Cam and link mechanism for a flush sliding window

A window assembly of a motor vehicle includes a pair of spaced-apart fixed window panes forming an opening therebetween, vertically spaced-apart upper and lower tracks, a sliding window pane having opposed upper and lower edges that move along the upper and lower tracks, and a camming mechanism including a plurality of cams. The cams are pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near corners of the sliding window pane. An actuator is operatively connected to the cams for selectively and simultaneously pivoting the cams. Simultaneously pivoting the cams forcibly moves the sliding window pane between a closed position wherein an outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a first plane substantially flush with an outer surface of the fixed window panes and an open position wherein the outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a second plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a window assembly for a motor vehicle and, more particularly, to a motor vehicle window assembly having a sliding window pane movable between a closed position wherein the sliding window pane is substantially flush with adjacent fixed window panes and/or body panels and an open position in which the sliding window pane is parallel and offset from the adjacent fixed window panes for lateral sliding movement relative to the fixed window panes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicle window assemblies often have one or more sliders or sliding window panes, that is, window panes which slide either substantially horizontally or vertically with respect to the remainder of the window assembly. These sliding window panes can be either manually operated using a handle or power operated using an electric motor. Such window assemblies are used, for example, as rear windows for pick-up trucks and the like. Typically, one or more sliding window panes are mounted between fixed window panes in a frame. The frame typically integrates the sliding window panes and the fixed window panes as a self-contained pre-assembled module suitable for shipping and handling during installation into a motor vehicle.

As the desire for exterior surfaces of motor vehicles, including pickup trucks and the like, to be smoother and more aerodynamic has grown, a need has developed for window assemblies to present a more flush appearance. Typical rear window assemblies for pick-up trucks and the like have a central sliding window pane which is not flush with side fixed window panes. Rather, the sliding window pane is recessed from the fixed window panes in a direction toward the passenger compartment so that it can slide laterally inside one or both of the fixed window panes. Therefore, the window assembly does not contribute to a desired smooth exterior surface.

In order to contribute to a smooth exterior surface, window assemblies were developed having flush mounted sliding window panes. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,139, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, which discloses a flush glass sliding window. The sliding pane is located in a slot having a wider portion so that the one side of the sliding pane can be manually pulled out of its flush closed position and thin slid inside the adjacent fixed pane. However, the window pane is free to shift and rattle in the wider slot when left in a closed unlocked condition. It is undesirable to have sliding window panes which are free to shift and rattle in such fashion.

In order to eliminate such rattling, window assemblies were developed having flush mounted sliding window panes that are constrained at all times. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,214, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, which discloses a flush-closing multi-pane window assembly. The window assembly includes kick out means mounted on the frame which engage pins fixed to the sliding pane to force the sliding pane from its flush closed position to an offset parallel plane during initial lateral movement. However, the number of components and the relative mechanical complexity of this assembly makes it relatively expensive to produce. There is a never ending desire in the motor vehicle industry to reduce cost and weight.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,799,444 and 5,996,284, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference, disclose a window assembly having a flush sliding pane. A pivoting handle is secured to the sliding window which slides along a channel. The handle has a cam projection in the channel so that the sliding window moves generally perpendicular to the window opening when the handle is rotated in one end of the channel. However, these window assemblies do not provide desired sealing performance. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved window assembly having a flush sliding window pane.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a window assembly for a motor vehicle which overcomes at least some of the above-noted problems of the related art. According to the present invention, a sliding window assembly comprises, in combination, vertically spaced-apart upper and lower tracks, a sliding window pane having opposed upper and lower edges configured to move along the upper and lower tracks, and a camming mechanism including a plurality of cams. A first one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a first end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track. A second one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a first end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track. A third one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a second end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track. A fourth one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a second end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track. An actuator is operatively connected to the cams for selectively pivoting the cams. Pivoting the cams forcibly moves the sliding window pane relative to the upper and lower tracks between a closed position wherein an outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a first plane substantially flush with the panels so that the sliding window pane closes the opening and an open position wherein the outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a second plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first plane so that the sliding window pane can selectively move along the tracks.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a window assembly of a motor vehicle comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced-apart fixed window panes forming an opening therebetween, vertically spaced-apart upper and lower tracks, a sliding window pane having opposed upper and lower edges configured to move along the upper and lower tracks, and a camming mechanism including a plurality of cams. A first one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a first end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track. A second one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a first end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track. A third one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a second end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track. A fourth one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a second end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track. An actuator is operatively connected to the cams for selectively pivoting the cams. Pivoting the cams forcibly moves the sliding window pane relative to the upper and lower tracks between a closed position wherein an outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a first plane substantially flush with an outer surface of the fixed window panes so that the sliding window pane closes the opening and an open position wherein the outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a second plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first plane so that the sliding window pane can selectively move along the tracks.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a window assembly of a motor vehicle comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced-apart fixed window panes forming an opening therebetween, vertically spaced-apart upper and lower tracks, a sliding window pane having opposed upper and lower edges configured to move along the upper and lower tracks, and a camming mechanism including a plurality of cams. A first one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a first end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track, a second one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a first end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track. A third one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a second end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track. A fourth one of the cams is pivotably secured to the sliding window pane near a second end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track. A first connecting member is pivotably connected to the sliding window pane and extends between the first and second cams for simultaneously pivoting the first and second cams upon selective pivoting of the first connecting member. A second connecting member is pivotably connected to the sliding window pane and extends between the third and fourth cams for simultaneously pivoting the first and second cams upon selective pivoting of the second connecting member. A link member operably connects the first connecting member and the second connecting member to transfer pivoting motion therebetween. An actuator is operatively connected to the first connecting member for simultaneously pivoting the cams. Pivoting the cams forcibly moves the sliding window pane relative to the upper and lower tracks between a closed position wherein an outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a first plane substantially flush with an outer surface of the fixed window panes so that the sliding window pane closes the opening and an open position wherein the outside surface of the sliding window pane is in a second plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first plane so that the sliding window pane can selectively move along the tracks.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of window assemblies for motor vehicles. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a high quality, reliable, low cost assembly. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of a window system for a motor vehicle as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the window assembly illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper inFIG. 1and down or downward refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper inFIG. 1. Also in general, fore or forward refers to a direction toward the front of the motor vehicle, that is, out of the plane of the paper inFIG. 1and aft or rearward refers to a direction toward the rear of the motor vehicle, that is, into the plane of the paper inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved sliding window assembly disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with reference to a sliding window assembly for use as a rear window for a pickup truck or the like. Other embodiments suitable for other applications, such as, for example vans, sport utility vehicles, cross over vehicles, or other motor vehicles will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1schematically shows a window assembly10according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from a forward or inboard side. The illustrated window assembly10includes a circumferential frame12, a pair of laterally spaced-apart fixed panes or panels14,16forming an opening18therebetween, a sliding pane or panel20selectively movable to open and close the opening18, vertically spaced-apart upper and lower tracks22,24for movement of the sliding pane20, a camming mechanism26that forcibly moves the sliding pane20between a closed position and an open position as described in more detail hereinafter, and an actuator28operatively connected to the camming mechanism26for selectively actuating movement of the sliding pane20.

The illustrated fixed panes14,16are each substantially planar having inner and outer surfaces30,32. The illustrated fixed panes14,16are rectangular shaped but any other suitable shape can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated fixed panes14,16are held within the frame12at fixed positions relative to the frame12and the motor vehicle in which the frame12is installed. The fixed panes14,16are positioned to be parallel and in the same plane such that the outer surfaces32of the fixed panes14,16form a first plane. The illustrated fixed panes14,16comprise glass and are substantially transparent to form windows but alternatively can be any other suitable material and can alternatively be opaque or partially opaque.

As best shown inFIG. 2, the upper and lower tacks22,24extend in a lateral direction and are vertically spaced apart to receive the sliding pane20therebetween and guide movement of the sliding pane20as described in more detail hereinafter. The illustrated upper and lower tracks22,24are mirror images of one another but can alternatively be formed in any other suitable manner.

As best shownFIG. 3, the sliding pane20is substantially planar having inner and outer surfaces36,38. The illustrated sliding pane20is rectangular-shaped but any other suitable shape can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated sliding pane20is held between the tracks22,24and moveable between a closed position wherein the outer surface38of the sliding pane20is positioned to be parallel and in the first plane34with the outer surfaces32of the fixed panes14,16to close the opening18with a flush appearance and an open position wherein the outer surface38of the sliding pane20is in a second plane40substantially parallel to and offset from the first plane34so that the sliding pane20can selectively move along the tracks22,24adjacent one of the fixed panes16to open the opening18. The illustrated sliding pane20comprises glass and is substantially transparent to form a window but alternatively can be any other suitable material and can alternatively be opaque or partially opaque. The illustrated sliding pane20is provided with a frame42extending about its perimeter. The frame42is provided with a sealing member44to engage the fixed panes14,16and seal the opening18when the sliding pane20is in the closed position. It is noted, however, that the sliding pane20can alternatively have a frameless configuration.

As best shown inFIGS. 2 to 6, the illustrated camming mechanism26includes a plurality of cams46forcibly move the sliding pane20relative to the upper and lower tracks22,24between the closed position wherein the outer surface38of the sliding pane20is in the first plane34substantially flush with the fixed panels14,16so that the sliding pane20closes the opening18and the open position wherein the outer surface38of the sliding pane20is in the second plane40substantially parallel to and offset from the first plane34so that the sliding pane20can selectively move along the tracks22,24to open the opening18. The illustrated camming mechanism26has four cams46corresponding with the four corners of the rectangular-shaped sliding pane20wherein a first one of the cams46is pivotably secured to the sliding pane20near a first end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track22, a second one of the cams46is pivotably secured to the sliding pane20near a first end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track24, a third one of the cams46is pivotably secured to the sliding pane20near a second end of the upper edge and engaging the upper track22, and a fourth one of the cams46is pivotably secured to the sliding pane20near a second end of the lower edge and engaging the lower track24. It is noted that other suitable quantities of cams46can alternatively be utilized. The cams46are sized and shaped to cooperate with the tracks22,24as described in more detail hereinafter. The illustrated cams46are generally oval shaped having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces48,50but it is noted that the cams46can alternatively have any other suitable shape.

The illustrated camming mechanism26also includes a plurality drive or guide pins52that are rigidly secured to the cams46. Each of the cams46has an associated one of the guide pins52secured thereto. The illustrated guide pins52extend outwardly from the cams46toward the tracks22,24, that is, the guide pins52secured to the cams46along the upper edge of the sliding pane20extend in an upward direction from the cams46and the guide pins52secured to the cams46along the lower edge of the sliding pane20extend in a downward direction from the cams46. The guide pins52are rigidly secured to the cams46to substantially prevent relative movement therebetween so that the guide pins52move with the cams52and vice versa. Each of the illustrated guide pins52each extend from the cam46along a longitudinally extending centerline54of the cam46and offset from a laterally extending centerline56of the cam46toward an end of the cam46. The guide pins52interact with the tracks22,24as described in more detail hereinafter.

The illustrated camming mechanism26also includes a pair of connecting members or rods58. One of the illustrated connecting members58vertically extends between the first and second cams46located near the first end of the sliding pane20and the other illustrated connecting member58vertically extends between the third and fourth cams46located near the second end of the sliding pane20. The illustrated connecting members58extend inwardly from the cams46in a direction away from the tracks22,24, that is, the connecting members58extend downwardly from the cams46along the upper edge of the sliding pane20and extend upwardly from the cams46along the lower edge of the sliding pane20. The connecting members58are rigidly secured to the cams46to substantially prevent relative movement therebetween so that the connecting members58move with the cams46and vice versa. The illustrated connecting members58each extend from the cam46laterally offset from the longitudinally extending centerline54of the cam46and longitudinally offset from the laterally extending centerline56of the cam46toward the end of the cam46opposite the guide pin52. The illustrated cams46are provided with integral flanges60for positioning the connecting members58in this manner. It is noted that the illustrated connecting members58and cams46are molded as integral one-piece components but can alternatively can be formed as separate components rigidly secured together. The illustrated connecting members58are pivotably secured to the sliding pane so that the connecting members are pivotable relative to the sliding pane20about vertical pivot axes62formed by the longitudinal axes of the connecting members58. The illustrated connecting members58extend through openings in the frame42at the ends of the sliding pane20.

The illustrated camming mechanism26also includes a connecting link or arm64that laterally extends between the guide pins52at the lower track24so that the cams46, the guide pins52, and the connector member58of at the second end of the sliding member20moves with the cams46, the guide pins52, and the connector member58of at the first end of the sliding member20so that all of the cams46pivot at substantially the same time upon actuation of the single actuator28. The illustrated link64is provided with a pair of openings that receive the lower guide pins52. The illustrated guide pins52are provided with a head66and a flange68which form a groove70therebetween for receiving the link64. Secured in this manner, the link64is pivotable relative to the guide pin52about the longitudinal axis of the guide pin52but is otherwise secured to the guide pin52to substantially prevent relative movement in all directions. It is noted that a second link located at the guide pins52at the upper end of the sliding pane20can alternatively be provided if desired or the link64can be formed in any other suitable manner. It is also noted that the link64can be eliminated when more than one actuator28is utilized or the actuator28is connected to more than one location.

Each track22,24is provided with an inwardly-facing groove72that extends substantially along the length of the track22,24. The groove72has a main portion72asized and shaped for closely receiving the width of the cams46therein as the sliding panel20is in the open position and moves along the tracks22,24and a pair of camming portions72bsized and shaped to closely receive the length of the cams46therein when the sliding panel20is in the closed position. The camming portions72bform a camming surface74engaged by the peripheral side of the cams46whereby the cams46pivot approximately ninety degrees to move the sliding pane20between the closed position and the open position. A slot76is provided along the groove72that is sized and shaped to closely receive the guide pins52. The slot76has a substantially straight main portion76asized and shaped for closely receiving the guide pins52therein as the sliding panel20is in the open position and moves along the tracks22,24and a pair of arcuate portions76bsized and shaped to closely receive the guide pins52as the sliding panel20is moved between the open position and the closed position. The illustrated slot76is provided with ride beads78extending along inner edges of the slot76to engage the planar surface50of the cams46so that the cams46ride long the ride beads78as the guide pins52move along the slot76. The illustrated slot76is also provided with ride beads80extending along outer edges of the slot76to engage the flanges68of the guide pins52so that the guide pins52ride long the ride beads80as the guide pins52move along the slot76. Engaged in this manner, the sliding panel20is closely held to the tracks22,24at all times to prevent undesired rattling and vibrations.

The illustrated actuator28includes a handle82directly secured to the center of the first connecting member58. The illustrated handle82is sized and shaped so that ninety degree-movement from a first position (shown inFIGS. 1 to 3) to a second position rotates the cams46ninety-degrees to move the sliding pane20from the closed position to the open position. It is noted that any other suitable handle82can alternatively be utilized or alternatively more than one handle82can be utilized. It is also noted that while a manual form of the actuator28is illustrated, a powered form of the actuator28can alternatively be utilized.

When the user desires to open the sliding pane20so that the opening18is open, the user grasps the handle82and pulls so that the handle82pivots about ninety-degrees toward the user. The handle82pivots the first connecting member58, that is rigidly connected thereto, about ninety-degrees. The connecting member58pivots the cams46and the guide pins52, that are rigidly connected thereto, about ninety-degrees. Due to the link64, the movement of the lower guide pin52simultaneously moves the guide pins52, the cams46, and the connecting member58at the second end of the sliding pane20. As the cams46simultaneously move, the cams46follow the camming surface74of the groove72and move the sliding pane20inward toward the interior of the motor vehicle so that the outer surface of the sliding pane20moves from the first plane34to the second plane40. This movement of the sliding pane20is near ninety-degree movement, that is, the movement is nearly perpendicular to the fixed panes14,16. As the cams46move, the guide pins52move from the slot arcuate portion76bto the slot main portion76a(best shown inFIG. 6). Positioned in this manner, the user can slide the sliding pane20along the tracks22,24adjacent the second fixed pane16to open the opening18between the fixed panes14,16.

It is apparent from the above detailed description, that the window assembly10according to the present invention not only remains retrained at all times to prevent rattling but also has positive locks spaced around the periphery of the sliding window to ensure positive engagement with the sealing member44in the closed position to obtain desired sealing performance to keep out the environment and is also relative inexpensive to manufacture. It should also be apparent that the near ninety-degree inboard motion of the sliding pane20enables the margins or gaps between the sliding pane20and the fixed panes14,16to be minimized to further obtain desired sealing performance by having less space for wind and water to infiltrate.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.