EP1648725A2

EP1648725A2 - Folding roof rear element and vehicle equipped therewith

Info

Publication number: EP1648725A2
Application number: EP04786250A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gérard Queveau; Paul Queveau; Jean-Marc Guillez
Original assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles SEBA
Current assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles SEBA
Priority date: 2003-08-01
Filing date: 2004-08-02
Publication date: 2006-04-26
Also published as: WO2005012017A2; WO2005012017A3

Abstract

The invention concerns a folding roof comprising a rigid roof element (59), mounted rotatably articulated behind the row of seats (57), via tilting means (90, 200), between a closed state above the passenger compartment and a stowed state wherein the roof element is substantially vertically folded behind said row of seats. For articulation of said element, the tilting means are adapted to limit its travel depth in its displacement between its closed and stowed positions, the tilting means comprising therefor at least one arm (200) connected to the roof element whereby said element is articulated relative to the frame, and at least one first guide rail (500) opposite which the arm is mounted sliding and rotatably articulated along a direction parallel to said transverse direction, the shape of the guide rail and the relative dimensions and positions of the roof element and of said guide rail being adapted such that the roof element is offset forward while the element is tilted from its closed position to its stowed position.

Description

RETRACTABLE ROOF ELEMENT AND VEHICLE THUS EQUIPPED

The present invention relates to a retractable vehicle roof, and in particular such a roof comprising several rigid roof elements movable between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored in the rear boot of the vehicle. There are known such retractable roofs making it possible to transform a vehicle of the sedan or coupe type into a vehicle of the convertible type. A problem to be solved when designing such roofs is not to reduce the volume of the rear trunk too much when the roof elements are stored. To this end, here is in particular a retractable vehicle roof, comprising several rigid roof elements movable between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored in the rear boot of the vehicle, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one rear central roof element, an intermediate central roof element, and a front central roof element; a left rear side roof element, a left front side roof element, a right rear side roof element, and a right front side roof element; the rear central roof element being articulated on the chassis of the vehicle about a first transverse axis; the intermediate central roof element being articulated on the vehicle chassis around a second transverse axis and the front central roof element being sliding mounted on the intermediate central roof element; the rear left side roof element, respectively right, being articulated on the vehicle chassis around a third, respectively fourth, transverse axis and the rear edge of the front left side roof element, respectively right, being articulated on the front edge of the rear left side roof element, respectively right, around a fifth, respectively sixth, transverse axis. The central roof elements are thus separated from the lateral roof elements, and the lateral roof elements are positioned so that they come to the lateral edges of the rear boot. In a particular embodiment, the front central roof element is mounted on a slide engaged in a slide carried by the intermediate central roof element. More particularly, the front central roof element can be pivotally mounted at the front edge of said slide, around a seventh transverse axis. Also in a particular embodiment, the retractable roof according to the invention comprises means for shifting towards the outside the rear left central roof element, respectively right, during its rotation around said third, respectively fourth, transverse axis. This allows the passage of the lateral elements on each side of the rear seats when storing them in the rear boot. ^' More particularly, said means may comprise a threaded member integral with said rear left side roof element, respectively right, arranged to cooperate with a complementary thread of said third, respectively fourth, transverse axis. It will be observed that the aforementioned complementary threads can be reduced to a simple helical groove in which a follower finger is engaged. In addition to the above, particular attention has been paid to the production of a movable, retractable roof system for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal axis of advance and comprising a frame locally defining a passenger compartment equipped with a row of seats. , this system comprising at least one roof element articulated in rotation relative to the frame, by means of tilting means, between a closed state above the passenger compartment and a stored state where it discovers this passenger compartment, the element roof then being advantageously retracted behind said row of seats, substantially vertically. In the context of the invention are also concerned the roof itself, the vehicle equipped with this sunroof and a method of tilting the roof element in question. Concerning the vehicle equipped with the roof (preferably rigid), it comprises: - at least one front roof panel, - at the rear of this roof panel and in the closed state of the roof, another roof element (corresponding to that mentioned in the previous paragraph), - first displacement means for bringing the panel and the roof element side by side, when the roof is opened, and second tilting means for displacing, by tilting them, the panel and roof element, between said closed state of the roof, in which they are arranged substantially horizontally, and the open state of the roof, in which the panel and the element are arranged substantially vertically. The roof element in question can be used, but not only, on the retractable roof described just below. above or in the previous description pages (in particular as a rear central element). This may in particular be the rear roof element where extends at least part of the rear window of the vehicle, that is to say which comprises (at least part of) a glazed surface s' extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle. A problem to be solved in the design of such a roof element is its tilting between its closed position where it covers the passenger compartment and its position stored substantially vertically in the boot, by limiting the "depth" of movement movement, according to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. We are therefore trying to “turn it short” and gain space in depth. To participate in the resolution of this problem, it is proposed that said tilting means be arranged to limit the depth of movement of this roof element in its movement between these said closed and stored positions, the tilting means comprising for this purpose: - at least one arm linked to the roof element and by means of which this element is articulated relative to the frame, - and preferably at least one first slide opposite which the arm is mounted to slide and / or articulated in rotation in a transverse direction (typically perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle, the shape of the slide and the relative dimensions and positions of the roof element and of this slide being adapted so that 1 ' roof element shifts forward towards the backrests of said row of seats, while the element tilts from its closed position above the cockpit s its substantially vertical stowed position. Two complementary or alternative definitions of the roof system are also given in claims 1 and 2. To facilitate and reduce the cost of the mechanism, it is advisable that at least one rod linked to the arm is added, for guiding the latter during the articulation of the roof element, while the latter moves between its open and stored positions, this (these) rod (s) being articulated (s) in rotation in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle, relative to the frame and said slide (Figures 12,13,16,18 below). In a first embodiment at a well-controlled cost, it is provided that, the arm and the rod having directions of elongation, the rod linked to the arm will be slidably mounted in a second slide which will preferably extend in the common direction d 'elongation of the rod and arm (Figures 13 and 17). In particular in this case, it is further advised: - that the arm be mounted articulated in rotation relative to the frame, in a fixed direction relative to this frame and extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of advance of the vehicle, - That the arm is articulated in rotation relative to the roof element, in another direction parallel to said transverse direction of articulation of the arm relative to the frame, and that the rod is also mounted to slide and free to rotate by relative to the roof element, inside said first slide, which is integral with the roof element (FIG. 13), said rod being able, in addition ((according to a possibility in FIG. 13), to be also mounted sliding and free to rotate inside a third curved slide, fixed relative to the frame and having a concavity turned towards the rear of the vehicle. In this case, but also in that of FIG. 17 below which is of a simple and space-saving embodiment, provision is made: - that the arm be mounted articulated in rotation relative to the frame, in a direction fixed relative to to this frame and extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of advance of the vehicle, and that one of the arm and the rod is articulated (e) free of rotation and mounted (e) sliding (e) in the first slide, which will then be fixed relative to the vehicle frame and will have a bent shape, with a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle. In addition to what concerns the solution in fig. 13 below and for the freedom of movement of the rod / roof element, it is also advised that the said rod is also slidably mounted and free to rotate inside. 'a third slide secured to the roof element. Rather than providing a curved slide always for the solution in particular of FIG. 13 below, it may be preferable for said rod linked to the arm to be linked in an articulated manner to a second rod which will then be mounted articulated in rotation around 'A fixed direction relative to the frame and transverse to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle. In a simple and compact case as in FIG. 17 below, another solution provides that the slide in which the arm is guided is curved and has a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle, this slide then being mounted fixed. relative to the vehicle frame, the transverse direction in which the rod linked to the arm is articulated in rotation relative to the frame being fixed relative to this frame. If, on the contrary, we can allow ourselves to offset this direction of articulation, it is envisaged here that the arm linked to the roof element concerned is fixed (rigidly) to it and that this arm is on the other hand articulated relative to the frame, away from its connection with the roof element, along a transverse axis movable with the arm vis-à-vis the frame, during the tilting movements of the roof element (Figures 14 and 18 below) . In the situation of this figure 18, another characteristic provides: - that the transverse direction of articulation of the rod relative to the frame is fixed relative to this frame, - that the slide with respect to which the arm is articulated in rotation is also fixed relative to the frame, this slide being at least locally curved and having a concavity turned towards the rear of the vehicle, and that the rod is on the other hand otherwise mounted articulated in rotation relative to the arm in a place which therefore moves in an arc relative to the frame during the tilting movements of the roof element between its closed and stored positions. If no guide and drive “rod” can be provided and a rigid connection is preferred between the arm and the roof element concerned, then it is provided that, in its articulation with respect to the frame, the arm can be guided by a second slide in which it slides and rotates freely, the first and / or the second slide having at least locally a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle (Figure 14). In addition to what has just been said and what is described in the appended claims, the teaching of which contributes to the full description of numerous inventive aspects, we will now describe, by way of nonlimiting examples: * Firstly in relation to FIGS. 1 to 11, a particular embodiment of the invention, relating to the appended schematic drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a side view of a part of a vehicle provided with a roof according to the invention, with the roof in the closed position; - Figures 2,3,4 and 5 illustrate the folding of this roof in the rear trunk of the vehicle; - Figure 6 shows the roof stored in the rear trunk of the vehicle; - Figure 7 illustrates on a larger scale a part of the roof; - Figure 8 illustrates on a larger scale a particular mechanism of the invention; - Figures 9, 10 and 11 show another embodiment of the invention; * While in relation to FIGS. 12,13,14,15,16,17 and 18, there will be described storage solutions for a rear roof element offering a small depth of movement, longitudinally. We see in Figure 1 the rear part of a motor vehicle with its passenger compartment 1 and its rear trunk 2. The rear trunk 2 is closed by a cover

3 can be opened either from front to rear (Figures 2 to 5) for storage in the roof box

4 of the vehicle, either traditionally, from rear to front, for storing luggage in the trunk. The roof 4 is composed of a rear central element 5, an intermediate central element 6, a front central element 7, two rear side elements 8 and two front side elements 9. These roof elements therefore connect from front to rear the upper edge of the windshield to the front edge of the rear trunk lid 3 and laterally the upper edges of the side windows of the vehicle (not shown). The rear central element 5 is articulated on the chassis by two arms 10 around a transverse axis 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the front central roof element 7 is mounted laterally on sliders 12. The central element front 7 is mounted on the sliders 12 by means of a transverse axis of rotation 13 situated at the front edge of the element 7 and at the front end of the sliders 12. This axis of rotation allows movement upwards and downward along arrow FI of the rear edge of the element 7. Each slide 12 is mounted by means of rollers 14 and 15 on a slide 16 secured to the intermediate central roof element 6. This central roof element intermediate 6 is articulated on the chassis by two arms 17 around a transverse axis 18. Motorization means of any known type allow the slides 12 to slide in the slides 16. Each of the rear side elements 8 is articulated lé on the chassis around a fixed transverse axis 19. The rear edge of each of the front side elements 9 is articulated to the front edge of the respective rear side element 8 around a transverse axis 20 (Figure 5). In Figure 1, the roof elements 5-9 are unfolded above the passenger compartment 1 which they cover. The vehicle is then in sedan or coupe configuration. In Figure 2, the lid 3 of the trunk 2 is tilted rearward, so as to open a passage 21 for the roof elements. A luggage cover 22 is moved forward to free up space for roof storage. Known means, not shown, cause the rear central element 5 to pivot about the axis 11 and the front central element 7 to slide under the intermediate central element 6. During this movement, the lateral elements 8 and 9 remain fixed and the rear central element 5 is stored substantially vertically in the rear boot 2. The front central 7 and intermediate 6 elements are then pivoted around the axis 18 until the configuration of FIG. 3 where these elements are stored substantially vertically in the rear boot 2. Known means, not shown, then cause the rear lateral elements 8 to rotate around the axes 19 and the front lateral elements 9 around the axes 20. If reference is made to FIG. 8, we see that each of the rear side elements 8 is secured to a part 23 engaged on the shaft 19 secured to the vehicle chassis. The part 23 is internally threaded while the axis 19 is externally threaded. Thus, during the rotation of the roof elements 8 around the axis 19, they are driven outward so as to be offset from their original position. This movement thus allows the passage of the lateral elements 8 and 9 on each side of the rear seats of the vehicle and on each side of the central elements which are already stored in the boot. When these rotational and translational movements are completed, the lateral elements 8 and 9 are arranged substantially horizontally on the lateral edges of the rear trunk 2, the cover 3 of which can then be closed. The vehicle is then in a convertible configuration. The return to sedan or coupe configuration is effected by the reverse movements of those which have just been described. The rear central roof element 5 can be reassembled independently as shown in FIG. 4 to arrange the vehicle in the so-called "Targa" configuration. Figures 9 to 11 show a variant in which the central roof elements 5 to 7 are stored in the rear trunk 3 horizontally and not vertically. It will be observed that, in this variant, the "Targa" configuration is no longer possible. Figures 12 to 18 show alternative embodiments for the “short” tilting of the roof element 5, or even of the element 6. However, these solutions which will be described below are applicable to other types of sunroof, for example that of patent application FR 0307282 of 06/17/2003 where the vehicle described, shown substantially in FIG. 12 and marked 50, has a longitudinal axis of advance 51 and comprises a structural frame (chassis, body) 53 locally defining a passenger compartment 55 equipped with a row of seats 57. The vehicle is equipped with a rigid sunroof 59 movable between a closed state above the passenger compartment and an open state in which the roof is stored behind the row of seats. This roof comprises a front roof panel 61 (there could be several, one behind the other) and, at the rear of this panel and in the closed state of the roof, another roof element 63. element 63 is just in front of the hood 65 of the boot 67 at the front of which (space 69) stores the roof 50, and the front panel 61 is interposed between the windshield 71 and the rear element 63. This rear element 63 is therefore the one which is furthest behind the roof, adjacent to the storage space of this roof, and in the center if there are lateral rear elements, such as 8, located to its left. and to his right, at least in the closed state of the roof. There are also first means of movement for bringing the panel and the roof element side by side, during the opening of the roof (motorized slide system and slides 12,14,15 already described, for example), as well as second tilting means (such as 20, but also 90, 200, 200a, 200c .., 410, 600, 300d .. which will be described below) for moving, by tilting them, the panels (x) and roof element, between said closed state of the roof, in which they are arranged substantially horizontally, and the open state of the roof, in which the panel and the element are arranged substantially vertically. Extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 51 and comprising a glazed surface, the roof element 63 of FIG. 12 comprises at least part of the rear window 63a of the vehicle, unlike the solution of FR 0307282 ( where part 17 corresponds here to 63). As is commonly called, rear window, the glazed surface which allows rearward vision from inside the vehicle, either directly or through the interior rearview mirror typically located in the upper central inner part of the windshield 71. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the rear central roof element 63 is pivotally mounted on the drive arm 200 by an axis of rotation 300 situated towards the front (AVT) of the elongated upper part 210 of the arm 200 and transverse to the longitudinal axis 51 of the vehicle. The axis 300 is located substantially in the middle of the rear central roof element 63. The arm 200 is articulated on the frame (or structure) 53 of the vehicle according to an axis of rotation 400 transverse to the axis 53. The rear central roof element 63 also includes a groove 500 situated at the rear (ARR) of the axis 300 and extending substantially parallel to the direction of elongation of element 63. A first drive rod, or connecting rod, 60 is mounted integral on the lower part 220 of the arm 200. This “connecting rod” moves along the elongation axis of this part 220. The connecting rod is guided in its movement by parallel guides 120 and 130 integral with the part 220. A first end 70 of the connecting rod 60 is engaged in the groove 500. The opposite end 80 of the connecting rod 60 is articulated at one end of a second connecting rod 90. This connecting rod 90 is articulated to the frame 53 by its end situated opposite the articulation at 80. According to FIGS. 12 and 13, when the rear central roof element 63 is tilted downwards in its vertical row position in the rear trunk 67 (space 69), it pivots along the axis of rotation 400 and the rear part 140 of this roof element then describes an arc in the direction a (arrow 101). On the other hand, when this element 63 pivots relative to the arm 200, the rear part 140 then describes an arc of a circle in the direction b. The element 63 being in its high, closed position, when the arm 200 tilts backwards (FIG. 12), the connecting rod 90, articulated to the frame at 110 (fixed axis), tilts forward, driving towards the 'before the rod 60 (according to two guides 120 and 130) along said lower part 220 of the arm 200. The end 70 of this rod 60, engaged in the groove 500 of the roof element 63, moves then along this groove and rotates the element 63 around the axis 300 (in dotted lines fig. 12). When the arm 200 reaches the low position, the rod 90 pushes the rod 60 and the end 70 of the latter then moves in the groove 500 in order to tilt the rear part 140 of the element 63 backwards and thus place the element 63 substantially vertically. In FIG. 13, the references 140a, 140b , 140c show different positions of the rear part 140 in direction b. As shown in this FIG. 13, it is possible to replace the connecting rod 90, by a groove 310 fixed with respect to a curve, with a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle, which would be fixed to the frame 53. In this case, the end 80 of the (each) connecting rod 60 will slide in the groove -or slide- 310, along a vertical plane parallel to the axis 51. When it exists, the connecting rod 90 is articulated to the frame 53 by its end located at the opposite of the articulation at 80. The characteristics of FIGS. 12 and 13 do not make it possible to obtain the best rigidity both in the connection element 63 / arm 200 and in that arm / frame 53 (difficulty in being able to place a stiffening crosspiece between left and right arm). In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the roof element 63a is fixedly mounted on the arm 200a. This arm is engaged in two slides 160 and 170 integral with the frame 53. A first roller 180, located on the lower part 220a of the arm 200a, is engaged in the slide 160. A second roller 150, located at the front end of the lower part 220a of the arm, is engaged in the slide 170 bent backwards. When the arm 200a moves in these slides, the rear part 140a of the roof element 63a follows a curved line with a very large radius (lm), convex towards the rear and very comparable to that of FIG. 13. (Fig 16). In the embodiment of this figure 14, the rigidity arm / roof element is better, since the arm 200a is fixed to the element. A cross member can be placed between the left and right arms. A difficulty remains in the arm drive (rack in slide 160,170 or several rotary cylinders on shafts 150,180). In the case of FIG. 17, the roof element 63c is fixedly mounted on an arm 200c. An elongated connecting rod 410 is articulated to the frame 53 by a hinge pin 400c fixed relative to this frame and transverse, here therefore perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The arm 200c is slidably mounted (slide 420) along the rod 410, here rectilinear. A roller 210 mounted on the arm 200c is engaged in a slide 300c and moves along this slide, which is integral with the frame and concave rearward (ARR), that is to say that its concave side 300cl is oriented towards the rear (ARR) of the vehicle, while its convex curvature 300c2 is oriented towards the front (AVT), so that the center 300c3 of the circle along which this slide extends is closer to the rear of the vehicle than the slide is. These considerations of convexity and concavity apply to the other embodiments disclosed in the present application. To tilt the element 63c backwards and downwards from its closed position, the rod 410 is driven by known means (rotary actuator type) along the axis of rotation 400c. As the rod tilts down, the roller 210 moves along the slide 300c. The arm 200c will therefore move along the rod 410 and towards the front of the vehicle, carrying with it the element 63c. This embodiment allows the rear part 140 of the element 63c to be displaced along a curve shown in solid lines (positions marked 140a, 140b, 140c, the latter being the final retracted position of the element). The characteristics of fig.17 give a solution as good, rigidly, as fig.14; the sliding of each arm in the slide 420 is safe, reliable and competitive in price. But the curvature of the slide 300c (a priori following a substantially constant curve) limits a possible very short final retraction of the bezel 63). In a fourth embodiment of Figure 18 the roof element 63d is fixedly mounted on an arm 200d. A roller mounted on this arm is engaged in a slide 300d secured to the frame and moves along this slide. A rod or connecting rod 600 is pivotally mounted along an axis 620 secured to the frame and transverse to the longitudinal axis 51. The arm 200d is articulated to this connecting rod by an axis 610 located at the opposite end of the axis 620. Thus, element 63d can be switched between its closed (where it covers the passenger compartment) and open (stored substantially vertically in the storage space) positions. The connecting rod 600 is driven by a known means (rotary actuator ..) along the axis of rotation 620. As the connecting rod 600 swings towards the front of the vehicle, the roller will move along the slide 300d . First of all, the roller 210 of the arm 200d will move up the slide 300d and then move down this slide. This embodiment makes it possible to move the rear part 140 of the element 63d according to a curve turned towards the rear and shown in solid lines. The kinematics of displacement depend on the shape of the slide. Of course the point of rotation 610 which connects the arm 200d to the connecting rod 600 can be likened to a second roller which would move along a second slide secured to the chassis (see Figures 14, 15 and 16) for different curvatures. The characteristics of fig.18 seem the best, with the advantages of Figures 14 and 17, plus a curvature of each slide 300d which can be tightened at the bottom to gain better depth. In addition, each connecting rod 600 can be directly motorized for driving the telescope 63 (cylinder in particular). In connection with the above, it will be understood that an inventive aspect here relates to the method of retraction of the mobile roof element concerned with respect to the frame 53 .. Thus, during its tilting between its closed and retracted states (passenger compartment ), this roof element will advantageously be animated with a double movement therefore comprising, simultaneously: - a first movement of articulation relative to the vehicle frame which makes it follow a first path at least locally curved, with advantageously a convexity turned towards the rear of the vehicle, - and a second articulation movement which drives it along a second path also at least locally curved, but advantageously with a curvature less than that of the first path, and / or such a drive obtained by therefore the intermediary of at least one rod and / or at least one slide, said second path then having a concavity turned towards the rear of the vehicle, on at least one he area of its curved part, In this way: - the rear part, such as 140, of the roof element concerned will therefore describe a third curved path

(b), combination of the first and second paths, the radius of curvature of which will be greater than it would be in the absence of said second articulation movement, and / or this third curved path will thus be brought closer to a straight line. In each case, the roof element will turn short in its movements between its respective states of overlap and clearance of the passenger compartment. Preferably, the first and second paths will have non-concentric curvatures. As for the concavities of the first and / or second path, they will advantageously be at least locally turned towards the rear of the vehicle, on said curved part.

Claims

1. Roof system for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal axis of advance (51) and comprising a frame (53) locally defining a passenger compartment (55) equipped with a row of seats (57), the roof system comprising a roof element mounted articulated in rotation relative to the frame, by means of tilting means (90, 200, 200a, 200c .., 410, 600, 300d ..), between a closed state above the passenger compartment and a stored state in which the roof element is retracted behind said row of seats, substantially vertically, characterized in that, for the articulation of said roof element, the tilting means (90, 200, 200a, 200c .. , 410, 600, 300d ..) are arranged to limit the depth of movement of this element in its movement between these said closed and stored positions, the tilting means comprising for this purpose: -at least one arm (200, 200a, 200c ..) linked to the roof element (63) and via from which this element is articulated with respect to the frame (53), and at least one first slide (310, 170, 160, 300c, 300d, etc.) vis-à-vis which the arm is slidably and / or articulated in rotation around a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (51) of advance of the vehicle, the shape of this slide, which has at least locally a concavity turned towards the rear of the vehicle, and the dimensions and relative positions of the roof element and this slide being adapted so that the roof element shifts forward, towards the backs of said row of seats (57), while it tilts, sliding along said first slide through its arm (200, 200a, 200c ..), from its closed position above the passenger compartment (55) to its substantially vertical stowed position (Figures 14 to 18).

2. Roof system for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal axis of advance (51) and comprising a frame (53) locally defining a passenger compartment (55) equipped with a row of seats (57), the roof system comprising a roof element (63) mounted articulated in rotation relative to the frame by means of tilting means (90, 200, 200a, 200c .., 410, 600, 300d ..), between a closed state above the passenger compartment and a stored state in which the roof element is retracted behind said row of seats, substantially vertically, characterized in that, for the articulation of said roof element, the tilting means (90, 200, 200a, 200c .., 410, 600, 300d ..) are arranged to limit the depth of movement of this element in its movement between these said closed and stored positions, the tilting means comprising for this purpose: - an arm (200) linked from hinged to the roof element (63) and through area of which this element is articulated relative to the frame (53), - and a first rod (60) linked to the roof element (63), for guiding the latter during its articulation, while it is moving between its open and stored positions, this first rod being slidably mounted along a first slide (120,130,500) and being moreover hingedly linked to a second rod (90) which is hinged in rotation about a fixed axis relative to the frame (53) and transverse to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle, the shape of the slide and the dimensions and relative positions of the roof element, of said first rod and / or of this slide, being adapted so that the roof element shifts forward, in the direction of the backs of said row of seats (57), while it switches from its closed position above the passenger compartment (55) to its substantially vertical stored position and that said first rod (60) moves along the first slide, (Figures 12,13).

3. Roof system according to claim 2, characterized in that, along the first slide (500), the first rod (60) is mounted articulated in rotation around a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (51) vehicle advance.

4. Roof system according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that the arm (200) and the first rod (60) have directions of elongation and this rod is slidably mounted in a second slide (120,130) which extends preferably in the common direction of elongation of the rod and arm (Figure 13).

5. Roof system according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first slide (500) is formed in the roof element.

6. Roof system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roof element is rigid.

7. Roof system according to at least one of claims 1 or 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least one rod (60,410,600) linked to the arm, for guiding the latter during the articulation of the roof element (63), as the latter moves between its open and stored positions, the rod being articulated in rotation in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (51) of advance of the vehicle, relative to the frame and said slide (Figures 13,17,18).

8. Roof system according to claim 7 characterized in that the arm and the rod have directions of elongation and the rod (60,410) linked to the arm (200,200c) is slidably mounted in a second slide (120, 130; 20 ) which preferably extends in the common direction of elongation of the rod and the arm (Figures 13 and 17).

9. Roof system according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that: - the arm (200) is mounted articulated in rotation relative to the frame (53), in a fixed direction relative to this frame and s' extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of advance of the vehicle, the arm (200) is articulated in rotation relative to the roof element (63), in another direction parallel to said transverse direction of articulation of the arm relative to the frame, and the rod (60) is also slidably mounted and free to rotate relative to the roof element, inside said first slide (500), which is integral with the element roof (Figure 13).

10. Roof system according to claim 9, characterized in that the rod (60) is also slidably mounted and free to rotate inside a third curved slide (310), fixed relative to the frame (53) and having a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle.

11. Roof system according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that: the arm (200, 200c) is mounted articulated in rotation relative to the frame, around a fixed direction relative to this frame and s' extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of advance of the vehicle, - and one of the arm and the rod (60,410) is articulated free of rotation and mounted "sliding" in the first slide (310,300c), which is fixed relative to the frame (53) of the vehicle and has an angled shape, with a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle (Figures 13 and 17).

12. Roof system according to claim 11 characterized in that said rod (60) is also slidably mounted and free to rotate inside a third slide (500) integral with the roof element (Figure 13) .

13. Roof system according to at least one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that said rod (60) linked to the arm (200) is also linked in an articulated manner to a second rod (90) which is mounted articulated in rotation around a direction fixed with respect to the frame (53) and transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle (FIG. 13).

14. Roof system according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the slide

(300c) along which the arm (200c) is guided is curved and has a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle, this slide being mounted fixed relative to the frame (53) of the vehicle, and said transverse direction (400c) following which rod (410) linked the arm is articulated in rotation relative to the frame is fixed relative to this frame (Figure 17).

15. Roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (200a, 200d) is fixedly connected to the roof element (63) and this arm is articulated relative to the frame (53), apart of its connection with the roof element, around a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (51) of advance of the vehicle, this direction being movable with the arm vis-à-vis the frame, during tilting movements of the roof element (Figures 14 and 18).

16. Roof system according to claim 7, characterized in that: - the transverse direction (620) of articulation of the rod (600) relative to the frame (53) is fixed relative to this frame, - the slide ( 300d) vis-à-vis which the arm (200d) is articulated in rotation is fixed relative to the frame, this slide being at least locally curved and having a concavity turned towards the rear of the vehicle, and the rod (600) is also mounted articulated in rotation relative to the arm in a place (610) which therefore moves in an arc relative to the frame during the tilting movements of the roof element between its closed and stored positions (Figure 18 ).

17. Roof system according to claim 15, characterized in that in its articulation relative to the frame, the arm (200a) is guided by a second slide (170) in which it slides and rotates freely, the first and / or the second slide (160,170) having at least locally a concavity facing the rear of the vehicle (Figure 14).

18. Roof system according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (200c) is slidably mounted in a second slide (420) rotatably mounted around a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (51) of advance of the vehicle .

19. Roof system according to claim 18, characterized in that the arm (200c) is fixedly connected to the roof element (63) and the transverse direction around which the second slide (420) is rotatably mounted is fixed by relative to the frame (53).

20. Roof system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roof element (63) extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of advance of the vehicle and comprises a glazed surface defining at least part of the rear window (63a) of the vehicle.

21. Vehicle (50) having a longitudinal axis of advance, equipped with a sunroof (59) and comprising a frame (53) locally defining a passenger compartment (55) equipped with a row of seats (57), the roof opening being movable between a closed state above the passenger compartment and an open state in which the roof is stored behind the row of seats, the roof comprising: - at least one front roof panel (61), - at the rear of this roof panel, in the closed state of the roof, another roof element (63), - first displacement means (12, 14, 15) for bringing the panel and the roof element side by side, when the roof is opened, and second tilting means (90, 200, 200a, 200c .., 410, 600, 300d ..) for moving, by tilting them, the panel and roof element, between said closed state of the roof, in which they are arranged substantially horizontally, and the open state of the roof, in which the panel and the element are arranged substantially vertically, characterized in that said roof element (63) is that according to at least one of the preceding claims.

22. Vehicle (50) according to claim 21, characterized in that the roof front panel (61) and the other roof element (63) are rigid, so that the sunroof (59) is rigid.

23. Sunroof comprising a roof system according to at least one of claims 1 to 20 or adapted to be installed on a vehicle according to one of claims 21 or 22.

24. A method for retracting a movable roof element of a motor vehicle comprising a frame (53) locally defining a passenger compartment (55) equipped with a row of seats (57), which element is linked to the vehicle to tilt relative to the frame (53) of the latter between a closed state above the passenger compartment and a stored state in which the roof element is retracted behind said row of seats, substantially vertically, characterized in that, during its tilting between its closed and retracted states, the roof element (63) is animated with a double movement comprising simultaneously: a first articulation movement with respect to the vehicle frame which makes it follow a first curved path whose convexity is turned towards the rear of the vehicle, - and a second articulation movement which drives it, via d '' at least one rod (90,

600 ...) and / or at least one slide (300,160), following a second path which is at least locally curved and whose concavity, on this curved part, is turned towards the rear of the vehicle, so that a rear part (140) of the roof element describes a curved path (b) whose radius of curvature is greater than it would be in the absence of said second articulation movement, thus allowing the roof element to turn short in its movements between these closed and retracted states.

25. A method for retracting a movable roof element of a motor vehicle comprising a frame (53) locally defining a passenger compartment (55) equipped with a row of seats (57), which element is linked to the vehicle to tilt relative to the frame (53) of the latter between a closed state above the passenger compartment and a stored state in which the roof element releases the passenger compartment by retracting behind said row of seats, substantially vertically, characterized in that , during its tilting between its closed and retracted states, the roof element (63) is animated with a double movement comprising simultaneously: - a first movement of articulation relative to the frame of the vehicle which makes it follow a first path at less locally curved, and a second movement of articulation which involves it along a second path also at least locally curved, but with a curvature less than that of the first path, so that one thus approaches a straight line the third curved path (b ), combination of the first and second paths, generally followed by a rear part (140) of the roof element, thus allowing the roof element to turn short in its swings between its' closed and stored states.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the first and second paths have non-concentric curvatures.

27. Method according to one of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that, on said curved part, the concavity of the first and / or of the second path is at least locally turned towards the rear of the vehicle.