Sunroof device

Abstract

A power transmission element (200) has a locking mechanism (250) that rotates about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction along a guide unit (60), between an engagement position in which power can be transmitted from a drive shoe (100) to a rear support section (150), and a release position in which no power can be transmitted from the drive shoe (100) to the rear support section (150). The guide unit (60) has an internal sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate from the engagement position toward the release position by sliding with the locking mechanism (250) as the drive shoe (100) moves rearward toward a position corresponding to a tilted position.The drive shoe (100) has an external sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate from the release position to the engagement position by sliding with the locking mechanism (250) as the drive shoe (100) moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure generally concerns a sunroof device. DISCUSSION OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Document JP 2016-007931A describes a vehicle equipped with a sunroof device. The sunroof device has a movable panel that opens and closes a section of the roof opening, guide rails extending in a forward-backward direction, and drive shoes that move along the guide rails in the forward-backward direction. The sunroof device also has functional brackets attached to the movable panel, rear support sections that carry the functional brackets, and locking mechanisms that change the state of power transmission from the drive shoes to the rear support sections.

[0003] The movable panel operates between a fully closed position, in which the roof opening section is completely closed; a tilted position, in which a rear end section rises higher than in the fully closed position; and a fully open position, in which the roof opening section is fully open. Each of the functional clamps has a guide pin that slides with one of the guide rails on a front end section. The functional clamps cause the movable panel to move between the tilted and fully open positions by a forward-backward motion along the guide rails, based on the power transmitted by the drive shoes. The rear support sections brace sections of the functional clamps against the rear of the guide pins.The rear sections ensure that the movable panel operates between the fully closed and tilted positions by rotating around axes running in a lateral direction, based on the power to be transmitted from the drive shoes. When the movable panel operates between the fully closed and tilted positions, the locking mechanisms transmit power from the drive shoes to the rear sections; conversely, when the movable panel operates between the tilted and fully open positions, they do not transmit power from the drive shoes to the rear sections.

[0004] In the sunroof device described above, the locking mechanisms generally change the state of power transmission from the drive shoes by moving in an up / down direction of the vehicle. Specifically, a range of motion for the locking mechanisms in the up / down direction must be ensured for the sunroof device described above. In other words, there is room for improvement by making the sunroof device described above thinner in the up / down direction.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a sliding roof device that allows thinning in the upward / downward direction. SUMMARY

[0006] The following describes means for solving the problem described above and the beneficial effects of these means. A sunroof device that solves the problem described above has a movable panel that operates between a fully closed position, in which a roof opening section of a vehicle is completely closed; a tilted position, in which a rear end section rises higher than in the fully closed position; and a fully open position, which is a position that is on the rear side of the tilted position and in which the roof opening section is fully open; a guide unit that extends in a front-to-rear direction; a front support section that supports the movable panel; a rear support section that supports the movable panel at the rear side of the front support section; a drive shoe that drives the front support section and the rear support section by a movement along the guide unit; and a power transmission element thatWhen the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilted position, it transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support section, and when the movable panel operates between the tilted position and the fully open position, it does not transmit power from the drive shoe to the rear support section, wherein, when the drive shoe moves rearward, the movable panel performs an opening operation from the fully closed position through the tilted position to the fully open position, and, when the drive shoe moves forward, it performs a closing operation from the fully open position through the tilted position to the fully closed position, wherein the front support section causes the movable panel to move in the forward-backward direction based on the power to be transmitted from the drive shoe.the rear support section causes a rear end section of the movable panel to rise or fall, based on the power to be transferred from the drive shoe via the power transmission element, so that the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilted-up position, wherein the power transmission element has a locking mechanism that rotates about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the guide unit between an engagement position in which power can be transferred from the drive shoe to the rear support section and a release position in which no power can be transferred from the drive shoe to the rear support section, and, if a position of the drive shoe in which the movable panel is in the tilted-up position is defined as a position corresponding to the tilted-up position,at least one of the guide unit and the drive shoe has a sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism to rotate from one position (engagement position and release position) to another position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves backward into the position corresponding to the tilted position, or when the drive shoe moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position.

[0007] The sunroof device has a locking mechanism that changes the status of power transmission from the drive shoe to the rear support section. The locking mechanism rotates between a position where power can be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support section and a position where no power can be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support section. Specifically, by limiting the upward / downward movement of the locking mechanism between the engaged and released positions, the thickness of the sunroof device is prevented from increasing in either direction. Furthermore, the locking mechanism rotates into the released position when the drive shoe moves rearward into the corresponding position by sliding on a sliding surface.Alternatively, the locking mechanism rotates into the engagement position when the drive shoe moves forward from the corresponding position by sliding along the sliding surface. Thus, the sunroof device can change the position of the locking mechanism according to the movement of the drive shoe.

[0008] The sunroof mechanism allows the thickness to increase in the upward / downward direction through its locking mechanisms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which is considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view that represents a schematic configuration of a vehicle with a sunroof device; Fig. 2 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of the vehicle with the sunroof device; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a front side section of the sunroof device; Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the front section of the sunroof device; Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a guide unit of the sliding roof device; Fig. 6 is a side view of an inner lateral front guide of the guide unit; Fig. 7 is another perspective exploded view of the front section of the sunroof device; Fig. 8 is another perspective exploded view of the front section of the sunroof device; Fig. 9 is another perspective exploded view of the front section of the sunroof device; Fig. 10 is a side view of a drive shoe of the sunroof device; Fig. 11 is a perspective exploded view of a rear section of the sunroof device; Fig. 12 is another perspective exploded view of the rear section of the sunroof device; Fig. 13 is another perspective exploded view of the rear section of the sunroof device; Fig. 14 is a side view of a front section of an element for power transmission of the sunroof device; Fig. 15 is another side view of the front section of the power transmission element of the sunroof device; Fig. 16 a side view of the sunroof device is when a movable panel is in a fully closed position; Fig. 17 a side view of the sliding roof device is when the movable panel is in a tilted position; Fig. 18 a side view of the sliding roof device when the movable panel is in a tilted position; Fig. 19 a side view of the sunroof device is when the movable panel is in a fully open position; Fig. 20 a cross-sectional view along the arrow line AA in Fig. 16 is; Fig. 21 a cross-sectional view along the arrow line BB in Fig. 20 is; Fig. 22 a cross-sectional view along the arrow line CC in Fig. 20 is; Fig. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line BB; Fig. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device along the arrow line CC; Fig. 25 is another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line BB; Fig. 26 another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line CC is; Fig. 27 a cross-sectional view along the arrow line AA in Fig. 17 is; Fig. 28 a cross-sectional view along the arrow line BB in Fig. 27 is; Fig. 29 a cross-sectional view along the arrow line CC in Fig. 27 is; Fig. 30 is another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line CC; Fig. 31 shows another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line CC; Fig. 32 shows another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line BB; Fig. 33 shows another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line CC; Fig. 34 shows another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line BB; Fig. 35 is another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line CC; Fig. Figure 36 shows another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line BB; and Fig. Figure 37 shows another cross-sectional view of the sliding roof device along the arrow line CC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] An embodiment of a sliding roof device disclosed herein is described. <Konfiguration der vorliegenden Ausführungsform>

[0011] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle 10 has a vehicle body 20 and a sunroof device 30. In the drawings, a direction in which the X-axis extends denotes the lateral direction of the vehicle 10, a direction in which the Y-axis extends denotes the forward-backward direction of the vehicle 10, and a direction in which the Z-axis extends denotes the up / downward direction of the vehicle 10. In the following description, the lateral direction of the vehicle 10, the forward-backward direction of the vehicle 10, and the up / downward direction of the vehicle 10 are referred to as the lateral direction, forward-backward direction, and up / downward direction, respectively. Furthermore, in a lateral direction, a direction moving away from the center of the vehicle 10 is referred to as the outward direction, and a direction moving closer to the center of the vehicle 10 is referred to as the inward direction. <Fahrzeugkarosserie 20>

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a vehicle body 20 has a roof structure 21 that forms a roof. The roof structure 21 has two side panels 22 extending in a forward-rearward direction, a front panel 23 connecting the leading edges of the two side panels 22, and a rear panel 24 connecting the rear ends of the two side panels 22. Furthermore, the roof structure 21 has a section 25 bounded by the two side panels 22, the front panel 23, and the rear panel 24. Viewed from above, the section of the roof opening 25 is rectangular, with its longitudinal and transverse directions aligned with the width and forward-rear directions, respectively. <Schiebedachvorrichtung 30>

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the sliding roof device 30 has a movable panel 40, an actuator 50, two guide units 60, two drive shoes 100, two front support sections 110, two rear support sections 150, and two power transmission elements 200. Many of the components of the sliding roof device 30 are not only designed in bilaterally symmetrical shapes, but are also arranged on the right and left sides of section 25 of the roof opening. Thus, in the following description, with regard to bilaterally symmetrical components, a component that is arranged on the right side of the sliding roof device 30 is described. <Bewegliche Tafel 40>

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the movable panel 40 has a panel body 41, two front supports 42 and two rear supports 43.

[0015] The panel body 41 is made of a light-transmitting material, such as glass or resin. The panel body 41 has a size and shape that corresponds to the section of the roof opening 25. The two front brackets 42 are located on the front of the two rear brackets 43. The two front brackets 42 are positioned on both sides of the panel body 41 along its width. Similarly, the two rear brackets 43 are positioned on both sides of the panel body 41 along its width. The two front brackets 42 and the two rear brackets 43 are attached to the underside of the panel body 41. <Stellglied 50>

[0016] The actuator 50 has an electric motor 51, two cables 52 driven by the electric motor 51, and a conversion mechanism 53 that converts the rotary motion of an output shaft of the electric motor 51 into a reverse and forward motion of the cables 52. The electric motor 51 and the conversion mechanism 53 are attached to a central section in the width direction of the front panel 23. The cables 52 are push-pull cables that can push and pull the drive shoes 100. The cables 52 are wired along the front panel 23 and the guide units 60. <Führungseinheit 60>

[0017] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, each of the guide units 60 has a guide rail 70, an inner lateral front guide 80 and an outer lateral front guide 90.

[0018] The guide rail 70 has a longitudinal side oriented in the forward-backward direction. The guide rail 70 is curved such that, viewed from one side in the width direction, a central section is longitudinally higher than the two ends in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, examples of the guide rail 70 extending in the forward-backward direction can be found not only with a straight guide rail 70, but also with a curved guide rail 70.

[0019] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 70 is referred to as the "first reference direction," and a direction perpendicular to the first reference direction and to the width direction is referred to as the "second reference direction." If the guide rail 70 is curved, a tangential direction of the guide rail 70 corresponds to the first reference direction, and a normal direction of the guide rail 70 corresponds to the second reference direction. In other words, if the guide rail 70 is curved, the first reference direction and the second reference direction point in different directions depending on the position on the guide rail 70. The guide rail 70 is formed by extrusion of a metallic material, such as aluminum.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the guide rail 70 has a bottom wall 71, an inner wall 72, and an outer wall 73. The bottom wall 71 is designed as a flat plate whose longitudinal and transverse directions are aligned with the first reference direction and the width direction, respectively. The inner wall 72 extends from a position that, in the width direction of the bottom wall 71, is closer to an inner edge than to an outer edge. The inner wall 72 has a first inner wall 72a, which extends upwards from the bottom wall 71, a second inner wall 72b, which extends outwards in the width direction from an upper edge of the first inner wall 72a, and a third inner wall 72c, which extends outwards in the width direction from a position lower than the second inner wall 72b on the first inner wall 72a.The outer wall 73 extends in the width direction of the base wall 71 from a position closer to the outer side edge than to the inner side edge. The outer wall 73 has a first outer wall 73a extending upwards from the base wall 71, a second outer wall 73b extending inwards in the width direction from an upper edge of the first outer wall 73a, and a third outer wall 73c extending inwards in the width direction from a position lower than the second outer wall 73b on the first outer wall 73a.

[0021] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the inner front guide 80 has an extension section 81, which forms a front end section of the guide unit 60, an insertion section 82, which is inserted into the guide rail 70, and a connecting section 83, which is connected to the outer front guide 90. The extension section 81 has a guide groove 84 that extends upwards and backwards. The guide groove 84 has a depth direction that is aligned with the width direction.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the insertion section 82 extends rearward from the extension section 81. The insertion section 82 has a side wall 85 whose sheet thickness direction is aligned with the width direction, as well as a first inner side wall 86 and a second inner side wall 87, which project outward from the side wall 85 in the width direction. A surface of the side wall 85, which faces outward in the width direction, is formed in a curved surface 85a, which projects outward in the width direction.

[0023] In the first reference direction, the length of the first inner side wall 86 is less than the length of the side wall 85. A leading edge of the first inner side wall 86 is aligned with a leading edge of the side wall 85. Conversely, a trailing end of the first inner side wall 86 is located at the leading edge of a trailing end of the side wall 85. A lower edge of the first inner side wall 86 is located above a lower edge of the side wall 85.

[0024] The first inner engagement wall 86 has an inner boundary surface 86a, an inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b, and an inner clamping surface 86c, which intersect a projection direction of the first inner engagement wall 86 with respect to the side wall 85. The inner boundary surface 86a is a surface that intersects the second reference direction and extends along the first reference direction. The inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b intersects both the first and second reference directions. In particular, the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b is inclined upwards and backwards. A leading edge of the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b is connected to a trailing edge of the inner boundary surface 86a. The inner clamping surface 86c extends in the second reference direction. The inner clamping surface 86c preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle.A lower edge of the inner clamping surface 86c is connected to a rear edge of the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b.

[0025] The second inner side wall 87 projects from a rear end section of the side wall 85. The second inner engagement wall 87 is located on the rear side of the first inner engagement wall 86. The second inner engagement wall 87 has an inner sliding surface 87a and an inner clamping surface 87b that intersect a projection direction of the second inner engagement wall 87 with respect to the side wall 85. The inner sliding surface 87a intersects both the first and second reference directions. In particular, the inner lateral sliding surface 87a is inclined rearward and upward. The inner lateral clamping surface 87b extends in the second reference direction. The inner clamping surface 87b preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. A lower edge of the inner clamping surface 87b is connected to a rear edge of the inner sliding surface 87a.

[0026] The inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the first inner engagement wall 86 and the inner sliding surface 87a of the second inner engagement wall 87 are opposite each other. Likewise, the inner clamping surface 86c of the first inner engagement wall 86 and the inner clamping surface 87b of the second inner engagement wall 87 are opposite each other. The first inner engagement wall 86 corresponds to a "second bounding section," the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b corresponds to a "second auxiliary sliding surface," and the inner clamping surface 86c corresponds to a "clamping section." The inner sliding surface 87a corresponds to a "sliding surface" and a "first sliding surface," and the inner clamping surface 87b corresponds to a "clamping section."

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the outer front guide 90 has an extension section 91, which forms the front end section of the guide unit 60, an insertion section 92, which is inserted into the guide rail 70, and a connecting section 93, which is connected to the inner front guide 80. The extension section 91 has a guide groove 94 that extends upwards and backwards. The guide groove 94 has a depth direction that is aligned with the width direction. In the first reference direction, the length of the insertion section 92 is set to be significantly shorter than the length of the insertion section 82 of the inner front guide 80.

[0028] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connecting section 83 of the inner front guide 80 and the connecting section 93 of the outer front guide 90 are connected to each other by a fastening element, such as a screw and a pin. In this way, the inner front guide 80 and the outer front guide 90 are formed integrally into a single front guide. The insertion section 82 of the inner front guide 80 and the insertion section 92 of the outer front guide 90 are inserted into a front end section of the guide rail 70. In this way, the guide groove 84 of the inner front guide 80 is connected to a space between the second inner wall 72b and the third inner wall 72c of the guide rail 70. Conversely, the groove 94 of the outer front guide 90 is connected to a space between the second outer wall 73b and the third outer wall 73c of the guide rail 70.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the guide units 60 are attached to the vehicle body 20 in such a way that they abut the side walls 22. In this way, the guide units 60 extend on both sides in the width direction of the section of the roof opening 25 in the forward-backward direction. <Antriebsschuh 100>

[0030] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, each of the drive shoes 100 has a lower section 101, a first side wall 102 and a second side wall 103, a first sliding section 104, a second sliding section 105, an outer engagement wall 106, a first sliding shaft 107 and a second sliding shaft 108.

[0031] The lower section 101 is plate-shaped, its thickness direction aligned with the second reference direction. The first side wall 102 and the second side wall 103 extend upwards from the lower section 101. The first side wall 102 is located on the inside in a width direction of the second side wall 103. In the width direction, the first side wall 102 is thinner than the second side wall 103, and in the first reference direction, the first side wall 102 is longer than the second side wall 103. The first sliding section 104 extends inwards in the width direction from an upper edge of the first side wall 102. The second section 105 extends outwards in the width direction from an upper edge of the second side wall 103.

[0032] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the outer side wall 106 projects inwards in the width direction from a rear end section of the first side wall 102. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the outer engagement wall 106 has a contact surface 106a, a retraction surface 106b, a first outer boundary surface 106c, an outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d, a first pressure surface 106e, a second outer boundary surface 106f, a third outer boundary surface 106g, a second pressure surface 106h and an outer sliding surface 106i.

[0033] The contact surface 106a is a front end face of the outer engagement wall 106. The contact surface 106a extends in the second reference direction. The contact surface 106a preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The retraction surface 106b intersects both the first and second reference directions. In particular, the retraction surface 106b is inclined backwards. A front edge of the retraction surface 106b is connected to a lower edge of the contact surface 106a. The first outer boundary surface 106c extends in the first reference direction. A front edge of the first outer boundary surface 106c is connected to a rear edge of the retraction surface 106b.

[0034] The outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d intersects both the first and second reference directions. In particular, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d is inclined upwards and backwards. A leading edge of the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d is connected to a trailing edge of the first outer boundary surface 106c. The first pressure surface 106e extends in the second reference direction. The first pressure surface 106e preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. A lower edge of the first pressure surface 106e is connected to a trailing edge of the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d. The second outer boundary surface 106f intersects both the first and second reference directions. In particular, the second outer boundary surface 106f is inclined backwards and upwards. A leading edge of the second outer barrier surface 106f is connected to an upper edge of the first pressure surface 106e.

[0035] The third outer boundary surface 106g extends in the first reference direction. The third outer boundary surface 106g preferably intersects the second reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. A leading edge of the third outer boundary surface 106g is connected to a trailing edge of the second outer boundary surface 106f. The second pressure surface 106h extends in the second reference direction. The second pressure surface 106h preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. An upper edge of the second pressure surface 106h is connected to a trailing edge of the third outer boundary surface 106g. The outer sliding surface 106i intersects both the first and second reference directions. In particular, the outer sliding surface 106i is inclined forward.A trailing edge of the outer sliding surface 106i is connected to a lower edge of the second pressure surface 106h. A leading edge of the outer sliding surface 106i is located below the first outer boundary surface 106c.

[0036] With regard to the external intervention wall 106, the first external boundary surface 106c corresponds to a “first rear boundary surface”, the external auxiliary sliding surface 106d corresponds to a “first auxiliary sliding surface” and the external sliding surface 106i corresponds to a “sliding surface” and a “second sliding surface”.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first sliding shaft 107 projects outwards in a lateral direction from the first side wall 102. A cross-section perpendicular to a projection direction of the first sliding shaft 107 is circular. The second sliding shaft 108 projects inwards in a lateral direction from the second side wall 103. The second sliding shaft 108 is located on the rear side of the first sliding shaft 107. A cross-section of the second sliding shaft 108, cut perpendicular to a projection direction of the second sliding shaft 108, is rectangular.

[0038] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each of the drive shoes 100 is received in one of the guide rails 70. The lower section 101 of the drive shoe 100 is located above the lower wall 71 of the guide rail 70. The first sliding section 104 of the drive shoe 100 is received between the second inner wall 72b and the third inner wall 72c of the guide rail 70 in the upward / downward direction. The second sliding section 105 of the drive shoe 100 is received between the second outer wall 73b and the third outer wall 73c of the guide rail 70 in the upward / downward direction. Furthermore, the drive shoe 100 is clamped in the width direction between the first inner wall 72a and the first outer wall 73a of the guide rail 70. In this way, the drive shoe 100 is prevented by the guide rail 70 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 70.On the other hand, the drive shoe 100 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 70 with respect to the guide rail 70. In addition, one of the cables 52 of the actuator 50 is connected to the first sliding section 104 of the drive shoe 100. <Vorderer Stützabschnitt 110>

[0039] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, each of the front support sections 110 has a first front connecting part 120, a second front connecting part 130 and a clamp holding section 140.

[0040] The first front connecting part 120 is designed in the form of a long plate. The first front connecting part 120 has a first guide shaft 121 and a pivotable shaft section 122, whose axial directions are aligned with the width direction, as well as a first sliding groove 123 and a second sliding groove 124, whose depth directions are aligned with the width direction. The first guide shaft 121 is located at a front end section of the first front connecting part 120. The pivotable shaft section 122 is located at a rear end section of the first front connecting part 120. The first sliding groove 123 is formed on the inside in a width direction of the first front connecting part 120. The second sliding groove 124 is formed on the outside in a width direction of the first front connecting part 120.The first groove 123 and the second groove 124 run along the longitudinal side of the front connecting part 120. A rear end of the first groove 123 and a rear end of the second groove 124 open downwards.

[0041] The second front connecting part 130 is designed in the form of a plate. The second front connecting part 130 has a second guide shaft 131 and a third guide shaft 132, whose axial directions are aligned with the lateral direction. Viewed from the side in a lateral direction, the second guide shaft 131 is located in a central section of the second front connecting part 130, and the third guide shaft 132 is located in a rear end section of the second front connecting part 130. A front end section of the second front connecting part 130 is connected to the first front connecting part 120 via the first guide shaft 121. The first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of the first guide shaft 121.

[0042] The clamp retaining section 140 is a part to which one of the front clamps 42 is attached. The clamp retaining section 140 is connected to the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 via the first guide shaft 121. The clamp retaining section 140 is rotatable relative to the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 about the axis of the first guide shaft 121.

[0043] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the front support section 110 is received in the guide unit 60. The first guide shaft 121 of the first front connecting part 120 is inserted into the guide groove 84 of the inner front guide 80. The second guide shaft 131 and the third guide shaft 132 of the second front connecting part 130, on the other hand, are inserted into the guide groove 94 of the outer front guide 90. Furthermore, the first front connecting part 120 is located between the first sliding section 104 and the second sliding section 105 of the drive shoe 100 in the lateral direction. Additionally, the first sliding shaft 107 of the drive shoe 100 is inserted into the first groove 123 of the first front connecting part 120, and the second sliding shaft 108 of the drive shoe 100 is inserted into the second groove 124 of the first front connecting part 120.Furthermore, the pivotable shaft section 122 of the first front connecting part 120 is located between the bottom wall 71 and the second outer wall 73b of the guide rail 70 in the upward / downward direction. Additionally, one of the front supports 42 of the movable panel 40 is attached to the clamping section 140. In this respect, the front support sections 110 support a front end section of the movable panel 40. <Hinterer Stützabschnitt 150>

[0044] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, each of the rear support sections 150 has a first rear connecting part 160, a second rear connecting part 170 and a rear support section 180.

[0045] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the first rear connecting element 160 is rod-shaped. The first rear connecting element 160 has a third sliding groove 161 and a fourth sliding groove 162, the depth direction of which coincides with the width direction. The third groove 161 is formed on the inside of the first rear connecting element 160 in a width direction. The fourth groove 162 is formed on the outside of the first rear connecting element 160 in a width direction. The third groove 161 and the fourth groove 162 extend along the longitudinal side of the first connecting element 160.

[0046] As in Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the second rear connecting part 170 is rod-shaped. A cross-section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second rear connecting part 170 is U-shaped. The second rear connecting part 170 has two connecting shafts 171, a fourth sliding shaft 172, and two fourth guide shafts 173, whose axial directions are aligned with the lateral direction. The two connecting shafts 171 are located at a front end section of the second rear connecting part 170. The fourth sliding shaft 172 is located in a central section along the longitudinal direction of the second rear connecting part 170. The two fourth guide shafts 173 are located at a rear end section of the second rear connecting part 170.

[0047] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, an end section of the first rear connecting part 160 is rotatably mounted by the support section 180 of the rear connecting part. In this way, the first rear connecting part 160 can rotate about an axis extending in the width direction. The fourth sliding shaft 172 of the second rear connecting part 170 is inserted into the fourth sliding groove 162 of the first rear connecting part 160.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, each of the rear support sections 150 is received in one of the guide rails 70. Specifically, the first rear connecting section 160 and the second rear connecting section 170 are located between the inner wall 72 and the outer wall 73 of the guide rail 70. Furthermore, the rear connecting section 180 is attached to a rear end section of the guide rail 70. In addition, the two fourth guide shafts 173 of the second rear connecting section 170 slidably support one of the rear brackets 43 of the movable panel 40. In this respect, the rear support sections 150 support the movable panel 40 on the rear side of the front support sections 110. <Leistungsübertragungselement 200>

[0049] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, 12 and 13, each of the power transmission elements 200 has a locking rod 210, a locking mechanism 250, a rotation limiting section 260, a retaining ring 271, a preloading element 272 and a cover 273.

[0050] The locking bar 210 has a rod body 220, an extension shaft 230 and a rear shoe 240.

[0051] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the rod body 220 is rod-shaped, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first reference direction. The rod body 220 is curved like the guide rail 70. As shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the extension shaft 230 extends along the first reference direction from a tip of the rod body 220. The extension shaft 230 has a first shaft section 231, which is columnar, a second shaft section 232, which is polygonal and columnar, and a flange 233 that separates the first shaft section 231 and the second shaft section 232 from each other. The first shaft section 231 extends rearward from the flange 233, and the second shaft section 232 extends forward from the flange 233. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the second section 232 is hexagonal. The flange 233 is in the form of a circular plate. The outer diameter of the first shaft section 231 and the outer diameter of the second shaft section 232 are smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 233.

[0052] As in Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the rear shoe 240 is connected to a rear end section of the rod body 220. The rear shoe 240 has a first sliding section 241 and a second sliding section 242, arranged with a gap between them in the width direction, a retaining wall 243 extending upward from the first sliding section 241, and a third sliding shaft 244 extending in the width direction from the retaining wall 243. The first sliding section 241 is located on the inside, in the width direction, of the second sliding section 242. The first sliding section 241 has a recessed section 245 extending upward from a bottom surface of the first sliding section 241. Similarly, the second sliding section 242 has a recessed section 245 extending upward from a bottom surface of the second sliding section 242.

[0053] As in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the locking mechanism 250 is column-shaped, with its axial direction aligned with the first reference direction. The locking mechanism 250 has a cylindrical base section 251, an internal projecting section 252, and an external projecting section 253, which project from the base section 251 in directions perpendicular to an axial direction of the base section 251. The base section 251 has a support hole 254 that penetrates the base section 251 in the axial direction. The cross-sectional shape of the support hole 254 is circular.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the inner projecting section 252 tapers with respect to a projection direction of the inner projecting section 252 from the base section 251. The inner projecting section 252 has an inner front surface 252a, an inner rear surface 252b, an inner upper surface 252c, an inner lower surface 252d and an inner cam surface 252e.

[0055] The inner front surface 252a is a front end surface of the inner projecting section 252 and is a surface that intersects the first reference direction. The inner front surface 252a preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The inner front surface 252a is slightly located on the rear side of a front end surface of the section 251. The inner rear surface 252b is a rear end surface of the inner projecting section 252 and is a surface that intersects the first reference direction. The inner rear surface 252b preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The inner rear surface 252b is slightly located on the front side of a rear end surface of the section 251.

[0056] The inner upper surface 252c is an upper surface of the inner projecting section 252 and is a surface extending along the first reference direction. A leading edge of the inner upper surface 252c is connected to a leading edge of the inner front surface 252a, and a trailing edge of the inner upper surface 252c is connected to a leading edge of the inner rear surface 252b. The inner lower surface 252d is a lower surface of the inner projecting section 252 and is a surface extending along the first reference direction. A leading edge of the inner lower surface 252d is connected to a lower edge of the inner front surface 252a. The inner cam surface 252e intersects both the first and second reference directions. In other words, the inner cam surface 252e is inclined upward and backward.A front edge of the inner cam surface 252e is connected to a rear edge of the lower inner surface 252d, and a rear edge of the inner cam surface 252e is connected to a lower edge of the inner rear surface 252b.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the outer section 253 tapers with respect to a forward direction of the outer section 253 from the base section 251. The outer section 253 has an outer front surface 253a, an outer rear surface 253b, an outer upper surface 253c, an outer lower surface 253d, a first outer cam surface 253e and a second outer cam surface 253f.

[0058] The outer front surface 253a is a front end surface of the outer section 253 and is a surface that intersects the first reference direction. The outer front surface 253a preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The outer rear surface 253b is a rear end surface of the outer section 253 and is a surface that intersects the first reference direction. The outer rear surface 253b preferably intersects the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The outer upper surface 253c is an upper surface of the outer section 253 and is a surface that extends along the first reference direction. A trailing edge of the outer upper surface 253c is connected to a top edge of the outer rear surface 253b.The lower surface 253d of the outer side is a lower surface of the outer section 253 and a surface extending along the first reference direction. A front edge of the outer lower surface 253d is connected to a lower edge of the outer front surface 253a.

[0059] The first outer cam surface 253e intersects both the first and second reference directions. In other words, the first outer cam surface 253e is inclined upwards and backwards. A leading edge of the first outer cam surface 253e is connected to a trailing edge of the lower outer surface 253d, and a trailing edge of the first outer cam surface 253e is connected to a lower edge of the rear outer surface 253b. The second outer cam surface 253f intersects both the first and second reference directions. In other words, the second outer cam surface 253f is inclined upwards and backwards. A leading edge of the second outer cam surface 253f is connected to a top edge of the front outer surface 253a, and a trailing edge of the second outer cam surface 253f is connected to a leading edge of the upper outer surface 253c.

[0060] The first shaft section 231 of the extension shaft 230 is inserted into the support hole 254 of the locking mechanism 250. In this way, the locking mechanism 250 is rotatable relative to the extension shaft 230.

[0061] On the other hand, the locking mechanism 250 is clamped in the axial direction of the extension shaft 230 by the flange 233 and the retaining ring 271. Thus, the locking mechanism 250 is immobile in the axial direction of the extension shaft 230.

[0062] As in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the rotation-limiting section 260 has a cylindrical base section 261 and a retaining section 262 extending rearward from the base section 261. Section 261 has a sliding hole 263 that penetrates it axially. The cross-sectional shape of the sliding hole 263 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the second section 232 of the extension shaft 230. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the sliding hole 263 is hexagonal. The retaining section 262 is plate-shaped. Section 262 has a retaining surface 262a facing an axis of the sliding hole 263. The retaining surface 262a is shaped to correspond to the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250. The second shaft section 232 of the extension shaft 230 is inserted into the sliding hole 263 of the rotation-limiting section 260.In this way, the rotation-limiting section 260 is not rotatable with respect to the extension shaft 230. On the other hand, the rotation-limiting section 260 is movable in the axial direction of the extension shaft 230. It should be noted that as long as the base section 261 is not rotatable with respect to the second section 232 of the extension shaft 230, the cross-sectional shape of the sliding hole 263 and the cross-sectional shape of the second section 232 of the extension shaft can be modified accordingly. For example, both the cross-sectional shape of the sliding hole 263 and the cross-sectional shape of the second section of the shaft 232 can be a circle. The rotation-limiting section 260 corresponds to a "first limiting section," and the retaining surface 262a corresponds to a "first front limiting surface."

[0063] The cover 273 is shaped to match the shape of the section 261 of the rotation-limiting section 260. The cover 273 is attached to a leading edge of the extension shaft 230. The preload element 272 is a coil spring. The second section 232 of the extension shaft 230 is inserted into the preload element 272. The preload element 272 is compressed between the cover 273 and the rotation-limiting section 260. In this way, the preload element 272 presses the rotation-limiting section 260 toward the flange 233. In other words, the restoring force of the preload element 272 is constantly exerted on the rotation-limiting section 260.

[0064] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, each of the power transmission elements 200 is received in one of the guide rails 70. The power transmission element 200, with the exception of the rear shoe 240, is located in the upward / downward direction between the bottom wall 71 and the second inner wall 72b of the guide rail 70. The rear shoe 240 of the power transmission element 200 is located in the lateral direction between the inner wall 72 and the outer wall 73. Furthermore, in the upward / downward direction, the first sliding section 241 of the rear shoe 240 is located between the bottom wall 71 and the inner wall 72 of the guide rail 70, and the second sliding section 242 of the rear shoe 240 is located between the bottom wall 71 and the outer wall 73 of the guide rail 70. In this way, the power transmission element 200 is prevented from moving with respect to the guide rail 70 in both the lateral and upward / downward directions.On the other hand, the power transmission element 200 is movable along the guide rail 70 in the forward-backward direction.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the locking mechanism 250 of the power transmission element 200 engages with the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100. In this way, the power transmission element 200 can transmit power from the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 via the locking mechanism 250. As shown in Figure 4, the locking mechanism 250 of the power transmission element 200 engages with the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100. Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the rear shoe 240 of the power transmission element 200 engages with the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 of the rear section of the support section 150. Specifically, the third sliding shaft 244 of the rear shoe 240 is inserted into the third groove 161 of the first rear connecting part 160. One of the two connecting shafts 171 of the second rear connecting part 170 is inserted into each of the two recessed sections 245 of the rear shoe 240. In this way, the rear shoe 240 of the power transmission element 200 can transmit power to the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 via the two connecting shafts 171 and the third sliding shaft 244. In other words, the power is indirectly transferred to the rear support section 150 from the drive shoe 100 via the power transmission element 200.In contrast, the power is transferred directly from the drive shoe 100 to the front support section 110, without the power transmission element 200 being involved. <Betrieb der vorliegenden Ausführungsform>

[0066] The operation of the sliding roof device 30 is described.

[0067] The operation of the sliding roof device 30 at the time of an opening process of the movable panel 40 is described.

[0068] In Fig. Figure 16 shows the sliding roof device 30 when the movable panel 40 is in a position corresponding to the fully closed position. In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 16, each of the drive shoes 100 is in a position where it is fully closed, i.e., in the foremost position within a range of movement in the forward-backward direction of the drive shoe 100. When the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully closed position, the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 are not only in the foremost positions within the ranges of movement in the forward-backward direction of the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130, but have also fallen down in such a way that they extend along the guide rail 70.Furthermore, the power transmission element 200 is in a forward position within a forward-backward range of motion when the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully closed position. When the power transmission element 200 is in the forward position within its forward-backward range of motion, the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 have fallen down so that they extend along the guide rail 70.

[0069] When the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully closed position, the front end section of the movable panel 40, which is supported by the first front connecting piece 120, has lowered to such an extent that the first front connecting piece 120 has fallen off. Furthermore, the rear end section of the movable panel 40, which is supported by the second rear connecting piece 170, has lowered to such an extent that the second rear connecting piece 170 has fallen off. Since the first front connecting piece 120 is in its foremost position within its range of motion, the movable panel 40 is also in its foremost position within its range of motion. Therefore, the movable panel 40 is in the "fully closed" position.

[0070] When the movable panel 40 is caused to open from the fully closed position, the actuator 50 causes the drive shoes 100 to move rearward. As each drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the position corresponding to the fully closed position, the first sliding shaft 107 and the second sliding shaft 108 of the drive shoe 100 move along the first sliding groove 123 and the second sliding groove 124, respectively, of the first front connecting part 120 in the front support section 110. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the position corresponding to the fully closed position, the first front connecting part 120 is essentially inactive.

[0071] When the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully closed position, it is connected to the locking mechanism 250 of the power transmission element 200. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves backward from the fully closed position, the power transmission element 200 moves backward along with the drive shoe 100. As the power transmission element 200 moves backward in the rear support section 150, the third sliding shaft 244 of the locking rod 210 slides into the third groove 161 of the first rear connecting part 160. The first rear connecting part 160 then lifts relative to the guide rail 70.

[0072] When the power transmission element 200 moves backward, not only does the rear shoe 240 push the two connecting shafts 171 of the second rear connecting part 170 backward, but the fourth sliding shaft 172 of the second rear connecting part 170 also slides with the fourth groove 162 of the first rear connecting part 160. The second rear connecting part 170 then rises relative to the guide rail 70. Consequently, when the drive shoe 100 moves backward from the position corresponding to the fully closed position, the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 rise. Thus, the rear end section of the movable panel 40, which is supported by the two fourth guide shafts 173 of the second rear connecting part 170, rises.

[0073] If the drive shoe 100 is in Fig. When the position corresponding to the tilted position shown in Figure 17 is reached, the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 are brought into a state in which they are raised to their maximum height relative to the guide rail 70. This places the movable panel 40 in a tilted position, in which the rear end section rises higher than in the fully closed position. When the drive shoe 100 reaches the position corresponding to the tilted position, the engagement of the drive shoe 100 with the locking mechanism 250 of the power transmission element 200 is released. Thus, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the position corresponding to the tilted position, the power from the drive shoe 100 is no longer transmitted to the rear support section 150 via the power transmission element 200.Therefore, the positions of the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 no longer change.

[0074] When the drive shoe 100 reaches the position in the front support section 110 corresponding to the tilted position, the first sliding shaft 107 of the drive shoe 100 comes close to the rear end of the first sliding groove 123 of the first front connecting part 120. Likewise, the second sliding shaft 108 of the drive shoe 100 comes close to the rear end of the second groove 124 of the first front connecting part 120. Thus, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the position corresponding to the tilted position, the first front connecting part 120 moves rearward as the drive shoe 100 pulls it backward.

[0075] On this occasion, the first guide shaft 121 of the first front connecting part 120 moves rearward along the guide groove 84 of the inner front guide 80, and the second guide shaft 131 of the second front connecting part 130 moves rearward along the guide groove 94 of the outer front guide 90. Additionally, the third guide shaft 132 of the second front connecting part 130 moves rearward along the guide rail 70. As a result, not only does the first front connecting part 120 rotate about the pivotable shaft section 122, but the front end section of the second front connecting part 130 also rises relative to the rear end section of the second front connecting part 130. This causes both the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 to rise relative to the guide rail 70.This causes the front end section of the movable panel 40 to rise, which is held by the first front connecting part 120 via the clamp holding section 140.

[0076] If the drive shoe 100 is in Fig. When the position corresponding to the raised position shown in Figure 18 is reached, the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 are brought into a state in which they are raised to their maximum height relative to the guide rail 70. As a result, the movable panel 40 is in a raised position in which the front end section rises higher than in the tilted position. When the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the raised position, the first guide shaft 121 and the pivoting shaft section 122 of the first front connecting part 120 move rearward along the guide rail 70. Similarly, the second guide shaft 131 and the third guide shaft 132 of the second front connecting part 130 move rearward along the guide rail 70.In other words, the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 move rearward while maintaining their positions. In this way, the movable panel 40 also moves rearward, maintaining its position. During this movement, each of the rear supports 43 of the movable panel 40 slides with the two fourth guide shafts 173 of the second rear connecting part 170. In other words, the movable panel 40 moves rearward relative to the second rear connecting parts 170.

[0077] If the drive shoe 100 is in Fig. Once the first front connecting part 120 reaches the position shown in Figure 19, corresponding to the fully open position, it is in a rearmost position within its range of motion. Consequently, the movable panel 40 is in a fully open position, i.e., a position located behind the raised position, in which the section of the roof opening 25 is fully open. In this way, the movable panel 40 performs an opening operation from the fully closed position to the fully open position via the tilted and raised positions.

[0078] The operation of each of the power transmission elements 200 at the time of the opening process of the movable panel 40 is described.

[0079] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view along the arrow line AA in Fig. 16, i.e., a cross-sectional view that cuts through the locking mechanism 250 when the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully closed position. As shown in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the inner upper surface 252c of the locking mechanism 250 is in contact with the inner limiting surface 86a of the inner front guide 80 when the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully closed position. Furthermore, the inner lower surface 252d of the locking mechanism 250 is in contact with the lower wall 71 of the guide rail 70. As shown in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 is in contact with the third outer boundary surface 106g of the drive shoe 100. In this respect, the drive shoe 100 is not rotatable in either a first direction of rotation R1 or a second direction of rotation R2.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the outer end face 253a of the locking mechanism 250 rests against the first pressure surface 106e of the drive shoe 100 in a forward-backward direction. In other words, the drive shoe 100 is in a state where it is capable of transmitting reverse power to the locking mechanism 250. Furthermore, the rotation-limiting section 260 is rearward-biased by the preload element 272. Thus, the holding section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260 is in contact with the contact surface 106a of the drive shoe 100. Meanwhile, the holding section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260 is not in contact with the locking mechanism 250.In the following description, a position in which the holding surface 262a of the rotation-limiting section 260 does not come into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 within the range of movement of the rotation-limiting section 260 is referred to as the “position that allows rotation”.

[0081] Consequently, the first pressure surface 106e of the drive shoe 100 pushes the outer front surface 253a of the locking mechanism 250 backward as each of the drive shoes 100 moves backward from the position corresponding to the fully closed position. Thus, the locking mechanism 250 moves backward in conjunction with the drive shoe 100. In other words, the power transmission element 200 moves backward in conjunction with the drive shoe 100. A position in which the locking mechanism 250 is engaged with the drive shoe 100 in this way is called the "engagement position." When the locking mechanism 250 is in the engagement position, it can move in the forward-backward direction due to the power transmitted by the drive shoe 100.

[0082] Fig. 23 and Fig. Figure 24 shows cross-sectional views as the drive shoe 100 moves backward from the position corresponding to the fully closed position. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the inner section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 comes into contact with the inner sliding surface 87a of the front inner guide 80 when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the position corresponding to the fully closed position. It should be noted that the inclination of the inner cam surface 252e of the locking mechanism 250 with respect to the second reference direction has a gentler gradient than the inclination of the inner sliding surface 87a of the front inner guide 80 with respect to the second reference direction. As a result, a boundary between the inner rear surface 252b and the inner cam surface 252e of the locking mechanism 250 comes into contact with the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80. The inner sliding surface 87a of the front inner guide 80 is inclined rearward and upward.Therefore, the locking mechanism 250 slides with the inner sliding surface 87a of the front inner guide 80 when the drive shoe 100 moves away from the one in . Fig. The state shown in section 23 has been moved backwards.

[0083] Fig. 25 and Fig. Figure 26 shows cross-sectional views when the locking mechanism 250 and the internal sliding surface 87a of the internal front guide 80 have ceased sliding against each other. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the sliding of the locking mechanism 250 with the inner sliding surface 87a of the front inner guide 80 causes the inner projecting section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 to be displaced upwards. Conversely, the outer section 253 of the locking mechanism 250 is displaced downwards, as shown in Figure 25. Fig. 26 is shown. In other words: The locking mechanism 250 rotates in the second direction of rotation R2.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the inner rear surface 252b of the locking mechanism 250 comes into contact with the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80 when the locking mechanism 250 has finished sliding with the inner clamping surface 87b of the inner front guide 80. When the locking mechanism 250 has finished sliding with the inner sliding surface 87a of the front inner guide 80, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 also comes into contact with the second outer cam surface 253f of the locking mechanism 250, as shown in Figure 25. Fig. Figure 26 shows that both the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 and the second outer cam surface 253f of the locking mechanism 250 are inclined rearward and upward. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves out of the space shown in Figure 26, the drive shoe 100 is inclined backward. Fig. In the state shown in Figure 26, when moved backwards, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 and the second outer cam surface 253f of the locking mechanism 250 slide past each other. In doing so, not only is the outer section 253 of the locking mechanism 250 moved downwards, but the inner section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 is also moved upwards. In other words, the locking mechanism 250 continues to rotate in the second direction of rotation R2.

[0085] Fig. Figures 27 to 29 are cross-sectional views, arranged along the arrow line AA in Fig. 17 were recorded, in other words, cross-sectional views that cut through the locking mechanism 250 when the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the tilted position. Fig. Figures 27 to 29 are also cross-sectional views after the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 and the second outer cam surface 253f of the locking mechanism 250 have stopped sliding together.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 29, the locking mechanism 250 is no longer present behind the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 when the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the tilted position. Therefore, even if the drive shoe 100 moves backward, no power is transmitted to the locking mechanism 250. The following description describes a position of the locking mechanism 250 that is shown in the Fig. Figures 27 to 29 are referred to as the "release position". As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the release position is a position in which a state is created in which the locking mechanism 250 rotates most strongly in the second direction of rotation R2.

[0087] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 28, the internal projecting section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 is located between the two internal clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the front inner guide 80 when the drive shoe 100 is in the position corresponding to the tilted position. In other words, the front inner surface 252a of the locking mechanism 250 faces the internal clamping surface 86c of the inner front guide 80, and the internal rear surface 252b of the locking mechanism 250 faces the internal clamping surface 87b of the inner front guide 80. This prevents the locking mechanism 250 from moving in the forward-backward direction with respect to the inner front guide 80. In other words, the power transmission element 200 is prevented from moving in the forward-backward direction.As a result, the positions of the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 are retained.

[0088] As in the Fig. 27 and Fig. As shown in Figure 29, the outer projecting section 253 of the locking mechanism 250 is located below the drive shoe 100. In other words, the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 is in contact with the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100. This prevents the locking mechanism 250 from rotating from the release position in the first direction of rotation R1.

[0089] Fig. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the drive shoe 100 moving backward from its tilted position. Since the locking mechanism 250 is in the release position, the drive shoe 100 moves backward relative to the locking mechanism 250. During this movement, the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 and the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 slide past each other. Meanwhile, the rotation-limiting section 260, which is pre-tensioned backward by the pre-tensioning element 272, moves backward in conjunction with the drive shoe 100. Thus, in conjunction with the backward movement of the rotation-limiting section 260, the retaining surface 262a of the rotation-limiting section 260 comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250.It should be noted that the leading edge of the second outer cam surface 253f of the locking mechanism 250 is inclined downwards and forwards. This makes it easier for the locking mechanism 250 to slide under the retaining section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260.

[0090] In this way, a state in which only the drive shoe 100 is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 is changed, as in Fig. 29 is shown, in a state in which both the drive shoe 100 and the rotation-limiting section 260 are in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250, as in Fig. Figure 30 illustrates this. In conjunction with the reverse movement of the drive shoe 100, the contact between the drive shoe 100 and the locking mechanism 250 decreases, and simultaneously the contact between the rotation-limiting section 260 and the locking mechanism 250 increases. In the following description, a position in which the retaining surface 262a of the rotation-limiting section 260 comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 within the range of motion of the rotation-limiting section 260 is referred to as the "rotation-limiting position".

[0091] When the rotation-limiting section 260 comes into contact with the flange 233 of the extension shaft 230, the rotation-limiting section 260 is prevented from moving backward. Once the rotation-limiting section 260 has come into contact with the flange 233, the rotation-limiting section 260 can no longer move backward, even if the drive shoe 100 moves backward.

[0092] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 31, the contact surface 106a of the drive shoe 100 moves towards the rear of the outer projecting section 253 of the locking mechanism 250 when the drive shoe 100 moves away from the area shown in Figure 31. Fig. The state shown in Figure 30 is moved backwards. In other words, the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 and the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 no longer slide past each other. As a result, the rotation-limiting section 260 and the locking mechanism 250 are brought into a state in which only the retaining surface 262a of the rotation-limiting section 260 is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250.

[0093] The operation of the sliding roof device 30 at the time of a closing process of the movable panel 40 is described simply.

[0094] When the movable panel 40 is caused to perform the closing process from the position corresponding to the fully open position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the actuator 50 drives the drive shoes 100 forward. When each of the drive shoes 100 moves forward from its corresponding fully open position, the drive shoe 100 moves forward in conjunction with the front support sections 110. The front support section 110 moves forward while maintaining its position relative to the guide unit 60. Consequently, the movable panel 40 moves forward from its fully open position while maintaining its position relative to the guide units 60.

[0095] When the drive shoe 100 reaches the position corresponding to the raised position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the movable panel 40 is in the raised position. When the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the raised position, the position of the front support section 110 changes. In particular, the first front connecting part 120 and the second front connecting part 130 are displaced so that they fall downwards relative to the guide unit 60. As a result, the front end section of the movable panel 40 lowers.

[0096] When the drive shoe 100 reaches the position corresponding to the tilted position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the movable panel 40 is arranged in the tilted position. When the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position, the position of the front support section 110 does not change. However, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position, the drive shoe 100 and the locking mechanism 250 of the power transmission element 200 engage with each other. This brings the power transmission element 200 into a state in which it is able to transmit the power of the drive shoe 100 to the rear support section 150. Consequently, the position of the rear support section 150 changes when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position.In particular, the first rear connecting part 160 and the second rear connecting part 170 are displaced so that they fall downwards relative to the guide unit 60. As a result, the rear end section of the movable panel 40 lowers.

[0097] When the drive shoe 100 reaches the position corresponding to the fully closed position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position. In this way, the movable panel 40 performs the closing operation from the fully open position to the fully closed position via the raised position and the tilted position.

[0098] The operation of each of the power transmission elements 200 at the time of the closing process of the movable panel 40 is described.

[0099] When each of the drive shoes 100 is in the position corresponding to the fully open position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the locking mechanism 250 is in the release position and the rotation-limiting section 260 is in the rotation-limiting position. Thus, the locking mechanism 250 cannot rotate from the release position to the engagement position.

[0100] When the drive shoe 100, after passing through the position corresponding to the raised position, moves towards the position corresponding to the tilted position, the engagement relationship between the drive shoe 100 and the locking mechanism 250 changes. As described in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As shown in Figure 31, the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100, in conjunction with the forward movement of the drive shoe 100, comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250. It should be noted that, since the retraction surface 106b of the drive shoe 100 is inclined downwards and backwards, the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 can more easily slide under the retraction surface 106b and the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100.

[0101] In this way, a state changes in which only the rotation-limiting section 260 is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250, as in Fig. 31 is shown, in a state in which both the drive shoe 100 and the rotation-limiting section 260 are in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250, as in Fig. Figure 30 illustrates this. As the drive shoe 100 moves further forward, the contact surface 106a of the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the retaining section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260. After the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the rotation-limiting section 260, the rotation-limiting section 260 moves forward in conjunction with the drive shoe 100. When the rear end of the retaining section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260 moves toward the front of the leading edge of the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250, the retaining surface 262a of the rotation-limiting section 260 ceases to be in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250.In other words, only the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 is brought into a state in which it is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250.

[0102] The Fig. 32 and Fig. Figure 33 shows cross-sectional views when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 is no longer in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250 when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position. In other words, the locking mechanism 250 can be rotated from the release position in the first direction of rotation R1. Subsequently, the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the outer projecting section 253 of the locking mechanism 250. Note that the inclination of the first outer cam surface 253e of the locking mechanism 250 with respect to the second reference direction has a gentler gradient than the inclination of the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 with respect to the second reference direction.Thus, during the forward movement of the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100, contact occurs between the outer rear surface 253b and the first outer cam surface 253e of the locking mechanism 250. The outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 is inclined upwards and backwards. Therefore, the locking mechanism 250 slides with the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 when the drive shoe 100 moves out of the position it was in. Fig. The state shown in section 33 has been moved forward.

[0103] Fig. 34 and Fig. Figure 35 shows cross-sectional views when the locking mechanism 250 has ended the sliding with the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 35, the sliding of the locking mechanism 250 on the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 causes the outer section 253 of the locking mechanism 250 to be displaced upwards. In contrast, as shown in Fig. Figure 34 shows the inner projecting section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 being displaced downwards. In other words, the locking mechanism 250 rotates in the first direction of rotation R1.

[0104] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 35, a boundary between the inner end face 252a and the inner upper surface 252c of the locking mechanism 250 comes into contact with the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80 when the locking mechanism 250 has finished sliding with the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100, as shown in Fig. Figure 34 shows that the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80 is inclined rearward and upward. Therefore, as the drive shoe 100 moves further forward, the locking mechanism 250 slides with the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80.

[0105] Fig. 36 and Fig. Figure 37 shows cross-sectional views when the locking mechanism 250 has finished sliding with the inner front guide 80 on the auxiliary sliding surface 86b. The sliding of the locking mechanism 250 on the inner front guide 80 causes not only the inner projecting section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 to move downwards, but also the outer projecting section 253 of the locking mechanism 250 to move upwards. In other words, the locking mechanism 250 continues to rotate in the first direction of rotation R1. In this way, the locking mechanism 250 rotates into the engaged position.

[0106] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 37, the outer rear surface 253b of the locking mechanism 250 is in contact with the second pressure surface 106h of the drive shoe 100 when the locking mechanism 250 is in the engaged position. In other words, the drive shoe 100 is in a state in which it is able to transmit power forward to the power transmission element 200 via the locking mechanism 250. Thus, when the drive shoe 100 moves from a state that is in the Fig. 36 and Fig. As shown in Figure 37, when moved forward, the second pressure surface 106h of the drive shoe 100 pushes the outer rear surface 253b of the locking mechanism 250 forward. Thus, the locking mechanism 250 moves forward in conjunction with the drive shoe 100. In other words, the power transmission element 200 moves forward in conjunction with the drive shoe 100.

[0107] When the drive shoe 100 moves forward, the inner limiting surface 86a of the inner front guide 80 is also located directly above the inner upper surface 252c of the locking mechanism 250. This prevents the inner, projecting section 252 of the locking mechanism 250 from being displaced upward. In other words, the locking mechanism 250 is prevented from rotating from the engaged position towards the release position. <Vorteilhafte Wirkungen der vorliegenden Ausführungsform>

[0108] (1) Each of the locking mechanisms 250 rotates between the engagement position, in which power can be transferred from the corresponding drive shoe 100 to the corresponding rear support section 150, and the release position, in which no power can be transferred from the drive shoe 100 to the rear support section 150. In other words, if the locking mechanism 250 does not move in the up / down direction between the engagement position and the release position, it can prevent the thickness of the sunroof device 30 from increasing in the up / down direction. Furthermore, if the locking mechanism 250 does not move in the width direction between the engagement position and the release position, it can prevent the body size of the sunroof device 30 from increasing in the width direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 250 rotates towards the release position by sliding with the inner sliding surface 87a of the corresponding guide unit 60 when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward into the position corresponding to the tilted position. Conversely, the locking mechanism 250 rotates towards the engagement position when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position by sliding with the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100. Thus, the sunroof device 30 can cause each of the locking mechanisms 250 to rotate into a required position, which depends on the direction of movement of the corresponding drive shoe 100.

[0110] Furthermore, the first direction of rotation R1 and the second direction of rotation R2, the directions in which the locking mechanism 250 operates, are different from the first reference direction, which is the direction in which power is transmitted by the drive shoe 100. In this way, the sunroof device 30 can prevent each of the locking mechanisms 250 from malfunctioning due to the power transmitted by the corresponding drive shoe 100.

[0111] (2) Each of the power transmission elements 200 has a rotation-limiting section 260 that restricts the rotation of the corresponding locking mechanism 250 from the release position to the engagement position when the corresponding drive shoe 100 is at the rear of the position corresponding to the tilted position. Thus, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the position of the corresponding locking mechanism 250 from changing from the release position when each of the drive shoes 100 is at the rear of the position corresponding to the tilted position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can cause the outer sliding surface 106i of each of the drive shoes 100 to come into contact with the corresponding locking mechanism 250 when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position.

[0112] (3) Each of the guide units 60 has the first internal engagement wall 86 which, when the corresponding drive shoe 100 is at the front of the position corresponding to the tilted position, prevents the locking mechanism 250 from rotating from the engagement position to the release position. Thus, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the position of the corresponding locking mechanism 250 from changing from the engagement position when each of the drive shoes 100 is at the front of the position corresponding to the tilted position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can cause each of the locking mechanisms 250 to come into contact with the internal sliding surface 87a of the corresponding internal front guide 80 when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the position corresponding to the tilted position.

[0113] (4) Each of the locking mechanisms 250 and the corresponding rotation-limiting section 260 are supported by the locking rod 210. In this way, the sliding roof device 30 can easily manage a positional relationship between each of the locking mechanisms 250 and the corresponding rotation-limiting section 260. Furthermore, the rotation-limiting section 260 is displaced between the position that allows rotation and the position that limits rotation by a movement in the axial direction of the locking rod 210. In other words, the position in the upward / downward direction of the rotation-limiting section 260 does not substantially change when the rotation-limiting section 260 is moved between the position that allows rotation and the position that limits rotation.Therefore, it can be prevented that the thickness increases in the upward / downward direction of the sunroof device 30 in order to ensure a range of movement for the section 260 limiting the rotation.

[0114] (5) If in the sliding roof device 30 each of the drive shoes 100 is arranged at the front of the position corresponding to the tilted position, the first outer limiting surfaces 106c of the drive shoe 100 limit the rotation of the corresponding locking mechanism 250.

[0115] If, on the other hand, the drive shoe 100 is located on the rear side corresponding to the tilted position, the retaining surface 262a of the corresponding rotation-limiting section 260 restricts the rotation of the locking mechanism 250. If an object that limits the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 moves from one of the two parts, the drive shoe 100 and the rotation-limiting section 260, to the other, a state exists in which both the drive shoe 100 and the rotation-limiting section 260 restrict the rotation of the locking mechanism 250.Therefore, if a state in which either the drive shoe 100 or the rotation-limiting section 260 is in contact with the locking mechanism 250 transitions to a state in which the other section is in contact with the locking mechanism 250, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the position of the locking mechanism 250 from changing significantly or from generating an abnormal noise.

[0116] (6) Each of the power transmission elements 200 has the preloading element 272, which preloads the rotation-limiting section 260 from the rotation-enabling position to the rotation-limiting position. In other words, the power transmission element 200 can move the rotation-limiting section 260 between the rotation-enabling position and the rotation-limiting position in a manner that engages with the position of the corresponding drive shoe 100.

[0117] (7) In the sunroof device 30, the two internal clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the corresponding guide unit 60 clamp the corresponding locking mechanism 250 in the forward-backward direction when each of the drive shoes 100 is located at the rear of the sunroof in the position corresponding to the tilted position. When the drive shoe 100 is located at the rear of the position corresponding to the tilted position, the corresponding power transmission element 200 is thus prevented from moving in the forward-backward direction. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can prevent each of the power transmission elements 200 from moving due to a load exerted on the corresponding rear support section 150, or prevent each of the rear support sections 150 from moving due to a load exerted on the corresponding power transmission element 200.

[0118] (8) The two inner clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of each of the guide units 60 intersect the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. Thus, it is unlikely that the corresponding locking mechanism 250 will slide with the two inner clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the guide unit 60, even if an external forward-backward force is applied to each of the power transmission elements 200. In other words, it is unlikely that the locking mechanism 250 will move in the up / down direction with respect to the two inner clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the guide unit 60. With respect to this point, the sunroof device 30 can further restrict the movement of each of the locking mechanisms 250 that is in the release position.

[0119] (9) Each of the locking mechanisms 250 rotates from the engaged position to the release position by moving the corresponding drive shoe 100 rearward toward the tilt-up position. In particular, the locking mechanism 250 begins to rotate from the engaged position by sliding on the inner sliding surface 87a of the corresponding guide unit 60. Subsequently, the locking mechanism 250 rotates into the release position by sliding with the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100. In this way, the sunroof device 30 causes each of the locking mechanisms 250 to slide not only with the inner sliding surface 87a of the corresponding guide unit 60, but also with the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the corresponding drive shoe 100.This allows the sunroof device 30 to position each of the locking mechanisms 250 between the two inner clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the corresponding guide unit 60 in the release position.

[0120] (10) The inner front guide 80 of each of the guide units 60 has the inner sliding surface 87a, and each of the drive shoes 100 has the outer sliding surface 106i. Thus, compared to a case where one of the guide units 60 and the drive shoe 100 have components corresponding to both the inner sliding surface 87a and the outer sliding surface 106i, the structure of the device is prevented from being complicated.

[0121] (11) When each of the drive shoes 100 moves backward, the first pressure surface 106e of the drive shoe 100 pushes the outer front surface 253a of the corresponding locking mechanism 250 backward. Conversely, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward, the second pressure surface 106h of the drive shoe 100 pushes the outer rear surface 253b of the locking mechanism 250 forward. It should be noted that the first pressure surface 106e and the second pressure surface 106h of the drive shoe 100, as well as the outer front surface 253a and the outer rear surface 253b of the locking mechanism 250, intersect the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 pushes the locking mechanism 250 in the forward-backward direction, it is unlikely that a torque will be generated on the locking mechanism 250.Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the sliding resistance between the lock 250 and the corresponding guide rail 70 from increasing when each of the drive shoes 100 pushes the corresponding lock 250 in the forward-backward direction.

[0122] (12) Each of the locking mechanisms 250 is clamped in the release position in the forward-backward direction by the two inner front guide surfaces 86c and 87b of the corresponding inner front guide 80. In particular, the inner front surface 252a of the locking mechanism 250 and the inner clamping surface 86c of the inner front guide 80 face each other, and the inner rear surface 252b of the locking mechanism 250 and the inner clamping surface 87b of the inner front guide 80 face each other. Therefore, when an external forward force is applied to the corresponding power transmission element 200, a rearward load is exerted on the inner front surface 252a of the locking mechanism 250 by contact with the inner clamping surface 86c.When a rearward external force is exerted on the power transmission element 200, a forward-directed force is also exerted on the inner rear surface 252b of the locking mechanism 250 by contact with the inner clamping surface 87b. As a result, there is a possibility of stress concentration occurring in the region of the opening of the support hole 254 of the locking mechanism 250. In this respect, the outer front surface 253a of the locking mechanism 250 is recessed rearward with respect to the front end surface of section 251, and the outer rear surface 253b is recessed forward with respect to the rear end surface of section 251. In this way, the sunroof device 30 can reduce the stress concentration occurring around the opening of the support hole 254 of each of the locking mechanisms 250. <abwandlungen>

[0123] The present embodiment can be modified as follows. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other, provided they do not contradict each other technically. The inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 and the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 are elements that rotate the locking mechanism 250 from the engaged position to the release position by sliding the drive shoe 100 with the locking mechanism 250 as it moves backward. Therefore, one of the inner sliding surfaces 87a of the guide unit 60 and the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 can be omitted. For example, if the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 corresponds to the "first sliding surface". It should be noted that if the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, the shape of the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 is preferably modified accordingly. Similarly, the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 and the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 are key elements for rotating the locking mechanism 250 from the release position to the engagement position by sliding the drive shoe 100 forward with the locking mechanism 250. Therefore, one of the outer sliding surfaces 106i of the drive shoe 100 and the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 can be omitted. For example, if the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 is omitted, the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 corresponds to the "second sliding surface". It should be noted that if the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 is omitted, the shape of the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 is preferably modified accordingly. - In the sliding roof device 30, the inner front guides 80 and the outer front guides 90 can be omitted. In this case, each of the guide rails 70 preferably has components that correspond to the inner limiting surface 86a, the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b, and the inner clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the corresponding inner front guide 80. - The internal clamping surfaces 86c and 87b of the internal front guide 80 can be omitted. In this case, the sunroof device 30 preferably has a separate structure to prevent the orientation of each of the rear support sections 150 from changing when the corresponding drive shoes 100 move between the position corresponding to the tilted position and the position corresponding to the fully open position. The outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 has a plurality of surfaces, each of which presses against or slides with the locking mechanism 250. As the drive shoe 100 moves in the forward-backward direction, a surface in contact with the locking mechanism 250 changes from one surface to another among the plurality of surfaces of the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100. Therefore, inclinations and the like of the plurality of surfaces of the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 are preferably adjusted so as not to generate abnormal noise or resistance. For example, the plurality of surfaces of the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 can be curved. The same applies to a plurality of surfaces of the inner front guide 80. - The rotation-limiting section 260 need not limit the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 by contact with the surface. For example, the rotation-limiting section 260 can limit the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 by point contact or line contact. The same applies to the first outer boundary surface 106c of the drive shoe 100. - The rotation-limiting section 260 can limit the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 in a different way. For example, it can be configured so that not only is the locking mechanism 250 made of a magnetic material, but also the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 is limited by magnetic force. The retaining section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260 need not come into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the locking mechanism 250, as long as the rotation-limiting section 260 can limit the rotation of the locking mechanism 250. For example, the retaining section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260 can limit the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 by coming into contact with the inner lower surface 252d of the locking mechanism 250. In this case, the retaining section 262 of the rotation-limiting section 260 is preferably located between the bottom wall 71 of the guide rail 70 and the inner lower surface 252d of the locking mechanism 250 when the rotation of the locking mechanism 250 is to be limited. - The preload element 272 need not be a coil spring, as long as the preload element 272 can preload the rotation-limiting section 260. For example, it is sufficient if the preload element 272 is an elastic body. - One of the inner sliding surface 87a and the outer sliding surface 106i, which serve as determining elements that cause the locking mechanism 250 to rotate, can be omitted. For example, if the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, the sunroof device 30 preferably has preloading elements, each of which preloads the corresponding locking mechanism 250 in the direction of the release position. According to this configuration, the locking mechanism 250 rotates in the direction of the release position due to the preloading force of the preloading element when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward toward the position corresponding to the tilted position. Conversely, the locking mechanism 250 rotates in the direction of the engagement position when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position by sliding on the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100.Examples of the preload element are a spring or a magnet. If the internal sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, the rotation-limiting section 260 can also be omitted. The first inner engagement wall 86 and the rotation-limiting section 260, which serve as elements limiting the rotation of the locking mechanism 250, can be omitted. In this case, the locking mechanism can be configured such that, by reducing the difference between the outer diameter of the first shaft section 231 of the locking rod 210 and the outer diameter of the support hole 254 of the locking mechanism 250, the locking mechanism 250 rotates only when a sufficient torque is applied to the locking mechanism 250. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 250 can be pre-tensioned in a corresponding direction of rotation by a pre-tensioning element, as described above, if either the first inner engagement wall 86 or the rotation-limiting section 260 is omitted. - In the movable panel 40, each of the front panels 42 and a corresponding rear panel 43 can be connected to each other in the forward-backward direction. In other words, the front bracket 42 and the rear bracket 43 can be formed as a single piece. - The forward and reverse directions of the sunroof device 30 do not have to coincide with the forward and reverse directions of the vehicle 10. For example, not only can the forward direction of the sunroof device 30 be the reverse direction of the vehicle 10, but the reverse direction of the sunroof device 30 can also be the forward direction of the vehicle 10. <Ergänzende Anmerkungen>

[0124] Technological concepts, which can be understood from the embodiment and the modifications described above, are described. [Point of view 1]

[0125] A sunroof device comprising: a movable panel operating between a fully closed position, in which a roof opening section of a vehicle is completely closed; a tilted position, in which a rear end section rises higher than in the fully closed position; and a fully open position, which is a position located at the rear of the tilted position, in which the roof opening section is fully open; a guide unit extending in a forward-reverse direction; a front support section supporting the movable panel; a rear support section supporting the movable panel on the rear side of the front support section; a drive shoe driving the front support section and the rear support section by movement along the guide unit; and a power transmission element comprising,When the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilted position, it transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support section, and when the movable panel operates between the tilted position and the fully open position, it does not transmit power from the drive shoe to the rear support section, wherein, when the drive shoe moves rearward, the movable panel performs an opening operation from the fully closed position through the tilted position to the fully open position, and, when the drive shoe moves forward, performs a closing operation from the fully open position through the tilted position to the fully closed position, the front support section causes the movable panel to move in the forward-backward direction based on the power to be transmitted from the drive shoe.the rear support section causes a rear end section of the movable panel to rise or fall, based on the power to be transferred from the drive shoe via the power transmission element, so that the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilted-up position, wherein the power transmission element has a locking mechanism that rotates about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the guide unit between an engagement position in which power can be transferred from the drive shoe to the rear support section and a release position in which no power can be transferred from the drive shoe to the rear support section, and, if a position of the drive shoe in which the movable panel is in the tilted-up position is defined as a position corresponding to the tilted-up position,at least the guide unit or the drive shoe has a sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism to rotate from one position between the engagement and release positions to another position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves backward toward the position corresponding to the tilted position, or when the drive shoe moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position. [Point of view 2]

[0126] The sunroof device according to point 1, wherein the sliding surface has a first sliding surface which causes the locking mechanism to rotate from the engagement position towards the release position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves backwards towards the position corresponding to the tilted position, and a second sliding surface which causes the locking mechanism to rotate from the release position towards the engagement position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves forwards from the position corresponding to the tilted position. [Point of view 3]

[0127] The sunroof device according to point 1 or 2, wherein the power transmission element has a first limiting section which, when the drive shoe is on a rear side corresponding to the tilted position, limits the rotation of the locking mechanism from the release position towards the engagement position. [Point of view 4]

[0128] The sunroof device according to point 1 or 2, wherein the guide unit has a second limiting section which, when the drive shoe is arranged on a front side corresponding to the tilted position, prevents the locking mechanism from rotating from the engagement position towards the release position. [Point of view 5]

[0129] The sunroof device according to point 3, wherein the power transmission element has a locking rod extending along the guide unit, the locking rod rotatably supporting the locking mechanism and also movably supporting the first limiting section in a longitudinal direction of the locking rod, and the first limiting section being displaced between a rotation-limiting position in which the first limiting section prevents the lock, which is in the release position, from rotating, and a rotation-enabling position in which the first limiting section allows the lock to rotate. [Point of view 6]

[0130] The sunroof device according to point 5, wherein the first limiting section has a first front limiting surface which, by coming into contact with the locking mechanism, limits the rotation of the locking mechanism from the release position towards the engagement position, wherein the drive shoe has a first rear limiting surface which, by coming into contact with the locking mechanism, limits it, a state in which only the first rear limiting surface comes into contact with the locking mechanism, through a state in which both the first rear limiting surface and the first front limiting surface come into contact with the locking mechanism, to a state in which only the first front limiting surface comes into contact with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves rearward from the position corresponding to the tilted position, and a statein which only the first front boundary surface comes into contact with the locking mechanism, transitions to a state in which only the first rear boundary surface comes into contact with the locking mechanism, and specifically to a state in which both the first front boundary surface and the first rear boundary surface come into contact with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves forward in the direction of the position corresponding to the tilted position. [Point of view 7]

[0131] The sunroof device according to point 5 or 6, wherein the power transmission element has a preloading element which preloads the first limiting section from the position in which rotation is enabled to the position in which rotation is limited, and the first limiting section, when the drive shoe moves forward, is moved in the direction of the position in which rotation is enabled by being pushed through the drive shoe, and, on the other hand, when the drive shoe moves backward, is moved in the direction of the position in which rotation is limited by being preloaded through the preloading element. [Point of view 8]

[0132] The sunroof device according to one of points 1 to 7, wherein the guide unit has a clamping section that clamps the locking mechanism in the forward-backward direction when the drive shoe is on a rear side of the position corresponding to the tilted position. [Point of view 9]

[0133] The sunroof device according to one of points 2 to 8, wherein the guide unit has the first sliding surface and the drive shoe has the second sliding surface. [Point of view 10]

[0134] The sunroof device according to point 9, wherein the drive shoe has a first auxiliary sliding surface which causes the locking mechanism to rotate towards the release position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves rearward in the direction of the position corresponding to the tilted position, the guide unit has a second auxiliary sliding surface which causes the locking mechanism to rotate towards the engagement position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position, and the locking mechanism rotates into the release position when the drive shoe moves rearward in the direction of the position corresponding to the tilted position by sliding with the first sliding surface and subsequently with the first auxiliary sliding surface, and rotates into the engagement position,when the drive shoe moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted position by sliding with the second sliding surface and then with the second auxiliary sliding surface. QUOTES CONTAINED 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] JP 2016 - 007 931 A

[0002] < / abwandlungen>

Claims

[1] Sunroof device (30) with: a movable panel (40) that operates between a fully closed position in which a roof opening portion (25) of a vehicle is fully closed, a tilted-up position in which a rear end portion rises higher than in the fully closed position, and a fully opened position, which is a position located at a rear side of the tilted-up position and in which the roof opening portion (25) is fully opened; a guide unit (60) extending in a forward-backward direction; a front support portion (110) supporting the movable panel (40); a rear support portion (150) supporting the movable panel (40) on a rear side of the front support portion (110); a drive shoe (100) which drives the front support section (110) and the rear support section (150) by moving along the guide unit (60); and a power transmission element (200) which, when the movable panel (40) operates between the fully closed position and the tilted-up position, transmits power from the drive shoe (100) to the rear support section (150), and, when the movable panel (40) operates between the tilted-up position and the fully open position, does not transmit power from the drive shoe (100) to the rear support section (150), wherein the movable panel (40), when the drive shoe (100) moves rearward, performs an opening operation from the fully closed position via the tilted-up position to the fully opened position and, when the drive shoe (100) moves forward, performs a closing operation from the fully opened position via the tilted-up position to the fully closed position, the front support portion (110) causes the movable panel (40) to move in the forward-backward direction based on the power (100) to be transmitted from the drive shoe, the rear support portion (150) causes the movable panel (40) to operate between the fully closed position and the tilted-up position by causing a rear end portion of the movable panel (40) to rise or fall based on the power to be transmitted from the drive shoe (100) via the power transmission member (200), wherein the power transmission element (200) has a locking mechanism (250) which rotates about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the guide unit (60) between an engagement position in which power can be transmitted from the drive shoe (100) to the rear support section (150) and a release position in which no power can be transmitted from the drive shoe (100) to the rear support section (150), and, when a position of the drive shoe (100) in which the movable panel (40) is in the tilted-up position is defined as a position corresponding to the tilted-up position, at least one of the guide unit (60) and the drive shoe (100) has a sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate from one of the engagement position and the release position to another position by sliding with the locking mechanism (250) when the drive shoe (100) moves rearward toward the position corresponding to the tilted-up position or when the drive shoe (100) moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted-up position. [2] The sunroof device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding surface has a first sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate from the engaged position toward the released position by sliding with the locking mechanism (250) when the drive shoe (100) moves rearward toward the position corresponding to the tilted-up position, and a second sliding surface that causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate from the released position toward the engaged position by sliding with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted-up position. [3] The sunroof device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power transmission member (200) has a first limiting portion which, when the drive shoe (100) is located on a rear side of the position corresponding to the tilted-up position, limits the rotation of the locking mechanism (250) from the release position toward the engagement position. [4] The sunroof device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide unit (60) has a second restricting portion which, when the drive shoe (100) is disposed on a front side of the position corresponding to the tilted-up position, prevents the locking mechanism (250) from rotating from the engaged position toward the released position. [5] Sunroof device (30) according to claim 3, wherein the power transmission element (200) has a locking rod (210) extending along the guide unit (60), wherein the locking rod (210) rotatably supports the locking mechanism (250) and also movably supports the first limiting portion in a longitudinal direction of the locking rod (210), and the first limiting portion is displaced between a rotation-limiting position in which the first limiting portion prevents the locking mechanism (250) located in the release position from rotating, and a rotation-enabling position in which the first limiting portion permits the rotation of the locking mechanism (250). [6] Sunroof device (30) according to claim 5, wherein the first limiting portion has a first front limiting surface which, by coming into contact with the locking mechanism (250), limits the rotation of the locking mechanism (250) from the release position towards the engagement position, wherein the drive shoe (100) has a first rear limiting surface which, by coming into contact with the locking mechanism (250), limits the latter, a state in which only the first rear limiting surface is in contact with the locking mechanism (250) transitions via a state in which both the first rear limiting surface and the first front limiting surface are in contact with the locking mechanism (250) to a state in which only the first front limiting surface is in contact with the locking mechanism when the drive shoe (100) moves rearward from the position corresponding to the tilted-up position, and a state in which only the first front limiting surface is in contact with the locking mechanism (250) transitions to a state in which only the first rear limiting surface comes into contact with the locking mechanism, via a state in which both the first front limiting surface and the first rear limiting surface are in contact with the locking mechanism, when the drive shoe (100) moves forward toward the position corresponding to the tilted-up position. [7] Sunroof device (30) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the power transmission element (200) has a biasing element (272) which biases the first limiting portion from the position in which rotation is enabled towards the position in which rotation is limited, and the first limiting portion, when the drive shoe (100) moves forward, is displaced toward the position in which rotation is permitted by being pressed by the drive shoe (100), and on the other hand, when the drive shoe moves rearward, is displaced toward the position in which rotation is limited by being biased by the biasing member (272). [8] The sunroof device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the guide unit (60) has a clamping portion that clamps the locking mechanism (250) in the front-back direction when the drive shoe (100) is located on a rear side of the position corresponding to the tilted-up position. [9] Sunroof device (30) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the guide unit (60) has the first sliding surface, and the drive shoe (100) has the second sliding surface. [10] Sunroof device (30) according to aspect 9, wherein the drive shoe (100) has a first auxiliary sliding surface which causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate towards the release position by sliding with the locking mechanism (250) when the drive shoe (100) moves rearward towards the position corresponding to the tilted-up position, the guide unit (60) has a second auxiliary sliding surface which causes the locking mechanism (250) to rotate toward the engagement position by sliding with the locking mechanism (250) when the drive shoe (100) moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted-up position, and the locking mechanism (250) rotates to the release position when the drive shoe (100) moves rearward toward the position corresponding to the tilted-up position by sliding with the first sliding surface and then with the first auxiliary sliding surface, and rotates to the engagement position when the drive shoe (100) moves forward from the position corresponding to the tilted-up position by sliding with the second sliding surface and then with the second auxiliary sliding surface.

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