Frameless door including a pivoting adjustment device for a window regulator.

Abstract

A frameless door comprising a pivoting adjustment device for a window regulator. The invention relates to a frameless door (2) for a vehicle comprising a housing (10), a window regulator rail, the rail being fixed to the housing (10) at at least one high point of the housing (10), a window (30) intended to be driven by such a window regulator upwards or downwards between a closed position of the window (30) and an open position of the window (30), a pivoting adjustment device for the rail about a pivot axis passing through at least one high point of the housing (10) and extending longitudinally when the frameless door (2) is closed, the adjustment device extending between the rail and the housing (10) at at least one low point of the housing, the adjustment device comprising a male part and a female part. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Frameless door comprising a pivoting adjustment device for a window regulator.

[0001] The invention relates to a frameless door comprising a housing, a window regulator rail fixed to the housing at a high point of the housing, a window pane intended to be moved upwards or downwards by the window regulator between a closed and an open position, and a pivoting adjustment device for the window regulator rail about a pivot axis, the adjustment device extending between the window regulator rail and the housing at a low point of the housing. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a frameless door. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a window pane of such a frameless door.

[0002] A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, often includes at least one frameless door. This is especially true for a sports car, particularly a convertible. Such a frameless door offers an improved aesthetic appearance compared to a framed door. The glass of such a frameless door then comes into contact with seals on one side of the body when the glass and the frameless door are closed.

[0003] However, a frameless door requires lateral adjustment of the glass to ensure that the glass is properly seated against the body seals when the door is closed. Such adjustment involves numerous manipulations of the frameless door in its disassembled state, i.e., when not attached to the vehicle body. Furthermore, such adjustment involves numerous manipulations of the door when it is mounted on the vehicle. These manipulations are very time-consuming and, despite everything, result in inconsistent glass alignment. This leads to high costs on the production line and misalignment. In some cases, such misalignment of the glass is corrected during after-sales service and requires, at a minimum, the removal of a trim panel from the frameless door, or even the complete removal of the door from the body.Thus, even when carrying out such complex and costly after-sales operations, there is a risk of generating the same type of defects as during factory assembly.

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks by providing a solution allowing simplified lateral adjustment of the glass. The invention allows for quick and optimal adjustment, taking into account any imperfections in the door and / or the frame and / or the pivot hinges of such a frameless door. Summary of the invention

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a frameless door for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a casing, - a window regulator rail, the rail being fixed to the housing at at least one high point of the housing, - a window designed to be moved upwards or downwards by such a window regulator between a closed window position and an open window position, - a device for adjusting the pivoting of the rail around a pivot axis passing through at least one high point of the casing and extending longitudinally when the frameless door is closed, the adjustment device extending between the rail and the box at at least one low point of the box, the adjustment device comprising a male part and a female part, the male part extending from the rail and the female part being fixed to at least one low point of the box, the male part being arranged within the female part while being able to slide within the female part with a predefined resistance.

[0006] The male part may be substantially cylindrical and the female part may include a receiving bore for the male part.

[0007] The adjustment device may include a means for locking the male part in position relative to the female part.

[0008] The male part can extend substantially transversely in the closed position of the frameless door and the locking means can extend substantially perpendicularly to the male part.

[0009] The door may include an interior lining and the locking means may be arranged between the casing and the interior lining.

[0010] The male part may include an annular external surface and the female part may include at least one notch, in particular two notches arranged opposite each other, at least one notch being able to lock into a hollow in the annular external surface of the male part.

[0011] The locking means may include an open jaw having at least one ringed portion such that at least one ringed portion of the locking means gets stuck in the ringed external surface of the male part to lock the male part against the female part.

[0012] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a frameless door as defined above.

[0013] The vehicle may include a body comprising an opening closed by the frameless door in the closed position, the opening may include an interface intended to ensure sealing between the closed window and the opening in the closed position of the door.

[0014] The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a window in a frameless door of a vehicle as defined above, the method comprising: - a step of placing the glass in a partially closed state within the frameless door, the door being in the open position, - a closing step of the frameless door, in particular by slamming the frameless door, so that the glass comes into contact with the interface of the casing and causes the rail to pivot around the pivot axis, the pivoting of the rail causing a translation of the male part within the female part, possibly followed by a locking of the male part relative to the female part, in particular by means of a locking means, - a step of raising the glass until the glass is in a completely closed state. Presentation of the figures

[0015] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting reference in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a frameless vehicle door according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a window adjustment device according to an embodiment of the invention, a locking means not being locked.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention, with the locking means locked.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking means of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a front view of a male part of the window adjustment device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the male part of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 8 is a front view of the locking means of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a female part of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. 10 is a view of the female part of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Fig. 11 is another perspective view of the female part of the window adjustment device according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the frameless door according to the embodiment of the invention, with the glass partially open, when the door is slammed against a side of the box, the locking means not being locked.

[0028] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the frameless door closed according to the embodiment of the invention, glass ajar, after the door has been slammed against one side of the box, the locking means not being locked.

[0029] Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the frameless door possibly open according to the embodiment of the invention, glass half-open, the locking means being locked.

[0030] Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the frameless door closed according to the embodiment of the invention, the locking means being locked and the glass being closed. Detailed description

[0031] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a right-handed coordinate system XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, i.e., directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to the right, and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the backward direction.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle, comprises a frameless door 2. The frameless door 2 comprises a housing 10. The frameless door 2 comprises a window 30. The window 30 comprises a front edge 31, for example extending vertically or substantially vertically. The window 30 comprises a rear edge 32, for example extending vertically or substantially vertically. Optionally, the window 30 includes an upper edge 33, for example extending between the front edge 31 and the rear edge 32. The vehicle 1 includes a body 3. The vehicle 1, or the body 3, includes a body side 8. The vehicle 1, or the body 3, or the body side 8, includes a side opening 4. The frameless door 2 closed, window 30 fully retracted, closes the opening 4. The opening 4 may be contiguous with another side door 6 as illustrated in [Fig. 1].The opening 4 includes an interface 5 intended to ensure sealing between the . window 30 closed and opening 4 in the closed position of door 2. The interface 5 comes into contact with the edges 31, 32 of the window 30 in the closed state and, where applicable, with the upper edge 33.

[0033] By "frameless door", we mean a door not including a means for guiding the front edge 31 of the glass 30 extending above the box 10 and not including a means for guiding the rear edge 32 of the glass 30 extending above the box 10.

[0034] Preferably, although the frameless door 2 is shown at the front left of the vehicle, a frameless door is also arranged at the front right of vehicle 1. Alternatively or in addition, vehicle 1 includes a left rear door 6 and / or a right rear door without a frame. Optionally, the vehicle includes at least three doors arranged on at least one side of the vehicle, at least one of these three doors being frameless.

[0035] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the housing 10 includes at least one upper point 11. The housing 10 includes at least one lower point 12. The frameless door 2 further includes a window lifter 25. The window lifter 25 includes at least one window lifter rail 20. For example, the window lifter mechanism 25 includes several rails 20 extending vertically or substantially vertically. Sliders 34 attached to the glass pane 30 are capable of moving along these rails, for example in a synchronized manner, for example via a mechanical system activated by a crank or an electric motor. The rail(s) are attached to the housing 10. The door 2 includes a well or opening 35 for the glass pane 30, the well 35 being equipped with seals on each side. The window 30 is intended to be driven along the rail 20 upwards or downwards between a closed position of the window 30 and at least one open position of the window 30.The rail 20 is fixed to the frame 10 at at least one high point 11 of the frame 10. More precisely, the glass pane 30 is preferably fixed to the sliders, which are able to move along the rail(s) 20 so that the glass can slide up and down, or vice versa, through the glass channel 35. Thus, in the absence of a glass guide frame, the position of the glass in space is obtained by the movement of its profile through defined passage points. At the bottom, the sliders 34 move along the rails 20 and are therefore movable points relative to the door. At the top, the glass channel 35 at the level of the seals constitutes a fixed point relative to the door 2.

[0036] The frameless door 2 further includes an adjustment device 70 for pivoting the rail 20. More specifically, the adjustment device 70 allows the rail to be pivoted around a pivot axis A passing through at least one high point 11 of the box 10. The axis A extends longitudinally, or substantially longitudinally, when the frameless door 2 is closed.

[0037] The adjustment device 70 extends between the rail 20 and the housing 10 at at least one low point 12 of the housing 10. The adjustment device 70 comprises a male part 40 having a preferably toothed rod shape. The adjustment device 70 comprises a female part 50 having a generally ring shape. The male part 40 extends from the rail 20. Preferably, the male part 40 is fixed to the rail 20. For example, the male part 40 includes a threaded hole 43 as illustrated in [Fig. 7]. The adjustment device 70 may then include a screw 44 that is screwed into the threaded hole 43 of the male part to sandwich the rail 20 between the head of the screw 44 and an annular surface 46, as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Alternatively, the window regulator rail 20 includes the screw 44, for example, fixed to the rail by welding. The toothed rod 40 is, for example, of the threaded stud type.Alternatively, the male part has a threaded end designed to engage with a nut fixed to the rail for screw assembly, the opposite end being serrated with a ringed profile (separate threads parallel to each other). Alternatively, a nut is crimped onto the rail, and the screw 44 is screwed into the nut. The threaded shank of the screw receives the male part 40, which has a tapped hole 43. For example, the screw 44 is made of steel, while the female part, and possibly the male part, are made of plastic. The serrated shank male part is then assembled to the screw. In this case, the serrated shank 40 is hollow, bored, possibly with a through hole, or even a through tapped hole 43 for assembly. As illustrated in [Fig.3], the rail 20 includes, for example, an orifice, a hole 24 allowing the passage of the screw 44 which screws into the thread 43 of the male part 40.

[0038] The female part 50 is fixed to at least one low point 12 of the housing 10. For this purpose, preferably, the female part 50 comprises two lugs, stops 53, illustrated in particular in Figures 9 and 10. These lugs 53, arranged opposite each other, each comprise, for example, a bevel to facilitate their insertion into an opening 13 provided in the housing 10, as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Preferably, a clearance J between a rear face 531 of each lug 53 and a shoulder 54 of the female part 50 allows the female part 50 to be wedged and held relative to the housing 10, as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Preferably, the value of the clearance J is just above the thickness of the sheet metal of the box 10 where applicable so that the female part 50 is held rigidly on the box once the lugs 53 are inserted into the opening 13 of the box.Alternatively, additional play is provided between the housing and the female part 50 in order to approximate a ball joint connection.

[0039] As schematically illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 12 to 14, the male part 40 is arranged, inserted, partially placed within the female part 50. In other words, the male part 40 extends through, traverses, the female part 50. The male part is however, capable of sliding, translating, moving, shifting within, relative to, the female part 50. The resistance to the movement of the male part 40 relative to the female part 50 is calibrated, predefined according to the type of geometry of the window 30 and / or the kinematics of raising / lowering the window and / or the geometry of the body side 8. Optionally, the displacement step of the male part relative to the female part is also defined, adjusted according to the type of geometry of the window 30 and / or the kinematics of raising / lowering the window and / or the geometry of the body side 8.

[0040] Note that the movement, preferably of the translational type, of the male part 40 relative to the female part 50 is advantageously possible only when a locking means 60 is not blocked.Indeed, preferably, the adjustment device 70 also includes a locking means 60 in the position of the male part 40 relative to the female part 50, as will be explained later.

[0041] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 12 to 14, the male part 40 extends transversely, or substantially transversely, in the closed position of the frameless door 2. In this position of the door 2, the locking means 60 then extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the male part 40. Preferably, the frameless door 2 also includes an inner lining, a lining 80. If so, the locking means 60 is arranged, extends, between the housing 10 and the inner lining 80. Advantageously, the locking means 60 extends vertically or substantially vertically. In this case, for example the inner lining 80 includes an opening, a hole 81 from which it is possible to reach the locking means 60. Thus, thanks to the opening 81 (see figures 12, 13 and 15), it is possible to unlock the locking means 60 and / or it is possible to lock the locking means 60.Optionally, the opening 81 has a sufficient area for the locking means 60 to be passed, inserted, and assembled by passing completely through the inner casing 80 via this hole 81. As illustrated in [Fig. 8], the locking means 60 preferably includes an opening 64, or at least one recess, or even two opposite recesses, so as to create a gripping means, a handle 67. This gripping means 67 facilitates its insertion, assembly, and even its locking and / or unlocking relative to the male and female parts, as will be seen later.

[0042] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 6 and 7, the male part 40 is cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, or comprises a cylindrical part 45. The male part 40, or at least its cylindrical part 45, has an axis of revolution A45. In this case, as illustrated in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the female part 50 comprises a bore 51, a circular, or substantially circular, hole passing through the female part. The bore 51 has an axis A51. The female part 50, via its bore 51, receives the male part 40, or at least its cylindrical part 45. Thus, the part The cylindrical part 45 of the male portion 40 passes through the bore 51 of the female portion 50. Preferably, the axis A45 of the male portion is then coaxial, coincident, or substantially coincident, with the axis A51 of the bore of the female portion. Thus, the bore 51 receives the male portion. Given the tilting kinematics of the rail 20, which will be discussed later, preferably, the external diameter of the cylindrical part 45 is smaller than the diameter of the bore 51, so that the teeth 521 limit the translation and not a buttressing of the cylindrical part 45 within the bore 51.

[0043] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 6], preferably the male part, more specifically its cylindrical portion 45, comprises an external surface 41 that is ringed and / or includes notches, grooves, and radial grooves. In any case, the external surface 41 includes recesses and notches 42. As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the bore 51 of the female part 50 includes at least one notch, hook, or retaining means 52. Preferably, as illustrated, two notches 52 arranged opposite each other with respect to the axis A51 of the bore 51 are provided. Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 11], the notches 52 extend parallel to the axis A51. The female part 50 includes a hole, a large orifice, a cavity 56 formed radially with respect to the axis A51. Preferably, the notches 52 extend at least partially within this cavity 56. Each notch 52 includes at least one tooth 521 oriented towards the axis A51.As will be seen later, the notches 52, more precisely the teeth 521 of the notches 52, allow to lock into a hollow 42 extending between two circular projections of the ringed external surface 41 of the cylindrical part 45 of the male part 40.

[0044] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 9], the female part 50 comprises an orifice 55 formed in the extension of the cavity 56, extending radially or substantially radially with respect to the axis A51. Thus, the large hole 56 opens into the opening 55. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 8, the locking means 60 comprises an open jaw 65 provided with at least one ringed portion 61. Preferably, two ringed portions 61 extending opposite each other provide the function of a claw, a jaw adapted to clip onto the external surface 41 of the male part. Indeed, the ringed portions 61 preferably have dimensions and shapes complementary to those of the external surface 41 so that the two ringed portions can wedge themselves on, around, in the cylindrical part 45. Preferably, the two ringed portions 61 can act as a clamp around the cylindrical part 45.Thus, the means 60, pressed against the cylindrical part, locks, pinches, grips, and preferably holds onto the cylindrical part. To this end, preferably each ringed portion 61 closes slightly at its distal end 66. Preferably, a clearance 63 is provided to allow the passage of the means 60 through the openings 55, 56 without being intercepted by the notches 52. Indeed, the two... Reliefs 63 are provided so that the notches 52 do not obstruct the progression of the means 60 in the openings 55, 56. More precisely, two reliefs 63 are provided so that the locking means can be positioned in any orientation. Thus, advantageously, the locking means is symmetrical with respect to a plane P60 illustrated in [Fig. 8]. Note that the reliefs 63 enhance the elasticity of the two portions 61, which facilitates their insertion onto the cylindrical part 45, which will be seen later.

[0045] Thus, the ribbed portions 61 of the locking means 60 are wedged into the ribbed outer surface 41 of the male part 40 while partially fitting into the opening 56 of the female part 50. More precisely, the handle 67 or tail of the locking means 60 fits into the opening 55 of the female part. Preferably, the tail 67 of the locking means 60 is long enough so that a portion of the tail 67 extends outside the female part 50, in particular so that the hole 64 is accessible regardless of the positioning of the locking means within the female part 50. Thus, whether the means 60 is locked or unlocked relative to the male part 40, the hole 64 in the tail 67 of the locking means 60 remains accessible.In the case of an inner lining 80 with a hole (hole 81 for example), split opposite the locking means (see figures 12, 13 and 15), it is easy to pull, for example, on the locking means 60 to disengage it, unlock it from the male part, and if necessary, push the means 60 to lock it on the male part, in particular via the gripping means which is the tail 67 equipped with the hole 64.

[0046] An embodiment of a method for adjusting the window 30 of the frameless door 2 of the vehicle 1 will now be described.

[0047] Before adjustment, preferably, the locking means 60 of the adjustment device 70 is unlocked, i.e., it does not prevent the translation of the male part 40 in the female part 50. Also preferably, the locking means 60 is already placed within the orifices 55, 56 of the female part 50 and this, without contact of its jaw 65, more precisely of its annular portions 61, with the annular surface 41 of the cylindrical part 45.

[0048] Initially, the pane of glass 30 is placed in a partially closed position within the frameless door 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In other words, the pane of glass 30 is not raised to its maximum position. For example, it is raised to the position it was at before the door was closed, as is usually the case for a frameless door. Note that the door is at least partially open, possibly at its maximum opening.

[0049] Next, a closing step is carried out on the frameless door 2, for example by slamming, as illustrated in [Fig. 12]. This slamming or closing of the door 2 generates contact between the glass 30 and the sealing interface 5 of the opening 4 of the housing 3. Preferably, this contact occurs at the upper part of the glass, for example on the upper edge 33 and / or at the upper part of the front and rear edges 31, 32 as appropriate. As a reminder, the glass 30 is fixed to the rail 20 at a fixing or slider 34 (see [Fig. 2]) at the bottom of the glass 30, while the glass slides relative to the door 2 at the top of the door housing 10 via a passage 35. Thus, when the door 2, illustrated in [Fig. 12], is closed, the pressure at the top of the glass against the slide 5 causes the glass 30 to pivot around an axis extending substantially longitudinally around the glass passage 35. Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the rail 20 pivots around the axis A extending substantially longitudinally at the upper point 11 of the housing 10, illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Thus, as illustrated in the [Fig.13], once door 2 is closed, window 30 is tilted (initial position shown in dotted lines on [Fig. 13]) towards the outside of vehicle E and rail 20 is tilted towards the inside I of vehicle 1 (initial position shown in dotted lines on [Fig. 13]). Thus, the contact of the window 30 against the side of the body 8 via the interface 5 causes the rail 20 to pivot when the door is closed so that the male part 40 fixed to the rail (see [Fig.3], for example via a screw 44) is displaced, translated towards the interior of the vehicle I. Since the female part 50 is fixed to the box 10 of the door 2 and the box 10 remains fixed relative to the rest of the door 2, the cylindrical part 45 of the male part 40 is then displaced within the female part 50, as can be seen in figures 12 and 13.

[0050] Thus, the slamming of the door 2, with the window 30 lowered at least slightly, is used to adjust the window 30 relative to the side of the frame 8 and its interface 5, and ultimately the rail 20 relative to the frame 10 of the door 2. As a reminder, the translation of the male grooved part occurs relative to the notches 52 of the female part, preferably equipped with teeth 521, so that the final position (door closed) is memorized and fixed by the positioning of the cylindrical grooved part cooperating with the teeth 521 of the female part. Thus, skips of the teeth 521 along the grooved surface 41 occur until the force from the contact of the top of the window 30 against the interface 5 is fully transmitted in terms of displacement in the lower part of the door within the adjustment device 70.

[0051] Optionally, the adjustment device is calibrated, dimensioned, so that this adjustment between the position of the male part vis-à-vis the female part is sufficiently difficult so that it locks itself in position automatically.

[0052] Preferably, to lock or secure in position, the locking means 60 is actuated by moving it so that its jaw 65, i.e., its ringed portions 61, cooperate with the ringed surface 41 of the male part. For this, as illustrated in [Fig. 14], it is sufficient, for example, to press or push on the means of locking 60 towards the male part. For example, pliers are used via the tail 67 of the means 60 or a tool adapted to the opening 64 provided in the tail 67. The locking clip-type means 60 includes two elastically deformable, jaw-shaped lugs 65 that are slightly closed so that, in the locked configuration, the locking clip 60 is held rigidly in place around the notched rod 45.

[0053] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 15], preferably the locking means 60 is arranged opposite a hole 81, or a slot, provided for example in the inner trim 80 of the door. Optionally, this access 81 is provided on a face facing the ground or substantially facing the ground so that this cutout is not visible when the vehicle is in use. Optionally, this locking step is carried out with the door closed. Alternatively, this locking step is carried out with the door 2 open, taking advantage of the retention in position of the male part relative to the female part by means of the cooperation of the jaw 65 against the ribbed surface 41 during the opening of the door.

[0054] Next, with the adjustment device locked, a step is taken to raise the window 30 until it is in a completely closed state as illustrated in [Fig.15].

[0055] In summary, the solution relates to a device allowing self-adjustment of a frameless door window, i.e. without an external sliding frame to the door box.

[0056] As mentioned previously, the adjustment device 70 comprises the male part 40, a ringed, notched rod, fixed perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to one lower end of the window regulator rail 20 25. The pitch of the ringed part, i.e., the space between each ring of the rod, is constant and determines the accuracy of the adjustment within the female part 50, a ring fixed to the housing 10 of the door 2. As mentioned, the ringed rod has an axis A45 ([Fig. 7]) and is coaxial, or substantially coaxial, with the bore A51 of the ring 50 shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11. The rod 45 can translate through the ring 50 along the axes A45 and A51, which are coincident or substantially coincident, once the rod 45 is fitted into the bore 51 of the ring 50.As a reminder, the ring 50 includes at least one flexible tooth or protrusion 521 extending from the end of each extension or notch 52 allowing the ringed rod to translate within the ring 50 only under a certain force between each ring of the ringed part 4L. The self-adjusting device 70 also includes the locking clip 60 of the rod 40 in the ring 50.

[0057] As a reminder, the locking clip 60 can have two distinct positions within the ring 50.

[0058] A first position, referred to as the free position, allows the rod 40 to translate within the ring 50, provided that a translational force is applied to overcome the protrusions of the ringed surface 41 by the teeth 521 of the ring 50. In this first position, preferably the tail 67 of the locking means 60 protrudes considerably through the orifice 55 of the ring 50, and in particular, the jaw 65 is not in contact with the surface 41 of the ringed rod 40. Only the contacts between the teeth 521 and the ringed rod 40 impede the translation of the rod within the female part 50. In other words, in the free position, only the two opposing hooks 521 ensure the axial retention of the toothed rod 45. The locking means 521 is therefore deformable so that the toothed rod 45 is able to move axially within the bore 51 of the ring.In this first position, possibly the tail 67 of the clip 60 extends downwards into the orifice 55 so that gravity and the cooperation of tail 67 / orifice 55 with little play preferably, favors a placement of the clip which cannot hinder the translation of the male part in the female part.

[0059] A second, so-called locked, position of the rod 40 in the ring 50 allows for the absorption of greater axial forces. Indeed, in this second position, the jaw 65, more precisely the ringed portions 61 of the jaw 65, are interlocked within the ringed rod 40. Since the portions 61 and the ringed rod 40 have shapes adapted to interlock, to jam with each other, the cooperation of the jaw 65 with the ringed rod prevents any translation of the male part 40 relative to the female part 50. As a reminder, the jaw 65 closes slightly as illustrated in [Fig. 8], so that once the jaw 65 is engaged, gripped onto the ringed rod 40, the adjustment means is locked. In other words, the elastic ends 66 of the jaw 65 extend beyond the axis A65 corresponding to the axis of the jaw.Note that this axis A65 is designed to merge with axes A51 and A45 once the middle 60 is assembled with the male and female parts 40, 50. The clip 60 passes through the female part 50 in a space or cavity 56, 55 of the female part with minimal play to prevent any jamming by butting and / or the risk of improper interlocking of the clip 60 on the grooved shaft of the male part. Note that the second position, called the locking position, is reversible to the first position, called the free position, for example by pulling on the clip 60 via its tail 67, possibly using the opening 64 in the tail to pass a hook, or even a screwdriver bit to act as a lever, for example.

[0060] Initially, the door may not be mounted on the vehicle body. The female ring-type part 50 is clipped and secured, for example, by means of a fastener requiring only a quarter turn, within the opening 13 provided in the housing 10. The male ring-type rod-type part 40 is fixed to the rail 20 of the window regulator 25. The male part 40 is then engaged inside the female part 50 in a This position allows the window 30 to be wedged in an over-curved position, meaning the upper part of the window points excessively inwards towards the vehicle. The locking mechanism 60 is in a free configuration, meaning the clip 60 does not surround the ringed rod 45; the tail 67 then protrudes outwards from the female part 50, preferably. Thus, the jaw 65, equipped with deformable and notched tabs, is not in contact with the ringed rod. The window 30 is not raised to its fully closed position at the bottom of the body seal, but is wedged, open, or slightly open in a position compatible with the opening and closing of door 2, particularly with respect to the interface seals 5. For example, the window is open to fifty percent of its closing travel. Therefore, preferably, the window 30 is pre-positioned in a relatively high position.

[0061] Next, the frameless door 2 is mounted on the housing 3, and the housing is fitted with its door seals, or alternatively, with an element that can simulate them. As mentioned, at the first slam of the door during closing ([Fig. 12]), the curved glass pane encounters the door seal. The glass pane, free to rotate about a longitudinal axis, is able to pivot when the door 2 slams due to its support against the glass guide 5 carried by the housing 3 and by the free configuration of the adjustment device 70. Thus, under the reaction force of the seals to the slamming of the door, the glass pane 30 rotates, pivots, particularly within the door at the fixed point 35 corresponding to the glass well seal. This pivoting is transmitted, via a fixing slider 34, from the glass pane 30 to the rail 20, and consequently to the rod of the male part 40 fixed to the base of the rail 20.The teeth or notches 521 of the female part or ring 50, in contact with the ringed surface 41 of the male part 40, adjust the positioning, step by step, of the rod 45 relative to the bore 51 of the ring 50. In other words, the pivoting of the window 30 simultaneously causes a displacement of the ringed rod 45 inside the ring 50. The hooks 52 of the ring 50 temporarily hold the ringed rod 45 in the adjusted position so that the opening of the door 2 is made possible without causing a misalignment of the position of the rail 20 of the window regulator 25 relative to the housing 10.

[0062] When door 2 is fully closed, the window 30 is fully and perfectly supported by the door seal 5 on the body, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. The rod 45 has therefore completed its movement in the ring 50. The window adjustment phase on the vehicle is complete. The clip 60 has moved into its second position, namely the locking position, in order to secure the optimal adjustment.

[0063] According to a variant of the window adjustment method 30 described above, the window is not adjusted by slamming, i.e., by closing the door 2, but by moving the window, for example linearly, from its open position to its closed position when the door is closed. In this case, the window The window is initially positioned in the fully open or almost fully open position and the door is closed. The window regulator is then activated, and the window is moved by the regulator to its upper closed position. During this movement, the window is brought against the guide rail 5, which causes the window to self-adjust due to the free configuration of the adjustment mechanism, allowing the rail 20 to pivot around a longitudinal axis. Once the self-adjustment is complete, the adjustment mechanism 70 is manually moved to a locking position by moving the notched clip 60 from the free position to the locked position. Advantageously, the clip 60 moves perpendicularly, or nearly perpendicularly, to the grooved rod 45.Optionally, in this variant of the execution method, the adjustment device 70 is locked before the door 2 is closed so that the slamming of the door does not cause the male part to move within the female part due to the inertia of the mass of the window regulator and / or the window. In this case, once the door is closed, the adjustment device 70 is unlocked. The adjustment of the device 70 can then be carried out by raising the window, and then the adjustment device 70 is permanently locked to fix the setting.

[0064] According to a variant of the described adjustment device, the male and / or female part includes a force-retaining, rather than notch-retaining, means. In this case, the male part is press-fitted through the female part such that the force required to move the male part within the female part is substantially equal to the force exerted by the glass on the guide rail, thus allowing self-adjustment of the glass by movement of the window regulator rail in the transverse direction. For example, the contact surfaces of the male and / or female parts are coated, for example, by being overmolded with a material with a high coefficient of friction, for example, covered with a material having properties similar to rubber, and / or include a coating with a low coefficient of friction, for example, coated with chrome or Teflon.

[0065] Optionally, the pivoting point or axis A of the rail 20 relative to the housing 10, at the upper point 11, includes a pivot joint with a longitudinal or substantially longitudinal axis (door 2 closed), or a ball joint to facilitate the pivoting of the rail and prevent any resistance to this pivoting required for adjustment. Alternatively, or in addition, the fixing between the rail 20 and the male part 40 is of the type of pivot joint with a longitudinal or substantially longitudinal axis (door 2 closed), or ball joint.

[0066] Thanks to this adjustment device, during after-sales door repair, the locking means 60 can be easily repositioned to its initial, free position. Furthermore, the rod 45 can be moved to its initial position of assembly, for example by pushing it outwards from the vehicle, in order to be able to repeat the same adjustment steps as those used during the production of the vehicle.

[0067] The solution saves time, particularly by eliminating a pre-adjustment phase for the window. The window adjustment is performed in a single step. Crucially, the adjustment takes place while the door is already mounted on the frame, allowing for simultaneous consideration of any defects in both the door and the frame. This contributes to improved window adjustment accuracy and overall quality. Operating time is also reduced because only one adjustment point is used, and this point adjusts automatically via the closing of the door or the raising of the window. Only the locking step requires operator intervention. Finally, the solution eliminates the need for heavy, door-specific tools, thus reducing the diversity of these tools and minimizing the space required for this adjustment step.As mentioned previously, the adjustment mechanism is reversible and can be unlocked, allowing for aftermarket window adjustments, for example, following a broken window, a replacement of the door's outer skin, a replacement of the body seal or window well seal, or any other door-related issue. Thus, during the vehicle's lifespan, a new adjustment, as precise as the one initially made during production, can be easily performed. All of this results in a reduction of overall production and aftermarket costs.

[0068] As mentioned, preferably, the door 2 includes the interior trim 80 which covers the door frame 10. The adjustment device 70 is designed to be locked / unlocked, preferably through the trim, to facilitate locking / unlocking without disassembly. For example, the trim 80 includes the notch 81 or a recess through which the gripping end 67 of the clip 60 is positioned protruding in both the free and locked positions of the adjustment device. The door trim 80 then does not need to be disassembled to perform a new window adjustment, particularly in after-sales service. Optionally, the end 67 of the means 60 only passes through the trim 80 in the free position. The end 67 then extends between the female part and the trim in the locked position so as not to protrude from the trim in normal use of the vehicle and to contribute to a neat aesthetic.Optionally, the notch 81 is elastic and is closed or substantially closed in the locked position of the means 60 so as to be discreet. The end 67 of the means 60 protrudes from the notch only in the free position.

[0069] Thanks to this solution, adjusting the glass in a frameless door is simplified without altering the aesthetics of such a door. Lateral adjustment of the glass is ensured by In a precise and optimal manner, the glass is perfectly flush against the seals on the body side once the door is closed. The solution requires minimal handling and is particularly quick to implement, as the door is already mounted on the body before adjustment. Because the door is mounted before adjustment, any potential defects in the door, the body, the door hinges, the seals, or other components are taken into account during the adjustment process, thus preventing many glass alignment errors. Production line costs are reduced, primarily due to the elimination of necessary rework.

[0070] In view of this, the solution achieves the desired objective of enabling simplified, quick, and precise lateral adjustment of the window and can therefore be adapted to all types and ranges of vehicles equipped with frameless doors, as well as to other vehicles such as trucks, buses, and coaches. Furthermore, the solution can be adapted for the precise adjustment of a window in a hinged element outside the automotive sector.

Claims

Demands

1. A frameless door (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a housing (10), - a window regulator rail (20), the rail (20) being fixed to the housing (10) at at least one high point (11) of the housing (10), - a window (30) intended to be driven by such a window regulator (25) upwards or downwards between a closed position of the window (30) and an open position of the window (30), - a pivoting adjustment device (70) for the rail (20) about a pivot axis (A) passing through at least one high point (11) of the housing (10) and extending longitudinally when the frameless door (2) is closed, the adjustment device (70) extending between the rail (20) and the housing (10) at at least one low point (12) of the casing (10), the adjustment device (70) comprising a male part (40) and a female part (50),the male part (40) extending from the rail (20) and the female part (50) being fixed to at least one low point (12) of the casing (10), the male part (40) being arranged within the female part (50) while being able to slide within the female part (50) with a predefined resistance.

2. Frameless door (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the male part (40) is substantially cylindrical and in that the female part (50) includes a bore (51) for receiving the male part (40).

3. Frameless door (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment device (70) includes a locking means (60) in position of the male part (40) relative to the female part (50).

4. Frameless door (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the male part (40) extends substantially transversely in the closed position of the frameless door (2) and in that the locking means (60) extends substantially perpendicularly to the male part (40).

5. A frameless door (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the door (2) comprises an interior lining (80) and in that the locking means (60) is arranged between the casing (10) and the inner casing (80).

6. Frameless door (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the male part (40) comprises an outer ringed surface (41) and in that the female part (50) comprises at least one notch (52), in particular two notches (52) arranged opposite each other, the at least one notch (52) being able to lock into a recess (42) of the outer ringed surface (41) of the male part (40).

7. Frameless door (2) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the locking means (60) comprises an open jaw (65) provided with at least one ringed portion (61) such that the at least one ringed portion (61) of the locking means (60) wedges into the external ringed surface (41) of the male part (40) to block the male part (40) relative to the female part (50).

8. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the vehicle comprises a frameless door (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a body (3) including an opening (4) closed by the frameless door (2) in the closed position, the opening (4) including an interface (5) intended to ensure sealing between the closed window (30) and the opening (4) in the closed position of the door (2).

10. A method for adjusting a window (30) of a frameless door (2) of a vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of placing the window (30) in a partially closed state in the frameless door (2), the door being in the open position, - a step of closing the frameless door (2), in particular by slamming the frameless door (2), so that the window (30) comes into contact with the interface (5) of the body (3) and causes the rail (20) to pivot about the pivot axis (A), the pivoting of the rail (20) causing a translation of the male part (40) within the female part (50), optionally followed by locking the male part (40) relative to the female part (50), in particular by means of a locking means (60), - a step of raising the window (30) until the window (30) is completely closed.

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