Abstract:
A window regulator for moving a pair of slidable window panes toward and away from one another utilizes three flexible, inextensible members such as cables to achieve a pull open/pull closed mode of operation of the slidable panes. First and second of the flexible members are attached to respective first and second pane carriers and to a drive drum, and the third flexible member connects the first and second pane carriers. The first and third flexible members are routed around pulleys located at outboard ends of a guide rail along which the pane carriers travel such that rotation of the drive drum in one direction pulls the panes toward an open position, and rotation of the drum in the opposite direction pulls the panes toward a closed position. The first and second pane carriers engage the respective first and second panes by mating engagement between male and female members to achieve a connection which restrains the panes against tipping and binding as they slide along their guide tracks, yet allows relative movement between the pane carriers and the panes along an axis substantially perpendicular to the panes. This type of connection avoids binding or jamming of the panes during sliding movement and simplifies the assembly process.
Abstract:
A sliding window assembly having a guide track and sliding pane geometry which ensures that the sliding pane maintains a vertical, untilted orientation when it is slid along the guide track to a closed position. The sliding pane is retained along its lower edge in the guide track for sliding horizontal sliding movement between open and closed positions. The pane has a projection extending downwardly from its lower edge adjacent its trailing edge when the pane is sliding toward the closed position, and the upper surface of the guide track along which the pane slides is generally horizontal except for an inclined section which slopes upwardly toward the closed position of the pane. The inclined section is located along the length of guide track so that it is immediately beneath the projection of the pane when it is in the closed position. The projection slides upwardly onto the inclined section as the pane reaches the closed position, thereby urging the trailing edge of the pane upwardly to counteract the tendency of the pane to tilt outwardly at its upper ends as it is driven to the closed position. A window assembly having two opposingly slidable panes is also provided, each of the panes having a downwardly extending projection formed adjacent its inboard edge and the lower guide track having an inclined sections to contact each of the panes.