Sunroof frame

Abstract

The present invention provides a sunroof frame that can prevent water that has entered the roof from adhering to the drive cables. [Solution] The sunroof frame 1, which supports a movable panel 11 for opening and closing an opening 5 formed in the roof 2 of a vehicle 1, comprises a pair of side members 41 arranged along the left and right edges of the opening 5 and each having a first cable guide 41a for guiding a drive cable 31 connected to the movable panel 11; a cross member 42 extending in the left and right direction, connecting the pair of side members 41 to each other and having a second cable guide 42a for guiding the drive cable 31; and a connecting member 45 having an intermediate cable guide 46 that connects the first cable guide 41a and the second cable guide 42a and guides the drive cable 31. The intermediate cable guide 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes an open portion 51 having an opening on its outer circumference and a closed portion 52 not having an opening on its outer circumference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sunroof frame that supports a movable panel for opening and closing an opening formed in a vehicle roof.

Background Art

[0002] There is a sunroof device that opens and closes an opening provided in a vehicle roof by moving a movable panel supported movably on a sunroof frame back and forth. For example, in the sunroof device described in Patent Document 1, a cover (movable panel) moves on guide rails of frame side portions extending back and forth along the left and right edges of the opening. The cover is attached to the guide rails via slide units. A drive cable is connected to the slide units. By moving the slide units via the drive cable by a drive motor, the cover moves back and forth. And, in order to move the drive cable on a predetermined track, a cable guide for guiding the drive cable is provided on the sunroof frame. The cable guide is provided in a frame front portion, a frame side portion, and a frame guide unit that connects the frame front portion and the frame side portion. The frame front portion and the frame guide unit are made of resin, and a large number of openings are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of their cable guides along the direction in which the cable guides extend.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the sunroof device described in Patent Document 1, if water enters the roof through the gap between the roof opening edge and the cover, the water will enter the cable guide through the numerous openings in the cable guide and adhere to the drive cable. This water may travel along the cable and wet the drive source or leak into the passenger compartment.

[0005] In view of the above background, the object of the present invention is to provide a sunroof frame that can prevent water that has entered the roof from adhering to the drive cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve these problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a sunroof frame (13) for supporting a movable panel (11) for opening and closing an opening (5) formed in the roof (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising: a pair of side members (41) arranged along the left and right edges of the opening and each having a first cable guide (41a) for guiding a drive cable (31) connected to the movable panel; a cross member (42) extending in the left and right direction, connecting the pair of side members to each other and having a second cable guide (42a) for guiding the drive cable; and a connecting member (45) connecting the first cable guide and the second cable guide and having an intermediate cable guide (46) for guiding the drive cable, wherein the intermediate cable guide is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes an open portion (51) having openings (51a, 51b) on its outer circumferential surface and a closed portion (52) not having an opening on its outer circumferential surface.

[0007] According to this embodiment, since the closing part does not have an opening, water intrusion from the outer periphery of the closing part into the interior is suppressed. This prevents water that has entered the roof from adhering to the drive cable.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the intermediate cable guide may have a waterproof wall portion (52b) extending radially outward from its outer surface on the open portion side of the closed portion.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the waterproof wall prevents water from entering the outer surface of the open section from the outer surface of the closed section. This prevents water from entering the interior from the outside of the open section. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent water that has entered the roof from adhering to the drive cable.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the closing portion is preferably located in a wet zone (61) where water can drip when the movable panel is in the closed position that closes the opening, and the opening portion is preferably located in a dry zone (62) other than the wet zone.

[0011] According to this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent water that has entered the roof and dripped onto the wet zone from adhering to the drive cable.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the closing portion of the intermediate cable guide is preferably formed in a tapered shape that widens in diameter toward the side opposite to the opening portion in the axial direction.

[0013] According to this embodiment, a closure made of resin can be easily manufactured using a mold having a conical pin for forming the inner circumferential surface of the closure. Therefore, it becomes easier to manufacture the closure using a mold.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the closing portion of the intermediate cable guide is connected to the second cable guide, and the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate cable guide is formed so as not to create a step between it and the inner circumferential surface of the second cable guide.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the drive cable can be smoothly moved between the intermediate cable guide and the second cable guide.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second cable guide may have a tapered cylindrical portion (42b) at the end to which the intermediate cable guide is connected, which expands in diameter toward the intermediate cable guide.

[0017] According to this embodiment, the tapered cylindrical portion can be easily manufactured using a mold having a conical pin for forming the tapered cylindrical portion. Therefore, it becomes easier to manufacture the end of the second cable guide.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the open portion of the intermediate cable guide comprises a first opening (51a) provided on the side of a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the intermediate cable guide, and a second opening (51b) provided on the side of a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged alternately with respect to each other in the axial direction.

[0019] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to manufacture the open portion formed of resin using a mold.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is preferable that a cover portion (52a) is provided at the end of the closing portion opposite to the opening portion, which covers the end of the second cable guide from above.

[0021] In this embodiment, since the connection between the intermediate cable guide and the second cable guide is covered by the cover, it is possible to prevent water from entering through this connection and adhering to the drive cable. In addition, it becomes easier to properly connect the intermediate cable guide and the second cable guide.

[0022] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is preferable that an engaging portion (51c) that engages with the outer circumferential surface of the first cable guide is provided at the end of the open portion opposite to the closed portion.

[0023] According to this embodiment, the engaging portion facilitates the proper connection between the intermediate cable guide and the second cable guide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sunroof frame that can prevent water that has entered the roof from adhering to the drive cable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] Schematic plan view of the roof of the vehicle according to the embodiment [Figure 2] Schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the movable panel and the sunroof frame in a state where the movable panel closes the opening [Figure 3] Perspective view of the connecting member [Figure 4] Perspective view of the connecting member [Figure 5] Perspective view of the connecting member

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 1 according to the embodiment includes a sunroof device 3 on the roof 2. In the drawings and the following description, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are directions defined based on the traveling direction of the vehicle 1.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the roof 2 of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment. A rectangular opening 5 is formed in the roof 2 of the vehicle 1. The sunroof device 3 includes a movable panel 11 that moves back and forth to open and close the opening 5, a drive device 12 that drives the movable panel 11, and a sunroof frame 13 that supports the movable panel 11 movably.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the movable panel 11 and the sunroof frame 13 in a state where the movable panel 11 closes the opening 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the movable panel 11 includes a substantially rectangular movable panel main body portion 21 made of a glass plate with rounded corners (see FIG. 1), an annular roof molding portion 22 made of resin provided on the outer peripheral edge of the movable panel main body portion 21, and a roof seal portion 23 made of an elastic material provided on the outer peripheral edge of the roof molding portion 22. The roof molding portion 22 has a lip portion 22a that extends downward under the roof seal portion 23. The roof seal portion 23 abuts against the edge portion of the opening 5. A flange portion 5a that hangs downward is formed on the edge portion of the opening 5 of the roof 2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, panel brackets 25 extending in the front-rear direction are attached to the lower surfaces of both the left and right sides of the movable panel 11. Each panel bracket 25 is connected to a corresponding front slider 26 and rear slider 27. The front slider 26 and rear slider 27 are slidably supported on the sunroof frame 13 (side member 41). Therefore, the movable panel 11 is slidably supported on the sunroof frame 13 via the panel brackets 25, the front slider 26, and the rear slider 27. The sunroof device 3 is also provided with a known tilting mechanism, such as a link mechanism or a cam mechanism, for tilting (tilting up or tilting down) the movable panel 11.

[0030] The drive unit 12 includes left and right drive cables 31 connected to the left and right rear sliders 27, a drive gear 32 that meshes with the left and right drive cables 31, and an electric motor 33 connected to the drive gear 32 via a reduction mechanism. A spirally wound wire (not shown) is provided on the outer surface of the drive cable 31. This wire acts as a driven gear that meshes with the drive gear 32. When the drive gear 32 rotates due to the driving force of the electric motor 33, the drive cable 31 moves together with the rear sliders 27 and the movable panel 11. A rack belt may be used as the drive cable 31. The drive cable 31 is preferably made of steel.

[0031] The sunroof frame 13 is mounted under the roof 2. The sunroof frame 13 is positioned along the left and right edges of the opening 5 and has a pair of side members 41 extending in the front-rear direction and a front cross member 42 (cross member) extending in the left-right direction and connecting the front ends of the pair of side members 41 to each other. The sunroof frame 13 may also have a middle cross member 43 extending in the left-right direction and connecting the middle portions of the pair of side members 41 in the front-rear direction to each other. The pair of side members 41 may be extruded products of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The front cross member 42 may be an injection-molded product of resin. The middle cross member 43 may be a press-formed product of steel plate, an injection-molded product of resin, etc.

[0032] Each of the pair of side members 41 includes a first cable guide 41a (not shown in Figure 1, see Figure 2) that guides the drive cable 31 and extends in the front-rear direction, and a guide rail 41b that guides the front slider 26 and the rear slider 27 and extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of side members 41 may also include a drainage groove (not shown in Figure 1) that extends in the front-rear direction. The front and rear ends of the drainage groove are connected to a drainage pipe 41c that protrudes outside the vehicle. Water that enters the inside of the roof 2 (under the roof 2) through the gap between the edge of the opening 5 of the roof 2 and the movable panel 11 on both the left and right sides of the movable panel 11 drips into the drainage groove and is discharged outside the vehicle through the drainage pipe 41c.

[0033] The front cross member 42 extends to the left and right and is equipped with a second cable guide 42a (not shown in Figure 1, see Figure 2) that guides the drive cable 31. The drive gear 32 and the electric motor 33 are mounted on the front cross member 42.

[0034] The pair of side members 41 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides. The right side member 41 is connected to the front cross member 42, just like the left side member 41. The structure between the first cable guide 41a of the right side member 41 and the second cable guide 42a of the front cross member 42 will be described below.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the sunroof frame 13 includes a pair of connecting members 45 (see Figure 1) connected between each of the pair of side members 41 and the front cross member 42. Each connecting member 45 is equipped with an intermediate cable guide 46. The intermediate cable guide 46 connects the first cable guide 41a and the second cable guide 42a and guides the drive cable 31. The connecting members 45 are injection molded products using a mold and are made of resin. In Figure 2, the drive cable 31 is simplified and shown with dashed lines, but the spiral wire is wound around the outer circumference of the drive cable 31, and the diameter of the drive cable 31 is larger than the width of the dashed lines.

[0036] The first cable guide 41a is formed in a tubular shape, and the drive cable 31 is inserted through it. Below the first cable guide 41a, a guide groove 41d may be provided, which is open to the front and rear sides and extends in the front-rear direction. A hole 41e may be provided in the lower wall surface of the guide groove 41d.

[0037] The second cable guide 42a is tubular in shape, and the drive cable 31 is inserted through it. The second cable guide 42a has a tapered cylindrical portion 42b that widens toward the intermediate cable guide 46 at its rear end where the intermediate cable guide 46 is connected, and a waterproof wall 42c that protrudes upward from the front end of the tapered cylindrical portion 42b. The second cable guide 42a is also provided with a drainage wall 42d that extends from the lower part of its rear end to below the first cable guide 41a. The drainage wall 42d is curved downward, and water that accumulates on the drainage wall 42d flows into the drain pipe 41c and is discharged outside the vehicle from the drain pipe 41c.

[0038] The tapered cylindrical portion 42b formed at the rear end of the second cable guide 42a can be easily manufactured using a mold having a conical pin for forming the tapered cylindrical portion 42b. Therefore, the tapered cylindrical portion 42b facilitates the manufacturing of the rear end of the second cable guide 42a.

[0039] Figures 3-5 are perspective views of the right-side connecting member 45. The left-side connecting member 45 is formed symmetrically to the right-side connecting member 45. The right-side connecting member 45 will be described below. As shown in Figures 3-5, the connecting member 45 may include a side wall 47 with its surface facing left and right on the side of the intermediate cable guide 46, an extension 47a extending forward from the front end of the side wall 47, and a mounting plate 48 extending to the right from the extension 47a with its surface facing up and down. The side wall 47 may have an edge wall 47b extending to the right from the front edge. The side wall 47 reinforces the intermediate cable guide 46. The mounting plate 48 is provided with a through hole 48a that penetrates vertically through its center and is attached to the front cross member 42 with screws (not shown).

[0040] The intermediate cable guide 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A drive cable 31 is inserted through the inside of the intermediate cable guide 46 (see Figure 2). The intermediate cable guide 46 includes an open portion 51 having an opening on its outer surface and a closed portion 52 not having an opening on its outer surface. The open portion 51 has an opening in a part of the circumferential direction of its outer surface, while the closed portion 52 does not have an opening around its entire outer surface and has a closed cross-sectional shape (annular cross-sectional shape).

[0041] The opening 51 comprises two first openings 51a located on the upper side (a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the intermediate cable guide 46) and three second openings 51b located on the lower side (a second direction opposite to the first direction). As shown in Figure 2, the first openings 51a and the second openings 51b are arranged alternately in the axial direction. This makes it easy to manufacture the resin-formed opening 51 using a mold.

[0042] The opening 51 is connected to the first cable guide 41a at the rear. As shown in Figures 2-5, the rear end of the opening 51 (the end opposite to the closing section 52) is provided with an engaging section 51c that engages with the outer circumferential surface of the first cable guide 41a, and engaging sections 51d, 51e, and 51f that engage with the lower part of the first cable guide 41a. The engaging section 51c protrudes rearward from the upper end of the opening 51 and engages with the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the first cable guide 41a (see Figure 2). The engaging sections 51d, 51e, and 51f protrude rearward from below the rear end of the opening 51. The engaging sections 51d and 51e are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The lower surface of the engaging section 51d engages with the upper wall of the guide groove 41d. The engaging section 51e is fitted into the guide groove 41d provided at the lower part of the first cable guide 41a (see Figure 2). The engaging portion 51f has a claw 51g that protrudes upward at its rear end. As shown in Figure 2, the engaging portion 51f is inserted between the lower surface of the first cable guide 41a and the drainage wall 42d of the second cable guide 42a. The claw 51g engages with the hole 41e. The engaging portions 51c, 51d, 51e, and 51f each facilitate the proper connection of the intermediate cable guide 46 and the second cable guide 42a.

[0043] The closing section 52 is connected to the second cable guide 42a at its front end. The front end of the closing section 52 (the end opposite to the opening section 51) is provided with a cover section 52a that covers the end of the second cable guide 42a (the tapered cylindrical section 42b) from above. This makes it easy to properly connect the intermediate cable guide 46 and the second cable guide 42a. In addition, the closing section 52 has a waterproof wall section 52b on its rear side (opening section 51 side) that extends radially outward from its outer circumferential surface.

[0044] The inner circumferential surface of the closing portion 52 is formed in a tapered shape that widens toward the front side (the side opposite to the opening portion 51 in the axial direction). This allows the closing portion 52, which is made of resin, to be easily manufactured using a mold having a conical pin for forming the inner circumferential surface of the closing portion 52. Therefore, it becomes easier to manufacture the closing portion 52 using a mold.

[0045] The front end of the closing portion 52 is connected to the tapered cylindrical portion 42b of the second cable guide 42a. The inner circumferential surface of the closing portion 52 (the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate cable guide 46) is formed so as not to create a step between it and the inner circumferential surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 42b (the inner circumferential surface of the second cable guide 42a). This allows the drive cable 31 to move smoothly between the intermediate cable guide 46 and the second cable guide 42a.

[0046] Rain or other water may adhere to the movable panel 11. As shown in Figure 2, water adhering to the front of the movable panel 11 enters the roof 2 through the gap between the edge of the opening 5 and the movable panel 11, and flows downward along the lip portion 22a of the movable panel 11 and the flange portion 5a of the opening 5 of the roof 2. The water dripping from the lip portion 22a and the flange portion 5a is caught by the drain wall 42d and discharged outside the vehicle through the drain pipe 41c. Thus, when the movable panel 11 is in the closed position that closes the opening 5, water that has entered the roof 2 through the gap between the edge of the opening 5 and the movable panel 11 may drip from the lip portion 22a of the movable panel 11 and the tip of the flange portion 5a of the roof 2. The space between the lip portion 22a of the movable panel 11 and the flange portion 5a of the roof 2 and the drain wall 42d is a wet zone 61 from which water can drip when the movable panel 11 is in the closed position that closes the opening 5. Furthermore, the areas outside the wet zone 61 are dry zones 62 where water intrusion is suppressed.

[0047] The closed section 52 is located in the wet zone 61. On the other hand, the open section 51 is located in the dry zone 62, which is outside the wet zone 61. Since the closed section 52 has no openings, water that drips onto the wet zone 61 cannot penetrate into the interior from the outer periphery of the closed section 52. Also, because the open section 51 is located in the dry zone 62, water penetration into the interior from the outside of the open section 51 is suppressed. Furthermore, the waterproof wall section 52b on the open section 51 side of the closed section 52 prevents water from penetrating from the outer periphery of the closed section 52 to the outer periphery of the open section 51. This prevents water from penetrating into the interior from the outer periphery of the open section 51. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent water that has entered the roof 2 from adhering to the drive cable 31.

[0048] Furthermore, the first cable guide 41a and the second cable guide 42a are located in the dry zone 62. This prevents water from entering the first cable guide 41a and the second cable guide 42a and adhering to the drive cable 31. As described above, it is possible to prevent water that enters the roof 2 through the gap between the edge of the opening 5 and the movable panel 11 from adhering to the drive cable 31.

[0049] The sunroof frame 13, having the configuration described above, provides the following effects. The sunroof frame 13 includes an intermediate cable guide 46 which comprises an open section 51 having openings (first opening 51a, second opening 51b) on its outer circumferential surface and a closed section 52 which does not have openings on its outer circumferential surface. Because the closed section 52 does not have openings, water is prevented from entering the interior from the outer circumferential surface of the closed section 52. This prevents water that has entered the roof 2 from adhering to the drive cable 31.

[0050] The intermediate cable guide 46 has a waterproof wall portion 52b on the open portion 51 side of the closed portion 52. The waterproof wall portion 52b prevents water from entering the outer surface of the open portion 51 from the outer surface of the closed portion 52. This prevents water from entering the inside of the open portion 51 from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent water that has entered the roof 2 from adhering to the drive cable 31.

[0051] The closed section 52 is located in the wet zone 61, and the open section 51 is located in the dry zone 62. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent water that has entered the roof 2 from adhering to the drive cable 31.

[0052] A cover portion 52a is provided at the end of the closing portion 52 opposite to the opening portion 51, covering the tapered cylindrical portion 42b from above. This makes it easier to properly connect the intermediate cable guide 46 and the second cable guide 42a. Furthermore, the cover portion 52a can prevent water from entering through the gap between the closing portion 52 and the second cable guide 42a and adhering to the drive cable 31.

[0053] This concludes the description of the specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. For example, in the above embodiment, the opening 51 is provided on the first cable guide 41a side and the closing part 52 is provided on the second cable guide 42a side. Alternatively, the opening 51 may be provided on the second cable guide 42a side and the closing part 52 may be provided on the first cable guide 41a side. In addition, the specific configuration, arrangement, quantity, and materials of each member and part can be changed as appropriate, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. On the other hand, not all of the components shown in the above embodiment are necessarily essential and can be selected as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1: Vehicle 2: Roof 5:Aperture 11: Movable panel 13: Sunroof frame 31: Drive cable 41: Side Member 41a: First cable guide 42: Front cross member (cross member) 42a: Second cable guide 42b: Tapered cylindrical section 42c: waterproof wall 45: Connecting member 46: Intermediate Cable Guide 51:Open part 51a: 1st opening 51b: 2nd opening 51c: Engagement part 51d: Engaging part 51e: Engagement part 51f: Engagement part 52: Closed part 52a: Cover section 52b: Waterproof wall part 61: Wet Zone 62: Dry Zone

Claims

1. A sunroof frame that supports a movable panel for opening and closing an opening formed in the roof of a vehicle, A pair of side members, each equipped with a first cable guide that guides a drive cable connected to the movable panel, is positioned along the left and right edges of the opening. A cross member extending in the left-right direction, connecting a pair of the side members to each other, and equipped with a second cable guide for guiding the drive cable, The device comprises a connecting member that connects the first cable guide and the second cable guide and includes an intermediate cable guide for guiding the drive cable, The intermediate cable guide is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes a sunroof frame with an open portion having an opening on its outer surface and a closed portion not having an opening on its outer surface.

2. The sunroof frame according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate cable guide has a waterproof wall portion extending radially outward from its outer surface on the open side of the closed portion.

3. The closing portion is located in a wet zone from which water can drip when the movable panel is in the closed position that closes the opening. The sunroof frame according to claim 1, wherein the opening is located in a dry zone other than the wet zone.

4. The sunroof frame according to claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the closing portion of the intermediate cable guide is tapered in a way that widens in the axial direction toward the side opposite to the opening portion.

5. The closing portion of the intermediate cable guide is connected to the second cable guide, and the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate cable guide is formed so as not to create a step between it and the inner circumferential surface of the second cable guide, as described in claim 4.

6. The sunroof frame according to claim 5, wherein the second cable guide has a tapered cylindrical portion at the end to which the intermediate cable guide is connected, which expands in diameter toward the intermediate cable guide.

7. The sunroof frame according to claim 1, wherein the open portion of the intermediate cable guide comprises a first opening provided on the side of a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the intermediate cable guide, and a second opening provided on the side of a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the first opening and the second opening are arranged alternately with respect to each other in the axial direction.

8. The sunroof frame according to claim 1, wherein a cover portion is provided at the end of the closed portion opposite to the open portion, covering the end of the second cable guide from above.

9. The sunroof frame according to claim 1, wherein the end of the open portion opposite to the closed portion is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the outer circumferential surface of the first cable guide.

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