Window Regulator

Abstract

Window regulating mechanism for vehicle windows of the type connected to a slightly curved vertically extending post for vertical guided movement between open and closed positions.

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Recently, automobile construction has included windows which are vertically movable between open and closed positions in which the guided substantially vertical movement of the windows is accomplished by mounting them on a carrier which is vertically movable upon a post mounted within the vehicle or door construction below the window opening. The edges of the window may be slidable in sealing grooves but the guided movement of the window is accomplished primarily by the action of the post on which the window construction is mounted.

In accordance with the present invention the vertical guide post is modified to have rack teeth extending along one side thereof and vertical movement of the window is accomplished by connecting a pinion of the carrier in mesh with the rack. Suitable means are provided for effecting rotation of the pinion and accordingly, generally vertical movement of the window.

As disclosed herein, this actuating means may take different forms. One of these comprises a bevel gear connection from a manual operator through a shaft which is suitably splined to provide for movement of one of the bevel gears so as to accommodate the vertical movement of the window.

In a second embodiment of the invention the manual actuator is connected to the pinion by means of a flexible driving connection available under the trade name "Teleflex".

Similarly, in a third embodiment of the invention the manual operator drives a pinion which is in mesh with a first rack. This rack in turn is in mesh with a pinion carried by the window, this pinion being rigidly connected to the pinion which engages the rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating one embodiment of a window and actuator therefor.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 2--2, FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 3--3, FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a different embodiment of the window and regulating mechanism.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of the connection between the toothed post and driving pinion.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view on the line 6--6, FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view of yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 8--8, FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, the window is illustrated at 10 and has generally vertical edges 12 and 14 which are received in vertical portions 16 and 18 of a channel sealing frame, the frame including the upper portion 20 in which the upper edge of the window 10 is received in sealing relation.

Fixedly mounted to the lower end of the window glass is a rigid supporting frame or bracket 22 carrying means adapted to support and guide the window 10 in its vertical movement from a vertical post 24. The post 24 may be vertical or curved as required by the configuration of the window, its frame, and its required movement. The post 24 is illustrated as comprising a foot or base portion 26 which may be rigidly attached to the vehicle, as for example within the door or frame below the window opening. The connection between the post 24 and the frame 22 is such that it constitutes a complete support and guide for the window glass as contrasted to prior constructions in which the window is generally guided by sliding movement within the window frame.

The post 24 is provided at one edge with rack teeth 28 which are engaged by a driving pinion 30 to effect vertical movement of the window 10. Rollers 32 are carried by the frame 22 to engage against the smooth edge surface of the post 24 opposite to the rack teeth 28. The entire window including the frame 22 is thus supported from the post 24 by engagement between the two rollers 32 and the pinion 30. Means forming a part of the frame 22 engage the flat sides of the post 24 to complete the connection and this means comprises a channel 34 fixedly mounted within the frame 22 and having a flat surface engaging one flat surface of the post 24.

In order to effect vertical movement of the window 10 there is provided a manual operator indicated generally at 36 which includes a bevel gear 38 mounted in fixed position on the vehicle and connected to an operating crank 40. A bevel gear 42 is provided on a pivot support bracket 44, the pivot mounting 46 of the support being coaxial with the input drive shaft 48 connecting the crank 40 to the bevel gear 38. The bevel gear 42 is splined to a transmission shaft 50, the splines being illustrated at 52.

At the upper end of shaft 50 carrier a bevel gear 54 which meshes with a bevel gear 56 rigidly connected through a shaft 58 with the pinion 30.

In order to maintain the bevel gear 54 in proper meshing relation with the bevel gear 56, it is supported on a pivoted bracket 60 whose pivot axis is constituted by a spacer 62 on the shaft 58. The bracket 60 is provided with the ears 64 which receive the end portion of the shaft 50 at opposite sides of the bevel gear 54.

Accordingly, rotation of the crank 40 will drive the shaft 50 through the bevel gears 38, 42. This in turn will drive the pinion 30 through the bevel gears 54, 56. Since rotation of the pinion 30 effects vertical movement of the window 10, it is necessary to compensate for the change in distance between bevel gears 54 and 42 and also the change in direction. Since the bevel gear 42 is mounted on the bracket 44 for swinging movement about the axis of the bevel gear 38, it is moved as the angularity of the shaft 50 is changed. Moreover, the variation in distance between the bevel gears 42 and 54 is permitted by the splined connection between the shaft 50 and the bevel gear 42. At the same time the angularity of the bevel gear 54 is permitted to change in accordance with changes in inclination of the shaft 50 by reason of the pivot mounting bracket 60.

If desired, a clutch of known type may be provided intermediate the crank 40 and the shaft 48 so as to prevent opening of the window 10 by forces applied directly to the top of the window. Details of the clutch form no part of the present invention and accordingly, the clutch is not shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 there is illustrated a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case the window 10 is provided with a frame or bracket 70 which constitutes a rigid supporting and guiding structure for the entire window. The frame 70 includes means cooperating with the generally vertical but slightly curved post 72 which is provided with rack teeth 74. In order to insure proper guiding action the frame 70 is provided with a pair of rollers 76 engageable with the smooth rear edge surface of the post while the driving connection between the post and window comprises a pinion 78.

The means for effecting rotation of the pinion 78 and hence vertical movement of the window 10, comprises a manual operator including a housing 80 which includes a shaft 82 fixed to a crank 84, the crank having a gear 86 therein forming a part of a drive mechanism available under the trade name "Teleflex" which will be described in general terms subsequently. The connection between the crank 84 and the gear 86 may if desired include a clutch 88 of known construction, adapted to prevent opening movement of the window 10 by forces applied directly thereto.

The "Teleflex" construction comprises a flexible tube 90, details of which are better seen in FIG. 5. Within the tube 90 is a flexible cable 92 provided with helical projections 94 such as may be formed by a wire wound about the cable and fixed thereto. The flexible cable is freely movable longitudinally within the tube 90.

In FIG. 5 there is illustrated the driving connection between the cable 92 and the pinion 78 as comprising a gear 95 which is fixed in driving relation to the pinion 78. It will be understood that a similar arrangement is provided in the housing 80 to connect the handle driven gear 86 and the cable 92. The tube 90 is provided with an opening 96 at one side thereof to permit the teeth of the gear 95 to mesh with the projections 94 formed on the flexible cable 92. The tube 90 within the housing 80 is similarly apertured to permit a drive connection between the teeth of the gear 86 and the projections on the flexible cable 92.

It will of course be understood that while both the tube 90 and cable 92 are flexible, nevertheless rotation of the gear 86 is effective to move the flexible cable longitudinally within the tube 90 and hence, to impart rotation to gear 95 and pinion 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 there is illustrated a third embodiment of the present invention. In this case the frame or bracket 100 rigidly fixed to the window 10, carries a pair of rollers 102 adapted to engage the smooth edge 104 of the post 106 opposite to the rack teeth 108 formed thereon. Vertical movement of the window 10 is accomplished by rotating a pinion 110 in mesh with the rack teeth 108.

This means comprises a manual operator including a pinion 112 carried by a fixedly located drive shaft 114 which may be rotated by a crank or otherwise. An elongated rack bar 116 is provided having teeth at opposite ends. The teeth indicated at 118 are engaged by the teeth of the pinion 112 so that rotation thereof effects longitudinal movement of the rack bar 116. Inasmuch as vertical movement of the window 10 relative to the fixed location of the pinion 112 calls for a tilting movement or change in angularity of the bar 116, means are provided to permitting such tilting while maintaining the teeth of the rack and pinion in mesh. This means is illustrated more or less diagrammatically as comprising a bracket 120 which is pivoted for swinging movement about the axis of the shaft 114.

At the opposite end of the rack bar 116 there is provided a pinion (not shown) which is fixedly connected to the pinion 110 and which is retained in meshing engagement with the teeth 122 provided on the rack bar 116 by a tilting bracket 124 which is similar to the bracket 120.

Rotation of the shaft 114 accordingly effects longitudinal movement of the rack bar 116 which in turn rotates the pinion connected thereto and the pinion 110 which meshes with the post 106.

Again, if desired, a clutch may be interposed in the system to prevent downward movement of the window 10 by forces applied directly thereto.

When desirable, spring counterbalance means may be applied at an appropriate position to the regulator. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, a compression spring 79 may be applied within tube 90 to bias the cable 92 to the right, to apply forces tending to raise the window.

While reference has been made throughout to manual operation, it will of course be apparent that motor means may be substituted for the manual operator.

Claims

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In combination, a vehicle frame construction having a window opening, a window movable relative to said window opening, a bracket rigidly secured to the lower edge portion of said window, a rigid post fixedly mounted to said frame construction below said window opening, guide and drive means on said bracket comprising a pair of members movably engaging one side of said post at substantially vertically spaced points and a third member movably engaging the opposite side of said post at a point intermediate the points of engagement between said post and said pair of members to provide substantially complete guidance for said window for generally vertical movement by said post and bracket, said post having rack teeth along one side thereof, one of said members comprising a pinion rotatably mounted in fixed position on said bracket and in mesh with said rack teeth, means for rotating said pinion to effect generally vertical guided movement of said window, the means for rotating said pinion comprising a first bevel gear connected to said pinion, an input drive shaft rotatable at a fixed location remote from said pinion on said frame construction, a second bevel gear in mesh with said first bevel gear, means mounting said second bevel gear to said bracket for pivotal movement about the axis of said first bevel gear, an elongated shaft extending from said second bevel gear to the location of said input drive shaft and in driving relation to said second bevel gear, and gearing interconnecting said input drive shaft and said elongated shaft, said elongated shaft having a spline gear connection to accommodate variation in spacing between said second bevel gear and the gearing connecting said input drive shaft and said elongated shaft at said fixed location.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 in which said gearing comprises a third bevel gear on said elongated shaft and a fourth bevel gear in mesh with said third bevel gear and carried by said input drive shaft, and means mounting said fourth bevel gear to said frame construction for angular movement about the axis of said input drive shaft.

3. In combination, a vehicle frame construction having a window opening, a window movable relative to said window opening, a bracket rigidly secured to the lower edge portion of said window, a rigid post fixedly mounted to said frame construction below said window opening, guide and drive means on said bracket comprising a pair of members movably engaging one side of said post at substantially vertically spaced points and a third member movably engaging the opposite side of said post to provide substantially complete guidance for said window for generally vertical movement by said post and bracket, said post having rack teeth along one side thereof, one of said members comprising a pinion rotatably mounted in fixed position on said bracket and in mesh with said rack teeth, means for rotating said pinion to effect generally vertical guided movement of said window, in which the means for rotating said pinion comprises a first gear fixed thereto, a second gear mounted for rotation on said frame construction at a fixed location remote from said pinion, a flexible tube extending from a point adjacent the periphery of said first gear to a point adjacent the periphery of said second gear, a toothed flexible cable slidable longitudinally in said tube, said tube having lateral openings through with said gears mesh with the teeth on said cable, and means fixing the portions of said tube adjacent said gears to provide flexing of said tube upon movement of said window.

4. A window regulator for a window comprising a frame for rigid attachment to the lower edge of a window, said frame constituting the sole guidance and support means for said window, a substantially vertical post mounted in a fixed position below the window, guide means on said frame movably engaging opposite sides of said post at substantially vertically spaced points, a rack on said post, a pinion on said frame in mesh with said rack, and actuating means comprising an input drive shaft at a fixed location remote from said frame, and transmission means connecting said input drive shaft and said pinion for rotating said pinion to effect generally vertical guided movement of said frame and the window carried thereby and arranged to provide for the necessary variation in spacing between said input drive shaft and pinion.

5. A regulator as defined in claim 4 in which said input drive shaft is parallel to the axis of said pinion, and said transmission means comprises an elongated shaft, bevel gearing connecting said elongated shaft to said drive shaft and to said pinion, said gearing including one bevel gear splined to said elongated shaft for movement longitudinally thereof.

6. A regulator as defined in claim 8 in which said input shaft shaft is parallel to the axis of said pinion, and said transmission means comprises rack and pinion means connecting said drive shaft to said pinion, said rack and pinion means comprises a rack bar extending generally between the location of said drive shaft and the location of said pinion, transmission pinions at such locations in mesh with said rack bar, and brackets pivotal about the axes of said transmission pinions to maintain meshed relation between said transmission pinions and said rack bar as said rack bar is inclined by vertical movement of said frame.

7. A regulator as defined in claim 4 in which said input drive shaft is parallel to the axis of said pinion, and said transmission means comprises a gear fixed to said pinion, a second gear driven by said drive shaft, a flexible tube extending substantially tangentially of said gears, a toothed flexible cable movable longitudinally in said tube, said tube, said tube having openings adjacent said gears through which said gears mesh with the teeth on said cable.

8. A window regulator for a vehicle window comprising a frame for rigid attachment to the lower edge of a window and capable of providing substantially the entire guidance and support for the window during generally vertical movement thereof between open and closed positions, a substantially vertical rigid post mounted in a fixed position below the window, guide and drive means on said frame comprising a pair of vertically spaced guide members on said frame engageable with one side of said post at vertically spaced zones and a rotary combined guide and drive member mounted for rotation on said frame and engageable in driving relation with the opposite side of said post at a point intermediate the points of engagement between said post and said guide members, and actuating means comprising an input drive shaft at a fixed location remote from said frame and post, and transmission means connecting said input drive shaft and said combined guide and drive member for rotating said combined guide and drive member to effect generally vertical movement of said frame and arranged to provide for the necessary variation in spacing between said input drive shaft and said combined guide and drive member.

9. A window regulator as defined in claim 8 in which said post has rack teeth provided thereon, and in which said combined guide and drive member is a pinion in mesh with said rack.

10. A window regulator as defined in claim 8 in which said input drive shaft is parallel to the axis of said combined guide and drive member, and said transmission means comprises a gear fixed to said combined guide and drive member, a second gear driven by said drive shaft, a flexible tube extending substantially tangentially of said gears, a toothed flexible cable movable longitudinally in said tube, said tube having openings adjacent said gears through which said gears mesh with the teeth on said cable.

11. A window regulator as defined in claim 9 in which said input drive shaft is parallel to the axes of said pinion, and said transmission means comprises a gear fixed to said pinion, a second gear driven by said drive shaft, a flexible tube extending substantially tangentially of said gears, a toothed flexible cable movable longitudinally in said tube, said tube having openings adjacent said gears through which said gears mesh with the teeth on said cable.