Roof assembly for vehicle, vehicle, mounting assembly and screw fastener

Abstract

A roof assembly comprises: a first bracket, in particular a closure member bracket for supporting a closure member; a second bracket, in particular a support bracket, for mounting the closure member to the roof of the vehicle; and a screw fastener that can be screwed or screwed to the second bracket through an opening in the fastening portion of the first bracket to fasten the first bracket to the second bracket. The screw fastener has a head and a handle separated along the length by a shaft having a shaft outer diameter less than a major diameter of the handle and a shaft length greater than a thickness of the fastening portion. A vehicle, a mounting assembly, and a screw fastener are also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an open roof system for a roof of a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a roof assembly for a vehicle for such an open roof system, more in particular to a mounting assembly for such an open roof system (roof assembly for such an open roof system), and a method of assembling the mounting assembly and the roof assembly comprising the mounting assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Open roof systems for vehicles are well known. A vehicle roof can be provided with an opening and an open roof system provides a closing member, for example a glass panel. The closing member can be movably arranged such that in a closed position the closing member covers the opening in the roof and in an open position the opening is at least partially uncovered.

[0003] In the known open roof assemblies described above, the movable closing member can be supported by a guide assembly. The guide assembly supports the closing member and provides a suitable movement trajectory. In exemplary known open roof assemblies it is known that the rear end of the closing member is first lifted from the plane of the vehicle roof to an inclined position, after which the closing member can be slid rearward, wherein the front end of the closing member can also be lifted.

[0004] The closing member is mounted to a mounting element. The mounting element is supported by the guide assembly. In particular, the mounting element is fixed to a support element of the guide assembly which controls the movement trajectory.

[0005] There is a constant desire to reduce the size and / or to reduce the manufacturing and / or material costs. SUMMARY

[0006] In view of one or more of these desires, a roof assembly according to the following is provided herein.

[0007] The roof assembly comprises:

[0008] a first bracket, in particular a closing member bracket for supporting a closing member,

[0009] a second bracket, in particular a support bracket,

[0010] the first and second bracket are for mounting a closing member to a roof of a vehicle, and

[0011] a screw fastener which is screwable through an opening in the fastening portion of the first bracket to or to the second bracket for fastening the first bracket to the second bracket,

[0012] wherein the screw fastener has a head and a shank along a length separated by a shaft having an outer shaft diameter that is smaller than a large diameter of the shank and a shaft length that is greater than a thickness of the fastening portion.

[0013] The first bracket can be a closure member bracket and can be mounted, in particular fixed, to the closure member, thereby facilitating mounting of the closure member to the second bracket. The second bracket can be a support bracket and can be mounted to a roof of a vehicle. In particular, the support bracket can be mounted to an opening mechanism, e.g. a sliding mechanism, for moving the closure member relative to the roof of the vehicle, or to a fixed mounting frame, e.g. for a fixed panel roof system. Thus, the first and second brackets can provide a docking for mounting the closure member to the vehicle and / or the mechanism.

[0014] The first bracket can be mounted to the closure member within a first tolerance. The second bracket can be mounted to the mechanism and / or other part of the roof of the vehicle within a second tolerance. The closure member can need to be mounted to the mechanism and / or other part of the roof of the vehicle within a third tolerance. Thus, the first and second brackets can need to be mounted with a tolerance to attach to each other to meet the third tolerance.

[0015] The assembly can have a movable fastening configuration and a fixed configuration when the screw fastener is screwed through the opening to the first bracket to fasten the first bracket to the second bracket. In the movable fastening configuration, the position and / or orientation of the first bracket relative to the second bracket can be adjusted, which is determined by a play between the opening and the shaft. The shaft having a diameter that is smaller than the large diameter of the shank provides an increased play relative to the fastening dimension determined by the shank. Additionally or alternatively, the size of the fastening portion can be reduced for a given amount of play around the fastener. In a desired relative position and / or orientation, the first bracket and the second bracket can be fixed together by tightening the fastener to the second bracket and clamping the first bracket between the second bracket on one side and the head of the fastener on the opposite side.

[0016] Due to the difference in diameter size between the shaft and the shank, a large screwing force can be provided while increasing the adjustment flexibility.

[0017] Preferably, the shaft has a substantially constant diameter size and is substantially smooth, e.g. without threads, ribs, and / or other protrusions.

[0018] In this document, "screw fastener" or simply "fastener" refers to any specified type of threaded fastener, e.g. the shank portion forms a pan head screw end, a round head screw end, a bolt end, etc. Preferably, the screw fastener is configured to form a thread in a mating portion operable to receive the screw fastener.

[0019] The shank portion forms a threaded portion to attach and / or secure the first and second brackets by a threaded connection, e.g. by screwing the fastener into the second bracket and / or securing a nut to the fastener opposite the head portion.

[0020] The shank portion of the fastener can pass through an opening in the thickness direction of the fastening portion to fasten the first bracket to the second bracket.

[0021] The shaft outer diameter can be between the large diameter and the small diameter of the shank portion.

[0022] The fastener can be provided with a washer between the head portion and the shank portion at least when attached to the second member. Thus, the shaft length can be greater than the sum of the thickness of the fastening portion and the thickness of the washer. Thus, the fastener extends through the washer and the fastening portion can be clamped between the second bracket on one side and the head portion of the fastener on the opposite side, with the washer between the first bracket and the head portion for attaching and / or securing the closure member bracket to the support bracket.

[0023] The washer can be rotatable about the fastener. The washer can have a washer opening to receive the fastener. The washer opening can have an inner diameter that is less than the large diameter of the shank portion, thereby preventing the washer from being lost from the fastener.

[0024] It is known that a washer is clamped to a screw between the head portion of the screw and the threaded section of the screw to prevent loss. Thus, the thread is typically rolled against the washer to reliably define the position of the washer and to maximise the thread length.

[0025] The washer can have a distal face to clampingly engage the first bracket in the assembled configuration of the assembly, the distal face being provided with one or more protrusions extending distally from the distal face. The protrusions can help to define a frictional force between the washer and the first bracket, which can help to prevent the washer and / or the fastener from loosening after being secured. Thus, the shaft length can be greater than the sum of the thickness of the fastening portion and the thickness of the washer including the one or more protrusions.

[0026] The opening in the fastening portion can be circular or rectangular (including square) and / or elongated. The opening can have a slot shape in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the opening can be essentially perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal extension of the second carrier and / or can be vertical or horizontal in the normal mounted state in the vehicle.

[0027] The opening can be a surround hole; the opening is surrounded by the material of the fastening portion. The washer and / or the head of the fastener can have an outer diameter which is larger than the opening width of the opening, preferably larger than any opening width of the opening, in order to be able to completely cover the opening and to engage the fastening portion surrounding the opening.

[0028] The second carrier can comprise a hole for operatively receiving and cooperating with the shank. The hole can be provided with a threaded portion providing a thread length. The shank can have a shank length which is equal to or larger than the thread length.

[0029] The threaded portion can be recessed behind the mounting surface of the second carrier for engaging the first carrier by a recess depth. Thus, the shaft length can be larger than the sum of the thickness of the fastening portion and the recess depth, preferably by an amount which is equal to or larger than the thickness of the washer, which optionally comprises the one or more protrusions, if applicable.

[0030] The screw fastener, in particular in a roof assembly, can comprise a distal tip protruding distally from the shank, the distal tip having a tip outer diameter which is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the shank, possibly equal to or smaller than the shaft. Thus, the fastener can be self-centering when inserted into a hole. The shank can have a distal bevel on the distal end towards the tip, the distal bevel having an angle which is smaller than the thread flank angle.

[0031] The thread of the threaded shank can have a thread pitch. Then, the shank length can be longer than the thread length of the above mentioned hole in the second carrier by a length in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 times the thread pitch, preferably in the range of 0.5-1.5 times the thread pitch, more preferably in the range of 0.75-1.25 times the thread pitch. Thus, the fastener can be screwed into the threaded hole (of the threaded portion) to different depths, wherein the operable interaction length between the fastener and the support carrier is constant.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the distal tip can have a tip length which is in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 times the thread pitch, preferably in the range of 1.0-5.0 times the thread pitch, more preferably in the range of 2.0-4.0 times the thread pitch.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the shaft can have a shaft length in the range of 1.0-4.0 times the pitch, preferably in the range of 1.5-3.0 times the pitch, more preferably in the range of 2.0-2.5 times the pitch.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the shank can have a small diameter, and the shaft can have a shaft diameter in the range of 0.5-2.0 times the small diameter, preferably in the range of 0.8-1.5 times the small diameter, more preferably in the range of 1.1-1.2 times the small diameter.

[0035] The shaft length and / or shaft diameter can facilitate designing and / or scaling in predetermined strength relationships. The shaft and shank can be provided by shaping one or more portions of the fastener, e.g. by removing a portion of the shank to form the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft diameter can be associated with the formation of the shank; e.g. by deforming a first portion of a stem section of the fastener to determine a small diameter and / or a large diameter of the shank, and providing the shaft from a second portion of the stem section that is differently deformed or preferably undeformed; a head of the fastener being provided on the stem section. For example, threads can be rolled onto the first portion of the stem section, leaving a second portion that is substantially undeformed to provide the shaft. For a fastener having a given length from a distal end of the head to a distal end of the shank (and to a tip, if provided, see elsewhere herein), manufacturing costs can be reduced by an increase in shaft length and an associated decrease in shank length. An optional washer can be provided on the shaft portion (or more precisely: the shaft portion to be formed) prior to forming the shank, e.g. on a second stem section. The washer is thus captured on the fastener, preventing the washer from being lost.

[0036] The roof assembly can comprise a closure member fixed to the first support. Additionally or alternatively, the second support can be operably mounted to a mechanism for moving the first support and any closure member attached to the first support relative to the roof. Alternatively, the second support can be fixedly mounted to a support frame for fixing the first support. The closure member can be or comprise an opaque or at least partially translucent panel, the panel possibly being at least partially transparent.

[0037] A vehicle can comprise any embodiment of the roof assembly disclosed herein.

[0038] Further disclosed herein is a mounting assembly for a roof assembly disclosed herein, the mounting assembly comprising a closure member support for supporting a closure member; a screw fastener rotatable through an opening in a fastening portion of the closure member support to a support bracket to fasten the closure member support to the support bracket, the screw fastener having a head and a shank separated by a shaft along a length, the shaft having a shaft outer diameter that is less than a major diameter of the shank and a shaft length that is greater than a thickness of the fastening portion.

[0039] the shank has a minor diameter and the shaft has a shaft diameter that is 0.5-2.0 times the minor diameter, preferably 0.8-1.5 times the minor diameter, more preferably 1.1-1.2 times the minor diameter; and / or wherein the shank has a thread pitch and wherein the length of the shank is longer than the length of the thread by a length that is in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 times the thread pitch, preferably in the range of 0.5-1.5 times the thread pitch, more preferably in the range of 0.75-1.25 times the thread pitch, and / or the shaft has a shaft length that is in the range of 1.0-4.0 times the thread pitch, preferably in the range of 1.5-3.0 times the thread pitch, more preferably in the range of 2.0-2.5 times the thread pitch; and / or wherein the fastener comprises a distal tip that protrudes distally from the shank, the distal tip having an outer diameter that is equal to or less than the major diameter of the shank, the distal tip having a tip length that is in the range of 0.5-6.0 times the thread pitch, preferably in the range of 1.0-5.0 times the thread pitch, more preferably in the range of 2.0-4.0 times the thread pitch.

[0040] A screw fastener as described herein allows for a reduction in size and / or cost of the roof assembly, the screw fastener being used in a roof assembly for a vehicle disclosed herein and having a head and a shank separated by a shaft along a length, the shaft having a shaft outer diameter that is less than a major diameter of the shank and a shaft length that is greater than a thickness of a fastening portion.

[0041] The shank length can facilitate reliable attachment of the fastener to the second bracket in an intermediate stage for attaching the first bracket to the second bracket and allowing adjustment of their relative position and / or orientation, and subsequent fixation of the second bracket to the first bracket by further fastening of the fastener. The washer, if present, can facilitate fixation.

[0042] In association with the foregoing, a method of assembling a roof assembly disclosed herein can comprise:

[0043] by screwing a screw fastener through an opening in a fastening portion of a first bracket to a second bracket to fasten the first bracket to the second bracket to a moveable fastened configuration in which the position and / or orientation of the first bracket relative to the second bracket is adjustable, as determined by the play between the opening and the shank, and

[0044] at a desired relative position and / or orientation, by tightening the fastener to the second bracket and clamping the first bracket between the second bracket on one side and the head of the fastener on the opposite side, to secure the first and second brackets together.

[0045] Further, a method of adjusting a closure member for a roof assembly for a vehicle as described herein can include adjusting the first bracket relative to the second bracket when the opening of the fastening portion is disposed about the shank portion of the screw fastener.

[0046] For example, such a method can include disposing the fastener in the second bracket such that the fastening portion of the first bracket is disposed about the shank of the fastener, and adjusting the first bracket relative to the second bracket when the fastener is in the disposed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] The foregoing aspects and further details and advantages will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which show by way of example several embodiments.

[0048] Further areas of applicability of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description given below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the application, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The application is not limited to the exact details shown and described, since variations and modifications exist within the scope of the application which can be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0049] Figure 1A a perspective view of a vehicle roof showing a roof assembly having an open roof assembly;

[0050] Figure 1B an exploded view of the open roof assembly of Figure 1A

[0051] Figure 2 a closure member provided with a closure member bracket;

[0052] Figure 3 a partial cross-sectional view of the roof assembly;

[0053] Figure 4 a perspective view of a vehicle roof showing a roof assembly having an open roof assembly;​Figure 3 schematic details. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale and that details which are not required for understanding the present invention can have been omitted. The terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "beneath", "above", and the like, refer to the orientation of the embodiments having the orientation in the drawings, unless otherwise noted. Further, elements of at least substantially the same or performing at least substantially the same function are denoted with the same number, wherein individualization with an alphabetical suffix is helpful.

[0055] Further, unless otherwise stated, the terms "detachable" and "removably connected" are intended to mean that the respective components can be disconnected without substantially damaging or destroying any part, e.g. excluding structures wherein the components are integral, e.g. welded or molded as one piece, but including structures wherein the components are attached by or as mating connectors, fasteners, releasable self-fastening features, etc. The verb "to facilitate" is intended to mean "to make easier and / or less complex", not "to enable".

[0056] Figure 1A A vehicle roof 1 is shown, the vehicle roof 1 having an open roof assembly arranged therein. The open roof assembly comprises a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closure member, because the movable panel 2a is movable over a first roof opening 3a in order to be able to open and close the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is arranged at a front side of the first roof opening 3a.

[0057] In the shown embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a is arranged over the first roof opening 3a and closes the first roof opening 3a, and thus generally in the plane of the vehicle roof 1. Further, the movable panel 2a can be in a tilted position, which is a position in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Further, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a is slid open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed. In the open position, for example, both the rear end RE and the front end FE can be raised compared to the closed position.

[0058] It should be noted that the shown vehicle roof 1 corresponds to a passenger car. However, the present invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other type of vehicle can also be considered which can be provided with a movable panel.

[0059] Figure 1B The same vehicle roof with panels 2a and 2b is shown as in Figure 1A Particularly, although Figure 1A An open roof assembly is shown in an open position, but Figure 1B An exploded view of the open roof assembly in a closed position. Further, in Figure 1B The exploded view, a second roof opening 3b is shown. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in a frame 5 of the open roof assembly. An edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0060] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b so that light can enter the vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b, assuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or similar transparent panel, e.g. made of plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b is optional with the transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b and can be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

[0061] The wind deflector 4 is typically a flexible material, e.g. a woven or non-woven cloth or a mesh or net with through holes arranged therein. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a, e.g. a rod-like or tube-like structure, which is directly or indirectly hingedly coupled to the frame 5 at hinges 4b.

[0062] The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and accommodates air flow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces adverse noise caused by air flow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed position or in an inclined position, the wind deflector 4 is held down below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0063] Typically, the wind deflector 4 is raised by spring force when the movable panel 2a is slid to the open position and is pushed down by the movable panel 2a when the movable panel 2a is slid back to its closed position. In Figure 1A The movable panel 2a is shown in the open position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in the raised position. In Figure 1B The movable panel 2a is shown in the closed position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in the position in which it is held down, correspondingly.

[0064] Figure 1BA drive assembly with a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable 7 and a second drive cable 8 is further shown. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b extend in the longitudinal direction L, are arranged at respective side ends SE of the movable panel 2a and can each comprise a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, while the mechanism comprises a movable component and is slidably movable in the guide. The first and second drive cables 7, 8 are provided between the mechanism of the respective guide assembly 6a, 6b and a drive motor 9.

[0065] The drive cables 7, 8 couple the drive motor 9 to the mechanism of the respective guide assembly 6a, 6b such that upon operation of the drive motor 9, the mechanism starts to move. In particular, a core of the drive cable 7, 8 is moved by the drive motor 9 to push or pull the mechanism of the respective guide 6a, 6b. Such a drive assembly is well-known in the art and is therefore not further elaborated herein. However, any other suitable drive assembly can also be employed without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Moreover, in a specific embodiment, the drive motor can be operatively arranged between the respective guide and the respective mechanism of the guide assembly 6a, 6b and in such an embodiment, the drive assembly can be completely omitted.

[0066] In the shown embodiment, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start to move by lifting the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, thereby bringing the movable panel 2a in the tilted position. From the tilted position, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can then start to slide to bring the movable panel 2a in the open position. However, the present utility model is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the tilted position by lifting the rear end RE, while the open position is reached by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a underneath the fixed panel 2b or any other structure or element provided behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In a further exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a can only be movable between the closed position and the tilted position or between the closed position and the open position.

[0067] In the shown embodiment, the drive motor 9 is mounted at or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a at the recess 10. In another embodiment, the drive motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable location or position. For example, the drive motor 9 can be arranged at or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0068] The control unit 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to the drive motor 9. The control unit 11 can be any kind of processing unit known to the skilled person: a software controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, like an ASIC. The control unit 11 can be a stand-alone control unit, or it can be operatively connected to another control unit, like a multi-purpose general vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 can be embedded in or part of such a general vehicle control unit. In essence, the control unit 11 can be embodied by any control unit suitable, capable and configured to perform operation of the drive motor 9 and thus the movable roof assembly.

[0069] In Figure 1B , a cross-sectional plane of Figure 3 and 4 is shown.

[0070] Figure 2 A movable panel 2a is shown as an exemplary closure member. The panel 2a is provided with two closure member brackets 12 on opposite lateral sides. The panel 2a is further provided with an optional seal 13.

[0071] Figure 3 and 4 A component of a roof assembly R for a vehicle is shown, comprising a closure member bracket 12 supporting a panel 2a as a closure member. The closure member bracket 12 is fastened at a fastening portion 14 to a support bracket 15, which in turn is provided on a guide assembly 6a, 6b (not shown) of the vehicle. Thus, the panel 2a is mounted to the vehicle roof. Figure 3 、 Figure 4

[0072] The closure member bracket 12 and the support bracket 15 are fastened together by a screw fastener 16, which is screwed through an opening 17 in the fastening portion 14 of the closure member bracket 12 having an inner diameter ID 17 to the support bracket 15 to fasten the brackets 12, 15 together. At least a portion of the closure member bracket 12 can be formed as an extruded profile member and / or can be formed from a (preferably metallic) strip.

[0073] The closure member bracket 12 has a height H12 in a cross-sectional plane at the center of the opening 17 Figure 3 、 4 .

[0074] The screw fastener 16 extends along an axis A and has a head 18 and a shank 19 separated by a shaft 20 along an axial length, the head 18 being a proximal end and the shank 19 being a distal end. Further directional indications are made with reference to the axis A.

[0075] ​The shank 19 has a shank length L19 and is provided with a thread (partially shown in Figure 4 which provides a major diameter MD19, a minor diameter md19 and a pitch P19.

[0076] The shaft 20 has a shaft length L20 and a shaft outer diameter OD20.

[0077] The distal tip 21 has a tip length L21 and a tip outer diameter OD21.

[0078] The head 18 has a head outer diameter OD18. The head 18 can be formed in any way suitable for operable instrument connection, e.g. as a slot head, a cross head, a hex head, or as a sleeve head as shown. The head 18 can be provided with a flange (not shown) protruding radially from the head 18 and / or with a washer mounting ring 18’ (shown) at a smaller mounting ring diameter OD18’ which can help to increase the tightening pressure and / or to reduce the rotational friction compared to the flat distal side of the head 18 having the head outer diameter OD18.

[0079] The shank 19 (and possibly the entire fastener) can comply with any suitable standard, preferably an ISO metric thread standard (M series thread, preferably a coarse type thereof), e.g. an M4 or M5 thread; e.g. an M5 thread with a pitch of 0.8 mm.

[0080] The screw fastener 16 is provided with a washer 22. The washer 22 has a washer outer diameter OD22 and is provided with a washer opening having an inner diameter ID22. The washer 22 has a thickness T22. The inner diameter ID22 is larger than the shaft outer diameter OD20, but smaller than the shank major diameter MD19; the washer 22 is freely movable around the shaft 20, but is locked to the shaft 20.

[0081] The washer 22 is provided with one or more optional protrusions 24, e.g. arranged around the opening and / or along the outer periphery as shown. The protrusions 24 extend distally from a distal face DF22 of the washer 22 by a protrusion thickness T24.

[0082] The fastening portion 14 of the closure member carrier 12 has a thickness T14 and is provided with an opening 17 having an inner diameter ID17. The thickness T14 of the closure member carrier can be in the range of 0.8-1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 1.0-1.4 mm, such as in the range of 1.2-1.3 mm.

[0083] The support bracket 15 is provided with a hole 26 for operatively receiving and cooperating with the shank 19. The hole 26 is provided with a threaded portion 27 having a threaded length L27 which is recessed behind a mounting surface 28 of the support bracket 15 for engaging the closure member bracket 12 by a recess distance D27. The recess is optionally chamfered to provide an introduction end for the fastener; this facilitates and / or the distal tip 21 of the fastener 16 facilitates aligning the fastener with the hole and thus facilitates assembly of the assembly R. The threaded portion 27 can be at least partially provided in the hole 26 during manufacture of the support bracket 15 and / or is at least partially formed by (at least a portion of) the shank 19 of the fastener 16 during screwing of the fastener 16 (of the shank 19) into the hole 26.

[0084] As can be seen, the shaft outer diameter OD20 is smaller than the major diameter MD19 of the shank 19.

[0085] The shaft length L20 is larger than the thickness T14 of the fastening portion 14. Here, the shaft length L20 is equal to the sum of the washer thickness T22 plus the protrusion thickness T24 (not shown) plus one times the shank thread pitch P19. In the shown embodiment, the recess distance D27 of the threaded portion 27 in the hole 26 corresponds to one times the pitch P19, but can be larger or smaller than said value.

[0086] Figure 4 A fixed configuration is shown in which the screw fastener is fastened to the support bracket, clamping the closure member bracket 12 (of the fastening portion) between the fastener head 18 and the washer 22 on one side and the support bracket 15 on the opposite side. Depending on the fastening force, the protrusion 24 and / or the fastening portion 14 can be more or less deformed to increase the fixation.

[0087] The closure member 12 extends an installation height MH above the center of the hole 26 and the relevant axis of the screw fastener 16.

[0088] When the screw fastener is threaded into the support bracket 15 without being tightened, an intermediate configuration is provided, in which the position of the closure member bracket 12 can be adjusted relative to the support bracket 15, which is determined by the play between the opening 17 (in the closure member bracket 12) and the shaft 20 of the screw fastener 16. For multiple such attachments, the orientation of the closure member 2a relative to the vehicle roof 1 and / or the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can be adjusted. A small shaft outer diameter OD20 relative to the major diameter MD19 of the shank provides for travel of the closure member bracket 12 around the fastener 16 when fully inserted into the support bracket, while the opening 17 need only accommodate the shank 19 therethrough. The diameter of the opening 17 can be related to the minimum dimension of the fastening portion 14, and thus the minimum dimension of the entire closure member bracket 12. The washer outer diameter OD22 and / or the washer thickness T22 can be related to the size of the opening 17, for example to one or more of: cover a desired amount of the opening 17, particularly the washer 22 covering the entire opening 17 as shown; provide a predetermined strength; prevent bending at a predetermined clamping force; etc.

[0089] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which can vary in many ways within the scope of the claims.

[0090] For example, the closure member bracket and fastener assembly can also be used to mount a fixed, non-movable panel, such as Figure 1B the panel 2b in the rear support bracket.

[0091] Elements and aspects discussed in relation to or with respect to a particular embodiment can be combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments as appropriate, in particular any and all subject matter of the appended claims can be combined as appropriate, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A roof assembly for a vehicle, comprising: The first support is used to support the enclosed structure. Second support, The first and second brackets are used to install the enclosure component onto the roof of the vehicle, and A screw fastener, which is screwed onto the second bracket through an opening in the fastening portion of the first bracket to secure the first bracket to the second bracket. The screw fastener is characterized in that it has a head and a shank separated by a shaft along its length, the shaft having an outer diameter smaller than that of the shank and a shaft length greater than the thickness of the fastening portion.

2. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support is a closed component support.

3. The roof assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second bracket is a support bracket.

4. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening has an inner diameter larger than the large diameter of the handle.

5. The roof assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The screw fastener, at least when attached to the support bracket, has a washer between the head and the shank, and Wherein, the length of the shaft is greater than the sum of the thickness of the fastening part and the thickness of the washer.

6. The roof assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The washer has an opening for receiving the screw fastener and has an inner diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the shank.

7. The roof assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The washer is provided with one or more protrusions extending distally, wherein the shaft length is greater than the sum of the thickness of the fastening portion and the thickness of the washer including the one or more protrusions.

8. The roof assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second bracket includes a hole for operably receiving and engaging the handle, the hole being provided with a threaded portion having a threaded length, wherein the handle has a length equal to or greater than the threaded length.

9. The roof assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The threaded portion is recessed to a certain depth behind the mounting surface of the second bracket that engages with the first bracket. Wherein, the shaft length is greater than the sum of the thickness of the fastening portion, the depth of the recess, and the thickness of the washer.

10. The roof assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The washer may include one or more protrusions when applicable.

11. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screw fastener includes a distal end that projects distally from the shank, the distal end having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than the large diameter of the shank.

12. The roof assembly according to any one of claims 8-10, Its features are, The shank has a small diameter, and the shaft has a diameter that is 0.5-2.0 times the small diameter; and / or Wherein, the shank has a pitch, and wherein, The length of the shank is longer than the thread length, and the extra length is in the range of 0.5-2.5 times the thread pitch, and / or The shaft has a shaft length that is in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 times the pitch.

13. The roof assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft is 0.8-1.5 times that of the smaller diameter.

14. The roof assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft is 1.1-1.2 times that of the smaller diameter.

15. The roof assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The length of the shank that is longer than the thread length is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the pitch.

16. The roof assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The length of the shank that is longer than the thread length is in the range of 0.75-1.25 times the pitch.

17. The roof assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shaft length is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 times the pitch.

18. The roof assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shaft length is in the range of 2.0-2.5 times the pitch.

19. The roof assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The shank has a pitch, and the distal end has an end length, which is in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 times the pitch.

20. The roof assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that, The end length is in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 times the pitch.

21. The roof assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that, The end length is in the range of 2.0-4.0 times the pitch.

22. The roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening has a slot shape in the longitudinal direction.

23. The roof assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that, The longitudinal direction of the opening is vertical.

24. The roof assembly according to claim 1, comprising a closing member fixed to the first bracket, characterized in that, The second bracket is operatively mounted to a mechanism for moving the first bracket and any enclosing member attached to the first bracket relative to the vehicle roof, or The second bracket is fixedly mounted to a support frame for securing the first bracket.

25. The roof assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that, The enclosing component is a panel.

26. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the roof assembly according to any one of claims 1-25.

27. A mounting assembly for use in a roof assembly according to any one of claims 1-25, characterized in that, The mounting assembly includes a closure member bracket for supporting the closure member, and A screw fastener that can be screwed to a support bracket through an opening in the fastening portion of the closure component bracket to fasten the closure component bracket to the support bracket, the screw fastener having a head and a shank separated by a shaft along its length, the shaft having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the shank and a shaft length greater than the thickness of the fastening portion.

28. A screw fastener, characterized in that, The screw fastener has a head and a threaded shank separated by a shaft along its length, the shaft having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the shank and a length greater than the thickness of the fastening portion. Wherein, the shank has a small diameter, and the shaft has a shaft diameter that is 0.5-2.0 times the small diameter; and / or The shank portion has a pitch, and Wherein, the length of the shank is longer than the length of the thread, and the extra length is in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 times the thread pitch, and / or The shaft has a shaft length that is in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 times the pitch; and / or The screw fastener includes a distal end protruding from the shank, the distal end having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than the large diameter of the shank, and the distal end having an end length in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 times the pitch.

29. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft is 0.8-1.5 times that of the smaller diameter.

30. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The diameter of the shaft is 1.1-1.2 times that of the smaller diameter.

31. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The length of the shank that is longer than the length of the thread is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the pitch.

32. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The length of the shank that is longer than the length of the thread is in the range of 0.75-1.25 times the pitch.

33. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The shaft length is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 times the pitch.

34. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The shaft length is in the range of 2.0-2.5 times the pitch.

35. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The end length is in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 times the pitch.

36. The screw fastener according to claim 28, characterized in that, The end length is in the range of 2.0-4.0 times the pitch.

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