Short drop tensioner for window regulator

Abstract

A short drop tensioner for a window regulator for lifting a vehicle window, the tensioner comprising only three components: a tensioner support; a tensioner sleeve; and a spring disposed between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of vehicles, and more particularly, to a short-drop tensioner for a window regulator. Background Art

[0002] The windows of a car typically surround the passenger compartment. Door windows may be designed to be electrically raised and lowered by an operator. This operator can be the driver or passenger, typically using an interior switch. The physical raising and lowering of the window is performed by an electromechanical device called a window regulator.

[0003] A window regulator consists of a drive unit (motor) connected to a drive mechanism (e.g., a cable or belt) that transmits the driving force to the window regulator. The window can be driven by a slider or a slide, which is moved along a track or rail by a cable. The cables are divided into lower and upper cables, which are wound in opposite directions around a drum driven by the motor.

[0004] The cable tension in a window regulator must be effectively controlled. Cable slack can lead to inaccurate operation of the window regulator and inaccurate positioning of the slider or slide relative to the drum around which the cable is wound. On the other hand, excessive cable tension can cause inefficiency and premature wear on window regulator components.

[0005] Window regulator operating precision is crucial, especially for those used in frameless doors. In frameless doors, the top edge of the glass engages the roof seal when the door is fully closed. When the door is opened using the handle / switch, the glass drops below the roof seal. This downward movement of the glass when the door is opened is called a "short drop."

[0006] This function is constrained by regulations and customer (user) expectations. One expectation is that the door will open after a short-drop operation within the window regulator's service life. For this function, the motor will rotate at a constant value, and the slider's movement is expected to be nearly constant. However, due to cable loop slack (which can vary due to aging and load conditions), the slider's movement can fluctuate. Therefore, most frameless window regulators with a short-drop function are equipped with a non-reversible tensioner on the lower cable. This tensioner helps maintain a constant ratio between the motor and the slider during the short-drop operation. Therefore, the glass must move precisely to avoid obstructing the door's opening. The movement must also be minimal to meet regulatory limits and comply with short-drop and anti-pinch regulations. Therefore, the window's drive cable must have sufficient tension to ensure precise window movement.

[0007] Components of window regulators age gradually, which can cause the cable to elongate, for example due to wear of the drive drum and pulleys, compression of the cable sheath or pulley creep. Cable elongation due to ageing of the various components of the window regulator must be compensated.

[0008] Furthermore, when the window is raised to the upper limit, the drive motor still applies torque to the window regulator. Excessive torque at the upper limit can cause elastic deformation of the window regulator and elastic elongation of stress-bearing components such as cables.

[0009] Backlash compensation mechanisms are used to absorb cable elongation and ensure sufficient tension for correct window regulation. However, these mechanisms consist of multiple parts.

[0010] The above-mentioned irreversible tensioning device is quite complicated and expensive.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a cable tensioner in a window regulator that is constructed from a minimum number of components. Utility Model Content

[0012] The present application discloses a short-drop tensioner for a window regulator for lifting a vehicle window, which comprises only three components: a tensioner support, a tensioner sleeve, and a spring arranged between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner sleeve is slidably mounted on the tensioner support, and a spring provides a biasing force between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner sleeve has a head portion, a stud portion, and a flange portion disposed between the head portion and the stud portion.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the flange portion has a greater circumference than the head portion and the stud portion, thereby providing a pair of opposing surfaces, one of the pair of opposing surfaces providing an engagement surface for the cable jacket, and the head portion is configured to be received by the cable jacket, and the other of the pair of opposing surfaces provides an engagement surface for the first end of the spring.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the tensioner support has a fixed portion, a guide portion and a flange portion located between the fixed portion and the guide portion, the flange portion of the tensioner support having a larger circumference than the guide portion and at least a portion of the fixed portion, so that one of a pair of opposing surfaces of the flange portion of the tensioner support provides an engagement surface for the second end of the spring.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a spring is configured to be slidably received around the guide portion and the stud portion and to provide a biasing force to the cable jacket.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner sleeve has an inner opening therethrough, and the tensioner support has an inner opening configured to slidably receive the stud portion.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner support has another inner opening extending from the inner opening of the tensioner support, the other inner opening having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the tensioner support.

[0020] The present application also discloses a window regulator, comprising: a first guide rail; a first slider slidably mounted to the first guide rail; a second guide rail spaced apart from the first guide rail; a second slider slidably mounted to the second guide rail; a guide rail having a slidable slider; a housing; a motor mounted to the housing and operably connected to the slider, such that operation of the motor causes the slider to slide along the guide rail; a cable drum rotatably mounted to the housing; the cable drum operably connected to the motor; a first cable, one end of which is fixed to the cable drum and the other end of which is fixed to the slider; a second cable, one end of which is fixed to the cable drum and the other end of which is fixed to the slider; a third cable, one end of which is fixed to the first cable drum and the other end of which is fixed to the slider. a sliding member with its other end fixed to the second sliding member; a first cable sheath surrounding a first cable, the first end of the first cable sheath extending from the first feature of the guide rail; a short-drop tensioner located between the housing and the second end of the first cable sheath, the cable tensioner comprising only three components: a tensioner support, a tensioner cover, and a spring located between the tensioner support and the tensioner cover; a second cable sheath surrounding a second cable, the second cable sheath extending from the housing to the second feature of the guide rail; and a third cable sheath surrounding a third cable, the third cable sheath extending from the second feature of the first guide rail to the first feature of the second guide rail, wherein the window regulator is configured to raise and lower a window of a frameless door assembly of a vehicle.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner sleeve is slidably mounted to the tensioner support, and a spring provides a biasing force between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner sleeve has a head portion, a stud portion, and a flange portion located between the head portion and the stud portion.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the flange portion has a greater circumference than the head portion and the stud portion, thereby providing a pair of opposing surfaces, one of the pair of opposing surfaces providing an engagement surface for a cable jacket, and the head portion is configured to be received by the cable jacket, and the other of the pair of opposing surfaces providing an engagement surface for the first end of the spring.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the tensioner support has a fixed portion, a guide portion, and a flange portion located between the fixed portion and the guide portion, the flange portion of the tensioner support having a larger circumference than at least a portion of the guide portion and the fixed portion, so that one of a pair of opposing surfaces of the flange portion of the tensioner support provides an engagement surface for the second end of the spring.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a spring is configured to be slidably received around the guide portion and the stud portion and to provide a biasing force to the cable jacket.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner sleeve has an inner opening therethrough, and the tensioner support has an inner opening configured to slidably receive the stud portion.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioner support has another inner opening extending from the inner opening of the tensioner support, the other inner opening having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the tensioner support.

[0028] The present application also discloses a method for tightening slack in a first cable of a window regulator, comprising: slidably mounting a slider on a guide rail; mounting a motor on a housing and operably coupled to the slider, such that operation of the motor causes the slider to slide along the guide rail; rotatably mounting a cable drum on the housing, the cable drum being operably coupled to the motor; securing one end of the first cable to the cable drum and the other end to the slider; securing one end of the second cable to the cable drum and the other end to the slider; securing one end of a third cable to the first slider and the other end to the second slider; A first cable is surrounded by a first cable guard, the first end of the first cable guard extending from the first feature of the guide rail; a cable tensioner is positioned between the housing and the second end of the first cable guard, the cable tensioner comprising only three components: a tensioner support, a tensioner sleeve, and a spring disposed between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve; a second cable is surrounded by a second cable guard, the second cable guard extending from the housing to the second feature of the guide rail; and a third cable is surrounded by a third cable guard, the third cable guard extending from the second feature of the first guide rail to the first feature of the second guide rail, wherein the window regulator is configured to raise and lower a window of a frameless door assembly of a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, like elements have like reference numerals:

[0030] Figure 1 is a partial view of a vehicle having a window regulator with a tensioner according to the present application;

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a double-lift window regulator with a tensioner according to the present application;

[0032] Figure 2B is a perspective view of a single-lift window regulator with a tensioner according to the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tensioner for a window regulator according to the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a tensioner for a window regulator according to the present application; and

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a tensioner for a window regulator according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] One or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method will be described herein in detail by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] A device for raising and lowering a vehicle window is disclosed herein. The device may be referred to as a "window regulator." In one or more embodiments, the window regulator is an electromechanical device that can be controlled by a user inside the vehicle, such as by operating a switch.

[0038] Figure 1 FIG1 is a partial side view of a vehicle 10 having at least one door 12 with a window 14 configured to be raised and lowered by a window regulator 16 located within the door panels (e.g., outer and inner) of the door 12. Although only one door 12 and window 14 are shown, it is contemplated that the window regulator or the present disclosure may be used with vehicles having multiple doors and associated windows. Thus, one or more other windows 14 of the vehicle 10 may also be operated by a window regulator 16 according to the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the window regulator 16 is configured to raise and lower the windows of a vehicle having a frameless door.

[0039] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a double-lift window regulator 16. The window regulator 16 includes a pair of guide rails 18, each guide rail 18 having a slider 20 slidably secured to a respective one of the pair of guide rails 18. The pair of guide rails 18 may be referred to as a first guide rail 18' and a second guide rail 18". In the illustrated embodiment, when the window regulator 16 is secured to the vehicle door, the first guide rail 18' is closer to the front of the vehicle or door than the second guide rail 18". Therefore, when the window regulator 16 is secured to the vehicle door, the second guide rail 18" is closer to the rear of the vehicle or door than the first guide rail 18'. Additionally, the corresponding sliders may be referred to as a first slider 20 and a second slider 20. Each slider 20 is configured to be secured to the window 14 and each slider 20 is operably coupled to a pair of cables.

[0040] Each of the pair of guide rails 18 of the window regulator 16 may have an upper pulley or upper cam 24 fixed to the top of each guide rail 18. As shown, the upper pulley or upper cam 24 is aligned with the guide rail 18. The upper pulley or upper cam is configured to rotatably or slidably receive a cable. For example, a first cable 22 may have one end fixed to one of the pair of sliders 20 and the other end fixed to a cable drum 28, while a second cable 23 may have one end fixed to the other of the pair of sliders 20 and the other end fixed to a cable drum 28. Furthermore, a third cable 27 may have one end fixed to one of the pair of sliders 20 and the other end fixed to the other of the pair of sliders 20.

[0041] Figure 2B is a perspective view of a single-lift window regulator 16. The single-lift window regulator includes a guide rail 18 having a slider 20 slidably secured thereto. The slider 20 is configured to be secured to the window 14 and operably coupled to a pair of cables.

[0042] The guide rail 18 of the window regulator 16 may have a fixed upper pulley or upper cam 24. The upper pulley or upper cam is configured to rotatably or slidably receive cables. For example, a first cable 22 may have one end fixed to the slider 20 and the other end fixed to a cable drum 28. A second cable 23 may have one end fixed to the slider 20 and the other end fixed to a cable drum 28.

[0043] The cable drum 28 is rotatably mounted to the housing 30. To rotate the cable drum 28, a motor 32 is operably coupled to the cable drum 28 via, for example, a worm gear (not shown) that is rotated by the motor 32. In one embodiment, the housing 30 is not fixed to any of the rails 18 and is therefore free-floating relative to the rails 18.

[0044] The guide rail 18 also has a lower pulley or cam 34. As shown, the lower pulley or cam 34 is aligned with the guide rail 18. The lower pulley or cam 34 is configured to rotatably or slidably receive one of the cables.

[0045] As described above, the first cable 22 has one end fixed to one of the pair of sliders 20 and the other end fixed to the cable drum 28. The second cable 23 has one end fixed to the other of the pair of sliders 20 and the other end fixed to the cable drum 28. Furthermore, the third cable 27 has one end fixed to one of the pair of sliders 20 and the other end fixed to the other of the pair of sliders 20.

[0046] When the cable drum 28 is rotated, the first cable 22 or the second cable 23 will be wound around the cable drum 28, while the other cable will be unwound, causing the slider 20 to move in the direction of arrow 38. In addition, the cable 27 not connected to the cable drum 28 will move accordingly. For example, one end of the cable 27 is connected to the top of one slider 20, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the other slider 20. The movement of the slider 20 in the direction of arrow 38 will cause the window 14 to move up and down relative to the door 12.

[0047] The window regulator 16 further includes a first cable sheath 44 for the first cable 22, which extends from the rail 18 to the housing 30. Furthermore, a second cable sheath 40 extends from the housing 30 to the rail 18. Furthermore, a third cable sheath 42 extends from the rear rail 18" to the front rail 18'.

[0048] The first cable 22 is slidably received within a first cable sheath 44, the second cable 23 is slidably received within a second cable sheath 40, and the third cable 27 is slidably received within a third cable sheath 42. These cables 22, 23, and 27 and their associated cable sheaths 44, 40, and 42 are referred to as Bowden cables. The second cable sheath 40 also includes a drop tensioner 41, which absorbs slack in the second cable 23, as is known in the art. This is particularly true when, for example, the tension applied to the lower or second cable 23 is greater than the load applied to the window regulator when moving the glass downward (e.g., downward load applied to the window regulator = glass friction - glass load). Thus, the short drop tensioner 41 of the present disclosure meets requirements under all conditions (climatic conditions) and over the life of the window regulator.

[0049] Not shown are the controller for controlling the motor 32 and inputs to the controller, such as a user-operated switch, a door ajar switch, and a vehicle control module that may also provide inputs to the controller. Also not shown are the power supply systems, which may include batteries and an alternator. Vehicle power supply systems and window controls are well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0050] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 , shows a short-drop tensioner 41 according to the present disclosure. The short-drop tensioner 41 of the present disclosure is formed of only three components: a tensioner support 50, a spring 52, and a tensioner sleeve 54. The tensioner sleeve 54 is slidably mounted on the tensioner support 50, and the spring 52 provides a biasing force between the tensioner support 50 and the tensioner sleeve 54.

[0051] The tensioner sleeve 54 has a head portion 56, a stud portion 58, and a flange portion 60 located between the head portion 56 and the stud portion 58. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tensioner sleeve 54 is formed from a single component, such that the head portion 56, the stud portion 58, and the flange portion 60 are all formed as a single component. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tensioner sleeve 54 is formed from a material that is easily molded, such as plastic.

[0052] The flange portion 60 has a larger circumference or diameter than the head portion 56 and the stud portion 58, thereby providing a pair of opposing surfaces 70 and 72. The surface 70 provides an engagement surface for the first cable jacket 40, and the head portion 56 is configured to be received by the first cable jacket 40. The surface 72 provides an engagement surface for the first end 73 of the spring 52.

[0053] The tensioner support 50 has a fixed portion 74, a guide portion 76, and a flange portion 78 located between the fixed portion 74 and the guide portion 76. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tensioner support 50 is formed from a single component, such that the fixed portion 74, the guide portion 76, and the flange portion 78 are all formed as a single component. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tensioner support 50 is formed from a material that is easily molded, such as plastic.

[0054] The flange portion 78 has a larger circumference or diameter than at least a portion of the guide portion 76 and the fixed portion 74, thereby providing a pair of opposing surfaces 80 and 82. Surface 80 provides an engagement surface for the second end 75 of the spring 52, which is opposite the first end 73 of the spring 52. The tensioner support 50 may also have a feature 83. The feature 83 may be configured to engage with a complementary recess of the housing 30. The feature 83 may also be integrally formed with the tensioner support 50 so that it is formed as a unitary structure of the tensioner support 50.

[0055] The spring 52 is configured to be slidably received or positioned around the guide portion 76 and the stud portion 58 and engage with the surfaces 72 and 80 to provide the desired biasing force to the first cable guard 40. The tensioner sleeve 54 has an inner opening 84 extending therethrough. The tensioner support 78 has an inner opening 86 configured to slidably receive the stud portion 58. This allows the tensioner sleeve 54 to slide relative to the tensioner support 50 in the direction of arrow 88.

[0056] The tensioner support 78 has another inner opening 90 extending from the inner opening 86. The other inner opening 90 has a smaller diameter or circumference than the inner opening 86. The inner openings 84, 86, and 90 also provide a path for the first cable 22 to slide therein, for example, during operation of the window regulator 16.

[0057] During operation of the window regulator 16, as previously described, slack may occur in the first cable 22. As previously described, it is desirable to use a short-drop tensioner 41 to address this slack.

[0058] Now at least reference Figure 3 The short-drop tensioner 41 is configured to absorb approximately 10 to 15 mm of slack in the cable 22. As shown, the distal end 92 of the stud portion 58 of the tensioner sleeve 54 is approximately 10 to 15 mm from the bottom 94 of the opening 86. This can be considered the amount of slack that the short-drop tensioner 41 would accommodate if the distal end 92 were located near the bottom 94 when there was no slack in the first cable 22. In other words, when slack occurs in the first cable 22, the spring 52 provides a biasing force in the direction of arrow 96.

[0059] As described herein, the short-drop tensioner 41 consists of only three components: a tensioner support 50, a spring 52, and a tensioner sleeve 54. The spring 52 is designed to have sufficient flexibility / stiffness to account for the expected cable slack over the life of the window regulator. The spring 52 is designed to resist the force from the tensioner sleeve 54 during the downward movement of the glass 14 and to pull the glass 14 for a short period of time.

[0060] Elements of the embodiments are introduced with the articles "a" or "an." These articles are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms "including," "having," and the like are intended to indicate inclusion, so there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. The conjunction "or," when used with a list of at least two terms, is intended to include any term or combination of terms. The term "configuration" refers to one or more structural limitations of a device that are necessary for the device to perform the function or operation for which the device is configured.

[0061] The illustrative disclosures herein may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0062] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure, but rather the present disclosure is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A short-drop tensioner for a window regulator used to raise and lower a vehicle window, characterized in that: The short-drop tensioner consists of only three components: tensioner support; Tensioner sleeve; and a spring disposed between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve; The tensioner sleeve is slidably mounted on the tensioner support and is allowed to slide relative to the tensioner support along the length direction of the tensioner for the window regulator, and the spring provides a biasing force between the tensioner support and the tensioner sleeve. 2 . The short-drop tensioner for a window regulator according to claim 1 , wherein the tensioner sleeve has a head portion, a stud portion, and a flange portion provided between the head portion and the stud portion.

3. The short-drop tensioner for a window regulator according to claim 2, wherein the flange portion has a larger circumference than the head portion and the stud portion, thereby providing a pair of opposing surfaces, one of the pair of opposing surfaces providing an engagement surface for a cable boot, and the head portion is configured to be received by the cable boot, and the other of the pair of opposing surfaces providing an engagement surface for the first end of the spring.

4. The short-drop tensioner for a window regulator according to claim 3, wherein the tensioner support has a fixed portion, a guide portion, and a flange portion located between the fixed portion and the guide portion, the flange portion of the tensioner support having a larger circumference than at least a portion of the guide portion and the fixed portion to provide a pair of opposing surfaces, and one of the pair of opposing surfaces of the flange portion of the tensioner support provides an engagement surface for the second end of the spring. 5 . The short-drop tensioner for a window regulator according to claim 4 , wherein the spring is configured to be slidably received around the guide portion and the stud portion and to provide a biasing force to the cable jacket. 6 . The short-drop tensioner for a window regulator according to claim 5 , wherein the tensioner sleeve has an inner opening extending therethrough, and the tensioner support has an inner opening configured to slidably receive the stud portion. 7 . The short-drop tensioner for a window regulator according to claim 6 , wherein the tensioner support has another inner opening extending from the inner opening of the tensioner support, the another inner opening having a smaller diameter than the tensioner support.

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