WO2011014684A1

WO2011014684A1 - Adjustable glass assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2011014684A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/043755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Justin Bruno; Marian Petrelecan; Harald Ertl; Jo Groh
Original assignee: Fisker Automotive, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-07-29
Filing date: 2010-07-29
Publication date: 2011-02-03

Abstract

An adjustable glass assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed window; a moveable window; a bar member secured to a door of the vehicle such that the bar member extends below and above a predetermined distance from a top surface of the door, wherein the bar member includes a U-shaped groove; a first rail member secured to the moveable window and that extends a predetermined length beyond; a second rail member secured to the fixed window and that extends a predetermined length beyond. The first rail member and the second rail member are disposed within the U-shaped groove of the bar member and the first rail member is in slidable engagement with the second rail member. The adjustable glass assembly also includes a first and second bracket for adjusting the fixed window in a first, second and third direction.

Description

ADJUSTABLE GLASS ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RLEATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/229,487, filed July 29, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a window assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable quarter glass assembly for a vehicle.

[0003] Vehicles generally include a door, and the door includes a window portion that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. For a vehicle with a convertible top, a roof portion is moveable between an extended position covering the interior of the vehicle, and a retracted position whereby the interior or passenger compartment of the vehicle is exposed. The vehicle may include a fixed window associated with the vehicle body. Frequently, the fixed window is attached to a window frame, and the moveable window travels with respect to a guide integrally formed in the window frame. Conventional vehicle doors are manufactured from steel. Aluminum doors are not as common and have specific design requirements to meet door durability, build adjustment appearance and functional requirement thresholds.

[0004] While this arrangement works, it may be desirable to eliminate the window frame in order to achieve a continuous flush surface appearance between the fixed window and the moveable window and to reduce costs. Thus, there is a need in the art for an adjustable quarter glass assembly for a frameless vehicle door that is less costly, more aesthetic in appearance, and easy to adjust. SUMMARY

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable glass assembly for a vehicle door. The assembly can be referred to as a quarter-glass assembly and the door can be a frameless door with respect to the windows. An adjustable glass assembly for a vehicle includes (a) a fixed window having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free edge; (b) a moveable window having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free edge positioned adjacent the free edge of the fixed window; (c) a bar member secured to a door of the vehicle such that the bar member extends below and above a predetermined distance from a top surface of the door, wherein the bar member includes a U-shaped groove; (d) a first rail member coupled to the inner surface of the moveable window adjacent the free edge of the moveable window and extending a predetermined length of the free edge of the moveable window; (e) a second rail member secured to the inner surface of the fixed window adjacent the free edge of the fixed window and extending a predetermined length beyond of the free edge of the fixed window; and (f) a first bracket mounted on the bar member adapted to adjust the fixed window in a first direction and a second bracket adapted to adjust the fixed window in a second and third direction. The first rail member and the second rail member are disposed within the U-shaped groove of the bar member and the first rail member is in slidable engagement with the second rail member.

[0006] One advantage of the present disclosure is that the adjustable glass assembly eliminates the need for rubber encapsulation and thereby reduces tooling costs for molds. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the adjustable glass assembly utilizes extruded and stretch-bent rails and thereby reduces stamping tooling costs. Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the adjustable quarter glass assembly provides a smooth operation between an open and closed position of the window. Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the adjustable glass assembly provides a flush glass appearance on the exterior. A further advantage of the present disclosure is that the adjustable quarter glass assembly may be easily and quickly adjusted. [0007] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having an adjustable glass assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of an adjustable glass assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adjustable glass assembly of FIG. 2;;

[0011] FIG. 4A is a side view of an adjustable glass assembly installed within a door of the vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4B is a cross section view of the glass assembly of FIG. 4A;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of an adjustable quarter glass assembly installed within a door of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the adjustable glass assembly of

FIG. 5;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a partial front perspective view of the adjustable glass assembly of FIG. 5; and

[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the adjustable glass assembly of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 - 8 and FIG. 1 in particular, a vehicle 10 is shown. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a motor vehicle having a convertible top 1 1 , two doors 12, although in another example, the vehicle 10 can have more than two doors 12. In still another example, the vehicle 10 has a conventional roof. The vehicle 10 includes an interior space referred to as a passenger compartment. The passenger compartment is enclosed by a conventional top or a moveable convertible top 1 1 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) that covers the passenger compartment in an extended position. The vehicle 10 also includes a storage space 13 referred to as a trunk or luggage compartment. The trunk or luggage compartment 13 is accessible via a panel member 14 referred to as a deck lid. Vehicle 10 includes a body that supports panels such as outer door panel 15 and windows 16 and 17 that delineate the physical appearance of the vehicle. The panels may be fabricated from a material such as metal or a glass or the like. In an example, the panel 15 is made from aluminum and windows 16 and 17 are made of glass.

[0018] In this example, the vehicle body includes a window 16 that is fixed.

The fixed window 16 is generally planar and may have various shapes, such as rectangular or the like. In this example, the window 16 is a glass window , referred to as a quarter glass window, although other window positions are contemplates such as the windshield, rear wind or a side window or the like. The fixed window 16 includes an inner surface 16A, an outer surface 16B, and a free edge 1 16. The fixed window member is secured to the vehicle body using a conventionally known technique. It should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the fixed window 16 may be designed so that it is moveable and adjustable (e.g., may be raised or lowered, etc.).

[0019] The vehicle 10 includes a moveable portion, or door 12 that is displaceable with respect to the vehicle body. Accordingly, door 12 can be open thus providing physical access to the passenger compartment or interior portion of the vehicle. The door 12 includes an outer door panel 15 secured to an inner door panel 18. A moveable window 17 or glass is supported between the outer door panel 15 and inner door panel 18 by a window mechanism 19, so that the moveable window 17 is displaceable between a raised position and a lowered position. The moveable window 17 includes an inner surface 17A and an outer surface 17B. The moveable window 17 also includes a free edge 1 17 that is adjacent to the free edge 1 16 of the fixed window 16. It should be appreciated that the moveable window outer surface 17B and the fixed window outer surface 16B are generally flush and form a continuous, uninterrupted surface that is visually appealing. A lower portion 17C of the moveable window 17 may remain between the outer door panel 15 and inner door panel 18 when the moveable window 17 is in a raised position.

[0020] In an example, vehicle 10 includes an adjustable glass assembly 20 that is operable to move and adjust the position of the moveable window 17, such as by raising, lowering, etc. Assembly 20 can be designed to be adjusted quickly and easily. The adjustable glass assembly 20 includes a fixed panel member such as fixed window 16, a division or guide bar member 21 , a track assembly 22 having a first rail member 23 and a second rail member 24, a connector 25, a first bracket 26 and a second bracket 27.

[0021] The fixed panel member 16 or quarter glass window of this example includes one or more apertures 28 for coupling to other structures. Example of other structures include brackets 27, supports, rails, or the like. The fixed panel 16 is flush and aligned with the moveable window 17 to form a continuous and uninterrupted surface appearance.

[0022] The division bar member 21 may be a weather strip, or guide. The division bar member 21 includes a plurality of grooves having a particular shape for receiving the track assembly 22, i.e. the first and second rail members 23 and 24 therein. For example, the groove may have a U-shaped, or another shape. The division bar member 21 is fixedly secured to the vehicle 10 at a predetermined location, such as the vehicle door, wherein a portion of the division bar 21 extends above a top side 12A of the vehicle door 12.

[0023] The first rail member 23 and second rail member 24 can be made of any suitable material. Examples of materials include aluminum, steel, plastic, rubber, or other compatible materials. The first rail member 12 can be coupled to the moveable glass window 17 along the free edge 1 17 of the moveable glass window 17 using a securing technique. An example of a securing technique is bonded using adhesives, etc. The second rail member 24 can likewise be coupled to the fixed window 16 along the free edge 1 16 of the fixed window member 16 using a similar securing technique. The first rail member 23 is slidably disposed within a channel 29 defined in the second rail member 24 such that the first rail member 23, and therefore the moveable window 17, may travel up and down the division bar member 21. The division bar member 21 and the channel 29 within the second rail member 24 thereby guide the movement of the moveable glass 17 and seal off the system to reduce noise, reduce leaks, maintain vehicle interior temperature, or the like.

[0024] The connector 25 is coupled to the second rail member 24 and provides a y-direction connection point for the first bracket 26, such as a y-direction adjustment bracket. The first bracket 26 for the moveable glass window 17 is fixed to the regulator rails, or first rail member 23 and second rail member 24, such that the glass window 17 floats within a first clearance hole formed by the outer door panel 15 and the inner door panel 18. An example of a predetermined diameter for the clearance hole is about 15 mm. Once the position of the glass window 17 is adjusted and determined by exterior fit and finish, the bracket 26 is closed on friction pads to secure the glass, thus preventing further movement. The second bracket 27, which in this example is oriented in the x-z-direction and referred to as the x-z direction adjustment bracket, is coupled to the fixed window 16 via the aperture 28 and fixed to an inner panel reinforcement 30 such that the fixed glass window 16 also floats within a second clearance hole. An example of a predetermined diameter for the second clearance hole is about 15 mm. Once the position of fixed window 16 is adjusted and determined by exterior fit and finish, the bracket 27 is closed on friction pads to secure the glass 16, preventing further movement.

[0025] The adjustable glass assembly 20 of the present disclosure can provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, rather than rely on injection molded rubber to surround the glass and interface with the door for sealing via rubber encapsulation, the quarter glass assembly relies on the belt and header moldings to seal against the bare glass. As a result, the quarter glass assembly of the present disclosure saves tooling costs for molds. The glass assembly 20 also includes positive location and support at three locations on the door 12 which enables X, Y, Z direction positioning or adjustments and minimizes or prevents rocking or anti-rocking of the assembly, window members, etc. The adjustable glass assembly 20 also utilizes extruded and stretch-bent rails which are flexible and enable the rails to be bent into many different shapes to fit the contours and shape of a particular vehicle part, such as the corresponding window members, door, etc. The use of extruded and stretch-bent rails instead of rails manufactured from steel stamping die tooling save stamp tooling costs. The adjustable X and Z-direction adjustment bracket 27 enables the division bar 21 to adjust in harmony with the moveable glass 17. The Y-direction adjustment bracket 26 of the division bar 21 and the moveable window regulator brackets 31 coupled to a movable glass regulator assembly 32 can be adjusted through an access hole located below a striker rather than removing the door trim and/or reaching into the door 12 from the inside. This enables the operator to quickly and easily access the rail members and brackets of the glass assembly 20 to make adjustments.

[0026] The adjustable glass assembly 20 also enables the moveable window

17 to be joined with the division bar 21 and sealing within the section to provide for a flush glass appearance on the exterior, as opposed to conventional vehicles having a step of rubber forming a bump having a predetermined height, such as about 5-10 mm. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section of the assembly 20 with the rail 23 slidable within rail 24 to allow movement of window 17 and to lie flush with window 16. This not only enhances exterior aesthetics, such as flush and streamlined exterior glass, but also enhances performance because without airflow interrupters due to bumps, step of rubber etc., wind, water, and the like flow over the surface of the window members and gaps between the window members without turbulence.

[0027] In FIGS. 5-7 an adjustable glass assembly 20 installed within a door 12 of a vehicle 10 is shown. The adjustable glass assembly 20 is coupled or installed in the rear portion 33 of the door 12 such that the fixed glass 16 is flush with the moveable window 17 of the door 12. The Y-direction bracket 26 is coupled to the moveable glass regulator 32 through a regulator connection bracket 34. The regulator 32 is electrically powered via wire connections and includes a motor which moves the regulator 32 up or down upon activation of a control within the vehicle 10. An example of a control is a switch, button, etc.. In an example, the controls are managed through a vehicle controller and is done electronically. The bracket 34 connection to the regulator 32 enables simultaneous Y-direction adjustment of the assembly 20.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 8, an adjustable glass assembly 20 installed within a rear portion 33 of door 12 of a vehicle 10 is shown. A slot 35 located within the rear portion 33 reinforcement enables simultaneous Y-direction adjustment of the regulator 32 and division bar member 21. The regulator 32 is adjusted from the bottom of the rail 24 which may be accessed through the bottom of the door 12 when opened. The operator need only complete one additional adjustment of the division bar 21 through an access hole in the back of the opened door 12. This enables adjustments to be made quickly and easily.

[0029] The adjustable glass assembly, and door may include other features that are known and generally associated with a vehicle, such as a door frame, door hardware or the like.

[0030] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claim, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An adjustable glass assembly for a vehicle comprising:

(a) a fixed window having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free edge;

(b) a moveable window having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free edge positioned adjacent the free edge of the fixed window;

(c) a bar member secured to a door of the vehicle such that the bar member extends a first predetermined distance below and a second predetermined distance above a top surface of the door, wherein the bar member includes a U- shaped groove;

(d) a first rail member coupled to the inner surface of the moveable window adjacent the free edge of the moveable window and extending a first predetermined length along the free edge of the moveable window;

(e) a second rail member secured to the inner surface of the fixed window adjacent the free edge of the fixed window and extending a second predetermined length beyond of the free edge of the fixed window; and

(f) a first bracket mounted on the second rail member adapted to adjust the fixed window in a first direction and a second bracket mounted to the fixed window adapted to adjust the fixed window in a second and third direction, wherein the first rail member and the second rail member are disposed within the U-shaped groove of the bar member and the first rail member is in slidable engagement with the second rail member.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the fixed glass is a quarter glass.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first direction is a vertical y-axis positioning, the second direction is a horizontal x-axis positioning, and the third direction is a z-axis positioning that defines an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein moveable window is coupled to a regulator assembly mounted within the door of the vehicle.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the regulator assembly is connected to the division bar member through a connection bracket adapted to adjust the moveable window in a first direction

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the moveable window includes a bottom portion mounted to an adjustment bracket adapted to adjust the moveable window in a second and third direction.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the first direction is a vertical y-axis positioning, the second direction is a horizontal x-axis positioning, and the third direction is a z-axis positioning that defines an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.

8. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the regulator is electronically coupled to a vehicle controller.

9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the free edge of the movable window and the free edge of the fixed window are positioned to be substantially flush with respect to each other.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the first and second bracket members are adapted to adjust the fixed window to be positioned flush with the moveable window.

1 1 . A method of providing a frameless door on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a moveable window having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free edge;

(b) adjusting a fixed window having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free edge in a first, second, and third direction to be positioned adjacent the free edge of the moveable window;

(c) mounting a bar member to a door of the vehicle such that the bar member extends a first predetermined distance below and a second predetermined distance above a top surface of the door, wherein the bar member includes a U- shaped groove;

(d) mounting a first rail member coupled to the inner surface of the moveable window adjacent the free edge of the moveable window and extending a predetermined length of the free edge of the moveable window;

(e) mounting a second rail member secured to the inner surface of the fixed window adjacent the free edge of the fixed window and extending a predetermined length beyond of the free edge of the fixed window; and

(f) mounting a first bracket on the bar member for adjusting the fixed window in the first direction and mounting a second bracket to the fixed window for adjusting the fixed window in the second and third directions, such that the first rail member and the second rail member are disposed within the U-shaped groove of the bar member and the first rail member is in slidable engagement with the second rail member.