Movable or removable closures – Stored in housing – Reciprocates vertically in and out of housing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-01-09
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Stored in housing
Reciprocates vertically in and out of housing
C049S358000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170197
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a vehicle window regulator mechanism and, more particularly, to an improved window regulator assembly including extruded sash and cam channel members constructed of the same cross section and coated with a low friction slip coating.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Window regulators including a cross-arm regulator are used in a vehicle door to facilitate a driver or passenger control over the positioning of a windowpane in the door of the vehicle. These regulators are typically comprised of metal assemblies in which one end of a pivotable lift arm mounts a gear sector, which is driven by a pinion. The other end of the lift arm mounts a slider which slides in a metal sash channel that holds the window pane as the arm is raised and lowered to correspondingly raise and lower the window pane. The cross arm regulator also utilizes a force-stabilizing balancing arm pivotally attached to the lift arm. The balancing arm has sliders mounted on both ends, one slides in the metal sash channel and the other slides in a metal cam channel. The balancing arm scissors on the lift arm to equalize the forces tending to tilt a window as it is raised and lowered by the lift ann. The lift arm is driven Up and down by a driving pinion, which engages a sector mounted on the inner end of the lift arm.
There are numerous components that make up the cross-arm regulator including but not limited to, metal sash and cam channels, lifting and balancing arms, a motor, gears and a pinion as well as a number of fasteners, glass retainers and sliders. Conventionally the metal sash and cam channels have been fabricated by different manufacturing processes and thereby require lubrication in order to reduce the sliders linear motion friction.
Due to ongoing requirements for decreasing the weight of vehicle components and making reductions in manufacturing time and processes, it is desirable to provide a window regulator assembly having a minimal number of components and a reduction in manufacturing time while maintaining superior window adjustment and control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Advantageously, the present invention provides a window regulator assembly comprising a sash channel and a cam channel extruded from a plastic (e.g., thermoplastic) material having the same cross section. In other words, a sash/cam channel member is provided where the single extruded member is intended for use as both a sash channel member for coupling to a windowpane and a cam channel for coupling to a door panel or door module. In a first embodiment, the sash/cam channel member includes a channel formed therein for receiving a coupling member, which is attached to a moveable arm of the assembly, and a pair of opposing fork members. The windowpane is received between the pair of opposing fork members to produce a frictionally fit therebetween and thus be securely coupled to the windowpane. In one aspect of the invention, the inner surfaces of the channel have a low friction layer (coating) disposed thereon so that the coupling member slidingly travels within the channel is a near frictionless manner. Similarly, the inner surfaces of the pair of fork members have a high friction layer (coating) disposed thereon for increased gripping and coupling of the windowpane. Preferably, the sash/cam channel member is formed using a single common extrusion process and therefore the high and low friction layers are co-extruded with the base portion of the sash/cam member. Because three different plastic materials are used to produce the sash/cam channel member of the first embodiment, it is referred to as a tri-extruded member.
Advantageously, conventional sliders and lubrication are eliminated because the use of the low friction material on the inner surfaces of the channel permits coupling and slider members to travel therein with near frictionless movement. Further reductions in the number of components needed for the window regulator mechanism results from the elimination of retainers and rubber seals used to mount the windowpane into the plastic sash channel member. During assembly the windowpane is press fit into the sash channel so that the high friction layer grips the glass windowpane eliminating the need for additional mounting components and hardware.
In a second embodiment, the sash/cam channel member has a beveled retainer lip in place of the pair of fork members. In this embodiment, window retainers snap-fit with the beveled retainer lip to provide a coupling between the windowpane and the sash/cam channel member. In this embodiment, the sash/cam channel member is referred to as a di-extruded member because the use of the low friction layer on the inner surfaces of the channel is retained, while the use of the high friction layer is eliminated because the pair of fork members are likewise eliminated. In a third embodiment, the sash/cam channel member includes a plurality of integral clips which are received within complementary openings formed in a door panel or door module in a snap-fit manner. Preferably, the plurality of clips are formed during the common extrusion process for forming the sash/cam channel member itself.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a significant material and manufacturing cost savings. Additional benefits include the desirable reduction in weight of the assembly due to the elimination of parts and usage of light weight materials.
The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4777766 (1988-10-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 4987689 (1991-01-01), Gold
patent: 5201144 (1993-04-01), Krajenke
patent: 5497578 (1996-03-01), Wautelet et al.
patent: 5513468 (1996-05-01), Diestelmeier
patent: 5647171 (1997-07-01), Wirsing et al.
patent: 5692273 (1997-12-01), Rodde
patent: 5765310 (1998-06-01), Gold
patent: 5771534 (1998-06-01), Church
patent: 5848496 (1998-12-01), Bertolini et al.
patent: 5907927 (1999-06-01), Lieb et al.
Carnaghi Joseph Frank
Tyves Zinovy
Cohen Curtis A.
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Marra Kathryn A.
Stodola Daniel P.
LandOfFree
Window regulator mechanism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Window regulator mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Window regulator mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2453808