WO2000005058A1 - Weatherseal having an electrically deformed polymer surface and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Weatherseal having an electrically deformed polymer surface and method of manufactureInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000005058A1 WO2000005058A1 PCT/US1999/014687 US9914687W WO0005058A1 WO 2000005058 A1 WO2000005058 A1 WO 2000005058A1 US 9914687 W US9914687 W US 9914687W WO 0005058 A1 WO0005058 A1 WO 0005058A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- contact layer
- thermoplastic
- surface texture
- weatherseal
- electric field
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C71/00—After-treatment of articles without altering their shape; Apparatus therefor
- B29C71/0081—After-treatment of articles without altering their shape; Apparatus therefor using an electric field, e.g. for electrostatic charging
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C59/00—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C59/02—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
- B29C59/022—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing characterised by the disposition or the configuration, e.g. dimensions, of the embossments or the shaping tools therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C59/00—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C59/10—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by electric discharge treatment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J10/00—Sealing arrangements
- B60J10/15—Sealing arrangements characterised by the material
- B60J10/17—Sealing arrangements characterised by the material provided with a low-friction material on the surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/26—Sealing devices, e.g. packaging for pistons or pipe joints
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a seal for releasably contacting a panel, and particularly, to a weatherseal for releasably contacting a glass panel in an automobile, wherein the weatherseal includes a contact surface with a reduced coefficient of friction for allowing the glass panel to be moved smoothly into and out of contact with the weatherseal, while reducing passage of water or air between a seated glass panel and the weatherseal.
- the present invention further relates to sealing surfaces, and more particularly, to a weatherseal having a textured polymer contact surface formed by exposure of the polymer to an electric field.
- a common construction includes the use of a glass panel in a door, wherein the door and the glass panel move relative to the remainder of the vehicle, and the glass panel moves relative to the door and hence seal.
- the glass panel is frequently moved between an open position and closed position with respect to the door and/or a portion of the vehicle frame.
- Increased business transactions such as restaurant, banking and pharmacy services are now regularly offered in a drive-through format. These transactions require the repeated release and engagement of the glass panel and vehicle. The repeated opening and closing of the glass panel places significant stress on the seal between the glass panel and the vehicle.
- a weather strip is employed at the interface between the glass panel and the vehicle door and/or the vehicle.
- the interface between the weather strip and the glass panel must be sufficient to substantially preclude the penetration of water and air along the periphery of the glass panel, while still permitting ready engagement and disengagement of the glass panel without requiring significant force.
- Conventional sealing structures include a soft synthetic resin or synthetic rubber.
- weather strips do not provide for the ready opening and closing of the glass panel relative to the seal.
- a large force is loaded on the glass panel which resists opening or closing of the glass panel.
- Prior weather strips often employed a fiber flocking on the area in which the weather strip contacts the glass panel.
- the flocking process is relatively complicated. The complex manufacturing process adds to the cost of the weather strip. Further, the flocking is relatively easily removed or worn away. As the flocking is worn from the weather strip, the loading force substantially increases.
- the need exists for a weatherseal that has reduced force requirements for moving a panel into and out of engagement with the weatherseal.
- the need also exists for a weatherseal having enhanced wear capabilities.
- a need also exists for a method of forming a low friction weatherseal.
- the present invention encompasses a weatherseal having a textured contact surface for reducing friction with a panel.
- the weatherseal includes a substrate which provides a base upon which a contact layer is disposed.
- the substrate may be any of a variety of profiles or configurations, including reinforced and unreinforced, as well as single or multiple component to provide desired rigidities.
- the contact layer is a thermoplastic material that has been electrically deformed to create a textured surface.
- the substrate is one of a thermoplastic or a thermoset material, that may have a reinforcing member.
- the contact layer is located on, at least, a portion of the weatherseal that contacts a panel.
- the contact layer is a thermoplastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene that has been exposed to a sufficient electric field, such as an electrostatic field, when at a sufficient temperature, to form a surface texture having a reduced contact area.
- the electrically deformed thermoplastic of the contact layer is then cooled at a sufficient rate to retain at least a portion of the surface texture.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an unreinforced seal incorporating the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a reinforced seal incorporating the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of an upper auxiliary seal incorporating the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a top view of a contact layer of the present weatherseal.
- Figure 5 is an enlarged top view of a contact layer that has not been processed by the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the seal of Figure 5.
- Figure 7 is an enlarged top view of a contact layer of the present invention.
- Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the seal of Figure 7.
- Figure 9 is an enlarged top view of an alternative contact layer of the present invention.
- Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the seal of Figure 9.
- Figure 11 is a graph of the relationship between static coefficient of friction (C.O.F.) of the contact layer and a deforming electrical charge.
- Figure 12 is a graph of the relationship between dynamic coefficient of friction (C.O.F.) of the contact layer and a deforming electrical charge.
- Figure 13 is a schematic view of a processing line for forming the present seal.
- the present invention encompasses a weatherseal 10 for releaseably and repeatedly engaging a panel.
- the weatherseal 10 of the present invention includes a substrate 40 and a contact layer 60, wherein the contact layer defines an area of contact between the weatherseal and the panel.
- the panel may be any of a variety of materials and does not limit the present invention.
- the panel may be glass, metal or a composite, which is painted, surface treated or bare. In the operating environment, the panel is brought repeatedly into and out of engagement with the weatherseal 10. The engagement of the panel and the weatherseal 10 may result from motion of the panel, relative to the weatherseal.
- the substrate 40 forms a base upon which the contact layer 60 is disposed and may be formed of a variety of materials including thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, such as TPE or EPDM or any combination thereof. Thus, the substrate 40 may have a relatively rigid portion and a relative soft portion.
- the substrate 40 may include a reinforcing member 42 such as a wire or metal carrier. It is contemplated, the substrate 40 may include a thermoplastic portion and a thermoset portion each having a unique rigidity. In addition, the substrate 40 may be formed of differing thickness to provide differing amounts of rigidity.
- the contact layer 60 is located on the areas of the substrate 40 that contact the panel.
- the contact layer 60 is sufficiently connected to the substrate 40 to preclude unintended separation during operation.
- the contact layer 60 may be connected to the substrate 40 by mechanical or chemical bonding, such as heat bonding or adhesives. While the contact layer 60 may have a variety of thickness, at least partially dictated by the operating parameters of the weatherseal 10 and substrate 40, typical thickness of the contact layer are approximately 10 microns to approximately 1000 microns.
- the contact layer 60 generally has a thickness between approximately 40 microns to approximately 600 microns.
- the contact layer 60 is a thermoplastic material, and preferably, an olefinic material with a high melt flow index. It is understood the contact layer 60 may include various fillers or additives and retain its thermoplastic nature. Preferably, the thermoplastic of the contact layer 60 has a melting temperature which is less than the melting temperature or degradation temperature of the substrate 40.
- the contact layer 60 has a surface 62 that is textured or convoluted. The texture of the contact layer surface 62 is selected to provide a multitude of raised portions 66 and recessed portions 68. wherein the raised portions define the area of contact between the weatherseal and the panel. The raised portions 66 or projections have a sufficient strength to substantially preclude deformation, fracture or failure upon engagement with the panel.
- the surface texture of the contact layer 60 is shown in Figures 4 and 7-10.
- the surface texture is a roughened texture or choppy having relatively abrupt transitions among a plurality of raised 66 and recessed 68 portions. These raised 66 portions and recessed 68 portions may appear as waves or undulations, generally having peaks and troughs.
- the surface texture 62 is non-repeating. That is, the contours are random. Thus, the surface texture 62 does not have a fixed frequency.
- the surface texture 62 is chaotic having raised 66 and recessed 68 areas within a general size range, but the particular size and location of a particular raised or recessed area are not predictable.
- the contact layer 60 includes raised portions 66, upon engagement with the panel, the raised portions provide a reduced surface area for engagement with the panel.
- the contact layer 60 may be formed with a variety of texture configurations.
- the undulations may range from relatively high frequency, relatively peaked ripples, to generally rounded relatively low height rolling projections.
- the contact layer 60 may have a relatively creased or wrinkled surface 62 in a chaotic pattern.
- the present weatherseal 10 is formed by exposing a molten portion of the contact layer 60 to an electric field and particularly an electrostatic field.
- the process path for the extrudate extends from the upper left to the lower right.
- the contact layer 60 is in a molten phase MP.
- the thermoplastic material of the contact layer 60 may be extruded or coextruded onto the substrate 40. Such extruded thermoplastic will have a molten surface downstream of the die.
- the electrostatic charge may be applied at a location in the processing line where the contact layer 60 has a molten surface.
- As the contact layer is thermoplastic a portion of the layer is rendered by heating. The heating may be accomplished by a variety of ways such as heated air, radiation (infra red) or microwave. That is, at least, the surface of the contact layer 60 is heated above its melting point to form a molten or fluid portion.
- the molten portion of the contact layer 60 is then exposed to an electric field such as an electrostatic field.
- An electrostatic field is generated from an electrode 70 proximal to the molten contact layer 60.
- the electrode 70 may be in the form of a grid.
- the voltage applied is at least partially determined by the particular material of the contact layer 60, the temperature of molten material, the proximity of the electrode 70 to the molten material and the desired surface texture.
- the contact layer 60 travels through a deformation area DA.
- a contact layer is formed without any exposure to an electric field and has no relevant surface texture.
- a surface 62 is formed from exposing a 50kv charge to molten polypropylene at a distance of approximately 1/2 inch.
- a surface 62 is formed from exposure to a 65kv charge.
- the charge range may be between 5kv to approximately 100 kv.
- the amount of voltage within the electric field such as the electrostatic field in combination the proximity of the electrode to the molten layer is an important parameter is determining the characteristics of the surface texture.
- the strength of the electrostatic field increases, the slope of the surfaces and height of the peaks increases within the molten surface layer and hence the roughness of the contact layer increases.
- the viscosity of the molten portion of the contact layer affects the resulting surface texture. Generally, the more fluid the molten portion, the sharper the peaks. Conversely, the more viscous the molten material, the rounder the peaks.
- the surface may exhibit relatively small irregularities and resemble a leather grained appearance.
- the contact layer 60 may be disposed on the substrate 40 and allowed to completely cool. At a later time, the contact layer 60 is heated to above its melting point.
- the contact layer 60 may be in the form of a tape that is processed to form the surface texture 62, wherein the tape is subsequently disposed on the substrate 40.
- the temperature of the molten material and the strength of the electric charge such as electrostatic charges are controlled in connection with a cooling of the thermoplastic material to retain the contoured, or textured surface of the contact layer.
- the weatherseal 10 is then passed to the cooling station where the thermoplastic of the contact layer is sufficiently cooled with a sufficient temperature gradient to retain a desired amount of surface texture.
- the cooling of the molten contact layer is preferably accomplished as quickly as possible. It has been found that impacting a cooling stream CS against the molten portion of the contact layer provides sufficient cooling.
- the cooling stream CS may include air, cooled air. water, cooled water or any other liquid or gas that is inert with respect to the material of the contact layer 60. Preferably, impacting the cooling stream CS does not substantially alter the induced surface texture.
- the temperature differential between the cooling stream CS and the molten contact layer 60 is also a parameter in determining the surface texture.
- the molten contact layer 60 may be cooled by immersing or partially immersing the contact layer in a cooling bath.
- a weatherseal 10 having a contact surface 62 textured by an electric field decreases the coefficient of friction for the thermoplastic material.
- Figures 1 1 and 12. has been found that forming a surface texture 62 on the contact layer 60 from exposure to the electric field reduces both the static and the dynamic coefficient of friction of the weatherseal, while the contact layer still provides the sealing function.
- the present invention obviates the need for a an embossing procedure such as a contacting roller. Further, by allowing the single material of the contact layer to form a relatively low friction surface, additional materials are not necessary and hence the cost of the weatherseal is reduced.
- Prior weatherseals often generate noise upon movement between the weatherseal and the panel.
- the noise producing movement includes the motion associated with engaging and disengaging the panel, as well as the slight movement that often occurs when the panel is in the engaged position. That is. although the panel remains engaged with the weatherseal, stress on the vehicle often causes the panel to move slightly with respect to weatherseal. This movement generates noise, often characterized as chirp, chatter, squeak and itch.
- a weatherseal having the present contact layer reduces the noise generated upon motion of the panel relative to the weatherseal under both wet and dry conditions.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU50858/99A AU5085899A (en) | 1998-07-20 | 1999-06-28 | Weatherseal having an electrically deformed polymer surface and method of manufacture |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US9356598P | 1998-07-20 | 1998-07-20 | |
US60/093,565 | 1998-07-20 | ||
US33867699A | 1999-06-23 | 1999-06-23 | |
US09/338,676 | 1999-06-23 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000005058A1 true WO2000005058A1 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
WO2000005058A9 WO2000005058A9 (en) | 2000-05-25 |
WO2000005058A8 WO2000005058A8 (en) | 2000-07-13 |
Family
ID=26787685
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/014687 WO2000005058A1 (en) | 1998-07-20 | 1999-06-28 | Weatherseal having an electrically deformed polymer surface and method of manufacture |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
WO (1) | WO2000005058A1 (en) |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1128644B (en) * | 1958-03-01 | 1962-04-26 | Kalle Ag | Process for modifying the surface properties of deformed thermoplastics |
US3854247A (en) * | 1968-06-06 | 1974-12-17 | Daimler Benz Ag | Sealing strip for motor vehicles |
US4024038A (en) * | 1972-01-18 | 1977-05-17 | Jane Luc | Adhesive processes |
GB2075864A (en) * | 1980-05-13 | 1981-11-25 | Merdidionale Accessori Elastom | Flocked shaped articles |
US4643923A (en) * | 1985-02-26 | 1987-02-17 | Continental Gummi-Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Profiled strip |
US5279782A (en) * | 1990-08-17 | 1994-01-18 | Hiroshima Kasei Ltd. | Method for making weather strips with "suede appearance" |
DE4239566A1 (en) * | 1992-10-27 | 1994-05-26 | Tokiwa Chem Ind Ltd | Co-extruded window trim for automobile door - comprises hard plastic base, softer plastic window support and contact strips of two plastics with different m.pt. |
US5770274A (en) * | 1991-12-11 | 1998-06-23 | Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd. | Method for producing extrusion-coated laminates |
-
1999
- 1999-06-28 WO PCT/US1999/014687 patent/WO2000005058A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1128644B (en) * | 1958-03-01 | 1962-04-26 | Kalle Ag | Process for modifying the surface properties of deformed thermoplastics |
US3854247A (en) * | 1968-06-06 | 1974-12-17 | Daimler Benz Ag | Sealing strip for motor vehicles |
US4024038A (en) * | 1972-01-18 | 1977-05-17 | Jane Luc | Adhesive processes |
GB2075864A (en) * | 1980-05-13 | 1981-11-25 | Merdidionale Accessori Elastom | Flocked shaped articles |
US4643923A (en) * | 1985-02-26 | 1987-02-17 | Continental Gummi-Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Profiled strip |
US5279782A (en) * | 1990-08-17 | 1994-01-18 | Hiroshima Kasei Ltd. | Method for making weather strips with "suede appearance" |
US5770274A (en) * | 1991-12-11 | 1998-06-23 | Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd. | Method for producing extrusion-coated laminates |
DE4239566A1 (en) * | 1992-10-27 | 1994-05-26 | Tokiwa Chem Ind Ltd | Co-extruded window trim for automobile door - comprises hard plastic base, softer plastic window support and contact strips of two plastics with different m.pt. |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2000005058A8 (en) | 2000-07-13 |
WO2000005058A9 (en) | 2000-05-25 |
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