EP1986878A1

EP1986878A1 - Rear window arrangement for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP1986878A1
Application number: EP07711479A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Benzing; Rolf Pemsel
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2006-02-22
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Also published as: WO2007096061A1; DE102006008086A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a rear window arrangment for a motor vehicle. Said arrangement comprises a one-pieced rigid rear window (26) which is displaced by means of a guiding device (42) between an upper position, which closes the passenger compartment (20) of the motor vehicle, and a lowered position, wherein the rear window (26) is received in a storage device (34) which is arranged behind the passenger compartment (20) inside the rear window of the motor vehicle. Said storage device (34) can be displaced between a receiving position and a storage position.

Description

Rear window assembly for a motor vehicle

The invention relates to a rear window assembly for a motor vehicle with a self-rigid rear window specified in the preamble of claim 1. Art.

Such a rear window arrangement can already be seen, for example, from DE 43 20 603 C2 and DE 199 13 033 A1, in which an inherently rigid rear window made of glass by means of a guide device from an upper position, in which the rear window the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle to the rear closes, is to move in a lowered position. For this purpose, a stowage device arranged behind the passenger compartment for the rear window is provided within the rear region of the motor vehicle so that it can be accommodated at least approximately completely within the motor vehicle. After the rear window has reached its fully lowered position within the receiving space, a rear roof panel comprehensive the guides of the rear window can be folded together with an upper or front roof part of a convertible top of the motor vehicle in a top storage compartment.

A disadvantage of this known rear window arrangement is the fact that behind the passenger compartment Storing device located very much space behind or below the rear window needed. Experience has shown, however, border in this area, for example, body parts such as a trunk lid or top components in an open motor vehicle to the lower end of the rear window, so that the space occupied by the previously known stowage space in the rear of the motor vehicle freedom in the design of adjacent to the rear window components significantly affected.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a rear window assembly of the type mentioned, whose stowage affects the design of the adjacent to the rear window body or roof components far less.

This object is achieved by a

Rear window assembly solved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are described in the remaining claims.

In the rear window assembly according to the invention, the stowage device is to be moved between a receiving position and a stowage position. In the receiving position, the stowage device is arranged such that the rear window can be transferred from its upper position, which closes the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, into the lowered position received by the stowage device. After the rear window has been taken up by the stowage device, it can be transferred from the receiving position into a stowage position, so that the space taken up by the stowage device in the receiving position at least partially in the rear area of the motor vehicle is released. Thus, for example, by the transfer of the stowage device from the receiving position into the stowage space between the rear window and an adjacent rear and top compartment lid are released, so that for example a folding roof of an open motor vehicle can be arranged in this area.

As a further advantage, it has been shown to provide the stowage device with a receiving disc enclosing the rear window. As a result, the relatively sensitive glass is arranged in a particularly protected manner within the rear of the motor vehicle. In addition, a moisture chamber can be created by the receiving cassette, in which the rear window rests and which is sealed off from the top storage compartment or trunk.

As particularly advantageous, the rear window assembly according to the invention has shown in connection with a folding top, which can be configured both as a hard top as well as a soft top. Since the rear window due to their curvature occupies a lot of space within a top compartment, the rear window assembly according to the invention provides an optimal way to space-saving stowage of the rear window, without the other components of the folding top in their required space would be affected by this or by their stowage.

A structurally particularly easy to design rear window assembly is given if the stowage can be accommodated within the already existing top storage compartment of the folding top. In other words, then the folding roof assigned Disc separately from this - and added by the stowage device - also disposed within the top storage compartment for the movable roof parts of the folding top.

In connection with a folding top, a particularly reliable rear window arrangement can be created when the stowage device is to be moved in dependence on a convertible top drive between the receiving position and the stowage position. This ensures in a simple manner that the stowage device can not collide with moving components when folding the folding top. A particularly simple drive of the stowage device is possible when the stowage device is forcibly connected to the convertible top drive for movement between the receiving position and the stowage position.

A particularly reliable guide means comprises laterally arranged the rear window guide rails, which are divided in the region between the folding roof and the stowage device. In other words, the guide rails are divided into guide rail parts which are to be moved with the folding roof or with the stowage device. The lateral guide rails must be designed so that a transfer of the rear window between the folding roof and the - located in the receiving position stowage device - is possible.

For displacing the rear window between the upper and the lowered position, a window regulator mechanism has shown to be advantageous, which is moved during the movement of the stowage between the receiving position and the stowage position. Such a window regulator mechanism is very space-saving within the To arrange receiving cassette of the stowage device and also very unsusceptible to interference.

Finally, it has proved to be advantageous to be able to move the rear window - for example, with the folding top closed - in intermediate positions between the upper position and the lowered position. This makes it possible in a simple manner to supply the passenger compartment additional fresh air.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings; these show in:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a closed folding top of a motor vehicle, on the rear roof part of a rear window assembly is arranged with a convertible from its closed position into a lowered position within a stowage rear window.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a

Guiding device of the rear window assembly, by means of which the rear window shown in an intermediate position is to be moved from the upper to a lowered position, in which the rear window is received by the stowage device located in its receiving position, which is formed in the present embodiment as indicated by dashed recording cassette, wherein for the conversion of the rear window a window regulator mechanism within the Recording cassette is provided;

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of

Guide device of Figure 2, wherein the rear window is disposed in its lowered position within the receiving cassette, and wherein the receiving cassette and the window regulator mechanism disposed therein - as indicated by dashed lines - has been moved from the receiving position shown in Figure 2 in a storage position.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the

1 in its stored within a top storage compartment position, wherein within the top storage compartment stowage device for the rear window can be seen in their stowage position; and in

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the arranged inside the top storage compartment hinged folding top, wherein disposed within the top storage compartment stowage device for the rear window and the top storage compartment is closed by a schematically indicated rear and top compartment lid.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view only a folding top 10 of an open motor vehicle recognizable, which includes a subsequent to a windshield frame not shown upper roof part 12 and a rear roof part 14. The two roof parts 12, 14 are configured here as inherently rigid elements of a so-called hardtop and are articulated in the area of a common joint point extending in the vehicle transverse direction connected with each other. The rear roof part 14 ends at the height of a side wall edge 16, at the height of which a rear and top compartment cover 18 (FIG. 5) extends. The two pivotally interconnected roof parts 12, 14 are from the closed position shown in Fig. 1 in a stowage position within a top storage space 30 in the rear of the motor vehicle - as will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 - fold down , The basic structure and operation of the folding top 10 - with the exception of the components which will be described in more detail below rear window assembly - can be seen as known for example from DE 44 45 944 C1 or DE 44 45 580 Cl. The folding top 10 covers a passenger compartment 20 which is additionally supplied with light via a roof opening 22 in the upper roof part 12. The rear roof part 14 essentially comprises two lateral C-pillars 24 which laterally delimit a rear window 26. The folding top 10 is a convertible top drive 28 in the folded storage position shown in Fig. 4 within a Kofferbzw. Move top deck 30 to relocate. For this purpose, the folding top 10 comprises two unrecognizable lateral parallelogram linkage, via which the two roof parts 12, 14 are forcibly controlled on brackets 32 of the motor vehicle body. In addition to the rear window 26, a rear window arrangement comprises a stowage device 34, which in the present exemplary embodiment has a receiving cassette 36 as an essential part. The stowing device 34 or the receiving cassette 36 are arranged in a receiving position in FIG. 1, in which the rear window 26 can be stored in the stowing device 34 or within the receiving cassette 36 in a manner which will be explained in more detail below. In conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, which each show in schematic perspective view only essential elements of the rear window assembly, the basic operation when lowering the rear window 26 from the illustrated in Fig. 1 - the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle closing upper position - in the in Fig. 3 recognizable, stored within the receiving cassette 36 or lowered position clearly. The recording cassette 36 itself is only indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 3 in order to be able to recognize a window regulator mechanism 38 arranged within the receiving cassette 36 for lowering the rear window 26.

First of all, it should be noted that the stowing device 34 or the receiving cassette 36 can be seen in their receiving position in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the latter is located directly beneath the rear window 26 or at an upper end approximately at the level of the side wall edge 16. If the stowage device 34 or the receiving cassette 36 is disposed in the receiving position below the rear window 26, then this can by means disposed within the receiving cassette 36 window regulator mechanism 38 from the upper closed position shown in FIG. 1 in the lowered position shown in FIG the receiving cassette 36 are transferred. For this purpose, the window lift mechanism 38 embodied here as a scissors mechanism comprises a holding part 40 extending in the vehicle transverse direction and receiving the lower end of the rear window 26, which can be displaced in the vehicle vertical direction during movement of the window regulator mechanism 38 within the receiving cassette 36. As an alternative to the scissor mechanism, the window regulator mechanism 38 can be in particular a common cable pull mechanism. It is clear that the rear window 26 in its closed position on locking means, not shown, may be fixedly arranged on the rear roof part 14.

For the transfer of the rear window 26 from its closed position to the lowered position shown in FIG. 3 within the receiving cassette 36, a guide device 42 is provided, which includes the side of the rear window 26 arranged guide rails 44. The respective lateral guide rails 44 are divided in the region between the lower end of the C-pillars 24 and the upper end of the receiving cassette 36 from each other. In other words, laterally associated guide rail parts 45, 46 are respectively provided, wherein the upper guide rail parts 45 on the inside of the C-pillars 24 of the rear roof part 14 and the lower

Guide rail parts 46 are attached to the lateral end faces of the receiving cassette 36.

Accordingly, the guide rail parts 45, 46 in the receiving position of the receiving cassette 36 each form approximately continuous guide rails 44, along which the rear window 26 is guided during the lowering. Of course, it is also conceivable in this context that the guide rail parts 45, 46 in the receiving position of the stowage device 34 have a distance bridgeable by the rear window 26 to each other. It is essential, however, that the rear window 26 can be lowered in a reliable manner by means of the window regulator mechanism 38 within the receiving cassette 36 of the stowage device 34.

After the rear window 26 is completely received by the receiving cassette 36, the stowage device 34 - as indicated by dashed lines - from the 1 and 2 recognizable recording position in a recognizable in Figs. 3 to 5 storage position can be moved. The disposed within the receiving cassette 36

Window regulator mechanism 38 and the lower guide rail parts 46 are transferred together with the storage device 34 and the receiving cassette 36 in the lowered storage position. 4 and 5 show, in a schematic perspective view or in a schematic side view, the folding top 10 stored in the top storage compartment 30 and the stowage device 34 likewise arranged therein.

In the present embodiment, the displacement of the folding top 10 takes place by means of a parallelogram linkage, of which, for example, a lower link lever 48 can be seen. When comparing Fig. 1 with Figs. 4 and 5 it will be seen that the handlebar lever 48 and thus the entire storage device 34 has been transferred from the receiving position shown in FIG. 1 in the stowage position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the present embodiment, the

Parallelogrammgestänge the stowage device 34 by the convertible top drive 28 of the folding top 10 is driven or positively driven depending on the movement of the folding top 10. In other words, the lowering of the stowage device 34 and the receiving cassette 36 from the receiving position in the stowage position parallel to the opening of the folding top 10 Correspondingly, conversely, the lifting of the stowing device 34 or the receiving cassette 36 from the stowage position into the receiving position takes place parallel to the closing of the folding top 10.

By lowering the stowage device 34 into the stowage position-as can be seen from FIG. 3-the guide rail parts 46 of the stowage device 34 are lowered relative to the guide rail parts 45 of the C-pillars 24 that between the respective guide rail parts 45, 46 creates a free space.

After the stowage device 34 or the receiving cassette 36 with the rear window 26 located therein has been transferred into the stowage position, this can - parallel to this - from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 into the folding top shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 converted folding top 10 with a front end portion in a - in the receiving position of an upper end portion of the receiving cassette 36 occupied space - 50 (Fig. 3) are stored. In other words, can be taken from the front end portion of the folding top 10 by the parallel reduction of the stowage device 34 thereby freed space 50 (Figure 3) within the top storage compartment 30 now. In this space 50 comes, for example, a front end portion 52 of the upper roof part 12 in the stowage position of the folding top 10 within the top storage compartment 30 to lie. Thus, the end portion 52 of the upper roof portion 12 in the stowed position of the folding top 10 utilizes the space 50 occupied by the upper end of the stowing device 34 and the receiving cassette 36, respectively, in the receiving position. By transferring the stowage device 34 in the stowage thus increases the freedom of design for the folding roof 10, since this does not have to be designed around the receiving cassette 36 around, but rather can share the space 50 with the receiving cassette 36. It can also be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 that the stored front roof part 12 is also arranged with its front end in the region of the installation space 50, which has previously been occupied by the receiving cassette 36 in the receiving position. At the upper end of the receiving cassette 36 extending in the vehicle transverse direction seal is arranged, via which the rear window 26 is sealed in its closed position relative to the rear and top compartment lid 18 of the motor vehicle 18. When transferring the receiving cassette 36 from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 in the lowered position shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, this seal 54 is lowered.

It can also be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 that the receiving cassette 36 is arranged inside or at the front end of the top storage compartment 30.

The displacement of the rear window 26 and the folding top 10 takes place in the present embodiment as follows:

If the folding top 10 which is in its closed position according to FIG. 1 is to be opened, first the rear window 26 has to be transferred from the closed position into the lowered position - received by the receiving cassette 36 - according to FIG. This is done by means of the window regulator mechanism 38, which is arranged within the receiving cassette 36.

After the rear window 26 completely rests within the receiving cassette 36, the stowing device 34 - including the window regulator mechanism 38 - forcibly controlled together with the convertible top mechanism and the latter from the receiving position shown in Fig. 1 in the in Fig. 3 to 5 recognizable stowage position within the Roof storage space 30 is lowered, so that the space 50 above the receiving cassette 36 is released. At the same time, the folding top 10 can be converted into a storage position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein a front end portion 52 of the upper roof part 12 in the region of the installation space 50 is arranged. Here, the C-pillars 24 associated guide rail parts 45 are also moved with in the top storage compartment 30. After the folding top 10 rests within the top storage compartment 30, the rear and top compartment lid 18 can be closed again.

When closing the folding top 10, the rear and top compartment lid 18 is first opened, after which the two roof parts 12 and 14 of the folding top 10 can be transferred into the closed position. Due to the forced control is simultaneously with the transfer of the folding top 10 in the closed position, the receiving cassette 36 moves from the storage position in the receiving position up, where this occupies the vacant space 50 again.

After the folding top 10 is closed and the receiving cassette 36 is transferred to the receiving position, the rear window 26 can be brought out of the receiving cassette 36 by means of the window regulator mechanism 38 into its position closing the passenger compartment 20.

The rear and top compartment lid 18 may be configured so that it does not need to be opened when the receiving cassette 36 is moved with the folding top 10 closed between the storage position and the storage position. Then it is possible, for example, to bring in the closed position of the folding top 10 and the rear and top compartment lid 18, the rear window 26 in intermediate positions between the upper and the lowered position. When driving, such an intermediate position can be used to supply additional fresh air to the passenger compartment 20. In the present embodiment, the receiving cassette 34 is arranged in the receiving position in a form-fitting manner at the lower ends of the C-pillars 24. This has the advantage that a bond between the left and right C-pillar 24 is created, which positively influences the overall rigidity of the folding top 10.

For the purposes of the invention, it is to be considered that the stowage device 34 does not necessarily require a receiving cassette 36. In particular, if the rear window 26 can be stored in a separate - independent from the top storage compartment 30 - receiving space, may optionally be dispensed with the receiving cassette 36. In the present embodiment, in which the receiving cassette 36 is designed, for example, from a sheet metal or a plastic, this is used in particular for the protection of the rear window 26 in the event that the top storage compartment 30 is additionally used as a trunk.

It is also to be considered within the scope of the invention that, instead of the positive control of the stowing device 34 with the convertible top mechanism, a separate drive can also be provided, with which the stowing device 34 or receiving cassette 36 is to be moved between the receiving position and the stowage position.

Claims

claims

A rear window assembly for a motor vehicle having a rigid rear window (26) to be moved by a guide means (42) between a passenger compartment (20) of the motor vehicle closing upper position and a lowered position in which

Rear window (26) arranged in a behind the passenger compartment (20) within the rear of the motor vehicle

Stowage device (34) is accommodated, characterized in that the stowage device (34) between a

Shooting position and a stowage is to move.

2. rear window assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the stowing device (34) comprises a rear window (26) enclosing receiving cassette (36).

3. rear window assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear window (26) for a movable roof part (14) of a folding top (10) of the motor vehicle is provided.

4. rear window assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the stowing device (34) within a top storage space (30) of the folding top (10) is housed.

5. rear window assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the stowing device (34) in response to a convertible top drive (28) between the receiving position and the stowage position is to move.

6. rear window assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the stowing device (34) for movement between the receiving position and the stowage through the top drive (28) of the folding top (10) is driven.

7. rear window assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the stowing device (34) before folding the folding top (10) is transferred from the receiving position in the stowage position.

8. rear window assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide means (42) laterally of the rear window (26) arranged guide rails (44) which are divided in the region between the folding top (10) and the stowage device (34).

9. rear window assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that guide rail parts (45) of the guide device (42) are to be moved with the movable roof parts (12, 14) of the folding top (10) of the motor vehicle.

10. rear window assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a mechanism and in particular a window regulator mechanism (28) within the stowage device (34) is provided, with which the rear window (26) is to be moved between the upper position and the lowered position.

11. rear window assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear window (26) is to bring in an intermediate position between the upper position and the fully lowered position.

12. rear window assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at the top of the receiving cassette (34) extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle seal (54) is provided, via which the rear window (26) and the receiving cassette (34) relative to a rear and top compartment lid ( 18) of the motor vehicle are sealed.

13. rear window assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving cassette (34) in the receiving position is positively arranged at the lower ends of the C-pillars (24).