Sunroof System

Abstract

To provide a sunroof device which can inhibit a rear side link from being fallen down or can inhibit a phase difference in position of left and right rods from being generated.SOLUTION: A sunroof device comprises: a rod 16 which rotates a rear-side link by transmitting force applied from a drive shoe 13 to the rear-side link; and a lock device 17 which includes a lock member 81 which engages with the rod 16. Upon receiving the force from the drive shoe 13, the rod 16 moves between a first position to cause the rear-side link to fall and a second position to cause the rear-side link to rise. The lock member 81 engages with the rod 16 when the rod 16 is positioned at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sunroof device. The sunroof device includes a movable member (a movable panel in this document) that closes an opening of a vehicle roof. The sunroof device slides the movable member in a tilted state where a rear side portion of the movable member is raised. The movable member is arranged at a fully open position while remaining in the tilted state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a strong impact is applied to the vehicle while the movable member is in a tilted state, there is a risk that the rear link may fall due to vibration, or a phase difference may occur in the positions of the left and right rods due to, for example, high friction between the bracket support portions of the rear link and the front link during operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems and their operational effects will be described. The sunroof device of embodiment 1 comprises a panel provided on the roof of a vehicle, a movable member that moves between a fully closed position that closes an opening in the panel and an open position that moves away from the opening, a drive shoe that moves the movable member in the front-rear direction, a guide rail that guides the drive shoe, a rear link that tilts the movable member, a rod that rotates the rear link by transmitting the force received from the drive shoe to the rear link, and a locking device having a locking member that engages with the rod, wherein the rod moves between a first position that tilts the rear link and a second position that raises the rear link by receiving force from the drive shoe, and the locking member engages with the rod when the rod is positioned in the second position.

[0006] With this configuration, when the rod is positioned in the second position, the locking member engages with the rod, making it difficult for the rod's position to change due to vibration or other factors. This prevents the rear link from falling over when it is in the upright position, and also prevents a phase difference from occurring between the left and right rods.

[0007] The sunroof device of embodiment 2 is as follows: In the sunroof device described in embodiment 1, the front end of the rod is located at a first front end position above the locking member when the rod is positioned at the first position, and at a second front end position below the first front end position when the rod is positioned at the second position, and the locking member is positioned at a shift position that does not interfere with the front end of the rod for a predetermined period of time during which the front end of the rod moves from the first front end position to the second front end position. With this configuration, the front end of the rod can be smoothly moved to the second front end position.

[0008] The sunroof device of embodiment 3 is as follows: In the sunroof device described in embodiment 2, the drive shoe is provided with a locking contact portion that contacts the locking member, and the locking member is configured to move to the shift position by contacting the locking contact portion. With this configuration, the locking member can be moved to the shift position by the movement of the drive shoe.

[0009] The sunroof device of embodiment 4 is as follows: In the sunroof device described in embodiment 3, the locking member has a contact surface that the locking contact portion contacts, and the contact surface is configured to be inclined with respect to the path through which the locking contact portion passes when the drive shoe moves. With this configuration, the locking member can be moved smoothly in conjunction with the movement of the drive shoe.

[0010] The sunroof device of embodiment 5 is as follows: In the sunroof device described in any one of embodiments 2 to 4, the guide rail has a rod guide groove that guides the front end of the rod to the second front end position. With this configuration, the front end of the rod can be smoothly guided to the second front end position.

[0011] The sunroof device of embodiment 6 is as follows: In the sunroof device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, the locking member is biased in a direction that allows it to engage with the rod. With this configuration, the locking member can be smoothly engaged with the rod. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the sunroof system, it is possible to suppress the rear link from tilting or the occurrence of a phase difference in the position of the left and right rods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a sunroof. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the guide unit. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the guide unit. [Figure 4] This is a partial perspective view of the guide rail. [Figure 5] This is a side view of the second front rail section. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the drive shoe. [Figure 7] This is a partial side view of the front link. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the rear link. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the rear link seen from another direction. [Figure 10] It is a plan view of the rear link and its peripheral members. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the rear link and its peripheral members along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a view showing the operation of the rear link as seen in a cross-section along line 12-12 of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the front end portion of the rod. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the rear end portion of the rod. [Figure 15] It is a side view of the drive shoe and the rod. [Figure 16] It is a view showing the relationship between the rod engagement groove of the drive shoe and the rod guide groove of the guide rail. [Figure 17] It is a plan view of the lock member. [Figure 18] It is a view showing the arrangement relationship among the lock member, the drive shoe, and the rod as seen from above the sunroof device. [Figure 19] It is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship between the drive shoe and the lock member in the initial position. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view along line 20-20 of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship between the drive shoe and the lock member immediately before the front end portion of the rod moves downward. [Figure 22] It is a cross-sectional view along line 22-22 of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the drive shoe and the lock member engaged with each other. [Figure 24] It is a view showing the operations of the components of the sunroof device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The sunroof device 5 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 24. As shown in Figure 1, the sunroof device 5 is installed on the vehicle 1. The sunroof device 5 is attached to the vehicle roof 2. The sunroof device 5 opens and closes the opening 11A by a movable member 12.

[0015] Hereinafter, the state in which the sunroof device 5 is attached to the vehicle 1 is referred to as the "attached state". In the attached state of the sunroof device 5, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 is referred to as the longitudinal direction DY. In the attached state of the sunroof device 5, the direction along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1 is referred to as the width direction DX. In the attached state of the sunroof device 5, the direction along the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 is referred to as the vertical direction DZ. The position of the drive shoe 13 when the movable member 12 is positioned in the fully closed position is defined as the "initial position".

[0016] The sunroof device 5 comprises a panel 11 provided on the vehicle roof 2, a movable member 12, a drive shoe 13, a guide rail 14, a rear link 15, a rod 16, and a locking device 17. Furthermore, the sunroof device 5 includes a front link 18.

[0017] The sunroof device 5 comprises two guide units 7. The movable member 12 is supported by the two guide units 7. The guide units 7 are positioned on each side in the width direction of the opening 11A of the panel 11.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the guide unit 7 includes a drive shoe 13, a guide rail 14, a rear link 15, a rod 16, a locking device 17, and a front link 18.

[0019] <Panel> As shown in Figure 1, the panel 11 is attached to the vehicle body to form part of the vehicle roof 2. The panel 11 is provided with an opening 11A. The opening 11A is configured to be closed by a movable member 12.

[0020] <Movable parts> The movable member 12 moves between a fully closed position that closes the opening 11A of the panel 11 and an open position that moves away from the opening 11A. The open position is located behind the fully closed position and higher than the fully closed position. Specifically, when the movable member 12 is positioned in the open position, the rear of the movable member 12 is located above the roof portion of the vehicle roof 2 behind the opening 11A (see Figure 1). In one example, the movable member 12 is equipped with a glass plate.

[0021] <Guide rail> The guide rail 14 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The guide rail 14 guides the drive shoe 13. The guide rail 14 has a first groove 24 and a second groove 26 that guide the drive shoe 13. The guide rail 14 has a first roller groove 25 and a second roller groove 29 that guide the front end of the front link 18. Furthermore, the guide rail 14 has a rod guide groove 35 that guides the front end 16C of the rod 16.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the guide rail 14 extends in the front-rear direction DY. The guide rail 14 curves upward as a whole. The guide rail 14 is attached to the panel 11 by mounting members.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the guide rail 14 comprises a bottom surface 21, a first side surface 22 provided on the bottom surface 21, and a second side surface 23 provided on the bottom surface 21 so as to face the first side surface 22 in the width direction DX. The drive shoe 13 is positioned between the first side surface 22 and the second side surface 23.

[0024] The first side portion 22 is provided with a first groove 24 that guides the first sliding contact portion 41 of the drive shoe 13. The first side portion 22 is also provided with a first roller groove 25 that guides the first roller 55 of the front link 18.

[0025] The first roller groove 25 includes a first inclined portion 25A that slopes upward toward the rear and a first extension portion 25B that extends rearward from the first inclined portion 25A. The first side portion 22 is provided with a third groove 27 that guides the link projection 57 of the front link 18. The third groove 27 is positioned above the first groove 24. The third groove 27 is positioned below the first extension portion 25B of the first roller groove 25.

[0026] The second side portion 23 is provided with a second groove 26 that guides the second sliding contact portion 42 of the drive shoe 13. The second groove 26 also serves as the second extension 29B of the second roller groove 29, which will be described later. The second side portion 23 is provided with a second roller groove 29 that guides the second roller 56 of the front link 18. The second roller groove 29 comprises a second inclined portion 29A that slopes upward toward the rear and a second extension 29B that extends rearward from the second inclined portion 29A.

[0027] The guide rail 14 comprises a rail body portion 30 and a front rail portion 31 attached to the front end of the rail body portion 30 (see Figure 3). The rail body portion 30 is made of metal. For example, the rail body portion 30 is made of aluminum.

[0028] The front rail section 31 comprises a first front rail section 33 and a second front rail section 34. The first front rail section 33 is provided with a first inclined portion 25A of the first roller groove 25. The second front rail section 34 is provided with a second inclined portion 29A of the second roller groove 29. The first front rail section 33 and the second front rail section 34 are formed of resin.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the second front rail section 34 has a first section 34A and a second section 34B. The second section 34B extends rearward from the first section 34A. The second section 34B is configured to be housed in the rail body section 30. The first section 34A is provided with a second inclined section 29A. The second section 34B is provided with a rod guide groove 35. The rod guide groove 35 guides the second rod projection 72 provided at the front end 16C of the rod 16. The rod guide groove 35 has a straight guide section 35A that extends parallel to the second groove 26 and a curved guide section 35B that bends downward from the rear end of the straight guide section 35A.

[0030] <Drive shoe> The drive shoe 13 will be described with reference to Figure 6. The drive shoe 13 is moved by a motor. In one example, the drive shoe 13 is coupled to a belt that is moved by the motor. The drive shoe 13 moves together with the belt.

[0031] The drive shoe 13 moves the movable member 12 in the forward / backward direction DY via the front link 18 by the movement of the drive shoe 13. The drive shoe 13 operates the rear link 15 via the rod 16 by the movement of the drive shoe 13. The drive shoe 13 operates the locking member 81 by the movement of the drive shoe 13.

[0032] The drive shoe 13 comprises a shoe body portion 40, a first sliding contact portion 41, a second sliding contact portion 42, a front link engagement portion 43, and a rod engagement groove 47. The first sliding contact portion 41 is provided at the end of the shoe body portion 40 in the width direction DX. The first sliding contact portion 41 is guided by the first groove 24 of the guide rail 14. The second sliding contact portion 42 is provided on the shoe body portion 40 on the opposite side of the width direction DX from the first sliding contact portion 41. The second sliding contact portion 42 is provided at a higher position than the first sliding contact portion 41. The second sliding contact portion 42 is guided by the second groove 26 of the guide rail 14.

[0033] The front link engagement portion 43 engages with the front link 18. The front link engagement portion 43 comprises an engagement pin 44 inserted into the link groove 54 of the front link 18, a first plate 45, and a second plate 46. The second plate 46 is positioned opposite the first plate 45. A link plate 53 is positioned between the first plate 45 and the second plate 46. The engagement pin 44 is supported by the first plate 45 and the second plate 46. The engagement pin 44 is inserted into the link groove 54 of the link plate 53 between the first plate 45 and the second plate 46 (see Figure 7).

[0034] The rod engagement groove 47 is configured to accommodate the first rod projection 71 of the rod 16. The rod engagement groove 47 has a rearward-extending straight rod engagement section 47A and a curved rod engagement section 47B that curves upward toward the rear from the rear end of the straight rod engagement section 47A. The front end of the straight rod engagement section 47A is open so that the first rod projection 71 of the rod 16 can exit the rod engagement groove 47. The rear end of the curved rod engagement section 47B is provided at the same height as the straight guide section 35A of the rod guide groove 35 (see Figure 16). The straight rod engagement section 47A is provided at the same height as the lower end of the curved guide section 35B of the rod guide groove 35 (see Figure 16). The rod engagement groove 47 works in cooperation with the rod guide groove 35 to guide the front end 16C of the rod 16.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the drive shoe 13 is provided with a locking contact portion 48 that contacts the locking member 81. The locking contact portion 48 is configured to move the locking member 81 to the shift position by contacting the locking member 81 for a predetermined period of time (see below).

[0036] In one example, the drive shoe 13 includes a locking member housing portion 49 in which a part of the locking member 81 can be accommodated. The locking contact portion 48 is provided on the front side of the locking member housing portion 49. The locking contact portion 48 is configured to protrude in the width direction DX from the side surface 49A of the locking member housing portion 49. The locking contact portion 48 is configured to contact the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81 when the drive shoe 13 moves backward. As a result, when the drive shoe 13 moves backward, the rear end of the locking member 81 moves in the width direction DX (Figures 19 to 22).

[0037] <Previous Link> The front link 18 will be described with reference to Figure 7. The front link 18 supports the movable member 12. The front link 18 comprises a bracket 50 attached to the movable member 12 and a link plate 53 attached to the bracket 50.

[0038] The bracket 50 comprises a bracket body 51 and a bracket support portion 52 supported by the rear link 15. The bracket body 51 extends in the front-rear direction DY. A link plate 53 is rotatably attached to the front of the bracket body 51 via an axis extending in the width direction DX. The bracket support portion 52 is provided at the lower part of the bracket body 51. The bracket support portion 52 protrudes from the side of the bracket body 51 in the width direction DX and extends in the front-rear direction DY. The bracket support portion 52 is configured to slide in contact with the retaining portion 62 of the rear link 15.

[0039] A first roller 55 and a second roller 56 are attached to the front end of the bracket 50 (see Figure 3). The second roller 56 is mounted coaxially with the first roller 55. The rotational axes of the first roller 55 and the second roller 56 extend in the width direction DX of the bracket 50. The second roller 56 is also positioned on the opposite side of the bracket 50 from the first roller 55. As described above, the first roller 55 is guided in the first roller groove 25 of the guide rail 14. The second roller 56 is guided in the second roller groove 29 of the guide rail 14.

[0040] A link groove 54 is provided in the link plate 53. The link groove 54 has a link groove extension 54A that extends rearward and a link groove curved portion 54B that curves downward from the rear end of the link groove extension 54A. The engagement pin 44 of the drive shoe 13 is inserted through the link groove 54. When the drive shoe 13 moves rearward from its initial position, and the engagement pin 44 is positioned at the lower end of the link groove curved portion 54B, a force is applied from the drive shoe 13 to the link plate 53 via the engagement pin 44. Therefore, when the drive shoe 13 moves further rearward with the engagement pin 44 positioned at the rear end of the link groove curved portion 54B, the front link 18 and the movable member 12 move rearward together with the drive shoe 13.

[0041] A link projection 57 is provided at the rear end of the link plate 53 (see Figure 3). The link projection 57 is provided on the same side surface as the first roller 55 on the front link 18. As described above, the link projection 57 is guided by the third groove 27 of the guide rail 14.

[0042] <Backside link> The rear link 15 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear link 15 and bracket 50 along the line 11-11 in Figure 10. The rod 16 is not shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the rear link 15 and rod 16 along the line 12-12 in Figure 10, illustrating the operation of the rear link 15.

[0043] The rear link 15 tilts the movable member 12. Specifically, the rear link 15 rotates so that it stands up, thereby raising the front link 18 and the rear of the movable member 12. The rear link 15 is provided at the rear end of the guide rail 14.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the rear link 15 comprises a rear link body 60, an arm 61, a holding portion 62, and a rear link engagement portion 67. The rear link body 60 is fixed to the guide rail 14.

[0045] The arm 61 is rotatably attached to the rear link body 60. Specifically, the arm base end 61A is rotatably attached to the rear link body 60 about a rotation axis along the width direction DX. The arm 61 has an arm end face 61B, a first arm face 61C, and a second arm face 61D. The arm end face 61B is the face that faces forward when the rear link 15 is tilted. The first arm face 61C is the face that faces forward when the rear link 15 is upright. The second arm face 61D is the face of the arm 61 opposite to the first arm face 61C.

[0046] The holding portion 62 comprises a bottom wall 63, a first side wall 64, a second side wall 65 positioned opposite the first side wall 64, and an engaging claw portion 66. The first side wall 64 and the second side wall 65 are provided on the bottom wall 63. The second side wall 65 is positioned with a space in the width direction DX between it and the first side wall 64. The engaging claw portion 66 protrudes from the second side wall 65 toward the first side wall 64. A gap is provided between the engaging claw portion 66 and the bottom wall 63. The holding portion 62 is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 61. Specifically, the second side wall 65 of the holding portion 62 is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 61 about a rotation axis along the width direction DX.

[0047] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the retaining portion 62 supports the bracket 50 of the front link 18. The bracket body portion 51 of the bracket 50 is positioned between the first side wall 64 and the second side wall 65. The bracket support portion 52 is positioned between the bottom wall 63 and the engaging claw portion 66 and contacts the bottom wall 63. As the drive shoe 13 moves, the bracket 50 slides relative to the retaining portion 62.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, the rear link engagement portion 67 is provided in the middle of the arm 61. Specifically, the rear link engagement portion 67 is provided on the arm 61 between the tip and the base end 61A. The rear link engagement portion 67 is configured to receive the force accompanying the movement of the rod 16. The rear link engagement portion 67 is configured to be pushed by the rod 16 when the rod 16 moves backward, and to be pulled by the rod 16 when the rod 16 moves forward. The rear link engagement portion 67 has a first link engagement surface 67A and a second link engagement groove 67B.

[0049] Referring to Figure 12, the structure of the rear link engagement portion 67 and the operation of the rear link 15 will be described. The first link engagement surface 67A is configured to slide against the first rod engagement portion 74 provided on the rear end 16D of the rod 16. The first link engagement surface 67A is configured to cut out the first arm surface 61C. The first link engagement surface 67A is configured to approach the first arm surface 61C while moving from the arm end surface 61B toward the arm base end 61A. As the rod 16 moves backward, the first rod engagement portion 74 approaches the first link engagement surface 67A, and when the first rod engagement portion 74 pushes against the first link engagement surface 67A, the rear link 15 rises up.

[0050] The second link engagement groove 67B is configured such that the second rod engagement portion 75, which is provided on the rear end portion 16D of the rod 16, slides against it. The second link engagement groove 67B is configured such that it cuts out the second arm surface 61D. The second link engagement groove 67B is configured to move from the second arm surface 61D toward the arm base end 61A while approaching the first arm surface 61C.

[0051] When the rear link 15 is slightly raised, the second rod engagement portion 75 of the rod 16 enters the second link engagement groove 67B. Then, when the rod 16 moves backward, the second link engagement groove 67B is pushed by the second rod engagement portion 75. This causes the rear link 15 to stand upright. In the upright position of the rear link 15, the second rod engagement portion 75 of the rod 16 is positioned close to the second link engagement groove 67B. When the rod 16 moves forward in the upright position of the rear link 15, the second link engagement groove 67B is pushed by the second rod engagement portion 75. This causes the rear link 15 to rotate so that it falls forward.

[0052] <Rod> The rod 16 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The rod 16 rotates the rear link 15 by transmitting the force received from the drive shoe 13 to the rear link 15. The rod 16 extends in the longitudinal direction DY. The front end 16C of the rod 16 engages with the drive shoe 13. The rear end 16D of the rod 16 engages with the rear link 15.

[0053] As shown in Figure 13, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is provided with a first rod projection 71 that engages with the drive shoe 13 and a second rod projection 72 that engages with the rod guide groove 35.

[0054] The first rod projection 71 protrudes laterally from the front end 16C of the rod 16. Specifically, the first rod projection 71 protrudes so as to enter the rod engagement groove 47 of the drive shoe 13. The second rod projection 72 protrudes in the opposite direction to the protrusion direction of the first rod projection 71 from the front end 16C of the rod 16. Specifically, the second rod projection 72 protrudes so as to enter the rod guide groove 35 of the guide rail 14.

[0055] Furthermore, the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 is provided with an engagement recess 73 into which the locking member 81 engages. The engagement recess 73 is configured to cut out the front end surface 16A of the rod 16. The engagement recess 73 is configured so that the locking member 81 can enter the engagement recess 73 from the side surface 16B of the rod 16. Specifically, the engagement recess 73 opens into the front end surface 16A and the side surface 16B of the rod 16.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14, the rear end 16D of the rod 16 is provided with a first rod engagement portion 74 and a second rod engagement portion 75. The first rod engagement portion 74 and the second rod engagement portion 75 are provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the rear end 16D of the rod 16. The first rod engagement portion 74 is configured to be able to contact the first link engagement surface 67A of the rear link 15. The second rod engagement portion 75 is configured to be able to contact the second link engagement groove 67B of the rear link 15.

[0057] The operation of rod 16 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The rod 16 moves between a first position and a second position. The rod 16 moves by being pushed forward or backward by the drive shoe 13. The first position is the position in which the rear link 15 is tilted when the rod 16 is positioned in the first position. The second position is the position in which the rear link 15 is raised when the rod 16 is positioned in the second position. The second position of the rod 16 is located further back than the first position of the rod 16. The rod 16 is positioned by the cooperative guidance of the rod engagement groove 47 and the rod guide groove 35.

[0058] The front end 16C of the rod 16 moves up and down as the rod 16 moves. The front end 16C of the rod 16 is guided in the vertical direction DZ by the rod guide groove 35 of the guide rail 14. When the rod 16 is positioned in the first position, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is located in a first front end position above the locking member 81. When the rod 16 is positioned in the second position, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is located in a second front end position lower than the first front end position.

[0059] When the drive shoe 13 is positioned in its initial position, the rod 16 is positioned in the first position. When the rod 16 is in the first position, the first rod projection 71 of the rod 16 is located at the rear end of the rod engagement curved portion 47B, and the second rod projection 72 of the rod 16 is located at the straight guide portion 35A of the rod guide groove 35 (see Figure 15). When the drive shoe 13 moves backward, the rod 16 is pushed by the rod engagement curved portion 47B of the drive shoe 13, causing the rod 16 to move backward. As the rod 16 moves backward, the second rod projection 72 is guided by the curved guide portion 35B of the rod guide groove 35, causing the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 to move downward (see Figure 16). Consequently, the first rod projection 71 of the rod 16 is positioned at the rod engagement straight portion 47A. At this time, the rod 16 is in the second position. As the rod 16 moves from the first position to the second position, the rear link 15 rises up.

[0060] <Locking device> The locking device 17 will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 23. Figure 17 is a plan view of the locking member 81. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the locking member 81, the drive shoe 13, and the rod 16. Figures 19 and 20 show the arrangement of the drive shoe 13 and the locking member 81 when the drive shoe 13 is in its initial position. Figures 21 and 22 show the arrangement of the drive shoe 13 and the locking member 81 just before the front end 16C of the rod 16 moves downward. Figure 23 shows the arrangement of the drive shoe 13 and the locking member 81 when engaged.

[0061] The locking device 17 has a locking member 81 that engages with the rod 16. Furthermore, the locking device 17 has a biasing member 82 that biases the locking member 81 (see Figure 3). The biasing member 82 is made of a linear spring. The locking member 81 is biased by the biasing member 82 in a direction that allows it to engage with the rod 16.

[0062] The locking member 81 is rotatably mounted on the guide rail 14. The locking member 81 rotates about a rotation axis perpendicular to the bottom surface of the guide rail 14. The rotation axis of the locking member 81 is located near the front end of the locking member 81. The rear part of the locking member 81 pivots. The locking member 81 is positioned near the bottom surface of the guide rail 14. For example, the locking member 81 is positioned on the bottom surface of the second front rail section 34.

[0063] The locking member 81 is configured to be positioned in a shift position that does not interfere with the front end 16C of the rod 16 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period is the time during which the front end 16C of the rod 16 moves from the first front end position to the second front end position as the rod 16 moves. The predetermined period is the time during which the drive shoe 13 passes through a predetermined section near the locking member 81.

[0064] The locking member 81 is configured to move to the shift position by contacting the locking contact portion 48. Specifically, the locking member 81 has a contact surface 83 that the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 contacts.

[0065] The contact surface 83 is configured such that the locking contact portion 48 contacts the contact surface 83 when the drive shoe 13 passes through a predetermined section near the locking member 81. The contact surface 83 is configured such that the locking contact portion 48 does not contact the contact surface 83 when the drive shoe 13 is positioned outside the predetermined section. The locking member 81 rotates to the shift position when the locking contact portion 48 contacts the contact surface 83. The locking member 81 returns from the shift position to the reference position by the force of the biasing member 82 when the locking contact portion 48 ceases to contact the contact surface 83.

[0066] An example of the locking member 81 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. The locking member 81 is plate-shaped (see Figure 20). As shown in Figure 17, the locking member 81 has a base portion 81B. The locking member 81 extends rearward from the base portion 81B. The base portion 81B of the locking member 81 is provided with a bearing 81C that receives the shaft portion 34C. The shaft portion 34C is provided on the second front rail portion 34 so as to extend in the vertical direction DZ (see Figure 20). The locking member 81 is provided on the second front rail portion 34 so as to rotate around the center of the shaft portion 34C as the axis of rotation. The locking member 81 is biased by a biasing member 82 so as to move from the shift position toward the reference position. The reference position of the locking member 81 is the position when the locking member 81 is rotated so that, when viewed from above, the tip portion 81A of the locking member 81 overlaps with the rod 16 (see Figures 18 and 19). When the locking member 81 is positioned at the reference position, the tip 81A of the locking member 81 overlaps with the path R described later, when viewed from above. The shift position of the locking member 81 is the position when the locking member 81 is rotated so that, when viewed from above, the tip 81A of the locking member 81 does not overlap with the rod 16 (see Figure 21). When the locking member 81 is positioned at the shift position, the tip 81A of the locking member 81 does not overlap with the path R described later, when viewed from above.

[0067] The contact surface 83 of the locking member 81 is provided so as to face the side surface 49A of the locking member housing portion 49 of the drive shoe 13 in the width direction DX. The contact surface 83 of the locking member 81 is configured to be inclined with respect to the path R through which the locking contact portion 48 passes during the movement of the drive shoe 13 (see Figure 17).

[0068] As shown in Figure 17, in one example, the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81 has a first inclined surface 83A, a second inclined surface 83B extending rearward from the first inclined surface 83A, and a third inclined surface 83C extending rearward from the second inclined surface 83B.

[0069] The first inclined surface 83A is configured to incline toward the rearward side surface 49A of the locking member housing 49 when the locking member 81 is positioned in the reference position, and to intersect with the path R of the locking contact portion 48. The path R of the locking contact portion 48 indicates the path R through which the locking contact portion 48 passes during the movement of the drive shoe 13.

[0070] The second inclined surface 83B is configured to incline toward the rearward side surface 49A of the lock member housing 49 when the lock member 81 is positioned in the reference position, and to intersect the path R of the lock contact portion 48. The angle of the second inclined surface 83B with respect to the side surface 49A of the lock member housing 49 is smaller than the angle of the first inclined surface 83A with respect to the side surface 49A of the lock member housing 49.

[0071] The third inclined surface 83C is configured to incline toward the rear, away from the side surface 49A of the lock member housing 49, and to intersect the path R of the lock contact portion 48, when the lock member 81 is positioned in the reference position.

[0072] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, when the drive shoe 13 is positioned in its initial position, the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 is not in contact with the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81. Therefore, the locking member 81 is positioned in its reference position. At this time, the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 is located above the locking member 81.

[0073] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, just before the front end 16C of the rod 16 is guided downward by the rod guide groove 35, the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 contacts the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81. This causes the locking member 81 to move from the reference position to the shift position. At this time, the tip portion 81A of the locking member 81 moves to a position where it does not overlap with the front end 16C of the rod 16 in a plan view (see Figure 21). As a result, the front end 16C of the rod 16 becomes movable downward. While the drive shoe 13 moves over a predetermined section, the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 continues to slide against the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81, so that the locking member 81 is positioned in the shift position for the duration of the drive shoe 13's movement over the predetermined section (i.e., a predetermined period). During this predetermined period, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is guided downward by the rod guide groove 35.

[0074] When the rod 16 is positioned in the second position, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is positioned in the second front end position. Subsequently, due to the movement of the drive shoe 13, the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 separates from the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81, so that the locking member 81 returns to its reference position. At this point, the tip portion 81A of the locking member 81 is inserted into the engagement recess 73 of the rod 16 (see Figure 23). By inserting the tip portion 81A of the locking member 81 into the engagement recess 73 of the rod 16, the locking member 81 engages with the front end 16C of the rod 16. This restricts the vertical movement DZ of the front end 16C of the rod 16.

[0075] <Sunroof System Operation> Referring to Figure 24, the operation of the sunroof device 5 will be explained. The operation described below is the opening operation when the movable member 12 moves from the fully closed position to the open position. The closing operation when the movable member 12 moves from the open position to the fully closed position is the reverse of the opening operation, so the explanation of the closing operation will be omitted.

[0076] (1st action) When the drive shoe 13 is in its initial position, the first rod projection 71 of the rod 16 is located at the rear end of the rod engagement curved portion 47B. As a result, as the drive shoe 13 moves rearward from its initial position, the rod 16 moves rearward from its first position. When this happens, the first rod engagement portion 74 of the rear end 16D of the rod 16 pushes against the first link engagement surface 67A of the rear link 15, causing the rear link 15 to rotate so that it stands up. Furthermore, the second rod engagement portion 75 of the rear end 16D of the rod 16 pushes against the second link engagement groove 67B of the rear link 15, causing the rear link 15 to rotate so that it stands up even further. When the rear link 15 stands up, the holding portion 62 of the rear link 15 lifts the rear of the bracket 50 of the front link 18. In this way, the rear of the movable member 12 is lifted.

[0077] (2nd action) While the rod 16 is moving from the first position to just before the second position, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is located at the first front end position in the vertical direction DZ. That is, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is located above the locking member 81. When the drive shoe 13 moves backward, the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 comes into contact with the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81. When the drive shoe 13 moves further backward, the locking member 81 is pushed by the locking contact portion 48 and moves to the shift position. This opens a passage through which the front end 16C of the rod 16 can move downward. Subsequently, when the drive shoe 13 moves backward, the second rod projection 72 of the rod 16 moves along the curved guide portion 35B of the rod guide groove 35 of the guide rail 14, causing the front end 16C of the rod 16 to move downward. After that, the front end 16C of the rod 16 reaches the second front end position. Furthermore, as the drive shoe 13 moves backward, the locking contact portion 48 of the drive shoe 13 separates from the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81, and the force of the biasing member 82 returns the locking member 81 to its reference position. As a result, the tip portion 81A of the locking member 81 enters the engaging recess 73 of the rod 16. This restricts the vertical movement DZ of the front end portion 16C of the rod 16.

[0078] (3rd action) As the drive shoe 13 moves further rearward, the engagement pin 44 of the drive shoe 13 reaches the rear end of the curved portion 54B of the link groove 54 of the front link 18. As the drive shoe 13 moves further rearward, the drive shoe 13 pushes the front link 18, and the front link 18 moves rearward as the drive shoe 13 moves rearward. As a result, the first roller 55 of the front link 18 is guided into the first inclined portion 25A of the first roller groove 25 of the guide rail 14, and the second roller 56 is guided into the second inclined portion 29A of the second roller groove 29 of the guide rail 14. This causes the front part of the front link 18 to rise upward, while the front link 18 moves rearward. In this way, the opening 11A is gradually opened.

[0079] <effect> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. When the rod 16 is positioned in the second position, the front end 16C of the rod 16 is located in the second front end position. At this time, the rear link 15 rises up, and the rear of the movable member 12 is lifted. The state in which the rear link 15 is raised is maintained by the rod 16.

[0080] Incidentally, if a strong impact is applied to vehicle 1, the rod 16 may bend due to vibration, causing the front end 16C of the rod 16 to move upward. If the front end 16C of the rod 16 moves significantly upward, the holding force of the rear link 15 will weaken, which may cause the rear link 15 to tip over, or a phase difference may be created between the positions of the left and right rods 16, leading to malfunction. In this respect, it is preferable that the open state of the movable member 12 is maintained even when a strong impact is applied.

[0081] In this embodiment, the locking member 81 engages with the rod 16 when the rod 16 is positioned in the second position. This restricts the movement of the front end portion 16C of the rod 16, thereby preventing the rod 16 from flying forward due to vibration or the like.

[0082] <Effects> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) In the sunroof device 5, the rod 16 moves between a first position and a second position. The second position is the position of the rod 16 that raises the rear link 15. The locking member 81 engages with the rod 16 when the rod 16 is positioned in the second position. With this configuration, when the rod 16 is positioned in the second position, the locking member 81 engages with the rod 16, making it difficult for the position of the rod 16 to change due to vibration or the like. This ensures that the rear link 15 is held securely.

[0083] (2) The front end portion 16C of the rod 16 is located at a second front end position which is lower than the first front end position when the rod 16 is positioned at the second position. The locking member 81 is positioned at a shift position which does not interfere with the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 for a predetermined period of time during which the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 moves from the first front end position to the second front end position. With this configuration, the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 can be moved smoothly to the second front end position.

[0084] (3) The drive shoe 13 is provided with a locking contact portion 48 that contacts the locking member 81. The locking member 81 is configured to move to the shift position by contacting the locking contact portion 48. With this configuration, the locking member 81 can be moved to the shift position by the movement of the drive shoe 13.

[0085] (4) The locking member 81 has a contact surface 83 that the locking contact portion 48 contacts. The contact surface 83 is configured to be inclined with respect to the path R through which the locking contact portion 48 passes when the drive shoe 13 moves. With this configuration, the locking member 81 can move smoothly in conjunction with the movement of the drive shoe 13.

[0086] (5) The guide rail 14 has a rod guide groove 35 that guides the front end 16C of the rod 16 to the second front end position. With this configuration, the front end 16C of the rod 16 can be smoothly guided to the second front end position.

[0087] (6) In the sunroof device 5, the locking member 81 is biased in a direction that allows it to engage with the rod 16. With this configuration, the locking member 81 can be smoothly engaged with the rod 16.

[0088] <Other Embodiments> The above embodiments are not limited to the above-described examples of configurations. The above embodiments can be modified as follows. In the following examples of modifications, components that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiments.

[0089] In this embodiment, when the drive shoe 13 is positioned in its initial position, the locking member 81 is positioned in its reference position. However, it may be configured as follows: When the drive shoe 13 is positioned in its initial position, the locking member 81 may be positioned in its shift position. In this case, the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81 is configured such that the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 moves downward after the second rod projection 72 of the rod 16 is guided by the curved guide portion 35B of the rod guide groove 35, and the locking member 81 then moves to its reference position.

[0090] In this embodiment, the tip portion 81A of the locking member 81 may be positioned on the upper surface of the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 when it engages with the rod 16. This structure also suppresses vertical movement of the front end portion 16C of the rod 16.

[0091] In this embodiment, the locking member 81 moves its tip portion 81A in the width direction DX by rotation, but the manner in which the locking member 81 engages is not limited to this. For example, the locking member 81 may be configured to move in the front-rear direction DY. In this case, the locking member 81 is biased rearward. In this case, the front end portion 16C of the rod 16 moves downward as the second rod projection 72 of the rod 16 is guided by the curved guide portion 35B of the rod guide groove 35, and then the locking member 81 moves to the reference position.

[0092] In this embodiment, the contact surface 83 of the locking member 81 has a first inclined surface 83A, a second inclined surface 83B, and a third inclined surface 83C, and each of these surfaces is configured to be a straight line when viewed from above the locking member 81. The configuration of the first inclined surface 83A, the second inclined surface 83B, and the third inclined surface 83C is not limited to this example. For example, each of the first inclined surface 83A, the second inclined surface 83B, and the third inclined surface 83C may be configured to be curved when viewed from above the locking member 81. The first inclined surface 83A, the second inclined surface 83B, and the third inclined surface 83C may be configured to form a single smoothly continuous curve when viewed from above the locking member 81.

[0093] The locking device 17 of this embodiment can be applied to a sunroof device 5 having a mechanism that raises the rear link 15 using a rod 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] DY...front-rear direction, 2...vehicle roof, 5...sunroof device, 11...panel, 11A...opening, 12...movable member, 13...drive shoe, 14...guide rail, 15...rear link, 16...rod, 16C...front end, 17...locking device, 35...rod guide groove, 48...locking contact part, 81...locking member, 83...contact surface.

Claims

1. A sunroof device, A panel installed on the vehicle roof, A movable member that moves between a fully closed position that covers the opening of the panel and an open position that moves away from the opening, A drive shoe that moves the movable member in the front-rear direction, A guide rail that guides the aforementioned drive shoe, A rear link that tilts the aforementioned movable member, A rod that rotates the rear link by transmitting the force received from the drive shoe to the rear link, The locking device comprises a locking member that engages with the rod, The rod, upon receiving force from the drive shoe, moves between a first position in which the rear link is tilted and a second position in which the rear link is raised. The locking member engages with the rod when the rod is positioned in the second position. Sunroof device.

2. The front end of the rod is located at a first front end position above the locking member when the rod is positioned at the first position, and at a second front end position lower than the first front end position when the rod is positioned at the second position. The locking member is positioned in a shift position that does not interfere with the front end of the rod during a predetermined period of time during which the front end of the rod moves from the first front end position to the second front end position. The sunroof device according to claim 1.

3. The drive shoe is provided with a locking contact portion that contacts the locking member, The locking member is configured to move to the shift position by contacting the locking contact portion. The sunroof device according to claim 2.

4. The locking member has a contact surface that the locking contact portion contacts, The contact surface is configured to be inclined with respect to the path through which the lock contact portion passes during the movement of the drive shoe. The sunroof device according to claim 3.

5. The guide rail has a rod guide groove that guides the front end of the rod to the second front end position. The sunroof device according to claim 2.

6. The locking member is biased in a direction that allows it to engage with the rod. A sunroof device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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