JPH11235955A - Weather strip for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the number of part items, and to facilitate installation by integrally molding the installing part having an engaging claw in the seal part by thermoplastic elastomer. SOLUTION: A weather strip for an automobile is formed by integrally performing extrusion molding on the seal part 3 and the installing part by thermoplastic elastomer(TPE). This installing part is formed in a solid shape by simultaneously performing extrusion molding with the seal part 3 by the TPE, has the neck part 8 which is continuously connected to the bottom part of the seal part 3 by the continuously connecting part 4a and is fitted to a hole 5 of a cowl louver 2 from the louver surface 2a side, and also has an engaging claw 6 formed in the lower end part of the neck part 8 so as to overhang to the radial outside. This engaging claw 6 is locked on a peripheral wall 2b of the louver reverse side hole 5 by penetrating through the hole 5 of the cowl louver 2. According to this constitution, the weather strip can be easily installed on the vehicle panel side since a hard material and an insert material can be obviated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a weather strip for automobiles made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a weather strip for an automobile is made of a rubber material. As a means for attaching the weather strip to a vehicle such as a cowl louver, FIG.
(B) and (C) are known.

FIG. 4A shows a mounting structure of a conventional example 1, which is a mounting portion 101 of a weather strip 100. As shown in FIG.
Is fixed to the cowl louver 102 with the clip 103.

FIG. 1B shows a mounting structure of a conventional example 2, which is a hollow seal portion 10 made of sponge rubber.
4 and a mounting portion 101 made of solid rubber, the weather strip 100 is fastened to the flange 106 of the cowl louver 102. This mounting part 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a cowl louver 10 in a groove formed by a lip 108 formed in an inverted U-shaped groove portion, in which a core material (insert material) 107 is included inside, and the inverted U-shaped groove portion is formed.
A configuration in which the second flange 106 is elastically held and held is adopted.

FIG. 1C shows a mounting structure of Conventional Example 3, in which the weather strip 100 includes a sealing portion 104 made of sponge rubber and a wedge-shaped mounting portion 101 made of solid rubber. A configuration is employed in which the mounting portion 101 is inserted and fixed to a groove 109 formed in the cowl louver 102.

[0006]

However, in the conventional example 1, the clip had to be easily made separately, and there was a problem that the number of parts was increased. Further, in the conventional example 2, in order to maintain the holding force on the cowl louver, the mounting portion 101 is hardened in spite of using foamable sponge rubber for the seal portion as a configuration capable of elastically contacting the bonnet or the like. Material (solid material) or insert material 107
Has to be provided, and there is a disadvantage that the cost is increased accordingly.

Further, in the conventional example 3, the wedge-shaped mounting portion is locked by using the reaction force of rubber, and the reaction force is reduced due to the temporal deformation of the rubber material, and the wedge-shaped mounting portion is easily detached. there were.

[0008] In addition, since all of the above weather strips are made of vulcanized rubber, which is difficult to recycle, it is presently desired to switch to a recyclable material.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors can mold and process the same as thermoplastics, exhibit rubber elasticity at room temperature, reduce costs and reduce costs compared to rubber. Focusing on recyclable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and as a result of diligent research on weather strips that can solve the above-mentioned problems in each mounting structure at a glance, first, as a fastening means to the vehicle panel side, As shown in FIG. 4 (A), if the method of fastening to the hole on the panel side is adopted as in the case of clip fastening, and the mounting portion having the engaging claw is integrally formed with the seal portion, the number of parts can be reduced. Not only can it be reduced, but also the assembling becomes easy, and furthermore, as in the conventional example of FIG. 4B, it is found that a hard material and an insert member are not required, and the present invention has been completed.

The integral molding of the mounting portion and the seal portion means that, except for the case where the both are integrally molded by extrusion molding, the two are separately molded and then integrated by bonding by heat welding or the like. The case is also included.

However, when they are integrally formed by extrusion molding, it is advantageous in that the molding process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where they are integrated by welding or the like.

The mounting portion at the time of the extrusion molding has a belt-like structure that is continuous in the extrusion direction. However, if the vehicle panel member is capable of forming a long slit-like long hole, the cut-out portion of the belt-like mounting portion is not formed. At a minimum, this can be accommodated, and the mounting and holding strength increases. In particular, it is most suitable to apply to a cowl louver capable of forming such a slit-like long hole. Further, even in the case where the fastening portions are arranged at intervals as in the clip fastening method, the band-shaped mounting portion can be sufficiently coped with by cutting off portions other than the portions corresponding to the fastening portions.

In general, a solid thermoplastic elastomer which is not foamed is used for the mounting portion because hardness is required. On the other hand, the sealing portion needs a function capable of elastically contacting a bonnet or the like. A (sponge-like) thermoplastic elastomer is used. These can be easily formed by extruding while injecting foamed TPE into the seal cavity of the extrusion mold and solid TPE into the mounting cavity. Further, as another molding method, it is possible to form a solid state by compressing and deforming a mounting portion of a sponge-like extruded primary molded body by a heating roller or the like.

On the other hand, the form of the seal portion may be any shape as long as it can be elastically contacted with a bonnet or the like, and examples thereof include a tongue-shaped shape and a cylindrical shape. Further, in addition to the mounting portion, an additional member such as a drainer lip portion may be formed on the seal portion at the same time.

The mounting portion may be of any shape as long as it has a function of being insertable into the hole of the vehicle side panel and having a function of preventing it from coming out. A neck fitted into the hole from the panel front side, and an engagement claw formed so as to protrude radially outward at the end of the neck and penetrating through the hole in the vehicle panel and locked to the hole peripheral wall on the back side of the panel. If the configuration provided is employed, even if an external force is applied from the seal portion side to the outside of the panel surface, the engaging claw abuts on the hole peripheral wall on the back surface side of the panel and cannot be pulled out, which is a preferable embodiment.

Furthermore, if an engaging claw is used as the engaging claw, when it passes through the hole on the panel side at the time of insertion, it contracts radially inward (neck side) due to its elastic deformation, and is free again after penetrating. Since it returns to the state, it is easy to insert, and the function of preventing the falling off is sufficiently exhibited.

[0017] The neck portion may have a length that allows the engaging claw to penetrate the hole on the vehicle panel side, that is, is longer than the penetrating length of the hole. Since the pawl separates from the vehicle panel and moves in the longitudinal direction of the neck, the sealing effect of the sealing portion may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable that the length of the neck portion is such that the engaging claw is in contact with the peripheral wall of the hole on the back surface of the panel in the attached state.

On the other hand, since the outer end of the anchor-shaped engaging claw is located above the center of the engaging claw on the seal portion side, the center of the engaging claw passes through the hole on the panel side. If the bottom of the sealing portion is in contact with the panel surface, it becomes difficult to insert the engaging claw further to expand the outer end of the engaging claw.
Therefore, in consideration of the restoration rotation trajectory of the outer end of the anchor-shaped engaging claw, it is necessary to form the neck portion long enough to extend the outer end of the engaging claw to the peripheral wall on the back surface of the panel. Further, as the length of the neck increases, a gap is formed between the bottom of the seal portion and the panel surface, and the sealing effect may be reduced. In order to solve this, a contact portion that can be elastically contacted with the panel surface side is formed around the neck portion other than the connection portion with the seal portion, and a gap between the bottom portion of the seal portion and the panel surface is sealed. It is optimal to adopt a configuration.

[0019]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which the weather strip is locked to the cowl louver, and FIG. 2 is a view showing an operation of inserting and engaging the engaging claw.

As shown, a weather strip 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is mounted on a cowl louver 2 on the passenger compartment side of an engine room of a vehicle, and a sealing portion 3 and a mounting portion are made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). 4 are integrally extruded. As the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), styrene (SBC), olefin (TPO),
There are types such as urethane (TPU) and vinyl chloride (TPVC). In the present embodiment, a completely crosslinked olefin elastomer is used.

As a structure for attaching the weather strip 1 to the cowl louver 2, a mode is adopted in which the engaging claw 6 of the attachment portion 4 is fitted and stopped in a slit-like hole 5 formed in the cowl louver 2 in the vehicle width direction. doing.

The sealing portion 3 of the weather strip 1 is formed in a tubular shape by extruding foamable TPE, and can be elastically contacted with a bonnet or the like in use.

The mounting portion 4 is a solid member extruded simultaneously with the sealing portion 3 by TPE and connected to the bottom of the sealing portion 3 by a connecting portion 4a. A neck portion 8 to be fitted and a peripheral wall 2b of a hole 5 on the rear surface side of the louver penetrating through the hole 5 of the cowl louver 2 and extending radially outward at the lower end portion of the neck portion 8.
And an engaging claw 6 to be locked to the engaging claw.

The engaging claw 6 is formed at the lower end of the neck portion 8 so as to protrude in an anchor shape, and is capable of being elastically deformed in the inner (neck side) diameter-reducing direction so as to penetrate the hole 5 of the louver 2. And
The outer diameter of the louver 2 is set larger than the width of the hole 5 of the louver 2 in a free state, so that the louver 2 cannot escape from the hole 5.

The neck portion 8 is formed smaller than the diameter of the hole 5 so that the engagement claw 6 can be deformed inward and penetrate the hole 5. The neck 8 is set to a length such that the outer end 6 a of the engaging claw 6 can pass through the hole 5 of the louver 2. That is, when the length of the neck 8 is set to be equal to the length of the hole 5, as shown in FIG.
(The trajectory when restoring from the contracted deformed state to the free state) interferes with the inner surface of the hole 5 of the louver 2, and the engaging claw 6 may not expand. Therefore,
The neck portion 8 is set longer than the penetration length of the hole 5 so that the outer end 6a of the engagement claw 6 can penetrate the hole 5 of the louver 2.

As described above, since the neck portion 8 is formed longer than the penetration length of the hole 5, when the outer end portion 6a of the engaging claw 6 comes into contact with the hole peripheral wall 2b on the back side of the louver, the sealing portion 3 is formed.
A gap A may be generated between the bottom of the louver 2 and the front side of the louver 2, and the sealing effect between the seal portion 3 and the louver 2 may be reduced. In order to improve this, the sealing part 3
On the left and right sides of the bottom, contact portions 7 that elastically contact the front surface 2a of the cowl louver 2 are formed on the mounting portion side in use, and on the rear side of the louver 2 when the weather strip 1 is mounted on the louver 2. The engaging claw 6 is in elastic contact with the louver 2, and the contact portion 7 is in elastic contact with the surface of the louver 2.

The weather strip 1 has a foaming TPE in a portion corresponding to the seal portion 3 and the contact portion 7 of an extrusion die (not shown) and a solid TPE in a portion corresponding to the mounting portion 4. , And extruded at the same time to form a continuous strip-shaped weather strip. In this case, since the mounting portion 4 is formed in a strip shape by extrusion, when the slit holes 5 of the louver 2 are formed at intervals, the mounting portion 4 between the adjacent slit holes 5 is unnecessary. Becomes Therefore, the mounting portion 4 cuts out unnecessary portions after the TPE is extruded, thereby completing the weather strip 1.

The completed weather strip 1 is inserted into the slit-like long hole 5 of the cowl louver 2 from the louver surface side as shown in FIG. At this time, since the engaging claw 6 of the attachment portion 4 is formed in an anchor shape, when the engaging claw 6 is inserted into the slit hole 5, it is easily deformed inward and easily inserted. When the engaging claw 6 is inserted close to the back surface side of the hole 5 of the louver 2, the engagement claw 6 stops in the middle of the hole 5 due to the presence of the contact portion 7 on the seal portion 3 side. 3, the outer end of the engagement claw 6 is pulled out of the hole 5. Then, the engaging claw 6 is restored to the free state, and stably expands. Engaging claw 6
After the insertion, when the pressing force is removed, the restoring force of the seal portion 3 causes the engaging claw 6 to return to a position where it comes into contact with the hole peripheral wall 2b on the back surface of the louver 2, and the weather strip 1 returns to the normal position.

[0029]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the engaging claws engageable with the holes of the vehicle panel are formed integrally with the seal portion by the thermoplastic elastomer. Unlike when used, not only can it be recycled, but also it can be easily assembled on the vehicle panel side, and it is impossible to get out after assembly. Further, there is an effect that a hard material and an insert material are not required as in the related art.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which a weather strip for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention is locked to a cowl louver.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an insertion operation of an engaging claw.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a required length of the neck portion.

4A and 4B show a conventional weather strip mounting structure, wherein FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of Conventional Example 1, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of Conventional Example 2, and FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Weather strip 2 Cowl louver 3 Seal part 4 Attachment part 4a Connecting part 5 Hole 6 Engagement claw 7 Contact part 8 Neck

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A sealing part and a mounting part are integrally formed by a thermoplastic elastomer, and the mounting part is connected to the sealing part and is fitted into a hole of a vehicle panel from a panel surface side. An automotive weather strip comprising: an engagement claw formed to protrude radially outward at an end of a neck portion, penetrating a hole of the vehicle panel, and being locked to a peripheral wall of a hole on a back surface side of the panel. 2. The automotive weather strip according to claim 1, wherein said seal portion and said mounting portion are integrally formed by extrusion molding. 3. The weather strip for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein said engaging claw is formed in an anchor shape. 4. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the neck portion is formed to be longer than a penetration length of a hole on a vehicle panel side, and a hole on a panel surface side is provided on a bottom side of the seal portion in a state where the engaging claw is in contact with a panel rear side. 4. An abutting portion which can be elastically contacted with the peripheral wall.
An automotive weather strip as described in the above. 5. A weather strip for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle panel is a cowl louver.