PROFILE STRIP FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND PROFILE STRIP PRODUCTION METHOD

Abstract

A profile strip for a motor vehicle, in particular for a sealing assembly in a window or door area of a motor vehicle. The profile strip comprises a securing profile section that can be secured on a first part of the motor vehicle. The profile strip comprises a sealing profile section connected to the securing profile section, produced from a vulcanized rubber matrix and configured to allow relative movements with reduced friction between the profile strip and a second part of the motor vehicle. A contact surface of the sealing profile section that can be brought into contact with the second part is provided with an anti-friction coating that comprises an anti-friction coating matrix and anti-friction particles embedded in the anti-friction coating matrix that are produced from UHMWPE. The anti-friction coating matrix is a vulcanized EPDM matrix.

Claims

1. A profile strip for a motor vehicle, comprising a securing profile section that can be secured on a first part of the motor vehicle, and a sealing profile section connected to the securing profile section, produced from a vulcanized rubber matrix and configured to allow relative movements with reduced friction between the profile strip and a second part of the motor vehicle, wherein a contact surface of the sealing profile section that can be brought into contact with the second part is provided with an anti-friction coating that comprises an anti-friction coating matrix and anti-friction particles embedded in the anti-friction coating matrix that are produced from UHMWPE, wherein the anti-friction coating matrix is a vulcanized EPDM matrix, wherein the sealing profile section and the anti-friction coating are co-extruded, and wherein the anti-friction coating EPDM matrix has a Shore A hardness in the range of 75 to 98.

2. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-friction coating matrix is produced from an EPDM mixture that comprises the following components: 20 wt % to 40 wt % of EPDM and 3 wt % to 50 wt % of anti-friction particles, and as the remainder, at least one of at least one additive and at least one crosslinking agent.

3. The profile strip as claimed in claim 2, wherein the EPDM mixture comprises at least one of 20 wt % to 50 wt % of carbon black, 1 wt % to 30 wt % of thermoplastic olefinic synthetic resin and 2 wt % to 15 wt % oil as additive.

4. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vulcanized anti-friction coating EPDM matrix has a higher strength than the vulcanized rubber matrix of the sealing profile section.

5. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vulcanized anti-friction coating EPDM matrix has at least one of a higher stiffness and a higher modulus than the vulcanized rubber matrix of the sealing profile section.

6. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-friction coating EPDM matrix has a tensile strength in the range of 5 N/mm.sup.2 to 8 N/mm.sup.2.

7. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-friction coating has a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm.

8. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-friction particles have an average diameter in the range of 20 m to 200 m.

9. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing profile section is produced from a vulcanized EPDM matrix.

10. The profile strip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the vulcanized EPDM matrix is simultaneously subjected to at least one of primary molding and vulcanization with the anti-friction coating EPDM matrix.

11. The profile strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio of a Shore A hardness of the anti-friction coating EPDM matrix to that of the rubber matrix of the sealing profile section is in the range of 1.2 to 1.5.

12. A profile strip for a motor vehicle, in particular for a sealing assembly in a window or door area of a motor vehicle, comprising a securing profile section that can be secured on a first part of the motor vehicle, and a sealing profile section connected to the securing profile section, produced from a vulcanized rubber matrix and configured to allow relative movements with reduced friction between the profile strip and a second part of the motor vehicle, wherein a contact surface of the sealing profile section that can be brought into contact with the second part is provided with an anti-friction coating that comprises an anti-friction coating matrix and anti-friction particles embedded in the anti-friction coating matrix that are produced from UHMWPE, wherein the anti-friction coating matrix is a vulcanized EPDM matrix.

13. The profile strip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the anti-friction coating matrix is produced from an EPDM mixture that comprises the following components: 20 wt % to 40 wt % of EPDM and 3 wt % to 50 wt % of anti-friction particles.

14. The profile strip as claimed in claim 13, wherein the EPDM mixture comprises at least one of 20 wt % to 50 wt % of carbon black, 1 wt % to 30 wt % of thermoplastic olefinic synthetic resin and 2 wt % to 15 wt % oil.

15. The profile strip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the vulcanized anti-friction coating EPDM matrix has at least one of a higher strength and a higher modulus than the vulcanized rubber matrix of the sealing profile section.

16. The profile strip as claimed in claim 15, wherein the anti-friction coating EPDM matrix has at least one of a Shore A hardness in the range of 75 to 98 and a tensile strength in the range of 5 N/mm.sup.2 to 8 N/mm.sup.2.

17. The profile strip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the anti-friction coating has a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm.

18. The profile strip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the anti-friction particles have an average diameter d38 in the range of 20 m to 200 m.

19. The profile strip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sealing profile section is produced from a vulcanized EPDM matrix.

20. The profile strip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sealing profile section and the anti-friction coating are co-extruded.

21. A method for producing a profile strip for a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: providing for a sealing profile section of the profile strip a rubber material composed of a first mixture, providing for an anti-friction coating of the sealing profile section an EPDM material of a second mixture, wherein the EPDM material comprises an EPDM matrix and anti-friction particles composed of UHMWPE, and co-extruding of the rubber and the EPDM materials so that a profile strip is formed, comprising the sealing profile section made of the rubber material, and the anti-friction coating on a contact surface of the sealing profile section.

22. A method for producing a sealing assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: providing a profile strip which comprises a securing profile section that can be secured on a first part of the motor vehicle, and a sealing profile section connected to the securing profile section, produced from a vulcanized rubber matrix and configured to allow relative movements with reduced friction between the profile strip and a second part of the motor vehicle, wherein a contact surface of the sealing profile section that can be brought into contact with the second part is provided with an anti-friction coating that comprises an anti-friction coating matrix and anti-friction particles embedded in the anti-friction coating matrix that are produced from UHMWPE, wherein the profile strip and the anti-friction coating have been co-extruded, and wherein the anti-friction coating matrix is a vulcanized EPDM matrix, wherein the rubber material of the sealing profile section is a further EPDM material that is vulcanized after the co-extrusion step together with the EPDM material of the anti-friction coating; placing the profile strip in an injection mold; and injection molding at least one sealing feature composed of an EPDM injection-mold materiel onto the profile strip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0062] Examples of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in further detail in the following description. The figures show the following:

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle in which one or a plurality of sealing assemblies having profile strips according to the invention are installed;

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a sealing assembly with a profile strip according to the invention;

[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of a detail III of FIG. 2;

[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of a detail IV of FIG. 3;

[0067] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention in a sectional view along line V-V of FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention in a sectional view along line VI-VI of FIG. 1; and

[0069] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an injection mold having an inserted profile strip and further sealing features injection molded thereto.

EMBODIMENTS

[0070] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle in the form of a passenger vehicle and given the general reference number 10.

[0071] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a body, which contains in a manner known per se an A column 12 and a B column 14 in a passenger compartment, as well as a C column not shown in further detail. In the area of the columns, vertically displaceable windows 16 are provided on the vehicle, which for example can be withdrawn into a window recess 18 shown schematically.

[0072] The body of the motor vehicle 10 further comprises body parts 20 such as a B column cover or a door or the like, with sealing to be carried out between said parts and a window 16 in the form of schematically shown sealing assemblies 24, 24.

[0073] FIG. 1 further shows that such sealing assemblies can also be provided in the area between a door and a fixed part of the body (24IV), and between fixed parts of the body and an engine hood (24) and/or a trunk lid or a tailgate (24).

[0074] FIG. 2 shows a first such sealing assembly 24, which is disposed for example between a body part such as a B column cover 20 of a door and a window 16 that is displaceable relative thereto.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows a detail view of this sealing assembly 24.

[0076] It can be seen that sealing assembly 24 can essentially be formed by a profile strip 26, which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a cross-sectional view.

[0077] The profile strip 26 comprises a securing profile section 28 that is secured on the fixed part of the body (e.g. B column cover) 20. In the present context, the type of securing is not important. This can be an adhesive connection, a press connection, or the like.

[0078] The profile strip 26 further comprises a sealing profile section 30 that is disposed on a side of the securing profile section 28 opposite the body part 20, more particularly on the side facing the window 16. The sealing profile section 30 and the securing profile section 28 are each produced from a vulcanized rubber material, in particular a vulcanized EPDM material. The sealing profile section 30 and the securing profile section 28 can be produced from identical EPDM materials, but are preferably produced from different EPDM materials. The sealing profile section 30 and the securing profile section 28 can preferably simultaneously be subjected to primary molding and/or vulcanization, in particular by co-extrusion.

[0079] The sealing profile section 30 comprises a contact surface 32 that lies against the window 16.

[0080] The sealing profile section 30 is coated in the area of the contact surface 32, at least in sections, with an anti-friction coating 34.

[0081] The anti-friction coating 34, as can be seen in the enlarged schematic representation of FIG. 4, comprises an anti-friction coating matrix in the form of a vulcanized EPDM matrix 36 and anti-friction particles 38.

[0082] The anti-friction coating 34 has an average material thickness or thickness D34 in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. The anti-friction particles 38 embedded in the EPDM matrix 36 preferably have a diameter d38 in the range of 20 m to 200 m.

[0083] The anti-friction coating matrix 36 is preferably composed of an EPDM mixture comprising the following components: 20 wt % to 40 wt % of EPDM and 3 wt % to 50 wt % of anti-friction particles, and (an) additive(s) and/or crosslinking agent(s) as the remainder.

[0084] Moreover, it is advantageous if the EPDM mixture comprises 20 wt % to 50 wt % of carbon black, 1 wt % to 30 wt % of thermoplastic olefinic synthetic resin and/or 2 wt % to 15 wt % of oil as (an) additive(s) and/or if the EPDM mixture comprises crosslinking agent(s) as the remainder.

[0085] The crosslinking agent is preferably sulfur. The carbon black can be any desired carbon black that is useable as a filler material in rubber components, preferably of the type FEF.

[0086] The thermoplastic olefinic synthetic resin can be composed of any type of PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene) resins, preferably LDPE and/or PE waxes.

[0087] The anti-friction coating EPDM matrix 36 preferably shows a higher strength and/or hardness or stiffness and/or a higher modulus than the EPDM matrix of the sealing profile section 30.

[0088] The anti-friction coating EPDM matrix preferably shows a Shore A hardness in the range of 75 to 98 and/or a tensile strength in the range of 5 N/mm.sup.2 to 8 N/mm.sup.2.

[0089] It is particularly preferred if the anti-friction coating shows a relatively high filling ratio of anti-friction particles that is preferably greater than 25%, in particular greater than 30%.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a profile strip 26 of a sealing assembly 24 for sealing in the area of a B column 14. The profile strip 26 comprises a securing profile section 28 that is secured on a composite sheet material of the B column 14, for example by being slid or clamped into place, and moreover is in contact with a B column cover 20.

[0091] The profile strip 26 comprises a sealing profile section 30 that extends from the securing profile section 28 in the form of a lip and has a contact surface 32 that is in contact with the window 16, wherein the contact surface 32 is coated, at least in sections, with an anti-friction coating that is not further specified.

[0092] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a profile strip 26 of a sealing assembly 24 for sealing a window recess. In this case, the securing profile section 28 is configured to be slid onto an edge of the body door panel 40.

[0093] The profile strip 26 further comprises two sealing profile sections 30a, 30b that extend respectively as lips from the securing profile section 28, more specifically essentially parallel to each other. Each of the sealing profile sections 30a, 30b has a corresponding contact surface 32a, 32b provided with an anti-friction coating that is not further specified, which can have a structure identical to the above-described anti-friction coating 34.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an injection mold 44 in which a finished profile strip, or as shown in the present case, two profile strips 26a, 26b, is/are placed. Each of the profile strips comprises a crosslinked securing profile section, a crosslinked sealing profile section, and a crosslinked or vulcanized anti-friction coating EPDM matrix. More specifically, the profile sections 26a, 26b in the present case comprise respectively parallel sealing profile sections 30a, 30b that can be configured as parallel lips as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0095] A further sealing feature 46 is injection-molded on between the profile strips 26a, 26b, which are configured for example for a corner area of a window. The further sealing feature 46 constitutes a corner area of this sealing assembly and is preferably also produced from an EPDM material, which is preferably vulcanized after being injection-molded thereto.

[0096] FIG. 7 further shows that the profile sections 26a, 26b are held inside the injection mold 44 in schematically indicated damping areas 48. Because of the properties of the anti-friction coating applied according to the invention and the fact that the profile strip is thermally stable overall because of its crosslinking, the sealing feature 46 or optionally further sealing features 46 can be injection-molded essentially without impairing the surface quality of the profile strips 26a, 26b.

[0097] The injection-molded sealing features 46 preferably show lower strength or hardness and a lower modulus than the vulcanized anti-friction coating EPDM matrix.

[0098] The anti-friction coating is preferably produced with components such as those shown above. As a supplementary disclosure, two examples are disclosed below:

EXAMPLE 1

[0099]

TABLE-US-00001 Components phr wt % EPDM 100.0 24 Carbon black of the type FEF N-550 200.0 48 PE wax (PE homopolymer, dropping point 106 C.) 50.0 12 UHMWPE particles, solid, spherical, average diameter 20.0 5 100 m Paraffin oil of the type SN 550 30.0 7 Stearic acid 1.0 0 Polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000) 1.0 0 ZnO.sub.active 4.0 1 Sulfur 1.0 0 Acceleration system, S-characteristic, NO-free 6.0 1 CaO 3.5 1 phr.sub.total 416.5 100.0

EXAMPLE 2

[0100]

TABLE-US-00002 Components phr wt % EPDM 100.0 23 Carbon black of the type FEF N-550 100.0 23 PE wax (PE homopolymer, dropping point 106 C.) 20.0 5 UHMWPE particles, solid, spherical, average diameter 150.0 35 100 m Paraffin oil of the type SN 550 40.0 9 Stearic acid 1.0 0 Polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000) 1.0 0 ZnO.sub.active 4.0 1 Sulfur 1.0 0 Acceleration system, S-characteristic, NO-free 6.0 1 CaO 3.5 1 phr.sub.total 426.5 100.0