Open roof assembly for use in a vehicle and method for operating it

Abstract

An open roof assembly for use in the roof of a vehicle includes a movablely arranged closure member for selectively covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof. Further, an electric motor operatively coupled to the closure member is provided for moving the closure member. A control unit is operatively coupled to the electric motor to control the closure member. The control unit is configured to control the position of the closure member during normal driving conditions and to release control of the position of the closure member when vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold. Therefore, when high acceleration and weight of the closure member cause high forces on the closure member, damage can be prevented by absorbing these high forces through the movement of the closure member and the resistance of the electric motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an open roof assembly for use in the roof of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Open roof assemblies for use in the roofs of vehicles are known. Specifically, in known open roof assemblies, a movably arranged closure member is provided for selectively covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof. An electric motor may be provided and operatively coupled to the closure member for moving the closure member between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially exposed. Furthermore, a control unit may be provided, operatively coupled to the electric motor, for controlling the position and movement of the closure member.

[0003] Under normal driving conditions, the control unit is configured to maintain control over the electric motor and thus over the closure member. Such control includes, but is not limited to, controlling the position in a stationary state (e.g., in the fully open position) and in a moving state (e.g., when moving from the open position to the closed position). Therefore, the control unit is configured to ensure that the closure member does not move uncontrollably.

[0004] In exceptional circumstances, such as during a vehicle collision, the inertia of the closure member can generate unusually high forces. Such forces can damage the open roof assembly, for example, the drive system positioned between the electric motor and the closure member, as such a drive system is required to absorb these forces. Furthermore, additional measures may be necessary in the drive system to prevent the closure member from detaching. Such measures may result in additional cost and weight for the open roof system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reliable, simple, and cost-effective open roof assembly and a corresponding operating method.

[0006] In a first aspect, the objective is achieved in an open roof assembly for use in the roof of a vehicle according to claim 1. The open roof assembly includes a movably arranged closure member for selectively covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof; an electric motor operatively coupled to the closure member for moving the closure member; and a control unit operatively coupled to the electric motor. In the open roof assembly according to the invention, the control unit is configured to control the position of the closure member during normal driving conditions and to release control of the position of the closure member when the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold.

[0007] To alleviate the demands on the drive assembly, in the event of high acceleration, the control unit releases control over the electric motor and the enclosing member. This allows the enclosing member to move. However, significant frictional forces exist, such as those in the drive assembly. Therefore, by accelerating the enclosing member, the high inertial forces under high acceleration are absorbed by the frictional forces in the drive system and in the mechanical guide assembly supporting the enclosing member, and the uncontrolled speed of the enclosing member's movement remains limited. Furthermore, the frictional forces in the assembly ensure that the movement of the enclosing member stops quickly.

[0008] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to monitor the position of the closure member when control over the position is released. Although the control unit can release the control, for example, allowing the electric motor to rotate freely, the control unit can still monitor the rotation of the electric motor and derive the actual position of the closure member from such rotation. Based on this actual position, the control unit can be configured to perform any suitable action.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to stop the movement of the closure member after the release control. After the release control, the movement of the closure member can be stopped, for example, by activating a braking mechanism, to reduce the stroke of the closure member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to regain control of the position of the closure member after control has been released. Of course, control can be regained after it has been released. For example, as described above, the control unit can regain control to stop uncontrolled movement of the closure member. Thus, for example, in the event of a vehicle collision, the closure member is allowed to begin moving to absorb a certain amount of inertial energy, and then the movement is stopped by regaining control and stopping the movement. In a particular embodiment, the control unit controls the actual movement of the closure member upon regaining control of the position, and then controls changes in the movement. Therefore, to further reduce stress on the drive assembly, the control unit is configured to monitor the movement, particularly the speed of uncontrolled movement, and reduce the speed in a controlled (e.g., gradually) manner upon regaining control.

[0011] In one embodiment, the open roof assembly includes an acceleration sensor unit for detecting vehicle acceleration. In another embodiment, the control unit is operatively coupled to a vehicle control system and is configured to receive a collision signal from a vehicle collision sensor. In either embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive a signal representing vehicle acceleration, and based on the signal, the control unit is configured to determine whether a predetermined acceleration threshold has been exceeded. In the first mentioned embodiment, the control unit may continuously receive signals indicating vehicle acceleration, and based on the signals, the control unit may determine whether the acceleration threshold has been exceeded, while in the second mentioned embodiment, the collision sensor may have already determined that the acceleration threshold has been exceeded, and the control unit only responds to signals indicating that the acceleration threshold has been exceeded.

[0012] It should be noted that the acceleration threshold can be determined based on the characteristics of the open roof assembly, and particularly on an acceleration value for which, if the enclosed member is not released from control by the control unit, it has been determined that the drive assembly may be damaged. In another embodiment, the acceleration threshold can be determined as a general threshold, for example, based on an abnormal acceleration that is not achievable under normal driving conditions. Those skilled in the art can consider and determine appropriate thresholds.

[0013] In one embodiment, a drive assembly is operatively arranged between the electric motor and the enclosure member, and the drive assembly includes at least one of a drive cable and a gear assembly. Drive cables and gear assemblies are susceptible to damage under high loads. In particular, drive cables used in known open-roof assemblies are formed from metal spirals to provide flexibility while also being capable of pushing and pulling. Such drive cables can be stretched and deformed relatively easily under high tensile loads.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to release position control based on the actual position of the closure member. Specifically, if the closure member is positioned where only a small gap exists between its edge and the edge of the opening in the roof, releasing the control could lead to further damage. For example, the edge of the closure member might collide with the edge of the opening, potentially damaging one or both the edge of the closure member and the edge of the opening. To prevent such further damage, the control unit can be configured to maintain control over the closure member even when the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold.

[0015] In one aspect, the invention further provides a method of operating an open roof assembly. The open roof assembly includes a movably arranged closure member for selectively covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof, an electric motor operatively coupled to the closure member for moving the closure member, and a control unit operatively coupled to the electric motor. The method includes the control unit performing the steps of: controlling the position of the closure member during normal driving; and releasing control of the closure member when the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold.

[0016] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes the control unit performing the step of stopping the movement of the closure member after control over the closure member has been released.

[0017] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes the control unit performing the step of: regaining control of the position of the closure member after releasing control. This regaining of control may be performed to stop undesirable movement caused by the previous release of control, or it may simply be to allow the open roof assembly to be operated and controlled again under normal driving conditions.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer software product comprising computer-readable and executable instructions for instructing a computer processor to perform method steps according to the invention. In particular, such a computer processor may be included in a control unit of an open roof assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Further applicability of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that while embodiments of the invention are shown, the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the accompanying drawings and this detailed description, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1A A perspective view of the roof with an open roof assembly is shown;

[0021] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A Exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0022] Figure 2 A top view showing an embodiment of an open roof assembly having a movable closure member and a corresponding drive assembly; and

[0023] Figure 3A , 3B Figures 3C and 3C respectively show timing diagrams and flowcharts illustrating embodiments of the method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements in these views.

[0025] Figure 1A A roof 1 with an open roof assembly disposed therein is shown. 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 move over a first roof opening 3a to open and close the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is disposed at the front of the first roof opening 3a.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, whereby the movable panel 2a is positioned above and closes the first roof opening 3a and is therefore typically positioned within the plane of the roof 1. Further, the movable panel 2a can be in an inclined position, whereby 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 remains in the closed position. Further, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, whereby the movable panel 2a slides open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed.

[0027] It should be noted that the roof 1 shown corresponds to a passenger vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to passenger vehicles. It is also contemplated that any other type of vehicle may be equipped with a movable panel.

[0028] Figure 1B As shown Figure 1A The same roof shown has panels 2a and 2b. Specifically, although... Figure 1A The open roof assembly is shown in the open position, but Figure 1B This is an exploded view of the open roof assembly in its closed position. Further, in... Figure 1B The exploded view shows the presence of a second roof opening 3b. The first and second roof openings 3a and 3b are disposed within the frame 5 of the open roof assembly. The edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0029] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b to allow light to enter the vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b, which is assumed to be a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, for example, made of plastic or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b is optional with the transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b, and may be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

[0030] The wind deflector 4 is typically made of 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), which is directly or indirectly hinged to the frame 5 at a hinge 4b.

[0031] The wind deflector 4 is positioned in front of the first roof opening 3a and adapts to 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 or tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is held downward below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0032] Normally, when the movable panel 2a slides to the open position, the wind deflector 4 rises due to 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 the image, the movable panel 2a is shown in the open position, and the wind deflector 4 is shown in the raised position. Figure 1B In the image, the movable panel 2a is shown in a closed position, and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in a position in which it is held downward.

[0033] Figure 1B 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 is further shown. The first and second guide assemblies 6a and 6b are arranged on corresponding side ends SE of the movable panel 2a and each may include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, while the mechanism includes movable parts and can slide within the guide. The first and second drive cables 7 and 8 are disposed between the mechanism of the respective guide assembly 6a and 6b and the drive motor 9.

[0034] Drive cables 7 and 8 connect drive motor 9 to the mechanisms of the corresponding guide components 6a and 6b, so that the mechanisms begin to move when drive motor 9 is operated. Specifically, the drive motor 9 moves the core of drive cables 7 and 8 to push or pull the mechanisms of the corresponding guides 6a and 6b. Such drive components are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. However, any other suitable drive components may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, in certain embodiments, drive motors may be operatively arranged between the corresponding guides and the corresponding mechanisms of guide components 6a and 6b, and in such embodiments, the drive components may be completely omitted.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide components 6a, 6b can be initiated by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, thereby placing the movable panel 2a in an inclined position. Then, from the inclined position, the guide components 6a, 6b can begin to slide to place the movable panel 2a in an open position. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the inclined position by raising the rear end RE, and the open position can be achieved 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 disposed behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In another exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a may only be movable between a closed position and an inclined position, or between a closed position and an open position.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor 9 is mounted at the recess 10 near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a. In another embodiment, the drive motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable location or orientation. For example, the drive motor 9 can be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0037] Control unit 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to drive motor 9. Control unit 11 can be any type of processing unit well known to those skilled in the art: a software-controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, such as an ASIC. Control unit 11 can be a standalone control unit, or it can be operatively connected to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, control unit 11 can be embedded in or be part of such a multi-purpose vehicle control unit. In essence, control unit 11 can be implemented by any control unit suitable for, capable of, and configured to perform operation of drive motor 9 and thus movable roof assembly.

[0038] Figure 2 An open roof assembly with a drive mechanism is schematically shown. The open roof assembly includes a movable closing member 2a for closing a first roof opening 3a, a fixed panel 2b, and a support frame 12. The support frame 12 is arranged and configured to mount and support the open roof assembly onto the vehicle's body frame. Figure 2 In this diagram, the movable enclosed member 2a is schematically connected to the drive cable 16 via a connecting element 14. In practice, as shown... Figure 1A and 1BAs shown, the movable enclosure 2a is arranged on the support frame 12 via guide assemblies 6a, 6b, and each guide assembly 6a, 6b is operated via an associated drive cable 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive cable 16 can be moved via a mechanically operable coupling to a suitable gear 18.

[0039] Gear 18 is mechanically coupled to drive motor 9, which is operatively coupled to control unit 11. Control unit 11 may include an electronic control circuit. According to the invention, the electronic control circuit is coupled to or includes sensor 20, particularly an acceleration sensor or a collision sensor. Sensor 20 can therefore be configured to provide acceleration signals to control unit 11, such that control unit 11 can be configured to determine whether the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold, which can be digitally stored, for example, in a suitable memory provided in control unit 11.

[0040] During operation, i.e., under normal driving conditions, the control unit 11 controls the closing member 2a, specifically controlling the movement of the closing member 2a, and maintaining its position when the closing member 2a is not operated. Furthermore, the control unit 11 controls the electric motor 9 operatively connected to the gear 18. It should be noted that an additional gear may be provided between the electric motor and the gear 18. The gear 18 is constructed and arranged to interact with the drive cable 16, causing the drive cable 16 to move, thereby moving the closing member 2a.

[0041] Different drive arrangements and circuits for driving electric motors are known. This invention is not limited to any particular drive arrangement or circuit. For example, an electric motor can be driven by operating a relay for supplying or withholding power voltage, thereby switching the electric motor between two modes: on or off. In another embodiment, the electric motor can be driven by a pulse supply signal, wherein pulse width modulation can be used to control the rotational speed of the electric motor. Other drive arrangements and methods are known to those skilled in the art and will not be further elaborated herein.

[0042] To hold the closing member 2a in its position, a mechanical braking assembly can be provided, and when the closing member 2a is not moving, the control unit 11 controls the mechanical braking assembly to hold the closing member in the proper position. More typically, the control unit 11 controls the electric motor so that the electric motor does not rotate. For example, short-circuiting the electric motor acts as a brake on the electric motor. Therefore, the control unit 11 and the associated drive circuit can be configured to short-circuit the electric motor in order to control and maintain the position of the closing member 2a. In another embodiment, a closed-loop position control method can be applied to control the moving and resting positions of the closing member 2a. Other embodiments may also be employed. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to any of such embodiments.

[0043] When the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold, for example, during a collision, the acceleration of the weight of the closure member 2a causes a relatively large force on the closure member 2a. It should be noted that, as used herein, acceleration will be considered an absolute value. Therefore, while deceleration can be considered as acceleration with a negative value, the absolute value of the deceleration will be considered as acceleration as used herein. If the closure member 2a is to be controlled to maintain its position, the force will need to be absorbed by a drive assembly, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a drive cable 16 and a gear 18. The drive assembly can be designed to withstand such a large force. In any case, the drive assembly is preferably designed so that it will not break. Furthermore, to prevent damage to the drive assembly, for example, by stretching the drive cable 16, the open roof assembly according to the invention is configured to release control of the closure member 2a to allow the closure member 2a to move in response to the induced force. Such a large force can then be absorbed, for example, by the movement of the closure member 2a and the resistance in the electric motor.

[0044] refer to Figure 3A and 3B The method according to the invention is described, which is performed by a control unit 11 of an open roof assembly according to the invention.

[0045] exist Figures 3A-3C The image shows two embodiments of the present invention, wherein... Figure 3A Timing diagrams for two embodiments are shown. Figure 3B A flowchart illustrating the sequential steps of a first embodiment of the method is provided. Figure 3A The sequence of steps is also shown. Figure 3C A flowchart illustrating the sequential steps of a second embodiment of the method is provided.

[0046] Figure 3AThe vertical axis of the timing diagram represents the position of the closing member, which is located between the closed position and the fully open position. Curve A first illustrates the operation of the method according to the invention when excessive acceleration is detected in the fully open position, and curve B second illustrates the operation of the method according to the invention when excessive acceleration is detected in the partially open position, close to the closed position.

[0047] refer to Figure 3A and 3B Referring to curve A, in the first step S11 of the method, the closing member is in the fully open position. The closing member can be fixed in such a position, and the control unit controls the closing member accordingly.

[0048] At time t1, in the second step S12 of the method, excessive acceleration is detected, and the method immediately proceeds to the third step S13. In the third step S13, the control unit releases control over the closing member. As a result, due to the generated force, the closing member begins to move toward the closed position.

[0049] At time t2, the control unit resumes its control over the position of the closing member in the fourth step S14. This time can be based on any suitable criterion, such as a predetermined time period, the continuously evolving speed of the closing member, the distance traveled by the closing member, or the acceleration that has decreased to below a second predetermined threshold. Any combination of criteria can also be used. For example, multiple criteria can be applied, and control can be resumed if any one of the criteria is met and / or if a predetermined combination of the criteria is met. In the example shown in curve A, control is resumed at time t2, at which time the closing member has traveled a distance d.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, when control is restored in the fourth step S14, the movement of the closing member is first stopped, and the closing member is held in such a position for a certain period of time, wherein the time can be based on any suitable criterion. To stop the movement, the control unit can be configured, for example, to actuate a braking mechanism, such as the aforementioned mechanical braking mechanism, or to short-circuit the electric motor. Other suitable mechanisms or methods can also be applied; the invention is not limited in terms of the method of control restoration.

[0051] At time t3, an optional fifth step S15 begins, in which the control unit controls the closing member to return to its position at time t1 when the control was released. This fifth step can be performed conditionally. For example, movement of the closing member can be prevented until a good condition of the vehicle is detected, such as based on a signal received from the vehicle controller, or similarly, to prevent the closing member from unintentionally attempting to move after a vehicle collision. Other conditions can also be imposed. For example, in another embodiment, after starting the fourth step S14 and stopping the movement of the closing member, the control unit can stop any automatic control until a user command is received.

[0052] In the second embodiment, if the closing member is in a different position at time t1, the method can be performed differently. (See reference...) Figure 3A and 3C As shown in the second curve B, when excessive acceleration occurs (see second step S12), the closing member may move from the closed position to at least the partially open position (see first step S11). Then, at time t1, the distance d' between the edge of the closing member and the edge of the roof opening in the roof is shorter than the distance d that the closing member might have been expected to travel if the control were released (see curve A). Therefore, it can be expected that releasing the control according to the third step S13 will cause the edge of the closing member to collide with the edge of the roof. This could result in serious damage and could potentially cause an object to be trapped between the closing member and the edge of the roof.

[0053] To prevent such undesirable collisions or compressions, in this second embodiment of the method, in determination step S16, it is determined that the closing member is too close to the edge of the roof, and therefore, according to the seventh step S17, control is maintained and the closing member is braked, even if it may (slightly) damage the drive assembly. Therefore, optionally, in the eighth step S18, the position is maintained. As described above with respect to the fifth step S15, how the open roof assembly is configured to operate after time t3 is merely a matter of choice, and the invention is not limited to any of the chosen and configured actions.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, if the closing member is expected to move into a safe range, the edge of the closing member can be considered too close to the edge of the roof. Such a safe range can be defined as the area adjacent to the edge of the roof. Within the safe range, specific anti-pinch features can be applied to prevent crushing of objects. These anti-pinch features typically require a control unit to control the movement of the closing member. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the distance between the edge of the roof and the edge of the closing member is less than the sum of the safe range and the expected travel distance d, uncontrolled movement of the closing member into such a safe range can be prevented by determining that the edge of the closing member is too close to the edge of the roof (see S16).

[0055] Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various ways with any suitable specific structure contemplated. In particular, features set forth and described in the individual dependent claims may be applied in combination, and thus any advantageous combination of such claims is disclosed.

[0056] Furthermore, it is anticipated that structural elements can be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Therefore, any reference to structural elements is intended to cover any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to generate such a structural element using 3D printing technology or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Additionally, any such reference to structural elements is also intended to cover a computer-readable medium carrying such computer-executable instructions.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not limiting but rather provide an understandable description of the invention. When used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. When used herein, the term "multiple" is defined as two or more. When used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. When used herein, the term "comprising" and / or "having" is defined as including (i.e., open-ended language). When used herein, the term "connection" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection.

[0058] Therefore, the invention has been described, and it will be apparent that the invention can be varied in many ways. Such modifications should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An open roof assembly for use in the roof of a vehicle, the open roof assembly comprising a movably arranged closing member for selectively covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof, an electric motor operatively coupled to the closing member for moving the closing member, and a control unit operatively coupled to the electric motor, wherein the control unit is configured to: a. During normal operation, the position of the closure member is controlled by controlling an electric motor operably connected to gears, the gears being configured and arranged to interact with a drive cable to move the closure member. b. When the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold, release control over the position of the enclosure member, allowing the electric motor to rotate freely, thereby enabling the enclosure member to move in response to the force caused by the vehicle acceleration. c. After releasing control, regain control of the position of the closing member.

2. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to monitor the position of the closure member when control over the position is released.

3. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to stop the movement of the closing member after the control is released.

4. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit regains control of the position, it controls the actual movement of the closed member and then controls the change in movement.

5. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The open roof assembly includes an acceleration sensor unit for detecting vehicle acceleration.

6. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is operatively connected to the vehicle control system and is configured to receive collision signals from vehicle collision sensors.

7. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drive assembly is operatively arranged between the electric motor and the enclosure member, and the drive assembly includes at least one of a drive cable and a gear assembly.

8. The open roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to release position control based on the actual position of the closure member.

9. A method of operating an open roof assembly, the open roof assembly comprising a movably arranged closing member for selectively covering or at least partially exposing an opening in the roof, an electric motor operatively coupled to the closing member for moving the closing member, and a control unit operatively coupled to the electric motor, the method comprising the control unit performing the following steps: a. During normal driving conditions, the position of the closure member is controlled by controlling an electric motor operably connected to a gear, the gear being configured and arranged to interact with a drive cable to move the closure member; b. When the vehicle acceleration exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold, control of the enclosure is released, allowing the electric motor to rotate freely, thereby enabling the enclosure to move in response to the force caused by the vehicle acceleration. c. After releasing control, regain control of the position of the closing member.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes the control unit performing the following steps: The movement of the closing component is stopped after step b.

11. A computer software product comprising computer-readable and executable instructions for instructing a computer processor to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 9-10.

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