Abstract:
A system for positioning and assembling a mobile element on a drive system includes an adapter element fixed to the mobile element. The adapter element has a first extension in line with the mobile element and a second extension in the longitudinal direction of the mobile element. The system further includes a slider element including a third extension in the longitudinal direction of the mobile element. The third extension cooperates with the second extension. The slider element and a confining element cooperate with a fixation member to lock the first extension of the adapter element between the slider element and the confining element.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system for the positioning and assembling of a mobile element on a drive system, and more particularly of a vehicle window on a window regulator. 
     The assembly of a window on a window regulator has, for a long time, been a delicate operation and numerous solutions have been proposed for improving assembly and positioning of the window in its supporting system. 
     It is essential to obtain small tolerances of positioning of the window with respect to the window regulator, as small tolerances allow a good adjustment of the window in the seals of the door in raised position and, for example, reduce the problems of tightness, air noises or vibrations of the window at high speed. 
     In order to reduce these tolerances and to ensure correct assembly of the window with respect to the different adjacent fixed elements, it is necessary to be able to adjust the position of the window on the window regulator, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, before fixing the window definitively on said window regulator. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,930 describes a system for adjustably assembling the window in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is applicable to a window presenting a hole allowing a protuberance defined by said Patent to be housed therein. 
     The subject matter of this U.S. Patent presents several drawbacks, consisting, in particular, in the fact that the window must be provided with a hole and must be able to withstand the pressure exerted by the two clamping parts, which is not always compatible with the windows used, whether it be due to the type of window used, such as the window without hole, or due to the material used for manufacturing the window, for example so-called laminated windows which do not withstand either the holes or the pressure. 
     Another drawback of this known system of assembly is that the fixation means is only accessible from the so-called wet side of the vehicle door, this raising problems of accessibility for the person responsible for assembly in the case of the window regulator being fixed on the door before the window is definitively positioned, and for the operator in charge of changing the window in the event of the latter being defective. 
     For example, in order to ensure correct positioning of the window before it is definitively fixed, one can proceed as follows: the adapters are stuck on the window, then the window is inserted in the door so that the adapters are placed on the sliders of a window regulator. The window is then pushed in abutment against the vertical upright of the vehicle door, and thereafter, is mounted in raised position. During this ascending movement, the window will be positioned in the longitudinal direction with respect to the vertical upright of the door, the adaptors having, at this stage, the possibility of being translated longitudinally with respect to the sliders. If, when the window is in raised position, the sliders are hidden, for example by a bar reinforcing the door, the window cannot be fixed definitively in this position. The window must therefore be lowered by a certain amount, while conserving its position with respect to the sliders, in order to be able to be fixed definitively. 
     In the case of the system of assembly disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,930, the accessibility of the fixation means raises problems for the manipulator, as the clamping element is only accessible from the wet side of the door. 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome these drawbacks. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a system for positioning and assembling a mobile element such as a window on and with a drive device such as a window regulator of an automobile vehicle, of the type comprising a so-called adapter element fixed to the mobile element or window, a slider element guided in at least one rail fast with a vehicle door and driven by a drive device housed in said door, a confining element and a fixation means capable of connecting the adapter, the slider and the confining element, the adapter being held between said slider and said confining element, the object of the invention is attained in that: 
     the adapter presents a first substantially vertical extension in line with the mobile element or window as well as a second extension in the longitudinal direction of the mobile element or window, 
     the slider is provided with a third extension in the longitudinal direction of the window, with at least one guide block fast with an element of the drive device and guided along a rail, as well as with a vertical wall comprising a contact surface capable of cooperating with one of the faces of the first extension of the adapter of which the second extension cooperates with the third extension of the slider so as to allow a slight relative movement between the adapter and the slider, under the action of a longitudinal force applied to the window before fixation thereof, 
     the confining element comprises a second contact surface, and 
     the fixation means cooperates with the confining element so as to block the first extension of the adapter between said first and second contact surfaces. 
     The invention thus allows the window to be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle thanks to the action of the third extension of the slider on the second extension of the adapter. This contact creates a force capable of maintaining the mobile element in its definitive position before its final fixation, effected by said first extension of the adapter being held between the two contact surfaces and the action of the fixation means. It is possible to use one sole system according to the invention, but the hold of the mobile element or window is better ensured with two systems. 
     As mentioned hereinabove, the invention relates more particularly to the assembling of a mobile window of a vehicle on a window regulator. 
     The adapters may be fixed on the mobile element or window by clamping or clipping, for example through holes made in the window, if the properties of the material or the shape of the window allow this. 
     According to an advantageous characteristic, the adapters are fixed on the window by adhesion, in order to satisfy the requirements of the type of windows used, such as so-called laminated windows. 
     In certain cases, the second extension may advantageously be constituted by two parts which form a clamp in order best to hold the third extension of the slider. These two parts of the clamp may also be provided with hooks to allow drive of the window during lowering thereof before it is definitively fixed. 
     According to a particular characteristic, the third extension is drawn out or elongated in the longitudinal direction of the window, in order to allow a considerable translation of the adapter along this third extension. 
     According to another characteristic, the third extension is constituted by a substantially cylindrical part, which facilitates introduction of the third extension between the two parts forming clamp and constituting the second extension. 
     The contact surfaces of the second extension of the adapter and those of the third extension of the slider are advantageously provided with substantially vertical teeth. 
     This characteristic makes it possible to increase the force of hold of the slider in the second clamp-shaped extension by action of the teeth of the two extensions imbricating in one another. 
     The teeth made on the third extension of the slider may be constituted by a thread, which makes it possible to use an element connected to said slider. 
     At least one of the faces of the first extension is provided with substantially horizontal teeth, and at least one surface of the first contact surface and/or of the second contact surface, opposite the face of the first extension, is provided with teeth substantially parallel to the teeth of the first extension. 
     This characteristic makes it possible to increase the force of hold of said adapter between the contact surfaces, by pressure between the teeth, thanks to the fixation means and limits the possibility of tear of the adapter from the holding system. 
     The particular shape of the teeth allows the first extension to be coupled between the slider and the confining element and prevents accidental uncoupling of the first extension. 
     According to a particular characteristic, the slider is provided with a tongue and the confining element is pierced with a hole to allow passage of said tongue. This characteristic facilitates pre-hold of the confining element by the slider before definitive fixation by said fixation means. 
     The slider is pierced with at least one first hole to allow passage of the fixation means towards the confining element. 
     The assembly constituted by a slider and a confining element may be made in one piece. The pivotal mobility of the confining element with respect to the slider is produced thanks to the elasticity and the shape of the connection of said confining element with said slider. This has the advantage of reducing the number of components and of facilitating positioning of the confining element with respect to the slider. 
     The adapter is pierced with a recess, located opposite the first hole of the slider, to allow passage of the fixation means. 
     According to a particular characteristic, the confining element is pierced with at least one second hole preferably located opposite the first hole of the slider to allow passage of the fixation means. The confining element may also be pierced on its outer face with a third hole, located in line with the recess of the adapter, to house and hold a part of the fixation means. In particular, the third hole may present the shape of a nut, in the case of the fixation systems being screw-nut systems, the screw being accessible from the dry side of the vehicle door. 
     Where the fixation means is constituted by a self-tapping screw, this screw will pass in the first hole and will be screwed in the second hole. This type of screw enables the number of components to be reduced. 
     According to another characteristic, the slider is provided with stops which serve as bearing for the lower edge of the first extension of the adapter when the adapter and therefore the window are positioned on the slider. Another advantage when there are at least two systems according to the invention per window, is that one of the adapters comes into abutment on the corresponding slider, while the other adapter is not necessarily in abutment on the second slider, which allows the angular clearance in the plane of the window to be taken up. 
     Another advantage of the invention consists in that the fixation means may be positioned by one side or by the other with respect to the window. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more readily understood on reading the following description of a non-limiting embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 shows the system of positioning and assembling according to the invention, in its environment. 
     FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the window and of its adapter according to the invention. 
     FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the slider according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the confining element according to the invention. 
     FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the slider and of the confining element assembled in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 6 shows a side view in elevation of the system according to the invention before definitive fixation of the window. 
     FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the system according to the invention after definitive fixation of the window, and 
     FIG. 8 shows a particular form of toothing of the adapter, slider and confining element that may be used within the framework of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, and firstly to FIG. 1 which shows the invention in its environment, a vehicle door  1  is conventionally fitted with two rails  2   a ,  2   b  on which slide the sliders  3   a ,  3   b , and adapters  4   a ,  4   b  on which a window  10  is mounted. 
     The window is previously fixed on adapters  4   a ,  4   b , for example by clamping and/or by clipping and/or by adhesion, then these adapters are engaged in the sliders  3   a ,  3   b . In order to place the window  10  in position, the manipulator places the window  10  in abutment against the vertical upright  6  of the door  1 , pushing the window  10  in the direction of arrow  7   a , i.e. towards the right in FIG.  1 . The manipulator then displaces the window  10  upwardly, thanks to a conventional drive device (not shown) constituted in particular by cables and a motor. While the window  10  is being raised, the adapters  4   a ,  4   b  may slide with respect to said sliders  3   a ,  3   b  horizontally and parallel to the door  1  in the direction of arrow  7   b , opposite that of arrow  7   a.    
     The rails  2   a ,  2   b  are slightly inclined with respect to the vertical upright  6  of the door  1 , the angle included between a rail  2   a  or  2   b  and the upright  6  presenting an apex located above the door  1 . In this way, the window  10  is urged against the vertical upright  6  while it is being raised. The window  10  is then pushed by said vertical upright  6  towards the left in the direction of arrow  7   b . In effect, the force of reaction exerted by the vertical upright  6  on the window according to the invention is greater than the force of retention exerted by a special structure of the system according to the invention, which allows horizontal slide of the window. When the window comes into abutment against the horizontal member  5  of the door, it may be said that it is in its definitive position. 
     In this raised position, a reinforcing bar  8  of the door  1  sometimes prevents access to the fixation means (not shown in this Figure). The window must therefore be lowered a few centimeters so that said fixation means become accessible to the manipulator, through bores  6   a ,  6   b  made in the rails  2   a ,  2   b ; said fixation means are then fixed definitively. While it is being lowered, the window undergoes no effort in the direction of arrow  7   b , as said vertical upright  6  no longer acts on the window  10 , and the special structure according to the invention allows the window to be held in its optimum position, defined by its raised position. 
     FIG. 2 shows an adapter  4   a  or  4   b  stuck to the window  10  which rests on a horizontal shoulder  11   a  provided between an upper wall  11   b  and a lower wall  11   c  of the adapter  4   a ,  4   b . The lower wall  11   c  of the adapter  4   a ,  4   b  is extended downwardly by a first substantially vertical extension  12  comprising two parallel faces  12   a ,  12   b  provided with horizontal teeth  17 , in order to improve hold of the adapter  4   a ,  4   b  on the corresponding slider ( 3   a  or  3   b ), after final fixation of the window  10 . The lower extension or first extension  12  comprises a recess  15  to allow passage of a fixation means described hereinbelow and lies substantially in line with the window  10 , this extension  12  terminating in a lower edge  16 . 
     The adapter  4   a  or  4   b  comprises a second extension  13  extending horizontally, for example, towards the left in FIG. 2, in line with the upper wall  11   b  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  and is constituted by two parts  13   a ,  13   b  forming a clamp. On the inner faces of this clamp  13   a ,  13   b  are formed vertical teeth  14  which increase the force of hold of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  on the slider  3   a  or  3   b . Located at the bottom of the two parts  13   a ,  13   b  of the second extension  13 , there are provided hooks  18   a ,  18   b  which serve to maintain the adapter coupled to the slider during the lowering of the system before definitive fixation thereof. 
     FIGS. 3 and 6 show a slider  3   a  or  3   b  according to the invention. This slider  3   a  or  3   b  comprises a vertical wall  37  and two superposed vertical guiding blocks  38   a ,  38   b  fast with said wall  37 . 
     The vertical wall  37  also comprises, on the other side with respect to the blocks  38   a ,  38   b , a contact surface  35  on which horizontal teeth  39  have been formed, intended to cooperate with the teeth  17  of the vertical face  12   b  of the first extension  12  during definitive fixation. In the lower zone and below the teeth  39 , the wall  37  presents lateral stops  36  which project with respect to said wall  37  and against which bears the lower end  16  of the first extension  12  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  during assembly, as indicated in FIG.  6 . A central tongue  34  which is preferably elastic and fast with the lower end of the wall  37  is located at a level lower than that of the stops  36  and serves as pre-hold for a confining element  40  on the slider  3   a  or  3   b , as may be seen in FIG. 5. A bore  33  made in the central part of the wall  37  allows passage of a fixation means  50 ,  51 . When the fixation means is constituted by a screw, this bore  33  must be of sufficient diameter to allow the angular clearance of the screw  51  during tightening, as is represented in FIG.  6 . 
     The principal role of the guiding blocks  38   a  and  38   b  is to connect the slider  3   a  or  3   b  to the corresponding rail  2   a  or  2   b  and to guide the slider  3   a  or  3   b  therealong. To that end, each of the superposed blocks  38   a ,  38   b  presents a guiding housing  32  in which a corresponding rail  2   a  or  2   b  is introduced, with the result that the slider  3   a  or  3   b  may slide freely along said rail, being driven by a drive cable (not shown) which is conventionally fixed on one of the superposed blocks  38   a  or  38   b.    
     The upper block  38   a , i.e. the slider  3   a  or  3   b , comprises a horizontal extension  31 , called third extension, which extends, in FIG. 3, towards the left in the longitudinal direction of the window  10 . This third extension  31  is substantially cylindrical and lies at least approximately in the horizontal extension of the plane of the wall  37 . This cylindrical extension  31 , also called “third extension”, bears, on the same side as the teeth  39  of the wall  37 , vertical teeth  43  which cooperate with the inner teeth  14  of the two parts  13   a ,  13   b  of the second extension  13  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  before definitive assembly. 
     A cylindrical shape has been chosen for this third extension  31 , but other shapes may be adopted, provided that they allow a horizontal translation of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  with respect to the corresponding slider  3   a  or  3   b.    
     Another extension, identical to extension  31 , may be disposed symmetrically on the other side of the slider  3   a  or  3   b . This other extension makes it possible, in the event of problem of tolerances, for at least one of the two extensions  31  to clip in one of the two clamps, each constituted by the two parts  13   a ,  13   b  of the second extension  13  which, in this particular case, is provided in duplicate respectively on each lateral end of the upper wall  11   b  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b.    
     The teeth  43  made on the cylindrical extension  31 , are substantially vertical, but they may take particular shapes such as for example that of a thread. 
     FIG. 4 shows a confining element  40  which, in vertical section, is L-shaped with a long vertical side and a horizontal flange of short length approximately equal to the thickness of the vertical side, this horizontal flange being placed below stops  36  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b , when the latter is brought towards the confining element  40 . In the central part of the lower end of the element  40 , the horizontal flange of the latter is interrupted and the vertical side comprises a hole  42  of rectangular section intended to receive the horizontal tongue  34  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b . The vertical wall of the confining element  40  comprises, in its approximately central zone, a cylindrical hole  44  substantially in register with the bore  33  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  so as to allow the passage of a fixation means  50  comprising in particular a screw  51 . In accordance with the example shown, the fixation means  50  also comprises a nut  46  inserted in a recess  45  in the element  40 , not visible because of the nut, said recess  45  having the shape of the nut  46 , which is maintained in place during tightening of the element  40  in the direction of the wall  37  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b.    
     According to an advantageous embodiment, the fixation means  50  comprises a self-tapping screw. In that case, the nut  46  and its housing constituted by the recess  45  do not exist and the diameter of the hole  44  is chosen in order to allow engagement and coupling of the screw  51  in said hole  44 . 
     The inner contact surface  41  of the confining element  40  shown in FIG. 6 is smooth in order to increase the pressure exerted by the latter on the adapter  4   a  or  4   b , but this inner contact surface  41  may also be provided with teeth identical to teeth  39  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b , or it may also be the only one to be provided with teeth while the contact face  35  of the vertical wall  37  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  remains smooth. 
     FIG. 5 shows the pre-assembly of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  and of the confining element  40 . The fixation means  50 , of which the nut  46  and the end of the screw  51  are visible here, and the introduction of the tongue  34  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  in the hole  42  of rectangular section of the confining element  40 , allow a pre-hold or pre-assembly of the two elements, slider  3   a  or  3   b  and confining element  40 . The screw  51  is not yet screwed completely in the nut  46  to allow the introduction of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  between the two contact surfaces  35 ,  41  respectively of the slider and of the confining element. In that case, the screw  51  passes through the hole or notch  15  in the adapter, said hole presenting to that end a downward opening and being defined by faces in the form of an upturned U. 
     At that stage, it may be imagined that the two elements, the slider  3   a  or  3   b  and the confining element  40 , constitute an adjustable and supple assembly at the point of the connection between the slider and the confining element. 
     FIG. 6 shows the system in pre-assembled position, the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  being introduced in the space between the contact surfaces  35 ,  41  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  and of the confining element  40 . The cylindrical extension  31  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  is clipped between the walls or vertical parts  13   a ,  13   b  forming clamp and constituting the second extension  13  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b . The hooks  18   a ,  18   b  of the extension  13  cooperate with the cylindrical extension  31  in order to maintain the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  in position with respect to the slider  3   a  or  3   b  during lowering of the window  10  before definitive fixation thereof. The lower edge  16  of the first vertical extension  12  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  comes into contact with the lower stops  36  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b . The screw  51  is also noticed, which is inclined by an angle given by the confining element  40 , hence the interest in providing, in the slider, a bore  33  which is sufficiently large, in the vertical direction, to allow the angular clearance of said element  40 . 
     Where there is only one system per window  10 , the lower edge  16  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  comes into contact with the stops  36  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b . However, in general, there are two systems per window  10 , one at the front and the other at the rear in the longitudinal direction of the window  10 . In that case, it is possible that one of the adapters comes into contact with the stops  36 , while the other does not. This makes it possible to make up for an angular clearance in the plane of the window  10 . 
     FIG. 7 shows the system in its final functioning position. The fixation means  50  is actuated up to its final clamping position and the contact surfaces of the different elements then come into contact with one another, which allows the definitive fixation of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  between the slider  3   a  or  3   b  and the confining element  40 . 
     FIG. 8 shows a variant of tooth shapes that may be used in the system according to the invention, in particular concerning the shape of the teeth  39  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b , and of the teeth  17  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b . Triangular teeth need the same effort to position the adapter or withdraw it, which may raise problems when the window  20  is lowered, before definitive fixation. In effect, the window  10  may be jammed in the seal located along the reinforcement of the door. This is why it may be necessary to be able to increase the force of extraction of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  thanks to a particular shape of the teeth. 
     Profiles of teeth  80   a  may replace those of teeth  17  of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  and profiles  80   b  may replace those of teeth  39  of the slider  3   a  or  3   b  and/or of the confining element  40 . The inclinations  81  and  82  of the teeth  80   a  and  80   b  cooperate in order to facilitate positioning of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b , while the horizontal faces  83  and  84  of the teeth  80   a  and  80   b  cooperate in order to prevent accidental withdrawal of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  before final fixation, such withdrawal being able to occur, for example, if the window  10  is blocked in the seals of the door. 
     The modus operandi of the system for positioning and assembling a window  10  on a window regulator will be briefly described hereinbelow, this description being made more particularly with reference to FIG.  1 . 
     In the vehicle door  1 , there are conventionally provided two rails  2   a ,  2   b  on which slide two sliders  3   a ,  3   b  to which are attached cables passing through a set of pulleys and driven by a motor (not shown). 
     As indicated hereinbefore, the window  10  is previously fixed on adapters  4   a ,  4   b , for example by clamping and/or by clipping and/or by adhesion, these adapters then being engaged in the sliders  3   a ,  3   b . To position the window  10 , the manipulator places said window  10  in abutment against the vertical upright of the door  1 , pushing the window  20  in the direction of arrow  7   a , i.e. towards the right in FIG.  1 . The manipulator then displaces the window  10  upwardly, thanks to a conventional drive system (not shown) constituted in particular by cables and a motor. While the window  10  is being raised, the adapters  4   a ,  5   b  may slide with respect to said sliders  3   a ,  3   b  horizontally and parallel to the door  1  in the direction of arrow  7   b , opposite that of arrow  7   a.    
     The rails  2   a ,  3   b  are slightly inclined with respect to the vertical upright  6  of the door  1 , the angle included between a rail  2   a  or  2   b  and the upright  6  presenting an apex located above the door  1 . In this way, the window  10  is urged against the vertical upright  6  while it is being raised. The window  10  is then pushed by said vertical upright  6  in the direction of arrow  7   b . In effect, the force of reaction exerted by the vertical upright  6  on the window  10  is greater than the force of retention exerted by the second extension  13  on the cylindrical extension  31 , which allows slide of the adapter  4   a  or  4   b  and therefore of the window  10 . When the window comes into abutment against the horizontal upright  5  of the door  1 , it may be said that it has been adjusted in its definitive position. 
     In this raised position, a reinforcing bar  8  for the door  1  sometimes prevents access to the fixation means  50  (not shown in this Figure). The window  10  must therefore be lowered a few centimeters for said fixation means to become accessible to the manipulator, through bores  6   a ,  6   b  made in the rails  2   a ,  2   b , said fixation means  50  then being definitively fixed. During this lowering, the window  10  undergoes no effort in the direction of arrow  7   b , as the vertical upright  6  no longer acts on the window  10 , and the action of the extension  13  on the cylindrical extension  31  allows the window  10  to be held in its optimal position, defined by its raised position, and the hooks  18   a ,  18   b , shown in FIG. 2, allow, by their action on the extension  31 , drive of said window  10  and its adapters  4   a ,  4   b  by the sliders  3   a ,  3   b.    
     The embodiment described may be subjected to a certain number of modifications within the scope of the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection defined by the accompanying claims and having regard to the description and to the drawings. 
     The foregoing description is only exemplary of the principles of the invention. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, so that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specially described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.