DRIVER ELEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WINDOW LIFTER

Abstract

A driver element for a motor vehicle window lifter, which element can be connected to a window pane to be moved.

Claims

1. A driver element for a use in motor vehicle window lifter configured to adjust a window pane, the driver element comprising: a driver element body including: (a) a pane connecting region configured to be secured to the window pane and defining a connecting gap configured to receive the window pane, wherein the pane connecting region includes, i. a base, wherein when the window pane is in a connected state, a lower edge of the window pane opposes the base, ii. a connecting bar provided on the driver element body and including a latching lug disposed thereon, wherein the connecting bar is configured to elastically displace with respect to the driver element body as the window pane is inserted along a mounting direction into the driver element body, wherein the latching lug opposes a positioning section, protruding from the base, and is configured to engage a connecting opening defined by the window pane, wherein the positioning section opposes the connecting bar and forms a guide surface, wherein the guide surface is inclined with respect to the mounting direction and guides the lower edge as the window pane is inserted into the connecting gap, and/or ii. at least one support section protruding from the base, formed of an elastic material, and configured to support the lower edge, and/or a liquid-guiding element configured to discharge liquid from the driver element body, and/or (c) a traction means connecting region configured to connect a flexible traction means to the driver element body and including a first nipple chamber and a second nipple chamber aligned with one another along a longitudinal direction, wherein the traction means connection region defines a mounting opening extending along the longitudinal direction and end sections of the flexible traction means are inserted into the mounting opening, wherein the mounting opening has a first length (I) extending along the longitudinal direction, and the first nipple chamber has a second length (b1) and the second nipple chamber has a third length (b2), wherein the first length (I) equals at least half of a sum of the second length and the third length.

2. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the connecting bar is configured to elastically pivot about a first pivot axis, and wherein the base is spaced apart from the first pivot axis.

3. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the positioning section is configured to displace elastically as the window pane is mounted to the driver element.

4. The driver element of claim 2, wherein the connecting bar is configured to elastically pivot about the first pivot axis and the positioning section is held by the base so that the positioning section is configured to elastically pivot about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is spaced apart from the first pivot axis.

5. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the connecting bar is U-shaped and includes two arms and a top section, wherein the two arms and the top section define a recess.

6. The driver element of claim 5, wherein the positioning section opposes the recess.

7. The driver element of claim 5, wherein the base is formed by a socket section protruding from the driver element body towards the top section.

8. The driver element of claim 7, wherein the socket section at least partially extends into the recess.

9. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the positioning section of the pane connecting region is pin-shaped.

10. The driver element of claim 1, wherein two opposing sides of the connecting gap are formed by the connecting bar and a bearing section protruding from the driver element body.

11. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the pane connection region includes another connecting bars.

12. The driver element of claim 11, wherein the pane connection region includes a bearing section protruding from the driver element body and disposed between the connecting bar and the other connecting bars.

13. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the pane connection region includes a support section protruding from the base and formed by a soft component.

14. The driver element of claim 13, wherein the support section is formed by a localized protruding and thickening of the soft component protruding from the base.

15. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the liquid-guiding element is configured to guide the liquid towards an edge of the driver element body.

16. (canceled)

17. The driver element of claim 15, wherein the liquid-guiding element is formed by a rib, recess and/or a channel.

18. (canceled)

19. The driver element of claim 1, further comprising: a first spring; and a second spring, wherein the end sections include a first end section and a second end section, wherein the first spring is disposed on the first end section and the second spring is disposed on the second end section, and wherein the first length (l) is configured to receive the first and second springs as the first spring is inserted into the first nipple chamber and as the second spring is inserted into the second nipple without compressing either the first spring or the second spring.

20. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the traction means connecting region defines a traction means guide channel and an elongated traction means opening configured to receive a section of the traction means before the second end of the traction means is inserted into guide channel.

21. The driver element of claim 1, wherein the traction means connecting region defines a greasing opening, a traction means guide channel, and an elongated traction means opening configured to receive a section of the traction means before the second end of the traction means is inserted into guide channel, wherein the greasing opening is provided between the traction means opening and the mounting opening, and wherein the greasing opening is configured to receive grease and facilitate a flow of the grease to the first nipple chamber and/or the second nipple chamber.

22. The driver element of claim 21, wherein a width of the greasing opening is larger than a width of the mounting opening and less than a width of the traction means opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying figures illustrate by way of example possible variants of the proposed solution.

[0037] In the drawings:

[0038] FIGS. 1A-1B in each case show a variant of a proposed driver element in a perspective view and with a view of different sides;

[0039] FIG. 2 shows in a side view and in a detail the driver element with a window pane connected to the driver element;

[0040] FIG. 3 shows in a rear view a first phase of a mounting of the window pane onto the driver element;

[0041] FIGS. 4A-4D show the mounting of the window pane onto the driver element in a view coinciding with FIG. 3 in further phases;

[0042] FIG. 5 shows in enlarged scale the driver element of FIGS. 1A and 1B with a view of a traction means connecting region of the driver element;

[0043] FIGS. 6A-6C show different views of the driver element of FIGS. 1A and 1B, illustrating a liquid-guiding structure which is provided on the driver element;

[0044] FIG. 7 shows schematically a window lifter assembly in which a proposed driver element is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates by way of example a window lifter for a motor vehicle. This window lifter comprises a window lifter assembly FH with a displaceably guided driver element 1 to which a window pane F is connected. The driver element 1 is coupled to a flexible traction means in the form of a cable pull 2 which is movable via a plurality of deflection elements U1, U2, for example in the form of rotatably mounted cable pulleys, by means of a drive A. The drive A which is arranged on a support component T, as are the deflection elements U1 and U2, drives a cable drum 3 via a motor MA. By winding and unwinding the cable pull 2 respectively on and off the cable drum 3, the driver element 1 may be moved longitudinally. Then the window pane F guided laterally in pane guides G1 and G2 is lifted or lowered thereby depending on the rotational direction of the cable drum 3. In the single-strand window lifter, shown in FIG. 7, the driver element 1 may be displaceably guided along a guide rail which is formed by the support component T or fixed to the support component T.

[0047] A variant of the driver element 1 according to the proposed solution is shown in FIGS. 1 to 6C.

[0048] The driver element 1 in this case has a driver element body 10 on which, in particular, rail grips 10.1, 10.2 are formed on a guide rail for a displaceable bearing of the driver element 1. These rail grips 10.1, 10.2 are provided in a central region of the driver element body 10 on an inner face 1B of the driver element 1.

[0049] On an upper end of the driver element 1, relative to the intended installed state, the driver element body 10 forms a pane connecting region 11 with two elastically displaceable connecting bars 11A and 11B. The connecting bars 11A and 11B protruding upwardly on the driver element body 10, are configured, for example according to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in each case in a U-shaped manner. Via two arms of this U-shape, each connecting bar 11A, 11B is elastically displaceable on the driver element body 10 so that a top section 11KA or 11KB connecting the two arms is pivotable when mounting the window pane F onto the driver element 1. A latching lug 110A or 110B is formed on each of these top sections 11KA, 11KB, when the window pane F is attached as intended to the driver element 1, the latching lug snapping into a connecting opening of the window pane F in order to secure the window pane F and the driver element 1 to one another.

[0050] Between the two connecting bars 11A and 11B extends a bearing section in the form of a bearing projection 11C. Together with the connecting bars 11A and 11B, the central bearing projection 11C defines a connecting gap S on the pane connecting region 11 into which the window pane F (see FIG. 2) may be inserted with a lower edge K in order to secure the window pane F to the driver element 1. When the window pane F is connected as intended, the two connecting bars 11A and 11B are present on one side of the window pane F whilst the bearing projection 11C is present on an opposing side of the window pane F. In the intended installed state, for example, an outer face 1A of the driver element 1 with the connecting bars 11A and 11B faces an outer face of a motor vehicle, whilst the inner face 1B with the bearing projection 11C faces an interior of the motor vehicle.

[0051] In the intended assembled state, the lower edge K of the window pane F in each case bears against a base 113A, 113B of the pane connecting region 11 which defines a lower end of the connecting gap S. A base 113A, 113B in this case is provided in each case in the region of one of the connecting bars 11A, 11B and configured on a socket section 114A or 114B which extends into a recess OA or OB formed between the arms of a connecting bar 11A or 11B. A base 113A or 113B is spaced apart in each case upwardly via the socket section 114A or 114B from a pivot axis D1 of a connecting bar 11A or 11B about which a connecting bar 11A or 11B, during the mounting of the window pane F on the driver element 1, may pivot (outwardly) in a pivoting direction R1, see FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0052] A bearing finger 111A or 111B assigned to the outer face 1A is configured, amongst other things, as part of the pane connecting region 11 on each base 113A or 113B assigned to a connecting bar 11A or 11B. Moreover, a positioning section in the form of an arresting hook 112A or 112B, protruding in the manner of a pin from the base 113A or 113B, is provided opposite each connecting bar 11A or 11B. Each of these arresting hooks 112A, 112B contributes to the stabilizing of the window pane F inserted into the connecting gap S during mounting and via a guide surface 1120A or 1120B guides the (pane) lower edge K in the direction of the base 113A or 113B and thus into an intended latching position, in which the latching lugs 110A and 110B of the connecting bars 11A and 11B are able to snap into the associated connecting openings of the window pane F. A guide surface 1120A, 1120B of an arresting hook 112A or 112B in each case is designed to be inclined relative to a mounting direction M, along which the window pane F may be inserted (from above) into the connecting gap S.

[0053] As is shown with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4D for different phases during the mounting of the window pane F onto the driver element 1, the window pane F inserted in the connecting gap S initially with its lower edge K by running over the latching lugs 110A and 110B displaces the connecting bars 11A and 11B. As a result, the connecting bars 11A and 11B are initially displaced outwardly (FIG. 4A) together with the respective base 113A, 113B relative to the remainder of the driver element body 10 which is already held on a guide rail via the rail grips 10.1, 10.2. Then the connecting bars 11A and 11B pivot elastically about their pivot axis D1 outwardly in the pivoting direction R (FIG. 4B). So that the window pane F, when moved further in the direction of the bases 113A and 113B, does not pivot the connecting bars 11A and 11B further outwardly, and thus potentially a latching with the connecting bars 11A and 11B is not present, the lower edge K of the window pane F when moved further in the mounting direction M runs over the guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B of the arresting hooks 112A and 112B which oppose the connecting bars 11A and 11B (FIG. 4C). Via the guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B, which run in an inclined manner, the lower edge K of the pane F is guided in a defined manner downwardly in the direction of the bases 113A and 113B, down into the designated latching position (FIG. 4D).

[0054] As is illustrated, in particular, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4C to 4D, in the present case an elastic displaceability of the arresting hooks 112A and 112B relative to the connecting bars 11A, 11B is permitted. Thus each arresting hook 112A, 112B may be pivoted inwardly by the action of the lower edge K, which is inserted further in the mounting direction M (downwardly) into the connecting gap S, counter to the connecting bars 11A and 11B and relative to the connecting bars 11A and 11B in a pivoting direction R2. A pivot axis D2 of the arresting hooks 112A and 112B in this case is spaced apart via the socket sections 114A and 114B from the pivot axis D1 of the connecting bars 11A and 11B by a spacing a.

[0055] If the lower edge K slides along the guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B, which run in an inclined manner, of the arresting hooks 112A and 112B into the lowermost region of the connecting gap S between the bearing fingers 111A, 111B and the arresting hooks 112A and 112B, the arresting hooks 112A and 112B pivot back. As soon as the window pane F has also been inserted sufficiently far into the connecting gap S that the latching lugs 110A and 110B are able to snap into the connecting openings of the window pane F, the connecting bars 11A, 11B also pivot back toward the arresting hooks 112, 112B.

[0056] The arresting hooks 112A and 112B on the base 113A and 113B, which is partially located by the socket sections 114A and 114B in the recess OA and OB of the connecting bars 11A and 11B, ensure a stabilizing of the window pane F transversely to the mounting direction M when mounted. Via the guide surfaces 1120A and 1120B the lower edge K of the window pane F to be mounted, when this window pane has already been inserted into the connecting gap S of the pane connecting region 11, is guided by elastic displacement of the arresting hooks 112A and 112B into the intended latching position in which the latching hooks 110A and 110B of each connecting bar 11A and 11B are able to snap into the connecting openings of the window pane F. Thus a defined guidance of the window pane F inside the connecting gap S is ensured as far as the latching position. As a result, the mounting of the window pane F on the driver element 1 is facilitated and is less prone to error.

[0057] For a defined support of the window pane F, which is mounted as intended on the driver element 1, support sections in the form of thickenings 14A and 14B are provided on each base 113A, 113B. Each of these thickenings 14A and 14B is configured from an elastic soft component which is injection-molded onto the base 113A or 113B, and namely such that the thickening 14A, 14B made of the elastic soft component protrudes at least slightly from the base 113A or 113B. The window pane F which is locally supported by its lower edge K on the thickenings 14A and 14B, therefore, is spaced apart from the remainder of the respective base 113A, 113B via a gap g corresponding to FIG. 2.

[0058] By compressing the thickenings 14A and 14B, a displacement of the window pane F relative to the driver element 1 on the pane connecting region 11 is possible. Thus the thickenings 14A and 14B, which are provided eccentrically on the driver element 1, may ensure a defined support of the window pane F on the driver element 1 and, for example when inserting the window pane F into an upper end position, may permit an at least small displacement of the window pane F relative to the driver element 1. Moreover, by the support on the thickenings 14A and 14B an anti-rattling effect may be achieved and, as a result, reversal noise may be avoided. In particular, the window pane F is supported in a defined manner on the thickenings 14A and 14B and thus permits an improved pane support of the lower edge K of the window pane F on the driver element 1.

[0059] A liquid-guiding structure 13 is also formed on the driver element body 10 of the driver element 1, via which any liquid such as for example penetrating water may be discharged in a defined manner from the driver element body 10. In particular, the liquid-guiding structure 13 is configured such that water is conducted obliquely in the direction of an edge 10RA, 10RB of the driver element body 10 and beyond, and namely such that the water, in particular, is conducted away from the traction means 2 and, in particular, a traction means connecting region 12 of the driver element 1 on which a coupling of the cable pull 2 to the driver element 1 is implemented. The liquid-guiding structure 13 of the driver element 1 is also configured such that any liquid is also conducted away from the rail grips 10.1, 10.2 and thus in the intended assembled state of the window lifter assembly FH from a guide rail, on which the driver element 1 is displaceably held.

[0060] In the driver element 1 shown in FIGS. 1A to 6C, the liquid-guiding structure 13 comprises a plurality of liquid-guiding elements in the form of drainage channels 130A and 130B; see in particular FIGS. 6A to 6C. These drainage channels 130A and 130B are provided in each case eccentrically below a connecting bar 11A and 11B. In this case, two drainage channels 130A, 130B run at least partially obliquely to the mounting direction M of the window pane F laterally downwardly. Each drainage channel 130A, 130B runs on the inner face 1B of the driver element 1, thus inclined downwardly relative to the mounting direction M of the window paneand a adjustment direction of the driver element 1 in the intended installed stateso that by the action of gravity liquid present on the driver element body 10 may drain away to the side in a targeted manner via the drainage channels 130A, 130B.

[0061] Each drainage channel 130A, 130B extends in this case beyond a (right-hand or left-hand) edge 10RA, 10RB of the driver element body 10 so that at a protruding end of each drainage channel 130A, 130B the liquid may drain away from the driver element body 10. A protruding end of each drainage channel 130A, 130B in this case has an L-shaped cross section and is open toward the outer face 1A of the driver element 1. In this manner, liquid discharged via the drainage channels 130A, 130B, is additionally conducted outwardly and thus, in the intended assembled state of the window lifter assembly FH, away from the further components of the window lifter assembly FH.

[0062] For assisting the drainage of liquid via the liquid-guiding structure 13 comprising the drainage channels 130A, 130B, in the intended assembled state of the window lifter assembly FH, for example in an upper end position which corresponds to a closed position of the window pane, the driver element 1 may be present inclined slightly in the direction of the vehicle interior and in the direction of a vehicle rear end.

[0063] For the targeted discharge of liquid from the driver element body 10, alternatively or additionally to the drainage channels 130A, 130B the liquid-guiding structure 13 may also have liquid-guiding elements which are formed by ribs and/or recesses on the driver element body 10.

[0064] As is visible, in particular, in the enlarged detailed view of FIG. 5, the driver element 1 has a traction means connecting region 12 for coupling the driver element 1 to the cable pull 2. The traction means connecting region 12 arranged centrally on the driver element body 10 has two nipple chambers 12.1 and 12.2 in succession in a longitudinal direction E1 into which in each case a cable pull end section 20 of the cable pull 1 may be positively inserted in order to transmit thereby an adjustment force for lifting or lowering the window pane F to the driver element 1.

[0065] For inserting a cable end section 20 of the cable pull 2 on the traction means connecting region 12 an individual mounting opening 120 located between the two nipple chambers 12.1, 12.2 is provided. Via the one mounting opening 120, therefore, a cable end section 20 may be inserted in the longitudinal direction E1 into the one (upper) nipple chamber 12.1 andsubsequentlya further cable end section (not shown in FIG. 5) in an opposing longitudinal or insertion direction E2 into the other (lower) nipple chamber 12.2. In the present case, a cable end section 20 has in a manner known per se a cable nipple 200 as well as a spring element supported thereon in the form of a compression spring 201 for cable length compensation.

[0066] During the mounting of the cable pull 2 via the cable pull end sections 20 on the driver element 1, in principle there is the difficulty that generally the compression spring 201 has to be compressed with a large application of force, in order to permit an insertion into the respectively assigned nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2. Accordingly, in the case of the driver element 1 shown, an insertion of two cable pull end sections 20 is possible in succession via the mounting opening 120, without the application of manual force and, in particular, without the compression of the compression springs 201.

[0067] Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting opening 120 has a length 1 in the longitudinal direction E1 which corresponds at least to the sum of the lengths b1 and b2 of the adjacent nipple chambers 12.1 and 12.2. Accordingly, a cable nipple 200 may be inserted with the uncompressed compression spring 201 into the mounting opening 120 and subsequently pushed or pulled into the associated nipple chamber 12.1 12.2 in the longitudinal direction or insertion direction E1 or E2. The space subsequently available via the mounting opening 120 is thus also sufficient in order to insert the other cable nipple 200 with its compression spring 201, with the uncompressed compression spring 201, and to push or to pull the cable nipple into the opposing nipple chamber 12.2 or 12.1.

[0068] For facilitating the greasing of a nipple chamber 12.1, 12.2 the traction means connecting region 12 has a greasing opening 121.1 or 121.2 on each nipple chamber 12.1, 12.2. This greasing opening 121.1, 121.2 in each case adjoins the central mounting opening 120 (upwardly or downwardly) and is provided between the mounting opening 120 and a traction means opening 122.1 or 122.2 of a cable guide channel 12.3, 12.4, via which the cable pull 2 which is connected as intended to the driver element 1 extends away from the respective nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2. In this case, each greasing opening 121.1 or 121.2 has a width which is smaller than the width of the central mounting opening 120 in order to hold the cable nipple 200 which is inserted with the compression spring 201 in the nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2. At the same time, however, the width of the greasing opening 121.1 or 121.2 is larger by a multiple than the width of the cable pull opening 122.1, 122.2 via which, during mounting, the cable pull 2 is inserted into the respective cable guide channel 12.3 or 12.4. The dimensions of the greasing opening 121.1 or 121.2 are selected, for example, such that a greasing of the respective nipple chamber 12.1 or 12.2, for example with nepheline, is possible from the outside.

[0069] The following is a list of reference numbers shown in the Figures. However, it should be understood that the use of these terms is for illustrative purposes only with respect to one embodiment. And, use of reference numbers correlating a certain term that is both illustrated in the Figures and present in the claims is not intended to limit the claims to only cover the illustrated embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0070] 1 Driver element [0071] 10 Driver element body [0072] 10.1, 10.2 Rail grip [0073] 10RA, 10RB Edge [0074] 11 Pane connecting region [0075] 110A, 110B Latching lug [0076] 111A, 111B Bearing finger (bearing section) [0077] 1120A, 1120B Guide surface [0078] 112A, 112B Arresting hook (positioning section) [0079] 113A, 113B Base [0080] 114A, 114B Socket section [0081] 11A, 11B Connecting bar [0082] 11C Bearing projection (bearing section) [0083] 11KA, 11KB Top section [0084] 12 Traction means connecting region [0085] 12.1, 12.2 Nipple chamber [0086] 12.3, 12.4 Cable guide channel [0087] 120 (Central) mounting opening [0088] 121.1, 121.2 Greasing opening [0089] 122.1, 122.2 Traction means opening [0090] 13 Liquid-guiding structure [0091] 130A, 130B Drainage channel (liquid-guiding element) [0092] 14A, 14B Thickening (support section) [0093] 1A, 1B Outer face/inner face [0094] 2 Cable pull (traction means) [0095] 20 Cable pull end section [0096] 200 Cable nipple [0097] 201 Compression spring (spring element) [0098] 3 Cable drum [0099] A Drive [0100] a Spacing [0101] AM Motor [0102] b1, b2 Length [0103] D1, D2 Pivot axis [0104] E1, E2 Insertion direction/longitudinal direction [0105] F Window pane [0106] FH Window lifter assembly [0107] G Gap [0108] G1, G2 Pane guide [0109] K Pane lower edge [0110] L Length [0111] M Mounting direction [0112] OA, OB Recess [0113] R1, R2 Pivoting direction [0114] S Connecting gap [0115] T Support component [0116] U1, U2 Deflection element

[0117] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.