Abstract: To reliably prevent lifting of a roof panel when the roof panel is fully closed. To provide a roof panel (12) to a vehicle body (1) capable of opening/closing a vehicle cabin space (11), a link mechanism (3) for supporting the roof panel (12) at the vehicle body (1) having a front connecting link (33) rotatably connected to both of the vehicle body (1) and the roof panel (12), and a rear connecting link (34) rotatably connected to both of the vehicle body (1) and the roof panel (12) at rear side of a vehicle relative to front connecting link (33), and link restricting mechanism (500) for restricting the rear connecting link (34) to the vehicle body (1) when the roof panel (12) is in fully closed state over the vehicle cabin space (11).

Abstract: A sunroof driving device includes a pair of rail members adapted to be arranged at both edges of a roof opening formed in a vehicle roof in a vehicle width direction and each extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction, a slide member slidably supported by each of the rail members in a longitudinal direction therof, a supporting member connected to the slide member and supporting a movable panel opening and closing the roof opening, a cross-connecting member extending along the vehicle width direction for establishing connection between respective front ends of the rail members, a drive motor arranged at the cross-connecting member and including a rotating shaft extending along the cross-connecting member, a torque wire extending along the cross-connecting member and integrally rotating with the rotating shaft, and a torque-transmitting member rotated by the torque wire and sliding the slide member along each of the rail members.

Abstract: A guide device for a movable roof element of an openable vehicle roof with a guide sliding block connected to the roof element and with a guide unit which has two guide surfaces which route the guide sliding block between themselves and which are pointed in opposite directions, one of the guide surfaces being held on the guide unit to be able to move relative to the guide sliding block and being pretensioned relative to the other guide surface by a spring mechanism, the spring mechanism having at least two spring elements which are located in a parallel connection on the guide unit. Preferably, the component which contains the slide surface is supported by the first spring element on the first support site of the guide unit and by the second spring element on the second support site of the guide unit.

Abstract: A safety braking device for a sliding roof cover that is moved in translation along vehicle-fixed guides includes at least one braking element that is coupled with the sliding roof cover, and which in normal operation moves together with the sliding roof cover in translation along an associated guide. A coupling piece is movable with the sliding roof cover and makes a connection between the sliding roof cover and the braking element. The coupling piece extends into the braking element. The coupling piece displaces in the braking element upon an abrupt acceleration of the sliding roof cover relative to the guide, and deforms the braking element such that the braking element and the associated guide are jammed to prohibit further movement of the sliding roof cover along the associated guide.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting mechanism of a movable component, particularly a soft top compartment cover of a convertible, which is movably mounted by means of at least one control arm (2) that is hingedly connected to the vehicle body. A crossarm gear (19, 20) is mounted between the control arm (2) and a drive unit (27, 28) of the adjusting mechanism. In order to improve the moving behavior of the movable component, the control arm (2) is coupled to a rotatably mounted crank (14) via a coupling rod (11). Said crank (14) is connected to a driving arm (21) via two crossarms (19, 20), the driving arm (21) being movable by the drive unit (27, 28).

Abstract: A vehicular sunroof apparatus in which a sunroof panel for opening and closing an opening in a vehicle roof has a front panel and a rear panel. The sunroof apparatus also includes a rear panel drive mechanism for effecting rising/lowering and opening/closing movements of the rear panel relative to the opening. A restricting part provided in the rear panel drive mechanism restricts a front end part of the rear panel from rising when a rear end part of the fully closed rear panel is lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the displacement process of a hood system. According to the invention the following steps are provided: provision of a first number of position sensors (20-22,25,26) to determine the actual position of the hood system, the first number of position sensors being greater than a second number of position sensors which are required as a minimum for determining the position of the hood system, determination of a third number of functioning position sensors, from the first number of position sensors, comparison of the first number with the third number and movement of the hood system into a defined position so long as the third number is less than the first number.

Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of an openable roof system, for example of a cabriolet canopy system, in which a synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) is provided during the adjustment (t? to t3) for opening and/or closing the vehicle roof system, in which synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are hydraulically coupled for the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of two components of the vehicle roof system. In order to increase operational reliability, in particular to reduce the risk of undesired collisions of the components, the invention provides monitoring of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of the two components during the synchronized adjusting phase (Ts), and in the event of a deviation of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) from a predefined nominal synchronized movement being detected, correction of the synchronized movement by at least partially suspending the hydraulic coupling of the two hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for a soft top compartment cover of a convertible Said supporting device is movably mounted on the vehicle body and can be fixed thereto by means of a locking mechanism. In order to improve the functionality of the supporting device, the locking mechanism comprises two lock units (30, 43) which are disposed on the supporting device and are interconnected so as to be actuated jointly. The first lock unit (30) is used for fastening the supporting device (3) to the vehicle body while the second lock unit (43) is used for attaching the soft top compartment cover (1), which is movably mounted on the supporting device (3), to the supporting device (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating device for a wind deflector device in a vehicle, with a roof opening and a roof closure element, wherein the actuating device has at least one actuating cable which can be coupled to a sun-shielding device, wherein the actuating cable can actuate the sun-shielding device when it is coupled to the sun-shielding device, wherein the actuating cable can be moved in a first direction in which the sun-shielding device uncovers the roof opening, wherein the actuating cable can be decoupled from the sun-shielding device in a predetermined position, and wherein, in the state in which it is decoupled from the sun-shielding device, the actuating cable can be moved further in the first direction and, in the process, can adjust the wind deflector device.

Abstract: A cabriolet includes a displaceable roof that can be secured in its closed position on a windscreen frame. To secure the roof, the cabriolet is equipped with at least two displaceable engagement bodies and at least one associated drive, which interacts with the engagement bodies to transmit the drive force via intermediary elements having a component that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The drive includes a drive member, which is generally parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle on the plane of the intermediary elements and which is used to displace a gear that controls the displacement of one or more intermediary elements by means of a coupling member that lies on the plane of the drive member.

Abstract: In a guide tube-fixing structure for sunroof device 1 that includes cables C1, C2 for opening and closing a roof panel 4 by push-pull operation; guide rails 5, 5 for guiding opening/closing of the roof panel 4; sunshade rails 20, 20 for opening/closing of a sunshade panel, guide tubes P1-P4 for the cables C1, C2 are disposed along a rear portion of the sunshade rails 20, 20 each extending further rearward from the rear end portion of the guide rail 5 and the guide tubes P1-P4 are fixed to the rear portion of the sunshade rail 20.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle trunk cover assembly includes two coupled guide rod units which are connectable to the cover and the vehicle body such that the cover is movable between a closed position covering the trunk, a roof transport position in which the front cover end is lifted relative to the trunk, and a loading position in which the rear cover end is lifted relative to the trunk. A locking lever connectable to the vehicle body includes a lock which is movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon being actuated. One guide rod unit cooperates with the lock such that the guide rod unit engages the lock when the lock is in its engaged position so that the cover may move into its loading position and disengages from the lock when the lock is in its disengaged position so that the cover may move into its roof transport position.

Abstract: A movable roof opening-closing structure rotatively opening and closing a movable roof toward backward at an outside of a vehicle body through a linkage equipped with a first link bar and a second link bar, wherein the linkage is configured with an inequilateral four-bar linkage having a fixed bar at a vehicle body side, and wherein an instant center of the movable roof against the vehicle body when the movable roof is at an entirely closing position is located at one of positions where is ahead of a front end of the movable roof and behind of a rear end of the movable roof.

Abstract: A sunroof device includes a roof panel having a first opening portion, a ceiling member having a second opening portion so as to face the first opening portion, a movable panel moved between a full-closed position and an open position, the movable panel passing through a half-closed position, a motor for driving the movable panel, a controlling means for controlling an operation of the motor, an operating member to be operated or released by a passenger in the vehicle, and a switch for inputting an operation signal for operating the motor, and inputting a stop signal for stopping the motor. The controlling means drives the motor until the movable panel reaches the full-closed position while moving towards the full-closed position by the operating member being operated even if the operating member is released after the movable panel reaches the half-closed position.

Abstract: Support frame for automobile vehicle sunroofs based on a single U-shaped element formed by longitudinal elements (2) and a front element (1). In these elements are provided the channels for the tow elements and for the tow elements excess, the drip rail and the associated guiding and control means for the slides which support the mobile panel.

Abstract: A system for accessing internal electrical components of an LED display panel assembly includes a case and a display panel having a plurality of LEDs on an outer surface and electrical components on an inner surface. A linkage assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the display panel and configured for generally translational and generally rotational movement of the display panel from a closed position to an open position for accessing the electrical components.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle system includes a movable member and a belt-driven drive wheel that is operable to engage and disengage with the movable member and cause the movable member to move between positions. A tensioning member is operable to bias a movable roof member into contact with a wheel which is operable to engage with and selectively drive the roof member between positions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.

Abstract: Device for opening/closing an opening in a vehicle roof by means of a transparent sunroof cover on the one hand and an opaque sunscreen cover on the other hand, which covers can be actuated separately from each other in accordance with a manual actuation of a control device, whereby, from a fully open or a fully closed position, the sunscreen cover can be moved first in the opening in each case.

Abstract: A sliding roof system for a motor vehicle includes at least one guide rail, at least one guide carriage movably received in the guide rail, and a cover support that can be shifted relative to the guide rail. The cover support is connected with the guide carriage through two slotted guides and is connected with the guide rail through one slotted guide.

Abstract: There is provided an open roof construction for a vehicle having a closure means (4) of which at least one of its forward and rearward edges is movable by a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism comprises a stationary guiding (7), a slide (12) engaging said guiding and a link member (16) that in a sliding and hingeable manner engages the stationary guiding, such that when the slide (12) moves the respective edge of the closure means (4) not only moves along with the slide but also is moved away or towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof arrangement for a motor vehicle having a roof frame, a sunroof, two lateral guide paths in which the sunroof is movably guided for closing or at least partially releasing a roof opening. Multiple bearing devices are connected to the sunroof, at one end in an articulated connection and at the other end supported in one of the guide paths via a guide element. The bearing devices each have a lever which is attached to both the guide element and the sunroof in a pivot bearing, whereby the pivot bearing on the sunroof end has a bearing axle which protrudes at its one end into a control path for the lifting motion of the sunroof and is provided at this end with a stepped bearing sleeve. A spring mechanism is arranged between the bearing sleeve and the lever, pressing a ring collar of the stepped bearing sleeve against an edge bordering the control path, thereby minimizing noise, particularly when the sunroof is closed.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle having a roof with an opening portion includes a movable panel, a supporting mechanism supporting the movable panel, an actuating device generating an actuating force for actuating the movable panel, a transmitting mechanism transmitting the actuating force, the transmitting mechanism having a rack belt made of resin and engaging with an actuating gear of the actuating device and a guiding member guiding the rack belt so as to be slidable, wherein the rack belt includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed and alternately spaced rack teeth and grooves, each of the grooves being provided with a protruding portion bridging two adjacent rack teeth at a mid portion of each groove, and a core wire embedded within the protruding portion of the rack belt so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the rack belt.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus comprises a movable panel provided on an opening portion of a vehicle roof and capable of tilting-up and sliding, a functional bracket that supports the movable panel, a drive member actuated to move in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle along a guide rail attached to the vehicle roof, a front shoe connected to the drive member for controlling the movements of a front portion of the functional bracket by means of a front functional member, as a consequence of moving in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail in accordance with the movements of the drive member and a rear shoe connected to the drive member for controlling movement of a rear portion of the functional bracket by means of a rear functional member, as a consequence of moving in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail in accordance with the movements of the drive member, wherein the front shoe and the rear shoe are supported by an identical guide portion of the guide rail.

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.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a first internal wall surface with which a guide rail is provided; a second internal wall surface with which the guide rail is provided and which faces the first internal wall surface in a height direction; a main body portion which the sliding member includes and which is supported by the first internal wall surface; and a first flexible portion which the sliding member includes. One end of the first flexible portion is connected to the main body portion, while the other end of the first flexible portion is configured to come in pressure-contact with the main body portion when the first flexible portion comes in pressure-contact with the second internal wall surface.

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.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism for a vehicle roof includes least one guide rail, a carriage that can be shifted in the guide rail, and a cover support provided to bear a cover of a sliding-tilting roof. The carriage guides the movements of the cover support and includes a lifting slot, a guiding slot and a latching slot.

Abstract: A roof arrangement for a motor vehicle having a roof frame, a sunroof, two lateral guide paths in which the sunroof is movably guided for closing or at least partially releasing a roof opening. Multiple bearing devices are connected to the sunroof, at one end in an articulated connection and at the other end supported in one of the guide paths via a guide element. The bearing devices each have a lever which is attached to both the guide element and the sunroof in a pivot bearing, whereby the pivot bearing on the sunroof end has a bearing axle which protrudes at its one end into a control path. For reliable functioning a sliding element is arranged on the end of the bearing axle which protrudes into the control path, the sliding element having an outside contour such that the sliding element rests against an edge bordering the control path in any movement position of the sliding roof.

Abstract: A sliding roof system includes at least one cover, two guide rails, and first and second carriages that are movable in the two guide rails. The sliding roof system also includes first and second holding parts that are each coupled with one of the first and second carriages and that are each coupled with a rear edge of the cover. The first and second holding parts can be shifted between a first position in which there is a first clearance between the first and second holding parts, and a second position in which there is a second clearance between the first and second holding parts that is larger than the first clearance.

Abstract: A sliding roof system includes at least one guide rail, a carriage shiftable in the guide rail, and a cover support coupled with the carriage. The cover support is adapted to be attached to a cover that is movable to open and close a roof opening. A first lifting lever has one end connected to the cover support and another end connected to the carriage with guide pieces received within slots formed in the carriage.

Abstract: A mechanism for a sun roof has at least one guide rail, a lifting slide that can be moved along the guide rail, and a guide slide that can be locked in the guide rail in an initial position. The guide slide can be moved in the guide rail once the guide slide is unlocked. A cover holder is coupled to the lifting slide and the guide slide in such a way that the cover can be moved between a closed position and an opened position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trapping protector (1) including a hollow profile (12) for a power-operated closing device, more particularly for a motor vehicle sunroof. The hollow profile (12) is provided at at least one of its ends (14) with an appendage (21) of less thickness than the hollow profile (12). Due to the ends (14); 15) of the hollow profile (12) overlapping a trapping protector on all sides is achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle roof module includes an outer skin and a foamed backing on a rear side of the outer skin. At least one elongated hollow element is embedded in the foamed backing. The elongated hollow element acts as a support for add-on components and may also house signal transmission components, such as cables.

Abstract: A roof module for accommodation in a hollow space of a roof area of a vehicle. Both manually operable, movable areas and movable areas operable by an actuating drive may be integrated into the roof area. The roof module may be assigned to a drive of movable area or to frame elements in which the movable area is guided. In the roof module, electronic components and sensors are accommodated, which form functional groups for operating the movable roof area, for monitoring and air conditioning the vehicle's passenger compartment, for communications with external information systems and for activating vehicle security systems.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly selectively covers an opening formed in a roof of a motor vehicle. The closure panel assembly includes a frame disposed around the opening of the roof. The frame has a longitudinal wall including a guide slot extending between a forward end and a rearward end. A lead screw is disposed adjacent the longitudinal wall and is movable with respect thereto. A panel is movable relative to the lead screw for selectively covering the opening. A sliding bracket is secured to the panel and includes a drive nut extending through the guide slot to threadingly engage the lead screw. The rotation of the lead screw allows for movement of the drive nut to move the panel between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle, having an opening (1) in its fixed roof (2), comprises a frame and a closure element (4) which can be adjusted by means of an adjusting mechanism (5) including a driving slide (6). The closure element is at least movable between a closed position for closing the roof opening, and an open position, in which the roof opening is at least partially released. The frame (3) is fitted with at least one longitudinal guide track (7). The closure element (4) is supported near its front side by a front support (11–13) which is movably guided by said longitudinal guide track (7), and which is supported rearwards thereof by a lifting device (8–10).

Abstract: A control apparatus for a roof glass specifies the selection position of the selection switch when an output voltage from the selection switch is determined to be included in any of the allowable ranges predetermined respectively for the selection positions of the selection switch. The selection position of the selection switch is settled when the specified selection position has not changed even when a predetermined time passes after specifying of the selection position of the selection switch. When those selection positions which have been settled at a time of making the current decision and at a time of making a previous decision satisfy predetermined conditions, the roof glass is allowed to operate to a position corresponding to the selection position of the selection switch settled at a time of making a current decision.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a process for controlling a closing device in a motor vehicle driven by an electric motor, in particular for controlling a motor vehicle sunroof, to protect a body part from being crushed during a closing motion, a closing resistance variable is detected. The closing resistance variable is characteristic of a force counteracting the closing motion, and is used to determine whether a crush situation exists. For this purpose, an additional auxiliary variable indicative of wind load forces at a certain speed is used. If a crush situation exists, a protective measure is initiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control for a roof assembly of a vehicle, in which said roof assembly includes several roof members which are individually drivable by drive motors. The control comprises a control unit programmed to control said drive motors, and a switch. It has a range of adjustment with pre-selected positions each corresponding to a pre-selected position of the roof members. The switch can be provided with a momentary function to activate the control unit to energize one or more of said drive motors to move one or more of said roof members to the position corresponding to said pre-selected position of said switch.

Abstract: A sliding roof device for vehicles includes a movable panel to open or close an opening portion provided at a vehicle roof, a pair of guide rails provided at both sides in width direction of the opening portion and extending in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, an operation mechanism guided by the guide rail and supporting the movable panel, a drive device driving the operation mechanism, and a spur tooth rack belt connecting the operation mechanism with the drive device wherein the drive device includes a drive gearwheel engaging with the spur gear rack belt, and the drive gearwheel is formed with variable tooth thickness along the gear width.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a stationary part for attachment to the roof. It has at least one stationary guide rail on a side of the roof opening. A closure element is supported by an operating mechanism and is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position. The operating mechanism comprises a driving slide and a link plate attached to the closure element and having a first guide track with which a guide member is in engagement. A curve part on the stationary part includes a second guide track having a vertical component. The guide member is also in engagement with said second guide track, wherein the driving slide is adapted to drive the guide member at least along part of the path of movement of the closure element.

Abstract: A displaceable cover of a sliding-tilt roof module closes a vehicle roof opening. The cover includes a large-surface panel and longitudinal slide guide parts for shifting the cover. The slide guide parts are embedded in a foamed backing applied on a rear side of the panel. Two slide guide parts and two transverse braces form a frame that stabilizes the cover. The slide guide parts can also be secured to the panel by an additional securing feature. The guide has a first section embedded in the foamed backing and a second section projecting from the foamed backing. The slide guide parts are received in sliders to allow longitudinal movement of the panel.

Abstract: A vehicle has a roof assembly for opening an opening in its fixed roof. The roof assembly includes a frame attached to the vehicle roof and a panel which is movably supported by said stationary part and which can be adjusted by an adjusting mechanism including a driving slide. The panel is movable between a closed position for closing the roof opening, and an open, rearward position for being at least partially above the roof behind the roof opening, in which the roof opening is at least partially released. The frame is fitted with at least one front longitudinal guide track extending at least along the roof opening, whereas a rear longitudinal guide track is mounted at least substantially rearward of the roof opening.

Abstract: A guide arrangement for a roof element on an opening vehicle roof which includes a guide web connected to the roof element and a guide claw, having two opposing guide surfaces, which engages the guide web in such a manner that the guide surfaces lie on the guide web. The guide claw also includes an elastic element which provides adjustment for one of the two guide surfaces, such that the separation between the two opposing guide surfaces may be altered to provide tolerance adjustment.