Window lift mechanism

Abstract

A dual rack and pinion system is provided for a window lift mechanism. The window lift mechanism includes improved window brackets for simple mounting to a window. A modular frame design is provided to improve assembly of the window lift mechanism into the door of a vehicle. An improved assembly method is provided for the dual rack and pinion system. The system is also provided with a smart motor and incorporates resilient shock absorbers in the dual rack and pinion gear train to allow more time for the smart motor to detect and react to an obstruction in the window.

1 . A closure assembly comprising: 
 a closure member;    a window bracket coupled to said closure member, said window bracket including a channel for receiving said closure member therein; and    a wedge mechanism received in said channel for securing said closure member in said channel.    
     
     
         2 . The closure assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said wedge mechanism is spring biased into said channel.  
     
     
         3 . The closure assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said channel includes at least one inwardly angled sidewall.  
     
     
         4 . The closure assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said wedge mechanism includes an elastomeric wedge member pivotally supported by an over-center toggle spring mechanism pivotally mounted to said window bracket.  
     
     
         5 . The closure assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a support member coupled to said window bracket and adapted to be driven for the raising and lowering of said closure member; and 
 an interface between said window bracket and said support member permitting axial and pivotal movement of said closure member with respect to said support member.    
     
     
         6 . The closure assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said interface includes a head portion slidably and rotatably received in a guide portion.  
     
     
         7 . The closure assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said head portion is semi-cylindrical and said guide portion is semi-cylindrical.  
     
     
         8 . A method for assembling a window lift mechanism, comprising the steps of: 
 mounting a motor housing assembly to a main bracket, said motor housing assembly including a motor drivingly connected to a worm and worm gear, said worm gear including a shaft rotatably connected to said worm gear and extending through said main bracket;    mounting a first pinion gear onto said shaft and mounting a second pinion gear in meshing engagement with said first pinion gear;    placing a dual rack system in alignment with said pinion gears; and    applying power to the motor to drive said pinion gears to engage said pinion gears with said dual rack system.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said step of applying power to the motor further includes driving the first and second pinion gears to move the main bracket and motor to a predetermined position for convenient door installation.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said step of placing a dual rack system in alignment with said pinion gears includes placing the dual rack assembly in a guide system of said main bracket.  
     
     
         11 . A dual rack assembly, comprising: 
 a base frame structure adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door; and    a pair of rack members each including a plurality of gear teeth extending along said rack members, said rack members being snap fit to said base frame structure.