1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a sliding window assembly for a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Window assemblies for vehicles are known in the art. One type of window assembly includes a first panel and a second panel each fixed to the vehicle. The first and second panels are spaced from each other to define an opening therebetween. A sliding panel is disposed between the first and second panels and is movable relative to the first and second panels between an open position and a closed position to selectively cover the opening.
The first, second, and sliding panels typically each include a heating grid for defrosting the respective panels. Further, the heating grids of the first, second, and sliding panels are electrically connected to the power source in a series circuit. In other words, electrical current flows through the heating grid of the first panel, then through the heating grid of the sliding panel, and finally through the heating grid of the second panel. Therefore, if the circuit is broken at the heating grid of the first panel, electrical current will not flow to the heating grids of the sliding panel and the second panel. For example, when the first, second, and sliding panel are electrically connected in series, and when the sliding panel moves from the closed position to the open position, the circuit is broken between the sliding panel and the second panel. As such, when the sliding panel is in the open position, electrical current will not flow through the heating grids of the sliding panel and the second panel, thus the sliding panel and the second panel will fog up or frost over which can create unsafe driving conditions. Alternatively, an occupant of the vehicle has to keep the sliding panel in the closed position to operate all of the heating grids to defrost all of the panels, which can lead to temperature or other discomforts within the vehicle cabin.
In addition, a plurality of connections are soldered to each of the heating grids to provide electrical current to the heating grids. Each of the connections typically include wires extending therefrom. Soldering connections to the heating grids is time consuming. Further, if the solder fails, then the connection where the solder fails becomes detached from the respective heating grid and thus prevents electrical current from flowing to the heating grid.
Therefore, there remains an opportunity to develop a sliding window assembly.
The present invention provides a sliding window assembly for a vehicle including a fixed panel adapted to be fixed to the vehicle and a first heating grid coupled to the fixed panel for defrosting the fixed panel. The assembly further includes a track coupled to the fixed panel and a sliding panel movably coupled to the track such that the sliding panel moves relative to the fixed panel between an open position and a closed position. The assembly also includes a second heating grid coupled to the sliding panel for defrosting the sliding panel with the first and second heating grids electrically connected in a series circuit and a conductive rail coupled to the track. The conductive rail includes a first conductive segment, a second conductive segment spaced from the first conductive segment, and an insulator segment disposed between the first and second conductive segments with the first and second heating grids remaining electrically connected to the first and second conductive segments in both the open and closed positions in the series circuit.
The present invention also provides a sliding window assembly for a vehicle including a panel adapted to be coupled to the vehicle and a heating grid coupled to the panel for defrosting the panel. The assembly further includes a conductive rail coupled to the panel for electrifying the heating grid. The assembly also includes a connector disposed between the heating grid and the conductive rail with the connector comprising a compressible material and having a conductive property to define a conductive connector for electrically connecting the heating grid to the conductive rail.
Therefore, the sliding window assembly of the present invention enables the first and second heating grids to remain electrically connected to remain electrically connected to the first and second conductive segments in both the open and closed positions in the series circuit. Hence, the fixed and sliding panels can be defogged or defrosted when the sliding panel is in both the open and closed positions; thus providing an occupant of the vehicle with safer driving conditions, as well as a more comfortable vehicle cabin. In addition, the connector having the conductive property provides electrical connection from the conductive rail to the heating grid; thus reducing the number of connectors to electrically connect the heating grids as compared to the soldered connections discussed in the background of the invention. Eliminating soldered connections reduces the number of wires to be hidden, as well as reduces assembly time and the possibility of the solder failing. Further, the connector comprising the compressible material is able to take up space between the conductive rail and the panel due to manufacturing tolerances, as well as prevent breakage of the panel during assembly of the conductive rail and the panel.
Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a sliding window assembly 20 for a vehicle 22 is generally shown. Typically, as shown in
Referring to
The sliding window assembly 20 further includes a conductive rail 28 coupled to the panel 24 for electrifying the heating grid 26. The conductive rail 28 can be of any suitable configuration and examples of suitable configurations are discussed further below.
Turning to
The connector 30 defines a first thickness t1 prior to being compressed between the heating grid 26 and the conductive rail 28 as shown in
Typically, the compressible material 32 comprises a foam. More typically, the foam comprises a polymer, which is foamed or expanded. For example, the compressible material 32 can be an expanded or foamed polymer. In certain embodiments, the polymer is polyurethane, such that the compressible material 32 is polyurethane foam, e.g. a closed cell polyurethane foam. In other embodiments, the polymer is rubber and formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), such that the compressible material 32 is foamed EPDM. In yet other embodiments, the polymer is a conductive polymer. Conducive polymers can also be referred to in the art as intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs), which are polymers that can conduct electrical current or electricity. The compressible material 32, and more specifically the foam has an outer periphery 34, which is discussed further below.
The connector 30 can further comprise a conductive filler dispersed in the compressible material 32 for electrically connecting the heating grid 26 to the conductive rail 28. In one embodiment, the conductive filler defines the conductive property. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the connector 30 is formed from the foam and the conductive filler. The conductive filler can be selected from various conductive fillers understood in the art, such as metal or carbon filler, which can be in various forms such as powder, fibers, etc. In certain embodiments, the conductive filler comprises metal, e.g. a metal powder.
In one embodiment, also referring to
The foil layer 36 has a first surface 38 and a second surface 40 opposing the first surface 38. Typically, the first surface 38 faces the conductive rail 28 and the second surface 40 faces the heating grid 26. The foil layer 36 further has a third surface 42 and a fourth surface 44 opposing the third surface 42 with the third and fourth surfaces 42, 44 adjacent the first and second surfaces 38, 40 such that the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces 38, 40, 42, 44 define a generally rectangular configuration. It is to be appreciated that the first, second, third, and fourth surface 38, 40, 42, 44 can cooperate to define any suitable configuration, such as, for example, square, oval, etc.
The sliding window assembly 20 can comprise an adhesive layer 46 abutting at least one of the heating grid 26 and the conductive rail 28 for coupling the conductive connector 30 thereon. In certain embodiments, the connector 30 can further comprise the adhesive layer 46 abutting at least one of the heating grid 26 and the conductive rail 28 for coupling the conductive connector 30 thereon. In various embodiments, the adhesive layer 46 abuts at least one of the first and second surfaces 38, 40 of the foil layer 36 and at least one of the heating grid 26 and the conductive rail 28 for coupling the conductive connector 30 thereon. Referring to
Referring to
The adhesive layer 46, and more specifically the first and second adhesive layers 46, 48, typically comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), such as acrylic. In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer 46 is formed from a conductive composition. More specifically, the first and/or second adhesive layers 46, 48 is/are formed from the conductive composition for electrically connecting the conductive rail 28 to the heating grid 26. In other embodiments, the adhesive layer 46, and more specifically the first and second adhesive layers 46, 48, comprise a conductive filler for electrically connecting the conductive rail 28 to the heating grid 26. The conductive filler of the adhesive layer 46 electrically connects the connector 30 to the conductive rail 28 and the heating grid 26. The conductive filler can be selected from various conductive fillers understood in the art, such as metal or carbon filler, which can be in various forms such as powder, fibers, etc. In various embodiments, the conductive filler of the first and/or second adhesive layers 46, 48 comprises conductive acrylic. It is to be appreciated that the first and/or second adhesive layers 46, 48 can be non-conductive. It is to further be appreciated that the first and/or second adhesive layers 46, 48 can be of any suitable material(s), including non-conductive material(s), for electrically connecting the conductive rail 28, the connector 30, and the heating grid 26 to each other and/or for coupling the conductive connector 30 to the conductive rail 28 and/or the heating grid 26.
The connector 30 typically has a compression-deflection of less than 12 psi, at 25% deflection, according to ASTM D3574 Modified; and/or a compression set of less than 20%, at 25% deflection, according to ASTM D395 Method B. In certain embodiments, the connector 30 has a compression-deflection of less than 4 psi, at 25% deflection, according to ASTM D3574 Modified; and a compression set of less than 20%, at 25% deflection, according to ASTM D395 Method B. Suitable connectors 30, for purposes of the present invention, are commonly available from Marian of Indianapolis, Ind. under the trade name Soft-Shield®. Specific examples include the Soft-Shield® 4000 Series, such as Soft-Shield® 4000, Soft-Shield® 4002, Soft-Shield® 4004, Soft-Shield® 4006, and Soft-Shield® 4008. In one embodiment, the connector 30 is formed from the Soft-Shield® 4002. It is to be appreciated that the actual values for the compression-deflection varies with the first thickness t1 of the connector 30.
As described above, in certain embodiments the connector 30 is formed from a Soft-Shield® 4000 Series product, which are conventionally sold as gaskets. In certain embodiments, the connector 30 is manufactured by compressing one of the gaskets between the conductive rail 28 and the heating grid 26 as discussed above. Specific properties of this product series is described immediately below. For Soft-Shield® 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006, and 4008, compression cycling is 0.006 ohms (initial) and 0.032 ohms (final), at 10,000 cycles, at 50% deflection. For Soft-Shield® 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006, and 4008, surface resistivity after heat aging for 168 hours at 185° F. is 0.009 ohms/sq. in. (initial) and 0.014 ohms/sq. in. (final), after heat aging for 168 hours at 250° F. is 0.007 ohms/sq. in. (initial) and 0.017 ohms/sq. in. (final), after heat aging for 168 hours at 95% RH/95° F. is 0.007 ohms/sq. in. (initial) and 0.010 ohms/sq. in. (final), and after heat aging for 2190 hours at 158° F. is 0.010 ohms/sq. in. (initial) and 0.010 ohms/sq. in. (final), according to CHO-TM-TP573. For Soft-Shield® 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006, and 4008, abrasion resistance (Taber Abrader) is 0.007 ohms/sq. in. (initial) and 0.010 ohms/sq. in. (final), at 500 cycles (500 g on CS wheel), according to ASTM D460. For Soft-Shield® 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006, and 4008, initial PSA adhesion is greater than 2.5 lb./in., according to ASTM D1000.
In one embodiment, the connector 30 is manufactured with the adhesive layer 46 adhered thereon. It is to be appreciated that the connector 30 can be manufactured without the adhesive layer 46 such that the adhesive layer 46 is later applied to the connector 30, the conductive rail 28, and/or the heating grid 26 prior to coupling together the connector 30, the conductive rail 28, and the panel 24. Further, it is to be appreciated that the adhesive layer 46 can be eliminated. In addition, it is to be appreciated that the connector 30 can be manufactured in long lengths, such as tape, and thus cut to any desired length. For example, the connector 30 can be cut into lengths of about 30.0 millimeters. It is to be appreciated that the connector 30 can be any suitable width, and as an example, the width can be of from about 11.0 to 13.5 millimeters. In one embodiment, the width is about 12.7 millimeters.
The connector 30, and more specifically the conductive connector 30, as discussed above, can be utilized with any of the embodiments discussed herein. Various examples of suitable locations for utilizing the conductive connector 30 with the conductive rail 28 and/or the heating grid 26 are discussed below.
Referring back to
Turning to
The sliding panel 56 and the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 each have an interior surface 58 facing an interior 60 of the vehicle 22 when the sliding window assembly 20 is coupled to the vehicle 22. In addition, the sliding panel 56 and the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 each have an exterior surface 62 opposing the interior surface 58 of respective panels 24, 50, 56 such that the exterior surface 62 faces an exterior 64 of the vehicle 22 when the sliding window assembly 20 is coupled to the vehicle 22. The interior surface 58 is shown in
The sliding panel 56 is movable between the open and closed positions either manually or automatically. For example, as shown in
The bracket 72 is typically coupled to the sliding panel 56 by any suitable method, such as, for example, taping, encapsulation, molding, bonding, etc. Generally, encapsulation results in an encapsulant that can be used to couple the bracket 72 to the sliding panel 56. In addition, encapsulation can be further defined as single-sided encapsulation, two-sided encapsulation, or three-sided encapsulation. For example, with single-sided encapsulation, the bracket 72 is coupled to the interior surface 58 of the sliding panel 56 leaving the exterior surface 62 of the sliding panel 56 free of the encapsulant. When encapsulation is employed, the bracket 72 is formed, at least partially, from the encapsulant. More specifically, with respect to encapsulation, the bracket 72 is formed of the encapsulant and is coupled to the sliding panel 56 by encapsulation. It is to be appreciated that any type of encapsulation or adhesive surface bonding can be utilized for coupling the bracket 72 to the sliding panel 56. The bracket 72 is typically formed of a plastic material(s), such as for example, polybutylene terephthalat (PBT). It is to be appreciated that the bracket 72 can be formed of any suitable material(s).
Referring back to
The first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are typically coupled on the same side of the respective panels 24, 50, 56. More typically, the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are coupled to the interior surface 58 of the respective panels 24, 50, 56. It is to be appreciated that the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 can be coupled to the exterior surface 62 of the respective panels 24, 50, 56 and/or any other suitable location.
Each of the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 include a first end 78 and a second end 80 spaced from the first end 78 of respective first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76. The first and second ends 78, 80 of each of the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are typically disposed on the same side in a spaced relationship. In other words, the first and second ends 78, 80 of each of the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are disposed on the interior surface 58 of the respective panels 24, 50, 56. It is to be appreciated that the first and second ends 78, 80 of the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 can be disposed on the exterior surface 62 of the respective panels 24, 50, 56 or any other suitable location.
The first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are typically formed of a paste for allowing electrical current to flow through the heating grids 2674, 76, which is discussed further below. The paste can be formed of silver, ceramic, and/or any other suitable material(s). For example, the first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76 can be formed of silver frit for tempered glass or laminated glass. As another example, the first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76 can be formed of wires(s) for laminated glass. The paste of the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are typically bonded to the respective panels 24, 50, 56. The first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76 can also be formed by screen printing, wire(s) impregnated in polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and/or any other suitable method.
In certain embodiments, the track 54 is coupled to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. In another embodiment, the track 54 is further defined as a first track 54 and further includes a second track 82 coupled to the fixed panel 24 above the first track 54 with the sliding panel 56 movably coupled to the first and second tracks 54, 82. In yet another embodiment, the second track 82 is coupled to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 above the first track 54. Likewise, the first track 54 is coupled to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. Hence, the sliding panel 56 is movably coupled to the first and second tracks 54, 82.
The first and second tracks 54, 82 each define a slot 84 facing each other for receiving and/or guiding the sliding panel 56. Even more specifically, the sliding panel 56 includes a top edge 86 and a bottom edge 88 spaced from each other with the bottom edge 88 disposed in the slot 84 of the first track 54 and the top edge 86 disposed in the slot 84 of the second track 82. When utilizing the cable-motor power system 68, the bracket 72 can be coupled to the sliding panel 56 adjacent the bottom edge 88. It is to be appreciated that the bracket 72 can be coupled at any suitable location on the sliding panel 56. Typically, the first and second tracks 54, 82 are disposed horizontally in a substantially spaced and parallel relationship such that the sliding panel 56 moves horizontally back and forth relative to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. It is to be appreciated that the first and second tracks 54, 82 can be positioned in any other suitable orientation or location, such as, for example, vertically spaced such that the sliding panel 56 can move vertically up and down relative to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50.
The first and second tracks 54, 82 are typically coupled to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 by any suitable method, such as for example, encapsulation, molding, bonding, etc. Generally, encapsulation results in an encapsulant that can be used to couple the first and second tracks 54, 82 to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. In addition, encapsulation can be further defined as single-sided encapsulation, two-sided encapsulation, or three-sided encapsulation. For example, with single-sided encapsulation, the first and second tracks 54, 82 are coupled to the interior surface 58 of the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 leaving the exterior surface 62 of the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 free of the encapsulant. When encapsulation is employed, the first and second tracks 54, 82 are formed, at least partially, from the encapsulant. More specifically, with respect to encapsulation, the first and second tracks 54, 82 are formed of the encapsulant and are coupled to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 by encapsulation. It is to be appreciated that any type of encapsulation or adhesive surface bonding can be utilized for coupling the first and second tracks 54, 82 to the first and second fixed panels 24, 50.
When utilizing encapsulation, the encapsulant is typically formed of a plastic material(s) and more typically, thermoplastic material(s) and/or themoset material(s). Even more typically, the plastic material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is to be appreciated that the encapsulant can be formed of various plastic material(s), such as, for example, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE); elastomeric alloys, e.g. thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV); thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO); thermoplastic styrene (TPS); polyurethane; and various different types of reaction injection molding (RIM) materials; and/or any other suitable material(s) for encapsulation. One example of a suitable polyurethane is commercially available from BASF Corporation under the tradename of COLO-FAST™, e.g. COLO-FAST™ LM-161.
In one embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
For example, as shown in
Typically, the conductive rail 28 is formed of a metal material(s), and more typically, the metal material is an alloy. Suitable alloys for the conductive rail 28 include aluminum and/or iron alloys, e.g. steel. In addition, the conductive rail 28 is further formed of a non-metal material(s), and more typically the non-metal material is a polymeric material(s), such as a plastic material(s). It is to be appreciated that the conductive rail 28 can include strips, etc. of conductive material; coated with any suitable material(s); and/or any other suitable material(s). For example, the conductive rail 28 can be anodized and/or e-coated aluminum. Further, the rail 94 can be formed of a metal material(s), such as an alloy. Suitable alloys for the rail 94 include aluminum and/or iron alloys, e.g. steel. The rail 94 can be formed of a non-conductive material(s), such as a non-metal material(s), polymeric material(s) and/or plastic material(s).
Turning to
The insulator segment 100 includes a first face 102 and a second face 104 spaced from each other with the first conductive segment 96 abutting the first face 102 and the second conductive segment 98 abutting the second face 104 for spacing apart the first and second conductive segments 96, 98. The insulator segment 100 can be formed of polymeric material(s) and more typically plastic material(s). The plastic material(s) can be thermoplastic material(s) and/or themoset material(s). In certain embodiments, the plastic material can be nylon or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is to be appreciated that the insulator segment 100 can be formed of various plastic material(s), such as, for example, polybutylene terephthalat (PBT); thermoplastic elastomers (TPE); elastomeric alloys, e.g. thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV); thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO); thermoplastic styrene (TPS); polyurethane; polyamides, e.g. Zytel® commercially available from DuPont; and various different types of reaction injection molding (RIM) materials; and/or any other suitable material(s). One example of a suitable polyurethane is commercially available from BASF Corporation under the tradename of COLO-FAST™, e.g. COLO-FAST™ LM-161. It is to be appreciated that the insulator segment 100 can be formed of any non-conductive material(s). In other words, the insulator segment 100 can be any suitable material for inhibiting the flow of current between the first and second conductive segments 96, 98.
The first and second conductive segments 96, 98 each define a channel 106 for receiving the sliding panel 56. More specifically, the first conductive segment 96 includes a bottom 108, a first wall 110 extending from the bottom 108, and a second wall 112 spaced from the first wall 110 and extending from the bottom 108 to define the channel 106 therebetween for receiving the sliding panel 56. Likewise, the second conductive segment 98 includes a bottom 108, a first wall 110 extending from the bottom 108, and a second wall 112 spaced from the first wall 110 and extending from the bottom 108 to define the channel 106 therebetween for receiving the sliding panel 56. The channel 106 of the first and second conductive segments 96, 98 cooperate with each other for receiving and/or guiding the sliding panel 56. Additionally, the insulator segment 100 defines a channel 114 cooperating with the channel 106 of the first and second conductive segments 96, 98 for receiving and/or guiding the sliding panel 56. The channel 106 of the first and second segments 100, 96, 98, as well as the channel 114 of the insulator segment 100 can define a generally u-shaped configuration or any other suitable configuration. The channel 106 of the first and second conductive segments 96, 98 each have an inner surface 116 receiving the sliding panel 56 and an outer surface 118 opposing the inner surface 116 of respective segments 100, 96, 98. It is to be appreciated that the first and second segments 100, 96, 98 can be substantially the same configuration to each other or different. Likewise, it is to be appreciated that the rail 94 can be configured the same as the first and second conductive segments 96, 98, as such, the rail 94 can include the channel 106, the inner and outer surfaces 116, 118, etc.
The conductive rail 28 and the rail 94 can be coupled to the first and/or second tracks 54, 82 during encapsulation such that the encapsulant at least partially encompasses the outer surface 118 of the conductive rail 28 and the rail 94. In such an embodiment, the first and second tracks 54, 82 are each integral with the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. Specifically, the first track 54 is integral with the conductive rail 28 and the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. Likewise, the second track 82 is integral with the rail 94 and the first and second fixed panels 24, 50. In other words, the first and second tracks 54, 82 and the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 form a single continuous unit.
Also referring to
The first side 122 further includes a first flange 136 disposed between the base 120 and the first shoulder 126. The first flange 136 extends outwardly away from the channel 114 of the insulator segment 100 for receiving the first conductive segment 96. Likewise, the second side 124 includes a second flange 138 disposed between the base 120 and the second shoulder 128. The second flange 138 extends outwardly away from the channel 114 of the insulator segment 100 adjacent the first flange 136 for receiving the first conductive segment 96. The first side 122 further includes a third flange 140 disposed between the base 120 and the first shoulder 126. The third flange 140 extends outwardly away from the channel 114 of the insulator segment 100 for receiving the second conductive segment 98. Likewise, the second side 124 further includes a fourth flange 142 disposed between the base 120 and the second shoulder 128. The fourth flange 142 extends outwardly away from the channel 114 of the insulator segment 100 adjacent the third flange 140 for receiving the second conductive segment 98.
The first wall 110 of the first conductive segment 96 includes a first projection 144 extending toward the second wall 112 and the second wall 112 of the first conductive segment 96 includes a second projection 146 extending toward the first wall 110. The first and second flanges 136, 138 are disposed in the channel 106 of the first conductive segment 96 between the bottom 108 and the first and second projections 144, 146 respectively of the first conductive segment 96. Hence, the first and second flanges 136, 138 couple the insulator segment 100 and the first conductive segment 96 together. Likewise, the first wall 110 of the second conductive segment 98 includes a first projection 144 extending toward the second wall 112 and the second wall 112 of the second conductive segment 98 includes a second projection 146 extending toward the first wall 110. As shown in
Referring back to
The first and second conductive segments 96, 98, as well as the insulator segment 100 can define different configurations or orientations. For example, as best shown in
Referring back to
The first connector 30 is compressed between the first conductive segment 96 and the first fixed panel 24, and more specifically compressed between the first conductive segment 96 and the first heating grid 26. Likewise, the second connector 154 is compressed between the second conductive segment 98 and the second fixed panel 50, and more specifically compressed between the second conductive segment 98 and the third heating grid 76. Typically, the first and second connectors 30, 154 are compressed before encapsulating the conductive rail 28. Encapsulation maintains the orientation, location, and/or compression of the first and second connectors 30, 154 relative to the first and second conductive segments 96, 98 respectively and the first and third heating grids 26, 76 respectively. It is to be appreciated that the connectors 30 can be compressed at any suitable step of assembling the components. The first and second connectors 30, 154 are compressed to take up space between the first and second conductive segments 96, 98 respectively and the first and third heating grids 26, 76 respectively due to manufacturing tolerances of the conductive rail 28, the first 26 and/or third 76 heating grids, and/or the first 24 and/or second 50 fixed panels. In addition, having the first and second connectors 30, 154 compressible prevent breakage of the first and second fixed panels 24, 50 during assembly of the first and second connectors 30, 154 between the first and third heating grids 26, 76 and the first and second conductive segments 96, 98. The specifics of the first and second connectors 30, 154 have been discussed above for the connector/conductive connector 30.
Also referring to
The sliding window assembly 20 can further include a first slide connector 156 disposed between the second heating grid 74 and the first conductive segment 96 for electrically connecting the second heating grid 74 to the first conductive segment 96. In addition, the sliding window assembly 20 can further include a second slide connector 158 disposed between the second heating grid 74 and the second conductive segment 98 for electrically connecting the second heating grid 74 to the second conductive segment 98. The first and second slide connectors 156, 158 are spaced from each other. Typically, the first slide connector 156 is disposed on the first end 78 of the second heating grid 74 and the second slide connector 158 is disposed on the second end 80 of the second heating grid 74. It is to be appreciated that the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 can be at any suitable location on the second heating grid 74.
The first and second slide connectors 156, 158 are coupled to the sliding panel 56 and movable with the sliding panel 56 between the open and closed positions. It is to be appreciated that the insulator segment 100 can be at any suitable location depending on the direction the sliding panel 56 moves between the open and closed positions. For example, as shown in
The first and second slide connectors 156, 158 are typically formed of any suitable metal material for electrically connecting the second heating grid 74 to the first and second conductive segments 96, 98. In addition, the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 are typically soldered to the second heating grid 74 but can be secured to the second heating grid 74 by any suitable method, such as for example, welding, bonding, adhesive, fasteners, etc. It is to be appreciated that the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 can be any suitable configuration or orientation and the Figures are for illustrative purposes only. It is to further be appreciated that the conductive connectors 30, such as the first and second connectors 30, 154, can be utilized as the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 respectively. In other words, another conductive connector 30 can be utilized instead of the first slide connector 156 and yet another conductive connector 30 can be utilized instead of the second slide connector 158. It is to be appreciated when replacing the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 with the conductive connectors 30, additional support(s), covers, fasteners, adhesives, etc. can be utilized to add strength to the conductive connectors 30.
Referring to
The first and second slide connectors 156, 158 each further include a leg 162 extending outwardly with the biasing member 160 extending from the leg 162. The leg 162 and the biasing member 160 cooperate to define a space 164. The space 164 can be utilized for water management components, the cable 70, the bracket 72, and/or any other suitable components. As shown in
In addition, as shown in
The first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 are typically formed of any suitable metal material for electrically connecting the first and third heating grids 26, 76 to the first and second conductive segments 96, 98. Further, the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 are typically soldered to the first and third heating grids 26, 76 respectively but can be secured to the first and third heating grids 26, 76 respectively by any suitable method, such as for example, welding, bonding, adhesive, fasteners, etc. The first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 can be soldered to the first and third heating grids 26, 76 respectively either before or after forming the track 54 by encapsulation.
It is to be appreciated that the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 can be any suitable configuration or orientation and the Figures are for illustrative purposes only. It is to be appreciated that the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 can be at any suitable location on any of the heating grids 26, 74, 76 or the conductive rail 28. In one embodiment, as shown in
A power supply of the vehicle 22 is electrically connected to the conductive rail 28 for flowing current, i.e. electrical current/electricity, through the first and second conductive segments 96, 98 of the conductive rail 28, as well as the first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76. Typically, the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 are utilized to electrically connect to the power supply for supplying current to the first and second conductive segments 96, 98, and the first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76. As such, current flows in through one of the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 and current flows out through an other one of the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168. Typically, the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 are coupled to the wire harness which is coupled to the power supply. It is to be appreciated that any of the connectors 30, 154, 156, 158, 166, 168 discussed herein can be utilized to supply power to the first and second conductive segments 96, 98, and the first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76. The power supply includes a first output electrically connected to the first conductive segment 96 and a second output electrically connected to the second conductive segment 98. For example, the first output of the power supply is a negative charge and the second output of the power supply is a positive charge. It is to be appreciated that the first output can be the positive charge and the second output can be the negative charge. Typically, the current is a direct current (DC). It is to be appreciated that any other suitable current can be utilized.
As discussed above, the first and second heating grids 26, 74, and more specifically, the first, second, and third heating grids 26, 74, 76 are electrically connected in the series circuit. For illustrative purposes only, below is a discussion of various embodiments of providing current to the first, second, and/or third heating grids 26, 74, 76 in the series circuit. As discussed above, current flows in and out through the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 respectively. For purposes of the below discussion only, current will flow in through the first terminal connector 166 and out through the second terminal connector 168.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The sliding window assembly 170 further includes a third connector 176 coupled to one of the first and second rails 172, 174 and one of the first and third heating grids 26, 76 and includes the first and second connectors 30, 154. In this embodiment, the first and second connectors 30, 154 are coupled to the second rail 174 and the third connector 176 is coupled to the first rail 172. In addition, the second and third connectors 154, 176 are coupled to the first heating grid 26 and the first connector 30 is coupled to the third heating grid 76. The specifics of the third connector 176 has been discussed above for the connector/conductive connector 30 and can be substantially the same configuration as the first and second connectors 30, 154. It is to be appreciated that the third connector 176 can be configured differently from the first and/or second connectors 30, 154. In this embodiment, one of the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 is coupled to one of the first and second rails 172, 174 and the first slide connector 156 engages the second rail 174 and the second slide connector 158 engages the first rail 172. It is to be appreciated that the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 can be configured different as shown in
Current flows in through the first terminal connector 166, through the third heating grid 76, through the first connector 30, through the second rail 174, through the second connector 154, through the first heating grid 26, through the third connector 176, through the first rail 172 and out the second terminal connector 168 such that the first and third heating grids 26, 76 are in the series circuit. Further, in this configuration, the second and third heating grids 74, 76 are in the series circuit, such that when current flows in the second rail 174, then current also flows through the first slide connector 156, through the second heating grid 74, through the second slide connector 158, through the first rail 172 and out the second terminal connector 168. Hence, the first and second heating grids 26, 74 are in a parallel circuit.
Referring to
The sliding window assembly 178 includes a fourth connector 184 coupled to one of the first and second rails 180, 182 and includes the first, second, and third connectors 30, 154, 176. In this embodiment, one of the first and third heating grids 26, 76 includes a strip 186 spaced from the respective first and third heating grids 26, 76. The strip 186 is formed of the same material(s) as discussed above for the heating grids 26, 74, 76 or any other suitable material(s). The first and second connectors 30, 154 are coupled to the second rail 182 and the third and fourth connectors 176, 184 are coupled to the first rail 180. In addition, the second and third connectors 154, 176 are coupled to the first heating grid 26, the first connector 30 is coupled to the third heating grid 76, and the fourth connector 184 is coupled to the strip 186. The specifics of the fourth connector 184 has been discussed above for the connector/conductive connector 30 and can be substantially the same configuration as the first, second, and third connectors 30, 154, 176. It is to be appreciated that the fourth connector 184 can be configured differently from the first, second, and/or third connectors 30, 154, 176. In this configuration, the fourth connector 184 is compressed between the first rail 180 and the strip 186. Further in this embodiment, one of the first and second terminal connectors 166, 168 is coupled to the strip 186 and the first slide connector 156 engages the second rail 182 and the second slide connector 158 engages the first rail 180. It is to be appreciated that the first and second slide connectors 156, 158 can be configured different as shown in
Current flows in through the first terminal connector 166, through the third heating grid 76, through the first connector 30, through the second rail 182, through the second connector 154, through the first heating grid 26, through the third connector 176, through the first rail 180, through the fourth connector 184, through the strip 186 and out the second terminal connector 168 such that the first and third heating grids 26, 76 are in the series circuit. Further, in this configuration, the second and third heating grids 74, 76 are in the series circuit, such that when current flows in the second rail 182, then current also flows through the first slide connector 156, through the second heating grid 74, through the second slide connector 158, through the first rail 180, through the fourth connector 184, through the strip 186 and out the second terminal connector 168. Hence, the first and second heating grids 26, 74 are in a parallel circuit.
For illustrative purposes only, some of the details of at least
Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards; thus, the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment can become apparent to those skilled in the art and do come within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/944,448 filed on Nov. 11, 2010, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 12944448 | Nov 2010 | US |
Child | 13015902 | US |