Pillar garnish and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a pillar garnish and a method for manufacturing the same, which allows for injection molding of a terminal cover portion having a protruding piece without requiring a complex injection mold shape, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the terminal cover portion. [Solution] The pillar garnish 1 has a main body portion 11, a cushion portion 12, an end cover portion 13, and a second leg portion 14. The main body portion 11 has a head portion 111 that covers the gap 92 from the outside of the vehicle body, and a first leg portion 112 that protrudes from the back side of the head portion 111. The cushion portion 12 is joined to the side edge of the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11. The end cover portion 13 has a protruding piece portion 131 that protrudes toward the center of the main body portion 11 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 11 at the end of the main body portion 11. The second leg portion 14 is formed separately from the main body portion 11 and is fixed to the back side of the head portion 111. At least a portion of the second leg portion 14 in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the protruding piece portion 131 of the end cover portion 13 in the width direction of the pillar garnish 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pillar garnish and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, pillar garnishes have been known as one type of molded product in the automotive field. A pillar garnish is generally an elongated molded product that is attached along the side edge of a window pane of a vehicle body in the gap between the side edge of the window pane and the pillar of the vehicle body.

[0003] As for this type of pillar garnish and a method for manufacturing the same, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an end cover portion is molded by injection molding simultaneously with an inward cushion portion and an outward cushion portion at a longitudinal lower terminal end portion of a garnish body.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the pillar garnish 31 as described in Patent Document 1, a problem occurs when a part of the terminal cover portion 67 is molded to protrude outward and be adjacent to the mounting portion 40. That is, even if the terminal cover portion 67, the inward cushion portion 62, and the outward cushion portion 65 are to be injection molded simultaneously, the sliding die of the injection mold comes into contact with a part of the terminal cover portion, preventing the injection mold from opening and thus making molding impossible. In the future, it is expected that there will be an increasing number of cases where it is necessary to form longer protruding pieces that extend from the terminal cover portion from the perspective of vehicle design, etc., and as things stand, it will be either impossible to mold the terminal cover portion, or even if it is possible, the shape of the injection mold will become complex. In addition, the degree of freedom of the shape of the terminal cover portion will also be limited (Note that the reference numerals shown in the above [Background Art] and [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] belong to Patent Document 1).

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a pillar garnish that does not require a complex injection mold shape, allows injection molding of a terminal cover portion having a protruding piece, and increases the degree of freedom in the shape of the terminal cover portion, as well as a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention is, A long pillar garnish is attached along the side edge of the window panel to the gap between the side edge of the window panel of the vehicle body and the pillar of the vehicle body, The vehicle body has a head portion that covers the gap from the outside and a first leg portion that protrudes from the back side of the head portion, and the main body portion is molded in an elongated shape, A cushion portion joined to at least one side edge of the head portion of the main body, A terminal cover portion is integrally joined to the terminal of the main body portion, continuously from the cushion portion, and has a protruding piece that projects toward the center of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion at the terminal of the main body portion, It has a second leg portion which is formed separately from the main body portion and is fixed to at least a portion of the back surface of the head portion where the first leg portion is not formed, At least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second leg portion is adjacent to the protruding piece of the terminal cover portion and the pillar garnish in the width direction. This is a pillar garnish.

[0008] The second invention is, in the first invention, The second leg section is, A base fixed to the back surface of the head of the main body, It has a reinforcing portion which is integrally connected to the base portion and fixed to the back surface of the terminal cover portion, This is a pillar garnish.

[0009] The third invention is, in the first or second invention, The second leg portion is crimped and fixed to the head portion of the main body portion. This is a pillar garnish.

[0010] The fourth invention is a method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to any one of the first to third inventions, A cavity forming step is performed by setting the main body portion in an injection mold having at least a first mold and a second mold that is movable relative to the first mold, closing the injection mold, and forming a molding cavity for forming the cushion portion and the end cover portion, A joining step is performed in which, after the formation of the molding cavity, heated and molten polymer material is poured into the molding cavity, the polymer material is filled into the molding cavity to form the cushion portion and the terminal cover portion, and the cushion portion and the terminal cover portion are integrally joined to the main body portion. The process includes a mold opening step of opening the injection molding die. This describes a method for manufacturing pillar garnish.

[0011] The fifth invention is, in the fourth invention, The invention further includes a fixing step of fixing the second leg portion to the head portion of the main body portion of the molded body demolded from the injection mold, This describes a method for manufacturing pillar garnish.

[0012] The sixth invention relates to the fourth or fifth invention, The invention further includes a fixing step of crimping and fixing the second leg portion to the head portion of the main body portion of the molded body demolded from the injection mold, This describes a method for manufacturing pillar garnish. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the pillar garnish of the first invention, at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second leg portion is adjacent to the protruding piece of the end cover portion in the width direction of the pillar garnish. However, in the pillar garnish of the first invention, since the second leg portion is separate from the main body portion, the second leg portion does not need to be integrated with the main body portion before the cushion portion and the end cover portion are joined to the main body portion by injection molding during the manufacturing of the pillar garnish. Therefore, in the pillar garnish of the first invention, when opening the injection molding die for injection molding the cushion portion and the end cover portion, the injection molding die can be prevented from hitting the protruding piece of the end cover portion. Thus, in the pillar garnish of the first invention, the shape of the injection molding die is not complicated, the end cover portion having a protruding piece portion can be injection molded, and the degree of freedom of the shape of the end cover portion can be increased.

[0014] In addition to the effects of the pillar garnish of the first invention, the pillar garnish of the second invention can further reinforce the terminal cover portion by fixing a reinforcing portion, which is integrally connected to the base of the second leg portion fixed to the back surface of the head portion of the main body portion, to the back surface of the terminal cover portion.

[0015] In addition to the effects of the pillar garnish according to the first invention or the second invention, the pillar garnish according to the third invention further has the second leg caulked and fixed to the head of the main body, so that the second leg can be easily and firmly fixed to the head of the main body.

[0016] In the method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to the fourth invention, when joining the cushion portion and the terminal covering portion to the main body by injection molding, the second leg is not integrated with the main body, so that when opening the injection mold for injection-molding the cushion portion and the terminal covering portion, the injection mold can be prevented from hitting the protruding piece portion of the terminal covering portion. Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing a pillar garnish of the fourth invention, the shape of the injection mold does not become complicated, and the terminal covering portion having the protruding piece portion can be injection-molded.

[0017] In addition to the effects of the method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to the fourth invention, the method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to the fifth invention further fixes the second leg to the head of the main body in the molded product demolded from the injection mold, so that the manufacturing of the pillar garnish with a high degree of freedom in the shape of the terminal covering portion can be made more reliable.

[0018] In addition to the effects of the method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to the fourth invention or the fifth invention, the method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to the sixth invention further caulks and fixes the second leg to the head of the main body in the molded product demolded from the injection mold, so that the second leg can be easily and firmly fixed to the head of the main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the pillar garnish according to the embodiment is attached to a vehicle body. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the pillar garnish according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the terminal portion of the pillar garnish according to the embodiment as viewed from the direction of arrow III. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pillar garnish according to the embodiment, taken along the line IV-IV. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pillar garnish according to the embodiment, taken along the VV line. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second leg portion of the pillar garnish according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the injection molding die closed after the main body has been set in it (corresponding to the section viewed from line IV-IV in Figure 4). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the injection molding die after the main body has been set in it and the die has been closed (corresponding to the cross-section along the VV line in Figure 5). [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, in correspondence with Figure 8, any problems that may occur when opening the injection mold when the second leg portion is fixed to the head portion of the main body before the cushion portion and terminal cover portion are injection molded onto the main body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] A pillar garnish according to one embodiment and its manufacturing method will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the following description, the example will be that the window panel is the front window panel (front windshield glass) at the front of the vehicle body and the pillar of the vehicle body is the A-pillar, but the same applies when the window panel is the rear window panel (rear window glass) at the rear of the vehicle body and the pillar of the vehicle body is the pillar at the very rear when viewed from the side of the vehicle body (also called the C-pillar, D-pillar, etc., depending on the vehicle model).

[0021] (Pillar garnish) A pillar garnish according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As illustrated in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the pillar garnish 1 of this embodiment is attached along the side edge of the window panel 90 in the gap 92 between the side edge of the window panel 90 and the pillar 91 of the vehicle body. Reference numerals 93, 94, and 95 shown in Figure 1 refer to the bonnet panel, fender panel, and side door panel, respectively, which are parts of the vehicle body panel. As illustrated in Figure 2, the pillar garnish 1 has an elongated shape with a longitudinal direction.

[0022] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the pillar garnish 1 has a main body portion 11, a cushion portion 12, an end cover portion 13, and a second leg portion 14.

[0023] The main body portion 11 is a long, elongated molded part. In other words, the main body portion 11 can be described as a long molded body that constitutes the main body of the pillar garnish 1. The main body portion 11 has a head portion 111 and a first leg portion 112.

[0024] The head portion 111 is primarily a part that covers the gap 92 from the outside of the vehicle body. Therefore, the head portion 111 can be formed in an elongated shape of a predetermined length so that it can cover the gap 92 from the outside of the vehicle body.

[0025] The first leg portion 112 protrudes from the back (inner) side of the head portion 111. The first leg portion 112 is used when attaching the pillar garnish 1 along the side edge of the window panel 90 so as to cover the gap 92 between the side edge of the window panel 90 and the pillar 91 of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4, the pillar garnish 1 is attached to the vehicle body by the engagement of the clip portion 911 provided on the pillar 91 of the vehicle body and the first leg portion 112 with each other.

[0026] Specifically, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first leg portion 112 may have a first engaging portion 112a into which the claw portion 911a of the clip portion 911 is fitted. In this case, the pillar garnish 1 can be attached to the vehicle body by inserting the first leg portion 112 of the pillar garnish 1 into the clip portion 911 provided on the pillar 91 of the vehicle body, and fitting the claw portion 911a of the clip portion 911 into the first engaging portion 112a of the first leg portion 112.

[0027] In Figures 3 and 4, an example is shown in which the first engaging portion 112a is formed from a through hole that penetrates the first leg portion 112. However, the first engaging portion 112a may also be formed from a recess (not shown) that does not penetrate the first leg portion 112. Furthermore, one first engaging portion 112a may be formed on the first leg portion 112, or two or more may be formed. Although not shown, the pillar garnish 1 can also be attached to the vehicle body by fitting the claw portion formed on the first leg portion 112 into the clip-side engaging portion formed on the clip portion 911. In addition, there is at least one first leg portion 112 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 11.

[0028] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the first leg portion 112 is integrally formed with the head portion 111, from the viewpoint that the main body portion 11 can be easily molded into a desired shape by gas-assisted injection molding or the like. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a hollow portion 113 exists inside the main body portion 11 along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 11. This hollow portion 113 is a cavity formed by gas-assisted injection molding. Gas-assisted injection molding makes it possible to prevent shrinkage (sink marks) even when the head portion 111 is formed with a thick wall.

[0029] The polymer material constituting the main body 11 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "polymer material for main body") is preferably a polymer material that is rigid and has higher material rigidity than the cushion 12. Examples of such polymer materials for main body include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), acrylonitrile ethylene propylene styrene resin (AES resin), rigid or semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC resin), polycarbonate resin (PC resin), polypropylene resin (PP resin), polyethylene resin (PE resin), polystyrene resin (PS resin), polyamide resin (PA resin), and polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA resin).

[0030] The cushion portion 12 is joined to at least one side edge of the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 by injection molding. The cushion portion 12 may consist only of a first cushion portion 121 joined to the side edge on the vehicle side of the head portion 111, or it may consist only of a second cushion portion 122 joined to the side edge on the vehicle side of the head portion 111, or it may consist of both the first cushion portion 121 and the second cushion portion 122. At least the tip of the first cushion portion 121 is elastically contactable with the outer surface of the window panel 90, and at least the tip of the second cushion portion 122 is elastically contactable with the outer surface of the pillar 91. Figures 2, 4, and 5 show an example in which the cushion portion 12 has both the first cushion portion 121 and the second cushion portion 122, from the viewpoint of making it easier to prevent rainwater, wind, dust, and dirt from entering the gap 92.

[0031] The polymer material constituting the cushion portion 12 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "polymer material for cushion portion") is preferably a polymer material that has lower material hardness than the main body portion 11, and is flexible and elastic. Examples of such polymer materials for cushion portion include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPO), styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SBC), and soft polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC resin), as well as rubber. Furthermore, it is preferable that the polymer material for cushion portion is compatible with the polymer material for main body portion from the viewpoint of improving bonding with the main body portion 11.

[0032] The terminal cover portion 13 is integrally joined to the terminal of the main body portion 11, continuously from the cushion portion 12. Specifically, the terminal cover portion 13 can be integrally joined to the terminal of the main body portion 11 by injection molding, continuously from the cushion portion 12. In this embodiment, the terminal cover portion 13 covers the lower terminal portion of the main body portion 11 and is integrally joined to the lower terminal portions of the first cushion portion 121 and the second cushion portion 122, which constitute the cushion portion 12.

[0033] The terminal cover portion 13 has a protruding piece portion 131, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5. The protruding piece portion 131 protrudes from the terminal of the main body portion 11 toward the center of the main body portion 11 in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction in Figure 2) of the main body portion 11 (see Figure 2). Specifically, the terminal cover portion 13 has a terminal cover portion body 130 that constitutes the main body of the terminal cover portion 13, and a protruding piece portion 131 that protrudes from one side edge of the terminal cover portion body 130. The protruding piece portion 131 is positioned at the terminal portion of the main body portion 11 and protrudes from one side edge of the terminal cover portion body 130 toward the center of the main body portion 11 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 11.

[0034] Thus, the long protruding piece 131 extending toward the center of the main body 11 in the longitudinal direction is a part not found in Patent Document 1, which is cited as prior art. The shape of the protruding piece 131 is not particularly limited, but Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the protruding piece 131 is formed in a tapered shape that narrows towards the tip of the protruding piece 131.

[0035] Examples of polymer materials that constitute the terminal cover portion 13 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "polymer material for terminal cover portion") include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPO), styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SBC), and soft polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC resin), as well as rubber. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of integral bonding with the cushion portion 12 and injection moldability, it is preferable that the polymer material for terminal cover portion is the same material as the polymer material for cushion portion.

[0036] The second leg portion 14 is formed separately from the main body portion 11. The second leg portion 14 is fixed to at least a portion of the back surface of the head portion 111 where the first leg portion 112 is not formed. In other words, in the pillar garnish 1, the head portion 111 and the second leg portion 14 are connected by the second leg portion 14, which is formed separately from the main body portion 11, being fixed to at least a portion of the back surface of the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 where the first leg portion 112 is not formed. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the second leg portion 14 can be configured to have a base portion 141 that is fixed to the back surface of the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11, for ease of fixing to the back surface of the head portion 111.

[0037] The second leg portion 14 is preferably fixed to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 by crimping, from the viewpoint of being able to easily and firmly fix the second leg portion 14 to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11. Specifically in this case, at least one projection (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11, and at least one hole 141a for inserting the projection is formed in the base portion 141 of the second leg portion 14 corresponding to the projection, as illustrated in Figure 6. Then, the projection is inserted into the hole 141a and the tip of the projection is crushed to form a crimped portion 141b as shown in Figure 5 by heat crimping. Note that the position of the hole 141a in the base portion 141 is not particularly limited.

[0038] The method for fixing the second leg portion 14 to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 is not limited to the method described above, and various fixing methods such as those exemplified below can also be employed. That is, the second leg portion 14 may be fixed to the back surface of the main body portion 11 by adhesive or double-sided tape, or the second leg portion 14 may be fixed to the back surface of the main body portion 11 by adhesive or rivets, or the main body portion 11 and the second leg portion 14 may be fitted together on the back surface of the main body portion 11 and fixed together.

[0039] The second leg portion 14, formed separately from the main body portion 11, is fixed to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11. Similar to the first leg portion 112, it is used when attaching the pillar garnish 1 along the side edge of the window panel 90 so as to cover the gap 92 between the side edge of the window panel 90 and the pillar 91 of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 5, the pillar garnish 1 is attached to the vehicle body by the engagement of the clip portion 912 provided on the pillar 91 of the vehicle body and the second leg portion 14 with each other.

[0040] Specifically, as illustrated in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the second leg portion 14 may have a second engaging portion 142 into which the claw portion 912a of the clip portion 912 is fitted. In this case, the pillar garnish 1 can be attached to the vehicle body by inserting the second leg portion 14 of the pillar garnish 1 into the clip portion 912 provided on the pillar 91 of the vehicle body, and fitting the claw portion 912a of the clip portion 912 into the second engaging portion 142 of the second leg portion 14.

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the second leg portion 14 can be configured such that an upright wall portion 143 is erected on the base portion 141, and this upright wall portion 143 has a second engaging portion 142, which facilitates engagement with the clip portion 912 provided on the pillar 91 of the vehicle body. The upright wall portion 143 can be erected from the area on the outer side of the back surface of the base portion 141, or from the outer side end surface of the base portion 141. By forming the second leg portion 14 at a position adjacent to the protruding piece portion 131 of the terminal cover portion 13, the pillar garnish 1 can be fixed to the vehicle body at its lower end by fitting the second engaging portion 142 into the clip portion 912.

[0042] In Figures 3, 5, and 6, an example is shown in which the second engaging portion 142 is formed from a through hole penetrating the upright wall portion 143. However, the second engaging portion 142 may also be formed from a recess (not shown) that does not penetrate the upright wall portion 143. Furthermore, one second engaging portion 142 may be formed on the second leg portion 14, or two or more may be formed. Although not shown, the pillar garnish 1 can also be attached to the vehicle body by fitting the claw portion formed on the second engaging portion 142 into the clip-side engaging portion formed on the clip portion 912. In addition, at least one second leg portion 14 exists in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 11 in the portion where the first leg portion 112 is not formed.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 6, the second leg portion 14 is integrally connected to the base portion 141 and may have a reinforcing portion 144 fixed to the back surface of the terminal cover portion 13, from the viewpoint of being able to reinforce the terminal cover portion 13. The shape of the reinforcing portion 144 is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that can support the terminal cover portion 13 from the back side. Figure 6 shows an example in which the shape of the reinforcing portion 144 is formed to correspond to the outer shape of the terminal cover portion 13. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 144 is formed to be roughly in line with the outer shape of the terminal cover portion 13 so that the reinforcing portion 144 does not protrude when viewed from the surface of the terminal cover portion 13. The reinforcing portion 144 can be fixed to the back surface of the terminal cover portion 13 by, for example, adhesive such as double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0044] Examples of polymer materials that constitute the second leg portion 14 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "polymer material for the second leg portion") include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), acrylonitrile ethylene propylene styrene resin (AES resin), rigid or semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC resin), polycarbonate resin (PC resin), polypropylene resin (PP resin), polyethylene resin (PE resin), polystyrene resin (PS resin), polyamide resin (PA resin), and polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA resin). Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of materials used in the manufacture of the pillar garnish 1 and standardizing materials, it is preferable that the polymer material for the second leg portion is the same as the polymer material for the main body portion.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the pillar garnish 1 has at least a portion of the second leg portion 14 in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the protruding piece 131 of the end cover portion 13 in the width direction of the pillar garnish 1. In other words, when focusing on at least a portion of the second leg portion 14 in the longitudinal direction, the pillar garnish 1 has an arrangement where the protruding piece 131 of the end cover portion 13 exists in the width direction of the pillar garnish 1 at that point of focus.

[0046] As described above, the pillar garnish 1 of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, but since the second leg portion 14 is separate from the main body portion 11, the second leg portion 14 is not integrated with the main body portion 11 before the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 are joined to the main body portion 11 by injection molding during the manufacturing of the pillar garnish 1. Therefore, in the pillar garnish 1 of this embodiment, when opening the injection molding die 2 for injection molding the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13, the injection molding die 2 can be prevented from hitting the protruding piece portion 131 of the end cover portion 13 (this will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings in the description of (Method of manufacturing the pillar garnish) below). For this reason, in the pillar garnish 1 of this embodiment, the shape of the injection molding die 2 is not complicated, the end cover portion 13 having the protruding piece portion 131 can be injection molded, and the degree of freedom of the shape of the end cover portion 13 can be increased.

[0047] (Method of manufacturing pillar garnish) The method for manufacturing the pillar garnish according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Since the method for manufacturing the pillar garnish according to the embodiment is a method for manufacturing the pillar garnish 1 according to the embodiment described above, the description of the pillar garnish 1 according to the embodiment and Figures 1 to 6 can be referred to as needed.

[0048] The method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "this manufacturing method") comprises at least a cavity forming step, a joining step, and a mold opening step.

[0049] In this manufacturing method, the cavity formation step is a step in which, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the main body portion 11 is set in the injection mold 2, the injection mold 2 is closed, and a molding cavity 20 for forming the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 is formed.

[0050] In this embodiment, since the cushion portion 12 consists of a first cushion portion 121 and a second cushion portion 122, the molding cavity 20 includes a first cushion portion cavity 201 for molding the first cushion portion 121, a second cushion portion cavity 202 for molding the second cushion portion 122, and a terminal cover portion cavity 203 for molding the terminal cover portion 13.

[0051] The injection mold 2 comprises at least a first mold 21 and a second mold 22. The first mold 21 is movable relative to the second mold 22. In addition to the first mold 21 and the second mold 22, the injection mold 2 may optionally have at least one slide mold that is slidable in a direction intersecting the opening and closing direction of the first mold 21 and the second mold 22. Figures 7 and 8 show an example in which the injection mold 2 comprises a first slide mold 231 and a second slide mold 232 separate from the first slide mold 231.

[0052] Here, the first mold 21 is described as the upper mold, and the second mold 22 as the lower mold. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mold opening direction of the first mold 21, which is the upper mold, is upward in the direction of arrow U. The mold opening direction of the first slide mold 231 is in the direction of arrow S1. The mold opening direction of the second slide mold 232 is in the direction of arrow S2. Note that the mold closing directions of the first mold 21, the first slide mold 231, and the second slide mold 232 are all in the opposite direction to their respective mold opening directions.

[0053] In Figures 7 and 8, the inner surface of the first mold 21 is formed to conform to the surface of the main body 11, the surface of the second cushion portion 122, and the surface of the end cover portion 13. The inner surface of the second mold 22 is formed to conform to a part of the back surface of the main body 11, a part of the back surface of the first cushion portion 121, a part of the back surface of the second cushion portion 122, and the back surface of the end cover portion 13. The inner surface of the first slide mold 231 is formed to conform to a part of the back surface of the main body 11 and a part of the surface of the first cushion portion 121. The inner surface of the second slide mold 232 is formed to conform to a part of the back surface of the main body 11 and a part of the back surface of the second cushion portion 122.

[0054] Furthermore, the first mold 21 forms a parting line with the second mold 22, the first slide mold 231, and the second slide mold 232. The second mold 22 forms a parting line with the first mold 21, the first slide mold 231, and the second slide mold 232. The first slide mold 231 forms a parting line with the first mold 21 and the second mold 22. The second slide mold 232 forms a parting line with the first mold 21 and the second mold 22.

[0055] In this injection mold 2, the cavity 201 for the first cushion portion is formed by the second mold 22 and the first slide mold 231. The cavity 202 for the second cushion portion is formed by the first mold 21, the second mold 22, and the second slide mold 232. The cavity 203 for the end cover portion is formed by the first mold 21 and the second mold 22. In other words, the second slide mold 232 is not used as a slide mold for forming the cavity 203 for the end cover portion.

[0056] In this manufacturing method, the joining process involves, after forming the molding cavity 20, pouring heated and molten polymer material into the molding cavity 20, filling the molding cavity 20 with the polymer material to form the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13, and integrally joining the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 to the main body portion 11.

[0057] Examples of heated and melted polymer materials include the polymer material for the cushion portion and the polymer material for the end cover portion described above, which have been heated and melted. In this embodiment, since the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 are formed by a single injection molding, the polymer material for the cushion portion and the polymer material for the end cover portion are the same material.

[0058] After filling the molded cavity 20 with heated and molten polymer material, maintaining that state for a predetermined time allows for the molding of a cushion portion 12 and an end cover portion 13 with a shape corresponding to the cavity shape of the molded cavity 20.

[0059] In this manufacturing method, the mold opening process is the process of opening the injection molding die 2.

[0060] Specifically, in the joining process, the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 are molded, and after integrally joining the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 to the main body portion 11, the closed injection mold 2 is opened. Here, as illustrated in Figure 7, in the molding region without the end cover portion 13, the first mold 21 is opened in the direction of arrow U, the first slide mold 231 is opened in the direction of arrow S1, and the second slide mold 232 is opened in the direction of arrow S2. On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 8, in the molding region with the end cover portion 13, the first mold 21 is opened in the direction of arrow U, and the first slide mold 231 is opened in the direction of arrow S1.

[0061] In the manufacturing method of the pillar garnish of this embodiment described above, when the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 are joined to the main body portion 11 by injection molding, the second leg portion 14 is not fixed to the main body portion 11. Therefore, when opening the injection molding die 2 for injection molding the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13, the injection molding die 2 can be prevented from hitting the protruding piece portion 131 of the end cover portion 13.

[0062] This point will be explained in more detail using Figures 8 and 9. If the second leg portion 14 is fixed to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 before the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 are injection molded into the main body portion 11, then an injection mold 2C having a mold structure as shown in Figure 9 will be used. In other words, because the second leg portion 14 is fixed to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 before injection molding, in order to form the cavity 202 for the second cushion portion, a part of the mold needs to fit between the cavity 202 for the second cushion portion and the second leg portion 14. That is, a second slide mold 232 as shown in Figure 7 is essential so that the pillar garnish 1 can be removed from the second mold 22. However, even if the above portion can be molded using the second slide mold 232, in order to obtain a structure in which at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second leg portion 14 is adjacent to the protruding piece 131 of the terminal cover portion 13 in the width direction of the pillar garnish 1, at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second leg portion 14 and the cavity 203 for the terminal cover portion must be adjacent to each other. Therefore, when the mold is opened, the second slide mold 232 will hit the protruding piece 131 molded in the cavity 203 for the terminal cover portion, making it impossible to slide the second slide mold 232 in the direction of arrow S2 and open it (see the "×" mark in Figure 9), and thus molding cannot be performed.

[0063] In contrast, the mold structure of the injection mold 2 for manufacturing the pillar garnish 1 of this embodiment can be, for example, the mold structure illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. That is, since the second leg portion 14 is formed separately from the main body portion 11, in the cavity formation step of this manufacturing method, when joining the cushion portion 12 and the end cover portion 13 to the main body portion 11 by injection molding, it is sufficient to set the main body portion 11, to which the second leg portion 14 is not fixed, in the injection mold 2, and to form the first cushion portion cavity 201, the second cushion portion cavity 202, and the end cover portion cavity 203 as the molding cavity 20. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 8 corresponding to Figure 9, when molding the area where the second leg portion 14 is to be fixed later and the area near the protruding piece portion 131 of the end cover portion 13, there is no undercut shape, so the second slide mold 232 is unnecessary, and the second molding mold 22 is sufficient. Furthermore, since the second slide mold 232, which slides open in the direction of arrow S2, can be eliminated, the second slide mold 232 will not come into contact with the protruding piece 131 formed in the terminal cover cavity 203 when the mold is opened.

[0064] It should be noted that the above explanation does not mean that the slide mold in the injection mold 2 can be completely eliminated in this manufacturing method, but rather that the second slide mold 232 can be eliminated when molding the area where the second leg portion 14 will be fixed later and the area near the protruding piece 131 of the terminal cover portion 13. Therefore, for molding other parts, the injection mold 2 may have one or more slide molds that can slide in a direction intersecting the opening and closing direction of the first mold 21 and the second mold 22, as needed.

[0065] As described above, this manufacturing method does not require a complex shape for the injection mold 2 and allows for injection molding of the terminal cover portion 13 having the protruding piece portion 131.

[0066] In this manufacturing method, after opening the injection mold 2, a fixing step is performed to fix the second leg portion 14 to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 of the molded body demolded from the injection mold 2. This makes it possible to obtain a pillar garnish 1 having a structure in which at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second leg portion 14 is adjacent to the protruding piece portion 131 of the terminal cover portion 13 in the width direction of the pillar garnish 1.

[0067] The second leg portion 14 in the fixing process can be fixed, for example, by crimping it to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 in the molded body demolded from the injection mold 2. In this case, the second leg portion 14 can be fixed to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 easily and firmly.

[0068] In the fixing process, the second leg portion 14 may also be fixed in other ways, for example, by fixing the second leg portion 14 to the head portion 111 of the main body portion 11 of the molded body demolded from the injection mold 2 using adhesive, double-sided tape, separate clips or rivets, or by fitting the second leg portion 14 into place.

[0069] Furthermore, the descriptions of the pillar garnish and the manufacturing method of the pillar garnish mentioned above can be referenced from each other as needed, and each component described in each description can be applied individually or in any combination as needed.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, each claim described in the original claims can be combined in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Pillar garnish 11 Main body 111 Head 112 1st leg 12 Cushion part 13 Terminal cover 130 Terminal cover body 131 Projecting piece 14 Second leg 2 Injection mold 20 molded cavities 21 First mold 22. Second mold 90 Window board 91 Pillar 92 gaps

Claims

1. A long pillar garnish is attached along the side edge of the window panel to the gap between the side edge of the window panel of the vehicle body and the pillar of the vehicle body, The vehicle body has a head portion that covers the gap from the outside and a first leg portion that protrudes from the back side of the head portion, and the main body portion is molded in an elongated shape, A cushion portion joined to at least one side edge of the head portion of the main body, A terminal cover portion is integrally joined to the terminal of the main body portion, continuously from the cushion portion, and has a protruding piece that projects toward the center of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion at the terminal of the main body portion, It has a second leg portion which is formed separately from the main body portion and is fixed to at least a portion of the back surface of the head portion where the first leg portion is not formed, At least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the second leg portion is adjacent to the protruding piece of the terminal cover portion and the pillar garnish in the width direction. Pillar garnish.

2. The aforementioned second leg section is, A base fixed to the back surface of the head of the main body, It has a reinforcing portion which is integrally connected to the base portion and fixed to the back surface of the terminal cover portion, The pillar garnish according to claim 1.

3. The second leg portion is crimped and fixed to the head portion of the main body portion. The pillar garnish according to claim 1.

4. A method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to claim 1, A cavity forming step is performed by setting the main body portion in an injection mold having at least a first mold and a second mold that is movable relative to the first mold, closing the injection mold, and forming a molding cavity for forming the cushion portion and the end cover portion, A joining step is performed in which, after the formation of the molding cavity, heated and molten polymer material is poured into the molding cavity, the polymer material is filled into the molding cavity to form the cushion portion and the terminal cover portion, and the cushion portion and the terminal cover portion are integrally joined to the main body portion. The process includes a mold opening step of opening the injection molding die. A method for manufacturing pillar garnish.

5. The invention further includes a fixing step of fixing the second leg portion to the head portion of the main body portion of the molded body demolded from the injection mold, A method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to claim 4.

6. The invention further includes a fixing step of crimping and fixing the second leg portion to the head portion of the main body portion of the molded body demolded from the injection mold, A method for manufacturing a pillar garnish according to claim 5.

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