Structure for adjusting angle of window glass

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure for adjusting the angle of window glass, said structure being capable of adjusting an angle of window glass with a simple structure. This structure S for adjusting the angle of window glass comprises a carrier plate 1 to which window glass is attached. The carrier plate 1 is provided with: a body 2 having a first engagement part E1 engaged with a guide rail; an engagement member 3 having a second engagement part E2 engaged with the guide rail, the engagement member 3 being provided so as to be capable of moving relative to the body 2; and an adjustment member 4 configured to adjust the distance between the body 2 and the engagement member 3 in a thickness direction D2 due to an operation part 41 being operated. The body 2 is configured to swing relative to the guide rail with the first engagement part E1 as a fulcrum due to the adjustment of the distance between the body 2 and the engagement member 3 by the adjustment member 4. The operation part 41 is provided at a position not overlapping the guide rail as seen in the thickness direction D2.

Description

Angle adjustment structure for window glass

[0001] The present invention relates to an angle adjustment structure for a window glass.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that can swing a window glass of a vehicle with respect to a carrier plate of a window regulator. The structure of Patent Document 1 includes a main body part and a swing plate that can swing with respect to the main body part. The main body part and the swing plate are swingably connected at their upper end parts by a cylindrical rod. In the structure of Patent Document 1, a threaded rod is inserted through the lower ends of the main body part and the swing plate. When the threaded rod is rotated, the swing plate swings with respect to the main body part around the cylindrical rod, whereby the angle of the window glass is adjusted. When the angle of the window glass is adjusted, the threaded rod is fixed by a lock nut.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0338965

[0004] As described above, in the case of the structure of Patent Document 1, the main body part and the swing plate are connected by a cylindrical rod. Therefore, the number of parts is large and the structure becomes complicated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an angle adjustment structure for a window glass that can adjust the angle of the window glass with a simple structure.

[0006] The window glass angle adjustment structure of the present invention is a window glass angle adjustment structure comprising a carrier plate on which a window glass is attached, wherein the carrier plate is configured to be engageable with the guide rail so as to move up and down along the guide rail, the carrier plate comprises a main body having a first engaging portion that engages with the guide rail, an engaging member having a second engaging portion that engages with the guide rail and provided to be movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment member having an operating portion, which is configured to adjust the distance between the main body and the engaging member in the thickness direction of the carrier plate when the operating portion is operated, the main body is configured to swing with respect to the guide rail with the first engaging portion as a pivot point in order to adjust the angle of the window glass, and the operating portion is provided in a position that does not overlap with the guide rail when viewed in the thickness direction of the carrier plate.

[0007] According to the window glass angle adjustment structure of the present invention, the angle of the window glass can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0008] This is a schematic overall view of a window regulator equipped with a window glass angle adjustment structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic side view of the window regulator in Figure 1. This is a perspective view of the window glass angle adjustment structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view of the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3. This is a perspective view of the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3 from a different angle. This is a front view of the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3. This is a rear view of the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3. This is a side view of the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 6. This is a perspective view of an engaging member used in the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3. This is a top view of an engaging member used in the window glass angle adjustment structure shown in Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view shown in Figure 9, in which the guide rail and window glass are shown by dashed lines. This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the main body swings around the first engaging part as a pivot point by adjusting the distance in the thickness direction between the main body and the engaging member by the adjustment member.

[0009] The following describes an angle adjustment structure for a window pane according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely examples, and the angle adjustment structure for a window pane according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] In this specification, "perpendicular to A" and similar expressions shall not refer only to directions that are perfectly perpendicular to A, but shall also include directions that are approximately perpendicular to A. In this specification, "parallel to B" and similar expressions shall not refer only to directions that are perfectly parallel to B, but shall also include directions that are approximately parallel to B. In this specification, "C-shape" and similar expressions shall not refer only to perfect C-shapes, but shall also include shapes that visually resemble a C-shape (approximately C-shapes). In this specification, when "~" is used to indicate a numerical range, it shall include the values ​​at both ends of the range.

[0011] The window glass angle adjustment structure S of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as angle adjustment structure S) is a structure for adjusting the angle of a window glass W. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the angle adjustment structure S includes a carrier plate 1 to which the window glass W is attached. In this embodiment, the angle adjustment structure S includes a guide rail GR. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the angle of the window glass W (the angle around an axis extending in the width direction D3, which will be described later) is adjusted by the swinging of the carrier plate 1 relative to the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the angle adjustment structure S is applied to the window regulator WR of a vehicle and adjusts the angle of the window glass W which moves up and down in the vertical direction D1. The angle adjustment structure S may include a part of the configuration of the window regulator WR, or it may include all of it. The angle adjustment structure S adjusts the angle of the window glass W by adjusting the position of the lower end of the window glass W in the width direction of the vehicle (the angle is adjusted so that the upper end position of the window glass W in Figure 2 is displaced in the width direction of the vehicle (thickness direction D2 described later) (see arrow A in Figure 2)). The angle adjustment structure S can be applied, for example, to a frameless door of a vehicle that does not have a window frame.

[0012] In this specification, with respect to the angle adjustment structure S, the vertical direction D1 is the direction in which the window glass W moves up and down. In this embodiment, the vertical direction D1 is the direction in which the carrier plate 1 moves up and down when the window regulator WR is in use. In this embodiment, the vertical direction D1 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction (the vertical direction of the paper in Figure 1) when the window regulator WR is in use, but it may also be a direction parallel to the vertical direction. In this specification, when "up," "upper part," "upper side," "down," "lower part," and "lower side" are used with respect to members or parts constituting the angle adjustment structure S, they represent the direction, position, or positional relationship along the vertical direction D1 when the angle adjustment structure S is in use. Also, with respect to the angle adjustment structure S, the thickness direction of the carrier plate 1 or the thickness direction of the guide rail GR is called the thickness direction D2. In this embodiment, the thickness direction D2 is the direction in which the carrier plate 1 and the guide rail GR face each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness direction D2 is also the vehicle width direction, and as shown in Figure 2, it is the direction in which the outer panel PN1, which is on the outside of the vehicle door, and the inner panel PN2, which is on the inside of the vehicle door, face each other. Also, with respect to the angle adjustment structure S, the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction D1 and the thickness direction D2 is called the width direction D3. In this embodiment, the width direction D3 is also the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of a window regulator WR equipped with the angle adjustment structure S of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the window regulator WR comprises a drive unit DR, cables C (cables C1 to C3 in this embodiment) driven by the drive unit DR, a carrier plate 1 to which the window glass W is attached, and a guide rail GR to which the carrier plate 1 is directly or indirectly attached.

[0014] The window regulator WR drives the cable C by the drive unit DR, moving the carrier plate 1 along the guide rail GR. This causes the window glass W (see Figure 1) attached to the carrier plate 1 to rise and fall. The window regulator WR is attached to a predetermined mounting target. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the window regulator WR is positioned in the space between the outer panel PN1 and the inner panel PN2 of the door of the vehicle to be mounted, and is fixed to the inner panel PN2. In this embodiment, the case where it is fixed to the inner panel PN2 is described, but the window regulator WR may also be fixed to a module plate to which it is previously fixed.

[0015] The overall shape and structure of the window regulator WR are not particularly limited, as long as the drive unit DR drives the cable C and moves the carrier plate 1 along the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the window regulator WR includes a first guide rail GR1 provided on the front side (right side in Figure 1) in the longitudinal direction (width direction D3) of the vehicle, and a second guide rail GR2 provided on the rear side (left side in Figure 1) in the longitudinal direction (width direction D3) of the vehicle, spaced apart from the first guide rail GR1. A first carrier plate 1A is attached to the first guide rail GR1, and a second carrier plate 1B is attached to the second guide rail GR2. In this embodiment, the drive unit DR is attached to the second guide rail GR2. In this embodiment, the drive unit DR is configured to directly or indirectly drive the first cable (the cable for raising the first carrier plate 1A) C1, the second cable (the cable for lowering the first carrier plate 1A) C2, and the third cable C3.

[0016] The first cable C1 is routed along a predetermined path. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, one end of the first cable C1 is connected to the first carrier plate 1A, and the other end of the first cable C1 is connected to the second carrier plate 1B, and the first cable C1 is routed along a predetermined path between the first carrier plate 1A and the second carrier plate 1B. More specifically, the first cable C1 extends upward from the first carrier plate 1A along the first guide rail GR1, is redirected by the first direction-changing member P1 on the upper end side of the first guide rail GR1, and extends toward the lower end of the second guide rail GR2. The first cable C1 is redirected by the fourth direction-changing member P4 on the lower end side of the second guide rail GR2, extends upward along the second guide rail GR2, and is connected to the second carrier plate 1B. The second cable C2 is routed along a predetermined path. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, one end of the second cable C2 is connected to the first carrier plate 1A, and the other end of the second cable C2 is connected to the drive unit DR. The second cable C2 is routed along a predetermined path between the first carrier plate 1A and the drive unit DR. More specifically, the second cable C2 extends downward from the first carrier plate 1A along the first guide rail GR1, is redirected by the second direction changing member P2 at the lower end of the first guide rail GR1, and extends toward the drive unit DR. The second cable C2 extending toward the drive unit DR is connected to the drum DR2 of the drive unit DR. The third cable C3 is routed along a predetermined path. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, one end of the third cable C3 is connected to the second carrier plate 1B, and the other end of the third cable C3 is connected to the drive unit DR. The third cable C3 is routed along a predetermined path between the second carrier plate 1B and the drive unit DR. More specifically, the third cable C3 extends upward from the second carrier plate 1B along the second guide rail GR2, is redirected by the third direction changing member P3 at the upper end of the second guide rail GR2, and extends toward the drive unit DR. The third cable C3 extending toward the drive unit DR is connected to the drum DR2 of the drive unit DR.

[0017] In this embodiment, with respect to the first carrier plate 1A, the first cable C1 is an upward cable and the second cable C2 is a downward cable. On the other hand, with respect to the second carrier plate 1B, the third cable C3 is an upward cable and the first cable C1 is a downward cable. Thus, one identical cable may function as both an upward cable and a downward cable. In this specification, the first to third cables C1 to C3 (or the upward cable and the downward cable) are collectively referred to as cable C. The first carrier plate 1A and the second carrier plate 1B may have the same shape and structure, or they may have different shapes and structures. The first guide rail GR1 and the second guide rail GR2 are collectively referred to as guide rail GR. The first guide rail GR1 and the second guide rail GR2 may have the same shape and structure, or they may have different shapes and structures.

[0018] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the window regulator WR is configured such that one window pane W is driven up and down by a pair of carrier plates 1A and 1B (and a pair of guide rails GR1 and GR2). However, the structure of the window regulator is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 1, and the window regulator may have a structure different from that shown in Figure 1. For example, the window regulator may be configured to raise and lower one window pane W using only one carrier plate (and only one guide rail).

[0019] The drive unit DR is a drive source that drives the cable C. The drive unit DR may drive the cable C electrically or manually. In this embodiment, the drive unit DR comprises a motor DR1 and a drum DR2, as shown in Figure 1. The motor DR1 is configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions, causing the drum DR2 to rotate in both directions. As a result, the cable C connected to the drum DR2 is wound onto the drum DR2 and unwound from the drum DR2.

[0020] In this embodiment, the drive unit DR is connected to the guide rail GR (second guide rail GR2). The position where the drive unit DR is connected to the guide rail GR is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the drive unit DR is connected to the lower end region of the guide rail GR in the vertical direction D1. Note that the drive unit DR may be provided in a region other than the lower end region of the guide rail GR, such as the central region.

[0021] Cable C transmits the driving force of the drive unit DR to the carrier plate 1, which is the object to be operated, and moves the carrier plate 1 connected to cable C in the vertical direction D1 (the direction in which the window glass W moves up and down). Cable C is routed along a predetermined routing path so that it can transmit the driving force of the drive unit DR to the carrier plate 1. Cable C only needs to be able to transmit the driving force of the drive unit DR to the carrier plate 1, and its routing path is not particularly limited. Cable C may be inserted through the outer casing OC (see Figure 1) in part of the routing path. Cable C can be, for example, a known inner cable made of metal wire. Cable C comprises a cable body which is a long body and cable ends provided at both ends of the cable body.

[0022] The guide rail GR guides the carrier plate 1 in the vertical direction D1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the guide rail GR guides the carrier plate 1 so that it moves along a predetermined movement path extending in the vertical direction D1. The guide rail GR has a predetermined length to move the carrier plate 1 by a predetermined movement length. The guide rail GR is fixed to an attachment target, such as the inner panel PN2 of a vehicle (see Figure 2), by known fixing means such as bolts. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the upper end of the guide rail GR is equipped with direction changing members P1 and P3 for changing the direction of the cable C, and the lower end of the guide rail GR is equipped with direction changing members P2 and P4 for changing the direction of the cable C. As shown in Figure 1, the guide rail GR has an engaged portion EN that engages with the carrier plate 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the guide rail GR is installed at an angle such that, when the guide rail GR is attached to the mounting object (vehicle in this embodiment), the upper end of the guide rail GR is offset in one direction (towards the rear of the vehicle in this embodiment) in the width direction D3 relative to the lower end of the guide rail GR. Alternatively, the guide rail may be installed so that, when attached to the mounting object, the guide rail extends vertically (the upper and lower ends of the guide rail are not offset).

[0024] The shape of the guide rail GR is not particularly limited as long as it can guide the carrier plate 1 along a predetermined movement path extending in the vertical direction D1, and various known shapes can be adopted. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the guide rail GR is formed in an elongated plate shape and is curved in an arc shape along the length of the guide rail GR to conform to the curvature of the window glass W (see Figure 2). The material of the guide rail GR is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that has a predetermined rigidity necessary to withstand the tension applied by the cable C, but the guide rail GR can be made of resin, metal, for example.

[0025] The carrier plate 1 is a component to which the window glass W is directly or indirectly attached. The carrier plate 1 is configured to be engageable with the guide rail GR so as to move up and down in the vertical direction D1 along the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the angle of the window glass W attached to the carrier plate 1 is adjusted by swinging the carrier plate 1 relative to the guide rail GR (see Figures 2 and 13). The material constituting the carrier plate 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined rigidity, and the carrier plate 1 can be, for example, made of synthetic resin or metal having a predetermined rigidity.

[0026] In this embodiment, the carrier plate 1 is positioned so as to overlap the guide rail GR when viewed in the thickness direction D2. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the carrier plate 1 has an overlapping region R1 that is positioned to overlap the guide rail GR when viewed in the thickness direction D2, and a protruding region R2 that protrudes from the guide rail GR in the width direction D3. The overlapping region R1 is a region with a predetermined area that extends in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3 and overlaps with the guide rail GR when viewed in the thickness direction D2 with the carrier plate 1 attached to the guide rail GR. The protruding region R2 is a region with a predetermined area that extends in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3 and does not overlap with the guide rail GR when viewed in the thickness direction D2 with the carrier plate 1 attached to the guide rail GR and protrudes from the guide rail GR in the width direction D3.

[0027] In this embodiment, the carrier plate 1 comprises a main body 2, an engaging member 3 that is movable relative to the main body 2, and an adjustment member 4 having an operating part 41, as shown in Figures 3 to 8.

[0028] The main body 2 is the main body portion of the carrier plate 1. The shape and structure of the main body 2 are not particularly limited as long as the window glass W can be directly or indirectly attached and can engage with the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is formed in a plate shape. Here, "plate shape" means that the main body 2 has a predetermined thickness in the thickness direction D2 and a predetermined area extending in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3. The main body 2 may have a portion that is partially thicker (for example, the cable connection portion 23 described later) as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the main body 2 has a window glass support portion 21 on the surface 2B opposite to the surface 2A facing the guide rail GR, which supports the window glass W. The window glass support portion 21 is configured to support the window glass W directly or indirectly. The window glass support portion 21 may directly support the window glass W, or it may indirectly support the window glass W via a window glass holder (not shown) provided at the lower end of the window glass W. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is provided with through holes 22 (see Figures 3 to 7) through which glass fixing bolts (not shown) for fixing the window glass W to the main body 2 are inserted.

[0030] In this embodiment, the main body 2 is provided with a cable connection portion 23 to which the cable C is connected. The cable connection portion 23 is provided at one end of the main body 2 in the width direction D3. In this embodiment, the cable connection portion 23 is provided in a position that overlaps with the guide rail GR when viewed in the thickness direction D2 (see Figures 1, 3, and 7).

[0031] In this embodiment, the main body 2 has an adjustment member connection portion 24 to which the adjustment member 4 is connected, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The adjustment member connection portion 24 is the part to which the adjustment member 4 is connected so that relative movement between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 is possible by the adjustment member 4, which will be described later. The shape and structure of the adjustment member connection portion 24 are not particularly limited as long as the adjustment member 4 can be connected so that relative movement between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 is possible by the adjustment member 4. In this embodiment, the adjustment member connection portion 24 has a through hole with a female thread portion FS (see Figure 4) that screws into the adjustment member 4. Because the main body 2 has a female thread portion FS that screws into the adjustment member 4, as will be described later, the distance in the thickness direction D2 between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 can be easily adjusted by operating the operating portion 41 of the adjustment member 4 to rotate the adjustment member 4 having a male thread portion MS around its axis.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the main body 2 has a restricting engagement portion 25 into which the restricting portion 32 of the engaging member 3 (described later) engages. The restricting engagement portion 25 engages with the restricting portion 32 in the direction around the axis of the adjusting member 4, thereby restricting the rotation of the engaging member 3 around the axis of the adjusting member 4, as will be described later. The shape and structure of the restricting engagement portion are not particularly limited as long as they can engage with the restricting portion 32 in such a way as to restrict the rotation of the engaging member 3 around the axis of the adjusting member 4. In this embodiment, the restricting engagement portion 25 has a through hole that penetrates the main body 2 in the thickness direction. More specifically, the restricting engagement portion 25 has a through hole formed to a shape and size corresponding to the outer shape of the restricting portion 32. In this case, when the restricting portion 32 is inserted into the through hole of the restricting engagement portion 25, the engaging member 3 is restricted not only from moving relative to the main body 2 in the direction around the axis of the adjusting member 4, but also from moving in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3. Furthermore, the restricting engagement portion 25 allows movement of the restricting portion 32 in the thickness direction D2. Specifically, the restricting engagement portion 25 guides the movement of the restricting portion 32 in the thickness direction D2 when the adjustment member 4 moves relative to the main body 2 and the engaging member 4. This makes it possible for the engaging member 3 to move easily in the thickness direction D2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the main body 2 has a first engaging portion E1 that engages with the guide rail GR, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6. The first engaging portion E1 engages with the guide rail GR together with the second engaging portion E2 of the engaging member 3, which will be described later, so that the carrier plate 1 can move in the vertical direction D1 along the guide rail GR. More specifically, the first engaging portion E1 engages with the guide rail GR together with the second engaging portion E2, while restricting the carrier plate 1 from moving in the thickness direction D2 and the width direction D3 relative to the guide rail GR.

[0034] The shape and structure of the first engaging portion E1 are not particularly limited, as long as the first engaging portion E1 can engage with the guide rail GR together with the second engaging portion E2 so that the carrier plate 1 can move vertically in the direction D1 along the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion E1 has first clamping surfaces E11, E11 provided to clamp the guide rail GR in the thickness direction D2 of the carrier plate 1, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 9, and 12. In this embodiment, the pair of first clamping surfaces E11, E11 are provided to face each other in the thickness direction D2 and clamp the engaged portion EN of the guide rail GR in the thickness direction D2 (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the first clamping surfaces E11, E11 are composed of curved surfaces, as shown in Figures 9 and 12. As will be described in detail later, in this case, when the main body 2 swings with the first engagement portion E1 as a pivot point relative to the guide rail GR, the angle of the first engagement portion E1 relative to the guide rail GR can be easily changed (see Figure 13). The curved surfaces of the first clamping surfaces E11, E11 are curved such that their position in the thickness direction D2 is displaced as they move at least in the vertical direction D1, as shown in Figures 9 and 12. More specifically, the curved surfaces of the first clamping surfaces E11, E11 are curved such that, with respect to points PT1, PT1 (see Figure 12) that can contact the guide rail GR in the thickness direction D2 when the carrier plate 1 is attached to the guide rail GR, the distance in the thickness direction D2 from the guide rail GR increases as they move upward or downward (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the first clamping surfaces E11, E11 are curved such that their position in the thickness direction D2 is displaced as they move in the width direction D3, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first engaging portion E1 includes widthwise clamping surfaces E12, E12 that clamp the portion of the guide rail GR extending in the thickness direction D2 in the width direction D3, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6. The widthwise clamping surfaces E12, E12 restrict the movement of the carrier plate 1 relative to the guide rail GR in the width direction D3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the widthwise clamping surfaces E12, E12 are curved such that their position in the width direction D3 is displaced as they move in the vertical direction D1. More specifically, the curved surfaces of the widthwise clamping surfaces E12, E12 are curved such that, with respect to points PT2, PT2 (see Figure 6) where the carrier plate 1 can contact the guide rail GR in the width direction D3, the distance in the width direction D3 from the guide rail GR increases as they move upward or downward, but they are not limited to this and may be straight.

[0036] The first engaging portion E1 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second engaging portion E2 in the vertical direction D1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the first engaging portion E1 is provided on the upper side of the carrier plate 1, and the second engaging portion E2 is provided on the lower side of the carrier plate 1. The position in which the first engaging portion E1 is provided is not particularly limited, as long as the first engaging portion E1 and the second engaging portion E2 are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other in the vertical direction D1. For example, the first engaging portion E1 may be provided on the lower side, and the second engaging portion E2 (engaging member 3) may be provided on the upper side. Alternatively, the first engaging portion E1 may be provided in the center of the vertical direction D1, and the second engaging portion E2 may be provided on the upper or lower side, or the second engaging portion E2 may be provided in the center of the vertical direction D1, and the first engaging portion E1 may be provided on the upper or lower side. The "upper side" of the carrier plate 1 can be defined as the portion of the carrier plate 1 (body 2) above the center in the vertical direction D1, preferably a predetermined area from the upper end of the carrier plate 1 (body 2) (for example, an area of ​​1 / 3 of the total length in the vertical direction D1 from the upper end of the carrier plate 1 (body 2)). Similarly, the "lower side" of the carrier plate 1 can be defined as the portion of the carrier plate 1 (body 2) below the center in the vertical direction D1, preferably a predetermined area from the lower end of the carrier plate 1 (body 2) (for example, an area of ​​1 / 3 of the total length in the vertical direction D1 from the lower end of the carrier plate 1 (body 2)).

[0037] The engaging member 3 engages with the guide rail GR together with the main body 2 in order to move the carrier plate 1 along the guide rail GR. As described above, the engaging member 3 is provided so as to be movable relative to the main body 2, and its position relative to the main body 2 (the position of the second engaging portion E2 relative to the first engaging portion E1) is adjusted by the adjustment member 4. In this embodiment, the engaging member 3 can be fixed to the main body 2 (held in a state where relative movement is restricted) when its position relative to the main body 2 is adjusted by the adjustment member 4, and is configured to be able to move relative to the main body 2 when the position relative to the main body 2 is adjusted by the adjustment member 4. The direction of relative movement of the engaging member 3 relative to the main body 2 is not particularly limited as long as the distance between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 can be adjusted by the adjustment member 4 to adjust the angle of the window glass W. In this embodiment, the engaging member 3 is configured to be movable relative to the main body 2 at least in the thickness direction D2. More specifically, the engaging member 3 is configured to be movable relative to the main body 2 substantially only in the thickness direction D2. However, the engaging member 3 may be configured to be movable relative to the main body 2 not only in the thickness direction D2, but also in the vertical direction D1 and / or the width direction D3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the engaging member 3 is a separate component from the main body 2. However, as long as the engaging member 3 is movable relative to the main body 2, it may be integrated with the main body 2, for example, by being connected to the main body 2 by a sheet-like hinge or the like.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 12, the engaging member 3 has a second engaging portion E2 that engages with the guide rail GR. The second engaging portion E2 engages with the guide rail GR together with the first engaging portion E1 of the main body 2 so that the carrier plate 1 can move in the vertical direction D1 along the guide rail GR. More specifically, the second engaging portion E2 engages with the guide rail GR together with the first engaging portion E1 so that the carrier plate 1 is restricted from moving in the thickness direction D2 and the width direction D3 relative to the guide rail GR.

[0040] The shape and structure of the second engaging portion E2 are not particularly limited, as long as the second engaging portion E2 can engage with the guide rail GR together with the first engaging portion E1 so that the carrier plate 1 can move vertically in the direction D1 along the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 9, and 12, the second engaging portion E2 has second clamping surfaces E21, E21 provided to clamp the guide rail GR in the thickness direction D2 of the carrier plate 1. The second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are provided to face each other in the thickness direction D2 and clamp the engaged portion EN of the guide rail GR (see Figures 1 and 3) in the thickness direction D2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 12, the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are composed of curved surfaces. As will be described in detail later, in this case, when the main body 2 swings with the first engaging portion E1 as a pivot point relative to the guide rail GR, the angle of the second engaging portion E2 with respect to the guide rail GR can be easily changed. The curved surfaces of the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are curved such that their position in the thickness direction D2 displaces as they advance at least in the vertical direction D1, as shown in Figures 9 and 12. More specifically, with the carrier plate 1 attached to the guide rail GR, the curved surfaces of the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are curved such that, with respect to points PT3, PT3 (see Figure 12) that can contact the guide rail GR in the thickness direction D2, the distance from the guide rail GR in the thickness direction D2 increases as they advance upward or downward (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are curved such that their position in the thickness direction D2 displaces as they advance in the width direction D3, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second engaging portion E2 includes widthwise clamping surfaces E22, E22 that clamp the portion of the guide rail GR extending in the thickness direction D2 in the width direction D3, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 10. The widthwise clamping surfaces E22, E22 restrict the movement of the carrier plate 1 in the width direction D3 relative to the guide rail GR. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 10, the widthwise clamping surfaces E22, E22 are curved such that their position in the width direction D3 is displaced as they move in the vertical direction D1. More specifically, the curved surfaces of the widthwise clamping surfaces E22, E22 are curved such that, with respect to points PT4, PT4 (see Figure 6) where the carrier plate 1 can contact the guide rail GR in the width direction D3, the distance in the width direction D3 from the guide rail GR increases as they move upward or downward, but they may also be straight.

[0042] In this embodiment, as described above, the second engaging portion E2 is provided on the lower side of the carrier plate 1, but the position in which the second engaging portion E2 is provided is not particularly limited. In addition, other engaging portions may be provided besides the first engaging portion E1 and the second engaging portion E2.

[0043] The shape and structure of the engaging member 3 are not particularly limited, as long as the engaging member 3 is provided so as to be movable relative to the main body 2 and its position relative to the main body 2 can be adjusted by the adjustment member 4. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4, 10, and 11, the engaging member 3 includes, in addition to the second engaging portion E2, an insertion portion 31 through which the adjustment member 4, which is made up of a fastening member, is inserted, and a restricting portion 32 that restricts the engaging member 3 from rotating around the axis of the adjustment member 4.

[0044] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the insertion portion 31 is a flange-shaped portion provided with an insertion hole 31a through which the adjustment member 4 is inserted. The insertion portion 31 is provided at a position adjacent to the second engagement portion E2 in the width direction D3. In this embodiment, the second engagement portion E2 is provided in the overlap region R1 of the carrier plate 1, and the insertion portion 31 is provided in the protruding region R2 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, a female screw is not provided on the inner circumference of the insertion hole 31a provided in the insertion portion 31, and the adjustment member 4 is simply inserted into the insertion hole 31a of the insertion portion 31. However, a female screw may be provided in the insertion hole of the insertion portion 31 so as to be screwed with the adjustment member 4.

[0045] The restricting portion 32 restricts the rotation of the engaging member 3 about the axis of the adjustment member 4 as described above. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 32 is inserted into the main body 2 to restrict the rotation of the engaging member 3 about the axis of the adjustment member 4. More specifically, by inserting the restricting portion 32 into the restricting portion engaging portion 25 formed in a shape and size corresponding to the outer shape of the restricting portion 32, not only is the movement of the engaging member 3 in the direction around the axis of the adjustment member 4 with respect to the main body 2 restricted, but also the movement in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3 is restricted. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 32 is provided at a position corresponding to the second engagement portion E2 (see FIGS. 10 to 12). In this case, it is easy to support the force applied to the engaging member 3 at the engagement portion with the guide rail GR during the operation of the carrier plate 1 or the like, and damage to the engaging member 3 can be suppressed. Here, the "position corresponding to the second engagement portion E2" means a position corresponding to the position where the second engagement portion E2 is provided in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 32 is set in the vertical direction D1 and the width direction D3 such that a line connecting the portions (see points PT3, PT3 in FIG. 12) where the distance between the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 is the closest in the thickness direction D2 passes through the restricting portion 32.

[0046] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, but the shape of the restricting portion 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can restrict the rotation of the engaging member 3 around the axis of the adjusting member 4. For example, the restricting portion may be flat or prismatic. Also, in this embodiment, only one restricting portion 32 is provided on the engaging member 32, but multiple restricting portions may be provided.

[0047] The adjustment member 4 adjusts the distance between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 in the thickness direction D2 of the carrier plate 1 when the operating part 41 is operated (see Figure 13). The shape and structure of the adjustment member are not particularly limited as long as the distance between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 in the thickness direction D2 of the carrier plate 1 can be adjusted when the operating part 41 is operated. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 13, the adjustment member 4 is a fastening member provided that penetrates the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 in the thickness direction D2 of the carrier plate 1. More specifically, the adjustment member 4 is an axial fastening member having a male threaded portion MS that screws into the female threaded portion FS of the main body 2. In this case, when the operating part 41 is operated and the adjustment member 4 rotates around its axis, the female threaded portion FS of the main body 2 and the male threaded portion MS of the adjustment member 4 screw into each other and move back and forth, as shown in Figure 13. As a result, the main body 2 moves in the axial direction of the adjustment member 4. In this embodiment, the relative movement of the adjustment member 4 in the axial direction of the adjustment member 4 is restricted, and as shown in Figure 13, the distance between the main body 2 and the engagement member 3 is adjusted by the movement of the main body 2 in the axial direction of the adjustment member 4. By adjusting the distance between the main body 2 and the engagement member 3, the angle of the window glass W can be adjusted, as will be described later.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment member 4 includes a male screw portion MS, a first shaft portion 42 inserted into the main body 2 (adjustment member connection portion 24), a second shaft portion 43 inserted into the engagement member 3 (insertion portion 31), and a flange portion 44 provided between the first shaft portion 42 and the second shaft portion 43. The adjustment member 4 and the main body 2 are configured to be relatively movable by screwing the male screw portion MS of the first shaft portion 42 and the female screw portion FS of the adjustment member connection portion 24 (however, when the adjustment member 4 does not rotate about the axis, the relative movement is restricted). The adjustment member 4 and the engagement member 3 are in a state where the second shaft portion 43 is inserted into the insertion portion 31 of the engagement member 3, and the male screw portion of the second shaft portion 43 and the nut N are screwed together, and the insertion portion 31 is sandwiched between the flange portion 44 and the nut N, so that the relative movement is restricted (see FIG. 8). Note that the male screw portion provided on the outer periphery of the adjustment member 4 is not shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 12.

[0049] When operating the adjustment member 4, the operation portion 41 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is operated. In this embodiment, the operation portion 41 can be operated to rotate the adjustment member 4 about the axis. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation portion 41 has a polygonal recess, and the adjustment member 4 can be rotated by a predetermined jig that fits into the recess. Note that the shape and structure of the operation portion are not particularly limited as long as the adjustment member 4 can be operated.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation portion 41 is disposed in the protruding region R2. More specifically, the operation portion 41 is provided in the protruding region R2 on the side of the surface 2A facing the guide rail GR, among the surface 2A facing the guide rail GR and the surface 2B opposite to the surface 2A facing the guide rail GR. The surface 2A of the main body 2 is the surface facing the passenger compartment, and the protruding region R2 is a region not covered by the guide rail GR when viewed from the passenger compartment side. Therefore, when operating the operation portion 41 from the inside of the passenger compartment through the working opening of the inner panel PN2, the guide rail GR does not interfere, and the adjustment member 4 can be easily operated to adjust the angle of the window glass W.

[0051] The positional adjustment between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 by the adjustment member 4 is not limited to the method described above, and may be adjusted by other known methods.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the main body 2 is configured to pivot with respect to the guide rail GR using the first engaging portion E1 as a pivot point in order to adjust the angle of the window glass W by adjusting the distance between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 using the adjustment member 4. In this case, the angle of the window glass can be adjusted with a simple structure. This point will be explained in detail below.

[0053] As shown in Figure 13, when the operating part 41 of the adjustment member 4 is operated and the distance in the thickness direction D2 between the main body 2 and the engaging member 3 (second engaging part E2) is adjusted, the main body 2 swings with the first engaging part E1 as the pivot point. More specifically, of the two engaging parts (first engaging part E1 and second engaging part E2), the first engaging part E1 is provided on the main body 2, and the second engaging part E2 is moved relative to the main body 2 in the thickness direction D2, thereby changing the positional relationship between the first engaging part E1 and the second engaging part that engage with the guide rail GR, and as a result the main body 2 swings. In this embodiment, without providing a mechanical rotation axis on the carrier plate 1, the engaging part (first engaging part E1) of the carrier plate 1 that engages with the guide rail GR becomes the pivot axis, and the angle of the window glass W is adjusted by swinging the main body 2 of the carrier plate 1. Therefore, a complex structure like the carrier plate in Patent Document 1, in which the main body and the oscillating plate are connected by a rod that acts as a rotation axis, is not necessary, and the angle of the window glass W can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the operating unit 41 is positioned so as not to overlap with the guide rail GR when viewed in the thickness direction D2 of the carrier plate 1. When the operating unit 41, which is operated when adjusting the angle of the window glass W, is positioned so as not to overlap with the guide rail GR, the guide rail GR does not get in the way when operating the operating unit 41 from inside the vehicle, for example. Therefore, it is possible to easily operate the operating unit 41 for adjusting the angle of the window glass W.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9, 12, and 13, the first clamping surfaces E11, E11 of the first engaging portion E1 are curved surfaces so that the first engaging portion E1 can change its angle with respect to the guide rail GR when the main body 2 swings with the first engaging portion E1 as a pivot point relative to the guide rail GR. As described above, in this embodiment, the angle of the carrier plate 1 with respect to the guide rail GR is changed when the carrier plate 1 (main body 2) swings with the first engaging portion E1, which engages with the guide rail GR as a pivot point. At this time, because the first clamping surfaces E11, E11 are curved surfaces, the main body 2 can swing smoothly. In addition, as shown in Figure 13, when the angle of the main body 2 with respect to the guide rail GR changes in response to the swing of the main body 2, excessive force is suppressed from being applied to the first engaging portion E1. Furthermore, when the main body 2 swings, the distance between one first clamping surface E11 and the other first clamping surface E11 is maintained while changing the contact point, and the state in which the guide rail GR is clamped by the pair of first clamping surfaces E11, E11 is maintained. As a result, even if the angle of the carrier plate 1 with respect to the guide rail GR changes, the sliding resistance of the carrier plate 1 with respect to the guide rail GR is suppressed, and play between the guide rail GR and the main body 2 is suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9, 12, and 13, the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are curved surfaces so that when the main body 2 swings with the first engaging portion E1 as a pivot point relative to the guide rail GR, the second engaging portion E2 can change its angle with respect to the guide rail GR. Because the second clamping surfaces E21, E21 are curved surfaces, the main body 2 can swing smoothly. Also, as shown in Figure 13, when the angle of the main body 2 relative to the guide rail GR changes in response to the swing of the main body 2, excessive force is suppressed from being applied to the second engaging portion E2. In addition, when the main body 2 swings, the distance from the guide rail GR is maintained between one second clamping surface E21 and the other first clamping surface E21, while changing the contact points, and the state in which the guide rail GR is clamped by the pair of second clamping surfaces E21, E21 is maintained. As a result, even if the angle of the carrier plate 1 relative to the guide rail GR changes, the sliding resistance of the carrier plate 1 relative to the guide rail GR is suppressed, and play between the guide rail GR and the main body 2 is suppressed.

[0057] In this embodiment, it is preferable that both the first clamping surface E11 and the second clamping surface E21 are curved surfaces, but it is also possible that only one of the first clamping surface E11 or the second clamping surface E21 is a curved surface.

[0058] As a modification of this embodiment, the first engaging portion E1 may be replaced with a sliding member having a shape corresponding to the first engaging portion E1 in order to improve the sliding performance with the engaged portion EN of the guide rail GR. In this case, the sliding member can be provided with the first clamping surface E11 and the widthwise clamping surface E12 described in this embodiment.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above mainly describe an invention having the following configuration.

[0060] (1) An angle adjustment structure for a window glass, comprising a carrier plate on which a window glass is attached, wherein the carrier plate is configured to be engageable with the guide rail so as to move up and down along the guide rail, the carrier plate comprises a main body having a first engaging portion that engages with the guide rail, an engaging member having a second engaging portion that engages with the guide rail and is provided to be movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment member having an operating portion, which is configured to adjust the distance between the main body and the engaging member in the thickness direction of the carrier plate when the operating portion is operated, the main body is configured to swing with respect to the guide rail with respect to the first engaging portion as a pivot point in order to adjust the angle of the window glass by adjusting the distance between the main body and the engaging member by the adjustment member, and the operating portion is provided in a position that does not overlap with the guide rail when viewed in the thickness direction of the carrier plate.

[0061] (2) The window glass angle adjustment structure according to (1), wherein the adjustment member is a fastening member provided to penetrate the main body and the engaging member in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, and the main body has a female threaded portion that screws into the adjustment member.

[0062] (3) The window glass angle adjustment structure according to (1) or (2), wherein the window glass angle adjustment structure includes a guide rail that guides the carrier plate in the vertical direction, the carrier plate has an overlap region that is arranged to overlap with the guide rail when viewed in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, and a protruding region that protrudes from the guide rail in the width direction of the guide rail, and the operating part is arranged in the protruding region.

[0063] (4) The window glass angle adjustment structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first engaging portion has a first clamping surface provided to clamp the guide rail in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, the second engaging portion has a second clamping surface provided to clamp the guide rail in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, the first clamping surface is configured as a curved surface so that the first engaging portion can change its angle with respect to the guide rail when the main body swings with respect to the guide rail using the first engaging portion as a pivot point, and / or the second clamping surface is configured as a curved surface so that the second engaging portion can change its angle with respect to the guide rail when the main body swings with respect to the guide rail using the first engaging portion as a pivot point.

[0064] (5) The window glass angle adjustment structure according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first engaging portion is provided on the upper side of the carrier plate and the second engaging portion is provided on the lower side of the carrier plate.

[0065] (6) The window glass angle adjustment structure according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the engaging member comprises an insertion portion through which the adjustment member, which is made up of a fastening member, is inserted, and a restricting portion provided at a position corresponding to the second engaging portion, which is inserted into the main body and restricts the engaging member from rotating around the axis of the adjustment member.

[0066] 1 Carrier plate 1A First carrier plate 1B Second carrier plate 2 Main body 21 Window glass support part 22 Through hole 23 Cable connection part 24 Adjustment member connection part 25 Restricting part engagement part 2A Surface facing the guide rail 2B Surface opposite to the surface facing the guide rail 3 Engaging member 31 Insertion part 31a Insertion hole 32 Restricting part 4 Adjustment member 41 Operating part 42 First shaft part 43 Second shaft part 44 Flange part C Cable C1 First cable C2 Second cable C3 Third cable D1 Vertical direction D2 Thickness direction D3 Width direction DR Drive unit DR1 Motor DR2 Drum E1 First engagement part E11 First clamping surface E12 Width direction clamping surface E2 Second engagement part E21 Second clamping surface E22 Width direction clamping surface EN Engaged part FS Female thread part GR Guide rail GR1 First guide rail GR2 Second guide rail MS Male thread part N Nut OC Outer casing P1 First direction changing member P2 Second direction changing member P3 Third direction changing member P4 Fourth direction changing member PN1 Outer panel PN2 Inner panel PT1 Point on the first clamping surface of the first engaging part that can contact the guide rail in the thickness direction PT2 Point on the width direction clamping surface of the first engaging part that can contact the guide rail in the width direction PT3 Point on the second clamping surface of the second engaging part that can contact the guide rail in the thickness direction PT4 Point on the width direction clamping surface of the second engaging part that can contact the guide rail in the width direction R1 Overlap region R2 Protruding region S Angle adjustment structure W Window glass WR Window regulator

Claims

1. An angle adjustment structure for a window pane, comprising a carrier plate on which a window pane is attached, wherein the carrier plate is configured to be engageable with the guide rail so as to move up and down along the guide rail, the carrier plate comprises a main body having a first engaging portion that engages with the guide rail, an engaging member having a second engaging portion that engages with the guide rail and provided to be movable relative to the main body, and an adjustment member having an operating portion, which is configured to adjust the distance between the main body and the engaging member in the thickness direction of the carrier plate when the operating portion is operated, the main body is configured to swing with respect to the guide rail with respect to the first engaging portion as a pivot point in order to adjust the angle of the window pane, and the operating portion is provided in a position that does not overlap with the guide rail when viewed in the thickness direction of the carrier plate.

2. The window glass angle adjustment structure according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is a fastening member provided to penetrate the main body and the engaging member in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, and the main body has a female threaded portion that screws into the adjustment member.

3. The window glass angle adjustment structure according to claim 1, wherein the window glass angle adjustment structure comprises a guide rail for guiding the carrier plate in the vertical direction, the carrier plate has an overlapping region that is arranged to overlap with the guide rail when viewed in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, and a protruding region that protrudes from the guide rail in the width direction of the guide rail, and the operating part is arranged in the protruding region.

4. The window glass angle adjustment structure according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion has a first clamping surface provided to clamp the guide rail in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, the second engaging portion has a second clamping surface provided to clamp the guide rail in the thickness direction of the carrier plate, the first clamping surface is configured as a curved surface so that the first engaging portion can change its angle with respect to the guide rail when the main body swings with respect to the guide rail using the first engaging portion as a pivot point, and / or the second clamping surface is configured as a curved surface so that the second engaging portion can change its angle with respect to the guide rail when the main body swings with respect to the guide rail using the first engaging portion as a pivot point.

5. The window glass angle adjustment structure according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion is provided on the upper side of the carrier plate and the second engaging portion is provided on the lower side of the carrier plate.

6. The window glass angle adjustment structure according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member comprises an insertion portion through which the adjustment member, which is composed of a fastening member, is inserted, and a restricting portion provided at a position corresponding to the second engaging portion, which is inserted into the main body and restricts the engaging member from rotating around the axis of the adjustment member.

Images