PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11541807-B1
Application Number: US-202117551842-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Movable panel assemblies

Abstract:
A vehicle includes a roof, an opening in the roof, and a window that is located forward from the opening, wherein the window has an upper end and the window is free from non-translucent structures near the upper end. A movable panel is connected to the roof for movement forward and rearward relative to the roof between a closed position and an open position. A seal is connected to the movable panel. The seal engages the window when the movable panel is in the closed position and the seal is disengaged from the window when the movable panel is in the open position.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a longitudinal rail; and 
 a movable panel assembly that is movable between a closed position and an open position, the movable panel assembly comprising:
 a panel; 
 a track member positioned on a lateral side of the panel and integrated in the longitudinal rail, the track member defining an internal space; and 
 a sliding member positioned within the internal space and configured to slide longitudinally along the track member; 
 
 wherein the sliding member supports the panel for sliding motion along the track member. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the track member includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a side wall, and the bottom wall and the top wall extend inboard from the side wall to define the internal space of the track member. 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the track member includes a first projection extending in a first direction into the internal space and a second projection extending in a second direction into the internal space such that the first and second projections divide the internal space of the track member into an inner track and an outer track. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 3 , wherein the sliding member is disposed within the outer track and retained within the outer track by the first and second projections. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein lateral motion of the sliding member with respect to the track member is restrained by the first and second projections. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the movable panel is formed from a translucent material. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the sliding member is connected to the panel by a connecting structure. 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 7 , wherein the connecting structure is connected to the panel by an encapsulating material. 
     
     
       9. The vehicle of  claim 1  further comprising a sealing member disposed between the panel and the track member. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal rail is a cant rail. 
     
     
       11. A vehicle, comprising:
 a roof; 
 an opening defined by the roof; 
 a movable panel that is connected to the roof for movement forward and backward between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening; 
 a structural member; 
 a track member integrated into the structural member and including a bottom wall, a top wall, and a side wall that define an internal space of the track member; and 
 a sliding member connectable to the track member and the movable panel and longitudinally slidable along the track member within the internal space; 
 wherein the structural member is connected to the track member at two separate locations. 
 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the opening is obstructed by the movable panel in the closed position and at least part of the opening is not obstructed by the movable panel in the open position. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the track member includes a first projection extending in a first direction into the internal space and a second projection extending in a second direction into the internal space such that the first and second projections define the internal space of the track member into an inner track and an outer track. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 13 , wherein the sliding member is disposed within the outer track and retained within the outer track by the first and second projections. 
     
     
       15. The vehicle of  claim 13 , wherein lateral motion of the sliding member with respect to the track member is restrained by the first and second projections. 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein a track opening extends along one side of the track member such that the track opening is disposed between the bottom wall and the top wall. 
     
     
       17. A vehicle, comprising:
 a roof opening defined by a vehicle roof; 
 a longitudinal rail; 
 a movable panel positioned adjacent to the longitudinal rail, and the movable panel moves between a closed position and an open position with respect to the roof opening, wherein the roof opening is obstructed by the movable panel in the closed position and at least part of the roof opening is not obstructed by the movable panel in the open position; 
 a track member defining an internal space; and 
 a sliding member slidably disposed in the internal space and coupled to the movable panel via a connecting structure; 
 wherein the internal space is configured to restrain lateral motion of the sliding member relative to the track member and at least a portion of the movable panel is integrated into and is a structural component of the longitudinal rail. 
 
     
     
       18. The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein the track member includes a first projection extending in a first direction into the internal space and a second projection extending in a second direction into the internal space such that the first and second projections define the internal space of the track member into an inner track and an outer track. 
     
     
       19. The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein at least part of the movable panel is formed from a translucent material. 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein the track member includes a first track member positioned on a first lateral side of the movable panel and a second track member positioned on a second lateral side of the movable panel opposite the first lateral side.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/065,900, entitled “Movable Panel Assemblies,” filed on Oct. 8, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/859,067, entitled “Movable Panel Assemblies,” filed on Apr. 27, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/649,942, entitled “Movable Panel Assemblies,” filed on Jul. 14, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/375,478, entitled “Movable Panel Assemblies,” filed on Aug. 16, 2016. The contents of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     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 assembly that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a track member that supports the movable panel assembly, and a structural member, wherein the track member is integrated into the structural member. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a window and a variable translucence area defined on the window. The variable translucence area is controllable to allow a desired degree of light admission through the window. A movable panel assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position. The variable translucence area switches from a darkened state to a lightened state in response to movement of the movable panel assembly from the closed position to the open position, and the variable translucence area switches from the lightened state to the darkened state in response to movement of the movable panel assembly from the open position to the closed position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a movable panel assembly that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a sealing structure located on the movable panel assembly at a front end of the movable panel assembly, and a window having an upper end. The sealing structure engages the upper end of the window when the movable panel assembly is in a closed position, and the sealing structure is disengaged from the upper end of the window when the movable panel assembly is in an open position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a roof panel, an opening formed in the roof panel, and a movable panel assembly. The movable panel assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the opening is obstructed when the movable panel assembly is in the closed position and at least part of the opening is unobstructed when the movable panel assembly is in the open position. A track carrier is located above the roof panel, and a track member disposed on the track carrier. The movable panel assembly is slidable along the track member between the closed position and the open position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a vehicle that includes a panel that has an outer panel layer and an inner panel layer. The inner panel layer has a lateral end portion that is spaced from the outer panel layer. A material is adhered to the lateral end portion of the inner panel layer. A connecting structure is connected to the panel by the material. The vehicle also includes a track member. The panel is supported with respect to the track member by the connecting structure for movement between a closed position and an open position. 
     Systems and methods are also described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a portion of a first vehicle showing a movable panel assembly in a closed position and an open position. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-section view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1    showing the movable panel assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a portion of a second vehicle with a movable panel assembly in a closed position. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a portion of the second vehicle with the movable panel assembly in an open position. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a portion of a third vehicle with a movable panel assembly in a closed position. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-section view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5    showing the movable panel assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-section view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5    showing the movable panel assembly in an open position. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a portion of a fourth vehicle with a movable panel assembly in a closed position. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-section view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  8    showing the movable panel assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-section view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  8    showing the movable panel assembly in an open position. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a portion of a fifth vehicle with a movable panel assembly in a closed position. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-section view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG.  11    showing the movable panel assembly in the closed position. 
         FIG.  13    shows an exemplary hardware configuration for a controller. 
     
    
    
     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 assembly  102  in a closed position. The movable panel assembly  102  is movable from the closed position to an open position  102 ′ (shown in broken lines). 
     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 rail  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 rail  108  may be supported by a single structural pillar, 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 assembly  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 vehicle includes a roof panel  114  that is positioned longitudinally between the movable panel assembly  102  and the rear window  112 , such that the roof panel  114  is rearward of the movable panel assembly  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 is omitted. In some embodiments, a second roof panel portion is located forward of the movable panel assembly  102 , between the front window  110  and the movable panel assembly  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 that extend downward from the longitudinal rails  108  and are positioned between pairs of the side windows  116 . 
       FIG.  2    is a cross-section view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1    showing the movable panel assembly  102  and the longitudinal rail  108 . In order to maximize the width of an opening formed in the roof area of the first vehicle  100 , at least part of the movable panel assembly  102  is integrated into the longitudinal rail  108  and serves as a structural component of the longitudinal rail  108 , as will be explained herein. 
     The movable panel assembly  102  includes a panel  220  that is operable to move relative to the opening. The panel  220  obstructs the opening when the movable panel assembly  102  is in the closed position, and the panel  220  is moved such that part, most, or all of the opening is not obstructed when the movable panel assembly  102  is in the open position. The panel  220  may be generally planar or may incorporate a slight curvature that corresponds to the shape of surrounding portions of the first vehicle  100 . The panel  220  may have a generally constant thickness. Suitable materials for the panel  220  include, but are not limited to, glass, metal, and plastic. In some embodiments, the panel  220  is transparent or translucent, such as when the panel  220  is formed from glass or plastic. 
     To permit motion of the panel  220  between the closed and open positions, the movable panel assembly  102  includes track members  222  on each lateral side of the panel  220 . The track members  222  extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are connected to and integrated in the longitudinal rails  108 . The track members  222  may have a substantially constant cross-section along their lengths. As an example, the track members  222  may be extruded aluminum structures. 
     The track members  222  each include a bottom wall  224 , a top wall  226 , and a side wall  228 . The side wall  228  extends in a generally vertical direction, while the bottom wall  224  and the top wall  226  each extend in a generally horizontal direction when viewed in cross-section along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1   . The bottom wall  224  and the top wall  226  extend inboard (i.e., toward the lateral center of the first vehicle  100 ) from the side wall  228 . 
     To allow access to an internal space of each of the track members  222 , an opening  230  extends along one side of each of the track members  222 . The opening  230  may be located opposite the side wall  228  on the inboard side of each of the track members  222 , such that the opening  230  is disposed between the bottom wall  224  and the top wall  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, projections  232  extend upward into the internal space from the bottom wall  224  and downward into the internal space from the top wall  226 . The projections  232  are elongate structures that extend in the longitudinal direction, and function to divide the internal space of the track members  222  into an inner track  234  and an outer track  236 . The projections  232  also function to retain and guide other structures along the inner track  234  and the outer track  236 . 
     To support the panel  220  for sliding motion along the track members  222 , the movable panel assembly  102  includes sliding members  238 . The sliding members  238  are structures of any types, such as blocks, wheels, or trolleys that are connectable to the track members  222  and are able to slide longitudinally along the track members  222 . As an example, the sliding members may be disposed within the outer track  236  and retained within the outer track  236  by the projections  232 , which restrain lateral motion of the sliding members  238  with respect to the track members  222 . 
     The sliding members  238  are connected to the panel  220  by connecting structures  240 , such as plates, bars, rods or other structures. The connections between the connecting structures  240  and the sliding members  238  and the connections between the connecting structures  240  and the panel  220  may be fixed connections or may allow some degree of motion or compliance, such as by translation or pivoting. As an example, the connecting structures  240  may be connected to the sliding members  238  by a conventional fastener such as a pin or a bolt. As an example, the connecting structures  240  may be connected to the panel  220  by an adhesive or an encapsulating material  242 , which may be a thermoplastic material. 
     To prevent entry of water and to reduce wind noise, the sealing member  243  may be engageable with the movable panel assembly  102 . As an example, the sealing member  243  may be located on the longitudinal rail  108 , and may be above the track member  222 , or may be located on the track member  222 . The sealing member  243  is engageable with a portion of the movable panel assembly  102  in the closed positions, such as the panel  220  or the encapsulating material  242 . 
     Each of the track members  222  is integrated into one of the longitudinal rails  108  as a structural portion of the longitudinal rail  108 . The track members  222  may be connected to the longitudinal rails  108  by fixed connections that rigidly connect the track members  222  to the longitudinal rails  108 , such as by welds or bolts or screws. Integration of the track member  222  into the longitudinal rail  108  may include connection of a first wall portion  244  of the longitudinal rail  108  to the track member  222  at a first location on the track member  222 , and connection of a second wall portion  245  to a second location on the track member  222 . The first wall portion  244  and the second wall portion  245  may be portions of a closed geometric cross-sectional profile that is defined by the longitudinal rail  108  and the track member  222 . The first and second locations on the track member  222  may be spaced from one another, and the first wall portion  244  and the second wall portion  245  may lack a direct connection to one another adjacent to the track member  222 . Thus, the track member  222  serves as a structural interconnection between the first wall portion  244  and the second wall portion  245  of the longitudinal rail  108 . In addition, at least a portion of the track member  222  may be exposed to an enclosed interior space  246  that is defined within the longitudinal rail  108 . 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG.  2   , the first location on the track member  222  is on the top wall  226  of the track member  222 , and the second location on the track member  222  is on a flange  225  that depends downward from the bottom wall  224  of the track member  222 . It should be understood, however, that the track member  222  may be configured differently, and that different locations on the track member  222  may be utilized for connecting portions of the longitudinal rail  108  to the track member  222 . 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a portion of a second vehicle  300  with a movable panel assembly  302  in a closed position. The movable panel assembly  302  is movable from the closed position to an open position  302 ′ (shown in broken lines). 
     The second vehicle  300  may include front pillars  304 , rear pillars  306 , and longitudinal rails  308 , a front window  310 , a rear window  312 , a roof panel  314 , and side windows  316 , all of which are similar to analogous components of the first vehicle  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The front window  310  may be a conventional glass window. Near an upper edge  360  of the front window  310 , a variable translucence area  350  is defined on the front window  310  such that the variable translucence area  350  may extend continuously across the front window  310  between the front pillars  304 . The variable translucence area  350  may be defined over a limited distance from the upper edge  360  of the front window  310 . As an example, the variable translucence area  350  may extend down the front window  310  from the upper edge  360  of the front window  310  by a distance that is equal to between five and twenty-five percent of the longitudinal length of the front window  310 . In the closed position, the upper edge  360  of the front window  310  may be positioned adjacent to a front end  362  of the movable panel assembly  302 . 
     In some embodiments, the variable translucence area  350  covers the entirety of the front window  310 . In some embodiments, the variable translucence area  350  is also formed on other glass surfaces, such as the rear window  312 , the side windows  316 , and the movable panel assembly  302 . 
     The variable translucence area  350  is operable to change an amount of light transmitted through it in response to a control signal, such as a voltage applied to the variable translucence area  350 . The variable translucence area  350  may be operable to change between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state corresponds to a high level of light transmission, and the second state corresponds to a reduced level of light transmission relative to the first state. As an example, the variable translucence area  350  may be transparent or near-transparent in the first state. In the second state, transmission of light through the variable translucence area  350  is significantly reduced, such as by allowing transmission of between 90% and 0% of the light incident on the variable translucence area  350 . 
     The variable translucence area  350  is controllable to allow a desired degree of light admission through the front window  310 , and may be implemented using technologies such as one or more of liquid crystal devices, microelectromechanical devices such as microelectromechanical shutters, electrically-controlled polarizing filters, and electrochromic devices. The variable translucence area  350  may be formed on an exterior surface of the front window  310 , on an interior surface of the front window  310 , or within the front window  310  between layers with a laminated structure of the front window  310 . 
     The variable translucence area  350  is controlled such that its translucence changes in response to movement of the movable panel assembly  302 . When the movable panel assembly  302  is in the closed position, the variable translucence area  350  may be in a darkened state, such as the second state as described above. The darkened state of the variable translucence area  350  may be utilized by occupants of the vehicle to, for example, reduce glare caused by sunlight at certain times of the day, such as at sunrise or sunset. The variable translucence area  350  is controlled to change from the darkened state to the lightened state when the movable panel assembly  302  is in the open position, as shown in  FIG.  4   , which is a perspective view of a portion of the second vehicle  300  showing the movable panel assembly  302  in the open position. In the lightened state, which may correspond to the first state described above, the variable translucence area admits more light than in the darkened state, and may be translucent or near-translucent. Thus, the variable translucence area  350  may increase a degree of light admission by changing states in response to movement of the movable panel assembly  302  from the closed position to the open position, and the variable translucence area  350  may decrease a degree of light admission by changing states in response to movement of the movable panel assembly  302  from the open position to the closed position. The degrees of light admission may be, as examples, a first degree of light admission that is greater than a second degree of light admission. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a portion of a third vehicle  500  with a movable panel assembly  502  in a closed position, in which a panel  620  ( FIGS.  6 - 7   ) obstructs an opening formed in the roof area of the third vehicle  500 . The movable panel assembly  502  is movable from the closed position to an open position  502 ′ (shown in broken lines), in which at least part of the opening is not obstructed by the movable panel assembly  502 . 
     The third vehicle  500  may include front pillars  504 , rear pillars  506 , longitudinal rails  508 , a front window  510 , a rear window  512 , a roof panel  514 , and side windows  516 , all of which are similar to analogous components of the first vehicle  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     An upper end  560  of the front window  510  is in contact with and adjacent to a front end  562  of the movable panel assembly  502  in the closed position. The front window  510  may be formed from a translucent (i.e., partially or fully transparent) material such as glass or plastic. In some embodiments, the front window  510  is free from non-translucent glass portions or structures at or near the upper end  560  of the front window  510 . In some embodiments, the front window  510  is free from non-glass structures at and/or near the upper end  560 . This allows for additional light admission into the interior of the vehicle, and provides visual continuity between the front window  510  and the opening that is defined when the movable panel assembly  502  is open. 
       FIG.  6    is a cross-section view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5    showing the movable panel assembly  502  in the closed position. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the movable panel assembly  502  includes a sealing structure that is located at the front end  562  of the movable panel assembly  502 . The sealing structure includes one or more seals that are engageable with the front window  510 . In the illustrated example, the sealing structure includes a seal carrier  664 , a first sealing member  666 , and a second sealing member  668 . The first sealing member  666  and the second sealing member  668  engage the upper end  560  of the front window  510  when the movable panel assembly  502  is in the closed position in order to prevent entry of water into the third vehicle  500  and to reduce wind noise. 
     The seal carrier  664  is an elongate structure that extends in the transverse direction of the third vehicle  500  along the front end  562  of the movable panel assembly  502 . Thus, the sealing structure, including the seal carrier  664 , the first sealing member  666 , and the second sealing member  668 , may be interposed between the movable panel assembly  502  and the front window  510  continuously along the upper end  560  of the front window  510  and the front end  562  of the movable panel assembly  502 . The seal carrier  664  may be formed from, as examples, plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the seal carrier  664  is made from translucent plastic. In some embodiments, the seal carrier  664  may be formed from an encapsulation material, such as a thermoplastic. 
     The seal carrier  664  is attached to the panel  620  of the movable panel assembly  502 . The panel  620  is made of a translucent material, such as glass or plastic, and may be translucent up to a leading edge  670  of the panel  620 . The seal carrier  664  is connected to one or both of the leading edge  670  of the panel  620  and an interior surface  671  of the panel  620 . The interior surface  671  of the panel  620  faces the interior of the third vehicle  500 , and is opposite an exterior surface  672  of the panel  620 , which faces outward and is visible from outside of the third vehicle  500 . In some embodiments, the seal carrier  664  is configured such that no portion of the seal carrier  664  extends above the exterior surface  672  of the panel  620 . 
     The seal carrier  664  includes a first portion  674  and a second portion  675 . The first portion  674  of the seal carrier  664  is connected to the leading edge  670  of the panel  620  and/or to the interior surface  671  of the panel  620  adjacent to the leading edge  670 . The first portion  674  of the seal carrier  664  depends downward from the panel  620 . The second portion  675  of the seal carrier  664  extends outward or forward from the first portion  674  of the seal carrier  664 , and is located partially under the front window  510 . 
     The first sealing member  666  is formed on the first portion  674  of the seal carrier  664  and extends forward from the first portion  674  of the seal carrier  664 . When the movable panel assembly  502  is in the closed position, the first sealing member  666  is positioned between the panel  620  and the front window  510  and is in engagement with the front window  510 . The second sealing member  668  is formed on the second portion  675  of the seal carrier  664  and extends upward from the second portion  675  of the seal carrier  664 . When the movable panel assembly  502  is in the closed position, the second sealing member  668  is positioned under the front window, and is in engagement with an interior surface  511  of the front window  510 . 
     The first sealing member  666  and the second sealing member  668  are formed from flexible material, such as conventional weatherstripping materials or gasket materials. As examples, the first sealing member  666  and the second sealing member  668  may be formed from EPDM rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), silicone, or other suitable materials. 
       FIG.  7    is a cross-section view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5    showing the movable panel assembly  502  in the open position. In the open position, the movable panel assembly  502  has moved away from the front window  510 , such as by translating rearward. During movement from the closed position to the open position, the sealing structure, including the first sealing member  666  and the second sealing member  668 , disengages from the upper end  560  of the front window  510 , while moving in unison with the seal carrier  664  and the panel  620 . Thus, the sealing structure is disengaged from and spaced from the upper end  560  of the front window  510  when the movable panel assembly is in the open position. 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a portion of a fourth vehicle  800  with a movable panel assembly  802  in a closed position, in which the movable panel assembly  802  obstructs an opening formed in the roof area of the fourth vehicle  800 . The movable panel assembly  802  is movable from the closed position to an open position  802 ′ (shown in broken lines), in which at least part of the opening is not obstructed by the movable panel assembly  802 . 
     The fourth vehicle  800  may include front pillars  804 , rear pillars  806 , longitudinal rails  808 , a windshield  810 , a rear window  812 , a roof panel  814 , and side windows  816 , all of which are similar to analogous components of the first vehicle  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The fourth vehicle includes track carriers  876  that are disposed on the exterior of the fourth vehicle  800  and are positioned above other portions of the fourth vehicle  800 , including the longitudinal rails  808  and the roof panel  814 . As will be described herein, the track carriers  876  support the movable panel assembly  802  in a manner that allows the movable panel assembly  802  to move between the closed position and the open position  802 ′. When the movable panel assembly  802  is in the closed position, the track carriers  876  may be disposed entirely above any or all of the movable panel assembly  802 , the longitudinal rails  808 , and the roof panel  814 . Thus, the track carriers  876  are externally positioned on the fourth vehicle  800  and may extend upward from an exterior surface of the fourth vehicle  800 . 
     The track carriers  876  are elongate structures that extend in the longitudinal direction of the fourth vehicle  800 . The track carriers  876  may be positioned on top of the longitudinal rails  808  and extend along the longitudinal rails  808 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , which is a cross-section view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  8    with the movable panel assembly  802  in the closed position, the track carriers  876  may extend upward from the longitudinal rails  808 . The track carriers  876  each have an inner surface  978  that extends generally upward from the longitudinal rail  808  and faces in the inboard direction of the fourth vehicle  800 , such that the inner surface  978  is oriented toward a panel  820  of the movable panel assembly  802 . The track members  822  are recessed into the inner surfaces  978  of each of the track carriers  876  and extend in the longitudinal direction of the fourth vehicle  800  along the track carriers  876 . 
     In order to support the movable panel assembly  802  with respect to the track members  822 , the movable panel assembly  802  includes sliding members  938 . The sliding members  938  are disposed in the track members  922  such that the track members  922  guide motion of the sliding members  938  as the sliding members  938  move in the longitudinal direction of the fourth vehicle  800  along the track members  922 . The sliding members  938  are connected to the panel  920  by connecting structures  940 . 
     When the movable panel assembly  802  is in the closed position, an interior surface  971  of the panel  920  may be in engagement with sealing members  980  at the lateral sides of the panel  920 . The sealing members  980  are formed from a flexible material such as a weatherstripping material or a gasket material. The sealing members  980  function to prevent water from entering the interior of the fourth vehicle  800  and reduce wind noise. The sealing members  980  may be disposed on support structures  982  that extend inward from the longitudinal rails  808 . 
       FIG.  10    is a cross-section view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  8    showing the movable panel assembly  802  in the open position. The track member  922  is configured such that its elevation rises from front to rear. As the movable panel assembly  802  moves rearward, the rise in elevation of the track members  922  causes the movable panel assembly  802  to rise in correspondence to the elevation of the track member  922 . In the open position, the movable panel assembly  802  is moved so at least part of the opening is not obstructed by the panel  920 . In the illustrated example in  FIG.  10   , the movable panel assembly  802  has moved rearward and upward along the track members  922 , such that at least a portion of the panel  920  is positioned above the roof panel  814  and/or the rear window  812 . 
       FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a portion of a fifth vehicle  1100  with a movable panel assembly  1102  in a closed position in which the movable panel assembly obstructs an opening that is formed in a roof area of the fifth vehicle  1100 . The movable panel assembly  1102  is movable from the closed position to an open position  1102 ′ (shown in broken lines), in which at least part of the opening is not obstructed by the movable panel assembly  502 . 
     The fifth vehicle  1100  may include front pillars  1104 , rear pillars  1106 , longitudinal rails  1108 , a windshield  1110 , a rear window  1112 , a roof panel  1114 , and side windows  1116 , all of which are similar to analogous components of the first vehicle  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  12    is a cross-section view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG.  11    showing the movable panel assembly in the closed position. In order to support the movable panel assembly  1102 , support structures  1282  extend inboard from the longitudinal rails  1108 , and track members  1222  are disposed on the support structures  1282 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . The track members  1222  and the support structures  1282  extend in the longitudinal direction of the fifth vehicle  1100 . Sliding members  1238  are disposed in track members  1222  and are movable forward and rearward along the track members  1222 . 
     The movable panel assembly  1102  includes a panel that is defined by an outer panel layer  1220  and an inner panel layer  1221 . The outer panel layer  1220  is exposed to the exterior of the fifth vehicle  1100 , and the inner panel layer  1221  may be exposed to the interior of the fifth vehicle  1100 . The outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221  are formed from a translucent material, in order to allow light to be admitted into the interior of the fifth vehicle  1100  when the movable panel assembly  1102  is in the closed position. As examples, the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221  may be formed from translucent glass or from translucent plastic. The outer panel layer  1220  may be fixed to the inner panel layer  1221 , such as by fasteners or adhesives. As an example, a clear adhesive may be used to fix the outer panel layer  1220  to the inner panel layer  1221 . As another example, the outer panel layer  1220  may be connected to the inner panel layer  1221  by an interlayer  1294 . The interlayer  1294  may be formed from a transparent material that adheres to the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221 , such as Polyvinyl butyral (PVB). In some embodiments, several interlayers are included between the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221 . For example, a technology interlayer that includes antennas, heating elements, or other components, may be placed between two adhesive interlayers formed from PVB or other suitable materials. 
     An exterior surface  1272  of the outer panel layer  1220  may be aligned with the exterior surfaces of exterior panels  1284  that are located on the exterior of the longitudinal rails  1108  and are positioned adjacent to the outer panel layer  1220  on the lateral sides of the movable panel assembly  1102 . As an example, the exterior panels  1284  may be formed from glass or plastic, may be translucent, and may be formed from the same material as the outer panel layer  1220 . The exterior panels  1284  may be connected to the longitudinal rails  1108 , such as by fasteners or adhesives. 
     To connect the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221  to the sliding members  1238 , an encapsulation material  1286 , such as thermoplastic, is disposed on the lateral edges of the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221 . The connecting structures  1240  are embedded in the encapsulation material  1286  and are connected to the sliding members  1238  to support the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221  for sliding movement between the closed and open positions. 
     To bond the encapsulation material  1286  securely to the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221 , the inner panel layer  1221  includes lateral end portions that are spaced from the outer panel layer  1220 . Thus, the inner panel layer  1221  and the outer panel layer  1220  may be at a close, consistent spacing near a central portion of the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221 , but the inner panel layer  1221  deviates downward from the outer panel layer  1220  near the lateral edges of the outer panel layer  1220  and the inner panel layer  1221 . The encapsulation material  1286  surrounds the lateral end portions of the inner panel layer  1221 . Accordingly, the encapsulation material  1286  may be in contact with and adhered to an interior surface  1271  of the outer panel layer  1220 , and the lateral end portions of the inner panel layer, such that a lateral end surface  1290  of the inner panel layer  1221 , the interior surface  1291  of the inner panel layer  1221 , and an exterior surface  1292  of the inner panel layer  1221  are in contact with the encapsulation material  1286 . The encapsulation material  1286  may terminate on the interior surface  1271  of the outer panel layer  1220 , such that an outer edge and the exterior surface  1272  of the outer panel layer  1220  are free from the encapsulation material. This allows a smooth visual transition between the outer panel layer  1220  and the exterior panels  1284 , such as by allowing the two structures to meet at adjacent glass edges with no structures disposed between them. 
     To prevent water from entering the fifth vehicle  1100  and to reduce wind noise, sealing members  1280  may be in engagement with the movable panel assembly  1102  when the movable panel assembly  1102  is in the closed position. As an example, the sealing members  1280  may be located on the longitudinal rails  1108  and may be engageable with a lateral side surface of the encapsulation material  1286 . 
       FIG.  13    shows an exemplary hardware configuration for a controller  1300  that may be used to implement the apparatuses and systems described herein. As an example, the controller  1300  may output a command, such as a voltage value, to the variable translucence area  350  of  FIG.  3    in response to movement of the movable panel assembly  302  between closed and open positions. 
     The controller  1300  may include a processor  1310 , a memory  1320 , a storage device  1330 , one or more input devices  1340 , and one or more output devices  1350 . The controller  1300  may include a bus  1360  or a similar device to interconnect the components for communication. The processor  1310  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor  1310  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory  1320  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  1330  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  1340  may include any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  1350  may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen or an audio output.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20211215
Publication Date: 20230103
Grant Date: 20230103
Priority Date: 20160816
Inventors: WOLF, PHILIPP J.
FOWLE, SAMUEL G.
MONROE, DONALD R.
RAFF, JOHN
MARTINEZ, ANTONIO B.
GOLKO, ALBERT J.
TARGHI, ALI TAVAKOLI
DONOHUE, DAVID J.
Kingman, David E.
Kamei, Ibuki
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60Q3/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J10/82", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B62D25/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/0435", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60Q3/208", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B62D25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B62D25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/0001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B62D25/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60Q3/208", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60Q3/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 70332345