[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a window regulator of a vehicle, in particular, to a glass holder coupled with a window regulator system of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Window regulators have been provided in the vehicle for raising and lowering window glasses. The window regulator typically comprises of a carrier plate which supports a window glass, a rail regulator that supports the carrier plate in such a manner that the carrier plate can be moved either upwards or downwards, depending on the user preference and a drive section which raises and lowers the carrier plate via a cable. A direction-changing member which changes a moving direction of the cable is provided to an upper portion of the rail regulator. The cable which is wound around the direction-changing member is connected to the carrier plate, and the carrier plate is raised by pulling the cable by the drive section.
[003] Generally, during washing the vehicle or in the rainy season, water droplets seep inside the door from gap between vehicle glass window and weather-strip outer. After seeping, the water droplets fall directly from glass surface area near two no’s holders to coupler of power window, pulley cable and rail regulator. Due to this seepage, water droplets enter in power motor coupler and creates burn out of the motor or performance related issues. Further, the water droplets that directly comes in contact with the pulley cable and the rail regulator, causes rusting in the pulley cable and the rail regulator leads to their breakage after long usage.
[004] Figure 1a and figure 1b illustrating an existing layout of the window regulator system which depicts a window glass 101 mounted on two glass holders 102, 103. A rail regulator 106 connected with the glass holders (102, 103) from one end and to a power motor 104 on other end. From, a gap between the two glass holders 102, 103 and from outer sides of the glass holders 102, 103, the water droplets falling directly on a pulley cable 105 of the rail regulator 106 and power motor 104 which leads to corrosion of the pulley cable 105 as well as the rail regulator after a period of time. There are high chances the water may fall on the power motor 104 which leads to burning out of the power motor 104 and causes performance related issues in the window regulator system. The rusted pulley cable and the rusted rail regulator deteriorates after a long usage leading to the failure of these components.
[005] To solve to above mentioned technical problem a foam or rubber based strip is provided above the two glass holders to direct the flow of water droplets away from the cable and rail of the regulator arm. However, this solution has durability issue with the time period and temperature conditions on the window glass the foam or rubber based strip get deteriorated. Therefore, this is not permanent and robust solution for the glass holder based mounting of window regulators.
[006] Another technical problem associated with pad is that can come out easily during and after assembly on the window glass.
[007] Another technical problem associated with pad based technical solution is high cost for pad/foam application with glue/adhesive on glass.
[008] Another technical problem associated with pad based technical solution is different length of pad/foam required in each vehicle models.
[009] The technical problem associated with the existing structure is that separately provided two glass holders to coupler of rail regulator of a window regulator allows the water to drip on the pulley cable as well as the rail regulator which results in their rusting. Further, the dripping of water on the motor leads to the burn-out and thus causing performance related issues in the operation of the window regulator system.
[0010] Another technical problem is the excessive dripping of water for a longer duration causes rusting of the components in the window regulator system and further decreases life span and efficiency of the window regulator system.
[0011] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a glass holder for a window regulator that can deviates the water from falling on the pulley cable, rail regulator and power motor and thus increasing the operational life span of the window regulator system.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0012] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0013] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a window regulator system with an integrated glass holder instead of multiple glass holders.
[0014] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide an integrated glass holder having both glass holders to prevent water from seeping on cable, rail regulator and power motor of the window regulator system.
[0015] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a leak-proof connection in between an integrated glass holder and a vehicle window glass.
[0016] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide an integrated glass holder that can direct flow of water away from the rail regulator and the power motor.
[0017] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide an integrated glass holder to reduce position tolerance while mounting on the window.
[0018] Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an integrated glass holder which provides an increased durability.
[0019] Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an integrated glass holder that reduces overall manufacturing cost of the window regulator system.
[0020] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0021] This summary is provided to window regulator system to deviate water flow path in a vehicle window glass. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0022] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a window regulator system to deviate the water flow path in a vehicle window glass. The window regulator system comprising a rail regulator is connected with a carrier plate at one end and with a power motor at other end and an integrated glass holder connected with the carrier plate at one end and with the window glass at other end. The integrated glass holder comprises a pair of glass holders where each of the glass holder defines a glass holding portion and a mounting portion, where the glass holding portion of each of the glass holder is connected by a connecting portion; and a flange portion extend longitudinal outward away from the pair of glass holders, where the flange portion, the glass holding portion of the pair of glass holders and the connecting portion are integrally connected to define a continuous glass holding portion.
[0023] In an aspect, the carrier plate is mounted with the mounting portion of the pair of glass holders, where the mounting portion extend vertically away from the glass holding portions.
[0024] In an aspect, top portion of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder defines a convex curved profile.
[0025] In an aspect, top portion of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder defines a straight profile with inclination on either side.
[0026] In an aspect, a longitudinal distance (d) is provided in between the pair glass holders.
[0027] In an aspect, a top edge portion of one side of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder is internally chamfered/tapered to define an inclined water guiding channel.
[0028] In another aspect, a top edge portion of both sides of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder is internally chamfered/tapered to define an inclined water guiding channel.
[0029] In an aspect, transverse distance (x) between two sides of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder is more than width of the window glass.
[0030] In an aspect, a longitudinal length (L) of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder is more than longitudinal length (l) that covers working area of rail regulator, the pulley cable, and the power motor.
[0031] In an aspect, the integrated glass holder is made of plastic or non-metal or metal material.
[0032] 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
[0033] 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:
[0034] Figs. 1a and 1b illustrate an existing window regulator system;
[0035] Fig. 2a illustrates assembly of window glass with an integrated glass holder of the window glass regulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0036] Fig. 2b illustrates close view of the present integrated glass holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0037] Figs. 2c and 2d illustrate water flow path with the present integrated glass holder mounted on the window glass;
[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates close view of the integrated glass holder from vehicle cabin side and depicting the cross section A-A and cross section B-B;
[0039] Fig. 4 illustrates detailed cross section view A-A of the integrated glass holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0040] Fig. 5 illustrates detailed cross section B-B depicting the inclined channel carved along a top portion of the integrated glass holder.
[0041] 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:
[0042] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0043] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a", “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the tennis “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0045] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0047] 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.
[0048] Referring to fig. 2a and fig. 2b that illustrates an assembly of a window glass regulator system 200 with the window glass 101. The window glass 101 is assembled with the window glass regulator system 200. The window glass regulator system 200 comprising a rail regulator 201 that is connected with a carrier plate 204 at one end which is upper end and with a power motor 203 at other end which is lower end. Further, an integrated glass holder 205 mounted on the vehicle window glass 101 by known fastening means, such as a rubber seal or glue pasting in between the holding structure of the integrated glass holder 205 and the vehicle window glass 101 to provide a leak proof connection.
[0049] The integrated glass holder 205 connected with the carrier plate 204 at one end which is lower end and with the window glass 101 at other end which is upper end. The integrated glass holder 205 comprises a pair of glass holders 206, 207 provided to hold the window glass 101. Where each of the glass holder from the pair of glass holders 206, 207 defines a glass holding portion 206a, 207a and a mounting portion 206b, 207b. The carrier plate 202 is mounted with the mounting portion 206b, 207b of the pair of glass holders 206, 207 by means of fasteners, such as nut-bolt. The mounting portion 206b, 207b extend vertically away from the glass holding portions 206a, 207a in downward direction toward the rail regulator 202 for mounting.
[0050] The glass holding portion 206a, 207a of each of the glass holder is connected by a connecting portion 208. Further, a flange portion 209, 210 extend longitudinal outward away from the pair of glass holders 206, 207 in left hand side and right hand side when viewing from vehicle cabin side or outer side of the vehicle cabin. The flange portion 209, 210, the glass holding portion 206a, 207a of the pair of glass holders 206, 207 and the connecting portion 208 are integrally connected with each other to define a continuous glass holding portion 211 (as shown in fig. 3).
[0051] As shown in fig. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and fig. 3, the top portion 212 of the continuous glass holding portion 211 of the integrated glass holder 205 defines a convex curved profile. The flange portions 209, 210 curved down to deviate flow of water and release of water from side end. The curved profile of the continuous glass holding portion 211 does not allow storage of water at any place and water falls down due to gravity at distance location.
[0052] Also, in another embodiment, the shape of the glass holding can be of straight profile with inclination along the longitudinal direction i.e. guiding water either towards 209 or towards 210.
[0053] As shown in fig. 2c, the longitudinal length ‘L’ of the continuous glass holding portion 211 of the integrated glass holder 205 is more than longitudinal length ‘l’ that covers working area of rail regulator 201, the pulley cable 202, and the power motor 203. The length of the continuous glass holding portion 211 avoids direct falling of water droplets on the rail regulator, pulley cable, and power motor. Fig. 2d illustrates isometric view of assembled integrated glass regulator 205 with the window glass 101 and flow of water droplets.
[0054] As shown in fig. 2b, a longitudinal distance ‘d’ is provided in between the pair glass holders 206, 207 to maintain tolerances between the two mounting holes provided on the mounting portion 206b, 207b.
[0055] Fig. 3 illustrates cross section along line A and line B where line A covers window glass 101, the glass holding portion 206a, and the mounting portion 206b; and the line B covers connecting portion 208 and the window glass 101.
[0056] Referring fig. 4, a top edge portion 211a of one side of the continuous glass holding portion 211 of the integrated glass holder 205 is internally chamfered/tapered to define an inclined water guiding channel 212 (as also shown in fig. 5).
[0057] In another embodiment, the top edge portion 211a, 211b of both sides of the continuous glass holding portion 211 of the integrated glass holder 205 is internally chamfered/tapered to define an inclined water guiding channel 212 (as also shown in fig. 5).
[0058] As shown in fig. 4, a transverse distance ‘X’ between two sides of the continuous glass holding portion 211 of the integrated glass holder 205 is more than width ‘x’ of the window glass 101.
[0059] The integrated glass holder 205 is held by a carrier plate 204 that supports the vehicle window glass and helps in allowing the movement of the vehicle window glass 101 either in an upward or in a downward direction.
[0060] Further, a pulley cable 202 is connected to the carrier plate 204 at one end and with a power motor 203 at the other end. The pulley cable 202 facilitates the movement of the rail regulator 201 depending on whether the user wants to move the vehicle window glass 101 in the upward direction or in the downward direction. The movement of the window glass in the upward or downward direction is operated by means of the power motor 203 that is positioned at the distal end of the rail regulator 201.
[0061] In the window regulator system 200, when the water drips/seeps through the vehicle window glass 101, during washing or during rain, the water droplets seeps inside the vehicle door from the gap between glass door and weather strip. The integrated glass holder 205 defines a curved shape from the top in order to deviate the flow of water and prevent it from directly falling on the power motor 203.
[0062] The water guiding channel 212 defined by the tapered/chamfered edges of the continuous glass holding portion 211 when assembled with the window glass 101 also prevents the water from dripping to the pulley cable 202, and the rail regulator 201 by providing a channel to guide the water away from the working zone.
[0063] The integrated glass holder 205 is made by a plastic or metal or non-metallic material.
Technical advantages: There are a number of technical advantages which arise from the integrated glass holder integrally provided along the vehicle window glass. Some of them include:
? Preventing the dripping water from damaging the motor which operates the window regulator system.
? Preventing the dripping water from corroding the pulley cable and rail regulator.
? Reduces the overall manufacturing cost.
? Providing leak-proof connection between the integrated glass holder and the vehicle window glass.
? Reduction in the position tolerance in the integrated glass holder.
? Durability of the integrated glass holder is increased.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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).
[0066] 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.).
[0067] 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.”
[0068] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:We claim:

1. A window regulator system (200) to deviate water flow path in a vehicle window glass (101), the window regulator system (200) comprising:
a rail regulator (201) connected with a carrier plate (204) at one end and with a power motor (203) at other end; and
characterized in that
an integrated glass holder (205) connected with the carrier plate (204) at one end and with the window glass (101) at other end, the integrated glass holder (205) comprises:
a pair of glass holders (206, 207) where each of the glass holder defines a glass holding portion (206a, 207a) and a mounting portion (206b, 207b), where the glass holding portion (206a, 207a) of each of the glass holder is connected by a connecting portion (208); and
a flange portion (209, 210) extend longitudinal outward away from the pair of glass holders (206, 207),
where the flange portion (209, 210), the glass holding portion (206a, 207a) of the pair of glass holders (206, 207) and the connecting portion (208) are integrally connected to define a continuous glass holding portion (211).
2. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier plate (204) is mounted with the mounting portion (206b, 207b) of the pair of glass holders (206, 207), where the mounting portion (206b, 207b) extend vertically away from the glass holding portions (206a, 207a).
3. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein top portion (212) of the continuous glass holding portion (211) of the integrated glass holder (205) defines a convex curved profile.
4. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein top portion (212) of the continuous glass holding portion (211) of the integrated glass holder (205) defines a straight profile with inclination on either side.
5. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal distance (d) is provided in between the pair glass holders (206, 207).
6. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a top edge portion of one side of the continuous glass holding portion (211) of the integrated glass holder (205) is internally chamfered/tapered to define an inclined water guiding channel (212).
7. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein top edge portion of both sides of the continuous glass holding portion (211) of the integrated glass holder (205) is internally chamfered/tapered to define an inclined water guiding channel (212).
8. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein transverse distance (x) between two sides of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder (205) is more than width of the window glass (101).
9. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein longitudinal length (L) of the continuous glass holding portion of the integrated glass holder (205) is more than longitudinal length (l) that covers working area of rail regulator (201), the pulley cable (202), and the power motor (203).
10. The window regulator system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrated glass holder (205) is made of plastic, non-metal or metal.