Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is related to and claims priority from Japanese patent application No. 2012-067024, incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a roof weather strip for a motor vehicle provided with a roof panel that is attached to cover a roof opening of a vehicle body, and includes a plurality of panels, at least one panel defining a sliding panel, which effects a seal between the sliding panel and its adjacent panels. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventionally, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a roof panel  10  adapted to open and close a roof opening  12  in a roof  14  of a motor vehicle is not divided, but normally composed of a single panel. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in order to effect a seal between the roof panel  10  and the roof opening  12 , a sliding roof weather strip  16  is attached to a periphery of the roof panel  10 . The sliding roof weather strip  16  includes a base portion  18  for attachment to the roof panel  10 , and a tubular seal portion  20 . 
     The tubular seal portion  20  is integrally formed with an exterior side wall of the base portion  18 , and contacts the roof  14  around the roof opening  12 . The base portion  18  has a holding part  22  adapted to hold an edge of the roof panel  10 . With this arrangement, the roof opening  12  and the tubular seal portion  20  are sealed (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2000-335255, ex.). 
     In this case, since the roof weather strip  16  is attached to the periphery of the roof panel  10 , the appearance of an upper surface of the base portion  18  is required to be improved, and a transparent area of the roof panel  10  may become narrow.  FIG. 2  is a partially cut away cross-section, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 1 . 
     Furthermore, in order to brighten a vehicle compartment, make a good airflow, improve a relaxed feeling and obtain a good view from the vehicle compartment, it has been demanded to enlarge the roof opening  12 . 
     In this case, where the roof panel  10  is composed of a single panel, the dimensions and weight thereof increase, and when the single roof panel  10  slides upon opening of the roof opening  12 , the sliding distance thereof becomes long. In addition, a driving mechanism for the roof panel  10  is less preferably enlarged, and the roof panel  10  may project rearwardly of the roof  14 . 
     Under the above circumstances, as shown in  FIG. 3 , it has been tried to compose the roof panel  10  of a plurality of panels that are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. However, in this case, sealing is needed between adjacent panels. 
     Where the roof panel  10  is composed of three panels, a front-side panel  24  and a rear-side panel  26  are fixed, whereas a central panel  28  is made slidable (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publications Nos. 2004-243901 and 2006-168588, ex.). 
     In this case, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a seal between the sliding panel  28  and the front-side panel  24  is effected by a front roof weather strip  30 , whereas a seal along a side edge of the sliding panel  28  is effected by a side roof weather strips  32 . And a seal between the sliding panel  28  and the rear-side panel  26  is effected by a rear roof weather strip  34 . The front roof weather strip  30 , the side roof weather strips  32  and the rear roof weather strip  34  define a sliding roof weather strip  36 . 
     In one conventional example shown in  FIG. 5 , a rear roof weather strip  38  includes a first seal portion  40  contacting and sealing a lower surface of the sliding panel  28 , a second seal portion  42  sealing a gap between the sliding panel  28  and the rear-side panel  26 , and a base portion  44  holding the first seal portion  40  and the second seal portion  42 . The base portion  44  is bonded to a panel rim  46  secured to an edge of the rear-side panel  26  with a double-sided adhesive tape  48  (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2004-243964, ex.). 
     In another conventional example shown in  FIG. 6 , a front roof weather strip  50  includes a first seal portion  52  for sealing the sliding panel  28  and the front-side panel  24 , a second seal portion  54  for contacting and sealing a lower surface of the sliding panel  28 , and a base portion  56  for holding the first seal portion  52  and the second seal portion  54 . The base portion  56  is bonded to a base panel  58  to which the front-side panel  24  is attached with double-sided adhesive tapes  60  (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2010-260394, ex.). 
     In these roof weather strips shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , however, the base portions  44  and  56  are bonded to the base panel and the roof panel using the double-sided adhesive tapes  48  and  60  so that the number of parts increases, thereby increasing the working hours for mounting these parts on the vehicle body, and consequently increasing manufacturing costs, too. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roof weather strip for a motor vehicle, which is capable of being readily attached while effecting a seal between a sliding panel and other panels composing a roof panel adapted to open and close a roof opening of a vehicle body, and consequently reducing manufacturing costs. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, in a roof weather strip for a motor vehicle of which a roof has a roof panel composed of a plurality of panels arranged frontwardly and rearwardly of a vehicle body so as to cover an opening provided in the roof of the vehicle body, wherein at least one panel of the roof panel is a sliding panel that is slidable, at least another panel of the roof panel, which is located on a front side or a rear side of the sliding panel, is a fixed panel that is fixed to the roof, and the roof weather strip effects a seal between the sliding panel and the fixed panel, the roof weather strip has a base portion for attachment to an edge of a fixed base panel adapted to attach the fixed panel, and a seal portion adapted to contact the sliding panel. The base portion includes a panel engaging section for engagement with the edge of the fixed base panel, and a rim engaging section for engagement with a panel rim attached to an edge of the fixed panel. The panel engaging section is formed on a lower surface side of the base portion, and the rim engaging section is formed on an upper surface side of the base portion. 
     With the arrangement of the first aspect, the roof panel composed of a plurality of panels that are arranged frontwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle body is attached to the roof of the vehicle body so as to cover an opening provided in the roof of the vehicle body, and at least one panel of the roof panel is a sliding panel that is slidable. Therefore, if the opening provided in the roof of the vehicle body is enlarged, the dimensions of each panel of the plurality of panels can be decreased, as compared with the case where a single panel is used as the roof panel, and consequently, the opening of the roof of the vehicle body can be readily enlarged to brighten the interior of the vehicle compartment, make the view from the vehicle compartment fine, and much improve relaxed feeling. Since at least one panel of the roof panel is a sliding panel that is slidable, a driving mechanism for the roof panel can be made small and compact, as compared with all panels being slidable. 
     At least one panel of the roof panel, which is located on a front side or a rear side of the sliding panel, is a fixed panel that is fixed to the roof of the vehicle body, and the roof weather strip effects a seal between the sliding panel and the fixed panel. Therefore, the roof weather strip can securely effect a seal between the sliding panel and the fixed panel. 
     The roof weather strip has a base portion for attachment to an edge of a fixed base panel adapted to attach the fixed panel, and a seal portion adapted to contact the sliding panel. When the base portion is attached to the edge of the fixed base panel, the position of the seal portion can become stable so that the seal portion contacts the sliding panel and the fixed panel, thereby effecting a seal therebetween, 
     The base portion includes a panel engaging section for engagement with the edge of the fixed base panel, and a rim engaging section for engagement with a panel rim attached to an edge of the fixed panel. Therefore, the edge of the base portion is engaged with the edge of the fixed base panel with the panel engaging section, whereas the rim engaging section on the fixed panel side of the base portion is engaged with the panel rim, whereby both ends of the base portion can be securely attached, and consequently, the base portion becomes stable, and the seal portion securely contacts facing parts so that a stable seal can be effected. 
     The panel engaging section is formed on a lower surface side of the base portion, and the rim engaging section is formed on an upper surface side of the base portion. With this arrangement, upon attaching of the base portion of the roof weather strip, the panel engaging section is first engaged with the edge of the fixed base panel, and then, the rim engaging section can be attached to the upper surface side of the fixed base panel, thereby facilitating the attaching work. And if the sliding panel is slid, the panel engaging section does not obstruct the sliding action thereof. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, the fixed base panel has a downwardly recessed recess along the edge thereof, and defines a panel end on an end side of the recess, and the base portion on it&#39;s panel engaging section side contacts the panel end, whereas the base portion on its rim engaging section side contacts the fixed base panel on the panel rim side of the recess. 
     With the arrangement of the second aspect, since the fixed base panel has a downwardly recessed recess along an edge thereof, and defines a panel end on an end side of the recess, upon attaching of the roof weather strip, a space can be defined with the base portion and the recess, whereby when the sliding panel contacts the seal portion, the base portion can bend downwardly to absorb variations in the attaching state of the roof weather strip and ensure desired sealing properties. 
     The base portion on its panel engaging section side contacts the panel end, whereas the base portion on its rim engaging section side contacts the fixed base panel on the panel rim side of the recess. Therefore, the central part of the base portion can bend downwardly, whereas both ends of the base portion can effect a seal between the fixed base panel and the roof weather strip, thereby ensuring sealing properties. 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, the base portion on its rim engaging section side contacts the panel rim. 
     With this arrangement, since the base portion on its rim engaging section side contacts the panel rim and the fixed base panel with sandwiched therebetween, the roof weather strip can be stably held. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the base portion on its rim engaging section side has a contacting lip for contacting the panel rim attached with the fixed base panel. 
     With this arrangement, since the base portion on its rim engaging section side has a contacting lip adapted to contact the panel rim attached with the fixed base panel, the sealing properties between the roof weather strip and the fixed panel or the panel rim can be improved with the contacting lip along with the rim engaging section. 
     According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the seal portion includes a tubular seal portion and a seal lip, the tubular seal portion is located between the sliding panel and the fixed panel, and contacts the sliding panel and the fixed panel, and the seal lip contacts a lower surface of the sliding panel on a center side of an edge thereof. 
     With this arrangement, since the seal portion includes a tubular seal portion and a seal lip, the lower surface of the sliding panel can be doubly sealed. 
     Since the tubular seal portion is located between the sliding panel and the fixed panel, and contacts the sliding panel and the fixed panel, the contacting area is large so that if the gap between the sliding panel and the fixed panel varies, it can be securely sealed. 
     Since the seal lip contacts a lower surface of the sliding panel on a center side of an edge thereof, an upper half of the seal lip readily bends to contact the lower surface of the sliding panel flexibly and seal the same. 
     According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the tubular seal portion and the seal lip are composed of a sponge material, and the base portion is composed of a solid material. 
     With this arrangement, since the tubular seal portion and the seal lip are composed of a sponge material, they can flexibly bend to conform to the configuration of the lower surface of the sliding panel and can contribute to the reduction in weight of the roof weather strip. Since the base portion is composed of a solid material, it exhibits rigidity so that when the sliding panel slides to deform the tubular seal portion and the seal lip, the deformation of the base portion decreases, whereby the base portion can be securely attached to the fixed panel and the panel rim, and consequently, the tubular seal portion and the seal lip can contact the sliding panel stably. 
     According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the base portion further includes an attaching leg adapted to contact the recess of the fixed base panel. 
     With this arrangement, since the base portion further includes an attaching leg adapted to contact the recess of the fixed base panel, if the base portion bends downwardly, the attaching leg flexibly bends to prevent an excessive deformation of the base portion, and consequently, sealing properties can be ensured. 
     With this arrangement, the fixed panel is a rear panel on the rear side of the sliding panel, and is attached to a front edge of the rear panel. Therefore, when the roof weather strip is attached to the rear fixed panel, and the sliding panel is slid, a gap between the sliding panel and the fixed panel on the rear side of the sliding panel can be securely sealed. 
     Since the base portion has the panel engaging section for engagement with the edge of the fixed base panel, and the rim engaging section for engagement with the panel rim attached to the edge of the fixed panel, the edge of the base portion is engaged with the edge of the fixed base panel with the panel engaging section, whereas the rim engaging section of the base portion on its fixed panel side is engaged with the panel rim, whereby both ends of the base portion can be securely attached. 
     Since the panel engaging section is formed on the lower surface side of the base portion, and the rim engaging section is formed on the upper surface side of the base portion, the panel engaging section is first engaged with the edge of the fixed base panel, and then, the rim engaging section can be attached to the upper surface of the fixed base panel, thereby facilitating the attaching work. 
     Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a roof of a motor vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 1 , which shows the attaching state of a conventional sliding roof weather strip; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the attaching state of a roof weather strip around a roof opening of a vehicle body when a sliding roof panel is opened, which is seen from the obliquely upper side of the sliding roof panel; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a roof panel, which shows the state just before a conventional sliding roof is closed. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing the attaching state of another sliding roof weather strip adapted to seal a gap between a conventional sliding roof and a rear-side fixed panel; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing the attaching state of still another sliding roof weather strip adapted to seal a gap between a conventional sliding roof and a front-side fixed panel; and 
         FIG. 7  is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3 , which shows a rear roof weather strip in one embodiment of a roof weather strip in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , based on a rear roof weather strip  62  of a roof weather strip  64 , which is adapted to seal a gap between a front edge of a third roof panel  66  as a rear-side fixed panel of a roof panel  68  composed of three panels, and a rear edge of a sliding panel  70  positioned at a middle position of the roof panel  68 . The present invention can be also applied to other sealing structures using a front roof weather strip  72  adapted to seal a gap between a front edge of the sliding panel  70  and a rear edge of a first panel  74  as a front-side fixed panel, and weather strips adapted to seal gaps between divided two sliding panels and another fixed panel. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the attaching state of the roof panel  68  composed of three panels to the roof opening  12  of the roof  14  so as to cover the same. The roof panel  68  is composed of the first panel  74  as a front-side fixed panel, the sliding panel  70  as a slidable second panel, and the third panel  66  as a fixed panel. In  FIG. 3 , the sliding panel  70  is in the rearwardly sliding state. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a periphery of the sliding panel  70  is held with a second base panel  76 , and the sliding panel  70  slides integrally with the second base panel  76 . 
     The roof weather strip  64  is formed into an annular configuration, and an upper surface of the roof weather strip  64  contacts a lower surface of the sliding panel  70  or the second base panel  76  holding the sliding panel  70  along a periphery thereof. The roof weather strip  64  includes the front roof weather strip  72 , the rear roof weather strip  62  and a side roof weather strip  78 . 
     The front roof weather strip  72  is arranged between the first panel  74  and the sliding panel  70 , whereas the rear roof weather strip  62  is arranged between the sliding panel  70  and the third panel  66 . The side roof weather strip  78  is arranged between each of both side edges of the sliding panel  70  and each of both side edges defining the roof opening  12 . The side roof weather strip  78  has a single tubular seal portion, as is different from the front roof weather strip  72  and the rear roof weather strip  62 , each having two tubular seal portions. 
     The front roof weather strip  72 , the rear roof weather strip  62  and the side roof weather strip  78  can be joined to each other by molding to conform to corners of the roof opening  12  so as to extend in a ring-shaped configuration around the roof opening. With this arrangement, the entire circumference of the sliding panel  70  inclusive of its corners can be sealed. 
     A sealant, dam, etc. (not shown) are attached between the second base panel  76  and the sliding panel  70  to provide a secure seal therebetween. The tubular seal portion of the side roof weather strip  78  is communicated with the tubular seal portion of a second weather strip section of the front roof weather strip  72 , and the tubular seal portion of a second weather strip section of the rear roof weather strip  62 , respectively, to define a ring-shaped tubular seal portion. 
     A base member has three openings corresponding to the three panels of the roof panel  68 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the base member includes a first base panel  80  corresponding to an opening facing the first panel  74 , the second base panel  76  corresponding to an opening facing the sliding panel  70 , and a third base panel  82  corresponding to an opening facing the third panel  66 . 
     The first panel  74  is attached to the first base panel  80  so as to cover the opening facing the first panel  74 , and a rear edge thereof contacts the seal portion of the front roof weather strip  72 . 
     The third panel  66  is attached to the third base panel  82  so as to cover the opening facing the third panel  66 , and a front edge thereof contacts a second seal portion  84  of the rear roof weather strip  62 . 
     First, the configuration of the rear roof weather strip  62  will be explained with reference to  FIG. 7 . The front roof weather strip  72  exhibits similar operation to the rear roof weather strip  62  so that the rear roof weather strip  62  will be mainly explained. 
     The rear roof weather strip  62  is formed by extrusion into a generally straight configuration, and extends in a longitudinal direction thereof. The rear roof weather strip  62  has a seal portion and a base portion  86 . The seal portion includes the second seal portion  84  located between the sliding panel  70  and the third panel  66  as a fixed panel for contacting and sealing both the rear edge of the sliding panel  70  and the front edge of the third panel  66 , and a first seal portion  88  located slightly frontward of the rear edge of the sliding panel  70  for contacting and sealing a lower surface of the sliding panel  70  or the second base panel  76  adapted to hold the sliding panel  70 . The first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84  is integrally joined to each other with the base portion  86 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first seal portion  88  as a seal lip is composed of a sponge material, and has a lip-like configuration so as to exhibit flexibility. Consequently, it contacts a lower surface of the sliding panel  70  slightly frontwardly of a rear edge thereof to flexibly contact and seal the lower surface of the sliding panel  70  in conformity with the configuration thereof. 
     The second seal portion  84  as a tubular seal portion is composed of a sponge material, has an arc-shaped configuration and is connected to an edge of a rim engaging section  90  extending from the base portion  86  to define the tubular seal portion. Since the rim engaging section  90  is composed of a solid material, it can hold the arc-shaped second seal portion  84 . Since the second seal portion  84  contacts both the sliding panel  70  and the third panel  66  as a fixed panel with a curving wide area, it can securely seal them, even if a gap between the sliding panel  70  and the third panel  66  varies. A rear end of the second seal portion  84  contacts a rim main body  92  of a panel rim  94  to provide a seal between the panel rim  94  and the rear roof weather strip  62 . 
     Next the base portion  86  will be explained. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the base portion  86  is formed into a plate-shaped configuration. The first seal portion  88  is formed on a front side of the upper surface thereof, whereas the second seal portion  84  is formed on a rear side thereof. The first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84 , which are held with the base portion  86 , can effect a double seal against the lower surface of the sliding panel  70 . 
     The base portion  86  is secured to an edge of the third base panel  82  secured to a lower surface of the third panel  66  as a rear-side fixed panel for holding the third panel  66 . The third base panel  82  has a downwardly recessed recess  96  slightly rearwardly of an edge  98  of the third base panel  82 . When the rear roof weather strip  62  is attached to the third base panel  82 , the recess  96  can define a space between the base portion  86  and the third base panel  82 , and consequently, when the sliding panel  70  contacts the second seal portion  84 , the base portion  86  can bend downwardly to absorb variations in the assembling state of the sliding panel  70  and the third base panel  82 , whereby a desired sealing properties can be ensured while ensuring contacting of the first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84  against the sliding panel  70 . 
     A panel engaging section  100  is provided along a front edge of the base portion  86  so as to curve like a hairpin downwardly of the base portion  86 . More specifically, the panel engaging section  100  protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion  86  downwardly, and extends rearwardly to define a space therein. The edge  98  of the third base panel  82  is inserted in the space of the panel engaging section  100 , whereby a front edge of the base portion  86  is attached. With this arrangement, when the sliding panel  70  contacts the first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84 , the base portion  86  is securely held without slipping. 
     A first leg  102  and a second leg  104  adapted to contact the recess  96  of the third base panel  82  as a fixed base panel protrude from the lower surface of the base portion  86 . In the present embodiment, two legs are provided, but alternatively, one leg or three or more legs may be provided. When the sliding panel  70  contacts the first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84 , the first leg  102  and the second leg  104  bend to prevent the base portion  86  from excessively deforming downwardly, because the first leg  102  and the second leg  104  contact the recess  96  of the third base panel  82 . As a result, the first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84  contact the sliding panel  70  to securely exhibit sealing properties. 
     The rim engaging section  90  is provided along a rear edge of the base portion  86  on an upper surface thereof with a hook-shaped configuration. The rim engaging section  90  includes an engaging wall  106  extending from the base portion  86  upwardly while curving rearwardly, an engaging end  108  extending from an edge of the engaging wall  106  downwardly, and an engaging recess  110  that is defined by the engaging wall  106  and the engaging end  108  and opens rearwardly. 
     An edge of the panel rim  94  adapted to be attached to the front edge of the third base panel  82  is engaged in this recess  110 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the panel rim  94  is attached to the third panel  66  in a rim rear surface  112  adapted to contact an edge of the third panel  66 , and a rim attaching surface  114  adapted to contact a lower surface of the third panel  66 . A rim hook  116  is provided in a lower part of the rim main body  92  that is formed into a plate-shaped configuration along the edge of the third base panel  82 . An edge of the rim hook  116  bends upwardly to define a rim end  118 . The panel rim  94  can be composed of a synthetic resin, a hard rubber, etc. 
     After the panel engaging section  100  of the base portion  86  is attached to the edge  98  of the third base panel  82 , the rim hook  116  is engaged with the rim engaging section  90 . More specifically, the rim end  118  is engaged in an interior space of the engaging recess  110  of the rim engaging section  90 , whereas the engaging end  108  of the rim engaging section  90  is engaged in a rim recess  120  defined by the rim hook  116  of the panel rim  94  and the rim end  118 . 
     With this arrangement, edges of the base portion  86  can be securely held with the panel engaging section  100  and the rim engaging section  90  without using double-sided adhesive tapes, and a seal between the third base panel  82  and the rear roof weather strip  62  can be effected with the panel engaging section  100  and the rim engaging section  90 , whereby sealing properties can be ensured. 
     In addition, by engaging the panel engaging section  100  and the rim engaging section  90  with the third base panel  82  and the panel rim  94 , the base portion  86  can be attached to the third base panel  82  and the panel rim  94 , thereby facilitating the attaching work thereof. 
     A contacting lip  122  may be formed on an upper surface of the base portion  86  rearwardly of the panel engaging section  100 . In this case, the contacting lip  122  is formed on the upper surface of the base portion  86 , and contacts the third roof panel  66  or the panel rim  94 . With this arrangement, the sealing properties between the rear roof weather strip  62  and the third base panel  66  or the panel rim  94  can be doubly ensured. 
     The roof weather strips  64  are formed by extruding synthetic rubbers such as EPDM rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. In the present embodiment, the first seal portion  88  and the second seal portion  84  of the roof weather strip  64  are composed of a sponge material, whereas the base portion  86  is composed of a solid material. In the case of synthetic rubbers, after the extruding step, vulcanization is carried out in a vulcanizing chamber using heated air or high frequency. Then, vulcanized bodies are cut to have a predetermined length, respectively, for producing products. 
     The front roof weather strip  72 , the side roof weather strips  78  and the rear weather strip  62 , each being subjected to extrusion, vulcanization and cutting work, may be used, but, these weather strips may be formed into a ring-shaped configuration by molding end portions of these weather strips to conform to corners of the third base panel  82 . 
     The present embodiment has been explained with reference to the rear roof weather strip  62  adapted to provide a seal between the rear edge of the sliding panel  70  and the front edge of the third panel  66 , but the present invention is applicable to the front roof weather strip  72  adapted to provide a seal between the front edge of the sliding panel  70  and the rear edge of the first panel  74 . 
     While the invention has been described in connection with what are considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7