A position adjustment system for fixed glasses of vehicle doors

Abstract

The invention relates to a position adjustment system for fixed glasses of vehicle doors. The invention particularly relates to a position adjustment system, for fixed glasses of rear or front doors of vehicles, which allows control of various gap and clearance with adjacent sealings, improves aesthetic appearance and flushness with adjacent window and reduces wind noise.

Description

[0001] A POSITION ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM FOR FIXED GLASSES OF VEHICLE DOORS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a position adjustment system for fixed glasses of vehicle doors.

[0004] The invention particularly relates to a position adjustment system, for fixed glasses of rear doors of vehicles, which allows control of various gap and clearance with adjacent sealings, improves aesthetic appearance and flushness with adjacent window and reduces wind noise.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Fixed glass of rear doors refers to non-moving, stationary glass panels that are commonly found on the rear doors of vehicles. Unlike windows that can be rolled down or slid open, the fixed glass panels are immobile and cannot be opened. These glass panels serve several purposes in a vehicle. The fixed glass panels contribute to the overall visibility of the vehicle, allowing occupants to see the surrounding environment. The design of the fixed glass panels is often chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The fixed glass in the rear doors can also contribute to the structural integrity of the vehicle, adding support to the overall frame. The fixed glass is also known as quarter-window glass which is small-sized, triangular-shaped windows located near the rear side windows of the vehicle.

[0007] I n the state or art, there are mechanisms that adjust the position of the fixed window both vertically and in direction of driving. This adjustment provides the glass assembly a smooth operation of the window and a flush glass appearance on the exterior.

[0008] Drainage of rainwater on the glasses of vehicle doors is also an important aspect for significant reasons. Effective drainage helps prevent water from seeping into the interior components of the door, such as the electrical systems, speakers, and other mechanisms. This reduces the risk of damage and corrosion overtime. Proper drainage can contribute to the longevity of the vehicle's components. If water is allowed to accumulate and remain on the glass or other parts of the door, it may contribute to rusting and other forms of deterioration. There are designs of the vehicles with effective drainage systems to address these concerns. This often involves incorporating specific features such as channels, seals, and angles to ensure that rainwater is directed away from the glass and other vulnerable areas. However, there is no fixed glass mechanism that collects rainwater and drain it.

[0009] As a result of the search related to the subject, WO2011014684A1 has been found. In the related application, an adjustable quarter glass assembly for a vehicle is described. The adjustable glass assembly includes a fixed window; a moveable window; a bar member secured to a door of the vehicle such that the bar member extends below and above a predetermined distance from a top surface of the door, wherein the bar member includes a U-shaped groove; a first rail member secured to the moveable window and that extends a predetermined length beyond; a second rail member secured to the fixed window and that extends a predetermined length beyond.

[0010] Previous rule of art teaches adjustment on two-axis, however, is silent about adjustment on three-axis. There is also no explanation on draining rainwater in the document.

[0011] In conclusion, it has been required to make an improvement in the related technical field due to the above-mentioned drawbacks and the inadequacy of the present solutions about the subject.

[0012] Object of the Invention

[0013] The invention is inspired by the present conditions and aims to solve the above- mentioned disadvantages.

[0014] The main object of the invention is to adjust the fixed glass in X, Y and Z directions in order not to lose sealing contact and reduce wind noise in frameless door designs when the vehicle travels in high speeds.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide better control of various gap and clearance with adjacent sealings.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide aesthetic appearance, high quality, better matching components, and flushness with adjacent window.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to collect rainwater on the glass and drain it in order to prevent corrosion and provide long term use. In order to achieve the objects described above, the invention is a position adjustment system, which is located under a fixed glass which is a stationary glass panel that is found on a rear door of a vehicle and next to a division bar which is used to guide a sliding window along a predetermined path and seal, wherein the fixed glass is positioned inside peripheral of a fixed window of the rear door, comprising:

[0018] • a bracket attached to chassis of the rear door and functions as a body,

[0019] • a plate located on the bracket,

[0020] • a channel, which is oblique, formed at bottom of the plate,

[0021] • a sliding part located in the channel in a way that the sliding part moves linearly through the channel in the direction of an X axis, which is in direction of front and rear of the vehicle, wherein the channel makes the plate move in the direction of a Y axis when the sliding part moves in the direction of the X axis so that position of the fixed glass is adjusted by moving the fixed glass in the direction of the Y axis so that the sealing contact of the fixed glass with the fixed window, a continuous flush surface appearance between the fixed glass and the fixed window provided, wind noise is reduced during driving, wherein the Y axis is perpendicular and horizontal to the X axis,

[0022] • a threaded insert on one side of the sliding part,

[0023] • a threaded rod is placed in the threaded insert, wherein when the threaded rod is rotated, the sliding part moves in the channel in the direction of the X axis,

[0024] • a liftplate is fixed on the plate, wherein the fixed glass is mounted on the liftplate, and the fixed glass also moves when the liftplate moves in any direction.

[0025] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all of its advantages will be understood more clearly by means of the figures given below and the detailed description written with reference to these figures, and therefore, the evaluation needs to be carried out by taking these figures and detailed description into consideration.

[0026] Drawings For Better Understanding of The Invention

[0027] Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a front door and a rear door.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a division bar and a fixed glass at a rear door of a vehicle. Figure 3 shows location where the position adjustment system is used.

[0029] Figure 4 shows location where the position adjustment system is used.

[0030] Figure 5 shows the position adjustment system.

[0031] Figure 6 shows the position adjustment system.

[0032] Figure 7 shows details of plate of the position adjustment system.

[0033] Figure 8 shows location where collector is mounted.

[0034] Figure 9 shows the detail of the collector.

[0035] Figure 10 shows details of the collector.

[0036] Figure 11 shows bottom part of the division bar.

[0037] Description of the References

[0038] 10 Fixed glass

[0039] 20 Division bar

[0040] 21 Slot

[0041] 22 Cut

[0042] 23 Fixation bracket

[0043] 24 Shaft

[0044] 30 Bracket

[0045] 31 First screw

[0046] 32 Second screw

[0047] 33 Plate

[0048] 33a Channel

[0049] 33b Hole

[0050] 34 Sliding part

[0051] 34a Threaded insert

[0052] 35 Threaded rod

[0053] 40 Liftplate

[0054] 40a Recess

[0055] 41 Gearwheel

[0056] 42 Third screw

[0057] 50 Collector

[0058] 51 Funnel body

[0059] 52 Lip

[0060] 53 Protuberance

[0061] 54 Clip 60 Pipe

[0062] 100 Vehicle

[0063] 101 Front door

[0064] 102 Rear door

[0065] 103 Sliding window

[0066] 104 Fixed window

[0067] A Position adjustment system

[0068] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0069] In this detailed description, preferred embodiments of position adjustment system (A) of the invention are described only for a better understanding of the subject.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a vehicle (100) with a front door (101 ) and a rear door (102). A sliding window (103) is moves vertically in the front door (101 ) and the rear door (102) and there is a fixed window (104) next to the sliding window (103). The front door (101) and the rear door (102) may be frameless. The fixed window (104) has a fixed glass (10) positioned inside peripheral of the fixed window (104). The fixed glass (10) may be tempered or laminated or any combination of multi walled glasses (Enhanced Safety Glass (ESG), Laminated Safety Glass (VSG)). The fixed glass (10) is in mineral glass as a preferred embodiment but could be in other materials such, but not limited to, thermoplastic material (i.e. Polycarbonate) or combination of materials.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, there is a division bar (20) between the fixed window (104) and the sliding window (103). The division bar (20) is used to guide the sliding window (103) along a predetermined path and seal. The division bar (20) is constructed from materials that provide strength, durability, and resistance to wear and corrosion. The division bar (20) is preferably made of aluminium, any metal or thermoplastic material or thermoset material and have specific geometrical features, such as channels, grooves, or seals, to facilitate smooth sliding and effective sealing. The division bar (20) may incorporate seals or gaskets to prevent the ingress of dust, water, or other contaminants. Sealing methods can include compression seals, brush seals, or other specialized sealing mechanisms.

[0072] Figures 3 and 4 show location where the position adjustment system (A) is used, from exterior of vehicle (100) and from interior of vehicle (100). The position adjustment system (A) is located under the fixed glass (10) and next to the division bar (20). The position adjustment system (A), the fixed glass (10) and the division bar (20) defines a monolithic and nondeformable structure. There is a fixation bracket (23) used at bottom part of the division bar (20) as shown in Figure 11. The fixation bracket (23) comprises a shaft (24) and provides fixation of the division bar (20) to chassis of the rear door (102).

[0073] In the detailed description and in the figures, X axis is defined as parallel to driving direction of the vehicle (100), which is also in direction of front and rear of the vehicle (100); Y axis is defined as perpendicular and horizontal to the X axis, which is also in direction of left and right of the vehicle (100); and Z axis is defined as perpendicular and vertical to the X axis, which is also in direction of top and bottom of the vehicle (100).

[0074] Figures 5 and 6 show the position adjustment system (A) from different angles. The position adjustment system (A) comprises a bracket (30) which functions as a body. The bracket (30) is attached to chassis of the rear door (102) by means of at least one first screw (31) and at least one second screw (32). There is a plate (33) located on the bracket (30) and the plate (33) has a linear channel (33a) formed at bottom of the plate (33). A sliding part (34) is located in the channel (33a) in a way that the sliding part (34) moves linearly through the channel (33a) in the direction of the X axis.

[0075] The channel (33a) is oblique and the sliding part (34) makes the plate (33) move in the direction of the Y axis when moving in the direction of the X axis. There is a threaded insert (34a) on one side of the sliding part (34) and a threaded rod (35) is placed in the threaded insert (34a). Since both the threaded insert (34a) and the threaded rod (35) have threaded structure, when the threaded rod (35) is rotated, the sliding part (34) moves in the channel (33a) in the direction of the X axis. Details of the plate (33), the channel (33a), the hole (33b), sliding part (34) and threaded insert (34a) are shown in the Figure 7. The plate (33) and the sliding part (34) may be made of aluminium or any metal or synthetic material. The threaded insert (34a) may be made of metal or synthetic material.

[0076] A hole (33b) is formed on the plate (33) and a liftplate (40) is fixed on the plate (33) by means of a gearwheel (41 ) and a third screw (42) in a way that the gearwheel (41) and the third screw (42) are connected to each other through the hole (33b). A recess (40a) is formed on the upper part of the liftplate (40), and the fixed glass (10) is placed on the recess (40a). Bottom of the fixed glass (10) touches the recess (40a), and the fixed glass (10) also moves when the liftplate (40) moves in any direction of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. Position of the liftplate (40) in the X axis and the Z axis is adjusted by the gearwheel (41). The liftplate (40) may be made of aluminium or any metal or thermoplastic material or thermoset material.

[0077] The position adjustment system (A) allows adjustment of the fixed glass (10) by moving the fixed glass (10) in the direction of the Y axis so that the sealing contact of the fixed glass (10) with the fixed window (104) is ensured, also a continuous flush surface appearance between the fixed glass (10) and the fixed window (104) is achieved. The position adjustment system (A) prevents dynamic door blow out deflection at high speeds of the vehicle (100) so that wind noise is reduced during driving.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment of invention, the channel (33a) and the sliding part (34) may be replaced by another mechanism, but not limited to, such eccentric shaft or cam or flat shim set or spacer or micrometric stop, etc.

[0079] The fixed glass (10), the division bar (20) and the liftplate (40) may be assembled using processes of bonding or press fit or clipping or screwing.

[0080] The assembly of the following parts may be obtained at once using a single process such, but not limited to, thermoplastic injection or pouring including multi material injection (2K, 3K) or thermoforming, 3D printing or any additive technology:

[0081] • The fixed glass (10) and the division bar (20),

[0082] • The fixed glass (10) and the liftplate (40),

[0083] • The division bar (20) and the liftplate (40),

[0084] • The fixed glass (10), the division bar (20) and the liftplate (40).

[0085] The division bar (20) and the liftplate (40) may be a monolithic part in metal or synthetic material.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment of invention, a collector (50) is used for collecting and draining rainwater dripping from the division bar (20) and / or the fixed glass (10). The collector

[0087] (50) basically comprises a funnel body (51), a lip (52), a protuberance (53) and a clip (54). The rainwater is collected inside the funnel body (51) which is rigid. The funnel body

[0088] (51) is clipped on external side of the division bar (20) by means of the protuberance (53) and the clip (54). Details of the collector (50) are shown in Figures 9 and 10. A slot (21 ) and a cut (22) are formed on the division bar (20) as shown in Figure 8. The collector (50) is mounted in the cut (22) as the protuberance (53) and the clip (54) are mounted in the slots (21). This mounting provides fixation of the collector (50) to the division bar (20). The collector (50) may be fixed on the division bar (20) by other means than clipping. The lip (52) is formed on the upper side of the of the funnel body (51) and the lip (52) creates an inclined surface so that rainwater drips into the funnel body (51). The lip (52) is made of soft material and acts as a seal obtained by 2K thermoplastic injection as preferred embodiment. The collector (50) may be extended all along the fixed glass (10) to collect rainwater dripping from the fixed glass (10) as well. The collector (50) may be a monolithic part with the fixed glass (10) or the division bar (20) or the plate (33) or the liftplate (40). The collected rainwater in the funnel tube (51) is drained by a pipe (60) which is connected to the funnel tube (51) which is shown in Figure 8. The pipe (60) is flexible and allows the rainwater to drain out the vehicle (100) so that the rainwater does not cause corrosion, rust, etc.

[0089] The collector (50) may be made of any metal or other synthetic materials, completely or partially.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A position adjustment system (A), which is located under a fixed glass (10) which is a stationary glass panel that is found on a rear door (102) of a vehicle (100) and next to a division bar (20) which is used to guide a sliding window (103) along a predetermined path and seal, wherein the fixed glass (10) is positioned inside peripheral of a fixed window (104) of the rear door (102), characterized by comprising:• a bracket (30) attached to chassis of the rear door (102) and functions as a body,• a plate (33) located on the bracket (30),• a channel (33a), which is oblique, formed at bottom of the plate (33),• a sliding part (34) located in the channel (33a) in a way that the sliding part (34) moves linearly through the channel (33a) in the direction of an X axis, which is in direction of front and rear of the vehicle (100), wherein the channel (33a) makes the plate (33) move in the direction of a Y axis when the sliding part (34) moves in the direction of the X axis so that position of the fixed glass (10) is adjusted by moving the fixed glass (10) in the direction of the Y axis so that the sealing contact of the fixed glass (10) with the fixed window (104), a continuous flush surface appearance between the fixed glass (10) and the fixed window (104) provided, wind noise is reduced during driving, wherein the Y axis is perpendicular and horizontal to the X axis,• a threaded insert (34a) on one side of the sliding part (34),• a threaded rod (35) is placed in the threaded insert (34a), wherein when the threaded rod (35) is rotated, the sliding part (34) moves in the channel (33a) in the direction of the X axis,• a liftplate (40) is fixed on the plate (33), wherein the fixed glass (10) is mounted on the liftplate (40), and the fixed glass (10) also moves when the liftplate (40) moves in any direction.

2. The position adjustment system (A) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the position adjustment system (A), the fixed glass (10) and the division bar (20) defines a monolithic and nondeformable structure.

3. The position adjustment system (A) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising a fixation bracket (23) used at bottom part of the division bar (20) which provides fixation of the division bar (20) to chassis of the rear door (102).

4. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bracket (30) is attached to chassis of the rear door (102) by means of at least one first screw (31) and at least one second screw (32).

5. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (33) and the sliding part (34) are made of aluminium or metal or synthetic material.

6. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded insert (34a) is made of metal or synthetic material.

7. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a hole (33b) formed on the plate (33) where the liftplate (40) is fixed on the plate (33).

8. The position adjustment system (A) according to claim 7, characterized in that the liftplate (40) is fixed on the plate (33) by means of a gearwheel (41 ) and a third screw (42) in a way that the gearwheel (41) and the third screw (42) are connected to each other through the hole (33b) wherein position of the liftplate (40) in the X axis and the Z axis is adjusted by the gearwheel (41), wherein the Z axis is perpendicular and vertical to the X axis.

9. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a recess (40a) formed on the upper part of the liftplate (40), wherein the fixed glass (10) is placed on the recess (40a).

10. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liftplate (40) is made of aluminium or metal or thermoplastic material or thermoset material.

11. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (33a) and the sliding part (34) is replaced by eccentric shaft or cam or flat shim set or spacer or micrometric stop.

12. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a collector (50) for collecting and draining rainwater dripping from the division bar (20).

13. The position adjustment system (A) according to claim 12, characterized by comprising a funnel body (51) where the rainwater is collected inside.

14. The position adjustment system (A) according to claim 13, characterized in that the funnel body (51) is clipped on external side of the division bar (20) by means of a protuberance (53) and a clip (54).

15. The position adjustment system (A) according to claim 14, characterized by comprising a slot (21) formed on the division bar (20) where the protuberance (53) and the clip (54) are mounted in the slots (21).

16. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of claims 12 to 15, characterized by comprising a cut (22) formed on the division bar (20) where the collector (50) is mounted in the cut (22).

17. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of claims 13 to 16, characterized by comprising a lip (52) formed on the upper side of the of the funnel body (51) wherein the lip (52) creates an inclined surface so that rainwater drips into the funnel body (51).

18. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the collector (50) is extended all along the fixed glass (10) to collect rainwater dripping from the fixed glass (10).

19. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of claims 12 to 18, characterized by comprising a pipe (60) which is connected to the funnel tube (51 ) to drain the collected rainwater in the funnel tube (51).

20. The position adjustment system (A) according to any of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the collector (50) is made of metal or synthetic materials, completely or partially.

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