Frame assembly for an open roof assembly and method of providing the same

Abstract

A frame assembly for an open roof assembly includes a first beam, a second beam, and a panel. The first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled in a joint region to form a seam. A sealant is provided in the joint region to provide a liquid-tight joint. The panel is disposed at least partially over the first beam and the second beam such that the joint region at least partially overlaps with the panel. An adhesive bead is provided only on the first beam to support the panel on the first beam, and the adhesive bead seals a dry area between the first beam and the panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame assembly for an open roof assembly and a method of providing such a frame assembly. Background Art

[0002] Open roof assemblies are well known in the art. Known open roof assemblies are arranged on the roof of a vehicle, where an opening is provided in the roof. A movable closing member is selectively in an open position or a closed position. In the open position, the interior of the vehicle is in open contact with the exterior of the vehicle, for example to provide fresh air inside. In the closed position, the interior of the vehicle is enclosed and protected from, for example, rain and other external influences. In known open roof assemblies, the closing member can be (semi-)transparent to allow sunlight to enter the interior when the closing member is in the closed position.

[0003] The closing member is arranged on a frame. A single-piece frame or a multi-piece frame assembly is known to be provided. In a multi-piece frame assembly, at least two frame elements are arranged adjacent to each other or are partially arranged on top of each other. However, as part of the roof, the frame assembly may be partially exposed to water (such as rain), and thus fluid-tight attachment may be required at least at certain locations. Further, it should be noted that, as described herein, the frame assembly can be used with an open roof assembly having a movably arranged closing member. Additionally, the frame assembly can also be used with a fixed roof member (such as a transparent panel).

[0004] In known open roof assemblies, a front cover panel is provided, which is fixed to the single-piece frame by a suitable adhesive. An adhesive is provided as an annular adhesive bead for providing and sealing a dry area. As used herein, a dry area is an area of the frame or frame assembly that is protected from liquids such as water. The wet area opposite the dry area is an area that allows liquids such as water. Such wet areas are generally required for water management, for example for guiding rainwater.

[0005] DE102017116116 discloses a multi-piece frame assembly, where an adhesive is provided as an annular adhesive bead for providing and sealing a dry area. In this multi-piece frame assembly, the annular adhesive needs to pass through a seam between two frame parts. A seam of a specific shape provides a liquid-tight span of the adhesive bead over the seam, such that the adhesive bead and the seam are arranged on top of each other over a relatively large length.

[0006] In practice, especially in mass production, it may still be difficult to provide a liquid-impermeable crossing at the transition portion. Testing may be required during manufacturing to ensure liquid impermeability. Further, the shape of the seam is complex and increases the cost of the frame assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective frame assembly.

[0008] In a first aspect, the above object is achieved by the following frame assembly. The frame assembly for an open roof assembly according to the present invention includes a first beam, a second beam, and a panel. The first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled in a joint region, thereby forming a seam. A sealant is provided in the joint region to provide a liquid-impermeable joint. The panel is at least partially disposed on the first beam and the second beam such that the joint region at least partially overlaps with the panel. An adhesive bead is provided only on the first beam to support the panel on the first beam, and the adhesive bead seals the dry region between the first beam and the panel.

[0009] According to the present invention, the dry region is arranged such that the adhesive bead does not need to cross the seam. The seam is arranged in a wet region. This reduces the design requirements for the seam and the manufacturing precision requirements for achieving a liquid-impermeable seal of the dry region. In addition, it is not necessary to test the liquid impermeability of the adhesive-seam crossing, thereby further simplifying manufacturing.

[0010] The above-described frame assembly can be achieved by adjusting the size of the dry region when possible, or by designing the first and second beams of the frame assembly such that the seam is not in the dry region. In another example, the required dry region can be divided into two dry regions, with the seam arranged between the two dry regions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the adhesive bead forms a ring and the adhesive ring forms and encloses the dry region. Thus, the dry region is defined and formed by the adhesive bead.

[0012] In one embodiment, the panel is supported on the second beam by additional support means. Depending on the size of the portion of the panel disposed above the second beam, additional support means may be used to support the portion of the panel on the second beam. For example, such additional support means may be applied to prevent unwanted vibrations of the portion of the panel, which may cause unwanted noise. In a particular embodiment, the bead of adhesive is a first bead of adhesive and the panel is supported on the second beam by a second bead of adhesive. The second bead of adhesive may take many forms. For example, the second bead of adhesive may be a straight line, one or more points, a ring, or any other suitable form or shape. Those skilled in the art may appropriately select such bead shapes considering liquid management, noise control, and other aspects.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sealant is an adhesive sealant, and wherein the first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled by the adhesive sealant. Thus, the sealing function and the mechanical coupling can be combined by using a suitable adhesive sealant. In another embodiment, the first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled by a mechanical coupling means, such as at least one of an adhesive, a screw, a rivet, a clip, a weld, and a solder joint. Thus, a strong mechanical coupling can be provided without imposing adhesive requirements on the sealant. However, in this embodiment, the sealant may still exhibit adhesive properties. Further, it may be preferred not to apply an adhesive to the mechanical coupling means, but to use means such as screws, rivets, or welds, so as to immediately obtain the best mechanical coupling strength, which simplifies handling during manufacturing.

[0014] In one embodiment, a through hole is formed in the first beam, and the drying area is disposed above the through hole. The through hole can be provided for a variety of different functions. Generally, the through hole is used for air exchange to prevent condensation of moisture or to prevent drying / curing of an adhesive, such as a bead of adhesive. In a particular embodiment, the through hole can be used to enable a wire to pass through the first beam. Other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In any case, it may be preferred to dispose the drying area around such a through hole for facilitating water management.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first beam and the second beam at least partially overlap in the joining region, and the sealant is disposed between the first beam and the second beam where the first beam and the second beam overlap. This provides a simple liquid-tight joint. In a particular embodiment thereof, one of the first beam and the second beam has a recessed edge region, and the other of the first beam and the second beam is arranged to overlap with the recessed edge region. Disposing one beam over the recessed edge region of the other beam can provide a flush surface.

[0016] In another particular embodiment, one of the first beam and the second beam includes a mechanical coupling region and a sealing region, the sealing region is recessed relative to the mechanical coupling region, and the first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled in the mechanical coupling region; and the sealant is disposed between the first beam and the second beam in the sealing region. In a more particular embodiment, the mechanical coupling region and the sealing region are disposed in the above-mentioned recessed edge region. Thus, a simple mechanically secure and liquid-tight coupling between the first beam and the second beam can be provided with a flush surface. It should be noted that when used herein, flush means that the surface of the first beam and the surface of the second beam are at substantially the same height, but a groove may be formed at the joint between the two surfaces.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first beam is a front beam, the second beam is a side beam, and the panel is a front cover panel. The front cover panel may be an outer cover, and the outer cover provides an aesthetically pleasing surface as the top surface of the open roof assembly.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing the above-mentioned frame assembly. The method provides a frame assembly including a first beam, a second beam, and a panel. The method includes the steps of: providing a sealant on the surface of one of the first beam and the second beam; mechanically coupling the first beam and the second beam in a joining region to form a joint, wherein the sealant is disposed in the joining region to provide a liquid-tight joint; providing an adhesive bead only on the first beam to support the panel on the first beam and seal the dry region between the first beam and the panel; and disposing the panel on the adhesive bead and at least partially on the first beam and the second beam such that the joining region at least partially overlaps with the panel. Thus, a robust and liquid-tight frame assembly as described above is provided in several simple steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The 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 are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1A A perspective view of a roof showing an open roof assembly;

[0021] Figure 1B Showing Figure 1A An exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0022] Figure 2A A perspective view showing a first embodiment of a frame assembly according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2B Showing Figure 2A A perspective view of a part of the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2C Showing Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the first embodiment;

[0025] Figures 3A - 3G Showing an embodiment of the method according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of a frame assembly according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a third embodiment of a frame assembly according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6A A perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a frame assembly according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6B Showing Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7A A perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of a frame assembly according to the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 7B A perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of a frame assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements in these views.

[0033] Figure 1A 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 since the movable panel 2a can move over a first roof opening 3a so as to be able to open and close the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is disposed at the front side of the first roof opening 3a.

[0034] 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 disposed over the first roof opening 3a and closes the first roof opening 3a and thus is generally disposed in the plane of the vehicle roof 1. Further, 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 remains in the closed position. Further, 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 fully exposed.

[0035] It should be noted that the illustrated vehicle roof 1 corresponds to a passenger vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to passenger vehicles. Any other type of vehicle provided with a movable panel is also contemplated.

[0036] Figure 1B Shows as Figure 1A the same vehicle roof having panels 2a and 2b as shown in. In particular, although Figure 1A shows the open roof assembly in the open position, Figure 1B is an exploded view of the open roof assembly in the closed position. Further, in Figure 1B this exploded view, it is shown that there is a second roof opening 3b. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in a frame 5 of the open roof assembly. The edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0037] The second roof opening 3b is disposed below the fixed panel 2b so that light can enter the vehicle interior passenger compartment through the fixed panel 2b, assuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, for example made of a 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.

[0038] The wind deflector 4 is typically made of a flexible material, such as a woven or non-woven fabric with through-holes arranged therein, or a mesh or net. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a (such as a rod-shaped or tubular structure), which is directly or indirectly hingedly coupled to the frame 5 at the hinge 4b.

[0039] The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and adapts to the air flow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces the adverse noise caused by the air flow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed position or the tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is held downward below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0040] Generally, 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. In Figure 1A , the movable panel 2a is shown in the open position, and the wind deflector 4 is shown in the raised position. In Figure 1B , the movable panel 2a is shown in the closed position, and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in the position where it is held downward.

[0041] Figure 1B A drive assembly with 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, 6b are arranged on the 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 a movable part and is slidably movable in the guide. The first and second drive cables 7, 8 are disposed between the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and the electric motor 9.

[0042] The drive cables 7, 8 couple the electric motor 9 to the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b such that when the electric motor 9 is operated, the mechanisms start to move. In particular, the cores of the drive cables 7, 8 are moved by the electric motor 9 to push or pull the mechanisms of the respective guides 6a, 6b. Such a drive assembly is well known in the technical field and is therefore not further elaborated herein. However, any other suitable drive assembly may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in a specific embodiment, the electric motor may be operatively arranged between the respective guides and the respective mechanisms of the guide assemblies 6a, 6b, and in such an embodiment, the drive assembly may be completely omitted.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can be started by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a so that the movable panel 2a is in an inclined position. Then, from the inclined position, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start to slide so that the movable panel 2a is in the 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 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 provided behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be movable only between the closed position and the inclined position or between the closed position and the open position.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 9 is mounted near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a at the recess 10. In another embodiment, the electric motor 9 can be located at any other suitable position or orientation. For example, the electric motor 9 can be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0045] The control unit 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to the electric motor 9. The 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. The control unit 11 can be an independent control unit, or it can be operatively connected to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose general vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 can be embedded in such a general vehicle control unit or be part of such a general vehicle control unit. Substantially, the control unit 11 can be implemented by any control unit suitable for, capable of, and configured to perform the operation of the electric motor 9 and thus the movable roof assembly.

[0046] Figure 2A A first embodiment of the frame assembly 5 for an open roof assembly is shown. The frame assembly 5 defines a first roof opening 3a through the edge 5a of the frame assembly 5. A spherical seal 13 is provided around the edge 5a for sealing the movable closing member in the closed state of the movable closing member. The front cover panel 12 covers the front region of the frame assembly 5. When mounted on the vehicle body to form the roof, the front cover panel 12 is visible and provides the outer surface of the open roof assembly at the front of the open roof assembly.

[0047] Figure 2B Shown Figure 2AThe frame component 5, with the front cover panel removed. As shown, below the front cover panel, a drying area 20 is provided. In the drying area 20, two through-holes 21 are arranged. The drying area 20 is especially designed to prevent a liquid such as water from leaking through the through-holes 21 into the interior of the vehicle. At the periphery of the drying area 20, an adhesive bead 22 is provided. The adhesive bead 22 acts as a sealant for the drying area 20 to prevent liquid from entering the drying area 20 and acts as a support and retaining device for the front cover panel 12 to hold the front cover panel 12 in place.

[0048] At the side part of the frame component 5, two additional support devices 23 - in this embodiment adhesive beads - are provided to support the corresponding side ends of the front cover panel 12. It should be noted that in the prior art, the adhesive bead 22 usually extends to the position of the additional support device 23. There are two seams 25 at the position where the separate components of the frame component 5 are joined. Adjacent to the seam 25, rivets 26 for mechanical connection of the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52 are provided.

[0049] Figure 2C Shown in exploded view is the frame component 5 according to Figure 2A The frame component 5 includes four beams: a front beam 51, a left side beam 52, a right side beam 53, and a rear beam 54. It should be noted that the use of left and right is by no means restrictive and is only used to easily refer to either of the two side beams 52 and 53.

[0050] In Figure 2C the exploded view, it is shown that adjacent to the seam 25, the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52 overlap, and a sealant 24 is provided between the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52. The sealant 24 ensures a liquid-tight connection between the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52. More details and explanations are provided below with reference to Figures 3A - 3G where a method for providing a first embodiment of the frame component 5 according to Figures 2A - 2C is described.

[0051] Figure 3A Shows the first step of assembling the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52 to form the frame component 5. The left side beam 52 is provided with a recessed edge area 31. In the recessed edge area 31, the sealant 24 is provided. Then, the front beam 51 is arranged on top of the sealant 24. The front beam 51 is pushed so that the top surface 51a is flush with the top surface 52a of the left side beam 52, thereby pressing the sealant 24 so that the sealant 24 flattens between the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52. Thus, the sealant 24 fills and closes the gap between the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52, providing a liquid-tight connection.

[0052] As Figure 3BAs shown in the top view, the next step in this embodiment involves applying a mechanical coupling device such as rivet 26 to instantaneously fix the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52, even if the sealant 24 has not yet cured or dried. Instantaneous fixing may be preferred to prevent waiting times during manufacturing. However, in embodiments with a sealant having adhesive properties, the mechanical coupling device may be omitted. Further, in one embodiment, even though a mechanical coupling device is used, the sealant 24 may still have adhesive properties, which can further enhance the mechanical coupling when the sealant 24 has cured or dried.

[0053] Thus, the joint area 30 is formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint area 30 includes the rivet 26, the recessed edge area 31, the sealant 24, and the seam 25. In Figure 3D a cross-section of the joint area 30 along line D-D is shown, while Figure 3C shows a bottom view of the joint area 30.

[0054] In Figure 3C the joint area 30 is shown as including the recessed edge area 31 of the left side beam 52. The rivet 26 is disposed in the mechanical coupling area 32, which is part of the recessed edge area 31. Further, the sealant 24 (not visible in the Figure 3C view) is disposed in the sealing area 33, which is also part of the recessed edge area 31. The mounting adhesive location 27 is indicated by a dashed line. When the frame assembly is mounted on the vehicle body, a suitable bead of adhesive is applied to the mounting adhesive location 27 and then bonded to the vehicle body. At the joint area 30, the bead of adhesive in the mounting adhesive location 27 fills any variations in the height level to ensure liquid impermeability.

[0055] Figure 3D The joint area 30 is shown in more detail. The recessed edge area 31 of the left side beam 52 is mechanically coupled to the front beam 51 at the mechanical coupling area 32 by a mechanical coupling device such as a rivet 26 (but any other mechanical coupling device such as a screw, clip, or weld may also be suitably used). Those skilled in the art can readily understand which mechanical coupling device may be suitable and, if necessary, can adapt the design of the joint area 30 to such a mechanical coupling device. Further, the sealant 24 is disposed between the sealing area 33 of the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52. The sealing area 33 is recessed relative to the mechanical coupling area 32 to provide a gap between the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52, which is filled by the sealant 24. The gap provides the possibility of precisely controlling the sealant 24 during manufacturing, for example, to prevent the sealant 24 from bulging out of the seam 25. Thus, a flush surface of the top surface 51a and the top surface 52a is provided, despite the recessed seam 25 therebetween.

[0056] The front beam 51 and the left beam 52 have been joined and sealed. Figure 3E The next step is shown. An adhesive bead 22 is provided in a closed-loop shape to form a sealed dry area 20. Further, additional support means 23, such as additional adhesive beads, are provided on the left beam 52.

[0057] The adhesive bead 22 is provided only on the front beam 51 and does not span the joint 25. Since the height change at the joint 25 reduces the sealing reliability of the adhesive bead 22 at such a position, the dry area 20 is located only on the front beam 51, thereby reducing the requirements for the adhesive bead 22. Moreover, due to the reduced reliability, if the adhesive bead 22 spans the joint 25, a liquid impermeability test needs to be performed. By omitting such spanning, the liquid impermeability test is not required.

[0058] At Figure 3F and 3G cross-sections along lines F-F and G-G as shown in Figure 3E are shown, where the front cover panel 12 is mounted on the adhesive bead 22.

[0059] Figure 4 A second embodiment is shown, in which the shape and position of the joint area 30 are formed such that the adhesive bead 22 can extend further towards one side of the frame assembly. As a result, the additional support means 23 can be reduced in size or even completely omitted. Further, considering the air flow and the noise generated by such air flow, it may be preferable to have a sealed front line (i.e., a line close to the front edge of the frame assembly, such as the edge of the front beam 51 that is farthest from the opening 3a) between the front cover panel 12 on the one hand and the front beam 51 and the left beam 52 on the other hand. The second embodiment as shown provides an extended length of such a front line of the adhesive bead 22.

[0060] Figure 5 A third embodiment is shown, in which a second dry area 20a is provided by forming an additional support means 23 in a closed loop, for example, using an adhesive bead. To prevent liquid from leaking at the joint 25, neither the adhesive beads 22 nor 23 span the joint 25.

[0061] Figure 6A and 6BA fourth embodiment is shown, in which an excess amount of sealant 24 is provided such that the sealant 24 bulges out from the joint 25 during the installation of the front beam 51 and the left side beam 52. Then, the excess sealant 24 can be wiped or scraped to be flush with the top surface 51a and the top surface 52a. For such a flush joint 25, an adhesive bead forming the support device 23 can be arranged on top of the joint 25. Although the possibility of liquid leakage is reduced, leakage may still occur. However, the dry area 20 is still sealed by the adhesive bead 22, and the leakage between the joint 25 and the additional support device 23 can be accepted as a possibility. Additionally, the additional support device 23 supports the front cover panel 12 over a longer length and closes any air flow openings to prevent air flow noise.

[0062] In the fifth and sixth embodiments respectively as shown in Figure 7A and 7B leakage at the crossing point of the joint 25 and the additional support device 23 is also accepted. Figure 7A The fifth embodiment of

[0063] provides an adhesive bead as the additional support device 23, where the adhesive bead extends as a semi-circle from the adhesive bead 22 and extends back to the adhesive bead 22, thus crossing the joint 25 twice. Liquid can leak through one or both crossings. In particular, with sufficient control of the amount of adhesive for the additional support device 23, it can be assumed that the crossings are not liquid-tight. Thus, air flow and related noise can be prevented without affecting water management. Liquid can enter at a higher position and can flow out at a lower position. Figure 7B If such liquid flow cannot be ensured at the crossings, in order to prevent the collected water from accumulating in the enclosed space 28, a dedicated liquid flow channel 29 can be provided at the lowest position of the enclosed space 28, as shown in

[0064] Specific 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 the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as restrictive, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in any appropriate specific structure in various ways. In particular, the features set forth and described in the individual dependent claims can be applied in combination, and thus any advantageous combination of such claims is disclosed.

[0065] Further, it is contemplated that structural elements can be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. Accordingly, any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass any computer-executable instructions that direct a computer to generate such a structural element by three-dimensional printing techniques or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Additionally, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass a computer-readable medium that bears such computer-executable instructions.

[0066] Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not limiting, but rather provide an understandable description of the invention. As used herein, the term "a" is defined as one or more than one. As used herein, the term "plurality" 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 "comprise" and / or "have" are defined as including (i.e., open language). As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly.

[0067] Thus the invention has been described, it is obvious that the invention can 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 which would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A frame assembly for an open roof assembly, the frame assembly including a first beam, a second beam, and a panel, wherein, ● the first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled in a joint region to form a seam; ● a sealant is provided in the joint region to provide a liquid-impermeable joint; ● the panel is at least partially disposed over the first beam and the second beam such that the joint region at least partially overlaps with the panel; and ● an adhesive bead is provided only on the first beam to support the panel on the first beam, the adhesive bead sealing a dry area between the first beam and the panel.

2. The frame component according to claim 1, wherein The adhesive bead forms a ring, and the adhesive ring forms and encloses the dry area.

3. The frame component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel is supported on the second beam by additional support means.

4. The frame component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adhesive bead is a first adhesive bead, and wherein the panel is supported on the second beam by a second adhesive bead.

5. The frame component according to claim 1, wherein The sealant is an adhesive sealant, and wherein the first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled by the adhesive sealant.

6. The frame component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled by mechanical coupling means.

7. The frame component according to claim 6, wherein The mechanical coupling means is at least one of an adhesive, a screw, a rivet, a clip, a weld, and a solder joint.

8. The frame component according to claim 1, characterized in that A through hole is formed in the first beam, and wherein the dry area is disposed over the through hole.

9. The frame component according to claim 1, characterized in that The first beam and the second beam at least partially overlap in the joint region, and wherein the sealant is disposed between the first beam and the second beam where the first beam and the second beam overlap.

10. The frame component according to claim 9, wherein One of the first beam and the second beam includes a recessed edge region, and wherein the other of the first beam and the second beam is arranged to overlap with the recessed edge region.

11. The frame component according to claim 9, characterized in that, One of the first beam and the second beam includes a mechanical coupling region and a seal region, the seal region being recessed relative to the mechanical coupling region, and wherein ● the first beam and the second beam are mechanically coupled in the mechanical coupling region; and ● the sealant is disposed between the first beam and the second beam in the seal region.

12. The frame component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first beam is a front beam, the second beam is a side beam, and the panel is a front cover panel.

13. A method of providing a frame assembly including a first beam, a second beam, and a panel, wherein the method includes: ● providing a sealant on a surface of one of the first beam and the second beam; ● mechanically coupling the first beam and the second beam in a joint region to form a seam, wherein the sealant is disposed in the joint region to provide a liquid-impermeable joint; ● providing an adhesive bead only on the first beam to support the panel on the first beam and to seal a dry area between the first beam and the panel; and ● disposing the panel on the adhesive bead and at least partially over the first beam and the second beam such that the joint region at least partially overlaps with the panel.

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