CA2243621A1 - Sunroof tracking module and vehicle sunroof incorporating the same - Google Patents
Sunroof tracking module and vehicle sunroof incorporating the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2243621A1 CA2243621A1 CA 2243621 CA2243621A CA2243621A1 CA 2243621 A1 CA2243621 A1 CA 2243621A1 CA 2243621 CA2243621 CA 2243621 CA 2243621 A CA2243621 A CA 2243621A CA 2243621 A1 CA2243621 A1 CA 2243621A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- module
- legs
- component
- slide
- sunroof
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
- B60J7/022—Sliding roof trays or assemblies
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
Abstract
A motor vehicle sunroof tracking module used in association with a sunroof unit as installed on motor vehicles is disclosed. Unlike existing sunroof tracking modules which are constructed from numerous parts and components, the module of this invention can be constructed from two components, preferably injection molded utilizing a plastic material, and which are joined together to provide a single module. Each of the two components is generally "U" shaped in plan view which are joined together in mating clam shell relation. Each of the components, on their respective mating services have a pair of spaced apart concave longitudinal grooves providing a pair of cable receiving channels extending along both the web portion and the two leg portions of the "U" shaped module.
The module is also provided with an upwardly facing longitudinal slide track extending along a major portion of the length of each of the legs of the U and which captively permit slide members positioned therein to move therealong and to cause a panel member attached to the slide members to move from one to the other of an opened and a closed position.
The module is also provided with an upwardly facing longitudinal slide track extending along a major portion of the length of each of the legs of the U and which captively permit slide members positioned therein to move therealong and to cause a panel member attached to the slide members to move from one to the other of an opened and a closed position.
Description
Title SUNROOF TRACKING MODULE AND VEHICLE SUNROOF
INCORPORATING THE SAME
Field of Invention This invention relates generally to vehicle sunroofs and more particularly to an improved sunroof tracking module and a sunroof unit incorporating such module.
Background of Invention Vehicle sunroofs are well known and they make a significant improvement to any motor vehicle but they are an expensive addition. The known modules, on which the glass panels are mounted, are expensive because of their complexity and resultant expensive manufacturing costs.
The currently known sunroof modules consist of between seven and thirty-five pieces depending upon the company producing the same and these companies presently use a combination of steel, aluminum, plastic and rubber.
Fastening devices such as rivets, screws, tox fastening, heat staking and glue are common to the industry. In order to produce presently known modules there are numerous processes that are required including milling and extruding of aluminum, stretch bending tubing, plastic injection and heat staking, adding grommets, assembly, etc.
INCORPORATING THE SAME
Field of Invention This invention relates generally to vehicle sunroofs and more particularly to an improved sunroof tracking module and a sunroof unit incorporating such module.
Background of Invention Vehicle sunroofs are well known and they make a significant improvement to any motor vehicle but they are an expensive addition. The known modules, on which the glass panels are mounted, are expensive because of their complexity and resultant expensive manufacturing costs.
The currently known sunroof modules consist of between seven and thirty-five pieces depending upon the company producing the same and these companies presently use a combination of steel, aluminum, plastic and rubber.
Fastening devices such as rivets, screws, tox fastening, heat staking and glue are common to the industry. In order to produce presently known modules there are numerous processes that are required including milling and extruding of aluminum, stretch bending tubing, plastic injection and heat staking, adding grommets, assembly, etc.
In general the short comings of the existing prior art include expensive assembly lines, labour intensive assembly time, expensive materials, i.e.
aluminum, steel, etc., poor water handling capabilities, costly milling operations for producing components, large floor space for manufacturing as well as extensive costs in manufacturing. Shipping and handling of existing units require special attention and a general object of the present invention is to overcome and/or eliminate and/or minimize the foregoing shortcomings in the prior art devices.
Summary of Invention An object of the present invention is to reduce the existing expensive assembly line cost and reduce assembly time.
A further object of the present invention is to use materials which can be injection molded to shape.
A further object of the present invention is to improve the handling and disposal of waste water that accumulates on the top side of the sunroof.
The shortcomings of the existing prior art modules are overcome by the present sunroof module which is molded in the required shape as separate components and these components are joined together to provide a single module. The components preferably are only two in number and injection molded utilizing a plastics material. On the upper surface, along the outer perimeter, there is a continuous channel for collecting water which drains out through spigots that are integrally molded with one of the components of the module. The module has a pair of spaced apart slide tracks, preferably in the form of an open upwardly directed channel, on each of the respective legs of the U-shaped in plan view module.
There is particularly provided in accordance with the present invention a sunroof tracking module comprising first and second molded members each of which is generally U-shaped in plan view and means joining together said members in mating clam shell relation, each said member, on the respective mating surfaces,~having a pair of spaced apart concave longitudinal grooves and wherein said grooves are disposed in mating relation providing a pair of cable receiving channels that extend along the web and into the legs of the U-shaped module, said module having an upwardly facing longitudinal slide track extending along a major portion of the length of each of the respective legs of the U, said tracks being parallel to one another and means for retaining slide members on each of the respective tracks.
List of Drawincts The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a molded sunroof module of the present invention which includes an upper component and a lower component joined together in clam shell relation;
aluminum, steel, etc., poor water handling capabilities, costly milling operations for producing components, large floor space for manufacturing as well as extensive costs in manufacturing. Shipping and handling of existing units require special attention and a general object of the present invention is to overcome and/or eliminate and/or minimize the foregoing shortcomings in the prior art devices.
Summary of Invention An object of the present invention is to reduce the existing expensive assembly line cost and reduce assembly time.
A further object of the present invention is to use materials which can be injection molded to shape.
A further object of the present invention is to improve the handling and disposal of waste water that accumulates on the top side of the sunroof.
The shortcomings of the existing prior art modules are overcome by the present sunroof module which is molded in the required shape as separate components and these components are joined together to provide a single module. The components preferably are only two in number and injection molded utilizing a plastics material. On the upper surface, along the outer perimeter, there is a continuous channel for collecting water which drains out through spigots that are integrally molded with one of the components of the module. The module has a pair of spaced apart slide tracks, preferably in the form of an open upwardly directed channel, on each of the respective legs of the U-shaped in plan view module.
There is particularly provided in accordance with the present invention a sunroof tracking module comprising first and second molded members each of which is generally U-shaped in plan view and means joining together said members in mating clam shell relation, each said member, on the respective mating surfaces,~having a pair of spaced apart concave longitudinal grooves and wherein said grooves are disposed in mating relation providing a pair of cable receiving channels that extend along the web and into the legs of the U-shaped module, said module having an upwardly facing longitudinal slide track extending along a major portion of the length of each of the respective legs of the U, said tracks being parallel to one another and means for retaining slide members on each of the respective tracks.
List of Drawincts The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a molded sunroof module of the present invention which includes an upper component and a lower component joined together in clam shell relation;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken essentially along line III-III of Figure 1 and in exploded view includes a motor drive unit to controllably move a panel (not shown) when mounted on the frame;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken essentially along line IV-IV of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, along line V-V of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an enlarged detailed view of one corner illustrating a wear reducing insert in each cable channel;
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the right hand half portion of the lower component of the module;
Figure 7A is a sectional view taken essentially along line VII-VII of Figure 7;
Figure 8 is a top plan view of the right hand half portion of the upper component of the module;
Figure 8A is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 8;
Figure 9 is an exploded oblique view showing the upper and lower components of the sunroof module and a transparent panel that movably mounts on the module;
Figure 10 is a top plan diagrammatic view of a cable mechanism for moving the transparent panel on the module with such module being illustrated in broken line;
and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating a modified rail for the slide mechanism.
Detailed Description Referring to the drawings the sunroof module of applicant's preferred embodiment of the present invention is an injection molded product comprising two components that are joined together in clam shell relation. While plastics is the preferred material one could use metal for example magnesium. The description and illustration herein however is directed to applicant's preferred material i.e.
a plastics material which can be readily handled in injection molding equipment.
The two components of applicant's module are respectively a top component 10 and a bottom component 20 such orientation being in reference to their relative positioning in an in situ sunroof unit mounted in the roof of a motor vehicle.
The bottom component 20 attaches to the underside of the vehicle's roof panel and is "U" shape in plan view (see Figures 2 and 7) comprising a web portion W and a pair of legs designated respectively L1 and L2. The legs are interconnected midlength thereof by a crossmember 27.
The upper surface of the lower component 20 has two spaced apart channels designated respectively 21A and 21B that provide the lower portion of each of two spaced apart cable tracks designated respectively C1 and C2 (see Figure 4). The underside of the bottom component has strengthening ribs 23 and gussets 24 for rigidity and an outwardly directed flange 25 that has an upper surface 26 for mounting on the underside of a roof panel R of a vehicle (see Figure 3). The lower component 20 has a series of through holes 22A spaced apart from one another for receiving heat staking plugs 12 that project downwardly from the top component 10 thereby copositioning and joining together the two components in clam shell relation. Other suitable securing and locating means may be utilized, for example a solvent type adhesive for joining and aligning knobs and indentations for locating. The pins and through holes are clearly illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
Between the channels 21A and 21B on the lower component 20 there is a flat area designated 20A (see Figure 4) that provides a slide rail for a slide mechanism to be discussed hereinafter. The slide rail, while illustrated flat in Figure 4, could be of other configuration, for example V-shaped to provide not only a supporting slide rail but also a guide for the slide. See also Figure 11 that illustrates a possible alternative.
Referring to Figures 3 and 9 there is illustrated, in exploded view, a motor drive unit 30 that by way of cables slides a transparent panel from one to the other of an open and closed position. The motor drive unit attaches as by a pair of studs 31 that extend through _ 7 _ respective ones of a pair of apertures 32 in the housing of the drive unit such studs threading into threaded apertures 32A in the lower component 20 and as best seen in Figure 9.
The motor unit 30 has a driven pulley 33 (or screw depending upon the type of known drive used) that projects into the cavity between the components by way of an aperture 28A in the lower component. The pulley 33 drives a cable 200 (best illustrated in Figure 10) that runs in the channel C1 and C2 and connects to slide mechanisms that mounts the transparent panel on the module. The cable is arranged so as to move the panel from one to the other of an open and close position. The cable and motor drive are known in the trade.
The top component 10 is "U" shape, in plan view, and has a crossmember l0A midlength of the legs to support the same. There is a water collecting trough or channel 13 extending around the perimeter of the U section such trough being defined in part by an upwardly directed flange 11 on the outer perimeter of the upper component. Four short length tubes or spigots designated respectively 15A, 15B, 15C and l5D are molded integral with the top component to take water away from the channel 13 on the top side of the unit. Drain piping (not shown) connects to these spigots to dispose of the water. The bottom component is notched at appropriate locations to receive the respective spigots.
Heat deformable stake plugs 12 (or other suitable means) are located at strategic locations and align with the through holes 22A in the bottom component 20 for _ g _ aligning and joining together the top component 10 and bottom component 20 in a clam shell relation. The stake plugs project downwardly from the lower surface of the upper component and thus avoids any leakage in the water handling system. Once the top component 10 and the bottom component 20 are joined together the module assembly is complete and ready for mounting and/or receiving other components such as slide mechanisms, a transparent panel and a motor and cable drive unit to move the panel thus providing a complete sunroof unit intended for mounting in the roof of a motor vehicle.
The top component 10 has respective concave channel areas 11A and 11B that are complimentary to channels 21A and 21B and together therewith provide the cable tracking channels C1 and C2.
On each of the legs of the top component 10 there is a slot 40 (see Figures 1 and 4) that extends along a major portion of the length of the leg and such slot is located above the slide surface 20A on the lower component 20. With reference to Figure 4 it will be seen there are two sloping surfaces designated respectively 13A and 13B on the upper component 10. These surfaces face the slide surface 20A and provide means for retaining captive slide mechanisms 100 (one of which is shown in Figure 9) that are attached to and project downwardly from the transparent roof panel 102.
Referring to Figure 10 there are illustrated four slide mechanisms 100 and in Figure 10 these are designated respectively 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D. The motor unit 30 drives the cable 200 which is in the form of a continuous loop running on respective idler pulleys 201 and 202 pivotally attached to the respective legs L1 and L2 of the module. The cable thus has two spans designated respectively 200A and 200B running in the respective channels C1 and C2. The span 200A is anchored to slide mechanisms 100A and 100B while the span 200B is anchored to the slide mechanisms 100C and 100D. The motor mechanism 30 is reversible and it will be obvious from the arrangement illustrated in Figure 10 the roof transparent panel can be opened and closed by the illustrated cable arrangement.
Obviously other cable arrangements may be used. The span of the cable 200B not attached to slide mechanisms 100A and 100B slide through a suitable opening or channel provided in the slide mechanism. Similarly the span 200A slides through the slide mechanisms 100C and 100D.
The slide mechanism 100 has a lower portion 110 that includes a cross-sectional outline configuration suitable to slidably engage the surfaces 20A, 13A and 13B
in the slide channels 40. A snug sliding fit provides a rattle free and captive mounting for a transparent panel.
The slide mechanisms connect to the transparent panel 102 in a known manner for example by way of a cam and cam follower mechanism designated generally 115. This cam and cam follower mechanism (or equivalent) is well known in the art and provides means whereby the transparent panel moves downwardly in the final closing phase to compress a water seal gasket (not shown) rendering the roof panel waterproof its final closed position.
The moving cable 200 can cause wear on the surfaces, forming the channels C1 and C2, at the location where the legs merge into the web of the "U" shape module.
Also because of the forced change of direction for the cable there can be high frictional forces. To overcome this problem friction reducing members and/or wear reducing members can be appropriately positioned in the channels.
In the embodiment illustrated there is provided a tubular member 60 at each corner in each of the channels C1 and C2.
These members are inserted during assembly and held captive between the components 10 and 20. Obviously these tubes can be replaced by curved runners having a concave face for the cable and if desired, inserted, using an insert injection molding process to form the component. The inserts 60, at each of the corners, may be metal and/or a plastics material.
In the foregoing there is described applicant's preferred two component module with such construction being preferable from a manufacturing point of view. There are obviously other alternative forms in cross-sectional shape for the unit, for example, the slider mechanisms 100 may be suitably formed to run on a rail instead of in the groove described and illustrated. By way of example, in Figure 11 there is illustrated in cross-section a rail 300 projecting upwardly from a flange 301 which could replace slots 40 that have the slide surfaces 20A, 13A and 13B. Grooves 302 and 303 are shown for respective cable spans 200A and 200B and suitable retainers may be provided to hold the cable captive in these grooves.
Figure 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken essentially along line III-III of Figure 1 and in exploded view includes a motor drive unit to controllably move a panel (not shown) when mounted on the frame;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken essentially along line IV-IV of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, along line V-V of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an enlarged detailed view of one corner illustrating a wear reducing insert in each cable channel;
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the right hand half portion of the lower component of the module;
Figure 7A is a sectional view taken essentially along line VII-VII of Figure 7;
Figure 8 is a top plan view of the right hand half portion of the upper component of the module;
Figure 8A is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 8;
Figure 9 is an exploded oblique view showing the upper and lower components of the sunroof module and a transparent panel that movably mounts on the module;
Figure 10 is a top plan diagrammatic view of a cable mechanism for moving the transparent panel on the module with such module being illustrated in broken line;
and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating a modified rail for the slide mechanism.
Detailed Description Referring to the drawings the sunroof module of applicant's preferred embodiment of the present invention is an injection molded product comprising two components that are joined together in clam shell relation. While plastics is the preferred material one could use metal for example magnesium. The description and illustration herein however is directed to applicant's preferred material i.e.
a plastics material which can be readily handled in injection molding equipment.
The two components of applicant's module are respectively a top component 10 and a bottom component 20 such orientation being in reference to their relative positioning in an in situ sunroof unit mounted in the roof of a motor vehicle.
The bottom component 20 attaches to the underside of the vehicle's roof panel and is "U" shape in plan view (see Figures 2 and 7) comprising a web portion W and a pair of legs designated respectively L1 and L2. The legs are interconnected midlength thereof by a crossmember 27.
The upper surface of the lower component 20 has two spaced apart channels designated respectively 21A and 21B that provide the lower portion of each of two spaced apart cable tracks designated respectively C1 and C2 (see Figure 4). The underside of the bottom component has strengthening ribs 23 and gussets 24 for rigidity and an outwardly directed flange 25 that has an upper surface 26 for mounting on the underside of a roof panel R of a vehicle (see Figure 3). The lower component 20 has a series of through holes 22A spaced apart from one another for receiving heat staking plugs 12 that project downwardly from the top component 10 thereby copositioning and joining together the two components in clam shell relation. Other suitable securing and locating means may be utilized, for example a solvent type adhesive for joining and aligning knobs and indentations for locating. The pins and through holes are clearly illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
Between the channels 21A and 21B on the lower component 20 there is a flat area designated 20A (see Figure 4) that provides a slide rail for a slide mechanism to be discussed hereinafter. The slide rail, while illustrated flat in Figure 4, could be of other configuration, for example V-shaped to provide not only a supporting slide rail but also a guide for the slide. See also Figure 11 that illustrates a possible alternative.
Referring to Figures 3 and 9 there is illustrated, in exploded view, a motor drive unit 30 that by way of cables slides a transparent panel from one to the other of an open and closed position. The motor drive unit attaches as by a pair of studs 31 that extend through _ 7 _ respective ones of a pair of apertures 32 in the housing of the drive unit such studs threading into threaded apertures 32A in the lower component 20 and as best seen in Figure 9.
The motor unit 30 has a driven pulley 33 (or screw depending upon the type of known drive used) that projects into the cavity between the components by way of an aperture 28A in the lower component. The pulley 33 drives a cable 200 (best illustrated in Figure 10) that runs in the channel C1 and C2 and connects to slide mechanisms that mounts the transparent panel on the module. The cable is arranged so as to move the panel from one to the other of an open and close position. The cable and motor drive are known in the trade.
The top component 10 is "U" shape, in plan view, and has a crossmember l0A midlength of the legs to support the same. There is a water collecting trough or channel 13 extending around the perimeter of the U section such trough being defined in part by an upwardly directed flange 11 on the outer perimeter of the upper component. Four short length tubes or spigots designated respectively 15A, 15B, 15C and l5D are molded integral with the top component to take water away from the channel 13 on the top side of the unit. Drain piping (not shown) connects to these spigots to dispose of the water. The bottom component is notched at appropriate locations to receive the respective spigots.
Heat deformable stake plugs 12 (or other suitable means) are located at strategic locations and align with the through holes 22A in the bottom component 20 for _ g _ aligning and joining together the top component 10 and bottom component 20 in a clam shell relation. The stake plugs project downwardly from the lower surface of the upper component and thus avoids any leakage in the water handling system. Once the top component 10 and the bottom component 20 are joined together the module assembly is complete and ready for mounting and/or receiving other components such as slide mechanisms, a transparent panel and a motor and cable drive unit to move the panel thus providing a complete sunroof unit intended for mounting in the roof of a motor vehicle.
The top component 10 has respective concave channel areas 11A and 11B that are complimentary to channels 21A and 21B and together therewith provide the cable tracking channels C1 and C2.
On each of the legs of the top component 10 there is a slot 40 (see Figures 1 and 4) that extends along a major portion of the length of the leg and such slot is located above the slide surface 20A on the lower component 20. With reference to Figure 4 it will be seen there are two sloping surfaces designated respectively 13A and 13B on the upper component 10. These surfaces face the slide surface 20A and provide means for retaining captive slide mechanisms 100 (one of which is shown in Figure 9) that are attached to and project downwardly from the transparent roof panel 102.
Referring to Figure 10 there are illustrated four slide mechanisms 100 and in Figure 10 these are designated respectively 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D. The motor unit 30 drives the cable 200 which is in the form of a continuous loop running on respective idler pulleys 201 and 202 pivotally attached to the respective legs L1 and L2 of the module. The cable thus has two spans designated respectively 200A and 200B running in the respective channels C1 and C2. The span 200A is anchored to slide mechanisms 100A and 100B while the span 200B is anchored to the slide mechanisms 100C and 100D. The motor mechanism 30 is reversible and it will be obvious from the arrangement illustrated in Figure 10 the roof transparent panel can be opened and closed by the illustrated cable arrangement.
Obviously other cable arrangements may be used. The span of the cable 200B not attached to slide mechanisms 100A and 100B slide through a suitable opening or channel provided in the slide mechanism. Similarly the span 200A slides through the slide mechanisms 100C and 100D.
The slide mechanism 100 has a lower portion 110 that includes a cross-sectional outline configuration suitable to slidably engage the surfaces 20A, 13A and 13B
in the slide channels 40. A snug sliding fit provides a rattle free and captive mounting for a transparent panel.
The slide mechanisms connect to the transparent panel 102 in a known manner for example by way of a cam and cam follower mechanism designated generally 115. This cam and cam follower mechanism (or equivalent) is well known in the art and provides means whereby the transparent panel moves downwardly in the final closing phase to compress a water seal gasket (not shown) rendering the roof panel waterproof its final closed position.
The moving cable 200 can cause wear on the surfaces, forming the channels C1 and C2, at the location where the legs merge into the web of the "U" shape module.
Also because of the forced change of direction for the cable there can be high frictional forces. To overcome this problem friction reducing members and/or wear reducing members can be appropriately positioned in the channels.
In the embodiment illustrated there is provided a tubular member 60 at each corner in each of the channels C1 and C2.
These members are inserted during assembly and held captive between the components 10 and 20. Obviously these tubes can be replaced by curved runners having a concave face for the cable and if desired, inserted, using an insert injection molding process to form the component. The inserts 60, at each of the corners, may be metal and/or a plastics material.
In the foregoing there is described applicant's preferred two component module with such construction being preferable from a manufacturing point of view. There are obviously other alternative forms in cross-sectional shape for the unit, for example, the slider mechanisms 100 may be suitably formed to run on a rail instead of in the groove described and illustrated. By way of example, in Figure 11 there is illustrated in cross-section a rail 300 projecting upwardly from a flange 301 which could replace slots 40 that have the slide surfaces 20A, 13A and 13B. Grooves 302 and 303 are shown for respective cable spans 200A and 200B and suitable retainers may be provided to hold the cable captive in these grooves.
Claims (14)
1. A sunroof tracking module comprising first and second components each of which is generally "U" shape in plan view, said "U" shape having a web portion and a pair of spaced apart legs, and means joining together said components in mating clam shell relation, each said component, on their respective mating surfaces having a pair of spaced apart concave longitudinal grooves and wherein said grooves are disposed in mating relation providing a pair of cable receiving channels extending along the web and into the legs of the "U" shape module, said module having an upwardly facing longitudinally slide track extending along a major portion of the length of each of the respective legs of the "U", said tracks being parallel to one another and means for retaining slide members captive on the respective tracks.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein each said component is molded.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said components are made of a plastics material.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said first and second components are respectively a top component and a bottom component and wherein said slide track includes an upper surface portion of said bottom component.
5. The device of claim 1 including a wear resistant surface at each of the corners where the legs merge into the web, said wear resistant surfaces being located in the respective channels so as to be engaged by a cable used to move a panel member that slidably mounts on the module.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein each said slide track and slide retaining means comprises an upwardly facing longitudinal groove that is of dovetail shape in cross-section.
7. A sunroof unit comprising a tracking module as defined in claim 1 and including a panel member, slide mechanisms attached to said panel and slidably mounted on said slide tracks, a motor unit mounted on said module and cable means driven by said motor and attached to said slide mechanisms to move said panel from one to the other of an opened and a closed position.
8. A sunroof tracking module comprising a generally "U" shape, in plan view, member molded from a suitable plastics material, said "U" shape member having a web portion and a pair of legs spaced apart from one another, a water collecting channel on an upper surface of said member that extends along the outer perimeter of said web and legs, a slide rail on each of said legs and including means for retaining slide mechanisms on each of said respective legs and a pair of cable receiving channels extending along said web and each of said respective legs, said channels being located respectively on opposite sides of the slide rail on the leg associated therewith.
9. The device of claim 8 including a separately formed component covering said channels.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein said member comprises an upper component and a lower component and means joining said components together in clam shell relation.
11. The device of claim 10 including a flange projecting outwardly from said lower component for mounting said module, in an opening, in the roof of a vehicle.
12. The device of claim 10 wherein said joining means includes a plurality of spaced apart plugs integrally formed with said upper component and projecting downwardly from a lower surface thereof and a plurality of holes in said lower component, said holes being aligned with and receiving respective ones of said plugs.
13. The device of claim 12 including a crossmember interconnecting said legs at a position approximately mid length thereof.
14. The device of claim 13 including spigots on said member, said spigots communicating with a water collecting channel for draining water therefrom.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2243621 CA2243621A1 (en) | 1998-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Sunroof tracking module and vehicle sunroof incorporating the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2243621 CA2243621A1 (en) | 1998-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Sunroof tracking module and vehicle sunroof incorporating the same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2243621A1 true CA2243621A1 (en) | 2000-01-21 |
Family
ID=29409660
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2243621 Abandoned CA2243621A1 (en) | 1998-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Sunroof tracking module and vehicle sunroof incorporating the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2243621A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8556333B2 (en) * | 2011-12-14 | 2013-10-15 | Hyundai Motor Company | Sunroof structure for vehicle |
-
1998
- 1998-07-21 CA CA 2243621 patent/CA2243621A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8556333B2 (en) * | 2011-12-14 | 2013-10-15 | Hyundai Motor Company | Sunroof structure for vehicle |
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