TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure, in general, relates to window regulators for raising and lowering glass or transparent panels or the likes of vehicles, and, more particularly, to a split type spindle mounting mechanism for single arm window regulator having manually operable handle.
BACKGROUND
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] In current single arm manual window regulator, a spindle is connected to manual handle after passing though inner panel and door trim of a window panel assembly. Accordingly, the spindle is made in one piece and is having a substantial high length so that it can easily passthrough the inner panel and door trim. However, due to the high length, it becomes very difficult to assemble and insert the single arm window regulator in the window panel assembly. For example, during the assembly, i.e., during the insertion of the single arm window regulator in the window panel assembly, the spindle length of the single arm window regulator tends to foul with reinforcements and the inner panel.
[0004] One solution to avoid such fouling is to provide large gap between the inner panel and outer panel of the window panel assembly. Due to which, the inner panel is bulged out inwards towards the cabin to create enough space for the assembly of the single arm window regulator. However, such building of the inner panel towards the cabin results into reduction of interior cabin space and increase in thickness of the window panel assembly.
3
[0005] As a result, there is a need for modifying the design and assembly of the of the existing single arm window regulator.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0007] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide a single arm window regulator with structural modifications.
[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a split type spindle mounting mechanism for a single arm type window regulator.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a split type spindle allowing the reduction in the thickness of window panel assembly.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0011] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a split type spindle mounting mechanism for a window regulator. 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.
[0012] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a split type spindle mounting mechanism for a window regulator. The split type spindle mounting mechanism includes a regulator mounting plate having a regulator spindle which is of half the size of a regular spindle; a locknut mounted on the regulator spindle; and a detachable spindle mounted on the regulator spindle against the locknut, wherein the detachable spindle is subjected to a torque in a clockwise direction after mounted against the locknut so as to lock the detachable spindle movement
4
against the locknut. And, then the locknut is subjected to a further torque in anti-clockwise direction after mounting on the regulator spindle.
[0013] In an aspect, the window regulator is a single arm type window regulator.
[0014] In an aspect, on the regulator mounting plate, an arm regulator is mounted to swing from the regulator mounting plate.
[0015] In an aspect, the arm regulator is mounted on the regulator mounting plate through a gear sector rotatable by a split-type spindle connected to a manual handle.
[0016] In an aspect, the split-type spindle is formed of the regulator spindle, the locknut, and the detachable spindle.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional single arm window regulator;
[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates an operational issue during the mounting of the conventional single arm window regulator in a window panel assembly;
5
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of a two-piece split type (detachable) spindle mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary assembled implementation of the proposed split type spindle mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section across A-A of the split type spindle mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the single arm window regulator assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0026] 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.
6
[0027] 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 terms “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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] Embodiments explained herein pertain to a single arm window regulator. FIG. 1A shows a conventional single arm window regulator 100. The conventional single arm window regulator 100 includes a regulator mounting plate 102 on which an arm regulator 104 is mounted to swing from the regulator mounting plate 102. The arm regulator 104 is mounted on the regulator mounting plate 102 through a gear sector 106 rotatable by a lengthy spindle 108 connected to a manually operated handle (not shown in FIG. 1).
7
[0031] However, as mentioned above, it is very difficult to insert the conventional single arm window regulator 100 along with its lengthy spindle 108 provided for manually operated handle, as the space requirement between outer panel and inner panel 110 of a window panel assembly is very high due to the bigger length of the spindle 108. Also, during the assembly, the conventional single arm window regulator 100 with bigger length of the spindle 108 fouls with reinforcements 112 and fouls 114 with other parts of the inner panel 110. In order to avoid the fouling 112 and 114, large gap is required between the inner panel 110 and the outer panel. This in turn results in reducing the interior cabin space for passenger as the inner panel is to be bulged out towards the cabin to accommodate the assembly of the conventional single arm window regulator 100 with very longer length of the spindle 108. Also, due to the very long length of the spindle 108, the overall size, weight, and cost of the conventional single arm window regulator 100 is high.
[0032] To these issues, the present disclosure proposes a two-piece split type (detachable) spindle mounting mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, in a single arm window regulator 200. The split type spindle mounting mechanism is assembled after the single arm window regulator 200 is assembled on a window panel assembly 202. In accordance with an embodiment, the split type spindle mounting mechanism includes the single arm window regulator 200 having a regulator spindle which is of half the size of a regular spindle 108. The single arm window regulator 200 with smaller size regulator spindle is first inserted in the window panel assembly 202. Due to the small length of the regulator spindle, lesser space is required between inner and outer panels of the window panel assembly 202 for the assembly of the single arm window regulator 200. Once the single arm window regulator 200 with the smaller regulator spindle is mounted or assembled on the inner panel 110, then a detachable spindle 204 is attached to the
8
small size regulator spindle with help of a locknut 206 already mounted or threaded on the small size regulator spindle.
[0033] In an aspect, as show in FIG. 2D, the detachable spindle 204 is subjected to a torque in clockwise direction against the locknut 206 so as to lock the detachable spindle 204 movement against the locknut 206. And, then, the locknut 206 is subjected to a further torque in anti-clockwise direction against the small size regulator spindle. Once the movement of the detachable spindle 204 is locked, a manually operated handle 208 is mounted over the detachable spindle 204, as shown in FIG. 2E.
[0034] An exemplary assembled implementation of the proposed split type spindle mounting mechanism is shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B shows a cross-section across A-A of the split type spindle mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 3B, it can be clearly seen that the small size regulator spindle 302 is mounted on regulator mounting plate 102 through the gear sector 106. On the regulator spindle 302, the locknut 206 along with detachable spindle 204 is mounted or threaded as per the locking procedure shown in FIG. 2D. This split type spindle formed from the regulator spindle 302, the locknut 206, and the detachable spindle 204 is able to pass through the inner panel 110 and door trim 304. Once the detachable spindle 204 is passed though the door trim 304, the manually operated handle 208 is mounted or threaded over the detachable spindle 204 to complete the assembly of the single arm window regulator 200.
[0035] An exemplary exploded view of the single arm window regulator 200 assembled in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3C. Thus, with the implementation of the proposed split type spindle mounting mechanism in the single arm window regulator 200, the issue related to the length of the regulator spindle would be resolved. Also, the single arm window regulator 200 proposed herein can be used with or without regulator channel depending on design constraint of glass assembly requirement. A regulator channel is a
9
component which supports the glass or panel on its top surface and is supported or mounted on a connection roller of the single arm of the window regulator 200.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0036] The present disclosure provides a single arm type window regulator which is allowing to have less design gap between the inner and outer panels of a window panel assembly.
[0037] The present disclosure provides a split type spindle mounting mechanism which results in ease of assembly and reduction in assembly TACT time.
[0038] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure 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 present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:
1. A split type spindle mounting mechanism for a window regulator, comprising:
a regulator mounting plate (102) having a regulator spindle (302) which is of half the size of a regular spindle;
a locknut (206) mounted on the regulator spindle (302); and
a detachable spindle (204) mounted on the regulator spindle (302) against the locknut (206), wherein the detachable spindle (204) is subjected to a torque in a clockwise direction after mounted against the locknut (206) so as to lock the detachable spindle (204) movement against the locknut (206),
wherein after locking the movement of the detachable spindle (204) movement against the locknut (206), the locknut (206) is subjected to a further torque in anti-clockwise direction against the regulator spindle (302).
2. The split type spindle mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the window regulator (200) is a single arm window regulator.
3. The split type spindle mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein on the regulator mounting plate (102), an arm regulator (104) is mounted to swing from the regulator mounting plate (102).
4. The split type spindle mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the arm regulator (104) is mounted on the regulator mounting plate (102) through a gear sector (106) rotatable by a split-type spindle connected to a manual handle (208).
11
5. The split type spindle mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein the split-type spindle is formed from the regulator spindle (302), the locknut (206), and the detachable spindle (204).