Window glass device for vehicle

Abstract

To sufficiently suppress infiltration of rainwater or the like into a connection part between a power supply terminal and a power receiving terminal.SOLUTION: The terminal strip having the power supply terminals is provided on the carrier plate, the seal receiver is provided on the inner surface side of the window glass, the seal receiver has the opening through which the power receiving terminals are exposed, the seal member surrounding the opening is formed in a flat shape, the seal member is provided on the terminal strip so as to be in pressure contact with the peripheral edge of the opening on the seal receiver, and the seal member is disposed so as to surround the connection portion between the power supply terminals and the power receiving terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a window glass device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A prior art window regulator having a function of supplying power to a portion of a window glass for a vehicle is known from Patent Document 1. The configuration of the prior art window regulator will be briefly described as follows.

[0003] The window regulator includes a guide rail extending in the vertical direction. A carrier plate is provided on the guide rail so as to be movable up and down, and the carrier plate has a mounting portion at its upper portion to which a vehicle window glass can be attached. A portion of a wire harness serving as a power supply portion for supplying power is supported on the carrier plate via a bracket. A power supply terminal is provided at the tip of the wire harness, and the power supply terminal can be connected to a power receiving terminal electrically connected to a conductive element that is part of the window glass. The conductive element is, for example, a component that generates heat to defog and defrost the window glass. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,131,8818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, rainwater that runs down the window glass of a vehicle or water generated by condensation of water vapor (hereinafter collectively referred to as "rainwater, etc.") can seep into the interior of the door, but prior art window regulators do not take sufficient measures to prevent the intrusion of rainwater, etc. Therefore, there is a concern that rainwater, etc. may seep into the connection between the power supply terminal and the power receiving terminal, causing electrical malfunctions such as short circuits.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a window glass device for a vehicle that can sufficiently prevent rainwater and the like from entering the connection portion between the power supply terminal and the power receiving terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle window glass device according to one aspect of the present invention is Glass and a carrier plate having a mounting portion to which the glass can be mounted and configured to be able to be raised and lowered; a power receiving terminal provided on the vehicle inner surface of the glass and electrically connected to a part of the glass; a terminal block provided on the carrier plate, the terminal block having a power supply terminal electrically connected to a power supply unit that supplies power and connectable to the power receiving terminal; a seal receiving member provided on the vehicle inner surface of the glass, the seal receiving member having an opening for exposing the power receiving terminal and a flat surface surrounding the opening; The terminal block is provided with a seal member that is arranged to surround the connection portion between the power supply terminal and the power receiving terminal and that is pressed against the peripheral edge of the opening on the surface of the seal receiving member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the vehicle window glass device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently prevent rainwater and the like from entering the connection portion between the power supply terminal and the power receiving terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a view of a vehicle window glass device according to this embodiment as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the vehicle window glass device according to this embodiment as seen from outside the vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state shown in FIG. 1 with the vehicle window glass omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state shown in FIG. 2 with the vehicle window glass omitted. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state immediately before the pair of glass holders are positioned at positions where they can be attached to the pair of attachment portions of the carrier plate, as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state immediately before the pair of glass holders are positioned at positions where they can be attached to the pair of attachment portions of the carrier plate, as seen from outside the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, "FD" indicates the front side of the vehicle, "RD" indicates the rear side of the vehicle, "UD" indicates the upper side or upward direction, "DD" indicates the lower side or downward direction, "ID" indicates the inside side of the vehicle, and "ED" indicates the outside side of the vehicle.

[0011] A vehicle window glass device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. Fig. 1 is a view of the vehicle window glass device 10 according to this embodiment as seen from inside the vehicle. Fig. 2 is a view of the vehicle window glass device 10 according to this embodiment as seen from outside the vehicle. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view showing the state shown in Fig. 1 with the vehicle window glass 12 omitted. Fig. 5 is a view showing the state shown in Fig. 2 with the vehicle window glass 12 omitted. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion VI in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion VII in Fig. 5. Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing a pair of glass holders 30 just before they are positioned so that they can be attached to a pair of mounting portions 32 of a carrier plate 26. Fig. 8 is a view as seen from inside the vehicle, and Fig. 8 is a view as seen from outside the vehicle.

[0012] 1 to 3, a vehicle window glass device 10 includes a vehicle window glass 12 as glass, and an attachment structure for attaching the window glass 12 to a vehicle door (not shown). First, the configuration of the window glass 12 of the vehicle window glass device 10 will be described.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the window glass 12 includes a pair of glass plates 14 made of inorganic glass, organic glass, or the like, and a light control panel (light control film) 16 provided between the pair of glass plates 14 (see Figure 8). In other words, the window glass 12 is a laminated glass including the light control panel 16 sandwiched between the pair of glass plates 14 by an interlayer film. The light control panel 16 is an operating member that operates in response to supplied power, and the light transmittance of the light control panel 16 changes in response to the voltage value of the power. The window glass 12 may be curved so that the outside of the vehicle is convex.

[0014] Instead of including the light control panel 16 as an operating member, the window glass 12 may include another operating member such as a heating wire, a conductive film, an antenna, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display.

[0015] 1 and 2, the mounting structure of the vehicle window glass device 10 includes a window regulator 18 that raises and lowers the vehicle window glass 12. The window regulator 18 is disposed between an inner panel (not shown) and an outer panel (not shown) of the vehicle door.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the window regulator 18 includes a guide rail 20 extending in the vertical direction, which is attached to an inner panel via a plurality of brackets 22. The guide rail 20 is made of a hard material such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. The guide rail 20 has upright wall portions 24 rising from both sides in the width direction of the guide rail 20, and one of the pair of upright wall portions 24 is formed with an L-shaped cross section. Note that as long as the guide rail 20 extends in the vertical direction, it may be inclined toward the front or rear of the vehicle. If the window glass 12 is curved so that the outer side of the vehicle is convex, the guide rail 20 may also be curved along the window glass 12.

[0017] 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the window regulator 18 includes a carrier plate 26 that is mounted on the guide rail 20 so as to be able to rise and fall. In other words, the window regulator 18 includes a carrier plate 26 that is configured to be able to rise and fall via the guide rail 20. The carrier plate 26 is made of, for example, resin, aluminum alloy, or the like. The carrier plate 26 includes a clamping portion 28 that clamps one of the standing wall portions 24 so as to be able to slide along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 20.

[0018] The carrier plate 26 has, at its upper part, a pair of mounting portions 32 for respectively mounting a pair of glass holders 30 that hold the lower ends of the window glasses 12. In other words, the carrier plate 26 has, at its upper part, a pair of mounting portions 32 to which the window glasses 12 can be mounted via the glass holders 30. The pair of mounting portions 32 are spaced apart in the width direction of the carrier plate 26 (the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle). Each mounting portion 32 of the carrier plate 26 is formed with an insertion hole 34 through which a mounting screw (not shown) for mounting the glass holder 30 is inserted.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the window glass 12 attached to a pair of mounting portions 32 of the carrier plate 26 via a pair of glass holders 30, the carrier plate 26 can be raised and lowered along the guide rails 20, thereby raising and lowering the window glass 12.

[0020] 1, 2, 4, and 5, the window regulator 18 includes an ascending cable 36 as a first cable that pulls the carrier plate 26 in an ascending direction. One end of the ascending cable 36 is connected to a predetermined portion of the carrier plate 26. The window regulator 18 also includes a descending cable 38 as a second cable that pulls the carrier plate 26 in a descending direction. One end of the descending cable 38 is connected to another predetermined portion of the carrier plate 26.

[0021] The window regulator 18 includes a first direction changing member 40 that changes the direction of movement of the ascending cable 36, and the first direction changing member 40 is provided at the upper end of the guide rail 20. The first direction changing member 40 is made of, for example, resin, aluminum alloy, or the like. A first guide groove (not shown) is formed in the first direction changing member 40 for slidably routing the ascending cable 36. Note that the window regulator 18 may use a pulley as the first direction changing member 40.

[0022] The window regulator 18 includes a second direction changing member 42 that changes the direction of movement of the descending cable 38, and the second direction changing member 42 is provided at the lower end of the guide rail 20. The second direction changing member 42 is made of, for example, resin, aluminum alloy, or the like. A second guide groove (not shown) is formed in the second direction changing member 42 for slidably routing the descending cable 38. Note that the window regulator 18 may use a pulley as the second direction changing member 42.

[0023] 1, 2, 4, and 5, the window regulator 18 includes a drive unit 44 that drives the carrier plate 26 to move up and down, and the drive unit 44 is provided at a position on the inner panel away from the guide rail 20. The drive unit 44 includes a housing 46 that is provided at a position on the inner panel away from the guide rail 20, and the housing 46 is made of, for example, resin, aluminum alloy, or the like.

[0024] The drive unit 44 includes a drum 48 that winds and unwinds two cables (the ascending cable 36 and the descending cable 38), and the drum 48 is rotatably mounted within the housing 46. The other end of the ascending cable 36 is connected to a predetermined location on the side surface of the drum 48 facing the vehicle interior. The other end of the descending cable 38 is connected to a predetermined location on the side surface of the drum 48 facing the vehicle exterior. The drive unit 44 also includes an electric motor 50 that rotates the drum 48 in forward and reverse directions, and the electric motor 50 is mounted at an appropriate position within the housing 46. An output shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 50 is operatively connected to a rotating shaft (not shown) of the drum 48 via a reduction mechanism (not shown).

[0025] The window regulator 18 includes a first outer casing 52 that houses a portion of the ascending cable 36, and the first outer casing 52 is provided between the first direction changing member 40 and the housing 46. The first outer casing 52 protects a portion of the ascending cable 36. The window regulator 18 also includes a second outer casing 54 that houses a portion of the descending cable 38, and the second outer casing 54 is provided between the second direction changing member 42 and the housing 46. The second outer casing 54 protects a portion of the descending cable 38.

[0026] 1 and 2, when the electric motor 50 is driven to rotate the drum 48 in the forward direction, the descending cable 38 is unwound from the drum 48 while the ascending cable 36 is wound onto the drum 48. This causes the carrier plate 26 to rise along the guide rail 20, thereby lifting the window glass 12. On the other hand, when the electric motor 50 is driven to rotate the drum 48 in the reverse direction, the ascending cable 36 is unwound from the drum 48 while the descending cable 38 is wound onto the drum 48. This causes the carrier plate 26 to descend along the guide rail 20, thereby lowering the window glass 12.

[0027] In addition, instead of the drive unit 44 raising and lowering the carrier plate 26 by driving the electric motor 50, the carrier plate 26 may be raised and lowered by manually operating an operating member (not shown) such as a handle that is interlocked with the rotating shaft of the drum 48.

[0028] Next, a configuration for supplying power to the light control panel 16 (see FIG. 8), which is part of the window glass 12, will be described.

[0029] 3 and 8, a flexible substrate 56 serving as a circuit board for driving the light control panel 16 is provided on the vehicle inner surface of the window glass 12. A pair of power receiving terminals 58 is mounted on the flexible substrate 56, and the pair of power receiving terminals 58 is electrically connected to the light control panel 16. In other words, the pair of power receiving terminals 58 is arranged on the vehicle inner surface of the window glass 12 via the flexible substrate 56.

[0030] 5, 7, and 9, a terminal block 60 is provided between the pair of mounting portions 32 on the upper part of the carrier plate 26. The terminal block 60 has a terminal block main body 62 provided between the pair of mounting portions 32 on the upper part of the carrier plate 26. The terminal block main body 62 is made of, for example, resin, aluminum alloy, or the like.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 , the terminal block 60 has a pair of power supply terminals 64 provided on the surface (the vehicle interior surface) of a terminal block main body 62. Each power supply terminal 64 is made of a highly conductive metal such as a copper alloy and is bent into an inverted U shape. The pair of power supply terminals 64 are electrically connected to wiring 68 of a power supply cable 66 serving as a power supply section that supplies electric power. Each power supply terminal 64 is capable of contacting a corresponding power receiving terminal 58. When the pair of glass holders 30 are positioned so as to be attachable to the pair of mounting sections 32 of the carrier plate 26, each power supply terminal 64 is connected to the corresponding power receiving terminal 58.

[0032] 5 and 7, a power supply cable 66 serving as a power supply unit is housed in the carrier plate 26, and a connector 70 is connected to the base end of the power supply cable 66. The connector 70 is attached to the guide rail 20 via a bracket 72, and can be connected to a power source (not shown) such as a battery via a power cable (not shown).

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, a rectangular plate-shaped seal receiving member 74 is attached to the vehicle interior surface of the window glass 12 by adhesive or the like. The seal receiving member 74 may be circular or elliptical in shape. The seal receiving member 74 is made of, for example, resin, aluminum alloy, or the like. The seal receiving member 74 has a rectangular opening 76 through which the pair of power receiving terminals 58 are exposed. The opening 76 may be circular or elliptical in shape. The surface (vehicle interior surface) of the seal receiving member 74 surrounding the opening 76 is formed flat. If the window glass 12 is curved so that the vehicle exterior side of the window glass 12 is convex, the back surface (vehicle exterior surface) of the seal receiving member 74 may be formed in a curved shape so as to fit closely to the vehicle interior surface of the window glass 12.

[0034] 3, 5, 7, and 9, the terminal block main body 62 is provided with a seal member 78 that is pressed against the periphery of the opening 76 on the surface of the seal receiving member 74. The seal member 78 is disposed so as to surround the connection portion between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58. The seal member 78 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0035] The seal member 78 has a circumferential (annular) rib portion 80 that surrounds the connection portion between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58, and the rib portion 80 is pressed against the peripheral edge of the opening 76 on the surface of the seal receiving member 74. The seal member 78 is made of an elastic material, so the rib portion 80 is configured to be elastically deformable. The inner peripheral edge 80e of the rib portion 80 of the seal member 78 is a free edge. "A free edge" means that the edge is not fixed to any member. The seal member 78 also has a notch 82 (see FIG. 3) formed in the lower part thereof, through which the wiring 68 of the power supply cable 66 is inserted.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, an inverted U-shaped retaining member 84 is provided on the vehicle interior surface of the window glass 12, and the retaining member 84 uses elastic force to retain the upper part of the terminal block main body 62 (terminal block 60) from the inside in the vehicle width direction via the seal member 78. The retaining member 84 is arranged to surround the seal receiving member 74 except for the lower end part of the seal receiving member 74. The retaining member 84 is made of an elastic material such as resin or rubber. The retaining member 84 also has a water blocking portion 86 on its upper part that prevents rainwater and the like from entering the connection portion between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58, and the water blocking portion 86 is formed in a roof shape.

[0037] According to the configuration of the vehicle window glass device 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the seal receiving member 74 having the rectangular opening 76 that exposes the pair of power receiving terminals 58 is provided on the vehicle interior surface of the window glass 12. The surface of the seal receiving member 74 that surrounds the opening 76 is formed flat. The terminal block main body 62 is provided with a seal member 78 that is in pressure contact with the peripheral edge of the opening 76 on the surface of the seal receiving member 74. The seal member 78 is arranged to surround the connection portion between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58. Therefore, the seal member 78 and the seal receiving member 74 cooperate to seal the periphery of the connection portion between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58.

[0038] Therefore, according to the vehicle window glass device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to sufficiently prevent rainwater and the like from entering the connection portions between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the vehicle window glass device 10 according to this embodiment, as described above, the seal member 78 has a circumferential rib portion 80 that surrounds the connection portion between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58. The rib portion 80 of the seal member 78 is configured to be elastically deformable. This further improves the sealing performance of the seal member 78. In particular, when the inner peripheral edge 80e of the rib portion 80 of the seal member 78 is a free edge, the sealing performance of the seal member 78 can be further improved.

[0040] Therefore, according to the vehicle window glass device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to more sufficiently prevent rainwater and the like from entering the connection portions between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the vehicle window glass device 10 according to this embodiment, as described above, the notch 82 through which the wiring 68 of the power supply cable 66 is inserted is formed in the lower part of the sealing member 78. Therefore, the routing position of the wiring 68 of the power supply cable 66 can be regulated.

[0042] Therefore, according to the vehicle window glass device 10 according to this embodiment, the efficiency of the wiring work for the wiring 68 of the power supply cable 66 can be improved.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the vehicle window glass device 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the holding member 84 that holds the upper part of the terminal block main body 62 by elastic force from the inside in the vehicle width direction is provided on the vehicle interior surface of the window glass 12. Therefore, even if there is variation in the mounting position of the carrier plate 26 relative to the window glass 12 in the vehicle width direction, the seal member 78 (rib portion 80) is reliably pressed against the peripheral edge of the opening 76 on the surface of the seal receiving member 74.

[0044] Therefore, the vehicle window glass device 10 according to this embodiment can sufficiently and reliably prevent rainwater and the like from entering the connection portions between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58. In particular, when the holding member 84 has the water blocking portion 86, it is possible to more sufficiently prevent rainwater and the like from entering the connection portions between the pair of power supply terminals 64 and the pair of power receiving terminals 58.

[0045] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as shown in Japanese Patent No. 5333662, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as raising and lowering the carrier plate 26 without using the guide rails 20. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a vehicle window glass device that can sufficiently prevent rainwater and the like from entering a connection portion between a power supply terminal and a power receiving terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10. Vehicle window glass device 12 Window Glass (Glass) 14 Glass Plate 16 Dimming panel (dimming film) 18 Window regulator 20 Guide rail 22 Bracket 24 Vertical wall 26 Carrier Plate 28 Clamping part 30 Glass holder 32 Mounting part 34 Insertion hole 36 Ascending cable 38 Downward Cable 40 First direction change member 42 Second direction change member 44 Drive unit 46 Housing 48 Drums 50 Electric motor 52 First outer casing 54 Second outer casing 56 Flexible PCB 58 Power receiving terminal 60 terminal block 62 Terminal block body 64 Power supply terminal 66 Power Cable 68 Wiring 70 Connector 72 Bracket 74 Seal receiving member 76 Opening 78 Sealing material 80 Rib section 80e inner rim 82 Notch 84 Retaining member 86 Water protection section

Claims

1. Glass and a carrier plate having a mounting portion to which the glass can be mounted and configured to be able to be raised and lowered; a power receiving terminal provided on the vehicle inner surface of the glass and electrically connected to a part of the glass; a terminal block provided on the carrier plate, the terminal block having a power supply terminal electrically connected to a power supply unit that supplies power and connectable to the power receiving terminal; a seal receiving member provided on the vehicle inner surface of the glass, the seal receiving member having an opening for exposing the power receiving terminal, and a surface surrounding the opening formed in a flat shape; a seal member that is provided on the terminal block, that is arranged to surround a connection portion between the power supply terminal and the power receiving terminal, and that is in pressure contact with a peripheral edge portion of the opening on a surface of the seal receiving member, Vehicle window glass device.

2. The sealing member is configured to be elastically deformable and has a circumferential rib portion surrounding the connection portion. The vehicle window glass device according to claim 1 .

3. The inner peripheral edge of the rib portion is a free edge. The vehicle window glass device according to claim 2.

4. A notch portion through which the wiring of the power supply cable serving as the power supply portion is inserted is formed in the lower portion of the sealing member. The vehicle window glass device according to claim 1 .

5. a holding member provided on an inner surface of the glass and configured to hold the terminal block from the inside in the vehicle width direction by elastic force; The vehicle window glass device according to claim 1 .

6. The holding member has a water blocking portion that prevents rainwater and water generated by condensation of water vapor from entering the connecting portion. The vehicle window glass device according to claim 5.

Images