EP2206618B1 - Device for installing and adjusting a mobile window in an automobile door, without a frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a template (12) comprising a positioning unit to position the template in a preset geometric reference position with respect to a door (1). A maintaining unit maintains an upper edge (2a) of a movable window (2) in a desired geometric position. An attachment unit attaches a lower edge of the window on a slider (7) of a rear rail (6) in a fixed position of the window at the slider. A lower part of the rear rail freely moves by pivoting around an axle (X) with respect to a fixed part i.e. support (10) in the position before the lower part of the rail is fixed to the fixed part.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for mounting and adjusting a mobile window in a motor vehicle door, devoid of frame.

In some motor vehicles, such as coupes cabriolets, the side doors are devoid of frame.

In the case of the convertible coupe represented on the figure 1 , the side door 1 comprises a movable window 2 disposed between a fixed front window 3 and a quarter window 4.

The mobile window 2 has no fixed frame.

In this case, it is nevertheless necessary, when mounting the window in the door, to be able to control the position of this window according to an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, to ensure proper operation of the window, sealing with the edge of the windows 3, 4 adjacent and a satisfactory aesthetic appearance.

The figure 2 is an elevational view of the door 1 of the vehicle shown on the figure 1 on which the outer skin has been removed.

This figure 2 shows that the mobile window 2 is guided by a front rail 5 and a rear rail 6 each having a slider 7 supporting the lower portion of the window and slidable on the corresponding rail between a low position and a high position as shown in the figure 2 .

For this purpose, the sliders 7 are driven by means of cables by an electric motor (not shown).

In a known vehicle of this type, the position of the mobile window 2 with respect to the transverse axis of the vehicle is obtained by virtue of a clamp disposed between the lining of the door 1 and the rails 5 and 6.

It was found that when tightening the lower attachment of the rear rail 6, it could twist, under the effect of the tightening torque thereby changing the position of the movable window.

The document FR 2,897,587 describes an articulated mounting device of a window on a frameless door of a convertible coupe.

For this purpose, the upper end of one of the guide rails is mounted articulated along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the lower end of this rail is mounted adjustable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail and to the articulation of the upper end of the rail.

Thus, by pivoting the rail about the upper hinge axis, the position of the window pane can be adjusted so that its upper edge hinges well over the roof seal.

It is then necessary to fix the lower end of the rail by tightening a nut.

However, the tightening torque of this nut can cause a deformation likely to change the position of the window.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantages.

This object is achieved according to the invention, thanks to a device for mounting and adjusting a mobile window in a motor vehicle door, this door being devoid of frame and being equipped with a front rail and a rear rail each having a slider for supporting the window and being able to move on the corresponding rail, between a low position and a high position, at least one of the rails being fixed at its upper part to a first fixed part of the door by a pivoting connection following a X axis substantially perpendicular to said rail and its lower part to a second fixed part of the door, by an adjustable connection in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail and the X axis of the pivoting connection, said device being characterized in that it comprises a template comprising means for arranging it in a predetermined reference geometrical position with respect to the door, means for maintaining the edge the front of the window in the desired geometric position and means for applying the lower edge of the window to the slider of said rail, in the fixing position of said window slider said, the lower part of the rail being in this position, free to pivotally moving about said X axis relative to said second fixed portion, prior to attachment of the lower portion of the rail to said second fixed portion.

The template in the geometric reference position relative to the door thus makes it possible to maintain the upper edge of the window in the desired position and to apply the lower edge of this window to the slider of the rail in the fixing position of the window pane. this slider.

Since the lower part of the rail is free to move, fixing the window on the slider causes the rail to pivot about its upper axis, so that the position of the rail automatically adjusts to the position of the window. which is itself defined by the template.

Then simply set the bottom of the rail in the above position, without further adjustment thereof.

Preferably, the template comprises means for fixing it on the inner face of the door at two reference points situated respectively at the front and at the rear of the door.

These two reference points may correspond to the keyhole at the rear and one of the hinge holes at the front of the door that are precise reference points.

To define the position of the upper edge of the window with respect to the transverse axis Y of the vehicle, the template comprises a member bearing in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the window, against the upper front part of the window.

Preferably, said member is adjustable in the Y direction by means of shims in particular to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the window.

In one embodiment, the pivoting connection between the upper part of the rail and the first fixed part of the door is constituted by a yoke fixed to this first fixed part and pivotally connected along said axis X to the upper end of said rail. .

The rail provided with the above pivotal connection may be the rear rail.

The template may include means for maintaining the upper edge of the front window.

In one embodiment, the first fixed part of the door is constituted by a stiffener of this door.

Preferably, the adjustable connection of the lower part of said rail is constituted by a tab extending substantially perpendicular to said rail, said tab comprising a buttonhole-shaped hole elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail and to the X axis of said pivotal connection provided at the upper part of the rail, this buttonhole-shaped hole being engaged on a threaded rod fixed on a support constituting said second fixed part of the door, a nut being screwed on this threaded rod for clamping said tab against said support.

Also preferably, a clearance is between said tab and said support and between said threaded rod and said buttonhole-shaped hole to avoid any friction.

This lack of clearance allows the rail to rotate freely about its axis to adapt to the position of the window imposed by the template after fixing the window to the rail slider.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent throughout the description below.

• la figure 3 est une vue en élévation d'un gabarit du dispositif selon l'invention, en position en regard d'une porte d'un véhicule,
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'une porte et d'un gabarit disposé en regard de cette porte et maintenant en position une vitre pour cette porte,
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'une partie du gabarit et d'une partie de la vitre dont la partie supérieure est maintenue par un organe d'appui,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective montrant la partie supérieure d'un rail fixée grâce à une liaison pivotante à une partie fixe de la porte et le curseur sur lequel la vitre est destinée à être fixée,
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective montrant l'arrière de la partie supérieure du rail et du curseur, la partie inférieure de la vitre étant appliquée sur la face avant du curseur,
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective montrant la partie inférieure du rail et le support sur lequel cette partie est destinée à être fixée.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples:

• the figure 3 is an elevational view of a jig of the device according to the invention, in position opposite a door of a vehicle,
• the figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a door and a jig disposed facing this door and now in position a window for this door,
• the figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the template and a part of the window whose upper part is held by a support member,
• the figure 6 is a perspective view showing the upper part of a rail secured by a pivotal connection to a fixed part of the door and the slider on which the window is to be fixed,
• the figure 7 is a perspective view showing the rear of the upper part of the rail and the slider, the lower part of the pane being applied to the front face of the slider,
• the figure 8 is a perspective view showing the lower part of the rail and the support on which this part is intended to be fixed.

The figures 3 and 4 represent a device for mounting and adjusting a mobile window 2 in a door 1 of a motor vehicle, without frame and equipped, as in the case of the figure 2 , a front rail 5 and a rear rail 6 each having a slider 7 for supporting the window 2 which can be moved on the corresponding rail, between a low position and a high position.

As shown by Figures 4, 6 and 7 one of the rails 6 is fixed at its upper part to a first fixed part 8 (see figure 6 ) of the door 1 by a link 9 pivotable along an axis X substantially perpendicular to the rail 6 and at its lower part to a second fixed portion 10 of the door, by an adjustable connection 11 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail 6 and to the X axis of the pivoting connection 9.

According to the invention, the device comprises (see figures 3 and 4 ) a template 12 having means 13 for fixing it in a predetermined reference geometric position with respect to the door 1, means 14 for holding the upper edge 2a of the pane 2 in the desired geometric position (i.e. say with respect to the transverse axis Y of the vehicle) and means (not shown) for applying the lower edge 2b of the pane 2 to the slider 7 of the rail 6, in the position of fixing this pane 2 to the slider 7, as shown on Figures 4 and 7 .

In this position, the lower part of the rail 6 is free to move by pivoting about the X axis relative to the second fixed part 10, before fixing the lower part of the rail 6 to this second fixed part 10, as one will explain it in more detail later.

To fix the template 12 to the door 1, this template comprises means 13 for fixing it to the inside face of the door at two reference points 13a, 13b located respectively at the front and at the rear of the door.

These two reference points 13a, 13b may correspond to the keyhole at the rear of the door and to a hole in the hinge at the front of the door.

The position of the template 12 relative to the door is thus perfectly defined.

Moreover, Figures 4 and 5 show that the template 12 comprises a member 14a carried by an arm 14 bearing in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the window 2, on the upper front of this window.

The upper part of the window 2 is thus held between the support member 14a and a stop 14b (see figure 4 ).

The support member 14a can be adjusted in the Y direction by means of shims to compensate for the manufacturing tolerances of the window 2.

As shown by Figures 6 and 7 , the pivoting connection 9 between the rail 6 and the first fixed part 8 of the door 1 is constituted by a yoke 15 fixed to this first fixed part 8 and pivotally connected along the X axis to the upper end of the rail 6 .

In the example shown, the rail 6 is the rear rail.

Furthermore, the first fixed part 8 of the door is constituted by a stiffener which extends between the rear edge and the front edge of the door.

The Figures 6 and 7 also show the slider 7 slidably mounted on the rail 6.

This slider 7 is located at the top of the rail and has a flat face against which the lower edge 2b of the window 2 can rest (see figure 7 ).

The lower edge of the slider 7 has a hook 16 (see figure 6 ) to retain the lower edge of the window.

In addition, the slider 7 comprises a fixing hole 16a disposed opposite a fixing hole 2c of the window 2.

The drive means of the slider 7 between the low position and the high position represented on the Figures 6 and 7 have not been shown because these are well known to those skilled in the art.

The figure 8 shows that the adjustable connection 11 of the lower part of the rail 6 is constituted by a lug 17 extending substantially perpendicularly to this rail.

This tab 17 comprises a buttonhole-shaped hole 18 elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail and to the pivoting axis X of the pivoting connection 9 provided at the upper part of the rail 6.

This hole 18 in the form of a buttonhole is engaged on a threaded rod 19 fixed on a support 10 constituting the second fixed part of the door.

A nut 20 can be screwed onto this threaded rod 19 to tighten the tab 17 against the support 10.

A certain clearance is included between the tab 17 and the support 10 and between the threaded rod 19 and the edges of the hole 18 in the form of a buttonhole to avoid any friction, so that the rail 6 can pivot freely about the X axis between two angular positions defined by the opposite ends of the hole 18.

The nut 20 may be equipped with a captive washer which makes it possible, when the nut is tightened on the tab 17, to prevent the tightening torque from rotating the rail 6 in the direction of its length, which would modify the position of the window 2.

To mount and adjust the position of the window 2 in the door 1, proceed as follows.

First of all, the jig 12 is positioned facing the door, with the aid of the fastening means, such as 13, provided to obtain a reference geometric position that is reproducible with respect to the door.

The window 2 is put in place at the upper part of the jig 12 so that the support member 14a bears against the upper rear part of the window and the lower edge of the window bears against the slider. 7 and that the fixing hole 2c of the window 2 is opposite the fixing hole 16a of the slider 7.

In this position, the window 2 occupies a geometric position corresponding to that desired that is imposed on it by the template 12.

We can then fix the lower portion of the window 2 on the slider 7 by means of a fastener passing through the holes 2c and 16a.

This attachment has the effect of applying the flat face of the slider 7 against the flat face of the window 2, which pivots the rail 6 about the axis X to put it in alignment with the support plane .

This pivoting of the rail 6 is possible due to the absence of friction between the lug 17 and the support 10 and between the elongate hole 18 and the threaded rod 19.

Thus, the position of the rail 6 is adjusted automatically, without manual intervention of the operator.

The support member 14a must be reassembled and then put back on the glass before clamping the tab 17. This operation allows to release the constraints and limit dispersions.

Then simply tighten the tab 17 against the support 10 by screwing the nut 20 on the threaded rod 19.

The tightening torque applied to the nut 20 does not risk to modify the position of the rail 6 thanks to the washer provided with the nut 20.

The window 2 adjusted by the device according to the invention, has a particular position along a transverse axis Y with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is perfectly controlled and which, therefore, ensures proper operation of the window, sealing with the adjacent windows and aesthetic appearance quite satisfactory.

Claims (11)

1. Devise for raising and adjusting a movable window (2) in a motor vehicle door (1), this door (1) being devoid of a frame and being provided with a front rail (5) and a rear rail (6) each comprising a runner (7) in order to support the window (2) and able to be displaced on the corresponding rail, between a low position and a high position, at least one (6) of the rails being fixed at its upper portion to a first fixed portion (8) of the door (1) by a pivotable connection (9) according to an axis (X) substantially perpendicular to said rail and at its lower portion to a second fixed portion (10) of the door, by a connection that can be adjusted (11) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail (6) and to the axis (X) of the pivotable connection (9), said device being characterised in that it comprises a template (12) comprising means for arranging it in a predetermined reference geometric position in relation to the door (1), means for maintaining the upper edge (2a) of the window (2) in the desired geometric position and means for applying the lower edge of the window on the runner (7) of said rail, in the fastening position of this window (2) to said runner, the lower portion of the rail (6) being in this position, free to be displaced by pivotal movement around said axis (X) in relation to said second fixed portion (10), before fastening of the lower portion of the rail to this second fixed portion (10).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the template (12) comprises means for fixing it on the interior face of the door at two reference points (13a, 13b) located respectively to the front and to the rear.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the two reference points (13a, 13b) correspond to the lock and to the hinge of the door.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the template (12) comprises a member (14a) that presses in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the window (2), against the front upper portion of the window.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that said member (14a) can be adjusted in the direction Y by means of spacers.
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said pivotable connection (9) between the upper portion of the rail (6) and the first fixed portion (8) of the door is constituted of a yoke joint (15) fixed to this first fixed portion (8) and connected in such a way as to pivot according to said axis (X) to the upper end of said rail (6).
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said rail (6) is the rear rail.
8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the template (12) comprises means for maintaining the front upper edge of the window (2).
9. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the first fixed portion (8) of the door is constituted by a stiffener of this door.
10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said connection that can be adjusted (11) of the lower portion of said rail (6) is constituted of a prong (17) extending substantially perpendicularly to this rail (6), this prong (17) comprising a hole (18) with a buttonhole shape extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail (6) and to the axis (X) of said pivotable connection provided in the upper portion of the rail (6), this hole (18) in the shape of a buttonhole being engaged on a threaded rod (19) fixed on a support (10) constituting said second fixed portion of the door, a nut (20) able to be screwed on this threaded rod (19) in order to tighten said prong (17) against said support (10).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that a clearance is included between said prong (17) and said support (10) and between said threaded rod (19) and said hole (18) in the shape of a buttonhole in order to avoid friction.

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