US20170253108A1 - Motor vehicle window assembly - Google Patents
Motor vehicle window assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170253108A1 US20170253108A1 US15/601,144 US201715601144A US2017253108A1 US 20170253108 A1 US20170253108 A1 US 20170253108A1 US 201715601144 A US201715601144 A US 201715601144A US 2017253108 A1 US2017253108 A1 US 2017253108A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- window assembly
- elongate
- movable window
- plane
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J1/00—Windows; Windscreens; Accessories therefor
- B60J1/18—Windows; Windscreens; Accessories therefor arranged at the vehicle rear
- B60J1/1838—Windows; Windscreens; Accessories therefor arranged at the vehicle rear movable for non-convertible vehicles, including vehicles with versatile load area
- B60J1/1846—Windows; Windscreens; Accessories therefor arranged at the vehicle rear movable for non-convertible vehicles, including vehicles with versatile load area where the window can slide
- B60J1/1853—Windows; Windscreens; Accessories therefor arranged at the vehicle rear movable for non-convertible vehicles, including vehicles with versatile load area where the window can slide horizontally in direction transverse to vehicle longitudinal axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/023—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices including defroster or demisting means
- B60S1/026—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices including defroster or demisting means using electrical means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/84—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/016—Heaters using particular connecting means
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a window assembly for a motor vehicle.
- Vehicle window assemblies come in many different forms.
- a motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a first defrost grid, and a guide rail assembly including an elongate guide having a straight guide portion and an oblique guide portion and an elongate conductor in electrical communication with the first defrost grid and having a straight conductor portion and an oblique conductor portion. Also, a movable window assembly is carried by the guide rail assembly to move along an elongate path of travel between a closed position and an open position.
- the movable window assembly may include a pane having a second defrost grid, and a wiper in electrical communication between the second defrost grid and the elongate conductor of the guide rail assembly.
- the wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly is in the open and closed positions, and the wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor along at least a portion of the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly travels along the elongate path.
- a motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a first defrost grid, a fixed conductor in electrical communication with the first defrost grid, and a guide rail, wherein the conductor and the guide rail have straight portions and oblique portions.
- the assembly also may include a movable pane guided by the guide rail for movement between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in a second plane offset from the first plane, and a second defrost grid carried by the movable pane.
- the assembly further may include a movable conductor electrically communicated between the second defrost grid and the fixed conductor and movable with the movable pane and relative to the fixed conductor when the movable pane is moved between its open and closed positions, and the movable conductor is in contact with and wipes across at least a portion of the fixed conductor during at least a portion of the movement of the movable pane between its open and closed positions.
- a motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a surface, and a guide rail assembly extending in a direction away from the surface of the fixed pane and including an elongate guide having a straight portion and an oblique portion. Also, a movable window assembly is carried by the guide rail assembly to move along an elongate path of travel between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in a second plane offset from the first plane and spaced apart from the surface of the fixed pane.
- the movable window assembly may include a pane, and a cable connector portion coupled to the pane.
- the motor vehicle window assembly further may include an actuator cable including a core having a terminus coupled to the cable connector portion of the movable window assembly, and a sheath covering at least a portion of the core.
- an actuator cable including a core having a terminus coupled to the cable connector portion of the movable window assembly, and a sheath covering at least a portion of the core.
- a motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a surface and a first defrost grid, and a guide rail assembly extending in a direction away from the surface of the fixed pane and including an elongate guide having a straight guide portion and an oblique guide portion and an elongate conductor in electrical communication with the first defrost grid and having a straight conductor portion and an oblique conductor portion. Also, a movable window assembly is carried by the guide rail assembly to move along an elongate path of travel between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in a second plane offset from the first plane and spaced apart from the surface of the fixed pane.
- the movable window assembly may include a pane having a second defrost grid, a cable connector portion coupled to the pane, and a wiper in electrical communication between the second defrost grid and the elongate conductor of the guide rail assembly.
- the wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly is in the open and closed positions, and the wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor along at least a portion of the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly travels along the elongate path.
- the motor vehicle window assembly further may include an actuator cable including a core having a terminus coupled to the cable connector portion of the movable window assembly, and a sheath covering at least a portion of the core.
- the movable window assembly moves in a direction extending away from the open position along the second plane, toward the closed position out of the second plane, and into the closed position in the first plane such that the terminus of the core is carried out of the second plane by the movable window assembly.
- FIG. 1 is an overview of one implementation of a motor vehicle window assembly having a movable window assembly in a closed position
- FIG. 2 is the window assembly of FIG. 1 including the movable window assembly in an open position
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 2 , illustrating a portion of an example implementation of a guide rail assembly including an elongate guide and a first elongate conductor extending along the elongate guide;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of another portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating another portion of the guide rail assembly of FIG. 3 including the elongate guide and a second elongate conductor extending along the elongate guide;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating an example implementation of a mounting and conductor arrangement between the guide rail assembly and the movable window assembly;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating an example implementation of another mounting and conductor arrangement between the guide rail assembly and the movable window assembly;
- FIG. 7 is a further enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the mounting and conductor arrangement of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 is a further enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the mounting and conductor arrangement of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 , illustrating a hub of a follower in the elongate guide;
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 7 , illustrating a cam of the follower in the elongate guide;
- FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating a portion of the guide rail assembly including the elongate guides and followers in the guides when the movable window assembly is in the closed position;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower is moving from a straight portion of the elongate guide to an oblique portion of the elongate guide toward the closed position of the movable window assembly;
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown in FIG. 13 and a hub and a cam of the follower are disposed in a first curvate section of the oblique portion of the elongate guide;
- FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown in FIG. 14 and the hub of the follower is disposed in a second curvate section of the oblique portion of the elongate guide and the cam of the follower is disposed in the first curvate section;
- FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved into the closed position, and the hub of the follower is disposed in the second curvate section and the cam of the follower is disposed in the first curvate section;
- FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating another example implementation of a mounting and conductor arrangement between the guide rail assembly and a movable window assembly;
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting and conductor arrangement of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 19 is an overview of another implementation of a motor vehicle window assembly having a movable window assembly in a closed position and having a guide rail assembly;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an elongate conductor assembly of the guide rail assembly of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 19 , illustrating a portion of an example implementation of a guide rail assembly including first and second elongate conductors for cooperation with conductors of a movable window;
- FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the motor vehicle window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating a lower guide rail assembly and a portion of the movable window assembly in a plane parallel to an end portion of an actuator cable just before the movable window assembly moves out of the plane toward a closed position;
- FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the window assembly of FIG. 22 , illustrating the movable window assembly moved out of the plane toward the closed position;
- FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the window assembly of FIG. 22 , illustrating the movable window assembly moved into another plane in the closed position;
- FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating a portion of the guide rail assembly and a cable mount;
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the portion of the guide rail assembly of FIG. 25 with the cable mount of FIG. 25 coupled thereto;
- FIG. 27 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 , illustrating a portion of the movable window assembly to accept an actuator cable core terminus;
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the portion of the window of FIG. 27 , taken from a different angle.
- this description includes various example implementations of a motor vehicle window assembly.
- electricity can be communicated to a defrost grid of a pane of a movable window assembly when the movable window assembly is in open and closed positions and when travelling along a path between the open and closed positions.
- a movable window assembly moves in a direction extending away from an open position along a second plane, toward a closed position out of the second plane, and into the closed position in a first plane such that a terminus of a core of an actuator cable is carried out of the second plane by the movable window assembly.
- the first and second implementations are combined.
- the example implementations will be described with reference to use in a frameless, one-piece fixed pane type of backlight of a pickup truck. However, it will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the claimed invention is useful in many different applications and may be implemented in many other implementations.
- the claimed invention may be used in a backlight having a frame carrying a plurality of the fixed panes.
- the claimed invention may be used in a side vent of a minivan or car, or in any other location of any other type of motor vehicle.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a motor vehicle window assembly 10 including one or more fixed pane 12 having one or more defrost grids 14 , 15 , a guide rail assembly 16 , and a movable window assembly 18 carried by the guide rail assembly 16 along a path of travel between a closed position (for example, represented by FIG. 1 ) and an open position (for example, represented by FIG. 2 ).
- the path of travel may be elongate.
- the term “elongate” includes something that has a length greater than its width.
- the guide rail assembly 16 may be an upper guide rail assembly, and the window assembly 10 also may include another, lower, guide rail assembly 16 ′ that also may be used to carry and/or guide the movable window assembly 18 .
- the movable window assembly 18 may be moved in any suitable manner by any suitable means.
- the window assembly 10 also may include an actuator 20 and one or more actuator cables 21 , 22 coupled to the actuator 20 and to the movable window assembly 18 to open and close the movable window assembly 18 .
- the actuator 20 may be electrically powered and may include, for example, an electric motor and a cable-drum window regulator including the cables 21 , 22 .
- the actuator 20 may be manually activated and may include, for example, a Bowden wire type of actuating device (not shown) coupled to the cables 21 , 22 .
- the actuator 20 and cables 21 , 22 may be or may include any other suitable actuating device(s) to actuate movement of the movable window assembly 18 .
- the movable window assembly 18 may move along the elongate path in a direction generally parallel to a sliding or first axis A, and also may move in a direction transverse with respect to the first axis A that may have a component of direction along a normal or second axis B.
- the movable window assembly 18 may be constrained against travel in a transverse or third axis C by the guide rail assembly 16 .
- the movable window assembly 18 also may include a pane 28 having a second defrost grid 30 .
- the pane 28 may be composed of glass, plastic, or any other suitable material.
- the second defrost grid 30 may include a first bus 30 a at one side of the pane 28 as shown in FIG. 5 , a second bus 30 b at another side of the pane 28 as shown in FIG. 6 , and one or more heater elements 30 c extending between the buses 30 a , 30 b.
- the terminology “defrost grid” includes any suitable device to defrost a window pane.
- the defrost grids 14 , 15 may include terminal buses 14 a , 15 a , intermediate buses 14 b , 15 b , and defrost elements 14 c , 15 c extending between the buses 14 a , 14 b , 15 a , 15 b .
- Suitable connectors or terminals 14 d , 15 d may be brazed, adhered, or coupled in any other suitable manner to the terminal buses 14 a , 15 a .
- the terminal 14 d may be a positive terminal coupled in any suitable manner to a positive feed of any suitable vehicle power source and the terminal 15 d may be a negative terminal coupled in any suitable manner to a negative feed of the vehicle power source, or vice-versa.
- the defrost grids 14 a , 14 b , and 30 may be arranged in series as exemplified by the drawing figures. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the defrost grids 14 a , 14 b , and 30 could be arranged in parallel via use of jumper wires, or the like.
- the guide rail assembly 16 includes one or more guides 24 and one or more conductors 26 .
- the guides 24 and conductors 26 may be elongate.
- the term “guide” includes something that steadies or directs the motion of something else.
- the term “conductor” includes something that conducts electricity.
- the elongate guide 24 may have a shape that establishes the elongate path of travel for the movable window assembly 18
- the elongate conductor may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the guide 24 .
- the guide 24 may include two guide portions 24 a , 24 b for two corresponding portions of the movable window assembly as will be discussed in detail below.
- the elongate conductors 26 may include first and second conductors 26 a , 26 b that may correspond, respectively to first and second guide portions 24 a , 24 b .
- the conductors 26 may be separate and spaced apart in a direction generally parallel to the first axis A.
- the conductors 26 may be identical or different.
- the guide 24 may include non-straight or oblique portions 24 c , 24 d to establish non-linear paths, and straight portions 24 e , 24 f to establish linear paths extending from or in communication with the non-linear paths.
- the portions 24 c , 24 d , 24 e , 24 f may be used to guide the movable window assembly 18 between its closed and open positions.
- the oblique portions 24 c , 24 d may be used to guide the movable window assembly 18 out of a first plane P 1 that may be parallel to the first axis A and into a second plane P 2 that may be parallel to the first axis A.
- the oblique portions 24 c , 24 d may be obliquely disposed with respect to the straight portions 24 e , 24 f and may be angled and/or curved. Also, the straight portions 24 e , 24 f may guide the movable window assembly 18 along the second plane P 2 toward and away from the open position of the movable window assembly 18 .
- the guide rail assembly 16 may extend in a direction away from the fixed pane 12 , wherein the direction is transverse to the third axis C and may be parallel to the second axis B.
- the guide rail assembly 16 may be a portion of a window assembly frame that may carry a plurality of the fixed panes (not shown).
- the guide rail assembly 16 also may include a guide rail 17 of any suitable type and construction.
- the guide rail 17 may be a single piece rail (not shown).
- the guide rail 17 may be a multiple piece rail, for instance, including a reinforcement rail 17 a , and an outer rail carried by the reinforcement rail 17 a that may include a first rail 17 b and an elongate base or second rail 17 c coupled to the first rail 17 b .
- the reinforcement rail 17 a may be coupled to the fixed pane 12 by adhesive, fasteners, integral interengagement, and/or in any other suitable manner.
- the reinforcement rail 17 a may be composed of metal or any other suitable material.
- first and second rails 17 b , 17 c may be separate components that may be coupled together around the reinforcement rail 17 a by adhesive, fasteners, integral interengagement, and/or in any other suitable manner.
- the rails 17 b , 17 c may be portions of a unitary outer rail.
- the rails 17 b , 17 c may be composed of plastic or any other suitable material.
- the elongate guide 24 may be carried by the guide rail 17 .
- the elongate guide 24 may be carried by the second rail 17 c as exemplified in FIG. 9 .
- the elongate guide 24 may include a channel or track open to the elongate conductors 26 .
- the guide 24 may be open-ended in a direction generally parallel to the third axis C and at opposite ends: adjacent to the movable window assembly 18 at one end, and adjacent to the reinforcement rail 17 a at another end.
- the elongate conductors 26 may be carried by the guide rail 17 .
- the elongate conductors 26 may be carried between a portion of the reinforcement rail 17 a and a portion of the second rail 17 c , as illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the conductors 26 may be preassembled to or carried by separate elongate conductor supports 25 a , 25 b that may be carried by the base or second rails 17 c .
- the supports 25 a , 25 b also may electrically insulate the conductors 26 from the reinforcement 17 a .
- the conductors 26 may be disposed adjacent to the elongate guide 24 and may follow the same path as the elongate guide 24 , as exemplified in the drawing figures.
- the elongate conductors 26 may be in electrical communication with the first defrost grid 14 ( FIG. 3 ) and a third defrost grid 15 ( FIG. 4 ).
- electrical couplings or conductors 27 , 29 may include wires 27 a , 29 a connected at one end to their respective conductors 26 with wire brackets 27 b , 29 b and connected at other ends to respective buses 14 b , 15 b of the grids 14 , 15 via other wire brackets 27 c , 29 c .
- the brackets 27 b , 27 c , 29 b , 29 c may be welded, brazed, adhered, fastened, clipped, or coupled in any other suitable manner to the respective conductors 26 and buses 14 b , 15 b.
- the movable window assembly 18 also may include a structural support 46 .
- the structural support 46 may be a frame that may completely surround the pane 28 as exemplified in the drawing figures, or may be a frame portion that may bound one or more portions of the pane 28 , or may be a support of any other suitable type.
- the movable window assembly 18 may include one or more mounts or followers 32 coupled between the pane 28 and the elongate guides 24 of the guide rail assembly 16 to facilitate movement of the movable window assembly 18 along its elongate path of travel.
- the guides 24 and the followers 32 cooperate to guide the pane 28 along its elongate path of travel between its closed position in the first plane P 1 ( FIG. 11 ) and its open position in the second plane P 2 ( FIG. 11 ) offset from the first plane P 1 .
- the term “follower” includes something that follows a guide for steadied or directed motion of something else.
- the movable window assembly 18 also may include additional followers (not shown) in suitable locations for cooperating with additional elongate guides (not shown) of the other guide rail assembly 16 ′ ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
- the followers 32 may be carried by the structural support 46 .
- the followers 32 may include posts 33 that may have fixed ends 33 a that may be coupled to the structural support 46 by press fit, fastening, adhering, welding, or in any other suitable manner.
- the followers 32 may include hubs 36 carried by the posts 33 in any suitable rotatable or pivotable manner, cams 38 spaced from the hubs 36 in a direction extending along the elongate guides 24 , and intermediate portions 42 that connect the cams 38 to the hubs 36 and that may include apertures 44 therethrough.
- the movable window assembly 18 also includes one or more conductors 34 that may be coupled to the followers 32 .
- the conductors 34 may be or may include wipers.
- wiper includes a conductor that wipes across another conductor with sliding, rolling, or otherwise relative motion therebetween.
- the conductors 34 may include cantilevered wipers having fixed ends 34 a and free ends 34 b .
- the fixed ends 34 a may be coupled to the follower posts 33 , for example, at free ends or extensions 33 b thereof.
- the fixed ends 34 a of the conductors 34 may be press fit, fastened, adhered, welded, brazed, or coupled in any other suitable manner to the followers 32 .
- the conductors 34 may extend over the intermediate portions of the followers 32 and may be biased into contact with the elongate conductors 26 .
- the free ends 34 b of the conductors 34 may be cantilevered from the fixed ends 34 a away from the movable window assembly 18 and toward the conductors 26 , and may be curved for good surface contact with the conductors 26 .
- the conductors 34 are in electrical communication between the second defrost grid 30 and the elongate conductors 26 . Also, the conductors 34 are in contact with contact surfaces of the elongate conductors 26 when the movable window assembly 18 is in its open and closed positions, and are in contact with the elongate conductors 26 along at least a portion of the elongate conductors 26 when the movable window assembly 18 travels along its elongate path of travel.
- electrical couplings or conductors 35 , 37 may include wires 35 a , 37 a connected at first ends to their respective conductors 34 and connected at second ends to respective buses 30 a , 30 b of the grid 30 via wire brackets 35 b , 37 b .
- the first ends of the wires 35 a , 37 a may be welded, brazed, adhered, fastened, clipped, or coupled in any other suitable manner to the conductors 34 , for example at the intermediate portions thereof, and with or without brackets.
- the brackets 35 b , 37 b may be welded, brazed, adhered, fastened, clipped, or coupled in any other suitable manner to the respective conductors 34 and buses 30 a , 30 b .
- the wires 35 a , 37 a may extend through the apertures 44 of the intermediate portions 42 of the followers 32 , and may extend through corresponding conductor passages of the structural support 46 adjacent to the posts 33 of the followers 32 .
- FIGS. 12 through 16 illustrate a portion of the elongate guide 24 and one of the followers 32 , and show movement of the follower 32 out of the straight portion 24 e of the elongate guide 24 and to the end of the oblique portion 24 c of the elongate guide 24 .
- FIG. 12 more specifically, illustrates the follower 32 moving from the straight portion 24 e of the elongate guide 24 and entering the oblique portion 24 c of the elongate guide 24 , toward the window assembly closed position.
- the oblique portion 24 c includes an excurvate, or first curvate section O 1 having a first radial center C 1 on one side of the elongate guide 24 , an incurvate, or second curvate section O 2 having a second radial center C 2 on another side of the elongate guide 24 , and an inflection section O 3 between the curvate sections O 1 , O 2 .
- the follower 32 has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown in FIG. 14 . Accordingly, the hub 36 of the follower 32 is disposed in the second curvate section O 2 and the cam 38 is disposed in the first curvate section O 1 .
- the follower 32 has moved into the closed position from the position shown in FIG. 15 , and the hub 36 of the follower 32 is disposed in the second curvate section O 2 and the cam 38 is disposed in the first curvate section O 1 on the other side of the inflection section O 3 to facilitate holding the movable window assembly in the closed position.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate another exemplary implementation of a movable window assembly 218 .
- This implementation is similar in many respects to the implementation of FIGS. 1 through 16 and like numerals between the implementations generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the descriptions of the implementations are incorporated by reference into one another and the common subject matter generally may not be repeated here.
- the movable window assembly 218 includes one or more followers 232 coupled between the pane 28 and the elongate guides (not shown) of the guide rail assembly 16 to facilitate movement of the movable window assembly 218 along its elongate path of travel.
- the followers 232 may be carried by a structural support 246 .
- the followers 232 may include posts 233 that may have fixed ends 233 a that may be coupled to the structural support 246 by press fit, fastening, adhering, welding, or in any other suitable manner.
- the followers 232 may be carried in and may be concentric with conductor passages 248 of the structural support 246 .
- the posts 233 of the followers 232 may include free ends (not shown) about which follower hubs 236 may be coupled in any suitable rotatable manner.
- the posts 233 may include conductor apertures 244 therethrough.
- the movable window assembly 218 also may include one or more conductors 234 that are in contact with the elongate conductors 26 when the movable window assembly 218 is in its open and closed positions, and are in contact with the elongate conductors 26 along at least a portion of the elongate conductors 26 when the movable window assembly 218 travels along its elongate path of travel.
- the conductors 234 may be carried by the followers 232 and may be concentric therewith.
- the conductors 234 may include fixed portions 234 a that may be carried in the posts 233 of the followers 232 , and also may include movable portions or wipers 234 b carried in the conductor apertures 244 and extending therefrom and having free ends in contact with the elongate conductors 26 .
- the conductors 234 further may include springs 234 c between the fixed and movable portions 234 a , 234 b to bias the movable portions 234 b into contact with the elongate conductors 26 .
- the movable portions 234 b may be cylindrical as exemplified in the figures, or spherical, or of any other suitable shape and may include balls, pins, or any other suitable type of components.
- the conductors 234 are in electrical communication between the second defrost grid 30 and the elongate conductors 26 .
- electrical couplings or conductors 235 may include wires 35 a connected at first ends to their respective conductors 234 and connected at second ends to respective buses 30 a of the grid 30 via wire brackets 35 b .
- the first ends of the wires 35 a may be coupled directly to the conductors 234 or, as in the illustrated implementation, may be coupled via additional components.
- the wires 35 a may be coupled to a bracket 35 c , which may be supported by the structural support 246 and may be coupled to the fixed portions 234 a of the conductors 234 that, in turn, may be in electrical communication with the movable wipers 234 b of the conductors 234 via the springs 234 c of the conductors 234 .
- FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another exemplary implementation of a motor vehicle window assembly 410 including another exemplary implementation of a movable window assembly 418 .
- These implementations are similar in many respects to the implementations of FIGS. 1 through 18 and like numerals between the implementations generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the descriptions of the implementations are incorporated by reference into one another and the common subject matter generally may not be repeated here.
- the window assembly 410 includes the fixed pane 12 , a guide rail assembly 416 , and a movable window assembly 418 carried by the guide rail assembly 416 along an elongate path of travel between closed and open positions.
- the window assembly 410 also may include another, lower guide rail assembly 416 ′ that also may be used to carry and/or guide the movable window assembly 418 .
- the guide rail assembly 416 may include a guide rail 417 of any suitable type and construction, and an elongate conductor assembly 419 carried by the guide rail 417 .
- the elongate conductor assembly 419 may include an elongate base 452 that may be coupled to the guide rail 417 ( FIG. 19 ), elongate conductors 426 that may be carried by the elongate base 452 , and the electrical couplings or conductors 27 , 29 to couple the elongate conductors 426 to respective defrost grid buses (not shown).
- the elongate base 452 may be unitary or may be constructed of several separate components, and may be composed of plastic or any other suitable material.
- the elongate base 452 may include elongate conductor guides 424 a , 424 b .
- the guides 424 a , 424 b may include oblique portions 424 c , 424 d and straight portions 424 e , 424 f extending from or in communication with the oblique portions 424 c , 424 d .
- the oblique portions 424 c , 424 d may be obliquely disposed with respect to the straight portions 424 e , 424 f and may be angled and/or curved.
- the elongate conductors 426 are carried by the elongate conductor guides 424 a , 424 b of the base 452 and may include portions corresponding to the paths 424 c , 424 d , 424 e , 424 f of the guides 424 a , 424 b .
- the conductors 426 may be identical, and may be spaced apart in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis C and may substantially overlap one another in a direction generally parallel to the sliding axis A.
- the conductors 426 may include strips or bands of conductive metal, or any other suitable conductive material of any suitable shape.
- the conductors 426 may be adhered, fastened, integrally interengaged, or coupled in any other suitable manner to the base 452 .
- the movable window assembly 418 may include a pane 428 having a second defrost grid 430 .
- the pane 428 may be composed of glass, plastic, or any other suitable material.
- the second defrost grid 430 may include a first bus 430 a at one side of the pane 28 , and a second bus 430 b extending from a location adjacent the first bus 430 a and extending toward and occupying at least a portion of another side of the pane 428 , and one or more heater elements 430 c extending between the buses 430 a , 430 b.
- the movable window assembly 418 also may include a structural support 446 .
- the structural support 446 may be a frame that may completely surround the pane 428 as exemplified in the drawing figures, or may be a frame portion that may bound one or more portions of the pane 428 , or may be a support of any other suitable type.
- the movable window assembly 418 also includes conductors 434 , 435 .
- the conductors 434 , 435 may be carried by the structural support 446 in any suitable manner.
- the conductors 434 , 435 may include cantilevered wipers having fixed ends 434 a , 435 a , free ends 434 b , 435 b , and intermediate portions 434 c , 435 c .
- the fixed ends 434 a , 435 a may be adhered, brazed, or coupled in any other suitable manner to their respective buses 430 a , 430 b .
- the intermediate portions 434 c , 435 c may extend over corresponding portions of the structural support 446 and may be clipped to edges of the structural support 446 with integral clips 434 d , 435 d , and/or may be adhered, fastened, and/or coupled in any other suitable manner to the structural support 446 .
- the free ends 434 b , 435 b may be biased into contact with their respective elongate conductors 426 .
- the free ends 434 b , 435 b may be cantilevered from the intermediate portions 434 c , 435 c and toward the conductors 426 , and may be curved or dished for good surface contact with and smooth traversing of the conductors 426 .
- the movable window assembly 418 may be guided between its closed and open positions by the guides of the previously described implementations and any suitable corresponding devices of the movable window assembly of the previously described implementations.
- Such corresponding devices may include the followers of the previously described implementations, or posts, pins, or any other suitable devices.
- the conductors 426 may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the guides 24 to allow the wipers 434 , 435 to maintain contact with the conductors 426 over the elongate path of travel of the movable window assembly 418 .
- the conductors 426 may be spaced apart from the elongate guides 24 in a direction extending away from the fixed pane 12 .
- the conductors 426 may be oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the elongate guides 24 . Accordingly, the conductors 426 are oriented differently with respect to the guides 24 than the conductors 26 of FIG. 9 .
- the conductors 26 may be oriented generally parallel with respect to the guides 24 . More specifically, the contact surfaces of the conductors 26 are disposed in a plane that is parallel to the direction of the width of the guides 24 along the second axis B.
- the conductors 426 may be oriented such that the contact surfaces thereof are disposed in a plane generally parallel to the first and third axes A, C and, thus, perpendicular to the second axis B.
- the motor vehicle window assembly 10 includes a lower guide rail assembly 16 ′ that may support the movable window assembly 18 instead of or in addition to the upper guide rail assembly 16 .
- the movable window assembly 18 includes the structural support 46 , which may include a cable connector portion 102 , for example, at a lower corner region thereof. Accordingly, the cable connector portion 102 may be coupled to the pane 28 via the structural support 46 or in any other suitable manner.
- the motor vehicle window assembly 10 also may include a cable mount 104 extending in a direction away from a surface of the fixed pane 12 and including a retainer portion 106 to retain the cable 22 .
- the retainer portion 106 may include one or more features integral to the rest of the mount 104 or one or more separate retainer components or both.
- the cable mount 104 may facilitate the non-linear movement of the movable window assembly 18 , wherein a cable pull vector is not linear but planar over complete travel of the assembly 18 .
- the cable 22 includes a core 108 having a terminus 110 coupled to the cable connector portion 102 of the window assembly structural support 46 , and a sheath 112 covering at least a portion of the core 108 and being retained to the cable mount 104 by the retainer portion 106 .
- the terminus 110 may be of any suitable size and shape and may be considered to be that portion of the cable 22 that is coupled to the window assembly 18 .
- the terminus 110 may be generally of cylindrical shape having a diameter about twice that of the core 108 and having a longitudinal axis generally parallel with that of the core 108 .
- FIG. 22 the terminus 110 may be generally of cylindrical shape having a diameter about twice that of the core 108 and having a longitudinal axis generally parallel with that of the core 108 .
- a terminus 110 ′ may be of generally cylindrical shape having a diameter similar to that of the core 108 , but having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to that of the core 108 .
- the terminus 110 may include an enlargement of the core 108 itself, or may include a separate component coupled to the core 108 in any suitable manner.
- the cable mount 104 includes a cable support surface 114 disposed between the fixed pane 12 and a longitudinal axis 116 of the cable 22 .
- the cable support surface 114 may be straight and disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 116 of the cable 22 in a direction toward the fixed pane 12 .
- a cable support surface 114 ′ of a cable mount 104 ′ may be arcuate or otherwise non-linear. The non-linear shape of the surface 114 ′ may facilitate good support of the cable 22 to resist wear and promote good operation of the movable window assembly 18 . This configuration may help avoid concentrated contact of the cable core with the cable sheath.
- the cable mount 104 may be coupled to the lower guide rail assembly 16 ′ in any suitable manner by any suitable configuration.
- the mount 104 may be releasably snap fit to a portion of the lower guide rail assembly 16 ′ and/or may be coupled thereto with a tongue and groove connection therebetween.
- the mount 104 also or instead may be coupled to the assembly 16 ′ via fasteners, adhesive, or in any other suitable manner.
- the portion of the guide rail assembly 16 ′ to which the mount 104 ( FIG. 22 ) is coupled may include a mounting surface 118 to support the mount 104 thereon, an end surface 120 extending from the base surface 118 , and a latch feature 122 that may extend longitudinally from the end surface 120 .
- the latch feature 122 may be a cantilevered bayonet as shown, or any other suitable type of latch feature.
- the mounting surface 118 may include a slidable engagement feature 130 , which may include an elongate generally T-shaped feature for example a groove as shown.
- the cable mount 104 includes a base surface 124 for contact with the mounting surface 118 and a latch feature 126 that may project from the base surface 124 for cooperation with the latch feature 122 of the guide rail assembly 16 ′.
- the latch feature 126 may include a portion to be trapped between a barb 128 of the latch feature 122 and the end surface 120 when the mount 104 is coupled to the lower guide rail assembly 16 ′.
- the cable mount 104 may include a slidable engagement feature 132 that cooperates with the engagement feature 130 of the guide rail assembly 16 ′.
- the feature 132 may include an elongate generally T-shaped feature for example a tongue as shown.
- the mount 104 may be joined to the guide rail assembly 16 ′ with a tongue and groove slidable connection, wherein the cable mount 104 is slidably mounted to a corresponding portion of the guide rail assembly 16 by interengagement of the T-shaped features 130 , 132 .
- the tongue and the groove are interchangeable and may be provided on one or the other of the corresponding portions of the mount 104 and assembly 16 ′.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the portion of the guide rail assembly of FIG. 25 with the cable mount of FIG. 25 coupled thereto.
- the cable connector portion 102 of the movable window assembly 18 may include features integral to the structural support 46 .
- the connector portion 102 may include a separate component that may be pivotably coupled to the structural support 46 , for example a plate with a pivot pin on one portion for pivotable coupling to the support 46 and with a hook on another portion for coupling to the terminus of the cable core.
- the connector portion 102 may include features integral with a follower and bracket assembly 32 ′.
- the cable connector portion 102 may include a base surface 134 , an end surface 136 extending from the base surface 134 , and a relief 138 in the base and end surfaces 134 , 136 .
- the base surface 134 may include a bottom surface of the support 46
- the end surface 136 may include a side surface of the support 46 .
- the relief 138 accepts the core terminus 110 ( FIG. 22 ) and an adjacent portion of the core 108 ( FIG. 22 ) and accommodates relative movement of the terminus 110 and the adjacent portion of the core 108 as the movable window assembly 18 moves toward the closed position from the second plane P 2 to the first plane P 1 ( FIG. 11 ).
- the relief 138 may include a base aperture 140 in the base surface 134 spaced from the end surface 136 , and an end aperture 142 ( FIG. 28 ) in the end surface 136 spaced from the base surface 134 .
- the base aperture 140 may be generally circular or cylindrical in shape, and the end aperture 142 may be generally rectangular in shape.
- the relief 138 also may include an elongate slot 144 in the base surface 134 having one end in communication with the base aperture 140 and another end in communication with the end aperture 142 .
- the slot 144 may be generally T-shaped.
- the core terminus 110 may be retained in the base aperture 140 and the adjacent portion of the core 108 may extend through the slot 144 and out of the end aperture 142 .
- the core terminus 110 and the various features of the cable connector portion 102 may be sized and shaped so as to permit easy assembly of the terminus 110 and core 108 to the support 46 , to retain the terminus 110 in the cable connector portion 102 , and allow movement of the core 108 relative to the support 46 .
- the components of the window assemblies described herein can be manufactured according to techniques known to those skilled in the art, including molding, machining, stamping, and the like. Also, the window assemblies can be assembled according to known techniques. Likewise, any suitable materials can be used in making the components, for example metals, composites, polymeric materials, and the like.
Abstract
Description
- This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/476,430 filed May 12, 2012 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. Nos. 61/488,511 filed May 20, 2011; 61/496,014 filed Jun. 12, 2011; and 61/536,664 filed Sep. 20, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present disclosure relates to a window assembly for a motor vehicle.
- Vehicle window assemblies come in many different forms.
- Examples of vehicle window assemblies are described in the following U.S. Patents and Patent Application Publications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,551,193; 5,542,214; 5,613,323; 5,613,325; 6,014,840; 6,026,611; 6,223,470; 6,766,617; 7,568,312; 7,765,738; 2008/0122262; 2009/0107052; 2010/0146859; and 2010/0154312.
- In a first implementation a motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a first defrost grid, and a guide rail assembly including an elongate guide having a straight guide portion and an oblique guide portion and an elongate conductor in electrical communication with the first defrost grid and having a straight conductor portion and an oblique conductor portion. Also, a movable window assembly is carried by the guide rail assembly to move along an elongate path of travel between a closed position and an open position. The movable window assembly may include a pane having a second defrost grid, and a wiper in electrical communication between the second defrost grid and the elongate conductor of the guide rail assembly. The wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly is in the open and closed positions, and the wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor along at least a portion of the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly travels along the elongate path.
- A motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a first defrost grid, a fixed conductor in electrical communication with the first defrost grid, and a guide rail, wherein the conductor and the guide rail have straight portions and oblique portions. The assembly also may include a movable pane guided by the guide rail for movement between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in a second plane offset from the first plane, and a second defrost grid carried by the movable pane. The assembly further may include a movable conductor electrically communicated between the second defrost grid and the fixed conductor and movable with the movable pane and relative to the fixed conductor when the movable pane is moved between its open and closed positions, and the movable conductor is in contact with and wipes across at least a portion of the fixed conductor during at least a portion of the movement of the movable pane between its open and closed positions.
- Further, a motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a surface, and a guide rail assembly extending in a direction away from the surface of the fixed pane and including an elongate guide having a straight portion and an oblique portion. Also, a movable window assembly is carried by the guide rail assembly to move along an elongate path of travel between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in a second plane offset from the first plane and spaced apart from the surface of the fixed pane. The movable window assembly may include a pane, and a cable connector portion coupled to the pane. The motor vehicle window assembly further may include an actuator cable including a core having a terminus coupled to the cable connector portion of the movable window assembly, and a sheath covering at least a portion of the core. When the actuator cable is actuated, the movable window assembly moves in a direction extending away from the open position along the second plane, toward the closed position out of the second plane, and into the closed position in the first plane such that the terminus of the core is carried out of the second plane by the movable window assembly.
- A motor vehicle window assembly may include a fixed pane having a surface and a first defrost grid, and a guide rail assembly extending in a direction away from the surface of the fixed pane and including an elongate guide having a straight guide portion and an oblique guide portion and an elongate conductor in electrical communication with the first defrost grid and having a straight conductor portion and an oblique conductor portion. Also, a movable window assembly is carried by the guide rail assembly to move along an elongate path of travel between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in a second plane offset from the first plane and spaced apart from the surface of the fixed pane. The movable window assembly may include a pane having a second defrost grid, a cable connector portion coupled to the pane, and a wiper in electrical communication between the second defrost grid and the elongate conductor of the guide rail assembly. The wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly is in the open and closed positions, and the wiper is in contact with the elongate conductor along at least a portion of the elongate conductor when the movable window assembly travels along the elongate path. The motor vehicle window assembly further may include an actuator cable including a core having a terminus coupled to the cable connector portion of the movable window assembly, and a sheath covering at least a portion of the core. When the actuator cable is actuated, the movable window assembly moves in a direction extending away from the open position along the second plane, toward the closed position out of the second plane, and into the closed position in the first plane such that the terminus of the core is carried out of the second plane by the movable window assembly.
- Other implementations can be derived from combinations of the above and those from the implementations shown in the drawings and the descriptions that follow.
- The following detailed description of preferred implementations and best mode will be set forth with regard to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an overview of one implementation of a motor vehicle window assembly having a movable window assembly in a closed position; -
FIG. 2 is the window assembly ofFIG. 1 including the movable window assembly in an open position; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 2 , illustrating a portion of an example implementation of a guide rail assembly including an elongate guide and a first elongate conductor extending along the elongate guide; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of another portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating another portion of the guide rail assembly ofFIG. 3 including the elongate guide and a second elongate conductor extending along the elongate guide; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating an example implementation of a mounting and conductor arrangement between the guide rail assembly and the movable window assembly; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating an example implementation of another mounting and conductor arrangement between the guide rail assembly and the movable window assembly; -
FIG. 7 is a further enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the mounting and conductor arrangement ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a further enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the mounting and conductor arrangement ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 7 , illustrating a hub of a follower in the elongate guide; -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 7 , illustrating a cam of the follower in the elongate guide; -
FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a portion of the guide rail assembly including the elongate guides and followers in the guides when the movable window assembly is in the closed position; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower is moving from a straight portion of the elongate guide to an oblique portion of the elongate guide toward the closed position of the movable window assembly; -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 13 and a hub and a cam of the follower are disposed in a first curvate section of the oblique portion of the elongate guide; -
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 14 and the hub of the follower is disposed in a second curvate section of the oblique portion of the elongate guide and the cam of the follower is disposed in the first curvate section; -
FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the elongate guide wherein the follower has moved into the closed position, and the hub of the follower is disposed in the second curvate section and the cam of the follower is disposed in the first curvate section; -
FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating another example implementation of a mounting and conductor arrangement between the guide rail assembly and a movable window assembly; -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting and conductor arrangement ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 is an overview of another implementation of a motor vehicle window assembly having a movable window assembly in a closed position and having a guide rail assembly; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an elongate conductor assembly of the guide rail assembly ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 19 , illustrating a portion of an example implementation of a guide rail assembly including first and second elongate conductors for cooperation with conductors of a movable window; -
FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the motor vehicle window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a lower guide rail assembly and a portion of the movable window assembly in a plane parallel to an end portion of an actuator cable just before the movable window assembly moves out of the plane toward a closed position; -
FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 22 , illustrating the movable window assembly moved out of the plane toward the closed position; -
FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 22 , illustrating the movable window assembly moved into another plane in the closed position; -
FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a portion of the guide rail assembly and a cable mount; -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the portion of the guide rail assembly ofFIG. 25 with the cable mount ofFIG. 25 coupled thereto; -
FIG. 27 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the window assembly ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a portion of the movable window assembly to accept an actuator cable core terminus; and -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the portion of the window ofFIG. 27 , taken from a different angle. - In general, this description includes various example implementations of a motor vehicle window assembly. In a first implementation, electricity can be communicated to a defrost grid of a pane of a movable window assembly when the movable window assembly is in open and closed positions and when travelling along a path between the open and closed positions. In a second implementation, a movable window assembly moves in a direction extending away from an open position along a second plane, toward a closed position out of the second plane, and into the closed position in a first plane such that a terminus of a core of an actuator cable is carried out of the second plane by the movable window assembly. In a third implementation, the first and second implementations are combined.
- The example implementations will be described with reference to use in a frameless, one-piece fixed pane type of backlight of a pickup truck. However, it will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the claimed invention is useful in many different applications and may be implemented in many other implementations. For example, the claimed invention may be used in a backlight having a frame carrying a plurality of the fixed panes. In another example, the claimed invention may be used in a side vent of a minivan or car, or in any other location of any other type of motor vehicle.
- Referring in more detail to the drawings,
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a motorvehicle window assembly 10 including one or morefixed pane 12 having one ormore defrost grids guide rail assembly 16, and amovable window assembly 18 carried by theguide rail assembly 16 along a path of travel between a closed position (for example, represented byFIG. 1 ) and an open position (for example, represented byFIG. 2 ). The path of travel may be elongate. As used herein, the term “elongate” includes something that has a length greater than its width. Theguide rail assembly 16 may be an upper guide rail assembly, and thewindow assembly 10 also may include another, lower,guide rail assembly 16′ that also may be used to carry and/or guide themovable window assembly 18. - The
movable window assembly 18 may be moved in any suitable manner by any suitable means. For example, thewindow assembly 10 also may include anactuator 20 and one ormore actuator cables actuator 20 and to themovable window assembly 18 to open and close themovable window assembly 18. In one implementation, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , theactuator 20 may be electrically powered and may include, for example, an electric motor and a cable-drum window regulator including thecables actuator 20 may be manually activated and may include, for example, a Bowden wire type of actuating device (not shown) coupled to thecables actuator 20 andcables movable window assembly 18. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , themovable window assembly 18 may move along the elongate path in a direction generally parallel to a sliding or first axis A, and also may move in a direction transverse with respect to the first axis A that may have a component of direction along a normal or second axis B. Themovable window assembly 18 may be constrained against travel in a transverse or third axis C by theguide rail assembly 16. - The
movable window assembly 18 also may include apane 28 having asecond defrost grid 30. Thepane 28 may be composed of glass, plastic, or any other suitable material. Thesecond defrost grid 30 may include afirst bus 30 a at one side of thepane 28 as shown inFIG. 5 , asecond bus 30 b at another side of thepane 28 as shown inFIG. 6 , and one ormore heater elements 30 c extending between thebuses - As used herein, the terminology “defrost grid” includes any suitable device to defrost a window pane. In the illustrated implementation, the
defrost grids terminal buses intermediate buses elements buses terminals terminal buses defrost grids defrost grids - Referring to
FIG. 11 , theguide rail assembly 16 includes one ormore guides 24 and one ormore conductors 26. Theguides 24 andconductors 26 may be elongate. As used herein, the term “guide” includes something that steadies or directs the motion of something else. Also, as used herein, the term “conductor” includes something that conducts electricity. Theelongate guide 24 may have a shape that establishes the elongate path of travel for themovable window assembly 18, and the elongate conductor may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of theguide 24. Theguide 24 may include twoguide portions elongate conductors 26 may include first andsecond conductors second guide portions conductors 26 may be separate and spaced apart in a direction generally parallel to the first axis A. Theconductors 26 may be identical or different. - Also, the
guide 24 may include non-straight oroblique portions straight portions portions movable window assembly 18 between its closed and open positions. In particular, theoblique portions movable window assembly 18 out of a first plane P1 that may be parallel to the first axis A and into a second plane P2 that may be parallel to the first axis A. Theoblique portions straight portions straight portions movable window assembly 18 along the second plane P2 toward and away from the open position of themovable window assembly 18. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , and in one implementation, theguide rail assembly 16 may extend in a direction away from the fixedpane 12, wherein the direction is transverse to the third axis C and may be parallel to the second axis B. In another implementation, theguide rail assembly 16 may be a portion of a window assembly frame that may carry a plurality of the fixed panes (not shown). Theguide rail assembly 16 also may include aguide rail 17 of any suitable type and construction. In one implementation, theguide rail 17 may be a single piece rail (not shown). - In another implementation, exemplified in
FIG. 9 , theguide rail 17 may be a multiple piece rail, for instance, including areinforcement rail 17 a, and an outer rail carried by thereinforcement rail 17 a that may include a first rail 17 b and an elongate base or second rail 17 c coupled to the first rail 17 b. In the illustrated implementation, thereinforcement rail 17 a may be coupled to the fixedpane 12 by adhesive, fasteners, integral interengagement, and/or in any other suitable manner. Thereinforcement rail 17 a may be composed of metal or any other suitable material. Also, the first and second rails 17 b, 17 c may be separate components that may be coupled together around thereinforcement rail 17 a by adhesive, fasteners, integral interengagement, and/or in any other suitable manner. In another implementation, the rails 17 b, 17 c may be portions of a unitary outer rail. The rails 17 b, 17 c may be composed of plastic or any other suitable material. - The
elongate guide 24 may be carried by theguide rail 17. For example, theelongate guide 24 may be carried by the second rail 17 c as exemplified inFIG. 9 . Also as exemplified inFIG. 9 , theelongate guide 24 may include a channel or track open to theelongate conductors 26. Theguide 24 may be open-ended in a direction generally parallel to the third axis C and at opposite ends: adjacent to themovable window assembly 18 at one end, and adjacent to thereinforcement rail 17 a at another end. - The
elongate conductors 26 may be carried by theguide rail 17. For example, theelongate conductors 26 may be carried between a portion of thereinforcement rail 17 a and a portion of the second rail 17 c, as illustrated inFIG. 9 . More particularly, theconductors 26 may be preassembled to or carried by separate elongate conductor supports 25 a, 25 b that may be carried by the base or second rails 17 c. The supports 25 a, 25 b also may electrically insulate theconductors 26 from thereinforcement 17 a. Also, theconductors 26 may be disposed adjacent to theelongate guide 24 and may follow the same path as theelongate guide 24, as exemplified in the drawing figures. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theelongate conductors 26 may be in electrical communication with the first defrost grid 14 (FIG. 3 ) and a third defrost grid 15 (FIG. 4 ). For example, electrical couplings orconductors wires respective conductors 26 withwire brackets respective buses grids other wire brackets brackets respective conductors 26 andbuses - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , themovable window assembly 18 also may include astructural support 46. Thestructural support 46 may be a frame that may completely surround thepane 28 as exemplified in the drawing figures, or may be a frame portion that may bound one or more portions of thepane 28, or may be a support of any other suitable type. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 through 9 , themovable window assembly 18 may include one or more mounts orfollowers 32 coupled between thepane 28 and the elongate guides 24 of theguide rail assembly 16 to facilitate movement of themovable window assembly 18 along its elongate path of travel. In other words, theguides 24 and thefollowers 32 cooperate to guide thepane 28 along its elongate path of travel between its closed position in the first plane P1 (FIG. 11 ) and its open position in the second plane P2 (FIG. 11 ) offset from the first plane P1. As used herein, the term “follower” includes something that follows a guide for steadied or directed motion of something else. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that themovable window assembly 18 also may include additional followers (not shown) in suitable locations for cooperating with additional elongate guides (not shown) of the otherguide rail assembly 16′ (FIGS. 1 and 2 ). - As exemplified in
FIGS. 7-9 , thefollowers 32 may be carried by thestructural support 46. For example, thefollowers 32 may includeposts 33 that may have fixed ends 33 a that may be coupled to thestructural support 46 by press fit, fastening, adhering, welding, or in any other suitable manner. Also, thefollowers 32 may includehubs 36 carried by theposts 33 in any suitable rotatable or pivotable manner,cams 38 spaced from thehubs 36 in a direction extending along the elongate guides 24, andintermediate portions 42 that connect thecams 38 to thehubs 36 and that may includeapertures 44 therethrough. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 5 through 10 , themovable window assembly 18 also includes one ormore conductors 34 that may be coupled to thefollowers 32. Theconductors 34 may be or may include wipers. As used herein, the term “wiper” includes a conductor that wipes across another conductor with sliding, rolling, or otherwise relative motion therebetween. In one implementation, theconductors 34 may include cantilevered wipers having fixed ends 34 a and free ends 34 b. The fixed ends 34 a may be coupled to the follower posts 33, for example, at free ends orextensions 33 b thereof. The fixed ends 34 a of theconductors 34 may be press fit, fastened, adhered, welded, brazed, or coupled in any other suitable manner to thefollowers 32. Theconductors 34 may extend over the intermediate portions of thefollowers 32 and may be biased into contact with theelongate conductors 26. For example, the free ends 34 b of theconductors 34 may be cantilevered from the fixed ends 34 a away from themovable window assembly 18 and toward theconductors 26, and may be curved for good surface contact with theconductors 26. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , theconductors 34 are in electrical communication between thesecond defrost grid 30 and theelongate conductors 26. Also, theconductors 34 are in contact with contact surfaces of theelongate conductors 26 when themovable window assembly 18 is in its open and closed positions, and are in contact with theelongate conductors 26 along at least a portion of theelongate conductors 26 when themovable window assembly 18 travels along its elongate path of travel. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , in one implementation electrical couplings orconductors wires respective conductors 34 and connected at second ends torespective buses grid 30 viawire brackets wires conductors 34, for example at the intermediate portions thereof, and with or without brackets. Thebrackets respective conductors 34 andbuses wires apertures 44 of theintermediate portions 42 of thefollowers 32, and may extend through corresponding conductor passages of thestructural support 46 adjacent to theposts 33 of thefollowers 32. -
FIGS. 12 through 16 illustrate a portion of theelongate guide 24 and one of thefollowers 32, and show movement of thefollower 32 out of thestraight portion 24 e of theelongate guide 24 and to the end of theoblique portion 24 c of theelongate guide 24. -
FIG. 12 , more specifically, illustrates thefollower 32 moving from thestraight portion 24 e of theelongate guide 24 and entering theoblique portion 24 c of theelongate guide 24, toward the window assembly closed position. Theoblique portion 24 c includes an excurvate, or first curvate section O1 having a first radial center C1 on one side of theelongate guide 24, an incurvate, or second curvate section O2 having a second radial center C2 on another side of theelongate guide 24, and an inflection section O3 between the curvate sections O1, O2. - In
FIG. 13 , thefollower 32 has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 12 . Accordingly, thehub 36 of thefollower 32 is in the first curvate section O1. - In
FIG. 14 , thefollower 32 has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 13 . Accordingly, both thehub 36 and thecam 38 of thefollower 32 are disposed in the first curvate section O1. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , thefollower 32 has moved further toward the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 14 . Accordingly, thehub 36 of thefollower 32 is disposed in the second curvate section O2 and thecam 38 is disposed in the first curvate section O1. - As shown in
FIG. 16 , thefollower 32 has moved into the closed position from the position shown inFIG. 15 , and thehub 36 of thefollower 32 is disposed in the second curvate section O2 and thecam 38 is disposed in the first curvate section O1 on the other side of the inflection section O3 to facilitate holding the movable window assembly in the closed position. -
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate another exemplary implementation of amovable window assembly 218. This implementation is similar in many respects to the implementation ofFIGS. 1 through 16 and like numerals between the implementations generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the descriptions of the implementations are incorporated by reference into one another and the common subject matter generally may not be repeated here. - The
movable window assembly 218 includes one ormore followers 232 coupled between thepane 28 and the elongate guides (not shown) of theguide rail assembly 16 to facilitate movement of themovable window assembly 218 along its elongate path of travel. Thefollowers 232 may be carried by astructural support 246. For example, thefollowers 232 may includeposts 233 that may have fixed ends 233 a that may be coupled to thestructural support 246 by press fit, fastening, adhering, welding, or in any other suitable manner. Thefollowers 232 may be carried in and may be concentric withconductor passages 248 of thestructural support 246. Theposts 233 of thefollowers 232 may include free ends (not shown) about whichfollower hubs 236 may be coupled in any suitable rotatable manner. Theposts 233 may includeconductor apertures 244 therethrough. - The
movable window assembly 218 also may include one ormore conductors 234 that are in contact with theelongate conductors 26 when themovable window assembly 218 is in its open and closed positions, and are in contact with theelongate conductors 26 along at least a portion of theelongate conductors 26 when themovable window assembly 218 travels along its elongate path of travel. For example, theconductors 234 may be carried by thefollowers 232 and may be concentric therewith. - In one implementation, the
conductors 234 may include fixedportions 234 a that may be carried in theposts 233 of thefollowers 232, and also may include movable portions orwipers 234 b carried in theconductor apertures 244 and extending therefrom and having free ends in contact with theelongate conductors 26. Theconductors 234 further may includesprings 234 c between the fixed andmovable portions movable portions 234 b into contact with theelongate conductors 26. Themovable portions 234 b may be cylindrical as exemplified in the figures, or spherical, or of any other suitable shape and may include balls, pins, or any other suitable type of components. - The
conductors 234 are in electrical communication between thesecond defrost grid 30 and theelongate conductors 26. In one implementation, electrical couplings orconductors 235 may includewires 35 a connected at first ends to theirrespective conductors 234 and connected at second ends torespective buses 30 a of thegrid 30 viawire brackets 35 b. The first ends of thewires 35 a may be coupled directly to theconductors 234 or, as in the illustrated implementation, may be coupled via additional components. For example, thewires 35 a may be coupled to abracket 35 c, which may be supported by thestructural support 246 and may be coupled to the fixedportions 234 a of theconductors 234 that, in turn, may be in electrical communication with themovable wipers 234 b of theconductors 234 via thesprings 234 c of theconductors 234. -
FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another exemplary implementation of a motorvehicle window assembly 410 including another exemplary implementation of amovable window assembly 418. These implementations are similar in many respects to the implementations ofFIGS. 1 through 18 and like numerals between the implementations generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Additionally, the descriptions of the implementations are incorporated by reference into one another and the common subject matter generally may not be repeated here. - The
window assembly 410 includes the fixedpane 12, aguide rail assembly 416, and amovable window assembly 418 carried by theguide rail assembly 416 along an elongate path of travel between closed and open positions. Thewindow assembly 410 also may include another, lowerguide rail assembly 416′ that also may be used to carry and/or guide themovable window assembly 418. Theguide rail assembly 416 may include aguide rail 417 of any suitable type and construction, and anelongate conductor assembly 419 carried by theguide rail 417. - Referring to
FIG. 20 , theelongate conductor assembly 419 may include anelongate base 452 that may be coupled to the guide rail 417 (FIG. 19 ),elongate conductors 426 that may be carried by theelongate base 452, and the electrical couplings orconductors elongate conductors 426 to respective defrost grid buses (not shown). - The
elongate base 452 may be unitary or may be constructed of several separate components, and may be composed of plastic or any other suitable material. Theelongate base 452 may include elongate conductor guides 424 a, 424 b. Theguides oblique portions straight portions oblique portions oblique portions straight portions - The
elongate conductors 426 are carried by the elongate conductor guides 424 a, 424 b of thebase 452 and may include portions corresponding to thepaths guides conductors 426 may be identical, and may be spaced apart in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis C and may substantially overlap one another in a direction generally parallel to the sliding axis A. Theconductors 426 may include strips or bands of conductive metal, or any other suitable conductive material of any suitable shape. Theconductors 426 may be adhered, fastened, integrally interengaged, or coupled in any other suitable manner to thebase 452. - Referring again to
FIG. 19 , themovable window assembly 418 may include apane 428 having asecond defrost grid 430. Thepane 428 may be composed of glass, plastic, or any other suitable material. Thesecond defrost grid 430 may include afirst bus 430 a at one side of thepane 28, and asecond bus 430 b extending from a location adjacent thefirst bus 430 a and extending toward and occupying at least a portion of another side of thepane 428, and one ormore heater elements 430 c extending between thebuses - Referring to
FIG. 21 , themovable window assembly 418 also may include astructural support 446. Thestructural support 446 may be a frame that may completely surround thepane 428 as exemplified in the drawing figures, or may be a frame portion that may bound one or more portions of thepane 428, or may be a support of any other suitable type. - The
movable window assembly 418 also includesconductors 434, 435. Theconductors 434, 435 may be carried by thestructural support 446 in any suitable manner. For example, in one implementation, theconductors 434, 435 may include cantilevered wipers having fixed ends 434 a, 435 a, free ends 434 b, 435 b, andintermediate portions respective buses intermediate portions structural support 446 and may be clipped to edges of thestructural support 446 withintegral clips structural support 446. The free ends 434 b, 435 b may be biased into contact with their respectiveelongate conductors 426. For example, the free ends 434 b, 435 b may be cantilevered from theintermediate portions conductors 426, and may be curved or dished for good surface contact with and smooth traversing of theconductors 426. - In addition to the
conductor paths movable window assembly 418 may be guided between its closed and open positions by the guides of the previously described implementations and any suitable corresponding devices of the movable window assembly of the previously described implementations. Such corresponding devices may include the followers of the previously described implementations, or posts, pins, or any other suitable devices. - The
conductors 426 may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of theguides 24 to allow thewipers 434, 435 to maintain contact with theconductors 426 over the elongate path of travel of themovable window assembly 418. However, theconductors 426 may be spaced apart from the elongate guides 24 in a direction extending away from the fixedpane 12. - Also, the
conductors 426 may be oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the elongate guides 24. Accordingly, theconductors 426 are oriented differently with respect to theguides 24 than theconductors 26 ofFIG. 9 . For example, with reference toFIG. 9 , theconductors 26 may be oriented generally parallel with respect to theguides 24. More specifically, the contact surfaces of theconductors 26 are disposed in a plane that is parallel to the direction of the width of theguides 24 along the second axis B. In contrast, as exemplified inFIG. 21 , theconductors 426 may be oriented such that the contact surfaces thereof are disposed in a plane generally parallel to the first and third axes A, C and, thus, perpendicular to the second axis B. - Referring now to
FIG. 22 , the motorvehicle window assembly 10 includes a lowerguide rail assembly 16′ that may support themovable window assembly 18 instead of or in addition to the upperguide rail assembly 16. Themovable window assembly 18 includes thestructural support 46, which may include acable connector portion 102, for example, at a lower corner region thereof. Accordingly, thecable connector portion 102 may be coupled to thepane 28 via thestructural support 46 or in any other suitable manner. - The motor
vehicle window assembly 10 also may include acable mount 104 extending in a direction away from a surface of the fixedpane 12 and including aretainer portion 106 to retain thecable 22. Theretainer portion 106 may include one or more features integral to the rest of themount 104 or one or more separate retainer components or both. As will be described in further detail below, thecable mount 104 may facilitate the non-linear movement of themovable window assembly 18, wherein a cable pull vector is not linear but planar over complete travel of theassembly 18. - The
cable 22 includes acore 108 having aterminus 110 coupled to thecable connector portion 102 of the window assemblystructural support 46, and asheath 112 covering at least a portion of thecore 108 and being retained to thecable mount 104 by theretainer portion 106. Theterminus 110 may be of any suitable size and shape and may be considered to be that portion of thecable 22 that is coupled to thewindow assembly 18. For example, as shown inFIG. 22 , theterminus 110 may be generally of cylindrical shape having a diameter about twice that of thecore 108 and having a longitudinal axis generally parallel with that of thecore 108. In another example, as shown inFIG. 24 , aterminus 110′ may be of generally cylindrical shape having a diameter similar to that of thecore 108, but having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to that of thecore 108. Theterminus 110 may include an enlargement of thecore 108 itself, or may include a separate component coupled to thecore 108 in any suitable manner. When theactuator cable 22 is actuated, themovable window assembly 18 moves in a direction extending away from the open position along the second plane P2 (FIG. 11 ), toward the closed position out of the second plane P2, and into the closed position in the first plane P1 (FIG. 11 ) such that theterminus 110 of thecore 108 is carried out of the second plane P2 by the movable window assembly. - The
cable mount 104 includes acable support surface 114 disposed between the fixedpane 12 and alongitudinal axis 116 of thecable 22. As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23 , thecable support surface 114 may be straight and disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis 116 of thecable 22 in a direction toward the fixedpane 12. As shown inFIG. 24 , acable support surface 114′ of acable mount 104′ may be arcuate or otherwise non-linear. The non-linear shape of thesurface 114′ may facilitate good support of thecable 22 to resist wear and promote good operation of themovable window assembly 18. This configuration may help avoid concentrated contact of the cable core with the cable sheath. - In any case, the
cable mount 104 may be coupled to the lowerguide rail assembly 16′ in any suitable manner by any suitable configuration. For example, themount 104 may be releasably snap fit to a portion of the lowerguide rail assembly 16′ and/or may be coupled thereto with a tongue and groove connection therebetween. Themount 104 also or instead may be coupled to theassembly 16′ via fasteners, adhesive, or in any other suitable manner. - With reference to
FIG. 25 , the portion of theguide rail assembly 16′ to which the mount 104 (FIG. 22 ) is coupled may include a mountingsurface 118 to support themount 104 thereon, anend surface 120 extending from thebase surface 118, and alatch feature 122 that may extend longitudinally from theend surface 120. Thelatch feature 122 may be a cantilevered bayonet as shown, or any other suitable type of latch feature. Also, the mountingsurface 118 may include aslidable engagement feature 130, which may include an elongate generally T-shaped feature for example a groove as shown. - With reference to
FIG. 25 , thecable mount 104 includes abase surface 124 for contact with the mountingsurface 118 and alatch feature 126 that may project from thebase surface 124 for cooperation with thelatch feature 122 of theguide rail assembly 16′. Thelatch feature 126 may include a portion to be trapped between abarb 128 of thelatch feature 122 and theend surface 120 when themount 104 is coupled to the lowerguide rail assembly 16′. Also, thecable mount 104 may include aslidable engagement feature 132 that cooperates with theengagement feature 130 of theguide rail assembly 16′. Thefeature 132 may include an elongate generally T-shaped feature for example a tongue as shown. For example, themount 104 may be joined to theguide rail assembly 16′ with a tongue and groove slidable connection, wherein thecable mount 104 is slidably mounted to a corresponding portion of theguide rail assembly 16 by interengagement of the T-shapedfeatures mount 104 andassembly 16′.FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the portion of the guide rail assembly ofFIG. 25 with the cable mount ofFIG. 25 coupled thereto. - Referring now to
FIGS. 27 and 28 , thecable connector portion 102 of themovable window assembly 18 may include features integral to thestructural support 46. In another implementation, theconnector portion 102 may include a separate component that may be pivotably coupled to thestructural support 46, for example a plate with a pivot pin on one portion for pivotable coupling to thesupport 46 and with a hook on another portion for coupling to the terminus of the cable core. In yet another implementation, theconnector portion 102 may include features integral with a follower andbracket assembly 32′. - In the illustrated implementation, the
cable connector portion 102 may include abase surface 134, anend surface 136 extending from thebase surface 134, and arelief 138 in the base and endsurfaces base surface 134 may include a bottom surface of thesupport 46, and theend surface 136 may include a side surface of thesupport 46. Therelief 138 accepts the core terminus 110 (FIG. 22 ) and an adjacent portion of the core 108 (FIG. 22 ) and accommodates relative movement of theterminus 110 and the adjacent portion of the core 108 as themovable window assembly 18 moves toward the closed position from the second plane P2 to the first plane P1 (FIG. 11 ). Also, therelief 138 may include abase aperture 140 in thebase surface 134 spaced from theend surface 136, and an end aperture 142 (FIG. 28 ) in theend surface 136 spaced from thebase surface 134. Thebase aperture 140 may be generally circular or cylindrical in shape, and theend aperture 142 may be generally rectangular in shape. Therelief 138 also may include anelongate slot 144 in thebase surface 134 having one end in communication with thebase aperture 140 and another end in communication with theend aperture 142. Theslot 144 may be generally T-shaped. Thecore terminus 110 may be retained in thebase aperture 140 and the adjacent portion of thecore 108 may extend through theslot 144 and out of theend aperture 142. Thecore terminus 110 and the various features of thecable connector portion 102 may be sized and shaped so as to permit easy assembly of theterminus 110 andcore 108 to thesupport 46, to retain theterminus 110 in thecable connector portion 102, and allow movement of thecore 108 relative to thesupport 46. - In general, the components of the window assemblies described herein can be manufactured according to techniques known to those skilled in the art, including molding, machining, stamping, and the like. Also, the window assemblies can be assembled according to known techniques. Likewise, any suitable materials can be used in making the components, for example metals, composites, polymeric materials, and the like.
- While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently preferred implementations, many others are possible. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/601,144 US20170253108A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2017-05-22 | Motor vehicle window assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161488511P | 2011-05-20 | 2011-05-20 | |
US201161496014P | 2011-06-12 | 2011-06-12 | |
US201161536664P | 2011-09-20 | 2011-09-20 | |
US13/476,430 US9688122B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2012-05-21 | Motor vehicle window assembly with defrost |
US15/601,144 US20170253108A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2017-05-22 | Motor vehicle window assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/476,430 Division US9688122B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2012-05-21 | Motor vehicle window assembly with defrost |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170253108A1 true US20170253108A1 (en) | 2017-09-07 |
Family
ID=47173851
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/476,430 Active 2032-06-29 US9688122B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2012-05-21 | Motor vehicle window assembly with defrost |
US15/601,144 Abandoned US20170253108A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2017-05-22 | Motor vehicle window assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/476,430 Active 2032-06-29 US9688122B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2012-05-21 | Motor vehicle window assembly with defrost |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9688122B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN108482313A (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2018-09-04 | 佛山市洁宇信息科技有限公司 | A kind of Vehicular intelligent removes defrosting system |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2616259B1 (en) | 2010-09-15 | 2019-04-10 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Slider window assembly |
US10155432B2 (en) | 2010-10-18 | 2018-12-18 | Agc Automotive Americas Co. | Sliding window assembly |
US9894717B2 (en) * | 2011-07-18 | 2018-02-13 | Pilkington Group Limited | Heated vehicle sliding window assembly |
US20140238967A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-28 | Spartan Motors, Inc. | Heated moveable glass for vehicles |
US20150314757A1 (en) * | 2014-04-30 | 2015-11-05 | Agc Automotive Americas R&D, Inc. | Busbar for an electrical device and a window pane including the same |
US9579955B2 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2017-02-28 | Magna Mirros Of America, Inc. | Rear slider window assembly with heated movable window |
US11013069B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2021-05-18 | Agc Flat Glass North America, Inc. | Sliding window assembly |
US9797177B2 (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2017-10-24 | Durata Operating, LLC | Window assembly with movable pane |
US9920560B2 (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2018-03-20 | Dura Operating, Llc | Window assembly with a movable pane and a defrost assembly |
US10524313B2 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-12-31 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Rear slider window assembly with laminated heating element |
CN107336690B (en) * | 2017-04-20 | 2019-11-26 | 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 | A kind of swing flap formula car windscreen defrosting outlet device |
US11686144B2 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2023-06-27 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Slider window assembly with switch device |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5836110A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 1998-11-17 | Excel Industries, Inc. | Remote manual anti-backdrive system for modular rear-mounted window assembly |
US7073293B2 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2006-07-11 | Donnelly Corporation | Horizontal slider window assembly |
US20160208536A1 (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2016-07-21 | Dura Operating, Llc | Window assembly with movable pane |
Family Cites Families (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4386777A (en) * | 1982-03-22 | 1983-06-07 | Aurora Products Canada Limited | Toy vehicle racing game |
US5551193A (en) | 1994-12-16 | 1996-09-03 | Excel Industries, Inc. | Window assembly blade seal |
US5542214A (en) | 1995-01-06 | 1996-08-06 | Excel Industries, Inc. | Flush-closing multi-pane window assembly for motor vehicles |
US5613323A (en) | 1995-01-19 | 1997-03-25 | Excel Industries, Inc. | Cable drive assembly for a window |
FR2742099B1 (en) | 1995-12-08 | 1998-01-02 | Farnier & Penin | FLUSH CLOSURE DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE BAY |
US5613325A (en) | 1995-12-22 | 1997-03-25 | Excel Industries, Inc. | Motor vehicle glazing units |
US6014840A (en) | 1997-12-24 | 2000-01-18 | Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. | Heated sliding window assembly with an electrically connected sliding pane |
US6026611A (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2000-02-22 | Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. | Power sliding window assembly |
US6223470B1 (en) | 1999-09-20 | 2001-05-01 | Dura Global Technologies, Inc. | Dropglass window module |
US6766617B2 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2004-07-27 | Dura Global Technologies, Inc. | Power sliding rear window |
US7464501B2 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2008-12-16 | Hi-Lex Corporation | Sliding window assembly |
US7437852B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2008-10-21 | Dura Global Technologies, Inc. | Sliding window apparatus |
US7568312B2 (en) | 2005-05-02 | 2009-08-04 | Dura Global Technologies, Inc. | Cam and link mechanism for a flush sliding window |
JP2007153157A (en) | 2005-12-06 | 2007-06-21 | Toyota Auto Body Co Ltd | Vehicular window |
US20080122262A1 (en) | 2006-08-21 | 2008-05-29 | Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. | Multi-Pane Window Assembly With Two-Sided Frame |
ATE525228T1 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2011-10-15 | Pilkington North America Inc | VEHICLE WINDOW ARRANGEMENT WITH HORIZONTAL SLIDE |
US7673419B2 (en) | 2008-04-07 | 2010-03-09 | Hi-Lex Controls, Inc. | Rear window slider assembly |
US8578654B2 (en) * | 2008-11-11 | 2013-11-12 | Body Systems Usa, Llc | Flush type window drive mechanism |
US8707624B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2014-04-29 | Dura Operating Llc | Heated sliding window assembly |
US9624707B2 (en) | 2008-12-18 | 2017-04-18 | Dura Operating, Llc | Heated sliding window assembly |
US8402695B2 (en) | 2009-08-06 | 2013-03-26 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Heated rear slider window assembly |
US10015842B2 (en) * | 2010-10-18 | 2018-07-03 | Agc Automotive Americans Co. | Sliding window assembly |
US10015843B2 (en) * | 2010-10-18 | 2018-07-03 | Agc Automotive Americas Co. | Sliding window assembly |
US20120117880A1 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-17 | Agc Automotive Americas Co. | Sliding window assembly for a vehicle |
US9894717B2 (en) * | 2011-07-18 | 2018-02-13 | Pilkington Group Limited | Heated vehicle sliding window assembly |
-
2012
- 2012-05-21 US US13/476,430 patent/US9688122B2/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-05-22 US US15/601,144 patent/US20170253108A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5836110A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 1998-11-17 | Excel Industries, Inc. | Remote manual anti-backdrive system for modular rear-mounted window assembly |
US7073293B2 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2006-07-11 | Donnelly Corporation | Horizontal slider window assembly |
US20160208536A1 (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2016-07-21 | Dura Operating, Llc | Window assembly with movable pane |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN108482313A (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2018-09-04 | 佛山市洁宇信息科技有限公司 | A kind of Vehicular intelligent removes defrosting system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9688122B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 |
US20120291353A1 (en) | 2012-11-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20170253108A1 (en) | Motor vehicle window assembly | |
US6119401A (en) | Dual-slider window regulator with three flexible, inextensible drive members | |
US6112462A (en) | Single-drum dual-cable window regulator | |
US10015843B2 (en) | Sliding window assembly | |
US9714008B2 (en) | Flat wiper blade and coupling method thereof | |
US20130192016A1 (en) | Flat wiper blade and flat wiper blade assembly | |
US9624707B2 (en) | Heated sliding window assembly | |
US9434353B2 (en) | Flat wiper blade | |
US9894717B2 (en) | Heated vehicle sliding window assembly | |
US9641124B2 (en) | Electric interconnection system for solar cell of vehicle roof | |
US20160059675A1 (en) | Rear slider window assembly with heated movable window | |
US20110147153A1 (en) | Electrical cable retractor assembly for a movable window | |
US11013069B2 (en) | Sliding window assembly | |
US9797177B2 (en) | Window assembly with movable pane | |
MX2012009333A (en) | Wiper device for vehicle windows and wiper blade with a heating arrangement. | |
CN204870916U (en) | Windshield windshield wiper subassembly | |
US10960852B2 (en) | Wiper system for automotive vehicle | |
US20230084191A1 (en) | Vehicular rear slider window assembly with electrical connection to movable panel heater grid | |
US20090008991A1 (en) | Power supply apparatus for sliding door | |
US20180016833A1 (en) | Window regulator | |
US9920560B2 (en) | Window assembly with a movable pane and a defrost assembly | |
CN109367365B (en) | Automobile rear gear sliding window assembly | |
CN113401088B (en) | Glass heating thawing apparatus and automobile door and window | |
US10577849B2 (en) | Window regulator cable guide | |
US10501978B2 (en) | Window regulator cable guide |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DURA OPERATING, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:DURA GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:042455/0403 Effective date: 20120919 Owner name: DURA GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GIPSON, RONNIE G.;SHARRON, SCOTT S.;KECK, KENNETH E., II;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:042454/0058 Effective date: 20120523 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |