PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10059179-B1
Application Number: US-201715648769-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Movable panels with nonlinear tracks

Abstract:
A vehicle includes a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a first track, a second track, and an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track. A lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction. The arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to a vehicle body; 
 a first track that is located on and fixed with respect to the vehicle body; 
 a second track that is located on and fixed with respect to the vehicle body, wherein a lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction; and 
 an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track, wherein the arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the arm is connected to the first track and the second track for sliding motion along the first track and the second track, and the arm is connected to the movable panel for pivoting motion with respect to the movable panel. 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first sliding member that is disposed in the first track, wherein the arm is connected to the first track by the first sliding member; and 
 a second sliding member that is disposed in the second track, wherein the arm is connected to the second track by the second sliding member. 
 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 3 , wherein the first sliding member is pivotally connected to the arm, the second sliding member is pivotally connected to the arm, and the movable panel is pivotally connected to the arm. 
     
     
       5. A vehicle, comprising:
 a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position; 
 a first track; 
 a second track, wherein a lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction; and 
 an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track, wherein the arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track, wherein a first sliding member is connected to the arm adjacent to a first end of the arm, the movable panel is connected to the arm at a second end of the arm, and a second sliding member is connected to the arm at an intermediate location along the arm between the first end of the arm and the second end of the arm. 
 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the first track and the second track are formed on a track body. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track increases in the front-to-rear direction. 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle body includes a rear pillar, and at least a portion of the first track extends along the rear pillar. 
     
     
       9. A vehicle, comprising:
 a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position; 
 a first track; 
 a second track, wherein a lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction; 
 an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track, wherein the arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track; and 
 a pin that connects the arm to the movable panel, wherein an end portion of the pin is disposed in a slot that has a varying elevation to move the movable panel between a lowered position and a raised position. 
 
     
     
       10. A vehicle, comprising:
 a roof panel; 
 an opening that is formed in the roof panel; 
 a movable panel that is movable between a closed position, in which the movable panel obstructs the opening, and an open position, in which at least part of the opening is not obstructed by the movable panel; 
 a first track assembly that is positioned on a first lateral side of the opening and a second track assembly that is positioned on a second lateral side of the opening, wherein a distance between the first track assembly and the second track assembly is smaller at a first location than at a second location, each of the first track assembly and the second track assembly having a first sliding member that is slidable forward and rearward along a first path and a second sliding member that is slidable forward and rearward along a second path; 
 a first arm that is pivotally connected to the movable panel, pivotally connected to the first sliding member of the first track assembly, and pivotally connected to the second sliding member of the first track assembly; and 
 a second arm that is pivotally connected to the movable panel, pivotally connected to the first sliding member of the second track assembly, and pivotally connected to the second sliding member of the second track assembly, 
 wherein the first path and the second path of each of the first track assembly and the second track assembly are farther apart from one another at the second location as compared to the first location to cause pivoting of the first arm and the second arm in response to movement of the movable panel between the closed position and the open position. 
 
     
     
       11. The vehicle of  claim 10 , wherein the first sliding member of the first track assembly is connected to the first arm adjacent to a first end of the first arm, the movable panel is connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, the second sliding member of the first track assembly is connected to the first arm at an intermediate location along the first arm between the first end of the first arm and the second end of the first arm, the first sliding member of second track assembly is connected to the second arm adjacent to a first end of the second arm, the movable panel is connected to the second arm at a second end of the second arm, the second sliding member of the second track assembly is connected to the second arm at an intermediate location along the second arm between the first end of the second arm and the second end of the second arm. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 10 , wherein the first paths of the first and second track assemblies are defined by first tracks and the second paths of the first and second track assemblies are defined by second tracks. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 10 , wherein the arm pivots with respect to the first path and the second path in correspondence with a lateral spacing between the first path and the second path during movement of the arm. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a rear pillar, wherein at least a portion of the first path extends along the rear pillar. 
 
     
     
       15. The vehicle of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a pin that connects the arm to the movable panel, wherein an end portion of the pin is disposed in a slot that has a varying elevation to move the movable panel between a lowered position and a raised position. 
 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the arm is connected to the first track and the second track for sliding motion along the first track and the second track, and the arm is connected to the movable panel for pivoting motion with respect to the movable panel. 
     
     
       17. The vehicle of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 wherein the arm is pivotally connected to the first sliding member; and 
 wherein the arm is pivotally connected to the second sliding member. 
 
     
     
       18. The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the first track and the second track are formed on a track body, and the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track increases in the front-to-rear direction. 
     
     
       19. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the arm is pivotally connected to a first sliding member that is disposed in the first track, the arm is pivotally connected to a second sliding member that is disposed in the second track, and the arm is pivotally connected to the movable panel. 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the first track and the second track are formed on a track body, and the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track increases in the front-to-rear direction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/372,474, filed on Aug. 9, 2016, and entitled “Movable Panels with Nonlinear Tracks,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to movable panel assemblies for vehicle roofs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automobile windows function in part to admit light into the interior of a vehicle. Some automobile windows, such as windows incorporated in automobile doors, are movable to an open position to admit air into the interior of the vehicle. In order to admit additional light and air into the interior, some fixed-roof automobiles include a movable panel known as a sunroof. Sunroofs come in many styles, with the most popular styles incorporating a sliding mechanism that moves a sunroof panel rearward out of a sunroof opening, either to a compartment internal to the roof of the vehicle or to a position external to the roof of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a first track, a second track, and an arm that is connected to the movable panel, the first track, and the second track. A lateral spacing between the first track and the second track varies along the first track and the second track in a front-to-rear direction. The arm pivots with respect to the first track and the second track in correspondence with the lateral spacing between the first track and the second track during movement of the arm along the first track and the second track. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a roof panel, an opening that is formed in the roof panel, a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a track assembly, a first arm and a second arm. In the closed position, the movable panel obstructs the opening. In the open position, at least a portion of the opening is not obstructed by the movable panel. A first track assembly is positioned on a first lateral side of the opening and a second track assembly is positioned on a second lateral side of the opening. A distance between the first track assembly and the second track assembly is smaller at a first location that at a second location. Each of the first track assembly and the second track assembly have a first sliding member that is slidable forward and rearward along a first path and a second sliding member that is slidable forward and rearward along a second path. The first arm is pivotally connected to the movable panel, pivotally connected to the first sliding member of the first track assembly, and pivotally connected to the second sliding member of the first track assembly. The second arm is pivotally connected to the movable panel, pivotally connected to the first sliding member of the second track assembly, and pivotally connected to the second sliding member of the second track assembly. The first path and the second path of each of the first track assembly and the second track assembly are farther apart from one another at the second location as compared to the first location to cause pivoting of the first arm and the second arm in response to movement of the movable panel between the closed position and the open position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a movable panel that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a track body that extends along an axis the track body having a length direction, tracks that are defined on the track body, and a trolley. The tracks define changing radial angles relative to the track body along the length direction of the track body. The trolley is disposed on the track body, engaged with the tracks, and connected to the movable panel. Movement of the trolley along the tracks causes rotation of the trolley around the axis of the track body according to the radial angles of the tracks relative to the axis. Rotation of the trolley raises and lowers the movable panel relative to the track body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portion of a first vehicle that includes a movable panel and a track assembly, showing the movable panel in a closed position and an open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a portion of the track assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view showing an arm of the track assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  showing the movable panel and the track assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1  showing the movable panel and the track assembly in the open position. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration showing a first angular orientation of the arm member. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration showing a second angular orientation of the arm member. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration showing a third angular orientation of the arm member. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration showing movement of the movable panel between the closed position and the open position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of a second vehicle that includes a movable panel and a track assembly, showing the movable panel in a closed position and an open position. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing a track assembly and the movable panel of the second vehicle in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the track assembly and the movable panel of the second vehicle in a raised position. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a third vehicle that includes a movable panel and a track assembly, showing the movable panel in a closed position and an open position. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-section view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  showing a track assembly and the movable panel of the third vehicle in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-section view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13  showing the track assembly and the movable panel of the third vehicle in a raised position. 
         FIG. 16  is an illustration showing a portion of a track body of the track assembly of the third vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure relates to movable panel assemblies for automobiles, which may also be referred to as sunroofs. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portion of a first vehicle  100  with a movable panel  102  in a closed position. The movable panel  102  is movable from the closed position to an open position of the movable panel  102 ′ (shown in broken lines). 
     The movable panel  102  is operable to move relative to an opening  103  that is defined in the roof area of the first vehicle  100 . The movable panel  102  obstructs the opening  103  when the movable panel  102  is in the closed position, and the movable panel  102  is moved such that part, most, or all of the opening is not obstructed when the movable panel  102  is in the open position. The movable panel  102  may be generally planar or may incorporate a slight curvature that corresponds to the shape of surrounding portions of the first vehicle  100 . The movable panel  102  may have a generally constant thickness. Suitable materials for the movable panel  102  include, but are not limited to, glass, metal, and plastic. In some embodiments, the movable panel  102  is transparent or translucent, such as when the movable panel  102  is formed from glass or plastic. 
     The portion of the first vehicle  100  that is illustrated in  FIG. 1  is sometimes referred to as the greenhouse of the first vehicle  100 , and may include front pillars  104 , rear pillars  106 , and longitudinal rails  108  (i.e., cant rails). The front pillars  104 , the rear pillars  106 , and the longitudinal rails  108  are structural members that define the shape of the greenhouse of the first vehicle  100 , and resist forces applied to the first vehicle  100  during a collision. The front pillars  104  and the rear pillars  106  extend upward from a body portion (not shown) of the first vehicle  100 , which may include one or more of a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a monocoque, and exterior body panels. The longitudinal rails  108  may be generally horizontal, and may extend from the front pillars  104  to the rear pillars  106  in order to interconnect the front pillars  104  and the rear pillars  106 . In differently configured vehicles, the longitudinal rails  108  may extend from a different pair of pillars, such as from a first structural pillar of any type to a second structural pillar of any type, or the longitudinal rails  108  may be supported by a single structural pillars, such as in a cantilevered configuration. 
     A front window  110  (i.e., a windshield) is positioned adjacent to the front pillars  104  and extends between the front pillars  104  in a transverse direction of the first vehicle  100 . A rear window  112  is positioned adjacent to the rear pillars  106  and extends between the rear pillars  106  in the transverse direction of the first vehicle  100 . The movable panel  102  is positioned adjacent to the longitudinal rails  108  and extends between the longitudinal rails  108  in the transverse direction of the first vehicle  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the first vehicle  100  includes a roof panel  114  that is positioned longitudinally between the movable panel  102  and the rear window  112 , such that the roof panel  114  is rearward of the movable panel  102  and forward of the rear window  112 . In some embodiments, the roof panel  114  is an integral portion of the rear window  112 . In some embodiments, the roof panel  114  is omitted. In some embodiments, a second roof panel portion (not shown) is located forward of the movable panel  102 , between the front window  110  and the movable panel  102 . 
     The first vehicle  100  may include one or more side windows  116 . The side windows  116  may be located on lateral sides of the first vehicle  100 , adjacent to one or more of the front pillars  104 , the rear pillars  106 , and the longitudinal rails  108 . The first vehicle  100  may also include one or more intermediate pillars (not shown) that extend downward from the longitudinal rails  108  and are positioned between pairs of the side windows  116 . 
     To allow movement of the movable panel  102  between the closed position and the open position, the first vehicle  100  includes track assemblies  118  that support the movable panel  102 . The track assemblies  118  include, for example, a first track assembly that is positioned on a first lateral side of the opening  103  and a second track assembly that is positioned on a second lateral side of the opening  103 . The track assemblies  118  extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are connected to the longitudinal rails  108  and/or the rear pillars  106 . The track assemblies  118  are positioned on lateral sides of the movable panel  102 . In some embodiments, the track assemblies  118  are positioned adjacent to and/or extend along the longitudinal rails  108  and/or the rear pillars  106 . When viewed from above, the track assemblies  118  may be nonlinear. As an example, the track assemblies  118  may follow respective ones of the rear pillars  106  as they diverge from one another in the lateral direction from the tops of the rear pillars  106  to the bottoms of the rear pillars  106 . Thus, a distance between the track assemblies  118  may be smaller at a first location closer to the front of the first vehicle  100 , and the distance between the track assemblies  118  may be greater at a second location that is closer to the rear of the first vehicle  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a portion of one of the track assemblies  118 . The track assembly  118  includes a track body  220 , a first sliding member  222 , a second sliding member  224 , an arm  226 , and an actuator cable  228 . The arm  226  is connected to a first track  230  and a second track  232  for sliding motion along the first track  230  and the second track  232 , and the arm  226  is connected to the movable panel  102  ( FIG. 1 ) and may be pivotable with respect to the movable panel  102 . In particular, the arm may be connected to the first track  230  by a pivotal connection to the first sliding member  222 , and the arm  226  may be connected to the second track  232  by a pivotal connection to the second sliding member  224 . The actuator cable  228  may be directly connected to the second sliding member  224  such that the actuator cable  228  directly causes motion of the second sliding member  224  and indirectly causes motion of the first sliding member  222 , the arm  226 , and the movable panel  102 . As will be explained herein, the geometric configuration of the first track  230  and the second track  232  causes the arm  226  to pivot as the first sliding member  222  and the second sliding member  224  move forward and rearward along the first track  230  and the second track  232 , such as during movement of the movable panel  102  between the closed and open positions. Pivoting of the arm  226  may by around an axis that is generally upright and may be around an axis that is generally perpendicular to an axis along which the track body  220  extends. 
     The track body  220  may be a single-part structure or a multi-part structure that defines two or more tracks such as the first track  230  and the second track  232 . As one example, the track body  220  may be an extruded aluminum structure. The first track  230  and the second track  232  are each elongate structures that extend along the longitudinal rail  108  and/or the rear pillar  106  of the first vehicle  100  ( FIG. 1 ) to guide components during the movement of the movable panel  102  between the closed position and the open position. The first track  230  has a first elongate opening  231  along its longitudinal length. The second track  232  has a second elongate opening  233  along its longitudinal length. In the illustrated example, the first elongate opening  231  is an upward-facing opening, and the second elongate opening  233  is an inward-facing opening. It should be understood, however, that the first elongate opening  231  and the second elongate opening  233  may be configured differently. 
     The first sliding member  222  is disposed in the first track  230 . The first sliding member  222  has a cross-sectional geometry that is complimentary to the cross-sectional geometry of the first track  230 , such that the first sliding member  222  may slide freely within the first track  230  along the longitudinal dimension of the first track  230 . The first sliding member  222  may extend partially out of the first elongate opening  231 . The first sliding member  222  is connected to the arm  226  such that the arm  226  is able to pivot with respect to the first sliding member  222 . As an example, the arm  226  may be connected to the first sliding member  222  by a first pin  234 . As one example, the first pin  234  may be disposed in a first aperture  236  of the arm  226 . As another example, the first pin  234  may be formed integrally with the arm  226 . As another example, the first pin  234  may be formed integrally with the first sliding member  222 . 
     The second sliding member  224  is disposed in the second track  232 . The second sliding member  224  has a cross-sectional geometry that is complimentary to the cross-sectional geometry of the second track  232 , such that the second sliding member  224  may slide freely within the second track  232  along the longitudinal dimension of the second track  232 . The second sliding member  224  may extend partially out of the second elongate opening  233 . The second sliding member  224  is connected to the arm  226  such that the arm  226  is able to pivot with respect to the second sliding member  224 . As an example, the arm  226  may be connected to the second sliding member  224  by a second pin  238 . As one example, the second pin  238  may be disposed in a second aperture  240  of the arm  226 . As another example, the second pin  238  may be formed integrally with the arm  226 . As another example, the second pin  238  may be formed integrally with the second sliding member  224 . In some embodiments, the second pin  238  may be received in a connecting portion  242  that is formed on the second sliding member  224 . The connecting portion  242  extends out of the second elongate opening  233  of the second track  232  and is connected to the second pin  238 , such as by receiving the second pin  238  in an aperture that is oriented in an upright direction. 
     In order to guide and retain the actuator cable  228 , the track body  220  may define a cable recess  244 . The cable recess  244  may be disposed adjacent to the second track  232 , with the cable recess  244  being in communication with the interior space defined by the second track  232 . This allows the actuator cable  228  to be connected to the second sliding member  224 . Because of connection of the second sliding member  224  to the actuator cable  228 , longitudinal motion of the actuator cable  228  within the cable recess  244  causes the second sliding member  224  to move longitudinally along the second track  232 . The actuator cable  228  may be any suitable type of structure that can be connected to the second sliding member  224  in order to transfer motion to the second sliding member  224 . In some embodiments, the actuator cable  228  is a push-pull cable. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view that shows the arm  226  of the track assembly  118 . The arm  226  extends from a first end  346  to a second end  347 . The first aperture  236  is located adjacent to the first end  346  of the arm  226 . The second aperture  240  is located between the first end  346  and the second end  347  of the arm  226 . A third aperture  348  is located adjacent to the second end  347  of the arm  226 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , it will be appreciated that the first sliding member  222  may be connected to the arm  226  adjacent to the first end  346  of the arm  226 , the movable panel  102  may be connected to the arm  226  at the second end  347  of the arm  226 , and the second sliding member  224  may be connected to the arm  226  at an intermediate location along the arm  226  between the first end  346  of the arm  226  and the second end  347  of the arm  226 . 
     Dependent upon the geometric configuration of the longitudinal rails  108 , the rear pillars  106 , and the track body  220  including the first track  230  and the second track  232 , the arm  226  may be straight, may be angled between two or more linear sections, may be curved, or may be curvilinear. In the illustrated example, the arm  226  includes a first portion  350  and a second portion  351 . The first portion  350  extends from the first end  346  to the second aperture  240 . The second portion  351  extends from the second aperture  240  to the second end  347 . The second portion  351  is angled with respect to the first portion  350 , such as by a first angle  352 . The first angle  352  may be, for example, an obtuse angle between 90°-180°. Other angles may be defined between the first portion  350  and the second portion  351  to establish desired relative positions for the first aperture  236 , the second aperture  240 , and the third aperture  348 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  showing the movable panel  102  and the track assembly  118  in the closed position. The movable panel  102  occupies and obstructs the opening  103  in the closed position, such as by being disposed adjacent and in close proximity to part of the longitudinal rail  108 . To cause motion of the movable panel  102  with respect to the longitudinal rail  108  and other portions of the first vehicle  100 , the movable panel  102  is connected to the arm  226  of the track assembly  118 . For example, the movable panel  102  may be connected to the arm  226  by a third pin  454  that extends through the third aperture  348  in the arm  226  and is connected to the movable panel  102 , such as by being disposed in an aperture formed on a lower surface of the movable panel  102 . As an example, the third pin  454  may be fixedly connected to the movable panel  102  and rotatable with respect to the arm  226 . 
     During movement of the movable panel  102  from the closed position to the open position, the arm  226  pivots with respect to the first pin  234 , the second pin  238 , and the third pin  454 . For example, the arm  226  may pivot with respect to the first pin  234  on a first axis  435 , the arm  226  may pivot with respect to the second pin  238  on a second axis  439 , and the arm  226  may pivot with respect to the third pin  454  on a third axis  455 . In the illustrated example, the first axis  435 , the second axis  439 , and the third axis  455  are parallel to one another and are substantially upright. It should be understood, however, that the first axis  435 , the second axis  439 , and the third axis  455  could be oriented differently. 
     The location of the first axis  435  is constrained by the geometry of the first track  230 , such that the first axis  435  follows the location of the first track  230  as the first sliding member  222  translates longitudinally within the first track  230 . The location of the second axis  439  is constrained by the location and geometry of the second track  232 , such that a relative location of the second axis  439  and the location of the second track  232  remain constant. In the illustrated example, the location of the second axis  439  is defined by the location of the connecting portion  242 , which is part of the second sliding member  224  that is disposed in the second track  232 . Thus, as the second sliding member  224  translates along the second track  232 , the location of the second axis  439  changes in correspondence to the geometry of the second track  232 . The location of the third axis  455  is dependent upon the geometry of the arm  226  and is dependent upon the geometries of the first track  230  and the second track  232 . In particular, since the locations of the first axis  435  and the second axis  439  follow the first track  230  and the second track  232 , rotation of the arm  226  is induced by deviations in the lateral spacing of the position of the first track  230  relative to the second track  232 , which corresponds to deviations in the lateral spacing of the first axis  435  and the second axis  439 . Thus, for example, as the first track  230  moves laterally outboard relative to the second track  232 , the distance between the first track  230  and the second track  232  increases, and the location of the third axis  455  moves inboard. The third axis  455  may initially be located outboard of the first axis  435  and/or the second axis  439 , and may cross the first axis  435  and/or the second axis  439  before moving further inboard such that the spacing between the third axis  455  increases as a result of rearward movement of the movable panel  102  subsequent to the point at which the third axis  455  crosses the first axis  435  and the second axis  439 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1  showing the movable panel  102  and the track assembly  118  in the open position. As the track assembly  118  nears the rear of the first vehicle  100 , the track assembly  118  curves in the outboard direction of the first vehicle  100 . At the same time, the first track  230  diverges farther inboard than the second track  232 . As a result, the inboard spacing of the first axis  435  increases relative to the second axis  439 . As a result, the arm  226  pivots, thereby increasing the lateral distance between the second axis  439  and the third axis  455 . 
     Motion of the arm  226  will be understood with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 , at which show a first angular orientation of the arm  226  ( FIG. 6 ), a second angular orientation of the arm  226  ( FIG. 7 ), and a third angular orientation of the arm  226  ( FIG. 8 ). During movement of the arm  226  along the track body  220  in the longitudinal direction of the first vehicle  100 , the first axis  435  follows a first path  456 , the second axis  439  follows a second path  457 , and the third axis  455  follows a third path  458 . The first path  456  corresponds to the geometry of the first track  230 . The second path  457  corresponds to the geometry of the second track  232 . The third path  458  corresponds to motion of the movable panel  102  ( FIG. 1 ) during movement between the closed and open positions. 
       FIG. 6  represents movement of the arm  226  near the closed position of the movable panel  102 . In this example, the first path  456 , the second path  457 , and the third path  458  are substantially straight and extend in the longitudinal direction of the first vehicle  100  near the closed position. Thus, in the illustrated example, rotation of the arm  226  is not induced during longitudinal motion of the arm  226  near the closed position.  FIG. 7  represents an intermediate position, in which the arm  226  has been rotated relative to the closed position. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first path  456  and the second path  457  are diverging in an outboard direction relative to the third path  458 . The third path  458  continues to extend straight in the longitudinal direction of the first vehicle  100 . Thus, as the arm  226  rotates, the third axis  455  moves in the longitudinal direction of the first vehicle  100  and may do so without substantial lateral movement with respect to the first vehicle  100 .  FIG. 8  shows the arm  226  when the movable panel assembly is in the open position. In  FIG. 8 , the first path  456  and the second path  457  have diverged further outboard with respect to the third path  458  as compared to the intermediate position of  FIG. 7 . As a result, rotation of the arm  226  has increased. However, the third path  458  continues to extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle such that the third axis  455  moves in the longitudinal direction of the first vehicle  100  without substantial lateral movement when the movable panel  102  is near the open position. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration showing movement of the movable panel  102  between the closed position and an open position. In this example, the movable panel  102  is supported by four arms  226  with two positions on each lateral side of the movable panel  102 . As the movable panel  102  translates in the rearward direction with respect to the first vehicle  100 , the arms  226  are guided along the first path  456 , the second path  457 , and the third path  458 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 6-8 . Since the first path  456  and the second path  457  are farther apart from one another at a location corresponding to the open position as compared to a location corresponding to the closed position, following the first path  456  and the second path  457  causes pivoting of the arms  226  in response to movement of the movable panel  102  between the closed position and the open position. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , during movement from the closed position toward the open position, which is indicated by the movable panel  102 ′ and the arms  926 ′ in  FIG. 9 , the movable panel  102 ,  102 ′ is constrained to move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the third paths  458 , which are fixed laterally in relation to the location of the movable panel  102 ,  102 ′ as a result of connection of the arms  226 ,  926 ′ to the movable panel  102 ,  102 ′. Thus, the movable panel  102 ,  102 ′ is able to move longitudinally while the track assembly  118  including the track body  220 , the first track  230 , and the second track  232  are not constrained to a linear configuration. In addition, in some embodiments, the track assemblies  118  ( FIG. 1 ) may be self-centering, and thus can maintain the lateral position of the movable panel  102 ,  102 ′ between the track assemblies  118  without the need for a biasing force to urge the movable panel  102 ,  102 ′ to a centered location. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of a second vehicle  1000  with a movable panel  1002  in a closed position. The movable panel  1002  is movable from the closed position to an open position of the movable panel  1002 ′ (shown in broken lines). 
     The movable panel  1002  is operable to move relative to an opening  1003  that is defined in the roof area of the second vehicle  1000 . The movable panel  1002  obstructs the opening  1003  when the movable panel  1002  is in the closed position, and the movable panel  1002  is moved such that part, most, or all of the opening is not obstructed when the movable panel  1002  is in the open position. The movable panel  1002  may be generally planar or may incorporate a slight curvature that corresponds to the shape of surrounding portions of the second vehicle  1000 . The movable panel  1002  may have a generally constant thickness. Suitable materials for the movable panel  1002  include, but are not limited to, glass, metal, and plastic. In some embodiments, the movable panel  1002  is transparent or translucent, such as when the movable panel  1002  is formed from glass or plastic. 
     The portion of the second vehicle  1000  that is illustrated in  FIG. 10  is sometimes referred to as the greenhouse of the second vehicle  1000 , and may include front pillars  1004 , rear pillars  1006 , and longitudinal rails  1008  (i.e., cant rails). The front pillars  1004 , the rear pillars  1006 , and the longitudinal rails  1008  are structural members that define the shape of the greenhouse of the second vehicle  1000 , and resist forces applied to the second vehicle  1000  during a collision. The front pillars  1004  and the rear pillars  1006  extend upward from a body portion (not shown) of the second vehicle  1000 , which may include one or more of a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a monocoque, and exterior body panels. The longitudinal rails  1008  may be generally horizontal, and may extend from the front pillars  1004  to the rear pillars  1006  in order to interconnect the front pillars  1004  and the rear pillars  1006 . In differently configured vehicles, the longitudinal rails  1008  may extend from a different pair of pillars, such as from a first structural pillar of any type to a second structural pillar of any type, or the longitudinal rails  1008  may be supported by a single structural pillars, such as in a cantilevered configuration. 
     A front window  1010  (i.e., a windshield) is positioned adjacent to the front pillars  1004  and extends between the front pillars  1004  in a transverse direction of the second vehicle  1000 . A rear window  1012  is positioned adjacent to the rear pillars  1006  and extends between the rear pillars  1006  in the transverse direction of the second vehicle  1000 . The movable panel  1002  is positioned adjacent to the longitudinal rails  1008  and extends between the longitudinal rails  1008  in the transverse direction of the second vehicle  1000 . 
     In some embodiments, the second vehicle  1000  includes a roof panel  1014  that is positioned longitudinally between the movable panel  1002  and the rear window  1012 , such that the roof panel  1014  is rearward of the movable panel  1002  and forward of the rear window  1012 . In some embodiments, the roof panel  1014  is an integral portion of the rear window  1012 . In some embodiments, the roof panel  1014  is omitted. In some embodiments, a second roof panel portion (not shown) is located forward of the movable panel  1002 , between the front window  1010  and the movable panel  1002 . 
     The second vehicle  1000  may include one or more side windows  1016 . The side windows  1016  may be located on lateral sides of the second vehicle  1000 , adjacent to one or more of the front pillars  1004 , the rear pillars  1006 , and the longitudinal rails  1008 . The second vehicle  1000  may also include one or more intermediate pillars (not shown) that extend downward from the longitudinal rails  1008  and are positioned between pairs of the side windows  1016 . 
     To allow movement of the movable panel  1002  between the closed position and the open position, the second vehicle  1000  includes track assemblies  1018  that support the movable panel  1002 . The track assemblies  1018  extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are connected to the longitudinal rails  1008  and/or the rear pillars  1006 . The track assemblies  1018  are positioned on lateral sides of the movable panel  1002 . In some embodiments, the track assemblies  1018  are positioned adjacent to and/or extend along the longitudinal rails  1008  and/or the rear pillars  1006 . When viewed from above, the track assemblies  1018  may be nonlinear. As an example, the track assemblies  1018  may follow respective ones of the rear pillars  1006  as they diverge from one another in the lateral direction from the tops of the rear pillars  1006  to the bottoms of the rear pillars  1006 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the track assembly  1018  and the movable panel  1002  of the second vehicle  1000  in a lowered position, and  FIG. 12  shows the track assembly  1018  and the movable panel  1002  of the second vehicle  1000  in a raised position. The track assembly  1018  and the movable panel  1002  are similar to the track assembly  118  and the movable panel  102  of  FIG. 1 , except as otherwise discussed herein. 
     The track assembly  1018  includes a track body  1120 , a first sliding member  1122  that is disposed in a first track  1130  of the track body  1120 , a second sliding member  1124  that is disposed in a second track  1132  of the track body  1120 , and an arm  1126 . The arm  1126  is connected to the first sliding member  1122  by a first pin  1134 , and the arm  1126  is connected to the second sliding member  1124  by a second pin  1136 . The arm  1126  is connected to the movable panel  1002  by a third pin  1154 . The first track  1130  and the second track  1132  are configured as described with respect to the first track  230  and the second track  232 , and therefore, longitudinal motion of the first sliding member  1122  and the second sliding member  1124  along the first track  1130  and the second track  1132  causes rotation of the arm  1126  in the same manner described with respect to the arm  226  of the track assembly  118 . 
     The track assembly  1018  is configured to cause movement of the movable panel  1002  between the lowered position ( FIG. 11 ) and the raised position ( FIG. 12 ) during movement of the first sliding member  1122  and the second sliding member  1124  in the longitudinal direction along the track body  1120 . In particular, the third pin  1154  extends through a third aperture  1148  that is formed through the arm  1126 . The third pin  1154  is able to slide along its axis through the third aperture  1148 . Thus, as the movable panel  1002  raises and lowers with respect to the arm  1126 , the third pin  1154  may remain fixed with respect to the movable panel  1002  while sliding through the third aperture  1148 . 
     In order to cause upward and downward motion of the movable panel  1002 , an end portion  1155  of the third pin  1154  is disposed in a slot  1160  that is formed in the track body  1120 . The third pin  1154  that connects the arm  1126  to the movable panel  1002 , and the slot  1160  has a variable elevation relative to the first track  1130  and the second track  1132  to move the third pin  1154  upward and downward relative to the track body  1120  and the arm  1126  while the movable panel  1002  moves upward and downward in correspondence with the third pin  1154  and slot  1160 . 
     As an example, the slot  1160  may be defined in an interior surface of the second track  1132 . The slot  1160  has a varying height relative to the first track  1130  and the second track  1132  of the track body  1120 . Thus, during longitudinal motion of the arm  1126  with respect to the track body  1120 , the end portion  1155  of the third pin  1154  engages the slot  1160  and the changes in elevation of the slot  1160  relative to the track body  1120  cause corresponding changes in elevation of the movable panel  1002  relative to the track body  1120 . As an example, near the closed position of the movable panel  1002 , the slot  1160  may be at a relatively lower elevation relative to the track body  1120  in order to cause the movable panel  1002  to be in the lowered position while it is also in the closed position. As the movable panel  1002  is moved toward the open position by sliding motion of the first sliding member  1122  and the second sliding member  1124  with respect to the track body  1120  the elevation of the slot  1160  relative to the track body  1120  increases, causing the movable panel  1002  to rise during longitudinal motion of the first sliding member  1122  and the second sliding member  1124  because of interaction of the end portion  1155  of the third pin  1154  with the raised elevation of the slot  1160 . In response to pivoting of the arm  1126 , the third pin  1154  may translate laterally toward and away from the slot  1160 . To allow for this lateral translation, the depth of the slot  1160  and the length of the end portion  1155  may be large enough to prevent disengagement of the third pin  1154  from the slot  1160 . 
     Operation of the track assembly  1018  and the movable panel  1002  is otherwise as described with respect to the track assembly  118  and the movable panel  102  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a third vehicle  1300  with a movable panel  1302  in a closed position. The movable panel  1302  is movable from the closed position to an open position of the movable panel  1302 ′ (shown in broken lines). 
     The movable panel  1302  is operable to move relative to an opening  1303  that is defined in the roof area of the third vehicle  1300 . The movable panel  1302  obstructs the opening  1303  when the movable panel  1302  is in the closed position, and the movable panel  1302  is moved such that part, most, or all of the opening is not obstructed when the movable panel  1302  is in the open position. The movable panel  1302  may be generally planar or may incorporate a slight curvature that corresponds to the shape of surrounding portions of the third vehicle  1300 . The movable panel  1302  may have a generally constant thickness. Suitable materials for the movable panel  1302  include, but are not limited to, glass, metal, and plastic. In some embodiments, the movable panel  1302  is transparent or translucent, such as when the movable panel  1302  is formed from glass or plastic. 
     The portion of the third vehicle  1300  that is illustrated in  FIG. 13  is sometimes referred to as the greenhouse of the third vehicle  1300 , and may include front pillars  1304 , rear pillars  1306 , and longitudinal rails  1308  (i.e., cant rails). The front pillars  1304 , the rear pillars  1306 , and the longitudinal rails  1308  are structural members that define the shape of the greenhouse of the third vehicle  1300 , and resist forces applied to the third vehicle  1300  during a collision. The front pillars  1304  and the rear pillars  1306  extend upward from a body portion (not shown) of the third vehicle  1300 , which may include one or more of a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a monocoque, and exterior body panels. The longitudinal rails  1308  may be generally horizontal, and may extend from the front pillars  1304  to the rear pillars  1306  in order to interconnect the front pillars  1304  and the rear pillars  1306 . In differently configured vehicles, the longitudinal rails  1308  may extend from a different pair of pillars, such as from a first structural pillar of any type to a second structural pillar of any type, or the longitudinal rails  1308  may be supported by a single structural pillars, such as in a cantilevered configuration. 
     A front window  1310  (i.e., a windshield) is positioned adjacent to the front pillars  1304  and extends between the front pillars  1304  in a transverse direction of the third vehicle  1300 . A rear window  1312  is positioned adjacent to the rear pillars  1306  and extends between the rear pillars  1306  in the transverse direction of the third vehicle  1300 . The movable panel  1302  is positioned adjacent to the longitudinal rails  1308  and extends between the longitudinal rails  1308  in the transverse direction of the third vehicle  1300 . 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a roof panel  1314  that is positioned longitudinally between the movable panel  1302  and the rear window  1312 , such that the roof panel  1314  is rearward of the movable panel  1302  and forward of the rear window  1312 . In some embodiments, the roof panel  1314  is an integral portion of the rear window  1312 . In some embodiments, the roof panel  1314  is omitted. In some embodiments, a second roof panel portion (not shown) is located forward of the movable panel  1302 , between the front window  1310  and the movable panel  1302 . 
     The third vehicle  1300  may include one or more side windows  1316 . The side windows  1316  may be located on lateral sides of the third vehicle  1300 , adjacent to one or more of the front pillars  1304 , the rear pillars  1306 , and the longitudinal rails  1308 . The third vehicle  1300  may also include one or more intermediate pillars (not shown) that extend downward from the longitudinal rails  1308  and are positioned between pairs of the side windows  1316 . 
     To allow movement of the movable panel  1302  between the closed position and the open position, the third vehicle  1300  includes track assemblies  1318  that support the movable panel  1302 . The track assemblies  1318  extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are connected to the longitudinal rails  1308  and/or the rear pillars  1306 . The track assemblies  1318  are positioned on lateral sides of the movable panel  1302 . In some embodiments, the track assemblies  1318  are positioned adjacent to and/or extend along the longitudinal rails  1308  and/or the rear pillars  1306 . When viewed from above, the track assemblies  1318  may be nonlinear. As an example, the track assemblies  1318  may follow respective ones of the rear pillars  1306  as they diverge from one another in the lateral direction from the tops of the rear pillars  1306  to the bottoms of the rear pillars  1306 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the track assembly  1318  and the movable panel  1302  of the third vehicle  1300  in a lowered position, and  FIG. 15  shows the track assembly  1318  and the movable panel  1302  of the third vehicle  1300  in a raised position. 
     The track assembly  1318  includes a track body  1420  that extends generally in the longitudinal direction of the third vehicle  1300  along an axis of the track body  1420 . The track body  1420  is supported with respect to a portion of the third vehicle  1300  such as the longitudinal rails  1308  by a connecting structure  1462 . The connecting structure  1462  may be a rigid body that is fixed to the longitudinal rail  1308  and to the track body  1420 . 
     The track assembly  1318  includes a trolley  1464 . The trolley  1464  is attached to the track body  1420  and is able to move longitudinally along the track body  1420 . The trolley  1465  may include a wheel support portion  1466 , a cam portion  1468 , and a connecting portion  1470 . The wheel support portion  1466  extends around the periphery of the track body  1420 , which is substantially circular in the illustrated example but could have different geometries, such as square or rectangular. One or more wheels or other engaging structures are disposed on the wheel support portion  1466  for engaging the track body  1420 . In the illustrated example, a first wheel  1471 , a second wheel  1472 , and a third wheel  1473  are connected to the wheel support portion  1466  of the trolley  1464  and are engaged with the track body  1420 . In particular, the first through third wheels  1471 ,  1472 ,  1473  may be disposed in corresponding ones of a first track  1474 , a second track  1475 , and a third track  1476 . The first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  may be provided in any suitable form, such as depressions formed on the exterior surface of the track body  1420 , for guiding the first through third wheels  1471 ,  1472 ,  1473 . The cam portion  1468  is a structure such as a protrusion that engages a corresponding structure of the track body  1420  to guide motion of the trolley  1464  relative to the track body  1420 . In the illustrated example, the cam portion  1468  is disposed within a groove  1478  that is formed in the track body  1420 . 
     The connecting portion  1470  of the trolley  1464  is pivotally connected to a mounting structure  1480  that is connected to the movable panel  1302 . For example, the mounting structure  1480  may be a rigid member that depends downward from a lower surface of the movable panel  1302 . 
     As will be appreciated upon comparison of  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  and the groove  1478  have non-linear configurations along the longitudinal length of the track body  1420 . In addition, the lateral position of the track body  1420  relative to the longitudinal rail  1308  may vary by virtue of the geometry of the connecting structure  1462 . In combination, the non-linear configuration of the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476 , the groove  1478 , and the lateral position of the track body  1420  may be configured to cause the movable panel  1302  to move from a lowered position ( FIG. 14 ) to a raised position ( FIG. 15 ) relative to the longitudinal beam  1308  as the movable panel  1302  moves between closed and open positions as a result of longitudinal motion along the track body  1420  using the trolley  1464  of the track assembly  1318 . 
     The geometric configuration of the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  and the groove  1478  includes a radial angle for each of the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  and the groove  1478  that changes along a length direction of the track body  1420 . The radial angles for each of the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  and the groove  1478  can be measured in a plane that is perpendicular to an axis along which the track body  1420  extends. The length direction of the track body corresponds to the direction of the axis. The changing radial angles of each of the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  and the groove  1478  cause rotation of trolley  1464 , including the connecting portion  1470  of the trolley  1464 , as the trolley  1464  moves along the length of the track body  1420 . Rotation of the trolley  1464  may be around the axis along which the track body  1420  extends. Because the connecting portion  1470  of the trolley  1464  extends outward from the axis of the track body  1420 , the connecting portion  1470  functions as a lever and causes a pivotal connection  1482  of the connecting portion  1470  to the mounting structure  1480  to raise and lower relative to the longitudinal rail  1308 , consequently raising and lowering the movable panel  1302 . 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration showing a portion of the track body  1420 . In this example, the first track  1474 , the second track  1475 , the third track  1476 , and the groove  1478  extend along the track body  1420  in a helical configuration in which they constantly change their radial position with respect the track body  1420 . It should be understood, however, that the first through third tracks  1474 ,  1475 ,  1476  and the groove  1478  could extend along the track body  1420  according to different geometries. As an example, the first track  1474 , the second track  1475 , the third track  1476 , and the groove  1478  could be formed on the track body with both straight and non-straight sections to achieve a desired pattern of movement for the movable panel  1302 .

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170713
Publication Date: 20180828
Grant Date: 20180828
Priority Date: 20160809
Inventors: WOLF, PHILIPP J.
RAFF, JOHN
MONROE, DONALD R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60J7/057", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/1047", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D2015/1057", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/542", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/101", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/101", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/024", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2800/266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/542", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D2015/1057", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/1047", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D2015/1057", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/101", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/542", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/1047", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/057", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2800/266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/024", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 63208979