JP2002036883A - Sunroof driving device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sunroof driving device of a pull cable drive type easy to mount to a sunroof assembly. SOLUTION: In this application, an extension member 50 is mounted in a space 60 between a collar 28A for inserting a cable 16, and an outer casing 30A. The extension member 50 is mounted after a cable driving device 18 is mounted to the sunroof assembly 10. The extension member 50 is composed by connecting a pair of divided members 52A and 52B formed into a nearly semi-cylindrical shape through a hinge 54. Slots 56, 56 forming the insertion passage of the cable 16 are respectively formed in the facing parts inside the divided members 52A and 52B. When the extension member 50 is mounted in the space 60, the length of the entire installation passage of the cable 16 is increased by the length L of the extension member 50, so that the cable 16 is extended and thereby, tension can be imparted to the cable 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sunroof drive device for driving a roof panel provided at an opening of a vehicle body roof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A sunroof drive system of a pull cable drive system has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-81427. Such a sunroof drive device arranges one cable along a predetermined path, winds both ends of the cable around a cable drum, and rotates the cable drum forward / reverse by a cable drive motor, thereby providing a cable. The roof panel connected to the vehicle is moved to open and close the opening of the vehicle body roof.

[0003] Such a sunroof drive device of the pull cable drive system can reduce the diameter of the cable, the layout of the cable path, and the cable drive motor as compared with the sunroof drive device of the conventional push-pull cable drive system. There is an advantage that there is no restriction on the mounting position.

[0004]

However, in the sunroof drive device of the pull cable drive system, it is necessary to apply a predetermined tension to the cable when assembling the sunroof drive device to the sunroof assembly. For this reason, conventionally, since the sunroof drive device was fixed to the sunroof assembly in a state where the cable was stretched, there were drawbacks that assembling required labor and assembling time became longer.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a sunroof drive device that can be easily assembled to a sunroof assembly.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a cable is connected to a roof panel for opening and closing an opening of a vehicle body roof, and the cable is driven by cable driving means. In the sunroof drive device that opens and closes the opening by moving the cable, at least a part of the cable is inserted and disposed in a tubular body, and the tubular body is provided with an elongating means for increasing a cable path length. It is characterized by being able to.

According to the present invention, when the sunroof drive is assembled to the sunroof assembly, no tension is applied to the cable, so that the sunroof drive can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly. Then, after assembling the sunroof drive device to the sunroof assembly, the cable is elongated by extending the cable path length by extending means attached to the cylindrical body, and tension is applied to the cable.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a sunroof drive device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sunroof assembly 10. The sunroof assembly 10 mainly includes a roof panel 12, a frame 14, a cable 16 (see FIG. 2), and a cable driving device (corresponding to a sunroof driving device) 18 (see FIG. 1).

The roof panel 12 is made of glass or a metal such as aluminum and is formed in a rectangular shape. Opposing short sides 12A and 12B are provided on opposing sides 14A and 14B of the frame 14. Guide rail 20A,
It is slidably supported by 20B. When the roof panel 12 is slid in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 along the guide rails 20A and 20B, a roof opening 22 formed between the frame 14 and the vehicle body roof opening (not shown) is formed. Closed by When the roof panel 12 is slid in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 1, the roof panel 12 retreats from the roof opening 22 and the roof opening 22 is opened. The guide rails 20A, 20B are connected to the side portions 14A, 14A of the frame 14.
B may be integrally formed, or may be formed as a separate component and fixed to the side portions 14A and 14B at the time of assembly.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cable 16 is a single cable having a predetermined length, and one end 16A of the cable 16 is connected to a groove 26A of a cable drum 26 through a connector 24A.
(See FIG. 3), and the other end 16B is similarly connected to the groove 26A of the cable drum 26 via the connector 24B.

Referring to FIG. 2, the procedure for arranging the cable 16 will be described in brief. Then, it is inserted into the first opening 33A of the end cap 32A fixed to the side 14A (see FIG. 1). The first opening 33A has one end 31 of the outer casing 30A.
A is fixed.

The cable 16 is connected to the guide rail 20.
A is arranged along A, and is wound around a pulley 34A provided at the base of the guide rail 20A to change the direction by 180 °. Then, the cable 16 is connected to the guide rail 20.
A, and inserted into the second opening 33B of the end cap 32A. Then, connect the cable 16 to the side portion 14.
A is inserted into the outer casing 38 bridged between A and the side 14B. Then, connect the cable 16 to the side portion 14.
B (see FIG. 1) is inserted into the first opening 33A of the end cap 32B fixed to the end cap 32B, disposed along the guide rail 20B, and wound around a pulley 34B provided at the base of the guide rail 20B. ° Turn.
After arranging the cable 16 along the guide rail 20B and inserting the cable 16 into the second opening 33B of the end cap 32B, the cable 16 is inserted through a cylindrical body composed of the collar 28A and the outer casing 30A. The other end 16B is connected to the cable drum 26. The above is the procedure for arranging the cables 16. The end cap 32
One end 31B of the outer casing 30B is fixed to the second opening 33B of B.

In the cable 16 thus arranged, a slider 40A is fixed to the cable 16 disposed between the pulley 34A and the second opening 33B of the end cap 32A. A slider 40B is fixed to the cable 16 disposed between the cable 16 and the second opening 33B of the end cap 32B. These sliders 40A and 40B are connected to the roof panel 12 shown in FIG.
It is fixed to. Therefore, when the cable 16 is pulled by the cable driving device 18 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2, the sliders 40A and 40B move in the direction of arrow B, and the roof panel 12 moves in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 22 is opened. When the cable 16 is pulled by the cable driving device 18 in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 2, the sliders 40A and 40B move in the direction indicated by the arrow A, so that the roof panel 12 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 2
2 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cable driving device 18 includes a cable 16, a cable drum 26, a motor 42, and a reduction gear box 44.

A drive shaft (not shown) of the motor 42 is connected to an input shaft (not shown) of a reduction gear provided in a reduction gear box 44 so as to transmit power. The output shaft 43 of the reduction gear projects from the reduction gear box 44 and is connected to a rotation shaft (not shown) of the cable drum 26 so as to be able to transmit a rotational force. Thus, when the cable drum 26 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 3 by the power of the motor 42, the one end 16A of the cable 16 is
6 and the other end 16B side is sent out from the cable drum 26, so that the cable 16 is moved in the direction of arrow C in FIG. Accordingly, the roof panel 12 moves in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 1 and the roof opening 22 is opened. When the cable drum 26 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3, one end 16A of the cable 16 is sent out from the cable drum 26, and the other end 16B is wound around the cable drum 26. Up arrow D
Moved in the direction. Therefore, the roof panel 12 moves in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 and the roof opening 22 is closed.
The upper reference numeral 46 in FIG. 3 denotes a drum casing that houses the cable drum 26.

The sunroof drive device of the pull cable drive system according to the present embodiment is a cable drive device 18.
After assembling to the sunroof assembly 10, FIG.
The tension is applied to the cable 16 by an extension member (corresponding to extension means) shown in FIG.

The extension member 50 shown in FIG. 3 has a pair of divided members 52A and 52B formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and these divided members 52A and 52B are connected via a hinge 54. The extension member 50 is formed of resin or plastic. Split members 52A, 52B
Grooves 56, 56 for forming an insertion path of the cable 16 are formed in the opposing portions on the inner side of the cable 16 respectively. Outside the groove 56, semicircular concave portions 57A, 57A for holding the end of the collar 28A, and the outer casing 3
Semi-circular concave portions 57B, 57B holding the end of 0A are formed. That is, the extension member 50 is provided with the collar 28A.
6 formed between the outer casing 30A and the outer casing 30A
0 is attached.

Next, the procedure for mounting the extension member 50 will be described. First, before attaching the extension member 50 to the gap 60, the cable driving device 18 is connected to the sunroof assembly 1.
Fix to 0. At this time, since no tension is applied to the cable 16, the cable driving device 18 can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly 10.

Next, the drum casing 46 and the collar 28
A spring 58 disposed between the A and the flange 29A.
In the direction in which the gap 60 is widened against the urging force of
Move A. Next, the cable 1 seen from the gap 60
6, for example, after engaging the grooves 56 of the dividing member 52A, the dividing member 52B is hinged to the dividing member 52A.
Stack using. As a result, the extension member 50
0 is attached.

When the extension member 50 is attached to the gap 60 in this manner, the length of the entire path of the cable 16 becomes longer by the length L of the extension member 50 as shown in FIG.
6 can be stretched, thus tensioning the cable 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, tension can be applied to the cable 16 after the cable driving device 18 is assembled to the sunroof assembly 10,
The cable driving device 18 can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly 10. Note that the extension member 50 attached to the gap 60 is sandwiched between the collar 28A and the outer casing 30A by the urging force of the spring 58, so that the extension member 50 is prevented from dropping from the cable 16. Also,
The elongate member 50 is divided into split members 52 by a binding band 62.
Since A and 52B are fixed so as not to open, the gap 60
Never get out of the way.

The extension member 64 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a slide member 66 and a fixing member 68. The slide member 66 is connected to the base 70 via a hinge 72 so that the bent portion 74 can be bent in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
The end of the collar 28A is fixed to the opening 76 of the base 70 as shown in FIG. The fixing member 68 has the base 70.
Is formed, and an opening 80 for fixing the end of the outer casing 30A is formed. Reference numeral 82 denotes an insertion passage of the cable 16 formed on the base portion, and reference numeral 84 denotes an insertion passage of the cable 16 formed on the fixing member 68.

Next, a procedure for applying tension by the extension member 64 will be described. First, the collar 2 is placed on the slide member 66 side.
8A is fixed in advance, and the outer casing 30A is fixed in advance to the fixing member 68 side. And the slide member 6
6 with the bent portion 74 bent as shown in FIG.
Is supported in the groove 78 of the fixing member 68. In this state, the cable driving device 18 is assembled to the sunroof assembly 10. At this time, the extension member 64 is attached to the cable 16.
Since no tension is given from the cable driving device 1
8 can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly 10.

Next, when tension is applied to the cable 16, the bent portion 74 of the slide member 66 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5, and the distal end surface 74A of the bent portion 74 is fixed as shown in FIG. To the inner wall 68A. As a result, the length of the entire path length of the cable 16 is increased by the substantial length L of the extension member 64, so that the cable 16 is extended, and thus tension can be applied to the cable 16.

The extension member 86 shown in FIG. 7 comprises a slide member 88 and a fixing member 90. The slide member 88 has hinges 9 at bases 92 and 94 formed at both ends.
The bent portions 100 and 102 are connected via the hinges 104 so that the bent portions 100 and 102 can be bent. Also, the base 92
The end of the collar 28A (see FIG. 6) is fixed to the opening 106, and the end of the outer casing 30A (see FIG. 6) is fixed to the opening 108 of the base 94 in FIG. The fixing member 90 has a groove 110 for guiding the base portions 92 and 94 so as to be slidable.

The procedure for applying tension by the extension member 86 will be described. First, the collar 28A and the outer casing 30A are fixed to the bases 92 and 94 of the slide member 88 in advance. Then, the bent portions 100, 1
The base portions 92 and 94 are supported by the grooves 110 of the fixing member 90 in a state where the base member 02 is bent as shown in FIG. In this state, the cable driving device 18 is assembled to the sunroof assembly 10. At this time, since tension is not applied to the cable 16 from the extension member 86, the cable driving device 18
Can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly 10.

Next, when tension is applied to the cable 16, the bent portions 100 and 102 of the slide member 88 are bent in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 to extend the slide member 88 straight. Thereby, the length of the path length of the entire cable 16 becomes longer by the extension of the slide member 88, so that tension can be applied to the cable 16.

The extension member 112 shown in FIG.
4 and a screw shaft 116 and the like. Screw cylinder 1
A female screw 115 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the screw 14, and a male screw 117 of a screw shaft 116 is screwed to the female screw 115. The screw shaft 116 is formed hollow, and the hollow portion 11 is formed.
A cable 16 is inserted through 8. Also, the screw cylinder 11
4 is fixed to the right end of the collar 28A.
16 hexagonal head sections 120 with outer casing 30A
End is fixed.

The procedure for applying tension by the extension member 112 will be described. First, the screw shaft 116 is screwed into the screw tube 114, and the screw shaft 116 is stored in the screw tube 114.
That is, the length of the extension member 112 is shortened. In this state, the cable driving device 18 is connected to the sunroof assembly 10.
Assemble to. At this time, the extension member 1 is attached to the cable 16.
Since no tension is applied from the cable 12, the cable driving device 18 can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly 10.

Next, when tension is applied to the cable 16, the screw shaft 116 is rotated in a direction opposite to the previous direction, and the screw shaft 1 is rotated.
16 is projected from the screw cylinder 114. Thus, the length of the entire path length of the cable 16 is increased by the amount of the protrusion of the screw shaft 116, so that tension can be applied to the cable 16. And after giving predetermined tension to the cable 16,
The screw shaft 116 is fastened to the screw cylinder 114 using the nut 122 screwed to the male screw 117. Thereby, loosening of the screw shaft 116 can be prevented.

The extension member 124 shown in FIG.
And an inner cylinder 128. A pair of grooves 130, 130 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 126 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 126.
Are formed, and pins 132, 132 protruding from the inner cylinder 128 are slidably inserted into the grooves 130, 130.
In the middle of the grooves 130, 130, a branch groove 13 is provided.
4 and 134 (one branch groove 134 is not shown)
6 is formed in the circumferential direction, and an engagement groove 136 penetrated by the outer cylinder 126 is formed at an end end of the branch groove 134. The cable 16 has an outer tube 126 and an inner tube 128.
It is inserted inside. The end of the collar 28A is fixed to the right end of the outer cylinder 126, and the head 1 of the screw shaft 116 is fixed.
An end of the outer casing 30 </ b> A is fixed to 38.

The procedure for applying tension by the extension member 124 will be described. First, the pins 132, 132 of the inner cylinder 128 are inserted into the grooves 130, 130 of the outer cylinder 126, and the inner cylinder 128 is inserted.
Is stored in the outer cylinder 126. That is, the extension member 124
Keep the length short. In this state, the cable driving device 1
8 is assembled to the sunroof assembly 10. At this time, since tension is not applied to the cable 16 from the extension member 124, the cable driving device 18 can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly 10.

Next, when tension is applied to the cable 16, the inner cylinder 128 is made to protrude from the outer cylinder 126. Thus, the length of the entire path length of the cable 16 is increased by the amount of the protrusion of the inner cylinder 128, so that tension can be applied to the cable 16. Then, the pin 132 of the inner cylinder 128 is aligned with the branch groove 134, the pin 132 is moved along the branch groove 134 (the inner cylinder 128 is rotated with respect to the outer cylinder 126), and the pin 132 is engaged with the engagement groove 136. Combine. As a result, the amount of protrusion of the inner cylinder 128 is maintained, and the tension of the cable 16 is kept constant.

In the above embodiment, the extension member 5
Although the example which attached 0, 64, 86, 112, and 124 between the collar 28A and the outer casing 30A was shown,
The same effect can be obtained even if it is mounted between the collar 28B and the outer casing 30B.

In the above embodiment, the extension member 5
Although an example in which 0, 64, 86, 112, and 124 are applied to a slide-type sunroof drive device has been described, the present invention is not limited to this example. Also, the present invention can be applied to a sunroof drive device that only tilts a roof panel up.

[0036]

As described above, according to the sunroof drive device according to the present invention, after the sunroof drive device is assembled to the sunroof assembly, the cable path length is extended by the tubular member into which the cable is inserted. In addition, since the cable is extended to apply tension to the cable, the sunroof drive device can be easily assembled to the sunroof assembly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sunroof assembly to which a sunroof drive device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a cable route diagram of a sunroof assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the cable driving device and the extension member.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state where tension is applied to the cable by the extension member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the extension member.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a state where tension is applied to the cable by the extension member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the extension member.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the extension member.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the extension member.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: sunroof assembly, 12: roof panel,
14 ... frame, 16 ... cable, 18 ... cable drive device, 20A, 20B ... guide rail, 22 ... roof opening, 26 ... cable drum, 40A, 40B ... slider, 42 ... motor, 50, 64, 86, 112, 124
... Elongating members, 52A, 52B ... Split members, 66, 88 ...
Slide member, 68, 90: fixing member, 114: screw cylinder, 116: screw shaft, 126: outer cylinder, 128: inner cylinder

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sunroof drive device that connects a cable to a roof panel that opens and closes an opening of a vehicle body roof and moves the roof panel by driving the cable by cable driving means to open and close the opening. A sunroof drive device, wherein at least a part of a cable is inserted and disposed in a tubular body, and the tubular body is provided with extension means for increasing a cable path length.