Pivot cursor of frameless glass in the car

Abstract

A pivoting vernier for a frameless window in a vehicle door includes: a main body; a pivoting plate pivotally fixed to the main body for pivoting about an axis; a glass clamp; a seal; an adjusting screw that pivots the pivoting plate relative to the main body, the adjusting screw having a first threaded portion for threaded engagement with an opening in the main body; and a locking nut that threadedly engages with a second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein pertain to vehicle window technology, particularly frameless window systems. Background Technology

[0002] Frameless window systems adjust the glass seal in the Y direction by adjusting the adjuster track using slotted brackets or jack screws.

[0003] However, this method limits the system's stiffness, incurs high costs for tools and components, and can adversely affect the deflection of the glass system. Furthermore, additional clearance needs to be left in the door for track cladding when adjusting the track. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A pivoting vernier for a frameless window in a vehicle door is disclosed, comprising: a main body; a pivoting plate pivotally fixed to the main body for pivoting about an axis; a glass clamp; a seal; an adjusting screw that pivots the pivoting plate relative to the main body, the adjusting screw having a first threaded portion for threaded engagement with an opening in the main body; and a locking nut that threadedly engages with a second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the adjusting screw includes a flange portion larger than the opening in the clamp, such that the adjusting screw can slide through the opening.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the flange is received in the opening of the pivot plate.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a portion of the window is located between the pivot plate and the clamping plate.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the seal is located between the window, the pivot plate, and the clamping plate.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the glass clip screws secure the window to the pivot vernier by threaded engagement of a threaded opening in the pivot plate.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the pivot plate is rotatably mounted to a pivot pin, which is fixed to the main body.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the adjusting screw passes through an opening in the clamping plate and an opening in the pivot plate, and the adjusting screw is not threaded into the opening in the clamping plate and the opening in the pivot plate.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the openings in the first threaded portion and the main body portion are configured such that rotation of the adjusting screw therein will cause the pivot plate to pivot about the axis and cause a portion of the pivot plate to move in a direction away from the main body portion and closer to the adjusting screw, and will also cause the glass clamp, the seal and the window housed within the seal to move.

[0013] A door module is also disclosed, comprising: a window adjuster fixed to an inner door panel of the door module, the window adjuster including a pair of guide rails fixedly fixed to the inner door panel of the door module; and a pivoting vernier slidably engaging one of the pair of guide rails, the pivoting vernier including: a main body; a pivoting plate pivotally fixed to the main body for pivoting about an axis; a glass clamp; a seal; an adjusting screw that pivots the pivoting plate relative to the main body, the adjusting screw having a first threaded portion for threaded engagement with an opening in the main body; and a locking nut threadedly engaging with a second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein, when the window adjuster is fixed to the door module, the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the adjusting screw includes a flange portion larger than the opening in the clamp, such that the adjusting screw can slide through the opening.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the flange is received in the opening of the pivot plate.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a portion of the window is located between the pivot plate and the clamping plate.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the seal is located between the window, the pivot plate, and the clamping plate.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the glass clip screws secure the window to the pivot vernier by threaded engagement of a threaded opening in the pivot plate.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the adjusting screw passes through an opening in the clamping plate and an opening in the pivot plate, and the adjusting screw is not threaded into the opening in the clamping plate and the opening in the pivot plate.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the openings in the first threaded portion and the main body portion are configured such that rotation of the adjusting screw therein will cause the pivot plate to pivot about the axis and cause a portion of the pivot plate to move in a direction away from the main body portion and closer to the adjusting screw, and will also cause the glass clamp, the seal and the window housed within the seal to move.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the door module is a front door module or a rear door module, and the frameless window is fixed to the pivot cursor.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the pivoting vernier is a pair of pivoting verniers, each of which is slidably fixed to one of the pair of guide rails.

[0023] A method for mounting a frameless window of a vehicle to a door module is also disclosed, comprising: securing a portion of the frameless window to a pivoting vernier, the pivoting vernier slidably engaging one of a pair of guide rails of a window adjuster, the window adjuster being secured to the door module; adjusting the position of the frameless window by pivoting a pivot plate of the pivoting vernier relative to a body portion of the pivoting vernier, the pivoting vernier further comprising an adjusting screw that pivots the pivot plate relative to the body portion, the adjusting screw having a first threaded portion for threaded engagement of an opening in the body portion; and a locking nut that threadedly engages a second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier when the window adjuster is secured to the door module. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same numbers:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of a car door window with a pivotable vernier according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of the inner side of a window adjuster with a pivoting vernier according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a partial perspective view of the outer side of a window adjuster with a pivotable vernier according to the present invention; and

[0028] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a pivot cursor fixed to a window according to this disclosure. Specific Implementation

[0029] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example rather than limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] This disclosure relates to a vernier having four main components: a vernier body configured to slide along a track; a pivot plate or oscillating plate with a threaded adjuster; a clamping plate; and an isolator secured in the assembly by clamping screws, which are mounted in a sub-assembly for assembly at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

[0031] Now refer to the diagram, especially the reference diagram. Figure 1-4 The diagram shows a pivoting vernier 10 used with the window adjuster 12 of the door module 14. The pivoting vernier 10 includes a body 16, a pivot plate or swing plate 18 pivotally fixed to the body 16 by a pivot pin 19 for pivoting about an axis 20, a clamp or glass clamp 22, a seal or isolator 24, an adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 for pivoting the pivot plate 18 relative to the body 16, and a locking nut 28 for holding the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 in the desired position, which is achieved by the rotational movement of the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 when the vernier 10 is adjusted.

[0032] In one embodiment, the pivot plate or sway plate 18 is rotatably or pivotally mounted to the pivot pin 19 or to a shaft, rod, or elongated member 19 fixed to the body portion 16. In one embodiment, the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 includes a first threaded portion 30 for threaded engagement with a threaded opening 32 of the vernier body 16. Furthermore, the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 also includes a flange portion 34 larger than the opening 36 in the clamp or glass clamp 22. The adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 also includes a second threaded portion 38 for threaded engagement with the thread 40 of the lock nut 28. In a non-limiting embodiment, the flange portion 34 is received in an opening 35 of the pivot plate or sway plate 18.

[0033] In a non-limiting embodiment, the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 does not engage threadedly with the clamp 22 and the pivot plate or swing plate 18, but simply slides through the openings 36 and 35.

[0034] A portion of the window 42 is located between the pivot plate or swing plate 18 and the glass clamp 22. A seal or isolator 24 is located between the window 42 and the pivot plate or swing plate 18 and the glass clamp 22. To secure the window 42 to the pivot vernier 10, a glass clamping screw 44 is threaded into a threaded opening 46 in the pivot plate or swing plate 18. The head 48 of the glass clamping screw 44 is larger than the opening 50 in the glass clamp 22 such that when the glass clamping screw 44 is threaded into the threaded opening 46 in the pivot plate or swing plate 18, the glass clamping screw 44 secures the glass 42 to the pivot vernier 10. The glass clamping screw 44 also passes through the opening 52 in the window 42.

[0035] Once the pivot plate or swing plate 18 is secured to the body 16 via the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 with the threaded opening 32, rotation of the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 about axis 54 will cause the pivot plate or swing plate 18 and the glass clamp 22 to move along axis 54 in the direction of arrow 56. This movement will cause the pivot plate or swing plate 18 to pivot about axis 20 about pivot pin 19, which in turn will cause the window 42 to move to provide adjustment in the Y direction when the window 42 is installed in the vehicle. This is particularly useful in frameless window designs. Furthermore, by configuring the vernier 10 so that the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 can be rotated from the inside 58 of the vehicle with a tool, convenient access is allowed when the vehicle window 42 is installed in the vehicle.

[0036] As in Figure 1-3 As shown, the pivoting vernier 10 is configured to slidably engage the track 70 of the window adjuster 12. Figure 1 As shown, the window regulator 12 is a double window regulator with a pair of guide rails 70 and a pair of verniers 10. Figure 2 As shown, the guide rail 70 of the window adjuster 10 is located on the outside of the window. Also as... Figure 2 As shown, the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 has a groove 72 configured to engage the complementary tool so as to adjust the position of the pivot vernier 10 by rotating the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26.

[0037] In one non-limiting embodiment, the window adjuster 12 for the front door assembly uses a pivoting vernier 10 only for the rear of the window 42, while separate non-pivoting verniers are used for the front of the window 42, each slidably fixed to a corresponding guide rail 70. In another non-limiting embodiment, the window adjuster 12 for the front door assembly uses the pivoting vernier 10 for both the rear and front of the window 42. Each window 42 is slidably fixed to a corresponding guide rail 70. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the window adjuster 12 used with the rear door assembly uses the pivoting vernier 10 for both the front and rear of the window 42, each slidably fixed to a corresponding guide rail 70. Furthermore, and in yet another alternative embodiment, the window adjuster for the rear door assembly may use a pivoting vernier only for the rear of the window 42 and separate non-pivoting verniers for the front of the window 42, each vernier slidably fixed to a corresponding guide rail 70. In the rear door assembly, a pivoting vernier can be used on the front of the window 42, and a non-rotating vernier can be used on the rear of the window, each slidably fixed to a corresponding guide rail 70.

[0038] With the doors closed or open, the pivot vernier 10 can be adjusted from the inside of the vehicle. The position of the pivot vernier 10 and the corresponding window 42 can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26. Once the adjustment corresponds to the precise and actual geometry of the vehicle, which varies due to structural tolerances, the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster holds FIG26 in place by inserting a first tool into the opening 72, while tightening the locking nut 28 with a second tool, thereby defining the position of the pivot plate or swing plate 18 relative to the main body 16, and preventing any further rotation of the adjusting screw or threaded adjuster 26 to the locking nut 28.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the guide rail 70 is a hollow tube or structure formed of a metal such as aluminum, steel, or a metal alloy, or a hollow tube formed of a plastic material or a plastic composite material. Further, and in a non-limiting embodiment, the body portion 16 of the pivoting vernier 10, or a portion thereof, is configured to completely surround the periphery of the guide rail 70. Therefore, a portion of the body portion 16 of the pivoting vernier surrounding the guide rail 70 will have multiple contact points with the guide rail to prevent twisting as the pivoting vernier slides up and down on the guide rail 70.

[0040] In one non-limiting embodiment, the body 16 of the pivoting vernier 10 is formed of an easily moldable material, such as nylon plastic, and the body 16 is configured to have an insert, such as a polyoxymethylene (POM) insert, defining an opening for the guide rail 70 to slide through. In one embodiment, the body 16 of the pivoting vernier 10 is overmolded onto the insert 271. In one embodiment, the body 16 of the pivoting vernier 10 is a nylon vernier overmolded onto a POM insert.

[0041] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity based on equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “about” could include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0043] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but rather the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pivoting vernier for a frameless window in a vehicle door, comprising: Main body; A pivot plate, which is pivotally fixed to the main body and is used for pivotal movement about an axis; Glass laminate; Seals; An adjusting screw that pivots the pivot plate relative to the main body has a first threaded portion for threaded engagement with an opening in the main body, wherein the adjusting screw passes through an opening in the glass clamp and an opening in the pivot plate, and the adjusting screw is not threadedly engaged with the opening in the glass clamp and the opening in the pivot plate; A locking nut, which is threadedly engaged with the second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier; and Glass clip screws secure the window to the pivot vernier by threaded engagement with a threaded opening in the pivot plate.

2. The pivoting vernier according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusting screw includes a flange portion that is larger than the opening in the glass clamp, such that the adjusting screw can slide through the opening.

3. The pivoting vernier according to claim 2, wherein, The flange is received in the opening of the pivot plate.

4. The pivoting vernier according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the frameless window is located between the pivot plate and the glass clamp.

5. The pivoting vernier according to claim 4, wherein, The seal is located between the frameless window, the pivot plate, and the glass clamp.

6. The pivoting vernier according to claim 1, wherein, The pivot plate is rotatably mounted to the pivot pin, which is fixed to the main body.

7. The pivoting vernier according to claim 1, wherein, The openings in the first threaded portion and the main body allow rotation of the adjusting screw therein to cause the pivot plate to pivot about the axis and to cause a portion of the pivot plate to move away from the main body and closer to the adjusting screw, which in turn causes the glass clamp, the seal, and the frameless window housed within the seal to move.

8. A gate module, comprising: A window adjuster, the window adjuster being fixed to the inner door panel of the door module, the window adjuster including a pair of guide rails fixedly fixed to the inner door panel of the door module; as well as A pivoting vernier, slidably engaged with one of the pair of guide rails, the pivoting vernier comprising: Main body; A pivot plate, which is pivotally fixed to the main body and is used for pivotal movement about an axis; Glass laminate; Seals; An adjusting screw, which pivots the pivot plate relative to the main body, the adjusting screw having a first threaded portion for threaded engagement with an opening in the main body, wherein the adjusting screw passes through an opening in the glass clamp and an opening in the pivot plate, and the adjusting screw does not thread-engage with the opening in the glass clamp and the opening in the pivot plate; and A locking nut is threadedly engaged with a second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier when the window adjuster is fixed to the door module; wherein the adjusting screw includes a flange portion larger than the opening in the glass clamp, such that the adjusting screw can slide through the opening, the flange portion being received in the opening of the pivot plate.

9. The gate module according to claim 8, wherein, A portion of the window is located between the pivot plate and the glass clamp.

10. The gate module according to claim 9, wherein, The seal is located between the window, the pivot plate, and the glass clamp.

11. The gate module according to claim 9, wherein, The glass clip screws secure the window to the pivot vernier by threaded engagement with the threaded opening in the pivot plate.

12. The gate module according to claim 8, wherein, The adjusting screw passes through the opening in the glass clamp and the opening in the pivot plate, but the adjusting screw is not threaded into the opening in the glass clamp and the opening in the pivot plate.

13. The gate module according to claim 8, wherein, The openings in the first threaded portion and the main body allow rotation of the adjusting screw therein to cause the pivot plate to pivot about the axis and to cause a portion of the pivot plate to move away from the main body and closer to the adjusting screw, which in turn causes the glass clamp, the seal, and the window housed within the seal to move.

14. The gate module according to claim 8, wherein, The door module is either a front door module or a rear door module, and the frameless window is fixed to the pivot cursor.

15. The gate module according to claim 8, wherein, The pivoting vernier is a pair of pivoting verniers, each of which is slidably fixed to one of the pair of guide rails.

16. A method for mounting a frameless window of a vehicle to a door module, comprising: A portion of the frameless window is secured to a pivoting vernier, which slidably engages one of a pair of guide rails of a window adjuster, which is secured to the door module; as well as The position of the frameless window is adjusted by pivoting the pivot plate of the pivoting vernier relative to the main body of the pivoting vernier. The pivoting vernier also includes an adjusting screw that pivots the pivot plate relative to the main body. The adjusting screw has a first threaded portion for threading into an opening in the main body. And a locking nut, which is threadedly engaged with the second threaded portion of the adjusting screw, wherein the locking nut is located inside the pivoting vernier when the window adjuster is fixed to the door module; wherein the adjusting screw includes a flange portion larger than the opening in the glass clamp, such that the adjusting screw can slide through the opening, the flange portion being received in the opening of the pivot plate.

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