Sunroof device

Abstract

To provide a sunroof device which can suppress increase in thickness in a vertical direction due to a check.SOLUTION: A power transmission member 200 has a check 250 which rotates around an axis extending in a longer direction of a guide unit 60 between an engagement position where power can be transmitted from a drive shoe 100 to a rear support part 150 and a release position where the power cannot be transmitted from the drive shoe 100 to the rear support part 150. The guide unit 60 has an inside sliding surface in which the drive shoe 100 slides with respect to the check 250 when moving backward toward a tilt-up corresponding position so that the check 250 is rotated from the engagement position to the release position. The drive shoe 100 has an outside sliding surface in which the drive shoe 100 slides with respect to the check 250 when moving forward from the tilt-up corresponding position so that the check 250 is rotated from the release position to the engagement position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sunroof device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle equipped with a sunroof device. The sunroof device includes a movable panel that opens and closes a roof opening, a guide rail that extends in the front-rear direction, and a drive shoe that moves in the front-rear direction along the guide rail. The sunroof device also includes a functional bracket that is fixed to the movable panel, a rear support that supports the functional bracket, and a check that switches the state of power transmission from the drive shoe to the rear support.

[0003] The movable panel operates between a fully closed position where the roof opening is fully closed, a tilt-up position where the rear end is raised from the fully closed position, and a fully open position where the roof opening is fully opened. The functional bracket has a guide pin at its front end that slides on the guide rail. The functional bracket operates the movable panel between the tilt-up position and the fully open position by moving in the front-rear direction along the guide rail based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe. The rear support portion supports a portion of the functional bracket rearward of the guide pin. The rear support portion operates the movable panel between the fully closed position and the tilt-up position by rotating around an axis extending in the width direction based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe. The check transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion when the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilt-up position, and does not transmit power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion when the movable panel operates between the tilt-up position and the fully open position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-007931 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above sunroof device, the check generally moves in the vertical direction of the vehicle to switch the state of transmission of power from the drive shoe. In other words, the above sunroof device needs to ensure a vertical movement range of the check. In other words, there is still room for improvement in the above sunroof device in terms of making it thinner in the vertical direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the above problems and their effects will be described below. A sunroof device that solves the above problem includes a movable panel that operates between a fully closed position which fully closes a roof opening of a vehicle, a tilt up position in which a rear end portion thereof is raised further up than the fully closed position, and a fully open position which is a position rearward of the tilt up position and which fully opens the roof opening, a guide unit extending in the front-to-rear direction, a front support portion that supports the movable panel, a rear support portion that supports the movable panel rearward of the front support portion, a drive shoe that drives the front support portion and the rear support portion by moving along the guide unit, and a power transmission member that transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion when the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilt up position, and does not transmit power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion when the movable panel operates between the tilt up position and the fully open position, and the movable panel operates to open from the fully closed position via the tilt up position to the fully open position when the drive shoe moves rearward, and operates to open from the fully open position via the tilt up position to the fully closed position when the drive shoe moves forward. and the front support portion moves the movable panel in the front-rear direction based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe, and the rear support portion raises and lowers the rear end of the movable panel based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe via the power transmission member, thereby operating the movable panel between the fully closed position and the tilt-up position, and the power transmission member has a check that rotates about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide unit between an engagement position where power can be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support portion and a release position where power cannot be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support portion, and when the position of the drive shoe when the movable panel is in the tilt-up position is defined as a tilt-up corresponding position, at least one of the guide unit and the drive shoe has a sliding surface that slides against the check to rotate the check from one of the engagement position and the release position to the other position when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position or when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0007] The sunroof device includes a check that switches the state of power transmission from the drive shoe to the rear support part. The check rotates between an engaged position where power can be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support part and a released position where power cannot be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support part. In other words, the sunroof device can be prevented from increasing in thickness in the vertical direction because the check does not move significantly in the vertical direction between the engaged position and the released position. Furthermore, the check rotates to the released position by sliding against the sliding surface when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position. Alternatively, the check rotates to the engaged position by sliding against the sliding surface when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position. Therefore, the sunroof device can switch the position of the check in accordance with the movement of the drive shoe. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The sunroof device can suppress an increase in the thickness in the vertical direction caused by the check. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with a sunroof device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with a sunroof device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the front portion of the sunroof device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a guide unit of the sunroof device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the inner front guide of the guide unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the front portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the front portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the front portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a drive shoe of a sunroof device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the rear portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the rear portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the rear portion of the sunroof device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the front portion of the power transmission member of the sunroof device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the front portion of the power transmission member of the sunroof device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the sunroof device when the movable panel is in the fully closed position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of the sunroof device when the movable panel is in the tilt-up position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of the sunroof device when the movable panel is in the lift-up position. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a side view of the sunroof device when the movable panel is in the fully open position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line BB. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line BB. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line BB. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line BB. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line BB. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device taken along line CC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An embodiment of a sunroof device will now be described. <Configuration of this embodiment> As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 20 and a sunroof device 30. In the drawing, the direction in which the X-axis extends indicates the width direction of the vehicle 10, the direction in which the Y-axis extends indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and the direction in which the Z-axis extends indicates the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. In the following description, the width direction of the vehicle 10, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and the up-down direction of the vehicle 10 are also referred to as the width direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction, respectively. In addition, in the width direction, the direction away from the center of the vehicle 10 is also referred to as the outward direction, and the direction approaching the center of the vehicle 10 is also referred to as the inward direction.

[0011] <Vehicle 20> As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle body 20 includes a roof structure 21 that constitutes the roof. The roof structure 21 includes two side panels 22 extending in the front-rear direction, a front panel 23 that connects the front ends of the two side panels 22 together, and a rear panel 24 that connects the rear ends of the two side panels 22 together. The roof structure 21 also includes a roof opening 25 defined by the two side panels 22, the front panel 23, and the rear panel 24. In a plan view from above, the roof opening 25 has a rectangular shape with the width direction as the longitudinal direction and the front-rear direction as the transverse direction.

[0012] <Sunroof device 30> 2, the sunroof device 30 includes a movable panel 40, an actuator 50, two guide units 60, two drive shoes 100, two front support parts 110, two rear support parts 150, and two power transmission members 200. Most of the components of the sunroof device 30 are symmetrical and disposed on the right and left sides of the roof opening 25. Therefore, in the following description, of the symmetrical components, only the components on the right side of the sunroof device 30 will be described.

[0013] <Movable panel 40> As shown in FIG. 2, the movable panel 40 includes a panel body 41, two front brackets 42, and two rear brackets 43.

[0014] The panel body 41 is made of a material that allows light to pass through, such as glass or resin. The panel body 41 has a size and shape that corresponds to the roof opening 25. The two front brackets 42 are located forward of the two rear brackets 43. The two front brackets 42 are located on both sides in the width direction of the panel body 41. Similarly, the two rear brackets 43 are located on both sides in the width direction of the panel body 41. The two front brackets 42 and the two rear brackets 43 are joined to the underside of the panel body 41.

[0015] <Actuator 50> The actuator 50 includes an electric motor 51, two cables 52 driven by the electric motor 51, and a conversion mechanism 53 that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft of the electric motor 51 into the forward and backward motion of the cables 52. The electric motor 51 and the conversion mechanism 53 are fixed to the center in the width direction of the front panel 23. The cables 52 are push-pull cables that can push and pull the drive shoe 100. The cables 52 are routed along the front panel 23 and the guide unit 60.

[0016] <Guide unit 60> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the guide unit 60 includes a guide rail 70, an inner front guide 80, and an outer front guide 90. As shown in FIG.

[0017] The guide rail 70 has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction. When viewed from the side in the width direction, the guide rail 70 is curved so that the central portion in the longitudinal direction is located higher than both ends in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the guide rail 70 extending in the front-rear direction includes not only a guide rail 70 that extends linearly, but also a guide rail 70 that extends while curving.

[0018] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 70 is referred to as the "first reference direction", and the direction perpendicular to both the first reference direction and the width direction is referred to as the "second reference direction". When the guide rail 70 is curved, the tangential direction of the guide rail 70 corresponds to the first reference direction, and the normal direction of the guide rail 70 corresponds to the second reference direction. In other words, when the guide rail 70 is curved, the first reference direction and the second reference direction face different directions depending on the position of the guide rail 70. The guide rail 70 is formed, for example, by extruding a metal material such as aluminum.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 70 has a bottom wall 71, an inner wall 72, and an outer wall 73. The bottom wall 71 is flat with the first reference direction as the longitudinal direction and the width direction as the short side direction. The inner wall 72 extends from a position closer to the inner end than the outer end in the width direction of the bottom wall 71. The inner wall 72 has a first inner wall 72a extending upward from the bottom wall 71, a second inner wall 72b extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the first inner wall 72a, and a third inner wall 72c extending outward in the width direction from the first inner wall 72a below the second inner wall 72b. The outer wall 73 extends from a position closer to the outer end than the inner end in the width direction of the bottom wall 71. The outer wall 73 has a first outer wall 73a extending upward from the bottom wall 71, a second outer wall 73b extending inward in the width direction from the tip of the first outer wall 73a, and a third outer wall 73c extending inward in the width direction from the first outer wall 73a below the second outer wall 73b.

[0020] 5 and 6, the inner front guide 80 has an extension portion 81 that constitutes the front end portion of the guide unit 60, an insertion portion 82 that is inserted into the guide rail 70, and a connection portion 83 that is connected to the outer front guide 90. The extension portion 81 has a guide groove 84 that extends upward as it proceeds rearward. The guide groove 84 has a depth direction in the width direction.

[0021] 6, the insertion portion 82 extends rearward from the extension portion 81. The insertion portion 82 has a side wall 85 whose thickness direction is the width direction, and a first inner engagement wall 86 and a second inner engagement wall 87 which protrude inward in the width direction from the side wall 85. The surface of the side wall 85 facing outward in the width direction is a curved surface 85a which is convex in the same direction.

[0022] In the first reference direction, the length of the first inner engagement wall 86 is less than the length of the side wall 85. The front end of the first inner engagement wall 86 is aligned with the front end of the side wall 85. On the other hand, the rear end of the first inner engagement wall 86 is located forward of the rear end of the side wall 85. The lower end of the first inner engagement wall 86 is located above the lower end of the side wall 85.

[0023] The first inner engagement wall 86 has an inner regulating surface 86a, an inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b, and an inner clamping surface 86c that intersect with the protruding direction relative to the side wall 85. The inner regulating surface 86a is a surface that intersects with the second reference direction and is a surface along the first reference direction. The inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. In detail, the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b is inclined so as to face upward as it proceeds rearward. The front end of the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b is connected to the rear end of the inner regulating surface 86a. The inner clamping surface 86c extends in the second reference direction. It is preferable that the inner clamping surface 86c intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The lower end of the inner clamping surface 86c is connected to the rear end of the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b.

[0024] The second inner engagement wall 87 protrudes from the rear end of the side wall 85. The second inner engagement wall 87 is located further rearward than 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 with the protruding direction relative to the side wall 85. The inner sliding surface 87a intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. More specifically, the inner sliding surface 87a is inclined so as to face upward as it advances rearward. The inner clamping surface 87b extends in the second reference direction. It is preferable that the inner clamping surface 87b intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The lower end of the inner clamping surface 87b is connected to the rear end of the inner sliding surface 87a.

[0025] 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 face each other. Similarly, 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 face each other. The first inner engagement wall 86 corresponds to the "second regulating portion", the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b corresponds to the "second auxiliary sliding surface", and the inner clamping surface 86c corresponds to the "clamping portion". The inner sliding surface 87a corresponds to the "sliding surface" and the "first sliding surface", and the inner clamping surface 87b corresponds to the "clamping portion".

[0026] 5, the outer front guide 90 has an extension portion 91 that constitutes the front end portion of the guide unit 60, an insertion portion 92 that is inserted into the guide rail 70, and a connection portion 93 that is connected to the inner front guide 80. The extension portion 91 has a guide groove 94 that extends upward as it advances rearward. The depth direction of the guide groove 94 is the width direction. In the first reference direction, the length of the insertion portion 92 is much shorter than the length of the insertion portion 82 of the inner front guide 80.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting portion 83 of the inner front guide 80 and the connecting portion 93 of the outer front guide 90 are connected by a fastening member such as a screw or a bolt. Therefore, the inner front guide 80 and the outer front guide 90 are integrated. The insertion portion 82 of the inner front guide 80 and the insertion portion 92 of the outer front guide 90 are inserted into the tip portion of the guide rail 70. In this way, the guide groove 84 of the inner front guide 80 is connected to the space between the second inner wall 72b and the third inner wall 72c of the guide rail 70. On the other hand, the guide groove 94 of the outer front guide 90 is connected to the space between the second outer wall 73b and the third outer wall 73c of the guide rail 70.

[0028] 2, the guide unit 60 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 so as to be adjacent to the side panel 22. Thus, the guide unit 60 extends in the front-rear direction on both sides of the roof opening 25 in the width direction.

[0029] <Drive shoe 100> As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the drive shoe 100 includes a bottom 101, a first side wall 102 and a second side wall 103, a first sliding portion 104, a second sliding portion 105, an outer engagement wall 106, a first sliding shaft 107, and a second sliding shaft 108.

[0030] The bottom 101 is plate-shaped with the second reference direction being the plate thickness direction. The first side wall 102 and the second side wall 103 extend upward from the bottom 101. The first side wall 102 is located inward in the width direction from 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 portion 104 extends inward in the width direction from the upper end of the first side wall 102. The second sliding portion 105 extends outward in the width direction from the upper end of the second side wall 103.

[0031] 9 and 10, the outer engagement wall 106 protrudes inward in the width direction from the rear end of the first side wall 102. As shown in Fig. 10, the outer engagement wall 106 has a contact surface 106a, a retraction surface 106b, a first outer restriction surface 106c, an outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d, a first pressing surface 106e, a second outer restriction surface 106f, a third outer restriction surface 106g, a second pressing surface 106h, and an outer sliding surface 106i.

[0032] The contact surface 106a is the front end surface of the outer engagement wall 106. The contact surface 106a extends in the second reference direction. It is preferable that the contact surface 106a intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The retreat surface 106b intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. More specifically, the retreat surface 106b is inclined downward as it advances rearward. The front end of the retreat surface 106b is connected to the lower end of the contact surface 106a. The first outer restriction surface 106c extends in the first reference direction. The front end of the first outer restriction surface 106c is connected to the rear end of the retreat surface 106b.

[0033] The outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. More specifically, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d is inclined so as to face upward as it advances rearward. The front end of the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d is connected to the rear end of the first outer regulating surface 106c. The first pressing surface 106e extends in the second reference direction. It is preferable that the first pressing surface 106e intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The lower end of the first pressing surface 106e is connected to the rear end of the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d. The second outer regulating surface 106f intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. More specifically, the second outer regulating surface 106f is inclined so as to face upward as it advances rearward. The front end of the second outer regulating surface 106f is connected to the upper end of the first pressing surface 106e.

[0034] The third outer regulating surface 106g extends in the first reference direction. The third outer regulating surface 106g preferably intersects with the second reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The front end of the third outer regulating surface 106g is connected to the rear end of the second outer regulating surface 106f. The second pressing surface 106h extends in the second reference direction. The second pressing surface 106h preferably intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The upper end of the second pressing surface 106h is connected to the rear end of the third outer regulating surface 106g. The outer sliding surface 106i intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. In detail, the outer sliding surface 106i is inclined so as to face downward as it advances forward. The rear end of the outer sliding surface 106i is connected to the lower end of the second pressing surface 106h. The front end of the outer sliding surface 106i is located below the first outer regulating surface 106c.

[0035] In the outer engagement wall 106, the first outer regulating surface 106c corresponds to the "first rear regulating surface", the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d corresponds to the "first auxiliary sliding surface", and the outer sliding surface 106i corresponds to the "sliding surface" and the "second sliding surface".

[0036] As shown in Fig. 8, the first sliding shaft 107 protrudes outward in the width direction from the first side wall 102. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first sliding shaft 107 is circular. The second sliding shaft 108 protrudes inward in the width direction from the second side wall 103. The second sliding shaft 108 is located rearward of the first sliding shaft 107. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the protruding direction of the second sliding shaft 108 is rectangular.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the drive shoe 100 is accommodated in the guide rail 70. At this time, the bottom 101 of the drive shoe 100 is located above the bottom wall 71 of the guide rail 70. The first sliding part 104 of the drive shoe 100 is accommodated between the second inner wall 72b and the third inner wall 72c of the guide rail 70 in the vertical direction. The second sliding part 105 of the drive shoe 100 is accommodated between the second outer wall 73b and the third outer wall 73c of the guide rail 70 in the vertical direction. In addition, the drive shoe 100 is sandwiched between the first inner wall 72a and the first outer wall 73a of the guide rail 70 in the width direction. In this way, the movement of the drive shoe 100 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 70 is restricted by the guide rail 70. On the other hand, the drive shoe 100 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 70 relative to the guide rail 70. Further, the cable 52 of the actuator 50 is connected to the first sliding portion 104 of the drive shoe 100 .

[0038] <Front support part 110> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the front support portion 110 includes a first front link 120, a second front link 130, and a bracket holding portion 140. The first front link 120 is a first front link 130, and a second front link 130 is a bracket holding portion 140. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The first front link 120 is in the form of a long plate. The first front link 120 includes a first guide shaft 121 and a swing shaft portion 122 whose axial direction is the width direction, and a first sliding groove 123 and a second sliding groove 124 whose depth direction is the width direction. The first guide shaft 121 is located at the front end of the first front link 120. The swing shaft portion 122 is located at the rear end of the first front link 120. The first sliding groove 123 is provided on the inside in the width direction of the first front link 120. The second sliding groove 124 is provided on the outside in the width direction of the first front link 120. The first sliding groove 123 and the second sliding groove 124 extend along the longitudinal direction of the first front link 120. The rear end of the first sliding groove 123 and the rear end of the second sliding groove 124 open downward.

[0040] The second front link 130 is plate-shaped. The second front link 130 has a second guide shaft 131 and a third guide shaft 132 whose axial direction is the width direction. In a side view in the width direction, the second guide shaft 131 is located at the center of the second front link 130, and the third guide shaft 132 is located at the rear end of the second front link 130. The front end of the second front link 130 is connected to the first front link 120 via the first guide shaft 121. The first front link 120 and the second front link 130 are relatively rotatable around the axis of the first guide shaft 121.

[0041] The bracket holding portion 140 is a portion to which the front bracket 42 is fixed. The bracket holding portion 140 is connected to the first front link 120 and the second front link 130 via the first guide shaft 121. The bracket holding portion 140 is rotatable around the axis of the first guide shaft 121 relative to the first front link 120 and the second front link 130.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the front support part 110 is accommodated in the guide unit 60. At this time, the first guide shaft 121 of the first front link 120 is inserted into the guide groove 84 of the inner front guide 80. Meanwhile, the second guide shaft 131 and the third guide shaft 132 of the second front link 130 are inserted into the guide groove 94 of the outer front guide 90. In addition, the first front link 120 is located between the first sliding part 104 and the second sliding part 105 of the drive shoe 100 in the width direction. Furthermore, the first sliding shaft 107 of the drive shoe 100 is inserted into the first sliding groove 123 of the first front link 120, and the second sliding shaft 108 of the drive shoe 100 is inserted into the second sliding groove 124 of the first front link 120. In addition, the swing shaft part 122 of the first front link 120 is located between the bottom wall 71 and the second outer wall 73b of the guide rail 70 in the up-down direction. Further, the front bracket 42 of the movable panel 40 is fixed to the bracket holding portion 140. In this respect, the front support portion 110 supports the front end portion of the movable panel 40.

[0043] <Rear support part 150> As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the rear support portion 150 includes a first rear link 160, a second rear link 170, and a rear link support portion 180. The first rear link 160 is a first rear link, a second rear link 170, and a rear link support portion 180.

[0044] 12 and 13, the first rear link 160 is rod-shaped. The first rear link 160 has a third slide groove 161 and a fourth slide groove 162 whose depth direction is the width direction. The third slide groove 161 is provided on the inside in the width direction of the first rear link 160. The fourth slide groove 162 is provided on the outside in the width direction of the first rear link 160. The third slide groove 161 and the fourth slide groove 162 extend along the longitudinal direction of the first rear link 160.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the second rear link 170 is rod-shaped. The cross section of the second rear link 170 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is U-shaped. The second rear link 170 has two connecting shafts 171 with the width direction as the axial direction, a fourth sliding shaft 172, and two fourth guide shafts 173. The two connecting shafts 171 are located at the tip end of the second rear link 170. The fourth sliding shaft 172 is located at the center of the second rear link 170 in the longitudinal direction. The two fourth guide shafts 173 are located at the rear end of the second rear link 170.

[0046] 12 and 13, a base end of the first rear link 160 is rotatably supported by the rear link support portion 180. Thus, the first rear link 160 is rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction. The fourth sliding shaft 172 of the second rear link 170 is inserted into the fourth sliding groove 162 of the first rear link 160.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 11, the rear support part 150 is housed in the guide rail 70. More specifically, the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 are located between an inner wall 72 and an outer wall 73 of the guide rail 70. The rear link support part 180 is fixed to the rear end part of the guide rail 70. The two fourth guide shafts 173 of the second rear link 170 slidably support the rear bracket 43 of the movable panel 40. In this respect, the rear support part 150 supports the movable panel 40 rearward of the front support part 110.

[0048] <Power transmission member 200> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, 12 and 13, the power transmission member 200 includes a check rod 210, a check 250, a rotation restricting portion 260, a retaining ring 271, a biasing member 272, and a cap 273.

[0049] The check rod 210 includes a rod body 220 , an extension shaft 230 , and a rear shoe 240 . As shown in Figs. 7 to 9, the rod body 220 is rod-shaped with the first reference direction as the longitudinal direction. The rod body 220 is curved in the same manner as the guide rail 70. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the extension shaft 230 extends from the tip of the rod body 220 along the first reference direction. The extension shaft 230 has a first shaft portion 231 having a cylindrical shape, a second shaft portion 232 having a polygonal prism shape, and a flange 233 that divides the first shaft portion 231 and the second shaft portion 232. The first shaft portion 231 extends rearward from the flange 233, and the second shaft portion 232 extends forward from the flange 233. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the second shaft portion 232 is hexagonal. The flange 233 is disc-shaped. The outer diameter of the first shaft portion 231 and the outer diameter of the second shaft portion 232 are smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 233.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the rear shoe 240 is connected to the rear end of the rod body 220. The rear shoe 240 has a first sliding part 241 and a second sliding part 242 spaced apart in the width direction, a holding wall 243 extending upward from the first sliding part 241, and a third sliding shaft 244 extending in the width direction from the holding wall 243. The first sliding part 241 is located inward in the width direction from the second sliding part 242. The first sliding part 241 has an engagement recess 245 recessed upward from the bottom surface of the first sliding part 241. Similarly, the second sliding part 242 has an engagement recess 245 recessed upward from the bottom surface of the second sliding part 242.

[0051] 14 and 15, check 250 is columnar with its axial direction aligned in the first reference direction. Check 250 has a cylindrical base 251, and an inner protrusion 252 and an outer protrusion 253 that protrude from base 251 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of base 251. Base 251 includes a support hole 254 that penetrates in the axial direction. Support hole 254 has a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0052] 14, the inner protrusion 252 tapers in the direction of protrusion from the base 251. The inner protrusion 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.

[0053] The inner front surface 252a is the front end surface of the inner protrusion 252 and is a surface that intersects with the first reference direction. It is preferable that the inner front surface 252a intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The inner front surface 252a is located slightly rearward of the front end surface of the base 251. The inner rear surface 252b is the rear end surface of the inner protrusion 252 and is a surface that intersects with the first reference direction. It is preferable that the inner rear surface 252b intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The inner rear surface 252b is located slightly forward of the rear end surface of the base 251.

[0054] The inner upper surface 252c is the upper surface of the inner protrusion 252 and is a surface along the first reference direction. The front end of the inner upper surface 252c is connected to the upper end of the inner front surface 252a, and the rear end of the inner upper surface 252c is connected to the upper end of the inner rear surface 252b. The inner lower surface 252d is the lower surface of the inner protrusion 252 and is a surface along the first reference direction. The front end of the inner lower surface 252d is connected to the lower end of the inner front surface 252a. The inner cam surface 252e intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. In other words, the inner cam surface 252e is inclined so as to move upward as it proceeds rearward. The front end of the inner cam surface 252e is connected to the rear end of the inner lower surface 252d, and the rear end of the inner cam surface 252e is connected to the lower end of the inner rear surface 252b.

[0055] 15, the outer protrusion 253 tapers in the direction of protrusion from the base 251. The outer protrusion 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.

[0056] The outer front surface 253a is the front end surface of the outer protrusion 253 and is a surface that intersects with the first reference direction. It is preferable that the outer front surface 253a intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The outer rear surface 253b is the rear end surface of the outer protrusion 253 and is a surface that intersects with the first reference direction. It is preferable that the outer rear surface 253b intersects with the first reference direction at an angle close to a right angle. The outer upper surface 253c is the upper surface of the outer protrusion 253 and is a surface along the first reference direction. The rear end of the outer upper surface 253c is connected to the upper end of the outer rear surface 253b. The outer lower surface 253d is the lower surface of the outer protrusion 253 and is a surface that intersects with the first reference direction. The front end of the outer lower surface 253d is connected to the lower end of the outer front surface 253a.

[0057] The first outer cam surface 253e intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. In other words, the first outer cam surface 253e is inclined so as to face upward as it advances rearward. The front end of the first outer cam surface 253e is connected to the rear end of the outer lower surface 253d, and the rear end of the first outer cam surface 253e is connected to the lower end of the outer rear surface 253b. The second outer cam surface 253f intersects with both the first reference direction and the second reference direction. In other words, the second outer cam surface 253f is inclined so as to face upward as it advances rearward. The front end of the second outer cam surface 253f is connected to the upper end of the outer front surface 253a, and the rear end of the second outer cam surface 253f is connected to the front end of the outer upper surface 253c.

[0058] The first shaft portion 231 of the extension shaft 230 is inserted into the support hole 254 of the check 250. In this way, the check 250 is rotatable relative to the extension shaft 230. Meanwhile, the check 250 is sandwiched between the flange 233 and the retaining ring 271 in the axial direction of the extension shaft 230. For this reason, the check 250 is immovable in the axial direction of the extension shaft 230.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the rotation restricting portion 260 has a cylindrical base portion 261 and a pressing portion 262 extending rearward from the base portion 261. The base portion 261 includes a sliding hole 263 penetrating in the axial direction. The cross-sectional shape of the sliding hole 263 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the second shaft portion 232 of the extension shaft 230. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the sliding hole 263 is hexagonal. The pressing portion 262 is plate-shaped. The pressing portion 262 has a pressing surface 262a facing the axis of the sliding hole 263. The pressing surface 262a has a shape corresponding to the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. The second shaft portion 232 of the extension shaft 230 is inserted into the sliding hole 263 of the rotation restricting portion 260. In this way, the rotation restricting portion 260 is not rotatable with respect to the extension shaft 230. On the other hand, the rotation restricting portion 260 is movable in the axial direction of the extension shaft 230. If the base portion 261 is not rotatable relative to the second shaft portion 232 of the extension shaft 230, the cross-sectional shapes of the slide hole 263 and the second shaft portion 232 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the slide hole 263 and the second shaft portion 232 may both be circular. The rotation restricting portion 260 corresponds to a "first restricting portion," and the pressing surface 262a corresponds to a "first front restricting surface."

[0060] The cap 273 has the same shape as the base 261 of the rotation restricting portion 260. The cap 273 is fixed to the front end of the extension shaft 230. The biasing member 272 is a coil spring. The second shaft portion 232 of the extension shaft 230 is inserted into the biasing member 272. The biasing member 272 is compressed between the cap 273 and the rotation restricting portion 260. In this way, the biasing member 272 biases the rotation restricting portion 260 toward the flange 233. In other words, the restoring force of the biasing member 272 always acts on the rotation restricting portion 260.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 11, the power transmission member 200 is accommodated in the guide rail 70. At this time, the portion of the power transmission member 200 other than the rear shoe 240 is located between the bottom wall 71 and the second inner wall 72b of the guide rail 70 in the up-down direction. The rear shoe 240 of the power transmission member 200 is located between the inner wall 72 and the outer wall 73 in the width direction. In addition, in the up-down direction, the first sliding portion 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 portion 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 member 200 is restricted in its movement in the width direction and up-down direction relative to the guide rail 70. Meanwhile, the power transmission member 200 is movable in the front-rear direction along the guide rail 70.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the check 250 of the power transmission member 200 is engaged with the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100. Thus, the power transmission member 200 can transmit power from the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 via the check 250. As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the rear shoe 240 of the power transmission member 200 is engaged with the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 of the rear support portion 150. More specifically, the third sliding shaft 244 of the rear shoe 240 is inserted into the third sliding groove 161 of the first rear link 160. The two connecting shafts 171 of the second rear link 170 are inserted into the two engaging recesses 245 of the rear shoe 240, respectively. Thus, the rear shoe 240 of the power transmission member 200 can transmit power to the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 via the two connecting shafts 171 and the third sliding shaft 244. In other words, power is indirectly transmitted from the drive shoe 100 to the rear support part 150 via the power transmission member 200. On the other hand, power is directly transmitted from the drive shoe 100 to the front support part 110 without via the power transmission member 200.

[0063] <Action of this embodiment> The operation of the sunroof device 30 will now be described. The operation of the sunroof device 30 when the movable panel 40 is opened will now be described.

[0064] FIG. 16 shows the sunroof device 30 when the movable panel 40 is in the fully closed position. In the state shown in FIG. 16, the drive shoe 100 is in the fully closed position, which is the frontmost position in the movement range in the front-rear direction. When the drive shoe 100 is in the fully closed position, the first front link 120 and the second front link 130 are in the frontmost position in the movement range in the front-rear direction and are inclined so as to follow the guide rail 70. When the drive shoe 100 is in the fully closed position, the power transmission member 200 is in the frontmost position in the movement range in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when the power transmission member 200 is in the frontmost position in the movement range in the front-rear direction, the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 are inclined so as to follow the guide rail 70.

[0065] From the above, when the drive shoe 100 is located in the fully closed position, the first front link 120 is tilted down, and therefore the front end of the movable panel 40 supported by the first front link 120 is lowered. Also, the second rear link 170 is tilted down, and therefore the rear end of the movable panel 40 supported by the second rear link 170 is lowered. Furthermore, the first front link 120 is located at the most forward position in its range of movement, and therefore the movable panel 40 is also located at the most forward position in its range of movement. As a result, the movable panel 40 is located in the fully closed position.

[0066] When the movable panel 40 is opened from the fully closed position, the actuator 50 moves the drive shoe 100 rearward. When the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the fully closed corresponding 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 of the first front link 120 in the front support part 110. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the fully closed corresponding position, the first front link 120 does not move substantially.

[0067] When the drive shoe 100 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the drive shoe 100 engages with the check 250 of the power transmission member 200. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the fully closed corresponding position, the power transmission member 200 moves rearward together with the drive shoe 100. When the power transmission member 200 moves rearward, the third sliding shaft 244 of the check rod 210 slides in the third sliding groove 161 of the first rear link 160 in the rear support portion 150. Then, the first rear link 160 rises up relative to the guide rail 70.

[0068] Furthermore, when the power transmission member 200 moves rearward, the rear shoe 240 pushes the two connecting shafts 171 of the second rear link 170 rearward, and the fourth sliding shaft 172 of the second rear link 170 slides in the fourth sliding groove 162 of the first rear link 160. Then, the second rear link 170 rises up relative to the guide rail 70. As a result, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the fully closed corresponding position, the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 rise up. As a result, the rear end of the movable panel 40 supported by the two fourth guide shafts 173 of the second rear link 170 rises up.

[0069] When the driving shoe 100 reaches the tilt-up corresponding position shown in FIG. 17, the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 are in a state of being raised most with respect to the guide rail 70. As a result, the movable panel 40 is disposed at the tilt-up position where the rear end is raised higher than the fully closed position. When the driving shoe 100 reaches the tilt-up corresponding position, the engagement between the driving shoe 100 and the check 250 of the power transmission member 200 is released. Therefore, when the driving shoe 100 moves rearward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the power of the driving shoe 100 is not transmitted to the rear support part 150 via the power transmission member 200. Therefore, the posture of the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 does not change.

[0070] When the drive shoe 100 reaches the tilt-up corresponding position, in the front support portion 110, the first guide shaft 121 of the drive shoe 100 reaches near the rear end of the first sliding groove 123 of the first front link 120. Similarly, the second guide shaft 131 of the drive shoe 100 reaches near the rear end of the second sliding groove 124 of the first front link 120. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the drive shoe 100 pulls the first front link 120 rearward, causing the first front link 120 to move rearward.

[0071] At this time, the first guide shaft 121 of the first front link 120 moves rearward along the guide groove 84 of the inner front guide 80, and the second guide shaft 131 of the second front link 130 moves rearward along the guide groove 94 of the outer front guide 90. Furthermore, the third guide shaft 132 of the second front link 130 moves rearward along the guide rail 70. As a result, the first front link 120 rotates about the swing shaft portion 122, and the front end of the second front link 130 rises relative to the rear end. As a result, the first front link 120 and the second front link 130 rise relative to the guide rail 70. Therefore, the front end of the movable panel 40 supported by the first front link 120 via the bracket holding portion 140 rises.

[0072] When the driving shoe 100 reaches the lift-up corresponding position shown in FIG. 18, the first front link 120 and the second front link 130 are in a state of being raised most with respect to the guide rail 70. As a result, the movable panel 40 is disposed at a lift-up position where the front end is raised higher than the tilt-up position. When the driving shoe 100 moves rearward from the lift-up position, the first guide shaft 121 and the swing shaft portion 122 of the first front link 120 move rearward along the guide rail 70. Similarly, the second guide shaft 131 and the third guide shaft 132 of the second front link 130 move rearward along the guide rail 70. That is, the first front link 120 and the second front link 130 move rearward while maintaining their posture. Therefore, the movable panel 40 also moves rearward while maintaining their posture. At this time, the rear bracket 43 of the movable panel 40 slides on the two fourth guide shafts 173 of the second rear link 170. That is, the movable panel 40 moves rearward with respect to the second rear link 170.

[0073] 19, the first front link 120 is positioned at the rearmost position within its range of movement. As a result, the movable panel 40 is positioned at a fully open position rearward of the lift-up position, which fully opens the roof opening 25. In this way, the movable panel 40 performs an opening operation from the fully closed position to the fully open position via the tilt-up position and the lift-up position.

[0074] The action of the power transmission member 200 when the movable panel 40 is opened will be described. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 16, that is, a cross-sectional view passing through the check 250 when the drive shoe 100 is in the fully closed position. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the drive shoe 100 is in the fully closed position, the inner upper surface 252c of the check 250 contacts the inner regulating surface 86a of the inner front guide 80. Also, the inner lower surface 252d of the check 250 contacts the bottom wall 71 of the guide rail 70. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 contacts the third outer regulating surface 106g of the drive shoe 100. In this respect, the drive shoe 100 cannot rotate in both the first rotation direction R1 and the second rotation direction R2.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 22, the outer front surface 253a of the check 250 faces the first pressing surface 106e of the drive shoe 100 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the drive shoe 100 is in a state in which it can transmit a rearward force to the check 250. In addition, the rotation restricting portion 260 is biased rearward by the biasing member 272. Therefore, the pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260 is in contact with the contact surface 106a of the drive shoe 100. On the other hand, the pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260 is not in contact with the check 250. In the following description, a position in the movement range of the rotation restricting portion 260 where the pressing surface 262a of the rotation restricting portion 260 does not contact the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 is referred to as a "rotation allowing position."

[0076] As described above, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the fully closed corresponding position, the first pressing surface 106e of the drive shoe 100 presses the outer front surface 253a of the check 250 rearward. As a result, the check 250 moves rearward together with the drive shoe 100. In other words, the power transmission member 200 moves rearward together with the drive shoe 100. The position at which the check 250 engages with the drive shoe 100 in this manner is referred to as the "engagement position." When the check 250 is located at the engagement position, the check 250 can move forward and backward based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe 100.

[0077] 23 and 24 are cross-sectional views of the drive shoe 100 when it moves backward from the fully closed position. As shown in FIG. 23, when the drive shoe 100 moves backward from the fully closed position, the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 comes into contact with the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80. Here, the inclination of the inner cam surface 252e of the check 250 with respect to the second reference direction is gentler than the inclination of the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80 with respect to the second reference direction. Therefore, the boundary between the inner rear surface 252b of the check 250 and the inner cam surface 252e comes into contact with the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80. The inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80 is inclined so as to move upward as it moves backward. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves backward from the state shown in FIG. 23, the check 250 slides against the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80.

[0078] 25 and 26 are cross-sectional views of the check 250 when it has finished sliding against the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80. As shown in Fig. 25, as the check 250 slides against the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80, the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 is displaced upward. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 26, the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250 is displaced downward. In other words, the check 250 rotates in the second rotation direction R2.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 25, when the check 250 finishes sliding against the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80, the inner rear surface 252b of the check 250 comes into contact with the inner clamping surface 87b of the inner front guide 80. Also, when the check 250 finishes sliding against the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80, as shown in FIG. 26, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the second outer cam surface 253f of the check 250. Here, both the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 and the second outer cam surface 253f of the check 250 are inclined so as to move upward as they move rearward. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the state shown in FIG. 26, the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 and the second outer cam surface 253f of the check 250 slide against each other. Then, the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250 is displaced downward, and the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 is displaced upward. In other words, the check 250 further rotates in the second rotation direction R2.

[0080] 27 to 29 are cross-sectional views taken along line AA in Fig. 17, that is, cross-sectional views passing through check 250 when drive shoe 100 is in the tilt-up corresponding position. Figs. 27 to 29 are also cross-sectional views after the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of drive shoe 100 and second outer cam surface 253f of check 250 have finished sliding against each other.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 29, when the drive shoe 100 is in the tilt-up corresponding position, the check 250 is no longer present behind the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100. Therefore, even if the drive shoe 100 moves backward, power is not transmitted to the check 250. In the following description, the position of the check 250 shown in Figs. 27 to 29 is referred to as the "release position." As shown in Fig. 27, the release position is the state in which the check 250 has rotated the most in the second rotation direction R2.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 28, when the drive shoe 100 is in the tilt-up corresponding position, the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 is located between the two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the inner front guide 80. That is, the inner front surface 252a of the check 250 faces the inner clamping surface 86c of the inner front guide 80, and the inner rear surface 252b of the check 250 faces the inner clamping surface 87b of the inner front guide 80. Therefore, the check 250 cannot move in the front-rear direction relative to the inner front guide 80. That is, the power transmission member 200 cannot move in the front-rear direction. As a result, the postures of the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 are maintained.

[0083] 27 and 29, the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250 is located below the drive shoe 100. In other words, the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 is in contact with the first outer restriction surface 106c of the drive shoe 100. For this reason, the check 250 cannot rotate in the first rotation direction R1 from the release position.

[0084] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the drive shoe 100 when it moves backward from the tilt-up corresponding position. Since the check 250 is located at the release position, the drive shoe 100 moves backward relative to the check 250. At this time, the first outer restriction surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 slides against the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. Meanwhile, the rotation restriction part 260, which is biased backward by the biasing member 272, moves backward together with the drive shoe 100. Therefore, as the rotation restriction part 260 moves backward, the pressing surface 262a of the rotation restriction part 260 comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. Here, the front end of the second outer cam surface 253f of the check 250 is inclined downward as it moves forward. Therefore, the check 250 is easily able to slip under the pressing part 262 of the rotation restriction part 260.

[0085] In this way, the state changes from one in which only the drive shoe 100 is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 as shown in Fig. 29 to one in which both the drive shoe 100 and the rotation restricting part 260 are in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 as shown in Fig. 30. As the drive shoe 100 moves rearward, the contact area between the drive shoe 100 and the check 250 becomes smaller, and the contact area between the rotation restricting part 260 and the check 250 becomes larger. In the following description, within the movement range of the rotation restricting part 260, the position where the pressing surface 262a of the rotation restricting part 260 is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 is referred to as the "rotation restricting position".

[0086] The rotation restricting portion 260 cannot move rearward when it comes into contact with the flange 233 of the extension shaft 230. Therefore, after the rotation restricting portion 260 comes into contact with the flange 233, the rotation restricting portion 260 does not move rearward even if the drive shoe 100 moves rearward.

[0087] 31, when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward from the state shown in FIG. 30, the contact surface 106a of the drive shoe 100 moves rearward beyond the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250. In other words, the first outer restriction surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 and the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 no longer slide against each other. As a result, only the pressing surface 262a of the rotation restriction portion 260 comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250.

[0088] The operation of the sunroof device 30 when the movable panel 40 is closed will now be briefly described. 19, when the movable panel 40 is opened from the fully open position, the actuator 50 drives the drive shoe 100 forward. When the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the fully open corresponding position, the drive shoe 100 moves forward together with the front support part 110. At this time, the front support part 110 moves forward while maintaining its attitude relative to the guide unit 60. As a result, the movable panel 40 moves forward from the fully closed position while maintaining its attitude relative to the guide unit 60.

[0089] 18, when the drive shoe 100 reaches the lift-up corresponding position, the movable panel 40 is disposed in the lift-up position. When the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the lift-up corresponding position, the posture of the front support part 110 changes. More specifically, the first front link 120 and the second front link 130 are displaced so as to fall relative to the guide unit 60. As a result, the front end part of the movable panel 40 descends.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 17, when the driving shoe 100 reaches the tilt-up corresponding position, the movable panel 40 is disposed at the tilt-up position. When the driving shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the posture of the front support part 110 does not change. On the other hand, when the driving shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the driving shoe 100 and the check 250 of the power transmission member 200 are engaged. Therefore, the power transmission member 200 is in a state in which the power of the driving shoe 100 can be transmitted to the rear support part 150. As a result, when the driving shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the posture of the rear support part 150 changes. More specifically, the first rear link 160 and the second rear link 170 are displaced so as to fall with respect to the guide unit 60. As a result, the rear end part of the movable panel 40 descends.

[0091] 16, when the drive shoe 100 reaches the fully closed corresponding position, the movable panel 40 is disposed in the fully closed position. In this manner, the movable panel 40 performs a closing operation from the fully open position to the fully closed position via the lift up position and the tilt up position.

[0092] The function of the power transmission member 200 when the movable panel 40 is closed will be described. 19, when the drive shoe 100 is in the fully open position, the check 250 is in the release position and the rotation restricting portion 260 is in the rotation restricting position, so that the check 250 cannot rotate from the release position to the engagement position.

[0093] When the drive shoe 100 moves toward the tilt-up corresponding position after passing the lift-up corresponding position, the engagement relationship between the drive shoe 100 and the check 250 changes. More specifically, as shown in Figures 31 and 30, as the drive shoe 100 moves forward, the first outer restriction surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. Here, since the retreat surface 106b of the drive shoe 100 is inclined downward as it moves rearward, the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 is likely to slip under the retreat surface 106b and the first outer restriction surface 106c of the drive shoe 100.

[0094] In this way, as shown in FIG. 31, only the rotation restricting portion 260 is in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250, and as shown in FIG. 30, both the drive shoe 100 and the rotation restricting portion 260 are in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. When the drive shoe 100 moves further forward, the contact surface 106a of the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260. After the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the rotation restricting portion 260, the rotation restricting portion 260 moves forward together with the drive shoe 100. When the rear end of the pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260 moves forward of the front end of the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250, the pressing surface 262a of the rotation restricting portion 260 is no longer in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. In other words, only the first outer restriction surface 106 c of the drive shoe 100 comes into contact with the outer upper surface 253 c of the check 250 .

[0095] 32 and 33 are cross-sectional views of the drive shoe 100 when it moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position. As shown in FIG. 33, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the first outer restriction surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 is no longer in contact with the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250. That is, the check 250 becomes rotatable in the first rotation direction R1 from the release position. Then, the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 contacts the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250. Here, the inclination of the first outer cam surface 253e of the check 250 with respect to the second reference direction is gentler than the inclination of the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 with respect to the second reference direction. Therefore, the boundary between the outer rear surface 253b of the check 250 and the first outer cam surface 253e comes into contact with the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 moving forward. The outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 is inclined upward as it moves rearward. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the state shown in FIG. 33, the check 250 slides against the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100.

[0096] 34 and 35 are cross-sectional views of the check 250 when it has finished sliding against the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100. As shown in Fig. 35, as the check 250 slides against the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100, the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250 is displaced upward. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 34, the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 is displaced downward. In other words, the check 250 rotates in the first rotation direction R1.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 35, when the check 250 finishes sliding against the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100, the boundary between the inner front surface 252a and the inner upper surface 252c of the check 250 comes into contact with the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80 as shown in Fig. 34. Here, the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80 is inclined so as to face upward as it proceeds rearward. Therefore, as the drive shoe 100 continues to move forward, the check 250 slides against the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80.

[0098] 36 and 37 are cross-sectional views of the check 250 when it has finished sliding against the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80. As the check 250 slides against the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the inner front guide 80, the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 is displaced downward and the outer protrusion 253 of the check 250 is displaced upward. In other words, the check 250 further rotates in the first rotation direction R1. In this way, the check 250 rotates to the engagement position.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 37, when the check 250 is in the engaged position, the outer rear surface 253b of the check 250 is in contact with the second pressing surface 106h of the drive shoe 100. In other words, the drive shoe 100 is in a state in which it can transmit a forward force to the power transmission member 200 via the check 250. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the state shown in Figs. 36 and 37, the second pressing surface 106h of the drive shoe 100 presses the outer rear surface 253b of the check 250 forward. Therefore, the check 250 moves forward together with the drive shoe 100. In other words, the power transmission member 200 moves forward together with the drive shoe 100.

[0100] Furthermore, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward, the inner regulating surface 86a of the inner front guide 80 is located directly above the inner upper surface 252c of the check 250. This prevents the inner protrusion 252 of the check 250 from displacing upward. In other words, the check 250 cannot rotate from the engaged position to the released position.

[0101] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The check 250 rotates between an engaged position where power can be transmitted from the drive shoe 100 to the rear support portion 150 and a disengaged position where power cannot be transmitted from the drive shoe 100 to the rear support portion 150. In other words, since the check 250 does not move vertically between the engaged position and the disengaged position, the sunroof device 30 can be prevented from increasing in thickness in the vertical direction. Also, since the check 250 does not move widthwise between the engaged position and the disengaged position, the sunroof device 30 can be prevented from increasing in size in the width direction.

[0102] Furthermore, when the drive shoe 100 moves backward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, the check 250 slides against the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60, thereby rotating toward the release position. On the other hand, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the check 250 slides against the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100, thereby rotating toward the engagement position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can rotate the check 250 to a required position depending on the moving direction of the drive shoe 100.

[0103] In addition, the first rotation direction R1 and the second rotation direction R2 in which the check 250 operates are different from the first reference direction in which the power is transmitted from the drive shoe 100. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the check 250 from erroneously operating based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe 100.

[0104] (2) The power transmission member 200 includes a rotation restricting portion 260 that restricts the rotation of the check 250 from the release position toward the engagement position when the drive shoe 100 is positioned rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can restrict the position of the check 250 from changing from the release position when the drive shoe 100 is positioned rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can bring the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 into contact with the check 250 when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0105] (3) The guide unit 60 includes a first inner engagement wall 86 that restricts the rotation of the check 250 from the engagement position toward the release position when the drive shoe 100 is positioned forward of the tilt-up corresponding position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the position of the check 250 from changing from the engagement position when the drive shoe 100 is positioned forward of the tilt-up corresponding position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can bring the check 250 into contact with the inner sliding surface 87a of the inner front guide 80 when the drive shoe 100 moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0106] (4) The check 250 and the rotation restricting portion 260 are supported by the check rod 210. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can easily manage the positional relationship between the check 250 and the rotation restricting portion 260. Furthermore, the rotation restricting portion 260 moves in the axial direction of the check rod 210 to displace between the rotation allowing position and the rotation restricting position. In other words, the position of the rotation restricting portion 260 in the vertical direction does not change substantially when displacing between the rotation allowing position and the rotation restricting position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can suppress an increase in thickness in the vertical direction in order to ensure the movement range of the rotation restricting portion 260.

[0107] (5) In the sunroof device 30, when the drive shoe 100 is located forward of the tilt-up corresponding position, the first outer regulating surface 106c of the drive shoe 100 regulates the rotation of the check 250. On the other hand, when the drive shoe 100 is located rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position, the pressing surface 262a of the rotation regulating portion 260 regulates the rotation of the check 250. When the object for regulating the rotation of the check 250 is switched from one of the drive shoe 100 and the rotation regulating portion 260 to the other, there exists a state in which both the drive shoe 100 and the rotation regulating portion 260 regulate the rotation of the check 250. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can suppress a large change in the posture of the check 250 and the generation of abnormal noise when the state in which one of the drive shoe 100 and the rotation regulating portion 260 contacts the check 250 changes to a state in which the other contacts the check 250.

[0108] (6) The power transmission member 200 includes the biasing member 272 that biases the rotation restricting portion 260 from the rotation allowing position toward the rotation restricting position. In other words, the power transmission member 200 can move the rotation restricting portion 260 between the rotation allowing position and the rotation restricting position in conjunction with the position of the drive shoe 100.

[0109] (7) In the sunroof device 30, when the drive shoe 100 is located rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position, the two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the guide unit 60 clamp the check 250 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the drive shoe 100 is located rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position, movement of the power transmission member 200 in the front-rear direction is restricted. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can prevent the power transmission member 200 from moving due to a load acting on the rear support part 150 and the rear support part 150 from moving due to a load acting on the power transmission member 200.

[0110] (8) The two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the guide unit 60 intersect at an angle close to a right angle with the first reference direction. For this reason, even if an external force in the front-rear direction acts on the power transmission member 200, the check 250 is unlikely to slide against the two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the guide unit 60. In other words, the check 250 is unlikely to move in the up-down direction relative to the two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the guide unit 60. In this respect, the sunroof device 30 can further restrict the movement of the check 250 when it is in the released position.

[0111] (9) The check 250 rotates from the engagement position to the release position as the drive shoe 100 moves backward toward the tilt-up position. More specifically, the check 250 starts to rotate from the engagement position by sliding against the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60. Then, the check 250 rotates to the release position by sliding against the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100. In this way, the sunroof device 30 causes the check 250 to slide not only against the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60, but also against the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100. As a result, the sunroof device 30 can position the check 250 between the two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the guide unit 60 at the release position.

[0112] (10) The inner front guide 80 of the guide unit 60 has the inner sliding surface 87a, and the drive shoe 100 has the outer sliding surface 106i. Therefore, compared to a case where one of the guide unit 60 and the drive shoe 100 has a configuration corresponding to both the inner sliding surface 87a and the outer sliding surface 106i, the structure of the device can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0113] (11) When the driving shoe 100 moves backward, the first pressing surface 106e of the driving shoe 100 pushes the outer front surface 253a of the check 250 backward. On the other hand, when the driving shoe 100 moves forward, the second pressing surface 106h of the driving shoe 100 pushes the outer rear surface 253b of the check 250 forward. Here, the first pressing surface 106e and the second pressing surface 106h of the driving shoe 100 intersect with the outer front surface 253a and the outer rear surface 253b of the check 250 at an angle close to a right angle with the first reference direction. Therefore, when the driving shoe 100 pushes the check 250 in the front-rear direction, torque is unlikely to be generated in the check 250. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can suppress an increase in the sliding resistance between the check 250 and the guide rail 70 when the driving shoe 100 pushes the check 250 in the front-rear direction.

[0114] (12) In the release position, the check 250 is clamped in the front-rear direction between the two inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the inner front guide 80. More specifically, the inner front surface 252a of the check 250 faces the inner clamping surface 86c of the inner front guide 80, and the inner rear surface 252b of the check 250 faces the inner clamping surface 87b of the inner front guide 80. Therefore, when an external force directed forward acts on the power transmission member 200, a load directed backward acts on the inner front surface 252a of the check 250 due to contact with the inner clamping surface 86c. Also, when an external force directed backward acts on the power transmission member 200, a load directed forward acts on the inner rear surface 252b of the check 250 due to contact with the inner clamping surface 87b. As a result, stress concentration may occur near the opening of the support hole 254 of the check 250. In this regard, in the check 250, the outer front surface 253a is recessed rearward with respect to the front end surface of the base 251, and the outer rear surface 253b is recessed forward with respect to the rear end surface of the base 251. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can reduce stress concentration that occurs near the opening of the support hole 254 of the check 250.

[0115] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0116] The inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 and the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 are configured to rotate the check 250 from the engagement position to the release position by sliding with the check 250 when the drive shoe 100 moves backward. Therefore, one of the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 and the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 can be omitted. For example, when 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". Note that, when the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, it is preferable that the shape of the outer auxiliary sliding surface 106d of the drive shoe 100 is appropriately changed.

[0117] Similarly, the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 and the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 are configured to rotate the check 250 from the release position to the engagement position by sliding with the check 250 when the drive shoe 100 moves forward. Therefore, one of the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 and the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 can be omitted. For example, when 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". Note that, when the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100 is omitted, it is preferable that the shape of the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b of the guide unit 60 is appropriately changed.

[0118] In the sunroof device 30, the inner front guide 80 and the outer front guide 90 may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable that the guide rail 70 has configurations corresponding to the inner regulating surface 86a, the inner auxiliary sliding surface 86b, and the inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the inner front guide 80.

[0119] The inner clamping surfaces 86c, 87b of the inner front guide 80 may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable that the sunroof device 30 is provided with a separate structure for preventing the posture of the rear support part 150 from changing when the drive shoe 100 moves between the tilt-up corresponding position and the fully-open corresponding position.

[0120] The outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 has multiple surfaces that push against the check 250 and slide against the check 250. When the drive shoe 100 moves forward or backward, the surfaces of the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 that come into contact with the check 250 change. For this reason, it is preferable that the inclination of the multiple surfaces of the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 is set so as not to generate abnormal noise or resistance. For example, the multiple surfaces of the outer engagement wall 106 of the drive shoe 100 may be curved surfaces. The same applies to the multiple surfaces of the inner front guide 80.

[0121] The rotation restricting portion 260 does not need to restrict the rotation of the check 250 by surface contact. For example, the rotation restricting portion 260 may restrict the rotation of the check 250 by point contact or line contact. The same applies to the first outer restricting surface 106c of the drive shoe 100.

[0122] The rotation restricting unit 260 may restrict the rotation of the check 250 in other ways. For example, the check 250 may be made of a magnetic material, and the rotation of the check 250 may be restricted using magnetic force.

[0123] The pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260 does not need to contact the outer upper surface 253c of the check 250 as long as it can restrict the rotation of the check 250. For example, the pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260 may restrict the rotation of the check 250 by contacting the inner lower surface 252d of the check 250. In this case, when restricting the rotation of the check 250, the pressing portion 262 of the rotation restricting portion 260 may be positioned between the bottom wall 71 of the guide rail 70 and the inner lower surface 252d of the check 250.

[0124] The biasing member 272 does not have to be a coil spring as long as it can bias the rotation restricting portion 260. For example, the biasing member 272 may be an elastic body. One of the inner sliding surface 87a and the outer sliding surface 106i as the configuration for rotating the check 250 can be omitted. For example, when the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, the sunroof device 30 preferably includes a biasing member for biasing the check 250 toward the release position. According to this, when the drive shoe 100 moves backward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, the check 250 rotates toward the release position by the biasing force of the biasing member. On the other hand, when the drive shoe 100 moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the check 250 rotates toward the engagement position by sliding against the outer sliding surface 106i of the drive shoe 100. Examples of the biasing member include a spring and a magnet. Also, when the inner sliding surface 87a of the guide unit 60 is omitted, the rotation restricting portion 260 can be omitted.

[0125] The first inner engagement wall 86 and the rotation restriction portion 260 as components for restricting the rotation of the check 250 may be omitted. In this case, the difference between the outer diameter of the first shaft portion 231 of the check rod 210 and the outer diameter of the support hole 254 of the check 250 may be reduced so that the check 250 rotates only when a sufficient torque acts on the check 250. In addition, when either the first inner engagement wall 86 or the rotation restriction portion 260 is omitted, the check 250 may be biased in the corresponding rotational direction by a biasing member as described above.

[0126] In the movable panel 40, the front bracket 42 and the rear bracket 43 may be connected in the front-rear direction. In other words, the front bracket 42 and the rear bracket 43 may be integrally formed.

[0127] The front and rear of the sunroof device 30 do not have to coincide with the front and rear of the vehicle 10. For example, the front of the sunroof device 30 may be the rear of the vehicle 10 and the rear of the sunroof device 30 may be the front of the vehicle 10.

[0128] <Additional Notes> The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [Aspect 1] a movable panel that operates between a fully closed position at which a roof opening of a vehicle is fully closed, a tilt up position at which a rear end of the panel is raised higher than the fully closed position, and a fully open position at a position rearward of the tilt up position at which the roof opening is fully opened; a guide unit extending in a front-to-rear direction; a front support part that supports the movable panel; a rear support part that supports the movable panel rearward of the front support part; a drive shoe that drives the front support part and the rear support part by moving along the guide unit; and a power transmission member that transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support part when the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilt up position, and does not transmit power from the drive shoe to the rear support part when the movable panel operates between the tilt up position and the fully open position, wherein the movable panel performs an opening operation from the fully closed position to the fully open position via the tilt up position when the drive shoe moves rearward, and performs a closing operation from the fully open position to the fully closed position via the tilt up position when the drive shoe moves forward, a power transmission member that transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion and a power transmission member that transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion, the power transmission member having a check that rotates about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide unit between an engagement position where power can be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support portion and a release position where power cannot be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support portion, and a sunroof device in which, when the position of the drive shoe when the movable panel is located at the tilt-up position is defined as a tilt-up corresponding position, at least one of the guide unit and the drive shoe has a sliding surface that slides against the check to rotate the check from one of the engagement position and the release position to the other when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position or when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0129] [Aspect 2] The sunroof device of embodiment 1, wherein the sliding surface has a first sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check from the engagement position toward the release position, and a second sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check from the release position toward the engagement position.

[0130] [Aspect 3] A sunroof device as described in aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the power transmission member is provided with a first regulating portion that regulates rotation of the check from the release position toward the engagement position when the drive shoe is positioned rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0131] [Aspect 4] A sunroof device as described in aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the guide unit is provided with a second regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the check from the engagement position toward the release position when the drive shoe is positioned forward of the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0132] [Aspect 5] The sunroof device described in aspect 3, wherein the power transmission member includes a check rod extending along the guide unit, the check rod rotatably supports the check and supports the first regulating portion movably in the longitudinal direction of the check rod, and the first regulating portion is displaceable between a rotation restricting position that restricts the rotation of the check located in the release position and a rotation allowing position that allows the rotation of the check.

[0133] [Aspect 6] The sunroof device of aspect 5, wherein the first regulating portion has a first front regulating surface that contacts the check to regulate rotation of the check from the release position toward the engagement position, and the drive shoe has a first rear regulating surface that contacts the check to regulate rotation of the check from the release position toward the engagement position, and when the drive shoe moves rearward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the state transitions from a state in which only the first rear regulating surface is in contact with the check, through a state in which both the first rear regulating surface and the first front regulating surface are in contact with the check, to a state in which only the first front regulating surface is in contact with the check, and when the drive shoe moves forward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, the state transitions from a state in which only the first front regulating surface is in contact with the check, through a state in which both the first front regulating surface and the first rear regulating surface are in contact with the check, to a state in which only the first rear regulating surface is in contact with the check.

[0134] [Aspect 7] A sunroof device as described in aspect 5 or aspect 6, wherein the power transmission member has a biasing member that biases the first regulating portion from the rotation allowing position toward the rotation restricting position, and when the drive shoe moves forward, the first regulating portion is pushed by the drive shoe to displace toward the rotation allowing position, and when the drive shoe moves rearward, the first regulating portion is biased by the biasing member to displace toward the rotation restricting position.

[0135] [Aspect 8] The sunroof device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the guide unit has a clamping portion that clamps the check in the front-rear direction when the drive shoe is positioned rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position.

[0136] [Aspect 9] The sunroof device according to any one of Aspects 2 to 8, wherein the guide unit has the first sliding surface, and the drive shoe has the second sliding surface.

[0137] [Aspect 10] The sunroof device of aspect 9, wherein the drive shoe has a first auxiliary sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check toward the release position, and the guide unit has a second auxiliary sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check toward the engagement position, and the check rotates to the release position by sliding against the first sliding surface and then against the first auxiliary sliding surface when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, and rotates to the engagement position by sliding against the second sliding surface and then against the second auxiliary sliding surface when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10...vehicle, 25...roof opening, 30...sunroof device, 40...movable panel, 60...guide unit, 86...first inner engagement wall (second regulating portion), 86a...inner regulating surface, 86b...inner auxiliary sliding surface (second auxiliary sliding surface), 86c...inner clamping surface (clamping portion), 87...second inner engagement wall, 87a...inner sliding surface (first sliding surface, sliding surface), 87b...inner clamping surface (clamping portion), 100...drive shoe , 106c...first outer regulating surface (first rear regulating surface), 106d...outer auxiliary sliding surface (first auxiliary sliding surface), 106i...outer sliding surface (second sliding surface, sliding surface), 110...front support portion, 150...rear support portion, 200...power transmission member, 210...check rod, 250...check, 260...rotation regulating portion (first regulating portion), 262a...pressing surface (first front regulating surface), 272...urging member.

Claims

1. a movable panel that operates between a fully closed position at which the roof opening of the vehicle is fully closed, a tilt-up position at which the rear end portion of the panel is raised from the fully closed position, and a fully open position that is a position rearward of the tilt-up position at which the roof opening is fully opened; A guide unit extending in the front-rear direction; A front support portion that supports the movable panel; a rear support portion that supports the movable panel rearward of the front support portion; a drive shoe that moves along the guide unit to drive the front support portion and the rear support portion; a power transmission member that transmits power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion when the movable panel operates between the fully closed position and the tilt-up position, and does not transmit power from the drive shoe to the rear support portion when the movable panel operates between the tilt-up position and the fully open position, The movable panel is adapted to open from the fully closed position to the fully open position via the tilt up position when the drive shoe moves rearward, and to close from the fully open position to the fully closed position via the tilt up position when the drive shoe moves forward, The front support portion moves the movable panel in a front-rear direction based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe, the rear support portion moves a rear end portion of the movable panel up and down based on power transmitted from the drive shoe via the power transmission member, thereby operating the movable panel between the fully closed position and the tilt-up position; the power transmission member has a check that rotates about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the guide unit between an engagement position where power can be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support portion and a release position where power cannot be transmitted from the drive shoe to the rear support portion, When the position of the drive shoe when the movable panel is located at the tilt-up position is defined as a tilt-up corresponding position, At least one of the guide unit and the drive shoe has a sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves backward toward the tilt-up corresponding position or when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check from one of the engagement position and the release position to the other position. Sunroof device.

2. The sliding surface has a first sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check from the engagement position toward the release position, and a second sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check from the release position toward the engagement position. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The power transmission member includes a first restricting portion that restricts rotation of the check from the release position toward the engagement position when the drive shoe is positioned rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position. The sunroof device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide unit includes a second restricting portion that restricts rotation of the check from the engagement position toward the release position when the drive shoe is positioned forward of the tilt-up corresponding position. The sunroof device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The power transmission member includes a check rod extending along the guide unit, the check rod rotatably supports the check and supports the first restricting portion movably in a longitudinal direction of the check rod, The first restricting portion is displaceable between a rotation restricting position that restricts rotation of the check located at the release position and a rotation allowing position that allows rotation of the check.

4. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 3.

6. the first restricting portion has a first front restricting surface that restricts rotation of the check from the release position toward the engagement position by contacting the check, the drive shoe has a first rear restriction surface that contacts the check to restrict rotation of the check from the release position toward the engagement position, When the drive shoe moves rearward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the state transitions from a state in which only the first rear regulating surface is in contact with the check, through a state in which both the first rear regulating surface and the first front regulating surface are in contact with the check, to a state in which only the first front regulating surface is in contact with the check, When the drive shoe moves forward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, the state transitions from a state in which only the first front regulating surface is in contact with the check, through a state in which both the first front regulating surface and the first rear regulating surface are in contact with the check, to a state in which only the first rear regulating surface is in contact with the check.

6. The sunroof device according to claim 5.

7. the power transmission member has a biasing member that biases the first restricting portion from the rotation allowing position toward the rotation restricting position, When the drive shoe moves forward, the first restricting portion is pushed by the drive shoe and displaced toward the rotation allowing position, and when the drive shoe moves rearward, the first restricting portion is biased by the biasing member and displaced toward the rotation restricting position.

7. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The guide unit has a clamping portion that clamps the check in the front-rear direction when the drive shoe is positioned rearward of the tilt-up corresponding position. The sunroof device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The guide unit has the first sliding surface, The drive shoe has the second sliding surface. The sunroof apparatus according to claim 2.

10. the drive shoe has a first auxiliary sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check toward the release position; the guide unit has a second auxiliary sliding surface that slides against the check when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, thereby rotating the check toward the engagement position, When the drive shoe moves rearward toward the tilt-up corresponding position, the check rotates to the release position by sliding against the first sliding surface and then against the first auxiliary sliding surface, and when the drive shoe moves forward from the tilt-up corresponding position, the check rotates to the engagement position by sliding against the second sliding surface and then against the second auxiliary sliding surface.

10. The sunroof apparatus of claim 9.

Images