Guide assembly for an open roof system and method for maintaining the assembly

Abstract

In a guide assembly for an open roof system for a vehicle, a closure member is arranged to selectively cover or at least partially uncover an opening in the vehicle roof. The guide assembly includes: a guide extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a mounting element for mounting the closure member; a first support mechanism operably coupled to the mounting element, wherein the first support mechanism slidably supports the mounting element in the guide; and a second support mechanism coupled to the guide and including a support element slidably supporting the mounting element, the second support mechanism being configured to move the mounting element in a tilting direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to a tilted position. The guide assembly is provided with a release device for releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism and for reinstalling the element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an open roof system for a roof of a vehicle, in particular to a guide assembly for such an open roof system, and to a method of performing maintenance on such a guide assembly. Background Art

[0002] Open roof systems for vehicles are well known. The roof may be provided with an opening, and the open roof system provides a closure member, such as a glass panel. The closure member may be movably arranged such that in a closed position, the closure member covers the opening in the roof, while in an open position, the opening is at least partially uncovered.

[0003] In the aforementioned known open roof assembly, the movable closure member can be supported by a guide assembly. The guide assembly supports the closure member and provides a suitable movement trajectory. In the exemplary known open roof assembly, it is known that the rear end of the closure member is first lifted away from the plane of the roof to a tilted position, and then the closure member can be slid rearward, wherein the front end of the closure member can also be lifted.

[0004] In a particularly known guide assembly, the guide assembly includes a guide member, a first support mechanism, and a second support mechanism. The guide member extends in a longitudinal direction, which generally corresponds to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The first support mechanism is slidably supported in the guide member, and the second support mechanism is disposed in the guide member. The closure member is mounted to a mounting element. The mounting element is supported by the first support mechanism and slidably supported by the second support mechanism.

[0005] Known guide assemblies are designed and constructed to provide functionality and manufacturability. However, the repairability of known open roof assemblies is limited. Consequently, in the event of a malfunction, it is known that the entire open roof assembly must be replaced with a new one, whereas simple maintenance or replacement of a single component might have repaired the open roof assembly. Unnecessary replacement of the entire open roof assembly results in unnecessarily high costs, waste, and frustration. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a guide assembly having improved maintainability.

[0007] This object is achieved in the guide assembly described in the present invention. The guide assembly according to the present invention comprises: a guide member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a mounting element for mounting the closure member; a first support mechanism operably connected to the mounting element, wherein the first support mechanism slidably supports the mounting element in the guide member; and a second support mechanism connected to the guide member and comprising a support element slidably supporting the mounting element, the second support mechanism being configured to move the mounting element to an inclined position in an inclined direction, the inclined direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The guide assembly according to the present invention is provided with a release device for releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism and for reinstalling the element.

[0008] In prior art open roof systems, the guide assembly is difficult to access, making maintenance difficult. Accessing the guide assembly requires removing the closure member. In the prior art, this removal involves disassembling the closure member from the mounting element, which typically involves removing multiple screws positioned directly beneath the closure member. Because these screws are difficult to access, disassembling the closure member is cumbersome. Furthermore, reinstalling the closure member on the mounting element requires adjusting its position relative to the vehicle's roof while ensuring smooth function of the guide assembly. This adjustment is time-consuming, especially for inexperienced personnel, and achieving the optimal position of the closure member can prove difficult.

[0009] In the guide assembly according to the present invention, by providing a release device, accessibility can be greatly improved. Releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism allows for better access to the guide assembly, as the closure member can be more easily moved to a position where it does not block access to the guide assembly. Furthermore, by releasing the closure member, certain components can be easily replaced with new ones. After maintenance or repair, the closure member can then be reinstalled without having to readjust its position, as the positional alignment between the mounting element and the closure member has not been altered or released and is therefore maintained.

[0010] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the guide assembly further comprises a locking mechanism, which is arranged in the guide and operably coupled to the second support mechanism for operating the second support mechanism and locking the second support mechanism in the tilted position. The guide assembly is configured to operate the locking mechanism when the first support mechanism is moved between the closed position and the intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the opening is partially covered by the closure member. In this embodiment, the release device is configured to temporarily render the locking mechanism inoperable so that the first support mechanism can be moved toward the closed position without operating the second support mechanism. Since the locking mechanism is not operated, the second support mechanism is not operated and remains in the tilted position. Sliding the closure member toward the closed position causes the mounting element to be slidably released from the second support mechanism.

[0011] When the mounting element is released from the second support mechanism, the closure member can be freely rotated upwards, for example, so that easy maintenance is possible. For example, the second support mechanism can be easily cleaned or its components can be repaired or replaced.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism can be decoupled from the second support mechanism. When the locking mechanism is decoupled from the second support mechanism, the second support mechanism will remain in its tilted position even when the first support mechanism is moved toward the closed position, even if the locking mechanism is operated during such movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism is detachably arranged in the guide and is hingedly connected to an elongated coupling element that is coupled between the locking mechanism and the second support mechanism, and wherein the locking mechanism can be decoupled after being removed from the guide and rotated. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism can be removed from the guide, temporarily rendering it inoperable. The removal process requires multiple steps. First, the locking mechanism is removed from the guide, thereby enabling the second step of rotational movement. This multi-step method prevents accidental unlocking, for example, while driving. Unlocking can only be achieved by purposefully executing multiple steps. Of course, any other suitable multi-step release method can be used.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the guide assembly further comprises an operating slide slidably arranged in the guide. The operating slide comprises a locking cam for operating the locking mechanism, wherein the locking cam is displaceable from an operable position to an inoperable position. In the operable position, the locking cam is arranged to engage an operating surface of the locking mechanism when the slide moves in a longitudinal direction through the guide and past the locking mechanism, while in the inoperable position, the locking cam is arranged not to engage the operating surface of the locking mechanism. For example, the locking cam can be mounted on the operating slide using a releasable connection, such as a screw or a snap connection. Removing the locking cam can enable the operating slide to move past the locking mechanism without engaging and operating the locking mechanism.

[0014] In another embodiment of the guide assembly according to the present invention, the release device is configured to release the first support mechanism from the guide. For example, in the closed position, the first support mechanism may be disposed at the front end of the guide. A blocking element may be provided at the front end to retain the first support mechanism. According to the present invention, the blocking element can be detachably arranged such that removal of the blocking element releases the first support mechanism from the guide.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the first support mechanism comprises a slide arranged in a guide channel of the guide, and the release component of the guide is detachable for providing a release opening in the guide channel configured to allow release of the slide from the guide channel.

[0016] In one aspect, the present invention also provides a method for maintaining a guide assembly for a movably arranged closure member of an open roof system for a vehicle, the open roof system having a closed position and an open position, wherein the closure member covers an opening in the roof of the vehicle, and the opening is at least partially uncovered in the open position, the guide assembly including a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism, both of which support a mounting element configured for mounting the closure member. The method includes the steps of: moving the closure member to the open position; releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism; and reinstalling the mounting element to the at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism. Because the closure member is released together with the mounting element, no position adjustment is required after reinstalling the closure member.

[0017] In an embodiment of the method, the guide assembly includes a locking mechanism for locking the second support mechanism in the tilted position, the method comprising the steps of: moving the closure member from the closed position to the open position at least to the extent that the second support mechanism is locked in the tilted position; rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable; and moving the closure member toward the closed position, thereby releasing the mounting element from the second support mechanism. For example, the step of rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable may comprise the steps of: removing the locking mechanism from the guide; rotating the locking mechanism; and decoupling the locking mechanism from the second support mechanism.

[0018] In another embodiment, the method includes releasing the first support mechanism from the guide.

[0019] Of course, both the guide assembly and the method according to the invention can comprise that both the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism are releasable from the mounting element, thereby enabling easy temporary removal of the closing member in order to enable maintenance to be carried out on the guide assembly or any other component to be made accessible through the opening in the roof of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle roof having an open roof assembly;

[0022] Figure 1B Shown Figure 1A Exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0023] Figures 2A-2D The opening operation of the open roof assembly of the prior art is shown;

[0024] Figures 3A-3E A first embodiment of a guide assembly and method according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figures 4A-4B A second embodiment of the guide assembly and method according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figures 5A-5B A third embodiment of a guide assembly and method according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 6A shows a side view of a detailed embodiment of a guide assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6B Shown Figure 6A A top view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6C Shown Figure 6A An enlarged view of the first supporting mechanism of an embodiment of FIG.

[0030] Figure 6D Shown Figure 6A An enlarged view of the locking mechanism of an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6E Shown Figure 6A an enlarged view of the second supporting mechanism of an embodiment;

[0032] Figures 7A-7B shows a first step in a first embodiment of a method according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7C shows the second step in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7D The third step in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] FIG8A shows the results of a first embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0036] FIG8B shows Figure 6A A detailed cross-sectional view of the second support mechanism of an embodiment of FIG.

[0037] FIG8C shows the results of the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention; and

[0038] Figure 8D The results of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.

[0040] Figure 1A A vehicle roof 1 is shown 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 closure member because it can be moved over a first roof opening 3a to enable opening and closing of the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is disposed in front of the first roof opening 3a.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, 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 it, and is therefore generally arranged in the plane of the roof 1. In addition, 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 (in a substantially vertical direction V) compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a remains in the closed position. In addition, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a slides open (slides in the longitudinal direction L) and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed.

[0042] Note 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.

[0043] Figure 1B Shown with Figure 1A The same roof is shown, having panels 2a and 2b. 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 1B In this exploded view of the vehicle, the presence of a second roof opening 3b is shown. The first roof opening 3a and the second roof opening 3b are arranged in a frame 5 of the open roof assembly. An edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0044] 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, assuming 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 having a transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b is optional and can be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

[0045] The wind deflector 4 is generally a flexible material, such as a woven or non-woven fabric, or a net or mesh with through holes arranged therein. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a, such as a rod-shaped or tubular structure, which is directly or indirectly hingedly connected to the frame 5 at a hinge 4b.

[0046] The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and adapts to the airflow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces the inconvenient noise caused by the airflow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed position or the tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is pressed down below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0047] 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 to 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 2a is shown in the closed position and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in its depressed position.

[0048] Figure 1BAlso 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 guide assembly 6a and the second guide assembly 6b extend in the longitudinal direction L and are arranged on the respective side ends SE of the movable panel 2a, and each guide assembly may include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, while the mechanism includes a movable part and is capable of slidingly moving in the guide. The first drive cable 7 and the second drive cable 8 are arranged between the mechanism of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and the drive motor 9.

[0049] The drive cables 7 and 8 connect the drive motor 9 to the mechanism of the corresponding guide assembly 6a and 6b so that when the drive motor 9 is operated, the mechanism begins to move. In particular, the core of the drive cables 7 and 8 is moved by the drive motor 9 to push or pull the mechanism of the corresponding guide member 6a and 6b. Such drive assemblies are well known in the art and are therefore not further elaborated here. Moreover, any other suitable drive assembly may also be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, in a specific embodiment, the drive motor can be operably arranged between the corresponding guide member and the corresponding mechanism of the guide assembly 6a and 6b, and in such an embodiment, the drive assembly can be completely omitted.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start to move as the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is lifted, so that the movable panel 2a is in an inclined position. Then, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start to slide from the inclined position to put 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 inclined position by lifting 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 any other structure or element provided behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In another exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be movable only between the closed position and the inclined position or only between the closed position and the open position.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, 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 position. For example, the drive motor 9 may be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0052] The control unit 11 is shown schematically and is operably coupled to the drive motor 9. The control unit 11 may be any kind of processing unit, either a software-controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, such as an ASIC, as is known to those skilled in the art. The control unit 11 may be a stand-alone control unit, or it may be operably coupled to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose general vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 may be embedded in or be part of such a general vehicle control unit. In essence, the control unit 11 may be embodied by any control unit that is suitable, capable, and configured to operate the drive motor 9 and, therefore, the removable roof assembly.

[0053] Figure 2A Schematically shows the Figure 1A and 1B The guide assembly 6 of the open roof system is shown. A closing member 2 is arranged on the guide assembly 6. The closing member 2 can be a glass panel or any other suitable panel as described above. The guide assembly 6 comprises a guide 61, which provides at least one guide channel for guiding one or more elements of the mechanism of the guide assembly 6. In the embodiment shown, the guide assembly 6 comprises a first support mechanism 63 and a second support mechanism 64. Both support mechanisms 63, 64 are connected to the mounting element 62 and support the mounting element. The guide assembly 6 also includes a locking mechanism 65. The locking mechanism 65 is connected to the second support mechanism 64 by an elongated coupling element (not shown), as is known from the prior art. When the coupling element is moved towards the second support mechanism 64, the second support mechanism 64 is operated, as described below with respect to Figures 2B-2D Shown and described.

[0054] The closure member 2 is attached to the mounting element 62. When the first support mechanism 63 and / or the second support mechanism 64 are operated, the mounting element 62 moves along a predetermined trajectory. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support mechanism 63 and the second support mechanism 64 are both mechanically designed to provide this predetermined trajectory. In another suitable embodiment, the trajectory can be provided in any other suitable manner. For example, using multiple motors, the control unit can be configured to control the multiple motors so that the predetermined trajectory is achieved.

[0055] To operate the first support mechanism 63 and the second support mechanism 64, in the illustrated embodiment, a drive cable can be connected between a motor and a sliding element, wherein the sliding element is arranged in the guide 61 and is arranged to slide through the guide 61 when the motor pulls or pushes the drive cable. Such drive assemblies are well known in the art and are therefore not shown in detail herein. Moreover, the present invention is not limited in any way to such drive assemblies. Any other drive assembly suitable for achieving operation of the first support mechanism 63 and the second support mechanism 64 may also be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] As can be clearly seen, Figure 2A , the closure member 2 is in the closed position. Figure 2B The first stage of the opening process is shown. Figure 2B , the locking mechanism 65 has been moved towards the second supporting mechanism 64, thereby operating the second supporting mechanism 64. At this operating stage, the second supporting mechanism 64 has moved the mounting element 62 in a direction A substantially parallel to the substantially vertical direction V, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In order to enable the rear end portion RE to be moved, the front end portion FE can be moved by the first supporting mechanism 63, but this is not necessary.

[0057] It should be noted that the use of the term "vertical direction" should not be construed as limiting, but merely indicative of a direction perpendicular to the plane of the roof, which typically has an orientation in a substantially horizontal plane. Thus, "vertical direction" is intended to mean a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the open roof assembly is oriented when in the closed position.

[0058] Figure 2C Another stage of the opening process is shown, in which the locking mechanism 65 has moved further rearward and has reached its end position, in which the locking mechanism is locked in its position as is known in the art. With the locking mechanism 65 locked in its position, the second support mechanism 64 is locked in its position and orientation. In addition, the first support mechanism 63 has been raised in a direction B substantially parallel to the substantially vertical direction V and has been moved rearward in a direction C substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The mounting element 62 has been moved rearward together with the first support mechanism 63. The mounting element 62 is slidably supported by the second support mechanism 64 so that when moving rearward together with the first support mechanism 63, the mounting element 62 slides along the second support mechanism 64.

[0059] Figure 2D Shown is the fully open position of the closure member. The first support mechanism 63 has been moved further rearwards, thereby sliding the closure member 2 rearwards. However, the locking mechanism 65 has been retained in its locked position.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the closing process follows the same stages as the opening process shown and described, but in the reverse order.

[0061] If the closure member 2 is to be removed, it is easy to perform maintenance operations on the guide assembly 6. However, in order to make the closure member in the closed position flush with the roof of the vehicle, the closure member 2 is mounted on the mounting element 62 using an attachment assembly, wherein the position of the closure member 2 is adjustable. Therefore, any manufacturing tolerances can be compensated. Therefore, when the closure member 2 is reinstalled, disassembling the closure member 2 will result in having to readjust its position. However, adjusting the position is a cumbersome process that requires experience and is time-consuming. In order to prevent readjustment, the present invention provides a guide assembly 6 and a method for maintenance, wherein the mounting element 62 can remain attached to the closure member 2 while the closure member 2 can be at least partially unmounted.

[0062] Figures 3A-3D A first embodiment is schematically shown, wherein at the rear end RE of the closure member 2 the mounting element 62 is releasable from the slidable support at the second support mechanism 64. Figure 3A The first stage of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in FIG. The open roof assembly has been opened to a stage in which the locking mechanism 65 is locked in its locking position (see Figure 2C In the locked position, the locking mechanism 65 may be rendered inoperable, meaning that the locking mechanism 65 will not operate when the drive assembly is operated.

[0063] exist Figures 3A-3D In the first embodiment shown, when in a normally operable state, the locking mechanism 65 will operate simultaneously with the first support mechanism 63 moving forward in the longitudinal direction according to the direction D. In an inoperable state, when the first support mechanism 63 moves forward in the direction D, the locking mechanism 65 remains locked in its locked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B Therefore, the second support mechanism 64 is not operated and remains in its tilted position, ie, its raised position (see Figure 2B ).

[0064] Finally, by sliding forward in direction D, the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62 reach their closed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C With the second support mechanism 64 still in its tilted position, at the rear end RE, the mounting element 62 can slide out of its support on the second support mechanism 64 .

[0065] For example, it is possible to Figure 3E The embodiment shown in provides a slidable support. In this embodiment, the second support mechanism 64 is provided with a claw that substantially surrounds the mounting element 62. The claw can be rotatably arranged to enable the mounting element 62 to be tilted, such as Figure 2B and 3C By sliding forward in direction D, the end of the mounting element 62 can slide out of the claw.

[0066] After having slid out of the support of the second support mechanism 64, the mounting element 62 can be lifted in the direction E, as shown in FIG. Figure 3D As shown. The rear end portion RE is thus released and the mounting element is partially unmounted. For example, at another stage, the mounting element 62 can be released from its support at the first support mechanism 63, or the mounting element 62 and the closure member 2 can be rotated about the rotation axis of the support at the first support mechanism 63. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the first support mechanism 63 can be slid rearward again, thereby raising the rotation axis, facilitating the rotation of the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62. As a result, the guide 61 and the second support mechanism 64 can be freely accessed for maintenance, such as for cleaning or for replacing components.

[0067] Figure 4A and 4B A second embodiment of a guide assembly 6 and method according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, a release device 631 is provided on the first support mechanism 63. For example, the release device 631 may comprise a pin, which may form the axis of a hinge, for example. The pin may be releasably arranged such that, upon removal of the pin, the mounting element 62 is released from support by the first support mechanism 63.

[0068] exist Figure 4A In the stage shown, the first supporting mechanism 63 has been moved rearwards to a position in which it has lifted the front end FE of the closing member 2. Thus, access to the release device 631 may be made possible.

[0069] like Figure 4B As shown, after the release device 631 is operated, the front end portion FE can be lifted in the direction F and / or slid in the direction G. In addition, for example, assuming that Figure 3E If shown slidably supported at the second support mechanism 64 , the rear end portion RE may be released from the second support mechanism 64 by sliding the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62 in the direction G until the mounting element 62 is released from support at the second support mechanism 64 .

[0070] Figure 5A and 5B A third embodiment is shown in which the first support mechanism 63 can be released from the guide 61. Figure 5A, the guide 61 is provided with a release device which provides a release opening 611 in the guide 61. The release device may also provide a closing element (not shown) for closing the release opening in normal operation, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In particular, the first support mechanism 63 may be slid backwards, as shown. The release opening 611 may then be opened. Then, as Figure 5B As shown, the first support mechanism 63 can be slid forward again, so that the slide arranged at the first support mechanism 63 and guided in the corresponding guide channel in the guide 61 can be released from the guide channel by lifting the first support mechanism 63 in the direction H. Then, similar to the second embodiment, the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62 can be slid in the direction I, for example in order to release the rear end RE from support at the second support mechanism 64.

[0071] Note that in the second and third embodiments, the mounting element 62 can be released from the support at the second support mechanism 64, but this is not necessary within the scope of the present invention. As described in relation to the first embodiment, the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62 can remain supported at one of the first support mechanism 63 and the second support mechanism 64 while being released from the other. In this partially released state, for example, the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62 can rotate around the axis of rotation at the mechanism where they are still supported. In another example, in particular in the second and third embodiments, after having been released from the first support mechanism 63 (second embodiment) or from the guide 61 (third embodiment), the closure member 2 and the mounting element 62 can slide backwards by the slidable support at the second support mechanism 64.

[0072] See also Figures 6A-6E , a first embodiment of a guide assembly according to the present invention is shown (see Figures 3A-3E ) is a practical embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, the guide 61 is shown in thin dotted lines. The guide assembly includes a guide 61 extending in the longitudinal direction and a mounting element 62. The closure member 2 mounted on the mounting element 62 includes a glass panel 21 and a glass bracket 22 in the embodiment shown. The glass bracket 22 can be adhered to the glass panel 21, for example, by using a suitable adhesive. The glass bracket 22 is connected to the mounting element 62 at a plurality of mounting positions. In this embodiment, five mounting positions 621-625 are provided. In another embodiment, the number of mounting positions can be different and / or the positions of the mounting positions 621 to 625 can be different. The mounting element 62 can, for example, include threaded through holes at the mounting positions 621-625. The glass bracket 22 can be connected to the mounting element 62 using suitable screws. In order to adjust the closure member 2 relative to the vehicle body, the mounting hole in the glass bracket 22 can be oversized relative to the diameter of the screw, as is well known in the art.

[0073] The guide assembly also includes a first support mechanism 63, a locking mechanism 65 and a second support mechanism 64. The first support mechanism 63 is arranged close to the front end portion FE, and the second support mechanism 64 is arranged close to the rear end portion RE. The locking mechanism 65 and the second support mechanism 64 are connected by a connecting element 66. An operating slider 67 is slidably arranged in the guide 61. The operating slider 67 can be connected to a drive cable (not shown) arranged in the longitudinal direction. Such a drive cable can be further connected to a motor so that the motor can be used to move the operating slider 67 in the longitudinal direction along the guide 61. The operating slider 67 is designed, constructed and arranged to operate the first support mechanism 63, the second support mechanism 64 and the locking mechanism 65 when moving in the longitudinal direction, as is well known in the art.

[0074] Special References Figure 6A 、 6B 6C, the first support mechanism 63 includes a coupling shaft 631 that provides an articulated connection between the first support mechanism 63 and the mounting member 62. A first rod 632 extends from the coupling shaft 631 to the guide member 61. A slide 633 extends from the first rod 632 in the width direction within the guide channel 611 of the guide member 61. The first rod 632 includes a guide curve 634 having a drive cam 672 disposed therein. The drive cam protrudes from the operating slider 67 in the width direction.

[0075] Special References Figure 6A 、 6B 6D, the locking mechanism 65 includes a primary locking portion 651 and a secondary locking portion 652. The secondary locking portion 652 is slidably disposed on the primary locking portion 651 and is resiliently biased toward the coupling element 66 by a spring 653. The primary locking portion 651 includes a guide pin 651a, and the secondary locking portion 652 includes a guide hole 652a disposed above the guide pin 651a, allowing the secondary locking portion 652 to slide only in the longitudinal direction relative to the primary locking portion 651. The primary locking portion 651 includes a coupling protrusion 654 for hingedly coupling to the coupling element 66 and a guide protrusion 655 extending widthwise within a suitable guide channel in the guide member 61. The secondary locking portion 652 includes a locking surface 656 for engaging with the locking protrusion extending from the guide member 61. A locking cam 671, extending from the operating slider 67, is arranged to slide through an operating curve 657 in the primary locking portion 651. By moving through the operating curve 657, the operating cam 671 can engage the auxiliary locking portion 652 and move the auxiliary locking portion 652 relative to the main locking portion 651 against the spring force of the spring 653. For a detailed description of the operation of the locking mechanism 65, reference may be made to co-pending patent application number EP19170198, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] Special reference Figure 6A 、 6B and 6E, the second support mechanism 64 includes a second rod 641 extending from the guide 61 to a first support hinge 645 supporting a sliding support element 644, such as Figure 3E The claw shown is used to support the mounting element 62. The second rod 641 is supported by the third rod 642 via a second supporting hinge 643. The third rod 642 is provided with guide cams 6421 and 6422 arranged in corresponding guide curves 612 and 613. The second rod 641 is coupled at its ends to the coupling element 66 at the guide 61, so that the second rod 641 is pulled or pushed when the locking mechanism 65 is moved by the operating slide 67. The coupling with the third rod 642 determines the actual trajectory of the second rod 641 when pulled or pushed by the coupling element 66. In this embodiment, in the open position of the open roof assembly, the second rod 641 extends in the longitudinal, rearward direction beyond the guide 61 and even over a seal of the vehicle body, such as from, for example Figure 6A and 6E It is obvious.

[0077] Figure 7A The first step of the method according to the invention is shown, which serves to release the mounting element 62 from at least one of the first support mechanism 63 and the second support mechanism 64 so as to be able to move the closure member 2 into a position providing easy access to the guide assembly. In this first step, the operating slide 67 has been moved towards the second support mechanism 64, thereby bringing the first support mechanism 63 and the locking mechanism 65 backwards. At a predetermined position along the guide 61, the locking mechanism 65 is locked to the guide 61 and released from engagement with the operating cam 671 of the operating slide 67. This operation is known in the prior art and will not be described in detail. Figure 7A , the locking mechanism 65 is indeed disengaged from the operating slide 67 and locked to the guide 61, while the operating slide 67 and the first support mechanism 63 have moved further towards the second support mechanism 64, whereby the locking mechanism 65 has become accessible (see also Figure 6B ), since the closure member 2 no longer covers the locking mechanism 65.

[0078] Figure 7B In more detail, the Figure 7A In the state as arranged in the guide member 61, the locking mechanism 65. In particular, the spring 653 has pulled the auxiliary locking portion 652 backward for locking the locking mechanism 65 to the guide member 61. Therefore, in the state as Figure 7CIn the second step shown, the auxiliary locking portion 652 is manually operated and pulled relative to the primary locking portion 651. As a result, the locking mechanism 65 becomes releasable from its locked position. Depending on the specific method of locking to the guide 61, some movement of the locking mechanism 65 may be required to actually release the locking mechanism 65 from the guide 61.

[0079] exist Figure 7D In the third step of the method shown, the locking mechanism 65 is rotated about its coupling projection 654. Only after the rotation can the locking mechanism 65 be released from its coupling to the coupling element 66 by disengaging the coupling projection 654 from the coupling element 66.

[0080] After removing the locking mechanism 65, the operating slide 67 together with the first support mechanism 63 can be moved forward without moving the coupling element 66, thereby bringing the second support mechanism 64 into its open position. This movement results in the situation shown in Figures 8A-8C.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8A, the first support mechanism 63 is moved to its closed position, wherein the closure member 2 is lowered into the plane of the vehicle roof. In the absence of the locking mechanism 65, the coupling element 66 is disengaged.

[0082] It should be noted that, depending on the embodiment of the guide assembly, it may not be necessary to move the first support mechanism 63 completely to its closed position.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG8B , which is taken through the second support mechanism 64 in the closed position, the mounting element 62 is able to slide within a claw-like sliding support element 644, which is coupled to the second rod 641. Positioning the second support mechanism 64 in its open position and sliding the first support mechanism 63 to its closed position causes the mounting element 62 to slide out of the claw-like sliding support element 644, as shown in FIG8C . Once the mounting element 62 is released from the sliding support element 644, the closure member 2 can be tilted and rotated about the coupling axis 631, or a defective element of the second support mechanism 64 can be replaced, for example, without detaching the glass support 22 from the mounting element 62. Therefore, when the mounting element 62 is reinstalled, the adjusted position of the glass panel 21 is maintained, and readjustment of the glass panel 21 is unnecessary.

[0084] Figure 8DAnother embodiment is shown in which the coupling shaft 631 is removed, thereby releasing the mounting element 62 from the first support mechanism 63. This can be performed in addition to or in lieu of releasing the mounting element 62 from the second support mechanism 64 as shown in Figures 8A-8C. Furthermore, it should be noted that such release of the mounting element 62 from the first support mechanism 63 may not require first removing the locking mechanism 65 for decoupling the first and second support mechanisms 63, 64, depending on the specific embodiments of the respective support mechanisms 63, 64 and other portions of the guide assembly.

[0085] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and that the present invention 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 employ the present invention differently with any appropriate detailed structure contemplated. In particular, features presented and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of these claims is disclosed herein.

[0086] Furthermore, it is contemplated that structural elements may 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 3D printing technology or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass computer-readable media carrying such computer-executable instructions.

[0087] In addition, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be restrictive, but to provide an understandable description of the present invention. As used herein, the terms "one" or "an" are defined as one or more than one. As used herein, the term multiple is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "include" and / or "have" are defined as including (i.e., open language). As used herein, the term "connect" is defined as connecting, although not necessarily directly connected.

[0088] The invention thus described may, obviously, be modified 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 would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A guide assembly for a movably arranged closure member of an open roof system of a vehicle, the open roof system having a closed position in which the closure member covers an opening in the roof of the vehicle and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered, the guide assembly comprising: a guide member, said guide member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; b. a mounting element for mounting the closure member; c. a first support mechanism operably coupled to the mounting element, wherein the first support mechanism slidably supports the mounting element in the guide; d. a second support mechanism coupled to the guide and comprising a support element slidably supporting the mounting element, the second support mechanism being configured to move the mounting element to an inclined position along an inclined direction, the inclined direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; wherein the guide assembly is provided with a release device for releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism and for reinstalling the mounting element, and The guide assembly further includes: e. a locking mechanism arranged in the guide and operably coupled to the second support mechanism for operating the second support mechanism and locking the second support mechanism in the inclined position, wherein the guide assembly is configured to operate the locking mechanism when the first support mechanism is moved between the closed position and an intermediate position in which the opening is partially covered by the closure member; and wherein the release device is configured to temporarily inoperable the locking mechanism to enable the first support mechanism to be moved toward the closed position without operating the second support mechanism and thereby slidably release the mounting element from the second support mechanism.

2. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein The locking mechanism is decoupled from the second support mechanism.

3. The guide assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The locking mechanism is detachably arranged in the guide and is hingedly coupled to an elongated coupling element that is coupleable between the locking mechanism and the second support mechanism, and wherein the locking mechanism is decoupled after having been removed from the guide and rotated.

4. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein The guide assembly further comprises an operating slide which is slidably arranged in the guide member, the operating slide comprising a locking cam for operating the locking mechanism, wherein the locking cam is capable of shifting from an operable position to an inoperable position, wherein in the operable position the locking cam is arranged to engage an operating surface of the locking mechanism, and in the inoperable position the locking cam is arranged not to engage the operating surface of the locking mechanism.

5. The guide assembly according to claim 1, wherein The release device is configured to release the first support mechanism from the guide.

6. The guide assembly according to claim 5, wherein: In the closed position, the first supporting mechanism is arranged at a front end portion of the guide, a blocking element is provided at the front end portion for holding the first supporting mechanism, and wherein the blocking element is detachably arranged.

7. The guide assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first support mechanism comprises a slide seat arranged in a guide channel of the guide, and wherein a release member of the guide is detachable for providing a release opening in the guide channel, the release opening being configured to allow release of the slide seat from the guide channel.

8. A method for maintaining a guide assembly for a movably arranged closure member of an open roof system of a vehicle, the open roof system having a closed position in which the closure member covers an opening in the roof of the vehicle and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered, the guide assembly comprising a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism, both of which support a mounting element configured for mounting the closure member. The method comprises the following steps: a. moving the closure member to the open position; b. releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism; as well as c. reinstalling the mounting element on the at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism without performing readjustment, and Wherein, the guide assembly includes a locking mechanism for locking the second support mechanism in the inclined position, and the method includes the following steps: d. moving the closure member from the closed position to the open position to at least the extent to which the second support mechanism is locked in the inclined position; e. rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable; and f. Moving the closure member toward the closed position, thereby releasing the mounting element from the second support mechanism.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The guide assembly includes a guide member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the locking mechanism is arranged in the guide member, and step e includes the following steps: e1. The locking mechanism is removed from the guide; e2. Rotate the locking mechanism; and e3. Decoupling the locking mechanism from the second support mechanism.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein The guide assembly includes a guide extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the first support mechanism slidably supports the mounting element in the guide, and the method includes releasing the first support mechanism from the guide.

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