Roof system for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a roof system having an improved head room and / or daylight opening.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a roof system for a vehicle (1) having a fixed roof (2) including a roof opening (3) which can be closed by a roof panel (4). The roof system includes: pairs of parallel guide rails (9, 61); and operation mechanisms (10) for the guide rails (9). Each operation mechanism includes a front mechanism (20), an inclined mechanism (24), and a locking mechanism (62) for locking the inclined mechanism (24). The locking mechanism (62) is guided so as to be slidable in the guide rails (9, 61) and is located behind and spaced apart from the inclined mechanism (24) when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1). The structure is effective in reduction of a package of the front mechanism and spaces needed at the inner side of the guide rails for the package and enables reduction of cross sections of the guide rails.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3C

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof system according to the preamble of claim 1. Maximizing headroom in modern cars and maximizing daylight opening in roof systems is sought. [Background technology]

[0002] With the advent of electric vehicles, the general layout of a vehicle is changing. The space required for the battery pack is generally found at the bottom of the vehicle, raising the ground level of the passenger compartment, especially the seats present therein. However, since the overall streamlined surface of the vehicle should be maintained, the roof cannot be raised, resulting in reduced headroom. As a result, the height available for the roof system is reduced. To address this, automotive manufacturers have introduced fixed, stationary glass panels to reduce what is called the Z-package as required. While these stationary panels can provide an experience that is visually connected to the exterior surroundings, they lack the flexibility to accommodate different environmental conditions, such as the fresh air of a bright sunny morning, and the cover of a dark, rainy afternoon. Thus, there is a need to provide a roof system that can balance these conflicting requirements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a roof system with improved headroom and / or daylight opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] For this purpose, the roof system according to the invention is equipped with a locking mechanism which is slidably guided in guide rails and which is completely rearward and remote from the tilt mechanism as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0005] The advantage of this feature is that the operating mechanism usually has two main parts, a front mechanism and a rear or tilt mechanism. All the parts required in these front and rear mechanisms need to be packaged or arranged in the guide rail. The front and rear mechanisms have multiple operating positions, such as when the glass panel is in a closed position, or when the glass panel is in a tilt position, or when the glass panel is in a fully open position. In each of these positions and between these positions, the detailed parts of the front and rear mechanisms need to be movable and require their respective spaces to perform their respective operational functions within the confines of the guide rail. As the guide rail is a critical part of the roof system, it affects the headroom and daylight opening of the vehicle occupants by its size and especially the size of its cross section (in a transverse direction extending in a vertical plane). Reducing the height and width improves the headroom and daylight opening, respectively. In the present invention, the front mechanism is modified in that the locking mechanism that ensures the locking of the tilt mechanism, which is usually coupled in the front mechanism, is now located behind and separate from the rear mechanism. The effect is that the packaging of the front mechanism, e.g. in terms of the number of parts, and thus the space required inside the guide rail can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the cross section of the guide rail.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, the guide rail extends uninterrupted in the longitudinal direction, and the front mechanism, the tilt mechanism and the locking mechanism are slidably connected to the guide rail. In this embodiment, the guide rail extends longitudinally as a single piece.

[0007] According to a second embodiment, each of the guide rails comprises a first, front guide rail arranged in front of a second, rear guide rail, in the longitudinal direction, the front and rear guide rails being separate parts, spaced apart from each other and in the same line, the front guide rail being slidably connected to the front mechanism and the tilt mechanism, and the rear guide rail being slidably connected to the locking mechanism. In this second embodiment, the guide rails are divided into front and rear parts, and there is a certain distance between the rear of the front guide rail and the front of the rear guide rail. This distance may be required to be used for other parts, such as cross members of the body vehicle. It is conceivable that a connecting part bridges the distance between the front guide rail and the rear guide rail, so that each of the operating mechanism parts is operable, for connecting the front mechanism with the locking mechanism and for connecting the locking mechanism with the tilt mechanism.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a locking lever and a locator, the locator and the locking lever comprising a pin slot and a locking pin slidably guided in the pin slot, the locator being fixedly attached to the guide rail. The pin slot has a first substantially horizontal slot portion for guiding the locking pin and a second substantially vertical locking slot portion for locking the locking pin. Thus, the pin slot can be located in the locator with the locking pin in the locking lever, or conversely, the pin slot can be located in the locking lever with the locking pin in the locator. The locking mechanism is arranged in the guide rail behind the tilt mechanism as viewed in the longitudinal direction, and there is no direct contact between the locking mechanism and the tilt mechanism. The advantage now is that since the locking mechanism is not adjacent to the tilt mechanism, more space is available behind the tilt mechanism for this locking mechanism. Thus, a reduction in width and height of the guide rail can be reached. The locator and locking lever of the invention can for example now be arranged in the middle of the guide rail, where there is more space available.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the front mechanism includes a drive slide, which is connected to a first drive member for driving the drive slide, and a second drive member connects the drive slide to the locking mechanism for driving the locking mechanism at least during the vertical movement of the rear edge of the panel. The front mechanism is driven by the drive slide, which is connected to the first drive member, which in turn is driven by an electric motor. The portion of the guide rail used for the first drive member is a channel that is also used to guide the second drive member that extends from the drive slide to the locking mechanism. This ensures that no separate space is required in the guide rail to accommodate the connection between the front mechanism and the locking mechanism.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the tilting mechanism comprises a sliding guide slidably guided in a guide rail, capable of moving one end of an auxiliary lever in a substantially vertical direction, said auxiliary lever being in sliding contact with the sliding guide, said auxiliary lever being pivotally connected at one end to the sliding claw for moving the sliding claw in a vertical direction. The sliding claw is hinged at both lateral sides to a pair of lifting levers, said lifting levers being pivotally connected at the opposite end to a housing, the housing being fixedly connected to the guide rail. Furthermore, the sliding guide is provided with first, second and third guide slots, and the auxiliary lever is provided with first, second and third pins, each of which is slidably guided in a respective slot of the sliding guide. Furthermore, the first guide slot of the sliding guide includes a first substantially horizontal extending slot portion followed by a vertical locking slot portion at a vertical angle, the second guide slot includes a substantially horizontal slot portion, and the third guide slot of the sliding guide includes a first substantially horizontal slot portion followed by an upwardly curved slot portion. The tilt mechanism is also made thinner by reducing its width. The detailed parts of the tilt mechanism as well as the front mechanism are arranged in a line in the guide rail rather than side by side. In the present invention, the sliding guide with the auxiliary lever is arranged in front of the pair of sliding claws and lifting levers. This further reduces the required width of the guide rail. The center of the sliding claw is a U-shaped bracket that fits around the lower half of the panel bracket together with the panel bracket guide. However, the plastic shoes in the sliding claw are only provided on one side and on the lower side. This makes the mechanism even thinner in the area of ​​the sliding claw.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the locking lever is pivotally connected to one lateral side of the hinge block, and a connecting rod is connected to the opposite lateral side of the hinge block, said connecting rod being connected to a sliding guide. Further describing the drive trajectory towards the tilt mechanism, a second drive member is connected to the locking lever and is capable of driving the locking lever in a longitudinal direction, the locking lever being hingedly connected to the hinge block, which is connected to a connecting rod, which is in turn slidably connected to a sliding guide, such that the aforementioned interconnected parts move in a longitudinal direction and, together with that, can drive a part of the tilt mechanism in a vertical direction to cause vertical movement of the rear part of the first panel. The track which drives the tilting action of the tilt mechanism thus extends from the electric motor via a first drive member to the drive slide at the front, then via a second drive member to the locking lever and via the connected hinge block and connecting rod to the sliding guide, whereby on rearward movement of these coupled drive parts the rear of the panel moves in an upward direction and when these coupled drive parts move to the front the panel moves in a downward direction.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the rear end of the second drive member and the front end of the locking lever are provided with a locking joint including a locking cam and a locking slot for the engagement of the locking cam. The locking slot is provided with a substantially longitudinal catching portion and a substantially vertical locking portion. When the locking lever is locked in the locator, the locking lever is lowered at its front end, since its rear end is hinged to the hinge block. Due to the shape of the locking slot, the locking pin is lowered into the catching slot of the second drive member, and the drive member is no longer in physical contact with the locking lever pin. Thus, when the second drive member moves further longitudinally to the rear, the second drive member will continue to move backwards without taking the locking lever with it. The locking slot is open at one end (the catching portion) and closed at the other end (the locking portion).

[0013] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism is arranged on the guide rail completely behind the rear edge of the first panel as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In such cases, where the first panel is the only panel in the roof system, the locking mechanism can be arranged behind the rear edge of this panel. In such cases, the locking mechanism can be located under a part of the fixed roof or under a separate part that is fixed to the roof.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment, the roof system further comprises a second panel, the locking mechanism being arranged in the guide rail completely rearward of the leading edge of the second panel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Depending on the construction and the available space, the locking mechanism can be arranged very close to the rear of the tilting mechanism, but it is conceivable that the locking mechanism is arranged rearward of the leading edge of the second panel if the roof system comprises a second panel. In cases where the construction below the first and second panels may include obstacles that would impair the space for the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism can be arranged further rearward to avoid jamming with such obstacles.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the roof system further comprises a drainage channel for draining water, the locking mechanism being arranged at least partially below the drainage channel in a vertical view in the guide rail. In the case where the roof system comprises a first and a second panel, it is conceivable that the drainage channel is provided below the rear edge of the adjacent front panel and the front edge of the rear panel. Although the drainage channel may form an obstacle for the guide rail, which may require locally removing a flange of the guide rail, the locking mechanism parts can nevertheless be conceived in such a way that at least a part of the locking mechanism is arranged below the drainage channel.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the guide rail is provided with a hole locally at the bottom of the guide rail, below the locking mechanism. In case it is required to inspect the locking mechanism and it is not possible to remove the second panel to be able to replace the part from above, it can be envisaged to do this from below, via the hole in the guide rail.

[0017] According to another aspect of the second embodiment, the front guide rail is aligned with the rear guide rail such that a second drive member and a connecting rod, which are slidably engaged in the guide rail, extend between said guide rails to operatively drive the locking mechanism in the guide rail and the tilting mechanism in the guide rail, respectively. Since in this aspect of the second embodiment the space between the rear of the front guide rail and the front of the rear guide rail is only bounded by the second drive member and the connecting rod, there is no guide rail in this area. This means that there is more room in this space for other parts, such as vehicle body parts or ejection channels.

[0018] According to another aspect of the second embodiment, the connection between the front mechanism and the locking mechanism and the connection between the locking mechanism and the tilt mechanism are made by pairs of flexible cables guided in respective channels in the guide rails, said cables being guided between the front and rear guide rails by cable tubes attached to the guide rails on both sides. Instead of having rigid components such as the second drive member and the connecting rod, it is conceivable that the connection can be made by flexible drive cables guided in the drive tubes. The advantage of this is that the drive tube / drive cable combination can be designed in such a way that the curvature of the drive tube / drive cable configuration can be taken into account in the transition space between the front and rear guide rails. This may be required when the drive tube / drive cable combination needs to be guided around components that are otherwise too close.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the rear guide rail is either an aluminum or plastic part, said rear guide rail being mounted either on the stationary part, on the inside of the fixed roof or on the inside surface of the second panel. It is conceivable that the rear guide rail is an aluminum extrusion profile with the same or different cross section as the front guide rail. It is also conceivable that the rear guide rail is made of plastic as an extrusion or injection molded part. It is also conceivable that in the latter example some parts of the locking mechanism can be formed as an integral part of the plastic rear guide rail. The rear guide rail in a preferred embodiment can be fixed to a stationary part of the roof system, which can be considered when the roof system is a so-called top-loaded system with two panels. In such a roof system with two panels, the second panel being a fixed panel, it is also conceivable that the rear guide rail is fixed to the inside surface of the second panel. However, it is also conceivable that the roof system is a top-loaded system with only one (movable) panel, the rear of which is adjacent to the fixed roof. In such a case the rear guide rail can be fixed to the inside of the fixed roof. If the roof system is a so-called "bottom loaded" system with one (movable) panel, the same methods of fastening can be used.

[0020] The roof system according to the invention will now be further described, purely by way of example, with reference to the drawings, which show an embodiment of the roof system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof system, the panels of which are shown in a closed position. [Figure 1b] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof system, the panels of which are shown in an open position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1b is a plan view of a portion of the vehicle roof of FIG. 1a without the panel and with the frame. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of parts of an operating mechanism for the panels of the roof system of FIG. 2, seen laterally from the outside on a larger scale. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of parts of the operating mechanism for the panels of the roof system of FIG. 2, seen laterally from the inside, on a larger scale. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components of an alternative operating mechanism for the panels of the roof system of FIG. 2, viewed from the outside lateral direction. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components of an alternative operating mechanism for a panel of the roof system of FIG. 2, viewed from the lateral inner side. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of another alternative operating mechanism for the panels of the roof system of FIG. 2, viewed from the lateral exterior. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the movement mechanism of FIG. 3 without the guide rails on which it is mounted. [Figure 5A] 5A-5C are side views from the outside of the movement mechanism of FIG. 4 in three different positions without the guide rails. [Figure 5B] 5A-5C are side views from the outside of the movement mechanism of FIG. 4 in three different positions without the guide rails. [Figure 5C] 5A-5C are side views from the outside of the movement mechanism of FIG. 4 in three different positions without the guide rails. [Figure 6A] 5A-5C are side views from the inside of the movement mechanism of FIG. 4 in three different positions without the guide rails. [Figure 6B] 5A-5C are side views from the inside of the movement mechanism of FIG. 4 in three different positions without the guide rails. [Figure 6C] 5A-5C are side views from the inside of the movement mechanism of FIG. 4 in three different positions without the guide rails. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IX in FIG. [Figure 10]5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line X in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XI in FIG. [Figure 12A] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIIA in FIG. 4. [Figure 12B] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIB in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XV in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XVI in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view across the guide rail with the panel 4 in the sliding position and showing the front sliding shoe. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the rear of the operating mechanism showing a portion of the guide with the locking mechanism and the inspection hole. [Figure 19] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 21] 1 is a side view of the sliding guide as viewed from the lateral outward side toward the center of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a side view of the locking slot. [Figure 23] FIG. [Figure 24A] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of parts of an alternative locking mechanism for the operating mechanism. [Figure 24B] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of parts of an alternative locking mechanism for the operating mechanism. [Figure 24C] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of parts of an alternative locking mechanism for the operating mechanism. [Figure 24D] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of parts of an alternative locking mechanism for the operating mechanism. [Diagram 25]1A-1C are schematic plan views of several embodiments of operating mechanisms and guide rail configurations in different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 26] 1A-1C are schematic plan views of several embodiments of operating mechanisms and guide rail configurations in different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 27] 1A-1C are schematic plan views of several embodiments of operating mechanisms and guide rail configurations in different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 28] 1A-1C are schematic plan views of several embodiments of operating mechanisms and guide rail configurations in different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 29] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26. [Diagram 30] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism taken along line XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 26. [Diagram 31] FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism taken along line XXX-XXX in FIGS. 27 and 28. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In the following description, spatial references such as, for example, front, side and rear, or bottom, downward and upward, or forward and rearward directions and driving movements are made with respect to the general orientation of a vehicle such as a passenger car, and in particular with respect to a driver behind the steering wheel of such a vehicle. In addition, the X, Y and Z directions will refer to directions corresponding to the length, width and height of the vehicle. In the figures, the forward driving movement of the vehicle is indicated by the arrow D, and thus may refer to a direction toward the front of the vehicle.

[0023] Referring first to Figures 1a and 1b, a roof system is shown diagrammatically. A roof opening 3 is defined in a fixed roof 2 of a vehicle 1, which can be closed (Figure 1a) and opened (Figure 1b) by a movable closure, here a rigid, at least partially (semi-)transparent first panel 4 made of glass, plastic or the like. The roof system can include a second panel 4', which is generally a fixed panel, but may also be movable.

[0024] The roof system is a so-called top-loaded roof system in which the stationary part 7 of the roof system is introduced from above into the roof opening 3 and rests on a flange 5 of a fixed roof 2, usually a roof beam 6, see figures 19 and 20. The stationary part 7 is attached to the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 in any suitable way, preferably by gluing, although welding and bolting would also be possible depending on the materials used.

[0025] The roof system shown here is a so-called spoiler roof in which the panel 4 is movable upwards (at least at its rear side) from its closed position and then backwards to a position above the fixed roof 2, or in this case above the rear panel 4'. In contrast to a top slider roof, in which the rear supports for the panel 4 slide in guide rails 9 that extend to a position behind the roof opening 3, the operating mechanism 10, and in particular the supports for the panel 4, remain mainly within the roof opening 3.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows some of the components of the roof system, one lateral side of the roof opening 3 is shown. The stationary parts 7 form the main components of the roof system. In the present case the stationary parts 7 are made from a plastic material by injection molding, which allows a large degree of freedom in design. However, it is also possible for the stationary parts 7 to be made from another material, for example steel. The stationary parts 7 or guide rails 9 carry panel seals 8 (shown in FIG. 12B) which seal the panels 4 from below. The guide rails 9 are fixed to the frame 7 longitudinally below each side edge of the panels 4. The length of the guide rails 9 is such that it extends substantially from the front to the rear of the roof opening 3, and in the case of the second panel 4' the guide rails 9 can extend all the way to the rear of the second panel 4'. An operating mechanism 10 is connected to each guide rail 9 and is guided therein, an electric motor 11 (shown in FIG. 2) being able to drive the parts of the operating mechanism 10 via drive cables 12, 12' (also shown in FIG. 2).

[0027] 3A and 3B show one of the guide rails 9 and the operating mechanism 10 diagrammatically. It should be borne in mind that the roof system comprises an identical guide rail 9 and operating mechanism 10 on the opposite side, albeit constructed in mirror image. The guide rail 9 comprises an extrusion profile 16, for example from aluminum, with one or more guide grooves 17, 17', 50 and guide channels 28, 29. The extrusion profile 16 is straight or slightly bent downwards to follow the downward curvature of the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, FIGS. 3A and 3B show the operating mechanism 10 looking inwardly into the vehicle 1 from the lateral outward side and looking outwardly from the lateral inward side of the vehicle 1, respectively. The operating mechanism 10 comprises a front mechanism 20, a tilting mechanism 24 and a locking mechanism 62. Each of these mechanisms has a specific function in the movement of the panel 4, which is related to each of the positions in which the panel 4 can be placed.

[0028] 5A-6C show these positions as normally closed position (NC), tilted position (tilt) and open position (slide). In the closed position, the front mechanism 20 can lock the panel 4 in the longitudinal direction. When the rear of the panel 4 is vertically lifted towards the so-called "tilt" position, the front mechanism 20 can lift the front of the panel 4 and subsequently slide the panel 4 backwards in the longitudinal direction. The front mechanism 20 is driven by the first drive members 12, 12', which in turn are driven by the electric motor 11. The tilt mechanism 24 can lift the rear end of the panel 4 to the tilted position and can support the panel 4 as it moves backwards in the longitudinal direction. The tilt mechanism 24 is driven by a locking mechanism 62. The locking mechanism 62 can transmit the longitudinal movement of the second drive member 25 towards the tilt mechanism 24. When the tilt mechanism 24 reaches the required tilt height of the rear end of the panel 4, the locking mechanism 62 locks the tilt mechanism 24. This means that the locking mechanism 62 acts as a mechanical lock preventing further movement of the tilt mechanism 24 in either the upward or downward vertical direction. The locking mechanism 62 is driven by the second drive member 25 which in turn is driven by the drive slide 23 of the front mechanism 20. The locking mechanism 62 can then move away from the second drive member 25 which can continue to move longitudinally together with the front mechanism 20 which can continue its longitudinal motion sliding the panel 4 rearwards (see also Figures 5A-6C).

[0029] 3A and 3B, the front mechanism 20 comprises a drive slide 23 slidably guided in the guide rail 9 and driven by the first drive member 12, 12', and is provided with a drive cam 51 slidably connected to a curved track 52 on the front lever 21 or on the curve of the panel bracket 22. This front lever 21 is hinged at its rear end to a pivot block 26 by means of a pivot pin 13 (see FIG. 8), and at its opposite front end the front lever 21 is equipped with a pair of front slide shoes 19 slidably guided in guide grooves 17, 17' in the guide rail 9, and when the panel 4 is in the closed position, the slide shoes 19 are slidably guided in a pair of downwardly extending inserts 18 which, although of curved shape, also include guide grooves 17, 17'. The slide shoes 19 are attached to the lateral sides of the front lever 21 and are arranged in a staggered manner, i.e. one behind the other, as viewed in the longitudinal direction. The front end of the front lever 21 is hinged to the front end of the panel bracket 22, which extends longitudinally to the rear and is slidably connected to the tilting mechanism 24 via a sliding claw 32. The panel bracket 22 is connected to the panel 4 by means of a screw 14. Essentially, the driving slide 23 extends longitudinally to the rear by means of a second driving member 25, which is essentially an extension of the first driving member 12, 12', but in this case is a plastic part connected to the driving slide 23 and slidably guided in a guide channel 28 in the guide rail 9. When the first driving member 12, 12', which is slidably guided in a guide channel 28 in the guide rail 9, moves longitudinally to the rear, the driving slide 23 moves rearward and the driving cam 51 on the driving slide 23 moves rearward in the curved track 52 of the front lever 21. The curved track 52 in the front lever 21 has a first portion 52' that is substantially horizontal so that the drive cam 51 slides within the first portion 52' of the curved track 52 to prevent the front lever 21 from moving. The rear end of the curved track 52 has a second portion 52'' that is radially shaped in a downward direction and a third portion 52''' of the curved track 52 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 52' of the track 52.Continuing the rearward movement of the cam 51 on the curved track 52, the drive cam 51 reaches a second portion 52' of the track and therefore, due to the radial profile of the second portion 52", the drive cam 51 begins to pull the front end of the front lever 21 in a progressively upward direction until it reaches a third portion 52''', where the cam 51 becomes "locked" at the third portion 52'" and the lever 21 is pulled in a longitudinal rearward direction. The front lever 21 is hinged at its front end to the front end of the panel bracket 22. Therefore, when the front lever 21 moves vertically guided by the second portion 52" of the curved track 52, the front slide shoe 19 attached at its front end moves upward following the curved guide grooves 17, 17' in the insert 18, and likewise the front end of the panel bracket 22 continues to move vertically, thereby lifting up the front edge of the panel 4. When the drive cam 51 of the drive slide 23 reaches the third portion 52''' of the curved track 52, the front lever 21 is pulled backward, and the slide shoe 19 of the front lever 21 is slidably guided into the guide grooves 17, 17' of the guide rail 9 (see also Figure 17), and thus is guided backward in the longitudinal direction together with the front lever 21 and the panel bracket 22. Thus, the panel 4 is gradually opened in this manner.

[0030] When the panel 4 is in its closed position, the tilting mechanism 24 is folded substantially flat in the guide rail 9 (see Figs. 9-13). So is the locking mechanism 62, which is arranged in the guide groove 50 (see Figs. 14, 15 and 16). As can be seen from these figures, there is a lot of space for the arrangement of the locking mechanism 62 in the center of the guide rail 9. When the second drive member 25 moves to the rear, it slides backwards in the guide channel 28. The second drive member 25 is releasably engaged with the locking lever 41, so that the locking lever 41 also slides to the rear. The locking lever 41 is equipped at its front end on one lateral side of the locking lever 41 with a locking cam 47. Said locking cam 47 is engaged at the end of the second drive member 25 with a locking joint 45, in this embodiment a locking slot 45. The locking slot 45 has a catching portion 45" extending longitudinally from one open end into a locking portion 45' extending vertically, which is intended to catch a locking cam 47 when the roof panel is closed. At the laterally opposite side of the locking lever 41, a locking pin 42 is attached. With reference to Figs. 22 and 23, said locking pin 42 is slidably guided in a pin slot 44 of a locator 40. The locator 40 is fixedly attached to the guide rail 9. Said pin slot 44 essentially comprises two parts, a first part 44' extending substantially horizontally longitudinally and a second part 44" extending vertically to the first part 44', in this embodiment vertically downwards. At its rear end, the locking lever 41 is pivotally connected to a hinge block 65.

[0031] Said hinge block 65 is slidably guided in a guide groove 50 of the guide rail 9 and is further connected to a connecting rod 66, which extends in a further guide channel 29 towards the tilting mechanism 24. When continuing to move rearward, the locking lever 41 and therewith the locking pin 42 will move rearward in a first portion 44' of the pin slot 44. As this first portion extends substantially horizontally, the rearward movement of the locking lever 41 continues uninterrupted towards the tilting mechanism 24 via the hinge block 65 on the connecting rod 66. When the locking pin 42 moves into the second portion 44" of the locking track 44, the locking lever 41 pivots about its hinge 43 of the hinge block 65 (see FIG. 16), and the front end of the locking lever 41 moves vertically in a downward direction, thereby decoupling the locking cam 47 from the locking joint 45 and thus from the second drive member 25.

[0032] If the drive member 25 is driven further rearwards, it will continue to move without being connected to the locking lever 41. This means that the locking lever 41, being locked at the locator 40, will not allow the tilt mechanism 24 to move further and the tilt mechanism is thus at the end of its vertical travel and is stationary in this position supporting the panel 4.

[0033] Considering operating the tilt mechanism 24 from the closed position of the panel 4 to the tilted position of the panel 4, this causes the rear of the panel 4 to be lifted vertically. First, the connecting rod 66 moves rearwardly within the guide channel 29 as previously described. The sliding guide 36 is attached to the connecting rod 66. The sliding guide 36 includes three guide slots 35, 35', 35". The auxiliary lever 63 is engaged to the sliding guide 36 by means of three guide pins 64, 64', 64" slidably engaged with the three guide slots 35, 35', 35". The guide slot 35 is located at the front of the sliding guide 36 and includes a horizontal slot portion 68 and an interconnected vertical slot portion 68'. The guide slot 35' is a slot having a substantially horizontally extending slot 69, and the third guide slot 35" of the sliding guide 36 includes a first substantially horizontal portion 70 followed by an upwardly curved portion 70'. The auxiliary lever 63 additionally has a pivot pin 31 pivotally engaging the sliding claw 32 at the rear end of said lever. In other embodiments, the pivot pin can be connected to a lifting lever. The sliding claw 32 is provided with a preferably plastic lining 34 (see FIG. 12B) slidably surrounding the lower part of the panel bracket 22 and the panel bracket guide 33. The sliding claw 32 is pivotally connected to a pair of lifting levers 30, 30', which are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to a housing 27. The housing 27 is fixedly connected to the guide rail 9. Thus, when the connecting rod 66 is moving rearwards, the sliding guide 36 also moves rearwards in that manner.

[0034] 21, the longitudinal movement of the sliding guide 36 forces the guide pin 64, 64', 64" to follow the shape of the guide slot 35, 35', 35". This means that the auxiliary lever 63 pivots upwards about the movement pivot point of the guide pin 64' in the second guide slot 35' from its longitudinal position in the guide rail 9 when the panel 4 is in its closed position, towards a position in which the panel 4 is lifted at its rear end, until the rear end of the panel 4 reaches the lifted position. During this movement, the third guide pin 64" is guided in the third guide slot 35" in an upward direction into the second portion 70', thus starting the upward movement of the auxiliary lever 63 behind the movement pivot point of the guide pin 64'. During this movement, the first guide pin 64 is firstly guided in the horizontal slot portion 68 of the first guide slot 35 and then secondly reaches the vertical slot portion 68' in which the first guide pin 64 is guided in a downward direction. During the action of lifting the rear end of the panel 4, the first guide pin 64 and the second guide pin 64' move within their respective guide slots 35, 35' while the third guide pin 64" leaves the third guide slot 35" at its upper end. When the third guide pin 64" leaves the third guide slot 35", the movement control and support of the auxiliary lever 63 is taken over by the first guide pin 64 in the guide slot 35.

[0035] It must be specified in detail that with regard to the vertical movement of the rear end of the panel 4, a defined "tilted" position is created in which the panel 4 has a raised rear end, but the front end of the panel 4 is still substantially closed. This means that the front end of the panel 4 is still in contact with the seal 8 between the stationary part 7 and the panel 4. This particular "tilted" position of the panel 4 serves as a ventilation position that allows the interior of the vehicle 1 to be ventilated. Furthermore, when the panel 4 is driven from the "tilted" position to the rear of the roof, first the front end of the panel 4 will be lifted in an upward direction, the rear part of the panel 4 will be lifted somewhat more into the "sliding" position, and subsequently the panel 4 will move to the rear of the vehicle 1, thereby opening the roof opening 3.

[0036] Therefore, from the above description, the locking mechanism 62 in the locking position is unlocked from the front mechanism when the second drive member 25 is unlocked from the locking lever 41 via the locking joint 45. The locking mechanism 62 locks the tilt mechanism 24 when the third drive member 66 is locked to the locking locator 40 via the locking lever 41. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 62 in the sliding position is locked to the front mechanism 20 when the second drive member 25 is locked to the locking lever 41 via the locking joint 45, and unlocks the tilt mechanism 24 when the third drive member 66 is unlocked from the locking locator 40 via the locking lever 41.

[0037] With reference to Figures 24A-24D, an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism 62 is shown, in which like elements have the same reference numbers. Figure 24A shows the locking mechanism as described in detail with reference to Figures 22 and 23. In the embodiment of the locking mechanism of Figure 24B, the elements for operating the locking joint, i.e. cam 47 and locking slot 45, are replaced or exchanged by a locking cam 45a and a lever slot 47a. Here, the lever slot 47a includes a catching portion 47a" and a locking portion 47a'. The catching portion 47a" is for catching the locking cam 45a when the roof panel is closed. In the embodiment of the locking mechanism of Figure 24C, the locking pin 42 of the locking lever 41 and the pin slot 44 of the locator 40 are replaced or exchanged by a locator cam 44a and a lever slot 42a. It will be appreciated that, for example, the hinge pin 43 of the hinge block 65 and the connecting hinge hole 43' of the locking lever 41 can also be interchanged, so that alternative variations of the joint can be constructed from different combinations of corresponding slots and pins.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism 62 shown in FIG. 24D, the locking mechanism, and thus the orientation of the various pins and slots, is rotated approximately 90° as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 24A-24C. Thus, in this embodiment, the pin slot 44 still includes two parts, a first part 44' extending longitudinally, and a second part 44" extending transversely across the car at a perpendicular angle to the first part 44', but laterally instead of vertically as in Figs. 24A-24C. Similar elements in Figs. 24A-24D have the same reference numbers and the description of these figures applies correspondingly. As will be understood, all the variants of Figs. 24A-24C can be adapted in a similar orientation of the locking mechanism as in Fig. 24D. Thus, various modifications may be possible. With respect to the embodiment of Fig. 24D, the views of Figs. 22 and 23 can be considered as bottom views instead of side views, with the operation of the elements being similar. Figs. 22 and 23 can also illustrate a top view of a different rotating embodiment, e.g. an embodiment mirrored to that of Fig. 24D, such as one suitable for being placed on the opposite side of a pair of guide rails.

[0039] Thus, the locking mechanism generally includes a locking joint mounted on the outer end of the second drive member, a hinge block on the outer end of the third drive member, a locking locator fixedly attached to the guide rail, and a locking lever slidably guided by the locking locator. The locking lever is further pivotally connected to the hinge block at one end and releasably coupled to the locking joint at the opposite end. Thus, the locking lever is movable between a sliding position and a tilted locking position via the movement of the second drive member. In the sliding position, the locking lever is unlocked at the locking locator and locked at the locking joint, while in the tilted locking position, the locking lever is locked at the locking locator and decoupled from the locking joint. When the locking lever is in the tilted locking position, the locking mechanism locks the tilt mechanism to the guide rail. Thus, the locking mechanism is in the locking position. On the other hand, when the locking lever is in the sliding position, the locking mechanism unlocks the tilt mechanism from the guide rail. Thus, the locking mechanism is in the sliding position.

[0040] With reference to Figures 3C and 3D, another embodiment of the operating mechanism 10 is shown. The tilting mechanism 24 and the locking mechanism 62 may be the same as in Figures 3A and 3B or may be embodied as one of the alternatives as described. The intermediate portions between the front and rear of both the second drive member 25, 25' and the third drive member 66, 66' are shown in broken lines, respectively, and their length will be such as to accommodate the distance desired to place the tilting mechanism 62 in the extended guide rail 9. In the embodiment of Figures 3C and 3D, the front mechanism 20 is alternatively constructed in that it includes two front levers 21', 21". The first front lever 21' has a slide shoe 19 which cooperates with the guide groove and the insert 18 in the guide 9 as described above. The second front lever 21" has a curved track 52 which cooperates with the drive cam 51 of the drive slide 23 which is slidably guided in the guide rail 9'. The first front lever 21' is pivotally connected by means of pivot hole 13b to pivot pin 13c of the second front lever 21" which is pivotally connected by means of pivot hole 13a to pivot pin 13c of the pivot block 26. Thus, the first front lever will provide sliding movement of the panel into and out of the closed position. The second front lever will provide vertical lifting or pivoting movement of the panel. Thus, basically, at least one front lever is operatively joined to the front lever by, for example, a cam curve joint or a slot and pin joint and pivotally connected to the pivot block. The at least one front lever is arranged for lifting and pivoting the front edge of the first panel relative to the guide rail by driving the drive slide, in particular by operating the first drive member. Thus, the overall functionality and structure of the front mechanism 20 is the same for both embodiments, as described throughout the description.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 3E, another embodiment of the operating mechanism is shown. Similar elements have the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 3A-3D. The tilting mechanism 24 is configured as described in relation to FIGS. 3A-3D. In the embodiment of FIG. 3E, the locking mechanism 62 is alternatively configured in that it is rotated 90° about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, as described in detail above with reference to FIG. 24D. The operation is the same, i.e., when the second drive member 25 moves rearward, the third drive member 66, 66′ moves together, while the locking cam 47 is maintained in the locking slot 45 by the locking pin 42 of the locking lever 41 which moves through the locking locator 40. When the locking pin 42 moves into the vertical, lateral portion of the locking locator 40, which disengages it from the locking slot 45 due to the movement of the locking cam 47 into the lateral portion of the locking slot 45, the second drive member 25 can move further rearward, while the third drive member remains stationary.

[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiment of Fig. 3E, the front mechanism 20 is also alternatively configured. Instead of the pivot pin 13, the pivot block 26 has an outer curved contour that allows it to pivot over a curved bottom surface and / or a curved top surface. The drive slide 23 connected to the second drive member 25 will be driven by the first drive member 12, 12' (see Fig. 3) and will operate the front lever 21 via the drive cam 51 in the same manner as described above.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 3 and Figs. 12-14, the guide rail 9 is provided with first and second holes 55, 56. The first hole 55 is located below the tilt mechanism 24 and provides a vertical space for the components of the tilt mechanism 24 when the panel 4 is in its closed position and the tilt mechanism 24 is substantially folded within the confines of the guide rail 9. Due to the hole 55, the sliding claw 32 and the housing 27 can be packaged somewhat lower in the vertical sense compared to when these components are mounted above the guide groove 50. The second hole 56 is below the locking mechanism 62. Especially when the second panel 4' is mounted by gluing, it would be very expensive to remove the glued panel in order to apply an inspection to the locking mechanism 62. To avoid this, a cheaper solution is to use the hole 56 for inspection of the components of the locking mechanism 62 from below.

[0044] The roof system may further include a drainage channel 67 for draining water that may leak between the first panel 4 and the second panel 4'. As shown in FIG. 2, the drainage channel 67 typically extends laterally below the seal fitted between the first panel 4 and the second panel 4'. The drainage channel 67 functions as a gutter to collect water that may drip through the seal and drain the water laterally of the drainage channel 67 into the wetted area of ​​the guide rail 9. The locking mechanism 62 may be positioned at least partially vertically below the drainage channel 67 in the guide rail 9.

[0045] With reference to Figures 19 and 20, a cross section through the roof system along lines XIX and XX in Figure 2 is shown. In Figure 19, the stationary part 7 is shown, on which the guide rail 9 is attached, and which is connected to the body flange 5 by means of glue. In this figure, the stationary part 7 is above the body flange 5. This is normal for this type of top-loaded roof, which is assembled from the top to the body. The guide rail 9 has a certain distance in the lateral direction to the body flange 5. In Figure 20, the guide rail 9 is close to the body flange 5. The stationary part 7 is shaped to connect to the middle of the guide rail 9, since there is no space left for the connection on the flange of the guide rail 9 adjacent to the body flange 5. The reason for this is to move the guide rail 9 as far as possible laterally outwards towards the body flange 5, increasing the daylight opening of the roof system. However, in current bodies the roof (i.e. the so-called cant rail) extends in a tapered shape towards the rear of the vehicle. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to have a guide rail 9 extending in a straight longitudinal direction in plan view. The guide rail 9 is not parallel to the cant rail line and therewith the body flange 5 and therefore the guide rail 9 approaches closer to the body flange 5 at the rear of the vehicle 1. It is also conceivable to reduce the width of the guide rail 9 by cutting the lateral outer flanges.

[0046] 25-28, which are schematic plan views of a fixed vehicle roof 2, the operating mechanism 10 and guide rails 9 are shown in several embodiments. In FIG. 25, the fixed roof 2 of a vehicle 1 is shown, with a top-loading roof system having first and second panels 4, 4'. The operating mechanism 10 is shown diagrammatically in solid lines (for clarity) below the surface of the panels 4, 4'. In this first embodiment, the guide rails 9 extend from front to rear as one piece on the left and right lateral sides of the roof opening 3.

[0047] In FIG. 26 a similar fixed roof 2, first and second panels 4, 4' and operating mechanism 10 are shown, shown in solid lines (for clarity) below the surface of the panels 4, 4', but in this embodiment the guide rail 9 is divided into two parts. A front guide rail 60 and a rear guide rail 61 each slidably guide a part of the operating mechanism 10. It is clear from FIG. 26 that the distance between the front guide rail 60 and the rear guide rail 61 typically occurs exactly in the area where the cross members of the vehicle body may extend laterally. While the rear guide rail 61 can be fixed to the stationary part 7 as in FIG. 29, it is also conceivable that the guide rail 61 is fixed relative to the inside of the second panel as in FIG. 30.

[0048] Figure 27 shows an example of a top-loaded roof system having just one first (movable) panel 4 and operating mechanism 10, shown in solid lines (for clarity) below the surface of the panel 4 and fixed roof 2, guided in front and rear guide rails 60, 61. The portion of the vehicle roof rear of the first panel 4 is a steel fixed roof 2. The rear guide rails 61 are fixedly attached to the interior of the fixed roof 2 as shown in Figure 31.

[0049] Figure 28 shows an example of a bottom loaded roof system having only one first panel 4, with the rear guide rail 61 again fixedly attached to the interior of the fixed roof 2 as shown in Figure 31. The operating mechanism 10 is shown in solid lines (for clarity) below the surface of the panel 4 and fixed roof 2.

[0050] All of the parts of the movement mechanism 10 and the various embodiments of the guide rails 9, 60, 61 are depicted in the respective figures and described in this document primarily for one (left or right) side of the roof system. It should be understood that the roof system is equipped with left and right movement mechanisms 10 and left and right guide rails that are mirror images of each other.

[0051] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown, which may be widely varied within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In principle, it is also possible to combine the features of the various aspects and embodiments shown and described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 vehicle 2 Fixed roof 3 Roof opening 4. First Panel 4' Second Panel 5 Body flange 6 Roof beam 7 Stationary Parts 8 Panel seal 9 Guide rail 10 Operating mechanism 11 Electric motor 12, 12' First driving member 13 Pivot pin 13a Pivot hole 13b Pivot hole 13c pivot pin 14 Screws 16 Extrusion Profiles 17, 17' Guide groove 18 Insert 19 Slide shoe 20 Front mechanism 21 Front Lever 21' 1st Front Lever 21” Second Front Lever 22 Panel bracket 23 Drive Slide 24 Tilt mechanism 25, 25' second driving member 26 Pivot Block 27 Housing 28 Guide Channel 29 Guide Channel 30, 30' Lifting lever 31 Pivot pin 32 Slide Claw 33 Pivot pin 34 Lining 35 First guide slot 35' Secondary guide slot 35” 3rd guide slot 36 Sliding guide 40 Locator 41 Locking lever 42 Locking pin 42a Lever slot 43 Hinge pin 43' Connecting hinge hole 44 pin slot 44' First part 44” Second Part 44a Locator Cam 45 Locking Slots 45' locking section 45" Catching part 45a Locking Cam 47 Rocking Cam 47a Lever slot 47a' Locking part 47a” Catching part 50 Guide groove 51 Drive cam 52 Curved Track 52' First part 52” Second Part 52'' Third Part 55 First Hole 56 Second Hole 60 Front guide rail 61 Rear guide rail 62 Locking mechanism 63 Auxiliary lever 64 First guide pin 64' Second guide pin 64” 3rd pilot pin 65 Hinge Block 66, 66' Third driving member 67 Discharge Channel 68 Horizontal slot section 68' Vertical Slot Section 69 Substantially horizontally extending slot 70 Substantially horizontal portion 70' Upward bend

Claims

1. A roof system for a vehicle (1) having a roof opening (3) in a fixed roof (2), comprising: a stationary part (7) configured to be attached to said fixed roof (2); and at least one first panel (4) movably supported on said stationary part (7) and configured to close said roof opening (3) in a closed position and to move at least rearwardly to an open position in which said roof opening (3) is at least partially open, said first panel (4) having a leading edge and a trailing edge; A pair of guide rails (9, 60, 61) extending substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the roof opening (3); Including, each of the guide rails (9, 60, 61) slidably supports at least a part of a movement mechanism (10) for the first panel (4), the movement mechanism (10) being driven by an electric motor (11) and a first drive member (12, 12', 25); the movement mechanism (10) includes a front mechanism (20) capable of vertically moving the leading edge of the first panel (4) and longitudinally moving at least a portion of the movement mechanism (10) within the guide rails (9, 60, 61), the front mechanism (20) including a panel bracket (22) attached to the first panel (4); The operating mechanism (10) further includes a tilt mechanism (24) capable of vertically moving the trailing edge of the first panel (4), the tilt mechanism (24) including a slide claw (32) in slidable contact with the panel bracket (22); the operating mechanism (10) further comprises a locking mechanism (62) capable of locking the tilt mechanism (24) to the guide rail (9, 61) so that the tilt mechanism (24) remains stationary relative to the guide rail (9, 61) while the first panel (4) can slide relative to the tilt mechanism (24). A roof system for a vehicle (1), comprising:

4. A roof system for a vehicle (1), characterized in that the locking mechanism (62) is slidably guided in the guide rails (9, 61) and is completely rearward and remote of the tilting mechanism (24) as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

2. 2. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail (9) extends uninterrupted in the longitudinal direction, and the front mechanism (20), the tilt mechanism (24) and the locking mechanism (62) are slidably connected to the guide rail (9).

3. 2. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide rails (9) each comprise a front guide rail (60) arranged in front of a rear guide rail (61) in the longitudinal direction, the front and rear guide rails (60, 61) being separate parts, spaced apart from each other and in the same line as each other, the front guide rail (60) being slidably connected to the front mechanism (20) and the tilt mechanism (24), and the rear guide rail (61) being slidably connected to the locking mechanism (62).

4. The locking mechanism (62) includes a locking lever (41) and a locator (40), the locator and the locking lever (41) including a pin slot (44) and a locking pin (42) slidably guided within the pin slot (44); The locator (40) is fixedly attached to the guide rail (9, 61); 4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pin slot (44) has a first generally longitudinal portion 44' for guiding the locking pin (42) and a second generally vertical locking portion 44" for locking the locking pin (42).

5. 5. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front mechanism (20) comprises a drive slide (23) connected to a first drive member (12, 12') for driving the drive slide (23) and a second drive member (25) connecting the drive slide (23) to the locking mechanism (62) for driving the locking mechanism (62) during at least a vertical movement of the rear edge of the panel (4).

6. The tilt mechanism (24) includes a sliding guide (36) slidably guided within the guide rail (9, 60) and capable of moving one end of an auxiliary lever (63) in a substantially vertical direction, the auxiliary lever (63) being in sliding contact with the sliding guide (36), and the auxiliary lever (63) being pivotally connected at one end to the sliding claw (32) for moving the sliding claw (32) in a vertical direction; said sliding claw (32) is hingedly connected at both lateral sides to a pair of lifting levers (30, 30') which are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to a housing (27) which is fixedly connected to said guide rails (9, 60); the sliding guide (36) is provided with first, second and third guide slots (35, 35', 35"), the auxiliary lever (63) is provided with first, second and third pins (64, 64', 64"), each of the first, second and third pins (64, 64', 64") being slidably guided in the respective slots (35, 35', 35") of the sliding guide (36); the first guide slot (35) of the sliding guide (36) includes a first generally horizontal extending slot portion (68) followed by a vertical locking slot portion (68') at a perpendicular angle, and the second guide slot (35') includes a generally horizontal slot portion (69); 6. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third guide slot (35") of the sliding guide (36) comprises a first generally horizontal portion (70) followed by an upwardly curved portion (70').

7. 7. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking lever (41) is pivotally connected to one lateral side of a hinge block (65) and a connecting rod (66) is connected to an opposite lateral side of the hinge block (65), the connecting rod (66) being connected to the tilt mechanism (24).

8. 8. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second drive member (25) is connected to the locking lever (41) and is capable of driving the locking lever in a longitudinal direction, the locking lever (41) being hingedly connected to the hinge block (65) which is connected to the connecting rod (66) which is in turn slidably connected to the sliding guide (36), said interconnected parts being able to move in a longitudinal direction and therewith drive a part of the tilting mechanism (24) in a vertical direction causing a vertical movement of a rear part of the first panel (4).

9. 9. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a rear end of the second drive member (25) and a front end of the locking lever (41) are provided with a locking joint comprising a locking cam (47, 45a) and a locking slot (45, 47a) for engagement of the locking cam (47, 45a), the locking slot (45, 47a) being provided with a substantially longitudinal catching portion (45", 47a") and a substantially vertical locking portion (45', 47a").

10. 4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking mechanism (62) is arranged in the guide rail (9, 61) completely rearward of the rear edge of the first panel (4) as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

11. 4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second panel (4'), and the locking mechanism (62) is arranged in the guide rail (9, 61) completely rearward of a leading edge of the second panel (4') as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

12. 4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the roof system further comprises a drainage channel (67) for draining water, and wherein the locking mechanism (62) is arranged in the guide rail (9, 61) at least partially below the drainage channel (67) as viewed in the vertical direction and / or the guide rail (9, 61) is provided with a hole (56) locally at the bottom below the locking mechanism (62).

13. 9. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 8, when relying on claim 3, wherein the guide rails (60) are arranged in alignment with the guide rails (61) such that a second drive member (25) and a connecting rod (66), which are slidably engaged in the guide rails (60, 61), extend between the guide rails (60, 61) and can operatively drive the locking mechanism (62) in the guide rail (61) and the tilting mechanism (24) in the guide rail (60), respectively.

14. 4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connection between the front mechanism (20) and the locking mechanism (62), and the connection between the locking mechanism (62) and the tilting mechanism (24) are made by pairs of flexible cables (58, 59) guided in respective channels in the guide rails (60, 61), the cables (58, 59) being guided between the front guide rail (60) and the rear guide rail (61) by cable tubes (53, 54) attached on either side of the guide rails (60, 61).

15. 4. A roof system for a vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rear guide rail (61) is either an aluminium or plastic part, and the rear guide rail (61) is mounted either to the stationary part, to the interior of the fixed roof or to the inner surface of the second panel (4').

Images