US3802143A

US3802143A - Window assembly especially for an automobile

Info

Publication number: US3802143A
Application number: US00157872A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Adler; K Erck; K Schwenk
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 1970-07-03
Filing date: 1971-06-29
Publication date: 1974-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-09
Also published as: DE2032990A1

Abstract

A window assembly especially for an automobile includes a primary frame defining a window opening. An auxiliary frame is provided to facilitate mounting of a windowpane in the opening defined in the primary frame. The windowpane is mounted on the auxiliary frame by means of an adhesive at a location remote from the final assembly point. An elastic sealing strip is mounted on the auxiliary frame in surrounding relationship to the latter and to the edge of a windowpane mounted thereon. The auxiliary frame is attached to the primary frame by means of a plurality of elongated connecting elements which extend through the elastic sealing strip.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Adler et al.

[ WINDOW ASSEMBLY ESPECIALLY FOR AN AUTOMOBILE [75] Inventors: Jurgen Adler; Karl Erck; Kurt Schwenk, all of Wolfsburg, Germany [73] Assignee: Volkswagenwerk Akt, Wolfsburg,

Germany [22] Filed: June 29, 1971 [2!] App]. No.: 157,872

30 Foreign Application Priority Data 1451 Apr. 9, 1974' 2,761,729 9/1956 Renre 52/400 3,093,844 6/1963 Brock 52/400 3,148,753 9/1964 Hodgen 52/400 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 360,486 4/1962 Switzerland 52 616 Primary Examiner-Henry C. Sutherland Assistant Examiner-H. E. Raduazo Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Brumbaugh, Graves, Dono hue & Raymond 57 ABSTRACT A window assembly especially for an automobile includes a primary frame defining a window opening.

An auxiliary frame is provided to facilitate mounting of a windowpane in the opening; defined in the primary frame. The windowpane is mounted on the auxili iary frame by means of an adhesive at a location re- A mote from the final assembly point. An elastic sealing strip is mounted on the auxiliary frame in surrounding relationship to the latter and tothe edge of a windowpane mounted thereon. The auxiliary frame is attached to the primary frame by means of a plurality of elongated connecting elements which extend through V the elastic sealing strip.

14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEU APR 9 I974 INVENTOR JURGEN ADLER KARL ERCK 'KUR'I SCHWENK WATSON COLE GRINDLE & WATSON vATTORNEYS WINDOW ASSEMBLY ESPECIALLY FOR AN AUTOMOBILE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Applicants claim priority from German application P 32 990.2, filed July 3, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a window assembly especially for an automobile and in particular to such assembly wherein a windowpane is first attached onto an auxiliary frame by means of an adhesive and the latter, together with the pane, is then attached to the primary frame surrounding the window opening. Such a procedure and assembly is disclosed and claimed in commonly owned U; S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 145,764, filed May 21, 1971 in the names of the present inventors and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present improvement to said assembly comprises the attachment of the auxiliary frame to a bridge extending parallel to the pane by means of elongated connecting elements extending through an elastic sealing strip which surrounds the auxiliary frame and the edge of the pane and has a portion disposed between the latter and the bridge.

In its broad aspects the present invention comprises a window assembly especially for an automobile which includes a primary frame surrounding a window opening, the primary frame being generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration to present a bridge disposed generally in the plane of the opening and extending therearound. Also included is an auxiliary frame adapted for attachment to the primary frame, the auxiliary frame presenting an opening generally coextensive in size with the window opening. A windowpane is mounted on the auxiliary frame in covering relationship to the opening therein and adhesive means are provided for attaching the window frame and the auxiliary frame together. A plurality of elongated connecting elements is provided for partly interconnecting the auxiliary frame and the bridge. An elastic sealing strip extends around the windowpane and is disposed in partly surrounding relationship to the auxiliary frame and to the edge of the windowpane. The elastic sealing strip has a central portion disposed generally between the auxiliary frame and the bridge. There are a plurality of openings extending through the central portion of the elastic sealing strip, the connecting elements being received therethrough.

By virtue of the present invention, an assembly is provided which facilitates efficient pre-assembly of the auxiliary frame and the windowpane. The elastic sealing strip may be mounted on the auxiliary frame in surrounding relationship thereto prior to the mounting of the auxiliary frame onto the primary frame. The connecting elements extend through the elastic sealing strip which has a portion disposed between the frames providing a resilient shock-absorbing mounting for the windowpane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational cross-sectional view illustrating the internal details of a window assembly which embodies the concepts and principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-sectional view illustrating the internal details of another form of window assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line III-III of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

One form of an automotive window assembly which embodies the principles and concepts of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The assembly includes a primary frame 1 which surrounds the window opening. Frame 1 is generally L-shaped in transverse crosssectional configuration and presents a spot welded flange in the nature of a bridge 2 extending around the opening. A windowpane 3 is held within an auxiliary frame 5 by means of an adhesive 4. Frame 5 extends around an opening which is generally co-extensive in size with the window opening of frame 1. Frame 5 is also generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration, as illustrated, presenting a leg 5a which extends perpendicularly of pane 3 in supporting relationship to the lower edge 3a thereof and a leg 5b which is generally perpendicular to leg 5a and is disposed between windowpane 3 and bridge 2.

A plurality of elongated connecting bolts 6 (only one is illustrated) are welded to leg 5a of auxiliary frame 5. Bolts 6 are spaced around the periphery of frame 5 and each extends therefrom through a. corresponding hole 2a in bridge 2.

An elastic sealing strip 7 extends around the window opening and has a groove 7d therein which surrounds auxiliary frame 5 and the edge 3a of windowpane 3. Strip 7 also has a central portion which is disposed between bridge 2 and auxiliary frame 5. A plurality of openings 7b are provided in central portion 7c, one for each bolt 6, the latter being received through openings 7b as illustrated. A nut 8 and flat washer 9 are provided for securing each bolt 6 to bridge 2. Manifestly, as nuts 8 are tightened on bolts 6, central portion 70 of strip 7 will be compressed between bridge 2 and auxiliary frame 5, providing a resilient mounting for the latter. Preferably, strip 7 is provided with a flashing member 7a disposed to surround nuts 8 whereby the latter are concealed from view.

The window assembly is constructed by first attaching windowpane 3 to auxiliary frame 5 by means of adhesive 4. Bolts 6 have preferably been previously welded to auxiliary frame 5. Auxiliary frame 5, with windowpane 3 attached thereon, is then inserted into groove 7d of sealing strip 7, with bolts 6 extending through corresponding openings 71;.

windowpane 3, auxiliary frame 5, and sealing strip 7 are then mounted onto bridge 2. Bolts 6 are placed in the corresponding holes in bridge 2 and nuts 8 and washers 9 are placed on the bolts and tightened. After nuts 8 have been appropriately tightened, flashing member 7c is allowed to assume its normal position in covering relationship to nuts 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates another form of window assembly embodying the invention. In FIG. 2, the assembly includes a primary frame 101 which surrounds the window opening. Frame 101 is generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration and presents a spot welded flange in the nature of a bridge 16 extending around the opening. A windowpane 11 is held against an auxiliary frame by means of an adhesive 14. Frame 10 extends around an opening which is generally co-extensive in size with the window opening of frame 101. Frame 10 is also generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration, as illustrated, presenting a leg 10a which extends perpendicularly of pane 11 in supporting relationship to the lower edge 11a thereof and a leg 10b which is generally perpendicular to leg 10a and is normally disposed between pane 11 and bridge 16.

A plurality of generally L-shaped holding tabs 12 (only one is illustrated) are spaced around the periphery of frame 10. Each tab 12 has a portion 12a welded to leg 10b of frame 10 and a length 12b disposed to extend perpendicularly away from pane 11 and into overlying relationship to bridge 16.

Each length 12b has a hole 12c therethrough. A corresponding widened area 16a (FIG. 3) is provided in bridge 16 for each hole 12c. A hole 16b, which extends generally parallel to pane 11, is provided in each area 16a. Holes 16b are aligned with holes 12c and screws 13 are received through the holes, as shown in FIG. 2, for the purpose of rigidly securing frames 10 and 101 together.

An elastic sealing strip 15 extends around the window opening and has a groove 15d therein which sur-v rounds auxiliary frame 10 and the edge 11a of the windowpane 11. Strip 15 also has a central portion 156 which is disposed generally between bridge 16 and the auxiliary frame 10. A plurality of openings 150 are provided in central portion 150, one for each screw 13, the latter being received through openings 15e as illustrated. Manifestly, as screws 13 are tightened, the central portion 15c of strip 15 will be compressed between bridge 16 and tabs 12 providing a resilient mounting for frame 10. Preferably, strip 15 is provided with a flashing member 15b disposed to surround screws 13 whereby the latter are concealed from view.

The window assembly of FIG. 2 is constructed by first attaching windowpane 11 to auxiliary frame 10 by means of adhesive 14. Tabs 12 have preferably been previously welded to auxiliary frame 10. In this connection, lengths 12b of tabs 12 are preferably initially disposed at an angle (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2) relative to their final positions to facilitate assembly. Auxiliary frame 10, with windowpane 11 attached thereon, is then inserted into groove 15d of sealing strip 15, with screws 13 extending toward openings 15e.

windowpane 11, auxiliary frame 10, and sealing strip 15 are then mounted onto bridge 16. A flap 15a of strip 15 is pulled in known manner over bridge 16 with the help of a string. Flashing 15b is pulled back and lengths 12b are bent into their normal positions with screws 13 extending through holes 152 and into holes 16b. After screws 13 have been appropriately tightened, flashing 15b is allowed to assume its normal position in covering relationship to screws 13.

We claim:

1. A window assembly for an automobile comprising:

a primary frame surrounding a window opening, said frame being generally L-shaped in transverse crosssectional configuration presenting a bridge disposed generally in the plane of said opening and extending therearound;

an auxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figure adapted for attachment to the primary frame, said auxiliary frame presenting an opening generally coextensive in size with said window opening;

a windowpane mounted on, and adhesively bonded directly to the auxiliary frame around substantially the entire periphery of said windowpane in covering relationship to the opening in said auxiliary frame;

a plurality of elongated connecting elements firmly interconnecting the auxiliary frame and said bridge;

an elastic sealing strip extending around the window opening, said strip being disposed in partly surrounding relationship to, but unadhered to, the auxiliary frame and to the edge of the windowpane and having a central portion disposed generally between the auxiliary frame and said bridge;

there being a plurality of openings extending through said central portion of the strip receiving said connecting elements therethrough.

2. A window assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said auxiliary frame is generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration presenting a pair of generally perpendicular legs, said auxiliary frame being disposed with one leg extending generally perpendicularly of the major plane of the windowpane adjacent the edge thereof and with the other leg disposed be tween the windowpane and the bridge.

3. A window assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connecting elements are rigidly connected to said one leg of the auxiliary frame and extend through the 7 bridge in a direction generally perpendicularly of the major plane of the windowpane, said elements including means for securing the same to said bridge.

4. A window assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said elements comprise threaded bolt and nut assemblies.

5. A window assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein a plurality of holding tabs are provided on said other leg of the auxiliary frame, said tabs having a length disposed to extend away from the windowpane in a direction generally perpendicular thereto, there being a hole through each tab and corresponding holes extending through the bridge in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the windowpane, said connecting elements comprising screws extending through the corresponding holes in the tabs and into the holes in the bridge.

6. A window assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said tabs is transversely L-shaped presenting said length and another portion which extends generally perpendicularly of the length, said portions being attached to said other leg of the auxiliary frame.

7. A window assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said bridge has a plurality of widened areas, the holes in the bridge being disposed to extend through said widened areas.

8. A window assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sealing strip includes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of the connecting elements.

9. A window assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said sealing strip includes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of the connecting elements. i

10. A window assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sealing strip includes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of the connecting elements.

11. An apparatus for fastening a windowpane in a frame comprising:

a primary frame having a flange thereon, said flange having an inner edge defining a window opening; a substantially continuous auxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figure adapted for substantially surrounding the windowpane, and having a right angle cross-section, one leg of which runs parallel to and surrounds the peripheral edge of the windowpane and the other leg of which is interposed between the windowpane and said flange of said primary frame, said one leg terminating in a free edge defining an unrestricted opening similar in shape to, but larger than, said windowpane, to enable said auxiliary frame to be placed on the peripheral area of said windowpane with said one leg surrounding the peripheral edge of the windowpane and said other leg lying over the periphery of the windowpane and parallel to the face thereof; an elastic sealing strip embracing the edge of the windowpane, and interposed between said primary frame and said auxiliary frame;

adhesive means adhesively connecting said windowpane and said auxiliary frame, with said elastic sealing strip being adhered neither to said auxiliary frame nor said windowpane;

, connecting elements secured to said auxiliary frame and extending through openings in said elastic sealing strip and said flange of said primary frame for attachment thereto.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 1, further comprising holding plates for fastening the auxiliary frame on the flange of said primary frame, said holding plates having approximately right-angled cross-sections, one shank of which is fixed on the leg of the auxiliary frame arranged between the pane and the flange, and the other shank of which is provided with a hole through which passes, approximately parallel to the pane plane, a connecting element which is fastened in the flange.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized in that the flange at the points of fastening is thicker, in accordance with the required connecting element, than in its remaining area.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized in that the flange is widened in the points of attachment of said holding plates.

Claims

1. A window assembly for an automobile comprising: a primary frame surrounding a window opening, said frame being generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration presenting a bridge disposed generally in the plane of said opening and extending therearound; an auxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figure adapted for attachment to the primary frame, said auxiliary frame presenting an opening generally coextensive in size with said window opening; a windowpane mounted on, and adhesively bonded directly to the auxiliary frame around substantially the entire periphery of said windowpane in covering relationship to the opening in said auxiliary frame; a plurality of elongated connecting elements firmly interconnecting the auxiliary frame and said bridge; an elastic sealing strip extending around the window opening, said strip being disposed in partly surrounding relationship to, but unadhered to, the auxiliary frame and to the edge of the windowpane and having a central portion disposed generally between the auxiliary frame and said bridge; there being a plurality of openings extending through said central portion of the strip receiving said connecting elements therethrough.

2. A window assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said auxiliary frame is generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration presenting a pair of generally perpendicular legs, said auxiliary frame being disposed with one leg extending generally perpendicularly of the major plane of the windowpane adjacent the edge thereof and with the other leg disposed between the windowpane and the bridge.

3. A window assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connecting elements are rigidly connected to said one leg of the auxiliary frame and extend through the bridge in a direction generally perpendicularly of the major plane of the windowpane, said elements including means for securing the same to said bridge.

9. A window assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said sealing strip includes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of the connecting elements.

11. An apparatus for fastening a windowpane in a frame comprising: a primary frame having a flange thereon, said flange having an inner edge defining a window opening; a substantially continuous auxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figure adapted for substantially surrounding the windowpane, and having a right angle cross-section, one leg of which runs parallel to and surrounds the peripheral edge of the windowpane and the other leg of which is interposed between the windowpane and said flange of said primary frame, said one leg terminating in a free edge defining an unrestricted opening similar in shape to, but larger than, said windowpane, to enable said auxiliary frame to be placed on the peripheral area of said windowpane with said one leg surrounding the peripheral edge of the windowpane and said other leg lying over the periphery of the windowpane and parallel to the face thereof; an elastic sealing strip embracing the edge of the windowpane, and interposed between said primary frame and said auxiliary frame; adhesive means adhesively connecting said windowpane and said auxiliary frame, with said elastic sealing strip being adhered neither to said auxiliary frame nor said windowpane; connecting elements secured to said auxiliary frame and extending through openings in said elastic sealing strip and said flange of said primary frame for attachment thereto.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, further comprising holding plates for fastening the auxiliary frame on the flange of said primary frame, said holding plates having approximately right-angled cross-sections, one shank of which is fixed on the leg of the auxiliary frame arranged between the pane and the flange, and the other shank of which is provided with a hole through which passes, approximately parallel to the pane plane, a connecting element which is fastened in the flange.