AUTOMOBILE SUNROOF ASSEMBLY

Abstract: A sunroof assembly for an automobile comprises a sliding frame (1) located over the vehicle roof and having opposed grooves (2a) for holding the side edges of a glass or other panel (3) for sliding movement; an aperture-surrounding frame (14) clamped about the margins of the aperture (4) in the vehicle roof and carrying a resilient seal (43) for the panel; and an adjustment bar (7) slotted at (9) extending along the centre of the aperture (4) against the top (8) of which the panel (3) can be selectively clamped or from which it can be selectively freed for the sliding movement, by use of a pivotable handle (16) connected through the slot (9) in the bar (7).

Description: AUTOMOBILE SUNROOF ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a sunroof assembly for an automobile, including a panel of more or less clear or translucent glass or polymer, or an opaque visor, which can be opened to form an overhead ventilation opening. Broadly speaking, two sorts of sunroofs are known. One sort tilts, usually around a forward transverse axis and the other sort slides across its opening to a greater or lesser extent to provide ventilation. There are also sunroofs which can slide away in one direction and which can close by sliding, in the other direction, and then tilt, about a forward axis. Regulations concerning motor vehicles vary from country to country. In some countries, sunroofs are only permitted if they are of the tilting type, unless some form of positive intermediate locking is provided. A risk is envisaged of sliding sunroofs slamming shut if the vehicle is involved in an accident, whereby a further area of danger is presented to the driver or passengers who may be moved by impact to have their neck or limbs within the sunroof opening at the time that the roof closes. In addition to the regulations concerning sunroof operation, most countries also have regulations concerning internal sunroof fitments. Since these are located at just above head level, in proximity to at least the driver and front seat passenger, it is normally specified that they shall be contoured to fit as closely as possible to the inside of the roof of the vehicle when the roof is closed, and that if they are otherwise located (e.g. when the roof is raised) they should fall into the same or a further closely-contoured position or be easily moved into that position by a simple closing action. We have now discovered a novel design of sunroof the interaction of component parts of which is such as to provide an easily operable sliding panel with mechanism movable in relation to, and immobilisable on, a central bar. Preferably, the construction is one which resists unintended closing on impact of the vehicle, and preferably moreover the arrangement is such that the greater the impact the more the resistance to movement. In one aspect therefore the present invention consists in a sunroof mechanism in which a panel is held for sliding at each side edge and is attached so as' to be moveable along and immobilisable in relation to at least one bar extending longitudinally of the vehicle. For example, one generally central bar may be used, or one bar at one side of the opening, or two bars one along or near either side of the opening. In one preferred form of the invention the or each bar is rendered non-slip, or roughened, or transversely grooved, or provided with transverse ratchet grooves, at one or both of its upper and lower surfaces. Typically, at least one downwardly extending portion attached to or near the forward edge of the panel extends through a longitudinal slot in the or each bar so as protrude beneath and carry a grasping handle having a latching (locking) position and a free position in relation to the bar. The bar may be channelled so as to accommodate the handle when this is folded back into a locking position The latch may operate a clamping member above or below the bar, as desired; one latch may operate such members or more than one bar, if necessary. The handle is therefore such that when moved it tends to separate the panel from the bar enough to lift it from an upper surface of the bar. The operation of such a device involves operating the handle to the free position, sliding the panel to the desired position on the bar and operating the handle to the locked position so that the panel is again held in immobilised relationship. In another and preferred embodiment there is provided a downwardly open channel-shaped bar, with a slot along the channel base; an elongate grasping handle; an attachment member for the panel, extending through the slot and journalled at the forward end of the handle; a biassing spring to push the handle to an open position; and a pawl member eccentric of the journal, being thus movable to positions respectively easing the attachment means upward from or pulling it downward upon, the bar so as to provide for selective movement and immobilisation. Such an assembly is preferably used with a resilient seal and slide guides for the panel margins, the relative height of the seal being such that immobilising the attachment member and panel causes the panel margins to be pulled down to deform the seal, and freeing the attachment member and panel causes the margins to rise while still remaining in their slide guides. The frame members for sealing the panel while permitting selective sliding thus preferably comprise, (a) a slide frame with limbs extending longitudinally. housing an inwardly facing resilient margin-accommodating slide channel with inturned lips capable of slidably contacting the panel over a small range of heights. (b) a clamping frame, with an inner and outer portion for clamping the margins surrounding an aperture in a vehicle roof, and (c) a peripheral seal, mounted around the clamping frame, extending to a distance above the lowest edge of the slide channel; whereby a panel can be held sealingly over the peripheral seal, with its side edges in the slide channels, in an upper or slidable position and lower or ' clamped position. An additional feature comprises subsidiary channels in the bar and a roller blind mounted along each such channel for pulling transversely and for consequent entrapment, at a configured outer edge, in the clamping frame. While preferred embodiments of the invention involve the use of toothed or roughened or at least non-slip clamping members pressed against or spaced from the respective bar. it is possible to embody the invention in such a way as to facilitate its automatic and electrical use. For example, the or each bar may be a circular section threaded bar mounted for rotation and carrying one or more nuts, itself attached to a pin or pins extending downwards from or near the front edge of the panel. Suitable switches can be provided within the automobile to cause the or each bar to rotate in one or other direction by means of an electric motor, and thereby to slide the panels to and fro. If desired, the pin can be attached to the nut in such a way that an initial part turn of the nut raises the panel slightly over its seal so as to facilitate sliding. As an alternative to a centrally disposed electrical drive system, the drive can be located towards one or both of the sides of the moving panel. The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of one example of a sunroof assembly in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the sunroof assembly as shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-section taken through the frame assemblies of the sunroof assembly and associated members, with the roof panel removed. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a locking handle. Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the handle shown in Figure 4, in locked position. Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of the handle shown in Figure 4, showing the unlocked position, Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c are views of an alternative locking assembly respectively from below and in the free position; from one end and in the free position; and from one end and in a locked position. Figure 8 is a transverse cross-section of a longitudinal bar showing optional fixing to form shade blinds, and Figure 9 shows an alternative form of central bar equipped with electrically driven threaded positioning rod. Figures 1 and 2 show the general nature of an embodiment of sunroof assembly by way of example only. The embodiment shown comprises a slide frame sub-assembly 1, which when assembled extends across a forward portion of a vehicle roof at its front limb la. and possesses side limbs lb extending rearwardly from the ends of these limbs la. The slide frame has an inwardly facing groove structure 2 in which fits the side and front edges of a panel 3. This panel 3 is shown as transparent glass, but metals or other material of fabrication are also possible. The side edges of the panels slide along the groove portion 2b in the side limbs lb of the slide frame, so that the panel 3 can be positioned to close the opening 4 (with its forward edge in groove 2a in the front limb la) or to uncover the opening 4. In the drawing the panel.3 is shown half open. * Minor features shown in Figure -1 include end pieces 5 for the side limbs lb (so as to close the shaped profile, (shown below in Figures 2 and 3) and wind deflectors 6 held at the front limb la of the frame in any suitable manner. Figure 1 also shows a guide bar 7 extending longitudinally of the vehicle and down the central axis of the assembly. As also shown in Figures 2 and Figure 8, the bar is typically channel-shaped with a flat top 8 carrying a longitudinal slot 9. By way of example, the bar may also possess side walls 10 configured to define a central and downwardly open channel 12 with two subsidiary and upwardly open channels 13, one to each side of channel 12. These latter can then each house a rolled shade blind 100, which when desired can be pulled transversely across half the open aperture and caused to catch at 101 in the groove 35 (see also Figures 3 and 8). Figure 2 shows how the bar is attached, at the front and back 7a and 7b respectively, to an aperture sub-assembly frame 14, described in more detail below, and secured by screws 15 around the edge of a suitably dimensioned and proportioned aperture in the vehicle roof (not itself shown). The panel 3 is attached for selective movement and immobilisation relative to bar 7 by a handle mechanism generally indicated at 16, guided for movement along slot 9, and immobilisable against suitable surfaces of the bar 7. This handle is also described in more detail below. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an assembly where aperture frame sub-assembly 14 and slide frame sub-assembly 1 are jointly assembled into and around an aperture in a vehicle roof. Sub-assembly 1 typically comprises a metal extrusion 17 facing inwardly of the aperture. This sub-frame defines a channel 18 with a return lip 19 and a retaining rib 20. Facing outward it manifests three turned back edges or lips 21, 22 and 23 respectively. Within channel 18 is located an outwardly complementary channel-shaped extrusion 24 of a felted elastomeric material, known per se, which is resilient but allows sliding of the edge of a pane of glass of like panel relative thereto (i.e. in and out of the plane of the drawing) . The channel has strongly returned sealing edges 25a and 25b, and locating groove 26 therein, thus seating securely over rib 20 and within lip 19. Around the outer face of the side frame is an extruded cladding or finishing strip 27 of polymeric material, to provide a useful weather seal and a matching (or contrasting) decorative finish. The cross-section of this strip 27 is generally arcuate and at its concave side is configured at 28 and 29 and 30 respectively to clip onto the lips 21, 22 and 23. The sub-assembly of extrusion 17, channel 18 and cladding 27 can be attached by any conventional method to the vehicle roof skin 30, e.g. by upwardly directed screws at intervals entering the space defined within the cladding. Aperture frame sub-assembly 14 essentially comprises two clamping profiles supporting a peripheral sealing member. The outer clamping profile or frame 31 has, on the side towards the aperture, an extending configured shelf 32 with lipped end 33, and a protruding lip 34 at the upper inner edge. On the upper face is a groove 35, wider at the bottom than at the top. Facing outwardly of the aperture is another flat shelf member 36. Screw-accepting bores 37 are spaced at intervals around the profile to open at the underside thereof. Opposed inner clamping profile or frame 38 has a flat base portion 39 with a retaining lip 40 at the edge nearest the aperture. At intervals this flat base portion 39 is provided with a screw accepting countersunk bore 41 to correlate with the bores 37. Integral wall 42 extends upward from the outer periphery of the base portion 39. If screws are tightened in the bores 37 and 41 the uppermost face 42a of bores 42 moves towards the underside 36a of flat shelf 36 thus clamping the vehicle roof skin 30 and any interposed cladding, as described below. The assembled aperture frame unit 14 further comprises a tubular elastomeric sealing member 43, the outerface of which is configured at 44, 45 respectively to fit within lips 33 and 34. For reasons described more fully below the upper contour of the sealing member 43 lies at a level intermediate the levels of sealing edges 25a and 25b. Clip on strips and finishing members may be provided for use with the profiles shown. For instance, strip 46 with contoured outer face and arrow-shaped inner profile 46a can be used as a finishing strip per se and/or a holder for the inner edge of an internal headliner material such as shown at 47 and conventional in vehicle upholstery. This arrangement is not illustrated . Alternatively, and as shown in the Figure 3, a combination of more than one rigid finished profiles can be utilised. Thus, profile 48,externally arcuate at 48a with upwardly extending wall 49 and return end 50 can be held by wall 42. as shown, to overlie the outer end 47a of headliner 47 and provide a smooth transition to the underside of the flat base portion 39. If desired, the arcuate region 48a can be fabric clad to match fabric 51 held between on the one hand wall 42 and wall 49 and on the other between the arrow-shaped profile 46a and lip 40. This strip 51 can if desired be rigidified and be shaped so as to fit the requisite space. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a suitable opening and locking handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a gripping handle 52, an attachment plate 53, and interconnection members as described below. Gripping handle 52 has a stem 54 with wall 55 defining an interacting end zone 56 including parallel sides 57 apertured at 58 in upstanding lugs 59, a sloping latch piece 60 with uppermost lips 60a, and an end pawl 61 between and lower than the side walls 57. The plate 53 extends transversely and is configured with suitable bolt fixing 62, one at each end. for attachment to panel 3. These bolt fixing are of a conventional type. Centrally, the plate has a rectangular recess 63, intersected by a rectangular slot 64 so as to leave shelves 65, one to either side, constituting the floor of the recess. Integral lugs 66 (not visible in Figure 4) extend downwards from the underside of the plate and are suitable spaced and apertured to fit within side walls 57 of the gripping handle and define a common axis for interconnection shaft 67. The forward lug edge of each lug 66, at the top. has a notch 66a to accommodate lips 60a of the gripping handle when the assembly is closed. The lugs 66 also at their upper edges retain a roller member 64a located generally in slot 64 so as to bear against the underside of a bridge spring member 68 extending across the slot 64 between shelf 65. Rearwardly, the plate possesses a further recess 69, apertured at 70 to define lodgement for a shaped leaf-spring 71. As will be apparent from the consideration of Figures 5 and 6, the handle assembly as shown can either be locked, that is to say, in a condition in which the gripping handle extends parallel and generally within the channel 12 of the bar 7, or unlocked i.e. free, a condition where the gripping handle extends downwards towards the interior of the vehicle for gripping and use in positioning the panel 3. In the first (locked) of these positions, the lip 60a fits within the recess 66a, and the pawl 61 is in a lower position so as to allow the leaf spring to open. The joint effect is to pull the attachment plate 53 downwards upon the top surface 8 of the bar and so that the panel 3 is pulled downwards firmly upon its elastomeric seal at 43 while still being retained within its edges within channel * 18.When the handle is moved to the position shown in Figure 6, the lip 68 comes out of recess 66, the spring 71 is pushed upwards, and the plate 53 is loosened or spaced from the upper surface 8 and seal 43. At this stage, the assembly can be moved along the slot, until a desired position is reached. During this adjustment, the roller 3 is somewhat pressed by spring 68 against the upper surface of the central bar 7, but is still capable of rolling. When the handle is moved again to the position shown in Figure 5, the various parts are firmly locked together in a new position. If desired, the surface 8 of the central bar can be suitably roughened or serrated to assist the locking position, provided that the roughness or serrations are of a suitable size to be accommodated by the degree of freedom given when the latch is opened. While the handle assembly shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 is by way of preferred example, it is also possible to utilise a totally different type of handle assembly. Such a different type is shown in Figures 7a, 7b and 7c. It consists of an elliptical grasping handle 72, connected by a stem 73 to a transversely extending attachment plate 74,corresponding generally to the attachment plate 53 of the preceding embodiment. Between the underside of the gripping handle and the plate 74, and on the same diameter are two protruding cam and locking members 75. so dimensioned that in one orientation they ride in the slot and in the other at right angles thereto they press on the top surface 8 to either side of the slot 9. A portion 76 of the elliptical grasping handle, where its stem approaches the bar, can be shaped so as to provide guide surfaces assisting the sliding movement by riding in channels one to either side of the slot. Figure 7b and 7c show the sliding position and immobilised position respectively, in which the cams 75 ■ either ride in or are located one to either side of slot 9. A further alternative mechanism for opening and closing the car roof, still utilising a longitudinal adjustment bar. e.g. in a central position, is shown in Figure 9. This provides an electric motor 77 to drive a longitudinally extending worm 78 journalled rearwardly of the housing in a convenient part of the frame at 79. This housing carries a suitable nut 80,and this in turn causes attachment 81, itself attached to the panel 3 to move to a desired position. Suitable positioning of the nut member 1 and shaping of the interconnection between the nut and the attachment 81, can ensure that initially, as the worm starts to turn, part of the nut arrangement is lifted to lift the attachment member 81 and thus relieve the pressure on the seals 43 whereby the panel is able to slide.

Claims: Claims . 1. A sunroof mechanism in which a panel is held for sliding at each side edge and is attached so as to be moveable along and immobilisable in relation to at least one bar extending longitudinally of the vehicle. 2. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 1 having one central bar. 3. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 1 with a channel-shaped bar having a slot along its base, used mouth downwards- whereby the outer surface of the base coacts to immobilise the panel. 4. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 3 in which at least one downwardly extending portion attached to or near the forward edge of the panel extends through a longitudinal slot in the or each bar so as protrude beneath and carry a grasping handle having a latching (locking) position and a free position in relation to the bar. 5. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 4 in which the handle when in a locked position is folded into the channel of the bar. 6 A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 2 comprising a downwardly open channel-shaped bar, with a slot along the channel base; an elongate grasping handle; an attachment member for the panel, extending through the slot and journalled at the forward end of the handle; a biassing spring to push the handle to an open position; and a pawl member eccentric of the journal, being thus movable to positions respectively easing the attachment means upward from or pulling it downward upon, the bar so as to provide for selective movement and immobilisation. 7. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a resilient seal and slide guides for the panel margins, the relative height of the seal being such that immobilising the attachment member and panel causes the panel margins to be pulled down to deform the seal, and freeing the attachment member and panel causes the margins to rise while still remaining in their slide guides. 8. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 7 wherein frame members, for sealing the panel while permitting selective sliding, comprise (a) a slide frame with limbs extending longitudinally, housing an inwardly facing resilient margin-accommodating slide channel with inturned lips capable of slidably contacting the panel over a small range of heights, (b) a clamping frame, with an inner and outer portion for clamping the margins surrounding an aperture in a vehicle roof, and (σ) a peripheral seal, mounted around the clamping frame, extending to a distance above the lowest edge of the slide channel; whereby a panel can be held sealingly over the peripheral seal, with its side edges in the slide channels, in an upper or slidable position and lower or clamped position. 9. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8 comprising subsidiary channels in the bar and a- roller blind mounted along each channel for pulling transversely and for consequent entrapment, at a configured outer edge, in the clamping frame. 10. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 2, comprising a slotted central bar with a twist handle connected to the panel and cammed at an underside so that the cams either slide in the groove or lock on the base of the channel to either side of the groove, thereby achieving selective movement and immobilisation. 11. A sunroof installation as claimed in claim 1 comprising a longitudinal rotary threaded bar with a moveable attachment member thereon for the panel.

Inventors: FRAMPTON JEFFREY, FRAMPTON, JEFFREY
Applicants: IDEX SA, IDEX S.A.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: B60J7
IPC codes: B60J7