sealing member

Abstract

To prevent a vehicle body hood lower surface from being seen through a slit when a vehicle body hood stands up and a posture of a belt-like seal member mounted in the vehicle body hood is changed when the seal member includes a longitudinal direction first region which is not provided with a depth, a longitudinal direction second region provided with a depth so as to press a vehicle body hood front edge and the slit which is provided on a boundary of both the regions and absorbs the presence or absence of a depth.SOLUTION: Mounting base sections 11, 21, 26 constituting one side section in a belt width direction of a seal member are separated from each other so as to be alternately formed in a belt thickness direction in a slit 40 in a state that the mounting base sections are not mounted in a vehicle body hood. On the other hand, the mounting base sections are mounted in the vehicle body hood, so that alternation of slits 30, 40 becomes narrow or is completely closed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing member for sealing a gap in a vehicle body.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding an opening provided in an automobile body and a cover plate for opening and closing the opening, conventionally, as a structure for sealing a gap between the cover plate and the opening edge in a state where the cover plate is in a closed position, for example, the one described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-085282 (Patent Document 1) is known. The sealing structure described in Patent Document 1 includes an engine room (vehicle body opening) provided at the front part of a passenger car body, an openable and closable lid-like engine hood (also referred to as a bonnet) covering the engine room, and a strip-shaped seal attached and fixed along the left edge, front edge, and right edge of the engine hood. When the engine hood is in the closed position, the seal is sandwiched between the vehicle body and the engine hood to seal the gap therebetween.

[0003] The engine hood described in Patent Document 1 is a substantially rectangular plate extending from the left edge to the right edge of the vehicle body. The rear edge of the engine hood is connected to the rear edge of the engine room by a hinge, and the engine hood can be opened and closed by such a hinge. Headlights and a front grille are arranged at the front edge of the engine room. Specifically, the headlights are arranged on both the left and right sides, and the front grille is arranged between the headlights on both the left and right sides. The front edge of the engine hood is formed in accordance with the shapes of the front grille and headlights of the vehicle body.

[0004] In the automobile described in Patent Document 1, the left headlight, the front grille, and the right headlight are arranged neatly in a row. Corresponding to this, the front edge of the engine hood is in a straight line shape or a substantially straight line shape that draws a gentle arc. Also, the strip-shaped seal member has a constant cross-sectional shape at any position in the longitudinal direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-085282 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] When the engine hood is in the open position, the underside of the engine hood rises slightly downwards. One side of the seal in the width direction (rear side) is fixed to the underside of the engine hood, but the other side of the seal in the width direction (front side) is not fixed to the front edge of the engine hood and is cantilevered by the one side in the width direction. As a result, the other side of the seal in the width direction sags downwards due to its own weight, which causes an unsightly appearance of the front edge of the engine hood.

[0007] To resolve this problem, it is conceivable to allow for a certain degree of flexibility in the shape of the seal before installation, such that when one side of the seal in the width direction is attached to the underside of the engine hood, the other side of the seal in the width direction presses against the front edge of the engine hood. This flexibility refers to setting the shape before installation in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, taking into account the elastic deformation that occurs in that direction during installation.

[0008] On the other hand, recent advancements in vehicle design have resulted in shapes such as engine hoods and headlights that are no longer the straight lines of the past. In response to this, strip seals also require complex shapes with different cross-sectional shapes in the longitudinal direction, making it difficult to provide overlaps in all parts of the strip seal in the longitudinal direction. In such cases, overlaps are provided in a part of the strip seal in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the extruded part), while overlaps are not provided in another part (e.g., the molded part), and a slit is provided at the boundary between the two parts. Even in such cases, the strip seal is required to be mounted and fixed in an aesthetically pleasing manner so as to cover the leading edge of the engine hood without interruption along its entire longitudinal direction.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a sealing member that can cover the front edge of the engine hood without interruption, even if the sealing member has both a longitudinal region with a recess and a longitudinal region without a recess, and that prevents the underside of the engine hood from being visible through the slit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] For this purpose, the sealing member according to the present invention is a strip-shaped sealing member that extends along the opening edge of a vehicle body opening and seals the gap between the opening edge and the vehicle body hood that covers the vehicle body opening, wherein a slit is formed in one side in the width direction of the strip at the boundary between a first longitudinal region and a second longitudinal region of the sealing member, and the one side in the width direction of the sealing member is spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the strip at the slit before being attached to the lower surface of the vehicle body hood, and after being attached to the lower surface of the vehicle body hood, the spacing narrows or the spacing closes completely, the other side in the width direction of the sealing member is cantilevered by the one side in the width direction of the sealing member and contacts the front edge of the vehicle body hood, the other side in the width direction of the strip of the first longitudinal region of the sealing member does not deform or undergoes relatively small elastic deformation, and the other side in the width direction of the strip of the second longitudinal region of the sealing member undergoes relatively larger elastic deformation than the other side in the width direction of the strip of the first longitudinal region.

[0011] According to the present invention, when the vehicle body hood is upright and in the open position, a part of the sealing member does not hang down and separate from the front edge of the vehicle body hood, nor is the underside of the vehicle body hood visible through the slit, and the vehicle body hood is neatly covered by the sealing member.

[0012] The direction of extension of the slit and the shape of the slit are not particularly limited. In one aspect of the present invention, with respect to the longitudinal position of the sealing member, the connection position between the slit and the surface of the sealing member and the connection position between the slit and the back surface of the sealing member are different. With this aspect, when viewing the sealing member in the thickness direction, the back side of the slit is not visible, and the underside of the vehicle body hood is not visible through the slit. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the slit surface constituting the slit is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the sealing member. Here, the slit surface is a plane. Alternatively, in another aspect, the slit surface may be parallel to the thickness direction.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, with respect to the longitudinal position of the sealing member, the connection position between the slit and the surface of the sealing member and the connection position between the slit and the back surface of the sealing member may be the same. For example, the slit surface constituting the slit is a plane parallel to the thickness direction of the sealing member. Here, the slit surface is, for example, a plane.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, a sealing member has a first longitudinal region that is a molded member and a second longitudinal region that is an extruded member, and the two members are joined together. According to this aspect, a long sealing member can be manufactured efficiently. In another aspect, a sealing member has a first longitudinal region and the portion of the second longitudinal region where the slit is formed that is a molded member, and the remaining portion of the second longitudinal region is an extruded member, and the two members are joined together. According to this aspect, the slit can be manufactured accurately and efficiently by mold forming. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, when a strip-shaped sealing member attached to a vehicle body hood comprises a first longitudinal region without a recess, a second longitudinal region with a recess to press against the front edge of the vehicle body hood, and a slit provided at the boundary between the two regions to absorb the difference in recess, the lower surface of the vehicle body hood cannot be seen through the slit even when the vehicle body hood is raised and the posture of the sealing member changes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle body and a hood where the seal member of the present invention is provided. [Figure 2] It is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing the seal member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] In FIG. 2, it is a cross-sectional view showing the III-III cross-section. [Figure 4] In FIG. 2, it is a cross-sectional view showing the IV-IV cross-section. [Figure 5] It is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing the seal member of the first embodiment taken out. [Figure 6] It is a schematic rear view showing the slit of the first embodiment before installation. [Figure 7] It is a schematic side view showing the slit of the first embodiment before installation. [Figure 8] It is a schematic bottom view showing the slit of the first embodiment after installation. [Figure 9] It is a schematic rear view showing the slit of the first embodiment after installation. [ [Figure 10] It is a schematic rear view showing the slit before installation for the seal member according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] For the second embodiment, it is a schematic rear view showing the slit after installation. [Figure 12] For the second embodiment, it is a schematic bottom view showing the slit after installation. [Figure 13] It is a schematic rear view showing the slit before installation for the seal member according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] For the third embodiment, it is a schematic rear view showing the slit after installation. [Figure 15] It is a schematic rear view showing the slit before installation for the seal member according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] For the fourth embodiment, it is a schematic rear view showing the slit after installation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the hood and front of the vehicle body of an automobile to which the sealing member of the present invention is attached and fixed. In this specification, left and right refer to the vehicle width direction, and front and rear refer to the front and rear of the vehicle. A room 101 is partitioned in the front of the vehicle body 100, which houses the engine, or electrical components of an electric vehicle, or luggage, etc. The room 101 is open at least on the upper side. This vehicle body opening is partitioned by the left vehicle body panel 103m, the right vehicle body panel 103n, the front grille 104, and the dash panel 105. Headlights 106 are positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle body opening, respectively. The front opening edge 101a of the vehicle body opening is composed of the front grille 104 in the central region in the vehicle width direction and the left and right headlights 106.

[0018] The vehicle body opening is made openable and closable by the hood 102. Figures 1 and 2 show the hood 102 in the open state (also called the open position). The rear edge 102e of the hood 102 is connected to the vehicle body 100 by a hinge 107. As shown in Figure 1, when the vehicle body 100 is parked on a horizontal road surface, the hinge 107 allows the angle to change to the open position of the hood 102, within a range of less than 90° with respect to the horizontal plane, for example, in the range of 0° to 80°. A sealing member 1 is attached to the front edge 102d of the hood 102.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the front edge 102d of the hood 102 in Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged view of the front edge 102d and opening edge 101a of the hood 102 when the hood 102 is closed. The seal member 1 and the hood 102 are cut along the second longitudinal region Sa of the seal member 1 shown in Figure 2, at III-III, and the first longitudinal region Fa of the seal member 1, at IV-IV, and the views of each cut surface are shown in the direction of the arrows.

[0020] The hood 102 is normally in the lower closed position, as shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 3 and 4, covering the room 101 in a nearly horizontal position, or in a tilted position where the front edge 102d of the hood is lower than the rear edge 102e of the hood. In this closed position, the front edge 102d of the hood 102 is aligned with the left and right headlights 106 and the front grille 104 in the central region in the width direction of the vehicle, forming a gap S between them. When the hood 102 is opened in the upper position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hood 102 rotates upright around the hinge 107 so that the front edge 102d of the hood is higher than the rear edge 102e of the hood, exposing the room 101.

[0021] The hood 102 typically has a hood body (outer panel) 102a that widens at the top and an inner panel 102b fixed to the bottom of the hood body 102a, as shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 3 and 4. For convenience, the inner panel 102b is also simply referred to as the bottom surface of the hood. When the sealing member 1 is attached to the hood 102, the side of the sealing member 1 facing the room 101 is called the front side, and the side of the sealing member 1 facing the hood 102 is called the back side.

[0022] The sealing member 1 is a strip-shaped member that extends along the vicinity of the leading edge 102d of the hood 102, and extends in the vehicle width direction of the hood 102. In the following description, the direction in which the sealing member 1 extends, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is also referred to as the longitudinal direction. The sealing member 1 is attached and fixed to the inner panel 102b (underside of the hood) of the hood 102 with its width direction as the front-rear direction. Specifically, a plurality of through holes 11a are formed in the rear edge portion of the sealing member 1, which is one side in the width direction of the sealing member 1, and clips 31 are passed through each through hole 11a, and each clip 31 is fitted into a panel through hole 102c formed at the corresponding location on the inner panel 102b provided on the underside of the hood 102. In the following description, the rear edge portion is also referred to as the mounting base portion 11, 21, 26. In this specification, for the sake of convenience of explanation, even when the hood 102 is in the upright position shown in Figure 2, the width direction of the sealing member 1 may be referred to as the front-rear direction.

[0023] The front edge portion of the sealing member 1, which is the other side in the width direction of the band, is cantilevered to the rear edge portion described above. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the front edge portion constitutes the sealing base portions 13, 23, 28 and the sealing lips 14, 24, 29. The sealing lips 14, 24, 29 elastically contact the opening edge 101a.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, slits 30 and 40 are provided on the trailing edge of the sealing member 1. The extension direction of the slits 30 and 40 is perpendicular to, or approximately perpendicular to, the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction) of the sealing member 1. Slit 40 is provided at the boundary between the first region Fa on one longitudinal side and the second region Sa on the other longitudinal side of the sealing member 1. The same applies to slit 30, and to avoid repetition in the explanation, the following will mainly describe slit 40. In the first embodiment, both ends in the vehicle width direction are designated as the first longitudinal region Fa, and the central region in the vehicle width direction is designated as the second longitudinal region Sa. As shown in Figure 4, the first longitudinal region Fa is adjacent to the headlight 106. As shown in Figure 3, the second longitudinal region Sa is adjacent to the front grille 104.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing the seal member 1 of the first embodiment, with the seal member 1 removed, representing the surface of the seal member 1. Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged rear view showing the seal member 1 of the first embodiment before it is attached to the hood 102, showing the one side of the seal member 1 in the width direction (the side where the slits 30 and 40 are provided) in the width direction, as indicated by arrow VI in Figure 5, which represents the width direction of the strip. Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing the seal member 1 of the first embodiment, with the seal member 1 viewed in the longitudinal direction. Figures 5 to 7 show the seal member 1 in its original state, and the seal member 1 is shown before it is attached to the hood 102.

[0026] Referring to Figure 5, in the first region Fa, the mounting base 21, connecting portion 22, seal base 23, and seal lip 24 are arranged in a continuous line from one side in the width direction to the other. The mounting base 21 is one side of the seal member 1 in the width direction and is provided with the aforementioned mounting through hole 11a. Referring to Figure 4, of the two surfaces of the seal member 1, the surface that contacts the inner panel 102b when the mounting base 21 is attached and fixed to the inner panel 102b is also called the back surface of the seal member 1. Conversely, the surface facing the room 101 is also called the front surface. As shown in Figure 1, when the hood 102 is in the open position, the surface of the seal member 1 is exposed.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3, the second region Sa is similar to the first region Fa, with the mounting base 11, connecting portion 12, seal base 13, and seal lip 14 being continuous from one side to the other in the width direction of the strip.

[0028] The second region Sa is provided with a projection to allow the seal base 13 to elastically deform and contact the hood 102. When the mounting bases 11 and 26 are attached to the hood 102, the seal bases 13 and 28 and the seal lips 14 and 29 elastically deform from their original positions in the pre-installation state (shown by dashed lines) to their post-installation positions (shown by solid lines), as shown by dashed lines in Figure 3. Due to this projection, the leading edges 13a and 28a of the seal bases 13 and 28 press against the hood leading edge 102d with a reasonably large surface pressure. Due to this projection, even when the hood 102 is standing upright in the open position shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the hood leading edge 102d facing upward and the hood bottom surface (inner panel 102b) slightly downward, the seal bases 13 and 28 do not sag, and no gap is created between the hood leading edge 102d and the leading edges 13a and 28a of the seal bases 13 and 28. According to the first embodiment, the leading edge 102d of the hood is aesthetically covered by the second region Sa.

[0029] On the other hand, no projection is provided in the first region Fa (Figure 4). As mentioned above, when the mounting base 21 is attached to the hood 102, the seal base 23 hardly undergoes elastic deformation or undergoes only slight elastic deformation, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the seal base 23 does not press against the leading edge 102d of the hood, or presses against the leading edge 102d of the hood with relatively small surface pressure.

[0030] To prevent sagging as described above, the first region Fa may have more clips 31 compared to the second region Sa, or it may be attached and fixed to the inner panel 102b with double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive, although this is not shown in the illustration. The mounting bases 21, 26 and sealing bases 23, 28 included in the first region Fa are made of non-foamed rubber such as EPDM solid rubber, other weather-resistant rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer such as TPO.

[0031] The second region Sa is also made of various rubbers or thermoplastic resins having elasticity similar to that of the first region Fa.

[0032] The seal lips 24 and 29 included in the first region Fa may be formed from the same material as the other parts of the first region Fa described above, or they may be formed from foamed rubber such as EPDM sponge rubber, or foamed TPO or soft TPO. The seal lip 14 included in the second region Sa is also formed from a material with elasticity similar to that of the seal lips 24 and 29 included in the first region Fa described above.

[0033] Returning to the explanation in Figure 5, the slit 40 divides one side of the sealing member 1 in the width direction into a mounting base 21 and a mounting base 26. The mounting base 26, the connecting portion 27, the sealing base 28, and the lip seal 29 are included in the second region Sa. The connecting portion 27, the sealing base 28, and the sealing lip 29 are located between the connecting portions 12, 22, between the sealing bases 13, 23, and between the sealing lips 14, 24, respectively, and connect them to each other.

[0034] In Figure 5, as shown by the dashed line, the mounting base 21 and mounting base 26 are misaligned, and the difference in height between them increases towards the rear. The rear ends of the mounting base 21 and mounting base 26 have alternating dimensions D in the band thickness direction, as shown in Figure 6. The seal lip 29 is located on the other side of the sealing member 1 in the band width direction (the side opposite to the slit 40) and is formed into a folded shape toward one side in the band width direction. The seal lip 29 is located on the front side of the sealing member 1 and is positioned to overlap the seal base 28. The seal base 28 is located on the other side of the sealing member 1 in the band width direction and is aligned with the mounting base 26 in a plate-like manner via the connecting portion 27, so that the difference in height is not noticeable.

[0035] When the sealing member 1 is removed from the hood 102 (before installation), it is offset in the thickness direction at the slit 40, as shown in Figure 7. That is, the mounting base 21 of the first region Fa and the mounting base 26 of the second region Sa are at different levels. In other words, the sealing base 23 has no projection when viewed from the mounting base 21 (see Figure 4). In contrast, the sealing base 28 has projection when viewed from the mounting base 26 (see Figure 3).

[0036] After the seal member 1 is attached to the hood 102 (Figures 3 and 4), the mounting base 26 rotates and displaces in a direction that narrows the slit 40, as shown by arrow B (Figure 7), and exhibits the expected elastic deformation. The same applies to the mounting base 11. It should be noted that arrow B corresponds to the elastic deformation of the leading edges 13a and 28a from the dashed line position to the solid line position in Figure 3. More specifically, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing how the leading edges 13a and 28a of the seal member 1 elastically deform when the mounting bases 11 and 26 of the seal member 1 with the expected deformation are first attached to the hood 102.

[0037] Figures 8 and 9 show the seal member 1 attached to the hood 102 (after attachment). Figure 8 shows the surface of the seal member 1, viewed from a direction approximately perpendicular to the surfaces of the mounting bases 11, 21, and 26 (representing the view in the direction of arrow VIII in Figure 7). Figure 9 shows the seal member 1 viewed from one side to the other in the width direction of the strip. For reference, Figure 8 shows the pre-attachment positions of the rear ends of the mounting bases 26 and 11 with dashed lines. Arrow VIII represents the direction perpendicular to the mounting bases 26, connection part 27, and seal base 28, which are connected in a roughly flat shape.

[0038] With respect to the second region Sa, as shown in Figure 7, when the mounting base 26 moves relative to the connecting portion 27 as the pivot point, as indicated by arrow B, and the sealing member 1 elastically deforms so as to bend, the angle of the mounting base 26 changes until it aligns with the mounting base 21, and the apparent width dimension of the band is slightly shortened. The same applies to the mounting base 11. The slit 40 becomes narrower.

[0039] Comparing Figure 6 and Figure 9, it can be seen that the slit 40 becomes narrower than before installation when the sealing member 1 is attached to the inner panel 102b, which is the lower surface of the hood (the alternating dimension D becomes smaller). In Figure 9, the slit 40 of the first embodiment is a pair of opposing planes. The slit width L1 of the slit 40 after installation is narrower than the alternating dimension D, for example, 0.6 mm or a predetermined value of 0.6 mm or less. As a modification, L1 = 0, meaning the slit 40 is completely closed.

[0040] Figure 8 shows the sealing member 1 viewed from the front to the back in the thickness direction. Referring to Figure 8, the slit surface of the slit 40 is slightly visible, but the inner panel 102b is not visible through the slit 40. Here, if the slit width L1 is made larger than 0.6 mm, it is necessary to set the inclination angle of the slit surfaces H1 and H2 (Figure 6) relative to the front and back surfaces of the sealing member 1 to an angle smaller than 30°, and make the slit surfaces H1 and H2 (Figure 6) wide enough so that the inner panel 102b on the back side is not visible through the slit 40 (Figure 8). However, if this is done, the slit surfaces H1 and H2 will follow the front and back surfaces of the sealing member 1, and the shape of the tips of the slit surfaces H1 and H2 will become too sharp, which increases the likelihood of problems such as mold failure (inability to shape) when shaping the slit 40 in the mold, and this is undesirable.

[0041] Referring to Figure 6, the slit 40 of the first embodiment is composed of a pair of slit surfaces H1 and H2 that face each other, and each slit surface is an inclined surface. An inclined surface here refers to a surface that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 1 and is inclined parallel to the thickness direction of the sealing member 1. The slit surface of the first embodiment is parallel to the width direction of the band, but is inclined in the range of 30° to 60° with respect to the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6, regarding the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 1, the longitudinal dimensions of the slit surfaces H1 and H2 are as follows: the connection position between the slit surface H1 on the first region Fa side and the surface of the sealing member 1 is a longitudinal position close to the second region Sa, while the connection position between the slit surface H1 and the back surface of the sealing member 1 is a longitudinal position far from the second region Sa. Similarly, the connection position between the slit surface H2 on the second region Sa side and the surface of the sealing member is a longitudinal position far from the first region Fa, while the connection position between the slit surface H2 and the back surface of the sealing member is a longitudinal position close to the first region Fa. The longitudinal dimensions of the slit surfaces H1 and H2 are larger than the slit width L1, which will be described later. The shape and structure of the slit 30 are symmetrical with respect to the slit 40, by folding back at the longitudinal center of the sealing member 1.

[0043] When installing the sealing member 1, as shown in Figure 6, the second region Sa, which has a projection (dotted line in Figure 3), is set on the side closer to the inner panel 102b, and the first region Fa, which does not have a projection, is set on the side further from the inner panel 102b. The slit surface H2 formed in the second region Sa is inclined to face outwards and connects to the back surface of the second region Sa of the sealing member 1 with a tapered edge. The slit surface H1 formed in the first region Fa is inclined to face inwards and connects to the surface of the first region Fa of the sealing member 1 with a tapered edge.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, when installing the sealing member 1, the process can be smoothly carried out from the pre-installation state shown in Figure 6 to the post-installation state shown in Figure 9. If the relative positional relationship of the inclination of the slit surfaces H1 and H2 is reversed compared to the first embodiment, when installing the sealing member on the lower surface of the hood, the first region Fa will interfere with the second region Sa in the slit 40, making the installation of the sealing member complicated and undesirable.

[0045] Referring to Figure 9, the longitudinal dimensions of the slit surfaces H1 and H2 of the sealing member 1 in the longitudinal direction are greater than the slit width L1. Also, when the hood 102 is in the open position, the sealing member 1 covers the inner panel 102b along its entire longitudinal length, and when viewed from the front to the back of the sealing member 1 in the thickness direction, the inner panel 102b is not visible through the slit 40.

[0046] According to the first embodiment, the sealing member 1 comprises a first region Fa without a projection and a second region Sa with a projection. Since the slit surfaces H1 and H2 formed at the boundary between these regions Fa and Sa are inclined, when the sealing member 1 is attached to the lower surface of the hood (inner panel 102b) as shown in Figure 9, the lower surface of the hood is covered by the sealing member 1 when viewed in the thickness direction, preventing the lower surface of the hood from being visible through the slit 40. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the sealing member 1 can be attached to the hood 102 in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, with reference to Figure 9, with respect to the longitudinal position of the sealing member 1, the connection position between the slit 40 and the surface of the sealing member and the connection position between the slit 40 and the back surface of the sealing member are different. Therefore, even if the slit width L1 is greater than 0 mm, that is, even if the slit 40 is not completely closed, it is prevented that the underside of the hood will be visible through the slit 40 when viewed in the thickness direction (viewed from the front side to the back side of the sealing member 1), as shown in Figure 8.

[0048] Next, we will provide a supplementary explanation regarding the manufacturing process of the sealing component 1.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, the seal member 1 is formed by connecting an extrusion section 10 and a mold section 20. In the first embodiment, the extrusion section 10 is the majority of the area between slits 30 and 40, excluding the slits 30 and 40 themselves. In the first embodiment, the mold section 20 is the section including the slits 30 and 40, from slit 30 to one end of the seal member 1 in the longitudinal direction, and from slit 40 to the other end of the seal member 1 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., both ends of the seal member 1). Also, in Figures 3 to 9, the extrusion section 10 includes a mounting base 11, a connecting section 12, a seal base 13, and a seal lip 14. The mold section 20 includes mounting bases 21 and 26, connecting sections 22 and 27, seal bases 23 and 28, and seal lips 24 and 29.

[0050] The extruded section 10 is created using an extrusion molding machine and a die. This is advantageous when manufacturing long sealing parts with a constant cross-section because the cross-sectional shape changes very little along the longitudinal direction, and is used for sealing parts that follow the nearly straight edge of the front grille 104. The molded section 20 is created using a mold and a mold material injection machine. This is advantageous when manufacturing sealing parts with specific three-dimensional shapes because the cross-sectional shape changes along the longitudinal direction, and is used for sealing parts that follow unique shapes such as the headlight 106.

[0051] The joint C between the extrusion section 10 and the mold section 20 is represented by a triangular mark. The white outline of the triangle indicates the side of the extrusion section 10, and the black outline of the triangle indicates the side of the mold section 20. The joint C is formed by bonding two planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 1. In the first embodiment, the longitudinal positions of the slits 30 and 40 are different from the longitudinal position of the joint C. Referring to Figure 6, the pair of slit surfaces H1 and H2 that constitute the slit 40 are both configured as mold portions 20.

[0052] According to the first embodiment, a mold can be used to manufacture slits 40 with stepped shapes, and the inclination angle of the slits 40 can be manufactured with high precision. Furthermore, since the sealing member 1 includes an extruded portion 10 in the middle of its longitudinal direction, a long sealing member 1 can be manufactured efficiently.

[0053] It should be added here that, referring to Figure 5, a chamfer is provided at the connection point of the slit surfaces H1 and H2. As an example of the chamfer, in this embodiment, an arc-shaped chamfer R is provided. If a chamfer is not provided at the connection point of the slit surfaces H1 and H2, when attempting to mold using a mold, the corresponding part of the mold (core shape) will have a sharp, tapered shape, making the core shape prone to damage, which is undesirable for molding the seal member 1 over a long period of time.

[0054] Therefore, by setting the slit width L1 after installation to approximately 0.6 mm and making the connection between the slit surfaces H1 and H2 chamfered (chamfer radius R = approximately 0.3 mm), the tip of the core shape of the mold used is less likely to be damaged, which is preferable for molding the sealing member 1 over a long period of time.

[0055] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0056] Figures 10 and 11 are rear views showing a second embodiment of the present invention, representing the view from one side to the other in the width direction of the strip, and correspond to Figures 6 and 9 of the first embodiment. Figure 10 shows the state before installation, and Figure 11 shows the state after installation. Figure 12 is a bottom view showing the sealing member 2 of the second embodiment attached to the lower surface of the hood, showing the surface of the sealing member 2 and representing the view in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the mounting bases 11 and 21. For the second embodiment, components common to the previously described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted, while different components are described below. In the second embodiment, the longitudinal position of the joint C and the longitudinal position of the slit 40 coincide. In other words, the entire first region Fa is the mold portion 20, and the entire second region Sa is the extrusion portion 10.

[0057] The slit 40 in the second embodiment is composed of a pair of slit surfaces H3 and H4 that face each other, and each slit surface H3 and H4 is an inclined surface. Unlike the slit 40 in the first embodiment, the slit surface H4 of the slit 40 in the second embodiment is on the side of the extrusion section 10. For this reason, for example, after the raw material of the extrusion section 10 is created, the slit surface H4 is created by cutting the raw material so that it becomes the inclined end surface.

[0058] Referring to Figure 11, the width L2 of the slit 40 after installation is narrower than the alternating dimension D (Figure 10) before installation, specifically 0.6 mm or less. Alternatively, L2 = 0 mm, and it may be completely closed. According to the second embodiment, as with the first embodiment described above, the seal bases 13 and 23 are prevented from sagging when the hood 102 is in the open position, the front edge 102d of the hood is neatly covered by the seal member 2, and the lower surface of the hood (inner panel 102b) is prevented from being seen through the slit 40 when viewed from the front to the back side of the seal member 2 in the thickness direction.

[0059] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] Figures 13 and 14 are rear views showing a third embodiment of the present invention, representing the view from one side to the other in the width direction of the strip, and correspond to Figures 6 and 9 of the first embodiment. For the third embodiment, components common to the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, while different components are described below. The sealing member 3 of the third embodiment has a basic configuration common to the sealing members 1 and 2 described above, but the slit surface constituting the slit 40 is not an inclined surface, but is parallel to the thickness direction of the sealing member 3.

[0061] In the pre-installation state shown in Figure 13, the adjacent mounting bases 11 and 21 in the slit 40 are staggered by a staggered dimension D, but in the post-installation state shown in Figure 14, the slit 40 narrows and closes. In Figure 14, the slit width L3 = 0 mm, and the slit 40 is completely closed.

[0062] According to the third embodiment, as with the embodiments described above, the seal bases 13 and 23 are prevented from sagging when the hood is in the open position, the leading edge 102d of the hood is neatly covered by the seal member 3, and the lower surface of the hood (inner panel 102b) is prevented from being seen through the slit 40 when viewed from the front to the back side of the seal member 3 in the thickness direction. The slit 40 in the third embodiment extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal member 3, as with the embodiments described above. Alternatively, although not shown in the figures, as a modification of the first to third embodiments, the slit 40 may extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the seal member 3.

[0063] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0064] Figures 15 and 16 are rear views showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, representing the view from one side to the other in the width direction of the strip, and correspond to Figures 6 and 9 of the first embodiment. For the fourth embodiment, components common to the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, while different components are described below. The sealing member 4 of the fourth embodiment has the same basic configuration as the sealing member 1 described above, but the slit surfaces H5 and H6 constituting the slit 40 are stepped surfaces rather than inclined surfaces. Specifically, the slit surfaces H5 and H6 are stepped. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 4, the longitudinal dimensions of the slit surfaces H5 and H6 are larger than the slit width L4, which will be described later.

[0065] Furthermore, similar to the sealing member 2 described above, it is conceivable that the slit surface H6 of the slit 40 in the fourth embodiment could be cut in a stepped shape after the extruded portion 10 is created. However, because the extruded portion (to the left of the joint C on the paper) is not very hard, it is difficult to cut it in a stepped shape, although it is possible to cut it into a flat surface like the inclined surface H4 described above. For this reason, it is preferable to create the slit 40 in the fourth embodiment by mold molding, similar to the slit 40 in the first embodiment.

[0066] Referring to Figure 16, the slit width L4 of the slit 40 after the sealing member 4 is installed is narrower than the alternating dimension D shown in Figure 15 before installation, and is a predetermined value such as 0.6 mm or less. As a modified example, L4 = 0, meaning the slit 40 is completely closed.

[0067] According to the fourth embodiment, similar to the embodiments described above, the seal bases 13 and 23 are prevented from sagging when the hood is in the open position, the front edge 102d of the hood is neatly covered by the seal member 4, and the lower surface of the hood (inner panel 102b) is prevented from being seen through the slit 40 when viewed from the front to the back side of the seal member 4 in the direction of the thickness of the strip. In the fourth embodiment, the stepped shape of the slit surfaces H5 and H6 is set to two steps that divide the thickness dimension in half. Alternatively, as a modified example not shown, the stepped shape of the slit surfaces H5 and H6 may be set to two steps of different sizes. Alternatively, as a modified example not shown, the stepped shape of the slit surfaces H5 and H6 may be set to three or more steps.

[0068] According to the sealing members 1 to 4 of the present invention, even if the cross-sectional shape of the sealing members 1 to 4 that seal the gap between the hood front edge 102d and the headlight 106 changes significantly and complexly depending on the longitudinal part due to the unique design of the hood front edge 102d and the headlight 106, the first region Fa and the second region Sa can be appropriately positioned to match the shape of the opening edge 101a, and the opening edge 101a can be reliably sealed. Furthermore, even when the hood 102 is raised and in the open position, the sealing members 1 to 4 maintain a state in which they are neatly attached and fixed to the hood 102.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is applicable even if the front edge of the engine hood has a shape that extends in a straight line from the left edge to the right edge of the vehicle body, as in the conventional invention. Of course, it is also applicable even if the front edge of the front grille and the front edge of the headlights are misaligned with each other.

[0070] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as the present invention, or within an equivalent scope. For example, some components may be extracted from one embodiment described above, and other components may be extracted from other embodiments described above, and these extracted components may be combined. [Industrial applicability]

[0071] The present invention is advantageously applicable to engine-powered vehicles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. Although not shown in the figures, the present invention is also applicable to sealing members attached to openable and closable trunk lids that cover the trunk compartment at the rear of the vehicle body, and to openable and closable back doors that cover the luggage compartment at the rear of the vehicle body. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1-4 sealing members, 10 extruded parts (extruded molded members), 11 Mounting base (one side in the band thickness direction), 13 Seal base (other side in the band width direction), 20 Molding part (molding member), 21 Mounting base (one side in the thickness direction of the strip), 23 Seal base (other side in the width direction of the strip), 30, 40 Slits, 100 Body, 101 Room (body opening), 101a Opening edge, 102 Hood (vehicle hood), 102b Inner panel (underside of hood), 102d Hood front edge, 104 Front grille, 106 Headlights.

Claims

1. A strip-shaped sealing member that extends along the opening edge of a vehicle body opening and seals the gap between the opening edge and the vehicle body hood that covers the vehicle body opening, A slit is formed in one side in the width direction of the band at the boundary between the first longitudinal region and the second longitudinal region of the sealing member. The aforementioned one side in the width direction of the band is, In the state before being attached to the vehicle body hood, the slits are spaced apart from each other so as to be staggered in the thickness direction of the strip, In the state after being attached to the vehicle body hood, The alternating sections become narrower, or the alternating sections close completely. The other side of the sealing member in the width direction is cantilevered to one side in the width direction and contacts the vehicle body hood. The other side of the first longitudinal region of the sealing member in the width direction does not deform, or undergoes relatively small elastic deformation. A sealing member wherein the other side in the width direction of the longitudinal second region of the sealing member is configured to elastically deform more relatively than the other side in the width direction of the longitudinal first region.

2. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to the longitudinal position of the sealing member, the connection position between the slit and the surface of the sealing member and the connection position between the slit and the back surface of the sealing member are different.

3. The sealing member according to claim 2, wherein the slit surface constituting the slit is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the sealing member.

4. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the slit surface constituting the slit is parallel to the thickness direction of the sealing member.

5. The sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first longitudinal region of the sealing member is a molded member, the second longitudinal region is an extruded member, and the two members are joined to each other.

6. The sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first longitudinal region and the portion of the second longitudinal region in which the slit is formed are molded members, the remaining portion of the second longitudinal region is an extruded member, and the two members are joined together.

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