Abstract:
A weatherstrip and associated method of forming the weather-strip includes a body having a core formed of a first material and at least partially encapsulated in an extrusion material. A bright strip or metal show surface is integrated within the extrusion body to provide an aesthetically pleasing bright strip. The end of the bright strip is formed at an end of the weatherstrip to provide a one-piece structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/310,085, filed Mar. 3, 2010. 
         [0002]    This application relates to a weatherstrip or weatherseal for an automotive vehicle and, more particularly, a weatherstrip that incorporates a bright strip or metal show surface and requires closed ends. 
         [0003]    Oftentimes, weatherstrips are a multi-part assembly in which a rigid core is coextruded with an elastomer such as rubber, EPDM, or plastic. A separately formed bright strip is roll formed and mechanically assembled to the weatherstrip after the weatherstrip has been removed from the extrusion line. For example, the bright strip often has a generally C-shaped cross-section in which the bent or hooked longitudinal edges mechanically grip the previously cured weatherstrip. This bright strip is mechanically clinched to the weatherstrip so that two separate components (the weatherstrip and the bright strip) become a mechanically-joined assembly that includes the weatherstrip with the bright strip mechanically and subsequently joined to the weatherstrip. 
         [0004]    The disclosure of commonly owned, co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/600,424, filed Jun. 13, 2008 (published as WO 2008/157332) is directed to a weatherstrip used in an automotive vehicle that incorporates a bright strip or an integrated metal cosmetic strip. The bright strip is preferably a stainless steel or anodized metal (e.g., aluminum) that is integrally joined to an elastomer weatherstrip body. More particularly, the weatherstrip has a core that is received in the extrusion body and additionally a metal bright strip is integrated within the extrusion body, i.e., passes through the extrusion line, and the bright strip provides an aesthetically pleasing upper reveal or show surface. A removable cover layer may be extruded over the bright strip during the extrusion process in order to protect the outer show surface of the bright strip during the formation and handling process. Regions or areas of weakness are formed along an edge of the cover layer and provide for easy removal of the cover layer from the show surface of the bright strip, so that once the cover layer is removed, the weatherstrip has an exposed surface of a bright strip that is integrated into the weatherstrip with a reduced chance of potential damage to the exposed surface of the bright strip during the assembly process. 
         [0005]    In both versions of the weatherstrip incorporating a bright strip as described above (i.e., one with an integrated, one-piece bright strip formed in situ in the extrusion process, or mechanically securing a separately formed bright strip to the extruded weatherstrip component), one or both ends of the weatherstrip are closed with an end cap. In the first arrangement where the bright strip is separately formed and subsequently mechanically engaged to the separate extrusion, the ends of the bright strip may be formed into an end, typically through a roll forming process. For example, multiple forming steps such as trimming and folding over are undertaken on the end of the bright strip to make the end form. 
         [0006]    In the second arrangement, where the bright strip is integrally extruded with the remainder of the extruded weatherseal, separate end caps are typically formed and then subsequently attached to one or both ends of the weatherstrip. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a need exists for eliminating the necessity to use separate end caps, two-piece assemblies (using rolled or extruded metal), or molded ends in a weatherstrip with an integrated bright strip. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0008]    The weatherstrip includes a body having a core formed of a first material and at least partially encapsulated in an extrusion material. A bright strip or metal show surface is integrated or partially encapsulated with the extrusion body to provide an aesthetically pleasing bright strip. The end of the bright strip is formed at an end of the weatherstrip to provide a one-piece structure. 
         [0009]    In selected end regions of the formed end, remaining portions of the weatherseal cross-section are removed. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the bright strip is formed of a first metal, for example stainless steel. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the core is made from a different, second metal such as aluminum. 
         [0012]    In a preferred method of forming the weatherstrip having a bright strip show surface, a core is provided and a separate metal show surface is likewise provided. The core and bright strip are introduced into an extrusion die, and an elastomer body extruded over the core to secure the bright strip to the body. Portions of the extruded elastomer body are subsequently removed and at least one end of the metal show surface mechanically formed into a closed end. 
         [0013]    The method includes removing extruded material from a rear surface of the bright strip to allow the metal bright strip to be formed into an end. 
         [0014]    In one preferred arrangement, trimming and removing of the material from the extruded weatherstrip is accomplished with a water jet. 
         [0015]    A primary benefit is the ability to replace a conventional two-piece design with a single piece extrusion with integrated, formed ends. 
         [0016]    Yet other benefits include weight savings, fewer pieces, processing and cost savings associated with the vehicle. 
         [0017]    Still another advantage resides in the elimination of at least one step in a conventional operation. 
         [0018]    Still other features and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading and understanding the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of an automotive vehicle door illustrating various areas in which a weatherstrip with a bright strip may be used. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , for example forming an outer belt weatherstrip. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a prior art showing of the extrusion portion of the weatherstrip on the right-hand part of the Figure and the cap shown in the left part of the Figure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows the completed two-part assembly of the extrusion and bright strip with cap from  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  of an outer belt assembly with a removable cover member extruded in-line. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates the single co-extruded outer belt as it leaves the extrusion. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  where the core and elastomer body material have been removed from the outer surface of the bright strip. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  shows a step of removing additional portions from the weatherstrip. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  shows further removal of elastomer, particularly from a rear surface of the bright strip. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a view of the bright strip before being formed into an integrated end. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of one end form. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view through a co-extruded section with integrated roll formed ends for an upper reveal portion of a glass run. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  shows a portion of an automotive vehicle  100  having a body that includes a front door  102 . The door has a window opening  104  that is selectively closed by a movable window  106 . The window is selectively raised and lowered relative to the door opening by a regulator (not shown) in a manner well known in the art. 
         [0032]    One or more weatherstrips or weatherseals  110  are provided on the body, door, and about the periphery of the door opening to seal the edge of the window and seal an interior compartment of the vehicle from the external elements. For example, the sealing system may include a mirror sail or other weatherstrip component  112  that seals along a front or A-pillar portion, a belt line seal  114 , a B-pillar portion  116 , and a header portion  118 . It is oftentimes desired that one or more of these weatherstrips include a bright strip having a show surface (i.e., that portion that is visible externally of the vehicle) along selected regions of the vehicle. Because of the long length associated with these weatherstrips, it is common to manufacture these components via an extrusion process. Thus, with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , and additional reference to  FIGS. 2-3 , a conventional weatherstrip such as an outer belt  114  extends along a lower portion of the vehicle window opening from the A-pillar to the B-pillar. Inner and outer door panels  120 ,  122  are joined together adjacent the window opening and form a flange  124 . The weatherstrip is secured over this flange  124 . Particularly, the outer belt weatherstrip  114  includes a rigid core  130 , shown here as an inverted, generally U-shaped member in cross-section, having first and second legs  132 ,  134  joined together adjacent one end by an interconnecting leg  136 . The core may be formed of a wide variety of materials, but is oftentimes a rigid metal, and preferably aluminum because of its strength and light weight. Extruded about the core is a body, such as a rubber, plastic, or EPDM body (sometimes referred to as an elastomer or elastomeric body)  140 . Oftentimes, the core is completely or substantially encapsulated by the body and includes one or more projecting retention fingers  142  that extend inwardly from the U-shaped body for gripping engagement with the door flange  124  so that when the U-shaped body is received over the flange, the outer belt is retained in place. 
         [0033]    One or more seal members or seal lips  160  may be integrally formed in the extrusion or co-extrusion process. As shown in  FIG. 2 , seal lips  160  extend from the body and particularly extend inwardly toward the interior of the vehicle where the lips are disposed for sealing engagement with the door window (not shown). The seal lips could be formed of the same material as the remainder of the elastomeric body or, as shown here, are co-extruded with the body but formed of a different material. For example, the seal lip may be formed of a softer, more flexible material  162  that is co-extruded with the remainder of body that surrounds the core and the co-extruded materials form an integral, one-piece structure. Those portions of the seal lip that are disposed for engagement with the window may include a hard, low friction surface such as a flock or low-friction coating  164 . In addition, one or more retention fingers  170  are co-extruded as a portion of the elastomeric body and facilitate in retention of the bright strip  180 , shown here as a mechanically engaged, generally C-shaped cap that extends over the externally facing portion of the outer belt weatherstrip. Thus, one leg  182  of the generally C-shaped bright strip is mechanically received in a recess  184  in the body while an opposite hooked end  184  is snap-fit over one of the retention fingers  170  extending outwardly from the elastomeric body. In this manner, a show region  186  faces outwardly from the vehicle door and provides a bright strip or desired cosmetic show surface facing outwardly from the vehicle. 
         [0034]    The core is preferably roll-formed prior to introduction into an extruding die and as the core proceeds through a die cavity, the elastomeric body, seal lips, gripping fingers, and retention fingers are co-extruded around the core. The various portions of this body may be formed of different materials due to the intended function or aesthetic purpose that is desired of this particular portion of the body. The particular types of materials, whether it be a rubber, plastic, EDPM, etc., or the particular hardness or still other properties of the materials should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. 
         [0035]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , and more particular reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the extrusion is shown in the right-hand portion of  FIG. 3  and the cap  180  is shown as a separate roll-formed component that has an integral end form. That is, the end may be cut and/or combined with a series of mechanical deforming steps that are undertaken to achieve the desired end configuration of the bright strip, and particularly one with roll-formed ends to provide a closed, seamless end received over the end of the extruded component. Thus, once mechanically engaged to the extruded component, the finished weatherstrip is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the present disclosure and shows an outer belt generally similar to  FIG. 2 , but in which the bright strip  180 ′ is integrally formed to be part of the one-piece structure by co-extruding it with the core and elastomeric body as shown and described in commonly owned International Application WO 2008/157332. Again, for purposes of consistency and brevity, like reference numerals refer to like components. As described in the co-pending application the bright strip is covered with a removable cover member  190  with regions  192  of reduced thickness that aid in removing the cover member and exposing the bright strip. 
         [0037]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , and additional reference to  FIGS. 6-10 , the steps of forming a single co-extruded weatherstrip such as an outer belt with integrated end forms will be described in greater detail. For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates the weatherstrip as the weatherstrip exits the extrusion line. Next, and as shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover  190  is removed from the bright strip. Again, thinned regions  192  may be provided to facilitate removal of the cover from the remainder of the co-extruded material. 
         [0038]    Conventional tooling, and preferably a water jet, is used to remove an end segment of the body core in that region where an end form of the bright strip is to be created. Thus, segment  200  of the body core is physically removed from the remainder of the weatherstrip as represented in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 9 , the extruded material is next removed from an internal or back surface  202  of the bright strip (compare  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) in the region where the body core was removed. Again, preferably a water jet or other conventional tooling can be used to complete this removal of the elastomer body from the rear surface of the bright strip. Next, the extending portion of the bright strip from which the extrudate material has been removed, as well as the core in this region, undergoes a series of deforming steps to create an integral end form that is closed at end  204  and is seamless relative to the remainder of the length of the bright strip. The extended length as shown here, for example, extends rearwardly from the mirror sail portion of the outer belt. It will be understood, however, by one skilled in the art that the length of the exposed bright strip shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  may vary depending on the configuration and location of the end form as provided on the vehicle. In any event, the final structure is a one-piece, integrated weatherstrip that is modified at one or both ends after exiting the extrusion die and that provides a bright strip with an integrated, one-piece end form. No separate visible end caps are required. In some instances, separate inserts may be required at one or both ends of the extrusion that have retention features for installation onto the door. These retention inserts would not be visible once installed onto the door. Thus, it will be understood that a roll-formed component can be a one piece design (or could also be a two piece or three piece design if the door retention inserts are required and which are not visible once the weatherstrip is installed), and the bright strip is fed through the extrusion die and not separately joined or mechanically gripped to a separately formed extrusion component.  FIG. 11  shows an enlarged portion of the end form  204  of the bright strip to demonstrate the seamless conformation of the bright strip along the end. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 12 , the extruded profile of the weatherstrip along the header portion or upper reveal portion of the glass run is shown. Although the conformation of the weatherstrip, including the bright strip portion, is different, the same principles as described above are used. That is, an outer bright strip, for example formed of a bright metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, is integrated into the extruded weatherstrip and need not be separately mechanically formed and subsequently assembled to an extruded component and thereby present as a bright strip/show surface for the weatherstrip on the vehicle. 
         [0041]    In summary, a conventional two-piece design using a rolled end form or a cap that is mechanically joined to a separate extrusion is replaced with a co-extruded weatherstrip having an integrated, formed bright strip with integral end forms. The integrated end forms replace a separate end cap or molded end, and closes an opened end of the weatherstrip. 
         [0042]    The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification.