Roof system for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a roof system which can achieve contradictory requirements in a balanced manner.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: a pair of parallel guide rails (9); and at least one cross guide rail (8) which extends forming angles relative to the parallel guide rails (9). Further, the roof system includes operation mechanisms (10) for the respective guide rails (9). Each operation mechanism includes a front mechanism (20), an inclined mechanism (24), and an engagement mechanism (62) for engaging the inclined mechanism (24). Furthermore, the parallel guide rail (9) slidably supports the front mechanism (20) and the inclined mechanism (24). The at least one cross guide rail (8) slidably supports the engagement mechanisms (62) of the respective operation mechanisms (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof system for a vehicle having a fixed roof and a roof opening in the fixed roof. In particular, the present invention relates to a roof system having a closure panel movable between a closed position and one or more open positions. [Background technology]

[0002] With the advent of electric vehicles, the general layout of a car is changing. The space required for the battery pack is typically at the bottom of the car, increasing the ground clearance inside the car, specifically the ground clearance of the seats present inside the car. However, the roof cannot be raised, as the overall aerodynamic front of the car is maintained, resulting in a reduction in headroom. As a result, the available height for the roof system is reduced. To address this, car manufacturers have introduced fixed, immovable glass panels to obtain the required reduction in what is called the Z package. These immovable panels can provide an experience of visual connection with the exterior surroundings, but lack the flexibility to accommodate different environmental conditions, such as fresh air on a bright sunny morning or cover on a dark rainy afternoon. Hence, there is a demand 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 an object of the present invention to address the above requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, a roof system for a vehicle having a fixed roof with a roof opening is provided. The roof system comprises a stationary part configured to be attached to the fixed roof and at least a first panel movably supported on the stationary part and configured to close the roof opening in a closed position and to be moved at least rearwardly to an open position in which the roof opening is at least partially open, the first panel having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The roof system further comprises a pair of parallel guide rails supported by the stationary part and extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to opposite lateral edges of the roof opening, at least one transverse guide rail extending in an angled direction relative to the pair of parallel guide rails, preferably in a vertical direction, and at least one movement mechanism for each of the parallel guide rails for moving the first panel. Each respective movement mechanism comprises a front mechanism that can move longitudinally in the guide rails and vertically move a leading edge of the first panel. The front mechanism comprises a panel bracket attached to the first panel. Each operating mechanism further comprises a tilt mechanism capable of vertically displacing the rear edge of the first panel and including a sliding claw in slidable contact with the panel bracket. Each operating mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the tilt mechanism to the guide rails to immobilize the tilt mechanism relative to the guide rails and to allow the first panel to slide relative to the immobilized tilt mechanism. Each of the parallel guide rails slidably supports the front mechanism and the tilt mechanism of each operating mechanism. Also, at least one cross guide rail slidably supports the locking mechanism of each respective operating mechanism. Such an arrangement allows the front mechanism, the tilt mechanism, and the locking mechanism to be mounted in a compact surface area in the same plane. In this manner, the minimum height required for the roof system can be reduced.

[0005] According to another aspect, the roof system comprises a first drive member operably connecting the front mechanism to the drive motor, a second drive member operably connecting the front mechanism to the locking mechanism, and a third drive member operably connecting the locking mechanism to the tilt mechanism. In the case of a front drive with a drive motor in front of the roof system, the first drive member may be directly connected to the front mechanism. In the case of a rear drive with a drive motor after the roof system, the first drive member may still be operably connected indirectly to the front mechanism, for example via the second drive member.

[0006] According to other aspects, at least one transverse guide rail of the roof system is positioned near a first end of the parallel guide, near a rear end of the parallel guide, rearwardly away from the rear end of the parallel guide, or away from both the front and rear ends of the parallel guide.

[0007] According to a further aspect, the operating mechanism of the roof system may be configured to slide the front mechanism from the closed position towards the open position and simultaneously slide the locking mechanism towards the locked position via the second drive member to the locked position. Furthermore, the operating mechanism may be configured to slide the tilt mechanism from the closed position to the tilt position. Also, the operating mechanism may be configured to slide and lock the tilt mechanism via the third drive member when the locking mechanism is in the locked position while the tilt mechanism is in the tilt position. Also, the operating mechanism may be configured to slide the front mechanism to the open position via the first drive member while the tilt mechanism is in the locked position.

[0008] According to another aspect, the operating mechanism of the roof system may be configured to slide the front mechanism from the open position towards the closed position via the first drive member while the tilt mechanism is in the locked position, and may be configured to slide the locking mechanism out of the locked position via the second drive member. Additionally, the operating mechanism may be configured to unlock the tilt mechanism and slide the tilt mechanism towards the closed position via the third drive member while the tilt mechanism is in the tilted position when the locking mechanism is not in the locked position. Also, the operating mechanism may be configured to slide the tilt mechanism from the tilted position towards the closed position, and may be configured to slide the front mechanism towards the closed position.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, the locking mechanism comprises a locking slot at an outer end of the second drive member, a hinge block at an outer end of the third drive member, a locking locating portion fixedly attached to the guide rail, and a locking lever slidably guided by the locking locating portion. The locking lever is further pivotally connected to the hinge block at one end and releasably coupled to the locking slot at the opposite end. Here, the locking lever is movable between a sliding position and a tilted locking position via movement of the second drive member, and in the sliding position, the locking lever is unlocked at the locking locating portion and locked at the locking slot. In the tilted locking position, the locking lever is locked at the locking locating portion and decoupled from the locking slot.

[0010] According to a further aspect, the locking mechanism in the locked position unlocks from the front mechanism when the second drive member unlocks from the locking lever via the locking slot and locks the tilt mechanism when the third drive member locks to the positioning part via the locking lever. The locking mechanism in the sliding position locks to the front mechanism when the second drive member locks to the locking lever via the locking slot and unlocks the tilt mechanism when the third drive member unlocks from the locking positioning part via the locking lever.

[0011] According to yet a further aspect, the transverse guide rails of the roof system may comprise, for each of the parallel guide rails, a first guide passage for guiding the second drive member of the respective parallel guide rail, and / or the transverse guide rails may comprise, for each of the parallel guide rails, a second guide passage for guiding the third drive member of the respective parallel guide rail.

[0012] Further objects, aspects, advantages and details of specific embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detailed description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0013] By way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof system with the panels shown in a closed position. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof system with the panels shown in an open position. [Figure 2A] 1B is a plan view of a different embodiment of the vehicle roof of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] 1B is a plan view of a different embodiment of the vehicle roof of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a portion of the vehicle roof of FIG. 2A without the panels and with the frame. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an operating mechanism for a panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A as viewed laterally outward. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an operating mechanism for a panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A as viewed laterally from the inside. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an alternative operating mechanism for a panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A as viewed laterally outward. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an alternative operating mechanism for a panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A as viewed laterally from the inner side. [Figure 4E] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of another alternative operating mechanism for the panels of the roof system of FIG. 2A as viewed laterally outward. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the movement mechanism of FIG. 3 without the guide rails on which it is mounted. [Figure 6A] 4A and 4B in three different positions without the guide rails. FIG. [Figure 6B] 4A and 4B in three different positions without the guide rails. FIG. [Figure 6C]4A and 4B in three different positions without the guide rails. FIG. [Figure 7A] 4A and 4B in three different positions without the guide rails. FIG. [Figure 7B] 4A and 4B in three different positions without the guide rails. FIG. [Figure 7C] 4A and 4B in three different positions without the guide rails. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IX in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line X in FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XI in FIG. 5. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XII in FIG. 5. [Figure 13A] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIIIA in FIG. 5. [Figure 13B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIIB in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIV in FIG. 5. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XV in FIG. 5. [Figure 16] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XVI in FIG. 5. [Figure 17] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XVII in FIG. 5. [Figure 18] 3 along line XVIII, a cross-sectional view taken across the guide rail with panel 4 showing the front sliding shoe in the sliding position; [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the traverse of the operating mechanism showing the locking mechanism and a portion of the traverse guide with an access hole. [Figure 20]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 21] This is an accurate side view of the sliding guide portion when viewed from the lateral outside of the vehicle toward the center. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a side view of the locking slot. [Figure 23] FIG. [Figure 24A] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an alternative locking mechanism of the operating mechanism for the panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 24B] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an alternative locking mechanism of the operating mechanism for the panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 24C] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an alternative locking mechanism of the operating mechanism for the panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 24D] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of an alternative locking mechanism of the operating mechanism for the panel of the roof system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 25A] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 25B] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 25C] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 25D] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 26A] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 26B]1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 26C] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 26D] 1A-1D are schematic plan views of the operating mechanism and several embodiments of guide rail shapes for different embodiments of a roof system having at least a movable first panel. [Figure 27] 25B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism according to line combinations AA' and BB' in FIG. 25A. FIG. [Figure 28] 26D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism according to line combinations AA' and CC' in FIG. 26C. [Figure 29] FIG. 26E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism according to line combinations AA′ and EE′ in FIG. 26D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used throughout the several views to identify the same or similar elements.

[0016] In the following description, spatial references such as directions and driving movements, for example, forward, side, and rear, or down, downward, and upward, forward and backward, are made with respect to the general orientation of a vehicle, such as a passenger car. Specifically, spatial references are made with respect to a driver behind the wheel of a vehicle, such as a car. Also, the X, Y, and Z directions will refer to directions corresponding to the length, width, and height of the vehicle. In the figures, forward driving movements of the vehicle can be indicated by arrow D, which can thus point in a direction toward the front of the vehicle.

[0017] With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, a roof system is shown diagrammatically. A fixed roof 2 of a vehicle 1 defines a roof opening 3 that can be closed in Figure 1A and opened in Figure 1B by a movable closure, here a rigid first panel 4. The panel can be partially transparent or at least partially translucent, for example made from glass or plastic. The roof system is generally a fixed panel, but can comprise a second panel 4' that may also be movable, such as to open or close a second opening. Furthermore, a front window 5a, a side window 5b and a rear window 5c are indicated.

[0018] The roof system may be a so-called top-mounted roof system, in which a stationary part 7 of the roof system, such as a support frame or other carrying structure, is introduced from above into the roof opening 3 and bears against the fixed roof 2, in particular usually against the flanges 6a of the roof beam 6, see Fig. 20. The stationary part 7 may be attached to the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 in any suitable manner, preferably by gluing, but also welding and bolting, depending on the materials used. In another embodiment, the roof system may be a bottom-mounted roof system.

[0019] The roof system shown here is referred to as an outer slider, also called a spoiler roof, in which the panel 4 is movable upwards from its closed position, at least at its rear side, and then rearwards to various positions above the fixed roof 2, or in this embodiment above the rear panel 4'. The operating mechanism 10, specifically the parts for supporting the panel 4, mainly stays in the roof opening 3, contrary to the upper slider roof, in which the rear support of the panel 4 slides on guide rails 9 that extend or are extended to a position behind the roof opening 3. The movable panel 4 can be in a closed position, which is usually located in the plane of the vehicle roof 2, in which the movable panel 4 is placed over the roof opening 3 and closes it. Furthermore, the movable panel 4 can be in an inclined position, in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 4 is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 4 is still in the closed position. Further, the movable panel 4 may be in an open position, in which the movable panel 4 is slid open to partially or fully expose the roof opening 3. In the open position, for example, both the rear end RE and the front end FE may be elevated compared to the closed position.

[0020] It is noted that the vehicle 1 shown corresponds to a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other type of vehicle that can be provided with movable panels is also conceivable.

[0021] To move the movable panels 4 between the closed, tilted and open positions, the roof system is provided with at least one movement mechanism. With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, plan views of a fixed roof with different embodiments of the roof system are shown, where the movement mechanism 10 of the different embodiments and the pair of parallel guide rails 9 are shown, for clarity, diagrammatically in solid lines in the surface area covered by the panels 4, 4'. The roof system is usually symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry S. The front and rear with respect to the vehicle 1 coincide with the front window 5a and the rear window 5c and further correspond to the arrow D indicating the driving direction forward.

[0022] In FIG. 2A the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown with a roof system having a first single panel 4, in this example a top-mounted roof system. The panel 4 is positioned between the front and rear parts of the roof 2. The roof system comprises a stationary part 7, such as a carrying frame or other support structure, configured to be attached to the fixed roof 2. The first panel 4 is movably supported on the stationary part 7 and configured to close the roof opening 3 in a closed position and to be moved rearward to an open position in which the roof opening 3 is at least partially open. In a first embodiment of the roof system, the guide rails 9 extend parallel to the front so as to bear against the left and right lateral edges of the roof opening 3, and the transverse guide rails 8 extend in an angular direction relative to the pair of parallel guide rails 9, preferably in a vertical direction. The transverse guide rails 8 are positioned rearward of the rear ends of the parallel guide rails 9. The roof system comprises two operating mechanisms 10, one for each of the parallel guide rails 9. Each movement mechanism 10 includes a front mechanism 20, a tilt mechanism 24, and a locking mechanism 62. The parallel guide rails 9 each slidably support the front mechanism 20 and the tilt mechanism 24 of each movement mechanism 10. The transverse guide rails 8 also slidably support the locking mechanism 62 of each respective movement mechanism 10.

[0023] In FIG. 2B the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown with a roof system having a first panel 4 and a second panel 4'. The panels 4, 4' are positioned between the front and rear parts of the roof 2. Here too the roof system comprises a fixed part 7, which is larger than in FIG. 2A, and is configured to be attached to the fixed roof 2. The first panel 4 is movably supported on the fixed part 7 and is configured to close the roof opening 3 in a closed position and to be moved backwards to an open position in which the roof opening 3 is at least partially open. The second panel 4' is also supported on the fixed part 7 and is immovable in this embodiment, but may be movable in other embodiments. The second panel 4' closes the second or remaining part of the roof opening 3, which is the part not covered by the first roof panel 4 in the closed position. In this second embodiment of the roof system also the guide rails 9 run parallel from the front to bear against the left and right lateral edges of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is also divided into two separate portions 8a, 8b each extending in a direction that is angled, preferably perpendicular, to the pair of parallel guide rails 9. The transverse guide rails 8a, 8b are positioned in front of or near the front ends of the parallel guide rails 9. The roof system comprises two movement mechanisms 10, one for each of the parallel guide rails 9. Each movement mechanism 10 again comprises a front mechanism 20, a tilt mechanism 24 and a locking mechanism 62. The parallel guide rails 9 each slidably support the front mechanism 20 and the tilt mechanism 24 of the respective movement mechanism 10. The transverse guide rails 8 also slidably support the locking mechanism 62 of each respective movement mechanism 10.

[0024] 2A and 2B, the front mechanism 20 can move longitudinally on the guide rail 9 and can move the leading edge of the first panel 4 vertically. The front mechanism 20 can include a panel bracket 22 attached to the first panel 4. The tilt mechanism 24 can move the trailing edge of the first panel 4 vertically and includes a sliding claw 32 in slidable contact with the panel bracket 22. The locking mechanism 62 is for locking the tilt mechanism 24 to the guide rail 8 to keep the tilt mechanism 24 immobile relative to the guide rail 9 and allow the first panel 4 to slide relative to the immobile tilt mechanism 24.

[0025] Generally, the pair of parallel guide rails are supported by a stationary part and extend in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the opposite lateral edges of the roof opening, and at least one transverse guide rail extends in an angular direction, preferably perpendicular, to the pair of parallel guide rails 9. The orientation of the transverse guide rails is therefore such that the virtual longitudinal axis corresponding to the transverse guide rail intersects the virtual longitudinal axis of each of the parallel guide rails. Transverse therefore means any angle at which the guide rails may intersect.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 3, one lateral edge of the roof system of FIG. 2A is shown in more detail. FIG. 3 shows one of the guide rails 9 supported by the immobile part 7 together with the front mechanism 20 and the tilt mechanism 24. Also shown is the transverse guide rail 8 supported by the immobile part 7 together with the locking mechanism 62. In this case the immobile part 7 is made from a plastic material by injection molding, which offers great freedom of design. However, it is also possible for the immobile part 7 to be made from other materials, such as steel. The immobile part 7 or the guide rail 9 carries a panel seal 38 which seals the panel 4 from below, as shown in FIG. 13B. The guide rail 9 is fixed to the frame 7 in the longitudinal direction below each lateral edge of the panel 4. The length of the guide rail 9 is such that it extends substantially from the front to the rear of the roof opening 3, whereby in the case of the second panel 4' the guide rail 9 can extend all the way to the rear of the second panel 4'.

[0027] Still referring to FIG. 3, the movement mechanism 10 can be driven by a drive motor 11, such as an electric motor, connected to and guided in each guide rail 9 and capable of driving a part of the movement mechanism 10 through a main first drive member 12, 12', which in this embodiment is embodied as a drive cable. Each of the first drive members 12, 12' will drive one movement mechanism of the respective guide rail. To that end, the first drive member 12, 12' is operably connected to the front mechanism. For example, in the case of a front drive with a drive motor in front of the roof system, the first drive member can be directly connected to the front mechanism. In the case of a rear drive with a drive motor after the roof system, the first drive member can be indirectly connected to the front mechanism, for example via a second drive member. It is further considered that the rear drive may have a first drive member directly connected to the front mechanism or that the front drive may have a first drive member indirectly connected to the front mechanism. Either way, the first drive member is operatively connected to the front mechanism.

[0028] The components of the movement mechanism 10 may be interconnected by a second drive member and a third drive member. In particular, the front mechanism may be connected to the locking mechanism 62 via a drive link member, i.e., the second drive member 25, which in this case is a cable. The tilt mechanism may also be connected to the locking mechanism 62 via a drive connection member, i.e., the third drive member 66, which in this case is also a cable. In other embodiments, any of these drive members may be implemented as plastic bars or other suitable material elements.

[0029] Furthermore, the second drive member 25, i.e. the drive link member, may form an integral part of the main first drive member 12, 12', such as when embodied as a drive cable. In particular, when the drive motor is located at the rear of the roof system, referred to as the rear drive, the first drive member is preferably integral with the second drive member and thus operably connected to the front mechanism.

[0030] With reference to Figures 3-7, embodiments of operating mechanism 10 and its components are described in more detail. Cross sections of such embodiments along lines VIII-VIII to XVII-XVII in Figure 5 are shown in corresponding Figures 8-17. Cross sections along lines XVIII-XVIII, XIIIB-XIIIB, and XX-XX in Figure 3 are shown in corresponding Figures 18, 13B, and 20.

[0031] 4A and 4B show diagrammatically one of the guide rails 9 and one of the operating mechanisms 10. It should be noted that the roof system includes an equal guide rail 9 and operating system 10, constructed as a mirror image, but on the opposite side. The locking mechanism 62 is actually positioned at an angle to the guide rail 9 in the transverse guide rail 8, but is shown in parallel in this exploded view to indicate the relationship between the front and rear parts of the second drive member 25, 25' and the front and rear parts of the third drive member 66, 66'. The guide rail 9 includes an extrusion profile 16, such as from aluminum, having one or more guide grooves 17, 17', 50 and guide passages 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. 4A and 4B show the operating mechanism 10 from the lateral outer side when looking inwards into the vehicle 1 and from the lateral inner side when looking outwards from the vehicle 1, respectively. The operating mechanism 10 comprises a front mechanism 20, a tilt mechanism 24 and a locking mechanism 62. Each of these mechanisms has a specific function in the movement of the panel 4 with respect to each of the positions in which the panel 4 may be positioned. Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7C show these positions when in the normal closed position NC, the tilt position Tilt and the open position Slide. Specifically, Figures 6A and 7A show the position of the operating mechanism 10 of the roof system in the normal closed position NC from the lateral inner side and the lateral outer side. Figures 6B and 7B show the position of the operating mechanism 10 of the roof system of Figures 6A and 7A in the tilt position and Figures 6C and 7C show the position of the same operating mechanism 10 in the slide position.

[0032] The front mechanism 20 in the closed position can lock the panel 4 in the longitudinal direction and can lift the front of the panel 4 when the rear of the panel 4 is vertically lifted towards the so-called "tilt" position, and can then slide the panel 4 rearward in the longitudinal direction. The front mechanism 20 is driven by the main drive members 12, 12', which are in turn driven by the electric motor 11.

[0033] The tilting mechanism 24 can lift the rear end of the panel 4 to a tilted position and can support the panel 4 when the panel 4 moves rearward in the longitudinal direction. The tilting mechanism 24 is driven by a locking mechanism 62.

[0034] 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 stop that prevents the tilt mechanism 24 from moving further upwards or downwards in any vertical direction. The locking mechanism 62 is driven by the second drive member 25, which is further driven by the drive slide 23 of the front mechanism 20. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 62 can be decoupled from the second drive member 25, which can continue to move longitudinally together with the front mechanism 20 to continue its longitudinal movement and slide the panel 4 backwards, see also Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7C.

[0035] With reference to Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7C, the movement of the operating mechanism 10 for opening and closing the roof system will be explained in more detail. As mentioned, the main first drive member will drive the front mechanism 20, the second drive member 25 of the link will drive the locking mechanism 62 since it is linked to the front mechanism, and the third drive member 66 of the connection will drive the tilt mechanism 24. The operating mechanism 10 is configured in Figures 6A and 7A to slide the front mechanism 20 from a normal closed position towards an open position and at the same time slide the locking mechanism 62 towards and into a locked position via the second drive member. The operating mechanism 10 is further configured in Figures 6B and 7B to slide the tilt mechanism 24 from a closed position to a tilted position and to slide and lock the tilt mechanism 24 via the third drive member 66 when the locking mechanism 62 is in the locked position while the tilt mechanism 24 is in the tilted position. With the tilt mechanism locked and in the locked position, the operating mechanism continues to slide the front mechanism 20 via the first drive member 25 to the open position while the tilt mechanism 24 is in the locked position, Figures 6C and 7C.

[0036] The above describes the movements when opening, for closing the roof panel the reverse sequence is performed. The operating mechanism 10 is configured to slide the front mechanism 20 from the open position towards the closed position via the first drive member 12 while the tilt mechanism 24 is in the locked position, and also configured to slide the locking mechanism 62 from the locked position via the second drive member 25 in Figs. 6C and 7C. The operating mechanism 10 is further configured to unlock the tilt mechanism 24 and slide the tilt mechanism 24 towards the closed position via the third drive member 66 while the tilt mechanism 24 is in the tilted position when the locking mechanism 62 is not in the locked position in Figs. 6B and 7B, and also configured to slide the tilt mechanism 24 from the tilted position to the closed position, and also configured to slide the front mechanism 20 to the closed position in Figs. 6A and 7A.

[0037] Returning to Figs. 4A and 4B, the front mechanism 20, the tilt mechanism 24 and the locking mechanism are shown in more detail. The front mechanism 20 comprises a drive slide 23, slidably guided in the guide rail 9 and driven by the respective first drive member 12, 12'. In this embodiment, the drive slide is provided with a drive cam 51 slidably connected with a curved track 52 in the front lever 21. In other embodiments, the curved track 52 can be provided in the panel bracket 22. At its rear end, the front lever 21, also referring to Fig. 9, is hinged to the pivot block 26 by means of a pivot pin 13, and at its opposite front end, the front lever 21 is mounted with a pair of front slide shoes 19 slidably guided in guide grooves 17, 17' during the movement of the panel 4 to and from the closed position. The guide grooves 17, 17' extend from the guide rail 9 in a downwardly extending pair of inserts 18. In the insert 18, the guide grooves 17, 17' run in a curved manner. In this embodiment, the sliding shoes 19 are attached to the lateral edges of the front lever 21 and are seen in the longitudinal direction in an alternating manner, i.e. arranged one after the other.

[0038] The front side of the front lever 21 is hinged to the front end of a panel bracket 22, which extends rearward in the longitudinal direction and is slidably connected to a tilting mechanism 24 via a sliding claw 32. The panel bracket 22 can be connected to the panel 4 by means of a screw 14. The driving slide 23 is connected to a second driving member 25, which extends rearward in the longitudinal direction. The driving member 25 is in this embodiment essentially an extension of the first driving member 12, 12' and is implemented as a plastic part which is connected to the driving slide 23 and is slidably guided in a guide passage 28 in the guide rail 9.

[0039] During the movement of the first drive member 12, 12', which is slidably guided in the longitudinal direction backwards in the guide passage 28 in the guide rail 9, the drive slide 23 moves backwards and the drive cam 51 on the drive slide 23 moves backwards on the curved track 52 of the front lever 21. The curved track 52 on the front lever 21 has a first part 52' which may be substantially horizontal, so that the drive cam 51 slides on the first part 52' of the curved track 52 such that the front lever 21 does not move. The rear end of the curved track 52 has a second portion 52" in the form of a radius in the downward direction, and a third portion 52''' of the curved track 52 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 52' of the track 52. By continuing the rearward movement of the cam 51 on the curved track 52, the driving cam 51 reaches the second portion 52" of the track, so that the driving cam 51 starts to gradually pull the front end of the front lever 21 upward due to the radius shape of the second portion 52", and when the driving cam 51 reaches the third portion 52''', the cam 51 reaches the third portion 52''. 18 , the front lever 21 is engaged at the front end 52′′ of the curved track 52, pulling the lever 21 rearward in the longitudinal direction. The front lever 21 can be hinged at its front end to the front end of the panel bracket 22. Thus, in the vertical movement of the front lever 21 guided by the second portion 52″ of the curved track 52, the front sliding shoe 19 attached to the front end will move upwards following the curved guide grooves 17, 17′ in the insert 18, and likewise the front end of the panel bracket 22 will move vertically, raising the front edge of the panel 4. When the drive cam 51 of the drive slide 23 is in the third portion 52′′ of the curved track 52, the front lever 21 is pulled rearward, and the sliding shoe 19 of the front lever 21 will be slidably guided into the guide grooves 17, 17′ of the guide rail 9, also see FIG. 18 , and will therefore be guided rearward together with the front lever 21 and the panel bracket 22 in the longitudinal direction. In this manner, the panel 4 is therefore opened gradually.

[0040] The tilt mechanism comprises a sliding guide 36, a rear or tilt lever 63 and a sliding claw 32. The sliding guide 36 comprises one or more guide slots 35, 35', 35" which cooperate with respective guide pins 64, 64', 64" of the tilt lever 63 as will be explained later. The tilt mechanism 24 may further comprise a lifting lever 30, 30' hinged to the lifting housing 27 and pivotally connected to the sliding claw 32. In other embodiments, the lifting lever may be pivotally connected to the tilt lever. The locking mechanism 62 comprises a locking locating portion 40, a locking lever 41, a hinge block 65 and a locking slot 45. The tilt mechanism 24 is connected to the locking mechanism 62 via a third drive member 66, which in this embodiment is a connecting cable 66, 66'. 4A-4D, the third drive member 66 is shown discontinued, with a portion 66' of the drive member showing the rear end of the connecting cable 66. In FIG.

[0041] When the panel 4 is in its closed position, the tilting mechanism 24 is folded substantially flat in the guide rail 9, see Figs. 10-14. The locking mechanism 62, which is arranged in the guide groove 50, is also the same, see Figs. 15, 16 and 17. As can be seen from these figures, there is sufficient space for the arrangement of the locking mechanism 62 in the center of the guide rail 9. In the rearward movement, the second drive member 25 slides rearward in the guide passage 28. The second drive member 25 is releasably engaged with the locking lever 41, so that the locking lever 41 also slides rearward. The locking lever 41 is provided at its front end at a lateral edge of the locking lever 41 with a locking cam 47. The said locking cam 47 is engaged in a locking slot 45 at the end of the second drive member 25. A locking pin 42 is attached to the opposite lateral edge of the locking lever 41. 22 and 23, said locking pin 42 is slidably guided in a pin slot 44 of a locking positioning part 40. The locking positioning part 40 is fixedly attached to the guide rail 9. The pin slot 44 essentially comprises two parts, whereby a first part 44' extends substantially in a horizontal longitudinal direction and a second part 44" extends in this embodiment perpendicular to the first part 44' in a vertical downward direction. At its rear end, the locking lever 41 is pivotally connected to a hinge block 65. The hinge block is further connected to a connecting cable 66 which is slidably guided in a guide groove 50 of the guide rail 9 and which runs in the other guide passage 29 towards the tilting mechanism 24. In the continued movement to the rear, the locking lever 41 and therefore the locking pin 42 are pivotally connected to the hinge block 65. 17, the locking lever 41 pivots about its hinge 43 in the hinge block 65 and the front end of the locking lever 41 moves vertically downwards, thereby disengaging the locking cam 47 from the locking slot 45 and therefore from the second drive member 25. As this first portion extends substantially horizontally, the rearward movement of the locking lever 41 continues unhindered via the hinge block 65 to the connecting cable 66 towards the tilting mechanism 24. When the locking pin 42 moves into the second portion 44" of the locking track 44, see FIG. 17, the locking lever 41 pivots about its hinge 43 in the hinge block 65 and the front end of the locking lever 41 moves vertically downwards, thereby disengaging the locking cam 47 from the locking slot 45 and therefore from the second drive member 25.If the drive member 25 is driven further backwards, it will continue to move without being connected to the locking lever 41. This is because the locking lever 41, which is locked in the positioning portion 40, will not allow the tilt mechanism 24 to move further and therefore the tilt mechanism is at the end of its vertical movement, resulting in an immobile support panel 4 in this position.

[0042] Considering the movement of the tilt mechanism 24 from the closed position of the panel 4 to the tilted position of the panel 4, it causes the rear of the panel 4 to be lifted vertically. Referring to Figure 21, the connecting cable 66 is moved rearwardly in the guideway 29 as previously described. Attached to the connecting cable 66 is the sliding guide 36. The sliding guide 36 comprises three guide slots 35, 35', 35". The tilt lever 63 is engaged in the sliding guide 36 by means of three guide pins 64, 64', 64", which are slidably engaged in the three guide slots 35, 35', 35". The guide slot 35 is positioned in front of the sliding guide 36 and comprises 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 comprises a first substantially horizontal portion 70 followed by an upwardly curved portion 70'. The tilt lever 63 additionally comprises a pivot pin 31 at the rear end of said lever which pivotally engages the sliding claw 32. In other embodiments, the pivot pin may be connected to a lifting lever. The sliding claw 32 is provided with a preferably plastic backing 34 which slidably surrounds the lower part of the panel bracket 22 and the panel bracket guide 33, see Fig. 13B. The sliding claw 32 is pivotally connected to a pair of lifting levers 30, 30' which are hinged at their opposite ends to a housing 27. Said housing 27 is fixedly connected to the guide rail 9. So when the connecting cable 66 is moved rearwards, the sliding guide 36 also moves rearwards.

[0043] 21, due to the longitudinal movement of the sliding guide 36, the guide pins 64, 64', 64" are forced to follow the shape of the guide slots 35, 35', 35". This means that 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, the tilt lever 63 is pivoted upwards in the second guide slot 35' about the pivot point moved by the guide pin 64', until the rear end of the panel 4 reaches the lifted position. During this movement, the third guide pin 64" is guided upwards in the third guide slot 35" towards the second part 70', thus initialising the upward movement of the tilt lever 63 behind the pivot point moved by the guide pin 64'. During this movement, the first guide pin 64 is first guided in the horizontal slot portion 68 of the first guide slot 35 and then reaches the vertical slot portion 68', where the first guide pin 64 is guided downwards. During the movement of lifting the rear end of the panel 4, the third guide pin 64" leaves the third guide slot 35" at its upper end, despite the first guide pin 64 and the second guide pin 64' moving in their respective guide slots 35, 35'. When the third guide pin 64" leaves the third guide slot 35', the movement control and support of the tilt lever 63 is taken over by the first guide pin 64 in the guide slot 35.

[0044] It should be detailed that with respect to the vertical movement of the rear end of the panel 4, a predefined "tilted" position is created in which the panel 4 lifts its 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 38 between the stationary part 7 and the panel 4. This specific 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 is lifted upwards, the rear part of the panel 4 is lifted somewhat more to the sliding position, and subsequently the panel 4 is moved to the rear of the vehicle 1, thereby opening the roof opening 3.

[0045] Therefore, from the above, 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 slot 45. Also, the locking mechanism 62 locks the tilt mechanism 24 when the third drive member 66 is locked to the locking positioning portion 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 slot 45, and unlocks the tilt mechanism 24 when the third drive member 66 is unlocked from the locking positioning portion 40 via the locking lever 41.

[0046] 24A-24D, alternative embodiments of the locking mechanism 62 are shown, with like elements having the same reference numerals. FIG. 24A shows the locking mechanism as described in detail with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. In the embodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 24B, the cam 47 and the locking slot 45″ are replaced by or interchanged with the locking cam 45a and the lever slot 47a. In the embodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 24C, the locking pin 42 of the locking lever 41 and the pin slot 44 of the positioning part 40 are replaced by or interchanged with the positioning cam 44a and the lever slot 42a. As will be appreciated, alternative variations can be constructed from different combinations of corresponding slots and pins, for example, the hinge pin 43 of the hinge block 65 and the connecting hinge hole 43′ of the locking lever 41 may also be interchanged.

[0047] In the alternative embodiment of locking mechanism 62 shown in FIG. 24D, the orientation of the locking mechanism, and therefore the orientation of the various pins and slots, is rotated approximately 90 degrees as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 24A-24C. Thus, in this embodiment, the pin slot 44 still comprises two parts, the first part 44' extending in the longitudinal direction and the second part 44" extending perpendicular to the first part 44' in a direction transverse to the vehicle, instead of vertically as in Figures 24A-24C. Similar elements in Figures 24A-24D have the same reference numerals and the description of these figures applies correspondingly. As will be understood, all the variants of Figures 24A-24C may be adapted with a similar orientation of the locking mechanism as in Figure 24D. Thus, various variants may be possible. With respect to the embodiment of Figure 24D, the depictions of Figures 22 and 23 may be interpreted as bottom views instead of side views, with the operation of the elements being similar. Figures 22 and 23 may also show rotated top views of different embodiments, such as mirrored embodiments with respect to the embodiment of Figure 24D, such as those adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of a pair of guide rails.

[0048] Thus, generally, the locking mechanism comprises a locking slot mounted on the outer end of the second drive member, a hinge block at the outer end of the third drive member, a locking locating part fixedly attached to the guide rail, and a locking lever slidably guided by the locking locating part. The locking lever is further pivotally connected to the hinge block at one end and releasably coupled to the locking slot 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 locating part and locked at the locking slot, while in the tilted locking position, the locking lever is locked at the locking locating part and decoupled from the locking slot. When the locking lever is in the tilted locking position, the locking mechanism locks the tilting mechanism to the guide rail. Thus, the locking mechanism is in the locked position. While the locking lever is in the sliding position, the locking mechanism unlocks the tilt mechanism from the guide rail. The locking mechanism is therefore in the sliding position.

[0049] With reference to Figs. 4C and 4D, another embodiment of the operating mechanism 10 is shown, in which the front mechanism 20 is constructed alternatively. The tilt mechanism 24 and the locking mechanism 62 can be the same as in Figs. 4A and 4B or can be embodied as one of the alternatives as described. In this embodiment, the front mechanism 20 comprises two front levers 21', 21". The first front lever 21' has a sliding shoe 19 which cooperates with a guide groove and an insert 18 in the guide 9 as previously described. The second front lever 21" has a curved track 52 which cooperates with a 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 a pivot hole 13b to a pivot pin 13c of the second front lever 21". The second front lever 21" is pivotally connected by means of a pivot hole 13a to a pivot pin 13 of the pivot block 26. In this manner, the first front lever provides for sliding movement of the panel to and from the closed position, and the second front lever provides for vertical lifting or pivoting movement of the panel. Thus, essentially, at least one front lever is operatively joined to the front lever, for example by a cam curve joint or a slot and pin joint, and pivotally connected to the pivot block, and is arranged to lift and pivot the front edge of the first panel relative to the guide rail by actuation of the drive slide, specifically by actuating the first drive member. Thus, the overall functionality and construction of the front mechanism 20 is the same for both embodiments, as described throughout this description.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 4E, another embodiment of the operating mechanism is shown. Similar elements have the same references as in FIGS. 4A-4D. The tilting mechanism 24 is constructed as described in connection with FIGS. 4A-4D. In the embodiment of FIG. 4E, the locking mechanism 62 is constructed alternatively in that it is rotated 90° around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction as previously described with reference to FIG. 24D. The operation is the same, that is, when the second driving member 25 moves rearward, the third driving member 66, 66′ is moved, but the locking cam 47 is maintained in the locking slot 45 by the locking pin 42 of the locking lever 41 which goes through the locking positioning portion 40. When the locking pin 42 advances to the vertical transverse portion of the locking positioning portion 40, thereby disengaging the locking cam 47 from the locking slot 45 as it advances to the transverse portion of the locking slot 45, the second drive member 25 advances further rearward while the third drive member remains stationary.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiment of Fig. 4E, the front mechanism 20 is also constructed alternatively. Instead of the pivot pin 13, the pivot block 26 has an outer curved contour that causes the pivot pin 13 to pivot over a curved lower surface and / or a curved upper surface. The drive slide 23 connected to the second drive member 25 is driven by the first drive member 12, 12' (see Fig. 3) and operates the front lever 21 via the drive cam 51 in the same manner as previously described.

[0052] 3 and 12-14, the guide rail 9 is provided with a first hole 55. The first hole 55 is positioned below the tilt mechanism 24 and provides vertical clearance 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. Thanks to the hole 55, the sliding claw 32 and the housing 27 are brought together somewhat lower in the vertical sense compared to when these components are mounted above the guide groove 50.

[0053] 19, the cross guide rail 8 may be provided with a second hole 56, which is located below the locking mechanism 62. In embodiments where the cross guide is mounted below the fixed panel 4', such as by gluing, it would be very expensive to remove the glued panel in order to inspect the locking mechanism 62. To avoid this, a more convenient solution is to use the hole 56 for inspection of the parts of the locking mechanism 62 from below.

[0054] With reference to Figure 20, a cross section through the roof system is taken along the line XX in Figure 3. In Figure 20, the immobile part 7 to which the guide rail 9 is attached is shown, which is connected to the body flange 5 by means of adhesive. In this figure, the immobile part 7 is located on top of the body flange 5. This is typical for top-mounted roofs that are assembled from above the body. The guide rail 9 has a certain distance to the body flange 5 seen in the lateral direction.

[0055] The second and third drive members may extend towards the front of the roof opening to allow for an embodiment where the locking mechanism 62 may be located in front of or near the front edge of the roof opening 3. Again, the second drive member may connect the front mechanism with the locking mechanism and the third drive member connects the locking mechanism with the tilt mechanism with the locking mechanism positioned at or near the front edge of the roof opening. The elements making up the locking mechanism, i.e. the locking slot, the locking lever, the locking locating portion and the hinge block, may be configured to operate to provide the required kinematic movement. In such an embodiment, the rear end of the second drive member may connect to the front of the drive slide and the front end of the second drive member may connect to the locking lever via the locking slot. The rear end of the third drive member connects to the front of the tilt lever and the front end of the third drive member connects to the locking lever via the hinge block. The locking locating portion and the locking lever would provide the required functional connectivity to transmit the operational movement as described above. Such an arrangement contributes to allowing further deformation, as will be explained with reference to Figures 25A-26D.

[0056] 25A-25D and 26A-26D, plan views of a fixed roof 2 of a vehicle in some alternative embodiments to those of FIGS. 2A and 2B are shown. As in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the operating mechanism 10, the pair of guide rails 9 and the transverse guide rails 8 are again indicated diagrammatically by solid lines for clarity with respect to the surface areas of the panels 4, 4'. The respective locations of the front mechanism 20, the tilt mechanism 24 and the locking mechanism 62 are indicated diagrammatically. The pair of guide rails 9 run parallel from the front to bear against the left and right lateral edges of the roof opening 3. The roof system in each roof plan view may exhibit some level of symmetry around an axis of symmetry S with respect to the presence and operation of the various components. The front and rear relate to the forward direction D. The various embodiments differ in the presence of one single panel 4 or two panels 4, 4', in whether the transverse guide rail is positioned at the front or at the rear, and in whether the transverse guide rail 8 consists of a single guide section or is split in two separate guide sections. The difference between Figures 25A-25D and 26A-26D concerns whether the operating mechanism 10 is mounted below the movable panel 4 in Figures 25A-25D or whether the transverse guide rail is mounted outside the surface area of ​​the movable panel 4.

[0057] In Fig. 25A the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown with a roof system having a first panel 4 and a second panel 4'. The transverse guide rail 8 is split into two and runs parallel to the rear edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted in a surface area of ​​the panel 4.

[0058] In Fig. 25B the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown as a roof system with a single panel 4. The transverse guide rail 8 is split into two and runs parallel to the rear edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted in a surface area of ​​the panel 4.

[0059] In Fig. 25C the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown with a roof system having a first panel 4 and a second panel 4'. The transverse guide rail 8 is split into two and runs parallel to the front edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted in a surface area of ​​the panel 4.

[0060] In Fig. 25D the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown as a roof system with a single panel 4. A single element transverse guide rail 8 runs parallel to the front edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted in a surface area of ​​the panel 4.

[0061] In Fig. 26A the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown with a roof system having a first panel 4 and a second panel 4'. A single element transverse guide rail 8 runs parallel to the front edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted underneath the roof 2, outside the surface area of ​​the panels 4.

[0062] In Fig. 26B the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown as a roof system with a single panel 4. The transverse guide rail 8 is split into two and runs parallel to the front edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted underneath the roof 2, outside the surface area of ​​the panel 4.

[0063] In FIG. 26C the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown with a roof system having a first panel 4 and a second panel 4'. As shown here, the second rear panel 4' can be narrowed, for example to allow a modular installation. A single element transverse guide rail 8 runs parallel to the rear edge of the roof opening 3. The transverse guide rail 8 is mounted outside the surface area of ​​the panel 4, in the surface area of ​​the second panel 4'.

[0064] In Fig. 26D the fixed roof 2 of the vehicle 1 is shown as a roof system with a single panel 4. The cross guide rail 8 is split into two and runs parallel to the rear edge of the roof opening 3. The cross guide rail 8 is mounted underneath the roof 2, outside the surface area of ​​the panel 4.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 27, cross sections are shown along the lines A-A' and B-B' as in FIG. 25A. With reference to FIG. 28, cross sections are shown along the lines A-A' and C-C' as in FIG. 26C. With reference to FIG. 29, cross sections are shown along the lines A-A' and E-E' as in FIG. 26D. In these figures, the corresponding sections A-A' and B-B', A-A' and C-C', A-A' and E-E', respectively, are superimposed and indicated. The guide rail 9 is mounted on the stationary part 7. The front mechanism 20 and the tilt mechanism 24 are supported by the guide rail 9. The second drive member 25 and the third drive member 66' respectively connect the front mechanism and the tilt mechanism to the locking mechanism 62 supported by the transverse guide rail 8.

[0066] In Figure 27 the transverse guide rail is mounted to a part of the stationary part 7', whereas in Figure 28 it is mounted to an inner part of the second panel 4'. In Figure 29 the transverse guide rail 8 is mounted to an inner part of the fixed roof 2. As can be appreciated, these various ways of mounting the transverse guide rail 8 may be applied to the other embodiments of Figures 25A-25D and 26A-26D, where appropriate.

[0067] Throughout this description, all of the components of the movement mechanism and various embodiments of the guide rails are depicted in respective figures and are mostly described in this document for either the left or right side of the roof system, with it being understood that the roof system is fitted with left and right movement mechanisms 10 and left and right guide rails that are mirror images of each other.

[0068] For the second and third drive members running in and out of the parallel guide rails, the transverse guide rail 8 may be provided with further guide passages. Such guide passages may be formed in the transverse guide itself, for example by extrusion, and / or may comprise tubes or troughs. In particular, all distances and turns between the parallel guide rails 9 and the transverse guide rail 8 may be provided with cable tubes or drive troughs. With reference to Figs. 2A and 3, the transverse guide rails comprise for each of the parallel guide rails 9 a first guide passage 71 for guiding the second drive member 25 of the respective parallel guide rail 9 and for each of the parallel guide rails 9 a second guide passage 72 for guiding the third drive member 66 of the respective parallel guide rail 9. If expedient, the guide passages 71, 72 may be formed as an integral part. In particular, when the transverse guide rails are embodied as a single element, the second guide passages 72 for both of the third drive members 66 may be provided as an integral single guide passage. Similarly, the first guide passages 71 for each second drive member are formed as an integral single guide passage. The length of the guide passage required to guide the third drive member is less than that required to guide the second drive member because when the tilting mechanism is locked, the third drive member does not advance further while the second drive member can continue to move until the fully open position of the first panel is reached. In this manner, the number of separate individual guide passages in the cross guide rail can be reduced.

[0069] 3, each guide passage may further comprise, for each parallel guide rail 9, a corner guide passage section 71′, 72′. The corner guide passage section 71′, 72′ is configured to extend the second drive member 25 and / or the third drive member 66 into the respective guide passage 71, 72 around a corner.

[0070] As will become clear from the embodiment shown in Figures 25A-25D and 26A-26D, at least one cross guide rail 8 may be positioned near the front end of the parallel guide section. Or at least one cross guide rail 8 may be positioned near the rear end of the parallel guide section 9. Or at least one cross guide rail may be positioned rearwardly away from the rear end of the parallel guide section 9. Or at least one cross guide rail may be positioned away from both the front and rear ends of the parallel guide section 9. In the situation away from the rear end, at least one cross guide rail 8 may be near or in a trunk, luggage compartment, or other hidden compartment. In still other embodiments, at least one cross guide rail 8 may be supported by the stationary part 7 and positioned under the first panel, or may be positioned under the second panel 4' or other part of the roof panel 2, either in front of or behind the roof opening 3.

[0071] Although detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously use the present invention in any appropriately detailed structure as foreseeable. In particular, the features presented and described in the separate dependent claims may be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of such claims is disclosed herein.

[0072] It is further contemplated that the structural elements may be generated by application of three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. As such, any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to generate such a structural element by three-dimensional printing techniques or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass a computer-readable medium that carries such computer-executable instructions.

[0073] Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable explanation of the invention. The terms "a" and "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "other," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly.

[0074] From the invention thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be construed as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 vehicle 2 Fixed roof, vehicle roof, roof panel 3 Roof opening 4 First Panel, Movable Panel 4' Second Panel, Rear Panel 5 Body flange 5a front window 5b Side window 5c rear window 7. Immovable Parts 6 Roof beam 6a Flange 7 Fixed parts, frame 8, 8a, 8b Cross guide rails 9 Parallel guide rails 9' Guide Rail 10 Operating mechanism 11 Drive motor 12, 12' First driving member 13 Pivot pin 13a, 13b pivot holes 13c Pivot pin 14 Screws 16 Extruded Profile 17, 17' guide groove 18 Insert 19 Front sliding shoe 20 front mechanism 21 Front Lever 21' First front lever 21" Second Front Lever 22 Panel bracket 23 Drive slide 24 Tilt mechanism 25, 25' second driving member 26 Pivot block 27 Lifting enclosure 28, 29 Guideway 30, 30' Lifting lever 31 Pivot pin 32 Sliding claw part 34 Backing 35 First guide slot 35' Secondary guide slot 35" 3rd guide slot 36 Sliding guide part 38 Panel seal 40 Locking positioning part 41 Locking lever 42 Locking pin 42a Lever slot 43 Hinge pin 43' connecting hinge hole 44 pin slot 44a Positioning cam 44' First part 44" second part 45, 45" locking slot 47 Locking Cam 47a Lever slot 50 Guide groove 51 Drive cam 52 Curved Track 52' First part 52" second part 52'' Third Part 55 First Hole 56 Second Hole 62 Locking mechanism 63 Tilt Lever 64 First guide pin 64' Second guide pin 64" 3rd pilot pin 65 Hinge Block 66, 66' Third driving member, connecting cable 68 Horizontal slot section 68' Vertical slot section 69 Substantially horizontally extending slot 70 First substantially horizontal portion 70' Second upward curve 71 First Passage 72 Second Passage 71', 72' Corner guideway area D. Forward driving movement, toward the front of the vehicle FE front end NC Normal closed position RE rear end S Axis of Symmetry Slide open position Tilt Tilt position

Claims

1. A roof system for a vehicle (1) having a fixed roof (2) including a roof opening (3), comprising: a stationary part (7) configured to be attached to the fixed roof (2); at least a first panel (4) movably supported on the stationary part (7), configured to close the roof opening (3) in a closed position and configured to be moved at least rearwardly to an open position in which the roof opening (3) is at least partially open, the first panel (4) having a leading edge and a trailing edge; a pair of parallel guide rails (9) supported by the stationary part (7) and extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to opposite lateral edges of the roof opening (3), and at least one transverse guide rail (8) extending in a direction angled to the pair of parallel guide rails (9); at least one movement mechanism (10) for each of the parallel guide rails (9) for moving the first panel (4), each respective movement mechanism comprising: a front mechanism (20) that can move longitudinally on the guide rail (9) and vertically move the front edge of the first panel (4) and that includes a panel bracket (22) attached to the first panel (4); a tilt mechanism (24) capable of vertically moving the rear edge of the first panel (4) and including a sliding claw portion (32) in slidable contact with the panel bracket (22); and a locking mechanism (62) for locking the tilting mechanism (24) to the guide rail (8) so as to keep the tilting mechanism (24) immovable relative to the guide rail (9) and to allow the first panel (4) to slide relative to the immovable tilting mechanism (24); At least one operating mechanism (10) comprising: Equipped with The parallel guide rails (9) each slidably support the front mechanism (20) and the tilt mechanism (24) of each of the motion mechanisms (10); The at least one transverse guide rail (8) slidably supports the locking mechanism (62) of each respective operating mechanism (10).

2. The operating mechanism (10) a first drive member (12, 12') operatively connecting the front mechanism (20) to a drive motor (11); a second drive member (25) operatively connecting the front mechanism (20) to the locking mechanism (62); a third drive member (66) operatively connecting the locking mechanism (62) to the tilt mechanism (24); The roof system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. said at least one transverse guide rail (8) is positioned near the front end of said parallel guide section (9); The at least one transverse guide rail (8) is positioned near the rear end of the parallel guide section (9), or the at least one transverse guide rail (8) is positioned rearwardly away from the rear end of the parallel guide section (9), or 3. The roof system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one transverse guide rail (8) is positioned away from both the front end and the rear end of the parallel guide (9).

4. The at least one transverse guide rail is supported by the stationary part (7), 4. The roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one transverse guide rail (8) is positioned below the first panel (4).

5. Further comprising at least a second panel supported by the stationary part (7), the first panel (4) is configured to close a first portion of the roof opening (3) in the closed position; the at least one second panel (4') is configured to close a second portion of the roof opening (3); 5. The roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least transverse guide rail (8) is positioned below the second panel.

6. The operating mechanism (10) configured to slide the front mechanism (20) from the closed position towards an open position and simultaneously slide the locking mechanism (62) towards a locked position via the second drive member (25); configured to slide the tilt mechanism (24) from the closed position to a tilted position; configured to slide and lock the tilt mechanism (24) via the third drive member (66) when the locking mechanism (62) is in the locked position while the tilt mechanism (24) is in the tilted position; 6. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to slide the front mechanism (20) to the open position while the tilt mechanism (24) is in the locked position.

7. The operating mechanism (10) configured to slide the front mechanism (20) from the open position toward the closed position while the tilt mechanism (24) is in the locked position; configured to slide the locking mechanism (62) out of the locking position via the second drive member (25); configured to unlock the tilt mechanism (24) and slide the tilt mechanism (24) toward the closed position via the third drive member (66) while the tilt mechanism (24) is in a tilted position when the locking mechanism (62) is not in the locked position; configured to slide the tilt mechanism (24) from the tilted position to the closed position; 7. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to slide the front mechanism (20) into the closed position.

8. The locking mechanism includes: a locking slot (45) at the outer end of the second drive member (25); a hinge block (65) at an outer end of the third drive member (66, 66'); a locking positioning portion (40) fixedly attached to the guide rail (9); a locking lever (41) slidably guided by said locking positioning portion (40), pivotally connected at one end to said hinge block (65) and releasably coupled at an opposite end to said locking slot (45); Equipped with The locking lever is movable between a sliding position and an inclined locking position via movement of the second drive member (25), In the sliding position, the locking lever is unlocked in the locking position (40) and locked in the locking slot (45); 8. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the tilted locking position the locking lever (41) is locked in the locking position (40) and uncoupled from the locking slot (45).

9. the locking mechanism (62) in the locking position is released from the front mechanism when the second driving member (25) is released from the locking lever (41), and locks the tilting mechanism when the third driving member (66) is locked to the locking positioning portion (40) via the locking lever (41); 9. The roof system according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (62) in the sliding position locks the front mechanism (20) when the second drive member (25) is locked to the locking lever (41) and unlocks the tilt mechanism when the third drive member (66) is unlocked from the locking positioning portion (40) via the locking lever (41).

10. The front mechanism (20) is a drive slide (23) slidably supported by said guide rail (9), said drive slide (23) being operatively connected to a first drive member (12) for driving said drive slide (23); a pivot block (26) slidably supported by the guide rail (9); at least one front lever (21, 21', 21") operatively joined to said drive slide (23) by a cam curve joint (51, 52) and pivotally connected to said pivot block (26); Equipped with 10. The roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one front lever (21, 21', 21") is arranged to lift and pivot the front edge of the first panel (4) relative to the guide rail (9) by driving of the driving slide (23).

11. The tilt mechanism (24) is a sliding guide portion (36) slidably guided on the guide rail (9, 60) so that one end of the tilt lever (63) can be moved in a substantially vertical direction; 11. The roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tilting lever (63) is pivotally connected at one end to the sliding claw (32) or to a lifting lever (30, 30') for moving the sliding claw (32) in the vertical direction.

12. The cross guide rail (8) is for each of the parallel guide rails (9), a first guide passage (71) for guiding the second drive member (25, 25') of the respective parallel guide rail (9); for each of the parallel guide rails (9), a second guide passage (72) for guiding the third drive member (66, 66') of the respective parallel guide rail (9); 12. The roof system according to claim 1 , comprising:

13. 13. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide passages (71) for each drive member are formed as an integral single guide passage.

14. 14. The roof system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second guide passages (72) for each drive member are formed as an integral single guide passage.

15. Each guideway is 15. The roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising, for each parallel guide rail (9), a corner guide passage section (71', 72') configured to extend the second drive member (25, 25') and / or the third drive member (66, 66') around a corner into the respective guide passage (71, 72).

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