Drive mechanism for a vehicle window regulator

Abstract

A follower for a vehicle window regulator, which can be connected to an adjustable window pane (F), wherein the follower (1) comprises a follower body (10) and at least one pane connection area (11) by means of which the follower (1) can be fixed to the adjustable window pane (F) and which defines a connection gap (S) into which the window pane (S) to be connected is to be inserted with a lower edge (K), such that the lower edge (K) in the intended connected state is opposite a base (113A, 113B) of the pane connection area (11), wherein the disc connection area (11) further comprises at least one connecting bracket (11A, 11B) provided on the drive body (10), on which a locking lug (110A, 110B) is provided for positive engagement in a connecting opening provided on the window pane (F) and which is opposite at least one positioning section (112A, 112B) projecting from the base (113A, 113B), and wherein, for mounting the window pane (F) to the driver (1) along a mounting direction (M), the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is elastically displaceable on the driver body (10) and the positioning section (112A, 112B) opposite the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) forms a guide surface (1120A, 1120B) inclined to the mounting direction (M), over which the lower edge (K) of the window pane (F) inserted into the connecting gap (S) is guided in the direction of the base (113A, 113B). characterized by the fact that a) the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) of the disc connection area (11) is U-shaped and a recess (OA, OB) in the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is defined by two legs and a head section (11KA, 11KB) connecting the legs of the U-shaped connecting bracket (11A, 11B), and the base (113A, 113B) is formed by a base section (114A, 114B) which projects from the driver body (10) in the direction of the head section (11KA, 11KB) of the U-shaped connecting bracket (11A, 11B), and / or b) an additional connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is provided at the disc connection area (11).

Description

[0001] The proposed solution concerns a drive mechanism for a vehicle window regulator that can be connected to an adjustable window pane.

[0002] Window regulator actuators for vehicles are widely known in many variations. These actuators are typically guided slidably along guide rails and connected to the window pane near its lower edge. A flexible pull cord, such as a cable, usually attaches to the actuator to transmit the force required to adjust the window pane. The actuator can then be moved along the guide rail to raise or lower the window pane.

[0003] For drive mechanisms known from practical experience, especially those for vehicle window regulators, there is regularly a need for improvement with regard to different mounting and / or installation space situations. For example, there is regularly a need for design improvements to a drive mechanism to improve the mounting of the window pane to the drive mechanism, the connection of the window pane to the drive mechanism, the connection of a flexible tensioning element to the drive mechanism, and / or the durability of the drive mechanism and the window regulator assembly formed with it.

[0004] CN 2 02 718 517 U describes a drive mechanism for a vehicle window regulator, showing a window connection area with two connecting brackets. A window pane is held securely in place by means of locking lugs. An elastic displacement of the connecting brackets at the locking lugs guides the window pane in one installation direction. The two connecting brackets of the drive mechanism have a U-shaped arc.

[0005] US 2017 / 0241181A1 describes a drive mechanism for a window regulator which has an elastically displaceable, U-shaped connecting bracket with a base area protruding at the base in the window connection area.

[0006] EP 0 208 237 A1 describes a drive mechanism for a window regulator which has several connecting brackets in the window connection area with a base area protruding at the base.

[0007] Against this background, an improved drive element according to claim 1 is proposed.

[0008] A proposed follower comprises a follower body and a pane connection area provided on the follower body, by means of which the follower can be fixed to the window pane to be adjusted. This pane connection area defines a connection gap into which the window pane to be joined is to be inserted with its lower edge, so that the lower edge, in the intended connected state, is opposite a base of the pane connection area.With a view to improved mounting of the window pane to the driver and improved connection of the window pane to the driver, it is further proposed that the pane connection area additionally has at least one connecting bracket provided on the driver body, on which a locking lug is provided for positive engagement in a connecting opening provided on the window pane and opposite which is at least one positioning section projecting from the base, wherein, for mounting the window pane to the driver along a mounting direction, the connecting bracket is elastically displaceable on the driver body and the positioning section opposite the connecting bracket forms a guide surface inclined to the mounting direction of the window pane, over which the lower edge of the window pane inserted into the connecting gap is guided towards the base.

[0009] Additionally, the follower may have at least one protruding support section made of an elastic material for supporting the lower edge of the window pane.

[0010] A proposed disc connection area thus has a connecting bracket with an opposing positioning section forming an inclined guide surface and may additionally have a support section made of an elastic material at the base of the disc connection area.

[0011] The positioning section allows the lower edge of the window pane, already inserted into the connection gap of the pane joint, to be guided precisely towards the base and thus into a locking position. In this position, the locking lug of the connecting bracket snaps into the designated opening in the window pane. The positioning section can, for example, stabilize the window pane, already inserted into the connection gap, perpendicular to the mounting direction. Typically, with the vehicle window regulator already pre-assembled with the drive mechanism, the window pane is guided from above towards the drive mechanism, which is held in a mounting position.The lower edge, inserted into the joint gap, initially displaces the elastically movable connecting bracket perpendicular to the installation direction until the window pane is sufficiently close to the base of the pane joint area that the locking lug of the connecting bracket can snap into the joint opening of the window pane. It has been observed that, under certain circumstances, the lower edge of the window pane, once inserted into the joint gap, can displace the connecting bracket unduly far, particularly pivoting it, thus preventing the locking lug from engaging with the joint opening of the window pane. The additional positioning section, located opposite the connecting bracket, then provides further stabilization within the joint gap of the already inserted lower edge of the pane and of the edge of the window pane that forms the lower edge.

[0012] With the additional support section projecting from the base, it is further ensured, after proper installation of the window pane onto the follower, that the lower edge of the window pane is elastically supported on the follower. The support section, made of an elastic material, ensures that the lower edge of the window pane rests on the base, even if only locally, when the window pane is properly connected to the follower. Thus, a window lift assembly with follower and window pane can be provided in which the lower edge of the window pane rests only on one or more support sections made of an elastic material projecting from the base.Apart from one or more support sections, the lower edge of the window pane does not rest against the base, so that the lower edge is spaced away from the base, leaving a narrow gap. Thus, an elastically deformable support section provides a spring travel by which the window pane can be displaced relative to the drive mechanism during operation of the window regulator, for example, when the window pane is moved into an (upper) end position. For example, at least a slight relative movement between the window pane and the drive mechanism is permitted via the at least one protruding support section made of elastic material when the window pane moves into a glazing seal to completely close a window opening.

[0013] Furthermore, in one design variant, the support section projecting towards the bottom edge of the pane at the base of the follower prevents switching noise when the window pane is adjusted in the opposite direction. The elastic support section also ensures defined support of the pane against the follower at all times, guaranteeing a defined contact of the bottom edge of the pane against the follower even with slight tilting movements of the window pane when lifting it.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting bracket of the pane connection area is elastically pivotable about a pivot axis, with the base of the pane connection area, where the positioning section is located, being spaced apart from this pivot axis. Thus, a spatial offset is provided at the driver between the pivot axis of the connecting bracket (or a pivot axis of several connecting brackets provided to the driver) and the base, which is opposite the lower edge of the pane when the window pane is properly fixed to the driver. Such a spacing between the pivot axis of the connecting bracket and the base, where, for example, the support sections for the lower edge of the window pane are provided, can, for instance, allow a larger opening angle due to the elastic displacement of the connecting bracket during the installation of the window pane on the driver.

[0015] In one embodiment, the positioning section of the pane connection area for mounting the window pane to the driver can also be elastically displaceable, particularly relative to the connecting bracket. The positioning section, which serves to stabilize the lower edge of the pane already inserted into the connection gap, can thus also exhibit a certain degree of elastic displacement to assist the window pane in reaching the locking position on the driver, where the locking lug of the connecting bracket then snaps into the connection opening on the window pane. In this case, the positioning section opposite the connecting bracket can pivot, for example, in the opposite direction to the connecting bracket during window pane installation, under the influence of the window pane being inserted into the connection gap with its lower edge along the installation direction.The window pane can thus initially exert pressure on the connecting bracket with its lower edge, pivoting it in a first direction (e.g., towards the outside). Subsequently, as the window pane is further inserted into the connecting slot of the actuator, the lower edge, guided along the inclined guide surface of the positioning section, also elastically displaces the positioning section. This elastic displacement of the positioning section then occurs in the opposite direction to the pivoting direction of the connecting bracket (e.g., towards the inside). The positioning section can therefore be elastically displaced relative to the connecting bracket, possibly together with the base.

[0016] In a further development, the connecting bracket of the pane connection area is elastically pivotable about a first pivot axis on the drive body, and the positioning section of the pane connection area is elastically pivotable about a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. In such a design variant, the first and second pivot axes of the connecting bracket on the one hand and the positioning section on the other – which may run parallel to each other – are thus deliberately spatially offset from each other along the mounting direction of the window pane.This makes it possible in particular to achieve a successive elastic pivoting of the connecting bracket and the polishing section depending on the degree of insertion of the disc's lower edge into the connecting gap of the driver, without having to stiffen the disc connection area due to the loads acting in different directions for pivoting the connecting bracket and the positioning section.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the proposed solution, the connecting bracket of the pane connection area is U-shaped, with a recess in the connecting bracket defined by two legs and a head section connecting the legs. The head section of the connecting bracket features, for example, a locking lug, allowing elastic displacement of the locking lug via the two legs. The base, on whose support section (optionally on whose projecting support section made of an elastic material) the lower edge of the window pane is to rest, is formed by a base section of the driver that projects from the driver body towards the head section of the U-shaped connecting bracket.The base's design, including a plinth section, can serve, in particular, to create a distance between the base and a pivot axis of the connecting bracket, allowing the connecting bracket to move elastically around this axis during the installation of the window pane on the follower. Furthermore, the plinth section can incorporate elastic movement for the positioning section provided at the base, and / or the positioning section itself can be designed to move elastically at the plinth-like base.

[0018] In a further training, the additional profiling section with its guide surface running inclined to the assembly direction lies directly opposite the recess formed in the connecting bracket (perpendicular to the assembly direction).

[0019] In particular, the base section can extend at least partially into the recess of the connecting bracket. This not only allows for a compact design of the follower with connecting bracket and positioning section, but also, in a possible further development, enables the base section, which extends at least partially into the recess of the connecting bracket, to provide a bearing finger or projection for the inserted window pane, positioned precisely between the two legs of the connecting bracket. Such a bearing finger or projection, provided on the base section and located between the two legs, can, when the window pane is mounted to the follower as intended, provide (additional) support perpendicular to the mounting direction of the window pane on the follower.For example, when a window pane is installed as intended, a section of the window pane lies directly between the bearing finger or projection and the positioning section, both of which protrude from the base formed by the plinth section.

[0020] The positioning section can have fundamentally different geometries and contours. In one embodiment, for example, the positioning section is pin-shaped. In this embodiment, the extension section can thus project upwards from the base in a pin-like shape, relative to the intended installation state of the drive mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment, two opposing sides of the connecting gap of the pane connection area are defined, in particular, by (on the one hand) the connecting bracket and (on the other hand) a bearing section projecting from the drive body. The at least one connecting bracket and the projecting, for example, web-shaped, bearing section thus define the connecting gap into which the lower edge of the window pane is to be inserted in order to connect the window pane to the drive as intended. The positioning section, designed with its inclined guide surface, is accordingly provided additionally and only becomes effective once the lower edge of the window pane has already been inserted into the connecting gap, in order to ultimately guide the lower edge of the window pane towards the base and thus the detent position for the locking lug to engage.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the proposed solution, which is independent of the first aspect explained above but can easily be combined with it, the drive mechanism can also be provided with two or more connecting brackets. Particularly for a single-rail window regulator, it is advantageous to secure the window pane using two connecting brackets, each equipped with a locking lug, which can then engage in two connecting openings provided on the window pane.

[0023] In a further development based on this principle, the aforementioned bearing section is positioned precisely between the two connecting brackets. While the connecting brackets protrude from the drive body on one side of the window pane when it is mounted to the drive unit as intended, the bearing section protrudes on the opposite side of the window pane. Accordingly, a section of the window pane at its lower edge is held in a connecting gap defined on one side by the two connecting brackets and on the other by the bearing section.

[0024] A protruding bearing section at the base of the disc connection area can, for example, be formed by a soft component. This soft component might be injection-molded onto the base. The base itself can consist of a hard component. While the injection-molded soft component is thus, for example, elastically compressible, the hard component of the base is comparatively rigid. For example, the base might be made of a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene or polyamide. The injection-molded soft component, which forms at least one bearing section, might consist, for example, of a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic copolyester.

[0025] In a further development, the support section is formed by a locally projecting thickening of the soft component at the base. The soft component can be provided, in particular, on a base section that extends at least partially into a recess of a U-shaped connecting bracket and / or on a base that has a positioning section.

[0026] The actuator may have at least one fluid guide element for draining fluid from the actuator body. This at least one fluid guide element may be part of a fluid guide structure through which fluid is drained from the actuator body when it is installed as intended as a component of a window regulator.

[0027] The fluid guide element provides a structure on the drive mechanism, particularly on the drive mechanism body, by means of which fluid is drained from the drive mechanism along a flow direction defined by the at least one fluid guide element. This includes, for example, the possibility of guiding fluid towards an edge of the drive mechanism body via the at least one fluid guide element. Thus, the fluid guide element allows fluid that reaches the drive mechanism during operation of the window regulator to be drained in a controlled manner and, in particular, directed away from sections and / or components of the drive mechanism and / or the window regulator.For example, the at least one fluid guidance element ensures that fluid originating from the driver, such as water, is directed away from a guide rail which allows the driver to slide and / or from a traction element fixed to the driver.

[0028] In one further development, for example, it is stipulated that at least one fluid guide element extends with one end beyond an edge of the drive body. Fluid present on the drive body can then be guided away from the drive body via the fluid guide element and drain off at the end of the fluid guide element that extends beyond the edge.

[0029] The fluid guidance element can, for example, comprise a rib, recess and / or groove provided on the drive body, in particular formed on the drive body.

[0030] The follower can have a connection area for a flexible pull cord to the follower body, which has two successive nipple chambers along a longitudinal direction. A mounting opening can be provided between these two nipple chambers, through which an end section of the flexible pull cord is inserted into each nipple chamber. After proper installation, an adjusting force for adjusting the window pane connected to the follower can be transmitted via the flexible pull cord to the follower through the end sections inserted into the nipple chambers and held securely therein. To facilitate installation, the mounting opening is also provided with a length, relative to the longitudinal direction, that corresponds to at least half the sum of the lengths of the two nipple chambers.In particular, the mounting opening, in relation to the longitudinal direction, can be provided with a length that corresponds to at least 0.8 times or at least the sum of the lengths of the two nipple chambers. In this way, for example, two end sections of the traction element, each provided with a spring element, can be inserted one after the other into the nipple chambers via the one common mounting opening without compression of the spring elements.

[0031] Accordingly, the mounting opening of the traction element connection area can, for example, have a length such that two end sections of the traction element, each equipped with a spring element, can be inserted one after the other into the successive nipple chambers along the longitudinal direction via the mounting opening without compressing the spring elements. Through the mounting opening of the traction element connection area, dimensioned as proposed, compression springs, each with a cable nipple, intended for compensating cable length in a flexible traction element designed as a cable pull, can be inserted one after the other manually (by hand) through the mounting opening provided between the nipple chambers without requiring any force. Consequently, an assembly aid for compressing a compression spring in order to insert it correctly into a nipple chamber on the drive element, such as a so-called force pack, is not necessary here.

[0032] The traction element connection area can have a traction element guide channel open at least on one side, with a longitudinally extending traction element opening for inserting a section of the traction element into the traction element guide channel. When mounting the traction element to the driver, an end section of the traction element is inserted into the nipple chamber via the mounting opening, and a section of the traction element extending away from the end section is inserted into the traction element guide channel adjoining a nipple chamber via the traction element opening.

[0033] In a further development based on this, a lubrication opening can be provided between a tensile opening of a tensile guide channel associated with a nipple chamber and the assembly opening, through which the nipple chamber can be lubricated from the outside. For example, along the longitudinal direction, the assembly opening, the lubrication opening of a nipple chamber, and a tensile opening for the tensile guide channel adjoining a nipple chamber follow one another.

[0034] To facilitate lubrication via the lubrication opening, the width of the opening can be larger than the width of the mounting opening but smaller than the width of the pulley opening in the pulley guide channel. The reduced width of the lubrication opening, compared to the mounting opening, ensures that a properly inserted and, if applicable, spring-loaded end section of the pulley cannot be removed from the nipple chamber through the lubrication opening. Simultaneously, the larger width of the lubrication opening, compared to the pulley opening in the pulley guide channel, facilitates lubrication of the nipple chamber, for example, with grease.

[0035] As explained above, a disc connection area can readily be combined with a fluid guide element and / or a traction element connection area. For example, a traction element connection area can be provided on a drive body of a drive unit, on which a disc connection area is provided laterally and above the traction element connection area. This disc connection area comprises two elastically displaceable connecting brackets arranged above and laterally to the disc connection area, each with a locking lug and a positioning section opposite each connecting bracket, as well as at least one base having an elastic support section. At least one fluid guide element can additionally be formed on the drive body to direct fluid from the traction element connection area outwards to an edge of the drive body and allow it to drain away.The fluid guide element can extend just below a connecting bracket on the drive body, in relation to the mounting direction of the window pane and / or an adjustment axis of the window pane after proper installation of the window regulator.

[0036] The attached figures illustrate possible implementation variants of the proposed solution.

[0037] This shows: Fig. Figures 1A-1B each show a perspective view and a view from different sides of a proposed implement; Fig. 2 in side view and partial view of the driver with a window pane connected to the driver; Fig. 3 in rear view a first phase of mounting the window pane to the carrier; Fig. 4A-4D the mounting of the window pane to the driver in with the Fig. 3. Consistent view in further phases; Fig. 5 on an enlarged scale the driver of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B with a view to a traction element connection area of ​​the driver; Fig. 6A-6C different views of the drive mechanism Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B illustrating a fluid guidance structure provided on the driver; Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a window regulator assembly in which a proposed actuator is used.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a window regulator for a motor vehicle. This window regulator comprises a window regulator assembly FH with a slidably guided driver 1, to which a window pane F is connected. The driver 1 is coupled to a flexible traction element in the form of a cable 2, which can be adjusted via several deflection elements U1, U2, for example in the form of rotatably mounted cable pulleys, by means of a drive A. The drive A, which, like the deflection elements U1 and U2, is arranged on a support component T, drives a cable drum 3 via a motor MA. By winding and unwinding the cable 2 onto and off the cable drum 3, the driver 1 can be adjusted longitudinally. This then raises or lowers the window pane F, which is guided laterally in pane guides G1 and G2, depending on the direction of rotation of the cable drum 3. In the case of the Fig. In the single-strand window regulator shown in Figure 7, the driver 1 can be guided slidably along a guide rail which is formed by the support component T or fixed to the support component T.

[0039] One embodiment of the driver 1 according to the proposed solution is shown in the Fig. 1 to 6C are shown.

[0040] The driver 1 has a driver body 10, on which, in particular, rail grips 10.1, 10.2 are formed for a slidable mounting of the driver 1 on a guide rail. These rail grips 10.1 and 10.2 are provided in a central area of ​​the driver body 10 on an inner surface 1B of the driver 1.

[0041] At the upper end of the driver 1, relative to its intended installed state, the driver body 10 forms a disc connection area 11 with two elastically displaceable connecting brackets 11A and 11B. The connecting brackets 11A and 11B, which project upwards from the driver body 10, are, for example, corresponding to the Fig. 1A and Fig. Each connecting bracket 11A, 11B is U-shaped. Two legs of this U-shape allow each connecting bracket 11A, 11B to be elastically displaceable on the drive body 10, so that a head section 11KA or 11KB connecting the two legs can pivot when the window pane F is mounted on the drive body 1. Each of these head sections 11KA, 11KB has a locking lug 110A or 110B formed on it, which, when the window pane F is properly attached to the drive body 1, snaps into a connecting opening in the window pane F to secure the window pane F and the drive body 1 together.

[0042] Between the two connecting brackets 11A and 11B extends a bearing section in the form of a bearing web 11C. Together with the connecting brackets 11A and 11B, the central bearing web 11C defines a connection gap S at the pane connection area 11, into which the window pane F with a lower edge K (compare Fig. 2) is to be inserted to secure the window pane F to the driver 1. When the window pane F is connected as intended, the two connecting brackets 11A and 11B are located on one side of the window pane F, while the bearing lug 11C is located on the opposite side of the window pane F. In the intended installed state, for example, an outer side 1A of the driver 1 with the connecting brackets 11A and 11B faces an outer side of a motor vehicle, while the inner side 1B with the bearing lug 11C faces an interior of the motor vehicle.

[0043] In its properly assembled state, the lower edge K of the window pane F rests against a base 113A, 113B of the pane connection area 11, which defines a lower end of the connection gap S. A base 113A, 113B is provided in the area of ​​one of the connecting brackets 11A, 11B and is formed on a base section 114A or 114B, which extends into a recess OA or OB formed between the legs of a connecting bracket 11A or 11B. A base 113A or 113B is spaced upwards by the base section 114A or 114B from a pivot axis D1 of a connecting bracket 11A or 11B, about which a connecting bracket 11A or 11B can pivot outwards along a pivot direction R1 when the window pane F is mounted to the driver 1 (see figure). Fig. 4A to 4C.

[0044] Each base 113A or 113B associated with a connecting bracket 11A or 11B includes, as part of the disc connection area 11, a bearing finger 111A or 111B associated with the outer side 1A. Furthermore, a positioning section in the form of a pin-like catch hook 112A or 112B projecting from the base 113A or 113B is provided opposite each connecting bracket 11A or 11B. Each of these catch hooks 112A, 112B contributes to stabilizing the window pane F inserted into the connecting gap S during assembly and guides the (pane) lower edge K towards the base 113A or 113B via a guide surface 1120A or 1120B and thus into a designated locking position in which the locking lugs 110A and 110B of the connecting brackets 11A and 11B can snap into the corresponding connecting openings of the window pane F.A guide surface 1120A, 1120B of a catch hook 112 A or 112 B is in each case inclined to a mounting direction M, along which the window pane F (from above) is to be inserted into the connecting gap S.

[0045] As shown by the Fig. Figures 3 and 4A to 4D illustrate different phases in the assembly of the window pane F onto the driver 1. The window pane F, inserted into the connecting gap S, initially displaces the connecting brackets 11A and 11B with its lower edge K, running up against the locking lugs 110A and 110B. The connecting brackets 11A and 11B are thereby initially displaced outwards together with their respective bases 113A and 113B relative to the rest of the driver body 10, which is already held against a guide rail via the rail grips 10.1 and 10.2. Fig. 4A). Subsequently, the connecting brackets 11A and 11B pivot elastically outwards about their pivot axis D1 along the pivot direction R1 ( Fig. 4B). To prevent the window pane F from pivoting the connecting brackets 11A and 11B further outwards as it approaches the bases 113A and 113B, and thus potentially failing to lock with the connecting brackets 11A and 11B, the lower edge K of the window pane F runs onto the guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B of the catch hooks 112A and 112B, which are opposite the connecting brackets 11A and 11B, as it moves further along the mounting direction M ( Fig. 4C). The lower edge K of the disk F is guided downwards towards the bases 113A and 113B into the intended detent position via the inclined guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B ( Fig. 4D).

[0046] As particularly evident from the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4C to 4D, elastic displacement of the catch hooks 112A and 112B relative to the connecting brackets 11A and 11B is permitted. Thus, each catch hook 112A and 112B can pivot inwards along a pivot direction R2, opposite to the connecting brackets 11A and 11B and relative to them, under the influence of its lower edge K, which is inserted further (downwards) into the connecting gap S along the mounting direction M. A pivot axis D2 of the catch hooks 112A and 112B is spaced a distance a from the pivot axis D1 of the connecting brackets 11A and 11B via the base sections 114A and 114B.

[0047] As the lower edge K slides along the inclined guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B of the catch hooks 112A and 112B into the lowest part of the connecting gap S between the bearing fingers 111A, 111B and the catch hooks 112A and 112B, the catch hooks 112A and 112B pivot back. Furthermore, as soon as the window pane F has been inserted sufficiently far into the connecting gap S so that the locking lugs 110A and 110B can snap into the connecting openings of the window pane F, the connecting brackets 11A, 11B also pivot back towards the catch hooks 112A, 112B.

[0048] The catch hooks 112A and 112B on the base 113A and 113B, which is partially located in the recesses OA and OB of the connecting brackets 11A and 11B via the base sections 114A and 114B, ensure stabilization of the window pane F transversely to the mounting direction M during installation. The lower edge K of the window pane F to be installed, once it has already been inserted into the connecting gap S of the pane connection area 11, is guided by the guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B into the designated locking position by elastic displacement of the catch hooks 112A and 112B. In this position, the locking lugs 110A and 110B of each connecting bracket 11A and 11B can snap into the connecting openings of the window pane F. Thus, defined guidance of the window pane F within the connecting gap S up to the locking position is guaranteed. This makes mounting the window pane F to the driver 1 easier and less prone to errors.

[0049] For a defined bearing surface of the window pane F, which is mounted as intended on the driver 1, bearing sections in the form of thickenings 14A and 14B are provided on each base 113A, 113B. Each of these thickenings 14A and 14B is formed from an elastic soft component injection-molded onto the base 113A or 113B, such that the thickening 14A, 14B protrudes at least slightly from the elastic soft component on the base 113A or 113B. The window pane F, which rests locally with its lower edge K on the thickenings 14A and 14B, is thus separated from the rest of the respective base 113A, 113B by a gap g corresponding to the Fig. 2 spaced apart.

[0050] Compression of the thickenings 14A and 14B allows for relative displacement of the window pane F relative to the driver 1 at the pane joint area 11. The off-center thickenings 14A and 14B on the driver 1 thus ensure defined support of the window pane F against the driver 1 and, for example, permit at least a slight displacement of the window pane F relative to the driver 1 when it is being moved into its upper end position. Furthermore, the contact with the thickenings 14A and 14B eliminates rattling and consequently prevents switching noise. In particular, the window pane F is supported in a defined manner by the thickenings 14A and 14B, thus enabling improved contact of the lower edge K of the window pane F against the driver 1.

[0051] Furthermore, a fluid guidance structure 13 is formed on the drive body 10 of the drive unit 1, via which any fluid, such as penetrating water, can be discharged from the drive body 10 in a defined manner. In particular, the fluid guidance structure 13 is designed such that water is guided obliquely towards an edge 10RA, 10RB of the drive body 10 and beyond, in such a way that the water is directed away from the traction element 2 and, in particular, from a traction element connection area 12 of the drive unit 1, where the cable 2 is coupled to the drive unit 1. The fluid guidance structure 13 of the drive unit 1 is further designed such that any fluid is also directed away from the rail grips 10.1 and 10.2 and thus, in the properly assembled state of the window regulator assembly FH, away from a guide rail on which the drive unit 1 is slidably held.

[0052] In the Fig. The fluid guidance structure 13 of the carrier 1 shown in 1A to 6C comprises several fluid guidance elements in the form of drainage channels 130A and 130B; see in particular Fig. 6A to 6C. These drainage channels 130A and 130B are positioned off-center below connecting brackets 11A and 11B, respectively. Two drainage channels 130A and 130B run laterally downwards, at least in sections, at an angle relative to the mounting direction M of the window pane F. Each drainage channel 130A and 130B runs on the inside 1B of the follower 1, thus inclined downwards relative to the mounting direction M of the window pane – and to an adjustment direction of the follower 1 in its intended installed state – so that, under the influence of gravity, any liquid present on the follower body 10 can flow laterally via the drainage channels 130A and 130B.

[0053] Each drainage channel 130A, 130B extends beyond a (right or left) edge 10RA, 10RB of the drive body 10, so that at an overhanging end of each drainage channel 130A ,130B the liquid can flow off the drive body 10.

[0054] Each drainage channel 130A, 130B has an L-shaped cross-section and is open towards the outside 1A of the drive element 1. In this way, fluid drained via the drainage channels 130A, 130B is additionally directed outwards and thus, in the properly assembled state of the window regulator assembly FH, away from the other components of the window regulator assembly FH.

[0055] To assist the flow of liquid via the liquid guidance structure 13 having the drainage channels 130A, 130B, the driver 1 in the window regulator assembly FH, when assembled as intended, can be, for example, in an upper end position corresponding to a closed position of the window pane, slightly inclined towards the interior of the vehicle and towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0056] For the targeted drainage of liquid from the drive body 10, the liquid guidance structure 13 can alternatively or additionally have liquid guidance elements in addition to the drainage channels 130A, 130B, which are formed by ribs and / or recesses on the drive body 10.

[0057] As particularly evident in the enlarged section of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the driver 1 has a traction element connection area 12 for coupling the driver 1 to the cable 2. The traction element connection area 12, located centrally on the driver body 10, has two nipple chambers 12.1 and 12.2 arranged successively along a longitudinal direction E1, into which a cable end section 20 of the cable 1 can be positively inserted in order to transmit an adjusting force for raising or lowering the window pane F to the driver 1.

[0058] For inserting a cable pull end section 20 of the cable pull 2, a single mounting opening 120 is provided at the cable pull connection area 12, located between the two nipple chambers 12.1 and 12.2. Through this single mounting opening 120, both a cable pull end section 20 can be inserted along the longitudinal direction E1 into one (upper) nipple chamber 12.1, and subsequently another cable pull end section (in the Fig.5 (not shown) in an opposite longitudinal or insertion direction E2 into the other (lower) nipple chamber 12.2. A cable pull end section 20 has, in a manner known per se, a cable nipple 200 and a spring element supported thereon in the form of a compression spring 201 for compensating for cable length.

[0059] When mounting the cable 2 to the driver 1 via the cable end sections 20, a fundamental difficulty arises: the compression spring 201 must regularly be compressed with considerable force to allow insertion into the respective associated nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2. In contrast, with the illustrated driver 1, two cable end sections 20 can be inserted successively through the mounting opening 120 without manual force and, in particular, without compressing the compression springs 201.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting opening 120 has a length l along the longitudinal direction E1 that is at least equal to the sum of the lengths b1 and b2 of the adjacent nipple chambers 12.1 and 12.2. Accordingly, a rope nipple 200 with the uncompressed compression spring 201 can be inserted into the mounting opening 120 and then pushed or pulled into the corresponding nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2 along the longitudinal or insertion direction E1 or E2. The space subsequently available through the mounting opening 120 is then sufficient to insert the other rope nipple 200 with its uncompressed compression spring 201 and push or pull it into the opposite nipple chamber 12.2 or 12.1.

[0061] To facilitate the lubrication of a nipple chamber 12.112.2, the traction element connection area 12 has a lubrication opening 121.1 or 121.2 at each nipple chamber 12.1, 12.2. This lubrication opening 121.1, 121.2 is located adjacent to the central mounting opening 120 (above or below) and is situated between the mounting opening 120 and a traction element opening 122.1 or 122.2 of a cable guide channel 12.3, 12.4, through which the cable 2, which is intended to be connected to the driver 1, extends from the respective nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2. Each grease opening 121.1 or 121.2 has a width that is smaller than the width of the central mounting opening 120, in order to hold the rope nipple 200 inserted with the compression spring 201 in the nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2. At the same time, however, the width of the grease opening 121.1 or 121.2 is many times larger than the width of the tensioning opening 122.1, 122.2, through which the cable pull 2 ​​is inserted into the respective cable guide channel 12.3 or 12.4 during assembly. The dimensions of the grease opening 121.1 or 121.2 are selected, for example, to allow the respective nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2 to be greased from the outside, for example with grease blocks. Reference symbol list 1 driver 10 drive bodies 10.1, 10.2 Rail grip 10RA, 10RB edge 11 Disc connection area 110A, 110B locking tab 111A, 111B Bearing finger (bearing section) 1120A, 1120B Guide surface 112A, 112B Catch hook (positioning section) 113A, 113B Base 114A, 114B Base section 11A, 11B Connecting bracket 11C bearing web (bearing section) 11KA, 11KB header 12 Traction element connection area 12.1, 12.2 Nipple chamber 12.3, 12.4 Cable guide channel 120 (Central) Mounting opening 121.1, 121.2 Grease opening 122.1, 122.2 Traction opening 13 Fluid guidance structure 130A, 130B Drainage channel (liquid guidance element) 14A, 14B Thickening (support section) 1A, 1B Outer / Inner 2. Pulley (pulling device) 20 Cable pull end section 200 rope nipples 201 Compression spring (spring element) 3 Rope drum A drive a distance AM Motor b1, b2 length D1, D2 Swivel axis E1, E2 Direction of insertion / Longitudinal direction F window pane FH window regulator assembly g gap G1, G2 disc guide K bottom edge of discs Length M Mounting direction OA, OB recess R1, R2 Swivel direction S connection gap T support component U1, U2 Link element

Claims

[1] Driver for a vehicle window lifter, which can be connected to a window pane (F) to be adjusted, wherein the driver (1) comprises a driver body (10) and at least one pane connection area (11), via which the driver (1) can be fixed to the window pane (F) to be adjusted and which defines a connection gap (S) into which the window pane (S) to be connected is to be inserted with a lower edge (K), so that the lower edge (K) in the intended connected state lies opposite a base (113A, 113B) of the pane connection area (11), wherein the pane connecting region (11) further comprises at least one connecting bracket (11A, 11B) provided on the driver body (10), on which a locking lug (110A, 110B) is provided for positive engagement in a connecting opening provided on the window pane (F) and opposite which at least one positioning section (112A, 112B) protruding from the base (113A, 113B) is located, and wherein, for the assembly of the window pane (F) to the driver (1) along a mounting direction (M), the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is elastically displaceable on the driver body (10) and the positioning section (112A, 112B) opposite the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) forms a guide surface (1120A, 1120B) inclined to the mounting direction (M), over which the lower edge (K) of the window pane (F) introduced into the connecting gap (S) is guided in the direction of the base (113A, 113B) characterized by , that a) the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) of the disc connecting region (11) is U-shaped and a recess (OA, OB) in the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is bordered by two legs and a head section (11KA, 11KB) of the U-shaped connecting bracket (11A, 11B) connecting the legs, and the base (113A, 113B) is formed by a base section (114A, 114B) which projects on the driver body (10) in the direction of the head section (11KA, 11KB) of the U-shaped connecting bracket (11A, 11B), and / or b) an additional connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is provided on the disc connecting area (11). [2] Driver according to claim 1, characterized by that the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) of the disc connecting region (11) is elastically pivotable about a pivot axis (D1) and the base (113A, 113B) of the disc connecting region (11) is spaced from this pivot axis (D1). [3] Driver according to claim 2, characterized bythat the base section (11A, 11B) serves to space the pivot axis (D1) from the base (113A, 113B). [4] Driver according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the positioning section (112A, 112B) of the pane connecting area (11) for mounting the window pane (F) to the driver (1) is also elastically displaceable. [5] Driver according to claim 2 or 3 and claim 4, characterized by that the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) of the disc connecting region (11) is elastically pivotable about a first pivot axis (D1) and the positioning section (112A, 112B) of the disc connecting region (11) is held elastically pivotable about a second pivot axis (D2) spaced from the first pivot axis (D1). [6] Driver according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the positioning section (112A, 112B) is opposite the recess (OA, OB). [7] Driver according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base section (114A, 114B) extends at least partially in the recess (OA, OB) of the connecting bracket (11A, 11B). [8] Driver according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, for supporting the inserted window pane (F) transversely to the mounting direction (M), a bearing section (111A, 111B) is additionally provided on the side of the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) between the two legs of the connecting bracket (11A, 11B). [9] Driver according to claim 8, characterized by that the bearing section (111A, 111B) additionally provided on the side of the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) is provided on the base section (114A, 114B). [10] Driver according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the positioning section (112A, 112B) of the disc connecting region (11) is pin-shaped. [11] Driver according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that two opposite sides of the connecting gap (S) of the disc connecting region (11) are defined in particular by the connecting bracket (11A, 11B) and a bearing section (11C) projecting from the driver body (10). [12] Driver according to claim 11, characterized by that the bearing section (11C) is provided between the two connecting brackets (11A, 11B). [13] Driver according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one support section (14A, 14B) made of an elastic material projecting from the base (113A, 113B) is provided for supporting the lower edge (K) of the window pane (F). [14] Driver according to claim 13, characterized by that the support section (14A, 14B) of the disc connection area (11) projecting from the base (113A, 113B) is formed by a soft component. [15] Driver according to claim 14, characterized by that the support section (14A, 14B) is formed by a locally projecting thickening of the soft component at the base (113A, 113B).

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