Window regulator assembly with cable routing
The window regulator assembly employs a lever-based guide device with a rigid and flexible lever system to address space and cost issues, providing a noise-free and damage-resistant cable path.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2011-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a window regulator assembly for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Such a window regulator assembly is known from DE 102 41 378 A1.
[0003] Such a window regulator assembly includes, among other things, a window pane that can be adjusted relative to a vehicle component along a predetermined adjustment path. Furthermore, at least one cable is provided that is coupled to the adjustable window pane and connected to the vehicle component, such that the cable's path changes when the window pane is adjusted.
[0004] The cable can be used to connect the window pane to a power source or control electronics. The window pane can have switchable and adjustable glazing whose optical properties can be changed. For example, the window pane can be darkened at the touch of a button. In this context, various switchable glazing types are known, depending on the type of glazing activation or its construction, such as electrochromic or gaschromic glazing. The cable connected to the window pane serves to conduct current or switching signals from a power source and / or control electronics, connecting the window pane to a corresponding electronic circuit.
[0005] Since such a cable is connected to both the adjustable window pane and a stationary vehicle element, such as a door element in the form of a support component or a door panel, and cannot be laid loosely, a guide device is known, for example, from DE 10 2009 037 674 A1, by means of which the cable is guided between a first attachment point on the window pane or a component connected to the window pane and a second connection point on the stationary vehicle element, in order to determine the course of the cable during an adjustment of the window pane.This is intended to prevent, particularly in the case of an arrangement inside a motor vehicle door, the cable from being damaged by the adjustment of the window pane and to prevent unwanted noises from being generated by the cable striking a component of the window regulator assembly during accelerations caused by the slamming of the motor vehicle door or during driving.
[0006] In DE 10 2009 037 674 A1, a guide device is proposed which has a flexible guide element along which the cable is guided, at least in sections. The flexible guide element is formed, for example, by a multi-link chain or an elastic guide channel to which the cable is attached. The guide element is further guided by a sliding block along its own guide track in order to selectively influence the cable's path when the window pane is adjusted and to specify a particular relative position and orientation of the cable relative to the window pane and the vehicle component.
[0007] A disadvantage of this and other known systems, however, is the space required, which generally reduces the interior dimensions of the vehicle. Furthermore, in a design such as that described in DE 10 2009 037 674 A1, an additional sliding guide for the guide block of the guide mechanism must be provided on a support component of the window regulator assembly.
[0008] This can be equally disadvantageous in terms of costs and assembly effort.
[0009] Further window regulator assemblies are described in the documents DE 20 2005 005 711 U1, EP 2 811 098 A2, DE 198 28 891 C1 and JP H05-125867 A1.
[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of further improving a window regulator assembly of the type mentioned at the outset and, in particular, optimizing it so that the guidance of a cable coupled to the window pane can be provided more cost-effectively.
[0011] This problem is solved with the window regulator assembly of claim 1.
[0012] The guide device, which directs the cable between the first attachment point on the adjustable window pane and the second attachment point on the vehicle element opposite the window pane and which determines the cable's path during window pane adjustment, comprises two levers pivotally connected to each other via a central lever joint. The cable is connected to both levers, each of which is additionally pivotably mounted at a distance from the joint. A first lever is pivotally mounted on the vehicle element via a first lateral joint spaced apart from the lever joint, and a second lever is pivotally mounted on the window pane or on an element that is adjustable together with the window pane and preferably mechanically connected to it, via a second lateral joint spaced apart from the lever joint.
[0013] By using a lever arrangement to guide the cable, the guide mechanism is not only cost-effective to manufacture, but also easily implemented in such a way that no rattling noises occur during operation of the vehicle's power window, while driving, or when the door is closed, caused by the cable striking components of the power window assembly. Furthermore, by connecting the cable to both levers of the guide mechanism, it is easily ensured that the cable follows and maintains a curved path defined by the two levers and their joint when the window is adjusted, i.e., raised or lowered.
[0014] The two levers are mounted and articulated in such a way that when the window pane is adjusted along a permissible adjustment range, both levers pivot, changing the angle between them. The cable attached to the two pivoted levers thus changes its path in a controlled manner due to the pivoting movements of the levers, ensuring it is always in a predetermined orientation and relative position to the window pane and the vehicle component to which the window pane is adjustable.
[0015] Preferably, at least one lever is pivotably mounted on the vehicle component to which the cable connects at the second connection point. This lever can, in particular, be a support component of the window regulator assembly on which functional components of the vehicle window regulator are arranged and fixed. For example, such a support component can be an assembly carrier designed to seal and separate a wet compartment from a dry compartment within a vehicle door, and which may, for instance, support an electric motor drive unit and / or guide rails for determining the adjustment path of the window pane.
[0016] In such a case, the second point of attachment for the cable can be formed by connecting the cable to a power source or control unit / electronic control system that is fixed to the support component. Alternatively, a second point of attachment can also be formed by the support component having a through-hole through which the cable is routed to connect it to a power source or control unit. In the latter case, this power source or control unit does not necessarily have to be located on the support component.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, one of the two levers is essentially rigid or at least more rigid than the other lever, while the other lever has at least one flexible section. The (first) rigid lever, or the lever with greater rigidity than the other (second) lever, is designed to hold the guide device within a designated installation space, which is provided, for example, between the inner and outer door panels of a motor vehicle door. The other (second) lever is designed to deform in a controlled manner – preferably elastically – via its flexible section when the window pane is adjusted, in order to compensate, for example, for a curved adjustment path of the window pane.
[0018] With a curved adjustment track, the window pane is displaced along its maximum permissible adjustment path relative to the stationary vehicle element, such as an engine mount, both in an opening or closing direction and at least slightly laterally to it. Since the second lever has a flexible section, it can compensate for such an adjustment movement of the window pane that is superimposed on an adjustment movement in the opening or closing direction.
[0019] The second lever formed with the flexible section is preferably hinged directly to the window pane or a functional component of the window regulator assembly connected to the window pane, or - in other words - pivotably mounted on it.
[0020] The at least one flexible section is advantageously designed and intended to allow a change in the position of the second lever caused by the adjustment of the window pane. Thus, the second lever can readily be provided even in a window regulator assembly where the window pane is adjustable along a curved or cam-like adjustment path.
[0021] While it is theoretically possible for the flexible section of the second lever to be designed in such a way as to allow for plastic deformation of the second lever when the window pane is adjusted, it is more advantageous, given the frequency of adjustments over the product's lifespan, for the flexible section to be elastic. Accordingly, a second lever with an elastic section tends to return to its original position when its position changes due to the adjustment of the window pane.
[0022] In one embodiment, the second lever has an elastic section which appears in a wave-like or accordion-like shape in longitudinal section, over which the second lever can be displaced section by section against a restoring force inherent in the elastic section.
[0023] According to the invention, a lever is designed such that, in at least one adjustment position of the window pane along its adjustment path, at least one first section of the lever lies behind an imaginary plane of the pane defined by the window pane, while at least one further, second section lies outside this plane. Accordingly, one of the levers of the guide device has a shape that allows one section of the lever to extend behind the plane of the pane, while a second section, spaced apart from this first section, lies within or in front of the plane of the pane. Such a lever can, for example, be cranked.
[0024] In a further development, it can be provided that the first section of the lever is located behind the window pane in at least one adjustment position, while the second section is not located behind the window pane. The first section can thus extend, for example, into an installation space formed by the window panes and a stationary vehicle component, such as a support component of the window regulator assembly, when the window pane is in an adjustment position. The available installation space is therefore at least partially utilized by this lever, so that the package dimensions of the lever and pane, or of the guide device and pane, do not add up to a disadvantage. The guide device thus advantageously does not increase the installation space required for the window regulator assembly within the vehicle.
[0025] In one embodiment, the lever is designed such that the first section lies between the window pane and a vehicle component on which this lever is pivotably mounted, along its adjustment path, in at least one adjustment position of the window pane, and that the second section does not reach between the window pane and this vehicle component in any of the permissible adjustment positions of the window pane. Consequently, at least one of the levers utilizes at least part of the installation space between the window pane and the stationary vehicle component, e.g., the subframe, and is pivotably mounted on the vehicle component at a bearing point that is (completely) covered by the window pane in at least one adjustment position of the window pane – e.g., in a fully lowered position.In this way, the installation space provided between the window pane and the vehicle element is utilized, while simultaneously ensuring that the lever of the guide device, intended for guiding the cable, always protrudes sufficiently from this space so that the cable is not damaged or jammed by the window pane. Thus, the cable is always guided, at least in sections, outside the installation space formed between the window pane and the stationary vehicle element and below the lower edge of the pane, thanks to the lever arrangement of the guide device.
[0026] In one embodiment, the lever is mechanically coupled to the window pane. This means, for example, that the lever is pivotably mounted directly on the window pane, or that the lever is pivotably mounted on an adjustable follower of the window regulator assembly, to which the window pane is fixed. The follower of the window regulator assembly can define the adjustment path of the window pane and / or drive the window pane to move along this path.
[0027] The lever is preferably coupled to the window pane, e.g., to the follower, via a connecting section with a positive locking element that engages positively in a designated opening. The positive locking element can, for example, be located on the follower, while the opening is formed on the lever. Of course, the reverse arrangement is also possible. Using a positive locking element that engages in an opening provides a quick and cost-effective connection. The lever can thus be easily inserted or hooked onto the already installed window pane or a connected component, such as a follower of the window regulator assembly.
[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the two levers can be articulated together via two connecting sections, whereby a positive locking element of the connecting section of one lever engages positively in an opening of the connecting section of the other lever. In this way, the connection between the two levers can also be implemented cost-effectively and with ease of assembly.
[0029] When using a positive locking element, it is further preferred that the positive locking element engages in the opening in the manner of a keyhole connection, so that the positive locking element can only be inserted into and removed from the opening in a specific, predetermined orientation relative to the opening. For example, one lever can only be connected to the follower of the window regulator assembly via the positive locking element in a relative position of the lever with respect to the follower that the lever cannot assume after assembly of the window regulator assembly during intended use and operation of the window regulator. The relative position in which a keyhole connection between the lever and the follower, or between the two levers, is thus possible, therefore differs from those possible relative positions that the lever and the follower, or vice versa, can assume.the two levers can assume a position relative to each other after the window regulator assembly has been installed and during operation of the window regulator.
[0030] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become clear in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.
[0031] This shows: Fig. Figures 1A-1C in corresponding side views show an embodiment of a window regulator assembly according to the invention with a window pane in different adjustment positions and with a guide device having two levers articulated to each other for specifying a defined course of a cable coupled to the window pane; Fig. 2A-2B in perspective view and section view, one with the window pane of the Fig. 1A-1C connected driver and a second lever of the guide device for the cable of the window regulator assembly articulated thereto; Fig. 2C a top view of the drive unit; Fig. 2D an enlarged perspective view of the second lever from the Fig. 2A in the area of a lever end connected to the driver; Fig. 3A-3B Detailed drawings of a joint of the guide device according to the Fig. 1A-1C, via which the two levers of the guide device are articulated to each other; Fig. 4A-4B in enlarged detail view in perspective view and in section view the connection of the first lever not connected to the follower with a support component of the window regulator assembly according to the Fig. 1A-1C; Fig. 5A a representation of the window pane and the first lever connected to the supporting component to illustrate the alignment of the first lever relative to the window pane when it is lowered to its maximum; Fig. 5B a perspective view of the first lever to be connected to the supporting component; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the second lever to be connected to the follower.
[0032] The Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. Figure 1C shows, in corresponding views, a window regulator assembly with a window pane F adjustable along an adjustment track in two opposite directions V1 and V2 in different adjustment positions of the window pane F relative to a support component of the window regulator assembly in the form of an assembly carrier AGT. The assembly carrier AGT is a flat surface and, as part of the window regulator assembly, carries functional components of the motor vehicle window regulator, such as, in this case, a guide rail FS for defining the adjustment track of the window pane F.
[0033] An adjustable driver 1 is slidably guided on the guide rail FS. This driver can be moved along the guide rail FS by means of an electric motor drive unit (not shown) to adjust the window pane F, i.e., to raise or lower it. For this purpose, the window pane F is connected to the driver 1 at its lower edge by a connecting section R. The connecting section R of the window pane F is inserted into a holder H (see figure). Fig. 2A) is inserted with two opposing clamping jaws and the holder H rests in a receptacle 10 of the driver 1, in which it is fixed via a fastening element B - here in the form of a screw bolt.
[0034] The window pane F is fitted with glazing whose optical properties can be altered by means of electrical signals. Accordingly, the window pane F can have switchable glazing, such as electrochromic or gaschromic glazing, or so-called PDLC glazing (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) or SPD glazing (suspended particle devices). In each case, the optical properties of the window pane F are changed by applying an electrical voltage, so that, for example, it can be darkened or become opaque when activated. This is also referred to as "smart glass".
[0035] To connect the window pane F to a designated electrical circuit, in particular to a power source and / or corresponding control electronics, the window regulator assembly has a cable K. This cable K runs along the front of a side surface of the assembly carrier AGT from a (first) cable connection point A on the window pane F, which is located in the area of the connection section R of the window pane F, to a (second) cable connection point L on the assembly carrier AGT.
[0036] At the second cable connection point L of the AGT mounting bracket, cable K can, for example, be connected to a power source or a control unit of the control electronics that is fixed to the AGT mounting bracket. In this case, cable K is routed through a through-opening provided at the second cable connection point L in the AGT mounting bracket to connect one end of the cable to such a power source or control unit. This power source or control unit can also be located at a distance from the AGT mounting bracket. However, at the second cable connection point L, cable K is in any case connected to the AGT mounting bracket, so that cable K is fixed to the stationary AGT mounting bracket.
[0037] Since one cable end KE of cable K is connected to the adjustable window pane F at the first cable connection point A, there is a risk that cable K will be damaged or, at the very least, will cause unwanted rattling noises during vehicle operation or when the door is closed if it is loose. Accordingly, a guide device KF is provided, comprising a first lever 2 and a second lever 3, along which cable K is guided between the two cable connection points A and L, in order to define the path of cable K in every adjustment position of the window pane F, as determined by the two levers 2 and 3.
[0038] The lever arrangement formed by the two levers 2 and 3 allows the cable K to be routed in a way that does not collide with the window pane F. At the same time, the lever arrangement ensures that the cable K is not subjected to excessive stress and only experiences a defined and reproducible load when the window pane F is adjusted.
[0039] The two levers 2, 3 are articulated to each other via a central (lever) joint G, and each lever 2, 3 is pivotably mounted at one end of the lever at a distance from the joint G, so that when the window pane F is adjusted, the two levers 2, 3 are pivoted relative to each other and different angles α are formed between them. 1, Include α2 or α3.
[0040] These different angles α 1, α2 or α3 are in the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C is illustrated by example in each case. This shows Fig. 1A the window pane F in a first (upper) end position in which the window pane F would completely close a window opening in a motor vehicle door. Fig. 1B shows a position opposite the adjustment position of the Fig. 1A lowered position of the window pane F, while the Fig. 1C shows the window pane F in a second (lower) end position, in which the window pane F has been lowered to its maximum extent in one adjustment direction V2.
[0041] The first lever 2 is pivotally mounted on the assembly carrier AGT at a first pivot bearing D1 via a first lateral joint SG1, so that the first lever 2 can pivot about an axis of rotation in a pivot direction S1 when the window pane F is adjusted. The second lever 3, in turn, is pivotally mounted on the driver 1 at a second pivot bearing D2 via a second lateral joint SG2, so that it can pivot about an axis of rotation in a pivot direction S2. The first lever 2 is thus articulated to the stationary assembly carrier AGT, while the second lever 3, which is articulated to the first lever 2, is articulated to the driver 1, which is connected to the window pane F.
[0042] The cable K is routed along both levers 2, 3 over the middle (lever) joint G and is connected to both levers 2, 3 - for example via cable guides attached or clipped onto the levers 2, 3 - in sections, so that the alignment of the two levers 2, 3 determines the course of the cable K along the aggregate carrier AGT.
[0043] In the present embodiment, the first lever 2 is cranked and rigidly designed. The rigid design of the first lever 2 holds the lever assembly in a designated installation space, which in this case is located between an inner and an outer door panel in a motor vehicle door.
[0044] The second lever 3, in turn, has a central section 30 with elastic elasticity ranges 301 (see also here). Fig. 6) so that the second lever 3 can be changed in its position transverse to the xz-plane defined by the aggregate carrier AGT by adjusting the window pane F. This allows the guide device KF for the cable K, defined by the two levers 2 and 3, to also be used with a window pane F that is adjustable along a curved adjustment path in the adjustment directions V1 and V2. Due to the curvature of the adjustment path, the window pane F is additionally moved perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar aggregate carrier AGT in a y-direction or in a -y-direction along the permissible adjustment path between the two points. Fig. 1A and Fig. The end positions shown in 1C are displaced. Due to the at least partially elastic design of the longest extended second lever 3, it can follow the displacements of the window pane F and the associated driver 1, which are essentially perpendicular to the aggregate carrier AGT, and displace itself accordingly in sections.
[0045] Furthermore, the first lever 2, which is pivotably mounted on the aggregate carrier AGT and is cranked, is arranged on the aggregate carrier AGT in such a way that the first lever 2 is particularly in the direction resulting from the Fig. The lower end position of the window pane F, as shown in Figure 1C, lies sectionally between the window pane F and the assembly carrier AGT. The lower edge of the window pane F can thus be moved over the pivot point of the first lever 2 or its pivot bearing D1 on the assembly carrier AGT. This allows the first lever 2 to utilize a defined gap between the window pane F and the assembly carrier AGT, preventing the installation space required for the window regulator assembly from increasing due to the guide device KF for the cable K. Instead, in every possible adjustment position of the window pane F, both levers 2 and 3 are always partially (first and second levers 2 and 3) or completely (second lever 3) below the lower edge of the window pane F.The second lever 3 extends essentially entirely within a plane defined by the window pane F or lies in a -y direction pointing away from the assembly carrier AGT in front of this plane. The first lever 2, in turn, lies at least partially, i.e., here with a connecting section 23 and a transition section 22, in or in front of the plane of the pane, while, in particular with a fastening section 20 for connection to the assembly carrier AGT, it always lies behind the plane of the pane.
[0046] Simultaneously, the two levers 2 and 3 are designed and arranged such that they do not protrude beyond any edge of the assembly carrier AGT in any possible adjustment position of the window pane F. Therefore, no additional installation space is required for the two levers 2 and 3 within a vehicle door.
[0047] The above-mentioned details of the present embodiment of the window regulator assembly are illustrated in more detail in the further figures.
[0048] In summary, the Fig. Figures 2A and 2D illustrate in detail the connection of the second lever 3 to the driver 1, which here - as a component of the window regulator assembly adjustable together with the window pane F - serves to connect the second lever 3.
[0049] The lever end of the second lever 3, connected to the driver 1, is pivotably mounted on the driver 1. For this purpose, a positive locking element 120, formed on a connecting section 12 of the driver 1, engages in an opening in the form of a insertion hole 310 on a connecting section 31 at the lever end of the second lever 3. The positive locking element 120 is designed here as a circular cylindrical pin on the connecting section 12 of the driver 1 and has a rib-shaped, radially projecting retaining lug 121 to securely hold the second lever 3 on the driver 1. The positive locking element 120 thus engages in the insertion hole 310 in the manner of a keyhole connection, so that the positive locking element 120 can only be inserted into and removed from the insertion hole 310 in a specific, predetermined orientation relative to it.The insertion hole 310 has an insertion recess 311 corresponding to the dimensions of the retaining lug 121. This insertion recess 311 allows the positive locking element 120, with its radially projecting retaining lug 121, to be guided through the insertion hole 310 when the second lever 3 is in a specific relative position to the driver 1. After the second lever 3 has thus been engaged with the driver 1, the retaining lug 121 prevents the second lever 3 from being removed from the driver 1 if the insertion recess 311 and the retaining lug 121 are not aligned.
[0050] The retaining lug 121 is arranged such that the second lever 3 can only be engaged with the positive locking element 120 in a position relative to the driver 1 that the second lever 3 can assume during assembly of the window regulator assembly, but not during operation of the window regulator. The second lever 3, which is pivotably mounted on the driver 1 and the pivot bearing D2 defined therein about a spatial pivot axis defined by the positive locking element 120, consequently always assumes a pivot position relative to the driver 1 after assembly in which the retaining lug 121 does not completely cover the insertion recess 311.
[0051] The connecting section 12 with the positive locking element 120 is located on the driver 1 at a distance from a guide area 11 of the driver 1, over which the driver 1 is guided sliding along the guide rail FS. The guide area 11 is designed in a manner known per se, such that the driver 1 can engage an edge of the guide rail FS with the guide area 11.
[0052] From the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2D also shows a mounting area L3B of the second lever 3. This mounting area L3B serves to connect the cable K in the area of the lever end of the second lever 3 that is connected to the driver 1. In this case, a cable guide is attached or clipped onto the mounting area L3B, in which a section of the cable K is positively locked. The second lever 3 has at least two such mounting areas, with a further mounting area L3A being formed in the area of its other lever end, which is pivotally connected to the first lever 2. The first lever 2 also has two mounting areas L2A and L2B, each in the area of one lever end. In this way, the cable K can be quickly and easily routed along the two levers 2 and 3 after they have been properly attached to the aggregate carrier AGT and the driver 1.The cable K is inserted or clipped to levers 2 and 3 section by section, using the cable guides already attached to it. Alternatively, the cable K is fixed to the cable guides already inserted or clipped to levers 2 and 3 section by section. The cable K can, of course, be fixed to the cable guides by either insertion or clipping.
[0053] In the Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates in detail the articulated connection of the two levers 2 and 3. The joint G is formed by a positive locking element 230 and an opening in the form of a insertion hole 320, into which the positive locking element 230 engages. The projecting, circular-cylindrical positive locking element 230 defines a physical joint axis. The positive locking element 230 is formed on a connecting section 23 at the lever end of the second lever 2. The insertion hole 320 is formed on a connecting section 32 at a lever end of the second lever 3.
[0054] Here too, the positive locking element 230 engages in the insertion hole 23 in the manner of a keyhole connection. The insertion hole 320 also has a radial insertion recess 321 through which a web-shaped, radially projecting retaining lug 231 of the positive locking element 230 can be inserted when the two levers 2, 3 are in a specific relative position. In this case, the positive locking element 230 can only be inserted through the insertion hole 320 when the two levers 2, 3 are arranged one behind the other along a straight line, i.e., when they extend at an angle of 180° to each other.Since this relative position of the two levers 2, 3 to each other can no longer be assumed by the two levers 2, 3 after the assembly of the window regulator assembly during operation of the window regulator, the two levers 2, 3 are held together as intended via the positive locking element 230 and the insertion hole 320 and are simultaneously pivotable relative to each other.
[0055] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B illustrates in detail the connection of the first lever 2 to the subframe AGT at its end spaced apart from the joint G. The subframe AGT has a bearing point in the form of a screw boss SD designed for securing the first lever 2. The bearing point for the first lateral joint SG1 is thus integrated into the subframe AGT. The screw boss SD protrudes from a side surface of the subframe AGT and has a bore for a fastening element B to connect the lever end of the first lever 2 to the subframe AGT. In this case, the bore is a blind hole, so that a fastening element B, in the form of a screw, secures the first lever 2 to the subframe AGT. The corresponding lever end of the first lever 2 has a fastening section 20 for this purpose.This fastening section 20 is provided with a through-opening through which the fastening element B is passed and screwed into the subframe AGT. The connection of the first lever 2 to the subframe AGT is designed such that the pivot bearing D1 is formed with the first lateral joint SG1 and the first lever 2 is pivotably mounted on the subframe AGT.
[0056] In the Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B illustrates in detail the shape of the first, rigid lever 2, which is made of a plastic material.
[0057] The first lever 2 is cranked, so that the longitudinally extended lever 2 has two essentially parallel sections – the mounting section 20 and the connecting section 23 – which are connected to each other via a transition section 22 inclined to this. Towards the end of the lever provided with the mounting section 20, the first lever also forms an intermediate section 21 adjoining the transition section 22. This intermediate section 21 has one of the mounting areas L2A, L2B.
[0058] Due to the cranked design of the first lever 2, it can extend – especially in a lowest end position of the window pane F, when it is completely lowered – at least partially behind the window pane F and between the window pane F and the aggregate carrier AGT.
[0059] This adjustment position of the window pane F is in the Fig. 5A is sketched. The fastening section 20 and the adjoining intermediate section 21 of the first lever 2 are located here behind an imaginary plane of the window pane F, and the fastening section 20 is also located between the window pane F and the aggregate carrier AGT. In this way, a space is utilized that is inherently available due to the window pane F being adjustable along the aggregate carrier AGT.
[0060] The transition section 22, characterized by two bends, protrudes from this installation space and beyond the lower edge of the window pane F, at least in the lowest end position of the window pane F, so that the connecting section 23 for the articulated connection with the second lever 3 does not run behind the window pane F and the plane of the pane spanned by it. In this case, the connecting section 23 extends only slightly in front of the plane of the pane and runs essentially parallel to it, so that no increase in the installation space required for the window regulator assembly in the -y-direction is necessary due to the use of the guide devices KF for the cable K defined by the two levers 2, 3.
[0061] In the Fig.Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the second lever 3, which is also made of a plastic material. The second lever 3, which is provided with elastic zones 301, is intentionally designed to be elastically deformable, so that the second lever 3 can move elastically in sections when the window pane F is adjusted. For this purpose, the central section 30 has a substantially wave-like contour in its elastic zones 301 in longitudinal section. The central section 30, located between the two ends of the second lever 3, thus provides the second lever 3 with elastic deformability due to its shape. However, to prevent the second lever 3 from being too flexible transversely to its longitudinal direction, a centrally located, longitudinally extending stiffening rib 302 is provided on the central section 30.This stiffening rib 302 ensures that the second lever 3 has sufficient bending and torsional stiffness and guarantees that a force acting on the second lever 3 by adjusting the window pane F leads (almost) exclusively to a change in position of the second lever 3 transverse to the xz-plane of the aggregate carrier AGT or essentially perpendicular to it in the y- or -y-direction.
[0062] The guide device KF, defined by the two levers 2, 3, for the cable K coupled to the window pane F, is therefore not only particularly space-saving to arrange within a motor vehicle door, but also ensures a defined guide for the cable K when the window pane F is guided along a curved adjustment track, avoiding any rattling noises or damage to the cable K.
[0063] Furthermore, it is preferred to design a guide device KF with matching components, i.e., in particular levers 2, 3, for both sides of the vehicle, so that the guide device KF is independent of the mounting location of the window regulator assembly and the components required for this cannot be confused during assembly. Reference symbol list 1 driver 10 recording 11 Management area 12 Connecting section 120 Positive locking element 121 Retaining nose 2 (first) lever 20 Fastening section 21 Intermediate layer 22 Transition section 23 Connecting section 230 Positive locking element 231 Retaining nose 3 (second) lever 30 Middle section 301 Elasticity range 302 Stiffening rib 31 Connecting section 310 insertion hole 311 Inlet recess 32 Connecting section 320 insertion hole 321 Inlet recess A (first) cable connection point AGT aggregate carrier (support component) B Fastener D1, D2 Swivel bearings F window pane FS guide rail G lever joint H Holder K cable KE cable end KF guidance system L (second) cable connection point L2A, L2B Mounting area L3A, L3B Mounting area R connection section S1, S2 Swivel direction SD screw dome SG1, SG2 lateral joint V1, V2 Adjustment direction α1, α2, α3 angles
Claims
Window regulator assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a window pane (F) adjustable along an adjustment track, - a vehicle element relative to which the window pane (F) is adjustable along the adjustment track, - at least one cable (K) coupled to the adjustable window pane (F) at a first connection point (A) and connected to the vehicle element (AGT) at a second connection point (L), such that the course of the cable (K) between the first connection point (A) and the second connection point (L) changes when the window pane (F) is adjusted, and - a guide device (KF) through which the cable (K) is guided between the first connection point (A) and the second connection point (L) and which determines the course of the cable (K) during adjustment of the window pane (F), wherein the guide device (KF) comprises two levers (2, 3) pivotally connected to each other via a central lever joint (G),with which the cable (K) is connected, and of which a first lever (2) is pivotably mounted on the vehicle element (AGT) via a first lateral joint (SG1) spaced apart from the lever joint (G), and a second lever (3) is pivotably mounted on the window pane (F) or on an element (1) that is adjustable together with the window pane (F) via a second lateral joint (SG2) spaced apart from the lever joint (G), characterized in that a lever (2) is designed such that, in at least one adjustment position of the window pane (F), the lever (2) lies along its adjustment path with at least a first section (21) behind an imaginary pane plane spanned by the window pane (F) and with at least a further, second section (23) not behind this pane plane. Window regulator assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a bearing point (SD) for the first lateral joint (SG1) is integrated into the vehicle element (AGT). Window regulator assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one lever (2) is essentially rigid and the other lever (3) is designed with at least one flexible section (30). Window regulator assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one flexible section (30) is configured and provided to allow a change in position of the lever (3) caused by the adjustment of the window pane (F) along a curved adjustment path, in particular to allow a change in bearing transverse to a plane spanned by the vehicle element (AGT) along which the window pane (F) is adjustable. Window regulator assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the flexible section (30) is designed to be elastic in such a way that the lever (3) tends to return to its original position over the entire adjustment range of the window pane (F) when the position is changed by adjusting the window pane (F). Window regulator assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (2) is designed such that the first section (21) lies behind the window pane (F) in at least one adjustment position along its adjustment path and the second section (23) does not lie behind the window pane (F). Window regulator assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (2) is designed such that the first section (21) lies in at least one adjustment position of the window pane (F) along its adjustment path between the window pane (F) and a vehicle element (AGT) on which the lever (2) is pivotably mounted, and the second section (23) does not enter between the window pane (F) and this vehicle element (AGT) in any of the permitted adjustment positions of the window pane (F). Window regulator assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one lever (2) is cranked. Window regulator assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second lever (3) is pivotably mounted on an adjustable driver (1) of the window regulator assembly, on which the window pane (F) is fixed. Window lifter assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that a connecting section (12) with a positive locking element (120) is provided for coupling the second lever (3) with the window pane (F), which engages positively in an opening (310) provided for this purpose. Window regulator assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two levers (2, 3) are pivotally connected to each other via two connecting sections (23, 32), wherein, for connecting the two levers (2, 3), a positive locking element (230) of the connecting section (23) of one lever (2) engages positively in an opening (320) of the connecting section (32) of the other lever (3). Window regulator assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the positive locking element (120, 230) engages in the opening (310, 320) in the manner of a keyhole connection, so that the positive locking element (120, 320) can only be inserted into and removed from the opening (310, 320) in a specific, predetermined orientation to the opening (310, 320).