Description:A WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a window regulator assembly of a vehicle and, in particular, to window regulator channel for proper alignment and fitment of window glass channel having window glass with the single arm type window regulator.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] In automobile, there is a window lifting and lowering apparatus that is used to open and close the window glass manually or electrically by a motor. There are several type of window regulator, such as single arm, X arm, and cable type window regulator. In the single arm type window regulator assembly, window glass is pivoted on an arm connected to window glass by a window regulator channel. A conventional single arm type window regulator assembly is constructed by using a sector gear in the shape of a circular arc pivoted by being brought into mesh with a pinion pivoted by a motor or the like. By pivoting an arm connected to the sector gear along with the sector gear, window glass connected to a front end of the arm can be moved in an up and down direction along an opening portion of a window or the like of an automobile.
[003] Referring to figure 1, 2, and 3, a conventional window regulator assembly is described. The window regulator assembly 100 includes a window glass 101 which is mounted in glass channel 102 having two extending lugs 102a at extreme ends along length of the glass channel 102, a window regulator channel 104 connected with regulator arm 103 via sliding mechanism. During upward movement or downward movement of the window, the regulator arm 103 slides inside the window regulator channel 104.
[004] During assembling of window glass on window regulator, the window glass does not rest completely on the window regulator channel at first instance and there is a mismatch between them also. Sometimes, the operator is not able to locate the correct side of the window regulator channel during assembling of the window glass.
[005] Referring to figure 2, the glass channel 102 can moves in direction 105 and 106 over the window regulator channel 104.
[006] In the existing window regulator assembly, the glass channel can move in both directions as seen in figure 2 and as a result many of the times glass channel 1-2 is positioned in cross position with respect to regulator channel as seen in the fig 3 leading to wrong assembly of the window regulator channel and the window glass channel. Further, this problem becomes bigger when the window regulator channel is not symmetric leading to confusion to the operator as to which side the channel should be fitted.
[007] Therefore, there is a need in the art to modify the structure of the window regulator channel which can guide the glass channel in proper alignment with the window regulator channel.
[008] In view of the above, it is beneficial to have a window regulator channel which improves assembly and fitment of the glass channel without mismatch.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a window regulator channel which can guide proper alignment of window glass channel.
[0010] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a window regulator channel with two C shaped brackets along its length to guide fitment and insertion of the glass channel in window regulator assembly.
[0011] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a window regulator channel that can be fitted from both sides, i.e., symmetric regulator channel since window regulator channel is free to rotate with regulator arm of the window regulator assembly.
[0012] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a window regulator channel structure which is cost efficient and simple to accurately guide the glass channel over the window regulator channel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0013] The present subject matter disclosed herein relates to a window regulator channel for connecting window glass channel and window regulator arm of window regulator assembly. The window regulator channel comprises two C shaped brackets which are abutted on the window regulator channel at a distance spaced apart along length. The two C shaped brackets are abutted flat on outer surface of the window regulator channel where flanges of the C shaped brackets protruded forwardly away from the outer surface of the window regulator channel.
[0014] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates window regulator assembly in the existing art;
[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates alignment of glass channel and window regulator channel in the window regulator assembly in the existing art;
[0018] Fig. 3 illustrates mis-alignment of the glass channel and the window regulator channel in the window regulator assembly in the existing art;
[0019] Fig. 4 illustrates window regulator channel with C shaped brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0020] Fig. 5 illustrates assembly of glass channel with the window regulator with C shaped brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0021] Fig. 6 illustrates assembled view of the window regulator assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0022] Fig. 7 illustrates cross section view along A-A of figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0023] Fig. 8 illustrates cross section view along B-B of figure 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0024] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0025] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0026] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0027] Figure 4 illustrates structure of the window regulator channel in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The window regulator channel 404 is a longitudinal channel which allows slide movement of arm regulator 403 via a slider which can be circular or rectangular or any other shape. The window regulator channel 404 has two mounting holes 404a which are provided at extreme ends as shown in figure 5. Further, two limiting lugs 404b are spaced apart along length of the window regulator channel 404. The two limiting lugs 404b are provided after the two mounting holes 404a toward center of the window regulator channel 404. The two limiting lugs 404b restrict movement of the arm regulator 403. The window regulator channel 404 is rotatably pivot with the arm regulator 403, accordingly, the regulator channel 404 can rotate 360o about the arm regulator 403.
[0028] Further, at least two C shaped brackets 405 and 406 are spaced apart along the length of the window regulator channel 404. The atleast two C shaped brackets 405 and 406 are abutted on outer surface of the window regulator channel 404. The at least two C shaped brackets 405 and 406 (it can be referred as two C shaped brackets or C shaped brackets) has convex surface profile. To illustrate the present subject matter, two C shaped brackets are shown and illustrated in figures and in the description, the window regulator channel may have more than two C shaped brackets along its length. Therefore, the word “at least two” should be read with below explained explanations. The two C shaped brackets 405 and 406 has flanges 405a, 405b, 406a, 406b which protruded forwardly away from the outer surface 404c of the window regulator channel 404. The C shaped brackets 405 and 406 are abutted on the outer surface by means of welding or spot welding or any other mounting means which is known for joining the metal to metal surface or metal to non-metal surface. The convex surface of C shaped brackets 405 and 406 are abutted/mounted on the outer surface 404c of the window regulator channel 404 in such a manner where the flanges 405a, 405b, 406a, 406b of the C shaped brackets 405, 406 are vertically positioned with respect to length of the window regulator channel 404. Referring to figure 7 and figure 5, the flanges 405a and 405b of the C shaped bracket 405 are in Y direction (vertical direction or transverse direction) and flanges 406a and 406b of the C shaped bracket 406 on other end are also extending in Y direction.
[0029] Referring to figure 5 which indicates assembly of glass channel over the window regulator channel in direction D. A window glass 401 is fixed with the glass channel 402, and the glass channel 402 is to be fixed with the window regulator channel 404 which is mounted at one of the regulator arm 403. The glass channel 402 has extending mounting portions 402a at extreme ends along length. The extending mounting portions 402a has through holes correspond to the mounting holes 404a of the window regulator channel 404. When the glass channel 402 completely rests on and matches with the window regulator channel 404 with the help of C shaped brackets 405 and 406, the through holes of the extending mounting portions 402a are inline with the mounting holes 404a of the window regulator channel 404 for screw nut mounting. After matching with the mounting holes of the window regulator channel 404, the glass channel 402 is fixed by screw nut mounting means as shown in figure 6.
[0030] Referring to figure 5 and 6, the two C-type brackets 405 and 406 are welded to the window regulator channel 404. When the window glass channel 402 lowers inside door panel and even if there is movement away from the path of the glass channel 402, the glass channel 402 first hits the angular flanges of the C shaped brackets and then gets guided by the C-type brackets and the glass channel 402 takes the position over the window regulator channel 404. Moreover, the window regulator channel 404 is symmetrical made with respect to the regulator arm 403. As explained above, the window regulator arm 404 is rotatably pivot on the regulator arm 403 which allows the window regulator channel 404 to rotate 360 degrees about the regulator arm 403. After addition of C type brackets 405 and 406, the operator can assemble the regulator channel from both side.
[0031] As shown in the figure 5 and 6, the window regulator assembly 400 comprises a glass channel 402 fitted with window glass 401 and a regulator arm 403 which moves the glass channel 402 up and down position after fitment. Further, a window regulator channel 403 is provided which connects the regulator arm 403 and the glass channel 402. The window regulator channel 403 is a longitudinal channel having at least two C shaped brackets 405, 406 abutted on outer surface 404c. The C shaped brackets 405 and 406 are spaced apart along length of the window regulator channel 403. The C shaped brackets 405 and 406 flanges 405a, 405b, 406a, 406b (fig. 4, 5, and Fig. 7) in vertical direction to guide the glass channel. Further, the flanges 405a, 405b, 406a, 406b of the C shaped brackets 405, 406 protrude opposite from the outer surface 404c. The Convex surface of the C shaped brackets 405 and 406 is welded with the outer surface 404c of the window regulator channel.
[0032] Figure 7 illustrates cross section view along line A-A of the figure 5 which is before the fixing of the glass channel with the window regulator channel. As indicated by the arrow Z, the glass channel 402 is guided by the flanges of the C shaped brackets 405 towards the upper surface 404d of the window regulator channel 404.
[0033] In other embodiment, the atleast two C shaped brackets 405 and 406 may not be in exact C shape with curve profile. The atleast C shaped brackets are in extended C shape bracket having vertical central portion and flanges 405a, 405b are extending from end portions of the vertical central portion 405c at an angle to define the extended C shape. The vertical central portion 405c is welded with the outer surface 404c of the window regulator channel 404 and first flange 405a extend at an angle from the upper end proximal to upper surface 404d and the second flange 405b extend at an angle from lower end proximal to lower surface 404e of the window regulator channel 404.
[0034] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, in order to guide the present glass channel 402 over the upper surface 404d and to align mounting holes of the glass channel 402 and the window regulator channel 404, one vertical portion can be welded at an angle at chamfered edge between the upper surface 404d and the outer surface 404c and another vertical portion can be welded at an angle at chamfered edge between the lower surface 404e and the outer surface 404c. Similarly, another pair of vertical portions can be welded on other end of the window regulator channel 404 to guide the glass channel 402 over the window regulator channel 404 for positive mounting by screw nut mechanism.
[0035] Figure 8 illustrate cross section view along line B-B in the figure 6 when the glass channel 402 is properly placed over the window regulator channel 404. After guided by the at least two C shaped brackets, the glass channel 402 is positively mounted with the window regulator channel 404 by screw mounting.
[0036] The term “vehicle” or “Automobile” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants or Goods and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.
[0037] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0038] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0039] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

Claims:We claim:
1.A window regulator channel (404) for connecting window glass channel (402) and window regulator arm (403), the window regulator channel (404) comprising:
at least two C shaped brackets (405, 406) abutted spaced apart along length of the window regulator channel (404), wherein the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) are abutted flat on outer surface (404c) where flanges (405a, 405b, 406a, 406b) of the atleast C shaped brackets (405, 406) protruded opposite from the outer surface (404c).
2.The window regulator channel (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each C shaped bracket from the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) is provided proximal to limiting lugs (404b) along length of the window regulator channel (404).
3.The window regulator channel (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the window regulator channel (404) is 360o rotatable around pivot point with the regulator arm (403).
4.The window regulator channel (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein convex surface (405c, 406c) of the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) is mounted on the outer surface (404c) of the window regulator channel (404), where the flanges (405a, 405b, 406a, 406b) of the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) are vertically positioned with respect to length of the window regulator channel (404).
5.The window regulator channel (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein two mounting holes (404a) are provided at extreme ends along length of the window regulator channel (404).
6.A window regulator assembly (400) comprising:
a glass channel (402) fitted with window glass (401);
a regulator arm (403) which moves the glass channel (402) up and down position;
a window regulator channel (404) connects the regulator arm (403) and the glass channel (402), the window regulator channel (404) comprising:
characterized in that
atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) abutted on outer surface (404c) of the window regulator channel (404) at spaced apart along length, wherein flanges (405a, 405b, 406a, 406b) of the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) protruded opposite from the outer surface (404c).
7.The window regulator assembly (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the window regulator assembly (400) is single arm type window regulator.
8.The window regulator assembly (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the regulator arm (403) and the window regulator channel (404) are connected by a slider which slides inside the window regulator channel (404) for opening and closing the window.
9.The window regulator assembly (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the window regulator channel (404) rotatably pivot with the regulator arm (403) by a slider.
10.The window regulator assembly (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the convex surface (405c, 406c) of the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) is mounted on the outer surface (404c) of the window regulator channel (404), where the flanges (405a, 405b, 406a, 406b) of the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) are vertically positioned with respect to length of the window regulator channel (404).
11.The window regulator assembly (400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the window regulator channel (404) has two limiting lugs (404b) to restrict movement of the slider and avoid dis-engagement of the regulator arm (403) and the window regulator channel (404).
12.The window regulator assembly (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flanges (405a, 405b, 406a, 406b) of the atleast two C shaped brackets (405, 406) guides the glass channel (402) during assembly of the glass channel (402) over the window regulator channel (404).