FR2473138A1 - DRIVE MECHANISM WITH FLEXIBLE RACK AND PINION - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO A FLEXIBLE RACK AND PINION DRIVE MECHANISM. ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION, IT INCLUDES A ROTARY GEAR 34 AROUND ITS CENTRAL AXIS; AND A FLEXIBLE AND ELONGATED RACK FORMING 41 HAVING A SENSITIVELY CIRCULAR CROSS-SECTION AND A HELICOIDALLY EXTENDING RIB CONSISTING OF A NUMBER OF ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE PROPELLER ELEMENTS TO BE AT LEAST PART OF ONE OF THE SPACES. CLEARANCES BETWEEN ADJACENT PROPELLER ELEMENTS, THE GEAR AND THE FLEXIBLE RACK FORMING ORGAN BEING PLACED WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER SO THAT THE GEAR CAN COME IN ENGAGEMENT IN THE G SETS WITH THE H PROPELLER ELEMENTS, H WHICH ARE AT LEAST PARTLY SPACED FROM EACH OTHER. THE INVENTION APPLIES IN PARTICULAR TO GLASS REGULATING SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE DOORS.

Description

The present invention relates to a mechanism

  training and in particular to a training mechanism

  flexible pinion and pinion replacing a traditional mechanism with flexible target and pinion used for example in an ice control system for a door structure, for example, a motor vehicle. A known flexible cable and pinion drive mechanism exemplarily used for an automobile door structure ice control system generally comprises a helical gear to be rotated by an ice handling handle mounted on the inner side of the door. gate structure, and a target flexible rack consisting of a core cable and a serpentine target wound helically on the core target and securely attached thereto. The pinion is engaged with helical elements of the helical target, thus the flexible cable rack is moved endlessly when the ice handling handle is manually rotated to rotate

turn the pinion.

  A mechanism according to the prior art of this nature has a drawback resulting from the use of the expensive helical gear or gear to be studied and

machined.

  Such a drive mechanism has another disadvantage because the engagement between the pinion and the helical or serpentine target of the flexible target rack tends to loosen unless the serpentine cable is helically wound around the soul target with extreme precision. The manufacture of the rack as a flexible target with such precision

  requires significant production costs and, if the

  between the pinion and rack in a flexible target can not be satisfactorily closed, the pinion is forced to bounce on the target rack or to jump on one or more elements in a helix of the serpentine target when the pinion is driven to a rotation

on the cable rack.

  The present invention relates to a new flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism overcoming these disadvantages and still others of a

traditional mechanism.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism which comprises, in combination, a pinion or worm gear about its central axis and a member forming

  flexible, elongate rack having a transverse cross-section

  a substantially circular and a helicoidally extending rib consisting of a number of elastically deformable elements E to be at least partially spaced apart from one another to form gaps between adjacent elements, which are at least at least partially spaced from each other, the pinion and the flexible rack member being positioned relative to each other so that the pinion can engage, by the above mentioned games, with the elements are at least

  partially spaced apart from each other.

  The gear or pinion thus forming part of the flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism according to the present invention is preferably made of a straight gear which is easy and economical to design and manufacture. In this case, the drive mechanism according to the invention may further comprise a hollow guide tube having at least one curved portion adjacent to the gear and having an opening through which the gear projects slightly into the guide tube. the flexible rack passing through the hollow guide tube and having a curved portion in the curved portion of the guide tube, the helical members of the curved portion of the rack member being spaced from each other along the outer ridge on the expanded side of the curved portion of the rack member to thereby form the abovementioned games between the helical elements of the curved portion of the crank member. The flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism according to the invention is useful in particular if it is incorporated in an ice control system for a vehicle door structure, and will therefore be described hereinafter as such. It will be remembered, however, that the drive mechanism according to the invention does not apply exclusively to such a system but can be used

in various other purposes.

  The disadvantages of the rack and pinion gear drive mechanism according to the prior art as well as

  that the features and advantages of the training mechanism

  The flexible rack and pinion mechanism according to the invention as well as an ice regulating system in which the mechanism according to the invention is incorporated will be better understood on the basis of the invention.

reading the description which follows.

  The invention will be better understood, and other purposes, features, details and advantages thereof

  will become clearer during the description

  explanatory text which will follow with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings given solely by way of example illustrating several embodiments of the invention and in which: - Figure 1 is an internal side view of a vehicle door structure equipped with a regulating system using a cable and pinion rack-and-pinion drive mechanism according to the prior art; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view showing parts of the mechanism according to the prior art incorporated in the control system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a vehicle door structure equipped with an ice regulator system in which is incorporated an embodiment of the flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing, on an enlarged scale, parts of the drive mechanism incorporated in the ice control system of the arrangement of FIG. 3; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing portions of the guide hollow tube and the flexible rack member forming part of the drive mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3; - Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view showing, also on an enlarged scale, the arrangement o the guide hollow tube and the flexible rack member of the mechanism of Figure 3 are connected to the door structure and its ice ; FIGS. 7 to 11 are views showing, each at least in longitudinal section, respective portions of various modifications of the flexible rack member consisting of a helically wound steel wire in the arrangement of FIGS. at 6; FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing part of a flexible rack member in the form of a helically wound steel cable on a core member for use as an alternative to the flexible member of the arrangement Figures 3 to 6; Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of another modification of the flexible rack member provided in the drive mechanism of the arrangement shown in Figs. 3-6; and FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but it shows another type of vehicle door structure equipped with an ice regulating system which incorporates an embodiment of the flexible rack and pinion gear drive mechanism. the

present invention.

  Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings show a known cable and pinion rack drive mechanism used in an ice control system for a door structure 20 of a motor vehicle. The door structure 20 comprises, in itself, an inner panel member 21, an outer panel member (not shown) and a window 22 which is vertically movable in a space formed between the members forming

internal and external panels.

  On the inner face of the inner panel member 21 is securely attached a base plate 23 having a rotatable mount handle 24 mounted on the base plate 23. The handle 24 is securely attached to a pinion or gear 25 rotatable about an axis normal to the inner panel member 21. A hollow guide tube 26 is securely attached at appropriate locations to the panel member 21

  by appropriate clamping members (not shown).

  The guide tube 26 has a straight portion that extends partially on the base plate 23 and a sharply curved portion that partially extends on a tab 27 securely attached to a lower end portion of the lens 22 as is represent. In the above-mentioned straight portion of the guide tube 26 is formed an opening 28 in which the gear 25 protrudes slightly as can best be seen in FIG. 2. A flexible target rack 29 consisting of a target 30 and a helically and helically wound cable 31 on the fMe target 30 with regular pitch, is movable endlessly in and through the hollow guide tube 26 and is anchored at one end on the ice 22 by the tab 27. The serpentine or helically wound helical target 31 of such a flexible rack 29 is helically wound on the target forming 30 with regular pitches conforming to the pitches of the gear teeth 25, and it is engaged with the teeth of the gear 25 by

the opening 28 of the tube 26.

  When the handle 24 is manipulated to rotate the gear 25 in each direction about its axis of rotation, the flexible rack 29 is driven to move endlessly through the hollow tube of

  26. The ice 22 to which is anchored the cremailla-

  1, is therefore moved upwards or downwards relative to the door structure 20 in the direction in which the handle 24

  is turned around the axis of rotation of the gear 25.

  In such a conventional mechanism so constructed and arranged, the gear 25 engaged with the serpentine cable 31 forming part of the flexible rack 29 must consist of a helical gear that is expensive to study and machine. It is also necessary for the helical cable 31 of the rack 29 to be spirally wound on the core cable 30 with the greatest precision so that the pitch of the helical elements of the cable 31 are in precise conformity with the steps between the teeth. If the cable 31 is not wound accurately on the core cable 30 and therefore the steps of the enélélice elements of the cable 31 can not be strictly in accordance with the steps of the teeth of the 25, this results in a loose engagement between the gear 25 and the cable 31 of the rack 29. This may cause the gear 25 to bounce off the cable 31 or to blow up one or more helical elements of the cable. 31 when the gear 25

  is entralné for a rotation on the rack 29.

  In order to meet these requirements of a rack and pinion drive mechanism according to the prior art to a satisfactory degree, this poses problems because high prices and very strong techniques are essential for designing and machining, in particular particular, the helicoidal gear 25 and many steps are required for production and control

quality of the rack 29.

  Since, moreover, the cable 31 wound on the core cable 30 is in itself subjected to elongation or deformation when there is application of a tensile or compressive force, the serpentine target 31 is wound on the forming cable 30, over the entire length thereof. This increases the weight of the rack 29 in itself and accordingly

  this increases the total weight of the drive mechanism.

  The object of the present invention is a flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism to overcome all these problems inherent in the traditional mechanism of the nature described. The present invention

  is also considering a perfect ice regulating system

  for a door structure of a vehicle

  automobile, where is incorporated such a training mechanism

  flexible rack and pinion.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 to 14 of the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the mechanism will be described.

  flexible rack and pinion according to the invention.

  Referring first to Figure 3 of the drawings, a flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism is illustrated which is applicable, for example, to an ice control system of a vehicle door structure. as is the case with the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism according to the prior art described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The door structure, also designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 20, thus consists of an inner panel member 21, an outer panel member (not shown), partially spaced from the inner panel member 21 to form a hollow space therebetween, and an ice sheet 22 which is vertically movable in this space hollow between the internal and external panel members. Ice 22 is assumed here, for example, to be of the box type, and is provided with a frame 32 having portions extending respectively along the upper, front and rear edges of the window 22 and two lower portions 32a and 32b. 32b respectively attached to the inner panel member 21 and extending downward as shown in phantom in Figure 3. The lower portions 32a and 32b of the frame 32 are arranged so as to be able to guide the upward movement. and towards the bottom of the window 22 with respect to the door structure 20. The window 22 is therefore movable up and down on a predetermined plane between the panel members

  internal and external of the door structure 20.

  The regulating system provided for the door structure thus constructed and arranged comprises a base plate 23 secured firmly to the inner face of the inner panel member 21 of the door structure 20 by suitable fastening means such as bolts and bolts. nuts (not shown). The "inner" face of the inner panel member 21 in this case, -indicates the face of the panel member 21 which is inwardly of the door structure 20 in itself, while the "internal" panel member 21 indicates the panel of the door structure 20 which is inwardly of

the cab of the vehicle. -

  The regulating system illustrated in FIG. 3 further comprises an ice handling handle 24 which is mounted on the inner panel member 21 of the door structure 20 so that the handle 24 can be manipulated from the door. inside the vehicle cab. The handle 24 has an end portion connected to or integral with a

  shaft 33 carrying a gear or gear 34 as one can

  see figure 4. The gear 34 is placed between the

  base plate 23 and the plane along which ice 22-

  must be up and down in the space between

  internal and external panel members of the structure

  The shaft 33 thus carries the handling handle 24 at one end and the gear 34 at its other end, and is rotatable relative to the door structure 20 about its central axis which is substantially normal. to the plan mentioned above. Thus, the handle 24 and the gear 34 are rotatable with the shaft 33 relative to the structure 20 about the central axis of the shaft 33. The gear 34 forming part of the flexible rack drive mechanism and pinion according to the invention consists of a spur gear and is associated with a suitable means (not shown) preventing the return back, for preventing the gear 34 from rotating in a direction opposite to that in which it is driven to a

rotation by the handle 24.

  The flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism incorporated in the ice regulator system of Fig. 3 further comprises an elongated hollow guide tube 35 which extends in a generally J-shaped configuration on the inner face of the member.

  forming an inner panel 21 of the door structure 20.

  The guide tube 35 has a 35% curved portion (FIG. 4) extending on the base plate 23 and a substantially straight top portion 35b (FIG. 5) directed upwards towards the lower end of the

  22, that is to say, extending substantially parallel-

  two lower parts 32a and 32b of the frame 32.

  The guide tube 35 has, in its curved portion 35a,

  an opening 36 by o projects the engraft slightly

  34 in the tube 35 as can be seen in FIG. 4. The guide tube 35 is securely fastened at appropriate locations to the inner face of the inner panel member 21 of the door structure 20 by means of appropriate means of fixation

  37 which are attached to the inner panel member 21.

  In Fig. 6, the hollow guide tube 35 is shown attached in each of these locations by two fastening means 37 each of which is secured to the inner face of the inner panel member 21 by means of a bolt 38. and a nut 39 which is suitably attached to the tube. On the other hand, the guide tube 35 is welded or brazed to the base plate 23 along its curved portion which extends over the base plate 23, so that the curved portion 35a of the tube 35 is fixed with respect to the plate base 23 and consequently to the shaft 33 carrying the gear 34. For a reason which will be better understood below, the upper right part b of the guide tube 35 comprises a longitudinal slot which opens towards the previously mentioned plane on wherein the glass 22 is vertically movable between the inner and outer panel members of the structure

  forming door 20 as can be seen in Figure 6.

  The flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism comprising the hollow guide tube 35 further comprises a flexible rack member

  and elongated 41 indicated in dotted line in FIG.

  As indicated partially on an enlarged scale in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flexible rack member 41 provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6 consists of a coil steel cord 42.

  helically, elastically expandable longitudinally

  nally. The endless mobile cable 42 extends into and through the hollow guide tube 35 and is securely connected to the front end of its upper right portion at a lower end portion of the lens 22 by a suitable fastening means schematically. indicated at 43 in Figure 3. As shown in detail in Figure 6, the fixing means 43 comprises two tabs 44 welded or brazed as in W. to a top right portion of the flexible member 41 near the l upper end of the particular part. The tabs 44 project radially outwardly from the steel wire 42 to the inner face of the glass 22 through the longitudinal slot 40 previously mentioned in the portion 351 of the tube 35 and are securely attached to the internal face of the glass 22 by bolts 45 and nuts 46. The slot 40 in the upper right part 35h of the guide tube 35 is elongate in the longitudinal direction in the part 35b of the tube 35, so the

  tabs 44 are movable through the longitudinal slot 40-

  Thus, the ice 22 and the serpentine steel target 42 constituting the flexible rack member 41 are movable together longitudinally to the upper right portion 35b of the guide tube 35; to say in the upward direction and

  downwards substantially parallel to the lower parts

  32 and 32b of the frame 32. The construction and arrangement of the attachment means 43 described above is merely to illustrate the invention and can therefore be varied in many ways as long as the cable 42 can be firmly anchored to or adjacent to its upper end to the ice 22 so as to be free to move longitudinally to the upper right

b of the hollow guide tube 35.

  The serpentine steel target 42 constituting the flexible rack member 41 has, over its entire length or at least on the portion extending over the curved portion 35a of the guide tube 35, a substantially equilateral trapezoidal cross-section. radially outwardly reducing the generally tubular construction of the target 42 as can be seen in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the target 42 has helical pitches such as the individual helical elements of the target 42 having such a cross section. are in contact with each other or kept close to each other at the radially inner and widened ends or bases of the cross-sections when the target 42 is kept in the relaxed state substantially without

  constraint, as can be seen in Figure 5.

  In the bent portion 35a of the hollow guide tube 35, the target 42 is subjected to a bending force and is thus forced to bend along the bent portion 35a of the tube 35 as can be seen in FIG. The helical elements constituting such a curved portion of the target 42 are forced to be spaced from each other along the outer ridge of the extended side of the curved portion of the cable 42. As a result, gaps or gaps are formed between adjacent helical elements forming the curved portion of the cable 42 along the outer ridge of the particular portion. In FIG. 4, one of these sets or spaces is indicated in G, which represents the clearance or space formed between two adjacent helical elements H and H 'of the cable 42. Thus, the cable 42 is engaged by the gear 34 so that one of the teeth of the gear 34 projecting slightly into the hollow guide tube 35 through its opening 36 enters the gap or clearance G of the cable 42. When the gear 34 is entralné for rotation in a direction about the central axis of the shaft 33, the tooth which has adapted in the space or clearance G is forced to pass over the helical element H or H 'and forces the curved portion of the cable 42 to move in the curved portion 35a of the guide tube 35 in a direction indicated by an arrow X or a direction indicated by an arrow Y in Figure 4, in the direction of rotation of the gear 34. While the tooth mentioned above of the gear thus comes out of the game or space G, a tooth located at the rear of the e ngrenage 34 in rotation is forced to enter

  Space or Game formed between the elements in helix

  according to the above-mentioned elements H and H 'of the cable 42. This forces the curved portion of the cable 42 to move further in the bent portion 35a of the tube

  guiding hollow. 35. In this way, the individual elements

  helical duels constituting the curved portion of the cable 42 moving in the curved portion 35a of the guide tube, come, in succession, in engagement, one after the other, with the teeth of the gear 35 driven in rotation around the As a result, the rotating gear 34 is constantly held in engagement with the helical elements of the curved portion of the cable 42, which is therefore forced to move in its entirety through the hollow guide tube 35. When the helical elements of the cable 42 thus displaced end in the hollow guide tube 35 out of the curved portion 35a of this tube 35 to enter the straight or less curved portion of the tube 35, the elements propeller can resume their initial position relative to each other, and are thus in contact or close

  from each other by the widened ends and radial-

  internal organs or bases of their cross-sections.

  For this reason, the helical elements of the cable 42 which have emerged from the curved portion 35a of the tube 35 can not be engaged by the gear 34. It is apparent that the radius of curvature of the curved portion 35! hollow tube 35 must be chosen so that the cable 42 passing through the particular part of the guide tube 35 can not

  deform beyond its elastic limit.

  When the ice handling handle 24 is turned by hand in a direction about the central axis of the shaft 33, the gear 34 is rotated also about the axis of the shaft 33 and, in turn, it entralne the cable 42 to move endlessly through the hollow guide tube 35 in the direction of the arrow X or Y in Figures 4 and 5 according to the direction in which is turned the handle 24. The movement axial axis of the target 42 in the tube 35 attached to the door structure 20 is accompanied by a downward or upward movement of the glass 22 relative to the structure 20, by the fixing means 43 provided between the glass 22 and the target 42. This movement of the ice 22 is guided by the front and rear lower portions 32a and 32k of the frame 32 attached to the panel member

internal 21.

  In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the window 22 must be raised relative to the door structure 20 by the axial movement of the target 42 in the direction of the arrow X in FIGS. 4 and 5 and must be descended with respect to the structure by the axial movement of the target 42 in the direction

247313-8

  of the arrow Y in FIGS. 4 and 5. When the cable 42 is moved in the direction of the arrow X through the hollow guide tube 35 which is fixed to the door structure 20, the weight of the ice 22 which is upwardly relative to the structure 20 is at least partially supported by the portion of the cable 42 located between the gear 34 and the fixing means 43 connecting the lens 22 and the cable 42. The cable 42 being moved in the direction of the arrow X is subjected, for this reason, to a compressive force exerted by the weight of the mirror 22. When, conversely, the cable 42 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y in the guide tube 35, the part of the cable 42 between the gear 34 and the fixing means 43 is axially subjected to a resulting traction

  the resistance of the ice 22 to the downward movement.

  The cable 42 moved in the direction of the arrow Y is therefore subjected to a tensile force resulting from

  this resistance to the descent movement of the ice 22. As in this case, the resistance to the descent movement of the ice 22

  is somewhat offset by the weight of this ice 22, the pulling force to be produced in the cable 42 during the downward movement of the ice 22 is much lower than the compression force to be produced in the cable 42 during the ascent of As a result, the cable 42 can sufficiently absorb the pulling force to be produced during the descent of the

ice cream 22.

  On the other hand, when the cable 42 is subjected to a compressive force during the upward movement of the lens 22, the individual helical elements constituting the cable portion 42 between the gear 34 and the attachment means 43 are kept close to each other by the radially inner and widened ends or bases of their cross sections. The portion of the cable 42 which is formed by these helical elements is substantially similar to a hollow and rigid tube and for this reason, it can withstand the compressive force applied to the cable 42 during the upstroke movement.

ice cream 22.

  Figures 7 to 13 of the drawings show various modifications of the flexible rack member 41 consisting of the serpentine steel cable 42 in the embodiment previously described with reference to the

Figures 3 to 6.

  Of the modifications shown in FIGS. 7 to 13, each of the flexible rack members 41 of FIGS.

  a steel cable wound helically.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the flexible rack member 41 is illustrated as consisting of a helically wound steel target 42a having a V-shaped equilateral triangular cross-section radially outwardly of the construction generally tubular target 42a. The target 42a has helical pitches which are such that the individual helical elements of the cable 42a having this triangular cross-section are in contact or close to each other on the radially inner and widened ends or bases of the cross-sections when the cable 42a is kept in the relaxed state substantially free of stress or force, as indicated in solid lines in FIG. 7. When the cable 42a thus configured is subjected to a bending force and is thus forced to bend partially as it is shown in phantom in Figure 7, the helical elements constituting the curved portion of the cable 42a are spaced from each other and form spaces or gaps therebetween, along the outer ridge of the extended side of the curved portion. The cable 42a can thus be engaged, by these spaces or games, by the teeth of a gear built and arranged as the gear of the embodiment of the mechanism described by reference.

Figures 3 to 6.

  Referring to Figure 8, the flexible rack member 41 is illustrated as consisting of a helically wound steel cable 42b, whose cross section is reduced radially outwardly of the generally tubular construction of the cable. 42b, with two profiles each consisting of an involute curve as the profiles of a gear tooth involute. The flexible member 41 thus formed of this cable 42b also functions essentially as the flexible member 41 consisting of the cable 42 of the embodiment of the mechanism described with reference to FIGS.

  3 to 6, as will be easily understood.

  The flexible rack member 41 of Fig. 9 consists of a helically wound steel cable 42c having a rectangular cross section. The cable 42o is wound so as to have predetermined steps II when the cable 42c is maintained in the relaxed state substantially without stress or force. Thus, the cable 42c of the flexible rack member 41 of Figure 9 is axially not only expandable but also compressible. When such a 42e cable is subjected to a

  compression force in its axial direction, its construction

  The generally tubular arrangement is axially elastically contracted until the individual helical elements of the cable are brought into close contact with each other. When the helical elements of the cable 42c are thus kept in close contact with one another, the tubular construction of the cable 42c can no longer be contracted axially. When the flexible member 41 consisting of such a cable 42e is used in an ice control system for a door structure of a motor vehicle as in the arrangement of Figure 3, the rack member 41 is moved without end relative to the door structure with the individual helical elements of the cable 42c held in contact or only slightly spaced from each other during the upward movement of the ice of the structure

forming door.

  Referring to Figure 10 of the drawings, the flexible rack member 41 is illustrated as consisting of a helically wound steel target 42d having a substantially circular cross-section. In this case, the target 42d is helically wound at steps which are such that the individual impeller elements of the target 42d are held in contact with each other when the cable 42d is

  maintained in the relic state substantially unconstrained.

  The flexible rack member of FIG. 11 consists of a rolled steel 42e target

  helically, having an elliptical cross-section

  radially wider in the generally tubular configuration of the rack member 41 than in its axial direction. The target 42 is wound helically so as to have predetermined steps! 2 when the

  target 42! is maintained substantially without constraint.

  The member 41 consisting of such a 42e cable thus provides effects substantially similar to those that can be achieved by the member 41 consisting of the cable

  coiled coil 42o shown in Figure 9.

  On the other hand, the flexible rack member 41 of Fig. 12 is provided in combination with a flexible and elongate member 47 having a substantially circular cross-section. The member 41 of the arrangement of this figure is in itself constituted by a helically wound steel target 42f having a substantially square cross-section, and chamfered edges. The cable 42f is wound helicoldally around the peripheral surface of

  the element 47 so as to have predetermined steps e3.

  Thus, the element 47 serves to reinforce the target 42f and thus enables this target to withstand the greatest compressive and tensile forces when used in an ice control system of a door structure of a vehicle automobile. For this reason, the target 42f can be used by being subjected to a tensile force of a considerable degree when the door structure glass provided with this regulating system

  must be raised in relation to the door structure.

  It is apparent that each of the flexible rack members 41 of FIGS. 5 to 11 may also be provided in combination with a core member similar to member 47 of the arrangement of FIG. 12 in order to achieve the benefits of this member reinforcement. In the flexible rack members 41 of FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, the spacings e1, 2 and e3 between the individual helical elements of the coiled steel cables 42c, 42e and 42f, respectively, are preferably selected so that the elements in a helix having these pitches do not allow the entry of a tooth of a right gear (not shown) into the space or clearance between two adjacent helical elements when each of the wound steel cables is in relaxed condition or released substantially without restraint. When each of these cables 42c, 42e and 42f is partially curved, the steps between the individual helical elements constituting the curved portion are widened along the outer ridge of the extended side of the curved portion and allow the entry of the teeth of the curved portion. gear in the spaces or gaps between these helical elements to allow a corresponding engagement established between the right gear and each

Cables.

  Referring to Figure 13 of the drawings, the flexible rack member 41 is illustrated as consisting of a flexible, elongated member 42, constructed of an elastic synthetic resin, and having a substantially circular cross-section. The member 42 & has a peripheral wall with a groove 48 extending

  helically having, for example, a cross-section

  V-shaped with consequent helical thread 49

  cross section substantially equilateral trapezoidal

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  stUep: .T0oP eseueJzueT op siuap sep q.Bupe: .e ejTLnoT: lZed eTq.ed el Bp eu.0zexa el.o.o aT op Suol el snld oznos Z eBlqLxeTT aueg1zoT ep e9q. noo eOT.zud u eluup gV iajoi and the 9qqinoo oluemeT [BeTlO.ed tuTe 1.9 sa e uo'xOT op eo0o, aun q STmno0. 1.e YtZ7 eTqTXO B1xe eu, T little t * e: uwTZ1U0 oo

  8: 799: TQTXoT.

  Where?, T pueB (g0ue9sgxdez uou) 1ToJp 092eue, 0 .. a, p q.uop eun, p ez. Southeast 1.1.loed to ea0.o0.1.0eo ouenb llet..se 917 eao21 and op, ne0aeEt el YZ17 eue2.zo, t opeU.1szeAsuvi: l 8úkîiZ door structure 20. The rod 51 s' extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which ice 22 is to be raised and lowered relative to the

door structure 20.

  The control system of Fig. 14 is constructed and arranged essentially as its counterpart of the arrangement of Fig. 3 except that the flexible rack member 41 in the arrangement of Fig. 14 is anchored to the front end of its upper right portion to the above mentioned support plate by a suitable fastening means 43 '. other

  components and elements of the regulating system of the agency-

  Figure 14 are similar to their respective counterparts of the regulating system of Figure 13, and are

  therefore represented by identical landmarks.

  When the handling handle 24 is turned by hand in one direction in the regulating system of the arrangement of Fig. 14, the flexible rack member 41 is moved endlessly through the hollow guide tube 35 and forces the ice 22 up or down relative to the door structure 20

  according to the direction in which is turned the handle 24.

  In this case, the ice 22 is raised or lowered in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rod 51, under the effect of

  the guide member 52 sliding on the rod 51.

  The spur gear for use as a pinion in the flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism according to the present invention can be manufactured by machining a steel blank using a tool or by die-cutting such a gear. a blank in a power press. The product obtained in each of these ways is then preferably quenched, tempered, carburized, nitrided, heated by induction and / or grease to add to the strength of the product and its surface resistance to wear and tear. 'abrasion. If desired, the spur gear can be constructed of a tough and wear resistant synthetic resin. Furthermore, the hollow guide tube also forming part of the drive mechanism according to the invention is preferably, in particular when it is constructed of metal, coated with a layer of a synthetic resin on its inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the hollow guide member is inevitably partially contacted by the flexible rack member extending into the guide tube, since this rack member is deformed, for example, by the weight of the ice supported by the rack member in weight transmission relationship, and any other external force that may be exerted on the rack member. When the flexible rack member is driven to move through the hollow guide tube, for example, by turning the ice handling handle of a system

  door mirror regulator, the body forming a cremator-

  Thus, the partial contact of the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube slides over the contact areas of the surface, producing noise and frictional resistance between the rack member and the contact areas of the guide tube. The coating of a synthetic resin applied to the inner peripheral surface of the hollow guide tube helps to reduce such noise and frictional resistance. For the same purpose, the flexible rack member may also be coated with a layer of a synthetic resin

  especially on its outer surface parts.

  As will be understood from reading the

  description above, the drive mechanism for

  Flexible rack and pinion according to the present invention comprises, in combination, a gear such as gear 35 of FIGS. 3 and 4 and a flexible and elongate rack member 41 having a substantially circular cross-section and a rib. helical extension consisting of a number of helical elements which are elastically deformable to be at least partially spaced from each other to form spaces or gaps between adjacent helical elements. The gear such as the gear 34 and the flexible rack member 41 are placed relative to one another so that the gear can engage the above games or spaces with the elements in question. propeller that are at

  less partially spaced. The vein above mentions

  In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 12, a radially outer portion of the helically wound wire 42 or each of the helically wound cables 42a to 42f or the helicoidal thread 49 of the embodiment of FIG. the figure. In the thus-constructed drive mechanism, the gear can be constantly engaged with the helical elements of the flexible rack member when these elements form a curved or bent portion of the rack member subjected to a force. bending. For this reason, the drive mechanism according to the invention makes it possible, among other things, to avoid noise between the gear and the flexible rack member which can be reliably driven by the rotation.

  of the gear. Moreover, in the mechanism according to the invention

  the gearing part of the mechanism may consist of an economic right gear to study and manufacture, and which can be manufactured in a reduced number

  of steps for production control and quality.

  When the driving mechanism according to the invention comprises a hollow guide tube having a curved portion which is partially open in the vicinity of the gearing as in the case of the guide tube 35 of each of the arrangements of Figures 3 to 14, the flexible rack member passing through the guide tube can be accurately moved along the tube,

  particular along its curved portion.

  Furthermore, when the flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism according to the invention is used in an ice control system of a motor vehicle, the door structure containing an ice can be designed and designed easily and can be constructed without strictly take into account the need for internal space of the door structure. This can help reduce the weight of the structure and ultimately reduce the overall weight of a vehicle

automobile as a whole.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown which have been given by way of example. In particular, it includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are executed according to its spirit and implemented.

  in the context of protection as claimed.

Claims (16)

  1.- flexible rack and pinion drive mechanism, characterized in that it comprises: a gear (34) rotatable about its central axis; and a flexible, elongate rack member (41) having a circular cross-section and a helically extending rib, consisting of   of a number of helical elements which are elastic   deformable to be at least partially spaced apart from each other to form gaps between adjacent helical elements which are at least partially spaced apart from each other, said gear and said flexible rack member being relative to said other gear so that said gear can engage said sets (G) with said gear elements (H. H ') which are at least   partially spaced apart from each other.   2.- Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid gear is constituted a right gear.   3.- Mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a hollow guide tube (35) having at least one curved portion (35A) in the vicinity of the aforementioned gear, with an opening (36) by said gear slightly protrudes into said tube, said flexible rack member (41) extending into said hollow guide tube and having a bent portion in the bent portion of said tube, said helical members of said bent portion said rack member being spaced from each other along the outer ridge of the extended side of said curved portion of said rack member to thereby form the aforesaid games between said helical members of said curved portion of said rack member. 4.- Mechanism according to any of the   preceding claims, characterized in that the   aforesaid helical elements of the aforementioned rib have between them steps which are such that said helical elements of said rib% has kept in contact with each other when said flexible rack member is maintained in the relaxed state substantially without restraint.   5.- Mechanism according to any one of   1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the   aforementioned helical elements of the aforementioned rib have between them steps which are such that said helical elements are kept close to each other when the aforementioned flexible rack member is   maintained in the relaxed state substantially unconstrained.   6.- Mechanism according to any one of   claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the organ   The aforesaid flexible rack-and-spoke system consists of a helically wound resilient cable (42) having a   radially outer portion constituting the aforementioned rib.   7. Mechanism according to claim 6,   characterized in that said target has a cross-section   substantially equilateral trapezoidal diaphragm reducing radially outwardly of the forming member flexible rack above.   8. Mechanism according to claim 6,   characterized in that the aforesaid cable has a trans-   triangular substantially equilateral diaphragm (42a) radially reduced to the outside 1 of the forming member flexible rack above.   9. Mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the target (42b) above has a cross section which is reduced radially outwardly of the aforementioned flexible rack member and which comprises two profiles each consisting of a curve to involute.   - Mechanism according to any of the   claims 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the elements   said helical elements of the aforesaid cable have between them steps which are such that said helical elements are kept in contact with each other at the widened and radially inner ends of said elements when said flexible rack member is maintained   in the relaxed state substantially unconstrained.   11.- Mechanism according to any one of   claims 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the elements   in said helix of the aforementioned cable have steps between them which are such that said helical elements are kept close to each other at the widened and radially inner ends of said elements when said flexible rack member is maintained   in a relaxed state substantially unconstrained.   12.- Mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the elastic cable and wound above   (42c) has a substantially rectangular cross section.   13.- Mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the cable (42d) above has a section   substantially circular transverse.   14.- Mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the cable (42e) above has a section   substantially elliptical transverse.   15. A mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that the above-mentioned elliptical cross-section of the aforesaid cable has, in the radial direction of the aforementioned rack-forming member, a measurement which is greater than the measurement of said cable in the direction   axial of said rack member.   16.- Mechanism according to any one of   Claims 7 to 9, and 12 to 15, characterized in that   the aforesaid helical elements of the aforesaid cable are spaced apart from one another at predetermined steps when the aforesaid flexible rack member is maintained   in the relaxed state substantially unconstrained.   its op A, L tp 9TmTxozd q eTqTxe,, izTTUUo.uuuzo ,; uu, 2.o Tpel% uSeMepTTos% ueTtJ (17) UOTl.UxT th e uu a z oo oo oo oo oo oo oo o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 9% Toajd es2uej2ue, T '.jqpT.zod sp esn.otuq. oq.TpUT I agxT, (Z) eseq ep enbeld eun pue.duoo Jnsltn9gjz eumqos.s ipel enb ao ue UST ao.zweo 'ieaqla.Zod ep Jnz.ornzs. ei1TPet%. oddeu. zed aeTqoW eoeT esun Iuueusedwoo edT up eJaTixod ep aer4onaz; s eun, p eoeT2 ep ineelns2le 9 esles8 a suep oú iocdaoouT ç UOTeoTPue Aea and uotesTueog - 'Z * (zz) eou $ elTPeT q s9, Tmal.xe his op eun , he said. 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TpelT enb eo ue Tap qoou.zeo eajnonzj.s e.Tpel V q.zoddea aed eITqou eoesp eam lueuedmoo EDCL np eaeTe-.zod Sp ea.Unonfzs eun, p eoelt ap.znesireat 0Z em.sXs a SUAP giodLoouT No. ú z . suoTeoTpueAeaJ sep enbuootenb eun, uoTes emsTueop -, oz * (617) e1steTT,% .Tpp P oTTPquauseTI. ed seap sxd sgnlTsuoo% ue9% anAlazeu olTpeT Sp eoTTq ue ssweet set% e a2o2 s eTpeI SpeoTl9qe saeT.ed sep jud puzo3 1% Xuen. s9o9.Zd xner sel 'el.To.Jd eJntazeau it l4T: l.uoo Tnb TeP; ooTt9q Bu.lelTj a ueuzoj (wr7) eluPiOotlt9q uo.e, op uepues9, s aSeo: eun oeAB enbTselT enbTq: Luls ouçTsz eun, p% Tn.42isuoo is 9% .TOgad (ZY17) olqTxaT aeqllTeTlmJo l.ueuZO, auleSJo, lt enb ao 9sTaoe.zeo 'ú no z' I OuTeoTpusae 0k sep enbuoolTenb eun, T uolas emsTueo, - * 61 * guTep jqo   sp.zoq sep oeau oFenTuleoe.z. uemelqTesues teTsJa uez.   ednoo eun e, a.Tog.d (8 *) elqVo ETL enb ue 99T.tpoe ao zo I, UOTeoTpuAeaJ el uolTes oUSTuog - * 5 gL pTop: d enbTflsetlp eqo etl OT1Tq 9Ino ue * ue.se Tenbnp.none (Z ,) e9luolTTu e aelqTxsaU tuemu.zo, lueup9g a snTd ep pueazdumoo lT, nb oo uo peTXaqouluo 9 UOTUoTpuoAea Mt uolts emsTuouxo -'Lk "Z 8úkizEz ends to said mirror (22), the aforementioned hollow guide tube (35) being attached to said door structure and   having its curved portion attached to said base plate.   22.- Mechanism according to any of the   claims 1, 2 or 3 -incorporated in a system   ice regulator of a door structure having a   mobile ice on a predetermined plane in directions.   opposed to said door structure, said flexible rack member being movable along a path having a substantially straight portion extending in a plane substantially parallel to said predetermined plane, characterized in that said rack member is anchored to one end to said ice to be subjected to a compressive force when said ice is moved in one of its two opposite directions and to a force   traction when moved in the other direction.   23.- Mechanism according to claim 3 incorporated in an ice control system of a door structure of the type comprising a window movable relative to said door structure in substantially opposite vertical directions, characterized in that said control system comprises a a base plate attached to said door structure, the aforesaid gear mounted therein for rotation about its central axis and a fastener means securely connecting said flexible rack member proximate an end to said window, the aforesaid guide having a substantially straight portion ending up near said ice and the aforesaid rack member being partially movable and connected to said securing means by said straight portion, whereby said rack member is subjected to a compressive force when said ice is moved downward with respect to said structure of the door and at a traction force when said window is raised with respect to said door structure.