Elongate sealing structure for a vehicle, and methods for manufacturing and mounting a sealing structure

Abstract

An elongate sealing structure (18) for sealing an edge of a body (12) such as a vehicle body, comprising an elongate sealing section (30) for contacting a surface (26) to be sealed, the sealing section (30) extending along a first direction (x) and being made of a first plastic material; and a fastening section (40) for fastening the sealing structure (18) to the body (12), wherein the fastening section (40) is made of a second plastic material which is harder than the first plastic material, wherein the fastening section (40) includes at least one fastening element (42) which extends from the sealing section (30) in a second direction (z) which is transverse to the first direction (x) and which is configured to engage an attachment portion (22) of the body (12), and wherein the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are joined to each other so as to form one piece.

Description

Elongate sealing structure for a vehicle, and methods for manufacturing and mounting a sealing structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elongate sealing structure for a vehicle, to a body (e.g., a vehicle body) to which such sealing structure is fastened, and to methods for manufacturing and mounting a sealing structure. The sealing structure can be an outer waist belt sealing structure, for example.

[0002] An outer waist belt in cars, commonly also referred to as the outer belt molding or beltline molding, is a trim piece located at the base of the vehicle's side windows, running horizontally along the door's edge. This component serves both aesthetic and functional purposes: it provides a finished look to the vehicle's design and acts as a seal to prevent water, dirt, and debris from entering the door cavity.

[0003] The outer belt sealing structure is typically made from materials like PVC or EPDM rubber, often reinforced with a metal core to maintain rigidity and ensure a snug fit against the window and door surfaces. In cross-section, the sealing structure usually features a mounting portion, a sealing lip, and sometimes a decorative surface. The mounting portion attaches directly to the door panel and often includes multiple clips or fasteners for secure placement. The sealing lip flexibly presses against the window glass, creating a seal to block external elements. The decorative surface is a visible part of the sealing structure, which can be textured or finished to match the vehicle's design aesthetics.

[0004] Typically, such outer waistline sealing structures are fastened to a door panel by means of plural push-clips which are individually pushed into holes of the door panel by hand.

[0005] In view of the above, it is the object of the present disclosure to provide an improved sealing structure, an improved body, an improved method for manufacturing a sealing structure, and an improved method for fastening a sealing structure to a body.

[0006] The above object is achieved by an elongate sealing structure for sealing an edge of a body, such as a lower edge of a window frame in a door of a vehicle body, comprising anelongate sealing section for contacting a surface to be sealed, the sealing section extending along a first direction and being made of a first plastic material; and a fastening section for fastening the sealing structure to the body, wherein the fastening section is made of a second plastic material which is harder than the first plastic material, wherein the fastening section includes at least one fastening element which extends from the sealing section in a second direction which is transverse to the first direction and which is configured to engage an attachment portion of the body, and wherein the sealing section and the fastening section are joined to each other so as to form one piece.

[0007] Further, the above object is achieved by a body to which a sealing structure according to the present disclosure is fastened.

[0008] Further, the above object is achieved by a method for manufacturing a sealing structure according to the present disclosure, comprising steps of forming the fastening section by molding, wherein the sealing section is fully or partly co-molded with the fastening section, and / or wherein the sealing section is fully or partly extruded and subsequently joined to the fastening section.

[0009] Finally, the above object is achieved by a for fastening a sealing structure to a body, comprising the steps of providing a sealing structure which has an elongate sealing section extending in a first direction and a fastening section, in particular a sealing structure of according to the present disclosure, and fastening the sealing structure to the body by moving the sealing structure as a whole in a second direction transverse to the first direction, so that the fastening section engages a corresponding attachment portion of the body.

[0010] The fastening element preferably is formed as an integral part of the fastening section.The elongate sealing structure of the present disclosure allows to fasten the sealing structure to a body by one single movement of the entire sealing structure in a direction which is defined by the fastening element, preferably in the second direction. Further, it is not necessary to provide any additional or separate attachment elements such as push-clips or the like.

[0011] The use of a hard plastic material for the fastening section provides a more robust and durable attachment. The use of a softer sealing material ensures better conformity to the sealing surface.

[0012] The construction of the elongate sealing structure as one piece, in which the sealing section and the fastening section are joined to each other, reduces assembly complexity and potential failure points compared to multi-part designs.

[0013] The edge of the body, to which the elongate sealing structure is sealed, can be a waistline edge of the body, e.g., the lower edge of a window opening of door of the body. Preferably, the sealing structure is an outer sealing structure of the vehicle body. In other words, the sealing structure is preferably to be used to seal a gap between the edge of the body and the surface to be sealed. For example, the sealing structure is used for sealing a gap between an outer surface of a window and an edge of a window opening of a door. The sealing structure, therefore, is able to prevent water, dirt, and debris from entering a door cavity. Also, it may serve to provide a pleasant appearance in this area.

[0014] The surface to be sealed, which is contacted by the sealing section, preferably, is an outer surface of a window of a door.

[0015] Preferably, the fastening section includes multiple fastening elements which extend in the second direction, each of which preferably being formed as an integral part of the fastening section.

[0016] The fastening element, preferably, is adapted to fasten the fastening section to the body in such a manner that the fastening section is held at the body in any lateral direction (for- ward / rearward and left / right), and preferably also in the vertical direction (up and down).

[0017] The body to which a sealing structure according to the present disclosure is fastened, preferably, is a vehicle body, and even more preferred is a door of a body of a vehicle such as an automotive vehicle. However, the vehicle may be a boat, a train, an aircraft,etc. Also, the elongate sealing structure may be used for any other application if a gap between an edge of a body and an opposite surface is to be sealed.

[0018] The term "direction", presently, is used as an equivalent to the term “axis”, and vice versa.

[0019] The object is achieved in full.

[0020] Preferably, at least a part of the sealing section and the fastening section are molded together.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sealing section and the fastening section are fully co-molded in one single mold, i.e. , by two component (2K) molding, wherein one component is the softer material of the sealing section, and the other material is the harder material of the fastening section. Here, the entire sealing structure can be manufactured in one single step.

[0022] In another embodiment, only a part of the sealing section and the fastening section are co-molded in a 2K-mold. In this case, a second part of the sealing section may be joined to the fastening section or to the first part of the sealing section in a subsequent step. In this case, the second part may be formed by extrusion, for example.

[0023] On the other hand, it is also preferred if at least a part of the sealing section and the fastening section are manufactured separately and joined together.

[0024] In this case, the sealing section may entirely be formed by an extrusion process and joined to the molded fastening section in a subsequent step. On the other hand, as discussed above, only a part of the sealing section may be extruded and joined to the fastening section in a subsequent step.

[0025] In comparison to a molding process, an extrusion process, typically, is less costly, so that an additional joining step may be justified for some applications.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the fastening section includes a plurality of fastening elements which are arranged at a distance from each other along the first direction.

[0027] The provision of multiple fastening points improves stability and load distribution. Further, the risk of a localized failure is reduced compared to a single-point fastener.

[0028] Preferably, the fastening elements are aligned in the first direction, each with a similar or identical distance to an adjacent fastening element.

[0029] In addition, it is preferred if the fastening elements include a tongue portion which extends in the second direction and which is configured to be inserted into an attachment receptacle of the attachment portion, which extends in the second direction.

[0030] The tongue portion provides a secure, guided engagement. Alignment during assembly is simplified, so as to reduce labor time.

[0031] Also, the cross-section of the tongue portion and the cross-section of the attachment receptacle are preferably adapted to each other so that the tongue portion is held in the attachment receptacle in the first direction and in a third direction which is transverse to the first and second directions. In other words, the tongue is held in any lateral direction by the attachment receptacle.

[0032] The tongue portion, preferably, is fit into the attachment receptacle by a transition fit like a push fit or a force fit, in order to attach the sealing structure rattle-free to the body.

[0033] Further, it is preferred if the fastening element includes a locking portion configured to lock the position of the fastening element with respect to the attachment portion in the second direction.

[0034] The locking portion ensures the sealing structure remains in place during operation. It reduces wear and loosening over time.

[0035] Also, the locking portion, preferably is adapted to hold the sealing structure rattle-free at the body in the second direction.

[0036] Preferably, the locking portion includes a hook portion which is configured to lockingly engage the attachment portion.

[0037] The hook provides good retention and prevents accidental disengagement due to vibration or impact.

[0038] Further, it is preferred if the hook portion is configured to be elastically deflected in a third direction transverse to the second direction.

[0039] The hook portion may be adapted to engage an edge of the attachment portion in the attachment position.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment, the tongue portion of the fastening element includes an opening which is configured to receive at least a part of a hook portion of the locking portion in its non-deflected state This improvement allows to fully engage an edge of the attachment portion by means of the hook portion. In other words, in the attachment position, a part of the hook may protrude into the opening of the tongue portion, thereby improving retention forces.

[0041] Further, it is preferred if the hook portion includes at least two steps at different positions in the second direction and / or in the third direction.

[0042] This embodiment provides variable locking options which allow engagement at different depths for a secure fit in different applications. Further, tolerances may be compensated for, particularly tolerances of the dimensions of the attachment portion. In addition, steps may help to reduce stress concentration on a single point in some cases.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the fastening section is configured to be fastened to the body by a movement of the sealing structure along the second direction.

[0044] In other words, it is preferred if the sealing structure as a whole is moved in the second direction, which preferably is essentially the vertical (second) direction of the body, in order to fasten the sealing structure to the body.

[0045] Preferably, the first material is selected from the group which consists of: elastomer material, TPE, soft thermoplastic material, and EPDM.

[0046] In addition, the second material, preferably, is selected from the group which consists of:elastomer material, TPE, hard thermoplastic material, and EPDM.

[0047] TPE and EPDM provide flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Extrusion and molding processes enable cost-effective mass production of these materials.

[0048] Further, it is preferred if at least one sealing lip of the sealing section is an extruded part.

[0049] This helps to reduce costs. An extruded part is a part which has uniform cross-section over its entire length.

[0050] In addition, it is preferred if the sealing section includes a first sealing lip for contacting the surface to be sealed, and a second sealing lip for contacting a part of the body.

[0051] This allows to effectively seal the gap between the surface and the body.

[0052] Finally, it is preferred if the fastening section is a single molded part.

[0053] Preferably, the fastening section consists only of plastic material, namely the second plastic material which is harder than the first plastic material of the sealing section. However, in some cases, a metal reinforcement or the like might be provided within the fastening section. In any case, the fastening section is a single part which is molded, wherein the sealing section can be, at least partly, co-molded thereto. In other embodiments, at least a part of the sealing section can be joined to the molded fastening section, e.g., by thermoplastic welding, by glueing, or other joining techniques.

[0054] The body, preferably, comprises a metal body sheet, although the body may also be formed by compound sheet material, for example.

[0055] Preferably, the attachment portion of the body is integrally formed from the metal body sheet, e.g., by a stamping process or the like.

[0056] Further, the attachment portion preferably includes a U-shaped bracket which defines an attachment receptacle, wherein the U-shaped bracket, preferably, is formed such that a base of the bracket is arranged at a distance from a surface of the metal body sheet, wherein the legs of the U-shape connect the base of the bracket with the metal body sheet.

[0057] The elongate sealing structure may be applied to outer waist belts and to all other TP molded parts. The fastening section of the sealing structure, preferably, mechanically hooks onto an edge of a sheet metal of the body. The hook may have a number of steps so as to define different tooth heights to ensure optimum adjustment.

[0058] No additional parts are required for the attachment process. The fastening method allows for a strong mechanical positioning and holding of the part and improves ease of assembly.

[0059] The present disclosure provides for at least one of the following advantages: quicker assembly, operator assembly training is easier, time is saved during assembly, ergonomic benefits are achieved on account of only one direction for assembly, the process is simple, no additional components for attachment are necessary, and the system is adaptable to sheet metal tolerances.

[0060] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without leaving the context of the present invention.

[0061] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail hereinafter. In the drawings:Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an automotive vehicle having doors with elongate sealing structures;Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an elongate sealing structure fastened to a door of a vehicle body;Fig. 3 is a side view of the sealing structure of Fig. 2;Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an example of an attachment portion of a body;Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a fastening element of a fastening section of a sealing structure;Fig. 6 is a perspective view on a fastening element attached to an attachment portion;Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an elongate sealing structure;Fig. 8 is a perspective view of part of a door of a vehicle with attachment portions for an elongate sealing structure;Fig. 9 is a perspective view in which the sealing structure of Fig. 7 has been fastened to the door of Fig. 8 by a single movement;Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the door with the sealing structure of Fig. 9; andFig. 11 is a detail XI of Fig. 10.

[0062] In Fig. 1, an automotive vehicle 10 is shown. The vehicle is a passenger car.

[0063] The vehicle 10 comprises a body 12. The body 12 includes a front door 14F and a rear door 14R.

[0064] A longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 is shown at x (first direction). A vertical direction of the vehicle 10 is shown at z (second direction). A lateral direction of the vehicle 10 is shown at y (third direction).

[0065] The front door 14F has a window 16F, which, preferably, is movable in a vertical direction z. The rear door 14R has a window 16R which is preferably movable in the vertical direction z.

[0066] The front door 14F includes an elongate sealing structure 18F, formed as an outer waistline belt sealing structure. The rear door 14R includes another elongate sealing structure 18R, forming another outer waistbelt sealing structure 18R.

[0067] Fig. 2 is an exemplary schematic view of an embodiment of an elongate sealing structure 18 (18F or 18R) fastened to a metal body sheet 20 of a door 14 (front door or rear door). The door 14 includes a window 16 which is movable essentially in the vertical direction z, as shown by W in Fig. 2.

[0068] The metal body sheet 20 includes an attachment portion 22 which is dedicated to the sealing structure 18. The attachment portion 22 includes an attachment receptacle 24 which extends in the vertical direction z.

[0069] The attachment receptacle 24 is provided on a lateral side of the metal body sheet 20, which faces window 16. The window 16 has an outer surface 26. The terms "inner” and “outer", in this context, relate to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, for example.

[0070] The elongate sealing structure 18 includes an elongate sealing section 30. The sealing section 30 includes a first sealing lip 32 which is configured to contact the outer window surface 26. Further, the sealing section 30 includes a second sealing lip 34 which is configured to contact a part of the door, so that the sealing section is, in general, able to seala gap between the door and the window surface. Thereby, a seal to block external elements is created, and such external elements like dust, debris, water are prevented from entering an inner cavity of the door.

[0071] The sealing section 30, further, includes a connection portion 36 which is joined to a fastening section 40 of the sealing structure 18.

[0072] The fastening section 40 comprises a plurality of fastening elements 42 which are arranged at a respective distance d from each other along the first (longitudinal) direction x.

[0073] Each fastening element 42 includes a tongue portion 44 which is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding attachment receptacle 24 of an attachment portion, by moving the sealing structure 18 in a fastening direction M which is essentially the vertical direction z in the present case.

[0074] As soon as the tongue portion 44 is inserted in the attachment receptacle 24, any lateral movements in a plane defined by the first and third directions x, y are prevented in a rattle-free manner.

[0075] Further, the fastening element 42 includes a locking portion 45 which is adapted to lock the fastening element 42 with respect to the attachment portion 22 in the second (vertical) direction z. The locking portion 45 holds the fastening element 42 and thus the fastening section 40 and thus the sealing structure 18 rattle-free in the second direction z.

[0076] The locking portion 45 may be formed by any suitable locking device. In the present case,Fig. 2 shows schematically a hook portion 46 of the locking portion 45, which is adapted to engage the attachment portion 22 in a manner so that the sealing structure 18 is held at the attachment portion 22 in the second direction z.

[0077] The sealing section 30, in particular each of the sealing lips 32, 34, is formed from a plastic material such as TPE or EPDM with a hardness that is lower than a hardness of thefastening section 40. The fastening section 40, also, is preferably formed from a plastic material, such as TPE or EPDM.

[0078] The fastening section 40 is a molded part. The sealing section 30 can be co-molded therewith in a 2K molding process. Alternatively, at least a part of the sealing section 30 is manufactured separately and joined to the molded fastening section 40.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows an example of an attachment portion 22 which is formed from and integrally with the metal body sheet 20, e.g., by a stamping process. The attachment portion 22 includes a U-shaped bracket 50 which extends across an opening 51 in the body sheet 20. The U-shaped bracket 50 includes a base which is arranged in parallel to the body sheet surface, and to U-legs which connect the base of the bracket 50 with respective parts of the body sheet 20, at positions displaced from each other in the first direction x.

[0080] Fig. 5 shows an example of a fastening element 42 of a fastening section 40, wherein the fastening element 42 is integrally formed with a fastening base 52 of the fastening section, which extends essentially over the entire length of the sealing structure 18 in the first direction x. The fastening base 52 is joined to the sealing section 30, as is schematically shown in Fig. 6.

[0081] The fastening element 42 includes a tongue opening 54 which is formed in the tongue portion 44 of the fastening element 42. A length of the tongue opening 54 in the first direction x is larger than a corresponding length of the hook portion 46 in the first direction x. In fact, the hook portion 46 extends preferably from the fastening base 52 and at least a part thereof extends, in the non-deflected state thereof, into the tongue opening 54.

[0082] The hook portion 46 is adapted to be deflected in the third direction y.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows the fastening element 42 of Fig. 5 attached to the attachment portion 22 of Fig. 4. The tongue portion 44 is inserted into the attachment receptacle 24, in a manner so that a part of the tongue portion 44 protrudes from the attachment portion 22 in the second direction z. The hook portion 46, when inserting the tongue portion 44 into theattachment receptacle 24, is deflected in the third direction y, until the hook portion 46 (not shown in Fig. 6) engages behind a lower edge of the U-shaped bracket 50 of the attachment portion 22.

[0084] Fig. 6 also shows that the fastening base 52, which extends in the first direction x, may be provided with multiple stiffening ridges 56 which protrude from the fastening base 52 in the third direction y and extend in general along the second direction z.

[0085] The ridges 56 may continue from a side surface of the fastening base 52 in the second direction into longitudinal side portions of the tongue portion 46, wherein the side portions form sides of the tongue opening 54.

[0086] Fig. 7 shows another example of a sealing structure 18 which corresponds with respect to structure and function to the sealing structure 18 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0087] The sealing section 30 includes a first sealing lip 32 which may be formed as an extruded sealing lip. Further, the sealing section 30 includes a second sealing lip 34. The second sealing lip 34 may be an extruded part. The sealing lips 32, 34 are joined to the fastening base 52.

[0088] In other embodiments, at least one of the first and second sealing lips 32, 34 is co-molded with the fastening section 40 in a 2K molding process.

[0089] The sealing section 30, in particular each of the sealing lips 32, 34, is formed from a plastic material such as TPE or EPDM with a hardness that is lower than a hardness of the fastening section 40. The fastening section 40, also, is preferably formed from a plastic material, such as TPE or EPDM.

[0090] The step of joining an extruded profile, such as any of the sealing lips 32, 34, to the fastening section 40, in particular to the fastening base 52, can be made by thermoplastic welding, by glueing, etc.

[0091] In addition to the stiffening ridges 56, the fastening section 40 includes support protrusions 58 which are adapted to contact the surface of the metal body sheet 20, in order to press the fastening base 52 away from the body sheet 20. Thus, vibrations will be compensated and the attachment of the sealing structure 18 to the body 20 can be made rattle-free.

[0092] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a door 16 of a vehicle body 12, including multiple attachment portions 22 aligned in the first direction x. Each of the attachment portions 22 includes a you-shaped bracket 50, there in an upper edge of the base of the bracket comprises a slope portion 62 configured to deflect the hook portion 46 when a fastening element 42 is inserted into the attachment receptacle 24. Also, a lower edge of the opening 51 in the metal body sheet 20 includes an access portion 64 adapted to guide a lower edge of the tongue portion 44, as can be seen in Figure 10 as well.

[0093] Figure 9 shows the sealing structure of figure 7 fastened to the attachment portion 22 of the door 16 of figure 8.

[0094] Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of the assembled arrangement of Fig. 9, including the door 16 with the sealing structure 18 attached thereto.

[0095] The first lip 32 is joined to the fastening base 52 at a first joint J 1 which can be formed either by co-molding or by a separate joining step such as thermoplastic welding. Similarly, a second joint J2 is shown which joins the second sealing lip 34 to the fastening base 52 and which can be formed either by co-molding or by a separate joining step such as thermoplastic welding.

[0096] Fig. 10 also shows that the upper edge of the U-shaped bracket 50 includes the slope portion 62 which facilitates deflection of the hook portion 46 when the tongue portion 44 is inserted into the attachment receptacle 24.

[0097] Further, Fig. 10 shows an access portion 64 which prevents the tongue portion 44 from getting stuck at a lower end of the opening 51 in the body sheet 20, and / or providesaccess from a rear side of the body sheet for deflecting the hook portion 46 in order to deattach the sealing structure 18 from the body 12.

[0098] Fig. 11 shows a detail XI of Fig. 10. Fig. 11 shows that the hook portion 46 comprises a slope portion 66 at its lower surface, which is adapted to engage the slope portion 62 of the U-shaped bracket 50 when inserting the tongue portion 44 into the attachment receptacle 24. In addition, Fig. 11 shows a hook surface 68 adapted to engage a lower edge of the U-shaped bracket 50. In the present case, the hook surface 68 is provided with multiple steps 70a, 70b, 70c, which are staggered in the second direction z and / or in the third direction y, in order to improve engagement at the lower edge of the bracket 50. This serves in particular for compensating coarse tolerances of the position and / or of the dimensions of the attachment portion 22.

[0099] The following Clauses define preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.Clause 1. An elongate sealing structure (18) for sealing an edge of a body (12) such as a vehicle body, comprising:an elongate sealing section (30) for contacting a surface (26) to be sealed, the sealing section (30) extending along a first direction (x) and being made of a first plastic material; anda fastening section (40) for fastening the sealing structure (18) to the body (12),wherein the fastening section (40) is made of a second plastic material which is harder than the first plastic material,wherein the fastening section (40) includes at least one fastening element (42) which extends from the sealing section (30) in a second direction (z) which is transverse to the first direction (x), and which is configured to engage an attachment portion (22) of the body (12), andwherein the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are joined to each other so as to form one piece.Clause 2. The sealing structure (18) of Clause 1, whereinat least a part of the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are molded together, and / orat least a part of the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are manufactured separately and joined together.Clause 3. The sealing structure (18) of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the fastening section (40) includes a plurality of fastening elements (42) which are arranged at a distance (d) from each other along the first direction (x).Clause 4. The sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the fastening element (42) includes a tongue portion (44) which extends in the second direction (z), and which is configured to be inserted into an attachment receptacle (24) of the attachment portion (22) which extends in the second direction (z).Clause 5. The sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the fastening element (42) includes a locking portion (45) configured to lock the position of the fastening element (42) with respect to the attachment portion (22) in the second direction (z).Clause 6. The sealing structure (18) of Clause 5, wherein the locking portion (45) includes a hook portion (46) which is configured to lockingly engage the attachment portion (22).Clause 7. The sealing structure (18) of Clause 6, wherein the hook portion (46) is configured to be elastically deflected in a third direction (y) transverse to the second direction (z).Clause 8. The sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 4 to 7, wherein the tongue portion (46) of the fastening element (42) includes an opening (54) which is configured to receive at least a part of a hook portion (46) of the locking portion (45).Clause 9. The sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 6 to 8, wherein the hook portion (46) includes at least two steps (70a, 70b, 70c) at different positions in the second direction (z) and / or in the third direction (y).Clause 10. The sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the fastening section (40) is configured to be fastened to the body (12) by a movement (M) of the sealing structure (18) along the second direction (z).Clause 11. The sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 1 to 10,wherein the first material is selected from the group which consists of: elastomer material, TPE, soft thermoplastic material, and EPDM, and / orwherein the second material is selected from the group which consists of: elastomer material, TPE, hard thermoplastic material, and EPDM, and / orwherein at least one sealing lip (32, 34) of the sealing section (30) is an extruded part, and / orwherein the sealing section (30) includes a first sealing lip (32) for contacting the surface (26) to be sealed, and a second sealing lip (43) for contacting a part of the body (12), and / orwherein the fastening section (40) is a single molded part.Clause 12. A body (12) to which a sealing structure (18) of anyone of Clauses 1 to 11 is fastened.Clause 13. The body of Clause 12, wherein the body (12) comprises a metal body sheet (20) and wherein, preferably,the attachment portion (22) of the body (12) is integrally formed from the metal body sheet (20), and / orthe attachment portion (22) includes a U-shaped bracket (50) which defines an attachment receptacle (24).Clause 14. A method for manufacturing a sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 1 to 11, comprising the steps:forming the fastening section (40) by molding, whereinthe sealing section (30) is fully or partly co-molded with the fastening section (40), and / orthe sealing section (30) is fully or partly extruded and subsequently joined to the fastening section (40).Clause 15. A method for fastening a sealing structure (18) to a body, comprising the steps:providing a sealing structure (18) which has an elongate sealing section (30) extending in a first direction (x) and a fastening section (40), in particular a sealing structure (18) of any one of Clauses 1 to 11 , andfastening the sealing structure (18) to the body (12) by moving (M) the sealing structure (18) as a whole in a second direction (z) transverse to the first direction (x), so that the fastening section (40) engages a corresponding attachment portion (22) of the body.Reference numerals:10 vehicle12 body (10)14F, 14R doors (12)16F, 16R door windows18F, 18R elongate sealing structure (outer waist belt) 20 metal body sheet22 attachment portion24 attachment receptacle for 4426 window surface30 elongate sealing section (18)32 first sealing lip (window)34 second sealing lip (door)36 connection portion40 fastening section (18)42 fastening element (40)44 tongue portion (42)45 locking portion46 hook portion50 U-shaped bracket51 opening (20)52 fastening base (40)54 tongue opening56 stiffening ridges (52)58 support protrusions (52)62 slope portion (50)64 access portion (20)66 slope portion (46)68 hook surface (46)70a, b,c steps (68)X first (longitudinal) directionz second (vertical) directiony third (lateral) directiond distance between fastening elementsw window movementM fastening movementJ1 joint 32 / 52J2 joint 34 / 52

Claims

Patent claims1. An elongate sealing structure (18) for sealing an edge of a body (12) such as a vehicle body, comprising:an elongate sealing section (30) for contacting a surface (26) to be sealed, the sealing section (30) extending along a first direction (x) and being made of a first plastic material; anda fastening section (40) for fastening the sealing structure (18) to the body (12),wherein the fastening section (40) is made of a second plastic material which is harder than the first plastic material,wherein the fastening section (40) includes at least one fastening element (42) which extends from the sealing section (30) in a second direction (z) which is transverse to the first direction (x), and which is configured to engage an attachment portion (22) of the body (12), andwherein the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are joined to each other so as to form one piece,wherein the fastening element (42) includes a tongue portion (44) which extends in the second direction (z), and which is configured to be inserted into an attachment receptacle (24) of the attachment portion (22) which extends in the second direction (z),wherein the fastening element (42) includes a locking portion (45) configured to lock the position of the fastening element (42) with respect to the attachment portion (22) in the second direction (z), andwherein the tongue portion (46) of the fastening element (42) includes an opening (54) which is configured to receive at least a part of a hook portion (46) of the locking portion (45).

2. The sealing structure (18) of claim 1, whereinat least a part of the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are molded together.

3. The sealing structure (18) of claim 1 or 2, whereinat least a part of the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are manufactured separately and joined together.

4. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening section (40) includes a plurality of fastening elements (42) which are arranged at a distance (d) from each other along the first direction (x).

5. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking portion (45) includes a hook portion (46) which is configured to lockingly engage the attachment portion (22).

6. The sealing structure (18) of claim 5, wherein the hook portion (46) is configured to be elastically deflected in a third direction (y) transverse to the second direction (z).

7. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hook portion (46) includes at least two steps (70a, 70b, 70c) at different positions in the second direction (z) and / or in the third direction (y).

8. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fastening section (40) is configured to be fastened to the body (12) by a movement (M) of the sealing structure (18) along the second direction (z).

9. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 8,wherein the first material is selected from the group which consists of: elastomer material, TPE, soft thermoplastic material, and EPDM, and / orwherein the second material is selected from the group which consists of: elastomer material, TPE, hard thermoplastic material, and EPDM.

10. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 9wherein at least one sealing lip (32, 34) of the sealing section (30) is an extruded part.

11. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 10wherein the sealing section (30) includes a first sealing lip (32) for contacting the surface (26) to be sealed, and a second sealing lip (43) for contacting a part of the body (12).

12. The sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 11wherein the fastening section (40) is a single molded part.

13. A body (12) to which a sealing structure (18) of anyone of claims 1 to 12 is fastened.

14. The body of claim 13, wherein the body (12) comprises a metal body sheet (20).

15. The body of claim 14, whereinthe attachment portion (22) of the body (12) is integrally formed from the metal body sheet (20).

16. The body of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein,the attachment portion (22) includes a U-shaped bracket (50) which defines an attachment receptacle (24).

17. A body (12), such as a vehicle body, to which an elongate sealing structure (18) for sealing an edge of the body (12) is fastened, the sealing structure comprising:an elongate sealing section (30) for contacting a surface (26) to be sealed, the sealing section (30) extending along a first direction (x) and being made of a first plastic material; anda fastening section (40) for fastening the sealing structure (18) to the body (12),wherein the fastening section (40) is made of a second plastic material which is harder than the first plastic material,wherein the fastening section (40) includes at least one fastening element (42) which extends from the sealing section (30) in a second direction (z) which is transverse to the first direction (x), and which is configured to engage an attachment portion (22) of the body (12), andwherein the sealing section (30) and the fastening section (40) are joined to each other so as to form one piece,wherein the body (12) comprises a metal body sheet (20), andwherein the attachment portion (22) includes a U-shaped bracket (50) which defines an attachment receptacle (24).

18. The body (12) of claim 17, wherein the attachment portion (22) of the body (12) is integrally formed from the metal body sheet (20).

19. A method for manufacturing a sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps:forming the fastening section (40) by molding, whereinthe sealing section (30) is fully or partly co-molded with the fastening section (40), and / orthe sealing section (30) is fully or partly extruded and subsequently joined to the fastening section (40).

20. A method for fastening a sealing structure (18) to a body, in particular to a body of any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising the steps:providing a sealing structure (18) which has an elongate sealing section (30) extending in a first direction (x) and a fastening section (40), in particular a sealing structure (18) of any one of claims 1 to 12, andfastening the sealing structure (18) to the body (12) by moving (M) the sealing structure (18) as a whole in a second direction (z) transverse to the first direction (x), so that the fastening section (40) engages a corresponding attachment portion (22) of the body.

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