Panel Pivots Upwardly To Vent Mode And Moves Downward Before Sliding To Fully Open Mode Patents (Class 296/221)
  • Patent number: 11390150
    Abstract: A support mechanism for an open-roof assembly, comprising a moveable panel, comprises at least one of a front flexible portion and a rear flexible portion. A guide assembly of the open-roof assembly comprises an elongated guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction, a front mechanism slideably arranged in the guide rail and a rear mechanism arranged in the guide rail. The front mechanism and the rear mechanism are provided with means for providing a relatively high mechanism stiffness, while the at least one of the front and rear flexible portions is provided with a relatively low bending stiffness in the width direction and with a relatively low rotational stiffness in respective main directions such that orientation deviations between the panel support assembly and the guide assembly result in larger rotational deformation in the at least one of the respective flexible portions than in the respective mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Rainer Gerhard Jüngling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 11279215
    Abstract: An assembly for a sunroof can include a rail extending in a length direction of a vehicle, a bracket beneath a sunroof panel, an adapter coupled to the bracket, and a drive mechanism connected to a part of the bracket. Movement of the drive mechanism along the rail moves the bracket between a first position in which the sunroof is closed and a second position in which the sunroof is open. A catch device can slide along the rail relative to the adapter and includes a channel extending through a structure of the catch device to receive the adapter when the bracket is in the first position. When the adapter is in the channel, the structure is configured to engage the adapter to maintain the bracket in the first position and resist deflection of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon
  • Patent number: 10730373
    Abstract: A method for producing an arrangement for a vehicle roof can have the steps of providing a first element with a first end and a second end, the element being couplable by the first end to the vehicle roof. The method can also have the steps of providing a pumpable substance with predetermined material properties, and applying the provided substance by injection molding at a predetermined position at the second end of the first element and thereby forming a second element such that the second element is coupled to the first element and is pivotable relative to the first element about an axis of rotation (A). An arrangement and system for a vehicle roof is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Bernhard Wingen
  • Patent number: 10662032
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved elevator door hatches. The elevator door hatches drop open into the elevator cab and slide at a desirable angle just underneath the elevator cab ceiling, without extending too far or too low into the interior cab space. The elevator door hatches are able to accommodate light fixtures and cabling installed into the elevator door hatches without disconnecting when the door hatches are slid underneath the elevator cab ceiling in the open position. The door hatch also allows for the drop ceiling to be mounted closer to the canopy, which increases the usable height of the elevator cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: CAB Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Hill, Stephen McDonald
  • Patent number: 10118470
    Abstract: A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III
  • Patent number: 9931917
    Abstract: Sliding roof system for an automotive vehicle with a movable roof part, a fixed in location roof portion and an adjustment mechanism positioned within a guide track arrangement in order to displace the roof part between a closed position, a ventilation position and an open position below the roof portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a drive carriage driven by a drive system and a support profile fixedly connected to the roof part and operatively connected to the drive carriage by a slotted guide mechanism. The support profile, on the rear end region thereof, is articulated to a support lever, which lever is longitudinally displaceable within the guide track arrangement by a support carriage. Within the guide track arrangement a support recess is provided and fixed in location, in which a support element of the support lever is supported in response to a position of the support lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Michael Heidan
  • Patent number: 9834075
    Abstract: Roof system for an automotive vehicle. A roof system with a roof opening fixed to the vehicle including a movably mounted roof part and at least one deployment and guide mechanism for displacing the roof part, and including a control carriage which is movable by a drive system in a guide track arrangement fixed to the roof, and a front and a rear deployment lever. The control carriage has a front control link, in which a bearing pin of the front deployment lever is guided, wherein the bearing pin projects through the front control link into a lifting slotted link fixed to the roof, which is oriented at least in sections crosswise in relation to the front control link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: BOS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Heidan, Marius Marquart
  • Patent number: 9834117
    Abstract: A release mechanism for a reclining vehicle seat assembly includes an activation mechanism, for example a lever or handle, and a transmission. The transmission is coupled to the activation mechanism via a wire for releasing a seat back of the vehicle seat assembly. The transmission includes a plurality of meshed gears for transmitting a torque created by movement of the activation mechanism from a gear of the plurality of gears attached to the wire to a shaft associated with the seat back. Rotation of the shaft releases the seat back for rotation. A shield partially covers a side of the base and seat back, and covers the transmission and wire. The activation mechanism is uncovered allowing the passenger to activate the release mechanism and is positioned in a readily accessible zone relative a passenger hip point. The position avoids interference with the seat belt and occupies minimal space between the side shield and vehicle side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diego Santillán Gutierrez, Fernando Paisano Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9738144
    Abstract: A sunroof structure for a wheeled vehicle includes a fixed roof that forms a top portion of the wheeled vehicle, a movable roof that opens and closes a front opening portion which is provided in the fixed roof, and a left side lip that is provided on a left side portion of the movable roof. The left side lip is provided to be spaced apart from the fixed roof when the movable roof is in a tilt-up state. This left side lip includes a lip main body that protrudes downwards from the left side portion of the movable roof and a projecting portion that projects transversely outwards from a lower end of the lip main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Kurita, Yoshikazu Sato
  • Patent number: 9707832
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel adapted to open and close an opening formed in a roof; a guide rail provided in each edge portion of the opening in a width direction, extending in a forward and rearward direction, and including a front end portion in which an attachment hole is formed to open in a vertical direction; a guide block capable of limiting the movement of the movable panel in the forward and rearward direction, and including a body portion mounted in a circumferential edge portion of the attachment hole, a rear limited portion protruding downward from a rear end portion of the body portion, and a front limited portion protruding downward from a front end portion of the body portion; and a holding member tightened to the guide rail, and including a front limiting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Kokubo
  • Patent number: 9222297
    Abstract: An openable roof window includes: a window panel configured to be slidable along a guide rail to selectively open and close an opening in a roof and tiltable relative to a base frame; a slider having a pin and driven by a drive device to slide along the guide rail; an engagement structure that selectively engages the slider with the window panel such that they are unmovable relative to each other in a direction along the guide rail; and the engagement structure includes a stay fixedly secured to the window panel and having a cam groove formed therein, the cam groove engaging the pin of the slider and having a shape defined such that, when the engagement structure does not engage the slider with the window panel, the window panel is caused to tilt as the slider moves relative to the stay as a result of sliding of the slider along the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Uehara, Ayumi Mihashi
  • Publication number: 20150091334
    Abstract: In an opening/closing mechanism of a sunroof apparatus, an engaged portion engaged with a cam groove smoothly slides on upper and lower cam surfaces of a cam groove, and stiffness to support a roof panel is increased at low costs. The engaged portion includes a first sliding portion having a convex curve facing upward and sliding on the upper cam surface of the cam groove, and a second sliding portion coupled to the first sliding portion at a front or a rear of a vehicle, having a convex curve facing downward, and sliding on the lower cam surface of the cam groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Kozo Ohdoi, Akihiro Shinkawa
  • Patent number: 8814257
    Abstract: In a vehicle roof device equipped with a sunroof member and a sunshade member driven by respective electric motors, an operation switch includes an operation member to be operated by a vehicle occupant, the operation member being movable between a neutral position, an opening operation position and a closing operation position, where the opening and closing operation positions are displaced from the neutral position in different directions. The vehicle roof device further includes a control unit configured which, when the operation member is moved to one of the opening and closing operation positions, controls the electric motors so as to drive the sunroof member and the sunshade member in an operation mode determined based on a relationship of a duration of the operation member held at the one of the opening operation position and the closing operation position with two different threshold time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Sugimoto, Ryosuke Noro
  • Patent number: 8616623
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof device includes a movable panel, guide rails, rear slide members, an electrical drive source, and check mechanisms. When the rear slide members are moved toward the front of the vehicle along the guide rails when the movable panel is in a totally closed state, the movable panel is changed to a tilt-up state. Check release mechanisms provided to the rear slide members are changed to an engaged state when the rear slide members are further moved toward the front of the vehicle with the movable panel in the tilt-up state and without involving operation of the movable panel. In the engaged state, when the rear slide members are moved toward the rear of the vehicle afterward, the check release mechanisms move the entire check mechanisms while switching the check mechanisms to a movable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuki Sawada
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8534749
    Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes a shoe member including a body member integrally including first and second sliding portions and a seat portion, the shoe member including a plate member integrally including a base portion, a stay portion, and first and second fitting portions, an engagement recess formed at the base portion, and an engagement protrusion formed at the seat portion to be elastically deformable and being inserted into the engagement recess. A distance between the first and second sliding portions is specified to be greater than a distance obtained by a sum of a length of the base portion and a projection length of the second fitting portion, and to be smaller than a distance obtained by a sum of the length of the base portion, the projection length of the second fitting portion, and a projection length of the first fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chitose Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8500193
    Abstract: A vehicle roof having at least one cover element, which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening and which, with respect to a vehicle longitudinal center plane, comprises a carrier element on either side, the carrier element comprising a guide web that interacts with an adjusting device that is guided in a guide rail and comprises a drive carriage, which interacts with the guide web at least to pivot the cover element and comprises a guide element on which the guide web rests. When moving the cover element in the vehicle longitudinal direction, each guide element of the drive carriages serves as a dog element, which engages in a corresponding dog recess configured at the respectively associated carrier element of the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Manfred Faerber, Lloyd George Racine, Tsukasa Butsuen
  • Patent number: 8371644
    Abstract: A vehicle roof having at least one cover element, which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening and which can be adjusted between a closed position and a lowered displacement position and, with respect to a vehicle longitudinal center plane, comprises a carrier element on either side, the carrier element comprising a guide path, which interacts with at least one guide element of a drive carriage for pivoting the cover element, the carriage being guided in a guide rail fixed to the roof. At least one rear-side control slide is disposed on the carrier element and guides the cover element in a guide channel of the respective guide rail during displacement of said element and secures the cover element against pivoting. When pivoting the cover element into the lowered displacement position, the rear-side control slide recedes into the respective guide channel of the respective guide rail while sliding over a ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Manfred Faerber
  • Patent number: 8297692
    Abstract: A vehicle sun roof device includes a panel for covering an opening in a roof of the vehicle. The panel can be moved horizontally to uncover the opening or tilted to raise its rear end section to a venting position. A drive system for tilting the panel includes front and rear shoes. The rear shoe tilts the panel by applying a force to the rear end section of the panel. The front shoe includes an upwardly facing support surface and a downwardly facing support surface. A bracket fixed to the panel and extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle includes an upwardly facing bearing surface and a downwardly facing bearing surface arranged to slidably engage the downwardly facing support surface and the upwardly facing support surface, respectively, of the front shoe. The support surfaces and the bearing surfaces are configured to define a virtual pivot axis for the panel as the panel tilts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Chlapecka, Nobuhiro Mizoguchi, Yoji Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20120112498
    Abstract: A roof apparatus includes a guide rail extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle, a drive shoe, a functional bracket, a front link member relatively rotatably connected at a front portion of the functional bracket and including a connecting portion, an engagement portion and a supporting portion, and a lifting mechanism connected at a rear portion of the functional bracket, wherein the guide rail includes a first guide portion guiding the supporting portion in response to an opening and closing operation of a movable panel and being closely located upwardly and downwardly of the supporting portion while the movable panel is in a fully-closed state, and the drive shoe includes a second guide portion guiding the engagement portion in response to the opening and closing operation of the movable panel and being closely located upwardly and downwardly of the engagement portion during the fully-closed state of the movable panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi KIKUCHI, Kazuki SAWADA
  • Patent number: 8167365
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in the fixed roof, comprises stationary longitudinal guide rails on either side of the roof opening and slidable slides with operating mechanisms. A panel supported by the operating mechanisms is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it releases the roof opening at least partially. Each operating mechanism comprises a curve plate attached to the panel and has a first guide track with which a first guide member connected to the slide is in engagement, at least along part of the path of movement of the panel. The slide includes a height-adjustable part which is equipped with the first guide member, and is also equipped with a second guide member which is in engagement with a second guide track having a vertical component. The second guide track is provided at a curve part which is connected to the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8136872
    Abstract: Open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part and a movable panel. A slide is movable along a stationary slide guide and is provided with panel engagement elements cooperating with slide engagement elements of the movable panel. A movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The panel engagement elements of the slide comprise two curves and the slide engagement elements of the panel comprise two cams, each for cooperation with a respective one of the curves. Moving the slide in a first direction a cooperation between a first curve and corresponding first cam will lead to lowering a first transversal edge of the panel followed by translating the panel along with the slide. Moving the slide in an opposite second direction a cooperation between the second curve and corresponding second cam will lead to lifting said first transversal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8128136
    Abstract: A closing device for locking and unlocking a movable roof to and from a vehicle body includes a hook and a lever system. The hook is movable between a closed position to engage a vehicle body component and an opened position to disengage from the component. The lever system has a hook lever and a drive lever pivotable about respective pivot axes extending in a longitudinal direction. The hook is connected to the hook lever to move between the closed and opened positions in response to the hook lever pivoting. The lever system has a control lever with first and second end portions and a middle section. The end portions are respectively connected to the hook lever at first and second link axes extending in the longitudinal direction and adjacent to the pivot axes to couple the hook lever and the drive lever together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20120019028
    Abstract: A slidable window assembly mounted within the roof of an automotive vehicle is provided. The roof includes an opening and the slidable window assembly includes a window panel having a catch. The window panel is slidably mounted within the roof and slidable between an open position and a closed position. The slidable window assembly further includes a sunshade disposed beneath the window panel. The sunshade is also slidable between an open and closed position. The sunshade has a first surface facing the window panel and a stop mounted on the first surface. The catch is operable to engage the stop so as to move the sunshade from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh David Fraley
  • Publication number: 20110254323
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: 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: 20110227372
    Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes a guide member sliding along a guide rail, a support member supporting a movable panel, a drive member driving the movable panel and the guide member, a first garnish supported by the guide rail and covering a clearance between the support member and the guide rail from an interior space of the vehicle under tilt-up and opening operations of the movable panel, a second garnish supported by the movable panel and covering the support member from the interior space, the second garnish covering the guide member under a fully closed state and the tilt-up operation of the movable panel; and a third garnish connected to the guide member or the support member and covering an opening portion between the first and second garnishes from the interior space under the tilt-up and opening operations and the fully closed state of the movable panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hirata, Masaji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7950733
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for generating pivot motions and displacement motions of a chassis component (30), having a displaceable carriage (40) engaging with at least one first guide element (361) disposed on the chassis component by means of at least one second guide element (42, 44, 46). In order to simplify the mechanism according to the invention, the displaceable carriage (40) has at least two second guide elements (42, 44, 46) acting together with the first guide element (361) in the closed position and during the pivot motion of the chassis component (30), and acting together with a further first guide element (362) associated with the chassis component (30) during a displacement motion of the chassis component (30). The invention is in particular suitable for the panel of a sliding tilting sunroof of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Manfred Färber
  • Patent number: 7950732
    Abstract: A roof assembly comprises a closure moveable at least between a closed position closing the roof opening in the fixed roof of the vehicle and an open position in which the closure is slid under the fixed roof and at least partially opening the roof opening. A drain channel is positionable under the rear edge of the roof opening at least in a closed position of the closure. A drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to cause a vertical movement of the drain channel on the one hand and adapted to move said drain channel in the opening direction of the closure on the other hand. The drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to allow a relative movement between the drain channel and the closure during at least a part of the sliding movement of the closure. The drain channel operating mechanism includes a spring member acting upon the drain channel to keep the drain channel in engagement with a rear part of the closure in a vertical direction at least when the closure is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas, Michael Cornelis Anthonius Relouw
  • Publication number: 20110121616
    Abstract: A vehicle sun roof device includes a panel for covering an opening in a roof of the vehicle. The panel can be moved horizontally to uncover the opening or tilted to raise its rear end section to a venting position. A drive system for tilting the panel includes front and rear shoes. The rear shoe tilts the panel by applying a force to the rear end section of the panel. The front shoe includes an upwardly facing support surface and a downwardly facing support surface. A bracket fixed to the panel and extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle includes an upwardly facing bearing surface and a downwardly facing bearing surface arranged to slidably engage the downwardly facing support surface and the upwardly facing support surface, respectively, of the front shoe. The support surfaces and the bearing surfaces are configured to define a virtual pivot axis for the panel as the panel tilts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN Technical Center of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan CHLAPECKA, Nobuhiro Mizoguchi, Yoji Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7914073
    Abstract: According to a slider structure of a sunroof apparatus, the apparatus includes: a roof panel attached to an opening of a fixed roof; a panel support stay, where a cam groove is formed, is fixed to a side edge of the roof panel; and a slider that moves along a guide rail, is engaged with the cam groove through a pin, and tilts and slides the roof panel, wherein the slider structure includes: a pair of lifters that interpose the panel support stay, are divided, and are engaged with the cam groove through the pin; and a pair of slide shoes that are attached to the lifters, respectively, are connected with each other, integrate the lifters, and are slid on the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Hotta, Teruyuki Nakamura, Tatsuaki Uehara
  • Patent number: 7810879
    Abstract: In a sun roof system, a panel bracket (13) attached to a sun roof panel (11) is provided with a guide slot (14) having a prescribed profile and extending in a fore-and-aft direction, and is slidably supported on a guide rail (21) by a front slider (15) and a rear slider (16). The rear slider is provided with a pin (17c) engaged by the guide slot. The panel bracket is also provided with a front cam piece (41) and a rear cam piece (42) slidably supported by the guide rail. The guide rail is provided with a horizontal main cam groove (21b, 21d), a front cam groove (43) for smoothly guiding the front cam piece into and out of the main cam groove and a rear cam groove for smoothly guiding the rear cam piece into and out of the main cam groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7762623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof with two cover elements (14, 16), a front one of which can be deployed and a rear one of which serves as the sliding cover, can be lowered under the stationary vehicle roof and displaced. An embodiment of the invention relates to an actuating mechanism of a drive slide which interacts with a deployment lever in order to swivel the front cover element (14), said lever being hinged to a support of the front cover element (14). The deployment movement of the deployment lever is supported by a spring. According to another aspect of the invention, the actuating mechanism comprises a slide unit which comprises one control track each for the front cover element (14) and for the rear cover element (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Chris De Jong
  • Patent number: 7753438
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part includes a roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening, with a slide which is movable along a stationary slide guide and which is provided with panel engagement device cooperating with a panel curve of the movable panel, wherein a movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The roof assembly further includes a locking lever which by means of a hinge point is connected to the panel and which is provided with slide engagement device cooperating with a slide curve of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robertus Wilhelmus Henricus Luijpers
  • Publication number: 20100084894
    Abstract: A glazed roof of a motor vehicle is provided, which includes at least one opening and a fixed glazed structure bearing at least one element sliding on the inside of the vehicle and intended to close the opening(s). The glazed structure has an external contour coinciding with an accommodating surround on the chassis of the vehicle so the contour can be secured to the accommodating surround, as a flush fit. Each of the sliding elements is guided along two rails secured to the surface of the fixed structure, in a region distant from the external contour so as not to interfere with the securing of the latter to the accommodating surround. The roof has at least one retaining element, having a first end secured to one of the rails and a second end secured to the chassis. Each of the retaining elements is positioned at right angles to the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: WAGON SAS
    Inventors: David Billy, Pascal Fourel, Xavier Sandrin
  • Patent number: 7665802
    Abstract: A sliding roof system includes at least one guide rail, a carriage that is shiftable in the guide rail, and a cover support which together with a cover can be adjusted by shifting the carriage between a closed position, a lifted venting position, and a lowered open position. The cover support is provided with studs that engage in the carriage. The carriage is located outside a contour of the cover as seen in a top view of the sliding roof system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Becher, Horst Boehm, Rainer Grimm, Joachim Roeder
  • Publication number: 20100013270
    Abstract: A vehicle roof with a roof opening disposed within a fixed roof outer skin of a vehicle and a cover (10) to optionally close and at least partially open the roof opening. To at least partially open the roof opening, the cover can be both tilted out from a closed position at its rear edge and displaced in the driving direction to the rear. The cover has at least one locking lug (12a, 12b) in the region of its leading edge (14) that engages, from below in a closed position of the cover, into a support element that is stiff in a direction perpendicular to the roof outer skin. Additionally, the cover is formed at its rear edge such that engagement from below under the lateral and rear areas of the roof opening does not occur in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Alexander Bergmiller, Wolfgang Seifert, Gerhard Skorianz, Dirk Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7644980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof with a movable roof section which can be deployed into a ventilation position by means of a deploy and/or displacement mechanism and/or then displaced above or below the vehicle roof or an at least temporarily stationary roof section for at least partially releasing a roof opening in the vehicle roof. The deploy and/or displacement mechanism comprises at least one vertical gate (9) which has at least one guide web (10), disposed perpendicular to the gate (9) and having slide tracks (15, 16) that are at least partially encircled by a slide element of a slide (8) that can be displaced along a guide rail. The gate (9) is produced from metal and the guide web (10) at least partially from plastic. In order to provide a simple and stable gate (9) having good sliding properties, the gate (9) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart openings (11) for anchoring the plastic (14) of the guide webs (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Christian Hager, Robert Bertsch
  • Patent number: 7490894
    Abstract: A sliding roof system for a motor vehicle includes a guide rail, a cover support, a cover attached to the cover support, a front bearing block articulated to the cover support, and a carriage that is movably received in the guide rail and engages the cover support. The cover support is articulated on the front bearing block such that the cover support can be swiveled around a virtual swiveling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor, GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Oechel, Stefan Kunkel, Stefan Vogel
  • Publication number: 20090021056
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part includes a roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening, with a slide which is movable along a stationary slide guide and which is provided with panel engagement device cooperating with a panel curve of the movable panel, wherein a movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The roof assembly further includes a locking lever which by means of a hinge point is connected to the panel and which is provided with slide engagement device cooperating with a slide curve of the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robertus Wilhelmus Henricus Luijpers
  • Patent number: 7425033
    Abstract: A sunroof assembly has a frame, including two tracks, that mount to a vehicle roof. An arm is slidably mounted in each track, with each arm including attachment points for mounting a panel or a bracket holding a panel thereto. A trolley is slidably mounted in each track and engages the arm. Each trolley has a threaded bore in meshing engagement with a power screw rotatably mounted in the track. A single motor is coupled via a transmission to two flexible drive cables, each of which is connected to one of the power screws. This basic structure minimizes the component count of the sunroof, and hence its manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Luc R. Regnier, Noel Chingcuanco, Denis Cloutier, Ed Fortin
  • Patent number: 7252328
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a movable vehicle roof panel determines the position of the panel in a tilt open state and evaluates whether the panel is in normal tilt-open range of positions or has, via inertia, traveled beyond those normal positions. The control apparatus allows movement to the closed position if movement beyond a permissible range has been achieved through roof panel inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazukiyo Okada, Motoya Yamamoto, Kazuyuki Hirai, Daisuke Mukai, Yoshinobu Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7025414
    Abstract: Vehicle roof with at least one cover, which, by means of a lifting and closing mechanism, selectively closes a roof opening, or at least partly opens the same by lifting the rear edge of the cover, or by displacement along a guide rail, and a locking element (28) which locks the cover or a component connected thereto (cover support 6) relative to the guide rail (14) in the closed position, or in the lifted position. The locking element (28) is thus arranged on a locking lever (24), arranged on the cover or a component connected thereto so as to pivot essentially in a vertical plane. The locking element (28) is taken out of engagement with a locking recess (14f) on the guide rail (14), by means of a carrier device, at the end of a dropping movement of the cover, preceding the displacement of the cover into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Hanke
  • Patent number: 7017983
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a multipart sliding roof for a motor vehicle has a first angularly movable roof section, and at least a second and third roof section movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for the positioned closing and opening-up of a roof opening. The longitudinally movable roof sections are controllable by means of an operating element for the selection of different defined roof positions, in which case, by means of the operating element, at least six switching positions and thus six different positions of the individual roof sections can be selected. After the selection of different switching positions by the operating element, the movement of different parts of the multipart sliding roof is carried out in a restrictedly controlled manner, without their movement having been selected by the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernhard Ritter
  • Patent number: 7004538
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a motor driving an opening and closing body of a sunroof device includes a drive portion and a control portion. The drive portion supplies current to the motor to rotate the motor. The drive portion has a changing device for changing the torque of the motor. The control portion controls the changing device such that the torque of the motor is increased as the traveling speed of a vehicle is increased during a closing operation of the opening and closing body. Therefore, closure force and catching force of the opening and closing body during a closing operation is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuto Kitoh
  • Patent number: 6913311
    Abstract: A guide mechanism for a cover of a sliding roof has at least one slotted guide that is coupled to the cover and adapted to be moved between a raised position, an initial position, and a lowered position. To lock the cover against horizontal displacement in the raised position, an extension provided on the slotted guide engages with a positive fit into the profiled rail fixed to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar Weiss, Hubert Bachmann
  • Patent number: 6840572
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an arrangement in hatch structure (1) to be installed in a vehicle body (2). The arrangement comprises a hatch, the edges of which are bent downwards, which hatch is mainly horizontal when in the closed position, an opening (6) in the vehicle body (2), which opening (6) is smaller than the said hatch, a packing (4) for sealing the hatch and the opening (6) in relation to each other when the hatch is closed, and a hatch operating mechanism that incorporates at least one body part (7), which has sliding faces (8, 18) for a slide (9) on which the slide (9) rests, a lever (11) that is connected to the slide (9) by means of a first joint (12) and is supported near the edge of the opening (6) in the vehicle body (2) by means of a second joint (13), and a compression spring (10) located in the slide bed, which compression spring constantly exerts force on the slide (9) so as to push it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Webasto-Parabus LTD
    Inventor: Jukka Sillanpåå
  • Publication number: 20040232737
    Abstract: Vehicle roof with at least one cover, which, by means of a lifting and closing mechanism, selectively closes a roof opening, or at least partly opens the same by lifting the rear edge of the cover, or by displacement along a guide rail, and a locking element (28) which locks the cover or a component connected thereto (cover support 6) relative to the guide rail (14) in the closed position, or in the lifted position. The locking element (28) is thus arranged on a locking lever (24), arranged on the cover or a component connected thereto so as to pivot essentially in a vertical plane. The locking element (28) is taken out of engagement with a locking recess (14f) on the guide rail (14), by means of a carrier device, at the end of a dropping movement of the cover, preceding the displacement of the cover into an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Hanke
  • Patent number: 6761396
    Abstract: In a sunroof apparatus provided with a lid (3) capable of opening and closing an opening formed in a roof (1) of a vehicle body, and a slider (8) longitudinally moving on a side rail (5) connected to the lid (3) and provided in a side of the vehicle body, in which a longitudinal movement of the slider (8) is automatically obtained by an actuator and a dummy full-close position temporarily closing an opening (2) by the lid exists between a tilt-up position and a flap position, the lid is made incapable of stopping at the dummy full-close position at a time of moving in an opening direction and a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Ohtsu, Masaki Omori
  • Patent number: 6729683
    Abstract: In a method and a device for operation of a cover of a tilt-and-slide sunroof of a vehicle, the cover is arranged in a first relative position in relation to a roof panel surrounding the cover when the vehicle is stationary. The cover is moved from the first relative position into a second relative position by a vacuum force caused by an air stream when the vehicle is in motion. A physical variable correlating with the vacuum force is registered, and adjustment of the position of the cover by the cover drive as a function of the variable registered, counter to the direction of the vacuum force from the second relative position into a third relative position essentially coinciding with the first relative position, is performed. In its closed position, therefore, the cover always lies in the same relative position to the roof panel surrounding it, regardless of the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Steffen Kreiner, Andreas Rodewald
  • Publication number: 20040051349
    Abstract: A guide mechanism for a cover of a sliding roof has at least one slotted guide that is coupled to the cover and adapted to be moved between a raised position, an initial position, and a lowered position. To lock the cover against horizontal displacement in the raised position, an extension provided on the slotted guide engages with a positive fit into the profiled rail fixed to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Edgar Weiss, Hubert Bachmann