Roof system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof system for a vehicle (1) having a stationary roof (2) with a roof opening (3) which can be closed by a roof panel (4). The roof system comprises a pair of parallel guide rails (9, 61) and an operating mechanism (10) for each guide rail (9). Each operating mechanism includes a front mechanism (20), a tilt mechanism (24), and a locking mechanism (62) for locking the tilt mechanism (24). Wherein the locking mechanism (62) is slidably guided in the guide rail (9, 61) and, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1), is behind the tilting mechanism (24) and away from the tilting mechanism (24). The effect of the roof system is that the packaging of the front mechanism can be reduced, and the space required by the front mechanism inside the guide rail is reduced accordingly, thereby allowing the cross section of the guide rail to be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a roof system according to the preamble of claim 1. In modern vehicles, there is a desire to maximize the headroom and to maximize the light opening in the roof system. Background Art

[0002] With the advent of electric vehicles, the overall layout of the car is changing. The space required for the battery pack is usually located at the bottom of the car, thereby raising the ground level of the passenger compartment, especially the ground level of the seats therein. However, in order to maintain the overall aerodynamic front of the vehicle, the roof is not raised, resulting in a reduction in headroom. As a result, the available height of the roof system is reduced. To address this problem, automobile manufacturers have introduced fixed, stationary glass window panels to obtain the required reduction of the so-called Z-package. These fixed panels can provide a visual connection experience with the outside environment, but lack the flexibility to adapt to different environmental situations, such as providing fresh air on a sunny morning and providing coverage on a dark, rainy afternoon. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a roof system that can balance these conflicting needs. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle roof system having improved headroom and / or light openings.

[0004] To this end, the roof system according to the invention is equipped with a locking mechanism which is slidably guided in a guide rail and is located completely behind and remote from the tilting mechanism as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0005] The advantage of this feature is that the operating mechanism usually has two main parts: a front mechanism and a rear mechanism or a tilting mechanism. All the parts required in these front mechanisms and rear mechanisms need to be packaged or positioned in the guide rails. The front mechanism and rear mechanism have multiple operating positions, such as when the glass panel is in a closed position, or when the glass panel is in a tilted position, or when the glass panel is completely in an open position. In each of these positions and between these positions, the detailed parts of the front mechanism and the rear mechanism need to be movable, and their respective spaces are required to perform their respective operating functions within the boundaries of the guide rails. Because the guide rail is an important part of the roof system, it affects the headroom and daylighting opening of the passengers in the vehicle by the size, especially the size of the cross section (intercepted in the lateral extension vertical plane). When the height and width are reduced, the headroom and daylighting opening are improved respectively. In the present invention, the front mechanism is changed because the locking mechanism that is usually combined in the front mechanism to ensure the locking of the tilting mechanism is now placed behind the rear mechanism and away from the rear mechanism. This has the effect that the packaging of the front mechanism can be reduced, for example in terms of the number of parts, and with it the space required by the front mechanism inside the guide rail, which allows reducing the cross section of said guide rail.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, the guide rail extends uninterruptedly in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the front mechanism, the tilt mechanism and the locking mechanism are slidably connected to the guide rail. In this embodiment, the guide rail extends in the longitudinal direction as an integral part.

[0007] According to a second embodiment, each of the guide rails comprises a first, front guide rail placed in front of a second, rear guide rail as seen in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the front guide rail and the rear guide rail are separate parts, spaced apart from each other and in line with each other, and wherein the front guide rail is slidably connected to the front mechanism and the tilting mechanism, and wherein the rear guide rail is slidably connected to the locking mechanism. In this second embodiment, the guide rails are divided into a front part and a rear part, with a certain distance between the rear part of the front guide rail and the front part of the rear guide rail. This distance may need to be used for other parts, such as a crossbeam of the body of the vehicle. In order to connect the front mechanism to the locking mechanism and the locking mechanism to the tilting mechanism, it is conceivable that the connecting part bridges the distance between the front and rear guide rails so that the parts of each operating mechanism are operable.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a locking rod and a retainer, wherein the retainer and the locking rod comprise a pin slot and a locking pin slidably guided in the pin slot, and wherein the retainer is fixedly attached to the guide rail. The pin slot has a first substantially horizontal slot portion for guiding the locking pin and a second substantially vertical locking slot portion for locking the locking pin. Thus, the pin slot can be in the retainer, wherein the locking pin is on the locking rod, and vice versa, the pin slot can be in the locking rod, wherein the locking pin is on the retainer. The locking mechanism is placed in the guide rail behind the tilting mechanism as seen in the longitudinal direction, and there is no direct contact between the locking mechanism and the tilting mechanism. Now the advantage is that, since the locking mechanism is not adjacent to the tilting mechanism, there is more space available for the locking mechanism behind the tilting mechanism. Thus, a reduction in the width and height of the guide rail can be achieved. For example, the retainer and the locking rod of the present invention can now be placed in the middle of the guide rail, where there is enough available space.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the front mechanism comprises a drive slide connected to a first drive member for driving the drive slide, and wherein a second drive member connects the drive slide to the locking mechanism for driving the locking mechanism at least during the vertical movement of the rear edge of the panel. The front mechanism is driven by a drive slide connected to the first drive member, which in turn is driven by the electric motor. The portion of the guide rail used for the first drive member is a channel, which is also used to guide the second drive member extending from the drive slide to the locking mechanism. This ensures that no separate space is required in the guide rail to accommodate the connection between the front mechanism and the locking mechanism.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the tilt mechanism comprises a sliding guide slidably guided in the guide rail, the sliding guide enabling one end of the auxiliary rod to move in a substantially vertical direction, and wherein the auxiliary rod is slidably in contact with the sliding guide, and wherein the auxiliary rod is pivotally connected to the sliding claw at one end for moving the sliding claw in a vertical direction. The sliding claw is hingedly connected to a pair of lifting rods at opposite lateral sides, the lifting rods are pivotally connected to a housing at opposite ends, and the housing is fixedly connected to the guide rail. The sliding guide is further provided with a first, a second and a third guide slot, and wherein the auxiliary rod is provided with a first, a second and a third pin, each pin being slidably guided in a corresponding slot of the sliding guide. The first guide slot of the sliding guide further comprises a first substantially horizontally extending slot portion and a subsequent vertical vertical locking slot portion, and wherein the second guide slot comprises a substantially horizontal slot portion, and the third guide slot of the sliding guide comprises a first substantially horizontal slot portion and a subsequent upwardly curved slot portion. The tilt mechanism is also made slim by reducing its width. Similarly, for the front mechanism, the detailed parts of the tilt mechanism are positioned in a row in the guide rail, rather than side by side in the lateral direction. In the present invention, the sliding guide and the auxiliary rod have been placed in front of the sliding claw and the pair of lifting rods. This further reduces the required width of the guide rail. The core of the sliding claw is a U-shaped bracket, which is assembled around the lower half of the panel bracket by the panel bracket guide. However, the plastic tiles in the sliding claw are only arranged on one lateral side and the lower side. This makes the mechanism slimmer in the area of ​​the sliding claw.

[0011] According to another aspect, the locking lever is pivotally connected to one lateral side of the hinge block, and wherein a connecting rod is connected to the opposite lateral side of the hinge block, the connecting rod being connected to the sliding guide. To further describe the drive path towards the tilt mechanism, the second drive member is connected to the locking lever, capable of driving the locking lever in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the locking lever is hingedly connected to the hinge block, wherein the hinge block is connected to the connecting rod, which in turn is slidably connected to the sliding guide, wherein the interconnected aforementioned parts are capable of moving in the longitudinal direction and thus drive a part of the tilt mechanism in the vertical direction, thereby causing vertical movement of the rear part of the first panel. Thus, the path for driving the tilt operation of the tilt mechanism extends from the electric motor via the first drive member to the front drive slide, then via the second drive member to the locking lever, and via the connected hinge block and connecting rod to the sliding guide, wherein in the rearward movement of these combined drive parts, the rear part of the panel moves in the upward direction, and in the case of movement of these combined drive parts to the front, the panel moves in the downward direction.

[0012] According to another aspect, the second drive member is provided with a locking joint at the rear end and the locking rod at the front end, the locking joint comprising a locking cam and a locking slot for engaging the locking cam. The locking slot is provided with a substantially longitudinal capture portion and a substantially vertical locking portion. When the locking rod is locked in the positioner, the locking rod is lowered at its front end because its rear end can be hingedly connected to the hinge block. Due to the shape of the locking slot, the locking pin drops into the capture slot of the second drive member and the drive member is no longer in physical contact with the locking rod pin. Therefore, when the second drive member moves further longitudinally to the rear, the second drive member will continue to move backwards without bringing the locking rod with it. The locking slot is open at one end (capture portion) and closed at its other end (locking portion).

[0013] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism is placed in the guide rail completely behind the rear edge of the first panel, seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the case where the first panel will be the only panel in the roof system, the locking mechanism may be placed behind the rear edge of this panel. In such a case, the locking mechanism may be under a part of the fixed roof or another part fixed to the roof.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment, the roof system further comprises a second panel, and wherein the locking mechanism is placed in the guide rail completely behind the front edge of the second panel, seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Depending on the structure and available space, the locking mechanism may be positioned very close to the rear (rear) of the tilting mechanism, however, it is conceivable that in the case of the roof system having a second panel, the locking mechanism is placed behind the front edge of the second panel. In such a case, the structure below the first and second panels may include obstacles that would compromise the space for the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism may be placed further to the rear to avoid interference with such obstacles.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the roof system further comprises a drainage channel for draining water, and wherein the locking mechanism is placed in the guide rail at least partially below the drainage channel, viewed in the vertical direction. In case the roof system comprises a first and a second panel, it is conceivable that the drainage channel is arranged below the adjoining rear edge of the front panel and the front edge of the rear panel. The drainage channel may form an obstruction to the guide rail, making it necessary to remove a partial flange of the guide rail, however the parts of the locking mechanism may be conceived such that at least a part of the locking mechanism is placed below the drainage channel.

[0016] According to another aspect, the guide rail is provided with a hole in its bottom part locally below the locking mechanism. In case the locking mechanism needs to be serviced and it is not possible to remove the second panel to be able to replace the part from above, it is conceivable to do so from below via the hole in the guide rail.

[0017] According to another aspect of the second embodiment, the front guide rail is placed in line with the rear guide rail so that a second drive member and a connecting rod slidably engaged in the guide rails can extend between the guide rails and operatively drive a locking mechanism in the guide rails and a tilting mechanism in the guide rails, respectively. In this aspect of the second embodiment, the space between the rear portion of the front guide rail and the front portion of the rear guide rail is only bridged by the second drive member and the connecting rod, so there is no guide rail in this area. This means that there is more room in this space for other parts, such as parts of the body of the vehicle or an exhaust channel.

[0018] According to another aspect of the second embodiment, the connection between the front mechanism and the locking mechanism and the connection between the locking mechanism and the tilting mechanism are achieved by a pair of flexible cables guided in corresponding channels in the guide rails, and wherein the cables are guided between the front guide rail and the rear guide rail by cable tubes attached to opposite sides of the guide rails. It is conceivable that instead of having solid parts such as a second drive member and a connecting rod, the connection can be achieved by a flexible drive cable guided in a drive tube. The advantage of this is that in the bridging space between the front guide rail and the rear guide rail, the drive tube / drive cable combination can be designed so that the curvature of the drive tube / drive cable construction is conceivable. This may be necessary when it is necessary to guide the drive tube / drive cable combination around parts that are otherwise too close.

[0019] According to other aspects of the invention, the rear guide rail is an aluminum part or a plastic part, and wherein the rear guide rail is mounted to any of the fixed part, the interior of the fixed roof or the inner surface of the second panel. It is conceivable that the rear guide rail is an aluminum extrusion profile with the same or different cross-section as the front guide rail. It is also conceivable that the rear guide rail is made of plastic as an extruded part or an injection molded part. In the latter example, it is conceivable that certain parts of the locking mechanism can be formed as an integral part of the plastic rear guide rail. In a preferred embodiment, the rear guide rail can be fixed to a fixed part of the roof system, which is conceivable when the roof system is a so-called top-loading system with two panels. It is also conceivable that in such a roof system with two panels, wherein the second panel is a fixed panel, the rear guide rail is fixed to the inner surface of the second panel. However, it is also conceivable that the roof system is a top-loading system with only one (movable) panel, wherein the rear part of the panel is adjacent to the fixed roof. In such a case, the rear guide rail may be fixed to the inside of the fixed roof.In case the roof system is a so-called "bottom loading" system with one (movable) panel, the same fixing manner may be used.

[0020] The vehicle roof system according to the invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments of the vehicle roof system by way of example only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1A and 1B is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof system, panels of which are shown in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1A A plan view of a portion of a vehicle roof without panels but with a frame.

[0023] Figure 3A and 3B For use Figure 2 Exploded view of the parts of the operating mechanism of the panel of the roof system on a larger scale and viewed from the side towards the outside and the inside.

[0024] Figure 3C and 3D For use Figure 2 Exploded view of the parts of an alternative operating mechanism for a panel of a roof system, viewed from the side to the outside and inside.

[0025] Figure 3E For use Figure 2 An exploded view of another alternative operating mechanism for a panel of a roof system, viewed from the side.

[0026] Figure 4 3 is a plan view of the operating mechanism, wherein the guide rail in which the operating mechanism is installed is not shown.

[0027] Figures 5A-5C and 6A-6C are Figure 4 Side views of the actuating mechanism of FIG. 1 in three different positions, viewed from the outside and from the inside, wherein the guide rails are not shown.

[0028] Figure 7-12A , 13-16 are along Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of line VII-XVI in FIG.

[0029] Fig. 12B For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line XIIB in FIG.

[0030] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view taken across the guide rail with the panel 4 in the sliding position, wherein the front sliding shoe is shown.

[0031] Fig.18 It is a plan view of the rear portion of the operating mechanism, showing the locking mechanism and the portion of the guide with the maintenance hole.

[0032] Fig.19 and 20 Along the Figure 2 Sectional view along lines XIX and XX.

[0033] Fig.21 It is a true side view of the sliding guide viewed from the side to the outside towards the center of the vehicle.

[0034] Fig. 22A true side view of the locking slot.

[0035] Fig.23 This is a true side view of the locator.

[0036] Fig.24A -D is an exploded view of the parts of an alternative locking mechanism of the operating mechanism.

[0037] Figure 25-28 Schematic plan views of several embodiments of operating mechanisms and guide rail geometries in different embodiments of a roof system having at least one movable first panel.

[0038] Figure 29-31 The basis for the operating organization Fig.26 , 27 , schematic cross-sectional views of the corresponding lines XXVIII-XXVIII, XXIX-XXIX, XXX-XXX in 28. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following description, spatial references such as front, side and rear, or below, under and above, or forward and rear directions and driving movements are relative to the overall orientation of a vehicle, such as a passenger car. In particular, for a driver behind the steering wheel of such a vehicle. In addition, the X, Y and Z directions will refer to directions corresponding to the length, width and height of the vehicle. In the accompanying drawings, the forward driving movement of the vehicle can be indicated by the arrow D, thus pointing in the direction towards the front side of the vehicle.

[0040] First, refer to Figure 1A and 1B , schematically showing a roof system. In the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1, a roof opening 3 is defined, which can be closed by a movable closing element ( Figure 1A ) and open ( Figure 1B ), the closure here is a rigid, at least partially transparent (translucent) first panel 4 made of glass, plastic, etc. The roof system may include a second panel 4', which is usually a fixed panel, but can also be movable.

[0041] The roof system is a so-called top-loading roof system, in which the fixed parts 7 of the roof system are introduced from above into the roof opening 3 and rest on the fixed roof 2, usually on the flange 5 of the roof beam 6, see Fig.19 and 20 The fixed part 7 is attached to the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 in a suitable manner, preferably by gluing, but welding and bolting are also possible depending on the materials used.

[0042] The roof system shown here is a so-called spoiler roof, in which the panel 4 can be moved upwards (at least via its rear side) from its closed position and then backwards to a position above the fixed roof 2 or, in this case, to a position above the rear panel 4'. The operating mechanism 10, in particular the support of the panel 4, is mainly present inside the roof opening 3, in contrast to a top sliding roof in which the rear support of the panel 4 slides in guide rails 9 which extend or are extended to a position behind the roof opening 3.

[0043] Figure 2 Some components of the roof system are shown, wherein one lateral side of the roof opening 3 is shown. The fixed part 7 forms an essential component of the roof system. In this case, the fixed part 7 is made of a plastic material by injection molding, which offers a greater degree of freedom in design. However, the fixed part 7 could also be made of another material, for example steel. The fixed part 7 or the guide rail 9 carries a panel seal 8 (at the bottom) which seals the panel 4 from below. Fig. 12B ). The guide rails 9 are fixed to the frame 7 in the longitudinal direction below each side edge of the panel 4. The length of the guide rails 9 is such that it extends substantially from the front to the rear of the roof opening 3, wherein in the case of the second panel 4' the guide rails 9 can extend all the way to the rear of the second panel 4'. An operating mechanism 10 is connected to each guide rail 9 and is guided in the guide rails 9, an electric motor 11 (in Figure 2 ) can be driven by drive cables 12, 12' (also Figure 2 ) drive operating mechanism 10 parts.

[0044] Figure 3A and 3B One of the guide rails 9 and the operating mechanism 10 is shown schematically. It should be remembered that the roof system comprises the same guide rail 9 and operating mechanism 10 on the opposite side, but they are constructed in a mirrored manner. The guide rail 9 comprises an extruded profile 16, for example made of aluminum, which has one or more guide grooves 17, 17', 50 and guide channels 28, 29. The extruded profile 16 is straight or slightly curved downwards to follow the downward curvature of the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1. Further, Figure 3A and 3B The operating mechanism 10 is shown from the lateral outside looking inwards towards the vehicle 1 and from the lateral inside looking outwards from the vehicle 1, respectively. The operating mechanism 10 comprises a front mechanism 20, a tilt mechanism 24 and a locking mechanism 62. Each of these mechanisms has a specific function in the movement of the panel 4, associated with each position in which the panel 4 may be positioned.

[0045] Figures 5A-6CThese positions are shown as a normal closed position (NC), a tilted position (Tilt) and an open position (Slide). In the closed position, the front mechanism 20 is capable of locking the panel 4 in the longitudinal direction. When the rear part of the panel 4 has been lifted in the vertical direction towards the so-called "tilted" position, the front mechanism 20 is capable of lifting the front part of the panel 4 and then enabling the panel 4 to slide backward in the longitudinal direction. The front mechanism 20 is driven by the first drive member 12, 12', which in turn is driven by the electric motor 11. The tilt mechanism 24 is capable of lifting the rear end of the panel 4 to the tilted position and is capable of supporting the panel 4 when the panel 4 moves backward in the longitudinal direction. The tilt mechanism 24 is driven by the locking mechanism 62. The locking mechanism 62 is capable of transmitting the longitudinal movement of the second drive member 25 towards the tilt mechanism 24. When the tilt mechanism 24 has reached the desired tilt height of the rear end of the panel 4, the locking mechanism 62 locks the tilt mechanism 24. This means that the locking mechanism 62 acts as a mechanical lock that prevents the tilt mechanism 24 from moving further in any vertical direction, either upward or downward. The locking mechanism 62 is driven by the second drive member 25, which in turn is driven by the drive slide 23 of the front mechanism 20. Further, the locking mechanism 62 can be disengaged from the second drive member 25, and the drive member 25 can continue to move in the longitudinal direction and thus enable the front mechanism 20 to continue its longitudinal movement, so that the panel 4 slides to the rear (see also Figures 5A-6C ).

[0046] refer to Figure 3A and 3B The front mechanism 20 includes a drive slide 23 which is slidably guided in the guide rail 9 and driven by the first drive member 12, 12', and is provided with a drive cam 51 which is slidably connected to a curved track 52 in the front bar 21 or slidably connected in a curved portion of the panel bracket 22. The front bar 21 is hingedly connected to the pivot block 26 at its rear end by a pivot pin 13 (see Figure 8), and at the opposite front end, the front rod 21 is equipped with a pair of front sliding shoes 19, which are slidably guided in the guide grooves 17, 17' in the guide rail 9, and when the panel 4 is in the closed position, the sliding shoes 19 are slidably guided in a pair of inserts 18 extending downward, which also include guide grooves 17, 17', but in a curved shape. The sliding shoes 19 are attached to the lateral sides of the front rod 21 and are arranged in a staggered manner, that is, one after another, as seen in the longitudinal direction. The front end of the front rod 21 is hingedly connected to the front end of the panel bracket 22. The panel bracket 22 extends to the rear in the longitudinal direction and is slidably connected to the tilting mechanism 24 via a sliding claw 32. The panel bracket 22 is connected to the panel 4 by a screw 14. Basically, the drive slide 23 extends to the rear in the longitudinal direction through the second drive member 25. The drive member 25 is basically an extension of the first drive member 12, 12', but in this case is a plastic part connected to the drive slide 23 and slidably guided in the guide channel 28 in the guide rail 9. When the first drive member 12, 12', which is slidably guided in the guide groove 28 in the guide rail 9, moves to the rear in the longitudinal direction, the drive slide 23 moves to the rear, and the drive cam 51 on the drive slide 23 moves to the rear in the curved track 52 of the front bar 21. The curved track 52 in the front bar 21 has a first portion 52' which is substantially horizontal, so the drive cam 51 slides in the first portion 52' of the curved track 52 so that the front bar 21 does not move. The rear end of the curved track 52 has a second portion 52'' in the shape of a radius in the downward direction, and the third portion 52''' of the curved track 52 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 52' of the track 52. By causing the cam 51 to continue to move backward in the curved track 52, the driving cam 51 reaches the second portion 52'' of the track, and therefore, due to the radial shape of the second portion 52'', the driving cam 51 gradually begins to pull the front end of the front rod 21 in the upward direction, and when the driving cam 51 reaches the third portion 52''', the cam 51 is "locked" in the third portion 52''' and causes the rod 21 to be pulled backward in the longitudinal direction. The front rod 21 is hingedly connected to the front end of the panel bracket 22 at its front end. Therefore, when the front rod 21 moves vertically due to the second portion 52'' of the curved track 52, the front sliding shoe 19 attached to the front end will move in the upward direction along the curved guide grooves 17, 17' in the insert 18, and similarly, the front end of the panel bracket 22 also moves vertically, thereby raising the front edge of the panel 4. Once the drive cam 51 of the drive slide 23 is in the third portion 52''' of the curved track 52, the front rod 21 is pulled backwards and the sliding shoe 19 of the front rod 21 will be slidably guided into the guide groove 17, 17' of the guide rail 9 (see also Fig.17), and thus is guided backwards in the longitudinal direction, so the front bar 21 and the panel bracket 22 are guided backwards in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in this way, the panel 4 will be gradually opened.

[0047] When the panel 4 is in its closed position, the tilting mechanism 24 is folded substantially flat within the guide rail 9 (see Figure 9-13 ). The same as the locking mechanism 62 arranged in the guide groove 50 (see Fig.14 , 15 and 16). As can be seen from these figures, there is enough space in the center of the guide rail 9 to arrange the locking mechanism 62. When moving to the rear, the second drive member 25 slides rearward in the guide channel 28. The second drive member 25 is releasably engaged with the locking rod 41, so that the locking rod 41 also slides to the rear. The locking rod 41 is equipped with a locking cam 47 at its front end on one lateral side of the locking rod 41. The locking cam 47 engages with a locking joint 45 (a locking slot 45 in this embodiment) at one end of the second drive member 25. The locking slot 45 has a capture portion 45'', which extends longitudinally from an open end to a vertically extending locking portion 45'. The capture portion 45'' is used to capture the locking cam 47 when the roof panel is closed. The locking pin 42 is attached to the laterally opposite side of the locking rod 41. Reference Fig. 22 and 23 , the locking pin 42 is slidably guided in the pin slot 44 of the retainer 40. The retainer 40 is fixedly attached to the guide rail 9. The pin slot 44 basically comprises two parts, wherein the first part 44' extends substantially in a horizontal longitudinal direction, and the second part 44" extends perpendicularly to the first part 44', in this embodiment, in a vertical downward direction. The locking lever 41 is pivotally connected to the hinge block 65 at its rear end.

[0048] The hinge block 65 is slidably guided in the guide groove 50 of the guide rail 9 and is further connected to a connecting rod 66, which extends in the other guide channel 29 towards the tilt mechanism 24. When the rearward movement continues, the locking rod 41 and thus the locking pin 42 will move rearward in the first part 44' of the pin slot 44. Since this first part extends substantially horizontally, the rearward movement of the locking rod 41 is continuously and uninterruptedly transmitted to the connecting rod 66 via the hinge block 65 towards the tilt mechanism 24. When the locking pin 42 moves into the second part 44'' of the locking track 44, the locking rod 41 pivots about its hinge 43 at the hinge block 65 (see Fig.16 ), and the front end of the locking rod 41 moves vertically in the downward direction, thereby disengaging the locking cam 47 from the locking joint 45 and thus from the second drive member 25.

[0049] In case the drive member 25 is driven further back, it will continue to move without being connected to the locking rod 41. This means that the locking rod 41 locked in the detent 40 will not move the tilt mechanism 24 further, so the tilt mechanism is at the end of its vertical movement and fixedly supports the panel 4 in this position.

[0050] Considering the operation of the tilt mechanism 24 from the closed position of the panel 4 toward the tilted position of the panel 4, the rear portion of the panel 4 is lifted in the vertical direction. First, as described above, the connecting rod 66 moves backward in the guide channel 29. The sliding guide 36 is attached to the connecting rod 66. The sliding guide 36 includes three guide slots 35, 35', 35". The auxiliary rod 63 is engaged to the sliding guide 36 by three guide pins 64, 64', 64'' that are slidably engaged with the three guide slots 35, 35', 35". The guide slot 35 is located at the front of the sliding guide 36 and includes a horizontal slot portion 68 and a vertical slot portion 68' connected to each other. The guide slot 35' is a slot having a slot 69 extending substantially horizontally, and the third guide slot 35'' of the sliding guide 36 includes a first substantially horizontal portion 70 and a subsequent upwardly curved portion 70'. In addition, the auxiliary rod 63 has a pivot pin 31 at the rear end of the rod that pivotally engages the sliding claw 32. In other embodiments, the pivot pin can be connected to the lifting rod. The sliding claw 32 is preferably provided with a plastic lining 34 (see Fig. 12B ), the plastic liner 34 slidably surrounds the lower portion of the panel bracket 22 and the panel bracket guide 33. The sliding claw 32 is pivotally connected to a pair of lifting rods 30, 30', which are pivotally connected to the housing 27 at their opposite ends. The housing 27 is fixedly connected to the guide rail 9. Therefore, when the connecting rod 66 moves backward, the sliding guide 36 also moves backward.

[0051] Reference now Fig.21Due to the longitudinal movement of the sliding guide 36, the guide pins 64, 64', 64" are forced to follow the shape of the guide slots 35, 35', 35". This means that, from the longitudinal position in the guide rail 9 when the panel 4 is in its closed position, towards the position in which the panel 4 is lifted at its rear end, the auxiliary lever 63 pivots upwards about the movement pivot point of the guide pin 64' in the second guide slot 35' until the rear end of the panel 4 reaches the lifted position. During this operation, the third guide pin 64" is guided in the third guide slot 35" in the upward direction into the second portion 70', thereby initiating the upward movement of the auxiliary lever 63 behind the movement pivot point of the guide pin 64'. During this operation, the first guide pin 64 is firstly guided in the horizontal slot portion 68 of the first guide slot 35 until it next reaches the vertical slot portion 68' in which the first guide pin 64 is guided in the downward direction. While the first and second guide pins 64 and 64' move in their respective guide slots 35, 35' during the operation of lifting the rear end of the panel 4, the third guide pin 64' leaves the third guide slot 35'' at its upper end. Once the third guide pin 64'' leaves the third guide slot 35', the movement control and support of the auxiliary rod 63 is taken over by the first guide pin 64 in the guide slot 35.

[0052] With regard to the vertical movement of the rear end of the panel 4, it must be specified that a defined "tilted" position is produced in which the rear end of the panel 4 is lifted, but the front end of the panel 4 is still substantially closed. This means that the front end of the panel 4 is still in contact with the seal 8 between the fixed part 7 and the panel 4. This specific "tilted" position of the panel 4 serves as a ventilation position in which the interior of the vehicle 1 can be ventilated. Further, when the panel 4 is driven from the "tilted" position to the rear of the roof, first the front end of the panel 4 will be lifted in an upward direction and the rear of the panel 4 will be lifted slightly to the "sliding" position, after which the panel 4 moves to the rear of the vehicle 1, thereby opening the roof opening 3.

[0053] Therefore, according to the above description, when the second drive member 25 is unlocked from the locking rod 41 via the locking joint 45, the locking mechanism 62 in the locking position is unlocked from the front mechanism. When the third drive member 66 is locked to the locking retainer 40 via the locking rod 41, the locking mechanism 62 locks the tilt mechanism 24. In addition, when the second drive member 25 is locked to the locking rod 41 via the locking joint 45, the locking mechanism 62 in the sliding position is locked to the front mechanism 20, and when the third drive member 66 is unlocked from the locking retainer 40 via the locking rod 41, the locking mechanism 62 in the sliding position unlocks the tilt mechanism 24.

[0054] refer to Fig.24A -D, shows an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism 62, wherein like elements have like reference numerals. Fig.24A As shown in reference Fig. 22 and 23 A detailed description of the locking mechanism. Fig. 24B In the embodiment of the locking mechanism of , the elements for operating the locking joint, namely the cam 47 and the locking slot 45, are replaced or interchanged by the locking cam 45a and the rod slot 47a. Here, the rod slot 47a includes a capture portion 47a'' and a locking portion 47a'. The capture portion 47a'' is used to capture the locking cam 45a when the roof panel is closed. Fig.24C In the embodiment of the locking mechanism of the embodiment, the locking pin 42 of the locking rod 41 and the pin slot 44 of the locator 40 are replaced or interchanged by the locator cam 44a and the rod slot 42a. As can be understood, alternative variations of the joint can be composed of different combinations of corresponding slots and pins, for example, the hinge pin 43 of the hinge block 65 and the hinge hole 43' of the connection of the locking rod 41 can also be interchanged.

[0055] exist Fig.24D In an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism 62 shown in Fig.24A -C, the locking mechanism and thus the orientation of the various pins and slots are rotated about 90 degrees. Thus, in this embodiment, the pin slot 44 still includes two parts, namely a first part 44' extending in the longitudinal direction and a second part 44'' extending perpendicular to the first part 44', but the two parts are in the transverse direction across the vehicle, rather than as Fig.24A - Shown in vertical orientation in C. Fig.24A -D have the same reference numerals, and the description of these figures applies accordingly. As can be appreciated, Fig.24A All variants of -C can be adapted to be similar to Fig.24D Therefore, various variations are possible. Fig.24D An embodiment of Fig. 22 and 23 The illustration may be viewed as a bottom view rather than a side view, wherein the operation of the elements is similar. Fig. 22 and 23 It is also possible to show top views of differently rotated embodiments, for example with respect to Fig.24D An embodiment that is a mirror image of an embodiment, such as an embodiment suitable for positioning at opposite sides of a pair of guide rails.

[0056] Therefore, the locking mechanism usually comprises a locking joint installed at the outer end of the second drive member, a hinge block at the outer end of the third drive member, a locking locator fixedly attached to the guide rail, and a locking rod slidably guided by the locking locator. The locking rod is further pivotally connected to the hinge block at one end and is releasably connected to the locking joint at the opposite end. Therefore, the locking rod can move between the sliding position and the tilted locking position via the movement of the second drive member. In the sliding position, the locking rod is unlocked in the locking locator and locked in the locking joint, and in the tilted locking position, the locking rod is locked in the locking locator and disengaged from the locking joint. When the locking rod is in the tilted locking position, the locking mechanism locks the tilting mechanism to the guide rail. Therefore, the locking mechanism is in the locking position. When the locking rod is in the sliding position, the locking mechanism unlocks the tilting mechanism from the guide rail. Therefore, the locking mechanism is in the sliding position.

[0057] refer to Figure 3C and 3D , showing another embodiment of the operating mechanism 10. The tilt mechanism 24 and the locking mechanism 62 can be used with Figure 3A and 3B The middle part between the front and rear of the second drive member 25, 25' and the third drive member 66, 66', respectively, is shown by a dashed line, the length of which will accommodate the distance required to position the tilt mechanism 62 in the extended guide rail 9. Figure 3C and 3D In an embodiment, the front mechanism 20 is alternatively configured so that the front mechanism 20 includes two front bars 21', 21". The first front bar 21' has a sliding shoe 19, which cooperates with the guide grooves in the guide member 9 and the insert 18 as described above. The second front bar 21' has a curved track 52 that cooperates with the drive cam 51 of the drive slide 23, which is slidably guided in the guide rail 9'. The first front bar 21' is pivotally connected to the pivot pin 13c of the second front bar 21'' through the pivot hole 13b. The second front bar 21'' is pivotally connected to the pivot pin 13 of the pivot block 26 through the pivot hole 13a. In this way, the first front bar will provide sliding movement of the panel into and out of the closed position. The second front bar will provide vertical lifting or pivoting movement of the panel. Therefore, basically, at least one front bar is operatively connected to the front bar, for example, by a cam-bend joint or a slot and a pin joint, and is pivotally connected to the pivot block. At least one front lever is arranged for lifting and pivoting the front edge of the first panel relative to the guide rail by actuation of the drive slide, in particular by operating the first drive member. Thus, the overall functionality of the front mechanism 20 and the construction, as described throughout the specification, is the same for both embodiments.

[0058] refer to Figure 3E , showing another embodiment of the operating mechanism. Similar components have Figure 3A -D. The tilt mechanism 24 is as described above. Figure 3A -D as described. Figure 3E In the embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism 62 is alternatively configured so that it rotates 90 degrees around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, as described above with reference to Fig.24D The operation is the same, i.e., when the second drive member 25 moves rearward, the third drive members 66, 66' move together, while the locking cam 47 is held in the locking slot 45 by the travel of the locking rod 41 through the locking pin 45 of the locking retainer 40. When the locking pin 45 travels into the vertical, transverse portion of the locking retainer 40, thereby disengaging the locking cam 47 from the locking slot 45 as it travels into the transverse portion of the locking slot 45, the second drive member 25 can travel further rearward, while the third drive member remains stationary.

[0059] In addition, Figure 3E In the embodiment of the front mechanism 20 also has an alternative construction. Instead of the pivot pin 13, the pivot block 26 has an outer curved profile, allowing it to pivot on a curved bottom surface and / or a curved top surface. The drive slide 23 connected to the second drive member 25 will be driven by the first drive member 12, 12' (see Figure 3) and will operate the front lever 21 via the drive cam 51, similar to what was explained above.

[0060] With reference to Figures 3 and 12-14, the guide rail 9 is provided with a first and a second hole 55, 56. The first hole 55 is positioned below the tilting mechanism 24 and provides space for the parts of the tilting mechanism 24 in the vertical direction when the panel 4 is in its closed position and the tilting mechanism 24 is folded approximately within the boundaries of the guide rail 9. Due to the hole 55, the sliding claw 32 and the housing 27 can be packed slightly lower in the vertical direction than when these parts are mounted on the top of the guide slot 50. The second hole 56 is located below the locking mechanism 62. Especially when the second panel 4' is mounted by gluing, it would be very expensive to remove the glued panel in order to repair the locking mechanism 62. In order to avoid this, a cheaper solution is to use the hole 56 to repair the parts of the locking mechanism 62 from below.

[0061] The roof system may further include a drainage channel 67 to drain water that may leak between the first and second panels 4, 4'. Figure 2As shown in the drawing, the drainage channel 67 generally extends in the lateral direction below the seal fitted between the first and second panels 4, 4'. The drainage channel 67 serves as a drain that collects water that may drip through the seal and drains the water to the lateral side of the drainage channel 67 into the wet area of ​​the guide rail 9. Viewed in the vertical direction, the locking mechanism 62 can be placed in the guide rail 9 at least partially below the drainage channel 67.

[0062] refer to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , along Figure 2 Lines XIX and XX in FIG. 1 take a section through the roof system. Fig.19 In the figure, a fixed part 7 is shown, to which a guide rail 9 is attached and which is connected to the body flange 5 by glue. In this figure, the fixed part 7 is located on top of the body flange 5. This is normal for such a top-loading roof which is assembled to the body from the top. Seen in the lateral direction, the guide rail 9 has a certain distance relative to the body flange 5. Fig. 20 In the embodiment of the present invention, the guide rail 9 is adjacent to the body flange 5. The fixed part 7 is shaped so that it is connected to the middle of the guide rail 9, because no space is left on the flange of the guide rail 9 adjacent to the body flange 5 for connection. The reason for this is that the guide rail 9 is moved laterally outwards as much as possible towards the body flange 5 in order to increase the daylighting opening of the roof system. However, in current bodies, the roof (i.e. the so-called upper side beam) extends in a tapered shape towards the rear of the vehicle. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to have the guide rail 9 extend in a straight longitudinal direction, seen in a plan view. The guide rail 9 is not parallel to the upper side beam line and thus to the body flange 5, so that the guide rail 9 will be close to the body flange 5 at the rear of the vehicle 1. It is even conceivable to reduce the width of the guide rail 9 by cutting the flange laterally outwards.

[0063] refer to Figure 25-28 , which is a plan view of a fixed roof 2 of a vehicle with a schematic operating mechanism 10 and guide rails 9 in several embodiments. Fig.25 , a fixed roof 2 of a vehicle 1 is shown, which has a top loading roof system with a first and a second panel 4, 4'. An operating mechanism 10 is schematically shown with solid lines below the surface of the panels 4, 4' (for the sake of clarity). In this first embodiment, the guide rails 9 extend as a whole from the front to the rear on the left and right lateral sides of the roof opening 3.

[0064] exist Fig.26, a similar fixed roof 2, first and second panels 4, 4' and operating mechanism 10 are shown, which are shown in solid lines below the surface of the panels 4, 4' (for clarity), however in this embodiment the guide rail 9 is divided into two parts. The front guide rail 60 and the rear guide rail 61 each slidably guide a part of the operating mechanism 10. Fig.26 It can be clearly seen that a certain distance is formed between the front guide rail 60 and the rear guide rail 61, precisely in the area where the cross member of the body of the vehicle can extend in the transverse direction. The rear guide rail 61 can be fixed to a fixed part 7, for example Fig.29 However, it is conceivable that the guide rail 61 is fixed against the interior of the second panel, such as in Fig.30 middle.

[0065] Fig. 27 An example of a top loading roof system is shown with only one first (movable) panel 4 and operating mechanism 10, which is shown in solid lines (for clarity) below the surface of the panel 4 and the fixed roof 2, guided in front guide rails 60 and rear guide rails 61. The part of the roof of the vehicle behind the first panel 4 is the fixed roof 2 made of steel. The rear guide rail 61 is fixedly attached to the inside of the fixed roof 2, for example at Fig.31 middle.

[0066] Fig.28 An example of an underloading roof system with only one first panel 4 is shown, wherein the rear guide rail 61 is also fixedly attached to the interior of the fixed roof 2, such as in Fig.31 The operating mechanism 10 is shown in solid lines below the surface of the panel 4 and the fixed roof 2 (for clarity).

[0067] All parts of the operating mechanism 10 and various embodiments of the guide rails 9, 60, 61 are drawn in the corresponding figures and are mainly described on one side (left or right) of the roof system in this article. It should be understood that the roof system is equipped with left and right operating mechanisms 10 and left and right guide rails that are mirror images of each other.

[0068] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, which can vary widely within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.In principle, the features of the various aspects and embodiments shown and described can be combined.

Claims

1. A roof system for a vehicle (1), the vehicle (1) having a roof opening (3) in its fixed roof (2), the roof system comprising: a fixed part (7) configured to be attached to the fixed vehicle roof (2); at least a first panel (4), the first panel (4) being movably supported on the fixed part (7) and being configured to close the roof opening (3) in its closed position and to move at least rearwardly to an open position in which the roof opening (3) is at least partially open, the first panel (4) having a front edge and a rear edge, a pair of guide rails (9, 60, 61), the pair of guide rails (9, 60, 61) extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to opposite lateral sides of the roof opening (3), The guide rails (9, 60, 61) each slidably support at least a portion of an operating mechanism (10) for the first panel (4), the operating mechanism (10) being driven by an electric motor (11) and a first drive member (12, 12', 25), The operating mechanism (10) comprises a front mechanism (20) capable of moving the front edge of the first panel (4) in a vertical direction and moving at least a portion of the operating mechanism (10) in a longitudinal direction in the guide rail (9, 60, 61), the front mechanism (20) comprising a panel bracket (22) attached to the first panel (4), The operating mechanism (10) further comprises a tilting mechanism (24) capable of moving the rear edge of the first panel (4) in a vertical direction, wherein the tilting mechanism (24) comprises a sliding claw (32) slidably contacting the panel bracket (22). The operating mechanism (10) further comprises a locking mechanism (62), wherein the locking mechanism (62) is capable of locking the tilting mechanism (24) to the guide rail (9, 61) so as to keep the tilting mechanism (24) stationary relative to the guide rail (9, 61), so that the first panel (4) can slide relative to the tilting mechanism (24). The invention is characterized in that the locking mechanism (62) is slidably guided in the guide rails (9, 61) and is completely behind and away from the tilting mechanism (24) when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

2. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rail (9) extends uninterruptedly in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the front mechanism (20), the tilting mechanism (24) and the locking mechanism (62) are slidably connected to the guide rail (9).

3. The roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rails (9) each include a front guide rail (60) placed in front of the rear guide rail (61) as viewed in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the front guide rail (60) and the rear guide rail (61) are separate parts, away from each other and in line with each other, and the front guide rail (60) is slidably connected to the front mechanism (20) and the tilting mechanism (24), and the rear guide rail (61) is slidably connected to the locking mechanism (62).

4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The locking mechanism (62) comprises a locking lever (41) and a retainer (40), wherein the retainer and the locking lever (41) comprise a pin slot (44) and a locking pin (42) slidably guided in the pin slot (44); and wherein the positioner (40) is fixedly attached to the guide rail (9, 61), and The pin slot (44) has a first substantially longitudinal portion (44') for guiding the locking pin (42) and a second substantially vertical locking portion (44'') for locking the locking pin (42).

5. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The front mechanism (20) comprises a drive slide (23) connected to a first drive member (12, 12') for driving the drive slide (23), and wherein a second drive member (25) connects the drive slide (23) to the locking mechanism (62) for driving the locking mechanism (62) at least during the vertical movement of the rear edge of the panel (4).

6. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tilting mechanism (24) comprises a sliding guide (36) slidably guided in the guide rail (9, 60), the sliding guide (36) enabling one end of an auxiliary rod (63) to move in a substantially vertical direction, and wherein the auxiliary rod (63) is in slidable contact with the sliding guide (36), and wherein the auxiliary rod (63) is pivotally connected at one end to the sliding claw (32) for moving the sliding claw (32) in a vertical direction, and wherein the sliding claw (32) is hingedly connected at opposite lateral sides to a pair of lifting rods (30, 30'), the lifting rods being pivotally connected at opposite ends to a housing (27), the housing being fixedly connected to the guide rails (9, 60), and wherein the sliding guide (36) is provided with first, second and third guide slots (35, 35', 35''), and wherein the auxiliary rod (63) is provided with first, second and third pins (64, 64', 64''), each pin being slidably guided in a corresponding slot (35, 35', 35'') of the sliding guide (36), and wherein the first guide slot (35) of the sliding guide (36) comprises a first substantially horizontally extending slot portion (68) and a subsequent vertical vertical locking slot portion (68'), and wherein the second guide slot (35') comprises a substantially horizontal slot portion (69), and The third guide slot (35'') of the sliding guide (36) comprises a first substantially horizontal portion (70) and a subsequent upwardly curved portion (70').

7. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The locking lever (41) is pivotally connected to one lateral side of the hinge block (65), and wherein a connecting rod (66) is connected to the opposite lateral side of the hinge block (65), the connecting rod (66) being connected to the tilt mechanism (24).

8. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second drive member (25) is connected to the locking rod (41) and is capable of driving the locking rod in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the locking rod (41) is hingedly connected to the hinge block (65), wherein the hinge block (65) is connected to the connecting rod (66), and the connecting rod (66) is slidably connected to the sliding guide (36), wherein the interconnected aforementioned parts are capable of moving in the longitudinal direction and thereby drive a part of the tilting mechanism (24) in the vertical direction, thereby causing vertical movement of the rear part of the first panel (4).

9. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second drive member (25) is provided with a locking joint at the rear end and the locking rod (41) is provided with a locking joint at the front end, the locking joint comprising a locking cam (47, 45a) and a locking slot (45, 47a) for engaging the locking cam (47, 45a), wherein the locking slot (45, 47a) is provided with a substantially longitudinal catching portion (45', 47a'') and a substantially vertical locking portion (45', 47a'').

10. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The locking mechanism (62) is placed in the guide rail (9, 61) completely behind the rear edge of the first panel (4), seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

11. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The roof system further comprises a second panel (4'), and wherein the locking mechanism (62) is placed in the guide rail (9, 61) completely behind a front edge of the second panel (4'), seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

12. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The roof system further comprises a drainage channel (67) for draining water, wherein the locking mechanism (62) is placed in the guide rail (9, 61) at least partially below the drainage channel (67) when viewed in the vertical direction, and / or wherein the guide rail (9, 61) is provided with a hole (56) in the bottom partly below the locking mechanism (62).

13. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claims 3 and 8, wherein: The guide rail (60) is placed in line with the guide rail (61) so that a second drive member (25) and a connecting rod (66) slidably engaged in the guide rails (60, 61) can extend between the guide rails (60, 61) and operatively drive a locking mechanism (62) in the guide rail (61) and a tilting mechanism (24) in the guide rail (60), respectively.

14. The roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The connection between the front mechanism (20) and the locking mechanism (62) and the connection between the locking mechanism (62) and the tilting mechanism (24) are achieved by a pair of flexible cables (58, 59) guided in corresponding channels in the guide rails (60, 61), and wherein the cables (58, 59) between the front guide rail (60) and the rear guide rail (61) are guided by cable tubes (53, 54) attached to opposite sides of the guide rails (60, 61).

15. The roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The rear guide rail (61) is an aluminum part or a plastic part, and wherein the rear guide rail (61) is mounted to any one of the fixed part, the interior of the fixed roof, or the inner surface of the second panel (4').

Images