Vehicle roof with a roof module and a guide rail arrangement

Abstract

Vehicle roof (2) with a roof module (3) comprising a guide rail arrangement (8) and a bearing device for storing at least one equipment part (4) on the guide rail arrangement (8), wherein the guide rail arrangement (8) includes a guide rail (9) on which a functional component (14) can be fixed by means of a connecting device (21), wherein according to the invention it is provided that the connecting device (21) has at least one connection pair (22) with a receiving groove (31, 36) and with an insert part (33, 38) that can be inserted into the receiving groove (31, 36), wherein either the receiving groove (31, 36) is arranged on the guide rail (9) and the insert part (33, 38) on the functional component (14) or the receiving groove (31, 36) is arranged on the functional component (14) and the insert part (33, 38) on the guide rail (9), and wherein the insert part (33, 38) is configured in such a way that it alternates - in a first configuration or assembly configuration during the assembly of the functional component (14) in its installation position in the receiving groove (31, 36) and - in a second configuration or fixing configuration by means of an insert (47) in the receiving groove (31, 36) is held in the fixing position and holds the functional component (14) in its installation position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle roof with a roof module comprising a guide rail arrangement and a bearing device for storing at least one equipment part on the guide rail arrangement, wherein the guide rail arrangement includes a guide rail on which a functional component can be fixed by means of a connecting device.

[0002] A vehicle roof with a roof module is known from DE 10 2008 046 496 A1. The roof module is mounted on roof rails of a body-in-white structure of the vehicle roof and closes a body-in-white opening surrounded by the roof rails. The roof module has at least one roof section that is mounted on guide rails of the roof module and sealed on its underside by means of a gasket. A sealing frame supporting the gasket surrounds the body-in-white opening and is supported both on a roof-side flange surrounding the body-in-white opening and on a respective guide rail. The sealing frame is connected to the guide rail by means of a positive-locking connection device, which is preferably designed as a clip connection. The clip connection has a fastening element of the guide rail projecting upwards from the guide rail towards the roof section.

[0003] From DE 103 46 346 A1, a vehicle roof with a bearing device for the adjustable mounting of a sliding / tilting roof cover is known. The bearing device has a guide rail on both sides of a roof opening that can be closed by the cover. The guide rail is formed from a first guide rail section and a second guide rail section. The first guide rail section and the second guide rail section are made of different materials and are connected to each other via a connecting device with positively interlocking sections.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating a vehicle roof as mentioned above, which is improved with regard to the attachment of the functional component to the guide rail.

[0005] This problem is solved in the vehicle roof mentioned at the outset according to the invention in that the connecting device has at least one connecting pair with a receiving groove and with an insertable part that can be inserted into the receiving groove, wherein either the receiving groove is arranged on the guide rail and the insertable part on the functional component or the receiving groove is arranged on the functional component and the insertable part on the guide rail, and wherein the insertable part is configured such that it can be alternately - in an initial configuration or assembly configuration during the assembly of the functional component in its installation position, it can be inserted into the receiving groove and - in a second configuration or fixing configuration, is held in the fixing position by means of an insert in the receiving groove and holds the functional component in its installed position.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The connection thus comprises a receiving groove and a corresponding insert. The receiving groove extends along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail and is formed, for example, as an elongated, channel-shaped recess or the like, e.g., in or on a wall or flange section of the guide rail. The receiving groove can also be formed on a separate component and attached to the guide rail along with it. The insert has an elongated shape adapted to the receiving groove and is, for example, arranged as a protruding part on the functional component or integrally formed on it such that it occupies a position parallel to the guide rail within the receiving groove of the guide rail. The receiving groove extends over the entire length of the guide rail or is limited to a partial section of the guide rail.The guide rail can contain several such shortened receiving grooves along its length. A receiving groove is generally defined as a receiving element into which the insert can be placed and held, and which expediently has a recess in which the insert is held, in particular, by a positive locking mechanism. A receiving channel therefore also constitutes a receiving groove. The connection pair can also have two or more such inserts arranged one behind the other and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the receiving groove.

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment, the functional component contains the receiving groove and the guide rail contains the insert part in a mutually reversed arrangement.

[0009] Furthermore, the insert is designed or configured such that it alternately has or assumes a first configuration or assembly configuration and a second configuration or fixing configuration. In the first configuration or assembly configuration, the insert can be placed into its installation position in the receiving groove during the assembly and attachment of the functional component to the guide rail. In the second configuration or fixing configuration, the insert is held in the fixing position in the receiving groove by means of the inserting device. The insert, supplemented by the inserting device, thus holds the functional component in its installation position after its assembly.

[0010] The insert thus changes from its first configuration, which it has when inserted into the receiving groove, to its second configuration, which it has when secured in the receiving groove. In its second configuration, or fixing configuration, the insert is held in the receiving groove by a positive locking and / or friction locking mechanism. A positive locking connection is specifically designed to prevent the insert from twisting or pivoting around the longitudinal axis of the receiving groove. A friction locking connection is specifically designed to prevent axial displacement of the insert within the receiving groove. A friction locking connection can also be designed to prevent rotation or pivoting of a cylindrically shaped insert in a correspondingly cylindrical receiving groove, either circumferentially or around the longitudinal axis of the receiving groove.

[0011] Advantageously, the connection can be easily disassembled by removing or disabling the insertion element. In particular, the connection does not require any insertion elements or fixing devices such as screws or similar fasteners. Specifically, the insertion element is only in contact with the insert and has no contact or fixing contact with the receiving groove.

[0012] The roof module is attached to a structural frame of the vehicle roof or to roof beams of the structural frame of the vehicle roof and closes a structural opening of the vehicle roof. The roof module includes, for example, a roof opening system that has at least one cover and is, in particular, a sunroof, a sliding / tilting sunroof, or a spoiler roof. The cover is mounted on the guide rail assembly of the roof module by means of the bearing device so that it can be moved and slidably between a closed position in a roof opening and at least one ventilation or open position, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or roof or in the x-direction of an xyz vehicle coordinate system. The guide rail assembly expediently includes a guide rail on each side of the roof opening, on which at least one bearing unit of the bearing device is arranged, with which the cover is adjustably mounted.According to an alternative embodiment, the cover is fixedly attached to the respective guide rail of the guide rail assembly and is permanently mounted in the roof opening. The two guide rails are arranged parallel to each other, but can also be arranged non-parallel. The roof module can, for example, have two covers arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or roof, of which, for example, the front cover is a movable and adjustable cover, and the rear cover is fixedly mounted in the roof opening or in an additional roof opening, thus forming a rigid roof surface section.

[0013] Such a cover constitutes a component of the roof module. Furthermore, a shading device, for example, constitutes a component. In one embodiment, the shading device comprises, for example, at least one flat and, in particular, rigid shading element, which is slidably mounted on the two opposing guide rails. According to another embodiment, the shading device comprises a retractable roller blind with a drawbar, which is slidably mounted at both ends on the guide rails and can be adjusted along the guide rails, for example, by means of a drive mechanism. The roller blind is expediently mounted on associated guides of the guide rails via its two longitudinal edges.

[0014] The respective component is thus either fixed or movable / adjustable on the guide rail. The roof module therefore essentially represents an assembly or unit comprising a guide rail arrangement and at least one component mounted on it, such as a cover or a roller blind.

[0015] The functional component is, for example, a support or cover support for a fixed cover of the vehicle roof, a sealing support, a water management unit or water drainage unit, or even a second rail section of the guide rail formed by at least two rail sections. The functional component is fundamentally a part that is fixedly and permanently attached to the guide rail or to a rail section of the guide rail. The functional component can be coupled and connected to another component in such a way that the other component is movable or adjustable relative to the functional component. In this case, the functional component is, for example, a fixed part of the bearing unit or bearing device that allows the cover to be adjusted.

[0016] Advantageously, the receiving groove includes a slot-shaped insertion opening, and the insert is designed such that it can be inserted into the receiving groove through the insertion opening in a motion perpendicular to the guide rail or the receiving groove. The receiving groove is thus open to the outside via the slot-shaped insertion opening and accessible from the outside. Advantageously, the receiving groove is designed such that its cross-section widens inwards from the insertion opening. The receiving groove thus has a convex cross-section with an undercut relative to the insertion opening. In this case, the insertion opening has a width in the transverse direction to the longitudinal extent of the receiving groove that is less than the diameter or the greatest width of the receiving groove. The receiving groove can also be designed such that it has parallel groove side walls and a groove base perpendicular to them.On the other hand, it is also provided that the insert can be inserted into the receiving groove in the axial or longitudinal direction, e.g. on an exposed end face of the guide rail where the receiving groove is accessible in the axial direction.

[0017] Basically, the insert can be positioned and fixed at a predetermined location or at a selectable location on the guide rail.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the insert comprises a base body and an adapter, which is movably or pivotably connected to the base body. The base body is preferably a substantially non-deformable solid part made of plastic or metal. The base body is adapted to the shape of the section of the receiving groove against which it rests when the insert is in its fixed position. The adapter is movably connected to the base body, for example by means of a film hinge, and pivotably connected to it about a longitudinal axis of the film hinge. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter can be rigidly connected to the base body, but its shape can be flexible and modifiable in such a way that it can change the size of the insert.To insert the insert into the receiving groove, the adapter is positioned relative to the base body in such a way that the insert is reduced to the size required for insertion. In this initial configuration, or assembly configuration, the insert can be inserted into the receiving groove and positioned correctly, particularly through the insert opening, by means of a corresponding feeding movement of the functional component. Subsequently, the adapter is positioned on the insert in its functional position, so that the functional component assumes its fixed position.

[0019] In the fixed position of the insert, the adapting element rests against its corresponding section of the receiving groove and is held in this position by the insertion tool. The adapting element, like the base body, is a non-deformable, solid part made of plastic or metal. Alternatively, the adapting element is made of a deformable material that conforms to the shape of the receiving groove when a force is applied by the insertion tool, while still providing the necessary rigidity for fixation. The adapting element can also consist of several interconnected parts that are brought into their required shape and arrangement within the receiving groove by the insertion tool.

[0020] Advantageously, the insert is preferably made of a plastic material or a welt, or it contains a welt. The welt is, for example, a cylindrical rod or tube, preferably made of a plastic such as rigid PVC, or a cord such as a solid rubber cord or a woven cord. The insert complements the insert and holds it in its fixing position, which is adapted to the receiving groove, particularly in a form-fitting manner, and advantageously fills the receiving groove. In principle, the insert can also be made of another material, such as a metal, and may, for example, have a wedge shape so that it can be inserted and clamped between the base part and the fitting part.

[0021] The insert preferably has at least one recess formed between the base body and the adapter, in which the insert element is received. The inserted or pressed-in keder spreads the adapter against the base body and is held securely in the recess. Such a keder can be removed from the insert, so that the fixation of the insert to the receiving groove can be easily released, e.g., in the case of replacing the functional component.

[0022] The mold is formed, for example, as a recess in a wedge-shaped groove into which the plastic material of the insert is placed, e.g., extruded or injection-molded using a plastic extruder, and then welded to the plastic of the insert part by applying heat. Advantageously, the plastics, or at least the chemical bonding between the plastics of the insert part and the insert, should be identical.

[0023] The plastic material used as the insert is preferably stored or kept on the functional component or its insert. The plastic material, such as a thermoplastic, is particularly well-molded onto the adapter in the form of a strip and is, for example, reshaped by the application of heat and inserted between the adapter and the base body or into the mold and welded therein. Alternatively, the plastic material can also be supplied from an external source and welded onto the insert.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the insert is formed by a deformable section or clamping leg of a groove wall of the receiving groove. After deformation or bending, the section or clamping leg holds the insert part received in the receiving groove in a fixed position. This secures the insert part in the x-direction as well as in the y- and z-directions, and thus also against pivoting along the longitudinal extent of the receiving groove. The section or clamping leg clamps the adapter part and / or the base body against the wall of the receiving groove. The section or clamping leg, which is made of metal or light metal in particular, permanently retains its bent or deformed clamping position. A slight deformation of the adapter part to the receiving groove may also occur. The insert part thus assumes its second configuration or fixed configuration.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving groove has a non-circular or profiled cross-section for the positive-locking and rotationally secure reception and arrangement of the insert in its fixed position. Such a positive-locking fixation, secured against rotation or pivoting about the longitudinal extent of the receiving groove, is particularly advantageous when the functional component, e.g., a sealing carrier, is supported only at this single receiving groove on one of the two guide rails opposite each other with respect to the roof opening. A non-circular or profiled cross-section has the shape of, for example, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a hexagon.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide rail comprises a first rail section and a second rail section. The first rail section and the second rail section are arranged side by side transversely to the longitudinal extent of the guide rail and are connected to each other by means of the connecting device. One of the two rail sections is the functional component, or the functional component is attached to one of the two rail sections. The two rail sections are arranged side by side at essentially the same height or in a horizontal plane. The two rail sections can also be arranged at different heights or partially or completely overlapping each other. The two rail sections can have the same length or different lengths.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, the connecting device for joining the first rail section to the second rail section comprises the aforementioned connection pair as the first connection pair and additionally a further or second connection pair. The second connection pair is either formed in the same design as the first connection pair or it has an insert element, which is formed as a component projecting from the first rail section, such as a web or the like, extending along the longitudinal extent of the first rail section and being inserted into a corresponding receiving groove on the second rail section and positively locked therein. Alternatively, in this second connection pair, the insert element and the receiving groove can be arranged in reversed configurations on the second rail section and the first rail section, respectively.The positive locking connection is thus achieved in a transverse plane aligned in the y-direction and in the z-direction.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first rail section is a metallic part, an extruded part, or an extruded profile made of metal, light metal, or aluminum, and the second rail section is a plastic part, a plastic composite component, or a thermoplastic extrusion. The second rail section is attached to a fixed roof frame structure, and the first rail section is held exclusively by the second rail section via the connecting device and is attached and supported by it on the roof frame structure or on an intermediate component. Thus, the material metal, light metal, or aluminum is replaced by plastic in part of the guide rail. This enables an improved manufacturing method from an ecological perspective.It should be emphasized that the first rail section, which is loaded by the bearing device for at least one cover and therefore must have a corresponding deformation stiffness, is made of metal, light metal, or aluminum, and the second rail section, which supports the first rail section on the roof frame structure, is made of plastic and has a design suitable for this purpose. This design of the guide rail with these two rail sections, even in a modified version, constitutes an independent invention in which the connecting device of the two rail sections differs from the connecting device described above and, in particular, dispenses with a connecting pair with a receiving groove and an insert with variable configurations.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, the insert part placed in the receiving groove is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail or in the x-direction. According to a first alternative, such fixation is achieved by means of at least one compression or crushing of the receiving groove or the groove wall bounding the receiving groove, which clamps the insert part. The resulting deformation or narrowing of the cross-section can be formed at one or more locations along the length of the rail section or guide rail. The deformation or narrowing clamps the insert part contained therein. According to a second alternative, such fixation is achieved by means of fixing elements inserted into openings in a groove wall of the receiving groove. Advantageously, such fixing elements are formed, for example, from the same plastic material that is attached to the insert part as an insert element, e.g., by welding.This described fixing method is also applicable to multiple inserts positioned along the length of the receiving groove. The fixing elements act, for example, as stops that block movement of the insert in the x-direction.

[0030] In the embodiment mentioned above, in which the insert part is fixed by means of the clamping leg, such a fixing of the insert part in the x-direction is achieved via this friction-fit fixing.

[0031] Advantageously, the second rail section includes a mounting leg that is attached to a fixed roof frame structure and supports the second rail section. The second rail section also includes, for example, a cable duct for a drive cable that connects to a movable bearing unit of the adjustable cover's bearing assembly. The bearing unit is advantageously mounted on the first rail section.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second rail section has an upper mounting leg and a lower support leg. The mounting leg and the support leg are each connected to the first rail section by means of one of the two connection pairs. Advantageously, the mounting leg and the support leg are arranged relative to each other such that they form an open profile in the form of an approximately V-shaped groove in cross-section, which opens laterally inwards towards the first rail section. The lower connection pair associated with the lower support leg and the upper connection pair associated with the upper mounting leg are arranged approximately one above the other.The determination of the second rail section by means of the two connecting pairs makes it possible to design the second rail section as a laterally open profile section, which can do without a wall closing and supporting the open profile section.

[0033] It is therefore particularly preferred that the first rail section has at least one guide on which the vehicle roof cover is adjustably mounted. For example, a slide or a glider of one of the cover's bearing units is slidably mounted on the guide. The metallic first rail section has a strength and flexural stiffness, as well as wear resistance with respect to the moving bearing components, that is suitable for supporting the cover.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide rail has a third rail section, preferably made of plastic. The first rail section is a central section of the guide rail, located between the second and third rail sections. The third rail section is preferably connected to the first rail section by means of a connecting device that corresponds to or is identical to the connecting device between the first and second rail sections. The third rail section is thus positioned laterally and inward of the central first rail section and contains guides for mounting a shading device, such as a retractable roller blind and its pull rods. The design of the third rail section as a plastic component is sufficient to withstand the load exerted by the shading device.Thus, the guide rail can also be manufactured in an economically and ecologically preferable manner in the area of ​​the third rail section by using plastic, which replaces metal or light metal.

[0035] It is therefore advantageous that the second rail part is an outer rail part in the transverse or y-direction with respect to the guide rail arranged in the longitudinal direction on the vehicle roof, and that the third rail part is an inner rail part in the transverse or y-direction.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first rail section and / or the second rail section and / or the third rail section comprises at least one functional component, which is attached to the respective rail section, for example, as a separate part or is molded onto it, for example, by means of plastic injection molding. Such a functional component is, for example, a projection mechanism for the cover's bearing device, a control component for the cover's bearing or the shading device, a water drainage unit, a seal carrier supporting a seal, or a fastening element for a cover permanently attached to the guide rail.

[0037] Advantageously, the functional component, e.g., a cover support or a water drainage unit, and one of the rail sections are attached to another rail section using the same connecting element. This connecting element is, for example, a keder that runs continuously along the respective connecting elements.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle roof according to the invention, with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 in a perspective top view a vehicle with a vehicle roof having a roof module which includes an adjustable cover mounted in a roof opening in the closed position and a fixed cover; Fig. 2 in a perspective top view the vehicle roof of the Fig. 1 with the lid in an open position; Fig. 3 in an isometric view in sectional representation a guide rail composed of three rail parts of a bearing device of the cover in an assembly position; Fig. 4 in a cross-sectional view the guide rail of the Fig. 3 with the three interconnected rail sections in installation position; Fig. 5 in a cross-sectional view according to section line A - A in Fig. 1 a section of the vehicle roof in the area of ​​the guide rail to which an additional functional component is attached; Fig. 6 in a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 5 parallel offset cross-sectional views of the vehicle roof in the area of ​​the guide rail with a fastening of the guide rail to a roof frame structure; Fig. 7 in a cross-sectional view two rail parts of the guide rail in a first assembly position when making the connection by means of a connecting device having two connection pairings; Fig. 8 in a cross-sectional view that is in Fig. 7 rail sections shown in a second assembly position; Fig. 9 in an isometric view in sectional representation a section of the vehicle roof in the area of ​​the guide rail with a functional component attached to a rail part; Fig. 10 in a cross-sectional view the guide rail with another functional component attached to a rail part; Fig. 11 in an isometric view that is in Fig. 10 Guide rail shown with the functional component attached to the rail section; Fig. 12 in a side view the guide rail with the in Fig. 9 functional component shown; Fig. 13 in a cross-sectional view according to section line B - B in Fig. 12 the guide rail with the functional component attached to it; Fig. 14 in an isometric view that in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 functional components shown; Fig. 15 to 18 in four isometric views that in Fig. 14 functional components shown; Fig. 19 in a cross-sectional view two interconnected rail sections of the guide rail with a further embodiment of the lower connection pairing; and Fig. 20 in a cross-sectional view in enlarged representation the lower connection pair of the two in Fig. 19 rail sections shown.

[0039] A vehicle 1, such as a passenger car, comprises a vehicle roof 2 which is equipped with a roof module 3 containing a roof opening system. The roof module 3 contains a cover 4 which, in a closed position ( Fig. 1) is arranged in a roof opening 5 of the vehicle roof 2 and can be lifted from its closed position and adjusted into a ventilation position in which at least its rear edge 6 of the cover is raised out of the roof opening 5. The cover 4 can be moved from the ventilation position into an open position (position according to) via a roof surface section 7 extending behind the roof opening 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or roof or x-direction. Fig. 2) movable. Such a roof opening system is, for example, an externally guided sliding / tilting sunroof or a spoiler roof. The rear roof section 7, which contains, for example, a glass pane, is fixedly attached to the vehicle roof 2. In principle, the rear roof section 7 can also be formed by a movable roof component, such as a glass cover that can be adjusted by means of a bearing mechanism. The axis and direction designations used in the description, such as "front" and "rear," "top" and "bottom," "outside" and "inside," "horizontal" and "vertical," as well as "lateral," longitudinal or x-direction, transverse or y-direction, and z-direction or vertical direction, refer to a three-dimensional xyz vehicle coordinate system.

[0040] The roof module 3 has a guide rail arrangement 8 with two guide rails 9 arranged on either side of the roof opening 5 and a bearing device (not shown) designed to movably support the cover 4 on either side of the roof opening 5 along the lateral guide rails 9. Such a bearing device is known, for example, from DE 10 2021 105 983 A1. The guide rail arrangement 8 with the guide rails 9 is part of a roof module frame 10, which is preferably rectangular, or forms this roof module frame 10 ( Fig. 5) The roof module frame 10 forms a supporting structure for the roof module 3 and includes, in particular, a drive motor and drive cables for adjusting the cover 4, which is movably mounted on the guide rails 9. The roof module 3 is attached to a roof-side roof frame structure 11 of a body structure of the vehicle roof 2 via the roof module frame 10 or the guide rail 9. Fig. Figure 6 shows the attachment of the guide rail 9 to a part of the roof frame structure 11, such as a side roof rail 12. The side guide rail 9 advantageously comprises a front guide rail section on which a front bearing unit of the bearing device is movably mounted, and a rear guide rail section on which a rear bearing unit of the bearing device is movably mounted. The structure of the vehicle roof 2 is largely symmetrical about a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle roof 2, so the following description is given with reference to the guide rail 9 located on the left longitudinal side of the roof opening 5.

[0041] The guide rail 9 is made up of several parts (see Fig. 3 to 6) and comprises a first rail section 13, a second rail section 14, and a third rail section 15. The three rail sections 13, 14, and 15 are arranged side by side, with the central first rail section 13 positioned between the second rail section 14, which is laterally outward in the roof transverse direction, and the third rail section 15, which is laterally inward. The first rail section 13 is preferably a metallic part, and in particular an extruded part or an extruded profile made of light metal or aluminum. The first rail section 13 has a bottom wall 16, an inner side wall 17, and an outer side wall 18. Guides 19 and 20, respectively, are formed on the two side walls 17 and 18, respectively, on which at least one bearing element of the bearing device of the cover 4, such as a bearing slide or the like, is slidably mounted.

[0042] The central first rail section 13 and the second rail section 14 are connected to each other by means of a connecting device 21. The second rail section 14 is a functional component that is fixed to the first rail section 13 and is made, in particular, of plastic or a plastic composite material. The connecting device 21 comprises a first upper connecting pair 22 and a second lower connecting pair 23. The first connecting pair 22 is located in the region of an upper edge or upper end 24 of the outer side wall 18. The second connecting pair 23 is located in the region of a lower edge or lower end 25 of the outer side wall 18 at the transition to the bottom wall 16 and approximately at an outer lower corner region 26 of the first rail section 13. The second connecting pair 23 is thus arranged below the first connecting pair 22 and is spaced from the first connecting pair 22 by approximately the height of the side wall 18.

[0043] The second rail section 14 has a fastening leg 27 and a support leg 28. The fastening leg 27 forms an upper section of the second rail section 14, via which the second rail section 14 is fastened by means of at least one screw fastening 29 ( Fig. 6) is attached to the roof frame structure 11 and in particular to an underside 30 of the roof frame structure 11 or of the roof beam 12. In the arrangement mounted on the vehicle roof 2, in which the first rail section 13 is connected to the second rail section 14, the fastening leg 27 is adapted to the orientation of the underside 30 of the roof beam 12 and is in particular substantially horizontally oriented.

[0044] The first upper connecting pair 22 has a receiving groove 31, which is arranged at the upper end 24 of the side wall 18, surrounded by a groove wall 32, and open laterally inwards. The receiving groove 31 is essentially an elongated, channel-shaped recess or groove, bounded by the groove wall 32 and extending along the first rail section 13. The first connecting pair 22 also has an insert 33, which is associated with the receiving groove 31 and designed for its arrangement in the receiving groove 31. The insert 33 is arranged on the second rail section 14, in particular on a web 34 that is integrally formed on an inner section 35 of the fastening leg 27. The insert 33 has an elongated shape adapted to the receiving groove 31 and a length in the axial direction.in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the receiving groove 31, which corresponds to the length of the receiving groove 31 or only a partial length of the receiving groove 31.

[0045] The second lower connection pair 23 also has a receiving groove 36, which is formed on the first rail section 13 by a groove wall 37 molded onto the outside of the side wall 18 and is expediently shaped to correspond to the receiving groove 31 of the first connection pair 22. The second lower connection pair 23 further has an insert 38, which is associated with the receiving groove 36 and is designed for its placement in the receiving groove 36. The insert 38 is arranged on the second rail section 14 and expediently on the support leg 28. The support leg 28 is connected at its upper end 39 to an outer edge region 40 of the fastening leg 27 and extends from there downwards and inwards in an oblique or inclined direction towards the second connection pair 23. The insert 38 is arranged at a lower edge or lower end 41 of the support leg 28.The insert 33 of the first upper connection pair 22, the insert 38 of the second lower connection pair 23, and an opening 42 in the fastening leg 27 containing the screw fastening 29 thus form a support triangle with respect to a cross-section of the second rail part 14. The two connection pairs 22, 23, which are arranged essentially one above the other, form a stable connection of the two rail parts 13, 14 in this support triangle when the first rail part 13 is loaded, in particular by the cover 4 attached to it, whereby this load generates a moment load on the connection via the screw fastening 29.

[0046] The insert 33 of the first upper connection pair 22 comprises a base body 43 and an adapter 44. The base body 43 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the web 34. The adapter 44 is movably or pivotably connected to the base body 43. The base body 43 is advantageously a substantially non-deformable solid part made of plastic or metal. The base body 43 is adapted to the shape of that section of the receiving groove 31 against which it rests when the insert 33 is in its fixed position. The adapter 44 is movably connected to the base body 43, for example, by means of a film hinge 45, and is pivotably connected to it about a longitudinal axis of the film hinge 45. To insert the insert part 33 into the receiving groove 31, the adapting part 44 is brought into a position relative to the base body 43 in which the insert part 33 is reduced to a size relevant for insertion.In this first configuration or assembly configuration, the insert part 33 can be inserted into the receiving groove 31 and positioned correctly, particularly through an insert opening 46, by means of a corresponding feeding movement of the functional component or the second rail section 14. The slot-shaped insert opening 46 represents the lateral opening of the receiving groove 31, through which the receiving groove 31 is accessible. The insert part 33 can be inserted into the receiving groove 31 through the insert opening 46 in an insertion movement directed transversely to the guide rail 9 or to the first rail section 13 and its receiving groove 31. The receiving groove 31 is advantageously designed such that its cross-section widens inwards from the insert opening 46. The receiving groove 31 is formed, for example, by a convex cross-sectional design of the groove wall 32 with undercuts relative to the insert opening 46.

[0047] In this first configuration or assembly configuration, the insert part 33 is inserted into the receiving groove 31 and positioned correctly ( Fig. 3) In the fixed position of the insert part 33, the adapting part 44 rests against the section of the receiving groove 31 assigned to it and is held in this position by an inserting device 47 ( Fig. 4) The insert 47 comprises a plastic material that is inserted into and secured in a wedge-shaped groove 48 between the base body 43 and the adapter 44, and is expediently shaped to fit the groove 48. The plastic material of the insert 47, in particular a thermoplastic, is expediently attached to the base body 43 and the adapter 44 by applying heat via a welding connection. The insert 47 holds the base body 43 and the adapter 44, and thus the insert 33, in the receiving groove 31 in a positive-locking fixed position. The insert 33 now has its second configuration or fixation configuration.

[0048] The insert 38 of the second lower connection pair 23 is designed according to the insert 31 of the first upper connection pair 22. Its base body 43 is arranged or integrally formed at the lower end 41 of the support leg 28. In its second configuration, the insert 38 is held in the fixing position in the receiving groove 36 by the insert 47.

[0049] During assembly, the functional component or the second rail section 14 is expediently brought into contact with the first rail section 13 in such a way that the insert 33 of the first upper connection pair 22 is first inserted into the receiving groove 31. Subsequently, the second rail section 14, with its support leg 28, is pivoted around the insert 33 such that its insert 38 is inserted into the receiving groove 36 of the second connection pair 23. The two inserts 33 and 38 are then brought into their second configurations, or fixing configurations, by means of the respective insertion device 47. This establishes the fixed connection between the first rail section 13 and the second rail section 14 of the guide rail 9.

[0050] The third rail section 15 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) is connected to the first rail section 13 by means of a connecting device 48 which has a first lower connecting pair 49 and a second upper connecting pair 50.

[0051] The first connection pairing 49 is identical to the first connection pairing 22 between the first rail section 13 and the second rail section 14. A groove wall 51 is formed at the corner area 52 at the transition from the bottom wall 16 to the inner side wall 17 and contains a receiving groove 53 that opens laterally inwards in the transverse roof direction. The insert part 54 is molded onto a base web 55 of the third rail section 15 and comprises the base body 56 and the adapting part 57. The insert 47, made of plastic material, is located in the Fig. The second configuration shown in 4 is attached and welded to the insert part 54 and holds the insert part 54 in its fixing position.

[0052] The second upper connection pairing 50 includes an insert part 58, which is formed as a web projecting upwards on the inner side wall 17 of the first rail part 13, and a receiving groove 59 in the form of an insertion channel, which is formed in an upper rail side area 60 of the third rail part 15, which represents a functional component, and is open downwards.

[0053] The third rail section 15 is initially placed onto the first rail section 13 at an angle, with its insert 54 facing away from the lower connecting piece 49. Its upper side section 60 is then positioned onto the web-shaped insert 58, which is thereby received in the channel-shaped receiving groove 59. The third rail section 15 is then pivoted counterclockwise around the insert 58 so that the insert 54 of the lower connecting piece 49 is received in the receiving groove 53. The third rail section 15 is preferably made of plastic or a plastic composite material. The third rail section 15 includes guides 61 for a roller blind track of a roller blind assembly (not shown) and for a slider of a tension bar of the roller blind assembly, as well as a cable channel 62 for a drive unit for adjusting the tension bar.

[0054] The guide rail 9, comprising the three rail sections 13, 14, and 15, is attached to the roof frame structure 11 primarily via the second rail section 14, which is connected to the roof beam 12 by several screw fixings 29. The second rail section 14 thus holds the first middle rail section 13 and the third inner rail section 15 attached to it, and transfers the load acting on these two rail sections 14 and 15—which arises particularly from the accessories and functional components mounted on them—to the roof frame structure 11. The second rail section 14 is designed as a plastic component with a support leg 28 for absorbing and transmitting even high forces.

[0055] In another embodiment ( Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) is the second upper connection pair 22 opposite the second connection pair 22 of the in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is modified such that a groove wall 32 is formed on the upper edge 24 of the outer side wall 18 of the first rail part 13, which has a receiving groove 63 with a circular cross-section. The insertion opening 46 has a reduced width or height in the z-direction compared to the diameter of the receiving groove 63. The insertion part 64 is formed as a fixed, non-deformable part with a base body 65, which is formed on the web 34 of the second rail part 14 by means of a connecting feature 66 and basically has a cylindrical shape with a diameter corresponding to the receiving groove 63, so that the insertion part 64 is pivotably received in the receiving groove 63. However, the base body 65 has a flattening 67, which is formed on the side opposite the connecting feature 66 such that the flattened base body 65 is in the Fig. The assembly can be inserted in the mounting position 7 shown and pivoted upwards in a transverse direction through the insertion opening 46 into the receiving groove 63.

[0056] Advantageously, the second rail section 14 includes a slot-shaped recess 68, which is formed as a section of a cylindrical shell and is adapted to an upper section 69 of the groove wall 32. This upper section 69 of the groove wall 32 is cylindrically curved with respect to a pivot axis of the base body 65, which coincides with a central axis of the receiving groove 63. Furthermore, a lower section 70 of the groove wall 32 can be designed such that it projects laterally from the outer side wall 18 and engages in an associated receiving slot 71 of the second rail section 14. In the Fig. In the assembly position shown in Figure 8, the groove wall 32 provides additional support for the insert part 54 on the second rail part 14 via the engagement in the recess 68 and in the receiving slot 71.

[0057] The first lower connection pair 23 corresponds to the connection pair 23 of the one in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment.

[0058] Another embodiment ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) contains a modification of the connecting device 21 connecting the first rail section 13 with the second rail section 14 of the Fig. 3 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the insert 33 of the first connection pair 22 and the insert 38 of the second connection pair 23 each contain an insert 47 in the form of a bead. Advantageously, each insert 33, 38 includes a recess 72 formed to receive the bead between the base body 43 and the adapter 44 of the insert 33 or 38 inserted into the receiving groove 31 or 36, respectively. The bead inserted therein holds the insert 33, 38 in its fixed position. Furthermore, it can be provided that one of the two insert 33, 38 is provided with a bead as the insert 47, and the other of the two insert 33, 38 is provided with a plastic material, in particular a thermoformed one, as the insert 47.

[0059] The in the Fig. 5 and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 further includes a connecting device 73 that connects the third rail section 15 to the first rail section 13 (see also the illustrations of Figure 6). Fig. 9 to 11). A lower corner region 74 of a side structure 75 of the third rail section 15 forms the insert 76 of a first lower connection pair 77 of the connecting device 73. An edge region 78 of the bottom wall 16, projecting laterally beyond the inner side wall 17, has a groove 79 on its upper side, which adjoins the inner side wall 17 and, together with the side wall 17, forms the receiving groove 80 on the first rail section 13 for the insert 76 of the third rail section 15. The insert 76, or the corner region 74, has a lower rib-like projection 81, which is adapted for insertion into the groove 79.

[0060] A second upper connection pair 82 of the connecting device 73 has a receiving groove 83, which is formed by a groove wall 84 on the side wall 17 of the first rail section 13 above the receiving groove 80 of the first lower connection pair 77 and is open laterally inwards. The second upper connection pair 82 further includes an insert 85, which is formed on the side structure 75 of the third rail section 15 above the lower corner area 74 and in relation to the receiving groove 83. The insert 85 is formed with the fixed base body 43 and the adjustable adapter 44, as described above, and is held in its fixing position in the receiving groove 83 by means of the insert 47, which is formed in particular by a bead.The receiving groove 83 is bounded by boundary surfaces of the groove wall 84 arranged in such a way that, in cross-sectional view, it forms a hexagon and is accessible via the lateral insertion opening. The insert part 85 has corresponding outer surfaces and, in its fixed position, is positively engaged in the receiving groove 83 and thereby secured against rotation or pivoting about its longitudinal axis.

[0061] The third rail part 15 further includes a strip-shaped flange 86, which is integrally formed on the adapting part 44 of the insert part 85, extends over the length of the insert part 85 and has such a width that it can accommodate a sealing profile 88 as a sealing carrier 87, which is attached to the flange 86 with its sealing base 89 and held by means of a snap connection and is in sealing contact with a cover foaming 90 attached to the underside of the cover or another sealing system part.

[0062] According to another embodiment, an additional functional component 91 is provided ( Fig. 9, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13), which represents a cover support for a cover fixedly attached to the guide rail 9 and forming the rear roof surface section 7, and is attached to the first rail component 13 by means of a connection pair 92, which essentially corresponds to the second upper connection pair 82 described above. The connection pair 92 has, for example, two identical insert parts 93, which are formed according to the insert part 85 of the second upper connection pair 82 and are inserted longitudinally spaced apart from each other in the receiving groove 83 of the first rail component 13. Each insert part 93 is arranged in a free section 94 of the receiving groove 83. Such a free section 94 is provided for receiving the insert part 93 and is formed – when the third rail component 15 is simultaneously attached to the receiving groove 83 – for example, at the location of a recess 95 on the side structure 75 of the third rail component 15.The side structure 75 is formed at the recess 95 without the insert 85 of the second upper connection pair 82. The insert 85 – and, if necessary, further parts of the side structure 75, such as the sealing carrier 87 – has been cut out or removed from the third rail component 15 for the proper attachment of the insert 93 of the functional component 91. Such a free section 94 is located at the receiving groove 83 of the first rail component 13, for example, also outside both ends of the third rail component 15, and can be used for attaching this additional functional component 91.

[0063] The additional functional component 91 is positively locked and rotationally secured in the receiving groove 83 via its respective insert 93. A keder, and in particular the keder that is also used in the insert 85 of the third rail section 15 at its second upper connecting pair 82, serves as the insert 47. Fig. 9 and Fig. The functional component 91 shown in Figure 12 has two spaced-apart inserts 93 along the longitudinal direction of the first rail component 13. Between these inserts 93, which are each arranged in the recesses 95 of the side structure 75 of the third rail component 15, an insert 85 of the third rail component 15 is advantageously arranged. The welt extends along the third rail component 15 and, in the case of several inserts 85 and 93 arranged longitudinally one behind the other, is continuously inserted into these inserts 85, 93. However, each insert 85, 93 can also be provided with its own insert 47, e.g., a piece of welt adapted to it or a welded or extruded part made of plastic material.

[0064] The additional functional component 91 (see Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) is formed as a cover support 96 with a support 97, which is firmly embedded in the cover foam 90 at its upper end 98 and is attached at its lower end 99 in a section 100 of the functional component 91, which is integrally formed with the flange 86. The flange 86 represents the sealing support 87 and is integrally formed with the base body 43 of the insert part 93. The section 100 supporting the cover support 96 rests on an upper surface of the upper groove wall 84. Here, the forces generated by the cover or the roof surface part 7 are directly supported against the rigid structure of the side wall 17 of the first rail part 13. The sealing support 87 of the third rail part 15 and the sealing support 87 of the functional component 91 are aligned longitudinally with each other and thus provide a continuous mounting base for the sealing profile 88.

[0065] The additional functional component 91 provides such a cover fastening, which in particular includes two functional components 91 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 9 on each of the two guide rails 9, which are opposite each other on both sides at the roof opening 5 receiving the cover.

[0066] In a modified embodiment of the functional component 91, the further functional component 101 is designed as a water drainage unit 102 ( Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 and 15 to 18). The water drainage unit 102 is, for example, arranged under a side end 103 of a water collection channel 104, which is located under a front edge 105 of the rear roof surface section 7 and under the rear edge 6 of the cover 4. The water drainage unit 102 directs any water penetrating between the cover 4 and the adjacent roof surface section 7 to the side and onto an inclined water guidance surface 106 of the water drainage unit 102 for dripping. The water guidance surface 106 advantageously directs the water to the first rail section 13, where it is collected on the bottom wall 16 belonging to a wet area and discharged via drains (not shown). The water guidance surface 106 is integrally formed on the base body 43 of the insert section 93 via a support leg 107. Two lateral water guidance walls 108 delimit the water guidance surface 106 at its two lateral edges.

[0067] The additional functional component 101 also contains the sealing carrier 87 and is also fastened in a free section 94 by means of the insert part 93 inserted in the receiving groove 83, wherein the free section 94 is provided by the recess 95 of the third rail part 15 or also in front of or behind the front end or the rear end of the third rail part 15 on the first rail part 13 extending beyond it.

[0068] According to another modified embodiment ( Fig. 19 and Fig. 20) The insert part 38 of the lower second connection pair 23 of the connecting device 21, which connects the first rail part 13 to the second rail part 14, has a base body 109 and an adapting part 110. The adapting part 110 is firmly connected to the base body 109 and is, in particular, a leg integrally formed on the base body 109. The receiving groove 36 comprises a groove base surface 111, which is formed on the outer side wall 18 of the first rail part 13, an upper groove surface 112, which is formed on an upper groove wall section 37.1 and expediently has a cylindrical curvature, and a lower groove surface 113, which is formed on a lower groove wall section 37.2 and expediently has a cylindrical curvature adjoining the groove base surface 111. A clamping leg 114 is formed on the lower groove wall section 37.2 as a laterally projecting extension of the lower groove wall section 37.2.The clamping leg 114 has a recess 115 on its upper or inner side and a clamping head 116 adjoining it, which projects upwards on the inside of the clamping leg 114 beyond the recess 115. The receiving groove 36 and the insert 38 are shaped such that the insert 38, when inserted into the receiving groove 36, is positioned in a defined manner by positive locking. The base body 109 rests against the upper groove surface 112 and the groove base surface 111. The adapting part 110 rests against the groove base surface 111 and the lower groove surface 113. The recess 115 of the clamping leg 114 enlarges the insert opening at the required location, so that the insert 38, in its first configuration, can be inserted into the receiving groove 36 without hindrance by means of lateral insertion movement.

[0069] The insert part 38, which is inserted into the receiving groove 36, is held in a fixed position by the clamping leg 114. The clamping leg 114 represents an embodiment of the insert and is held in its clamping position by bending it (in Fig. 19 and Fig. (20 shown in dashed lines). The bending occurs at the transition point 117 from the lower groove wall section 37.2 to the clamping leg 114. At the transition point 117, the material thickness decreases towards the clamping leg 114, so that the bending preferably takes place at this transition point 117. The clamping leg 114 is pressed against a raised side section 118 of the adapting part 110 and clamps the insert part 38 firmly in the receiving groove 36 such that, in its second configuration or fixing configuration, it is secured by positive locking in the y-direction and in the z-direction, as well as against pivoting in a yz-plane or about the longitudinal extent of the receiving groove 36 or about the x-axis. Advantageously, the insert part 38, made of plastic material, adapts optimally to the shape of the receiving groove 36 with minimal deformation.The clamping head 116 of the clamping part 114 engages in a groove-like recess 119 of the adapting part 110 and presses the adapting part 110 against the curved lower groove surface 113, also in the downward direction or z-direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the insert part 38 is also fixed in the x-direction or longitudinal direction of the receiving groove 36 by the clamping leg 114 through frictional engagement. The clamping leg 114 thus provides comprehensive fixation of the insert part 38 in the receiving groove 36.

[0071] This design of the second lower connection pair 23 is particularly intended for such a connection device in which the clamping leg 114 is easily accessible during the assembly of the guide rail 9 or during the mounting of functional components to the guide rail 9 for a forming tool.

[0072] A connection pair 23 designed in this way can also be used in the other connection pairs, such as at the location of the second connection pair 82 (see Fig. 5) for the attachment of a functional component such as the sealing carrier 87. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 Vehicle roof 3 roof module 4 lids 5 Roof opening 6. Rear edge of lid 7 Roof area section 8 Guide rail arrangement 9 Guide rail 10 roof module frames 11 Roof frame structure 12 roof beam 13 first rail section 14 second rail section 15 third rail section 16 Floor wall 17 inner side wall 18 outer side wall 19 Leadership 20 Leadership 21 Connection device 22 first pairing 23 second connection pairing 24 top edge 25 bottom edge 26 Corner area 27 Mounting legs 28 support legs 29 Screw fastening 30 Underside 31 recordings 32 groove wall 33 Insert part 34 Bridge 35 Interior section 36 recordings 37 Groove wall 38 Insert part 39 Upper end 40 outer edge area 41 Lower End 42 Opening 43 Basic bodies 44 Fitting part 45 film hinge 46 Insert opening 47 resources 48 Connection device 49 first pairing 50 second connection pairing 51 Groove wall 52 Corner area 53 recordings 54 Insert part 55 Base bridge 56 basic bodies 57 Fitting part 58 Insert part 59 recordings 60 rail side area 61 Leadership 62 cable duct 63 recordings 64 Insert part 65 Basic bodies 66 Connection shaping 67 Flattening 68 In-depth study 69 upper section 70 lower section 71 recording slots 72 Formation 73 Connection device 74 Corner area 75 Page structure 76 Insert part 77 first pairing 78 Edge area 79 gully 80 recordings 81 lead 82 second connection pairing 83 recordings 84 Groove wall 85 Insert part 86 flange 87 sealing carriers 88 Sealing profile 89 Seal base 90 Lid foaming 91 Functional component 92 connection pairing 93 Insert part 94 Free section 95 recess 96 lid supports 97 support 98 Upper end 99 Lower End Section 100 101 Functional component 102 Water drainage unit 103 End of page 104 Water collection channel 105 Front edge 106 Water conduit surface 107 Supporting legs 108 Water guide wall 109 Basic bodies 110 Fitting part 111 Groove base area 112 upper groove surface 113 lower groove surface 114 clamping legs 115 In-depth study 116 Clamping head 117 Transit point Section 118 119 In-depth study QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 046 496 A1

[0002] DE 103 46 346 A1

[0003] DE 10 2021 105 983 A1

[0040]

Claims

[1] Vehicle roof (2) with a roof module (3) comprising a guide rail arrangement (8) and a bearing device for storing at least one equipment part (4) on the guide rail arrangement (8), wherein the guide rail arrangement (8) includes a guide rail (9) on which a functional component (14) can be fixed by means of a connecting device (21), characterized by , that the connecting device (21) has at least one connecting pair (22) with a receiving groove (31, 36) and with an insert part (33, 38) that can be inserted into the receiving groove (31, 36), wherein either the receiving groove (31, 36) is arranged on the guide rail (9) and the insert part (33, 38) on the functional component (14) or the receiving groove (31, 36) is arranged on the functional component (14) and the insert part (33, 38) on the guide rail (9), and that the insert (33, 38) is configured such that it alternately - in a first configuration or assembly configuration during the assembly of the functional component (14) in its installation position in the receiving groove (31, 36) and - in a second configuration or fixing configuration by means of an insert (47) in the receiving groove (31, 36) is held in the fixing position and holds the functional component (14) in its installation position. [2] Vehicle roof (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receiving groove (31, 36) has a slot-shaped insertion opening (46) and that the insert part (33, 38) is formed in such a way that it can be inserted into the receiving groove (31, 36) through the insertion opening (46) in an insertion movement directed transversely to the guide rail (9) or to the receiving groove (31, 36). [3] Vehicle roof (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the insert part (33, 38) has a base body (43) and an adapter part (44) which is connected to the base body (43) in a manner that is movably or pivotably connected, preferably by means of a film hinge (45). [4] Vehicle roof (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the insert (47) is a keder or a plastic material and that the insert (47) complements the insert part (33, 38) to form its fixing position adapted to the receiving groove (31). [5] Vehicle roof (2) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the plastic material of the insert (47) is held on the functional component (14) or on its insert (33, 38) or is supplied from outside. [6] Vehicle roof (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the insert means (47) is formed by a deformable section or clamping leg (114) of a groove wall (37.2) of the receiving groove (36), wherein the section or clamping leg (114) holds the insert part (38) received in the receiving groove (36) in a fixing position after its deformation or bending. [7] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the receiving groove (31, 36) has a non-circular or profiled cross-section for the form-fitting and rotationally secure reception of the insert part (33, 38) in its fixed position. [8] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the guide rail (9) comprises a first rail part (13) and a second rail part (14) which are arranged side by side and connected to each other by means of the connecting device (21), wherein one of the two rail parts (13 or 14) is the functional component or the functional component is attached to one of the two rail parts (13, 14). [9] Vehicle roof (2) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the connecting device (21) for connecting the first rail part (13) to the second rail part (14) has the connecting pair (22) as the first connecting pair (22) and a further or second connecting pair (23), wherein the second connecting pair (23) - is formed in the same form as the first connection pair (22) or - has an insert part (58) which is formed as a web projecting from the first rail part (13), extends along the longitudinal extent of the first rail part (13) and is inserted into an associated receiving groove (59) on the second rail part (14) and is positively locked therein. [10] Vehicle roof (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the first rail part (13) is a metallic part or an extrusion part made of metal, light metal or aluminium, that the second rail part (14) is a plastic part, a plastic composite part or a thermoplastic extrusion part, that the second rail part (14) is attached to a fixed roof frame structure (11) and that the first rail part (13) is held by the second rail part (14) by means of the connecting device (21). [11] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the insert part (33, 38, 54) inserted in the receiving groove (31, 36, 59) is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (9) - by means of at least one compression or crushing of the receiving groove (36, 59) or of a groove wall (37, 51) of the receiving groove (36, 59) that clamps the insert part (33, 54), - by means of a section or clamping leg (114) of a groove wall (37.2) of the receiving groove (36), wherein the section or clamping leg (114) forms the insert (47) and is formed or bent into clamping engagement on the insert part (38), or - by means of fixing parts inserted into openings in a groove wall of the receiving groove (31, 59). [12] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by , that the second rail part (14) has a fastening leg (27) which is attached to a fixed roof frame structure (11) and supports the second rail part (14). [13] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by , that the second rail part (14) has an upper fastening leg (27) and a lower support leg (28) and the fastening leg (27) and the support leg (28) are each connected to the first rail part (13) by means of one of the connection pairings (22, 23). [14] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by that the first rail section (13) has at least one guide (19, 20) on which a cover (4) of the vehicle roof (2) is adjustably mounted. [15] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by , that the guide rail (9) has a third rail part (15), wherein the first rail part (13) is a central rail part of the guide rail (9) and is arranged between the second rail part (14) and the third rail part (15) and wherein the third rail section (15) is preferably connected to the first rail section (13) by means of such a connecting device (73) which corresponds to the connecting device (21) between the first rail section (13) and the second rail section (15). [16] Vehicle roof (2) according to claim 15, characterized by , that the first rail part (13) and / or the second rail part (14) and / or the third rail part (15) has or have at least one functional component (91, 101) that is attached or molded onto the respective rail part (13, 14, 15). [17] Vehicle roof (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized by , that at least one functional component (91, 101) and one of the rail parts (15) are jointly attached to another of the rail parts (13) using the same insertion device (47).

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