Roof assembly

Abstract

A roof assembly for covering at least a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a mounting frame and a panel arrangement. The panel arrangement includes a cover panel and a mounting bracket including a mounting flange. The mounting frame includes a first flange and a second flange that are angled. The second flange includes a mounting arrangement for attaching the mounting flange. The first flange is configured to extend toward the passenger compartment. The mounting flange is attached to the second flange at the mounting arrangement. In a mounted state, at least a portion of the first flange is disposed closer to the cover panel than the mounting arrangement so that a headroom space is preserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof assembly and a vehicle including such a roof assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Open roof assemblies are well known. An open roof assembly is configured to be mounted in a vehicle roof and includes at least one movably arranged closure member. The closure member is configured and arranged to cover an opening in the roof or at least partially open an opening in the roof. Typically, but not necessarily, the closure member is a transparent panel and includes glass or a suitable plastic. The closure member may be configured to tilt or slide.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to provide a fixed, typically transparent panel in the roof of the passenger compartment to enable, for example, any occupant in the passenger compartment to have a view of the sky through the roof.

[0004] Such a fixed roof panel can be mounted on a frame that is attached to the vehicle body. Furthermore, a sunshade system, such as a roller blind or shade, can be directly installed below the transparent panel to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0005] The connection between the frame and the roof panel can be configured such that the height of the roof panel relative to the frame and therefore relative to the vehicle body is adjustable, allowing the roof panel to be mounted flush with the exterior of the vehicle body. This adjustment is performed after the roof assembly is mounted to the vehicle body. For adjusting and securing the position of the roof panel, mounting devices, such as screws, are configured to be operable from the passenger compartment. To provide such accessibility to the mounting devices, other elements, such as sunshades, need to be appropriately constructed and arranged, typically involving a distance from the roof panel to reduce headroom for occupants. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a roof assembly with improved headroom while allowing for positional adjustment of the roof panel.

[0007] In a first aspect, the objective is achieved in a roof assembly for covering at least a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle according to this application. The roof assembly includes a mounting frame and a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a cover panel and at least one mounting bracket adhered to the cover panel. The mounting bracket includes a mounting flange extending substantially perpendicular to the cover panel. The mounting frame includes a first flange and a second flange, the first flange extending at an angle relative to the second flange, wherein the second flange includes a mounting means for attaching the mounting flange, and the second flange includes a first main surface and a second main surface, the second main surface opposite to the first main surface. In an installed state, i.e., when the mounting frame and the panel assembly are connected, at least a portion of the first flange is arranged at a level between the level of the cover panel and the level of the mounting means; the first main surface of the second flange extends substantially parallel to the mounting flange and is configured to point towards the passenger compartment; the first flange extends parallel to a direction away from the first main surface of the second flange and is configured to extend towards the passenger compartment; and the mounting flange is attached to the second flange at the mounting means.

[0008] In the roof assembly, the panel device and the mounting frame are functionally independent components. The mounting frame is configured to be mounted to the vehicle body. In one embodiment, the mounting frame is configured to mount upwards from the passenger compartment side of the roof, wherein the mounting frame is then mounted to the body flange. The panel device may be mounted with the mounting frame while in the mounted state, or it may be mounted later from the outside. In particular, for maintenance purposes, the panel device may be removed and reinstalled later.

[0009] As mentioned above, when used herein, "installation state" refers to the state in which the panel assembly and the mounting frame are connected in a manner intended for installation in the roof. When used herein, the term "installation state" does not require that the roof assembly be actually installed in the roof, although this may be the case.

[0010] The covering panel can be a panel that covers the passenger compartment, and is typically a transparent panel, but other embodiments are also conceivable. For example, a lighting panel, a display panel, or even a partially removable or movable panel can be used.

[0011] The mounting bracket can be attached to the cover panel in any suitable manner. As is known in the art, the mounting bracket can be adhered using an adhesive or embedded in an encapsulant layer, which can be disposed in a peripheral region adjacent to the edge of the cover panel. Methods of attaching the mounting bracket are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein.

[0012] The mounting bracket includes a mounting flange that extends generally vertically. Because the cover panel may be curved, the precise angle between the mounting flange and the cover panel is typically not perfectly perpendicular. Essentially, when viewed in its mounted position within the vehicle roof, the mounting flange extends toward the passenger compartment. When the cover panel is considered as a flat object covering the passenger compartment, the mounting flange can be considered to extend generally perpendicular to such a flat object. It should be noted that the mounting bracket including the mounting flange can be formed from a single element or from any other suitable number of mechanically connected elements. Further, in one embodiment, one or more mounting brackets may be provided along each of at least two edges of the cover panel.

[0013] The second flange of the mounting frame includes a first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the second main surface is opposite to the first main surface. When mounted in the roof, the first main surface points towards the passenger compartment. Further, in the mounted state, the mounting flange is arranged substantially parallel to the first and second main surfaces of the second flange. Using a mounting device for the second flange, the mounting flange is attached to the second flange, thereby supporting the panel assembly.

[0014] The first flange extends at an angle relative to the second flange. The first flange can be used to support a sunshade, such as a roller blind or blind, or to provide a guide rail for it. Thus, the first flange extends away from the first main surface in a direction toward the passenger compartment. The angle can typically be close to a right angle, but can essentially be any angle. It should be noted that in one embodiment, the first flange may project from the first main surface of the second flange, or in another embodiment, the second flange may project from the first flange, or in yet another embodiment, the first and second flanges may be separate components or elements, each mechanically or integrally coupled to any other suitable part of the mounting frame.

[0015] At least a portion of the first flange is disposed at a level between the horizontal of the roof panel and the horizontal of the mounting device. When used herein, horizontal refers to the position as viewed in the installed state along a direction perpendicular to the roof panel. Such a direction may also be referred to herein as the height direction, the Z-direction, or the vertical direction. Note that the term "vertical direction" assumes that the roof assembly is mounted in a vehicle positioned on a generally horizontal surface as in a normal or conventional orientation. If the vehicle or the roof assembly is not oriented in such a normal orientation, the term "vertical direction" may not correspond to vertical as used herein.

[0016] As mentioned above, the first flange can be configured to mount or provide a guide rail or any other functional element close to the cover panel. Because at least a portion of the first flange is arranged at a level between the level of the cover panel and the level of the mounting device, the level of the guide rail or other functional element can be reliably positioned close to the cover panel, as no spacing is required to achieve access to the mounting device. Therefore, more top space is reserved.

[0017] In embodiments of the roof assembly, the mounting frame includes frame elements, wherein the first flange and the second flange are integral portions of the frame elements. In a particular embodiment, the frame element is an elongated extruded element formed of aluminum or a suitable plastic, and the first and second flanges are integrally formed with the frame element. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the mounting frame may include separate elements forming the first and second flanges, which are later mechanically joined together, for example by screws, welding, riveting, application of adhesives, or any other suitable method.

[0018] In an embodiment of the roof assembly, the first flange includes a through-hole, and in the installed state, at least a portion of the mounting flange extends through the through-hole. Because the first flange is at least partially positioned at a level between the horizontal of the cover panel and the horizontal of the mounting device, the through-hole allows at least a portion of the mounting flange to be arranged adjacent to the mounting device for installation.

[0019] In an embodiment of the roof assembly, in the installed state, the mounting flange is attached to the second flange at one side of the first main surface. For example, a nut may be provided at the second main surface, and through-holes in the second flange and the mounting flange allow for the provision of bolts to attach the mounting flange to the second flange. The through-holes in the mounting flange may be elongated to enable position adjustment, as is well known in the art. Furthermore, any other suitable mounting device can be applied for attachment. In one embodiment, the mounting device may be configured to enable position adjustment in one or both directions parallel to the cover panel.

[0020] In embodiments of the roof assembly, the mounting flange has low stiffness in a direction perpendicular to its extension plane to allow movement of the cover panel in that direction. For ease of installation and positioning, the cover panel can be arranged to move within a limited range in a direction parallel to the cover panel, such that the cover panel can be positioned along that direction by abutment against the outer body of the vehicle.

[0021] In an embodiment of the roof assembly, the mounting frame includes a drainage channel disposed on one side of the second main surface, wherein the drainage channel is positioned at a level between the horizontal of the cover panel and the horizontal of the mounting device. In a particular embodiment, the drainage channel is disposed at least partially adjacent to a portion of the mounting flange, and in the installed state, the drainage channel is spaced a distance from the mounting flange to allow the mounting flange to bend. As described above, such bending allows the cover panel to adapt to and abut against the external vehicle body.

[0022] In an embodiment of the roof assembly, the mounting frame includes a drainage channel disposed on one side of the second main surface, wherein the drainage channel is arranged at a level overlapping with the horizontal level of the mounting device, wherein mounting space is provided between the second flange and the drainage channel at the horizontal level of the mounting device. The sidewalls of the drainage channel may be arranged obliquely, rather than substantially parallel to the second flange and the mounting flange, to provide sufficient space at the horizontal level of the mounting device for mounting the mounting flange.

[0023] In an embodiment of the roof assembly, a protective flange is arranged on one side of the second main surface of the second flange such that the mounting device is at least partially covered. If the airbag is arranged close to the mounting device, the mounting device protruding from the second main surface could potentially puncture the airbag upon deployment. The protective flange protects the airbag and prevents puncture.

[0024] In one aspect, a vehicle including the roof assembly is provided. In this vehicle, as is well known in the art, a top liner is provided in the passenger compartment. The top liner is constructed and arranged to abut against the first flange and cover the mounting device. Therefore, the mounting device and the mounting frame are suitably invisible from the passenger compartment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The 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 merely by way of illustration, 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:

[0026] Figure 1A A perspective view of the roof with an open roof assembly is shown;

[0027] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A Exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0028] Figure 2A A cross-section showing an embodiment of a prior art roof assembly;

[0029] Figure 2B A cross-section of a first embodiment of the roof assembly is shown;

[0030] Figure 3A shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the panel device;

[0031] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a cross-section of an embodiment of the panel device of Figure 3A;

[0032] Figure 4A shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the mounting frame;

[0033] Figure 4B A perspective view showing a cross-section of an embodiment of the mounting frame of FIG4A;

[0034] Figure 5 A cross-section of a second embodiment of the roof assembly is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A cross-section of a third embodiment of the roof assembly is shown; and

[0036] Figure 7 A cross-section of a fourth embodiment of the roof assembly is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to identify the same or similar elements.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, whereby the movable panel 2a is positioned over 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b to allow light to enter the vehicle's interior passenger compartment through the fixed panel 2b, assuming the fixed panel 2b is 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 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, and 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 corresponding guide assembly 6a and 6b and the electric motor 9.

[0047] Drive cables 7 and 8 connect electric motor 9 to the mechanisms of the corresponding guide components 6a and 6b, so that the mechanisms begin to move when the electric motor 9 is operated. Specifically, the electric motor 9 moves the core of the 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 described further herein. However, any other suitable drive components may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the electric motor may be operatively arranged between the corresponding guides and the corresponding mechanisms of the guide components 6a and 6b, and in such embodiments, the drive components may be completely omitted.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 9 is mounted at the recess 10 near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a. In another embodiment, the electric motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable location 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.

[0050] Control module 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to electric motor 9. Control module 11 can be any kind of processing module well known to those skilled in the art: a software-controlled processing module or a dedicated processing module, such as an ASIC. Control module 11 can be a standalone control module, or it can be operatively connected to another control module, such as a multi-purpose vehicle control module. In yet another embodiment, control module 11 can be embedded in or be part of such a multi-purpose vehicle control module. Essentially, control module 11 can be implemented by any control module suitable for, capable of, and configured to perform operation of electric motor 9 and thus movable roof assembly.

[0051] Figure 2A A prior art roof assembly is shown, comprising a cover panel 20 (also referred to herein as a closure member) and an edge encapsulation 21 as well known in the art. A mounting bracket 22 includes a panel attachment flange 222 and a mounting flange 221. The panel attachment flange 222 is adhered to the cover panel 20 via the edge encapsulation 21, and the mounting flange 221 extends substantially perpendicular to the cover panel 20 along the direction of the passenger compartment PC.

[0052] The mounting frame 30 includes a second flange 31 arranged parallel to the mounting flange 221, a shading curtain guide channel 32, and a drive cable channel 33 for holding a driven cable for moving a traction beam of the shading curtain. Such shading curtain systems (also commonly referred to as roller blind systems) are well known in the art and will not be further described herein.

[0053] The cover seal 34 is attached to the mounting frame 30 to conceal the mounting device 40 from view. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting device 40 includes bolts, but any other releasable mounting device may be used. To operate the mounting device, i.e., to install or remove the panel assembly including the cover panel 20, the encapsulation 21, and the mounting bracket 22, through-holes or recesses need to be provided locally in the mounting frame 30. To operate the bolt 40, tools need to approach the bolt 40 through space 41. Furthermore, the shade-fabric guide channel 32 and the drive cable channel 33 are further positioned away from the cover panel 20 to provide sufficient access to the mounting device 40.

[0054] Mounting frame 30 further includes a drainage channel 36. The drainage channel 36 is configured to remove water, other liquids, and dirt that may originate from the edge enclosure 21. The vehicle's external body housing is typically arranged with a body seal against the abutment surface 211 of the edge enclosure 21. Small amounts of rainwater and other water, carrying dirt, and other liquids will flow between the body seal and the abutment surface 211 of the edge enclosure 21. Such small amounts of liquid are received in the drainage channel 36 and removed through suitable channels or pipes, as is well known in the art.

[0055] Mounting frame 30 further includes a body attachment flange 35, which is used to typically adhere mounting frame 30 to the body of the vehicle by applying a suitable adhesive, while providing water tightness.

[0056] Figure 2B A first embodiment of the roof assembly in an installed state is shown, wherein the mounting device is arranged further away from the cover panel 20, and the sunshade-fabric guide channel 32 and drive cable channel 33 are arranged closer to the cover panel 20, particularly closer to the cover panel 20 than the mounting device 40. The cover panel 20 is arranged at a first level L1, the sunshade-fabric guide channel 32 and drive cable channel 33 are arranged at a second level L2, and the mounting device 40 is arranged at a third level L3. Figure 2B It is obvious that the second level L2 is closer to the first level L1 than the third level L3. In other words, the second level L2 is positioned between the first level L1 and the third level L3.

[0057] More specifically, the sunshade-fabric guide channel 32 and the drive cable channel 33 are integral parts of the first flange 37 of the mounting frame 30. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the sunshade-fabric guide channel 32 and the drive cable channel 33 need not be integral parts, but can be separate parts mounted on the first flange 37.

[0058] Mounting flange 221 extends through first flange 37, which is described in more detail herein with respect to Figures 3A-3B and 4A-4B. Mounting flange 221 is attached to second flange 31 via mounting device 40. Again, as mentioned above, mounting device 40 is shown as a nut and bolt, but may include any other suitable releasable attachment device or construction. However, it is preferred that a positional offset along the Z-direction be achievable (see Figure 40). Figure 2B The arrows indicating the Y-direction and Z-direction are used to arrange the cover panel 20 and the edge package 21 flush with the outer body housing (not shown).

[0059] The drainage channel 36 is designed with a separate wall extending in the Z-direction to prevent leakage between the second flange 31 and the mounting flange 221. Furthermore, the drainage channel 36 is spaced 361 away from the mounting flange 221 to allow the mounting flange 221 to bend in the Y-direction, thereby allowing the cover panel 20 to adapt to the position of the outer body housing without generating excessive force on the mounting frame 30.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, lighting device 50 is disposed on the inner surface of cover panel 20 for providing ambient lighting in the passenger compartment PC. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, any other functional elements may also be provided. Furthermore, such functional elements may alternatively be mounted on the first flange 37 or on mounting flange 221.

[0061] Note that due to the position of the mounting device 40, the cover seal 34 can be omitted. Figure 2A Mounting flange 221 can be suitably manufactured to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. No further covering is required.

[0062] After the roof assembly is installed in the vehicle body, the mounting device 40 is hidden from view by the top liner 60, which is a common component in the passenger compartment and therefore will not be described further herein.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, if the lighting device 50 is omitted, the shade curtain-fabric guide channel 32 and the drive cable channel 33 can be positioned even closer to the cover panel 20. Additionally, for example, the first flange 37 can be mounted closer to the cover panel 20 on the mounting frame 30, or the first flange 37 can be arranged to be angled upwards. Therefore, the angle A between the first flange 37 and the second flange 31 can be approximately a right angle as shown, or it can be any other suitable angle.

[0064] Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B show more details Figure 2B The first embodiment is shown in its non-installed state. Figures 3A and 3B show a panel assembly including a cover panel 20, an edge encapsulation 21, and a mounting bracket 22. As shown in Figure 3B, the mounting flange 221 includes an extension 223 and a mounting hole 224 extending through the mounting flange 221. Figures 4A and 4B show a mounting frame 30. A first flange 37 is provided with a through hole 371 for receiving the extension 223 of the mounting flange 221 therethrough.

[0065] The second flange 31 includes a first main surface 311 and a second main surface 312 opposite to the first main surface 311. The mounting device 313 is formed as a through-hole, which may (or may not) be threaded. If the through-hole 313 is threaded, a bolt can be easily tightened and secured therein; otherwise, a nut can be used. Such a nut can be freely supplied or can be attached to the second main surface 312 by welding, applying adhesive, or similar means.

[0066] In such Figure 2B In the illustrated mounting configuration, the mounting flange 221 is positioned at the first main surface 311 of the second flange 31. In another embodiment, the mounting flange 221 may be positioned at the second main surface 312, in which case the mounting device 40 may be adapted to provide easy installation.

[0067] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the through hole 371 in the first flange 37 can be provided as a groove at the end of the mounting frame 30. Furthermore, multiple through holes 371 can be provided along the length (X-direction) of the mounting frame 30. In such an embodiment, the mounting flange 221 can be provided with multiple extensions 223 at positions corresponding to the positions of the through holes 371.

[0068] Figure 5 The second embodiment is shown, in which the lighting device 50 is omitted. Figure 2BSince such a functional element is absent, as mentioned above, the sunshade curtain-fabric guide channel 32 and the drive cable channel 33 can be arranged closer to the cover panel 20. In this second embodiment, the first flange 37 is positioned closer to the cover panel 20. Due to this position, the mounting device 40 can also be positioned closer to the cover panel 20.

[0069] As is known in the prior art ( Figure 2A The mounting device 40 can extend into the drain channel 36. However, to ensure watertightness and / or for ease of installation, in this second embodiment, the drain channel 36 is provided with a suitable cross-sectional shape. As a result, the length of the mounting flange 221 (i.e., its dimension along the Z-direction) is reduced, thereby providing even more improved headroom in the passenger compartment PC.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the third embodiment, the first flange 37 is implemented differently from the second embodiment, but the same result is provided in terms of positioning of the sunshade curtain-fabric guide channel 32 and the drive cable channel 33 relative to the cover panel 20 and the mounting device 40.

[0071] In the third embodiment, the first flange 37 connects to the second flange 31 at a fourth level L4. The fourth level L4 is further away from the first level L1 of the cover panel 20 than the third level L3 of the mounting device 40. However, the end portion 372 of the first flange 37 is located at a second level L2, which is closer to the first level L1 of the cover panel 20 than the third level L3 of the mounting device 40. To provide accessibility to the mounting device 40, a passage hole 373 is provided locally in the first flange 37. Therefore, also in this third embodiment, the top liner 60 covers the mounting device 40 and is... Figure 2A Compared to existing embodiments, the sunshade curtain-fabric guide channel 32 and drive cable channel 33 are closer to the cover panel 20.

[0072] The mounting frame 30 is shown herein as a single integral element, such as an extruded element. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the mounting frame 30 can be implemented using multiple components coupled to each other.

[0073] Figure 7 The fourth embodiment is shown, which, in addition to protecting the flange 38, is similar to... Figure 2BThe first embodiment is similar. One or more airbags can be installed in the roof. Due to the position of the mounting device 40, the airbag may be punctured by the mounting device 40 when the airbag is deployed, and depending on the positions of the airbag and the mounting device 40. To prevent such puncture, a protective flange 38 can be provided, which at least partially covers the mounting device on one side of the second main surface 312.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the illustrated embodiment of the protective flange 38 is merely an exemplary embodiment, and many other shapes and positions are contemplated and obvious in order to achieve the function of protecting the airbag from puncture.

[0075] When used herein, a mounting device includes all elements that directly contribute to establishing a mechanical connection between components. Therefore, a mounting flange including a mounting device may encompass a mounting flange having a through-hole for receiving bolts passing through it, or may include other means. Furthermore, individual bolts are also considered and described as mounting devices, although not necessarily as part of a mounting flange. Therefore, it is specified that more than one mounting device may be present in the mounted state.

[0076] Detailed embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be implemented 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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" is defined as one or more. When used herein, the term "a plurality" 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 "link" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection.

[0079] 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. A roof assembly for covering at least a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the roof assembly comprising a mounting frame and a panel assembly, the panel assembly comprising a cover panel and at least one mounting bracket attached to the cover panel, wherein, • The mounting bracket includes a mounting flange that extends substantially perpendicular to the cover panel; as well as • The mounting frame includes a first flange and a second flange, the first flange being configured to mount or provide functional elements and extending at an angle relative to the second flange, wherein the second flange includes mounting means for attaching the mounting flange and the second flange includes a first main surface and a second main surface, the second main surface being opposite to the first main surface; During the installation process, • At least a portion of the first flange and the functional element are arranged at a level between the level of the cover panel and the level of the mounting device; • The first main surface of the second flange extends substantially parallel to the mounting flange and is configured to point toward the passenger compartment; • The first flange extends parallel to a first main surface exiting the second flange and is configured to extend toward the passenger compartment; and • The mounting flange is attached to the second flange at the mounting device.

2. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame includes frame elements, wherein the first flange and the second flange are integral parts of the frame elements.

3. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flange includes a through hole, and wherein, in the mounted state, at least a portion of the mounting flange extends through the through hole.

4. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the installed state, the mounting flange is attached to the second flange on one side of the first main surface.

5. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting flange has low stiffness in a direction perpendicular to the extension plane of the mounting flange, so as to allow the cover panel to move in the direction perpendicular to the extension plane of the mounting flange.

6. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame includes a drainage channel disposed on one side of the second main surface, wherein the drainage channel is disposed at a level between the level of the cover panel and the level of the mounting device.

7. The roof assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drainage channel is arranged at least partially adjacent to a portion of the mounting flange, and wherein, in the installed state, the drainage channel is spaced a distance from the mounting flange to allow the mounting flange to bend.

8. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame includes a drainage channel disposed on one side of the second main surface, wherein the drainage channel is disposed at a level that overlaps with the horizontal level of the mounting device, wherein, at the horizontal level of the mounting device, mounting space is provided between the second flange and the drainage channel.

9. A vehicle comprising a roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A protective flange is arranged on one side of the second main surface of the second flange so that the mounting device is at least partially covered.

10. A vehicle comprising a roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A top liner is provided in the passenger compartment, the top liner being constructed and arranged to abut against the first flange and cover the mounting device.

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