Having Guide Patents (Class 296/216.08)
  • Patent number: 11926202
    Abstract: A roof system comprises a stationary part configured to be attached to a fixed roof and includes guide rails on opposite sides of a roof opening. The guide rails slidably support an operating mechanism for a panel and include guide grooves bordered by guide flanges. The operating mechanism includes a driving slide for a panel front support, and a panel rear support. The rear support is connected to a panel bracket guide of a panel bracket extending alongside a corresponding edge of the panel. The panel bracket guide slidably engages the rear support so as to enable the panel to slide with respect to the rear support when the front support is driven by the driving slide. The front support engages a guide rail groove of an upright flange of each guide rail while the panel bracket guide extends mainly on the other, inner side of said upright flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Rainer Gerhard Jüngling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 11833893
    Abstract: A guide rail for a sunroof apparatus includes an inner member and an outer member. The outer member is arranged on an outer side of the inner member in a width direction in an attached state where the guide rail is attached to a vehicle. The inner member guides a drive shoe of the sunroof apparatus. The outer member includes a fixed portion fixed to the vehicle. The outer member is coupled to the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Aisin Corporation
    Inventors: Shota Motomura, Katsutoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 11167625
    Abstract: An open roof construction for use in a vehicle includes, at least one movable element, movable along a stationary guide extending underneath opposite lateral edges of a roof opening. A drive motor drives the movable element, where a drive cable at least partly guided in the stationary guide connects between the drive motor and the movable element. The drive cable is guided in a channel in the stationary guide. The drive cable includes, connected at one end, a drive cable plate. The cable plate connects with the movable element, the cable plate being slidably engaged with at least one wall of the stationary guide, wherein the cable plate further includes at least one separate slide shoe slidably engaging the at least one wall of the stationary guide. The slide shoe is capable of biasing the drive cable plate with respect to the at least one wall of the stationary guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: Jangyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 11040604
    Abstract: A frame of a vehicle roof which may have a cable guide element in which a cable duct for accommodating a drive cable for a displaceable roof element is formed, the cable duct being limited by a duct wall. The duct wall may have a buckling cutout whose length in the longitudinal direction of the cable duct is greater than a buckling limit length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Gabriel Kalkbrenner, Peter Reihl, Thomas Weiderer
  • Patent number: 10988007
    Abstract: A mounting package includes a sunroof assembly, a roof crossbeam, and a hanger hanging the roof crossbeam underneath the sunroof assembly. The sunroof assembly includes a guiderail. The hanger includes a lower hook hooked with the roof crossbeam, and an upper hook hooked with the guiderail. The hanger is configured to flexibly accommodate multidirectional movement of the roof crossbeam relative to the guiderail. The multidirectional movement includes lifting movement of the roof crossbeam relative to the guiderail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignees: Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc., Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bernath, Joel T. Runyan, Kevin J. James, James D. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10899204
    Abstract: A bearing and drive device for an adjustable cover of a vehicle roof, which may have a guide rail on which the cover is movably mounted by a bearing unit that can be actuated by means of a drive cable, having a cable guide unit that can be coupled to the guide rail at the front or back end thereof, and that has at least one intermediate cable guide for the drive cable and—a guide track for the bearing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Björn Pluciennik
  • Patent number: 10857861
    Abstract: A sunroof device includes: a guide rail provided on each edge portion of an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle in a width direction; a sliding member supported on the guide rail so as to be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a support member provided with a first elastic member and having a front end portion supported on the guide rail so as to be rotatable and slidable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the support member supporting a movable panel that opens and closes the opening, in which the sliding member includes a bottom wall located above the guide rail, a vertical wall provided upright on the bottom wall, and an engaging portion provided on the vertical wall, the support member includes a guide portion engaged with the engaging portion, and the guide portion including first and second guide portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Umeki, Katsura Inoue, Naohiro Takami
  • Patent number: 10800232
    Abstract: A holding assembly in a vehicle sunroof includes: a housing; a sunroof panel; a rail extending in a front-rear direction of the sunroof, the sunroof panel being slideably connected to the rail; a rail guide extending in the front-rear direction and including a rail channel extending a length of the rail guide from a first end of the rail guide to a second end of the rail guide; and a front wall extending in the front-rear direction and including a support arm and a lateral restrictor, wherein the support arm extends towards the rail guide and below the rail channel at the second end of the rail guide, and the lateral restrictor has a planar shape parallel to the length of the rail guide, is attached to the support arm, and is in contact with an exterior face of the rail channel at the second end of the rail guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Chanli Ke
  • Patent number: 10479174
    Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism includes a connecting member and a sliding member. A movable panel of a sunroof device is fastened to the connecting member which has a plate-type connecting member main body extending in a front-rear direction, and a thickness direction of the connecting member main body coincides with a width direction. The connecting member main body is formed with a through hole which goes through the connecting member main body in the width direction and extends along the specified curve in the front-rear direction. The sliding member has a sliding member main body formed by sheet metal, the sliding member main body includes a pair of vertical walls and a connecting wall which connects upper ends of the vertical walls, and the connecting wall engages with and slides in the through hole so the connecting member inclines in an up-down direction or moves in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN(NANTONG) TECHNICAL CENTER OF CHINA CO., LTD
    Inventors: Syota Motomura, Yang Zhong
  • Patent number: 10272752
    Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes: a pair of guide rails that is disposed in each of both edge portions of an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle body in a width direction of a vehicle and extends in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle; a frame that includes a main body portion disposed below the guide rails in an up-and-down direction of the vehicle and an extension portion extending in a width direction of the vehicle, and that is disposed so as to be bridged over the pair of guide rails; and a pair of brackets which is fixed to one of the frame and the pair of guide rails and is configured to come into contact with the other of the frame and the pair of guide rails, and in which the frame and the pair of guide rails are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiki Asano, Yuya Aoki
  • Patent number: 10059179
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a first track, a second track, and an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track. A lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction. The arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, John Raff, Donald R. Monroe
  • Patent number: 10040340
    Abstract: A drive system including a guide rail arrangement fixed to a roof module, a drive slide, a front-side lifting arrangement, a rear-side extension mechanism, and a profiled support part. The lifting arrangement and the extension mechanism interact with the profiled support part such that the profiled support part is guided in a force-controlled manner between a closed, ventilating and open positions of the roof part. The coupling device end region remote from the extension mechanism has a coupling slide which is guided in the guide rail arrangement and which comprises a blocking element that can be moved in the vertical direction. A stationary latch recess is provided in the guide rail arrangement, and the drive slide has a receiving area. Depending on the position of the drive slide, the blocking element is moved into the latch recess or into the receiving area in a force-controlled manner by mechanical control contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Heidan, Hartmut Eberst
  • Patent number: 10023032
    Abstract: A vehicle having a slider for guiding a displaceable element of the vehicle relative to a body of the vehicle, wherein the slider can be arranged so as to be movable along a guide element, and has a plastics region and a metal region. The slider may be embodied in one piece, wherein the metal region is at least partially overmolded with the plastics region. The slider may be configured such that at least one portion of the slider engages at least partially around the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Julian Knoepfle, Peter Reihl
  • Patent number: 9145075
    Abstract: A modular armrest has a frame configured to support and retain at least one of a plurality of differently configured modular elements. The modular elements perform various functions and are selected and assembled to the frame from a group of modular elements to form the desired modular armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Christer Andersson
  • Patent number: 9126632
    Abstract: A vehicle body top structure for enhancing the rigidity and strength of the intersections of side rails and a front rail. The vehicle body top structure is provided with left and right side rails provided so as to extend in the front-and-rear direction at the top part of a vehicle body side part, and a front rail extending left and right, one end part of which is joined to the left side rail, and the other end of which is joined to the right side rail. Thin-plate parts having a smaller plate thickness than thick-plate parts and thick-plate parts are disclosed at the one end and the other end of the front rail. The thin-plate parts are each connected to the left and right side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tohru Ono
  • Patent number: 9004146
    Abstract: A roller blind device for a motor vehicle having a flexible roller blind sheet held windably and unwindably on a roller blind shaft, a dimensionally stable pulling-out section assigned to the roller blind sheet at an end area which is at the front in the pulling-out direction, at least one pulling/pushing apparatus continuously rotating and in operative connection with the roller blind shaft and to which the pulling-out section is fastened, and having lateral guide section arrays in which lateral edges of the roller blind sheet are guided. The pulling/pushing apparatus is guided in a guide track integrated in the guide section array and transversely movable together with the guide section array for setting of the function position, in particular before initial operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gwenole Zeo, Wolfgang Stark, Guenter Renz, Sascha Kircher
  • Patent number: 8991912
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprising a guide channel and a cooperating slide shoe the which guide channel comprises a first part extending in a substantially horizontal direction configured to move the shoe on a first level and a second part extending downwardly relative to said substantially horizontal direction configured to move the shoe to a lower second level an elongate drive member is attached to the shoe and extends along the channel, substantially in parallel to the first part of the channel. At least one portion of the shoe moves relative to the remainder of the shoe so as not to interfere with the drive member when the shoe is positioned at the lower second level. The drive member is located within the vertical projection at a level above the level assumed by the lowermost part of the slide shoe when the slide shoe is positioned at the lower second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
  • Patent number: 8985683
    Abstract: A roof apparatus includes a movable panel, a guide rail, a first rail portion and a second rail portion which are provided at the guide rail in a manner that at least a part of the first rail portion and at least a part of the second rail portion are overlapped with each other in the vehicle width direction, a front side guide member including a guide groove, a front side link member including a support protruding portion which is movable along the second rail portion or along the guide groove which is inclined in a vehicle upward direction towards a vehicle rear direction, and a transmission member which is movable along the first rail portion, and is linked to a rear side link member connected to the movable panel and is linked to the front side link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Kikuchi, Kazuki Sawada
  • Publication number: 20150061326
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuki SAWADA
  • Patent number: 8967707
    Abstract: What is proposed is a vehicle roof which has a cover element which can be used to selectively close or at least partially expose a roof opening and which, with respect to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane, has a control mechanism for the cover element on each of the two sides, said control mechanism comprising a drive carriage which can be moved in a respective roof-mounted guide rail and controls a pivoting and/or displacement of the cover element, wherein the drive carriages are each connected to a pressure-resistant drive cable which can be driven by means of a drive motor. At least one of the control mechanisms has an initialization stop which, in a front or a rear end position of the cover element, engages in a corresponding guide rail cutout whose edge forms a counter-stop for the initialization stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Stjepan Radmanic
  • Patent number: 8960782
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a guide channel and a slide shoe. The guide channel comprises a first part extending in a substantially horizontal direction for moving the shoe on a first level, and a second part extending downwardly relative to the horizontal direction for moving the shoe to a lower second level. A drive member attaches to the shoe and extends along the channel, substantially parallel to the first part. The guide channel defines two spaced guide channel parts cooperating with two corresponding slide shoe parts. The slide shoe between its spaced slide shoe parts includes a recess allowing the slide shoe to move from the first to the second level without engaging the drive member. The drive member is located within the vertical projection at a level above the level assumed by at least one of the slide shoe parts when the slide shoe is at its second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
  • Patent number: 8944497
    Abstract: A side track for a vehicular sun roof comprises a first portion having a longitudinal extension for supporting the sun roof, and a second portion extending side by side, and connected to, at least a part of the first portion. Furthermore, at least a part of the second portion is arranged to pivot in relation to the first portion in order to absorb impact energy from a colliding object. A sun roof arrangement comprising such a side track, and a vehicle comprising such a sun roof arrangement or side track are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Joakim Dryselius, Peder Soederstroem
  • Patent number: 8939499
    Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle having a guide element, a function unit guided by the guide element and which is movable via a motor, and a carrier guided by the guide element and coupled to the function unit. The carrier includes a coupling element movable relative to a main body of the carrier, so that to bring about an engaged state the coupling element is arranged in a first position inside a receptacle of the guide element to fix the carrier on the guide element, and to bring about a coupled state the carrier is arranged in a second position inside a recess of the function unit so that the carrier is moved together with the function unit. The carrier has a securing element movable relative to the main body and which, in a fixing position, prevents movement of the coupling element out of the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BOS GmbH Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Heidan
  • Patent number: 8840174
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprising a stationary roof, a roof opening provided therein, a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening and two stationary guides positioned along opposite longitudinal edges of the roof opening for guiding two guide shoes provided close to the forward edge of the movable panel. The guides each comprise at least a vertically extending guide part for a guiding cooperation with a corresponding vertically extending guide shoe part. The guide shoes are attached to the movable panel in a substantially vertically and horizontally adjustable manner by means of substantially transversally extending adjustment screws. In a position of the movable panel fully closing the roof opening the adjustment screws are covered by the stationary guides as seen in a transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel
  • Patent number: 8833843
    Abstract: A sunroof unit for a motor vehicle having a vehicle window arranged in the vehicle roof area and having at least one roller blind system below the vehicle window for partially covering the vehicle window, wherein the roller blind system has two guide rails aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a flexible planar structure guided in lateral areas by the guide rails. The guide rails are fixed with regard to their distance from one another in a front end area and/or in a rear end area only indirectly by the vehicle window. The guide rails are each fastened using a fixing device to the vehicle window, and at least one fixing device is designed as a variable fixing device to permit a positive fixing of the respective guide rail relative to the vehicle window in one of several discrete relative positions with respect to a vehicle transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stark, Guenther Renz, Gwenole Zeo, Sascha Kircher
  • Patent number: 8814259
    Abstract: A frame for an open roof construction is provided, said frame comprising at least one channel member for guiding a drive member, such as a drive cable. Said channel member, as seen in cross section, comprises a base part which is defined by a corresponding local depression of the frame and a cover part connected to said base part. The connection between said base part and said cover part is continuous over the length of said channel member. It is possible that the cover part is connected to the base part through die slide injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8814258
    Abstract: A panoramic vehicle roof module assembly is provided with front and rear cross members. A pair of extruded side rails are each mounted to the cross members. Each side rail has a front integrated roof track, a rear integrated roof track and an integrated sun shade track, each track formed therein along its length. A roof panel is supported by one of the integrated roof tracks of the side rails to interface with the front cross members. An intermediate cross member is mounted to the side rails and is interfaced with the roof panel. A second panel is provided mounted to the side rails to interface with the rear cross member and the intermediate cross member. The side rails each include an integrated support flange to mount the assembly to a vehicle. A method of manufacturing a panoramic vehicle roof module assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Comfort, Richard Howard Wykoff, Kian-Huat Tan, Matthew John Zaluzec, Bradley S. Bysouth, Michael Musleh
  • Patent number: 8807639
    Abstract: A roof apparatus includes a weather strip including a portion to be retained, and first and second seal portions which are connected to an upper end of the portion to be retained. A thickness of the first seal portion gradually reduces from a first end portion positioned at an upper end side of the portion to be retained towards a first turned back portion, and gradually increases from the first turned back portion towards a second end portion provided at a lower end portion of the portion to be retained. A thickness of the second end portion is smaller than that of the first end portion. A distance in a vehicle height direction from a lower end of the first seal portion to the first turned back portion is greater than a distance from an upper end of the first seal portion to the first turned back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuki Sawada
  • Patent number: 8807644
    Abstract: Continuous cross sectional profile guide tracks in an outer sliding sunroof/moonroof are provided where both the front and rear mechanism or mechanism links travel fore/aft in the same channels as each other and have fore/aft travel that is limited only by vehicle architecture. The guide track channel is partly or entirely outside/outboard of the primary water/wind sealing system of the sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Paul Gruss, Marcus Christensen
  • Patent number: 8807643
    Abstract: Continuous cross sectional profile guide tracks in an outer sliding sunroof/moonroof are provided where both the front and rear mechanism or mechanism links travel fore/aft in the same channels as each other and have fore/aft travel that is limited only by vehicle architecture. The guide track channel is partly or entirely outside/outboard of the primary water/wind sealing system of the sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Paul Gruss, Marcus Christensen
  • Patent number: 8770652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jang Won Hong, Ju Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8757710
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle roof opening comprises a pair of guide rails extending in a non-parallel way and at a distance from each other. At least one closure element is adjustable in order to at least cover and at least partly open the opening. At least one pair of sliding elements opposite of each other on each of opposite sides of the closure element is provided for slidably engaging in the respective guide rail. The sliding elements are slidably connected to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction. A biasing device is used for biasing the sliding elements relative to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction by being attached to the closure element on one end and being operatively connected to each pair of opposite sliding elements on the other end with interposition of a synchronizing device equalizing the movements of the sliding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8740295
    Abstract: An apparatus adjusts a parting line of a panoramic sunroof comprising a moving glass and a rail. The apparatus includes a fixing bracket, a moving bracket, and a slide structure. The fixing bracket is disposed on a side surface of a rear end of the moving glass to be tiltable and movable in a straight line. The moving bracket is disposed on a curved path of the rail to be movable along a curved trajectory. The slide structure is connected between the fixing bracket and the moving bracket to enable curved movement by allowing the moving bracket to spread from the fixing bracket when the fixing bracket moves in a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Do Won Sung, Kuk Hyun Cho, Kyoung Taek Kwak
  • Patent number: 8708404
    Abstract: Continuous cross sectional profile guide tracks in an outer sliding sunroof/moonroof are provided where both the front and rear mechanism or mechanism links travel fore/aft in the same channels as each other and have fore/aft travel that is limited only by vehicle architecture. The guide track channel is partly or entirely outside/outboard of the primary water/wind sealing system of the sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Gruss, Marcus Christensen, Peter D. Rawlinson, Vinay Kaley
  • Publication number: 20140084638
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprising a guide channel and a cooperating slide shoe the which guide channel comprises a first part extending in a substantially horizontal direction configured to move the shoe on a first level and a second part extending downwardly relative to said substantially horizontal direction configured to move the shoe to a lower second level an elongate drive member is attached to the shoe and extends along the channel, substantially in parallel to the first part of the channel. At least one portion of the shoe moves relative to the remainder of the shoe so as not to interfere with the drive member when the shoe is positioned at the lower second level. The drive member is located within the vertical projection at a level above the level assumed by the lowermost part of the guide shoe when the guide shoe is positioned at the lower second level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
  • Publication number: 20140084637
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a guide channel and a slide shoe. The guide channel comprises a first part extending in a substantially horizontal direction for moving the shoe on a first level, and a second part extending downwardly relative to the horizontal direction for moving the shoe to a lower second level. A drive member attaches to the shoe and extends along the channel, substantially parallel to the first part. The guide channel defines two spaced guide channel parts cooperating with two corresponding guide shoe parts. The guide shoe between its spaced guide shoe parts includes a recess allowing the guide shoe to move from the first to the second level without engaging the drive member. The drive member is located within the vertical projection at a level above the level assumed by at least one of the guide shoe parts when the guide shoe is at its second level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
  • Publication number: 20130341973
    Abstract: A two-way interlock sliding system and a roller blind apparatus having the system, which has a power transmission unit causing two drive units to interlock-slide using one motor, thereby realizing a simple construction of the apparatus. The roller blind apparatus includes a front roller blind provided in a sunroof of a vehicle, a rear roller blind interlocked with the front roller blind so as to be opened or closed simultaneously with the front roller blind; a drive means generating drive power; a moving glass operated in conjunction with opening or closing motions of the two roller blinds; a power transmission unit for transmitting the power of the drive means such that the moving glass can be operated in conjunction with the opening or closing motions of the two roller blinds; and a control unit for controlling the drive means so as to control operations of the two roller blinds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: WEBASTO DONGHEE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Su-Yun Choi, Jong-Rak Kim, Seong-Min Gwak, Chang-Min Park
  • Publication number: 20130307294
    Abstract: A side track for a vehicular sun roof comprises a first portion having a longitudinal extension for supporting the sun roof, and a second portion extending side by side, and connected to, at least a part of the first portion. Furthermore, at least a part of the second portion is arranged to pivot in relation to the first portion in order to absorb impact energy from a colliding object. A sun roof arrangement comprising such a side track, and a vehicle comprising such a sun roof arrangement or side track are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joakim Dryselius, Peder Soederstroem
  • Patent number: 8567858
    Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle includes a plastic panel configuring a part of a roof of the vehicle and including a translucent portion, a shading sheet for unshading and shading the translucent portion, a pair of guide rails, which are fixed to the panel to face each other and extend in an opening-and-closing direction of the sheet to hold the sheet in a manner permitting the sheet to be opened and closed, a roll-up member for rolling up the sheet, a frame, which extends in a facing direction of the rails, that links the rails and holds the roll-up member, an elongated hole, which is formed in end portions of the frame and extends in the facing direction, and an engaging member inserted into the hole. The engaging member engages with the rails and the frame to permit relative movement of the rails and the frame in the facing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kitani, Kazuhiko Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8562070
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Peter Weyl, Mattias Hirvonen
  • Patent number: 8562071
    Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes a shoe member and a support member including an end portion rotatably connected to the shoe member within a predetermined rotation range. One of the end portion of the support member and the shoe member integrally includes first and second vertical wall portions and a support portion including a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The other of the end portion of the support member and the shoe member includes a bearing portion pivotally supporting the large diameter portion and including an opening through which an insertion and removal of the small diameter portion is allowed in a state where the support member is positioned out of the predetermined rotation range and through which the insertion and removal of the small diameter portion is prohibited in a state where the support member is positioned within the predetermined rotation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hirata, Chitose Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20130241244
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprising a roof opening in a stationary roof part, a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening and two panel operating assemblies positioned at two opposite longitudinal sides of the roof opening. As seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the panel operating assemblies have a varying width in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In one embodiment the width of the panel operating assemblies varies in a gradual and/or step-wise fashion. In another embodiment the width of the panel operating assemblies decreases in a forward and/or backward direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8523277
    Abstract: A sunroof mounting device is provided, which includes guide rails of which the entire width is reduced by a pair of first and second guiders arranged up and down such that a moving-connecting portion connected to a sunroof is vertically combined in an open space from a side, such that the space opened by the sunroof is not covered by guide rails and improved open feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kookmin University Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Seung-Jin Heo, Jay-II Jeong, II-Hwan Kim, In-Sik Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130214563
    Abstract: A frame for an open roof construction is provided, said frame comprising at least one channel member for guiding a drive member, such as a drive cable. Said channel member, as seen in cross section, comprises a base part which is defined by a corresponding local depression of the frame and a cover part connected to said base part. The connection between said base part and said cover part is continuous over the length of said channel member. It is possible that the cover part is connected to the base part through die slide injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8506007
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof, comprises a frame, a movable closure for opening and closing the roof opening, and guide rails in or on the frame extending laterally of the roof opening. A closure moving mechanism is guided in the guide rails. A wind deflector is positioned at a front edge of said roof opening and is movable between an inoperative lower position in which it is positioned substantially below the level of the vehicle roof and at least one operative upper position in which it at least partially extends above said level. The wind deflector is supported by arms, each extending substantially rearwards. The arms are adapted to move the wind deflector between the inoperative and operative positions. The wind deflector arms are positioned in plan view at least partly within the lateral boundaries of the respective guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel
  • Patent number: 8474905
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof comprising a movable closure element for closing and opening the roof opening. A stationary part comprises guide rails extending transversely of the roof opening in vehicle longitudinal direction. A closure moving mechanism comprises an electric motor fixed to the stationary part, flexible drive cables guided in a guide through a defined path at least partly within said guide rails and being engaged by the electric motor in order to be moved through the guide and along the guide rails. The guide is constructed such that, when an excessive force is exerted on the cable by the closure element in the event of a crash, it allows the respective guide cable to deviate from the defined path dictated by the guide during normal use, to allow limited longitudinal movement of the closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Frank Henricus Gerardus Van Der Logt, Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 8459730
    Abstract: A roof apparatus includes a functional bracket supporting a movable panel, a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a drive shoe moving along the guide rail, a front link connected to the functional bracket to move in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the movement of the drive shoe, a front guide portion guiding the functional bracket and the front link in the longitudinal direction, a check member engaged with the drive shoe to move rearward with the drive shoe when a distance of the rearward movement of the drive shoe is shorter than a predetermined distance, the check member disengaged from the drive shoe when the distance of the rearward movement of the drive shoe is equal to or longer than the predetermined distance, a rear link engaged with the check member, and a rear guide portion guiding the rear link in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuki Sawada, Makoto Muranaka, Shinichi Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 8449025
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof. It comprises a stationary part having longitudinal guides positioned on either side of the roof opening. A closure is movable at least between a closed position closing the roof opening and an open position in which the closure is at least partly opening the roof opening. A closure operating mechanism is provided for opening and closing the closure, and is sliding in said longitudinal guides when opening and closing the closure. The longitudinal guides each comprise at least a drain channel and a water drainage member for draining water from said longitudinal drain channel to a water drainage hose. Each water drainage member communicates with the respective drain channel on one end, and connects to the corresponding water drainage hose on its opposite end to form a drain. A sieve member for catching debris but allowing water to run through is provided in the drain upstream of said water drainage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Egbert Boersma, Michael Cornelis Anthonius Relouw, Danny Wilhelmus Arend Kok, Leonardus Gerardus Maria Verbeek
  • Patent number: 8444217
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a stationary roof part, a roof opening provided therein, and a roof assembly mounted to the stationary roof part, having a panel which is movable between closed and open positions for closing and opening, respectively, said roof opening. A moving mechanism is provided for connecting the movable panel to the stationary roof and moving it with respect thereto, wherein the moving mechanism at least comprises two longitudinal curved parts attached to the movable panel, two stationary guides extending along opposite longitudinal edges of the roof opening and two linking mechanisms for movably linking the stationary guides with the respective curved parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Joseph Petrus Johannus Sanders, Robert Rikkert, Ronny Doornink
  • Publication number: 20130088052
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle roof opening comprises a pair of guide rails extending in a non-parallel way and at a distance from each other. At least one closure element is adjustable in order to at least cover and at least partly open the opening. At least one pair of sliding elements opposite of each other on each of opposite sides of the closure element is provided for slidably engaging in the respective guide rail. The sliding elements are slidably connected to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction. A biasing device is used for biasing the sliding elements relative to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction by being attached to the closure element on one end and being operatively connected to each pair of opposite sliding elements on the other end with interposition of a synchronizing device equalizing the movements of the sliding elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.