Door assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door assembly (100) comprising a door body (102) and a sliding window arrangement (104), the sliding window arrangement (104) comprising: a 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). 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 can be configured such that when moving from the closed position to the open position the window panel first moves inwards to align with a receiving aperture and then moves downwards into the receiving aperture, and when moving from the open position to the closed position the window panel first moves upwards and then moves outwards to be flush with an outer panel of the vehicle door. The sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that when the window panel (106) is moved in a first direction (112) the at least one seal (120, 122) is moved at least in the first direction (112).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, in particular to a vehicle door assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Known vehicle door assemblies comprise a sliding window device. Conventionally, a window panel of the vehicle door is aligned with a receiving aperture or cavity of the vehicle door assembly such that the window panel can be slid in and out of the receiving aperture or cavity.

[0003] Due to the alignment of the window panel with the receiving aperture or cavity, there is a step between the outer panel of the vehicle door and the window panel, which can cause aerodynamic drag. SUMMARY

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

[0005] The present invention provides a vehicle door assembly comprising a door body and a sliding window device. The sliding window device comprises 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 coupled to the guide element so as to be movable from a closed position to an open position and from the open position to the closed position. In the open position of the window panel, the window panel is received within a receiving aperture of the door body. To move the window panel from the closed position to the open position, the guide element is configured such that the window panel is moved relative to the guide element in a first direction to align with the receiving aperture of the door body and in a second direction relative to the guide element to be received within the receiving aperture of the door body. Additionally or alternatively, to move the window panel from the open position to the closed position, the guide element is configured such that the window panel is moved out of the receiving aperture relative to the guide element in the second direction and in the first direction relative to the guide element to be flush with a side panel of the vehicle door assembly. The sliding window device is configured such that the at least one seal is moved at least in the first direction when the window panel is moved in the first direction.

[0006] For example, the guide element can be configured such that the window panel is first moved inwards to align with the receiving aperture and then moved downwards into the receiving aperture when moving from the closed position to the open position and the window panel is first moved upwards and then moved outwards to be flush with the outer panel of the vehicle door when moving from the open position to the closed position.

[0007] The vehicle door assembly can be a door assembly of a car or automobile, preferably for one to nine and / or no more than nine people to sit. The vehicle door assembly can be configured to be positioned on a side of the vehicle. The vehicle door assembly can be a conventional hinged door, a scissor door, a butterfly door, a sliding door, or another type of vehicle door.

[0008] The sliding window arrangement can be understood in relation to a mechanism to move and / or slide a window panel from an open position to a closed position. The sliding window arrangement can comprise an actuator to move the window panel from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. The window panel can be manually operable by a user. It can be understood that in the open position the window panel is positioned such that the door assembly comprises an opening, and in the closed position the opening is closed.

[0009] The window panel can be a glass panel. The window panel can comprise a panel made of vehicle glass or automotive glass. Further, the window panel can comprise a component, e.g. one or more sliding elements, coupled to and / or engaged with a guide element. The component or sliding element does not necessarily have to be made of glass. For example, the component or sliding element can be a separate component attached to the window panel.

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

[0011] The first direction can comprise a component along a horizontal direction with respect to the mounting position of the door and / or a substantially normal direction of the window panel. The movement along the first direction can comprise a translational component and / or a rotational component. The movement of the window panel along the second direction can comprise a translational component. In addition, the movement along the second direction can comprise a rotational component. Preferably, the second direction substantially corresponds to an up-down direction with respect to the mounting position of the door. The first direction and the second direction need not be perpendicular to each other. For example, both the first direction and the second direction can comprise a component along the up-down direction. In other words, when the window panel and / or the at least one seal is moved along the first direction, the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal can comprise 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 can perform a horizontal movement of 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 can have a component along the up-down direction that is greater than the movement of the at least one seal. In addition, the movement of the at least one seal can have no component along the up-down direction.

[0013] In the context of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "upper portion" and "lower portion" refer to directions with respect to the mounting position of the door, i.e. when the door is mounted in a vehicle. Similarly, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the mounting position of the door. The "up-down" direction can also be referred to as the "vertical direction". The terms "inner" and "outer" also refer to the mounting position of the door. The "inner direction" is a horizontal direction pointing towards the interior of the vehicle and the "outer direction" is a horizontal direction pointing towards the exterior of the vehicle. The terms "forward", "rearward", "front" and "rear" refer to horizontal directions pointing in a forward-rearward direction of the vehicle in which the door is mounted.

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

[0015] The at least one seal can comprise or be made of an elastomer. The at least one seal can be an elongate seal that extends at least partially along an outer edge of the window panel in the closed position of the window panel. Preferably, the at least one seal can comprise a seal that extends along a lower edge of the window panel. The at least one seal can further comprise a plurality of sealing elements that seal with different portions of the window panel. For example, the at least one seal can comprise an upper seal configured to seal with an upper portion of the window panel adjacent to an upper edge of the window panel and a lower seal configured to seal with a lower portion of the window panel adjacent to a lower edge of the window panel. The at least one seal can further comprise a seal that extends along an upper portion adjacent to the upper edge of the window panel. Alternatively, the seal along the upper edge of the window panel does not move in the first direction when the window panel is moved in the first direction. The at least one seal can further extend circumferentially along an edge of the window panel.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one seal can move in the first direction simultaneously with the window panel as the window panel is moved in the first direction. Alternatively, the at least one seal can move in the first direction before or after the window panel is moved in the first direction. For example, the at least one seal can move in the first direction before or simultaneously with the window panel as the window panel is moved from the closed position to the open position. The at least one seal can move after or simultaneously with the window panel as the window panel is moved from the open position to the closed position. Different portions of the at least one seal can move to different extents in the first direction. For example, when the movement in the first direction is a rotational movement, a portion of the at least one seal closer to a pivot point of the rotational movement can move to a lesser extent than a portion of the at least one seal further from the pivot point.

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

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

[0019] By moving the at least one seal along the first direction when the window panel is moved along the first direction, the friction between the at least one seal and the window panel can be reduced when the window panel is moved along the second direction. In this way, the sliding window device can provide a smoother movement of the window panel. Further, the movement of the window panel along the second direction can generate less noise. In addition, less force is required by the actuator or operator to move the window panel along the second direction. Further, 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 moving the window panel. Further, by providing a guiding 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 device is configured such that the at least one seal does not move along the second direction when the window panel is moved along the second direction.

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

[0022] In this way, the at least one seal does not exert any unnecessary movement, which can contribute to wear of the sliding window device.

[0023] Preferably, the sliding window device is configured such that the window panel and the at least one seal are moved along the first direction at the same time.

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

[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 rotational component of the movement of the window panel along the first direction has a pivot point 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 can 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 of said 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 of said 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 comprised between 45° and 90°.

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] Preferably, the sliding window device is configured so that the seal support frame does not move with respect to the window panel as 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 as the window panel moves along the first direction.

[0037] Preferably, the sliding window device is configured so that the seal support frame does not move along the second direction with respect to the guide element as the window panel moves along the second direction.

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

[0039] The movement of the window panel and the seal support frame along the first direction need not be identical. For example, while the window panel is moved along the first direction, its movement can have a horizontal component and a component along the up-down direction. During the movement of the window panel along the first direction, the seal support frame can be moved only along the horizontal direction. During the movement along the first direction, the window panel can also be moved along 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 arrangement is configured such that the first slider is moved along the first track portion when the window panel is moved along the first direction and the first slider is moved along the second track portion when the window panel is moved along the second direction.

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

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

[0043] In this way, when the window panel is moved along the first direction, the at least one seal is moved along the first direction. Furthermore, when the window panel is moved along the second direction, the at least one seal is not moved 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 is moved along the fourth track portion when the window panel is moved along the second direction.

[0045] The first slider can be positioned proximate and / or adjacent to a lower edge of the window panel and / or the second slider can be positioned proximate 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 arrangement is configured such that the second slider is moved along the fifth track portion when the window panel is moved along the first direction.

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

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

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

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

[0051] In this way, said at least one sealing element does not move along the second direction when the window panel moves along the second direction.

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

[0053] In this way, said at least one sealing element moves along the first direction with a translational component.

[0054] Preferably, the guide element comprises a seventh track portion, and the sealing 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 so that the third slider moves along the seventh track portion when the window panel and / or the sealing support frame moves along the first direction.

[0055] Preferably, the guide element comprises a third slider, and the sealing 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 so that the third slider moves along the seventh track portion when the window panel and / or the sealing support frame moves along the first direction.

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

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

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

[0059] In other words, the stationary seal does not perform any movement when the window panel and / or the at least one seal is moved along the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0060] The present application also relates to a vehicle comprising the vehicle 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 vehicle 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 DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0069] The door assembly 100 comprises a sliding window arrangement 104. The sliding window arrangement 104 comprises 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 such 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 comprises a component along a horizontal direction (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the window panel 106). In this way, the window panel 106 can move 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 comprises a component along an 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 upwardly (i.e. along the upward direction) along the second direction 114 to move out of the receiving aperture or cavity 110 and then subsequently moves outwardly (i.e. the outward direction) along the first direction 112 to be substantially flush with the outer panel 116.

[0071] Furthermore, the sliding window arrangement 104 comprises seals 120, 122 and 144. The sliding window arrangement 104 is configured such 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 proximate 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 proximate 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 proximate the lower edge of the window panel 106 and the door body 102.

[0072] In this example embodiment, the sliding window arrangement 104 comprises a seal support frame 118 and the seal 122 is attached to the seal support frame 118. The seal support frame 118 is moveably 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 such that the seal 122 moves along the first direction 112. In this way, the seal 122 moves along the first direction 112 at the same time as the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112. Furthermore, the seal 122 does not move along the second direction 114 when the window panel 106 moves along the second direction.

[0073] More specifically, the guide element 108 includes a first track portion 124 that is interconnected with a second track portion 126. The first and second track portions enclose an angle of about 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. To move the window panel 106 along the first direction 112, the first slider 128 is moved along the first track portion 124. During this 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, the seal 122 is moved along the first direction 112 as the window panel 106 is moved along the first direction 112. To move the window panel 106 along the second direction 114 into the receiving aperture or cavity 110, the first slider 128 is moved along the second track portion 126. As the first slider 128 is moved along the second track portion 126, the first slider 128 is also moved along the third track portion 130 of the seal support frame 108. In this way, the seal 122 is not further moved along the second direction 114 as the window panel 106 is moved along the second direction 114 into the receiving aperture or cavity 110.

[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 that is movably coupled to or engaged with the fourth track portion 132 and the sixth track portion 138. The second slider 134 can eventually move along the fourth track portion 132 and the sixth track portion 138 as the window panel 106 is moved along the first direction 112. This is particularly true if the first track portion 124 is not horizontally aligned, i.e., the first direction 112 includes a component along the up-down direction. Thus, the movement of the window panel 106 and the seal 122 along the first direction 112 includes a rotational component as well as eventually a translational component. The pivot point of the rotational component is defined by the second slider 134.

[0075] The guide element 108 also includes a seventh track portion 140, and the seal support frame 118 includes a third slider 142 movably coupled to or engaged with the seventh track portion 140. The seventh track portion 140 is substantially aligned along a horizontal direction, defined with respect to the door's mounting position. As the first slider 128 moves along the first track portion 124, the first slider 128 pushes the seal support frame 118 along a first direction 112, causing the third slider 142 to move 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 this exemplary embodiment, a seal 122 that seals the upper portion of the inner side of the window panel 106 and a seal 122 that seals the lower portion of the inner side of the window panel 106 are attached to a seal support frame 118. A seal 144 that seals 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 move when the window panel 106 moves along the first direction 112. Therefore, seals 120 and 144 are fixed seals.

[0077] Figure 2 A cross-section of a door assembly 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown. Hereinafter, only descriptions related to... Figure 1 The differences between the embodiments shown. For Figure 2 The remaining features of the embodiments, regarding Figure 1 The published description is applicable.

[0078] and Figure 1 In contrast to the embodiment described above, 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 form an angle of approximately 90°. Similarly, the fourth track portion 132 and the fifth track portion 136 form an angle of approximately 90°. During 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. Furthermore, as 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, with Figure 1Contrary to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the seal 120 forming a seal with the upper part of the inner side of the window panel 106 is attached to the seal support frame 118. In this way, the upper seal 120 performs a movement along the first direction when the window panel 106 is moved along the first direction 112.

[0080] Thus, Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the window panel 106 performs a translational movement when moved along the first direction 112. Contrary to this, Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the window panel 106 performs a movement having a rotational component when moved along the first direction 112.

[0081] Figure 3 A perspective view of a vehicle door assembly 100 is shown. The structure and function of the vehicle door assembly 100 substantially corresponds to the vehicle door assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 . Thus, reference is made to the explanations given with respect to Figure 1 .

[0082] As can be seen in Figure 3 , the vehicle door assembly 100 comprises two guide elements provided on the front side and the rear side of the vehicle door assembly 100, respectively. Thus, the door assembly 100 comprises two seal support frames 118 provided on the front side and the rear side of the vehicle door assembly 100, respectively. 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 comprises a vehicle door assembly 100 as disclosed herein. More specifically, the vehicle 100 comprises four passenger doors, each of which is a door assembly as disclosed herein, i.e. having a sliding window arrangement as disclosed herein.

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

[0085] 1. A vehicle door assembly (100) comprising a door body (102) and a sliding window arrangement (104),

[0086] The sliding window arrangement (104) comprises:

[0087] a window panel (106);

[0088] a guide element (108) attached to the door body (102);

[0089] at least one seal (120, 122) for forming a seal between the window panel (106) and the door body (102);

[0090] 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;

[0091] wherein, in the open position of the window panel (106), the window panel (106) is received within a receiving aperture (110) of the door body (102);

[0092] wherein,

[0093] To move the window panel (106) from the closed position to the open position, the guide element (108) is configured such that the window panel (106) is moved relative to the guide element (108) along a first direction (112) to align with the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (102) and is moved relative to the guide element (108) along a second direction (114) to be received within the receiving aperture (110) of the door body (106); and / or

[0094] 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) is moved relative to the guide element (108) out of the receiving aperture (110) along the second direction (114) and is moved relative to the guide element (108) along the first direction (112) to be flush with the side panel (116) of the door assembly; and

[0095] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the at least one seal (120, 122) is moved at least along the first direction (112) when the window panel (106) is moved along the first direction (112).

[0096] 2. The door assembly (100) according to aspect 1, wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the at least one seal (120, 122) is not moved along the second direction (114) when the window panel (106) is moved along the second direction (114).

[0097] 3. The door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the window panel (106) and the at least one seal (120, 122) are moved along the first direction (112) at the same time.

[0098] 4. The door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the movement of the window panel (106) along the second direction (114) comprises a translational component.

[0099] 5. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the movement of the window panel (106) and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112) comprises a rotational component; and

[0100] wherein preferably the pivot point of the rotational component of the movement of the window panel (106) along the first direction (112) is proximate to the upper end of the window panel (106).

[0101] 6. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the movement of the window panel (106) and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112) comprises a translational component.

[0102] 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 of between 45° and 90°.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 9. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising:

[0105] a seal support frame (118) comprising the at least one seal (120, 122);

[0106] wherein the seal support frame (118) is movably connected to the guide element (108) and the window panel (106) such that when the window panel (106) is moved along the first direction (112), the seal support frame (118) is moved along the first direction (112) relative to the guide element (108).

[0107] 10. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 9, wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the seal support frame (118) is not moved along the second direction (114) relative to the guide element (108) when the window panel (106) is moved along the second direction (114).

[0108] 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).

[0109] 12. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects,

[0110] wherein the guide element (108) comprises a first track portion (124) interconnected with a second track portion (126);

[0111] wherein the window panel comprises a first slider (128) movably engaged with the first track portion (124) and the second track portion (126);

[0112] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) moves along the first track portion (124) when the window panel (106) is moved in the first direction (112); and

[0113] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) moves along the second track portion (126) when the window panel (106) is moved in the second direction (114).

[0114] 13. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects, when dependent on aspect 9,

[0115] wherein the seal support frame (118) comprises a third track portion (130);

[0116] wherein the first slider (128) is movably engaged with the third track portion (130);

[0117] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) moves along the third track portion (130) when the window panel (106) is moved in the second direction (114).

[0118] 14. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 13, wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the first slider (128) pushes the seal support frame (118) in the first direction (112) when the window panel (106) is moved in the first direction (112).

[0119] 15. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 13 or 14,

[0120] wherein the guide element (108) comprises a fourth track portion (132);

[0121] wherein the window panel (106) comprises a second slider (134) movably engaged with the fourth track portion (132);

[0122] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the fourth track portion (132) when the window panel (106) is moved in the second direction (114).

[0123] 16. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to aspect 15,

[0124] wherein the guide element (108) comprises a fifth track portion (136) interconnected with the fourth track portion (132);

[0125] wherein the second slider (134) is movably engaged with the fourth track portion (132) and the fifth track portion (136);

[0126] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the fifth track portion (136) when the window panel (106) is moved along the first direction (112).

[0127] 17. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 15 and 16,

[0128] wherein the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction comprises a rotational component; and

[0129] wherein the second slider (134) defines a pivot point of the rotational component of the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112).

[0130] 18. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 15 to 17,

[0131] wherein the seal support frame (118) comprises a sixth track portion (138);

[0132] wherein the second slider (134) is movably engaged with the sixth track portion (138);

[0133] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) moves along the sixth track portion (138) when the window panel (106) is moved along the second direction (114).

[0134] 19. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 15 to 18,

[0135] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the second slider (134) pushes the seal support frame (118) along the first direction (112) when the window panel (106) is moved along the first direction (112).

[0136] 20. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of aspects 9 to 19, when dependent on aspect 9,

[0137] wherein,

[0138] the guide element (108) comprises a third slide (142) and the seal support frame (118) comprises a seventh track portion (140); or

[0139] the guide element (108) comprises a third slide (142) and the seal support frame (118) comprises a seventh track portion (140);

[0140] wherein the third slide (142) is movably engaged with the seventh track portion (140);

[0141] wherein the sliding window arrangement (104) is configured such that the third slide (142) moves along the seventh track portion (140) when the window panel (106) and / or the seal support frame (118) is moved along the first direction (112).

[0142] 21. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects,

[0143] wherein 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).

[0144] 22. The vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects,

[0145] wherein the door assembly (100) comprises a stationary seal (144) attached to the door body (102), the stationary seal being configured to form a seal with an outer lower portion of the window panel (106).

[0146] 23. A vehicle (200) comprising a vehicle door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding aspects.

Claims

1. A door assembly (100), comprising a door body (102) and a sliding window device (104), The sliding window device (104) includes: Window panel (106); A guide element (108) is attached to the door body (102); At least one seal (120, 122) is provided for forming a seal between the window panel (106) and the door body (102); The window panel (106) is movably connected to the guide element (108) so that it can move from a closed position to an open position and from the open position to the closed position; In the open position of the window panel (106), the window panel (106) is received in the receiving opening (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 such that the window panel (106) moves relative to the guide element (108) along a first direction (112) to align with the receiving opening (110) of the door body (102), and moves relative to the guide element (108) along a second direction (114) to be received within the receiving opening (110) of the door body (102); and / or In order 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 opening (110) relative to the guide element (108) along a second direction (114) and moves relative to the guide element (108) along a first direction (112) to be flush with the 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), at least one seal (120, 122) moves at least along the first direction (112); 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).

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

3. The door assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The movement of the window panel (106) and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112) includes a rotational component; and 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).

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

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

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

7. The door assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The sliding window device (104) is configured such that the sealing 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).

8. The door assembly (100) according to claim 6, in, The guide element (108) includes a first track portion (124) interconnected with the second track portion (126); The window panel includes a first slider (128) which is movably engaged with the first track portion (124) and the second track portion (126); 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 when the window panel (106) moves along the second direction (114), the first slider (128) moves along the second track portion (126).

9. The door assembly (100) according to claim 8, in, The sealing support frame (118) includes a third track portion (130); The first slider (128) is movably engaged with the third track portion (130); 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 sealing support frame (118) along the first direction (112).

10. The door assembly (100) according to claim 9, in, The guiding element (108) includes a fourth track portion (132); The window panel (106) includes a second slider (134) that is movably engaged with the fourth track portion (132); 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 fourth track portion (132).

11. The door assembly (100) according to claim 10, in, The movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction includes a rotational component; and The second slider (134) defines the pivot point of the rotational component of the movement of the window panel and / or the at least one seal along the first direction (112).

12. The door assembly (100) according to claim 10 or 11, in, The sealing support frame (118) includes a sixth track portion (138); The second slider (134) is movably engaged with the sixth track portion (138); 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 sealing support frame (118) along the first direction (112).

13. The door assembly (100) according to claim 6, in, The guide element (108) includes a seventh track portion (140), and the seal support frame (118) includes a third slider (142); or The guide element (108) includes a third slider (142), and the seal support frame (118) includes a seventh track portion (140); 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 sealing support frame (118) moves along the first direction (112).

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

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