Vehicle door assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle door assembly (100) comprising a door body (102) and a sliding window device (104), the sliding window device (104) comprising: a window panel (106); a guide element (108) attached to the door body (102); and at least one seal (120, 122) for forming a seal between the window panel (106) and the door body (102). The window panel (106) is movably coupled to the guide element (108) so as to be movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The guide element may be configured such that when moved from the closed position to the open position, the window panel first moves inward to align with and then move downward into the receiving aperture, and when moved from the open position to the closed position, the window panel first moves upward and then moves outward to flush with an outer panel of the vehicle door. The sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the at least one seal (120, 122) moves at least in the first direction (112) when the window panel (106) moves in the first direction (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] none Background Art

[0002] Known vehicle door assemblies include sliding window arrangements. Conventionally, a window panel of a vehicle door is aligned with a receiving aperture or cavity of the vehicle door assembly so that the window panel can slide in and out of the receiving aperture or cavity.

[0003] Because the window panel is aligned with the receiving aperture or cavity, there is a step between the outer panel of the door and the window panel, which may cause aerodynamic drag. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door assembly, including a sliding window arrangement and having improved aerodynamic properties, in particular reduced aerodynamic drag. A further object of the present invention is to improve the seal between the window panel and the door body of the vehicle door assembly, in particular with regard to durability and its sealing ability. A further object of the present invention is to improve the sliding mechanism of the sliding window arrangement, in particular to reduce the complexity of the sliding window arrangement and improve its reliability.

[0005] The present invention provides a vehicle door assembly, including a door body and a sliding window device. The sliding window device includes a window panel, a guide element attached to the door body, and at least one seal for forming a seal between the window panel and the door body. The window panel is movably connected to the guide element so that it can be moved from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position. In the open position of the window panel, the window panel is received in a receiving aperture of the door body. In order to move the window panel from the closed position to the open position, the guide element is configured so that the window panel moves relative to the guide element along a first direction to align with the receiving aperture of the door body, and moves relative to the guide element along a second direction to be received in the receiving aperture of the door body. Additionally or alternatively, in order to move the window panel from the open position to the closed position, the guide element is configured so that the window panel moves out of the receiving aperture relative to the guide element along the second direction, and moves relative to the guide element along the first direction to be flush with the side panel of the vehicle door assembly. The sliding window device is configured so that when the window panel moves along the first direction, the at least one seal moves at least along the first direction.

[0006] For example, the guide element may be configured such that when moving from a closed position to an open position, the window panel first moves inward to align with the receiving aperture and then moves downward into the receiving aperture, and when moving from an open position to a closed position, the window panel first moves upward and then moves outward to be flush with the outer panel of the vehicle door.

[0007] The door assembly may be a door assembly of a car or automobile (preferably, for seating one to nine persons and / or not more than nine persons). The door assembly may be configured to be positioned on the side of the vehicle. The door assembly may be a conventional hinged door, a scissor door, a butterfly door, a sliding door or another type of door.

[0008] A sliding window arrangement may be understood to relate to a mechanism for moving and / or sliding a window panel from an open position to a closed position. The sliding window arrangement may include an actuator for moving the window panel from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The window panel may be manually operable by a user. It is understood that in the open position, the window panel is positioned so that the door assembly includes an opening, and in the closed position, the opening is closed.

[0009] The window panel may be a glass panel. The window panel may include a panel made of vehicle glass or automobile glass. Furthermore, the window panel may include a component, such as one or more sliding elements, coupled to and / or engaged with the guide element. The component or sliding element need not be made of glass. For example, the component or sliding element may be a separate component attached to the window panel.

[0010] A guiding element is understood to refer to an element configured to guide the window panel along a first direction and a second direction. The guiding element may also be configured to guide the at least one seal along the first direction when the window panel moves along the first direction. The guiding element may be structured so that it moves along the first direction and the second direction when the window panel moves from a closed position to an open position. The guiding element may include a track. The window panel may include a slider movably engaged with the track. For example, the track may be an elongated recess in which the slider is movably received so that the slider can move along the elongation direction of the recess. The sliding window device may include one or more guiding elements as described herein. For example, the sliding window device includes two guiding elements, one on each side of the window panel. The guiding element may be fixedly attached to the door body. The guiding element may be provided as one part or multiple parts. For example, the guiding element may be provided by multiple parts of the door body and / or fixedly attached to the door body.

[0011] The first direction may include a component in a horizontal direction relative to the mounting position of the vehicle door and / or a substantially normal direction of the window panel. The movement along the first direction may include a translation component and / or a rotation component. The movement of the window panel along the second direction may include a translation component. In addition, the movement along the second direction may include a rotation component. Preferably, the second direction substantially corresponds to the up-down direction relative to the mounting position of the vehicle door. The first direction and the second direction do not need to be perpendicular to each other. For example, both the first direction and the second direction may include a component along the up-down direction. In other words, when the window panel and / or the at least one seal moves along the first direction, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal may include a component along the up-down direction. Preferably, during the movement of the window panel along the first direction, the lower edge of the window panel may perform a horizontal movement between 20 mm and 60 mm.

[0012] During the movement of the window panel along the first direction, the movement of the window panel and the at least one seal need not be identical. For example, the movement of the window panel along the first direction may have a component in the up-down direction that is greater than the movement of the at least one seal. Furthermore, the movement of the at least one seal may not have any component in the up-down direction.

[0013] In the context of the present disclosure, the terms "up", "down", "upward", "downward", "upper part" and "lower part" refer to directions with respect to the installation position of the vehicle door (i.e., when the vehicle door is installed in a vehicle). Similarly, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the installation position of the vehicle door. The "up and down" direction may also be referred to as the "vertical direction". The terms "interior" and "exterior" also refer to the installation position of the vehicle door. The "interior direction" is a horizontal direction pointing to the interior of the vehicle, and the "exterior direction" is a horizontal direction pointing to the exterior of the vehicle. The terms "forward", "rearward", "front" and "rear" refer to horizontal directions pointing to the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle on which the vehicle door is installed.

[0014] It is understood that the receiving aperture is associated with a cavity of the door assembly that is configured to receive the window panel in the closed position of the window panel. The receiving aperture and / or cavity may be disposed between an outer panel of the door assembly and an inner panel of the door assembly. Preferably, when the window panel is in the closed position, the receiving aperture and / or cavity is located below the window panel with respect to the mounting position of the door assembly.

[0015] The at least one seal may include or be made of an elastomer. The at least one seal may be an elongated seal that extends at least partially along the outer edge of the window panel in the closed position of the window panel. Preferably, the at least one seal may include a seal extending along the lower edge of the window panel. The at least one seal may also include a plurality of sealing elements that seal with different parts of the window panel. For example, the at least one seal may include: an upper seal configured to seal with an upper portion of the window panel, the upper portion being adjacent to the upper edge of the window panel; and a lower seal configured to seal with a lower portion of the window panel, the lower portion being adjacent to the lower edge of the window panel. The at least one seal may also include a seal extending along an upper portion adjacent to the upper edge of the window panel. Alternatively, when the window panel moves along the first direction, the seal along the upper edge of the window panel does not move along the first direction. The at least one seal may also extend circumferentially along the edge of the window panel.

[0016] Preferably, when the window panel moves along the first direction, the at least one seal may move along the first direction simultaneously with the window panel. Alternatively, the at least one seal may move along the first direction before or after the window panel moves along the first direction. For example, when the window panel moves from a closed position to an open position, the at least one seal may move along the first direction before or simultaneously with the window panel. When the window panel moves from an open position to a closed position, the at least one seal may move behind or simultaneously with the window panel. Different parts of the at least one seal may move to different degrees along the first direction. For example, when the movement along the first direction is a rotational movement, the degree of movement of the part of the at least one seal that is closer to the pivot point of the rotational movement is less than the degree of movement of the part of the at least one seal that is farther from the pivot point.

[0017] The at least one seal may move along the first direction to the same or greater extent than the window panel and / or the at least one seal may move along the first direction at the same or greater rate or speed than the window panel.

[0018] By providing a sliding window arrangement in which the window panel moves along a first direction and a second direction, in the closed position of the window panel, the window panel may be flush with the outer panel of the door assembly. In this way, the aerodynamic drag of the door assembly may be reduced.

[0019] By moving the at least one seal along the first direction when the window panel moves along the first direction, the friction between the at least one seal and the window panel can be reduced when the window panel moves along the second direction. In this way, the sliding window device can provide smoother movement of the window panel. In addition, the movement of the window panel along the second direction can generate less noise. In addition, the actuator or operator requires less force to move the window panel along the second direction. In addition, less force is required to move the window panel from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, which can improve the durability of the actuator that moves the window panel. In addition, by providing a guide element configured to move the window panel along the first direction and the second direction, both movements can be provided with one actuator. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide separate actuators for different movements, which reduces complexity and improves the reliability of the sliding window mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, the sliding window arrangement is configured such that the at least one seal does not move in the second direction when the window panel moves in the second direction.

[0021] In other words, when the window panel moves along the first direction, the at least one seal only moves along the first direction. When the window panel moves along the second direction, the at least one seal does not exert any movement.

[0022] In this way, the at least one seal does not perform any unnecessary movements which could promote wear on the sliding window arrangement.

[0023] Preferably, the sliding window arrangement is configured such that the window panel and the at least one seal move in the first direction at the same time.

[0024] In other words, the window panel and the at least one seal are moved simultaneously along the first direction.

[0025] Preferably, the movement of the window panel along the second direction comprises a translational component. In other words, the second direction comprises a translational direction. More preferably, the movement of the window panel along the second direction is a translational movement and / or the second direction is a translational direction.

[0026] Preferably, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction comprises a rotational component. More preferably, the pivot point of the rotational component of the movement of the window panel along the first direction is close to the upper end and / or edge of the window panel. More preferably, the movement of the window panel along the first direction is a rotational movement and / or the first direction is a rotational direction.

[0027] The upper end of the window panel may be understood as the uppermost edge of the window panel with respect to the vehicle door in the installed position.

[0028] Preferably, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction comprises a translational component. In other words, the first direction comprises a translational direction. More preferably, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal is a translational movement and / or the first direction is a translational direction.

[0029] Preferably, the first direction is different from the second direction.

[0030] Preferably, the first direction and the second direction enclose an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0031] In other words, as the window panel moves from the closed position to the open position, a first vector associated with movement of the window panel along a first direction and a second vector associated with movement of the window panel along a second direction may enclose an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0032] Preferably, the at least one seal is movably coupled to the guide element and / or the window panel.

[0033] In this way, when the window panel moves along the first direction, the at least one seal moves along the first direction.

[0034] Preferably, the door assembly further comprises a seal support frame, the seal support frame comprising the at least one seal, and the seal support frame is movably connected to the guide element and the window panel, so that when the window panel moves along the first direction, the seal support frame moves relative to the guide element along the first direction.

[0035] Preferably, when the window panel moves along the first direction, the window panel pushes the seal support frame along the first direction.

[0036] Preferably, the sliding window device is configured so that the seal support frame does not move relative to the window panel when the window panel moves along the first direction. In other words, there is no relative movement between the seal support frame and the window panel when the window panel moves along the first direction.

[0037] Preferably, the sliding window arrangement is configured such that the seal support frame does not move relative to the guide element in the second direction when the window panel moves in the second direction.

[0038] In other words, there is no relative movement between the seal support frame and the guide element when the window panel moves in the second direction.

[0039] The movement of the window panel and the seal support frame along the first direction need not be the same. For example, when the window panel moves along the first direction, its movement may have a horizontal component and a component in an up-down direction. During the movement of the window panel along the first direction, the seal support frame may only move in the horizontal direction. During the movement along the first direction, the window panel may also move in the up-down direction.

[0040] Preferably, the guide element comprises a first track portion interconnected with a second track portion. The window panel comprises a first slider movably engaged with the first track portion and the second track portion. The sliding window device is configured such that the first slider moves along the first track portion when the window panel moves along the first direction, and the first slider moves along the second track portion when the window panel moves along the second direction.

[0041] The first track portion may transition continuously into the second track portion.The first track portion and the second track portion may enclose an angle between 90° and 135°.

[0042] Preferably, the seal support frame includes a third track portion. The first slider is movably engaged with the third track portion. The sliding window device is configured so that when the window panel moves along the second direction, the first slider moves along the third track portion, and when the window panel moves along the first direction, the first slider pushes the seal support frame along the first direction.

[0043] In this way, when the window panel moves along the first direction, the at least one seal moves along the first direction. In addition, when the window panel moves along the second direction, the at least one seal does not move along the second direction.

[0044] Preferably, the guide element comprises a fourth track portion, and the window panel comprises a second slider movably engaged with the fourth track portion, wherein the sliding window arrangement is configured such that the second slider moves along the fourth track portion when the window panel moves in the second direction.

[0045] The first slide may be positioned close to and / or adjacent to a lower edge of the window panel, and / or the second slide may be positioned close to and / or adjacent to an upper edge of the window panel.

[0046] Preferably, the guide element comprises a fifth track portion interconnected with the fourth track portion, wherein the second slider is movably engaged with the fourth track portion and the fifth track portion, and the sliding window device is configured such that the second slider moves along the fifth track portion when the window panel moves along the first direction.

[0047] The fourth track portion may transition continuously into the fifth track portion.The fifth track portion and the fourth track portion may enclose an angle between 90° and 135°.

[0048] In this way, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one sealing element along the first direction comprises a translational component.

[0049] Preferably, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal comprises a rotational component and the second slide defines a pivot point for the rotational movement and / or the first direction.

[0050] Preferably, the seal support frame comprises a sixth track portion, and the second slider is movably engaged with the sixth track portion, wherein the sliding window apparatus is configured such that the second slider moves along the sixth track portion when the window panel moves along the second direction.

[0051] In this way, when the window panel moves in the second direction, the at least one seal does not move in the second direction.

[0052] Preferably, the sliding window device is configured such that the second slider pushes the seal support frame along the first direction when the window panel moves along the first direction.

[0053] In this way, the at least one seal moves along the first direction and has a translational component.

[0054] Preferably, the guide element comprises a seventh track portion, and the seal support frame comprises a third slider, wherein the third slider is movably engaged with the seventh track portion, and the sliding window device is configured such that the third slider moves along the seventh track portion when the window panel and / or the seal support frame moves along the first direction.

[0055] Preferably, the guide element comprises a third slider and the seal support frame comprises a seventh track portion, wherein the third slider is movably engaged with the seventh track portion, and the sliding window device is configured such that the third slider moves along the seventh track portion when the window panel and / or the seal support frame moves along the first direction.

[0056] Preferably, the seventh track portion is substantially aligned in a horizontal direction.When the window panel moves in the second direction, the seventh track portion helps to stabilize the seal support frame and / or prevent the seal support frame from moving in the second direction.

[0057] Preferably, the at least one seal comprises a lower seal configured to form a seal with a lower inner portion of the window panel and preferably an upper seal configured to form a seal with an upper inner portion of the window panel.

[0058] Preferably, the door assembly includes a fixed seal attached to the door body, the fixed seal being configured to form a seal with an outer lower portion of the window panel.

[0059] In other words, the fixed seal does not perform any movement when the window panel and / or the at least one seal moves in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0060] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a door assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0061] Preferably, the vehicle comprises two or more, more preferably at least or exactly four doors, as disclosed herein.

[0062] Preferably, the vehicle is a passenger car or a car. More preferably, the vehicle is configured to seat one to nine persons and / or no more than nine persons. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings disclose exemplary embodiments of the present invention for illustrative purposes only. In particular, the disclosure provided by the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of protection conferred by the present invention.

[0064] Figure 1 A cross-section of a vehicle door assembly is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] Figure 2 A cross section of a vehicle door assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0066] Figure 3 A perspective view of a vehicle door assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0067] Figure 4 A vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 A cross section of a door assembly 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The door assembly 100 includes a door body 102 .

[0069] The door assembly 100 includes a sliding window arrangement 104. The sliding window arrangement 104 includes a window panel 106 and a guide element 108. The window panel 106 is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, wherein: Figure 1The closed position of the window panel 106 is shown. The window panel 106 is coupled to the guide element 108 so that when moving from the closed position to the open position, the window panel 106 first moves inwardly along the first direction 112, and then subsequently moves along the second direction 114. The first direction 112 includes a component in the horizontal direction (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the window panel 106). In this way, the window panel 106 can be moved from a position in which it is flush with the outer panel 116 of the door body into a position in which it is aligned with the receiving aperture or cavity 110. After being aligned with the receiving aperture or cavity 110, the window panel 106 moves downwardly along the second direction 114. The second direction 114 includes a component in the up-down direction. In this way, the window panel 106 moves into the receiving aperture or cavity 110.

[0070] When moving from the open position to the closed position, the window panel 106 first moves upward (ie, in an upward direction) along the second direction 114 to move out of the receiving aperture or cavity 110 , and then subsequently moves outward (ie, in an outward direction) along the first direction 112 to be substantially flush with the outer panel 116 .

[0071] In addition, the sliding window device 104 includes seals 120, 122, and 144. The sliding window device 104 is configured so that the seal 122 moves along the first direction 112 when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112. The seal 122 is configured to form a seal between the inner side of the window panel 106 near the lower edge of the window panel 106 and the door body 102. The seal 120 is configured to form a seal between the inner side of the window panel 106 near the upper edge of the window panel 106 and the door body 102, and the seal 144 is configured to form a seal between the outer side of the window panel 106 near the lower edge of the window panel 106 and the door body 102.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the sliding window device 104 includes a seal support frame 118, and a seal 122 is attached to the seal support frame 118. The seal support frame 118 is movably coupled to the guide element 108 and the window panel 106. When the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112, it pushes the seal support frame 118 along the first direction 112, so that the seal 122 moves along the first direction 112. In this way, when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112, the seal 122 moves along the first direction 112, that is, moves at the same time. In addition, when the window panel 106 moves along the second direction, the seal 122 does not move along the second direction 114.

[0073] More specifically, the guide element 108 includes a first track portion 124 interconnected with a second track portion 126. The first track portion 124 and the second track portion enclose an angle of approximately 110°. The seal support frame 108 includes a third track portion 130. The window panel 106 includes a first slider 128 that is movably coupled or engaged with the first track portion 124, the second track portion 126, and the third track portion 130. In order to move the window panel 106 along the first direction 112, the first slider 128 moves along the first track portion 124. During such movement of the first slider 128, the slider eventually moves along the third track portion 130. In addition, the first slider 128 pushes the seal support frame 118 along the second direction 114. In this way, when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112, the seal 122 moves along the first direction 112. To move the window panel 106 into the receiving aperture or cavity 110 along the second direction 114, the first slider 128 moves along the second track portion 126. As the first slider 128 moves along the second track portion 126, the first slider 128 also moves along the third track portion 130 of the seal support frame 108. In this manner, when the window panel 106 moves into the receiving aperture or cavity 110 along the second direction 114, the seal 122 does not move further along the second direction 114.

[0074] The guide element 108 also includes a fourth track portion 132, and the seal support frame 118 includes a sixth track portion 138. The window element 106 includes a second slider 134, which is movably connected to or engaged with the fourth track portion 132 and the sixth track portion 138. When the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112, the second slider 134 can eventually move along the fourth track portion 132 and the sixth track portion 138. This is particularly the case if the first track portion 124 is not horizontally aligned, that is, the first direction 112 includes a component in the up and down direction. Therefore, the movement of the window panel 106 and the seal 122 along the first direction 112 includes a rotational component and ultimately a translational component. The pivot point of the rotational component is defined by the second slider 134.

[0075] The guide element 108 further includes a seventh track portion 140, and the seal support frame 118 includes a third slider 142 that is movably coupled to or engaged with the seventh track portion 140. The seventh track portion 140 is substantially aligned along a horizontal direction, wherein the horizontal direction is defined with respect to the mounting position of the vehicle door. When the first slider 128 moves along the first track portion 124, the first slider 128 pushes the seal support frame 118 along the first direction 112, so that the third slider 142 moves along the seventh track portion 140. Alternatively, the seventh track portion 140 may be disposed on the seal support frame 118, and the third slider 142 may be disposed on the guide element 108.

[0076] In the present exemplary embodiment, the seal 120 that forms a seal with the upper portion of the inner side of the window panel 106 and the seal 122 that forms a seal with the lower portion of the inner side of the window panel 106 are attached to the seal support frame 118. The seal 144 that forms a seal with the lower portion of the outer side of the window panel 106 is not attached to the seal support frame 118 and / or does not perform any movement when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112. Thus, the seals 120 and 144 are fixed seals.

[0077] Figure 2 1 shows a cross section of a vehicle door assembly 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 The difference between the embodiments shown in Figure 2 The remaining features of the embodiments of Figure 1 The disclosed description is applicable.

[0078] and Figure 1 In contrast to the embodiment of the present invention, the guide element 108 includes a fifth track portion 136 having the same orientation as the first track portion 124. The first track portion 124 and the second track portion 126 enclose an angle of approximately 90°. Similarly, the fourth track portion 132 and the fifth track portion 136 enclose an angle of approximately 90°. During the movement of the window panel 106 along the first direction 112, the first slider 124 moves along the first track portion 124, and the second slider 134 moves along the fifth track portion 136. In this way, the window panel 106 performs a translational movement along the first direction 112. In addition, when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112, both the first slider 128 and the second slider 134 push the seal support frame 118 along the first direction 112. In this way, the seal support frame 118 performs a translational movement along the first direction 112.

[0079] In addition, Figure 1In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a seal 120 that forms a seal with an upper portion of the inner side of the window panel 106 is attached to the seal support frame 118. In this way, when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112, the upper seal 120 moves along the first direction.

[0080] therefore, Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the window panel 106 performs a translational movement when moving along the first direction 112. In contrast, Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the window panel 106 performs a movement having a rotational component when moving along the first direction 112 .

[0081] Figure 3 A perspective view of the vehicle door assembly 100 is shown. The structure and function of the vehicle door assembly 100 generally correspond to Figure 1 The vehicle door assembly 100 shown in FIG. Figure 1 Explanation given.

[0082] If you can Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the door assembly 100 includes two guide elements, respectively disposed on the front side and the rear side of the door assembly 100. Therefore, the door assembly 100 includes two seal support frames 118, respectively disposed on the front side and the rear side of the door assembly 100. The at least one seal 120, 122 is provided as a circumferential seal extending along the circumference of the window panel 106.

[0083] Figure 4 A vehicle 200, more specifically a car or a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The vehicle 200 includes a door assembly 100 as disclosed herein. More specifically, the vehicle 100 includes four passenger doors, each of which is a door assembly as disclosed herein, i.e., has a sliding window arrangement as disclosed herein.

[0084] The present invention may be defined, for example, by the following aspects:

[0085] 1. A vehicle door assembly (100), comprising a door body (102) and a sliding window device (104), The sliding window device (104) comprises: Window panel (106); a guide element (108) attached to the door body (102); at least one seal (120, 122) for forming a seal between the window panel (106) and the door body (102); wherein the window panel (106) is movably coupled to the guide element (108) so as to be movable from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position; wherein, in the open position of the window panel (106), the window panel (106) is received in the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (102); in, To move the window panel (106) from the closed position to the open position, the guide element (108) configured such that the window panel (106) moves relative to the guide element (108) in a first direction (112) to align with the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (102), and moves relative to the guide element (108) in a second direction (114) to be received in the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (106); and / or To move the window panel (106) from the open position to the closed position, the guide element (108) is configured so that the window panel (106) moves out of the receiving aperture (110) along a second direction (114) relative to the guide element (108), and relative to the guide element (108) moves along a first direction (112) to engage with a side panel (116) of the door assembly flush; and The sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the at least one seal (120, 122) moves at least along the first direction (112).

[0086] 2. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 1, wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114), the at least one seal (120, 122) does not move along the second direction (114).

[0087] 3. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that the window panel (106) and the at least one seal (120, 122) move along the first direction (112) at the same time.

[0088] 4. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the movement of the window panel (106) along the second direction (114) includes a translation component.

[0089] 5. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein movement of the window panel (106) and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112) comprises a rotational component; and Preferably, the pivot point of the rotational component of the movement of the window panel (106) along the first direction (112) is close to the upper end of the window panel (106).

[0090] 6. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein movement of the window panel (106) and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112) comprises a translational component.

[0091] 7. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first direction (112) and the second direction (114) enclose an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0092] 8. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one seal (120, 122) is movably coupled to the guide element (108) and / or the window panel (106).

[0093] 9. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: a seal support frame (118) comprising the at least one seal (120, 122); The seal support frame (118) is movably connected to the guide element (108) and the window panel (106), so that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the seal support frame (118) moves relative to the guide element (108) along the first direction (112).

[0094] 10. The vehicle door assembly (100) of aspect 9, wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that the seal support frame (118) does not move relative to the guide element (108) along the second direction (114) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

[0095] 11. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first direction (112) is different from the second direction (114).

[0096] 12. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the guide element (108) includes a first track portion (124) interconnected with a second track portion (126); wherein the window panel includes a first slider (128) movably engaged with the first track portion (124) and the second track portion (126); wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the first slider (128) moves along the first track portion (124); and The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) moves along the second track portion (126) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

[0097] 13. A vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, when dependent on aspect 9, wherein the seal support frame (118) includes a third track portion (130); wherein the first slider (128) is movably engaged with the third track portion (130); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) moves along the third track portion (130) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

[0098] 14. The vehicle door assembly (100) of aspect 13, wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) pushes the seal support frame (118) along the first direction (112) when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112).

[0099] 15. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 13 or 14, wherein the guide element (108) includes a fourth track portion (132); wherein the window panel (106) includes a second slider (134) movably engaged with the fourth track portion (132); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the fourth track portion (132) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

[0100] 16. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 15, wherein the guide element (108) includes a fifth track portion (136) interconnected with the fourth track portion (132); wherein the second slider (134) is movably engaged with the fourth track portion (132) and the fifth track portion (136); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the fifth track portion (136) when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112).

[0101] 17. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 15 and 16, wherein movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction comprises a rotational component; and Wherein the second slide (134) defines a pivot point for a rotational component of movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112).

[0102] 18. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 15 to 17, wherein the seal support frame (118) includes a sixth track portion (138); wherein the second slider (134) is movably engaged with the sixth track portion (138); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the sixth track portion (138) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

[0103] 19. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 15 to 18, The sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the second slider (134) pushes the seal support frame (118) along the first direction (112).

[0104] 20. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 9 to 19, when dependent on aspect 9, in, The guide element (108) includes a seventh track portion (140), and the seal support frame (118) includes a third slide (142); or The guide element (108) includes a third slide (142) and the seal support frame (118) includes a seventh track portion (140); wherein the third slider (142) is movably engaged with the seventh track portion (140); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the third slider (142) moves along the seventh track portion (140) when the window panel (106) and / or the seal support frame (118) moves along the first direction (112).

[0105] 21. A vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, The at least one seal (120, 122) comprises: a lower seal (122) configured to form a seal with a lower inner portion of the window panel (106); and preferably an upper seal (120) configured to form a seal with an upper inner portion of the window panel (106).

[0106] 22. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, The door assembly (100) includes a fixed seal (144) attached to the door body (102), the fixed seal being configured to form a seal with an outer lower portion of the window panel (106).

[0107] 23. A vehicle (200) comprising a door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects.

Claims

1. A vehicle door assembly (100), comprising a door body (102) and a sliding window device (104), The sliding window device (104) comprises: Window panel (106); a guide element (108) attached to the door body (102); at least one seal (120, 122) for forming a seal between the window panel (106) and the door body (102); wherein the window panel (106) is movably coupled to the guide element (108) so as to be movable from a closed position to an open position and from the open position to the closed position; wherein, in the open position of the window panel (106), the window panel (106) is received in the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (102); in, ● In order to move the window panel (106) from the closed position to the open position, the guide element (108) is configured so that the window panel (106) moves relative to the guide element (108) along a first direction (112) to align with the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (102), and moves relative to the guide element (108) along a second direction (114) to be received in the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (106); and / or To move the window panel (106) from the open position to the closed position, the guide element (108) is configured such that the window panel (106) moves out of the receiving aperture (110) in a second direction (114) relative to the guide element (108) and moves in a first direction (112) relative to the guide element (108) to be flush with a side panel (116) of the door assembly; and The sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the at least one seal (120, 122) moves at least along the first direction (112).

2. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the at least one seal (120, 122) does not move along the second direction (114) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

3. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the window panel (106) and the at least one seal (120, 122) move along the first direction (112) at the same time.

4. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Movement of the window panel (106) and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112) includes a rotational component; and Preferably, the pivot point of the rotational component of the movement of the window panel (106) along the first direction (112) is close to the upper end of the window panel (106).

5. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first direction (112) and the second direction (114) enclose an angle between 45° and 90°.

6. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one seal (120, 122) is movably coupled to the guide element (108) and / or the window panel (106).

7. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a seal support frame (118) comprising the at least one seal (120, 122); The seal support frame (118) is movably connected to the guide element (108) and the window panel (106), so that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the seal support frame (118) moves relative to the guide element (108) along the first direction (112).

8. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the seal support frame (118) does not move relative to the guide element (108) along the second direction (114) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

9. A vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The guide element (108) includes a first track portion (124) interconnected with a second track portion (126); wherein the window panel includes a first slider (128) movably engaged with the first track portion (124) and the second track portion (126); wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the first slider (128) moves along the first track portion (124); and The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) moves along the second track portion (126) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

10. A vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 7, in, The seal support frame (118) includes a third track portion (130); wherein the first slider (128) is movably engaged with the third track portion (130); wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114), the first slider (128) moves along the third track portion (130); and The sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the first slider (128) pushes the seal support frame (118) along the first direction (112).

11. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to claim 10, in, The guide element (108) includes a fourth track portion (132); wherein the window panel (106) includes a second slider (134) movably engaged with the fourth track portion (132); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the fourth track portion (132) when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114).

12. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to claim 11, in, Movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction includes a rotational component; and Wherein the second slide (134) defines a pivot point for a rotational component of movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112).

13. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to claim 11 or 12, in, The seal support frame (118) includes a sixth track portion (138); wherein the second slider (134) is movably engaged with the sixth track portion (138); wherein the sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114), the second slider (134) moves along the sixth track portion (138); and The sliding window device (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) moves along the first direction (112), the second slider (134) pushes the seal support frame (118) along the first direction (112).

14. A vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, when dependent on claim 7, in, The guide element (108) comprises a seventh track portion (140), and the seal support frame (118) comprises a third slide (142); or The guide element (108) includes a third slide (142), and the seal support frame (118) includes a seventh track portion (140); wherein the third slider (142) is movably engaged with the seventh track portion (140); The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the third slider (142) moves along the seventh track portion (140) when the window panel (106) and / or the seal support frame (118) moves along the first direction (112).

15. A vehicle (200) comprising a door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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