Releasable push-pull coupling

Abstract

An open roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a first movably arranged member, a second movably arranged member and a drive assembly for moving the first member and the second member. The drive assembly comprises a drive cable which is fixedly coupled to the first member and releasably couplable to the second member. According to the invention, the releasable coupling is provided by a magnetic coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an open roof assembly for a vehicle having a drive cable releasably coupled to a movable member. The invention further relates to a method of operating such an open roof assembly. Background Art

[0002] Open roof assemblies are well known in the art. A vehicle (e.g., a passenger vehicle) may be provided with an opening in its roof. The open roof assembly is positioned above such an opening to close the opening. For example, the open roof assembly may include a transparent panel, such as a glass panel, to allow external sunlight to pass through the opening and into the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, the open roof assembly may include a movable closure member to selectively close or release the opening to allow airflow into the passenger compartment. In such an embodiment, the movable closure member may be, for example, an opaque panel or a transparent panel.

[0003] Furthermore, as is well known in the art, an open roof assembly can include a blind element that can be used, for example, to protect people from excessive sunlight. Such a blind element can be a slidable plate-like element or a flexible fabric that can be wound and unwound from a cylindrical reel to cover or remove the covering from the opening in the roof. The latter is referred to herein as a roller blind.

[0004] In a known embodiment, an open roof assembly is designed for two adjacent openings and is provided with two roller blinds. The openings have different sizes, such that the leading edge of a first roller blind needs to travel a first path length to fully cover the first opening, while the leading edge of a second roller blind needs to travel a second path length to fully cover the second opening, with the first path length being longer than the second path length. However, for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, a single drive motor and corresponding drive cable are used to operate both roller blinds. The drive cable operatively couples the drive motor to the roller blinds.

[0005] In the known embodiment described above, in the open state (as used herein, the open state corresponds to the roller blind being retracted and wound around the spool, with the opening uncovered), the drive cable is coupled to the longer, first roller blind. The drive cable is separated from the shorter, second roller blind. During closing, the first roller blind is first operated and moved. At some point during the closing operation, the drive cable engages the second roller blind, and from that point on, the first and second roller blinds are simultaneously operated and closed. During opening, the above process is performed in reverse, including separating the second roller blind.

[0006] In a first known embodiment, the drive cable merely strikes the second roller blind and pushes the front edge of the roller blind to close. However, when opening, the drive cable cannot pull. Therefore, roller blinds are provided with a spring that acts on the reel to retract the flexible fabric on the reel without requiring support from the drive motor. While this configuration may function acceptably under normal conditions and when the roller blind is relatively new, under certain conditions, such as when it is very cold or when the front edge may no longer move smoothly due to wear, this may result in skewed, jerky, and uneven movement, wrinkles in the fabric, and so on.

[0007] In a second known embodiment, a complex mechanical coupling is provided which is itself susceptible to failure and wear. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and reliable push-pull releasable coupling for use in an open vehicle roof assembly.

[0009] In a first aspect, the object is achieved in an open roof assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1. The open roof assembly according to the invention comprises a first movably arranged member, a second movably arranged member, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is configured to move the first and second members and further comprises a drive cable. In an installed and operational state of the open roof assembly, the drive cable is fixedly coupled to the first member and releasably coupled to the second member via a magnetic coupling.

[0010] In the prior art embodiments described above, two roller blinds with different track lengths are operated by a single drive assembly. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to operating two roller blinds. The present invention relates to releasable couplings with magnetic couplings and is applicable to any two components of an open roof assembly, with or without different track lengths, that can be operated by a single drive assembly, where a releasable magnetic coupling can be employed. Conversely, for example, a movable closure member and a blind element can be operated, or two closure members can be operated. However, the present invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments in which two roller blinds are operated.

[0011] The use of a magnetic coupling according to the present invention provides a simple construction and a reliable coupling that allows for a suitable pulling force while allowing for separation without the need for complex components or arrangements. For example, in one embodiment, when the second member is pulled and reaches the end of its trajectory, the second member can no longer move, and the pulling force of the drive assembly will simply continue pulling and thus easily release the magnetic coupling.

[0012] The magnetic coupling is less sensitive to wear or contamination. As a result, the movement of the second component is better secured, thereby providing reliable operation of the second component under extreme conditions and over time.

[0013] It should be noted that in the prior art, it is known to use a magnetic coupling to couple first and second members to selectively move the second member with the first member. In the present invention, the coupling between the drive cable and the second member is independent of the first member. The coupling between the drive cable and the second member can be considered a direct coupling between the fixed portion of the drive cable and the fixed portion of the second member.

[0014] In one embodiment, the drive cable includes a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first member is coupled to the first end portion and the second member is releasably coupled to the second end portion. Thus, a simple configuration is provided for operating both members with a single drive cable. For example, the second end portion can be formed from a permanently magnetized element, such as a rod-shaped neodymium magnet.

[0015] In one embodiment of an open roof assembly, the open roof assembly comprises a transparent panel for covering an opening in a roof of a vehicle, and the first member is a first blind element and the second member is a second blind element. As mentioned above, known assemblies have two blind elements and the present invention is well suited for use in such assemblies.

[0016] In one embodiment, the magnetic coupling may be provided by at least one of the drive cable and the second member having a permanent magnet. Of course, both the drive cable and the second member may be provided with permanent magnets, taking into account appropriate orientation of the magnetic poles.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one of the drive cable and the second member is provided with an axially magnetized element.The axially magnetized element facilitates alignment of the coupling.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the magnetic coupling may include an electromagnet and a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnet for controlling the strength of the magnetic field. For example, the electromagnet may be used to provide the magnetic coupling or to facilitate release of the magnetic coupling.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first member is slidable over a first track length and the second member is slidable over a second track length, wherein the first track length is longer than the second track length.As mentioned above, the present invention is well suited to known assemblies.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention further provides a method for operating an open roof assembly for a vehicle. The open roof assembly includes a first movably arranged member, a second movably arranged member, and a drive assembly for moving the first and second members, wherein the drive assembly includes a drive cable. The method includes the steps of: moving the drive cable to pull the first member along a first trajectory; magnetically coupling the drive cable to the second member while pulling the first member; and moving the drive cable to further pull the first member along the first trajectory and push the second member along a second trajectory.

[0021] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes the steps of: moving the drive cable to push the first member along the first trajectory and pulling the second member along the second trajectory; decoupling the drive cable from the second member while pushing the first member; and moving the drive cable to further push the first member along the first trajectory.

[0022] In one embodiment of the method, the open roof assembly includes an electromagnet and a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnet. In this embodiment, the separating step includes controlling the magnetic field strength of the magnetic coupling to separate the drive cable from the second member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that while illustrating embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, including:

[0024] Figure 1A A perspective view showing a vehicle roof with an open roof assembly;

[0025] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A Exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0026] Figures 2A-2D A first opening roof assembly is schematically shown including two roller blinds operated by a single drive assembly;

[0027] Figures 3A-3C A second opening roof assembly is schematically shown including two roller blinds operated by a single drive assembly;

[0028] Figure 4Ashows a cross section of a roller blind which is part of a first embodiment of an open roof assembly according to the invention;

[0029] Figures 4B-4D Show Figure 4A A top view of the first embodiment of FIG.

[0030] Figures 5A-5B A top view of a second embodiment of an open roof assembly according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used throughout the several views to identify the same or similar elements.

[0032] FIG1 shows a vehicle roof 1 having an open roof assembly disposed therein. The open roof assembly includes a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closing member because it can be moved over a first roof opening 3a to open and close the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is disposed in front of the first roof opening 3a.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a is arranged above the first roof opening 3a and closes the first roof opening 3a and is therefore generally arranged in the plane of the roof 1. Furthermore, the movable panel 2a can be in an inclined position, which is a position in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Furthermore, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a slides open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed.

[0034] It should be noted that the roof 1 shown corresponds to a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other type of vehicle that can be provided with a movable panel is also conceivable.

[0035] Figure 1B Shown as Figure 1A The same roof with panels 2a and 2b is shown in FIG. In particular, although Figure 1A The open roof assembly is shown in the open position, but Figure 1B is an exploded view of the open roof assembly in the closed position. Figure 1BIn this exploded view of the , the presence of a second roof opening 3b is shown. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in a frame 5 of the open roof assembly. An edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0036] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b so that light can enter the vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b. It is assumed that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, for example, made of plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b and the transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b are optional and can be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

[0037] The wind deflector 4 is typically a flexible material, such as a woven or nonwoven fabric with through holes arranged therein, or a mesh or net. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a (e.g., a rod-like or tubular structure) that is directly or indirectly hingedly connected to the frame 5 at a hinge 4b.

[0038] A wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and accommodates airflow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces inconvenient noise caused by airflow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed position or in the tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is held downwardly below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0039] Typically, when the movable panel 2a slides to the open position, the wind deflector 4 is raised by the spring force, and when the movable panel 2a slides back into its closed position, the wind deflector 4 is pushed downward by the movable panel 2a. Figure 1A In FIG, the movable panel 2a is shown in the open position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in the raised position. Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , the movable panel 2 a is shown in the closed position and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in the position in which it is held downwards.

[0040] Figure 1B Further shown is a drive assembly having a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable 7, and a second drive cable 8. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b are arranged on respective side ends SE of the movable panel 2a and may each include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, while the mechanism includes movable components and is slidably movable within the guide. The first and second drive cables 7, 8 are disposed between the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and a drive motor 9.

[0041] Drive cables 7 and 8 connect drive motors 9 to the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a and 6b so that when the drive motors 9 are operated, the mechanisms begin to move. In particular, the cores of the drive cables 7 and 8 are moved by the drive motors 9 to push or pull the mechanisms of the respective guides 6a and 6b. Such drive assemblies are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. However, any other suitable drive assembly may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the drive motors may be operatively disposed between the respective guides of the guide assemblies 6a and 6b and the respective mechanisms, and in such embodiments, the drive assembly may be omitted entirely.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start moving by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, thereby placing the movable panel 2a in a tilted position. Then, from the tilted position, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start sliding to place the movable panel 2a in an open position. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the tilted position by raising the rear end RE, and the open position can be reached by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a under the fixed panel 2b or under any other structure or element arranged behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In another exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a can only be movable between a closed position and a tilted position or between a closed position and an open position.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor 9 is mounted near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a at a recess 10. In another embodiment, the drive motor 9 may be positioned at any other suitable location or orientation. For example, the drive motor 9 may be positioned near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0044] A control unit 11 is shown schematically and is operatively coupled to the drive motor 9. The control unit 11 can be any type of processing unit, as is well known to those skilled in the art: a software-controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, such as an ASIC. The control unit 11 can be a standalone control unit, or it can be operatively coupled to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose, general-purpose vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 can be embedded in or be part of such a general-purpose vehicle control unit. In essence, the control unit 11 can be implemented by any control unit that is suitable, capable, and configured to operate the drive motor 9 and, therefore, the movable roof assembly.

[0045] Figure 2AA top view of an open roof assembly is shown, comprising a first roller shade 20 and a second roller shade 30, both in a closed position. The first roller shade 20 includes a first retaining member 21 and a first tensioning beam 22, disposed at the front edge of the fabric of the first roller shade 20. The second roller shade 30 includes a second retaining member 31 and a second tensioning beam 32, disposed at the front edge of the fabric of the second roller shade 30. Each of the retaining members 21, 31 may include a cylindrical reel onto which the fabric can be wound. Each tensioning beam 22, 32 is configured to pull the fabric along a track to close the corresponding roller shade, and the spring force acting on the corresponding reel may be configured to wind the fabric onto the corresponding reel. However, other configurations for moving shade elements are known in the art, and the present invention is not limited to such configurations or any other configurations for moving any other type of element.

[0046] The drive cable 40 is connected between the first tension beam 22 and the second tension beam 32. The first tension beam 22 is coupled to a first end portion of the drive cable 40, while the second tension beam 32 is releasably coupled to a second end portion. The drive cable 40 is configured to be capable of pushing or pulling. In addition, the drive cable 40 may have limited compressibility and stretchability, and further the drive cable may be arranged in a guide channel to prevent bending. A second drive cable 41 is provided to enable pushing and pulling on both sides of the tension beams 22, 32 to prevent skewing, etc. The drive motor 12 is operatively coupled to the two drive cables 40, 41. Such drive cables 40, 41 and such coupling between the drive cables 40, 41 and the drive motor 12 are well known in the art and are therefore not further explained herein.

[0047] To open, the first tensioning beam 22 at the front edge of the first roller blind 20 needs to travel on a track having a first track length L1, while the second tensioning beam 32 at the front edge of the second roller blind 30 needs to travel on a track having a second track length L2, which is shorter than the first track length L1.

[0048] In order to open, the drive motor 12 is operated to move the drive cables 40, 41. The first end portion of each drive cable 40, 41 is pushed by the drive motor 12, thereby pushing the first tension beam 22 toward the first retaining member 21. As described above, the spring force acting on the reel at the first retaining member 21 can be used to wind the fabric of the first roller blind 20 onto such a reel. In another embodiment, the drive cables 40, 41 can be operably connected to the reel at the first retaining member 21 so that the reel rotates and the fabric is wound onto the reel. In another embodiment, a reinforcing member can be provided at the fabric and in the guide channel to prevent bending so that the reel will rotate due to the torque caused by the reinforcing member, and the fabric will therefore be wound onto the reel. Other configurations are also known in the art, and it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration.

[0049] As the first tension beam 22 moves toward the first retaining element 21, the second tension beam 32 moves toward the second retaining element 31. When the drive motor 12 pushes the first end portion of each drive cable 40, 41, the second end portion of each drive cable 40, 41 is pulled toward the drive motor 12. According to the present invention, the drive cables 40, 41 are releasably coupled to the second tension beam 32 via a magnetic coupling. Thus, a tensile force is applied to the second tension beam 32, causing it to move toward the second retaining element 31. The second retaining element 31 is configured to receive and retain the fabric of the second roller shade 30, as described above with respect to the first retaining element 21. Different configurations for the second retaining element 31 are known in the art.

[0050] Figure 2B The state of the open roof assembly is shown when the drive cables 40, 41 have been operated and moved over a distance equal to the second trajectory length L2. As a result, the first roller blind 20 has removed the covering of a portion of the first roof opening 3a, and the second roller blind 30 is fully opened and has removed the covering of the second roof opening 3b. The drive cables 40, 41 are still connected to the first tension beam 22 and the second tension beam 32. In order to further open the first roller blind 20, it is necessary to release the connection between the second tension beam 32 and the second end portion of the drive cables 40, 41. The magnetic coupling according to the present invention allows easy separation, and after separation, the drive cables 40, 41 can be further moved by the drive motor 12, as shown Figure 2C Finally, as Figure 2D As shown in FIG, the first tension beam 22 reaches the first retaining member 21, so that the first roller blind 20 is fully opened and the first roof opening 3a is uncovered.

[0051] To close the roller blinds 20, 30, perform the following steps in reverse order mutatis mutandis: Figures 2A-2DAs shown in and about Figures 2A-2D In particular, Figure 2B In this case, according to the present invention, the drive cables 40 , 41 are coupled to the second tension beam 32 via a magnetic coupling.

[0052] Figures 3A-3C Shows the open roof assembly and Figures 2A-2D The embodiment of is slightly different than the embodiment of , but basically its operation is similar.

[0053] exist Figures 3A-3C In this embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining member 21 is arranged at another position relative to the first roof opening 3a. As a result, the first roller blind 20 and the second roller blind 30 move in the same direction when opening or closing. The coupling between the drive cables 40, 41 and the corresponding tension beams 22, 32 is adjusted. Although the second tension beam 32 is still releasably coupled to the end portions of the drive cables 40, 41, the first tension beam 22 is not coupled to the end portions, but is instead coupled to the middle portion of the drive cable 40. However, according to the present invention, the coupling and separation of the second tension beam 32 and the end portions of the drive cables 40, 41 are similar to those of the first tension beam 22 and the second tension beam 32. Figures 2A-2D The same as in the embodiment of Figures 2A-2D Therefore, the description of the embodiment of Figures 3A-3C A further illustration of this second embodiment of the open roof assembly according to the invention is shown in FIG.

[0054] Figure 4A A cross-section of an embodiment of the second tension beam 32 is shown. In this embodiment, the second tension beam 32 includes a main rod 32a and a slider portion 32b. The front edge of the fabric of the roller shade 30 is coupled to the second tension beam 32 and positioned below it. The guide rail 42 includes a slider guide channel 42a and a fabric guide channel 42b.

[0055] The edge portion of the fabric of the roller blind 30 is arranged in the fabric guide channel 42b to prevent the fabric from sagging. Various embodiments are well known in the art and are not further explained herein.

[0056] The slider portion 32b slides through the slider guide channel 42a. The slider portion 32b includes a magnetizable element, such as a cylindrical iron element 33, at its portion arranged in the slider guide channel 42a.

[0057] like Figure 4B As shown in the top view of FIG, the drive cable 40 is also arranged in the slider guide channel 42a of the guide rail 42. At its end portion 43, the drive cable 40 is provided with a permanent magnet which is preferably axially magnetized.

[0058] In the closing operation, the end portion 43 moves toward the iron element 33. Due to the magnetic force, the end portion 43 and the iron element 33 are coupled to each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C As shown in . Make the driving cable 40 move further, as Figure 4D As shown in FIG, the second tension beam 32 is pushed and the roller blind 30 is closed.

[0059] Then, when the roller blind 30 is opened, the driving cable 40 pulls the second tension beam 32 via the magnetic coupling between the end portion 43 and the iron element 33, as shown in FIG. Figure 4D As shown in Figure 4C As shown in FIG, when the second tension beam 32 reaches the second retainer 31 and the second roller blind 30 is opened, the driving cable 40 is further pulled and the magnetic coupling is separated by the pulling force of the driving motor 12.

[0060] Of course, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the magnetic element may be arranged at the end portion 43 of the drive cable 40 as shown in the figure, but may also be arranged in the slider portion 32b instead of the iron element 33. In such a case, the end portion 43 preferably includes an iron element or at least another magnetizable element, or two magnets may be provided, one at the end portion 43 and one instead of the iron element 33. In the latter case, the poles of the two magnets should be arranged so that the magnets attract each other.

[0061] It should be noted that in Figures 4A-4D In some embodiments, electromagnets may be used in place of the permanent magnets shown and described. Figure 5A and 5B A second embodiment is shown, in which an electromagnet 45 is used to reduce the magnetic coupling force when the drive cable 40 and the second tension beam 32 are to be separated. In this second embodiment, the end portion 43 is provided with a permanently axially magnetized element, and the iron rod element 33 is provided at the slider portion 32b of the second tension beam 32. The iron rod element 33 is arranged to protrude from the slider portion 32b, but it can also be coated, embedded, or encapsulated in another material.

[0062] The electromagnet 45 is configured as a coil arranged around a portion of the slider guide channel 42a of the guide rail 42. The electromagnet 45 is coupled to the control unit 44 so that the control unit 44 can and is configured to control the current through the coil and thus the resulting magnetic field.

[0063] like Figure 5AAs shown in FIG, when the drive cable 40 is coupled to the second tension beam 32 via the magnetic coupling between the end portion 43 and the iron element 33, the drive cable 40 is arranged to move through the electromagnet 45. The electromagnet 45 can be turned off, thereby preventing the induction of a magnetic field. When the second roller blind 30 is retracted, the end portion 43 passes through the electromagnet 45, and the iron element 33 moves into the coil of the electromagnet 45. Current flowing through the core of the coil, combined with the iron element 33 located within the core, induces a suitable magnetic field, the direction of which can be selected to oppose the magnetic field of the permanent magnet of the end portion 43 of the drive cable 40. As a result, the drive motor 12 does not need to overcome the magnetic force of the coupling. Therefore, in this embodiment, the magnetic attraction between the drive cable 40 and the second tension beam 32 can be increased without affecting the requirements of the drive motor 12.

[0064] Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present invention in various ways in any appropriate specific structure contemplated. In particular, features set forth and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of such claims is therefore disclosed.

[0065] Furthermore, it is contemplated that structural elements can be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Thus, any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to generate such a structural element using three-dimensional printing technology or similar computer-controlled manufacturing technology. Furthermore, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass a computer-readable medium carrying such computer-executable instructions.

[0066] Further, the terms and phrases used in this article are not restrictive, but rather provide an understandable description of the present invention. When used in this article, the term "a" is defined as one or more than one. When used in this article, the term "a" is defined as two or more than two. When used in this article, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. When used in this article, the terms "comprising" and / or "having" are defined as including (i.e., open language). When used in this article, the term "connection" is defined as connecting, but not necessarily directly connecting.

[0067] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An open roof assembly for a vehicle, the open roof assembly comprising a movably arranged first member, a movably arranged second member, and a drive assembly for moving the first member and the second member, the drive assembly comprising a drive cable, in, In an installed and operational state of the open roof assembly, the drive cable is fixedly coupled to the first member and releasably coupleable to the second member via a magnetic coupling, Wherein, at least one of the drive cable and the second member is provided with a permanent magnet, and the magnetic coupling portion includes an electromagnet and a control unit, the control unit being operatively coupled to the electromagnet to control the strength of the magnetic field.

2. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The drive cable includes a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first member is coupled to the first end portion and the second member is releasably coupleable to the second end portion.

3. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The open roof assembly includes a transparent panel for covering an opening in a roof of the vehicle, and the first member is a first blind and the second member is a second blind.

4. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The permanent magnet is a permanently axially magnetized element.

5. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first member is slidable over a first track length and the second member is slidable over a second track length, wherein the first track length is longer than the second track length.

6. A method for operating an open roof assembly for a vehicle, the open roof assembly comprising a movably arranged first member, a movably arranged second member, and a drive assembly for moving the first and second members, the drive assembly comprising a drive cable, wherein the method comprises the following steps: moving the drive cable to pull the first member along a first trajectory; magnetically coupling the drive cable to the second member when the first member is pulled; as well as moving the drive cable to further pull the first member along the first trajectory and push the second member along a second trajectory, The method further comprises the following steps: moving the drive cable to push the first member along the first trajectory and pull the second member along the second trajectory; upon pushing the first member, causing the drive cable to separate from the second member; and The drive cable is moved to further urge the first member along the first trajectory.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The open roof assembly includes an electromagnet and a control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnet, wherein the separating step includes controlling a magnetic field strength of a magnetic coupling to separate the drive cable from the second member.

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