WO2016107650A1

WO2016107650A1 - Rollo assembly and open roof construction for a vehicle provided therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2016107650A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/079453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei; Robert Rikkert; Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters
Original assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group BV
Current assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group BV
Priority date: 2014-12-30
Filing date: 2014-12-30
Publication date: 2016-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2017-06-30
Also published as: GB2547839B; GB2547839A; GB201708282D0

Abstract

A rollo assembly (5) comprises a rollo screen (6) which is movable between a wound position in which it extends spirally around a first geometrical axis (8) and an extended position in which it extends substantially longitudinally in the direction of a second geometrical axis (9) perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis, and guides (10) for cooperation with opposite side edges (11) of the rollo screen (6). The rollo screen (6) comprises a sheet member (21) which is configurable between a substantially stable first coiled state for defining said wound position of the rollo screen (6), and a substantially stable second extended state for defining said extended position of the rollo screen, wherein the sheet member (21) in said second extended state as seen in a transverse cross section is curved.

Description

Rollo assembly and open roof construction for a vehicle provided therewith

The invention firstly relates to a rollo assembly, comprising a rollo screen which is movable between a wound position in which it extends spirally around a first geometrical axis and an extended position in which it extends sub^¬ stantially longitudinally in the direction of a second geometrical axis perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis, and guides for cooperation with opposite side edges of the rollo screen.

Such a rollo assembly, for example but not exclusively, may be used in combination with an open roof construction for a vehicle for shading a roof opening in a stationary roof part of the vehicle (but also other applications are conceivable, such as for shading a side or rear window of a vehicle) . One of the challenges when designing such a rollo assembly is to ensure that the rollo screen assumes a desired shape when in its extended position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved rollo assembly.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention the rollo assembly is characterized in that the rollo screen comprises a sheet member which is configurable between a substantially stable first coiled state for defining said wound position of the rollo screen, and a substantially sta^¬ ble second extended state for defining said extended position of the rollo screen, wherein the sheet member in said second extended state as seen in a transverse cross section is curved.

The use of such a sheet member allows to achieve a rollo assembly which not only in the wound position assumes a stable position, but also in the extended position without the need for additional measures. It is possible to achieve a shape in the extended position closely matching the shape of external members (for example a curved shape of a head- liner below the roof of a vehicle) .

It is noted that although it is stated that the sheet member in said second extended state as seen in a transverse cross section is curved, this applies for a situation in which the rollo screen is not loaded. In a situation in which the rollo screen is loaded (this also may encompass loaded by its own weight ) said curvature may have been (partly) eliminated (such that the original curvature of the sheet member -and thus of the rollo screen- has become substantially straight under influence of the load acting on the rollo screen) .

In one embodiment the sheet member in said second extending state is substantially self-supporting. This means that the sheet member itself already is sufficient to achieve the desired shape of the rollo screen in said extended state. As an alternative, as will appear below, additional members may be provided.

In one embodiment the rollo screen comprises at least two layers of which one layer defines said sheet member. The sheet member itself also may comprise a number of layers (for example each with fibres oriented in specific directions, for achieving the desired behaviour of the sheet member, i.e. for assuring its ability to assume two stable states ) ; the materials used may comprise polymers in combination with reinforcement materials (such as, but not limited to, glass fibres, carbon fibres or polyester fibres). Other combinations are conceivable too. The remaining layer (s) of the rollo screen may be provided for offering other characteristics to the rollo screen , f r example aesthetical characteristics .

The rollo screen, for example, may comprise a top layer defined by said sheet member and a lower layer defined by a rollo screen cloth (or a cloth used for headliners in vehicles or for styling purposes in a vehicle) . The lower layer may be the visible layer (for example when applied as a rollo assembly in a vehicle) and as such will be designed to obtain the desired appearance.

In one embodiment the sheet member does not extend continuously over the entire extent of the rollo screen. For example the sheet member may be provided with cut-outs arranged in a specific pattern. Such a pattern may be chosen in a very wide array of possibilities in accordance with desired characteristics of the rollo screen (for example local strength and resiliency, desired shape in the extended position) .

In another embodiment the sheet member is provided only at two edge zones adjacent the side edges of the rollo screen. Between those edge zones the rollo screen does not comprise said sheet member (but it still is possible that other members -such as a cloth as mentioned before- are present there, for example for assuring that the rollo screen does not show too large variations in thickness) .

In an alternative embodiment of the rollo assembly the sheet member is provided only at a central zone remote from the side edges of the rollo screen. In such an embodiment, however, it may be advantageous when other members are provided at the edge zones (for example reinforcements for assuring a correct cooperation between the rollo screen side edges and the guides; such reinforcements could be an integral part of the sheet member or could be defined by separate members, for example made of plastics or steel) .

Basically a large variety of possibilities are available for designing the rollo screen while maintaining its property to achieve the two stable states.

For example, the sheet member may have different zones with different thicknesses, wherein in zones with greater thickness the sheet member is provided with a number of longitudinally or transversal ly spaced, transversally or longitudinally extending members for reinforcing the sheet member. Such members may add to the strength of the rollo screen and its ability to maintain a desired shape (especially in the extended state) . The reinforcing members may e manufactured from any convenient material ( for example metal or plastic) , but it is conceivable too that the members are realised by adding additional layers of a material (for example a rollo screen cloth) already present in the rollo screen .

In one embodiment the sheet member is curved in such a manner that it provides different curvatures at different locations of the rollo screen. This allows to design the rollo screen in accordance with specific demands (for example for minimising the distance to adjacent members, such as for example a glass panel of an open roof const ruc- tion) .

Although the sheet member in the second extended state basi caliy is curved as seen in a transverse cross section, it also may prove advantageous when the sheet member in said second extended state also is curved as seen in a longitudinal cross section. This offers an extra possibility for optimising the shape of the rollo scree .

Another possibility for optimising the characteristics of the rollo screen offers an embodiment in which the rollo screen has different zones with different thicknesses ( for example by adding additional layers of material ) . For example the rollo screen may have a greater thickness in edge zones adjacent the side edge (which, for example, may contribute to optimising the manner in which the side edges are guided in the guides) .

Apart from the design of the rollo screen, also the design of the guides plays an important role in achieving (or optimising) the correct functioning of the rollo assembly, especially (but not exclusively) for preventing that the side edges of the rollo become disengaged from the guides in the second extended state . There are many possi^¬ bilities , of which below some will be mentioned.

The guides, as seen in a transverse cross section, may define inclined guide channels of which the inclination preferably substantially corresponds with the tangent line at the respective local part of the rollo screen. For example, the guide channels may have an inclination in a range from 0 ° to 15⁰.

In another embodiment the guides define guide channels which have a dimension in a transverse direction which is at most 5% of the total transverse dimension of the rollo screen.

The guides each may define a guide channel with an inwardly (that means towards a central part of the rollo as- sembly) facing e trance opening with a first width and an outwardly facing inner end with a second larger width. The inner end with larger width may be used for securely retaining the rollo screen in the guide. For example, the rollo screen may have side edges with an increased thickness which are accommodated in the guide channel. As an example, such increased thickness may be obtained by inclusion of a cable, cord or alike in the side edge.

In an alternative embodiment the side edges of the rollo screen are provided with inwardly folded edges which are intended to be lockingly received in the outwardly facing inner ends of the guide channels.

In yet another embodiment of the rollo assembly according to the present invention the guides, as seen in a transverse cross sections, define curved guide channels. This also may add to the retention of the side edges of the rollo screen in the guides.

It is possible, that the guides define guide channels which, between an inwardly facing entrance opening and an outwardly facing inner end, substantially have a constant width for snugly receiving the rollo screen. As an alterna- Live, however, a guide channel, between an inwardly facing entrance opening and an outwardly facing inner end, may have a varying width; for example a curved guide channel may be defined between two opposite guide channel walls, of which a first one is curved and the other one is straight, both as considered in a transverse cross section.

In one embodiment the guides define guide channels with a first shape, as considered in a transverse cross sec^¬ tion, and wherein the rollo screen comprises edge zones in- tended to be received in said guide channels and biased to^¬ wards a second shape different from the first shape (for ex^¬ ample said edge zones may be provided with or act as longi^¬ tudinally extending resilient members, for example spring members) . This causes friction between the guide channels walls and the edge zones which adds to the retention of the side edges of the rollo screen in the guides.

In one embodiment the guides each define a guide channel with an outwardly facing inner end and wherein a side edge of the rollo screen, when received in a respective guide channel, is located at some distance from an innermost part of the outwardly facing inner end of the guide channel. As a result an outward movement of the side edges is allowed (for example when the curved shape of the rollo screen changes ) .

It is conceivable that edge zones of the rollo screen intended to cooperate with the guides are covered with a material having dampening properties; for example the rollo screen may comprise the sheet member and a rollo screen cloth attached to one surface thereof, wherein said material is defined by an edge part of said rollo screen cloth which is folded back around a respective side edge of the sheet member and onto the opposite surface of the sheet member. The dampening effect achieved may result in a reduction of noises and wear. For driving the rollo screen between its wound po^¬ sition and extended position a number of possibilities are available. In one embodiment the rollo screen has a forward edge connected to a pull beam extending transversally be- tween the guides and wherein at least one of the opposite ends of said pull beam is connected to a drive cable. The drive cable (s) may run in channels (for example provided in the guides ) , and the outer ends of the pull beam may be guided in the same guides as the side edges of the rollo screen or in other guides .

As an alternative, the (theoretical ) first geometrical axis is defined by a (physical ) winding shaft for receiving thereon the rollo screen in the wound position; then at least one drive motor for the winding shaft may be pro- vided. Such a drive motor may be positioned outside the winding shaft, but also inside the driving shaft.

It is possible that the rollo screen meets the winding shaft at an upper or a lower circumferential part of the winding shaft. This means that, as seen in an operative position of the rollo assembly, the place where the rollo screen meets the winding shaft, is located at a higher or lower level, compared to said winding shaft.

It also is possible that the rollo assembly further is provided with at least one drive roll engaging and driving the rollo screen. Such a drive roll may engage the rollo screen at a position where it already is in the extended position (possibly in combination with a counter roll engaging an opposite side of the rollo screen) or at a position where the rollo screen still is wound (for example wound onto a winding shaft ) .

In one embodiment the rollo assembly further comprises a rollo screen housing for housing the rollo screen in the wound position. This may protect the rollo screen, but also may define a very well-defined pos i t ion thereof in the wound position. In such an embodiment the rollo screen housing may comprise a winding shaft for winding the rollo screen; however, this does not preclude the possibility that no physical winding shaft is provided and that the rollo screen ob- tains its wound position based upon the characteristic behaviour of the sheet member (which also may apply to situations in which no housing is provided) .

In an alternative embodiment the rollo screen housing comprises a spiral-shaped guide channel for receiv- ing the rollo screen in the wound position. The rollo screen, in such an embodiment, slides into the spiral-shaped guide channel when being wound ,

In an embodiment in which a rollo screen housing is provided, said rollo screen housing may comprise an en- trance slot for passage of the rollo screen, which entrance slot is curved in accordance with the desired curvature of the rollo screen as seen in a transverse cross section. This may improve the ability to offer the rollo screen the desired shape. However, also separate guides may be provided for this goal.

In another embodiment in which a rollo screen housing is provided, said rollo screen housing may be divided into two trans ersally spaced housing parts each cooperating only with opposite edge zones of the rollo screen, Thus not a housing completely receiving the rollo screen in its wound position is provided, but two housing parts which only receive opposite edge zones. Such an embodiment may be combined with embodiments with or without physical winding shaft or with a spiral-shaped guide channel (in each of the housing parts and open at one side) .

In a special embodiment the rollo assembly com^¬ prises two rollo screens which are movable between wound positions in which they extend spirally along each other around said first geometrical axis and extended positions in which they extend substantially longitudinally in opposite senses along said second geometrical axis perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis. Basically such an embodiment combines two assemblies with a single rollo screen each, (such that both rollo screens are wound at the same place in a spirally intertwined configuration) , thus allowing to cover a larger surface ( for example a larger roof opening in a vehicle) .

The invention further relates to a rollo assembly, comprising a rollo screen which is movable between a wound position in which it extends spirally around a first geometrical axis and an extended position in which it extends substantially longitudinally in the direction of a second geometrical axis perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis , and guides for cooperation with opposite side edges of the rollo screen, wherein the rollo screen comprises a sheet member which is configurable between a substantially stable first coiled state for defining said wound position of the rollo screen, and a substantially stable second extended state for defining said extended position of the rollo screen, wherein the sheet member in said second extended state as seen in a transverse cross section is curved, and wherein reinforcing members are provided for reinforcing the rollo screen.

The present invention also relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle, comprising a roof opening in a stationary roof part, a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening and a rollo assembly according to the present invention positioned below said roof opening and at^¬ tached to the stationary roof part .

Next the invention will be elucidated while referring to the drawings , in which

Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle provided with an open roof construction with rollo assembly; Figure 2 in a perspect : ve view illustrates a rollo assembly on a larger scale;

Figures 3 and 4 schematically show cross sections according to I 11 -III in figure 2 for two different embodi - ments;

Figures 5 and 6 schematically show cross sections according to V-V in figure 2 for two different embodiments ;

Figures 7 and 8 in perspective views show two dif^¬ ferent sheet member patterns in a rollo assembly;

Figure 9 on a larger scale shows a cross section of another embodiment;

Figures 10-14 show partial transverse cross sections of five different embodiments of guides for a rollo assembly;

Figures 15 and 1.6 show, in a top plan view, two different manners for driving a rollo screen of a rollo assembly;

Figures 17 and 18 in a perspective view show two different embodiments of a housing for a roi lo screen;

Figure 19 in a perspective view shows a different embodiment for winding the rollo screen;

Figure 20 illustrates, on a larger scale, a cross section according to XX-XX in figure 19;

Figures 21 and 22 in partial longitudinal cross sections illustrate two embodiments of means for guiding the rollo screen;

Figure 23 in a longitudinal cross section shows an embodiment with two rollo screens ;

Figures 24 and 25 in longitudinal cross sections illustrate details of two different embodiments of pull beams, and

Figure 26 in schematical top plan views shows four different embodiments of one-sided drive means for the rollo assembly . Firstly referring to figure 1, part of a vehicle 1 is illustrated with an open roof construction comprising a roof opening 2 in a stationary roof part 3 of the vehicle and a movable panel 4 for opening and closing the panel.

The way in which the movable panel 4 is guided and driven between its closed and open positions, is known per se and not further elucidated here.

Below the roof opening a rollo assembly (generally indicated as 5 in figure 1) is provided. This rollo assembly 5 will be attached to the stationary roof part 3, as is generally known. Referring to figure 2, the rollo assembly 5 basically comprises a rollo screen 6 which is movable be^¬ tween a wound position in which it extends spirally around a first geometrical axis 8 (see for example figure 21 in which the rollo screen 6 is partly wound on a winding shaft 7 which defines a geometrical axis 8) and an extended position (as illustrated in figure 2 ) in which the rollo screen 6 extends substantially longitudinally in the direction of a second geometrical axis 9 perpendicularly to the first geo- metrical axis 8, As applied in a vehicle 1, the first geometrical axis 8 extends transversally and the second geometrical axis 9 extends longitudinally with respect to the ve^¬ hicle 1. In other applications this may be different.

The rollo assembly 5 further comprises guides 10 for cooperation with opposite side edges 11 (see for example figure 10) of the rollo screen 6.

The rollo screen 6 comprises a sheet member (to be elucidated below) which is configurable between a substantially stable first coiled state (as illustrated for example in figure 21) for defining said wound position of the rollo screen 6, and a substantially s table second extended state (as illustrated for example in figure 2) for defining said extended position of the rollo screen 6. It is noted, that additional measures may be provided for assuring that these stable states are maintained (for example for assuring that in the first coiled state a small part of the sheet member is not coiled, and that in the second extended state a short part of the sheet member remains coiled -for example on a winding shaft-) . Compared to state of the art rollo assem- blies the present rollo assembly inherently maintains a desired position, whereas former rollo assemblies required that opposite ends (or sides ) of the rollo screen where ten- sioned. The sheet member is designed and configured in such a manner that it, at least in an unloaded position, in said second extended state is curved, as seen in a transverse cross section. This has been illustrated schematically in figure 2 by slightly curved lines 13.

As will appear later, the rollo screen 6 may use a physical winding shaft 7 for defining its wound position (and thus for defining the geometrical axis 8), but it also is conceivable that such a physical winding shaft is absent and that the geometrical axis 8 is imaginary (or theoretical) .

Referring to figure 3 (showing a cross section ac- cording to III-III in figure 2), the curvature of the rollo screen 6 as defined by the sheet member is clearly visible. It is possib le that the sheet member is curved in such a manner that it provides the rollo screen 6 with different curvatures at different locations of the rollo screen 6. This has been illustrated schematically in figure 4 (also showing a cross section according to III-III in figure 2, but of a different embodiment ) where edge zones 14 of the rollo screen 6 are stronger curved than a central zone between said edge zones (in the illustrated embodiment the curvature of the central zone is zero or substantially zero) .

Likewise figure 5 ( showing a cross section according to V-V in figure 2 ) shows that a rollo screen 6 (or the sheet member) in said second extended state may extend sub- stantially straight as seen in a longitudinal cross section, or (as illustrated in figure 6 for a different embodiment) may extend curved with different zones (here for example four zones 16-19) with curvatures that may differ from each other .

Referring to figure 10 one can see that the rollo screen 6 comprises at least two layers of which one layer (here the top layer) defines said sheet member 21 and of which another layer (here the lower layer) is defined by a rollo screen cloth 22. The sheet member 21 mainly is respon- sible for the shape of the rollo screen 6, whereas the rollo screen cloth 22 mainly is used for aesthetical reasons (although it also may play a role on other fields, for example for acoustics ) .

Although in the most simple embodiment the sheet member 21 will be present over the entire extension of the rollo screen 6, figures 7 and 8 illustrate two embodiments in which the sheet member 21 does not extend continuously over the entire extent of the rollo screen 6 but is provided with cut-outs 23 arranged in a specific pattern. This pat- tern may depend on desired characteristics (such as local strength and resiliency) of the rollo screen 6.

Figure 9 shows a (longitudinal) cross section of another embodiment in which the rollo screen 6 comprises three layers: a top reinforcement member 50, a bottom rollo screen cloth 22 and the sheet member 21. Figure 9 also clearly illustrates that the rollo screen 6 has different zones with different thicknesses . This is achieved by the cut-outs 23 in this embodiment , but also may be achieved in other manners (for example by adding additional layers of material at selected positions ) .

Such different thicknesses also may be used for longitudinally or transversally spaced, transversally or longitudinally extending reinforcement members (which, however, also may be defined in other manners ) . In the embodiment according to figure 10 the rollo screen 6 has a greater thickness in an edge zone 14 adjacent the respective side edge 11 of the rollo screen 6. The rollo screen again comprises the sheet member 21 and the rollo screen cloth 22 attached to one (lower) surface thereof, wherein the greater thickness in the edge zone 14 is defined by an edge part 25 of said rollo screen cloth 22 which is folded back around the respective side edge 11 of the sheet member 21 and onto the opposite (upper) surface of the sheet member 21. This edge part 25 also may define a dampening part .

Figure 10 also shows that the guide 10, as seen in a transverse cross section, defines an inclined guide channel 26 (of which the inclination ex may substantially corre- spond with the respective local curvature of the rollo screen 6). Said inclination may range from 0° to 15°. The guide 10 may define a guide channel 26 which has a dimension d in a transverse direction which is at most 5% of the total transverse dimension D (see figure 3) of the rollo screen 6.

The guide channel 26 has an inwardly facing entrance opening 27 and an outwardly facing inner end 28. In the embodiment according to figure 11 the width of the inner end 28 is larger than the width of the entrance opening 27 and the rollo screen 6 correspondingly has a side edge 11' with an increased thickness in accordance with the second larger width of the outwardly facing inner end 28 of the guide channel 26. For example a cable or cord 29 (extending longitudinally) is embedded in the sheet member 21 ( or in another layer of the rollo screen 6) . As a result a good re- tention of the rollo screen 6 in the guide 10 is assured.

In the embodiment according to figure 12 the side edges 11 of the rollo screen are provided with inwardly folded edges 30 which are intended to be lockingly received in the outwardly facing inner ends 28 of the guide channels 26 (for example behind a ridge 31) . Figure 13 shows an embodiment in which the guide 10, as seen in a transverse cross sections, defines a curved guide channel 26 which moreover, between the inwardly facing entrance opening 27 and the outwardly facing inner end 28, substantially has a constant width for snugly receiving the rollo screen 6. The curved shape of the guide channel 26 also can add to a good retent i on of the rollo screen 6.

In figure 14 a curved guide channel 26 (with a curved wall and an opposite straight wall} has a varying width.

The guides 10 may define guide channels 27 with a first shape, as considered in a transverse cross section, wherein the rollo screen 6 comprises edge zones 14 intended to be received in said guide channels 27 and biased towards a second shape different from the first shape. For example the edge zone 14 in figure 12 may be curved (defining the second shape) when not constraint by the guide channel 26; in figure 13 the edge zone 14 (in said second shape) originally may be straight or may have a different curvature com- pared to the (first shape defining) curvature of the guide channel 26 and in figure 14 the edge zone 14 also may be forced (from its second shape) in a different shape (the first shape) by the guide channel 26. The resulting friction may be used to maintain the rollo screen 6 in a desired po- sition. However, this does not preclude the use of additional means for keeping the rollo screen 6 in a desired position, such as braking means ( acting for example on a pull beam 34 ) .

Referring to figure 13 one can see that guide 10 defines a guide channel 26 with an outwardly facing inner end 28 , wherein a side edge 11 of the rollo screen 6 , when received in a respective guide channel 26, is located at some distance from an innermost part 32 of the outwardly facing inner end 28 of the guide channel 26. This allows some outward movement (to the right in figure 13 ) of the rollo screen 6.

In the embodiment according to figure 15 the rollo screen 6 has a forward edge 33 connected to a pull beam 34 extending transversally between the guides 10, wherein opposi e ends of said pull beam 34 are connected to drive cables 35 (driven by, for example, an electric motor 36) .

It is noted that such a pull beam 34 will be pre^¬ sent in most embodiments , irrespective the presence or not of said cables 35 with motor 36.

In figure 16 such a pull beam 34 also has been represented, but the movement of the rollo screen 6 is governed by a motor 37 driving a winding shaft 7 for the rollo screen 6. The embodiments of figures 15 and 16 also may be combined. Although in figure 16 only one motor 37 is shown, the number of motors may be increased too, as well as the position thereof (for example inside or outside/adj acent the winding shaft 7) ,

As illustrated in figure 22, also one (38) or a number (39,40) of drive rolls may be provided for engaging and driving the rollo screen 6.

Figures 17 and 18 show embodiments of housings for housing the rollo screen 6 in the wound position. In figure 17 a housing 41 is shown fully surrounding the wound rollo screen 6. The housing 41 comprises an entrance slot 42 for passage of the rollo screen 6, which entrance slot 42 may be curved in accordance with the desired curvature of the rollo screen 6 as seen in a transverse cross section. In this embodiment the housing 41 further houses a winding shaft 7 for winding the rollo screen 6. In alternative embodiments such a winding shaft 7 may be absent and the rollo screen 6, due to the presence of the sheet member 21, automatically will assume its wound position within the housing when moved into said housing 41. In the embodiment according to figure 18 the rollo screen housing is divided into two transversally spaced housing parts 43 (only one of which has been represented) each cooperating only with opposite edge zones 14 o the rollo screen 6. Each housing part 43 further comprises a spiral-shaped guide channel 44 for receiving the rollo screen 6 in the wound position. This guide channel 44 opens into an entrance opening or slot 42.

It is noted that such a spiral-shaped guide chan- nel 44 also may be used in a one-part housing according to housing 41.

Figures 19 and 20 show an embodiment without a housing, but with a winding shaft 45 supported for rotation by supports 46, Figure 21 illustrates an alternative manner for guiding the rollo screen 6 when no housing with entrance slot is provided. In this embodiment transverse beams or rods 47,48 define a guide slot for the rollo screen 6.

A special embodiment of the rollo assembly 5 is illustrated in figure 23. It comprises two rollo screens 6' and 6" which are movable between wound positions in which they extend spirally along each other around said first geometrical axis 8 (and possibly on a winding shaft 7) and extended positions in which they extend substantially longitudinally in opposite senses along said second geometrical ax- is 9 perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis 8.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate different pull beams: in figure 24 a separate pull beam 3 ' is provided which is attached to the rollo screen 6 in any convenient manner, and in figure 25 a pull beam 34" is present which is an integral part of the rollo screen 6.

Finally figure 26 illustrates four different em^¬ bodiments with one-sided drive means for the rollo screen 6: figure 26a with a single drive cable 35 attached to one end of the pull beam 34 and driven by motor 36; figure 26b with rolls 39,40 (in accordance with figure 22} engaging the rol- lo screen 6 and driven by motor (s) 49 at only one end; fig^¬ ure 26c with a winding shaft 7 driven at one end only by a motor 37 , and figure 26d a single roll 38 engaging the rollo screen 6 on the winding shaft 7 (in accordance with (21) figure 22) and driven at one end only by a motor 49.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described before which may be varied widely within the scope of the invention as defined by the appending claims.

Claims

1. Rollo assembly (5), comprising a rollo screen (6) which is movable between a wound position in which it extends spirally around a first geometrical axis (8) and an extended position in which it extends substantially longitu- dinally in the direction of a second geometrical axis (9) perpendicul arly to the first geometrical axis, and guides (10) for cooperation with opposite side edges (11) of the rollo screen (6), characterized in that the rollo screen (6) comprises a sheet member (21) which is configurable between a substantially stable first coiled state for defining said wound position of the rollo screen, and a substantially sta^¬ ble second extended state for defining said extended position of the rollo screen, wherein the sheet member (21) in said second extended state as seen in a transverse cross section is curved.

2. Rollo assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sheet member (21) in said second extended state is substantially self-supporting.

3. Rollo assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rollo screen (6) comprises at least two layers of which one layer defines said sheet member.

4. Rollo assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rollo screen comprises a top layer defined by said sheet member (21) and a lower layer defined by a rollo screen cloth (22) .

5. Rollo assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sheet member (21) does not extend continuously over the entire extent of the rollo screen (6) .

6. Rollo assembly according to claim 5, wherein the sheet member (21) is provided with cut-outs (23) arranged in a specific pattern .

7. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims , wherein the sheet member (21) is provided only at two edge zones (14) adjacent the side edges (11) of the rollo screen ( 6) .

8. Rollo assembly according to any of the claims

1-7, wherein the sheet member (21) is provided only at a central zone remote from the side edges (11) of the rollo screen ( 6 ) .

9. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ^¬ ous claims, wherein said sheet member (21) has different zones with different thicknesses, wherein in zones with greater thickness the sheet member (21) is provided with a number of longitudinally or transversally spaced, transver- saliy or longitudinally extending members for reinforcing the sheet member (21) .

10. Rollo assembly according to claim 9, wherein the sheet member (21) has a greater thickness in edge zones

(14) adjacent the side edges (11) of the rollo screen (6).

11. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sheet member (21) is curved in such a manner that it provides different curvatures at different locations (16-19) of the rollo screen (6) .

12. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sheet member (21) in said second extended state also is curved as seen in a longitudinal cross section .

13. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the rollo screen (6) has different zones with different thicknesses.

14. Rollo assembly according to claim 13, wherein the rollo screen (6) has a greater thickness in edge zones (14) adjacent the side edge.

15. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the guides (10), as seen in a transverse cross section, define inclined guide channels (26) of which the inclination (a) preferably substantially corresponds with the tangent line at the respective local part of the rollo screen ( 6) .

16. Rollo assembly according to claim 15, wherein the guide channels (10) have an inclination (a) in a range 5 from 0° to 15° .

17. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ - ous claims, wherein the guides (10) define guide channels (26) which have a dimension (d) in a transverse direction which is at most 5% of the total transverse dimension (D) of 10 the rollo screen (6) .

18. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ- ous claims, wherein the guides (10) each define a guide channel (26) with an inwardly facing entrance opening (27) with a first width and an outwardly facing inner end (28) 15 with a second larger width.

19. Rollo assembly according to claim 18, wherein the rollo screen (6) has side edges (11) with an increased thickness which are accommodated in the guide channel (26) .

20. Rollo assembly according to claim 18, wherein 20 the side edges (11) of the rollo screen (6) are provided

with inwardly folded edges (30) which are intended to be lockingly received in the outwardly facing inner ends (11) of the guide channels (26) .

21. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ - 25 ous claims, wherein the guides (10), as seen in a transverse cross sections, define curved guide channels (26) .

22. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ - ous claims, wherein the guides define guide channels (26) which, between an inwardly facing entrance opening (27) and 30 an outwardly facing inner end (28), substantially have a

constant width for snugly receiving the rollo screen (6) .

23. Rollo assembly according to any of the claims 1-21, wherein the guides each define a guide channel (26) which, between an inwardly facing entrance opening (27) and 35 an outwardly facing inner end (28), has a varying width.

24. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the guides (10) define guide channels (26) with a first shape, as considered in a transverse cross section, and wherein the rollo screen (6) comprises edge zones (14) intended to be received in said guide channels (26) and biased towards a second shape different from the first shape.

25. Rollo assembly according to claim 24, wherein said edge zones (14) are provided with or act as longitudi- nally extending resilient members, for example spring members .

26. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ^¬ ous claims, wherein the guides (10) each define a guide channel (26) with an outwardly facing inner end (28) and wherein a side edge (11) of the rollo screen (6), when received in a respective guide channel (26) , is located at some distance from an innermost part (32) of the outwardly facing inner end (28) of the guide channel (26) .

27. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ- ous claims, wherein edge zones (14) of the rollo screen (6) intended to cooperate with the guides (10) are covered with a material having dampening properties,

28. Rollo assembly according to claim 27, wherein the rollo screen (6) comprises the sheet member (21) and a rollo screen cloth (22) attached to one surface thereof, wherein said material is defined by an edge part (25) of said rollo screen cloth (22) which is folded back around a respective side edge (11) of the sheet member (21) and onto the opposite surface of the sheet member.

29. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ^¬ ous claims, wherein the rollo screen (6) has a forward edge (33) connected to a pull beam (34) extending transversally between the guides (10) and wherein at least one of the opposite ends of said pull beam (34) is connected to a drive cable (35) .

30. Rollo assembly according to any of the previ^¬ ous claims, wherein the first geometrical axis (8) is de^¬ fined by a winding shaft (7) for receiving thereon the rollo screen (6) in the wound position.

31. Rollo assembly according to claim 30, wherein at least one drive motor (37) for the winding shaft is pro^¬ vided.

32. Rollo assembly according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the rollo screen (6) meets the winding shaft (7) at an upper circumferential part of the winding shaft (7).

33. Rollo assembly according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the rollo screen (6) meets the winding shaft (7) at a lower circumferential part of the winding shaft (7).

34. Rollo assembly according to any of the pre i- ous claims, further provided with at least one drive roll

( 38 ; 39 , 40 ) engaging and driving the rollo screen (6).

35. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a rollo screen housing

(41; 43) for housing the rollo screen (6) in the wound posi- tion.

36. Rollo assembly according to claim 35, wherein the rollo screen housing (41) comprises a winding shaft {7} for winding the rollo screen (6) .

37. Rollo assembly according to claim 35, wherein the rollo screen housing (43) comprises a spiral-shaped guide channel (44) for receiving the rollo screen (6) in the wound position.

38. Rollo assembly according to any of the claims 35-37, wherein said rollo screen housing (41; 43) comprises an entrance slot (42) for passage of the rollo screen (6), which entrance slot is curved in accordance with the desired curvature of the rollo screen (6) as seen in a transverse cross section.

39. Rollo assembly according to any of the claims 35-37, wherein the rollo screen housing is divided into two trar..3 ersal .1y spaced housing parts (43) each cooperating on^¬ ly with opposite edge zones (14) of the rollo screen (6) .

40. Rollo assembly according to any of the previous claims, comprising two rollo screens ( 6 ' , 6") which are movable between wound positions in which they extend spirally along each other around said first geometrical axis (8) and extended positions in which they extend substantially longitudinally in opposite senses along said second geometrical axis (9) perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis.

41. Rollo assembly (5), comprising a rollo screen (6) which is movable between a wound position in which it extends spirally around a first geometrical axis (8) and an extended position in which it extends substantially longitudinally in the direction of a second geometrical axis (9) perpendicularly to the first geometrical axis, and guides (10) for cooperation with opposite side edges (11) of the rollo screen (6), characterized in that the rollo screen (6) comprises a sheet member (21) which is configurable between a substantially stable first coiled state for defining said wound position of the rollo screen, and a substantially stable second extended state for defining said extended position of the rollo screen, wherein the sheet member (21) in said second extended state as seen in a transverse cross section is curved, and wherein reinforcing members are provided for reinforcing the rollo screen (6) .

42. Open roof construction for a vehicle (1), comprising a roof opening (2) in a stationary roof part (3), a movable panel (4) for opening and closing said roof opening and a rollo assembly (5) according to any of the previous claims positioned below said roof opening (2) and attached to the stationary roof part (3).