Roof assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof system for a vehicle (1) having a fixed roof with a roof opening (3a) that may be closed by roof panel (2a). The roof system including a set of parallel guide rails (9) and an operating mechanism (10) for each of the parallel guide rails (9). Each operating mechanism (10) including a front mechanism (20), a tilting mechanism (30), and a locking mechanism (40). Wherein the locking mechanism (40) is capable of locking the tilting mechanism (30) to the front mechanism (20) in order to keep the tilting mechanism (30) stationary with regard to the front mechanism (20) to enable the first panel (2a) to slide jointly with the tilting mechanism (30) and the front mechanism (20). And wherein at least part of the locking mechanism (40) is slidably guided in the respective guide rail (9) and is completely rearward of and remote from the tilting mechanism (30) seen in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] Roof assembly for a vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a roof system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a fixed roof and a roof opening therein. In particular, the invention relates to a roof system having a closure panel movable between a closed position and one or more, partially, opened positions. In modern cars there is a quest for maximizing headroom, maximizing the daylight opening in roof systems and minimizing noise.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Vehicles, such as e.g. passenger cars, may be equipped with a roof system or roof assembly having one or more roof panels. A roof panel of such a roof assembly may be movable between closed and open positions wherein a roof opening is covered or uncovered. The roof assembly may be operated by drive cables driven by a motor, which drive cables are connected via slide shoes or sliders to an operating mechanism. The motor will drive movement of the drive cables, thereby moving the sliders and the connected operating mechanism. In order to reduce wind noise, sometimes referred to as booming, a wind deflector may be positioned at or near the front edge of the roof opening, such that when the movable panel slides to the open position, the wind deflector pops up. Vice versa, the wind deflector is pushed down when the movable panel slides to the closed position. Thereto, the wind deflector usually has a support structure of lift or support arms at both lateral sides that interact with the roof panel when closing and opening. For certain type of roof systems, the space required for the drive cables restrains the position and the width of the wind deflector. Accordingly, the wind deflector does not accommodate or cover the full width of the front edge of the roof opening, and consequently, a certain amount of noise may remain.

[0005] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a roof system that improves the extent to which a wind deflector may cover the width of a roof opening.

[0007] In so called top sliders, the movable roof panel is supported by an operating mechanism comprising a front mechanism and a rear, tilting mechanism which are arranged in the same guide rail and operated via a common slider to enable joint movement of the mechanisms and roof panel. In such a top slider arrangement, the required simultaneous driving of front mechanism and tilting mechanism restrains the position of the wind deflector to be placed more inwardly than the drive cables, guide rails and components of the operating mechanism. Accordingly, the wind deflector may not cover the width of the roof opening in full, resulting in a less effective reduction of wind noise.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention relates to a roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in a fixed roof, comprising a stationary part configured to be attached to the roof, at least a first panel movably supported on the stationary part and configured to close the roof opening in a closed position and to be moved at least rearwardly to an opened position in which the roof opening is at least partially opened, the first panel having a front edge and a rear edge, the roof assembly comprising a set of guide rails mounted on the stationary part and extending in longitudinal direction substantially parallel to opposite lateral sides of the roof opening, said parallel guide rails each slidably supporting at least a part of an operating mechanism for the first panel, the operating mechanism being driven by a motor and first drive members. The operating mechanism comprising a front mechanism, capable of moving the front edge of the first panel in a vertical direction and moving in the guide rail in a longitudinal direction;, a tilting mechanism, capable of moving the rear edge of the first panel in a vertical direction, and moving at least a part of the operating mechanism in the guide rail in the longitudinal direction, and a locking mechanism capable of locking the tilting mechanism to the front mechanism in order to keep the tilting mechanism stationary with regard to the front mechanism to enable the first panel to slide jointly with the tilting mechanism and the front mechanism. Wherein at least part of the locking mechanism is slidably guided in one guide rail of the set the guide rails and is completely rearward of and remote from the tilting mechanism seen in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0009] The roof assembly as disclosed provides additional space for an operating structure of a wind deflector to be positioned outward on lateral sides of the roof opening. And thus the width of the wind deflector may cover the front of the roof opening to a larger extent.

[0010] According to another aspect, the locking mechanism of the roof assembly is further capable of locking the front mechanism with regard to the guide rail, while unlocking the tilting mechanism from the front mechanism in order to keep the front mechanism stationary with regard to the guide rail to enable the first panel to tilt with regard to the guide rail. The locking mechanism is further capable of unlocking the front mechanism with regard to the guide rail, while locking the tilting mechanism to the front mechanism.

[0011] According to a further aspect, the operating mechanism further comprises a second drive member operatively connecting the tilting mechanism to the locking mechanism, and a third drive member operatively connecting the locking mechanism to the front mechanism. This arrangement of drive members allows a first drive member for driving the tilting mechanism to enter the guide rial more to the rear, instead of at the front when driving the front mechanism. According to yet a further aspect, the locking mechanism comprises a locking locator at an outer end of the second drive member and a hinge block at an outer end of the third drive member, a locking base fixedly attached to the guide rail, and a locking lever slidably guided by the locking locator which is pivotally connected at one end to the hinge block and releasably coupled at an opposite end with the locking base. Wherein the locking lever is movable between a tilt locking position and a sliding position via movement of the second drive member, wherein in the tilt locking position, the locking lever is locked in the locking base and unlocked in the locking locator. And wherein in the sliding position, the locking lever is decoupled from the locking base and locked in the locking locator. Accordingly, in the tilt locking position the front mechanism is locked in the guide rail and the tilting mechanism is unlocked from the front mechanism. And in the sliding position the front mechanism is unlocked from the guide rail and the tilting mechanism is locked to the front mechanism.

[0012] The timing of locking the front mechanism and unlocking the tilting mechanism determines whether the tilting of the roof panel occurs before the front edge is moved rearward and thereafter raised or that the front edge may already move slightly rearward when the roof panel is tilting to allow for pressure relief that may be exerted on an edge of the roof opening. Both options may be considered when determining e.g. the length of the locking locator, the dimensions of the locking base and the relative position of the locking locator to the position of the locking base when the locking lever moves between the tilt locking position and the sliding position.

[0013] According to another aspect, each guide rail of the set of guide rails comprises at least a first guide channel and a second guide channel, the second guide channel being located outward in relation to the first guide channel. And wherein the second drive member of the respective operating mechanism is guided in the second guide channel and the third drive member of the respective operating mechanism is guided in the first guide channel.

[0014] This arrangement of second and third drive members in separate guide channels allows the first, inner guide channel to be in a dry area, whereas the second, outer guide channel will be in the wet area provided with draining elements. In the dry area, a guide insert may be used to extend downward from within the guide rail, whereas in the wet area this would introduce risks of fluid leakage. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the roof assembly may comprise at least one guide insert downwardly extending from the guide rail and at least one guide groove extending from in the guide rail downwardly in the at least one guide insert for slidably supporting the front mechanism.

[0015] In another aspect, the set of guide rails may further comprise at least one transverse guide rail extending in a direction at an angle to the pair set of parallel guide rails. Wherein the at least one transverse guide rail slidably supporting at least part of the locking mechanism of each respective operating mechanism. In a further aspect, the first and second guide channels may extend from each of the parallel guide rails into the at least one transverse guide rail.

[0016] In a further aspect, the tilting mechanism comprises at least one tilting lever, a sliding guide slidably guided in the guide rail capable of moving one lift end of the at least one tilting lever in a substantially vertical direction. And a second panel bracket mount for mounting the first panel and connected to the lift end of the at least one tilting lever. The second panel bracket mount may be pivotally connected to the at least one tilting lever. Or the tilting lever comprises a sliding claw at the lift end and the second panel bracket mount is slidably connected to the at least one tilting lever via the sliding claw.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the roof assembly comprises a wind deflector comprising a support structure, wherein the support structure is positioned in the guide rails outward of the front mechanism at lateral sides of the roof opening.

[0018] Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0019] Further objects, aspects, effects and details of particular embodiments of the invention are described in the following detailed description of a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the drawings.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] By way of example only, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a vehicle roof with an open roof assembly in closed position;

[0023] FIG. 1 B illustrates the vehicle roof of Fig. 1A in opened position;

[0024] FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of the open roof assembly of Fig. 1A;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a plan view of part of the vehicle roof of Fig. 1A illustrating an example of an operating mechanism;

[0026] Fig. 3A and 3B are exploded views of parts of the operating mechanism of FIG. 2, viewed from the laterally outside and inside;

[0027] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an example of a locking mechanism for the operating mechanism of Fig. 2 in tilt locking position;

[0028] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the locking mechanism of Fig.4A in sliding position;

[0029] FIGS. 5A-5C are top views of the operating mechanism of FIG.2 in various positions;

[0030] FIGS. 6A-6C are side views of the operating mechanism of FIGS.5A-5C respectively; FIGS. 7A-7C are top views of the operating mechanism of FIGS.5A-5C in a guide respectively;

[0031] Figs. 8-10 are schematic plan views of several embodiments of the operating mechanism and guide rail geometry of the roof system having at least a movable first panel;

[0032] FIG. 11 A is a plan view of another example of a locking mechanism for the operating mechanism of Fig. 2 in tilt locking position;

[0033] FIG. 11 B is a plan view of the locking mechanism of Fig.11 A in sliding position;

[0034] FIG. 12A illustrates another example of a front mechanism for moving the front edge of the roof panel in vertical direction, in closed position;

[0035] FIG. 12B illustrates the front mechanism of Fig. 12A in raised position.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the following description spatial references as, for example, front, side and rear, or underneath, below and above, or forward and rearward direction and driving movement, are made with regard to the general orientation of a vehicle, such as a passenger car. And in particular to a driver behind a steering wheel of such as vehicle. In addition, X-, Y- and Z- direction will refer to a direction corresponding to length, width and height of a vehicle. In the figures, a forward driving movement of a vehicle may e.g. be indicated by an arow D, pointing in a direction towards a front side of vehicle.

[0038] Figs. 1A, 1 B and 1C illustrate a vehicle roof having an open roof assembly 1 arranged therein. The open roof assembly 1 comprises a moveable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The moveable panel 2a is also referred to as a closure member, since the moveable panel 2a is moveable over a first roof opening 3a such to enable to open and to close the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is arranged at a front side of the first roof opening 3a.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the moveable panel 2a may be in a closed position, as in Fig. 1A, which is a position wherein the moveable panel 2a is arranged over and closes the first roof opening 3a and thus usually is arranged in a plane of the vehicle roof 1 . Further, the moveable panel 2a may be in a tilted position, which is a position wherein a rear end RE of the moveable panel 2a is raised as compared to the closed position, while a front end FE of the moveable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Further, the moveable panel 2a may be in an open position, as in Fig. 1 B, which is a position wherein the moveable panel 2a is slid open and the first roof opening 3a is partly or completely exposed. In the open position, for example both the rear end RE and front end FE may be raised as compared to the closed position. It is noted that the illustrated vehicle roof corresponds to a passenger car. The present invention is however not limited to passenger cars. Any other kind of vehicles that may be provided with a moveable panel are contemplated as well.

[0040] Fig. 1C illustrates the same vehicle roof as shown in Fig. 1A having panels 2a and 2b. Like in Fig. 1A, Fig. 1C is an exploded view of the open roof assembly 1 in a closed position. Further, in this exploded view of Fig. 1 C, it is shown that there may be a second roof opening 3b. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in a frame 5 of the open roof assembly 1 . An edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0041] The second roof opening 3b is arranged under the fixed panel 2b such that light may enter a vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b, presuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similarly transparent panel, for example made of a plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b with a transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b is optional and may be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly 1.

[0042] The wind deflector 4 is commonly a flexible material, e.g. a woven or non-woven cloth having through holes arranged therein or a web or net. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a, e.g. a bar-like or tube-like structure, which structure is hingedly coupled, directly or indirectly, to the frame 5 at a hinge 4b.

[0043] The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and adapts air flow when the moveable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces inconvenient noise due to air flow during driving. When the moveable panel 2a is in the closed position or in the tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is held down below the front end FE of the moveable panel 2a.

[0044] Usually, the wind deflector 4 is raised by a spring force when the movable panel 2a slides to the open position and the wind deflector 4 is pushed down by the movable panel 2a when the moveable panel 2a slides back into its closed position. In Fig. 1A, the moveable panel 2a is shown in an open position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in a raised position. In Fig. 1 C, the moveable panel 2a is shown in a closed position and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in a position in which it is held down.

[0045] Fig. 1C further illustrates a drive assembly having a pair of guide rails 9, a first drive members 7a, 7b, in this embodiment drive cables 7a, 7b, and a drive motor 8. The pair of guide rails 9 are arranged on respective, opposite lateral side ends SE of the moveable panel 2a extending in longitudinal direction and may each slidably support an operating mechanism 10. The pair of guides 9 are arranged and coupled in parallel to the frame 5, while the operating mechanism 10 comprises moveable parts and is slidably moveable in each guide respectively. The first members 7a, 7b are provided between the operating mechanisms 10 of the respective and the drive motor 8.

[0046] The drive members 7a, 7b couple the drive motor 8 to the operating mechanisms 10 such that upon operating the drive motor 8, the operating mechanisms 10 start to move. In particular, a core of the drive cable 7a, 7b is moved by the drive motor 8 such to push or pull on the operating mechanisms 10 of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating mechanism 10 may start movement with raising the rear end RE of the moveable panel 2a, thereby bringing the moveable panel 2a in the tilted position. Then, from the tilted position, the operating mechanism 10 may start to slide to bring the moveable panel 2a towards or in the open position.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor 8 is mounted at a recess 6 at a front of the frame 5 near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a in the closed position. In another embodiment, the drive motor may be positioned at any other suitable position or location. For example, the drive motor may be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the moveable panel 2a in the closed position or below the fixed panel 2b e.g. at a rear of the frame 5.

[0049] A control unit 11 is schematically illustrated and is operatively coupled to the drive motor 8. The control unit 11 may be any kind of processing unit, either a software-controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, like an ASIC, as well known to those skilled in the art. The control unit 11 may be a stand-alone control unit or it may be operatively connected to an-other control unit, like a multipurpose, generic vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 may be embedded in or be part of such a generic vehicle control unit. Essentially, the control unit 11 may be embodied by any control unit suitable for, capable of and configured for performing operation of the drive motor 8 and thus the moveable roof assembly 1 .

[0050] Referring to Fig. 2, a plan view of front left corner of the roof assembly of Fig. 1C with an example of an operating mechanism 10 is illustrated, as located within the guide rail 9. The operating mechanism 10 includes a front mechanism 20, a tilting mechanism 30 and a locking mechanism 40. The front mechanism 20 is capable of moving the front edge FE of the first panel 2a in a vertical direction. The tilting mechanism 30 is capable of moving the rear edge RE of the first panel 2a in a vertical direction, and moving at least a part of the operating mechanism 10 in the guide rail 9 in a longitudinal direction. The locking mechanism 40 is capable of locking the tilting mechanism 30 to the front mechanism 20 in order to keep the tilting mechanism 30 stationary with regard to the front mechanism 20 to enable the first panel 2a to slide jointly with the tilting mechanism 30 and the front mechanism 20. At least part of the locking mechanism 40 is slidably guided in the guide rail 9 and is completely rearward of and remote from the tilting mechanism 30 seen in a longitudinal direction D of the vehicle.

[0051] The operating mechanism 10 may be operated by a motor 8 that is operatively connected via at least one first drive member 7a, 7b to the tilting mechanism 30 of a respective operating mechanism 10, one on each guide rail 9 on lateral sides, left and right, of the roof opening 3a. The operating mechanism 10 includes a second drive member 12 operatively connecting the tilting mechanism 30 to the locking mechanism 40. The operating mechanism 10 further includes a third drive member 13 operatively connecting the locking mechanism 40 to the front mechanism 20.

[0052] As can be seen, a front part of the wind deflector 4 extends beyond the front mechanism 20. And the support structure 4a is positioned in the guide rail 9 outward, as seen from a center of the roof opening 3a, of the front mechanism 20 at a lateral side of the roof opening 3a. The hinge point 4b for the support structure 4a is, in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in front of tilting mechanism 30 in the guide rail 9. In more detail, the front mechanism is located within a first, inner guide channel 14, and the tilting mechanism 30 is located in a second outer guide channel 15. The support structure 4a is also positioned within the second, outer guide channel 15. The locking mechanism 40 connects to both the tilting mechanism and the front mechanism. The movement of the operating system 10 is driven by drive cable 7a and motor 8, which drive cable connect s to joint 39 of the tilting mechanism 30.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, exploded views of the operating mechanism 10 of Fig. 2 are illustrated. The front mechanism 20 includes at least one front lever 21 pivotally connected to the third drive member 13, a first panel bracket mount 23 for mounting the first panel 2a and pivotally connected to the at least one front lever 21 , and a slide shoe 25a that is slidably guided in a guide groove 25b for slidably supporting the front mechanism 20. The guide groove 25b extends from in the guide rail 9 in a downwardly extending guide insert 22. The first panel bracket mount 23 includes screw holes 28 for mounting the roof panel 2a. A pin-hole pivot joint 26a, 26b allow the first panel bracket mount 23 and front lever 21 to pivot with respect to one another. Another pin-hole pivot joint 24a, 24b pivotally connects the front lever 21 to the third drive member 13. The guide insert 22 including a portion of the guide groove 25b that supports the sliding shoe 25a of the front lever 21 facilitates the moving in vertical direction of the front edge of roof panel. Furthermore, the groove 25b may extend from the guide rail 9 downwardly in a curved shape to allow moving the front edge forward and / or rearward, while moving vertically. The front mechanism may include multiple slide shoes that are slidably guided in corresponding number of guide grooves. The tilting mechanism 30 includes at least one tilting lever 31 , a sliding guide 32 slidably guided in the guide rail 9 and a second panel bracket mount 33 for mounting the first panel 2a. The second panel bracket mount 33 is pivotally connected to a lift end of the at least one tilting lever 31 . And the sliding guide is capable of moving the lift end of the at least one tilting lever 31 in a substantially vertical direction, thus tilting the roof panel 2a. The sliding guide 32 further includes a drive member joint 39 for operatively connecting the first drive member 7a, 7b.

[0054] The tilting lever 31 includes, in this embodiment, a pin 37a forming a pin-hole or pinclamp connection with the hole or clamp 37b of the second panel bracket mount 33, enabling a pivoting movement of the roof panel relative to the tilting lever. The tilting lever 31 further includes two pins 35a, 36a which are slidably supported by cam portions 35b and 36b provided on the sliding guide 32. The cam portions 35b and 36b are arranged such that sliding movement of the sliding guide lifts, or lowers, the tilting lever, depending on the direction sliding being rearward or forward. The second panel bracket mount 33 includes screw holes 38 mounting the roof panel 2a.

[0055] The locking mechanism 40, also illustrated in more detail in Figs. 4A and 4B, includes a locking locator 41 at an outer end of the second drive member 12, a hinge block 42 at an outer end of the third drive member 13 and a locking base 44 fixedly attached to the guide rail 9. The locking mechanism 40 further includes a locking lever 43 slidably guided by the locking locator 41 , pivotally connected at one end to the hinge block 42, and releasably coupled at an opposite end with the locking base 44.

[0056] The locking lever 43 is movable between a tilt locking position and a sliding position via movement of the second drive member 12. In the tilt locking position, the locking lever 43 is locked in the locking base 44 and unlocked in the locking locator 41. Whereas in the sliding position, the locking lever 43 is decoupled from the locking base 44 and locked in the locking locator 41. The tilt locking position enables to tilt the roof panel when opening, or to lower when closing, as the front mechanism remains stationary while the tilting mechanism is driven rearward, or forward. While the sliding position enables to slide the roof panel open as the front mechanism and the tilting mechanism are jointly connected and may thus be jointly driven rearward, or forward when closing the roof opening. Accordingly, in the tilt locking position the front mechanism is locked in the guide rail and the tilting mechanism is unlocked from the front mechanism. And in the sliding position the front mechanism is unlocked from the guide rail and the tilting mechanism is locked to the front mechanism.

[0057] The locking lever 43 is provided with a locator pin 45a forming a pin-curve connection with a locator curve 45b in the locking locator 41 , facilitating a guided sliding of the locking lever 43 by the locking locator 41. The locking lever 43 is provided with a locking pin 47a forming a pin-slot connection with a locking slot 47b of the locking base 44, for coupling and decoupling of the locking lever 43 from the locking base 44. And the locking lever 43 is provided with a hinge hole 46a forming a pin-hole connection with a hinge pin 46b of the hinge block 42, facilitating a pivotable connection between locking lever 43 and hinge block 42.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 5A-5C, 6A-6C and 7A-7C, the functioning of the operating mechanism will be explained in more detail. Figs. 5A-5C illustrate a top view of the operating mechanism 10. Figs. 6A-6C illustrate a side view of the operating mechanism 10 from the lateral outside. And Figs. 7A-7C illustrate a top view of the operating mechanism 10 located within the guide 9. Furthermore, Figs. 5A, 6A and 7A correspond to the closed position with the roof panel 2a covering the roof opening 3a. Figs. 5B, 6B and 7B correspond to a tilted position with the rear edge of the roof panel 2a being tilted, thus lifted at the rear upwards above the roof opening 3a. And Figs. 5C, 6C and 7C correspond to a partially opened position with the roof panel 2a partially uncovering the roof opening 3a. From the partially opened position, the fully opened position may be reached by driving the operating mechanism further rearward. Vice versa, driving the operating mechanism in forward motion will cause the roof panel to move towards and into the closed position. In the top view of Figs. 5A, 5B and 7A, 7B, the locking base 44 is covered by locking lever and only the location thereof is indicated by an arrow. Similarly in the side view Figs. 6A-6C, only the location of the locking base 44 is indicated by an arrow as it is out of sight behind the locking locator and second drive member.

[0059] As mentioned above, the locking mechanism 40 of an operating mechanism 10 in accordance with the invention is capable of locking the tilting mechanism 30 to the front mechanism 20. This in order to keep the tilting mechanism 30 stationary with regard to the front mechanism 20 to enable a roof panel to slide jointly with the tilting mechanism 30 and the front mechanism 20. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 40 is capable of unlocking the front mechanism 20 with regard to the guide rail 9, while the tilting mechanism 30 is being locked to the front mechanism 20. This corresponds to movements of the operating mechanism when moving the roof panel from the closed position towards the (partially) opened position.

[0060] Vice versa, when moving the roof panel from the (partially) opened position towards the closed position, the operating mechanism will perform reverse movements. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 40 may be further capable of locking the front mechanism 20 with regard to the guide rail 9, while unlocking the tilting mechanism 30 from the front mechanism 20 in order to keep the front mechanism 20 stationary with regard to the guide rail 9 to enable the first panel 2a to tilt with regard to the guide rail 9. Referring to Figs. 5A, 6A, and 7A, the roof panel is in the closed position and the locking mechanism 40 is in the tilt locking position. And the locking lever 43 is locked by the locking base 44 and holds the front mechanism 20 in place.

[0061] Referring to Figs. 5B, 6B, and 7B, when the first drive member is driven by the motor 8 to move the sliding guide 32 rearward, this will raise the tilting lever 31 and the second drive member 12 will slide the locking locator 41 rearward. The locking lever 43 remains locked by the locking base 44 and holds the front mechanism 20 in place. When the locking locator is pushed over its full length rearward, the locking lever 41 will end in a curved end portion of the locking locator 41 and decouple from the locking base 44. The length of the locator curve 45b of the locking locator 41 preferably accommodates finishing a complete tilting of the tilting lever 31 via the cam portions 35b, 36b before the locking lever 43 is decoupled from the locking base 44.

[0062] Referring to Figs. 5C, 6C, and 7C, with the locking lever 43 decoupled from the locking base 44 and locked in the locking locator 41 , in this embodiment via the locator curve 45b, the locking mechanism 40 is in the sliding position, and the tilting lever is fully raised. Accordingly, the tilting mechanism 30 is now locked with regard to the front mechanism 20. Further rearward movement of the sliding guide 32 will move the front mechanism 20, which will raise the front edge of the roof panel by means of the front lever 21 out of the guiding groove member 22 and rearward. With the roof panel raised at front and rear, further sliding of the sliding guide 32 will move the roof panel to further uncover the roof opening 3a.

[0063] FIGS.7A-7C illustrate separate guide channels 14, 15 of the guide 9. A first, inner guide channel 14 and a second, outer guide channel 15, which outer guide channel 15 is located outward in relation to the first, inner guide channel 14 as seen from a center of the roof opening. The first, inner guide channel 14 guides the third drive member 13 connecting the front mechanism and the locking mechanism. The second, outer guide channel 15 guides the second drive member 12 connecting the tilting mechanism and the locking mechanism. The outer guide channel 15 further guides the first drive member 7a for driving the tilting mechanism via the motor 8.

[0064] As may be seen in FIGS. 7A-7C, the configuration of the locking mechanism allows to overcome the distance between the guide channels. In particular, the dimension of the locking lever may be chosen to accommodate this split arrangement of the guide channels. For example, a width of the locking lever may be sized to span this distance. And / or a length in combination with the positioning of the hinge pin / hole of the locking lever, as this determines the angular range bridged by the locking lever. In other embodiments, wherein the locking lever mainly moves in a vertical XZ-plane, the width of the locking lever and dimensions of pin-slot connections will mainly determine the distance that may be spanned. Referring Figs. 8-10, schematic plan views of several embodiments of operating mechanism and guide rail geometry are illustrated. FIG.8 illustrates a guide rail geometry for the roof assembly 1 of FIG. 1A with a set of guide rails 9, 9’ extending parallel at lateral, opposite sides of the roof opening, with each guide rail 9, 9’ slidably supporting a respective operating mechanism 10, 10’. And each operating mechanism 10, 10’ including a front mechanism 20, 20’, a tilting mechanism 30, 30’ and locking mechanism 40, 40’, which are interconnected by second and third drive members 12, 12’ and 13, 13’. As may be seen, the elements are arranged more or less symmetrically opposite of one another with regard to a symmetry axis 81. The operating mechanism is that of Fig. 2 as described above.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the roof assembly 102 is illustrated. The set of guide rails of the roof assembly 102 further includes a transverse guide rail 88 extending in a direction at an angle to the parallel guide rails 9. Accordingly, the set of guide rails includes a pair of parallel guide rails and at least one transverse guide rail. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 40, 40’ of each respective operating mechanism 10, 10’ is slidably supported by the at least one transverse guide rail 88. Thereto the transverse guide rail 88 includes at least two guide channels for guiding the second and third drive members 12, 12’ and 13,13’ of both operating mechanism 10, 10’. Accordingly, the first and second guide channels 14,15 extend from each of the parallel guide rails 9,9’ into the transverse guide rail 88. Hence, the locking mechanism 40, 40’ of the respective operating mechanism 10, 10’ are located oppositely at respective outer ends of the at least one transverse guide rail 88. Furthermore, the second drive member 12 of one operating mechanism and second drive member 12’ of the other operating mechanism 10’ are guided in a same, first guide channel of the transverse guide 88. Likewise, the third drive member 13 of one operating mechanism and third drive member 13’ of the other operating mechanism 10’ are guided both in the same, second guide channel of the transverse guide 88.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 10, yet another embodiment of the roof assembly 103 is illustrated. The set of guide rials of the roof assembly 103 includes two transverse guide rails 98, 99 extending in a direction at an angle to the parallel guide rails 9. Each of the two transverse guide rails 98, 99 slidably supports one locking mechanism 40, 40’ of a respective operating mechanism 10, 10’. In this embodiment, each transverse guide rail 98, 99 includes at least two guide channels for guiding the second and third drive members 12, 12’ and 13,13’ of the respective operating mechanism 10, 10’. Accordingly, the first and second guide channels 14,15 from one of the parallel guide rails 9 extend into the respective transverse guide rail 98. And the first and second guide channels 14’, 15’ from the other of the parallel guide rails 9’ extend into the respective transverse guide rail 99. In this embodiment, the drive members of both operating mechanisms do not need to share guide channels.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, instead of two guide rails 98, 99 each including two guide channels, a single guide including four guide channels may be provided.

[0068] As will be understood, in each of the embodiments disclosed, the locking mechanism or at least a part thereof is slidably guided by the guide rail and is rearward and remote from the tilting mechanism seen in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0069] Referring to Figs. 11 A and 11 B plan views of another example of a locking mechanism for the operating mechanism of Fig. 2 are illustrated. In tilt locking position and in sliding position respectively. Similar elements are indicated by the same reference numbers. The locking mechanism 40 includes again a locking locator 41 at an outer end of the second drive member 12, a hinge block 42 at an outer end of the third drive member 13 and a locking base 44 fixedly attached to the guide rail 9. The locking mechanism 40 again includes a locking lever 43 slidably guided by the locking locator 41 , pivotally connected at one end to the hinge block 42, and releasably coupled at an opposite end with the locking base 44. And similar as described in relation to Figs. 4A and 4B, the locking lever 43 is movable between a tilt locking position and a sliding position via movement of the second drive member 12.

[0070] A difference of the locking mechanism 40 over the example of Figs 4A and 4B, is that in this example the locking base 44 is provided with a locking pin 47a forming a pin-slot connection with a locking slot 47b of the locking lever 43, for coupling and decoupling of the locking lever 43 from the locking base 44.

[0071] The locking lever 43 is provided with the locator pin 45a forming the pin-curve connection with the locator curve 45b in the locking locator 41 similar as in Figs. 4A and 4B. It will be understood that the locator pin 45a and locator curve 45b may be interchanged, in that instead, the locking locator 41 may include a locator pin and the locking lever 43 may include a locator curve. Similar as in Figs. 4A and 4B, in this embodiment the locking lever 43 is provided with the hinge hole 46a forming the pin-hole connection with the hinge pin 46b of the hinge block 42. It will be understood that the hinge hole 46a and hinge pin 46b may be interchanged, in that instead, the locking locator 41 may include a hinge hole and the locking lever 43 may include a hinge pin.

[0072] From the embodiments of Figs. 4A,4B and 11 A, 11 B, it will be clear that many variants for implementing the locking mechanism are possible, as variants of these pin-hole, pincurve and pin-slot connections may be combined in various configurations. More in general, the locking and unlocking of elements to one another by pin-slot or pin-curve connections is obtained by the curve or slot having sections that divert in a direction transverse, or at least at angle, to one another. Depending on the configuration of the locking mechanism, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism may further include a spring member, such as a e.g. peg spring, or other resilient element, to provide a bias for the locking lever when in the sliding position. For example, one arm of a peg spring may extend into the locator curve and resiliently block the locator pin, such that a predetermined force needs to be exerted before the locking pin may move from the sliding position.

[0073] Furthermore, in the examples of the locking mechanisms described in relation to Figs. 4A, 4B and 11 A, 11 B the movement of the locking lever is mainly in a horizontal plane, i.e. an XY-plane. And similarly do the paths of the respective curves and slots divert within that same plane. In other embodiments, the movement of the locking lever may be mainly in a vertical plane, such as the XZ-plane. Likewise, will the paths of the respective curves and slots divert within that same vertical plane.

[0074] Referring to Figs. 12A and 12B, another example of a front mechanism 20’ is illustrated, in closed and raised position respectively. The front mechanism 20’ includes a front lever 121 pivotally connected to the third drive member 13’, a first panel bracket mount 123 for mounting the first panel 2a and connected to the front lever 121 , and a slide shoe 125a that is slidably guided in a guide groove 125b for slidably supporting the front mechanism 20’. In this embodiment the slide shoe 125a is mounted to the first panel bracket mount 123, whereas in the embodiment of Fig.3A it was mounted to the locking lever 21. The guide groove 125b extends from in the guide rail 9 in a downwardly extending guide insert 122. A pin-hole pivot joint 124a pivotally connects the front lever 121 to the third drive member 13. The guide insert 122 including a portion of the guide groove 125b that supports the sliding shoe 125a of the first panel bracket mount 123 facilitates the moving in vertical direction of the front edge of roof panel. Furthermore, the groove 125b may extend from the guide rail 9 downwardly in a curved shape to allow moving the front edge forward and / or rearward, while moving vertically. The front mechanism may include multiple slide shoes that are slidably guided in a corresponding number of guide grooves.

[0075] The front mechanism 20’ further differs from that of Fig. 3A in that the first panel bracket mount 123 includes a curve 126b for guiding a pin 126a of the locking lever 121 , thereby enabling the vertical movement of the front edge of the roof panel 2a in joint operation with the slide shoe 125a and guiding groove 125b. In this embodiment the locking lever 121 further has a second slide shoe 124a’ that together with joint 124a will slidably support the locking lever in the guide rial 9 when operated via the third member 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the roof panel 2a includes a rubber seal 129 at the front edge for ensuring a proper sealing when in the closed position.

[0076] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in expectedly any appropriately detailed structure. In particular, features presented and described in separate de-pendent claims may be applied in combination and any advantageous combination of such claims are herewith disclosed.

[0077] Further, it is contemplated that structural elements may be generated by application of three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. Therefore, any reference to a structural element is in-tended to encompass any computer executable instructions that in-struct a computer to generate such a structural element by three-dimensional printing techniques or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass a computer readable medium carrying such computer executable instructions.

[0078] Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used here-in, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. , open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is de-fined as connected, although not necessarily directly.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Roof assembly (1) for a vehicle having a roof opening (3a) in a fixed roof, comprising a stationary part (5) configured to be attached to the roof, at least a first panel (2a) movably supported on the stationary part (5) and configured to close the roof opening (3a) in a closed position and to be moved at least rearwardly to an opened position in which the roof opening (3a) is at least partially opened, the first panel (2a) having a front edge and a rear edge, comprising: a set of guide rails (9) mounted on the stationary part (5) and extending in longitudinal direction substantially parallel to opposite lateral sides of the roof opening (3a), said parallel guide rails (9) each slidably supporting at least a part of a respective operating mechanism (10) for the first panel (2a), the operating mechanism (10) being driven by a motor (8) and first drive members (7a, 7b), the operating mechanism (10) comprising: a front mechanism (20), capable of moving the front edge of the first panel (2a) in a vertical direction, and moving in the guide rail (9) in a longitudinal direction; a tilting mechanism (30), capable of moving the rear edge of the first panel (2a) in a vertical direction, and moving in the guide rail (9) in the longitudinal direction; and a locking mechanism (40) capable of: locking the tilting mechanism (30) to the front mechanism (20) in order to keep the tilting mechanism (30) stationary with regard to the front mechanism (20) to enable the first panel (2a) to slide jointly with the tilting mechanism (30) and the front mechanism (20); characterized in that at least part of the locking mechanism (40) is slidably guided in the respective guide rail (9) and is completely rearward of and remote from the tilting mechanism (30) seen in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

2. Roof assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism (40) is further capable of: locking the front mechanism (20) with regard to the guide rail (9), while unlocking the tilting mechanism (30) from the front mechanism (20) in order to keep the front mechanism (20) stationary with regard to the guide rail (9) to enable the first panel (2a) to tilt with regard to the guide rail (9); and unlocking the front mechanism (20) with regard to the guide rail (9), while locking the tilting mechanism (30) to the front mechanism (20).

3. Roof assembly according to claims 1 or 2, the operating mechanism (10) further comprising: a second drive member (12) operatively connecting the tilting mechanism (30) to the locking mechanism (40); and a third drive member (13) operatively connecting the locking mechanism (40) to the front mechanism (20).

4. Roof assembly according to claim 3, the locking mechanism (40) comprising: a locking locator (41) at an outer end of the second drive member (12, 12’); a hinge block (42) at an outer end of the third drive member (13, 13’); a locking base (44) fixedly attached to the guide rail (9, 88, 89, 99); and a locking lever (43) slidably guided by the locking locator (41), pivotally connected at one end to the hinge block (42), and releasably coupled at an opposite end with the locking base (44); wherein the locking lever (43) is movable between a tilt locking position and a sliding position via movement of the second drive member (12, 12’); wherein in the tilt locking position, the locking lever (43) is locked in the locking base (44) and unlocked in the locking locator (41); wherein in the sliding position, the locking lever (43) is decoupled from the locking base (44) and locked in the locking locator (41).

5. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a drive motor (8), wherein the drive motor (8) is located at or near a front of the frame(5) or at or near a rear of the frame 5; and / or at least one first drive member (7a, 7b) operatively connecting the tilting mechanism (30) of a respective operating mechanism (10) to the drive motor (8).

6. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each guide rail (9,9’, 88,98,99) of the set of guide rails comprises at least a first guide channel (14) and a second guide channel (15), the second guide channel (15) located outward in relation to the first guide channel (14); and wherein the second drive member (12) of the respective operating mechanism (10) is guided in the second guide channel (15); and the third drive member (13) of the respective operating mechanism (10) is guided in the first guide channel (14).

7. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, the set of guide rails further comprising at least one transverse guide rail (88, 89, 99) extending in a direction at an angle to the set of parallel guide rails (9); and the at least one transverse guide rail (88, 98, 99) slidably supporting at least part of the locking mechanism (40) of each respective operating mechanism (10).

8. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, the set of guide rails comprising two transverse guide rails (88, 89) extending in a direction at an angle to the set of parallel guide rails (9); and each of the two transverse guide rails (88, 89) slidably supporting at least part of one locking mechanism (40) of a respective operating mechanism (10).

9. Roof assembly according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the first and second guide channels (14,15) extend from each of the parallel guide rails (9,9’) into the at least one transverse guide rail (88, 98, 99).

10. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, the front mechanism (20) comprising: at least one front lever (21) pivotally connected to the third drive member (13), a first panel bracket mount (23) for mounting the first panel (2a) and pivotally or slidably connected to the at least one front lever (21); and at least one slide shoe (25a) for slidably supporting the front mechanism (20) in a guide groove (25b).11 . Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one guide insert (22) downwardly extending from the guide rail (9, 9’); and at least one guide groove (25b) extending from in the guide rail (9, 9’) downwardly in the at least one guide insert (22) for slidably supporting the front mechanism (20).

12. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, the tilting mechanism (30) comprising: at least one tilting lever (31); a sliding guide (32) slidably guided in the guide rail (9) capable of moving one lift end of the at least one tilting lever (31) in a substantially vertical direction; anda second panel bracket mount (33) for mounting the first panel (2a) and connected to the lift end of the at least one tilting lever (31).

13. Roof assembly according to claim 12, wherein the second panel bracket mount (33) is pivotally connected to the at least one tilting lever (31); or wherein the tilting lever (31) comprises a sliding claw at the lift end and the second panel bracket mount (33) is slidably connected to the at least one tilting lever (31) via the sliding claw.

14. Roof assembly according to claim 12 or 13, the sliding guide (32) of the tilting mechanism (30) comprising a drive member joint (39) for operatively connecting the first drive member (7a, 7b).

15. Roof assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a wind deflector (4) comprising a support structure (4a); wherein the support structure (4a) is positioned in the guide rails (9,9’) outward of the front mechanism (20) at lateral sides of the roof opening.

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