Adjustable lifter plate assembly and window regulator guide rails and related methods

Abstract

This disclosure provides a lifter plate assembly and its construction method for holding a window of a motor vehicle door assembly and facilitating adjustable vertical movement of the window. The lifter plate assembly includes a body with guide hooks for slidably receiving window adjuster guide rails. A window retainer is fixed to the body to securely receive the edge of the window. A cable retainer is coupled to the body via an adjustment mechanism for securely attaching to at least one cable. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable via a plurality of tool receiving features to allow vertical movement of the body and the window retainer relative to the cable retainer. Each tool receiving feature is accessible along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are separated from each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 308,489, filed February 9, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 313,168, filed February 23, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to vehicle window assemblies, and more specifically to vehicle window assemblies and adjustable window regulator lift plates and window regulator rails for vehicle window assemblies. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] In many vehicle door assemblies, an outer metal panel and an inner metal panel are joined together to define an inner door cavity between them. A device module or sub-assembly, generally referred to as a support module or simply a support, is typically mounted to the inner door panel within the inner door cavity. The support typically serves to support various door hardware components, including: a window regulator rail configured to support a window regulator lifter plate, commonly referred to as a lifter plate, allowing the lifter plate to slide selectively along the window regulator rail; and a window regulator motor, commonly referred to as a window regulator, for driving the lifter plate along the window regulator rail. The lifter plate is fixed to the door / window so that the door / window, together with the lifter plate, slides up and down along a guide channel within the window regulator rail in response to power actuation of the window regulator.

[0006] In certain types of vehicles, such as convertibles, the precise position of the roof often varies between vehicles. Therefore, the precise protrusion position of the top edge of the doors and windows needs to be adjustable during assembly and use to achieve a reliable seal with the roof. Additionally, in vehicles like convertibles, the doors are typically frameless, meaning they lack an upper section with guide rails for the windows. This adds to the problem, as the position of the top edge of the doors and windows will naturally vary due to manufacturing tolerances in the door assembly and any other related vehicle components, even without guide rails.

[0007] To accommodate the aforementioned changes in the position of the roof and the top edge of the doors and windows, vehicles with a window adjuster lifter plate assembly are known. This assembly is capable of adjusting up and down along the z-axis to allow assembly line workers to adjust the position of the doors and windows on each individual vehicle as needed, thereby providing a proper seal between the top edge of the window and the roof.

[0008] While the ability to adjust the position of the top edge of the window relative to the roof can effectively establish a reliable seal, there are drawbacks to the known adjustment mechanisms. Known window regulator plate assemblies allow adjustment along the z-axis by inserting an adjustment tool to engage with the adjustment features of the window regulator plate assembly, and rotating the tool clockwise or counterclockwise as needed to raise or lower the top edge of the window. However, known window regulator plate assemblies only allow adjustment along the z-axis by inserting an adjustment tool along a single axis, such as along the y-axis spanning the vehicle or along the z-axis. Therefore, window adjustment can be complicated by the lack of free access to the adjustment mechanism, depending on when adjustment is required during assembly or use.

[0009] In view of the above, there is a need to provide an adjustable window regulator rail and further provide a lifter plate assembly that can be adjusted along the z-axis so that the top edge of the window can be positioned in a reliable sealing relationship with the roof by inserting an adjustment tool along a selected axis of a plurality of axes, thereby providing the option to access the adjustment mechanism using the adjustment tool. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not intended to comprehensively list all features, advantages, aspects and objects associated with the inventive concepts described and illustrated in the detailed description provided herein.

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a gate module that embodies the inventive concept set forth in the following written disclosure and description.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a lift plate assembly that solves at least some of the problems discussed above regarding known lift plate assemblies.

[0013] In accordance with the above objectives, another objective of this disclosure is to provide a lifter plate assembly that is adjustable along the z-axis to position the top edge of a window in a reliable sealing relationship with the roof by means of inserting an adjustment tool along a selected axis of a plurality of axes to allow the door or window to be adjusted along the z-axis.

[0014] In accordance with the above objectives, another objective is to provide a lift panel assembly capable of being adjusted along the z-axis to position the top edge of the window in a reliable sealing relationship with the roof by inserting an adjustment tool along a selected axis selected from at least two axes chosen from the z-axis corresponding to the vertical axis, the y-axis corresponding to the axis across the vehicle direction, and the x-axis corresponding to the front / rear direction axis, so that the window can be adjusted along the z-axis.

[0015] According to these and other objectives, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a lifter plate assembly for holding a window of a motor vehicle door assembly and facilitating adjustable movement of the window in a vertical direction. The lifter plate assembly includes a body having at least one guide rail hook configured to slidably receive a window adjuster rail within it. A window retainer is fixed to the body. The window retainer is provided with a receiving portion configured to receive an edge of the window within it. A cable retainer is configured to be fixedly attached to at least one cable, and an adjustment mechanism is configured to provide adjustable movement of the body and the window retainer relative to the cable retainer in a vertical direction. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable via a plurality of tool receiving features. Each of the plurality of tool receiving features is accessible along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are separated from each other.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least two of the separate first, second, and third axes are inclined to each other, thereby enabling access from different advantageous positions to provide multiple options for adjusting the position of the top edge of the window when the window is moved to the fully closed position.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are substantially parallel to each other.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are generally transverse to each other.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are inclined to each other, and two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are substantially parallel to each other.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are generally transverse to each other.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the adjusting mechanism includes a rod extending along a first axis and a nut configured to thread into the rod. One of the adjusting features is located at the end of the rod.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a first gear is fixed to a rod extending about a first axis, and a second gear is configured to mesh with the first gear, wherein the second gear extends about a second axis. One of the tool receiving features is configured to rotate the second gear about the second axis in a selected clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby causing the first gear and the rod to rotate about the first axis, and subsequently, depending on the direction of rotation of the second gear, to move the top edge of the window in an adjustable manner in an upward or downward vertical direction.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, one of the tool receiving features is accessible through the bottom closing surface of the vehicle door assembly.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears, which are able to remain meshed with each other, but are able to rotate about separate inclined axes.

[0025] According to another publicly available aspect, one of the tool receiving features can be accessed through the inner panel of the vehicle door assembly.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a third gear is fixed to a rod, wherein the third gear extends about a first axis. A fourth gear is configured to mesh with the third gear, wherein the fourth gear extends about a third axis. One of the tool receiving features is configured to rotate the fourth gear about the third axis, thereby causing the third gear meshing with the fourth gear and the rod to rotate about the first axis.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the third gear and the fourth gear can be configured as spur gears, assuming that the third gear and the fourth gear rotate about separate parallel axes.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, one of the tool receiving features is accessible from the wire of the motor vehicle door assembly.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, one of the tool receiving features is accessible from the bottom closing surface of the door assembly, one of the tool receiving features is accessible through the inner panel of the vehicle door assembly, and one of the tool receiving features is accessible from the strip of the vehicle door assembly.

[0030] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle door assembly is provided. The vehicle door assembly includes: a door panel structure having an inner panel, an outer panel, and a bottom closing surface, wherein a cavity is defined by the inner panel, outer panel, and bottom closing surface. A first window adjuster guide rail and a second window adjuster guide rail are disposed in the cavity. A window is carried by a lifter plate assembly, wherein the lifter plate assembly includes a body having at least one guide rail guide hook configured to slidably receive one of the first window adjuster guide rail and the second window adjuster guide rail in the at least one guide rail guide hook to facilitate vertical movement of the window between an open position and a closed position. The lifter plate assembly further includes a window retainer fixed to the body, wherein the window retainer has a receiving portion configured to receive a bottom edge of the window in the receiving portion. The lifter plate assembly further includes a cable retainer configured to be fixedly attached to at least one cable. The lifter plate assembly also includes an adjustment mechanism configured to provide adjustable vertical movement of the body and window retainer relative to the cable retainer. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable via multiple tool receiving features. Each of these tool receiving features is accessible along separate first, second, and third axes, thereby increasing the number of options available for adjusting the position of the top edge of the window during assembly when the window is in the closed position.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of constructing a lifter plate assembly is provided for holding a window of a motor vehicle door assembly and facilitating adjustable movement of the window in a vertical direction such that the top edge of the window is in a sealing engagement with the roof of the motor vehicle. The method includes: providing a body having at least one guide hook configured to slidably receive a window adjuster guide rail within the at least one guide hook; furthermore, securing a window retainer having a receiving portion configured to receive a bottom edge of the window to the body; additionally, coupling a cable retainer to the body, the cable retainer configured to be fixedly attached to at least one cable, wherein an adjustment mechanism provides adjustable movement of the body and the window retainer relative to the cable retainer in a vertical direction; and configuring the adjustment mechanism to be adjusted via a plurality of tool receiving features, and arranging each of the plurality of tool receiving features to access along separate first, second, and third axes.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may further include configuring the adjustment mechanism to have a rod extending along a first axis and a nut threadedly engaged with the rod, and arranging one of the tool receiving features at one end of the rod so that it can be accessed through the bottom closing surface of the motor vehicle door assembly.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may further include securing a first gear to a rod and configuring a second gear to mesh with the first gear, and arranging one of the tool receiving features to be accessible through an inner panel of a motor vehicle door assembly to rotate the second gear about a second axis, thereby causing the first gear and the rod to rotate about a first axis.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may further include configuring the first gear and the second gear as bevel gears.

[0035] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may further include securing a third gear to a rod and configuring a fourth gear to mesh with the third gear, and arranging one of the tool receiving features to be accessible from the belt of a motor vehicle door assembly to rotate the fourth gear about a third axis, thereby rotating the third gear and the rod about a first axis.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may further include setting the third and fourth gears as spur gears.

[0037] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a door module with an adjustable window adjuster rail to allow adjustment of the position of a window supported by the adjustable window adjuster rail.

[0038] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a frameless glass door module with an adjustable window adjuster rail to allow adjustment of the position of the window supported by the adjustable window adjuster rail.

[0039] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method for adjusting the position of a window in a frameless glass door module within the cavity of a vehicle door, the method embodying the inventive concept set forth in the following description.

[0040] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method for adjusting the position of the window of a frameless glass door module by adjusting the window adjuster guide rail.

[0041] According to one aspect, a window regulator guide adjustment mechanism has a pinion shaft configured to mesh with a rack, wherein rotation of the pinion shaft in a first direction causes the window regulator guide to move outward from the carrier in a transverse vehicle direction, and wherein rotation of the pinion shaft in a second direction causes the window regulator guide to move inward toward the carrier in a transverse vehicle direction.

[0042] On the other hand, the pinion shaft is oriented to extend along the z-axis, allowing it to be easily accessed and adjusted via the bottom panel of the door module.

[0043] On the other hand, the pinion shaft is oriented to extend along the x-axis, so that the pinion shaft can be easily accessed and adjusted through the closing surface of the gate module.

[0044] According to one aspect, a method of adjusting a window regulator guide rail to move outward from and inward toward the carrier along a transverse vehicle direction includes: inserting a tool through one of the side closure face or the bottom closure face of a vehicle door, and using the tool to rotate a pinion to move the window regulator guide rail along one of the outward transverse vehicle direction or the inward transverse vehicle direction.

[0045] According to another aspect, the method may include causing a pinion fixed to a pinion shaft to travel along a toothed rack, thereby causing the pinion shaft to drive a flange fixed to a window adjuster guide along the vehicle direction.

[0046] According to another aspect, a method is provided for providing a window adjuster guide rail that is adjusted outward from a carrier and inward toward the carrier from either a bottom closing face or a side closing face of a vehicle door along a transverse vehicle direction (along the Y-axis). The method includes the steps of arranging a pinion shaft extending through a flange fixed to the window adjuster guide rail and extending along the Z-axis to access the pinion shaft from the bottom closing face via a tool, or extending along the X-axis to access the pinion shaft from the side closing face via a tool. The method further includes the step of arranging a gear fixed to the pinion shaft to mesh with a toothed rack fixed to the carrier, such that the gear travels along the toothed rack in response to rotation of the pinion shaft, thereby causing the pinion shaft to move along the desired transverse vehicle direction and driving the flange and the window adjuster guide rail fixed to the flange along the desired transverse vehicle direction.

[0047] Other applicable fields will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this invention summary are intended to illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, using selected non-limiting embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In this regard, the drawings include:

[0049] Figure 1 The illustration shows a motor vehicle door assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the motor vehicle door assembly having at least one lifter plate assembly that provides adjustment of a window;

[0050] Figure 1A The diagram shows... Figure 1 A motor vehicle door assembly, wherein an inner door panel and an outer door panel are removed from the motor vehicle door assembly to illustrate a window regulator rail and at least one lifter plate assembly supported to move on the window regulator rail.

[0051] Figure 2The illustration shows one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 1 Exploded view of the lifter plate assembly of a motor vehicle door assembly;

[0052] Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 2 An assembly view of the lifter plate assembly;

[0053] Figure 4A It is similar to Figure 3 The view illustrates that the lifter plate assembly is adjusted to move the window retainer and the window sill fixed to the window retainer in an upward vertical direction;

[0054] Figure 4B The diagram illustrates the execution process. Figure 4A The view showing the upward movement of the window retainer and the window fixed to the window retainer relative to the cable retainer of the lifter plate assembly during adjustment;

[0055] Figure 5A It is similar to Figure 3 The view illustrates that the lifter plate assembly is adjusted to move the window retainer and the window sill fixed to the window retainer in a downward vertical direction;

[0056] Figure 5B The diagram illustrates the execution process. Figure 5A The view showing the downward movement of the window retainer and the window fixed to the window retainer relative to the cable retainer of the lifter plate assembly during adjustment;

[0057] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 3 The view illustrates multiple adjustment features of the lifter plate assembly, each accessible from a different orientation to allow tools to adjust the vertical position of the window retainer relative to the cable retainer from different locations within the vehicle door assembly.

[0058] Figure 7 The illustration shows multiple adjustment features of the lift plate assembly, where tools are shown engaging each adjustment feature from different orientations;

[0059] Figure 8A The illustration shows the tool from Figure 1 The wire engagement adjustment feature of the motor vehicle door assembly;

[0060] Figure 8B The illustration shows the tool from Figure 1 The bottom closing surface engagement adjustment feature of the motor vehicle door assembly;

[0061] Figure 8C The illustration shows the tool from Figure 1 The inner side engagement adjustment feature of the motor vehicle door assembly;

[0062] Figure 9 It is a flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a lifter plate assembly for holding a window of a motor vehicle door assembly and facilitating adjustable movement of the window in a vertical direction so that the top edge of the window is in a sealed engagement with the roof of the motor vehicle.

[0063] Figure 10 The illustration shows a motor vehicle equipped with a vehicle door having a door module constructed according to the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A partial perspective view of the window adjuster guide rail and the carrier of the door module, wherein a window adjuster guide rail adjustment mechanism constructed according to one aspect of the present disclosure between the window adjuster guide rail and the carrier enables adjustable movement of the window adjuster guide rail relative to the carrier along the transverse vehicle direction.

[0065] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Exploded view;

[0066] Figure 13A The diagram illustrates the window adjuster guide rail that adjusts outward relative to the support member;

[0067] Figure 13B The diagram illustrates the window adjuster guide rail that adjusts inward relative to the support member;

[0068] Figure 14 and Figure 13A Similarly, the diagram further illustrates the direction in which the tool used to adjust the window regulator guide rail adjustment mechanism is inserted;

[0069] Figure 15 yes Figure 10 A partial perspective view of the window adjuster guide rail and the carrier of the door module, wherein, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a window adjuster guide rail adjustment mechanism constructed between the window adjuster guide rail and the carrier enables adjustable movement of the window adjuster guide rail relative to the carrier along the transverse vehicle direction.

[0070] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Exploded view;

[0071] Figure 16A This is a partial perspective view of a window adjuster guide rail according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the window adjuster guide rail includes a flange of a window adjuster guide rail adjustment mechanism;

[0072] Figure 17A The diagram illustrates the window adjuster guide rail that adjusts inward relative to the support member;

[0073] Figure 17B The diagram illustrates the window adjuster guide rail that adjusts outward relative to the support member;

[0074] Figure 18 and Figure 15 Similarly, the diagram further illustrates the direction in which the tool used to adjust the window regulator guide rail adjustment mechanism is inserted;

[0075] Figures 15 to 18 The illustration shows an adjustable window adjuster rail for a door module constructed according to another aspect of this disclosure; and

[0076] Figure 19 An exploded view of a window adjuster guide rail adjustment mechanism constructed according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0077] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The window regulator rail adjustment mechanism connects the window regulator rail to the carrier in an operable manner, as shown in the assembly diagram.

[0078] Figure 21A The diagram illustrates the window adjuster guide rail that adjusts inward relative to the support member;

[0079] Figure 21B The diagram illustrates the window adjuster guide rail that adjusts outward relative to the support member;

[0080] Figure 22 The diagram illustrates methods for adjusting the window regulator guide rail outward from the support and inward toward the support along the transverse vehicle direction (along the Y-axis); and

[0081] Figure 23 The illustration shows a method for providing a window adjuster guide rail that adjusts outward from the support member and inward toward the support member from either the bottom closing surface or the side closing surface of the vehicle door along the vehicle direction (along the Y-axis). Detailed Implementation

[0082] Example embodiments of a vehicle closure panel, an adjustable lifter plate for the vehicle closure panel, and / or an adjustable window adjuster rail will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments of the lifter plate and window adjuster rail are provided to make this disclosure thorough and to fully convey to those skilled in the art the intended scope of the disclosure. Therefore, numerous examples of specific details, such as specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required, that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that the example embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some sections of the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques have not been described in detail.

[0083] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein, unless specifically identified as the order of execution, should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or described. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0084] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly joined to, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may not be an intermediate element or layer. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in the same manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between”, “adjacent to” vs. “directly adjacent to”, etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0085] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0086] For ease of description, spatially related terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and another element or feature. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (by an angle of rotation or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 A non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle door assembly 10 according to the present disclosure is shown, the vehicle door assembly 10 having a window adjuster assembly 21 for moving a window 11 up and down. Figure 1A Door assembly 10 includes an outer panel 15 and an inner panel 17. Figure 3 The window adjuster assembly 21 may include a window adjuster drive motor 12, one or more cables shown by way of example and not limitation as a set of three drive cables 14a, 14b, 14c, a first window adjuster rail 16, a second window adjuster rail 18, and a first window adjuster lifter plate assembly 20 and a second window adjuster lifter plate assembly 22, which are constructed according to the present disclosure and are referred to in the singular as lifter plate assemblies below.

[0088] The drive motor 12 can be mounted to a carrier 19, which is typically fixed to an inner door panel 17 spaced apart from the outer door panel 15 of the door panel structure, or to some other suitable component of the door assembly 10, wherein the window 11 is configured to move along a vertically extending z-axis (Z) between an open position and a closed position. When the window 11 is raised to the closed position, the top edge 13 of the window 11 is in a reliable sealing engagement with the roof of the vehicle (not shown), due to the ability to adjust the assembly and raised position of the top edge 13 by adjusting the first window regulator lift plate assembly 20 according to the selection of three different adjustment positions, as discussed in more detail below. The drive motor 12 drives the respective first window regulator lift plate assembly 20 and second window regulator lift plate assembly 22 to move vertically upward and downward along the respective first window regulator guide rail 16 and second window regulator guide rail 18 via the drive motion of drive cables 14a, 14b and 14c.

[0089] The first window regulator lifter plate assembly 20 and the second window regulator lifter plate assembly 22 are respectively connected to the first window regulator guide rail 16 and the second window regulator guide rail 18, for vertical movement along the first window regulator guide rail 16 and the second window regulator guide rail 18 in response to the energization of the drive motor 12 and the corresponding movement of the drive cables 14a, 14b, 14c. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 6 The first window regulator lift plate assembly 20 includes a body also referred to as base 24, a lift plate also referred to as window retainer 26, a connector housing also referred to as cable retainer 28, and a height adjustment mechanism 30.

[0090] like Figure 8C As best seen in the middle, the base 24 includes an upper guide rail hook 32a and a lower guide rail hook 32b, which are used to mount to the window adjuster guide rails 16 and 18. Figure 1 This also allows for sliding movement along with the window adjuster rails 16 and 18. In this way, the base 24 is configured to move along the window adjuster rail 16. Figure 1A ).

[0091] Window regulator guide rails 16, 18 ( Figure 1A ) and guide rail hook-shaped parts 32a, 32b ( Figure 8CThe configuration of the window regulator rails 16 and 18 can be any suitable configuration. For example, the joint portion of the window regulator rails 16 and 18 (i.e., the portion of the window regulator rails 16 and 18 joined by the guide hooks 32a and 32b) can be generally L-shaped in cross-section, and the guide hooks 32a and 32b can have generally L-shaped grooves to accommodate the joint portion of the window regulator rails 16 and 18, allowing the joint portion of the window regulator rails 16 and 18 to slide between the L-shaped grooves. This prevents the base 24 from accidentally disengaging from the corresponding window regulator rails 16 and 18, while allowing the guide hooks 32a and 32b to make the required movement along the window regulator rails 16 and 18.

[0092] The base 24 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as aluminum, polymer materials or combinations thereof.

[0093] Window retainer 26 is configured to receive and hold window 11 in a fixed relationship therein. In the illustrated embodiment, window retainer 26 is generally U-shaped, thereby providing a recess, also referred to as a receiving portion, channel, or groove 34, which is configured to receive the bottom edge 36 of window 11 ( Figure 1A The window 11 is captured and received in the recess. The window 11 can be fastened in the window retainer 26 in any suitable manner, by way of example and not limitation, such as by clamping force applied by pulling the opposite walls 38, 40 of the window retainer 26 toward each other, or by way of example and not limitation, such as by window fastener 42.

[0094] As in Figure 2 and Figure 6 As best shown, the cable retainer 28 is configured to attach to at least one cable (14a, 14b, 14c) and is shown configured to have a cable receiving portion 29 to retain the ends of cables 14a and 14c. Figure 1 The height adjustment mechanism 30 is used to adjust the height of the cable retainer 28 and the base 24 (and the window retainer 26) relative to each other. The cable retainer 28 can be made of any suitable material, such as a suitable polymer material, and by way of example and not limitation, the cable retainer 28 has a backing made of metal, such as aluminum. The height adjustment mechanism 30 includes a threaded rod 44 having a convex threaded area 45 (…). Figure 2); a concave threaded nut 46 (nut 46 may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as metals, polymers, and combinations thereof); a first gear 48, which is shown by way of example and not limitation as a bevel gear; a second gear 50, which is shown by way of example and not limitation as a bevel gear; a third gear 52, which is shown by way of example and not limitation as a spur gear; and a fourth gear 54, which is shown by way of example and not limitation as a spur gear. The threaded rod 44 is supported by the base 24 about the vertical rod axis, i.e., the first axis A1 ( Figure 2 )(and Figure 1A The direction of the z-axis shown corresponds to the rotation, and the threaded rod 44 is shown as being rotatably supported on the base 24 by two spaced laterally extending flanges, also called support members 56. By way of example and not limitation, the threaded region 45 of the threaded rod 44 is located between the support members 56. The threaded rod 44 can be made of a suitable material, such as a corrosion-resistant metal like steel. The nut 46 includes an internal threaded region 57 that can be provided by the insert 55, which engages with the threaded region 45 of the threaded rod 44 if desired. The nut 46 is fixed to the cable retainer 28, and thus, when the threaded rod 44 rotates, the base 24 and the window retainer 26 fixed to the base 24, together with the threaded rod 44, translate together with the nut 46 and the cable retainer 28, which are kept stationary, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the window retainer 26 and the cable retainer 28 relative to each other. To facilitate rotation of the threaded rod 44 to achieve the height adjustment mechanism 30 from the height adjustment mechanism 30 ( Figure 8BThe adjustment below (below), where it is envisioned that such adjustment may be necessary, for example, near the end of the assembly line and during the use of the vehicle, can be performed through an access opening in the bottom closing surface 59 of the vehicle door assembly 10, the threaded rod 44 having a first tool receiving feature 60a at its bottom first end 47. The first tool receiving feature 60a faces the bottom closing surface 59 of the vehicle door assembly 10 and is configured to receive a tool 64 that can extend through the opening in the bottom closing surface 59 and is used to rotate the threaded rod 44 about a first axis A1 in a selected clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on the nature of the adjustment required. This, in turn, causes the threaded rod 44 to translate relative to the retaining nut 46, thereby adjustingly raising or lowering (depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded rod 44) ​​the top edge 13 of the window 11 to improve the seal with the roof. For example, the mating threads of the threaded region 45 of the threaded rod 44 and the internal threaded region 57 of the nut 46 can be configured such that the threaded rod 44, together with the window retainer 26 configured to move together with the threaded rod 44, translates downward along the first axis A1 when the threaded rod 44 is rotated clockwise via the tool 64, and translates upward along the first axis A1 when the threaded rod 44 is rotated counterclockwise via the tool 64. The first tool receiving feature 60a can be configured to receive any suitable type of tool. For example, the first tool receiving feature 60a can have a hexagonal wrench recess, also known as an Allen key recess, configured to receive a standard hexagonal wrench, also known as an Allen wrench.

[0095] The first gear 48 is fixed so that it rotates coaxially with the threaded rod 44 about a first axis A1, wherein the threaded rod 44 extends through a central opening in the first gear 48, such that the gear teeth of the first gear 48 extend in a circumferential and concentric manner about the axis of rotation of the threaded rod 44 (the first axis A1). In a non-limiting embodiment, the first gear 48 is illustrated as being fixed adjacent to the bottom first end 47 of the threaded rod 44. The second gear 50 is received in the base 24 and rotates about a second axis A2 that is inclined relative to the first axis A1, and in a non-limiting embodiment, the second axis A2 (and the threaded rod 44) ​​is inclined relative to the first axis A1. Figure 1A (The direction shown corresponds to the direction across the vehicle's y-axis) and extends generally transversely to the axis of rotation (first axis A1) of the threaded rod 44 and the first gear 48. The second gear 50 has gear teeth configured to mesh with the gear teeth of the first gear 48. The second gear 50 has an accessible second tool receiving feature 60b, which is accessible from the inner side 62 of the base 24 along the second axis A2. Figure 8CWith the second tool receiving feature 60b facing the inner side 62 of the base 24 and accessible from the inner side 62 of the base 24, it is envisioned that the tool 64 can be configured to extend along the second axis A2 through an entry opening in the inner door panel 17 of the vehicle door assembly 10 to engage with the second tool receiving feature 60b, so that the second gear 50 can rotate about the second axis A2 and achieve adjustment of the height adjustment mechanism 30. The second tool receiving feature 60b is configured to receive a tool that can be used to rotate the second gear 50 in a selected clockwise or counterclockwise direction, which in turn causes the first gear 48 to rotate in the corresponding and corresponding counterclockwise direction ( Figure 4A or clockwise ( Figure 5A The drive rotates, causing the threaded rod 44 to rotate and translate along the first axis A1 in the desired corresponding direction, thereby raising it in an adjustable manner. Figure 4B ) or reduce ( Figure 5B The top edge 13 of window 11 is sealed to the roof. The second tool receiving feature 60b can be configured to receive any suitable type of tool, and advantageously, can be configured to receive the same tool 64 used to rotate the threaded rod 44 via the first tool receiving feature 60a. This will allow assembly line workers to use the same tool for both the first tool receiving feature 60a and the second tool receiving feature 60b.

[0096] The third gear 52 is fixed so as to rotate coaxially with the threaded rod 44, wherein the threaded rod 44 extends through the central opening of the third gear 52, such that the gear teeth of the third gear 52 extend in a circumferential and concentric manner about the axis of rotation of the threaded rod 44 (first axis A1). In a non-limiting embodiment, the third gear 52 is illustrated by way of example, not limitation, as fixed immediately adjacent to the first gear 48, and is also shown positioned above the first gear 48. The fourth gear 54 is received in the base 24 and rotates about a third axis A3 that is inclined relative to the second axis A2, and in a non-limiting embodiment, the third axis A3 (and) is inclined relative to the second axis A2. Figure 1AThe z-axis direction shown corresponds to the second axis A2. The third axis A3 extends generally transversely to the second axis A2, and extends in a relationship that is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the axis of rotation (first axis A1) of the threaded rod 44 and the first gear 48. It should be understood that the first axis A1 and the third axis A3 may be inclined relative to each other if desired. The fourth gear 54 has gear teeth configured to mesh with the gear teeth of the third gear 52, and as mentioned above, the meshing gear teeth may be set as spur gear teeth, but other suitable configurations of gear teeth as will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art of meshing gears are contemplated. The fourth gear 54 has an accessible third tool receiving feature 60c, which is accessible from above the height adjustment mechanism 30, for example at the belt line 63 of the motor vehicle door assembly 10. Figure 8A With the tool receiving feature facing and accessible from above the height adjustment mechanism 30, by way of example and not limitation, it is envisioned that the tool 64 could be configured to allow adjustment of the height adjustment mechanism 30 through an access opening between the window 11 of the vehicle door assembly 10 and the inner panel 17 or outer panel 15. The third tool receiving feature 60c is configured to receive a tool that can be used to rotate the fourth gear 54 in a selected clockwise or counterclockwise direction, which in turn causes the third gear 52 to rotate directly in the corresponding and corresponding counterclockwise or clockwise directions, thereby causing the threaded rod 44 to rotate and translate in the desired direction along the first axis A1, thereby adjustingly raising or lowering the top edge 13 of the window 11 to improve the seal with the roof. The third tool receiving feature 60c can be configured to receive any suitable type of tool, and advantageously, can be configured to receive the same tool 64 used to rotate the threaded rod 44 via the first tool receiving feature 60a. This will allow assembly line workers to use the same tool for all tool receiving features. Furthermore, assembly line workers can use any of the first to third tool receiving features depending on the position of the lifter plate during assembly, without having to move the lifter plate to an accessible position using tool 64 before adjustment. For example, if the assembly line worker adjusts the lifter plate when the window is in the fully closed position, the third tool receiving feature 60c can be used. For example, if the assembly line worker adjusts the lifter plate when the window is in the briefly lowered position, the second tool receiving feature 60b can be used. For example, if the assembly line worker adjusts the lifter plate when the window is in the lowered position, the first tool receiving feature 60a can be used.

[0097] According to another aspect of this disclosure, such as Figure 9As shown, a method 1000 for constructing a lifter plate assembly is provided for holding a window 11 of a motor vehicle door assembly 10 and facilitating adjustable movement of the window 11 in a vertical direction so that the top edge 13 of the window 11 is in a sealed engagement with the roof of the motor vehicle. Method 1000 includes step 1100: providing a body 24 having at least one guide hook 32a, 32b configured to slidably receive window adjuster guide rails 16, 18 within the at least one guide hook 32a, 32b. Furthermore, step 1200 involves securing a window retainer having a receiving portion 34 to the body 24, the receiving portion 34 being configured to receive an edge 36 of the window 11. Another step 1300 includes attaching a cable retainer 28 to the body 24, the cable retainer 28 being configured to be fixedly attached to at least one cable 14a, 14b, 14c, wherein the height adjustment mechanism 30 provides adjustable movement of the body 24 and the window retainer 26 relative to the cable retainer 28 in a vertical direction. Furthermore, step 1400 involves configuring the height adjustment mechanism 30 to be adjustable via a plurality of tool receiving features, and step 1500 involves arranging each of the plurality of tool receiving features to be accessible along separate first axes A1, second axes A2, and third axes A3.

[0098] According to another aspect, method 1000 may include step 1600: configuring the height adjustment mechanism 30 to have a threaded rod 44 extending along a first axis A1 and a nut 46 threadedly engaged with the threaded rod 44, and arranging a first tool receiving feature 60a of the tool receiving feature at the end 47 of the threaded rod 44 so that it can be accessed through the bottom closing surface 59 of the motor vehicle door assembly 10.

[0099] According to another aspect, method 1000 may include step 1700: securing a first gear 48 to a threaded rod 44 and configuring a second gear 50 to mesh with the first gear 48, and arranging a second tool receiving feature 60b in the tool receiving feature to be accessible through the inner panel 17 of the motor vehicle door assembly 10, so that the second gear 50 rotates about a second axis A2, thereby causing the first gear 48 and the threaded rod 44 to rotate about a first axis A1.

[0100] According to another aspect, method 1000 may include step 1800: setting the first gear 48 and the second gear 50 as bevel gears.

[0101] According to another aspect, method 1000 may include step 1900: securing a third gear 52 to a threaded rod 44 and configuring a fourth gear 54 to mesh with the third gear 52, and arranging a third tool receiving feature 60c in the tool receiving feature to be accessible from the belt 63 of the motor vehicle door assembly 10, so that the fourth gear 54 rotates about a third axis A3, thereby causing the third gear 52 and the threaded rod 44 to rotate about a first axis A1.

[0102] According to another aspect, method 1000 may include step 1950: setting the third gear 52 and the fourth gear 54 as spur gears.

[0103] Reference Figure 10 A door support module is provided, which is shown by way of example and not limitation as a frameless door support module, hereinafter simply referred to as support 119. Support 119 can be configured to support / carry various door and / or window components, such as those discussed above with respect to support 119. In particular, support 119 is illustrated as supporting a first window adjuster guide rail 116 and a second window adjuster guide rail 118 constructed according to this disclosure; however, it is contemplated herein that the first window adjuster guide rail 116 and the second window adjuster guide rail 118 can be operably fixed to another support structure within the cavity C of the vehicle door D of the motor vehicle MV, if desired. As discussed in detail below, the first window adjuster rail 116 and the second window adjuster rail 118 are configured to allow adjustment of the window 111 in the transverse vehicle direction, hereinafter referred to as the Y direction, by accessing the adjustment mechanism 120 with a tool in at least one of the X direction (the direction extending along the length of the vehicle MV) or the Z direction (the direction extending vertically from the bottom of the vehicle MV to the top of the vehicle MV). Access in the X direction can be facilitated by inserting a tool through an opening in the generally vertically extending side panel of the vehicle door D—also referred to as the side closure surface 122—and access in the Z direction can be facilitated by inserting a tool through an opening in the generally horizontal bottom plate of the vehicle door D—also referred to as the bottom closure surface or bottom panel 124.

[0104] like Figure 12 As best illustrated in the diagram, the adjusting mechanism 120 includes: a gear support member or plate, also referred to as a mounting bracket and hereinafter referred to as a flange 126; a toothed rack, also referred to as a rack member 128; a gear member, also referred to as a pinion shaft 130; and a fastener member shown as a pair of nuts 132. A fastener 134 is also illustrated for securing the adjusting mechanism 120 to the carrier 119, wherein the fastener 134 can be set to any desired screw, bolt, or rivet by way of example and not limitation.

[0105] Flange 126 may be securely attached to the first window regulator rail 116 and the second window regulator rail 118 as needed, for example, via any suitable fixing mechanism, welded joint, fastener, adhesive, or the like. Otherwise, as Figures 7 to 9 As illustrated, if desired, flange 226 can be formed as an integral piece with the first window adjuster guide 216 and the second window adjuster guide 218. In any case, flange 126 has a through opening 136 sized to allow a small clearance fit between the pinion shaft 130 and the through opening 136, such that the pinion shaft 130 extends longitudinally along an axis A extending in the Z direction.

[0106] The pinion shaft 130 has a threaded shank 138 extending along the Z direction, the threaded shank 138 having an outwardly convex thread at each end for threading to a separate fastener shown as a concave threaded nut 132. The gear 140 is fixed to the threaded shank 138 and extends radially outward from the threaded shank 138 for meshing engagement with the rack member 128.

[0107] The rack member 128 is shown by way of example, not limitation, as generally L-shaped, having a mounting portion 142 and a rack portion 144 extending in an inclined relationship to each other. The mounting portion 142 may be configured to have a through opening 146 for receiving a fastener 134 therein to facilitate securing the rack member 128 to the carrier 119. It is contemplated herein that the mounting portion 142 can be secured to the carrier 119 via a suitable fastening mechanism, such as a welded joint or adhesive. The rack portion 144 has a plurality of rack teeth 148 configured to mesh with a gear 140. The rack teeth 148 are shown by way of example, not limitation, as formed extending along one side of an elongated groove 150 in a Y direction, such that the gear 140 rotates in a first direction ( ) due to rotation of the pinion shaft 130. Figure 13A The rotation of the gear 140 (clockwise) causes the teeth of the gear 140 to roll along the rack teeth 148, thereby causing the flange 126 and the window adjuster guides 116, 118 fixed to the flange 126 to be driven by the pinion shaft 130 and move in the first direction in the Y direction, and causing the gear 140 to rotate in the second direction (clockwise) via the rotation of the pinion shaft 130. Figure 13BThe rotation (counterclockwise) causes the flange 126 and the window adjuster rails 116, 118 fixed to the flange 126 to be driven by the pinion shaft 130 and moved in the Y direction along a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are opposite to each other. Therefore, rotation of the pinion shaft 130 in the desired clockwise or counterclockwise direction achieves the adjustment movement of the window adjuster rails 116, 118 along the corresponding first or second cross-vehicle direction. The pinion shaft 130 can be easily rotated by a suitable tool having a configuration for engaging with the end portion 152 of the pinion shaft. Therefore, the end portion 152 of the pinion shaft 130 may, as needed, have an external tool receiving surface and / or a concave tool receiving portion, the external tool receiving surface specifically contoured (hexagonal, square, or other shape) to receive the tool, and the concave tool receiving portion extending into the end portion 152 and specifically contoured (hexagonal, square, or other shape) to receive the tool.

[0108] Before rotating the pinion shaft 130 to achieve lateral adjustment of the window adjuster rails 116, 118 across the vehicle direction (Y direction), the nut 132 needs to be loosened to disengage the flange 126 from its clamping engagement with the rack member 128. Once the nut 132 is loosened, for example by using a suitable tool, the pinion shaft 130 can be rotated in the desired direction to move the window adjuster rails 116, 118 across the vehicle direction as desired. After the window adjuster rails 116, 118 have been moved to the desired position, the nut 132 can be re-secured using the same tool to fasten the window adjuster rails 116, 118 in the adjusted position.

[0109] like Figure 15 The adjustment mechanism 220, constructed according to another aspect of this disclosure and best illustrated herein, includes: a gear support member or plate, hereinafter referred to as flange 226; a rack member 228; a gear member, also referred to as pinion shaft 230; and a fastener member shown as a pair of nuts 232. A fastener 234 is also illustrated for securing the adjustment mechanism 220 to the carrier member 219, wherein the fastener 234 can be set as any desired screw, bolt, or rivet by way of example and not limitation. Up to this point, the adjustment mechanism 220 is the same as that discussed above with respect to the adjustment mechanism 120; however, the adjustment mechanism 220 has flange 226, which is constructed as an integral piece of material with the window adjuster rails 216, 218. Apart from this, all other parts of the adjustment mechanism 120 are the same as those discussed above with respect to the adjustment mechanism 120, and therefore, further discussion of the adjustment mechanism 220 is deemed unnecessary.

[0110] like Figure 19The adjustment mechanism 320, constructed according to another aspect of this disclosure and best illustrated herein, includes: a gear support member or plate, hereinafter referred to as flange 326; a rack member 328; a gear member, also referred to as pinion shaft 330; and a fastener member, shown as nut 332. A fastener 334 is also illustrated for securing the adjustment mechanism 320 to the carrier 319, wherein the fastener 334 can be provided by way of example and not limitation, as any desired screw, bolt, or rivet.

[0111] The pinion shaft 330 has a threaded shank 338 extending along the X direction, the threaded shank 338 having an external convex thread for threading to a fastener shown as a concave thread nut 332. The gear 340 is fixed to the threaded shank 338 and extends radially outward from the threaded shank 338 for meshing engagement with the rack member 328.

[0112] Rack member 328 is substantially the same as rack member 128; however, the orientation of rack member 328 is rotated 90 degrees from its orientation when fixed to carrier 319. Therefore, after rack member 328 is fixed to carrier 319 via fastener 334, as described above, a plurality of rack teeth 348 are configured to mesh with gear 340. The rack teeth 348 are shown by way of example, not limitation, as being formed to extend along one side of elongated groove 350 in the Y direction, such that gear 340 is positioned in a first direction (…). Figure 21A The rotation (clockwise) causes the teeth of gear 340 to roll along the rack teeth 348, thereby causing flange 326 and window adjuster guides 316, 318 fixed to flange 326 to move in the Y direction along the first direction, and causing gear 340 to move in the second direction (clockwise). Figure 21B Rotation (counterclockwise) causes flange 326 and window adjuster rails 316, 318 fixed to flange 326 to move in the Y direction along a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are opposite to each other. Therefore, rotation of pinion shaft 330 in the desired clockwise or counterclockwise direction achieves adjustment movement of window adjuster rails 316, 318 in the corresponding first or second direction. Pinion shaft 330 can be easily rotated with a suitable tool, as described above for pinion shaft 130; however, unlike the insertion of a tool through bottom panel 124 as discussed and described for pinion shaft 130, the tool is inserted along the X direction through an opening in closure surface 122 to engage with end portion 352 of pinion shaft 330, wherein the end portion may be located adjacent to closure surface 124. Therefore, window adjuster rails 316, 318 can be easily adjusted by inserting a tool through closure surface 122 to move in the Y direction across the vehicle direction, thereby simplifying adjustment during assembly and use.

[0113] According to another aspect, such as Figure 22 As shown, method 2000 is provided: adjusting window adjuster rails 116, 216, 316, 118, 218, 318 to move outward from the carrier 119 and inward toward the carrier 119 in the transverse vehicle direction (along the Y-axis). Method 2000 includes steps 2100 and 2200, step 2100 being inserting a tool through one of the side closing surface 122 or the bottom closing surface 124 of the vehicle door D, and step 2200 being using the tool to rotate the pinion shaft 130 so that the gear 140 fixed to the pinion shaft 130 travels along the rack portion 144 in the transverse vehicle direction and causes the window adjuster rails 116, 216, 316, 118, 218, 318 to move in either the outward transverse vehicle direction or the inward transverse vehicle direction.

[0114] According to another aspect, such as Figure 23 As shown, method 3000 is provided: Window adjuster rails 116, 216, 316, 118, 218, 318 are configured to be adjusted outward from the carrier 119 along the vehicle direction (along the Y-axis) from either the bottom closing surface or the side closing surface of the vehicle door D, and inward toward the carrier 119. Method 3000 includes step 3100: arranging a pinion shaft 130 to extend through a flange 126 fixed to the window adjuster rails 116, 216, 316, 118, 218, 318, and extending along the Z-axis to reach the pinion shaft 130 from the bottom closing surface via a tool, or extending along the X-axis to reach the pinion shaft 130 from the side closing surface via a tool. Method 3000 further includes step 3200: arranging a gear 140 fixed to the pinion shaft 130 to mesh with a rack portion 144 fixed to the carrier 119, such that the gear 140 travels along the rack portion 144 in response to rotation of the pinion shaft 130, thereby causing the pinion shaft 130 to move along a desired transverse vehicle direction and driving the flange 126 and the window adjuster rails 116, 216, 316, 118, 218, 318 fixed to the flange 126 along the desired transverse vehicle direction.

[0115] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and usable in chosen embodiments where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0116] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0117] 1. A lift panel assembly for holding a window of a motor vehicle door assembly and facilitating adjustable movement of the window in a vertical direction, the lift panel assembly comprising:

[0118] The main body has at least one guide rail hook, the at least one guide rail hook being configured to slidably receive a window adjuster guide rail within the at least one guide rail hook;

[0119] A window retainer, the window retainer being fixed to the body, the window retainer being provided with a receiving portion, the receiving portion being configured to receive the edge of the window in the receiving portion;

[0120] A cable retainer configured to be securely attached to at least one cable; and

[0121] An adjustment mechanism is configured to provide adjustable movement of the body and the window retainer relative to the cable retainer along the vertical direction. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable via a plurality of tool receiving features, each of which is accessible along a separate first axis, second axis, and third axis.

[0122] 2. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein at least two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are inclined to each other.

[0123] 3. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 2, wherein at least two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are substantially parallel to each other.

[0124] 4. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 3, wherein at least two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are substantially transverse to each other.

[0125] 5. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 2, wherein two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are inclined to each other, and wherein two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are parallel to each other.

[0126] 6. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 5, wherein two of the separate first axis, second axis and third axis are transverse to each other.

[0127] 7. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 6, wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a rod extending along the first axis and a nut threadedly engaged with the rod, and wherein one of the adjusting features is disposed at an end of the rod.

[0128] 8. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 7 further includes a first gear fixed to the rod and extending about the first axis and a second gear meshing with the first gear and extending about the second axis, wherein one of the tool receiving features is configured to rotate the second gear about the second axis, thereby causing the first gear and the rod to rotate about the first axis.

[0129] 9. The lifter panel assembly according to paragraph 7, wherein one of the tool receiving features is accessible through the bottom closing surface of the vehicle door assembly.

[0130] 10. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 8, wherein the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears.

[0131] 11. The lifter panel assembly according to paragraph 8, wherein one of the tool receiving features is accessible through the inner panel of the vehicle door assembly.

[0132] 12. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 8 further includes a third gear fixed to the rod and extending about the first axis, and a fourth gear meshing with the third gear and extending about the third axis, wherein one of the tool receiving features is configured to rotate the fourth gear about the third axis, thereby causing the third gear and the rod to rotate about the first axis.

[0133] 13. The lifting plate assembly according to paragraph 12, wherein the third gear and the fourth gear are spur gears.

[0134] 14. The lift panel assembly according to paragraph 12, wherein one of the tool receiving features is accessible from the belt of the vehicle door assembly.

[0135] 15. A motor vehicle door assembly, comprising:

[0136] A door panel structure, the door panel structure including an inner panel, an outer panel and a bottom closed surface, wherein the inner panel, the outer panel and the bottom closed surface define a cavity;

[0137] The first window adjuster guide rail and the second window adjuster guide rail are disposed in the cavity;

[0138] Window; and

[0139] The lifting plate assembly includes:

[0140] The main body has at least one guide rail hook, the at least one guide rail hook being configured to slidably receive one of the first window adjuster rail and the second window adjuster rail in the at least one guide rail hook to facilitate vertical movement of the window between an open position and a closed position;

[0141] A window retainer, the window retainer being fixed to the body, the window retainer having a receiving portion configured to receive the bottom edge of the window in the receiving portion;

[0142] A cable retainer configured to be securely attached to at least one cable; and

[0143] An adjustment mechanism is configured to provide adjustable movement of the body and the window retainer relative to the cable retainer along the vertical direction. The adjustment mechanism is adjustable via a plurality of tool receiving features, each of which is accessible along a separate first axis, second axis, and third axis.

[0144] 16. A method of constructing a liftgate assembly for holding a window of a motor vehicle door assembly and facilitating adjustable movement of the window in a vertical direction such that the top edge of the window is in a sealing engagement with the roof of the motor vehicle, the method comprising:

[0145] Provide a body having at least one guide rail hook, the at least one guide rail hook being configured to slidably receive a window adjuster guide rail within the at least one guide rail hook;

[0146] A window retainer having a receiving portion is fixed to the body, the receiving portion being configured to receive the edge of the window;

[0147] A cable retainer is coupled to the body, the cable retainer being configured to be fixedly attached to at least one cable, wherein an adjustment mechanism provides adjustable movement of the body and the window retainer relative to the cable retainer along the vertical direction; and

[0148] The adjustment mechanism is configured to be adjusted via a plurality of tool receiving features, and each of the plurality of tool receiving features is arranged to be accessible along separate first, second and third axes.

[0149] 17. The method according to paragraph 16 further includes configuring the adjustment mechanism to have a rod extending along the first axis and a nut threadedly engaged with the rod, and arranging one of the tool receiving features to be accessible through the bottom closing surface of the motor vehicle door assembly.

[0150] 18. The method according to paragraph 17 further includes securing a first gear to the rod and configuring a second gear to mesh with the first gear, and arranging one of the tool receiving features to be accessible through an inner panel of the motor vehicle door assembly to allow the second gear to rotate about the second axis, thereby causing the first gear and the rod to rotate about the first axis.

[0151] 19. The method according to paragraph 18 further includes configuring the first gear and the second gear as bevel gears.

[0152] 20. The method according to paragraph 18 further includes securing a third gear to the rod and configuring a fourth gear to mesh with the third gear, and arranging one of the tool receiving features to be accessible from the belt of the motor vehicle door assembly to allow the fourth gear to rotate about the third axis, thereby allowing the third gear and the rod to rotate about the first axis.

Claims

1. A lift panel assembly for holding a window (11) of a motor vehicle door assembly (10) and facilitating adjustable movement of the window (11) in a vertical direction, the lift panel assembly comprising: The main body (24) has at least one guide rail hook (32a, 32b) configured to slidably receive the window adjuster rail (16, 18) in the at least one guide rail hook (32a, 32b); A window retainer (26) is fixed to the body (24), and the window retainer (26) is provided with a receiving portion (34) configured to receive the edge (36) of the window (11) in the receiving portion (34); Cable retainer (28), said cable retainer (28) being configured to be fixedly attached to at least one cable (14a, 14b, 14c); and A height adjustment mechanism (30) is configured to provide adjustable movement of the body (24) and the window retainer (26) relative to the cable retainer (28) in the vertical direction. The height adjustment mechanism (30) is adjustable via a plurality of tool receiving features, each of which is accessible along a separate first axis (A1), a second axis (A2), and a third axis (A3).

2. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein, At least two of the separated first axis (A1), second axis (A2), and third axis (A3) are inclined to each other.

3. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein, At least two of the separated first axis (A1), second axis (A2), and third axis (A3) are substantially parallel to each other.

4. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The height adjustment mechanism (30) includes a threaded rod (44) extending along the first axis (A1) and a nut (46) configured to thread into the threaded rod (44), wherein a first tool receiving feature (60a) of the tool receiving features is disposed at the end (47) of the threaded rod (44).

5. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a first gear (48) fixed to the threaded rod (44) and extending about the first axis (A1) and a second gear (50) configured to mesh with the first gear (48) and extending about the second axis (A2), wherein, The second tool receiving feature (60b) of the tool receiving feature is configured to rotate the second gear (50) about the second axis (A2), thereby causing the first gear (48) and the threaded rod (44) to rotate about the first axis (A1).

6. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The first gear (48) and the second gear (50) are bevel gears.

7. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The first tool receiving feature (60a) is accessible through the bottom closing surface (59) of the vehicle door assembly (10).

8. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The second tool receiving feature (60b) is accessible through the inner panel (17) of the vehicle door assembly (10).

9. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a third gear (52) fixed to the threaded rod (44) and extending about the first axis (A1) and a fourth gear (54) configured to mesh with the third gear (52) and extending about the third axis (A3), wherein, The third tool receiving feature (60c) of the tool receiving features is configured to cause the fourth gear (54) to rotate about the third axis (A3), thereby causing the third gear (52) and the threaded rod (44) to rotate about the first axis (A1).

10. The lifting plate assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The third tool receiving feature (60c) of the tool receiving features is accessible from the strip (63) of the motor vehicle door assembly (10).

Images