# Patent

## Title
Sealing arrangement for a fixed vehicle window pane

## Abstract

A sealing arrangement for a vehicle window pane is described. The sealing arrangement comprises: a holding rail with a latching channel, wherein the latching channel comprises a guide rail and a spring member; the holding rail is secured on a window pane; a cover with a guide channel, wherein the guide channel is formed by a latching rail and a positioning stop and the guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the latching rail is latched in the latching channel, wherein the spring member is latch-connected to the latching rail, wherein a spring element is tensioned in the guide channel between an abutment surface on the underside of the cover and the guide rail, wherein the spring element is designed as a single lip in cross-section and, in conjunction with the guide rail, seals and supports the underside of the cover between the positioning stop and the latching rail.

## Background
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is the U.S. national stage entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2014/056409, filed internationally on Mar. 31, 2014, which, in turn, claims priority to European Patent Application No. 13165908.8, filed on Apr. 30, 2013.
The invention relates to a sealing arrangement for motor vehicle window panes, a method for its production, and its use.
Motor vehicles must, as a rule, be protected, in the region between the windshield and the engine body, against moisture, airflow generated by driving, and penetrating dirt. At the same time, the glass body of the windshield must be sealed relative to the metal car body. In the transition region, water boxes made of plastic are also often used. Water boxes protect splash-water-sensitive components in the motor vehicle against moisture. The water box cover enables draining of the water accumulating on the windshield. However, the materials glass, various plastics, and metal have significantly different properties that make special considerations necessary during sealing. In order to nevertheless enable sealing, particularly in the critical region of the water box, polymeric materials such as rubber gaskets are often used. The water box seal often assumes this role. It must be stable, resistant, and also simple to install. The water box seal is usually produced by extrusion methods, the fixing on the components by suitable adhesives and adhesive systems.
DE 199 61 706 A1 discloses an arrangement for joining a fixedly installed windshield to a car body component, in particular to a water box. The arrangement comprises a shaped strip with a lip adhering to the vehicle window. The lip has, on its underside, means for joining to a component.
DE 10 2009 026 369 A1 discloses a sealing arrangement for motor vehicle window panes. It comprises a holding rail, a pane, and a cover connected via a connection point to a latching rail. The holding rail comprises a latching channel that is formed with a spring leg and support body. The cover is engaged with the latching rail in the latching channel and a spring element is arranged between the contact surface of the cover and the support body.
EP 1 280 675 B1 likewise discloses a sealing arrangement for motor vehicle window panes. It comprises a cover of the water box and a lowerable and raisable arrangement of a window washer.
In order to to be able to obtain high leak-tightness and stability of the sealing arrangement, in particular perfectly fitting locking, very precise production is required. If the components produced deviate only slightly from the production specifications, very high forces are frequently required for locking the components. Depending on the deviation, even only limited sealing can result. High locking forces and production tolerances can also negatively affect the positioning accuracy of the sealing arrangement.
The object of the invention consists in providing a sealing arrangement for motor vehicle window panes that is less sensitive to production tolerances and requires only low forces for durable and secure locking of the individual components.
The object of the present invention is accomplished according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.
A method according to the invention for producing an arrangement for sealing motor vehicle window panes as well as its use emerge from other independent claims.
The sealing arrangement for a vehicle window pane according to the invention comprises at least
a holding rail with a latching channel. The latching channel is formed and delimited by a guide rail and a spring leg. The holding rail is affixed on a window pane. The fastening of the holding rail can be done via an adhesive or an adhesive tape. In an optional embodiment of the invention, the contact surface of the adhesive bond can be pretreated, for example, with a primer or a plasma treatment of the holding rail. The holding rail functions as a connecting piece between the pane and the car body component.
The arrangement according to the invention further comprises a cover, in particular a water box cover, with a guide channel, wherein the guide channel is formed by a latching rail and a positioning stop. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel, while, simultaneously, the latching rail is engaged in the latching channel, and the spring leg is latch connected to the latching rail. In the guide channel, a spring element is tensioned between a contact surface on the underside of the cover and the guide rail. The spring element is implemented, in cross-section, as a single lip, preferably finger-shaped or tongue-shaped. Together with the guide rail, the spring element seals the contact surface, preferably completely, on the underside of the cover between the positioning stop and the latching rail and, at the same time, supports the latching rail. The spring element preferably has high specific stiffness. The spring element seals the latching channel against the outside atmosphere. The spring element is compressed during insertion of the latching rail and pressed against the positioning stop. Together with the guide rail, the spring element centers the cover between the positioning stop and the latching rail. Centering by means of the locking arrangement made up of the spring leg and the latching rail is no longer necessary. The spring leg, relieved of the task of centering, can thus be implemented particularly flexible and can thus compensate production tolerances in the region of the guide channel.
The spring element preferably includes elastomers and/or thermoplastic elastomers, preferably includes polyurethanes, polyolefins, polysulfides, polyepoxides, and rubber, such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, silicones, such as RTV—(room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber), HTV—(high-temperature-vulcanizing) silicone rubber, peroxide-vulcanizing silicone rubber, and/or addition-vulcanizing silicone rubber, polyacrylates, styrene/butadiene block copolymers (SBS), and/or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).
The spring element is preferably implemented as a (partially) hollow body, a porous solid body, or as a solid body. The different design of the spring element enables additional variation and control of stability, weight, and elasticity.
The spring element preferably has a Shore hardness of Shore A 40 to Shore A 90, preferably Shore A 50 to Shore A 75. The Shore hardness according to the invention enables a reversible but simultaneously firm and leakproof sealing of the contact surface.
The spring element preferably has a length of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 6 mm. This length enables optimum sealing and centering of the spring element. If a greater length were selected, the supporting action can decrease; with a shorter length, the sealing can be partially limited. The spring element preferably has a diameter at the foot point of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. The “foot point” refers to the zone of the contact region of the spring element with the guide rail. The spring element preferably has a diameter on the free end of 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Particularly in combination with a Shore hardness of the spring element from Shore A 40 to Shore A 90, the dimensions mentioned improve the simultaneous supporting, sealing, and, especially, centering action of the spring element.
The holding rail and/or the guide rail preferably contain a reinforcing insert. The reinforcing insert increases the stability of the holding rail and enables further regulation of the stability. The reinforcing insert preferably includes metals, organic polymers, or composite materials.
The spring leg preferably has a latch hook. The latch hook is preferably implemented barb-shaped and improves the locking and anchoring of the spring leg with the latching rail. The latch hook preferably has a rounded surface, which implies simpler engagement with the latching rail with simultaneously higher stability against subsequent loosening of the locking.
The spring leg and the latching rail are preferably (in juxtaposition) aligned locked parallel to each other. The parallel arrangement, preferably with recesses or bulges on the latching rail as well as a latch hook on the spring leg surprisingly improves the stability of the connection between the spring leg and the latching rail. The geometric fit of the recesses or bulges on the latch hook is preferably coordinated with each other. The latch hook has, for better engagement, a rounded surface preferably on the side facing the latching rail. The rounded surface improves the engagement and reduces the resistance in the engagement direction.
The holding rail is preferably bonded to the pane via an adhesive bond. The adhesive bond enables a simple, stable, and durable fastening of the pane on the holding rail and through it on the mounting part. The adhesive bond preferably comprises or contains acrylate adhesives, methyl methacrylate adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, polyepoxides, silicone adhesives, and/or silane-curing polymer adhesives, as well as mixtures and/or copolymers thereof. The contact surface of the adhesive bond with the pane or holding rail can, optionally, be pretreated, for example, with a primer or a plasma treatment.
The adhesive bond preferably comprises a double-sided adhesive tape. The double-sided adhesive tape enables quick and precise fixing of the pane on the holding rail. Curing of the adhesive is, as a rule, unnecessary. Dosing of the adhesive is also eliminated.
The spring leg can include a metal or plastic insert, for example, a metal foil or a metal spring. The spring leg preferably includes no metal or plastic insert and gets its flexibility from the material of the spring leg itself. Spring legs without a metal or plastic insert are particularly simple to produce.
The latching rail preferably includes recesses or bulges. These structural elements enable and ensure the engagement and locking of the spring leg to the latching rail and, thus, the fixing of the mounting part, for example, a water box, on the pane. In addition, recesses increase the flexibility of the latching rail.
The spring leg is preferably deflectable or deflectably connected to the holding rail. Depending on the deflection force, the connection between the mounting part and the pane can be reversibly or irreversibly locked.
The guide rail preferably has a supporting bulge, which supports and improves the sealing of the latching channel. The precise dimensioning of the supporting bulge is governed by the size of the guide channel and can be readily adapted thereto and varied as needed.
The positioning stop is preferably arranged parallel to the latching rail. In the context of the invention, the term “parallel” also includes an averaged angular deviation of plus/minus 15°. The parallel arrangement of the positioning stop improves the sealing action of the spring element and the stability as well as the fixing on the contact surface.
The invention further comprises a method for producing a sealing arrangement. In a first step, a holding rail is bonded to a pane via an adhesive bond. In a following step, a guide rail is arranged within a guide channel of a cover. In parallel or subsequently, the cover is pressed with a latching rail into a latching channel beyond a latch hook under tensioning of a spring element between the guide rail and a contact surface on the underside of the cover. In the next step, the cover is moved back under relaxation of the spring element, engaging the latch hook on the latching rail.
The invention further comprises the use of a sealing arrangement according to the invention as a windshield or rear window, preferably as a water box cover of a windshield.



In the following, the invention is explained in detail with reference to drawings. The drawings are a purely schematic representation and not true to scale. They in no way restrict the invention.
They depict:
FIG. 1 a cross-section of the sealing arrangement according to the invention,
FIG. 2 an enlarged cross-section of the locked spring element, and
FIG. 3 a flowchart of the method according to the invention for producing the sealing arrangement.



FIG. 1 depicts a cross-section of the sealing arrangement according to the invention. A pane (1), preferably a composite glass pane, is bonded to a holding rail (3) via an adhesive bond (2). The holding rail (3) serves to connect a motor vehicle component, preferably a water box, to the pane (1). The holding rail (3) comprises a latching channel (4), wherein the latching channel (4) is formed from a guide rail (5) and a spring leg (6). The holding rail (3) includes a reinforcing insert (15). The reinforcing insert preferably includes metals and elastic plastics and can, optionally, also increase the stiffness of the holding rail (3). A cover (7), preferably of a water box, forms, with a latching rail (9) and a positioning stop (10), a guide channel (8). The guide rail (5) implemented as part of the holding rail (3) is arranged in the guide channel (8) and seals the guide channel (8) with a spring element (11). At the same time, the latching rail (9) is engaged in the latching channel (4) on a spring leg (6) and provides for secure fixing of the cover (7). In the guide channel (8), the spring element (11), preferably in the form of a polymeric, rubber-containing, elastic lip, is tensioned between a contact surface (12) on the underside of the cover (7) and the guide rail (5). The spring element (11) is preferably implemented, in cross-section, as a single, finger-shaped lip without additional recesses or protrusions. As described above, the spring element (11), together with the guide rail (5) and preferably a supporting bulge (13), seals the contact surface (12) on the underside of the cover (7) between the positioning stop (10) and the latching rail (9). At the same time, the spring element (11) supports the cover (7) on the latching rail (3).
FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged cross-section of the locked spring element. The region of the cover (7) shown includes the positioning stop (10) and the latching rail (9). The contact surface (12) is formed by the intermediate space between the positioning stop (10) and the latching rail (9). The positioning stop (10) and the latching rail (9) are arranged parallel to each other. In the context of the invention, “parallel” also includes an averaged angular deviation between the contact surface (12) and the averaged imaginary straight lines A and B by the positioning stop (10) and the latching rail of as much as 30°. Preferred here is an arrangement of the straight lines A and B opening away from the contact surface (12). The angle α (alpha) between the plane (C) of the contact surface (12) and the straight line A is, consequently, preferably from 90° to 120°; the angle β (beta) between the plane (C) of the contact surface (12) and the straight line B is preferably from 60° to 90°. The spring element (11) is preferably implemented, in cross-section, finger-shaped or tongue-shaped and seals, together with the guide rail (5) and the supporting bulge (13), the contact surface (12) and the space on the right (not shown in the figure) between the cover (7) and the pane (1) (not shown). At the same time, the spring element (11) preferably has a Shore hardness from Shore A 50 to Shore A 75 as well as a length of 3 mm to 6 mm. The spring element compressed in the installed state presses against the positioning stop (10) and the latching rail (9) and thus enables centering without actual locking. In addition, the spring element is so flexible that it can compensate production tolerances in the guide channel.
FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the method according to the invention for producing the sealing arrangement. In a first step, a holding rail (3) is bonded to a pane (1) via an adhesive bond (2) in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape. In a following steps, a guide rail (5) is arranged within a guide channel (8) between a positioning stop (10) and a latching rail (9) of a cover (7). Then, the cover (7) is pressed with a latching rail (9) into a latching channel (4) beyond a latch hook (14) under tensioning of a spring element (11) between the guide rail (5) and a contact surface (12) on the underside of the cover (7). In the following step, the cover (7) is moved back under relaxation of the spring element (11) and with the engagement of the latch hook (14) on the recesses or bulges (16) of the latching rail (9).
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS


    (1) pane
    (2) adhesive bond
    (3) holding rail
    (4) latching channel
    (5) guide rail
    (6) spring leg
    (7) cover
    (8) guide channel
    (9) latching rail
    (10) positioning stop
    (11) spring element
    (12) contact surface
    (13) supporting bulge
    (14) latch hook
    (15) reinforcing insert
    (16) recesses or bulges

## Claims

1. A sealing arrangement for a motor vehicle window pane, comprising:
a holding rail configured with a guide rail and a spring leg,
wherein the guide rail is positioned adjacent the spring leg so as to form a latching channel, and
wherein the holding rail is affixed on a window pane;
a cover configured with a latching rail and a positioning stop so as to form a guide channel,
wherein the guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the latching rail is arranged in the latching channel, and
wherein the spring leg is latch connected to the latching rail; and
a spring element arranged in the guide channel between the positioning stop and the latching rail,
wherein the spring element is tensioned between the guide rail and a contact surface on an underside of the cover, and
wherein, in an installed state of the sealing arrangement, the spring element is pressed against the positioning stop.

2. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring element is implemented as a single lip in cross-section and, together with the guide rail, seals and supports the contact surface on the underside of the cover.

3. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring element is implemented as a partially hollow body, a porous solid body, or as a solid body.

4. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring element has a Shore hardness from Shore A 40 to Shore A 90.

5. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring element has a Shore hardness from Shore A 50 to Shore A 75.

6. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring element has a length of 2 mm to 8 mm.

7. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring element has a length of 3 mm to 6 mm.

8. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holding rail includes a reinforcing insert.

9. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail includes a reinforcing insert.

10. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holding rail is bonded to the window pane via an adhesive bond.

11. The sealing arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive bond comprises a double-sided adhesive tape.

12. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring leg includes a metal or plastic insert.

13. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring leg includes a metal foil insert.

14. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring leg comprises a latch hook.

15. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring leg and the latching rail are aligned parallel to each other.

16. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the latching rail has recesses or bulges.

17. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the spring leg is deflectable.

18. The sealing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail has a supporting bulge.

19. A method for producing a sealing arrangement, comprising:
bonding a holding rail configured to a window pane via an adhesive, the holding rail comprising a guide rail and a spring leg forming a latching channel and the spring leg comprising a latch hook;
arranging the guide rail within a guide channel that is formed between a latching rail and a positioning stop of a cover;
pressing the latching rail into the latching channel beyond the latch hook under tensioning of a spring element positioned between the guide rail and a contact surface on an underside of the cover;
relaxing the spring element so that the latch hook is engaged on the latching rail, and
pressing the spring element against a positioning stop, thereby centering the cover between the positioning stop and the latching rail.