Open roof construction and wind deflector assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an open roof construction and a wind deflector assembly for a vehicle. An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a movable panel for selectively opening and closing a roof opening and a wind deflector assembly located at a front edge of the roof opening. The wind deflector assembly is provided with a substantially rigid upper frame member extending at least along the front edge of the roof opening and a flexible member having an upper edge connected to the upper frame member and a lower edge connected to a fixed part of the open roof construction. The upper frame member is movable by an operating mechanism between a lower, inactive position and at least two higher, active positions. The flexible member is provided with a tensioning member to keep it taut over its entire width in all active positions and at its lower edge with a substantially rigid, elongated lower frame member. The lower frame member is connected to the fixed part by a tensioning member having a maximum tension substantially lower than the maximum operating force of the operating mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an open roof structure and windshield assembly for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] For example, an open roof structure with a windshield assembly is known from DE102004052715. In this prior art windshield assembly, the flexible member is configured as a roller blind, meaning the flexible member can be wound onto a spring-loaded winding roller at its lower edge. If the flexible member has sides, two additional winding rollers are provided. This roller blind structure allows the windshield assembly to be in different active positions while keeping the flexible member constantly taut. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an open roof structure including a windshield assembly that has the same function as the prior art but with a simpler structure.

[0004] To achieve these and other objectives, the open roof structure of the present invention is characterized in that: a flexible member is provided at its lower edge with a substantially rigid, movable, elongated lower frame member, the lower frame member being configured to be movably connected to a fixed portion by one or more tensioning members having a maximum tension substantially below the maximum operating force of the operating mechanism.

[0005] A substantially rigid lower frame member, movably connected to a fixed part by a tensioning member, can be very simple. The spring force keeps the flexible member taut but will not interfere with the operation of the windshield assembly.

[0006] The tensioning member can be a bending spring, which preferably extends substantially rearward from the elongating member, since there is usually sufficient space in this part of the fixed portion for the bending spring.

[0007] The bending spring can be a leaf spring or a wire spring, although other types of springs are not excluded, but different types of springs can be combined in one embodiment.

[0008] The spring components are preferably distributed along the length of the elongated component to uniformly load the flexible component.

[0009] If the spring member is hooked into the fixed part and / or into the elongating member, a very simple structure is obtained. Then a separate fixing member is not needed.

[0010] The operating mechanism of the windshield assembly can be operated electrically or mechanically. Both operating systems can be combined with the tensioning member as described.

[0011] Typically, flexible components will include breathable mesh materials, but other materials are also conceivable.

[0012] Because of this invention, the elongation member can be non-linear. For example, if the upper frame member has a main portion extending substantially in the lateral direction of the open roof structure and two arms extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the open roof structure, wherein the arms are connected to the main portion by a bend, then the lower frame member can extend along the main portion of the upper frame member and at least along a portion of the bend. Therefore, it is not a problem to connect the tensioning member to any part of the lower frame member.

[0013] The invention also includes a windshield assembly that exhibits all the features of a windshield assembly as described above, and is therefore constructed and obviously intended for use in an open roof structure as described. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic front perspective view of a vehicle roof, including an embodiment of an open roof structure with a windshield assembly.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the front of the open roof structure, with particular attention to the windshield assembly.

[0017] Figure 3 corresponds to Figure 2 The view shows only the windshield assembly.

[0018] Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 3, but only shows the lower frame portion of the windbreak assembly including the tensioning member.

[0019] Figure 5 , 6 And 7 is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional views along lines V-VI-VII to V-VI-VII show the windbreaks in three different positions.

[0020] Figure 8 It is along Figure 2 An enlarged sectional view of lines VIII-VIII in the middle, but the windshield device is in accordance with Figure 5 The location.

[0021] Figures 9 and 10 are views corresponding to Figures 3 and 4, but show a second embodiment of the windshield assembly.

[0022] Figure 11 and 12 These are enlarged perspective views of the tensioning members used in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0023] Figure 13 It corresponds to Figure 11 The views are shown, but the tensioning member from the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] First refer to Figure 1 An open roof structure for a vehicle includes a roof opening 1 disposed in a fixed roof portion 2 of the vehicle. A movable panel 3 is provided for selectively opening and closing the roof opening 1. The manner in which the movable panel 3 moves is known in itself and will not be further described in the context of this specification. Typically, the panel will be at least slidable back and forth, thereby forming a channel adjacent to the front edge of the roof opening 1.

[0025] The windshield assembly 4 is positioned at the front edge of the roof opening 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the windshield assembly 4 can be in a retracted position ( Figure 5 ) and two or more protruding positions ( Figure 2 The movable panel 3 can move between positions 3 and 6, 7. In the retracted position of the windshield assembly 4, the movable panel 3 can move forward to close the roof opening 1.

[0026] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the windshield assembly 4 is provided with an upper frame member 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the windshield assembly 4 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and the arm 7 is attached to the upper frame member 6 via a rounded corner 8 and connected to the fixed part at least via a potentially slidable pivot 9. However, it should be noted that the movable windshield assembly 4 does not necessarily have to pivot, but can also translate between its retracted and extended positions.

[0027] An operating system is provided in a manner known per se (e.g., mechanically or electrically operated, here by means of spring member 10), which moves the wind deflector assembly 4 from a lower retracted position to a higher extended position. For example, in this embodiment, the wind deflector assembly 4 is pressed against its retracted position by the movable panel 3 (when the movable panel is in its closed position). When the movable panel 3 is rearward toward its open position (e.g., see...), the wind deflector assembly 4... Figure 1 When the movable panel 3 moves toward its closed position, it disengages from the arm 7 of the windshield 4, which, under the pressure of the spring member 10, moves the upper frame member 6 toward its extended position. In reverse order, as the movable panel 3 moves toward its closed position, it engages the extended arm 7 of the windshield 4 and pushes the arm toward its retracted position against the load defined by the spring member 10. The height position of the upper frame member 6 can be changed, for example, depending on the vehicle speed, by a separate electric drive or mechanical system actuated by an operating mechanism for the panel (not shown, but known in itself).

[0028] The flexible member 11, in the illustrated embodiment, is a breathable mesh material, with one edge (its upper edge) attached to the upper frame member 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge of the flexible member 11 away from the upper frame member 6 (i.e., its lower edge) is attached to the lower frame member 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is a strip that is at least substantially rigid to prevent bending about the longitudinal axis. The lower frame member 12 can have any structure, but is typically elongated in the lateral direction in an open roof structure. The lower frame member 12 is connected to the fixed part 5 by a tensioning member 13, allowing the lower frame member 12 to move in an upward direction against the force of the tensioning member 13. This ensures that if the upper frame member 6 moves to different extended positions, the flexible member 11 remains taut because the lower frame member 12 can move with it against the load of the tensioning member 13. In the lowest active position of the windshield assembly 4 (see...), Figure 6 The flexible member 11 will already be taut if the upper frame member 6 moves to a higher movable position (see...). Figure 7 If the lower frame member 12 moves accordingly and the tensioning member 13 is loaded to load the lower frame member 12 in the downward direction.

[0029] Figures 3 and 4 show a distribution of multiple tensioning members 13 along the length of the lower frame member 12. In fact, in this particular embodiment, there are two types of tensioning members 13: a first tensioning member 13A located in the central main portion 14 of the lower frame member 12, and a second tensioning member 13B located at the lateral end of the lower frame member 12 where it bends into a corner region 15. The first tensioning member 13A and the second tensioning member 13B extend rearward from the lower frame member 12. For completeness, it should be noted that the lower frame member 12 is bent not only at its end portions, but also in its main portion 14, which is slightly curved according to the curvature of the front edge of the roof opening 1. The upper frame member 6, including the rounded corner 8, has a similar curvature.

[0030] Figure 11 The first tensioning member 13A of Figures 3 and 4 is shown at a larger scale. It is made of steel wire and bent into a U-shape with a web 16 and two legs 17. Each leg 17 has an upright foot 18 that can hook into an opening 19 in the fixing part 2, which is the front beam of the frame (see...). Figures 5 to 7 The belly 16 of the first tensioning member 13A can hook into an opening (not shown) in the lower frame member 12 of the windbreak device. The first tensioning member 13A and the second tensioning member 13B serve as bending springs.

[0031] Figure 5-7The diagram illustrates how the first tensioning member 13A is mounted to the upright wall 20 of the fixed portion 5 and to the lower frame member 12. The feet 18 of the legs 17 are fitted between the wall 20 and the vertical flange 21 such that when the lower frame member 12, together with one end of the tensioning member 13A, moves upward, they cannot rotate, thus preventing the legs 17 from bending relative to the feet 18. The diagram also shows how the first frame member 6 of the windshield assembly 4 is moved from a lower retracted position (…). Figure 5 Move to the first extended position ( Figure 6 ) and to the second, higher extension position ( Figure 7 In the first extended position, tensioning member 13A is almost unloaded. In the second, higher extended position, lower frame member 12 moves upward against the spring force of the loaded tensioning member 13A via upper frame member 6 and flexible member 11. If the first frame member 6 moves to a lower position again, tensioning member 13A will cause lower frame member 12 to move downward again so as to maintain the relative distance between frame members 6 and 16 as long as the windshield assembly 4 is in one of its extended positions.

[0032] Figure 8 and 12 The second tensioning member 13B, in its installed position, is shown separately. The second tensioning member 13B is a single wire with a hook 22 at its front end for insertion into the lower frame member 12 and a hook 23 at its rear end for insertion into the bottom wall of the guide rail 24 for the operating mechanism of the panel 3.

[0033] Figures 9, 10, and 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the windshield assembly 4, in which the tensioning member 13 is configured as a leaf spring. The figures show three leaf springs in the main portion 14 of the windshield assembly 4, but other numbers and distributions are conceivable. The springs 13 may also be arranged at the rounded corner region 15 of the lower frame member 12. It should be noted that the flexible member 11 may also extend to a position below the arm 7. The lower frame member 12 will then also extend, and additional tensioning members 13 may be positioned in these areas.

[0034] Figure 13 The first tensioning member 13A, constructed as a leaf spring, is shown in detail. As shown, the first tensioning member 13A has a main body portion 25, which has a convex shape for preloading. Hooks 26 and 27 are provided at both ends of the leaf spring; the rear hook 26 is used to hook into the upright wall 20 of the fixed portion 5, and the front hook 27 is used to hook into the lower frame member 12.

[0035] Generally, it should be noted that the resultant force of the multiple tensioning members 13 should be strong enough to keep the flexible member 11 taut, but weak enough not to effectively affect the operating force on the upper frame member 6. The operating force applied to the upper frame member 6 can, for example, be in the range of 14 to 20 N. Tests have shown that in the lower extension position, the force applied to the lower frame member 12 is approximately 2 to 3 N, and in the highest extension position, the force applied to the lower frame member is approximately 3 to 4 N, which meets both requirements. It should also be noted that varying wind forces during travel will cause movement of the lower frame member 12, which has the advantage that the upper frame member 6 will better maintain its position.

[0036] This invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and can be varied extensively within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Aspects of different embodiments can be combined. The flexible member can be made not only of a breathable mesh material but also of a partially impermeable one. Flexibility can be achieved through materials but also through structure, such as through pivotable portions. The tensioning member can also be formed of other spring types, such as tension springs. The lower frame member can also be connected to the fixed portion via a stretchable portion, such as a stretchable mesh material or other materials forming the tensioning member, such as rubber. The lower frame member and one or more tensioning members can also be integral.

Claims

1. A windshield assembly for an open roof structure of a vehicle, the open roof structure including a roof opening (1) disposed in a fixed roof portion (2) of the vehicle, and a movable panel (3) for selectively opening and closing the roof opening, the windshield assembly (4) being positioned at the front edge of the roof opening and provided with: a rigid upper frame member (6) extending at least along the front edge of the roof opening (1); and a flexible member (11), the upper edge of the flexible member being connected to the upper frame member, the lower edge of the flexible member being connected to a fixed portion (5) of the open roof structure, the upper frame member (6) being movable via an operating mechanism (10) between a lower, inactive position and at least two higher, active positions, the flexible member (11) being provided with one or more tensioning members (13) to keep the flexible member taut across its entire width in all active positions. Its features The flexible member (11) has a rigid, movable, elongated lower frame member (12) at its lower edge, the lower frame member (12) being configured to be connected to the fixed part (5) via one or more tensioning members (13) having a maximum tension below the maximum operating force of the operating mechanism.

2. The windbreak assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning member (13) is a bending spring.

3. The windbreak assembly according to claim 2, wherein the tensioning member (13) extends rearward from the lower frame member (12).

4. The windbreak assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tensioning member (13) is a leaf spring or a wire spring.

5. The windshield assembly of claim 4, wherein the leaf spring is preloaded to present a convex shape.

6. The windbreak assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tensioning member (13) is distributed along the length of the lower frame member (12).

7. The windbreak assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tensioning member (13) is configured to hook into the fixing portion (5) and / or hook into the lower frame member (12).

8. The windshield assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating mechanism (10) of the windshield assembly is operated electrically or mechanically.

9. The windbreak assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible member (11) comprises a breathable mesh material.

10. The windbreak assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower frame member (12) is non-linear.

11. The windshield assembly according to claim 10, wherein the upper frame member (6) has a main portion configured to extend in the lateral direction of the open roof structure and two arms (7) configured to extend mainly in the longitudinal direction of the open roof structure, the arms (7) being connected to the main portion via rounded corners (8), and the lower frame member (12) extending along the main portion of the upper frame member (6) and at least along a portion of the rounded corners (8).

12. An open roof structure comprising a windshield assembly (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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