Arrangement for moving a cover for a vehicle roof and system for two vehicle roofs

Abstract

Arrangement (100) for moving a cover (101) for a vehicle roof (103), comprising: - a first lever (104), - a second lever (105) which is guided by a guide rail (112), and - an elongated display element (106) extending in a first direction (X), wherein - the first lever (104) is arranged at a first end (107) of the display element (106) and the second lever (105) is arranged at a second end (108) of the display element in order to transmit a movement of the first lever (104) to a movement of the second lever (105), and - the display element (106) has a predefined flexibility such that the display element is flexible along a second (Y) and a third direction (Z), wherein the first (X), the second (Y) and the third (Z) direction are each perpendicular to each other, and - the second lever (105) is pivotable relative to the extension element (106) and relative to the guide rail (112), wherein the flexibility of the extension element (106) is specified such that the first lever (104) is pivotable relative to the guide rail (112) along the second and third directions in order to lock the extension element (106) against movement along the first direction (X) relative to the guide rail (112).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for moving a cover for a vehicle roof. The invention further relates to a system for two different vehicle roofs, each of which has such an arrangement.

[0002] A motor vehicle roof can be equipped with a sunroof. A roof element, also called a cover, can either close the roof opening in a closed position or, in other positions, at least partially open it. For example, the cover is part of a so-called spoiler roof, which can be designed as described in DE 10 2011 018 151 A1. In spoiler roofs, a release lever is first rotated at a rear edge (in the opening direction) to raise the rear edge of the cover. Subsequently, the cover is moved relative to the release lever in the opening direction. The release lever is held relative to the rest of the vehicle roof and is not moved in the opening direction. For this purpose, a rigid operating lever is provided, for example, which is formed on a metal surface overmolded with plastic.

[0003] DE 10 2014 016 950 B3 describes a mechanism for a sliding roof in which a control rod hook of a control rod is moved with its locking shoulder into a locking recess of a guide rail in order to be held on the guide rail.

[0004] DE 10 2007 061 091 A1 shows a sliding roof system with a rigid push rod coupled to a tilt lever.

[0005] DE 10 2009 042 954 A1 describes a control rod for a locking element of a vehicle roof, which is formed from a spring steel wire.

[0006] DE 10 2005 059 285 A1 describes a control mechanism with a release lever for the rear edge of a lid.

[0007] It is desirable to specify an arrangement and a system for a vehicle roof that allows for easy adaptation to the geometry of the vehicle roof. Furthermore, it is desirable to specify a method for manufacturing an arrangement for moving a cover for a vehicle roof that is easily adaptable.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, an arrangement for moving a cover for a vehicle roof comprises a first lever. The arrangement comprises a second lever, which is guided by a guide rail. The arrangement includes an opening element. The opening element extends elongately in a first direction. In particular, the opening element has a greater extension along the first direction than along a second and a third direction. The first, second, and third directions are each perpendicular to one another. The first lever is arranged at a first end of the opening element. The second lever is arranged at a second end of the opening element. By means of the opening element, it is possible to transmit a movement of the first lever to a movement of the second lever.The ejector element has a predefined flexibility, allowing it to move along both the second and third directions. The second lever is pivotable relative to the ejector element and the guide rail. The flexibility of the ejector element is predefined such that the first lever is pivotable relative to the guide rail along both the second and third directions, locking the ejector element against movement along the first direction relative to the guide rail.

[0009] By using the adjustable tilting element with its inherent flexibility, together with the first and second levers, it is possible to eliminate the need for a conventionally designed rigid operating lever that combines the three elements into a single component. Furthermore, the arrangement can be used modularly, similar to a building block system. The first and second levers can each be used as identical parts, regardless of the vehicle roof's geometry. The vehicle roof's geometry includes, in particular, its length and / or curvature. The tilting element can be adapted to the specific geometry of the vehicle roof. For example, the tilting element can be shortened to a predetermined length to fit the vehicle roof. The tilting element's inherent flexibility allows it to be easily adjusted to the varying curvatures of different vehicle roofs.Furthermore, the display element with the first and second levers is lighter than a conventional rigid operating lever, which is formed, for example, from a bent steel part.

[0010] The opening element comprises, for example, a cable that is stiff in both compression and tension. According to further embodiments, the opening element comprises a wire that is stiff in both compression and tension, for example, a square wire. According to further embodiments, the opening element is a plastic element or a wire coated with plastic. The opening element is formed from a material or a combination of materials that enables both force transmission from the first lever to the second lever along the first direction and also possesses the desired flexible properties to adapt to a curvature of the vehicle roof, and in particular allows movement of the first lever relative to the guide rail along the second and third directions.

[0011] Pivoting the first lever along the second and third directions relative to the guide rail allows the ejector element to be locked against movement along the first direction relative to the guide rail.

[0012] According to further embodiments, a slider is arranged at the second end of the extension element and is guided in the guide rail. The second lever is connected to the slider, allowing it to pivot relative to the slider about a rotational axis. This makes it possible to reliably guide the extension element in the guide rail while simultaneously enabling relative movement of the second lever.

[0013] According to further embodiments, the ejector element has a projection at its second end to connect the second lever to the ejector element. In particular, the slider is connected to the ejector element by means of this projection. For example, the projection is designed as an element projecting along the second and / or third direction at the second end of the ejector element. This allows force transmission along the first direction between the ejector element and the second lever or the slider.

[0014] According to further embodiments, the second lever is directly connected to the ejector element. The ejector element has the specified flexibility so that the second lever can pivot relative to the connecting element, in particular along the second and third directions.

[0015] According to further embodiments, the second lever is coupled to a lid release lever so that, when the second lever moves in the first direction, the release lever pivots. Specifically, in a closed position of the lid, the release lever is located at the rear edge of the lid in the first direction. Starting from the closed position, the movement of the release element in the first direction pivots the release lever, thus moving the rear edge of the lid in the third direction. The lid is then in a so-called vented position. Subsequently, the release lever is held in its pivoted position by means of the first lever, the release element, and the second lever, in order to support the lid relative to the rest of the vehicle roof when it moves in the first direction.For this purpose, the first lever is locked to the guide rail to counteract any movement of the ejector element and thus of the second lever along the first direction relative to the guide rail.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for a first vehicle roof and a second vehicle roof, which differs from the first vehicle roof, comprises a first and a second arrangement, each configured according to one of the embodiments described above. The awning element of the first arrangement has a first length and a first curvature depending on the first vehicle roof. The awning element of the second arrangement has a second length and a second curvature depending on the second vehicle roof. The first length differs from the second length and / or the first curvature differs from the second curvature. The first levers of the first arrangement and the second arrangement are, in particular, identical in construction. The second levers of the first arrangement and the second arrangement are, in particular, identical in construction.This makes it possible to use the same first and second levers for the two different vehicle roofs, requiring only the adjustment of the opening element. This allows for easy adaptation of the arrangements to different vehicle roofs with minimal effort.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for manufacturing an arrangement for moving a cover for a vehicle roof comprises providing a first lever, an elongated element with a predetermined flexibility, and a second lever. The elongated element is cut to a predetermined length to form a pop-up element. The length is predetermined depending on the vehicle roof. Subsequently, the first lever is connected to a first end of the pop-up element, and the second lever is connected to a second end of the pop-up element.

[0018] All properties and characteristics of the previously described arrangement and system also apply to the procedure and vice versa.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and enhancements will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments explained in conjunction with the figures. Identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements can be designated with the same reference numerals across all figures.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle roof according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2A-2B a schematic view of an arrangement according to a respective embodiment, Fig. 3A-3C a schematic representation of an arrangement in different states according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a detail of an arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a detail of an arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment, and Fig. Figures 6A-6B are a schematic representation of a system according to a respective embodiment.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows the roof 103 of a motor vehicle. In its normal operating position, a windshield 114 is positioned at the front. The roof 103 extends, in particular, along a first direction X originating from the windshield 114.

[0022] The vehicle roof 103 has a roof opening 113. The roof opening 113 can be closed by a cover 101. By moving the cover 101 relative to the rest of the vehicle roof 103 in the first direction X, the roof opening 113 can be at least partially opened. The cover 101 is, in particular, part of a so-called spoiler roof. To lift a rear edge 116 of the cover 101, a release lever 117 ( Fig. 5) provided. When the cover 101 is moved, the opening lever 117 is held stationary relative to a guide rail 112 and does not move together with the cover in the first direction X. The cover 101 is moved relative to the opening lever 117 in the first direction X to release the roof opening 113.

[0023] Along the first direction X, a guide rail 112 and other elements are arranged on both sides of the roof opening 113 in the vehicle roof, as explained in the following figures. Since the guide rails 112 and the mechanisms are configured to correspond on both sides of the roof opening 113, only one side will be explained with reference to the following figures.

[0024] The Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows an arrangement 100 according to a respective embodiment. The arrangement 100 has a first lever 104 and a second lever 105. The arrangement 100 has an elongated extension element 106. In operation, the extension element 106 extends, in particular, elongately along the first direction X.

[0025] The extension element 106 has a first end 107. Opposite the first direction X, the extension element 106 has a second end 108. The first lever 104 is connected to the extension element 106 at the first end 107. In the illustrated embodiment, a slider 109 is arranged at the second end 108. The second lever 105 is rotatably connected to the slider 109. In particular, the second lever 105 is pivotable about a pivot axis 110 relative to the slider 109, the pivot axis 110 being aligned along a second direction Y. The slider 109 is guided in the guide rail 112.

[0026] The first lever 104 has a slider 118 which is guided in the guide rail 112. The first lever 104 also has a locking slider 119 which interacts with a cam and / or a pocket of the guide rail 112 to first enable movement of the tilting element 106 in the first direction X from the closed position and subsequently to lock it.

[0027] The second lever 105 is equipped with a first control slider 128 and a second control slider 129. The two control sliders 128 and 129, in conjunction with the guide rail 112, enable the second lever 105 to pivot in a third direction Z when the extension element 106 is moved in the first direction X. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are each oriented perpendicular to one another.

[0028] According to the exemplary embodiment Fig. Arrangement 2B features additional guide elements 115 attached to the extension element 106. These guide elements 115 act as sliders and provide reliable guidance within a guide channel 125 of the guide rail 112, thus enabling safe and controlled movement of the extension element 106 along the specified first direction X. Undesired movements, for example along the second direction Y and / or the third direction Z, are thereby prevented.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. In 2B, the arrangement 100 has three guide elements 115, which are formed, for example, from plastic in an injection molding process and injection-molded onto the display element 106. Furthermore, the first and second levers 104 and 105 can also be formed in the same or a separate injection molding process by injection molding onto the first and second ends 107 and 108 of the display element 106, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second levers 104 and 105 have predefined recesses into which the respective first and second ends 107 and 108 of the display element 106 engage in a form-fitting manner, thus coupling securely and reliably.

[0030] In further embodiments of the arrangement 100, more or fewer than three guide elements 115 can also be arranged on the display element 106, the number of which can be adapted in particular to a length 121 or 122 of the display element 106 in order to contribute to a reliable and low-resistance movement of the display element 106 ( Fig. 6B).

[0031] Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. Figures 3C show the opening process of the lid 101 starting from the closed position ( Fig. 3A). A carriage 130 is moved in the first direction X relative to the guide rail 112 by a drive cable and an electric motor. This movement is transmitted to the second lever 105 by means of the first lever 104 and the tilting lever 106. Due to the guidance of the control sliders 128 and 129, the second lever 105 is pivoted about the axis of rotation 110. This causes a tilting lever 117 to pivot. The tilting lever is coupled to the guide rail 112 and a cover support 123 of the cover 101. By pivoting the tilting lever 117, the rear edge 116 of the cover 101 is raised. The cover 101 is in the so-called fan position ( Fig. 3B).

[0032] To hold the arrangement 100 and the ejection lever 117 in the position shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the first lever 104 is locked to the guide rail 112. For this purpose, the first lever 104 is moved along the second direction Y and the third direction Z relative to the closed position and thus engages with the guide rail 112. This is implemented, for example, as described in DE 10 2014 110 626 A1.

[0033] Subsequently, the cover 101 is moved further in the first direction X relative to the opening lever 117 in order to fully expose the roof opening 113. The assembly 100 is locked relative to the guide rail 112 by means of the first lever 104 and does not move together with the cover 101.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the front end of the guide rail 112 in the first direction X. The first lever 104 is shown in the position in which it is locked relative to the guide rail 112. The locking slider 119 is guided in a cam of the guide rail 112, which, starting from the closed position, initially allows movement in the first direction X and subsequently enables locking. The slider 118 has a shape that allows the angular movement of the first lever 104 along the second direction Y and the third direction Z. The extension element 106 is designed to be flexible, particularly in the area of ​​coupling with the first slider 104 at the first end 107, so that it also allows movement of the first lever 104 along the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0035] A guide channel 125 for the extension element 106 is formed accordingly in a central region of the guide rail 112. Here, the guide channel 125 prevents the extension element 106 from performing undesired movements along the second direction Y and / or the third direction Z. The extension element 106 is guided in the guide channel 125 such that it is displaceable relative to the guide channel 125 along the first direction x. However, the guide channel 125 is designed to be short enough that at the first end 107 of the extension element 106, a projecting area of ​​the extension element 106 is arranged outside the guide channel 125, which is flexibly movable to allow the movement of the first lever 104.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a rear end in the first direction X on the guide rail 112. The cover 101 is in the so-called fan position.

[0037] The second end 108 of the extension element 106 also projects beyond the guide channel 125. This allows unimpeded relative movement of the slider 109 with respect to the guide rail 112. A projection 111 of the extension element 106 at the second end 108 ensures a reliable coupling between the extension element 106 and the slider 109. The projection 111 is created, for example, by bending the second end 108 of the extension element 106.

[0038] The second lever 105 is rotatably connected to the slider 109 about the axis of rotation 110. According to further embodiments, the second lever 105 is directly and immediately connected to the second end 108 of the extension element 106. The pivoting of the second lever 105 is then made possible by the flexibility of the extension element 106.

[0039] The second lever 105 is coupled to the ejection lever 117 by means of a cam 126. A pin 127 of the ejection lever 117 is guided in the cam 126 of the second lever 105. Thus, it is possible to transfer the movement of the second lever 105 to a pivoting of the ejection lever 117.

[0040] The Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows a schematic representation of a respective system 120. The system 120 has two arrangements 100. According to further embodiments, a system 120 according to the application has more than two arrangements 100. The display element 106 of the first arrangement 100 has a first length 121. The display element 106 of the second arrangement 100 has a second length 122. The second length 122 is longer than the first length 121.

[0041] The first two levers 104 of the two arrangements 100 are identical in construction. The second two levers 105 of the two arrangements 100 are also identical in construction. The two display elements 106 of the two arrangements 100 are also identical and differ only in their lengths 121 and 122 and, if applicable, additionally in their curvature along the first direction X. According to the in Fig. In the embodiment of system 120 shown in 6B, the extension elements 106 can have a predetermined number of guide elements 115, adapted to their respective lengths 121 and 122, which contribute to a safe, stable and reliable guidance of the respective extension element 106 in the corresponding guide channel 125.

[0042] The lengths 121 and 122 are specified in particular depending on the vehicle roof 103 and the roof opening 113, respectively, on which the respective assembly 100 is to be installed. Regardless of the size of the roof opening 113, the first lever 104 and the second lever 105 can be used as identical parts. The opening element 106 is designed so that it can be easily shortened to the desired length before being connected to the first and second levers 104 and 105. Thus, the same tools can always be used to manufacture the opening element 106, even if the assembly 100 is installed in different vehicle roofs 103.

[0043] The arrangement 100 according to the application can be used both in mechanisms mounted from above the vehicle roof 103 (top load) and in mechanisms mounted from inside the vehicle (bottom load). A so-called three-dimensional locking mechanism is possible on the first lever 104, which is movable for locking and unlocking along the second direction Y and the third direction Z. Resulting force transmissions along the second direction Y can be avoided by the switching angle in the locking recesses of the guide rail 112. The pivot point of the release lever 117 is located above the bottom of the guide rail 112 in the third direction Z. The release lever 117 can be guided along the guide rail 112 in the third direction Z by the second lever 105.

[0044] The elements of the arrangement 100, the first lever 104, the second lever 105, and the extension element 106, as well as the slider 109, can be reused if the length and / or curvature of the vehicle roof 103 or the roof opening 113 changes; only the length of the extension element 106 needs to be adjusted. The extension element 106 has the specified flexibility, is quiet, and can be designed differently depending on requirements and cost constraints. For example, the extension element 106 is a connecting rod overmolded with plastic sliders. According to further embodiments, the extension element is a plastic rod or a plastic-coated wire. According to yet other embodiments, the extension element 106 is a compression- and tension-resistant wire, in particular a square wire. According to still other embodiments, the extension element 106 is a compression- and tension-resistant cable.

[0045] When the lid is closed, good force transmission against the Z-direction is achieved due to the two control sliders 128 and 129 with the associated cams in the guide rail 112 as well as the cam 126 and the pin 127 of the release lever 117.

[0046] The awning element 106 can be produced with a desired length and varying curvature by simply cutting it to length and bending it into an L-shape for the shape 111, without requiring significant tooling modifications. This creates a lightweight assembly 100 that allows for modular use. For example, the elements can be used in various kits and are also easily combined with a double spoiler roof. The components are interchangeable and combinable. The assembly 100 is cost-effective because it uses simple components. Manufacturing is also inexpensive, as changing the length, especially of the awning element 106, is straightforward. For example, it simply needs to be cut to size. If the desired length of the awning element 106 remains the same and only the curvature changes, all elements can remain unchanged. 100 arrangement 101 lids 103 Vehicle roof 104 first lever 105 second lever 106 Connecting element 107 first end 108 second end 109 gliders 110 Rotary axis 111 Shaping 112 Guide rail 113 Roof opening 114 Windscreen 115 Guide element 116 trailing edge 117 Disengagement levers 118 gliders 119 locking sliders 120 System 121 first length 122 second length 123 lid carriers 124 Scenery 125 guide channel 126 Scenery 127 pins 128 control gliders 129 control gliders 130 sleds X first direction Y second direction Z third direction

Claims

[1] Arrangement (100) for moving a cover (101) for a vehicle roof (103), comprising: - a first lever (104), - a second lever (105) which is guided by a guide rail (112), and - an elongated display element (106) extending in a first direction (X), wherein - the first lever (104) is arranged at a first end (107) of the display element (106) and the second lever (105) is arranged at a second end (108) of the display element in order to transmit a movement of the first lever (104) to a movement of the second lever (105), and - the display element (106) has a predefined flexibility such that the display element is flexible along a second (Y) and a third direction (Z), wherein the first (X), the second (Y) and the third (Z) direction are each perpendicular to each other, and - the second lever (105) is pivotable relative to the extension element (106) and relative to the guide rail (112), wherein the flexibility of the extension element (106) is specified such that the first lever (104) is pivotable relative to the guide rail (112) along the second and third directions in order to lock the extension element (106) against movement along the first direction (X) relative to the guide rail (112). [2] Arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the display element (106) has a cable that is resistant to compression and tension. [3] Arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display element (106) has a wire that is stiff in compression and tension. [4] Arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display element (106) is a plastic element. [5] Arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a slider (109) is arranged at the second end (108) of the display element (106) which is guided in the guide rail (112), and the second lever (105) is connected to the slider (109) so that the second lever (105) is pivotable relative to the slider (109) about a pivot axis (110). [6] Arrangement (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second lever is directly connected to the extension element (106), and the extension element (106) has the specified flexibility so that the second lever can pivot relative to the connecting element. [7] Arrangement (100) according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the display element (106) has a projection at the second end (108) to connect the second lever (105) to the display element (106). [8] Arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second lever (105) is coupled to an opening lever (117) for the lid (101) in order to pivot the opening lever (117) when the second lever (105) is moved along the first direction (x). [9] System comprising a first vehicle roof and a second vehicle roof which is different from the first vehicle roof: - a first and a second arrangement (100) each according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein - the display element (106) of the first arrangement (100) has a first length (121) and a first curvature depending on the first vehicle roof, and - the display element (106) of the second arrangement (100) has a second length (122) and a second curvature depending on the second vehicle roof, wherein the first length (121) differs from the second length (122) and / or the first curvature differs from the second curvature. [10] System according to claim 9, wherein the first lever (104) of the first arrangement (100) and the first lever (104) of the second arrangement (100) are identical in construction. [11] System according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second lever (105) of the first arrangement (100) and the second lever (105) of the second arrangement (100) are identical in construction.

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