Classifications

• • 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
  • B60J7/04—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with rigid plate-like element or elements, e.g. open roofs with harmonica-type folding rigid panels
  • B60J7/047—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with rigid plate-like element or elements, e.g. open roofs with harmonica-type folding rigid panels movable to overlapping or nested relationship

Definitions

• the invention relates to a drive mechanism for a first and a second movable panel for a vehicle. Further, the invention relates to a method for moving a first and a second movable panel for a vehicle.
• Background Vehicles can be equipped with a roof opening in the roof of the vehicle.
• the opening is closed by one or more panels.
• a sliding roof device with two panels is known from
• a drive mechanism for a first and a second movable panel for a vehicle comprises a first slide mechanism for moving the first movable panel.
• the first slide mechanism is movable in a first direction for displacing the first movable panel in the first direction relative to the second movable panel.
• the first slide mechanism is movable in an opposite second direction for tilting the first movable panel.
• the drive mechanism comprises a second slide mechanism.
• the second slide mechanism is disposed within a guide rail and is movable relative to the guide rail for moving the second movable panel.
• the second slide mechanism comprises a locking lever.
• the locking lever is coupled with the first slide mechanism during a first state of movement to transmit a movement of the first slide mechanism to the second slide mechanism.
• the locking lever is locked with the guide rail during further states of movement of the first slide
• the locking lever of the second slide mechanism allows a secure locking of the second movable panel when the first movable panel is displaced with respect to the second movable panel in the first direction.
• the first movable panel is displaceable beneath the second movable panel.
• the locking lever is used to couple the first slide mechanism with the second slide mechanism to tilt the second movable panel when the first movable panel is in a position in front of the second movable panel.
• the locking lever is used for transmitting a movement of the first slide mechanism during the first state of movement and to lock the second slide mechanism in the further states of movement to block a movement of the second slide mechanism relative to the guide rail.
• the first slide mechanism is movable in the second direction for tilting the first movable panel.
• the movement of the first slide mechanism is transmitted to the second slide mechanism by the connection of the locking lever with the first slide mechanism.
• the second movable panel is tilted as well. From the tilted position of the first and the second movable panel the first slide mechanism is moved in the first direction to tilt the first movable panel back in the closed position.
• the locking lever is connected to the first slide mechanism and thereby the movement of the first slide mechanism is transmittable to the second slide mechanism. Hence the second movable panel is tilted back in the closing position.
• the locking lever is locked with the guide rail and uncoupled from the first slide mechanism.
• the second movable panel is not displaced with respect to the guide rail.
• the first movable panel is moved beneath the second movable panel and displaced in the first direction with respect to the second panel.
• a method for moving a first and second movable panel for a vehicle comprises: - moving a first slide mechanism in a second direction and thereby moving a second slide mechanism in the second
• the second slide mechanism In the closed position, the second slide mechanism is locked to the guide rail.
• the second slide mechanism When the first slide mechanism moves in the second direction starting at the closed position, the second slide mechanism is unlocked.
• the first slide mechanism moves in the first direction starting at the closed position the second slide mechanism remains locked.
• the described mechanism and method enable a secure movement of both panels, in particular of the rear panel. Furthermore, the described mechanism and method enable a secure fastening of the rear panel.
• FIG. 1 schematically shows a roof of a vehicle in
• FIGS. 2A to 2C schematically show a drive mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• Figures 3A to 3C schematically show the drive mechanism in a further position.
• Figures 4A to 4C schematically show the drive mechanism in a further position.
• Figure 5 schematically shows an exploded view of a drive mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention .
• Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for moving movable panels in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 1 shows a roof 103 of a vehicle 100.
• the roof 103 comprises a roof opening 130.
• the roof opening 130 can be closed by a first panel 101 and a second panel 102.
• the first movable panel 101 is also called “front panel”.
• the first panel 101 is arranged closer to a windshield 131 of the vehicle 100 and a second panel 102 in a closed position of the panels 101 and 102 as shown in Figure 1.
• the second panel 102 is also called “rear panel” and is arranged behind the first panel 101 in a first direction 106 ( Figure 2A) .
• the first panel 101 is arranged between the windshield 131 and the second panel 102 in the first direction 106 in the closed position .
• the panels 101 and 102 are part of an inner sliding sunroof. It is possible to tilt the first panel 101 and the second panel 102. Further, it is possible to move the first panel 101 beneath the second panel 102 and move the first panel 101 in the first direction 106 to free the roof opening 130 in a front part .
• Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show a drive mechanism 104 for moving the first panel 104 and the second panel 102 in a closed position of the panels 101 and 102.
• the drive mechanism 104 comprises a first slide mechanism 105 for moving the first panel 101.
• the drive mechanism 104 comprises a second slide mechanism 109 for moving the second panel 102.
• the first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 each are guided in a guide rail 110.
• the guide rail 110 is fixed to the vehicle body of the vehicle 100.
• the drive mechanism 104 is arranged at both sides of the roof opening 130.
• the drive mechanism 104 is formed
• the guide rail 110 comprises a recess 120.
• a locking lever 111 of the second slide mechanism 109 is arranged partly in the recess 120.
• a projecting part 119 of the locking lever 111 engages the recess 120.
• the locking lever 111 is in a position, in which the locking lever 111 is locked to the guide rail 110 along the first and the second direction.
• the locking lever 111 is arranged at a first end 113 of a rod 112.
• the rod 112 extends along the first direction 106 between the first end 113 and a second end 114 which is connected to a sled 116.
• the sled 116 is part of the second slide mechanism 109.
• the sled 116 comprises a slotted guide 121.
• a tilt lever 126 is coupled with the slotted guide 121 and with the second movable panel 102.
• the tilt lever 126 is connected with the guide rail 110 as well. By rotating the tilt lever 126 the second panel 102 is tiltable.
• the slotted guide 121 comprises a flat part 122, an inclining part 123 and a further flat part 124 in the first direction
• the first slide mechanism 105 comprises a pin 118.
• the pin 118 is for coupling the first slide mechanism 105 with the locking lever 111 of the second slide mechanism 109.
• the pin 118 is releasably coupled with slotted guide 117 of the locking lever 111.
• the panels 101 and 102 are tilted in a third direction 108 which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 106.
• the respective rear edges of the first panel 101 and the second 102 are moved in the third direction 108.
• a water channel 125 is arranged at the rear edge of the first panel 101 to guide water to the guide rail 110.
• the driving cable transmits a movement of an electric motor to the first drive mechanism 105.
• the second drive mechanism 109 is not connected directly to a drive cable. The movement of the electric motor is transmitted to the second slide mechanism 109 by the
• Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show the drive mechanism 104 in a position in which the panels 101 and 102 are tilted.
• the first slide mechanism 105 is moved in the second
• the slotted guide 117 of the locking lever 111 comprises a shape such that the movement of the first slide mechanism 105 in the second direction 107 is transmitted to the locking lever 111.
• the locking lever 111 is connected to the first slide
• the movement of the first slide mechanism 105 is transmitted to the second slide mechanism 109 via the connection of the pin 118 and the locking lever 111.
• the movement of the locking lever 111 is transmitted to the sled 116 via the rod 112.
• the sled 116 is moved in the second direction 107 with respect to the tilt lever 126. Hence, the connection of the tilt lever 126 with the slotted guide 121 of the sled 116 moves along the slotted guide 121.
• the tilt lever 126 moves along the inclining part 123, the tilt lever 126 is rotated and thereby tilts the second panel 102. In the tilted position the tilt lever 126 is coupled with the flat part 124.
• the first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 are moved in the second direction 107 to tilt both panels 101 and 102.
• the first slide mechanism 105 is moved in the first direction
• the locking lever 111 Due to the coupling of the locking lever 111 with the first slide mechanism 105 the movement of the first slide mechanism 105 is transmitted to the second slide mechanism 109.
• the locking lever 111 is rotated such that the projecting part 119 engages the recess 120.
• the locking lever 111 decouples from the first slide mechanism 105.
• the locking lever 111 is locked to the guide rail 110 and thereby blocks a further movement of the second slide mechanism 109 and the second panel 102 along the first and the second direction.
• the locking lever 111 is forced into the recess 120 by a spring force of a spring 127 ( Figure 5) .
• the spring 127 is supported on the rod 112 with one end and on the locking lever 111 with another end.
• the locking lever 111 pivotally moves into the recess 120 and the pin 118 can move out of the slotted guide 117 of the lever 111.
• the slotted guide 117 is shaped such that the pin 118 and the lever 111 cannot be moved relative to each other when the pin 118 is in the slotted guide 117 and the lever 111 is not in the recess 120.
• the pin 118 can decouple from the lever 111. Afterwards a movement of the first slide mechanism 105 with the pin 118 relative to the lever 111 in the first direction 106 is possible.
• the first slide mechanism 105 can be moved in the first direction 106 with respect to the second slide
• Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show the drive mechanism 104 in an open position in which the first panel 101 is moved beneath the second panel 102 and in the first direction 106.
• the first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 are decoupled. By moving the first slide mechanism 105 in the first direction 106, the first slide mechanism 105 is moved relative to the second slide mechanism 109.
• the second slide mechanism 109 is unmovable with respect to the guide rail 110 due to the locking by the locking lever 111.
• the projecting part 119 is in the recess 120 and thereby blocks a movement of the second slide mechanism 109 along the first direction 106 or the second direction 107.
• the slotted guide 117 of the locking lever 111 and the pin 118 of the first slide mechanism 105 are disconnected. Hence, a movement of the first slide mechanism 105 relative to the guide rail 110 without the second slide mechanism 109 is possible.
• the tilt lever 126 is connected with the flat part 122 of the slotted guide 121 of the sled 116.
• the second slide mechanism 109 and the second panel 102 remain substantially unchanged in their closed position as shown in Figures 2A to 2C.
• a movement of the first slide mechanism 105 in the second direction 107 is conducted.
• the first slide mechanism 105 is moved in the second direction 107 relative to the slide mechanism 109 until both panels are in their respective closed position.
• Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the drive mechanism 104.
• the first drive mechanism 105 may be a conventional drive mechanism.
• the conventional drive mechanism for the first panel 101 is extended by the second drive mechanism 109 for tilting the second panel 102.
• both panels 101 and 102 it is possible to tilt both panels 101 and 102 by moving the first slide mechanism 105 in the second direction.
• the first slide mechanism 105 tilts the front panel.
• the second slide mechanism 109 is linked with the first slide mechanism 105 to enable both panels to be tilted at the same time.
• the first slide mechanism 105 is moved in the reverse direction 107.
• the second slide mechanism 109 is
• the first slide mechanism 105 opens the first panel 101.
• the second slide mechanism 109 must not move during the opening of the front panel 101 beneath the second panel 102.
• the locking lever 111 which is linked with the sled 116 of the second slide mechanism 109 is used for locking the second slide mechanism 109.
• the locking lever 111 is commanded by the first slide mechanism 105. Starting at the closed
• the second slide mechanism 109 is locked to the guide rail by the locking lever 111, in particular the projecting part 119 is locked to the recess 120. Hence, the second slide mechanism 109 does not move relative to the guide rail 110. Starting at the closed position when the slide mechanism 105 is driven frontwards in the second direction 107, it unlocks the second slide mechanism 109 with the pin 118 of the first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 moves forward at the same time as the first slide mechanism 105.
• Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for moving the first and the second panel 101 and 102.
• a step 201 the first slide mechanism 105 is moved in the second direction 107 and thereby moves the second slide mechanism 109 in the second direction 107. Due to the
• first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 are moved in the first direction 106 to move the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 from their respective tilted
• the second slide mechanism 109 is locked such that a further movement of the second slide mechanism 109 in the first and second direction 106 and 107 is blocked.
• the first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 are disconnected.
• a step 203 the first slide mechanism 105 is moved relative to the second slide mechanism 109 in the first direction 106. By moving the first slide mechanism 105 in the first
• the first movable panel 101 is moved beneath the second movable panel 102 and is displaced in the first direction 106 with respect to the second movable panel.
• the first slide mechanism 105 moves in the second direction 107 relative to the second slide mechanism 109, the first movable panel 101 is moved from its opened position to its closed position.
• the second slide mechanism 109 is locked to the guide rail 110. Prior to the tilting of the second panel 102 the second slide
• the locking lever 111 is rotated with respect to the guide rail 110 for locking and unlocking the second slide mechanism.
• the locking lever 111 For connectin the second slide mechanism 109 with the first slide mechanism 105 the locking lever 111 is latched with the pin 118. For disconnecting the first slide mechanism 105 and the second slide mechanism 109 the pin 118 is moved out of the slotted guide 117 of the locking lever 111.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)

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• 2016
  • 2016-02-19 EP EP16705774.4A patent/EP3416841A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2016-02-19 WO PCT/EP2016/053501 patent/WO2017140371A1/en active Application Filing

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