sectional view of another sealing gasket for a frameless door vehicle;

[0086] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a very schematic cross-sectional view of another sealing gasket for a frameless door vehicle. Detailed description of the invention

[0087] Figures 1 and 2 have been described above but may be considered as illustrating a part of the invention. The elements described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 may therefore be used to describe the invention.

[0088] The present invention relates to a frameless 10-door vehicle which, as mentioned above, can be a 2-door vehicle or a 4-door vehicle.

[0089] Depending on the number of doors of the vehicle, the vehicle frame 15 includes more or fewer seals which are configured to ensure a seal between the doors 12, 14 and the frame 15, and in particular between the windows 22 of the doors 12, 14 and the frame 15.

[0090] The following description refers to a 4-door vehicle comprising at least 5 seals 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 or even 46. However, the invention also applies to a 2-door vehicle and therefore to 3 seals 34, 36 and 38.

[0091] Furthermore, the following description refers to one of the sides of the vehicle 10 and it is understood that this description applies to each side of the vehicle.

[0092] With reference to figures 3 and 4, the first vertical seal 34 has an elongated shape and is fixed on the frame 15 (not shown) at the rear of the front door 12 (not shown) and is able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the rear peripheral edge 28 of the window 22 of the front door 12, when the window 22 is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the window 22 when the front door 12 is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0093] The second seal 36 has an elongated shape and is fixed on the frame 15 above the front door 12 and is able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the upper peripheral edge 24 of the window 22 of the front door when the window 22 is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the window 22 when the front door 12 is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0094] In the context of a 4-door vehicle, the second seal 36 is also fixed to the frame 15 above the rear door 14 and is able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the upper peripheral edge 24 of the window 22 of the rear door 14 when the window 22 is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the window 22 of the rear door 14 when the rear door 14 is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0095] The third seal 38 forms a closed loop and is fixed to the frame 15, all around the opening 16. This third seal 38 is able to cooperate, firstly, by sliding with the peripheral edges front 26, rear 28 and upper 24 of the window 22 of the front door when the window 22 is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and secondly, by compression with the window 22 of the front door 12 when the door 12 is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0096] In the context of a 4-door vehicle, the fourth seal 40 has an elongated shape and is fixed to the frame 15 at the front of the rear door 14. The fourth seal 40 is able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the front peripheral edge 26 of the window 22 of the rear door 14 when the window 22 is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the window 22 of the rear door 14 when the door 14 is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0097] In the context of a 4-door vehicle, the fifth seal 42 forms a closed loop and is fixed to the frame, all around the rear opening 18. This fifth seal 42 is able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the peripheral front 26, rear 28 and upper 24 edges of the window 22 of the rear door 14 when the window 22 is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the window 22 of the rear door 14 when the rear door 14 is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0098] In a 4-door vehicle, a sixth seal 46 having an elongated shape can be fixed to the frame 15 at the rear of the rear opening 18. This sixth seal 46 is adapted to cooperate, firstly, by sliding with a rear peripheral edge 28 of the rear door window 22 14 when the window is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and secondly, by compression with the rear door window 22 14 when the rear door is moved from its open position to its closed position.

[0099] According to the invention, at least some of the seals 34, 36 and 38, and preferably all of the seals 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and 46, are preferably made entirely of thermoplastic material, which facilitates their manufacture and reduces their production cost. Furthermore, with the exception of overmolded parts or portions, the seals, and in particular their tubes and sliding layers, are preferably made by coextrusion.

[0100] As illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the joints 34 and 40 can be molded or overmolded by a functional joining piece 44. The assembly formed by the referenced elements 34, 40 and 44 is then fixed directly or indirectly on the frame 15, for example at the level of the middle pillar of the vehicle 10.

[0101] The seals 34 and 40 can be completed by one or more functional connecting pieces 48, which may or may not be linked together. The seal 46 can be overmolded by one or two functional finishing pieces 52 at its ends. The seal 36 can be overmolded at one or both ends by a functional finishing piece 50.

[0102] The functional finishing parts 52 do not necessarily ensure a connection between the joints 36 and 46.

[0103] The functional connecting piece 44 ensures a connection between the joints 34, 40.

[0104] The functional connecting parts 48 can ensure a connection between the joints 34, 40 but do not necessarily ensure a connection between joints 34, 40, on the one hand, and joint 36, on the other hand.

[0105] Figures 7 to 9 show examples of cross-sectional views of the aforementioned joints.

[0106] [Fig.7] illustrates for example the joint 36. [Fig.8] illustrates for example one of the joints 34, 40, and [Fig.9] illustrates for example one of the joints 38, 42.

[0107] Each joint 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 or even 46 comprises a longitudinal tube 60 which is closed along its length. The tube 60 has a longitudinal wall 62 covered with a longitudinal sliding layer 64 intended to cooperate with a free edge of the glass, as mentioned above.

[0108] According to the general orientation of the joint, the tube follows the same orientation as the joint.

[0109] The tube 60 of the joint 34 extends, for example, vertically. Its sliding layer 64 cooperates by support and sliding with the rear peripheral edge 28 of the window 22 of the front door 12 ([Fig.8]).

[0110] The tube 60 of the seal 36 extends to the top of the opening 16 or even of the opening 18. Its sliding layer 64 cooperates by support and sliding with the upper peripheral edge 24 of the window 22 of the front door 12 or even of the window 22 of the rear door 14 ([Fig.7]).

[0111] The tube 60 of the seal 38 extends around the entire perimeter of the opening 16. Its sliding layer 64 cooperates by support and sliding with the peripheral front 26, upper 24 and rear 28 edges of the glass 22 of the front door 12 ([Fig.9]).

[0112] The tube 60 of the seal 40 extends, for example, vertically. Its sliding layer 64 cooperates by bearing and sliding with the front peripheral edge 26 of the window 22 of the rear door ([Fig.8]).

[0113] The tube 60 of the seal 42 extends around the entire perimeter of the opening 18. Its sliding layer 64 cooperates by support and sliding with the upper peripheral edges 24, front 26 and rear 28 of the window 22 of the rear door 14 ([Fig.9]).

[0114] The tube 60 of the seal 46 extends for example in an inclined or vertical manner at the rear of the opening 18. Its sliding layer 64 cooperates by support and sliding with the rear peripheral edge 28 of the window 22 of the rear door 14.

[0115] In some cases, the fixed window module of the rear door 14 may include a fixed window that retracts vertically over a predetermined stroke. This fixed window is then of the "short drop" type. The sliding layer 64 of the tube 60 can then cooperate by pressing and compressing with a peripheral edge of this fixed window of the rear door 14.

[0116] The following description relates to a joint but can be applied to all the joints described above.

[0117] The tube 60 is preferably made of a material from the family of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) which includes for example TPE-S (TPE and styrene copolymer), TPE-V (thermoplastic copolymer and crosslinked rubber), TPO (TPE and polypropylene copolymer), etc.

[0118] The sliding layer 64 is preferably made of TPE.

[0119] Preferably, the joining and finishing pieces 44, 48, 50, 52 are made by overmolding or injection molding in a thermoplastic material (TP or TPE) with sliding properties identical or similar to those of the material of the corresponding sliding layer 64.

[0120] The tube 60 may include at least one wall having a density between 0.8 and 1.1, and preferably between 0.8 and 0.9.

[0121] The sliding layer 64 preferably has a higher hardness than the rest of the corresponding tube 60.

[0122] The sliding layer 64 preferably has a hardness of less than 85 Shore A, and preferably less than 80 Shore A.

[0123] The sliding layer 64 is preferably smooth and therefore untextured, unlike the prior art.

[0124] The sliding layer 64 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the longitudinal wall 62 covered by this layer, as illustrated in the drawings.

[0125] The sliding layer 64 preferably has a thickness between 50pm and 200pm, and preferably between 70pm and 130pm.

[0126] The longitudinal wall 62 preferably has a hardness between 20 and 60ShA, and preferably between 25 and 40ShA.

[0127] The longitudinal wall 62 preferably has a thickness between 0.5 and 2mm, and preferably between 0.8 and 1.8mm.

[0128] The longitudinal walls 62 and 68 can be compact, or cellular or alveolar and thus comprise gas-filled cells, or a combination of both, possibly in the form of a multilayer wall.

[0129] The tube 60 may include, in addition to the longitudinal wall 62 covered by the sliding layer 64, a longitudinal wall 66 which is more rigid than the longitudinal wall 62 covered by the sliding layer 64.

[0130] Furthermore, the tube 60 may include a longitudinal wall 68 which is more flexible than the sliding layer 64.

[0131] The joint of [Fig.7] includes for example a more rigid wall 66.

[0132] The joint of [Fig.8] includes for example a more rigid wall 66 and a more flexible wall 68 which has an extension forming a sealing lip 70.

[0133] The joint of [Fig.9] includes for example a more rigid wall 66 and a more flexible wall 68.

[0134] The tube 60 may include, in addition to the longitudinal wall 62 covered by the sliding layer 64, a longitudinal wall with a V-shaped cross-section forming a compressible bellows. In the example of [Fig. 9], it is the flexible wall 68 that has this V-shaped and bellows-like form.

[0135] The seal may include one or more lips which are sealing lips such as lips 72 in [Fig.9], or cosmetic lips such as lip 74 in [Fig.9], or both (both sealing and cosmetic).

[0136] Lips 70, 72 and 74 are preferably compact lips.

[0137] The joint may further include at least one fixing element 80 to the frame 15. This fixing element 80 may be chosen from at least one hook 82 as in [Fig.7], at least one harpoon 84 as in [Fig.8], at least one adhesive, at least one recess, at least one clamp 86 as in [Fig.9], etc.

[0138] The clamp 86 has a general U-shaped form and comprises two lateral arms 86a, 86b connected by a base 86c. The tube 60 is integral with one of the arms 86a, the lip 74 is integral with the base 86, and the lips 72 are located inside the U of the clamp 86 and integral with the arms 86a, 86b.

Claims

1. Demands Frameless door vehicle (10) comprising: - a frame (15) comprising two lateral front openings (16), - two frameless front doors (12) associated respectively with the two front openings (16), each of the front doors (12) being pivotally mounted from an open position to a closed position in which it folds into the corresponding front opening (16), each of the front doors (12) comprising a lower housing (20) and a window (22) movable from a lower position in which it is housed at least partially within the housing (20) to an upper position in which it extends at least partially above the housing (20), the window (22) of each front door (16) comprising at least upper and rear peripheral edges (24, 28) which are free when the window (22) is in said upper position, and - sealing gaskets mounted in the front openings (16) and capable of providing a seal between the frame (15) and the doors (12) when the doors (12) are in their closed position, the sealing gaskets comprising, in each of the openings: - a first vertical seal (34) which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame (15) at the rear of the front door (12) and which is able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the rear peripheral edge (28) of the window (22) when the window (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the window (22) when the door (12) is moved from its open position to its closed position, - a second seal (36) which has an elongated shape and is fixed to the frame (15) above the front door (12) and which is capable of cooperating, on the one hand, by sliding with the upper peripheral edge (24) of the glass (22) when the glass (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand, by compression with the glass (22) when the door (12) is moved from its open position to its closed position, and - a third seal (38) which forms a closed loop and is fixed to the frame (15), all around the perimeter of the opening (16), this third seal (38) being able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the peripheral rear and upper edges (28, 24) of the glass

2. (22) when the glass (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the glass (22) when the door (12) is moved from its open position to its closed position, characterized in that: - said first joint (34) is made of thermoplastic material and comprises a first longitudinal tube (60) produced by coextrusion which extends vertically and is closed along its length, the first tube (60) having a first longitudinal wall (62) covered with a first longitudinal sliding layer (64) produced by coextrusion on which said rear peripheral edge (28) is able to bear during said compression, and on which said rear peripheral edge (28) is able to slide during the aforementioned sliding, and / or - said second seal (36) is made of thermoplastic material and comprises a second longitudinal tube (60) produced by coextrusion which extends at the top of the opening (16) and which is closed along its length, the second tube (60) having a second longitudinal wall (62) covered with a second longitudinal sliding layer (64) produced by coextrusion on which said upper peripheral edge (24) is able to bear during said compression, and on which said upper peripheral edge (24) is able to slide during the aforementioned sliding, and / or - said third joint (38) is made of thermoplastic material and comprises a third longitudinal tube (60) made by coextrusion which extends around the entire perimeter of the opening (16) and which is closed along its length, the third tube (60) comprising a third longitudinal wall (62) covered with a third longitudinal sliding layer (64) made by coextrusion on which said rear and upper peripheral edges (28, 24) are able to bear during said compression, and on which said rear and upper peripheral edges (26, 28, 24) are able to slide during the aforementioned sliding. Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (15) further comprises: - two rear side openings (18), - two frameless rear doors (14) associated respectively with the two rear openings (18), each of the rear doors (14) being

3. pivoting from an open position to a closed position in which it is folded into the corresponding rear opening (18), each of the rear doors (16) comprising a lower housing (20) and a window (22) movable from a lower position in which it is housed at least partially in the housing (20) to an upper position in which it extends at least partially above the housing (20), the window (22) of each rear door (14) comprising at least upper and front peripheral edges (24, 26) which are free when the window (22) is in said upper position, and - sealing gaskets mounted in the rear openings (18) and capable of providing a seal between the frame (15) and the doors (14) when the doors (14) are in their closed position, the sealing gaskets comprising, in each of the openings (18), a fourth vertical gasket (40) which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame (15) at the front of the rear door (14) and which is capable of cooperating, on the one hand by sliding with the front peripheral edge (26) of the glass (22) when the glass (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand by compression with the glass (22) when the door (14) is moved from its open position to its closed position, said fourth gasket (40) being made of thermoplastic material and comprising a fourth longitudinal tube (60) made by coextrusion which extends vertically and which is closed along its length,the fourth tube (60) comprising a fourth longitudinal wall (62) covered with a fourth longitudinal sliding layer (64) produced by co-extrusion on which said front peripheral edge (26) is able to bear during said compression, and on which said front peripheral edge (26) is able to slide during the aforementioned sliding. Vehicle (10) according to claim 2, wherein each second seal (36) extends from the corresponding front opening (16) to the rear opening (18) located behind this front opening (16), each second seal (36) being fixed to the frame (15) above the rear door (14) and being able to cooperate, on the one hand by sliding with the upper peripheral edge (24) of the window (22) of the rear door (14) when the window (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa,

4.

5. and on the other hand by compression with the window (22) of the rear door (14) when the rear door (14) is moved from its open position to its closed position, and wherein the upper peripheral edge (24) of the window (22) is able to bear against the second sliding layer (64) during said compression, and to slide on this second sliding layer (64) during the aforementioned sliding. Vehicle (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing gaskets comprise, in each of the rear openings (18), a fifth gasket (42) forming a closed loop and fixed to the frame (15) around the entire circumference of the rear opening (18), this fifth gasket (42) being capable of cooperating, on the one hand, by sliding with the peripheral front, upper, and rear edges (26, 24, 28) of the rear door window (22) when the window (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand, by compression with the rear door window (22) when the rear door (14) is moved from its open position to its closed position, and wherein said fifth gasket (42) is made of thermoplastic material and comprises a fifth longitudinal tube (60) produced by co-extrusion extending around the entire circumference of the rear opening (18) and closed on its length,the fifth tube (60) comprising a fifth longitudinal wall (62) covered with a fifth longitudinal sliding layer (64) produced by co-extrusion on which said front, upper and rear peripheral edges (26, 24, 28) are able to bear during said compression, and on which said front and upper peripheral edges (26, 24) are able to slide during the aforementioned sliding. Vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing joints comprise, in each of the rear openings (18), a sixth seal (46) which has an elongated shape and which is fixed to the frame (15) at the rear of the rear door (14) and which is capable of cooperating, on the one hand, by sliding with a rear peripheral edge (28) of the glass (22) of the rear door (14) when the glass (22) is moved from its lower position to its upper position, or vice versa, and on the other hand, by compression with the glass (22) of the rear door (14) when the rear door (14) is moved from its open position to its closed position, and wherein said sixth seal (46) is made of thermoplastic material and includes a sixth longitudinal tube (60) made by coextrusion which extends vertically and is closed along its length, the sixth tube (60) having a sixth longitudinal wall (62) covered with a sixth longitudinal sliding layer (64) made by coextrusion on which said rear peripheral edge (28) is able to bear during said compression, and on which said rear peripheral edge (28) is able to slide during the aforementioned sliding.

6. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube or each tube (60) is made of TPE.

7. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint or each joint (34, 36, 40, 46) comprises one or more joining and / or finishing pieces (44, 48, 50, 52) made by overmolding in a thermoplastic material.

8. Vehicle (10) according to claim 7, wherein the thermoplastic material of the joining and / or finishing piece (44, 48, 50, 52) and the thermoplastic material of the sliding layer of the corresponding joint each have a coefficient of friction less than A1

9. d 1. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each sliding layer (64) is made of TPE.

10. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube or each tube (60) comprises at least one wall having a density between 0.8 and 1.1, and preferably between 0.8 and 0.

9.

11. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding layer or each sliding layer (64) has a hardness greater than the rest of the corresponding tube.

12. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding layer or each sliding layer (64) has a hardness of less than 85 Shore A, and preferably less than 80 Shore A.

13. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slip layer or each slip layer (64) is smooth and therefore untextured.

14. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding layer or each sliding layer (64) has a thickness less than a thickness of the longitudinal wall (62) covered by that layer.

15. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding layer or each sliding layer (64) has a thickness between 50pm and 200pm, and preferably between 70pm and 130pm.

16. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each longitudinal wall (62) has a hardness between 20 and 60ShA, and preferably between 25 and 40ShA.

17. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each longitudinal wall (62) has a thickness of between 0.5 and 2mm, and preferably between 0.8 and 1.8mm.

18. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each longitudinal wall (62) is cellular.

19. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube or each tube (60) comprises, in addition to the longitudinal wall (62) covered by the sliding layer (64), a longitudinal wall (68) with a V-shaped cross-section forming a compressible bellows.

20. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal or each seal comprises at least one projecting sealing or cosmetic lip (70), the lip or each lip (70) being compact.

21. Vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint or each joint comprises at least one mounting element (80) to the frame selected from at least one hook (82), at least one harpoon (84), at least one adhesive, at least one recess and at least one clamp (86).