Adjustment device for adjusting the position of a vehicle window

Abstract

Adjusting device (1) for adjusting the position of a vehicle window (2) in an assembly process of a motor vehicle, which adjusting device (1) has an output (8) for actuating a locking element (6), in particular a locking wheel, which locks the vehicle window (2) in a vehicle door (3), wherein the output (8) of the adjusting device (1) is arranged on an insertion section (7) which can be inserted into a shaft (5) between the vehicle window (2) and the vehicle door (3) for actuating the locking element (6), wherein the adjusting device (1) has a drive (9) which is connected to the output (8) by means of at least one transmission element (10) and which can be coupled or is coupled to a drive device, in particular an electric motor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device for adjusting the position of a vehicle window in an assembly process of a motor vehicle, which adjusting device has an output for actuating a locking element, in particular a locking wheel, which locks the vehicle window in a vehicle door.

[0002] Adjustment devices for adjusting the position of vehicle windows in motor vehicle assembly processes are generally known from the prior art. Typically, during the motor vehicle assembly process, a locking element, for example a locking wheel, with which the vehicle window is firmly connected to the vehicle door, for example a window lifter, is loosened using a hand tool to adjust the position of the vehicle window. Once the locking element is loosened, the vehicle window can be moved or positioned relative to the vehicle door in order to adjust the position of the vehicle window relative to the vehicle door and the body. Specifically, for vehicle windows in motor vehicles with frameless vehicle doors, the position of the vehicle window can be adjusted such that it comes into defined contact with a frame of the body, thus allowing the closed position of the vehicle window to be set in a defined manner.

[0003] The disadvantage here is that an employee positioning the vehicle window must first loosen the window manually, namely by opening the locking element with a hand tool. Since two locking elements are usually provided per vehicle window and the motor vehicle, for example, has four vehicle windows that must be individually positioned, the employee must first insert the previously described hand tool twice into the comparatively narrow gap between the vehicle window and the vehicle door to loosen the locking elements. The vehicle window can then be adjusted, so that the employee must then insert the hand tool twice into the gap or slot again to tighten the locking elements again.

[0004] This typically requires two different hand tools, as a defined torque must be maintained when tightening the locking element. The positioning process described above is therefore a complex one for adjusting all vehicle windows on a vehicle, in terms of the number of steps required and the time required.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of specifying an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a vehicle window in an assembly process of a motor vehicle, which adjustment device in particular simplifies the position adjustment.

[0006] The object is achieved by an adjustment device according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments.

[0007] As described, the invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a vehicle window during a motor vehicle assembly process. The adjustment device is particularly intended to actuate the described locking elements that fix the vehicle window relative to the vehicle door. The adjustment device is therefore designed, for example, to lock the locking element and to release the locking element. For this purpose, the adjustment device has an output drive, for example, a key flat or an element corresponding to the locking element, in order to adjust the locking element, in particular to open and close it or to release and lock it.

[0008] The invention is based on the finding that the output of the adjustment device is arranged on an insertion section which can be inserted into a shaft between the vehicle window and the vehicle door for actuating the locking element, wherein the adjustment device has a drive connected to the output by means of at least one transmission element, which drive can be coupled or is coupled to a drive device, in particular an electric motor. In other words, it is proposed that the insertion section and the output of the adjustment device arranged thereon be inserted into the shaft between the vehicle window and the vehicle door for carrying out the position adjustment of the vehicle window in order to actuate the locking element arranged therein. For this purpose, the drive of the adjustment device can be coupled or be coupled to a drive device.The drive device can, for example, be designed as an electric motor or comprise an electric motor.

[0009] Specifically, the locking element can be operated mechanically, eliminating the need for an employee to manually operate the locking element. For example, the adjustment device can remain in the shaft for the duration of the vehicle window's position adjustment, allowing the locking element to remain in contact with the adjustment device's output. This allows the locking element to be released by the adjustment device, the position of the vehicle window to be adjusted, and then the adjustment device can re-lock the locking element. Only then is it removed from the shaft.

[0010] Multiple insertion and removal of the adjustment device from the shaft, as well as manual operation of the adjustment device to actuate the locking element, are therefore not necessary. This saves both process steps and time, which significantly improves the process of adjusting the position of the vehicle window, particularly when applied to all vehicle windows of a motor vehicle. The described insertion section is, as described, suitable for insertion into the shaft between the vehicle window and the vehicle door. Accordingly, the insertion section has suitable dimensions. For example, the thickness of the insertion section, based on an actuation position in which the adjustment device is arranged on the vehicle window and the insertion section is arranged in the shaft, can be less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, for example 5-8 mm, perpendicular to the vehicle window.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the adjustment device, it can be provided that the adjustment device is designed to release the locking element in a first direction of movement of the transmission element, in particular the drive device, and to lock the locking element in a second direction of movement of the transmission element. For example, the drive device can be operated in different drive directions for locking the locking element and for releasing the locking element, for example, clockwise and counterclockwise.It is also possible to change a gear stage of the adjustment device so that the transmission element is moved in a first state in the first direction of movement and in a second state in the second direction of movement in order to achieve the required actuation of the locking element by the contact of the output of the adjustment device, for example an output gear, with the locking element.

[0012] The insertion section of the adjustment device can further be developed such that the insertion section, in particular the output arranged on the insertion section, of the adjustment device is designed as a flat output. As described, this allows in particular the extension of the insertion section to be limited to the available dimensions, in particular such that the insertion section can be reliably inserted into the shaft. For example, the described transmission element can be designed as a chain or formed by a tooth engagement of at least two gears. For example, the drive can transmit the movement of the drive device to a gear, which movement of the gear is transmitted via at least one further gear or a chain or a belt or another suitable element to an output element, for example to an output gear.If the locking element is designed as a locking wheel, the output of the adjustment device can be U-shaped to partially encompass the locking wheel. In this case, more than one output gear can be provided, which can be located opposite each other on the legs of the output with respect to the U-shape. The at least two output gears can contact or mesh with the locking wheel simultaneously.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the adjustment device can have a drive mechanism connected to the drive, or the drive of the adjustment device can be connectable to an external drive mechanism. In the first described embodiment, the adjustment device can have an integrated drive mechanism connected to the drive mechanism of the adjustment device, for example, the drive gear. In the second described embodiment, the adjustment device can be connected to an external drive mechanism. The external drive mechanism can be designed, for example, as a screwing device or cordless screwdriver.

[0014] In both cases, the drive device can have an electric motor that generates the movement or rotational movement to actuate the locking element. The rotational movement is transmitted, as described, from the drive of the adjustment device via the transmission element to the output of the adjustment device. In particular, it can be provided that the drive device provides at least two states, regardless of whether it is provided integrated or externally. For example, the drive device can release the locking element in the first operating state, and the drive device can lock the locking element in the second operating state. For example, at least one actuating element, for example one actuating element for each operating state, is provided on the adjustment device.A user can therefore actuate the actuating element to trigger the desired operating state, in particular to lock or release the locking element by means of the adjustment device.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the adjustment device, the adjustment device can have a torque limiting device designed to limit a torque for locking the locking element to a defined locking torque, in particular between 5 Nm and 15 Nm, for example, 11 Nm. The torque limiting device ensures that the locking element is tightened with a defined locking torque during locking. In the previously described embodiment of the drive device, for example, it can be provided that in the operating state that locks the locking element, the torque is simultaneously limited to the defined locking torque by means of the torque limiting device.

[0016] The described adjustment device can further be provided with a fastening device, in particular a suction cup, which fastening device can be designed to detachably fasten the adjustment device to the vehicle window. For example, the adjustment device can be fastened to the vehicle window in the state in which the insertion section is inserted into the shaft between the vehicle window and the vehicle door and in which the output drive contacts the locking element, in order to hold this position. For example, the fastening device can be arranged on a base body of the adjustment device and can be designed, for example, as a suction cup. By generating a negative pressure on the suction cup, as is known per se, the adjustment device is held to the vehicle window until the generated negative pressure is released or equalized again.

[0017] The described embodiment can be further developed such that the fastening device is mounted floatingly relative to the output of the adjustment device and / or has a stop element for a positioning section, in particular an upper edge, of the vehicle door. In the first described embodiment, the fastening device, for example the suction cup, can be mounted floatingly relative to the output. This allows the output of the adjustment device to remain engaged with the locking element while the vehicle window can be positioned relative to the output and to the locking element and therefore also relative to the vehicle door. In the second described embodiment, the adjustment device can have a stop element that can be brought into engagement or contact with a positioning section of the vehicle door in order to support the adjustment device on the vehicle door.In particular, an upper edge of the vehicle door can be used as a positioning section.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the adjustment device can have at least one gripping portion, in particular one that protrudes from a base body of the adjustment device. The gripping portion can be designed, in particular, to be grasped by a user of the adjustment device. For example, a rod-shaped element extending from the base body of the adjustment device can be provided as the gripping portion.

[0019] The adjustment device can also include a distance gauge designed to contact the body of the motor vehicle at a desired position of the vehicle window. The distance gauge allows for a defined position of the vehicle window. For example, the adjustment device can be attached to the vehicle window if the adjustment device contacts the locking element with the output drive.

[0020] For example, in the attached state, the locking element can be released using the adjustment device, allowing the vehicle window to be subsequently positioned. The vehicle window can be positioned so that the distance gauge comes into contact with the body of the motor vehicle, particularly at an upper edge of the vehicle window. This ensures that the vehicle window is in the desired position. This is possible, in particular, because the fastening device that attaches the adjustment device to the vehicle window is mounted in a floating manner, particularly relative to the downforce.Accordingly, the output of the adjustment device can be engaged with the locking element, and the vehicle window can be adjusted relative to the output and locking element by means of the adjustment device through the connection between the fastening device and the vehicle window, namely until the distance gauge comes into contact with the body. The distance gauge is designed and positioned on the adjustment device in such a way that upon contact with the body, in particular a frame of the body, the vehicle window assumes the desired position.

[0021] As described, vehicle windows are typically secured by two locking elements per window. It is therefore advantageous to use two adjustment devices of the type described above simultaneously, namely one adjustment device per locking element. This advantageously eliminates the need to insert and remove the adjustment device multiple times; instead, the adjustment device can be inserted for each locking element and remain in the shaft until the vehicle window is positioned. Adjustment devices of the same type or of a different design, for example with regard to the spacing gauge, can be provided for different locking elements.

[0022] In addition to the previously described adjustment device, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of a vehicle window in an assembly process of a motor vehicle by means of an adjustment device, in particular a previously described adjustment device, which adjustment device has an output for actuating a locking element, in particular a locking wheel, that locks the vehicle window in a vehicle door, wherein the output of the adjustment device is arranged on an insertion section that is inserted into a shaft between the vehicle window and the vehicle door to actuate the locking element, wherein the adjustment device has a drive that is connected to the output by means of at least one transmission element and that is coupled to a drive device, in particular an electric motor.

[0023] In principle, the previously described adjustment device can be used in the method. The adjustment device is inserted into the shaft between the vehicle window and the vehicle door and contacted with the locking element, in particular the output of the adjustment device is coupled to the locking element. Subsequently, a rotary movement is generated by the drive device, which is or is coupled to a drive of the adjustment device, which is transmitted, in particular by the transmission element of the adjustment device, to the output of the adjustment device. The locking element is thus mechanically released. The vehicle window is then adjusted to its desired position. Subsequently, a rotary movement, in particular a rotary movement opposite to the previously described rotary movement, can be generated with the drive device in order to lock the locking element and secure the vehicle window in its desired position.Finally, the adjustment device can be removed from the shaft.

[0024] All advantages, details, designs and / or features described with regard to the adjustment device are fully transferable to the method, in particular the features relating to the fastening device, the torque limiting device, the design of the output or the insertion section and the distance gauge individually or in any combination.

[0025] The invention is explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. The figures are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a position adjustment of a vehicle window according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an adjustment device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an adjustment device according to a second embodiment; and Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of an adjustment device according to a third embodiment.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary assembly process of a motor vehicle in which an adjustment device 1, in particular two adjustment devices 1, which can be of the same or different design, are used. In particular, Fig. 1 shows the position adjustment of a vehicle window 2 during the assembly process of the motor vehicle relative to a vehicle door 3. As shown by arrows 4, each adjustment device 1 is inserted into a shaft 5 between the vehicle door 3 and the vehicle window 2 in order to actuate locking elements 6 arranged there, which fasten the vehicle window 2 to the vehicle door 3. The locking element 6 can, for example, be coupled to a screw connection, so that the screw connection can be opened or closed by actuating the locking element 6, and the vehicle window 2 can thereby be locked or released.

[0027] In other words, when the locking elements 6 are released, positioning of the vehicle window 2 relative to the vehicle door 3 is possible. For this purpose, an insertion section 7 (cf. Fig. 2-4) of the adjustment device 1 is inserted into the shaft 5, so that an output 8 of the adjustment device 1 can be brought into engagement with the locking element 6. The locking elements 6 are designed as gears, for example, but other embodiments are also possible. The description is applicable accordingly.

[0028] If the adjustment device 1 is coupled to the output 8 with the locking element 6, the adjustment device 1 can be attached to the vehicle window 2 with a fastening device (not shown in detail), for example, a suction cup. The fastening device is specifically mounted in a floating manner relative to the insertion section 7 or the output 8, so that the output 8 can remain engaged with the locking element 6 while the vehicle window 2 is being positioned.

[0029] Basically, when adjusting the position of the vehicle window 2, the adjustment device 1 is first inserted into the shaft 5, the output 8 is coupled to the locking element 6, and the locking element 6 is released. For this purpose, the adjustment device 1 has a drive device (not shown in detail) or is coupled to a drive device, for example, an electric motor, namely to a drive 9 (see. Fig. 2-4), in particular a drive shaft. For example, a cordless screwdriver can be coupled to the drive 9 as a drive device. The movement generated by the drive device is transmitted via at least one transmission element 10 to the output 8 and thus to the locking element 6. In Fig. 2, the transmission element 10 is designed as a gear 11. In Fig. 3 shows a combination of gears 11 and a chain 12 or a belt.

[0030] When the locking element 6 or the locking elements 6 are open, the vehicle window 2 can be positioned accordingly. In this state, the adjusting device 1 can be positioned on a positioning section of the vehicle door 2 by means of a stop element (not shown in detail), for example, resting on an upper edge of the vehicle door 2. If the vehicle window 2 is correctly positioned, an opposing movement is generated by the drive device and transmitted to the output 8 via the drive 9 and the transmission element 10, thus locking the locking element 6.

[0031] A torque limiting device can be integrated into the adjustment device 1, in particular the drive device, so that the torque provided by the drive device is limited to a defined locking torque, for example, in the range of 5-15 Nm, for example, 11 Nm. The adjustment device 1 can then be removed from the shaft 5.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows only as an example a possible embodiment of the adjustment device 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 can be used. As described, a rotary motion is transmitted by the drive device to the drive 9, in particular to a drive shaft connected to a gear. The rotary motion is further transmitted via the transmission element 10, which is designed as a gear 11, and thus to the output 8, which in this embodiment is also designed as a gear. The output 8 engages with the locking element 6 such that it can be released or locked depending on the direction of rotation.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of an adjustment device 1, as used for example in the assembly process or process for positioning the vehicle window 2 according to Fig. 1 can be used. Here, too, the drive 9, for example a drive shaft, is coupled to the drive device to drive a gear. This drives a transmission element 10 and guides it via further gears 11. The output 8 of the adjustment device 1 is designed in this embodiment as a section 13 of the transmission element 10, which engages with the locking element 6. Depending on the direction of rotation transmitted to the drive 9, the transmission element 10 rotates and can thus be used to lock or release the locking element 6.

[0034] Fig. Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of an adjusting device 1 which can be used, for example, in the position adjustment process according to Fig. 1. Here, the output 8 is formed by two gears 11, which are arranged on a U-shaped section of the insertion section 7. This can, as shown, be coupled to a locking element 6, so that the locking element 6 can be actuated accordingly by a movement generated by a drive device. The transmission of the movement between the drive 9 and the output 8 is in Fig. 4 is not explicitly shown. This can be done, for example, via gears 11, as in Fig. 2 or via another transmission element 10, such as in Fig. 3, or by any such combinations or other embodiments.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 further shows that grip sections 15 are provided on a base body 14, which can be connected to the insertion section 7, so that a user can grip the adjustment device 1, for example, to position it on the vehicle window 2. Corresponding grip sections 15 can also be provided in the adjustment devices 1 according to Fig. 2, Fig. 3 may be provided. As described, each of the adjustment devices 1 can be connected to the vehicle window 2 via a fastening device.

[0036] Fundamentally, with each of the adjustment devices 1, in a state in which the insertion section 7 of the adjustment device 1 is inserted into the shaft 5, a mechanical release of the locking element 6 and a subsequent mechanical closing of the locking element 6 can be effected. This reduces the effort for a user, since the adjustment devices 1 usually remain in the shaft 5 and remain coupled to the locking element 6 while the vehicle window 2 is being adjusted. Optionally, the previously described devices, in particular the fastening device, the torque limiting device, the spacing gauge, and the stop element, can be provided individually or in any combination for each adjustment device 1.

[0037] The advantages, details, and features described with reference to the individual embodiments can be combined with one another as desired, are interchangeable, and are transferable to one another. The method described herein can be carried out using the adjustment device 1. The description is transferable accordingly. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 adjustment device 2 vehicle window 3 vehicle door 4 Arrow 5 shaft 6 locking element 7 insertion section 8 downforce 9 Drive 10 transmission element 11 gear 12 chain Section 13 14 basic bodies 15 Handle section

Claims

[1] Adjusting device (1) for adjusting the position of a vehicle window (2) in an assembly process of a motor vehicle, which adjusting device (1) has a drive (8) for actuating a locking element (6), in particular a locking wheel, which secures the vehicle window (2) in a vehicle door (3), characterized by , that the output (8) of the adjusting device (1) is arranged on an insertion section (7) which can be inserted into a shaft (5) between the vehicle window (2) and the vehicle door (3) for actuating the locking element (6), wherein the adjusting device (1) has a drive (9) connected to the output (8) by means of at least one transmission element (10), which can be coupled or coupled to a drive device, in particular an electric motor. [2] Adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the adjusting device (1) is designed in a first direction of movement of the transmission element (10), in particular the drive device, to release the locking element (6) and in a second direction of movement of the transmission element (10) to lock the locking element (6). [3] Adjusting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the insertion section (8), in particular the output (8), of the adjusting device (1) is designed as a flat output. [4] Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting device (1) has a drive unit connected to the drive (9) or that the drive (9) of the adjusting device (1) can be connected to an external drive unit. [5] Adjustment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adjusting device (1) has a torque limiting device designed to limit a torque for locking the locking element (6) to a defined locking torque, in particular between 5 Nm - 15 Nm. [6] Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting device (1) has a fastening device, in particular a suction cup, which is designed to detachably attach the adjusting device (1) to the vehicle window (2). [7] Adjustment device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the fastening device is floating relative to the output (8) and / or has a stop element for a positioning section, in particular an upper edge, of the vehicle door (3). [8] Adjustment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the adjusting device (1) has at least one handle section (15) projecting from a base body (14) of the adjusting device (1). [9] Adjustment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjusting device (1) has a distance gauge which is designed to make contact with a body of the motor vehicle in a predetermined position of the vehicle disc (2). [10] Method for adjusting the position of a vehicle window (2) in an assembly process of a motor vehicle by means of an adjusting device (1), in particular an adjusting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which adjusting device (1) has a drive (8) for actuating a locking element (6), in particular a locking wheel, which secures the vehicle window (2) in a vehicle door (3), characterized by, that the output (8) of the adjusting device (1) is arranged on an insertion section (7) which is inserted into a shaft (5) between the vehicle window (2) and the vehicle door (3) for actuating the locking element (6), wherein the adjusting device (1) has a drive (9) connected to the output (8) by means of at least one transmission element (10), which is coupled to a drive unit, in particular an electric motor.

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