Arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a seal concealed by a structural element

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a structural element (7); - a glazing element (2) that is movable with respect to the structural element; - an upright (3, 4) extending along one side of the movable glazing element (2); and - a first seal (8) attached to the structural element, wherein the first seal is entirely concealed by the structural element, wherein the first seal comprises a first sealing lip (12) in contact with the movable glazing element, wherein the first sealing lip extends longitudinally only along the movable glazing element, wherein the first seal comprises a second sealing lip (14) in contact with the structural element, and wherein the second sealing lip extends longitudinally at least along the first sealing lip and along the upright.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a sealing joint masked by a structural element

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a structural element, a window movable relative to the structural element and a seal configured to seal an interface between the structural element and the movable window. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an arrangement. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising such an arrangement.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] A motor vehicle door comprises a structural element topped by a window that can move between a raised position and a lowered position. The interface between the window and the structural element is sealed by a seal. Usually, this seal is integrated into a trim fixed to an upper edge of the structural element. Such a trim extends longitudinally along a lower edge of the window, as well as along uprights framing the window, or even along a fixed window adjacent to the window. The trim comprises a face visible from the outside of the vehicle, generally black or chrome-plated, and a sealing lip in contact with the window. The trim therefore both seals the interface between the window and the structural element and performs an aesthetic function.

[0006] Automobile manufacturers are now seeking to offer motor vehicles without a trim at the interface between the structural element and the movable window. In appearance, a body panel of the structural element is therefore directly extended upwards by the movable window. For such arrangements, integrating a sealing device between the structural element and the movable window is particularly difficult to achieve. In particular, there is little space available to position a seal. The limited accessibility of this seal forces automobile manufacturers to assemble the seal upstream in the vehicle assembly line. There is then an increased risk of turning or deforming a sealing lip of the seal during the subsequent assembly of other components.Furthermore, such an arrangement makes it more complex to create a watertight interface between the structural element and the upright(s) framing the movable window.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide an arrangement for a motor vehicle which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the arrangements known from the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an arrangement comprising a sealing joint entirely hidden by the structural element, simple to manufacture and assemble, the sealing joint making it possible to seal an interface between a movable window and a structural element as well as an interface between an upright adjacent to the movable window and the structural element.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0012] - a structural element,

[0013] - a window that moves relative to the structural element,

[0014] - an amount extending along one side of the movable window, and

[0015] - a first seal attached to the structural element, the first seal being entirely concealed by the structural element, the first seal comprising a first sealing lip in contact against the movable window, the first sealing lip extending longitudinally only along the movable window, the first seal comprising a second sealing lip in contact with the structural element, the second sealing lip extending longitudinally at least along the first sealing lip and along the upright.

[0016] The first sealing lip may comprise a first segment connected to a frame of the first sealing gasket, the first segment comprising a first surface, in particular provided with flocking, in contact with the movable window, the first sealing lip comprising a second segment in the extension of the first segment, the second segment comprising a second surface in contact with the second sealing lip.

[0017] The second sealing lip may comprise a first portion extending longitudinally along the first sealing lip and a second portion extending longitudinally along the upright, a cross-section of the first portion and a cross-section of the second portion having different shapes.

[0018] The first portion of the second sealing lip may comprise a termination whose cross-section is narrow, in particular a termination whose cross-section has a thickness strictly less than 2 mm. The second portion of the second sealing lip may comprise a termination whose cross-section is wider, in particular a termination whose cross-section has a circular shape whose radius is greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0019] The first seal may comprise a first frame to which the first sealing lip is attached, a material constituting the first frame being stiffer or harder than a material constituting the first sealing lip. The first seal may comprise a second frame to which the second sealing lip is attached, a material constituting the second frame being stiffer or harder than a material constituting the second sealing lip, the first frame being attached, in particular welded, to the second frame. The first seal may further comprise a set of attachment clips cooperating with holes provided in the structural element to attach the first seal.

[0020] The first seal may further comprise a first support element and a second support element made of the same material as the material of the second sealing lip, the first support element and the second support element being fixed to a frame of the seal, and arranged on either side of the fixing clips, and bearing against the structural element.

[0021] The arrangement may further include:

[0022] - a window fixed relative to the structural element, said upright extending along the fixed window and separating the fixed window from the movable window, and

[0023] - a second seal fixed to the fixed window, in particular overmolded on a lower edge of the fixed window, the second seal comprising at least one sealing lip extending longitudinally along the fixed window and in contact with the structural element or in contact with the second sealing lip.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method of assembling an arrangement as defined above, the method comprising:

[0025] - fixing the first seal to the structural element, then

[0026] - assembly of the movable window to the structural element, then

[0027] - assembly of the upright to the structural element.

[0028] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an arrangement as defined above.

[0029] Presentation of figures

[0030] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a part of a door of a motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a part of a door of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a seal according to one embodiment of the invention at a cross-section CC.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket at cross-section BB.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the gasket.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the gasket at cross-section CC.

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the gasket at cross-section BB.

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fixed window of the motor vehicle of Figure 2 at a cross-section AA.

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fixed window of the motor vehicle at a cross-section AA according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Detailed description

[0040] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a portion of a door of a motor vehicle 1 according to the state of the art. The vehicle 1 comprises a movable window 2' framed by a front pillar 3' and a rear pillar 4', and a fixed window 5'. The fixed window 5' is positioned in front of the movable window 2'. The front pillar 3' separates the movable window 2' from the fixed window 5'. The windows 2' and 5' are positioned above a body panel 6' belonging to a structural element. The vehicle 1 further comprises a trim 7' extending longitudinally at the interface between the body panel 6' and the windows 2', 5'. The trim 7' has a generally constant cross-section. It includes a sealing lip in contact with the movable window 2' and with the fixed window 5' to seal an interface between the structural element and the windows 2', 5'.

[0041] Figure 2 now illustrates one side of a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 comprises a movable window 2 framed by a front pillar 3 and a rear pillar 4, and a fixed window 5. The fixed window 5 is positioned in front of the movable window 2. The front pillar 3 separates the movable window 2 from the fixed window 5. The windows 2 and 5 are positioned above a body panel 6 belonging to a structural element 7. According to the embodiment presented, the body panel 6, the structural element 7 and the windows 2, 5 belong to a left front door of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the invention could be transposed to any other door of the vehicle, or even to an arrangement of the vehicle separate from a door.

[0042] In this document, the X axis refers to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When moving forward and in a straight line, the vehicle moves from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, i.e., in the direction of reverse travel. The Y axis refers to the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right being defined according to the point of view of a vehicle driver. The Z axis refers to the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. The vehicle is considered to be resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y, and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0043] By "mobile", it is understood that the movable window 2 is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the structural element 7. The movable window 2 thus allows a motorist to have a lateral opening to interact with the external environment and / or ventilate the passenger compartment. By "fixed", it is understood that the fixed window 5 is fixed relative to the structural element 7. It cannot be lowered or raised. The uprights 3 and 4 are elements integral with the structural element 7. The uprights 3, 4 extend generally along the vertical axis Z. They each comprise an external face visible from the outside of the vehicle 1. The external face of each upright 3, 4 may project relative to the external face of the movable window 2 or the fixed window 5.

[0044] The body panel 6 also comprises an outer face visible from the outside of the vehicle 1. The body panel 6 is integral with the structural element 7. In particular, an upper edge of the body panel 6 may be crimped around an upper edge of the structural element 7. The structural element 7, also referred to as a belt reinforcement, comprises a rigidity and strength suitable for supporting various components of the vehicle and for protecting the passengers of the vehicle from side impacts. The structural element 7 may comprise one or more metal sheets shaped and cut for this purpose.

[0045] The vehicle 1 does not include any hubcap such as the hubcap 7' of the vehicle 1' according to the state of the art. The upper edge of the body panel 6 is not covered by a decorative element. When the vehicle is viewed from the side, the body panel 6 is directly extended upwards by the movable window 2 or by the pillars 3, 4 or even by the fixed window 5. This gives the vehicle 1 an original style and increases its glazed surface area.

[0046] To seal an interface between the structural element 7 on the one hand and the movable window 2 and the uprights 3 and 4 on the other hand, the vehicle 1 comprises a first particular seal 8 which will now be described in relation to figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 illustrates the first seal 8 at a cross section CC at the height of the movable window 2. Figure 4 illustrates the first seal 8 at a cross section BB at the height of the front upright 3. The cross sections CC and BB are notably identified in figure 2.

[0047] The first seal 8 cooperates with an outer face of the movable window 2. To form a seal between an inner face of the movable window 2 and a door box 32, a seal 33 according to the state of the art can be used. The first seal 8 is entirely hidden by the structural element 7, that is to say that the first seal 8 is invisible when the vehicle 1 is observed in side view with a horizontal vision axis. A high point of the first seal 8 is preferably positioned lower than a high point of the structural element 7, in particular a high point of the body panel 6 of the structural element 7. By "entirely masked by the structural element 7", it is nevertheless understood that at least part of the seal 8 could be visible to an observer observing from above the interface between the structural element 7 on the one hand and the movable window 2 or the uprights 3, 4 on the other hand.

[0048] The seal 8 comprises two parts 9, 10 fixed to each other. A first part 9 comprises a first frame 11 and a first sealing lip 12. Similarly, a second part 10 comprises a second frame 13 and a second sealing lip 14. The two parts 9 and 10 are fixed to each other by means of their frame 11, 13.

[0049] A material constituting the first frame 11 is more rigid than a material constituting the first sealing lip 12. The material constituting the first frame 11 may be a hard plastic, for example polypropylene, and the material constituting the first sealing lip 12 may be a softer plastic, for example an elastomer. Similarly, a material constituting the second frame 13 is more rigid than a material constituting the second sealing lip 14. The material constituting the second frame 13 may be a hard plastic, for example polypropylene, and the material constituting the second sealing lip 14 may be a softer plastic, for example an elastomer. The material constituting the first frame 11 may be identical to the material constituting the second frame 13. This material may comprise a hardness of between 30 and 45 Shore D inclusive.The material constituting the first lip 12 may be identical to the material constituting the second lip 14. This material may have a hardness of between 60 and 80 Shore A inclusive. The first part 9 may be manufactured independently of the second part 10. The first part may, for example, be obtained by molding. The second part.

[0050] 10 can be obtained, for example, by extrusion. Then, the two parts 9, 10 can be fixed to each other. In particular, the reinforcements 11, 13 can be welded to each other. In this case, plastic materials with good chemical compatibility will preferably be chosen to constitute the reinforcements

[0051] 11 and 13. According to one embodiment, the two frames 11, 13 can be assembled to each other by a hot welding process.

[0052] The seal 8 is fixed to the structural element 7. For this purpose, the seal 8 comprises a set of fixing clips 15, or staples, cooperating with holes 16 provided through the structural element. The fixing clips 15 are integral with the second frame 13. Alternatively, the fixing clips 15 could thus be integral with the first frame 11.

[0053] The first part 9 of the seal 8, and in particular the first sealing lip 12, extends longitudinally only along the movable window 2, that is to say that the first part 9 extends parallel to the axis X only opposite the movable window 2. In other words, the first part 9 extends longitudinally only between a front edge of the rear upright 4 and a rear edge of the front upright 3. The first part 9 therefore does not extend opposite the uprights 3, 4 adjacent to the movable window 2, nor opposite the fixed window 5.

[0054] On the contrary, the second part 10 of the seal 8 extends longitudinally not only opposite the first part but also opposite the uprights 3 and 4, or even opposite the fixed window 5 as we will see later. The second part 10 of the seal 8 is therefore longer than the first part 9 along the longitudinal axis X. The first sealing lip 12 comprises a first segment 17 connected to the first frame 11 and a second segment 18 in the extension of the first segment 17. The second segment 18 is connected to the first frame 11 via the first segment 17. The first segment 17 extends from the first frame 11 generally obliquely upwards and towards the movable window 2. The second segment 18 extends generally transversely towards the structural element 7.The first sealing lip 12 therefore comprises an elbow 19 formed between the first segment 17 and the second segment 18, in particular an elbow of approximately 90°. The first sealing lip 12 may comprise a cross-section at least roughly in the shape of a "C".

[0055] The first segment 17 comprises a first surface, preferably provided with flocking 20, in contact with the movable window 2. The second segment 18 comprises a second surface in contact with the second sealing lip 14.

[0056] The second sealing lip 14 extends longitudinally over a greater length than the first sealing lip 12. The second sealing lip 14 extends longitudinally not only along the first sealing lip 12 but also along the uprights 3 and 4. The second sealing lip 14 comprises a first surface in contact with the second segment 18 of the first sealing lip 12 or in contact with an outer face of the uprights 3, 4 depending on the portion of the second sealing lip considered. The second sealing lip 14 comprises a second surface, opposite the first surface of the second sealing lip, in contact with the structural element 7. In particular, the second surface of the second sealing lip 14 may be in contact with the crimped upper edge of the body panel 6.

[0057] The two sealing lips 12 and 14 are therefore in contact with each other, more precisely, the second sealing lip 14 covers the end of the first sealing lip 12. The overlap of the two sealing lips 12, 14 makes it possible to guarantee contact between these two sealing lips despite a certain dispersion in the transverse positioning of the movable window 2 relative to the structural element 7. The space formed between the structural element 7 and the movable window 2 is thus filled by the two sealing lips 12, 14. A tubular cavity 21 can thus be formed between the first sealing lip 12 and the second sealing lip 14. This tubular cavity 21 is closed on its upper side by the overlap of the two sealing lips 12 and 14.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates the seal 8 at the level of the front upright 3, that is to say at the level of the section BB identified in Figure 2. In the portion of the seal extending opposite the front upright 3, the seal 8 comprises only the second part 10, that is to say the second frame 13 and the second sealing lip 14.

[0059] Comparing Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that a first portion 22 of the second sealing lip 14 in contact with the first sealing lip 12 has a cross-section of a different shape from the shape of the section of a second portion 23 of the second sealing lip 14 in contact with the front upright 3. By "cross-section", we mean a section in a plane parallel to the transverse axis Y and to the vertical axis Z. This difference in shape is also well illustrated in Figure 5. Although having different shapes depending on the portion 22 or 23 considered, the second sealing lip 14 is a monolithic element: it does not result from the assembly of two sealing lips of different shapes.

[0060] More specifically, the second sealing lip 14 comprises a termination whose cross-section is narrow at its first portion 22. The thickness e1 of the second sealing lip 14, considered between a point of contact with the first sealing lip 12 and a point of contact with the structural element 7 or the body panel 6, may be strictly less than 2 mm. Conversely, the second sealing lip 14 comprises a termination whose cross-section is wider at its second portion 23. At the second portion 23, the termination of the second sealing lip 14 may comprise a circular cross-section whose radius R1 is greater than or equal to 1 mm, or even greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. This makes it possible to form an effective seal at the interface between the second sealing lip 14 and the front pillar 3.Alternatively, the cross-section of the second portion of the second sealing lip 14 could also comprise an ovoid shape known as a "rice grain".

[0061] A relatively short transition portion 24 may be provided between the first portion 22 and the second portion 23. The shape of the cross-section of the second sealing lip gradually changes shape along the transition portion 24.

[0062] The shape of the second sealing lip 14 opposite the rear pillar 4 is preferably identical to the shape of the second sealing lip 14 opposite the front pillar 3. Thus, Figure 4 could also illustrate the first seal 8 at the level of the cross section DD (identified in Figure 2) at the height of the rear pillar 4.

[0063] The first seal 8 further comprises a first support element 25 and a second support element 26 made of the same material as the material of the second sealing lip 14. The first support element 25 and the second support element 26 are integral with the second frame 13. They are arranged on either side of the fixing clips 15 and bear against the structural element 7. The first support element 25 and the second support element 26 extend transversely from the second frame 13, to prevent direct contact between the second frame 13 and the structural element 7. They thus make it possible to avoid noise and / or wear of the second frame 13 in contact with the structural element 7. The first support element 25 and the second support element 26 may extend longitudinally over the entire length of the second frame 13, respectively above and below the fixing clips 15.Figure 7 illustrates the door of the vehicle 1 at a section AA (identified in Figure 2), at the height of the fixed window 5. It can be seen that the seal between the fixed window 5 and the structural element 7 is obtained by means of a second seal 28 fixed to the fixed window 5. The second seal 28 is in particular overmolded on a lower edge of the fixed window 5. A second seal 28 separate from the first seal 8 is therefore used to perform the sealing function between the fixed window 5 and the structural element 7. This facilitates the assembly of the fixed window 5. Indeed, the fixed window 5 extends into a part of the vehicle that is difficult to access. To assemble the fixed window 5 to the vehicle, it must be approached along a very specific trajectory and the installer of the fixed window has very little clearance to deviate from this trajectory.Since the second seal 28 is integral with the fixed window 5, the assembly of the fixed window does not risk turning over one of its sealing lips. This would not be the case if the first sealing lip 12 of the first seal 8 also extended to the height of the fixed window 5. In such a case, the assembly of the fixed window 5 along a constrained trajectory would lead to a risk of turning over or deformation of the first sealing lip 12.

[0064] The second seal 28 comprises a sealing lip 29 extending longitudinally along the fixed window 5. The sealing lip 29 extends transversely from the fixed window 5 towards the structural element 7. The sealing lip 29 comprises a surface in contact with the structural element 7, in particular with the bodywork panel 6. The sealing lip 29 comprises a shape similar to the shape of the second segment 18 of the first sealing lip 12. The second seal 28 further comprises two sealing lips 30, 31 configured to form a seal between the inner side of the fixed window 5 and a door box 32.

[0065] It can be seen in Figure 8 that neither of the two parts 9, 10 of the first seal 8 extends to the height of the fixed window 5. This shortens the length of the first seal, which makes it possible to save money. The sealing lip 29 is therefore in direct contact with the structural element 7, in particular with the bodywork panel 6.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. According to this alternative embodiment, the second part 10 of the first seal 8 also extends at the height of the fixed window 5. The sealing lip 29 of the second seal 28 thus comes into contact against the second sealing lip 14. This provides a sealing interface with the same overall finish for the fixed window 5 and for the movable window 2.

[0067] To assemble the arrangement described above, the following procedure can be used. First, the movable window 2, the uprights 3 and 4, the fixed window 5, the structural element 7 and the first seal 8 are provided as separate components. Then, the first seal 8 is fixed to the structural element 7. To do this, the fixing clips 15 are engaged in the holes 16 provided in the structural element 7. Then, the movable window 2 is assembled to the structural element 7. The movable window can then be positioned in the lowered position to facilitate the subsequent assembly of the other components. Next, the fixed window is mounted on which the second seal 28 is overmolded. Finally, the uprights 3 and 4 are assembled to the structural element 7.

[0068] Finally, thanks to the invention, an arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle comprising a seal 8 masked by a structural element 7. The seal 8 is simple to manufacture and nevertheless makes it possible to effectively seal the interface between the structural element 7 on the one hand and the movable window 2 and the uprights 3, 4 on the other hand.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Arrangement for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a structural element (7), - a movable window (2) relative to the structural element, - an upright (3, 4) extending along one side of the movable window (2), and - a first seal (8) fixed to the structural element, the first seal being entirely masked by the structural element, the first seal comprising a first sealing lip (12) in contact against the movable window, the first sealing lip extending longitudinally only along the movable window, the first seal comprising a second sealing lip (14) in contact with the structural element, the second sealing lip extending longitudinally at least along the first sealing lip and along the upright.

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first sealing lip (12) comprises a first segment (17) connected to a frame (11) of the first sealing joint (8), the first segment comprising a first surface, in particular provided with flocking (20), in contact with the movable window (2), the first sealing lip comprising a second segment (18) in the extension of the first segment, the second segment comprising a second surface in contact with the second sealing lip (14).

3. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sealing lip (14) comprises a first portion (22) extending longitudinally along the first sealing lip (12) and a second portion (23) extending longitudinally along the upright (3, 4), a transverse section of the first portion and a transverse section of the second portion having different shapes.

4. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first portion (22) of the second sealing lip (14) comprises a termination whose transverse section is narrow, in particular a termination whose transverse section has a thickness (e1) strictly less than 2 mm, and in that the second portion (23) of the second sealing lip (14) comprises a termination whose transverse section is wider, in particular a termination whose transverse section has a circular shape whose radius (R1) is greater than or equal to 1 mm.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first seal (8) comprises a first reinforcement (11) to which the first sealing lip (12) is fixed, a material constituting the first reinforcement being more rigid or harder than a material constituting the first sealing lip, and in that the first seal comprises a second reinforcement (13) to which the second sealing lip (14) is fixed, a material constituting the second reinforcement being more rigid or harder than a material constituting the second sealing lip, the first reinforcement being fixed, in particular welded, to the second reinforcement.

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first seal (8) further comprises a set of fixing clips (15) cooperating with holes (16) provided in the structural element (7) for fixing the first seal.

7. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first seal (8) further comprises a first support element (25) and a second support element (26) made of the same material as the material of the second sealing lip (14), the first support element and the second support element being fixed to a frame (13) of the seal, and arranged on either side of the fixing clips (15), and bearing against the structural element.

8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: - a fixed window (5) relative to the structural element, the upright (3) extending along the fixed window and separating the fixed window from the movable window (2), and - a second seal (28) fixed to the fixed window, in particular overmolded on a lower edge of the fixed window, the second seal comprising at least one sealing lip (29) extending longitudinally along the fixed window and in contact with the structural element or in contact with the second sealing lip (14).

9. Method of assembling an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: - fixing the first seal (8) to the structural element (7), then - the assembly of the movable window (2) to the structural element (7), then - the assembly of the upright (3, 4) to the structural element (7).

10. Motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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