DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of window mechanisms for vehicles.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
Fixed side of a vehicle body – the term “fixed side of a vehicle body” hereinafter in the complete specification refers to a side(s) of the vehicle body which does not have any door(s) configured thereon.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, a glass window is fitted in a window cut-out provided on a fixed side, a sliding door, or a swing type door of a vehicle. Conventional mechanisms for fitting a glass window include a sliding window mechanism, a window winding mechanism, a butterfly window mechanism, or a fixed glass mechanism. Out of the abovementioned mechanisms, the window winding mechanism is fitted only on the swing type door of the vehicle. Conventional window winding mechanisms can not be fitted on the fixed side as restricted access is available at the fixed side. Further, the sliding window mechanism, the butterfly window mechanism, and the fixed glass mechanism provide limited accessibility to passengers seated at the rear rows of the vehicle. Particularly, the fixed glass mechanism restricts air flow in a vehicle. Further, aesthetics of the vehicle gets severely hampered, if different mechanisms are used on the swing door and on the fixed side of the vehicle.
Therefore, there is felt a need for a window mechanism that alleviates the abovementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a window mechanism that can be fitted on a fixed side of a vehicle body.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a window mechanism for a fixed side of a vehicle body that provides maximum window opening to passengers in the vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a window mechanism for a fixed side of a vehicle body that is aesthetical.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a window mechanism for a fixed side of a vehicle body. The fixed side of the vehicle body has at least on recess configured thereon. The mechanism comprises a first panel, a frame, a transparent window panel and a window operating unit. The first panel is receivable in an operative lower portion of the recess, and is connected to an operative inner side of the fixed side of the vehicle body. The frame is receivable in an operative upper portion of the recess, and is secured to the fixed side of the vehicle body. The transparent window panel is disposed in the frame. The window operating unit is connected to the first panel, and is configured to displace the window panel in an operative upward or downward direction.
The window operating unit comprises a track, a holding bracket, a cable, and a drive mechanism. The holding bracket is configured to support the window panel thereon. The holding bracket is secured to the track, and is configured to be slidably linearly displaced on the track. The cable is coupled to the holding bracket. The drive mechanism is coupled to the cable, and is configured to displace the cable to linearly displace the holding bracket, thereby displacing the window panel in the operative upward or downward direction.
In an embodiment, the window operating unit includes an electric motor coupled to the drive mechanism, and is configured to operate the drive mechanism when actuated. In another embodiment, the window operating unit includes a handle connected to the drive mechanism, and is configured to operate the drive mechanism.
The window mechanism further comprises a second panel receivable in the operative lower portion of the recess and connected to an operative outer side of the fixed side of the vehicle body. The window mechanism further comprises a pair of run channels disposed between the first panel and the second panel, and is configured to facilitate vertical insertion of the window panel.
The window mechanism further comprises an intrusion beam connected to the first panel, and is configured to absorb shocks generated due to external impacts experienced by the fixed side of the vehicle body.
The window mechanism further comprises a water resistant panel connected to the first panel, and is configured to restrict inflow of water inside the vehicle body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A window mechanism for a fixed side of a vehicle, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a window mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an inner side of a fixed side of a vehicle body depicting a window operating unit of the window mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a fixed side of a vehicle body depicting joineries for the window mechanism of the present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an operative outer side of the fixed side of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
50 – Vehicle body
60 – Pillar of the vehicle
70 – Vehicle frame
100 – Window mechanism
105 – Run channels
106 – Run channel mounting patch
110 – First panel
115 – Second panel
120 – Intrusion beam
125 – Window operating unit
126 – Track
127 – Drive mechanism
128 – Cable
130 – Fixed side
135 – Door inner pad
140 – Handle
145 – Water resistant panel
150 – Run channel seal
155 – Recess
160 – Frame
165 – Transparent window panel
175 – First seal
180 – Second seal
185 – EPDM layer
190 – Fuel filler assembly
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Conventionally, a glass window panel is fitted in a vehicle using different mechanisms such as a sliding window mechanism, a window winding mechanism, a butterfly window mechanism, or a fixed glass mechanism. Typically, on a fixed side of the vehicle, the glass window panel is fitted using the sliding window mechanism or a fixed window mechanism. The sliding window mechanism facilitates limited inflow of air in the vehicle, whereas the fixed window mechanism restricts inflow of air within the vehicle. Further, a conventional window winding mechanism is fitted on a swing type door of the vehicle body, and not on the fixed side of the vehicle body due to limited accessibility. Different window mechanisms on the swing type doors and on the fixed side of the vehicle body hampers aesthetics of the vehicle.
The present disclosure envisages a window mechanism which can be fitted on a fixed side of a vehicle body.
The window mechanism (hereinafter also referred to as mechanism), of the present disclosure is now described with reference to figure 1 through figure 4.
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a window mechanism 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an inner side of a fixed side 130 of a vehicle body 50 depicting a window operating unit 125 of the window mechanism 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the fixed side 130 depicting joineries for the window mechanism 100. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an operative outer side of the fixed side 130.
Referring to Figure 1, the window mechanism 100 comprises a first panel 110, a frame 160, a transparent window panel 165, and a window operating unit 125.
The window mechanism 100 is configured to be fitted in the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50 (shown in Figure 4). The fixed side 130 has at least one recess 155 configured therein. In an embodiment, the fixed side 130 has a plurality of such recesses. In such case, the window mechanism 100 is fitted in each recess.
The first panel 110 is receivable in an operative lower portion of the recess 155, and is connected to an operative inner side of the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50. In an embodiment, the first panel 110 is of a metallic material. A water resistant panel 145 is connected to the first panel 110. The water resistant panel 145 is configured to restrict inflow of water inside the vehicle body 50. Further, a door inner pad 135 is connected to the water resistant panel 145. More specifically, the water resistant panel 145 is disposed between the first panel 110 and the door inner pad 135. The door inner pad 135 is provided to improve the aesthetics of the inner side of the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50.
The frame 160 is receivable in an operative upper portion of the recess 155, and secured to the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50. In an embodiment, an EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer) layer 185 is provided over the frame 160 to restrict inflow of water in the space defined within the vehicle body 50.
The transparent window panel 165 is disposed in the frame 160. The window panel 165 is a typically made of glass or any other suitable material which is highly transparent.
The window operating unit 125 (as shown in Figure 2) is connected to the first panel 110, and is configured to displace the window panel 165 in an operative upward or downward direction. The window operating unit 125 comprises a track 126, a holding bracket (not specifically shown in figures), a cable 128, and a drive mechanism 127. The track 126 is connected to the first panel 110. The holding bracket is configured to support the window panel 165 thereon. The holding bracket is secured to the track 126, and is slidably linearly displaceable on the track 126. The cable 128 is coupled to the holding bracket.
In an embodiment, the cable 128 is a Bowden cable.
The drive mechanism 127 is coupled to the cable 128, and is configured to displace the cable 128 such that the holding bracket is linearly displaced on the track 126. The linear displacement of the bracket results in displacement of the window panel 165 in the upward or downward direction. In prior arts, a window panel was fixed with respect to the vehicle frame or was a sliding glass.
The drive mechanism 127 can be operated automatically or manually. In an embodiment, the window operating unit 125 includes an electric motor (not specifically shown in figures). The electric motor is coupled to the drive mechanism 127, and configured to operate the drive mechanism 127 when the electric motor is actuated. In another embodiment, the window operating unit 125 includes a handle 140. The handle 140 is connected to the drive mechanism 127. More specifically, the handle 140 extends from the door inner pad 135 in the space defined within the vehicle body 50. The handle 140 is configured to operate the drive mechanism 127. Typically, the clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the handle 140 causes the upward or downward movement of the window panel 165 respectively or vice versa.
The window mechanism 100 further comprises a second panel 115. The second panel 115 is receivable in the operative lower portion of the recess 155, and is connected to an operative outer side of the fixed side 130 (as shown in Figure 4) of the vehicle body 50.
In an embodiment, a fuel filler assembly 190 is attached to the second panel 115.
The second panel 115 has a plurality of drain holes (not specifically shown in Figures) configured thereon. The drain holes facilitate outflow of water accumulated between the first panel 110 and the second panel 115.
The window mechanism 100 further comprises a pair of run channels 105 disposed between the first panel 110 and the second panel 115. The run channels 105 facilitate vertical insertion of the window panel 165. The vertical insertion is adapted as conventional window panel insertion by rotation of the window panel is not feasible due to presence of the fuel filler assembly 190. The run channels 105 are bolted at TCF after the window panel insertion.
In an embodiment, a front run channel and a rear run channel are disposed proximal to the pillar 60 of the vehicle body 50. More specifically, the front run channel and the rear run channel are disposed proximal to the B-pillar of the vehicle body 50.
In an embodiment, the run channels 105 are bolted to the vehicle frame 70.
The window mechanism 100 further comprises a run channel seal 150 disposed proximal to the run channels 105.
In an embodiment, a run channel mounting patch 106 is configured proximal to the first panel 110 to facilitate the mounting of the run channels 105 (as shown in Figure 3).
The run channels 105, the first panel 110, the water resistant panel 145, and the door inner pad are fitted within the recess 155 configured within the fixed side 130.
The window mechanism 100 further comprises an intrusion beam 120. The intrusion beam 120 is connected to the first panel 110. The intrusion beam 120 is configured to absorb shocks generated due to external side impacts experienced by the vehicle body 50. The intrusion beam 120 protects the passengers from the side impacts.
The window mechanism 100 further comprises a first seal 175 and a second seal 180.
The first seal 175 is provided between the first panel 110 and the operative inner side of the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50. The first seal 175 is configured to seal a passage between the first panel 110 and the operative inner side of the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50.
The second seal 180 is provided between the second panel 115 and the operative outer side of the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50. The second seal 180 is configured to seal a passage between the second panel 115 and the operative outer side of the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50 to prevent inflow of water through the passage.
In an embodiment, the second seal 180 is snap type seal to facilitate attachment with the second panel 115.
In an embodiment, a butyl sealant bead is provided between the top vehicle frame 70 and the fixed side 130 of the vehicle body 50 to arrest water seepage and prevent potential corrosion thereof.
The mechanism 100 is optimally configured considering the window panel insertions, window panel travel and the motion of the window panel, available clearance between the window panel and other components. The frame 160 can be separately configured to ease the manufacturing of the mechanism 100.
The mechanism, of the present disclosure, is configured to be fitted on the fixed side of the vehicle. The mechanism facilitates maximum window opening to the passengers, thereby facilitating maximum inflow of air. The window mechanism is aesthetical.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a window mechanism that:
• can be fitted on a fixed side of a vehicle;
• provides maximum window opening to passengers in the vehicle; and
• is aesthetical.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. A window mechanism (100) for a fixed side (130) of a vehicle body (50), said fixed side (130) having at least one recess (155) configured thereon, said mechanism (100) comprising:
a first panel (110) receivable in an operative lower portion of said recess (155) and connected to an operative inner side of said fixed side (130) of the vehicle body (50);
a frame (160) receivable in an operative upper portion of said recess (155) and secured to said fixed side (130) of the vehicle body (50);
a transparent window panel (165) disposed in said frame (160); and
a window operating unit (125) connected to said first panel (110) and configured to displace said window panel (165) in an operative upward or downward direction.
2. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said window operating unit (125) comprises:
a track (126);
a holding bracket configured to support said window panel (165) thereon, said holding bracket is secured to said track (126) and is configured to be slidably linearly displaced on said track (126);
a cable (128) coupled to said holding bracket; and
a drive mechanism (127) coupled to said cable (128), said drive mechanism (127) is configured to displace said cable (128) to linearly displace said holding bracket, thereby displacing said window panel (165) in said operative upward or downward direction.
3. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said window operating unit (125) includes an electric motor coupled to said drive mechanism (127), and is configured to operate said drive mechanism (127) when actuated.
4. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said window operating unit (125) includes a handle (140) connected to said drive mechanism (127), and is configured to operate said drive mechanism (127).
5. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, which comprises a second panel (115) receivable in said operative lower portion of said recess (155) and connected to an operative outer side of said fixed side (130) of the vehicle body (50).
6. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, which comprises a pair of run channels (105) disposed between said first panel (110) and said second panel (115), and configured to facilitate vertical insertion of said window panel (165).
7. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second panel (115) has a plurality of drain holes configured thereon to facilitate outflow of water accumulated between said first panel (110) and said second panel (115).
8. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, which comprises:
a first seal (175) provided between said first panel (110) and said operative inner side of said fixed side (130) of the vehicle body (50), and configured to seal a passage therebetween; and
a second seal (180) provided between said second panel (115) and said operative outer side of said fixed side (130) of the vehicle body (50), and configured to seal a passage therebetween.
9. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, which comprises an intrusion beam (120) connected to said first panel (110), and configured to absorb shocks generated due to external impacts experienced by said fixed side (130) of the vehicle body (50).
10. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, which comprises a water resistant panel (145) connected to said first panel (110), and configured to restrict inflow of water inside said vehicle body (50).
11. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 10, which comprises a door inner pad (135) connected to said water resistant panel (145).
12. The window mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, which comprises an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) layer (185) provided over said frame (160).