Roof system

Abstract

In a roof system for a vehicle, having two guide rails, a panel, a front mechanism, a first locking mechanism for holding the panel in its closed position, a tilt mechanism, and a second locking mechanism for locking the tilt mechanism, the front mechanism and the first locking mechanism and the tilt mechanism and the second locking mechanism being separate mechanisms, wherein the first locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section which is located entirely forward of and remote from the front mechanism or entirely rearward of and remote from the reclining mechanism, and is operatively connected to the front mechanism by a first link, and optionally, the second link is operatively connected to the reclining mechanism by a second link. The second locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section that is located entirely forward of the front mechanism and away from the front mechanism or entirely rearward of the reclining mechanism and away from the reclining mechanism, and is operatively connected to the reclining mechanism by a second link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof system according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Art

[0002] In known roof systems of this type, a first locking mechanism is located at the front mechanism, and likewise, a second locking mechanism is located at the tilt mechanism. It should be noted that according to the prior art, the front mechanism and the first locking mechanism (as well as the tilt mechanism and the second locking mechanism) are not only located at the same position, but can also be combined or integrated into a single mechanism (for example, as is known per se, including a plurality of specially designed cooperating curved tracks, cams, rods, etc.).

[0003] A disadvantage of such a design is that the overall structural height at the front mechanism as well as at the tilt mechanism is quite large, which results in the need for a large headroom package. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved design.

[0005] Therefore, the roof system according to the present invention is characterized by the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0006] According to the present invention, the front mechanism and the first locking mechanism (and optionally the tilt mechanism and the second locking mechanism) are separated (disconnected) such that the first locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section that is completely in front of and remote from the front mechanism or completely behind and remote from the tilt mechanism (and optionally such that the second locking mechanism is likewise located at a guide rail section that is completely in front of and remote from the front mechanism or completely behind and remote from the tilt mechanism). This allows reducing the structural height at the front mechanism (and optionally at the tilt mechanism), which would otherwise be particularly defined by the locking mechanism.

[0007] To ensure the correct operation of the roof system, in particular the locking of the front mechanism and thus the panel (and optionally the locking of the tilt mechanism), the first locking mechanism is operatively connected to the front mechanism by a first link (and optionally, the second locking mechanism is operatively connected to the tilt mechanism by a second link).

[0008] The operating member for the front mechanism controls the operation of the front mechanism, which operation is related to lifting the front edge of the panel and subsequently moving the panel in a rearward direction, while the first link, when locked by the first locking mechanism (at its end that engages the first locking mechanism and is remote from the front mechanism), holds the front mechanism (and thus the panel) in a fixed longitudinal position relative to the vehicle (however, without impeding the movement of the front mechanism for lifting only the front end of the panel without moving the panel in a rearward direction) until unlocking is required to allow the panel to shift rearward.

[0009] It should be noted that the first link will typically be directly connected to the front mechanism, but it is also conceivable that the first link is indirectly connected to the front mechanism via the panel (since such a front mechanism is connected to the panel).

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the first link also defines the operating member for the front mechanism and thus is also responsible for lifting the front edge of the panel and shifting the panel rearward.

[0011] The second link is responsible for locking the tilting mechanism (in the tilted position of the panel). However, in one embodiment, the second link also defines the operating member for the tilting mechanism. Thus, in addition to locking the tilting mechanism in a position where the rear end is in a lifted tilted position, the second link will also control (or cause the movement of) the tilting mechanism for lifting the rear end of the panel to the tilted position (thereafter, the entire tilting mechanism remains substantially stationary while the panel slides rearward relative to the tilting mechanism when driven by the front mechanism). Locking of the second link is effected at the second locking mechanism, where the corresponding end of the second link will be locked.

[0012] Although it is conceivable that the first and second locking mechanisms are located at different positions (e.g., one in front of the front mechanism and one behind the linkage mechanism), preferably, the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are located at the same guide rail section. As will become apparent below, this guide rail section can have different positions and orientations.

[0013] In one embodiment, the guide rail section is an extension of the guide rail. Thus, the guide rail section can be an integral part of the guide rail or can be a separate section (by any suitable means) joined to the guide rail.

[0014] Alternatively, the guide rail section and the guide rail are separate components with a gap therebetween. For example, such a gap can be used to accommodate components of the vehicle or the roof system, and make the application of the roof system more diverse and its installation and disassembly simpler.

[0015] In particular, depending on the geometry of the roof of the vehicle, the guide rail section and the guide rail can extend linearly with respect to each other, or can extend at an angle with respect to each other, the angle being different from 0 degrees or 180 degrees. In this way, for example, an orientation can be provided for the guide rail section to cope with a specific shape of the vehicle roof, such as when the vehicle roof is tapered in the rearward direction, or the guide rail section (and thus the locking mechanism) can be positioned optimally with respect to many different requirements.

[0016] Preferably, as seen in a top view, the guide rail section is located outside the boundary of the roof opening, for example, in one embodiment, behind the roof opening (e.g., under a fixed panel extending behind the roof opening). Generally, at such a position, there will be more available space to accommodate the locking mechanism, while the unobstructed size of the roof opening will be optimized.

[0017] However, in some cases, it is also conceivable that, as seen in a top view, the guide rail section is located within the boundary of the roof opening and preferably close to the front or rear edge of the roof opening. In such a case, the orientation of the guide rail section and the corresponding locking mechanism can thus be selected, for example, (substantially) in the width direction of the vehicle so as to occupy as little space as possible in the length direction to optimize the unobstructed size of the roof opening.

[0018] The at least one operating member is responsible for causing the operation of the front mechanism, the first locking mechanism, the tilting mechanism, and the second locking mechanism in a specific timing manner such that the panel starts from its closed position and first moves to the tilting position, then to the position where its front end is also lifted, and finally to its fully open position (in this regard, the phrase "in a specific timing manner" is intended to express that the operating member determines specific time instances and the relationships between them at which the mechanisms move in their respective desired manners and thus determines a specific kinematic movement sequence of these mechanisms). Although each of these mechanisms can have its own operating member (which should then be appropriately synchronized), in one embodiment, at least two of the front mechanism, the first locking mechanism, the tilting mechanism, and the second locking mechanism share a common operating member, such that the movements of these mechanisms are automatically synchronized (which is required for the proper operation (opening and closing) of the panel). Such a combined operating member can include a control member that is slidable in the guide rail section and is driven by a driving member (such as a push-pull cable). Such a control member can include a curved track and other components for the timing control of the mechanisms, as is known per se.

[0019] It should be noted that although drive members, operating members, and linkages are mentioned here, the distinction between these components may not always be very clear because the functions of these components may overlap, and such a drive member or linkage can also be regarded as part of the operating member.

[0020] The operating member can be one of a group including at least a spindle motor, a linear motor, and a drive cable driven by an electric motor.

[0021] The front mechanism and / or the first locking mechanism and / or the tilting mechanism and / or the second locking mechanism include cooperating curved tracks and cams, but can also include other components such as rods, springs, etc., which are well known in the prior art. The exact manner in which these mechanisms operate can vary.

[0022] The first linkage and / or the second linkage can include one of a group including at least a push / pull cable and a rod.

[0023] When the operating member is a push / pull cable, it can enter the guide rail at the gap between the guide rail section and the remainder of the guide rail (when these guide rail components are actually separate components), which allows for an alternative or optimal route for such a drive member, especially when the drive motor is located at the front.

[0024] The roof system according to the present invention offers numerous advantages, among which the following advantages (without purporting to give a limiting list of advantages) may be mentioned:

[0025] - A new position of the locking mechanism for the front mechanism (or for the tilting mechanism), for example, below the rear panel (behind the roof opening), creates additional space at the front mechanism (or at the tilting mechanism) to save more packaging and provide more headroom for the vehicle's occupants;

[0026] - Interference between the glass screws and the front mechanism / tilting mechanism is limited or even eliminated;

[0027] - By reducing the complexity of the front mechanism / tilting mechanism, packaging can be reduced, and strength, stability, and robustness can be improved;

[0028] - By moving the first and second locking mechanisms (e.g., moving them rearward below the rear panel), both locking mechanisms can be positioned in an area where packaging for the locking mechanism is less critical, which means there is more space available to enhance the robustness of the locking mechanism and improve (reduce) locking noise at the system level;

[0029] - Moving the locking mechanisms (such as moving them rearward below the rear panel) means they will be better isolated to prevent noise from reaching the driver, and since they are no longer visible / touchable, they are protected from misuse. Additionally, dust / contaminants can no longer enter the locking mechanisms, which is better for lifetime durability and avoiding the risk of failure;

[0030] - When the panel is in the open position, the guide rails will appear cleaner;

[0031] - Additionally, other components of the roof system will appear cleaner, which means fewer covers (inner and outer covers) are required, which can save packaging;

[0032] - The drive member (e.g., drive cable) does not have to pass under the wind deflector located in front of the roof opening, which would otherwise cause bending from below into the guide, complicating the shape and machining of the guide. It reduces the complexity of the guide and other roof system components (such as the frame) in the front area;

[0033] - The front mechanism (and possibly the tilting mechanism) will be shorter in the longitudinal direction, which improves the sliding opening in the case of a smaller panel;

[0034] - A (rear or front) locking drive module with a driven part can be created. This provides options for operating the driven part in various alternatives, such as operating a conventional drive cable with a motor, a spindle motor, a linear motor, etc.;

[0035] - Such a locking drive module can be positioned anywhere in the roof area, for example, also perpendicular to the roof crossbeam. Description of the Drawings

[0036] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are schematic perspective views of a vehicle roof with a roof system, wherein the panels are in the closed (tilted) and open positions, respectively;

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 4 show a prior art roof system in schematic top view and side elevation views, respectively;

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation view of an embodiment of a roof system according to the present invention;

[0040] Figures 6a - 6d shows different embodiments of a roof system according to the present invention in schematic top view; and

[0041] Figure 7 is for Figure 5 an exploded view of an example of a locking mechanism for a roof system. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0042] First, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the roof system of the vehicle 1 is schematically shown in perspective view in two different positions. In the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1, a roof opening 3 is defined, and the roof opening 3 can be closed ( Figure 1 ) and opened ( Figure 2 ) by a movable closure, and the closure here is a rigid, at least partially transparent (translucent) first panel 4 made of glass, plastic material or similar material. The roof system may further include a second panel 4', which is usually a fixed panel, but may also be movable.

[0043] The roof system is a so-called top-loading roof system, in which the fixed components or framework of the roof system are introduced from above onto the roof opening 3 and around the roof opening 3 to rest on the corresponding components of the fixed roof, which are typically the flanges of the roof beams (as is well known). Then, the fixed components of the roof system are attached in a suitable manner to the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1, preferably by gluing, but depending on the materials used, welding and bolting are also possible.

[0044] The roof system shown here is a so-called spoiler roof, in which the panel 4 can be moved upwards (at least at its rear end) from its closed position and then moved backwards to a position above the fixed roof 2 or, in this case, above the rear panel 4'. The operating mechanism for causing such movement, in particular the support for the panel 4, is mainly held within the roof opening 3, which is contrary to a top-sliding roof, in which the rear support of the panel 4 slides in a guide rail that extends to a position behind the roof opening 3.

[0045] In Figure 3 -6, the left side always corresponds to the front end of the vehicle.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 will be made to known roof systems of the type to which the present invention pertains to explain the basic elements of such a roof system and their functional relationships. Figure 3 is a schematic top view, and Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation view showing only the elements at one lateral side. It should be understood that similar (mostly mirror-image shaped) elements will generally be provided at the other lateral side.

[0047] In addition to the roof opening 3 in the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1, the roof system first includes two guide rails 5 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at opposite lateral sides of the roof opening 3 and a panel 4 that can be moved relative to the guide rails 5 between a closed position (see the solid line in Figure 1 ), an inclined position (see the dashed line in Figure 1 ), and a fully open position (see Figure 2 ). In the closed position, the roof opening 3 is closed. In the inclined position, the rear end of the panel 4 is lifted. In the fully open position, the front end of the panel 4 is also lifted and the panel is displaced rearwards above the fixed roof (or above the fixed panel 4').

[0048] The roof system is further provided with a front mechanism F that cooperates with each of the guide rails 5 and the panel 4 for lifting the front end of the panel and shifting the panel rearward, and a first locking mechanism L1 that cooperates with each of the guide rails 5 and the front mechanism F for holding the panel in its closed position (it should be noted that the closed position can also be a position where the front end of the panel 4 has been lifted to a certain extent but the panel has not been shifted rearward yet). Although the first locking mechanism L1 is shown for each guide rail 5, it is also possible to use a single first locking mechanism at only one guide rail 5.

[0049] Both the front mechanism F and the cooperating first locking mechanism L1 are located near the front end of the panel 4, and the movement and function of these mechanisms are controlled by the movement of the operating member 6, in this case, the operating member 6 being a push / pull cable that can slide in the guide rail 5 and is driven by, for example, an electric motor (not shown). This is known in the prior art and will not be explained in detail here.

[0050] The roof system is further provided with an inclination mechanism T that cooperates with each of the guide rails 5 and the panel 4 for moving (lifting) the panel (by its rear end) to an inclined position, and a second locking mechanism L2 that cooperates with each of the guide rails 5 and the inclination mechanism for holding the inclination mechanism in a position where the rear end of the panel is lifted to the inclined position (in the locked position, the panel 4 can then be shifted rearward relative to the inclination mechanism when driven by the front mechanism F, and the inclination mechanism thus remains substantially stationary). Although the second locking mechanism L2 is shown for each guide rail 5, it is also possible to use a single second locking mechanism at only one guide rail 5.

[0051] Both the inclination mechanism T and the cooperating second locking mechanism L2 are located near the rear end of the panel 4, and the movement and function of these mechanisms are controlled by the movement of the operating member 6. This is also well known in the prior art and will not be explained in detail here.

[0052] The operating member 6 is responsible for causing the operation of the front mechanism, the first locking mechanism, the inclination mechanism, and the second locking mechanism in a specific timing manner such that the panel 4 starts from its closed position and, for example, first moves to the inclined position, then moves to a position where its front end is also lifted, and finally moves to its fully open position, during which sequence the first and second locking mechanisms L1 and L2 lock and unlock at appropriate times. However, other sequences are also possible.

[0053] Although in Figure 3 and Figure 4 the mechanisms F, L1, T, and L2 are shown as separate units, it is also conceivable that the mechanisms F and L1 are combined into a single unit, and this also applies to the mechanisms T and L2.

[0054] Reference is now made to Figure 5 , which shows a schematic side elevation view of an embodiment of a roof system according to the present invention (in accordance with the view in Figure 4 ).

[0055] According to the present invention, the front mechanism F and the first locking mechanism L1 are now separate mechanisms (with respect to their respective positions). The front mechanism F clearly has the same position as in Figure 4 , but the first locking mechanism L1 is now located at the guide rail section 5', which is completely behind the tilting mechanism T and away from the tilting mechanism T, specifically below the fixed panel 4' and behind the roof opening 3. The guide rail section 5' is separated from the guide rail 5 (but may also be connected to the guide rail 5 in an alternative embodiment).

[0056] The first locking mechanism L1 is operatively connected to the front mechanism F by a first link 7, which preferably extends through the guide rail section 5' and the guide rail 5.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first link 7 will also serve as an operating member of the front mechanism F, such that at the front mechanism, the original operating member 6 may be omitted or may not be connected to the front mechanism F.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the operating member 6 is still connected to the front mechanism F for causing the desired movement of the front mechanism F (and thus the panel 4), while the first link 7, when locked at the end where it is connected to the first locking mechanism L1, is capable of locking the front mechanism F (and thus indirectly the panel 4) against movement.

[0059] The timed operation of the first locking mechanism L1 between locking and unlocking (which is also related to the operation of the front mechanism F) is directly caused by the operating member 6 (or by a control member C operated by the operating member 6).

[0060] Since the first locking mechanism L1 is no longer located at the front mechanism F (or is no longer integrated into the front mechanism F), the final mechanism at such a position can be configured to have a reduced height (it should be noted that such a reduced height is not shown due to the schematic nature of the drawings).

[0061] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the tilting mechanism T (which has the same as Figure 4The same position in) and the second locking mechanism L2 are also separate mechanisms (with respect to their respective positions), and the second locking mechanism is also located at the guide rail section 5'. The timed operation of the second locking mechanism L2 between locking and unlocking (which is also related to the operation of the tilting mechanism) is also caused by the operating member 6 (either directly or through a control member C operated by the operating member 6).

[0062] The second locking mechanism L2 is operatively connected to the panel by a second link 9, which preferably extends through the guide rail section 5' and the guide rail 5 and is connected to the tilting mechanism T.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the second link 9 also defines (or takes over the function of) the operating member 6 with respect to the tilting mechanism T.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the operating member 6 can still be responsible for driving the tilting mechanism T, while the second link 9 (when controlled by the second locking mechanism L2 at its respective ends) is responsible for locking and unlocking the tilting mechanism T.

[0065] Since the second locking mechanism L2 is no longer located at the tilting mechanism T (or is no longer integrated into the tilting mechanism T), the final mechanism at such a position can be configured to have a reduced height.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second locking mechanisms L1 and L2 are positioned adjacent to each other, and it is conceivable that they are combined into a single unit providing two locking functions. They can also be combined with the control member C (if provided).

[0067] The guide rail section 5' does not necessarily have to be Figure 5 separated from the guide rail 5 as shown, but can also be an (integral or joined) extension of the guide rail 5. However, when these guide rail components are separated by a gap, the operating member 6 (or a branch thereof) can pass through the gap (see Figure 5 the operating member 6' in) to reach a desired position, such as a drive source, such as an electric motor. This can also prevent a complex meandering route (see Figure 5 the route P in) of the operating member at the front end of the roof opening 3 under the windshield 10 (partially shown in dashed lines in the storage position) in front of the roof opening 3.

[0068] Most generally, the guide rail section 5' and the guide rail 5 will extend in a straight line with respect to each other. However, it is also conceivable that (especially when viewed in a top view in the direction V according to Figure 5 ), the guide rail section 5' and the guide rail 5 extend at an angle with respect to each other, the angle being different from 0 degrees or 180 degrees (see Figure 6a below),6c and 6d).

[0069] FIG. 6 shows features of several different embodiments of a roof system according to the invention (showing several highly schematic top views).

[0070] In Figure 6a , an embodiment according to Figure 5 is shown, in which the guide rails 5 and the guide rail section 5' extend in a straight line with respect to each other and are physically separated. An alternative inwardly inclined orientation of the guide rail section 5" is shown in dashed lines, for example for accommodating a narrowing shape of the roof in the rearward direction. In Figure 6b , a similar construction in a straight line with respect to each other is shown, however here the guide rails 5 and the guide rail section 5' are joined (or define a single integral guide rail).

[0071] The guide rail section 5' is in each case located outside the boundary of the roof opening 3 (which substantially coincides with the contour of the panel 4) and behind the roof opening, and below the fixed panel 4' (or below the fixed roof 2 when such a fixed panel 4' is missing). A position in front of the roof opening 3 (below the fixed roof 2) is also possible.

[0072] Figure 6c An embodiment is shown in which, as seen in a top view, the guide rail section 5' is located within the boundary of the roof opening and near the rear edge of the roof opening. In addition, these guide rail sections 5' are at an angle (in this case approximately 90 degrees) with respect to the guide rails 5. Of course, a position near the front edge of the roof opening is also conceivable, see Figure 6d . The angle included here is different from 90 degrees because the guide rail section 5' substantially follows the curved front contour of the panel 4 (and the roof opening). These two embodiments are particularly suitable for the case where there is no fixed panel 4'.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7 , an example of a first locking mechanism L1 and a second locking mechanism L2 is shown in more detail. The locking joint 61 is operated by the operating member 6. The locking joint 61 locks and unlocks the first and second locking mechanisms L1 and L2 via first and second locking cams 62, 63 respectively.

[0074] The first locking mechanism L1 includes a first hinge block 71, a first locator 72, and a first locking lever 73. The first hinge block 71 operates the first link 7 and includes a locking pin 74 that mates with a pivot hole 76 of the locking lever 73. The first locator 72 includes a first locator bend 75 that mates with a first locator cam 77 of the first locking lever 73. The locking lever 73 further includes a first locking joint 78 that has a locking bend for mating with a first locking cam 62 of the locking joint 61.

[0075] The second locking mechanism L2 includes a second hinge block 81, a second locator 82, and a second locking lever 83. The second hinge block 81 operates the second link 9 and includes a locking pin 84 that mates with a pivot hole 86 of the locking lever 83. The second locator 82 includes a second locator bend 85 that mates with a second locator cam 87 of the second locking lever 83. The locking lever 83 further includes a second locking joint 88 that has a locking bend for mating with a second locking cam 63 of the locking joint 61.

[0076] In this example, the operating member 6 extends forward in the guide rail for operation by, for example, a motor or a driven slider. In other examples, the operating member 6 may extend backward to be operated. It will be understood that various mating components, such as cams and bends, may be interchanged to obtain a mechanically opposite configuration while maintaining the same functional operation. The connection of the first link 7 and the second link 9 may also be interchanged, thereby converting the elements of the first locking mechanism L1 into the elements of the second locking mechanism L2. And vice versa.

[0077] In the above roof system, a large number of components will be provided that are required to obtain the desired (relative) movement of the components of the roof system, such as mating curved tracks, cams, and levers, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. However, for an understanding of the present invention, a detailed description of such components is not necessary.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, which may vary widely within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roof system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof, the roof system comprising: (a) Two guide rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at opposite lateral sides of the roof opening, (b) a panel movable relative to the guide rails between a closed position, an inclined position and a fully open position, in which closed position the roof opening is closed, in which inclined position the rear end of the panel is lifted, and in which fully open position the front end of the panel is also lifted and the panel is displaced rearwardly above the fixed roof, (c1) a front mechanism cooperating with the guide rails and the panel for lifting the front end of the panel and for displacing the panel rearwardly, (c2) a first locking mechanism cooperating with the guide rails and the front mechanism for holding the panel in its closed position, (d1) an inclination mechanism cooperating with the guide rails and the panel for moving the panel to the inclined position, (d2) a second locking mechanism cooperating with the guide rails and the inclination mechanism for holding the inclination mechanism in a position in which the rear end of the panel is lifted to the inclined position, (e) at least one operating member movable in one of the guide rails and responsible for causing the operation of the front mechanism, the first locking mechanism, the inclination mechanism and the second locking mechanism in a specific timed manner such that the panel starts from its closed position, first moves to the inclined position, then moves to a position in which its front end is also lifted, and finally moves to its fully open position, characterized in that the front mechanism and the first locking mechanism are separate mechanisms, wherein the first locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section that is completely in front of and remote from the front mechanism or completely behind and remote from the inclination mechanism, and wherein the first locking mechanism is operatively connected to the front mechanism by a first link.

2. The roof system according to claim 1, wherein The inclination mechanism and the second locking mechanism are separate mechanisms, wherein the second locking mechanism is located at a guide rail section that is completely in front of and remote from the front mechanism or completely behind and remote from the inclination mechanism, and wherein the second locking mechanism is operatively connected to the inclination mechanism by a second link.

3. The roof system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first link further defines an operating member for the front mechanism, and / or wherein the second link further defines an operating member for the inclination mechanism.

4. The roof system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are located at the same guide rail section.

5. The roof system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide rail section is an extended part of the guide rail.

6. The roof system according to one of claims 1-4, wherein The guide rail section and the guide rail are separate components having a gap therebetween.

7. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide rail section and the guide rail extend in a straight line with respect to each other.

8. The roof system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The guide rail section and the guide rail extend at an angle with respect to each other, the angle being different from 0 degrees or 180 degrees.

9. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, As seen in a top view, the guide rail section is located outside the boundary of the roof opening, and preferably, as seen in a top view, the guide rail section is located behind the roof opening.

10. The roof system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, As seen in a top view, the guide rail section is located within the boundary of the roof opening and preferably near the front edge or the rear edge of the roof opening.

11. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least two of the front mechanism, the first locking mechanism, the tilting mechanism, and the second locking mechanism share a common operating component.

12. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The operating component is one of a group including at least a spindle motor, a linear motor, and a drive cable driven by an electric motor.

13. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The front mechanism and / or the first locking mechanism and / or the tilting mechanism and / or the second locking mechanism includes a mating curved track and a cam.

14. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first link and / or the second link includes one of a group including at least a push / pull cable and a rod.

15. The roof system according to claim 6, having a drive motor at the front of the roof opening, wherein, The operating component is a push / pull cable and enters the guide rail at a gap between the guide rail section and the guide rail.

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