Abstract: A structural mount assembly for a roof panel of a vehicle. The structural mount assembly includes an exterior bracket and a plurality of interior brackets. The exterior bracket is secured to an exterior surface of the roof panel. The exterior bracket includes a plurality of stanchions for mounting a sensor structure. The plurality of interior brackets are disposed on an interior surface of the roof panel and being secured to the exterior bracket through the roof panel.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus for a vehicle includes a first side frame and a second side frame disposed at opposing ends of the sunroof apparatus in a vehicle width direction, a frame unit including a main frame, a first sub frame, and a second sub frame, the frame unit connecting an end portion of the first side frame and an end portion of the second side frame in the vehicle width direction, a fixed panel covering the opening portion of the main frame, and a joint layer covering a rim of the fixed panel and joining the main frame and the fixed panel. The first side frame and the second side frame are connected with the first sub frame and the second sub frame in the vehicle front-rear direction, respectively.

Abstract: A division bar for an automobile is provided between a movable door glass and a fixed quarter glass. The division bar includes an inner-cabin side member and an outer-cabin side member. The inner-cabin side member is formed by integrally molding a receiving part, an inner-cabin side lip, and a seal part. A core is embedded in the receiving part. The core is bendable in an inner-cabin and outer-cabin direction. The outer-cabin side member is formed by integrally molding an anchoring protrusion, an outer-cabin side lip, and a seal lip. The outer-cabin side member couples to the inner-cabin side member by fitting the anchoring protrusion into the receiving part with the outer-cabin side lip making elastic contact with an outer-cabin side surface of the door glass and with the seal lip making elastic contact with the seal part.

Abstract: Headliner for vehicle roof with a transparent portion, where said headliner comprises an opening in correspondence with said transparent portion. To reinforce the headliner weakened by the presence of the opening, the headliner comprise a plastic frame in a single piece located in the area corresponding to the perimeter of the opening and attached to the headliner comprising four straight segments and four curved segments distributed along the entire perimeter of the opening, such that each curved segment is connected to two of the straight segments, and such that each one of the curved segments comprises a notch the edge thereof describes a curved line without corners that delimits the area of said notch.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a pair of roof side rails that extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a front header that includes opposite outboard ends that span between the pair of roof side rails, and a front header extension coupled to and extending from one of the outboard ends of the front header. The front header extension may include a center emboss structure that extends outwardly from a base at a pair of center emboss ridgelines and the center emboss structure may be connected to one of the pair of roof side rails.

Abstract: A moonroof ring assembly may include a first portion being formed from a first material, and a second portion being laser welded to the first portion and being formed from a second material, wherein the first material is of a higher strength than the second material.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure having a detachable roof, in which a front seal member is provided in a roof opening, and the front seal member is in contact with a press end of a soft top. The front seal member includes a first stopper member provided adjacent to a first seal member and a second stopper member provided adjacent to a second seal member. The press end is in contact with both the first stopper member and the second stopper member in a condition that sealing is maintained by both the first seal member and the second seal member.

Abstract: A roof apparatus includes: a movable panel opening and closing an opening of a roof of a vehicle; a mounting member including a mounting wall extending upright in one direction along an edge portion of the opening; and a weather strip having an attaching portion including pinching strips pinching the mounting wall therebetween, a first seal portion connected to the attaching portion and coming into liquid-tight contact with an opening end edge, and a second seal portion connected to the attaching portion and coming into liquid-tight contact with a peripheral edge in a fully closed state. A mounting depression depressed in the inner and outer direction of the vehicle is formed on the mounting wall. The attaching portion includes a lip portion connected to one of the pinching strips facing the mounting depression, and engageably inserted into the mounting depression.

Abstract: Provided is a structure enabling mounting at a lower position and on a forward side of an opening section. A sunroof visor is to be installed in a vehicle including: the opening section formed on a roof portion; and a sunroof capable of freely opening the opening section. The opening section possesses an edge portion extending downward and having a thin-walled structure vertically composed of: corner edge sections as vertically short edges; slanted edge sections; and vertically elongated edge sections. The sunroof visor is to be fixed to the forward side of the opening section through brackets. Each bracket includes: an extended supporting portion extended forward from the opening section and used to fix the sunroof visor; and an engagement portion engageable with one vertically elongated edge section after being moved thereto from one corner edge section or slanted edge section, for coupling the sunroof visor.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes a movable roof panel including a front edge connected to an upper edge of a front window without a roof outer plate interposed between the roof panel and the front window for closing an opening portion of a roof; a seal member disposed at a circumference of an edge portion of the opening portion; a front panel holder fixed to a lower surface of at least the front edge of the roof panel for reinforcing the roof panel, wherein during closing of the opening portion of the roof, the front panel holder pressingly contacts the seal member disposed at the front edge of the roof panel, and a lower surface of the roof panel pressingly contacts directly the seal member disposed at a rear edge of the roof panel.

Abstract: Provided is a sunroof apparatus capable of opening and closing an opening of a fixed outer roof panel of a vehicle, the closing being done by locating a front edge of a movable roof panel at a location adjacent to an upper edge of a front window without the fixed outer roof panel between the front edge of the movable roof panel and the upper edge of the front window. The sunroof apparatus comprises a front roof rail whose cross sectional shape is approximately closed, the front rail extending in a width direction of the vehicle and being attached to an inside of the upper edge portion of the front window. And the front edge portion of the movable roof panel is located over the closed cross sectional shape of the front roof rail when the opening of the fixed outer roof panel is closed.

Abstract: A headliner for a vehicle roof includes a substrate and a reinforcement trim member attached to the substrate. The substrate has a planar edge characterized by lack of folding. The reinforcement trim member has a body and an attachment feature extending from the body. The attachment feature mates the headliner to the vehicle roof. The reinforcement trim member has a tip, which extends from the body, and a slot receptacle defined by the body. The slot receptacle of the reinforcement trim member receives the planar edge of the substrate to facilitate mating of the substrate to the reinforcement trim member. The headliner also includes a cover stock member, which covers the substrate and continuously wraps from the substrate around at least the tip the of reinforcement trim member.

Abstract: A sunroof glass lifting prevention device may include at least one holder that may be provided to corresponding to a front end portion of a sunroof glass and that supports the front end portion of the sunroof glass.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sliding-roof frame of a roof-opening system of a motor vehicle in a tool having at least one mold cavity. One embodiment comprises the steps of: inserting at least one semifinished part configured in the shape of a panel into the tool; deep-drawing the semifinished part in the tool for configuring at least one deep-drawn section of the sliding-roof frame, wherein the semifinished part is formed from a glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic and the step of deep drawing is a thermoforming process; then, introducing a plastic material into the mold cavity of the tool for forming at least one formed section, which is injection-molded or foamed, and for bonding said formed section to the deep-drawn section; and demolding the sliding-roof frame from the tool.

Abstract: An upper vehicle body structure of a vehicle with a sun roof in which an edge of a roof panel at which the sun roof is installed may be connected to a center pillar positioned at a center among a plurality of pillars formed to extend in a height direction of the vehicle and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, may include a ring reinforcement member attached to the roof panel so as to form a closed section with the roof panel, a gusset unit mounted under the center pillar and the ring reinforcement member, Wherein the sun roof may be connected to the gusset unit.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly includes a roof bow, a headliner, an alignment member and a fastener. The roof bow includes an attachment portion defining a first slot. The headliner includes a mounting portion defining a first aperture aligned with the first slot. The alignment member is non-movably attached to the roof bow at the first slot and defines an alignment hole that coincides with the first slot. The fastener includes an attachment projection that extends through the first aperture, through the alignment hole of the alignment member and through the first slot. The attachment projection has a retaining surface that contacts a surface of the roof bow adjacent to the first slot and faces away from the headliner such that the fastener retains the headliner to the roof bow.

Abstract: A hatch protection system provides protection to personnel against contact with a hatch. In one embodiment, the system includes a hatch protection system for a hatch on a vehicle. The hatch protection system includes a hatch pad. The hatch pad is attached to the hatch. The hatch pad includes a protective padding. The hatch protection system also includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets is secured to the vehicle and to the hatch pad.

Abstract: A roof arrangement comprising a cover for closing the opening of a vehicle roof, and fastening plate that is connected to the cover in the edge areas thereof, the cover being height-adjustable relative to the vehicle roof. The roof arrangement can have a sealing lip foamed to the fastening plate for sealing at least some sections of the fastening plate relative to the vehicle roof.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.

Abstract: An output shaft to which the rotational force of a motor is transferred is housed in a case. One end side of the output shaft protrudes from a side surface of the case. A pinion gear is fixed to one end side of the output shaft. Teeth that mesh with the pinion gear are formed on the outer circumferential surface of cables. Cable guide surfaces for guiding the cables to mesh with the pinion gear are provided on the side surface of the case.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion and a first flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes a first assist grip opening. The first flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the first assist grip opening with the first flexible trim portion at least partially covering the first assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion.

Abstract: A panel structure of a sunroof, includes a roof panel for opening and closing an opening of a vehicle roof, an inner panel fixedly attached to a bottom surface of the roof panel along a first outer peripheral portion of the roof panel, an engaging recessed portion provided at the inner panel and curved in a downward direction along the first outer peripheral portion, a second outer peripheral portion provided at the inner panel and positioned below the roof panel while being apart from the roof panel and being directed toward an edge portion of the opening, a weather strip mounted on the first outer peripheral portion, an engaging protruding portion provided at the weather strip, and a seal portion provided at the weather strip and being elastically contactable with the edge portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame of an openable vehicle roof comprising two frame parts extending to the side of a roof opening, said frame parts being defined in each case by an end piece arranged on the rear end of the frame part. The invention is characterized in that a resiliently mounted stop element is integrally formed on the end piece, said stop element extending in the region between the frame parts. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for mounting a frame of an openable vehicle roof.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly includes a vehicle roof structure, an accessory frame and a moveable member. The vehicle roof structure includes a first roof section with a mounting slot and a second roof section with a mounting structure. The accessory frame includes a first frame end that includes a mounting flange, and a second frame end that includes a complementary mounting structure. The mounting flange engages the mounting slot to couple the accessory frame to the vehicle roof structure and to enable the accessory frame to pivot relative to the vehicle roof structure between a pre-installation position and an installed position where the complementary mounting structure engages the mounting structure. The movable member is coupled to the accessory frame and moves between a first position proximate to one of the first and second frame ends, and a second position proximate to the other of the first and second frame ends.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof system for closing and opening a roof opening (2a) formed in a fixed roof panel (2) of a vehicle with a moveable roof panel (4), an onboard device (30) is located in a laterally central part of the fixed roof panel (2) adjacent to a front edge of the roof opening, and an electric motor (24) for actuating the moveable roof panel is also located adjacent to the front edge of the roof opening but in a laterally offset and longitudinally overlapping relationship with the onboard device. As the electric motor and onboard device do not overlap each other in plan view, the thickness of the roof can be minimized. As the electric motor and onboard device overlap each other in side view, the distance between the upper edge of the front windshield and the front edge of the roof opening can be minimized, and this improves the field of view of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A seal attachment assembly for a vehicle sunroof comprises a seal including one of an outward extending protrusion and hook and a deflector body including the other of the protrusion and the hook. A cooperative relationship between the protrusion and the hook resists a movement of the seal away from the vehicle body. A double-sided adhesive tape secures a planar base portion of the seal to the vehicle body. A resilient lip extends outward from the seal in a direction away from the sunroof opening along an outer edge of the planar base portion. This resilient lip maintains an elastic engagement with the vehicle body to shelter the double-sided tape from exposure to elements. The protrusion extends outward from the seal along an inner edge of the planar portion in a direction toward the sunroof opening. A terminal end of the protrusion includes a rounded bulb section. An outer leg of the deflector body extends beyond the planar base portion of the seal.

Abstract: A workpiece mounting system which is highly versatile and can reduce a cycle time. A workpiece mounting system (1) mounts a sunroof member (3) to an inner panel (2A) of a body (2). The workpiece mounting system (1) is provided with a first robot (5), a second robot (6), and a control device (7) for controlling the first and second robots.

Abstract: A composite reinforcement for a vehicle roof opening that provides several advantages over the prior art metal ring design. The reinforcement is a composite bonded to the roof, can be polyurethane, and may include fiberglass, such as long fiber injection (LFI) or glass fiber mat. A honeycomb core can also be disposed within the polyurethane made from cardboard or aluminum. Steel inserts can also be formed within the composite to provide attachment points for a variety of functions, such as sunroof module, structural brackets, and locating assemblies. The steel inserts can have external threads to allow composite material to physically capture the insert during formation of the reinforcement. This roof assembly can be mounted to the vehicle in an optimized manner for ease of assembly, color matching, and to provide structure to support a mounted sunroof assembly.

Abstract: A moon roof assembly for a vehicle includes an actuator-driven panel having an open position and a closed position. A moon roof trim ring at least partially surrounds the panel. The moon roof trim ring includes a control housing for supporting a control system. A control system is located in the control housing. The control system includes a control member that is exposed through an opening in the moon roof trim ring for actuating the control member and moving the panel between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A moon roof frame module is sized to span between the laterally spaced roof side rails of an automotive roof frame structure and is welded to the opposing roof side rails to be integrated into the roof frame structure. As a result, the moon roof assembly serves as a load path member to reinforce the automotive roof structure. The integrated moon roof frame module will receive roll over forces and increase the strength of the roof structure of an automotive vehicle. The moon roof frame module includes a U-shaped roof panel that is welded to the opposing roof side rails and provides a reinforcing cross member located forwardly of the moon roof opening. A second cross member positioned rearwardly of the moon roof opening increases rigidity of the reinforcing moon roof frame module.

Abstract: A frame structure of a sunroof apparatus includes a pair of guide rails provided, respectively, on both sides in a width direction of an opening of a vehicle and guiding a movement of a sunroof panel; a frame including a drain extended across the direction and connecting ends of the rails; sliders sliding in the rails, respectively; a drive device installed at the frame and making the sliders slide; cables connecting the sliders and the device and routed so as to cross above the drain; guide pipes covering the cables; and guide pipe grooves depressingly provided at the frame and where the guide pipes are arranged, respectively, wherein protrusion portions protruding outside from outer peripheries of the pipes are provided, and wherein engagement portions where the protrusion portions are engaged are formed in the grooves.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a vehicle frame, a moveable panel connected with and moveable with respect to the vehicle frame, and a seal connected with the vehicle frame. The moveable panel is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The seal includes a seal body having an external surface including an ambient-contacting section that is in contact with ambient when the moveable panel is in the closed position. The external surface of the seal body also includes a moveable-panel-contacting section that is in contact with the moveable panel when the moveable panel is in the closed position. The ambient-contacting section can move from a first orientation when the moveable panel is in the closed position toward a second orientation as the moveable panel contacts the moveable-panel-contacting section and moves toward the closed position. A seal for a vehicle and a roof assembly are also described.

Abstract: In a vehicular roof structure, a roof panel has a downwardly-bent roof panel flange formed on an inner edge portion thereof around the peripheral edge of a sunroof opening. Stiffener is disposed inwardly of the roof panel and having a stiffener flange that is welded to the reverse surface of the downwardly-bent roof panel flange at its portions corresponding to the corner portions. At the portions corresponding to the corner portions, the stiffener has a projecting portion projecting upward from the stiffener flange into abutment against the reverse surface of the roof panel in such a manner that a gap is formed between the reverse surface of the roof panel and a region of the stiffener around the projecting portion, and an adhesive is filled in the gap to fixedly adhere together the roof panel and the stiffener.

Abstract: A headliner assembly covers an inner surface of a motor vehicle roof having a sunroof opening. The headliner assembly includes a dimensionally stable substrate having a first edge extending along the sunroof opening. The substrate has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The substrate further has a bottom surface opposite the upper surface. A molded reinforcement is fixedly secured to the upper surface of the substrate. The reinforcement has a second edge extending along the sunroof opening. The second edge of the reinforcement has a contoured portion that extends further inwardly toward a center of the sunroof opening relative to the first edge of the substrate. A trim cover has a third edge extending along the sunroof opening.

Abstract: A headliner and bracket cooperate to define a trim edge around a vehicle sunroof. The bracket may include a lip that wraps around an edge of the headliner and trim associated with the headliner.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for connecting a headliner panel to a support structure. A retainer clip is configured to connect the support structure to the headliner panel. A slot is defined in the support structure and configured to receive s stem portion of the retainer clip. The slot and the stem portion cooperate to define a float length and a float width, which define a range of motion over which the headliner panel is longitudinally and transversely moveable with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: A headliner and bracket cooperate to define a trim edge around a vehicle sunroof. The bracket may include a lip the wraps around an edge of the headliner and trim associated with the headliner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure with a roof cutout for a sliding-lifting roof or an outer sliding-lifting roof. A roof cutout seal is provided, which encircles the roof cutout and which seals a roof skin against a sliding-lifting roof or an outer sliding-lifting roof. A roof stop (7) i.e. a strip (7) serving as a drip strip or drip projection is provided in the area of an edge (6) of the roof skin (2) delimiting the roof cutout (5). Under the strip (7), the roof cutout seal (19) has a sealing channel (26) for holding dripping water. The invention also relates to a roof cutout seal (19) for the roof structure.

Abstract: A frame for a vehicle sliding sunroof or tilt-slide sunroof is proposed, comprising at least one single-piece frame base element (22), that is embodied as a plastic injection-molded piece and comprises at least one front frame piece (24) and two side stringers (26, 28) that are directed in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. For formation of a light and stiff frame, the frame base element (22) according to the invention is embodied as a composite component, and provided with at least one profile- or cup-shaped inserted piece (38, 40) that serves as a reinforcing element.

Abstract: A headliner assembly covers an inner surface of a motor vehicle roof having a sunroof opening. The headliner assembly includes a dimensionally stable substrate having an upper surface facing the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof and an opposite bottom surface. The headliner assembly also includes a molded reinforcement disposed along the upper surface of the substrate. The molded reinforcement has a main wall and a box-shaped attachment structure supporting a fastener for attaching the headliner assembly to the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The attachment structure has spaced apart pair of side walls extending between the main wall and the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The attachment structure has a top wall extending between tie side walls of the attachment structure. The attachment structure also includes a reinforcing wall extending between the top wall and the side walls.

Abstract: In a vehicular roof structure, a roof panel has a downwardly-bent roof panel flange formed on an inner edge portion thereof around the peripheral edge of a sunroof opening. Stiffener is disposed inwardly of the roof panel and having a stiffener flange that is welded to the reverse surface of the downwardly-bent roof panel flange at its portions corresponding to the corner portions. At the portions corresponding to the corner portions, the stiffener has a projecting portion projecting upward from the stiffener flange into abutment against the reverse surface of the roof panel in such a manner that a gap is formed between the reverse surface of the roof panel and a region of the stiffener around the projecting portion, and an adhesive is filled in the gap to fixedly adhere together the roof panel and the stiffener.

Abstract: A functional part holding structure adapted to guide a functional part supporting a movable panel to a guide rail, the functional part holding structure includes a first member including a bottom wall, a second member including a cover wall, first and second side walls extending from one of the bottom wall and the cover wall in the width direction toward the other one of the bottom wall and the cover wall, the ends of the first and second side walls making contact with the other one of the bottom wall and the cover wall, and first and second guide grooves formed by the bottom wall, the cover wall, and the first and second side walls and into which guide portions are disposed respectively, the guide portions being formed at both ends of the functional part in the width direction, the guide portions moving upward and downward along the first and second guide grooves and guided to the guide rail.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a movable roof element which at least partially clears a roof opening bounded by a body-mounted frame component in the area of which a seal element is located and against which the roof element rests when the roof opening is closed. An electric motor drive for moving the roof element is monitored and which is turned off and optionally reversed, when a interfering body is detected between the roof element and the edge area of the roof opening. A stop surface is provided on the roof element for detecting an interfering body, and the motor vehicle roof is made such that, if there is a interfering body between the edge area of the roof opening and the roof element when the roof opening is being closed, the stop surface comes into contact with the interfering body before the roof element engages the seal element.

Abstract: A headliner and bracket cooperate to define a trim edge around a vehicle sunroof. The bracket may include a lip the wraps around an edge of the headliner and trim associated with the headliner.

Abstract: A mount assembly and method are provided for securing a component to an interior mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof. Initially, a sunroof frame is provided. The sunroof frame includes a cross-member disposed laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The component is then attached to the cross-member of the sunroof frame such that the cross-member supports the weight of the component.

Abstract: An attachment structure of a weather strip having a base portion and a tubular seal portion to an opening portion of a motor vehicle or a periphery of a closing member for opening and closing the opening portion. The attachment structure includes a channel part having a U-shaped cross-section and including side walls provided in the opening portion of the motor vehicle or the periphery of the closing member to define a channel. The base portion of the weather strip includes an inserting part adapted to be inserted in the channel and a holding part for holding one of the side walls with the inserting part. The inserting part and the holding part define a slot. The inserting part includes a holding lip which projects from an end of the inserting part obliquely outward.

Abstract: A vehicle upper body structure, in which a front door and a rear door cover a continuous door opening with no partition in a side part of a vehicle body so that the door opening can be opened and closed, the front door is pivotally attached at its front part to the vehicle body so that the front door can be opened and closed, and the rear door is pivotally attached at its rear part thereof to the vehicle body so that the rear door can be opened and closed, includes: a roof opening which is formed in a roof portion of the vehicle body and through which a vehicle cabin leads to the outside of a vehicle; an opening and closing member which covers the roof opening so that the roof opening can be opened and closed; a roof opening frame which supports the opening and closing member; and a load transmitting member which transmits a load given in the vehicle-width directions, the load transmitting member being disposed at a side part of the roof opening frame such that the load transmitting member is located between

Abstract: A roof frame assembly of an openable motor vehicle roof for installation in the roof opening of a fixed motor vehicle roof is provided. The assembly includes a roof frame including at least one holding device for providing additional stabilization of the roof at least in the side area of a roof frame and at least one support tube attached to the frame via the holding device or devices. The at least one support tube is supported on one lengthwise member of the fixed motor vehicle roof to provide stability in the event of a side impact.

Abstract: A three-part fastener is utilized to attach a sunroof panel to a moving frame in a sunroof assembly. The three-part fastener includes a threaded bolt received in an intermediate nut which is in turn received in an outer nut. By turning the threaded bolt from a position outside of the vehicle, the intermediate nut moves within the outer nut to secure the sunroof panel at a final position. The use of this fastener allows final adjustment of the location of the sunroof panel from a location outwardly of the vehicle, and thus does not require assembly line workers to move into the vehicle cab.

Abstract: A roof unit (3) for installation in an opening formed in a motor vehicle roof (3) and which has a transparent area and/or a roof opening which can be closed with an openable cover. At least one screen (11) is integrated into the bottom part (7) of the roof unit (3) facing the motor vehicle interior, in the installed state, and the at least one screen can be moved, especially swung down, into a position of use out of a rest position in which the screen lies flat in the bottom part (7).