Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-17
2001-08-14
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C074S502000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272948
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority of German Application No. 198 52 977.5 filed Nov. 17, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated fully herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for providing relative motion between two components of a cable window lifter that lie in the force transfer cord and are positioned prestressed to one another. The device functions as a dampener and/or for ensuring the provision of sensor signals for clamping protection, in particular when severe clamping leads to a sudden and complete standstill of the window pane.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
DE 196 18 853 C1 disclosed a motor-driven window lifter with electronic clamping protection, whereby in the flux of force between the drive unit and the window pane there is a prestressed spring with a degressive course. When the prestress force is exceeded, this leads to relative motion of the components that are tensioned to one another, whereby the total stress of the spring is reduced and the clamping force is correspondingly reduced. It is provided that the spring is positioned within an essentially rigid case. The case, which for the purpose of supporting the great prestress force is formed in a comparatively stable way, has a high space requirement that is often not available. In addition, the assembly of the device described requires relatively high resources. The contents of DE 198 52 977.5 are incorporated fully herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to develop a type of device that is characterised by a reduced space requirement, simple assembly, and a small number of components. In addition, with the use of as little material as possible, high stability and operating reliability should nonetheless be ensured. When clippable connecting components are provided for connecting the two tensioned and displaceable components a conflict is solved whereby on the one hand the clippable connecting components should be formed as flexibly as possible for a simple connection process and on the other hand, the clippable connecting components should be formed as rigidly as possible for ensuring high stability of the connection.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, after complete installation of the device, the connection between the friction locking components is ensured against unintended loosening. This occurs preferably through a functional component of this device, thus through one of the components that can be displaced relative to the other, or through the prestressed spring itself, which brings about the pressing apart of the friction locking components.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, after assembly of the device, the friction locking components are at least partly surrounded and supported by the spring in such a way as to prevent a bending open of an elastically deforming or radially displaceable friction locking component. The corresponding friction locking component must therefore simply take up the pulling forces arising through the prestress. Radially oriented forces, such as bending forces, are taken up by the spring. Ideally, the clippable friction locking components of the two axially displaceable components lie completely between the end-side supports of the spring in such a way that the spring encompasses the friction locking components completely.
In adapting to the construction and assembly concept of the window lifter, the device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be formed either as a pre-manufactured unit that can be assembled separately, or as an integral component of the drive unit. For a pre-manufactured unit it would be necessary to provide a bearing opening in a casing component of the drive unit, so that one of the displaceable components of the device can be inserted and supported against a stop. Alternatively, the friction locking components are a constituent part of a casing component and extend along the cable axis.
The friction locking components of the other component are preferably a constituent part of a generally used guiding shell, which through the interposition of a cable length compensation spring supports the end of a Bowden tube. They can, however, also be a constituent part of an adapter that is positioned between the other component carrying friction locking components and the guiding shell. This enables the device according to the invention to be easily inserted into series which are already running by merely shortening the length of a Bowden tube. All other components can be taken over without any changes.
Through the securing of the engaging friction locking components of the components that can be displaced relative to one another and are tensioned with one another, the conditions are created whereby clippable connections can be used as friction locking components. This is a basis for solving the conflict that arises because in order to produce a simple connection between two components, elastically deforming friction locking components should be sought, but the tensioning of these components through a comparatively high spring force requires a solid formation of the connection points. According to the invention, the conflicting demands are met because, at least one component of the device that functions to ensure relative motion after assembly additionally assumes a securing function for the permanent engaging of the friction locking components.
The invention can be brought into effect in embodiments which vary greatly in their construction. Depending upon these different embodiments, for example, either one or both of the clippable areas participating in the connection of the displaceable components should be elastically formed. When both of the clippable areas are elastically formed, the relative degree of deformation of the clippable areas can be kept comparatively lower. In certain circumstances, however, securing measures for both clippable areas are necessary, which guarantee permanent friction locking. The clippable area that springs inwards can be secured via an axial channel, into which the securing component is inserted, e.g. in the form of a guiding shell supporting the Bowden. When only one clippable area is elastically formed, the clippable area of one component is formed essentially rigidly, whereas the other clippable area must have the entire flexibility necessary for the production of friction locking.
The invention is also intended to include a device with a separate securing component, that can be used in association with the generally used guiding shells for cable length compensation of a Bowden tube window lifter. Special stops formed contrary to the assembly direction are intended to guarantee security against the loss of the separate securing component during transport of the device up until its assembly.
According to an additional embodiment of the invention, shell-like components or other components that can be placed radially are used, whereby these components form one of the two displaceable components and support the prestressed spring on one side. The securing of the functional position of these components takes place through friction locking with the end of the spring.
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Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG Coburg
Bucci David A.
Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Kim Chong H.
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