WO2009143250A1

WO2009143250A1 - Anti-rotation retention clip for outer belt weatherstrip assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2009143250A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/044685
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ray Antio; Mark Faunce
Original assignee: Kulczycki, Rich
Priority date: 2008-05-20
Filing date: 2009-05-20
Publication date: 2009-11-26

Abstract

An outer belt weatherstrip assembly for use on an associated vehicle having a down standing flange extending from a belt shelf includes an elongated weatherstrip or outer belt assembly having at least one seal lip for engagement with an associated window of the vehicle. A clip secures the weatherstrip to the down standing flange, the clip including an attachment member for snap mounting the clip to a contour of the weatherstrip. A first anti-rotation member is dimensioned for receipt through an opening in the downstanding flange, and a second attachment member spaced approximately ninety degrees (90°) from the first attachment member is received through a corresponding opening in the belt shelf and limits cross-car movement of the weatherstrip.

Description

ANTI-ROTATION RETENTION CLIP FOR OUTER BELT WEATHERSTRIP ASSEMBLY

Background of the Disclosure

[0001] This application relates to a clip for retaining a weatherstrip or weatherseal on an associated automotive vehicle. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an outer belt seal used in a vehicle where the weatherstrip is secured to a down standing flange, i.e., where the door outer panel does not have a second inner panel and instead a down standing flange is used.

[0002] Although there are outer belts particularly manufactured for use on a down standing flange, known designs have suffered from various drawbacks. There is a desire to keep the belt down on the belt shelf. That is, the door panel has a generally horizontal portion adjacent the belt line of the window opening in the door that merges into or continues into the down standing flange of the door outer panel. The down standing flange typically includes longitudinally spaced openings adapted to receive an anti-rotation member associated with the clip(s) that secures the weatherstrip to the door outer panel. This has been a commercially successful product.

[0003] The weatherstrip or outer belt is generally L-shaped in cross-section, having a first generally vertical portion that includes seal lips that extend outwardly for sealing engagement with an outer surface of a movable window. In addition, the weatherstrip includes a second, generally horizontal portion that serves as a show surface or outer aesthetic surface of the weatherstrip and extends in generally parallel relation along the belt shelf. In one embodiment, for example, the outer belt show surface is an extension of the core and, thus, is a stainless steel that provides a desired aesthetic appearance. The show surface merely overlies the belt shelf and there is no mechanical engagement with the shelf, although a terminal end of the core includes an elastomer coating to provide galvanic protection relative to the belt shelf of the door.

[0004] There is a desire to keep or maintain the beit down on the shelf. An anti-rotatfon ehp is secured to the weatherstrip aϊong the vertical portion and extends through the openings in the down standing flange. Further, end caps at opposite ends of the outer belt seal, provide a holding force along with the anti-rotation clip to retain the weatherstrip to the vehicle. However, it has been determined that cross- car movement of the weatherstrip or a so-called "spongy feel" may be encountered with this structure and mounting arrangement. It has been determined that the end caps do not provide sufficient holding force to prevent the cross-car movement, i.e., movement along the belt shelf, and particularly in a direction from the outer surface of the belt shelf toward the window.

[0005] Thus, a need exists for an improved retaining component or clip used with a weatherstrip for sealing and ornamentation applications. Particularly, a need exists for minimizing cross-car movement of weatherstrip by incorporating a new clip that securely locates and retains the outer belt weatherstrip to the door belt shelf. Moreover, any modification must still satisfy existing benefits and features of known arrangements.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] An outer belt weatherstrip assembly for use on an associated vehicle having a down standing flange extending from a belt shelf of a vehicle door includes an elongated weatherstrip and at least one clip for securing the weatherstrip to the associated down standing flange. A clip is mounted to a contour of the weatherstrip and includes a first member or anti-rotation member dimensioned for receipt in an associated opening in the down standing flange, and a second or extension member spaced from the first anti-rotation member for limiting cross-car movement of the weatherstrip.

[0007] The extension member preferably includes a protrusion portion dimensioned for receipt in an associated opening in the belt shelf. A shoulder is provided adjacent the protrusion portion for selective abutting engagement with a belt shelf covering portion of the weatherstrip.

[0008] The anti-rotation member and the protrusion portion of the clip are disposed approximately ninety degrees (90°) to provide a hold down means for the belt along the belt shelf and to prevent cross-car movement of the weatherstrip. [0009] A method of reducing movement of the outer belt assembly includes providing an e!orgated outer belt weatherstrip and providing at ^least one clip having first and second protrusions tnat extend generally perpendicular from one another, The method further includes attaching the clip to the weatherstrip and subsequently securing the weatherstrip to the associated vehicle by inserting the anti-rotation member and the protrusion into associated first and second openings in the down standing flange and belt shelf, respectively, of the vehicle door.

[0010] The clip is attached via a snap-fit engagement to the weatherstrip.

[0011] The attaching step includes positioning an arcuate portion of the clip over the edge of a weatherstrip.

[0012] The snap-fitting step may include pushing the clip until an audible click is heard, and one of advancing the clip shoulder beneath the corresponding weatherstrip shoulder until the click is heard, or rotating a shoulder of the clip beneath the weatherstrip shoulder until a second audible click is heard.

[0013] A primary benefit is the ability to limit cross car movement of the weatherstrip generally along the belt shelf.

[0014] Yet another feature resides in a modified clip and weatherstrip assembly that does not add significant cost to the manufacture or final component.

[0015] Still another benefit is associated with the ability to prevent rocking or rotation of the weatherstrip while securely locating and retaining the outer belt weatherstrip to the door belt shelf.

[0016] Still other features and benefits of the invention will become more apparent from and understanding the following detailed description of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 is an elevational view of a portion of an automotive vehicle, and illustrating a location of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is an isometric, or perspective, view of individual retention clips applied to a weatherstrip.

[0019] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the weatherstrip of Figure 2 at the location of one of the retention clips in accordance with a known retention clip.

[0020] Figure 4 is view similar to Figure 3 and a cross-sectional view of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0021] Figure 1 shows a vehicie 100, such as an automotive vehicle sedan having, for example, front and rear doors 104a, 104b, where each door includes a movable window 102. A weatherstrip or weatherseal assembly 106 includes an outer belt or weatherstrip assembly 110 disposed along a belt line of the window opening in the door. With additional reference to Figure 2, the weatherstrip assembly of the present disclosure is particularly shown. An outer belt seal 110 is shown as an extended or longitudinal member having a first end 112 and a second end 114. Oftentimes, the weatherstrip assembly is an extruded component, for ease of manufacture, and includes a rigid core 116 (Figure 3). In this embodiment, the outer belt has a generally inverted L-shape and the rigid core in this preferred arrangement is a metal core, such as stainless steel, for reasons which will become more apparent below. It will be appreciated, that other rigid core structures such as other metals or alternative rigid materials such as a rigid plastic can be used without departing from the present disclosure. The core includes a first or generally vertical portion 118 and a second or generally horizontal portion 120. Preferably the core is a continuous material and is a strip of material formed into the general L-shape, having a first J-shaped edge 122 and a second arcuate edge 124. [0022] In addition, a preferred material such as elastomer or plastomer 126 is provided on selected portions of the core for distinct purposes. Typically, the elastomer is extruded on to selected surface portions of the core, although other manufacturing methods may be used. For example, first and second elastomeric seal lips 130, 132 extend outwardly from one face of the vertical portion 118 of the core for selective engagement with a movable window associated with the vehicle door. Each seal lip may also include a flock or other desired low friction material 134 along a face of the seal lip that faces the window to provide a desired sliding sealing interface with an outer surface of the window. Likewise, elastomeric cover lip 136 may be provided at an interface or junction between the vertical and horizontal portions of the core. The cover lip closes out or hides the upper portion of the seal structure along the upper edge of the outer belt assembly. In addition, elastomeric material 140 is preferably provided along an opposite face of the vertical portion 118. The material 140 serves as an anti-rattle layer to eliminate, dampen or reduce potential noise where other components would potentiaiiy contact the core along ϊhis surface. Further, an e»asto«neπc ϊφ 142 is preferably provided at the arcuate edge 124 to provide a seai from the elements and also provide corrosion protection where the core is disposed adjacent the vehicle door panel. [0023] With continued reference to Figures 2 and 3, one or more clips 150 are used to join the weatherstrip to the vehicle. One clip is shown in greater detail in cross-section in Figure 3 and includes a J-shaped edge or end 152 that substantially conforms to the J-shaped edge 122 of the core. A second end or edge is contoured as a shoulder 154 and provides an interference fit with a corresponding depression or shoulder 156 in the core disposed along and interior corner of the L-shaped core where the generally horizontal and vertical portions of the core intersect. Further, a first protrusion or anti-rotation member 160 extends from the clip and has an elongated finger 162 passing through a corresponding opening 164 in the down standing flange 166 of the door panel. The clip is preferably secured to the weatherstrip 110, and then the sub-assembly of the weatherstrip with attached clips is secured to the vehicle door by inserting the finger 162 of the attachment member 160 though opening 164 formed in the down standing flange 166 of the vehicle door. However as illustrated by reference arrow 170, a force applied inboard, or inwardly, on the horizontal portion of the core that overlies the belt shelf 172, results in undesired movement of the outer belt or what is sometimes referred to as cross car movement. This provides a spongy feel to the assembly mounted along the belt line of the window opening in the door, as opposed to a desired sturdy or robust interconnection that eliminates the relative movement between the outer belt assembly and the vehicle door in this region.

[0024] With continued reference to Figures 1-3, and additional reference to

Figure 4, the structural modification to the existing clip is more particularly illustrated and the advantageous functions and benefits offered thereby. Where possible, like reference numerals refer to like components for ease of illustration and understanding. More particularly, the clip 150 is modified to include a second protrusion or second anti-rotation member 180 that includes projecting finger 182. The finger is dimensioned and oriented for alignment and receipt through opening 184 in the belt shelf 172. In this manner, the first and second protrusions 160, 180 of each dip are oriented generally ninety degrees (9CT) from one another. This provides further stability and attachment between the outer belt, assembly and the vehicle door, and particularly along different principal axes- The first protrusion 160 secures the clip along the down standing flange 166 of the door panel so that the dtp interfaces and is supported along an elongated surface with the flange of the vehicle door. Similarly, the second protrusion 180 proceeds through the opening in the belt shelf to provide for further anti-rotation and to limit any cross-car movement of the outer belt assembly relative to the vehicle door. That is, if a force, as generally illustrated by arrow 170 in Figure 3, were applied to the structure of Figure 4, the core adjacent the arcuate edge 124 would abut against shoulder 186 of the clip and prevent further inward movement. Moreover, any prior tendency of the outer belt assembly to move or pivot in response to such a force directed generally along the belt shelf and about the single attachment location of the anti-rotation member 160 in the embodiment of Figure 3 is now resisted and eliminated by the provision of the second anti-rotation member 180. Likewise, attaching the clip at locations ninety degrees (90°) apart provides greater support and rigidity, and limits any potential rotation of the clip, and thus movement of the weatherstrip, relative to the door while the shoulder 186 provides a positive stop or deterrent in opposition to forces 170 generally directed along the belt shelf.

[0025] After the weatherstrip is manufactured through a generally conventional process such as an extrusion or co-extrusion process, individual clips are attached thereto at spaced locations along the length of the weatherstrip (Figure 2). These locations are predetermined and intended for alignment with corresponding openings in the vehicle door panel. The clip is preferably attached to the weatherstrip in advance of installation on the vehicle. More particularly, J- shaped end 152 of the clip is snapped over the J-shaped edge 122 of the core. This snap-action of attaching the mating J-shaped edges of the clip and weatherstrip produces an audible first click. Shoulder 154 is typically spaced from corresponding shoulder 156 of the core. Moreover, the shoulder is located inwardly of the arcuate end 124 of the core, and by rotating the clip about the joined J-shaped edges 122, 152, shoulder 154 of the clip bypasses shoulder 156 of the core in a secure interference fit.

[0026] As noted above, dimensioning of the weatherstrip and the clip components provides for at least a first audible dick when the J-shaped edges 122₅ 152 are assembled. Lⁱkewise, a second audible dick mav occur when the shoulders 154, 156 oypass one another io the assembled position shown m Figure 4. Alternatively, the clip can be advanced in a more parallel relation with the core surface that has the material 140 such that the J-shaped edges 122, 152 may interconnect at substantially the same time as the shoulders slide by one another and only a single audible click is heard as both of these regions of the clip and weatherstrip interconnect. Thus, the weatherstrip with the clips in desired attached position as shown in Figure 2, are shipped to the OEM for assembly to the vehicle. More particularly, the fingers 162, 182 of the protrusions are aligned with the openings and each protrusion forms an attachment member with the openings in the door panel. That is, more specifically, the first attachment member or protrusion member 160 is received through opening 164 in the down standing flange and the second attachment member or protrusion member 180 is received through opening 184 in the belt shelf 172. This arrangement provides for accurate, repeatable assembly of the clip to the weatherstrip, and subsequently assembly of the weatherstrip to the vehicle. In addition, the new arrangement eliminates cross movement of the result assembly of the weatherstrip in response to potential forces imposed generally along the belt shelf. It will also be appreciated that since the door has a down standing flange for attachment purposes, that lower insertion force is required for assembly of the belt line seal carrying the clips to the door structure. [0027] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

1. An outer belt weatherstrip assembly for use on an associated vehicle having a down standing flange extending from a belt shelf on a door of the vehicle, the weatherstrip assembly comprising: an elongated weatherstrip; at least one seal lip extending from the weatherstrip positioned for sealing engagement with an associated window of the association vehicle; and at least one clip for securing the weatherstrip to the associated down standing flange of the vehicle door, the clip including a snap member for mounting the clip to a contour of the weatherstrip, the clip further including a first anti-rotation member dimensioned for receipt through an associated opening in the associated down standing flange, and an extension member spaced from the first anti-rotation member for limiting cross car movement of the weatherstrip.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the extension member includes a protrusion portion dimensioned for receipt in an associated corresponding opening in the belt shelf.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the extension member includes a shoulder adjacent the protrusion portion for selective abutting engagement with a belt shelf covering portion of the weatherstrip.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein one end of the clip has a hook-shape for receipt over an edge of the weatherstrip.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the clip includes a locking detent formed in a region spaced from the hook-shape.

6 The assembly of ciasm 1 wherein the weatherstrip includes a core.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the core is metal.

8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the core is a rigid, non-metal material.

9. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the core includes an elastomer on selected portions thereof for anti-rattle purposes.

10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the extension member includes a protrusion portion dimensioned for receipt in an associated corresponding opening in the belt shelf, and the anti-rotation member and the protrusion portion are disposed at approximately ninety degrees relative to one another.

11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the seal lip includes a low friction material on a surface thereof.

12. A method of reducing movement of an outer belt assembly on an associated vehicle that includes a down standing flange extending from a belt shelf of a door, comprising: providing an elongated outer belt weatherstrip; providing a clip having first and second protrusions extending therefrom generally perpendicular from one another; attaching the clip to the weatherstrip; and securing the weatherstrip to the associated vehicle by inserting the first and second protrusions of the clip into associated first and second openings on the down standing flange and the belt shelf respectively of the associated vehicle door.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the attaching step includes snap-fitting the clip to the weatherstrip.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the attaching step includes positioning an arcuate portion of the clip over an edge of the weatherstrip.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the attaching step includes locating a ^■shoulder spaced from the arcuate portion of the cm beneath a similarly sπaped shoulder on the weatherstrip.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the snap-fitting step includes pushing the arcuate portion of the clip over the edge until an audible click is heard.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the snap-fitting step includes advancing the clip shoulder beneath the weatherstrip shoulder until the audible click is heard.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the snap-fitting step includes rotating the shoulder beneath the weatherstrip shoulder until a second audible click is heard.

19. The method of claim 12 includes aligning the first and second protrusions of the clip with the associated openings on the vehicle door.