DESC: FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See sections 10; rule 13)

1.1.1.1 TITLE OF THE INVENTION

WINDOW REGULATOR WITH A DAMPER TO REDUCE IMPACT AND NOISE

1.1.1.2 APPLICANT

NAME: ADITYA AUTO PRODUCTS & ENGINEERING (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED
ADDRESS: No. 13 E, KIADB Industrial Area, Bashetty halli. Doddaballapur, Bangalore – 561203, Karnataka, (INDIA)
WINDOW REGULATOR WITH A DAMPER TO REDUCE IMPACT AND NOISE

BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a window regulator, and more particularly, to a window regulator with a damper material for minimizing an impact on components of the window regulator, and for minimizing noise that is generated due to closing the automotive vehicle window at a high speed.

Description of the Related Art
[0002] A window regulator is a device that is usually used in an automotive vehicle for raising and lowering a window of the automotive vehicle. There are many types of window regulators, such as cross-arm window regulators, drum and cable window regulators, push and pull window regulators, etc. One type of window regulator assembly called a drum and cable window regulator utilizes a drum driven by an actuator and a pair of cables connected to the drum. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical door assembly 100 with one such window regulator, which is a drum and cable window regulator 102. The drum and cable window regulator 102 includes a carrier plate 104, a glass 106, a motor 108, a guide rail 110, a cable guide 112, a cable sheath 114, and a drive plate 115. The door assembly 100 further includes a glass run channel 116. The carrier plate 104 supports the glass 106. The motor 108 includes a gear and a spindle arrangement, and drives movement of the window. The guide rail 110 helps the glass 106 to travel in a vertical path. The cable sheath 114 includes a lower cable portion 118 and an upper cable portion 120.
[0003] When a user closes the window of the automotive vehicle at a higher speed, an impact is created by the glass 106 hitting a top most point of the door assembly 100. The impact creates damage to various components of the drum and cable window regulator 102. For example, when the impact is high, a tension is created, and this in turn creates a high moment of inertia between the gear and the spindle arrangement of the motor 108.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation 200 illustrating a typical moment of inertia that has developed between a gear and spindle arrangement of a window regulator (e.g., the drum and cable window regulator 102) due to high impact. When the glass 106 hits a top most point of the door assembly 100 at a high speed, due to the high impact there it creates a sudden increase in the moment of inertia which is shown as a steep curve in the FIG. 2. The high impact creates a wear and tear between the gear and the spindle arrangement. Also, the high impact reduces the lifetime of other components of the cable and window regulator 102 such as the guide rail 110, the cable guide 112, etc.
[0005] An existing method includes placing a rubber material on the glass run channel 116 which acts as a shock absorber and reduces the impact when the glass 106 hits the top most point of the door assembly 100. However, over a period of time, the glass run channel 116 becomes very thin and generates noise while closing the window. Also, this approach is not cost effective. Accordingly, there remains a need for a system to reduce noise and an impact that develops due to closing of a window at a high speed.

SUMMARY
[0006] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper that reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel. The damper is positioned between a first component of the window regulator and a second component of the window regulator.
[0007] The first component and second component are selected from at least one of (i) the cable sheath and the cable guide, (ii) the first end of the cable guide and the first end of the cable sheath, (iii) the first end of the cable sheath and a drive plate, (iv) the carrier plate and the first end of the cable sheath, (v) the second end of the cable sheath and the carrier plate, (vi) a drive plate and the second end of the cable sheath, and (vii) the second end of the cable sheath and the second end of the cable guide. The damper includes damper rubber material or a spring.
[0008] In another aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper that is mounted on the first end of the cable guide between the cable sheath and the cable guide. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0009] In yet another aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper positioned between the first end of the cable guide and the first end of the cable sheath. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0010] In a further aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper positioned between the first end of the cable sheath and a drive plate. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0011] In another further aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper positioned between the carrier plate and the first end of the cable sheath. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0012] In yet another further aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper positioned between the second end of the cable sheath and the carrier plate. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0013] In yet another aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper positioned between a drive plate and the second end of the cable sheath. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0014] In another aspect, an embodiment herein provides a window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of the glass run channel of the window. The window regulator includes (i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end, (ii) a carrier plate positioned between the first end and the second end of the guide rail, (iii) a motor that drives movement of the guide rail, (iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to the first end of the guide rail through the motor, (v) a cable guide that is positioned at the first end of the cable sheath, the cable guide includes a first end and a second end, and (vi) a damper positioned between the second end of the cable sheath and the second end of the cable guide. The damper reduces an impact between the window glass and the upper portion of the glass run channel.
[0015] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical door assembly with a drum and cable window regulator;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation illustrating a typical moment of inertia developed between a gear and spindle arrangement of a window regulator due to high impact;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a drum and cable window regulator with a damper that is positioned between a first component and a second component of the drum and cable window regulator that reduces moment of inertia and an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a section of the drum and cable window regulator of FIG. 1 with a damper between the cable guide and the cable sheath to reduce a moment of inertia and an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation illustrating a moment of inertia between a gear and spindle arrangement of a window regulator which includes a damper between a cable guide and a cable sheath according to an embodiment herein;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a section of the drum and cable window regulator of FIG. 1 with a damper which is made up of a spring, and is placed between the cable guide and the cable sheath of FIG. 1 to reduce moment of inertia and an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an arm and sector window regulator with a damper and a stopper for reducing an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein; and
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a push and pull window regulator with a damper for reducing an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed 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.
[0026] As mentioned, there remains a need for a system to reduce noise and the impact that develops due to closing of a window at a high speed. The embodiments herein achieve this by placing a damper material between a cable guide and a cable sheath of a window regulator. The damper acts as a shock absorber, and reduces the moment of inertia that develops due to closing of the window at the high speed. The drum and cable window regular 302, the arm and sector window regulator 700 and the push and pull window regulator 800 have been shown for illustrative purposes. However, referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 3 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a drum and cable window regulator 302 with a damper 328 that is positioned between a first component and a second component of the drum and cable window regulator 328 that reduces moment of inertia and an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein. The drum and cable window regulator 302 includes a carrier plate 304, a motor 306, a guide rail 308 having a first end 310 and a second end 312, a cable guide 314 having a first end 316 and a second end 318, a cable sheath 320 having a first end 322 and a second end 324, a drive plate 326, and a damper 328. The carrier plate 304 may be positioned between the first end 310 and the second end 312 of the guide rail 308. The motor 306 includes a gear and a spindle arrangement, and drives movement of the guide rail 308. The guide rail 308 helps a window glass to travel in a vertical path.
[0028] In one embodiment, the first end 322 of the cable sheath 320 may be connected to the first end 310 of the guide rail 308. The cable guide 314 may be positioned at the first end 322 of the cable sheath 320. The damper 328 is positioned between a first component and a second component of the window regulator 302. The first component and the second component are selected from at least one of (i) the cable sheath 320 and the cable guide 314, (ii) the first end 316 of the cable guide 314 and the first end 322 of the cable sheath 320, (iii) the first end 322 of the cable sheath 320 and the drive plate 326, (iv) the carrier plate 304 and the first end 322 of said cable sheath 320, (v) the second end 324 of the cable sheath 320 and the carrier plate 304, (vi) the drive plate 326 and the second end 324 of the cable sheath 320, and (vii) the second end 324 of the cable sheath and the second end 318 of the cable guide 314.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a section of the drum and cable window regulator 302 with a damper 328 of FIG. 3 between the cable guide 314 of FIG. 3 and the cable sheath 320 of FIG. 3 to reduce a moment of inertia and an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein. The drum and cable window regulator 302 further includes a guide wire 402. In one embodiment, the damper 328 of FIG. 3 is made up of a rubber material. In one embodiment, the damper 328 of FIG. 3 is placed between the cable guide 314 of FIG. 3 and the cable sheath 320 of FIG. 3.
[0030] When an impact builds up due to closing of a vehicle window at a high speed, the cable sheath 320 pushes the damper material 328, and the damper material 328 acts as a cushion and gradually stops the drum and cable window regulator 302. This reduces a moment of inertia which is generated between the gear and the spindle arrangement of the motor 306. Thus, a wear and tear between the gear and the spindle arrangement is reduced. Also, this reduction in impact increases the lifetime of various components of the cable and window regulator 302. Further, it reduces noise that develops over a period of time.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation 500 illustrating a moment of inertia between a gear and spindle arrangement of a window regulator which includes a damper between a cable guide 314 of FIG. 3 and a cable sheath 320 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment herein. In one embodiment, the window regulator is the drum and cable window regulator 302 that includes the damper 328 of FIG. 3 in between the cable guide 324 of FIG. 3 and the cable sheath 320 of FIG. 3. The damper 328 of FIG. 3 acts as a cushion or a shock absorber, gradually stops the drum and cable window regulator 302, and reduces the moment of inertia between the gear and spindle arrangement of the drum and cable window regulator 302. Thus, a reduced moment of inertia causes a minimal or negligible impact that is shown as a gradual increase in the moment of inertia in the FIG. 5 rather than a typical steep raise as shown in the FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a section of the drum and cable window regulator 302 with a damper 328 of FIG. 3 which is made up of a spring, and is placed between the cable guide 314 of FIG. 3 and the cable sheath 320 of FIG. 3 to reduce moment of inertia and an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein. The drum and cable window regulator 302 further includes a guide wire 602. Window regulators that include the damper 328 of FIG. 3 need a minimal force (a compression force) in order for the damper 328 of FIG. 3 to be activated. The compression force includes an operating force (e.g., a glass weight, a seal friction, and/or a window regulator friction). When an impact is very low, a mechanism associated with the damper 328 of FIG. 3 may not be activated, and may only activate beyond a certain compression force. A compression force is unique to a window regulator. A desired compression force which is unique to a window regulator may be achieved based on (i) a material that is used for making the damper 328 of FIG. 3, and (ii) a stiffness of the material.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an arm and sector window regulator 700 with a damper 328 of FIG. 3 and a stopper 702 for reducing an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein. In different example embodiments, a damper is shown as implemented in the drum and cable window regulator 302, and the arm and sector window regulator 700. However, the damper can also be implemented in other types of window regulators.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a push and pull window regulator 800 with a damper 328 of FIG. 3 for reducing an impact that is generated due to closing of an automobile vehicle window at a high speed according to an embodiment herein. The push and pull window regulator 800 further includes a carrier plate 802, a guide rail 804 and a motor 806. The carrier plate 802 supports a window glass. The motor 806 includes a gear and a spindle arrangement, and drives movement of the window. The guide rail 804 helps the window glass to travel in a vertical path. In different example embodiments, a damper is shown as implemented in the drum and cable window regulator 302, and the push and pull window regulator 800.
[0035] Introduction of the damper 328 of FIGS. 3 and 6 between the cable guide 314 of FIG. 3 and the cable sheath 320 of FIG. 3, and the damper 328 of FIG. 3 reduces an impact and noise associated with a window regulator, and also increases lifetime of components of the window regulator. Also, this method is cost effective and can be implemented with ease in existing window regulators.
[0036] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will 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. ,CLAIMS:What is claimed is:
1. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor that drives movement of said guide rail;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide that is positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper that reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel, wherein said damper is positioned between a first component of said window regulator and a second component of said window regulator.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first component and said second component are selected from at least one of (i) said cable sheath and said cable guide, (ii) said first end of said cable guide and said first end of said cable sheath, (iii) said first end of said cable sheath and a drive plate, (iv) said carrier plate and said first end of said cable sheath, (v) said second end of said cable sheath and said carrier plate, (vi) a drive plate and said second end of said cable sheath, and (vii) said second end of said cable sheath and said second end of said cable guide.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said damper comprises rubber material or a spring.

4. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper that is mounted on said first end of said cable guide between said cable sheath and said cable guide, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.

5. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper positioned between said first end of said cable guide and said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.



6. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper positioned between said first end of said cable sheath and a drive plate, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.

7. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper positioned between said carrier plate and said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.

8. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper positioned between said second end of said cable sheath and said carrier plate, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.

9. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper positioned between a drive plate and said second end of said cable sheath, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.

10. A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass between a lower portion of a glass run channel of a window and a upper portion of said glass run channel of said window, said window regulator comprising:
(i) a guide rail comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) a carrier plate positioned between said first end and said second end of said guide rail;
(iii) a motor for driving movement of said guide rail along with said window glass operating;
(iv) a cable sheath comprising a first end connected to said first end of said guide rail through said motor;
(v) a cable guide positioned at said first end of said cable sheath, wherein said cable guide comprises a first end and a second end; and
(vi) a damper positioned between said second end of said cable sheath and said second end of said cable guide, wherein said damper reduces an impact between said window glass and said upper portion of said glass run channel.