WO2021137790A1

WO2021137790A1 - An openable and closable frame mechanism in the horizontal axis

Info

Publication number: WO2021137790A1
Application number: PCT/TR2020/051003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Onur SINAK
Original assignee: Yeşi̇lova Holdi̇ng Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2019-12-30
Filing date: 2020-10-27
Publication date: 2021-07-08
Also published as: TR201922476A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame mechanism (10) comprising the following; a moving glass (12) which is configured on a fixed glass (11) fixed on the vehicle body, is openable and closable and a frame (20) in which moving glass (12) is supported in and aligned inside, openings (13) that are configured at the corners of said moving glass (12), towlines (41) that are engaged with said openings (13), guiding elements (50) that guides the towlines around the frame mechanism (10), winding reels (60) to which towlines (41) are connected and to which towlines (41) are wound/released thereon by means of the rotational motion around them, are configured in both lower and upper section, movement transmission elements (81) that transmits the movement to said winding reels (60), at least one drive element (80) that moves said movement transmission elements (81).

Description

DESCRIPTION

An Openable and Closable Frame Mechanism in the Horizontal Axis

Technical Field

The invention relates to an openable and closable frame mechanism in the horizontal axis.

The invention is particularly related to a frame mechanism which enables opening and closing of the glass doors or driver windows of the bus horizontally.

State of the Art

The window mechanisms used in the state of the art generally works in the vertical direction. Moreover, the required mechanism to enable the drive given to the window is configured within the vehicle door. However, not every vehicle has sufficient volume to house the required mechanism. This situation may lead to a disturbing vision in this part of the vehicle.

There are also door/window mechanisms that operate horizontally today. However, based on the reasons that the drive given to the glass to be moved in these mechanisms is unidirectional and the length changes are not taken into consideration due to seasonal or climatic changes based on the used cable materials, the stability of the window movement is affected and it is prevented from operating properly.

When the mechanisms working horizontally are considered, the drive power may vary according to the slope due to the horizontal operation of the frame. The mechanism used shall fulfill the variable drive demand. In the state of the art, it leads to the use of motors with higher power so as to fulfill the increasing drive demand.

In the mechanisms used in the state of the art, since lock mechanisms are required so as to limit the movement of the moving glass, it leads to increase in cost and difficulty of use. Moreover, since the mechanical cables used do not have any coating and they work by passing through small holes; it decreases the economic life of the mechanism by causing wearing and corrosion. Apart from these, it also causes further labor force due to the bending process requirement of the frame on which the glass is supported in the similar systems. Besides, a system detects jamming, stops and then reverses the movement could not be found.

One of the patents about the subject matter in the literature is the patent application numbered TR201009454. The frame described in the relevant application consists of; sliding glass, fixed glass, two slide channels engaged on the fixed glass, one at the lower and one at the upper part and locking handle so as to provide closing the fixed glass and the moving glass in the same plane. There are no technical details mentioned in the relevant application so as to bring solution to the above-mentioned disadvantages.

The patent numbered TR200703144 with the title "Automatic movement mechanism for folding vehicle or boat windows" was encountered during research. The relevant application relates to an openable and closable vehicle/boat glass comprising; a fixed frame mounted on lateral facade of the vehicle/boat, a moving frame that can move along the horizontal axis related to said fixed frame between the upper rail and the lower rail, motion transmission elements that are engaged to the section located on said lower rail section of said moving frame, a drive unit which gives movement to said movement transmission elements, enables said moving frame to move horizontally along the lower rail slots formed on the lower rail automatically.

As a result, due to the abovementioned disadvantages and the insufficiency of the current solutions regarding the subject matter, a development is required to be made in the relevant technical field.

Aim of the Invention

The present invention relates to a frame mechanism than can be opened and closed in the horizontal axis for doors and windows.

The main aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism which provides a stable movement horizontally by means of the guiding elements located at both the upper and lower sections of the frame mechanism. A moment is not applied on the axis perpendicular to glass and movement stability is ensured by providing glass movement both from the bottom and from the top.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism which enables the glass to be kept open at the desired level with only drive element and control unit without requirement of any lock. The fixed glass is prevented from moving by means of the drive element used. Moreover, when a jamming is detected in the mechanism, the movement of the glass is stopped and reversed.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism that enables the engagement of the elements moving the glass by the openings on the glass without requiring a frame that will be further formed on the glass. Moreover, noise and gaps are prevented by means of the bushings attached to said openings. At the same time bushings prevent the elements that give motion from generating stress on the glass.

A similar aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism that can continuously operate in a stable manner by means of the cables that are not affected by seasonal and climatic conditions. The lengths of the towlines used so as to provide the movement of the glass, are affected by environmental conditions due to their metal structures and thus gaps and contractions may be experienced in the system. The elongation of the cables due to environmental conditions is eliminated by means of the tension element used in the invention and thus a stable operation is provided.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism in which the towlines moving the glass do not wear. During the orientation of the towlines within the mechanism, abrasion and deformation is prevented due to the fact that there are no sharp movements and their strength is increased by the plastic coating around them and their contact with the substances that cause corrosion is prevented.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism wherein the force transmitted to the glass is maximized even if the vehicle is in an inclined condition. The glass can complete its movement by means of the available gear wheels that transmits the motion to the towlines at the outlet of the drive element.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism that brings cost advantage by eliminating the process steps requiring extra cost for the frame. The bending process is eliminated since the frame wherein said moving glass is supported is configured with a plurality of frame profiles.

A similar aim of the invention is to provide a frame mechanism that is satisfactory in terms of appearance, is safe and occupies less space. When it is considered that the invention is mostly used by the driver or passengers in the buses, covers are used that seem as the integral parts of the frames so as to hide said parts in the relevant mechanism, to provide safety of the user and visuality. Therefore, a mechanism which does not give any visual disturbance for the driver and passengers and can be used in vehicles lack of an area like a door to store parts such as drive mechanism, does not create any danger for users.

The invention relates to a frame mechanism so as to fulfill the above mentioned aims, comprising the following; a moving glass which is configured on a fixed glass fixed on the vehicle body, is openable and closable and a frame in which moving glass is supported inand aligned inside, openings that are configured at the corners of said moving glass, towlines that are engaged with said openings, guiding elements that guide the towlines around the frame mechanism, winding reels to which towlines are connected and to which towlines are wound/released thereon/thereof by means of the rotational motion around themselves, are configured in both lower and upper section, movement transmission elements that transmit the movement to said winding reels, at least one drive element that moves said movement transmission elements.

Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is the general view of the frame mechanism subjected to invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper frame.

Figure 3 shows a view of the moving glass and detail A on the moving glass.

Figure 4 is the view of the elements that transfer the received drive.

In Figure 5, a detailed view of the pull element transmitting drive to the moving glass which is used in a preferred embodiment of the frame mechanism is given.

Figure 6 is a detailed view of the tension element on the frame mechanism.

Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the drive element that gives the required drive to the frame mechanism and movement transmission elements that transmit this movement to the other elements.

Figure 8 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the frame mechanism (10) having a cover (90) with which it is closed so as to increase visuality. References

10. Frame mechanism

11. Fixed glass

12. Moving glass

13. Opening

20. Frame

21. Lower Frame

22. Upper Frame

23. Side Frame

24. Bearing element 30. Lower table

40. Pull element

41. Towline

42. Pull element body

43. Fixing element

44. Fastener

50. Guiding element 60. Winding reel 70. Tension member

80. Drive element

81. Motion transmission elements

82. Gear wheel

83. Intermediate gear wheel

84. Control unit 90. Cover

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention is particularly related to a frame mechanism (10) which enables opening and closing of the driver windows of glass doors or driver windows of the buses horizontally.

The frame mechanism (10) subjected to the invention is located on a fixed glass (11) that is fixed to the vehicle body (passenger car, commercial, boat, etc.). Said frame mechanism (10) comprises a movable glass (12) which enables to form a closed area by means of cutting the connection with the environment, can be opened and closed and is positioned in a plane parallel to the fixed glass (11). Moreover, there is a sealing element which is in continuous contact between the fixed glass (11) and the moving glass (12). The sealing element provides sealing, particularly when the moving glass (2) is in the closed position. Figure 1 is a general view in which the frame mechanism (10) is used and the movable glass (12) is closed. The frame mechanism (10) comprises frame (20) which will provide guidance to movement, stability and sealing. The frame (20) consists of a lower frame (21), an upper frame (22) and a side frame (23). Configuring the frame (20) profiles in parts give advantages in terms of cost and labor because they eliminate the bending process. Said frame (21 , 22, 23) profiles are preferably produced from lightweight metal alloys (aluminum etc.). Therefore, weight gain, which is important in vehicles, is also provided. The lower frame (21) and the upper frame (22) serve as a guide between open and closed positions for the movable glass (12). The side frame (23) is the frame (20) part to which the moving glass (12) is in contact with when it is closed and which provides alignment. Lower tables (30) are positioned at each corner of the frame mechanism (10). On one hand some of said lower tables (30) on the side of the movable glass (12) function so as to fix the guiding elements (50), on the other hand the ones on the fixed glass (11) side function to fix the guiding element (50) and preferably the tension element (70) used. Moreover, said lower tables (30) positioned at the corners of the frame mechanism (10) limit the movement of the movable glass (12) by means of contacting with the moving glass (12) according to the open or closed state of the same. It is not required to produce frame (20) parts in one piece and bended by means of used lower tables (30). Therefore, cost and quality advantages are achieved. Another lower table (30) is positioned on the movable glass (12) side so as to fix the elements that enable and transmit the drive. The lower tables (30) are fixed on the fixed glass (11) that carries the complete frame mechanism (10).

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper frame (22). Said upper frame (22) comprises a bearing element (24) which is located in a channel formed therein, in which preferably the moving glass (12) is supported and sealing is provided. The relevant bearing element (24) is available in the lower frame (21) and the side frame (23), which are other frame (20) elements. Said bearing element (24) is preferably a wick. Moreover the towline (41) is passed through the openings (13) that are created in the lower frame (21) and upper frame (22). Therefore, the towline (41) can easily perform its function without being subjected to external factors.

Figure 3 shows a view of the moving glass (12) and detail A on the moving glass (12). At each corner of the moving glass (12), openings (13) are formed. A detailed view of said openings can be seen in Detail A in Figure 3. Preferably bushings are used in said openings (13). Noise and gaps are prevented by means of the bushings attached to said openings (13). At the same time bushings prevent the elements that give motion from generating stress on the glass.

Figure 4 is the view of the elements that transfers the received drive. In Figure 4, only the upper half of the frame mechanism (10) is shown so as to show the details easily. The same elements are present at the lower section in the form of a mirror image. Moreover, frame (20) parts are not shown in Figure 4 so as to see the details. The movement on the moving glass (12) is provided by means of the pull element (40) engaged with the openings (13) thereon and towlines (41) engaged with said pull element (40). The towline (40) is preferably made of metal material and is covered with plastic (PVC) so as to prevent abrasions. The pull element

(40) engaged with the opening (13) located on the fixed glass (11) side on the moving glass (12) is connected with the towline (41). A guiding element (50) which is fixed on the lower table (30) located on the fixed glass (11) side is used so as to guide said towline (41) towards the drive element (80) properly. All guiding elements (50) that are used in the invention are preferably reels with rotational capability. Then, the towline (41) is connected to the winding reel (60) by travelling around the guiding element (50) fixed on the lower table (30) on the moving glass (12) part. The winding reel (60) is fixed on the lower table (30) and can rotate around itself. The pull element (40) engaged with the opening (13) located on the moving glass (12) side on the moving glass (12) is engaged with the towline (41). A guiding element (50) which is fixed on the lower table (30) located on the fixed glass (11) corner side is used so as to properly guide said towline (41) towards the drive element (80). Then, the towline (41) is connected to the winding reel (60). Therefore, the towline (41) can transmit the movement it receives from the drive element by means of the winding reel (60) to the moving glass (12) with the help of the guiding elements (50).

The winding reels (60) comprise helical channels so as to provide the towline (41) to be wound thereon. When the winding reel (60) is rotated around its own axis, the towlines (41) are wound on the winding reel (60) or the towline (41) which is already wound is opened and drives the moving glass (12) by means of the helical channels while one of the towline (41) is filling the other is emptying, during the movement of the winding reel (60) of the towlines

(41). The lower and upper winding reels (60) are preferably identical, but can also be different. Because the winding reels (60) used in the invention are identical, the directions of the helix channel are also the same and they are required rotate in the same direction. There is also a towline slot on the winding reels (60). These towline slots are preferably configured separately for the end of the towline (41) guided by the fixed glass (11) and the end of the towline (41) guided by the moving glass (12). Said towline slot is engages the towline (41) with the winding reel (60) by means of a fixing element (43) and its sliding is prevented.

The drive can be transmitted to the moving glass (12) because it is directly engaged with the towlines (41). However, preferably pull element (40) is used for the sake of easy mounting and durability of the towlines (41). In Figure 5, a detailed view of the pull element (40) transmitting drive to the moving glass (12) which is used in a preferred embodiment of the frame mechanism (10) is given. The pull element (40) can be readily used on the towlines (41) in a fixed manner. The pull element (40) preferably comprises; a pull element body (42), a fixing element (43) (not shown in the figure) that passes through the opening (13) formed on the moving glass (12) and a fastener (44) that prevents this fixing element (43) from moving in its own axis. The fixing element (43) provides a connection to the movement between the movable glass (12) openings (13) and the pull element body (42) in the perpendicular direction. As may be required, it fixes the pull element body (42) in a manner such that it can rotate spaceless in the bushing located in the openings (13) formed at the corners on the moving glass (12). The fastener (44) prevents the fixing element (43) from displacing by moving in its own axis. Said fixing element (43) is preferably a pin. Towline (41) passes through an opening (13) on the pull element body (42). Another fixing element (43) on the end of the towline (41) prevents the separation of towline (41) from the pull element (40).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a tension element (70). Figure 6 is a detailed view of the tension element (70) on the frame mechanism (10). The guiding element (50), which enables to guide the towline (41) on the fixed glass (11) side, is fixed on the lower table (30) by means of a fixing element (43) in a manner such that it provides opportunity for a movement in the horizontal direction like the movement of the moving glass (12). There is a channel on the lower table (30) in which the fixing element (43) can move so as to provide opportunity for this movement. The tension element (70) engaged to the mentioned fixing element (43) is fixed by means of a protrusion formed on the lower table (30). Said tension element (70) is preferably a spring. Therefore, it eliminates the spaces that may be seen due to extension and shortening in the lengths of the towlines (41) depending on seasonal and climatic differences and dampen sudden movements in the system. Moreover, during the movement of the moving glass (12), the distance between the upper or lower pull elements (40) is provided to remain the same as the openings (13) of the moving glass (12), by directing the towline (41 ) in the reverse direction. The tension member (40) is created at the corners of the fixed glass (11) part and is positioned both at the bottom and at the top. The tension member (70) can be preferably located in the pull or press direction. In case there is an extension in said towline (41), the tension element (70) engaged with the fixing element (43) that can move within the channel configured on the lower table (30), pulls the guiding element (50) located at the corner at the fixed glass (11) side. Therefore, the space formed by the extensions is eliminated and stability is provided in the movement of the moving glass (12).

Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the drive element (80) that gives the required drive to the frame mechanism (10) and movement transmission elements (81) that transmits this movement to the other elements. The towlines (41) are connected to the winding reels (60) which are one for each of the sections both on the top and the bottom. The winding reels (60) are engaged with the lower table (30) such that they can rotate around their own axes. The winding reels (60) are required to move together for the movement of the moving glass (12). This movement is transmitted to each winding reel (60) by means of the movement transmission elements (81). Said motion transmission elements (60) are preferably a gear wheel (82) for each winding reel. Preferably the winding reels (60) can be produced integrally with the gear wheels (82). The frame mechanism (10) comprises at least one drive element (80) that gives motion to the moving glass (12). Preferably, a separate drive element (80) can be used for each winding reel (60). Said drive element (80) is preferably an electric motor however preferably any system that transforms various energy sources into mechanical energy can be used. The motion given by said drive element (80) is first of all received by an intermediate gear wheel (83). The drive element (80) can be preferably integrated with the intermediate gear wheel (83). Then this movement is transmitted on the gear wheels (82) that are fixed on each winding reel (60). Therefore the movement can be transmitted to winding reels (60) by means of the gear wheels (82) and to the towlines (41) engaged with the winding reels (60). Said intermediate gear wheel (83) is not used in cases when a separate drive element (80) is used for each winding reel (60). There is also a control unit (84) in the frame mechanism (10) so as to provide power source and control to the drive element (80). The control unit (84) provides the management of the power transmitted by the drive element (80) and stops and reverses the movement of the drive element (80) when a compression is detected in the system.

Figure 8 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the frame mechanism (10) having a cover (90) with which it is closed so as to increase visuality. Since the frame (20) parts close a part of the elements which are already movable and their visuality is not disturbing, a cover (90) is not required. All other elements except these ones are closed with a cover (90) so as to provide user safety, to increase visuality and to provide integrity with the frame (20) parts. Said cover (90) is preferably made of plastic.

A preferred configuration of the frame mechanism (10) operating principle is explained in detail in the following. The drive element (80) that starts to work upon the command received from the control unit (84) transmits the drive formed to the gear wheels (82) on the winding reels (60) by means of the intermediate gear wheel (83). The winding reels (60) engaged with the gear wheels (82) start to rotate with the movement received. The winding reels (60) start to pull the towlines (41) with the rotational movement. Therefore the towline (41) starts to be wound on the towline channels located on the winding reel (60). The moving glass (12) moves towards the open position due to the direction assigned by the guiding elements (50); as a consequence of the rotation of the winding reel (60) in the opening direction since the towline (41 ) is engaged in the opening (13) at the corner where the moving glass (12) is near to the fixed glass (11) by means of the guiding elements (50) one of which is formed on the moving glass (12) side, the other is formed on the fixed glass (11) side and the pull element (40). Synchronously with this movement, pulling is provided also on the other towline (41) engaged with the opening (13) at the corner of the moving glass (12) close to the moving glass (12) by means of the pull element (40) and uncoils the same in the winding reel (60), therefore the moving glass (12) is opened. During the opening of the moving glass (12), its movement is stopped by the lower tables (30) found in the opening direction. However, when the power given by the drive element (80) is cut at any point optionally, it can be provided to open the same as much as required. In case the moving glass (12) is required to be closed, the winding reels (60) are activated in the closing direction and closing is enabled by means of the towlines (41).

Claims

1. A frame mechanism (10) comprising a moving glass (12) which is configured on a fixed glass (11) fixed on the vehicle body, is openable and closable and a frame (20) in which the moving glass (12) is supported in and aligned inside, characterized in further comprising

- openings (13) that are configured at the corners of said moving glass (12),

- towlines (41) that are engaged with said openings (13),

- guiding elements (50) that guides the towlines around the frame mechanism (10),

- winding reels (60) to which towlines (41) are connected and to which towlines (41) are wound/released thereon by means of the rotational motion around themselves,

- movement transmission elements (81) that transmits the movement to said winding reels (60),

- at least one drive element (80) that moves said movement transmission elements (81).

2. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a sealing element which is in continuous contact between the fixed glass (11) and the moving glass (12).

3. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a frame (20) that consists of a lower frame (21), an upper frame (22) and a side frame (23) that are configured separately and enable the moving glass (12) to be aligned and supported in open or closed conditions.

4. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that; the frame (20) is obtained from lightweight metal alloys.

5. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a lower table (30) on which guiding elements (50) are fixed thereon and is engaged on the fixed glass (11 ) limiting the movement of the moving glass (12).

6. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a lower table (30) that is engaged on the fixed glass (11), on which said winding reel (60) and drive element (80) are fixed.

7. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a bearing element (24) which is located in a channel formed within the frame (20), in which preferably the moving glass (12) is supported in and provides sealing.

8. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 3, characterized in comprising an opening (13) that is formed in the lower frame (21) and upper frame (22) through which the towline (41) is passed.

9. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising bushings which are attached to said openings (13) configured at the corners of the moving glass (12).

10. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; there is a plastic coating on said towline (41) so as to prevent abrasion and deformation.

11. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; said guiding elements (50) are reels with rotational ability.

12. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; there are helical channels on said winding reels (60) so as to wind the towline (41).

13. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; there is a towline slot on said winding reels (60) so as to fix the towlines (41).

14. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising pull element (40) so as to engage the towlines (41) with said openings (13).

15. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that; said pull element (40) comprises; a pull element body (42), a fixing element (43) that passes through the opening (13) formed on the moving glass (12) and a fastener (44) that prevents this fixing element (43) from moving in its own axis direction.

16. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 15, characterized in comprising another fixing element (43) that is configured on the end section of said towline (41), prevents the towline (41) from separating from the pull element (40) and passes through an opening (13) on the pull element body (42).

17. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a tension element (70) that is engaged with the guiding element (50) located on the lower and upper corners at the fixed glass (11) side of the frame mechanism (10), enables the movement of the guiding element (50) by means of the channel on the lower table (30) to which it is engaged.

18. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 17, characterized in comprising a fixing element which provides the connection of said tension element (70) with the guiding element (50).

19. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; said movement transmission elements (81) are, a gear wheel (82) that are configured for each winding reel and an intermediate gear wheel (83) that transmits the movement received from the drive element (80) to said gear wheels (82).

20. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; said guiding element (50) is the guiding elements (50) that are formed on the moving glass (12) side and fixed glass (11) side both at the bottom and top and enable to pull and direct the moving glass (12) while opening.

21. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; said guiding element (50) is the guiding elements (50) that are formed on the moving glass (12) side both at the bottom and top and enable to pull and direct the moving glass (12) while closing.

22. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; winding wheels (60) are for both the upper section and the lower section.

23. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a cover (90) which hides the elements that remain uncovered in the frame mechanism (10) other than the frame (20).

24. A frame mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in comprising a control unit (84) that gives command to the drive element (80).