Active window seal

[0002] This invention generally relates to a system for moving a seal away from a movable window when the movable window is in motion. This invention can be used with any movable window, but is preferably used with movable automotive windows. Further, this invention can be used with manual window systems, but is preferably used with automatic window systems.

[0003] Windows in vehicles typically have seals. It is an object of the automotive industry to reduce wind noise in the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. Another object of the automotive industry is to reduce water from leaking into the vehicle around the windows.

[0004] One way to achieve these goals is to increase the force that the seal exerts on the window. The increased seal force reduces wind noise and prevents water from leaking around the seal. However, increasing the seal force on the window exaggerates several other difficulties encountered with movable window systems.

[0005] Automatic windows are designed to stop if they encounter an obstruction while being driven upwardly to close. It is necessary, but difficult, to differentiate the forces applied to the window to determine when an obstruction is encountered. Two categories of forces encountered by the window could be identified as normal or expected forces and foreign forces.

[0006] Typically, an obstruction is identified if the forces exerted on the window exceed a preselected threshold value. The preselected threshold value ideally represents the normal or expected forces encountered by the window system, including, but not limited to, the force exerted by the seal on the window.

[0007] However, these normal or expected forces are variable. For instance, the force exerted by the seal on the window varies with the temperature and the age of the seal. The force is higher at colder temperatures and when the seal is newer. Alternatively, the force decreases as the temperature rises and the seal ages.

[0008] The determination of an obstruction is made more difficult due to the varying expected forces encountered by the window system. Further, this difficulty is compounded by the increased window seal force, which results in a wider range of variation in seal force.

[0009] The differentiation of forces encountered by the window (i.e., expected forces v. foreign forces) would be greatly simplified if variable expected forces could be eliminated from the determination.

[0010] In general terms, this invention is an adjustable window seal assembly. The assembly can be used on any movable window, but is used preferably on automatically movable automotive windows. The adjustable window seal assembly operatively engages the movable window. The seal assembly engages the movable window when the movable window is stationary and has a reduced engagement force when the movable window is in motion.

[0011] The seal assembly consists of a stationary frame, a movable lip, and a cavity disposed between the stationary frame and the movable lip. These three elements are preferably formed as one piece of rubber. Three different scenarios as outlined below are disclosed to control the movement of the movable lip. Other embodiments are possible and within the broad teachings of this invention.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system also includes an air source, a valve and an electronic controller. When the electronic controller receives a signal that the window is about to begin moving, the electronic controller signals to the air source to start pumping air into the cavity through a valve. As the cavity fills with air, the movable lip is pulled away from the window thus reducing the seal force exerted on the window. When the electronic controller receives a signal that the window has stopped moving, the electronic controller signals to the air source to cease pumping air into the cavity. The valve is positioned to allow the air to escape from the cavity, thus forcing the cavity to collapse. Collapsing the cavity pushes the movable lip toward the window until the lip is biased against the window and the seal force is reapplied.

[0013] Alternatively, the system includes a vacuum pump, a valve and an electronic controller. When the electronic controller receives a signal that the window is about to begin moving, the electronic controller signals to the vacuum pump to start pumping air out of the cavity through a valve. In this embodiment, the stationary frame and the movable lip are configured such that as air evacuates from the cavity, the cavity collapses and the movable lip is pulled away from the window. As a result the seal force exerted on the window reduces. When the electronic controller receives a signal that the window has stopped moving, the electronic controller signals to the vacuum pump to cease pumping air out of the cavity. The valve is positioned to allow the air to reenter the cavity, thus forcing the cavity to expand. Expanding the cavity pushes the movable lip toward the window until the lip is biased against the window and the seal force is reapplied.

[0014] In another alternative, the system includes a voltage source and an electronic controller. Also, the rubber used to form the stationary frame, movable lip, and cavity is conductive rubber. When the electronic controller receives a signal that the window is about to begin moving, the electronic controller signals to the voltage source to apply a voltage to the seal assembly. In this embodiment, the stationary frame and the movable lip are configured similar to the vacuum system described above. In other words, as the voltage is applied the rubber becomes charged and creates an electric field that attracts the movable lip to the stationary frame, thus pulling the movable lip away from the window. As a result the seal force exerted on the window reduces. When the electronic controller receives a signal that the window has stopped moving, the electronic controller signals to the voltage source to cease applying a charge. The electric field is removed, thus forcing the movable lip toward the window until the lip is biased against the window and the seal force is reapplied.

[0015] This window seal system is advantageous because the seal force can be increased when the window is stationary, which reduces wind noise when the vehicle is in motion and also helps prevent water from leaking into the vehicle around the windows. Further, a smaller motor can be used to power the movement of the window because the motor has fewer forces to overcome.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system designed according to this invention.

[0017] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of selected portions of the system of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of selected portions of the system of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of selected portions of the system of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of selected portions of the system of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a schematic illustration of selected portions of the system of FIG. 5.

[0024] FIG. 6B is a schematic illustration of selected portions of the system of FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the preferred method of this invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an adjustable window seal system, generally shown at 20. This invention can be used just at the base of a movable window or it can surround the entire window.

[0027] The assembly includes a movable window 22, a window motor 24 for controlling the movement of the movable window 22, a seal assembly 26, and an electronic controller 28. The preferred embodiment also includes an air source 30 and a valve 32.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the seal assembly 26 in the preferred embodiment further includes a stationary frame 34, a movable lip 36 that is operatively connected to the stationary frame 34, and a cavity 38 disposed between the stationary frame 34 and the movable lip 36. Preferably the stationary frame 34, the movable lip 36 and the cavity 38 are molded as one piece of rubber.

[0029] The electronic controller 28 preferably communicates with the window motor 24 and with the air source 30 to determine the appropriate position of the movable lip 36. An input, such as from an operator controlled window switch, provides feedback as to desired movement of window 22. Motor 24 may also be controlled by controller 28. When the movable window 22 is stationary, the movable lip 36 engages the window 22. On the other hand, when the movable window 22 is in motion, the movable lip 36 preferably disengages the window 22.

[0030] Specifically, when the electronic controller 28 receives a signal that the window 22 should begin moving, the electronic controller 28 communicates with the air source 30. The electronic controller 28 signals the air source 30 to introduce air into the cavity 38 through the valve 32. As shown in FIG. 2B, when air is introduced into the cavity 38, it forces the movable lip 36 away from the window 22. While the lip 36 is shown removed from window 22, it should be understood that the benefits of this invention could be achieved simply by reducing the seal force on the window. That is, the seal lip 36 could remain in contact with the window even at the “removed” position, but at a greatly reduced force. This factor applies also to the alternative embodiments described below.

[0031] Alternatively, when the electronic controller 28 receives a signal that the window 22 is stationary, the electronic controller 28 signals the air source 30 to stop introducing air into the cavity 38. When the air source 30 shuts off, air is evacuated from the cavity 38 through the valve 32. As shown in FIG. 2A, the evacuated cavity 38 collapses, thus forcing the movable lip 36 toward the window 22 until the lip 36 is biased against the window 22 creating a large seal force against the window 22. As another alternative, it may only be desirable to reduce the seal force when the window is being driven to close, but not to open. That is, when the window is opening, obstructions are not a real problem. This also applies to the following alternative embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the adjustable seal system, generally shown at 120. This system also includes a movable window 22, a window motor 124 for controlling the movement of the movable window 22, a seal assembly 126, a valve 132, and an electronic controller 28. However, this alternative embodiment substitutes a vacuum pump 130 for the air source 30.

[0033] Other differences will be identified in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The seal assembly 126 in the first alternative embodiment also includes a stationary frame 134, a movable lip 136 that is operatively connected to the stationary frame 134, and a cavity 138 disposed between the stationary frame 134 and the movable lip 136. Preferably the stationary frame 134, the movable lip 136 and the cavity 138 are molded as one piece of rubber. However, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the configuration of these elements is slightly different than the configuration of these elements in the preferred embodiment (compare FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0034] The electronic controller 28 preferably communicates with the window motor 124 and with the vacuum pump 130 to determine the appropriate position of the movable lip 136. When the movable window 22 is stationary, the movable lip 136 engages the window 22. On the other hand, when the movable window 22 is in motion, the movable lip 136 disengages the window 22.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the electronic controller 128 receives a signal that the window 22 is about to begin moving, the electronic controller 28 communicates with the vacuum pump 130. The electronic controller 28 signals the vacuum pump 130 to draw air from the cavity 138. As shown in FIG. 4B, the evacuation of air from the cavity 138 causes the cavity 138 to collapse and pulls the movable lip 136 away from the window 22.

[0036] Alternatively, when the electronic controller 28 receives a signal that the window 22 is stationary, the electronic controller 28 sends a signal to the vacuum pump 130 and valve 132 to turn off. As shown in FIG. 4A, this causes the cavity 138 to fill with air and forces the movable lip 136 toward the window 22 to apply a force against the window 22.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the adjustable seal system, generally shown at 220. The system 220 includes a movable window 22, a window motor 224 for controlling the movement of the movable window 22, a seal assembly 226, and an electronic controller 28. However, compared to the other embodiment, this embodiment substitutes a voltage source 230 for the air source 30.

[0038] Other differences will be identified in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The seal assembly 226 in the second alternative embodiment includes a stationary frame 234, a movable lip 236 that is operatively connected to the stationary frame 234, and a cavity 238 disposed between the stationary frame 234 and the movable lip 236. Preferably the stationary frame 234, the movable lip 236 and the cavity 238 are molded as one piece from conductive rubber. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the configuration of these elements is the same as the configuration of these elements in the first alternative embodiment (compare FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0039] The electronic controller 28 preferably communicates with the window motor 224 and with the voltage source 230 to determine the appropriate position of the movable lip 236. When the movable window 22 is stationary, the movable lip 236 engages the window 22. On the other hand, when the movable window 22 is in motion, the movable lip 236 disengages the window 22.

[0040] Specifically, in this second alternative embodiment, when the electronic controller 28 receives a signal that the window 22 is about to begin moving, the electronic controller 28 communicates with the voltage source 230. The electronic controller 28 signals the voltage source 230 to apply a voltage to the stationary frame 234 and the movable lip 236. As shown in FIG. 6B, the charged rubber creates an electric field that pulls the movable lip 236 away from the window 22. In other words, the stationary frame 234 and the movable lip 236 become electrically attracted to each other.

[0041] Alternatively, when the electronic controller 28 receives a signal that the window 22 is stationary, the electronic controller 28 sends a signal to the voltage source 230 to cease applying the voltage to the seal assembly 226. As shown in FIG. 6A, this causes removal of the electric field and forces the movable lip 236 toward the window 22 and away from the stationary frame 234. When the movable lip 236 rests against the window 22, it applies a force against the window 22.

[0042] The opposite could also be true. That is, the magnetic force could bias the seal towards the window, and the seal could be removed in a relaxed position.

[0043] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the preferred method of operating the systems 20, 120, 220. The flow chart 300 includes a first step at 320 where the electronic controller 28 detects when the movable window 22 is about to begin moving. At 322 the electronic controller 28 sends a signal that the movable lip 36, 136, 326 should be moved away from the movable window 22. The movable window 22 is moved to its desired position at 324. The electronic controller 28 detects that the movable window 22 is stationary at 326. Finally, at 328, the electronic controller 28 sends a signal that the movable lip 36, 136, 236 should be moved toward the movable window 22. As can be appreciated from the flow chart 300, the systems 20, 120, 220 preferably continuously monitor the position of the movable window 22.

[0044] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Modifications and variations of the examples described above are possible and it must be understood that such changes may be within the scope of the following claims. In other words, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.