Patent Description:
Open-roof systems for vehicles are commonly known. A vehicle roof may be provided with an opening and the open-roof system provides a closure member, e.g. a glass panel. The closure member may be moveably arranged such that in a closed position the closure member covers the opening in the roof, while in an open position the opening is at least partly uncovered.

In the above-mentioned known open-roof assembly, a moveable closure member may be supported by a guide assembly. The guide assembly supports the closure member and provides for a suitable movement trajectory. In an exemplary known open-roof assembly, a rear end of the closure member is known to be first lifted out of a plane of the vehicle roof to a tilted position and then the closure member may be slide rearward, wherein a frontal end of the closure member may be lifted as well.

In a particular known guide assembly, the guide assembly comprises a guide, a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism. The guide extends in a longitudinal direction, which usually corresponds to a normal driving direction of the vehicle. The first support mechanism is slideably supported in the guide and the second support mechanism is arranged in the guide. The closure member is mounted to a mounting element. The mounting element is supported by the first support mechanism and is slideably supported by the second support mechanism.

The known guide assemblies are designed and configured to provide for functionality and manufacturability. Serviceability of the known open-roof assemblies is limited. As a result, in case of malfunctioning, it is known that the complete open-roof assembly is replaced by a new one, while simple maintenance or replacement of a single part could have repaired the open-roof assembly. Unnecessary replacement of the complete open-roof assembly results in unnecessary high costs, waste and annoyance.

An exemplary prior art guide assembly is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a guide assembly with improved serviceability.

The object is achieved in a guide assembly according to claim <NUM>. The guide assembly according to the present invention comprises a guide extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a mounting element for mounting the closure member; a first support mechanism operatively coupled to the mounting element, wherein the first support mechanism slidably supports the mounting element in the guide; and a second support mechanism coupled to the guide and comprising a support element slidably supporting the mounting element, the second support mechanism being configured for moving the mounting element in a tilt direction to a tilted position, the tilt direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The guide assembly according to the present invention is provided with releasing means for releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism and for remounting the mounting element.

In the prior art open-roof system the guide assembly is hardly accessible, due to which performing maintenance is difficult. To get access to the guide assembly, the closure member needs to be removed. In the prior art, such removal includes unmounting the closure member from the mounting element, which usually includes removing a number of screws that are arranged directly below the closure member. As these screws are not easily accessible, unmounting the closure member is cumbersome. Further, remounting of the closure member on the mounting element includes adjusting the position of the closure member relative to the roof of the vehicle, while ensuring smooth functioning of the guide assembly. In particular for inexperienced persons, such adjustment is time-consuming and it may proof to be difficult to achieve an optimal position of the closure member.

In the guide assembly according to the present invention, the accessibility is greatly improved by providing the releasing means. Releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism allows better access to the guide assembly as the closure member may be more easily moved to a position where it does not block access to the guide assembly. Further, by the release of the closure member, certain parts may be easily replaced by new parts. Then, after maintenance or repairs, the closure member may be remounted without a need to readjust the closure member position, since the position adjustment between the mounting element and the closure member has not been changed or released and thus has been maintained.

According to the present invention, the guide assembly further comprises a locking mechanism arranged in the guide and operatively coupled to the second support mechanism for operating the second support mechanism and locking the second support mechanism in the tilted position. The guide assembly is configured to operate the locking mechanism when moving the first support mechanism between the closed position and an intermediate position. In the intermediate position the opening is partly covered by the closure member. In this embodiment, the releasing means are configured for rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable for enabling to move the first support mechanism towards the closed position without operating the second support mechanism. As the locking mechanism is not operated, the second support mechanism is not operated and remains in the tilted position. Sliding the closure member towards the closed position results in slideably releasing the mounting element from the second support mechanism.

With the mounting element released from the second support mechanism, the closure member may be freely rotated upward, for example, enabling easy maintenance. For example, the second support mechanism may be easily cleaned or parts thereof may be repaired or replaced.

In a particular embodiment, the locking mechanism is decouplable from the second support mechanism. With the locking mechanism decoupled from the second support mechanism, the second support mechanism will remain in its tilted position, even when the first support mechanism is moved towards the closed position, even if the locking mechanism is operated during such movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism is detachably arranged in the guide and the locking mechanism is hingedly coupled to an elongated coupling element, the coupling element being couplable between the locking mechanism and the second support mechanism, and wherein the locking mechanism is decouplable after having been detached from the guide and having been rotated. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism is removable from the guide, rendering it temporarily inoperable. The removal process requires multiple steps. First, the locking mechanism is detached from the guide, thereby enabling a second step of a rotary movement. Such multiple step method prevents an accidental unlocking, e.g. during driving. Unlocking is only achievable by purposefully performing the multiple steps. Of course, any other suitable multiple step release methods may be employed.

In another exemplary embodiment, the guide assembly further comprises an operating slider slideably arranged in the guide. The operating slider comprises a locking cam for operating the locking mechanism, wherein the locking cam is displaceable from an operable position to an inoperable position. In the operable position, the locking cam is arranged for engaging an operating surface of the locking mechanism, when the slider is moved through the guide in the longitudinal direction and passed the locking mechanism, while in the inoperable position the locking cam is arranged for not engaging the operating surface of the locking mechanism. For example, the locking cam may be mounted on the operating slider with a releasable connection, e.g. a screw or snap connection. Unmounting the locking cam may enable the operating slider to move passed the locking mechanism without engaging and operating the locking mechanism.

In another embodiment of the guide assembly according to the present invention, the releasing means are configured for releasing the first support mechanism from the guide. For example, in the closed position, the first support mechanism may be arranged at a frontal end of the guide. A blocking element may be provided at the frontal end for holding the first support mechanism. Then, in accordance with the present invention, the blocking element may be detachably arranged such that detaching the blocking element would allow the first support mechanism to be released from the guide.

In another exemplary embodiment, the first support mechanism comprises a slide shoe arranged in a guide channel of the guide and a release part of the guide is detachable for providing a release opening in the guide channel, the release opening being configured to allow to release the slide shoe from the guide channel.

In an aspect, the present invention further provides a method for maintenance of a guide assembly for a moveably arranged closure member of an open-roof system of a vehicle, the open-roof system having a closed position, in which the closure member covers an opening in a roof of the vehicle, and an open position, in which the opening is at least partly uncovered, the guide assembly comprising a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism, both said mechanisms supporting a mounting element, the mounting element being configured for mounting the closure member. The method comprises the steps of moving the closure member to the open position; releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism; and remounting the mounting element at said at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism. As the closure member is released with the mounting element, there is no need for position adjustment after remounting the closure member.

According to the method of the invention, the guide assembly comprises a locking mechanism for locking the second support mechanism in a tilted position, the method comprises the steps of moving the closure member from the closed position to the open position at least to the extent that the second support mechanism is locked in the tilted position; rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable; and moving the closure member towards the closed position, thereby releasing the mounting element from the second support mechanism. For example, the step of rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable may comprise the steps of detaching the locking mechanism from the guide; rotating the locking mechanism; and decoupling the locking mechanism from the second support mechanism.

In another embodiment, the method comprises releasing the first support mechanism from the guide.

Of course, both the guide assembly and the method according to the present invention may include that the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism are both releasable from the mounting element, thereby enabling to easily temporarily remove the closure member such to enable maintenance on the guide assemblies or any other parts that would become accessible through the opening in the roof of the vehicle.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description with reference to the appended schematical drawings, in which:.

Further, the moveable panel 2a may be in a tilted position, which is a position wherein a rear end RE of the moveable panel 2a is raised (in a substantially vertical direction V) as compared to the closed position, while a front end FE of the moveable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Further, the moveable panel 2a may be in an open position, which is a position wherein the moveable panel 2a is slid open (slid in a longitudinal direction L) and the first roof opening 3a is partly or completely exposed.

The second roof opening 3b is arranged under the fixed panel 2b such that light may enter a vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b, presuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similarly transparent panel, for example made of a plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b with a transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b is optional and may be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

The wind deflector <NUM> is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and adapts airflow when the moveable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector <NUM> reduces inconvenient noise due to airflow during driving.

<FIG> further illustrates a drive assembly having a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable <NUM> and a second drive cable <NUM>. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b extend in the longitudinal direction L, are arranged on respective side ends SE of the moveable panel 2a and may each comprise a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame <NUM>, while the mechanism comprises moveable parts and is slideably moveable in the guide. The first and the second drive cables <NUM>, <NUM> are provided between the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and a drive motor <NUM>.

The drive cables <NUM>, <NUM> couple the drive motor <NUM> to the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b such that upon operating the drive motor <NUM>, the mechanisms start to move. In particular, a core of the drive cable <NUM>, <NUM> is moved by the drive motor <NUM> such to push or pull on the mechanisms of the respective guides 6a, 6b. Such a drive assembly is well known in the art and is therefore not further elucidated herein. Still, any other suitable drive assembly may be employed as well without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in a particular embodiment, a drive motor may be operatively arranged between the respective guides and the respective mechanisms of the guide assemblies 6a, 6b and, in such embodiment, a drive assembly may be omitted completely.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> is mounted near or below the front end FE of the moveable panel 2a at a recess <NUM>. In another embodiment, the drive motor <NUM> may be positioned at any other suitable position or location. For example, the drive motor <NUM> may be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the moveable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

A control unit <NUM> is schematically illustrated and is operatively coupled to the drive motor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be any kind of processing unit, either a software controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, like an ASIC, as well known to those skilled in the art. The control unit <NUM> may be a stand-alone control unit or it may be operatively connected to another control unit, like a multipurpose, generic vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit <NUM> may be embedded in or be part of such a generic vehicle control unit. Essentially, the control unit <NUM> may be embodied by any control unit suitable for, capable of and configured for performing operation of the drive motor <NUM> and thus the moveable roof assembly.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a guide assembly <NUM> for use in an open-roof system as shown in <FIG> an 1B. On the guide assembly <NUM>, a closure member <NUM> is provided. The closure member <NUM> may be a glass panel or any other suitable panel as above described. The guide assembly <NUM> comprises a guide <NUM>, which provides at least one guide channel for guiding one or more elements of a mechanism of the guide assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assembly <NUM> comprises a first support mechanism <NUM> and a second support mechanism <NUM>. Both mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to and support a mounting element <NUM>. The guide assembly <NUM> further comprises a locking mechanism <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the second support mechanism <NUM> by an elongated coupling element (not shown), as known from the prior art. Upon moving the coupling element towards the second support mechanism <NUM>, the second support mechanism <NUM> is operated, as illustrated in and described hereinbelow in relation to <FIG>.

The closure member <NUM> is attached to the mounting element <NUM>. Upon operating the first support mechanism <NUM> and/or the second support mechanism <NUM>, the mounting element <NUM> is moved along a predetermined trajectory. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM> are each mechanically designed to provide for such predetermined trajectory. In another suitable embodiment, the trajectory may be provided in any other suitable manner. For example, using multiple motors, a control unit may be configured to control the multiple motors such that a predetermined trajectory is achieved.

In order to operate the first support mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM>, in the illustrated embodiment, a drive cable may be connected between a motor and a sliding element, wherein the sliding element is arranged in the guide <NUM> and is arranged to slide through the guide <NUM> when the motor pulls or pushes the drive cable. Such a drive assembly is well known from the art and therefore not shown in detail herein. Moreover, the present invention is not limited in any way to such drive assembly. Any other drive assembly suitably achieving the operation of the first support mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM> may be employed as well within the scope of the present invention.

As may be apparent, in <FIG>, the closure member <NUM> is in the closed position. <FIG> illustrates a first stage of an opening process. In <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> has moved towards the second support mechanism <NUM>, thereby operating the second support mechanism <NUM>. In this stage of the operation, the second support mechanism <NUM> has moved the mounting element <NUM> in direction A substantially parallel to the substantially vertical direction V, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In order to enable the movement of the rear end RE, the front end FE may be moved by the first support mechanism <NUM>, but this is not required.

It is noted that the use of the term 'vertical direction' should not be construed as limiting, but merely an indication of a direction perpendicular to the plane of the roof, which commonly has an orientation in a substantially horizontal plane. 'Vertical direction' is thus intended to refer to a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the open-roof assembly is oriented, when in a closed position.

<FIG> shows a further stage of the opening process, wherein the locking mechanism <NUM> has moved further rearwards and has arrived at its end position, where it is locked in its position, as known in the art. With the locking mechanism <NUM> locked in its position, the second support mechanism <NUM> is locked in its position and orientation. Meanwhile, the first support mechanism <NUM> has lifted in direction B substantially parallel to the substantially vertical direction V and has moved rearwards in direction C which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The mounting element <NUM> has moved with the first support mechanism <NUM> rearwards. The mounting element <NUM> is slidably supported by the second support mechanism <NUM> such that upon moving rearwards with the first support mechanism <NUM>, the mounting element <NUM> slides along the second support mechanism <NUM>.

A fully open position of the closure member is shown in <FIG>. The first support mechanism <NUM> has moved further rearwards, thereby sliding the closure member <NUM> rearwards. The locking mechanism <NUM> has however remained in its locked position.

As apparent to those skilled in the art, a closing process follows the same stages as illustrated and described, but in the reverse order.

Maintenance operations on the guide assembly <NUM> are eased if the closure member <NUM> would be removed. However, in order to have the closure member in the closed position flush with the roof of the vehicle, the closure member <NUM> is mounted on the mounting element <NUM> using an attachment assembly wherein the position of the closure member <NUM> is adjustable. Any manufacturing tolerances may thus be compensated. Unmounting the closure member <NUM> would thus result in having to readjust the position thereof, when the closure member <NUM> is remounted. Adjusting the position is however a cumbersome process, requires experience and is time-consuming. To prevent the readjustment, the present invention provides for a guide assembly <NUM> and a method for maintenance, wherein the mounting element <NUM> may remain attached to the closure member <NUM>, while the closure member <NUM> may be at least partially unmounted.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a first embodiment, wherein at the rear end RE of the closure member <NUM>, the mounting element <NUM> may be released from the slideable support at the second support mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, a first stage of the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown. The open-roof assembly has been opened to a stage, wherein the locking mechanism <NUM> is locked in its locked position (cf. In the locked position, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be rendered inoperable, meaning that the locking mechanism <NUM> will not be operated, when the drive assembly is operated.

In the first embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, while in the normal operable state, the locking mechanism <NUM> would be operated simultaneously with the first support mechanism <NUM> moving forwards in the longitudinal direction in accordance with direction D. In the inoperable state, the locking mechanism <NUM> remains locked at its locked position, when the first support mechanism <NUM> is moved forwards in direction D as shown in <FIG>. Consequently, the second support mechanism <NUM> is not operated and remains in its tilted position, i.e. in its raised position (cf.

Eventually, sliding forwards in direction D, the closure member <NUM> and mounting element <NUM> arrive at their closed position as shown in <FIG>. With the second support mechanism <NUM> still in its tilted position, at the rear end RE, the mounting element <NUM> may slide out of its support at the second support mechanism <NUM>.

For example, the slideable support may be provided in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the second support mechanism <NUM> is provided with a claw substantially enclosing the mounting element <NUM>. The claw may be rotatably arranged to enable the mounting element <NUM> to slant as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Sliding forward in the direction D, an end of the mounting element <NUM> may slide out of such claw.

Having slid out of the support of the second support mechanism <NUM>, the mounting element <NUM> may be lifted in direction E as illustrated in <FIG>. Consequently, the rear end RE is released and the mounting element in partially unmounted. In a further stage, the mounting element <NUM> may be released from its support at the first support mechanism <NUM> or the mounting element <NUM> and the closure member <NUM> may be rotated around a rotation axis of the support at the first support mechanism <NUM>, for example. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the first support mechanism <NUM> may be slid rearwards again, thereby raising the rotation axis, easing the rotation of the closure member <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM>. Thus, the guide <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM> are freely accessible for maintenance, e.g. for cleaning or for replacing a part.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a second embodiment of the guide assembly <NUM> and the method according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a releasing means <NUM> is provided at the first support mechanism <NUM>. For example, the releasing means <NUM> may comprise a pin, which may form an axle of a hinge, for example. The pin may be releasably arranged such that upon removal of the pin, the mounting element <NUM> is released from the support of the first support mechanism <NUM>.

In the stage as illustrated in <FIG>, the first support mechanism <NUM> has been moved rearwards to a position, where the first support mechanism <NUM> has raised the front end FE of the closure member <NUM>. Thus, the releasing means <NUM> may be rendered accessible.

As shown in <FIG>, after operating the releasing means <NUM>, the front end FE may be lifted in direction F and/or slid in direction G. Moreover, assuming a slideable support at the second support mechanism <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, for example, the rear end RE may be released from the second support mechanism <NUM> by sliding the closure member <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM> in the direction G until the mounting element <NUM> is released from the support at the second support mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a third embodiment, in which the first support mechanism <NUM> is releasable from the guide <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the guide <NUM> is provided with releasing means, which provide a release opening <NUM> in the guide <NUM>. The releasing means may further provide a closing element (not shown) for closing the release opening in normal operation, as apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, the first support mechanism <NUM> may be slid rearwards, as shown. Then, the release opening <NUM> may be opened. Then, as shown in <FIG>, the first support mechanism <NUM> may be slid forward again such that a slide shoe arranged at the first support mechanism <NUM> and guided in a corresponding guide channel in the guide <NUM> may be released from said guide channel by lifting the first support mechanism <NUM> in direction H. Then, similarly to the second embodiment, the closure member <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM> may be slid in the direction I, for example in order to release the rear end RE from the support at the second support mechanism <NUM>.

It is noted that in the second and third embodiment, the mounting element <NUM> may be releasable from the support at the second support mechanism <NUM>, but this is not required within the scope of the present invention. As described in relation to the first embodiment, the closure member <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM> may remain supported at one of the first support mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM>, while released from the other one. In such partially released state, the closure member <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM> may be rotated around an axis of rotation at the mechanism where they are still supported, for example. In another example, in particular in the second and third embodiments, the closure member <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM> may be slid rearwards through the slideable support at the second support mechanism <NUM> after having been released from the first support mechanism <NUM> (second embodiment) or from the guide <NUM> (third embodiment).

Referring to <FIG>, a practical embodiment of the first embodiment (cf. <FIG>) of the guide assembly according to the present invention is illustrated. For sake of clarity, the guide <NUM> is shown in thin dotted lines. The guide assembly comprises the guide <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction and the mounting element <NUM>. The closure member <NUM>, mounted on the mounting element <NUM>, comprises in this illustrated embodiment a glass panel <NUM> and a glass bracket <NUM>. The glass bracket <NUM> may be adhered to the glass panel <NUM> by use of a suitable adhesive, for example. The glass bracket <NUM> is coupled to the mounting element <NUM> at a number of mounting positions. In this embodiment, five mounting positions <NUM> - <NUM> are provided. In another embodiment, the number of mounting positions may be different and/or the locations of the mounting positions <NUM> - <NUM> may be different. The mounting element <NUM> may, for example, comprise threaded through holes at the mounting positions <NUM> - <NUM>. Using a suitable screw, the glass bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the mounting element <NUM>. For adjustment of the closure member <NUM> to a vehicle body, mounting holes in the glass bracket <NUM> may be oversized relative to a diameter of the screw, as well known in the art.

The guide assembly further comprises the first support mechanism <NUM>, the locking mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM>. The first support mechanism <NUM> is arranged close to the front end FE, while the second support mechanism <NUM> is arranged close to the rear end RE. The locking mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM> are coupled through a coupling element <NUM>. An operating slider <NUM> is slideably arranged in the guide <NUM>. The operating slider <NUM> may be coupled to a drive cable (not shown) that is arranged in the longitudinal direction. Such a drive cable may be further coupled to a motor such that the motor may be used to move the operating slider <NUM> in the longitudinal direction along the guide <NUM>. The operating slider <NUM> is designed, configured and arranged to operate the first support mechanism <NUM>, the second support mechanism <NUM> and the locking mechanism <NUM> when moved in the longitudinal direction, as well known in the art.

Referring in particular to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first support mechanism <NUM> comprises a coupling axel <NUM> providing a hinging coupling between the first support mechanism <NUM> and the mounting element <NUM>. A first lever <NUM> extends from the coupling axel <NUM> to the guide <NUM>. A slide shoe <NUM> extends from the first lever <NUM> in the width direction in a guide channel <NUM> in the guide <NUM>. The first lever <NUM> comprises a guide curve <NUM> having arranged therein a drive cam <NUM>, which protrudes in the width direction from the operating slider <NUM>.

Referring in particular to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> a main locking part <NUM> and an auxiliary locking part <NUM>. The auxiliary locking part <NUM> is slidably arranged on the main locking part <NUM> and spring biased by spring <NUM> towards the coupling element <NUM>. The main locking part <NUM> comprises a guide pin 651a and the auxiliary locking part <NUM> comprises a guide hole 652a arranged over the guide pin 651a allowing the auxiliary locking part <NUM> to only slide in the longitudinal direction relative to the main locking part <NUM>. The main locking part <NUM> comprises a coupling protrusion <NUM>, for hingeably coupling to the coupling element <NUM>, and a guide protrusion <NUM> extending in the width direction in a suitable guide channel in the guide <NUM>. The auxiliary locking part <NUM> comprises a locking surface <NUM> for engaging with a locking protrusion extending from the guide <NUM>. A locking cam <NUM> extending from the operating slider <NUM> is arranged to slide through an operating curve <NUM> in the main locking part <NUM>. By moving through the operating curve <NUM> the operating cam <NUM> can engage the auxiliary locking part <NUM> and move the auxiliary locking part <NUM> relative to the main locking part <NUM> against the spring force of the spring <NUM>. For a detailed description of the operation of the locking mechanism <NUM>, reference is made to the co-pending patent application with application number <CIT>.

Referring in particular to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second support mechanism <NUM> comprises a second lever <NUM> extending from the guide <NUM> to a first support hinge <NUM> supporting a slide support element <NUM>, e.g. a claw as shown in <FIG>, for supporting the mounting element <NUM>. The second lever <NUM> is supported by a third lever <NUM> by a second support hinge <NUM>. The third lever <NUM> is provided with a guide cams <NUM> and <NUM> arranged in respective guide curves <NUM> and <NUM>. The second lever <NUM> is at its end at the guide <NUM> coupled to the coupling element <NUM> such that when the locking mechanism <NUM> is moved by the operating slider <NUM> the second lever <NUM> is pulled or pushed. The coupling to the third lever <NUM> determines the actual trajectory of the second lever <NUM> when pulled or pushed by the coupling element <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second lever <NUM>, in an open position of the open-roof assembly, extends in the longitudinal, rearward direction beyond the guide <NUM> and even over a seal of the body of the vehicle as apparent from e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a first step of a method according to the present invention for releasing the mounting element <NUM> from at least one of the first and the second support mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> such to enable to move the closure member <NUM> to a position wherein easy access to the guide assembly is provided. In this first step, the operating slider <NUM> has been moved towards the second support mechanism <NUM>, thereby taking the first support mechanism <NUM> and the locking mechanism <NUM> rearward. At a predetermined position along the guide <NUM>, the locking mechanism <NUM> locks to the guide <NUM> and is released from the engagement with the operating cam <NUM> of the operating slider <NUM>. Such operation is as such known from the prior art and is therefore not elucidated in further detail. In <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> is indeed disengaged from the operating slider <NUM> and is locked to the guide <NUM>, while the operating slider <NUM> and the first support mechanism <NUM> have moved further towards the second support mechanism <NUM>, whereby the locking mechanism <NUM> has become accessible (see also <FIG>), since the closure member <NUM> does no longer cover the locking mechanism <NUM>.

The locking mechanism <NUM> as arranged in the guide <NUM> in the status of <FIG> is shown in more detail in <FIG>. In particular, the spring <NUM> has pulled the auxiliary locking part <NUM> rearward for locking the locking mechanism <NUM> to the guide <NUM>. So, in a second step as illustrated in <FIG>, the auxiliary locking part <NUM> is manually operated and pulled relative to the main locking part <NUM>. Thus, the locking mechanism <NUM> becomes releasable from its locked position. Depending on the particular method of locking to the guide <NUM>, some movements of the locking mechanism <NUM> may be required to actually release the locking mechanism <NUM> from the guide <NUM>.

In a third step of the method, which is illustrated in <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> is rotated around its coupling protrusion <NUM>. Only after rotation, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be released from its coupling to the coupling element <NUM> by disengaging the coupling protrusion <NUM> from the coupling element <NUM>.

After removing the locking mechanism <NUM>, the operating slider <NUM>, with the first support mechanism <NUM>, may be moved forward without moving the coupling element <NUM>, thereby leaving the second support mechanism <NUM> in its open position. Such a movement results in the situation as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first support mechanism <NUM> is moved to its closed position, wherein the closure member <NUM> is lowered into a plane of the vehicle roof. The coupling element <NUM> is disengaged as the locking mechanism <NUM> is missing.

It is noted that depending on the embodiment of the guide assembly, it may not be necessary to move the first support mechanism <NUM> completely to its closed position.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in the cross-section of <FIG>, the cross-section taken through the second support mechanism <NUM> in a closed position, the mounting element <NUM> is slideable in a claw-like slide support element <NUM>, which is coupled to the second lever <NUM>. Having the second support mechanism <NUM> in its open position and sliding the first support mechanism <NUM> to its closed position results in the mounting element <NUM> sliding out of the claw-like slide support element <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG>. Once the mounting element <NUM> is released from the slide support element <NUM>, the closure member <NUM> may be tilted and rotated around the coupling axel <NUM> or a defective element of the second support mechanism <NUM> may be replaced, for example, without decoupling the glass bracket <NUM> from the mounting element <NUM>. Thus, the adjusted position of the glass panel <NUM> is maintained and there is no need to re-adjust the glass panel <NUM>, when the mounting element <NUM> is re-mounted.

<FIG> illustrated another embodiment, wherein the coupling axel <NUM> is removed, thereby releasing the mounting element <NUM> from the first support mechanism <NUM>. This may be performed in addition to or instead of the release from the second support mechanism <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Moreover, it is noted that such release of the mounting element <NUM> from the first support mechanism <NUM> may not require that the locking mechanism <NUM> is first removed for decoupling the first support mechanism <NUM> and the second support mechanism <NUM>, depending on the particular embodiment of the respective support mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> and other parts of the guide assembly.

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in expectedly any appropriately detailed structure. In particular, features presented and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination and any advantageous combination of such claims are herewith disclosed.

Claim 1:
A guide assembly (<NUM>, 6a, 6b) for a moveably arranged closure member (2a) of an open-roof system of a vehicle, the open-roof system having a closed position, in which the closure member covers an opening in a roof (<NUM>) of the vehicle, and an open position, in which the opening is at least partly uncovered, the guide assembly comprising
a. a guide (<NUM>) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle;
b. a mounting element (<NUM>) for mounting the closure member;
c. a first support mechanism (<NUM>) operatively coupled to the mounting element, wherein the first support mechanism slidably supports the mounting element in the guide;
d. a second support mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to the guide and comprising a support element (<NUM>) supporting the mounting element slidably along the mounting element (<NUM>), the second support mechanism being configured for moving the mounting element in a tilt direction to a tilted position, the tilt direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;
wherein the guide assembly is provided with releasing means for releasing the mounting element from at least one of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism and for remounting the mounting element; characterized by the guide assembly further comprising
e. a locking mechanism (<NUM>) arranged in the guide and operatively coupled to the second support mechanism for operating the second support mechanism and locking the second support mechanism in the tilted position,
wherein the guide assembly is configured to operate the locking mechanism when moving the first support mechanism between the closed position and an intermediate position, in which intermediate position the opening is partly covered by the closure member; and
wherein the releasing means are configured for rendering the locking mechanism temporarily inoperable for enabling to move the first support mechanism towards the closed position without operating the second support mechanism and to thereby slideably release the mounting element from the second support mechanism.