Convertible roof for vehicle and associated vehicle

p0001Is particularly concerned by a vehicle retractable roof and a vehicle comprising such a roof.

p0002A retractable roof allows in particular to convert a vehicle of the coupe type or sedan into a convertible-type vehicle.

p0003<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="FR2816248A"><text>FR-A- 2816248</text></patcit> discloses a retractable roof comprising several roof elements.

p0004of the rear element moving towards the boot is controlled by a slide extending inside the rear boot in which is engaged a finger integral with the rear part the rear element of the other part by an articulated swivel arm a fixed point of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element.

p0005The front, intermediate and rear comprise a very flat central zone, a sheet or a window and, on their lateral sides, two solid areas whose height is large relative to the thickness of the central zone.

p0006The front, intermediate and rear are connected to each other by articulated levers.

p0007During the retraction of the roof in the trunk, the various elements are superimposed one above the other and due to the assembly is driven towards the boot by the oscillation and the displacement of the rear element towards the boot.

p0008Also known document <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="DE4435222"><text>DE 44 35 222</text></patcit> a retractable roof comprising at least three roof front, intermediate and rear and two pivoting arms placed on either position covering both sides and along the front element.

p0009In the covering position, the two arms extend from the front of the intermediate element at the back of the windshield.

p0010The pivot pins are located on the front of the intermediate element. During retraction, the two arms are folded in the extension of one another along the intermediate member.

p0011This type of system has the drawback that the stack roofs once stored in the rear boot of the vehicle demands a large amount of the height of the roof intermediate elements before and in the first case and of the intermediate element in the second case. And the height of the stack of roof elements is due to the stacking of the side regions of the roof elements.

p0012<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US5975620A"><text>US Patent 5,975,620</text></patcit> also discloses a retractable roof for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

p0013One problem is the longitudinal space (X axis). A solution is expressed in particular in characterizing part of claim 1.

p0014This ensures a longitudinal space savings and a relatively simple mechanism.

p0015If only the central areas of the roof front and intermediate elements are superposed with the rear element, the height of the stack is significantly reduced.

p0016The arms are folded at the front of the rear element. One can get a chest whose useful volume is greater and easier access. Another advantage is an increased possibility for the positioning of the rear element in the boot and therefore the choice of the respective lengths of the various elements.

p0017According to another characteristic, it is here proposed a retractable roof in which reduces the height of the stack of roof elements by eliminating the constraint imposed by the height of the side areas.

p0018More specifically, it is advisable in this context that, if the aforesaid arm (which thus define, in the separated position of collection, longitudinal structural cross members between which extends at least the element rigidly -or front roof panel) are provided, they are pivotally mounted on the rear roof element between the covering position where they extend between the front end of the rear element and the rear of the windshield, to either side and along the front roof element, and the storage position where they overlap transversely to the vehicle's plane of symmetry.

p0019In a particular embodiment of the invention, the roof further comprises an intermediate roof element, the arm then extending, in the covering position, to either side and along the front and intermediate roof elements .

p0020In a particular embodiment, the movement of the rear element can be controlled on the one hand by a slide extending inside the rear boot in which is engaged a finger integral with the rear part of the rear element the other hand by a pivoting arm articulated at a fixed point of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element.

p0021The front element may be connected to the intermediate element by at least two levers articulated to said front element and said intermediate element and the intermediate element can be connected to the rear member by at least two levers articulated to said intermediate member and said element back.

p0022According to another embodiment, two series of superimposed lateral rails for the roof front and intermediate elements can extend along the arms and along the two inner side parts of the rear element in the covering position. Each slide may include two slide sections, a first slide section being placed on one of the arms, the second slide section being placed on the inner side portion of the rear element corresponding to said arm.

p0023The front and intermediate roof elements may each comprise at least two fingers carried on their lateral sides slidably engaged each in a lateral slide so as to guide the roof elements sliding movement forward and intermediate one below the other and under the rear element.

p0024Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle comprising a retractable roof as described above.

p0025On another innovative aspect, which can be separated from the previous, otherwise known to <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="FR2820692A"><text>FR-A-2820692</text></patcit>, Means for locking the roof elements together and with the upright of the vehicle windscreen.

p0026Such locking means are in particular suitable for a retractable roof comprising roof elements extending over the entire width of the roof.

p0027In the case of a retractable roof comprising swivel arms, in the covering position, it is essential that the roof elements and the pivot arms are fixed to each other and relative to the amount of the windscreen.

p0028It is therefore proposed here to provide effective means for locking a retractable roof including pivoting arms that reduce the height of the stack of roof elements by eliminating the constraint imposed by the height of the side areas.

p0029For this purpose, it is specifically proposed that a retractable roof, of the type presented above, with pivoted arms, is such that it comprises motor means, first pivoting arm locking means on value of windshield of the vehicle and second means for at least the roof element before locking on the pivoting arms, the first and second locking means and the pivoting of the arms being controlled by the same drive means such as an electric motor.

p0030In a particular embodiment, the first and second locking means are controlled by driving rods extending inside the rotating arm driven by the motorization means.

p0031The first of each arm locking means on the windshield amount may comprise a pivotable locking hook cooperating with a fixed complementary locking member integral with the windscreen of the amount, the pivoting of each pivoting locking hook can be controlled by a nut mounted on a threaded portion of one of the rods rotated by the drive means.

p0032The second locking means may advantageously comprise a projection carried on screw means engaging a drive rod, said projection being movable in translation on the screwing means and intended to be positioned inside a corresponding cavity in one of the arms when the roof is locked.

p0033The retraction means of the roof elements can include a threaded pivot pin axis coincides with the axis of one of the pivoting arms placed in engagement with the drive rod so that rotation of the locking rod causes rotation of the pivot pin.

p0034In one embodiment, the arms are pivotable non-parallel axes of rotation.

p0035Thus, only the central regions of the roof front and intermediate elements are superposed with the rear element, which significantly reduces the height of the stack. The arms are folded at the front of the rear element. A significant amount of gain is achieved and allows a safe whose useful volume is greater and easier access. In addition, here it gives more possibilities for the positioning of the rear element in the boot and therefore the choice of the respective lengths of the various elements.

p0036In a particular embodiment, the movement of the rear element can be controlled on the one hand by a slide extending inside the rear boot in which is engaged a finger integral with the rear part of the rear element the other hand by a pivoting arm articulated at a fixed point of the vehicle body and articulated to said rear element.

p0037The front element may be connected to the intermediate element by at least two levers articulated to said front element and said intermediate element and the intermediate element can be connected to the rear member by at least two levers articulated to said intermediate member and said element back.

p0038According to another embodiment, two series of superimposed lateral rails for the roof front and intermediate elements can extend along the arms and along the two inner side parts of the rear element in the covering position. Each slide may include two slide sections, a first slide section being placed on one of the arms, the second slide section being placed on the inner side portion of the rear element corresponding to said arm.

p0039The front and intermediate roof elements may each comprise at least two fingers carried on their lateral sides slidably engaged each in a lateral slide so as to guide the roof elements sliding movement forward and intermediate one below the other and under the rear element.

p0040A motor vehicle comprising such a roof is described here again.

p0041In combination with, or independently of the above, is also concerned here a retractable roof system (also referred to as "shrink") for a fixed or movable structure, particularly for a motor vehicle.

p0042Gold, is known from <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="FR2798327A"><text>FR-A-2798327</text></patcit> a retractable roof system for a vehicle consisting of at least two rigid roof panels, respectively a first front roof element and a second central roof element (or intermediate) secured to each other by sliding means arranged such that the front panel is movable between a closed position in which it covers the cabin and an open position wherein it is, after sliding towards the rear, superimposed on the central panel. This system comprises two parallel slides each of arcuate shape, fixed to the body (or structure) of the vehicle and each extending between preferably a point near the front of the central panel and a point near the bottom of the rear boot of vehicle and thus of the end of the vehicle, the central panel having members cooperating with the guide rails to guide its movement along these.

p0043A problem which aims to solve in this context is to overcome the disadvantages of space and maneuverability of the above system, in order to increase the storage space remaining in the trunk, once the roof stowed, this if necessary in conjunction, possibly with a tilting rear window (in particular oscillating-sliding) and outside said moving parts above the roof.

p0044It is therefore proposed a vehicle comprising:<ul><li>seats located rearwardly of the passenger compartment, and a storage space located behind the seats,</li><li>a vehicle structure locally defines a flag which has a closable opening and a retractable roof, the roof comprising at least two portions (or elements) rigid and movable relative to said structure, respectively a first portion and a second rear part,</li><li>first moving elements that are linked to said roof parts during at least part of their movement between an extended position reached by forward movement and in which these parts cover the passenger compartment, substantially aligned one behind the other, and a folded position reached by rearward movement of the vehicle and wherein said portions are shifted relative to each other and retracted behind the seats, at least some of these roof parts then being arranged in a first storage position,</li><li>and additional elements of qu'engagent displacement at least those of said roof parts arranged in their said first storage position to move if necessary these roof parts to a second position different from the first storage.</li></ul>

p0045These additional displacement elements may include moving the roof parts of a first storage position (which can be substantially vertical) to a second storage position (which may be substantially horizontal). Advantageously, the additional elements of movement are mounted movable relative to the vehicle structure and compared with the first moving means, the roof parts arranged in the first storage position disengaging the first moving means while engaging the additional means of movement to be displaceable from their first position to their second storage position.

p0046Such a roof system can improve the storage space available in the back in the trunk.

p0047According to a preferred further feature, the first moving elements comprise two sets of parallel rails of arcuate shape, linked to the vehicle structure, each assembly extending between an area at the front of said second rear portion, respectively on either side of the receiving opening of the roof parts, and an area in said storage space of the roof in the folded position behind the seats, said roof parts being connected to the sets of rails for at least a portion of their movement, by sliding connection means arranged such that said first and second roof sections are movable between their said deployed and collapsed positions.

p0048Preferably, each set of slides and additional travel elements bound thereto also advantageously define a first front portion of track extending between a point on the front of said rear roof part and a point near the edge top of the back of said seat, and a second rail portion extending substantially between said upper edge of the back of said seating and a point near the rear boot of the vehicle bottom, near the rear of the seats, in the lower part of the roof storage space, each second track portion being movably mounted relative to the vehicle structure and to the first part corresponding slide and being connected to said roof parts concerned when arriving at their second folded position and that these parts are then engaged with the second portions of rails and clear of the first portions of rails to bring these roof parts in their said superposed position substantially horizontally.

p0049Such retractable system enables precise guidance of the roof parts between the closed position above the passenger compartment and their open position (row aft) in which the roof parts can be arranged in a position substantially vertical or a substantially horizontal position.

p0050According to another feature, it is also provided that: <ul><li>in the deployed position of the roof parts, they are interposed, one behind the other between, in front, the windscreen which is fixed on the vehicle structure, and a rear element (which may be retractable ) including the rear window,</li><li>and, in the position row horizontally with the front panels and central are preferably be disposed in the upper part of said roof storage area, or in the lower portion, a bottom clearance of the storage space.</li></ul>

p0051In another aspect, on a storage process, it is advisable also to store the sunroof behind the seats:<ul><li>a) starting from a closed state of the roof in which the two roof parts cover the passenger compartment, being substantially aligned one behind the other, to move these roof parts into the interior space storage, for some at least to a first storage position,</li><li>b) then move again (the) portion (s) concerned roof (s) to a second position different from the first and preferably located either in the upper part or in the lower part of the rear area of ​​roof storage.</li></ul>

p0052Yet another innovative aspect to be considered alone or in combination with the above, relates to a sliding roof system for a motor vehicle provided with a structure (or frame), the sliding roof system comprising at least one panel (or element ) and a front roof panel (or member) of rear roof, said roof panels being movable relative to one another in a longitudinal direction (typically the lengthwise direction of vehicle advance) between:<ul><li>* A flush position in which the panels are arranged substantially at the same level one and the other, the front roof panel then being located in front of the rear roof panel, along said longitudinal direction,</li><li>* And a pitch shifted position in which the roof panels are arranged at least partially one above the other.</li></ul>

p0053From such a known system, a goal here is to provide a sliding roof system reliable, relatively simple mechanically, a compatible cost with mass production in association with automobile manufacturers, which avoids problems already encountered in coordinating the movements of the panels ensuring efficient and reliable kinematics. That is why it is here proposed that the above system is such as:<ul><li>one of the roof panels front and rear includes a group of levers forward and a group of rear mounted levers pivotally attached to the roof panel to toggle between:<ul><li>* A low position in which the panel concerned is substantially flush with a surrounding portion of the vehicle structure, </li><li>* And a high position in which said respective panel is offset in height relative to the level of its flush position,</li></ul></li><li>at least one of said roof panel comprising the lever groups and the other panel may, if necessary, include drive means for driving the groups of levers and one of the panels:<ul><li>* Either from the front towards the rear, a distance ensuring the passage of the roof panel concerned of its flush position to its shifted position in height,</li><li>* Either from the rear towards the front, said distance, but in opposite direction, to ensure a passage of the same roof panel from its shifted position to its flush position, and</li></ul></li><li>the levers groups undertake, preferably in the eventual control of said driving means, guides (typically grooves or slides) extending essentially substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction, these guides being adapted to:<ul><li>* During the controlled displacement of the front to the rear of lever groups, guiding their tipping the flush position of the corresponding panel towards its displaced position,</li><li>* And, upon controlled movement of the rear toward the front of these same groups of levers, guiding their tipping the offset position of the corresponding panel towards its flush position.</li></ul></li></ul>

p0054To further promote the achievement of goals set just above, with any mechanical both relatively simple, efficient and reliable, another feature that advises the lever group (s) include, individually, a toggle comprising a first articulated arm to rotate on the corresponding roof panel and firmly connected by an elbow to a second branch, which engages one of said guides for its guided drive.

p0055With the same purpose, and taking advantage of the already known use of type "slides" sliding means, another feature provides that the guides of the levers fitted to the (s) panel (s) roof (s) concerned advantageously comprise rails in which slide the lever groups (s), the slides having locally deviations extending obliquely to the horizontal and with respect to said longitudinal direction over a length suffisante_pour receive, individually, a part of one of said lever groups, so that once engaged in these deviations, the relevant lever groups pass, by pivoting, from one of their high or low positions towards the other.

p0056Another problem here taken into account relates to the way to move between upper and lower positions each element and roof panel concerned, taking into account the position of the roof panels adjacent and the adjacent structure of the vehicle (opposite which can typically be desired in the closed position of the roof panels, they are essentially flush with the surrounding fund structure, especially at the windshield).

p0057For this purpose and optionally in combination with the above, another innovative feature that advantageously provides for the (each) slider (or groove) in which slides the panel (or element) of roof concerned has, along its length, in the direction longitudinally of the vehicle, at least one first front tilt downward and a second rear tilt also directed downward, these inclinations front and rear being spaced longitudinally by a distance corresponding to the longitudinal spacing between the (known groups) levers front and rear of the roof panel concerned, so that the (groups of) drivers can either engage in it, in the lower position of the roof panel (typically position slid forward toward the windshield) either disengage during a rearward sliding of the panel, access by one of the rear levers to the corresponding second rear tilt being determined by the position of a rocking lever (or latch) placed in the slideway and which:<ul><li>* In a first position, prevents access to the second back rake and thus imposes a sliding roof panel in the upper position,</li><li>* And in a second inclined position across the slide, allows the rear lever of the roof element to penetrate where out of the rear second tilt. For the sake of reliability, efficiency and cost containment, it is also recommended that each rocking lever comprises a lever portion before and a portion of rear lever located before respectively and behind its pivot axis, which is transverse to the direction of elongation of the slide, each rocking lever, extending in its second position parallel to the direction of the slideway, along a lower region of the latter, thereby closing the access directly to the second inclination rear, with its rear portion.</li></ul>

p0058Each lever (the lever groups) before and back above being engaged in the corresponding slide via a slide front and a rear slide belonging to their second branch, the length of this second limb (distance between the two slides) will preferably be substantially equal to the length of the deflection of the rail where it is committed, this length being further adapted to the movement of the "flip-flops".

p0059Moreover, the front portion of each rocker preferably extends, and switch itself, under the slide, in front of the second rear tilt, this front portion then having an angled forward edge upwards passing, during a failover, to through an opening in the slide to cooperate with the elbow before the roof panel concerned.

p0060Also note that the rear portion of each rocker preferably present a bottom surface defining a part of the contour of said second rear inclination in the inclined position of the tilting lever.

p0061Yet another innovative aspect here treated relates to a method for operating the rigid panels of the sunroof, to ensure a fluid motion, accurate and safe conditions, significant reliability and efficiency, and this on the basis of a simple, effective and workable in series for the automotive industry.

p0062In this context, the proposed method provides:<ul><li>that the opening of a roof panel by rearward sliding in the slideways causes the output of said (groups of) front and rear levers out of the corresponding deflected while the latch is in its second inclined position, with a concomitantly swinging upwardly of said panel, in conjunction with the planned link (groups of) levers,</li><li>that further rearward sliding of said roof panel causes the latch to switch to its first position, under the effect of a thrust exerted on it by a lever (the lever group) before,</li><li>and that during a displacement in opposite direction, towards the front, the roof panel, the rocker switches back to its second angled position under the effect of a thrust exerted by the front lever concerned, on its front edge angled upwards, this tilting "return" causing the retraction (out of the slide, preferably) of the angled leading edge of said latch and opening the access to the second rear tilt, thereby allowing the lever concerned ( the lever group (s)) back to engage in it when the lever concerned (lever group (s)) before arrive in the first tilt before the slide.</li></ul>

p0063Other innovative features and advantages will become apparent from the following description and the appended drawings given as non-limiting example, where:<ul><li>The <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> is a top view of a vehicle comprising an innovative retractable roof;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref> is a side view of the roof elements front, rear and intermediate during retraction; </li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref> is a top view illustrating the pivoting of the arms relative to the rear roof element;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> is a schematic longitudinal section of the roof elements of the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> in the storage position in the boot;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> is a perspective view of all roof elements during retraction;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0004">6</figref> is a view analogous to that of <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> further comprising two arms;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0006">7</figref> is a front view corresponding to the <figref idrefs="f0004">6</figref> ;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref> is a top perspective view illustrating locking means;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref> is a schematic side view of the first locking means of an arm on the upright of the vehicle windshield;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0005">Figure 10</figref> is a schematic top view of the second locking means of an arm on a roof element;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0005">11</figref> is a schematic view of the contact between the threaded portion of a locking pin and a pivot axis of an arm;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0006">Figure 12</figref> is similar to the <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> but shows a further storage arrangement of the roof elements in the rear boot;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0007">13</figref> is a side view of the roof elements and arms according to a second embodiment;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0007">Figure 14</figref> is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the storage position and the roof elements in the trunk according to the second embodiment;</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0008">Figure 15</figref> is a side view of a portion of a vehicle with a roof storage in several configurations,</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0009">16,17,18 figures</figref>Illustrate the superposition of the roof elements of the previous figure according to one embodiment, and a locking system.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0010">Figure 19</figref> is an enlarged view of the guide means according to the <figref idrefs="f0009">16 to 18</figref>,</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0010">Figure 20</figref> is an enlarged view of the driving means according to the <figref idrefs="f0009">16 to 18</figref>, Tthe <figref idrefs="f0011">Figure 21</figref> is a cross section of the slide system according to the plane XXII / XXII of the <figref idrefs="f0008">Figure 15</figref>,</li><li>and the <figref idrefs="f0012">22,23,24 figures</figref> illustrate the layering of the roof elements of <figref idrefs="f0008">figures 15</figref> and following, according to another embodiment.</li></ul>

p0064In the following description for any part of the vehicle rear is defined with respect to the rear of the vehicle ie the trunk where the collapsible or retractable roof ranks is 1, the front being defined accordingly.

p0065The vehicle described is symmetrical, we describe either the left side and the right side of any part of the vehicle as the lateral side.

p0066The <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> shows a vehicle comprising a retractable roof 1 comprising four rigid roof elements: a front roof element 2, two intermediate roof elements 3, 4 and a rear roof element 5 are movable between a covering position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a stowed position in which they are stored inside the rear boot of the vehicle.

p0067According to other non-illustrated embodiments, the roof can not include any intermediate element, only one, or on the contrary more than two intermediate elements. As seen in<figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref>, The rear of the rear element 5 comprises a pin 6 engaged in a guide rail 7 extending inside the boot of the vehicle.

p0068At a point 8 of the rear element is hinged one end of a pivoting lever arm 9. The other end of the lever-arm 9 is hinged at a fixed point 10 to the vehicle body. The lever arm 9 and the slide 7 are intended to drive the movement of the rear element 5.

p0069The rear member 5 is also connected to the intermediate element 4 by means of two pairs of levers. On each lateral side, two levers 11a, 11b are articulated firstly to the front of the rear element 5 and the other at the rear of the intermediate member 4. The intermediate member 4 is further connected to the intermediate element 3 by means of two pairs of levers. On each lateral side, two levers 12a, 12b are articulated firstly to the front of the intermediate element 4 and the other at the rear of the intermediate element 3.

p0070Finally, the intermediate element 3 is connected to the front element 2 by means of two pairs of levers. On each lateral side, two levers 13a, 13b are articulated firstly to the front of the intermediate element 3 and the other at the rear of the front element 2.

p0071In known manner, the movement of the rear element towards the rear boot 5 causes the displacement of the intermediate member 4 on the rear element 5, moving intermediate elements 3 before and 2 respectively on the intermediate elements 4 and Intermediate 3 .

p0072Thus, in the storage position shown in <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref>, The front element 2 is above the intermediate element 3, the intermediate element 3 is above the intermediate element 4, itself being above the rear element 5.

p0073Referring to <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>, In the covering position, two swivel arms 14, 15 extend along the lateral sides of roof elements 2, 3, 4 between the front of the rear element 5 and the back of the windshield 16 of the vehicle.

p0074The arms 14, 15 are each mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation A, B, located on the front of the rear element 5. The axes of rotation A and B are non-parallel.

p0075During retraction of the roof, shown in <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref>, The two arms 14, 15 pivot about their axis of rotation A, B of a longitudinal position (roof covering position) to a transverse position (roof storage position).

p0076The axes of rotation A and B being non-parallel movement of the arms 14, 15 is done in two separate planes so that the arms 14, 15 may overlap.

p0077Depending on the orientation and placement of axes A, B of the rear member 5, the arms 14, 15 are superposed one above the other or placed one before the other or another.

p0078In the storage position, shown in <figref idrefs="f0004">6</figref>, Arms 14, 15 overlap along the front roof front element 2, intermediate 3, 4 and rear 5. The arms 14, 15 are in the front part of the box opposite the zone opening said trunk.

p0079Thus, in this position, the height above the rear element 5 corresponds to the height of the superposition of the intermediate elements 3, 4 and 2 before.

p0080The overall height of the roof elements 2-5 is lower than in the case of retractable roofs without pivoting arms 14, 15.

p0081The distance D1 between the rear of the rear element 5 and the bottom of the trunk opening area is therefore greater.

p0082Similarly, the assembly formed by the roof elements extending less low down the trunk, the released volume provides a useful volume of larger trunk.

p0083On each side of the safe passage of the rear wheels of vehicles use a portion of trunk space. For vehicles with retractable roof, the volume used by the wheel is an important constraint. The roof here overcomes this problem and even frees a height D2 between the top of the wheel arch and the assembly formed by the roof elements in the boot.

p0084Moreover, the presence of arms 14, 15 independent of the roof front element 2 and intermediate 3, 4 to move only the front roof element 2 or the roof front element 2 and intermediate 3 or roof elements before 2 and 3 intermediate, 4 so as to equip the vehicle with a sunroof.

p0085Referring to <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref>, In the covering position, the roof front element 2 and intermediate 3, 4 are locked in either side to the arms 14, 15 by locking means which can be constituted by the first and second locking means illustrated.

p0086In this case, each arm 14, 15 includes a motor 34 comprising two shaft outputs and located substantially in the middle of the arm. Of each side of the engine 34 extend two drive rods of portions 35a, 35b to each end of arms 14, 15. The shank portions 35a, 35b are slaved in rotation by the motor 34.

p0087The stem portion 35a extends from the motor 34 to the windshield 16. That part of shaft 35b extends from the engine 34 to the pivot axis A, B of the arms 14, 15.

p0088Referring to <figref idrefs="f0005">9</figref>, The portion of rod 35a includes a threaded portion 36 on which is mounted a nut 37.

p0089The nut 37 comprises a finger 38 engaged in a groove 39 in the base of a pivoting hook 18. The pivot hook 18 is adapted to engage with a locking cavity 40 fixed to the upright of the windscreen 16.

p0090The pivoting of the hook 18 is controlled by the translation of the nut 37, itself controlled by the rotation of the rod 35a.

p0091Referring to <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref>, The second locking means enables the locking of the roof elements 2-4 on the arms 14, 15.

p0092The second locking means comprises a screw rod 41 situated in the arm 14, 15 on which is mounted a nut 42 carrying a projection 43 (<figref idrefs="f0005">fig.10</figref>). The rotation of the screw rod 41 causes the translation of the projection 43 in a cavity 44 placed in one of the roof elements 2-4.

p0093The screw rod 41 is engaged with the drive shaft 35a, 35b so that rotation of the drive shaft 35a, 35b causes the screw rod rotation 41 and the locking / unlocking of the roof element 2-4 with the arms 14,15.

p0094Referring to <figref idrefs="f0005">11</figref>, The shaft 35b is engaged with a pivot pin 45 to pivot axis A, B of the arms 14, 15. The shaft 35b and the rod 45 are perpendicular to each other. The parts of the shaft 35b and the rod 45 in contact are threaded so that rotation of one causes rotation of the other.

p0095Accordingly the motor 34 controls the rotation of the shaft portions 35a, 35b which causes the hook 18, the projection 43 and the pivot axes of the arms 14, 15. Thus the locking of the roof elements 2-4 of the arms 14, 15, the front roof element 2 on the amount of the windscreen 16 and the pivoting of the arms 14, 15 are controlled by the same motor 34.

p0096Such an arrangement is also applicable to any other type of retractable roof including pivoting arms and particularly the retractable roof described in patent <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="DE4435222"><text>DE 44 35 222</text></patcit> wherein the arms are mounted on an intermediate roof element. The arms 14, 15 could also be locked to the back of the windshield 16 by known locking means controlled by rods 17 and 18 comprising hook locking fingers cooperating with fixed fingers integral with the back of the windshield 16. such an arrangement is disclosed in<patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="FR2820692A"><text>FR-A-2820692</text></patcit>.

p0097Common motor means may also be used for driving the arms and cause the locking and unlocking of the roof.

p0098The presence of arms 14, 15 independent of the roof front element 2 and intermediate 3, 4 to move only the front roof 2 or the roof elements front element 2 and intermediate 3 or roof of the front element 2 and intermediate 3, 4 so as to equip the vehicle with a sunroof.

p0099It is seen in <figref idrefs="f0006">Figure 12</figref>In comparison with the <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref>, Here we can choose the angle of the rear roof element, for example to increase the height Trunk. Depending on this tilt, the respective lengths of the other elements can vary to some extent.

p0100With reference to <figref idrefs="f0007">figures 13-14</figref> and in another embodiment retracting roof elements 2-5 in the trunk of the vehicle, the roof elements before 2 and intermediate 3, 4 are provided on each lateral side of two fingers 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b slide.

p0101Each arm 14, 15 is provided on its inner side in the covering position of six sections 22-27 of slide guides for guiding the sliding of fingers. Six rail sections extend from the end of the arm 14, 15 comprising the axis of rotation A, B.

p010222-27 each slide section extends to a point on the arm located on the upper arm.

p010322-27 Each slide section has two parts. The first part of track section extends substantially horizontally from the end of the arm 14, 15 comprising the axis of rotation A, B. The second part of length very much less to the first length portion back along a large slope with respect to horizontal to point the arms 14, 15.

p010422-27 slide sections are superimposed, the longest with the second part of the lower section, the shortest presenting part two of the highest section.

p0105In the covering position, the slides 22-27 sections of the arms 14, 15 extend into the slide sections 28-33 placed in the inner part of the rear element 5 so as to form six slides in which can be guided the fingers roof elements front 2 and rear 5.

p0106In a non-illustrated embodiment wherein the number of roof elements is different, the number of slide is adapted to the number of roof elements.

p0107During retraction of the roof, the roof element before 2 with its slide fingers under the intermediate element 3 that slides under the intermediate element 4 that same slide it in the rear element 5. The movements of rear element 5 and arm 14, 15 are the same as in the embodiment in which the front element 2 and intermediate 3, 4 comprise levers.

p0108As in the previous embodiment, in the stored position shown in <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref>, Space saving is achieved because the roof front element 2 and intermediate 3, 4 take minimal space in the rear roof element 5.

p0109The thus produced sunroof has a wide variety of positions and it may attain one or more of the roof elements by means of a glass.

p0110If we now look at <figref idrefs="f0008">figures 15</figref> and following, one notices on <figref idrefs="f0008 f0009">15 to 18</figref> the retractable sunroof shown comprises three elements (or panels) of the "central" roof 100 300 500 slidably mounted on a slide 700 and a member (or portion) of the rear roof (glasses) 900 tilt-sliding mounted by an arm 110 connected to the chassis 130 (also called "structure" of the vehicle 150) and a guide 170 pivotally mounted on said structure 130, 170a along an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction 190 of the vehicle in advance. The slide rocker 170 and 590 with the boot when it articulates relative to the vehicle structure to open (only) from the back to the front (see mark 170 in dashed<figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>).

p0111Hereinafter, will be described as elements (or panels) of the central roof, the roof elements mounted on the slide 700 and as the rear roof element 900 back tilting window (provided with the window surface 900 ').

p0112As illustrated in <figref idrefs="f0009">figures 16</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0011">21</figref>, The central roof element 100 is slidably mounted on a first groove 210 of the slider 700. A second element 300 of intermediate central roof is slidably mounted on a second groove 230 of the slide and a third rear central roof element 500 is mounted on a third groove 250 of the slide. When they open towards the rear (ARR), the central roof elements are superimposed on each other such that the central roof element 100, is placed above the element 300 intermediate central roof that puts itself on the element 500 (<figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>).

p0113The slide 700 is fixed to the structure 130 laterally along fixed roof bars 800 (<figref idrefs="f0011">fig21</figref>) Extending longitudinally at least along the side edges of the opening 108 formed in the roof of the vehicle to accommodate the sunroof 120.

p0114The central roof element 100 is mounted to the first groove 210 of the slide 700. On the front edge 100a of the central roof element is a hook element 270 (<figref idrefs="f0010">fig20</figref>). The front central roof element is driven rearwardly by known means which may consist of motorized flexible cables. The front central roof element is engaged in the first groove 210 of the slide by two sliders 290.310 spaced axial distance L. The first slider 290 located furthest ahead of the front roof element is engaged in a deviation 210a (corresponding to a steeper slope of the groove 210) facing the front of the vehicle and downwardly. This deviation is at the front end of the first groove 210 of the slide. The second slider 310 located furthest back of the front roof element is also engaged in a second rear deviation 210b same orientation as the first and distant from it the same length L above. When the central front roof is driven backwards, it is shifted up through the first deflection direction (forward) 210a, and the orientation of the rear deviation 210b. The curvature of the groove 210 then allows the passage of the roof member 100 before above the roof element 300.

p0115When the roof element 100 slides backwards, the slider 290 moves in the groove 210 and, at 210b deviation, this slider moves on a rocking lever 690 then tilted downward (dotted <figref idrefs="f0010">fig19</figref>) To tilt the lever upwardly so that its rear part 690b closes the upper end 210a of the deflection, after the slider 310 has already released. It is understood that this selective guidance system rocking lever is reproduced in place of the other rear deviations 230b and 250b on either side of the roof opening and in association with the corresponding sliders 350 and 390. In addition upon deployment of the roof panels to their closed position above the passenger compartment, the reverse path of the slides before each panel operates the tilting back the relevant levers, before engagement of the rear sliders associated in the corresponding deviations.

p0116The intermediate central roof element is mounted on the second groove 230 of the slide 700 by two spaced 330.350 slides a length L. The first slider 330 situated furthest forward of the roof element 3 is engaged in a deflection 230a oriented towards the front of the vehicle and downwardly. This deviation 230a is located at the front end of the said second groove 230. The second slider 350 located furthest back of the roof intermediate element is also engaged in a second deviation 230b of the same orientation as the first and distant from the latter of the same length L already cited. When the intermediate central roof is driven backward by the central roof element 100, it is shifted up through the orientation of the first deflection 230a, and the orientation of the second deviation 230b . The curvature of the corresponding groove 230 then allows the passage of the central roof element via 300 above the rear central roof element 500.

p0117The roof element 500 is mounted on a third groove 250 of the slide 700 by two spaced slides 370.390 length L. The first slider 370 situated furthest forward of the rear roof element is engaged in a deflection 250a oriented towards the front of the vehicle and downwardly. This deviation is at the front end of said third groove 250 of the slide. The second slider 390 located furthest back of the rear roof element is also engaged in a second deviation 250b same orientation as the first and distant from it the same length L above. When the central rear roof 500 is driven backward by the central roof elements before and 100 through 300, it is shifted up through the orientation of the first deflection 250a, and the orientation of the said second deviation 250b, for shifting the roof element 500 upwardly.

p0118The front edge 300a of the intermediate central roof element 300 comprises an arm 410 (<figref idrefs="f0010">fig20</figref> also) extending downwards and having at its lower end, a finger or roller 430. When the central roof element comes to the horizontal above the roof element 300 (<figref idrefs="f0009">fig17</figref>), The hook 270 located on the front edge 100a of the central roof element bears on said finger. The hook then causes this rearward roof element 300 and shifts upwards along both 230a and 230b deviations, to allow passage of the intermediate central roof element above the central roof element back 500, the curvature of the slide 700 which extends upwardly also ensuring the passage of the roof element 100 above the roof element 500.

p0119Once the superposed 100,300,500 central roof elements substantially horizontally on top of each other (<figref idrefs="f0008">figs15</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0009">18</figref>) The rear roof element 900 is driven by the arm 110 rearwardly thereby shifting up the front edge 900a of the roof element and thus allow the passage of the central roof elements.

p0120The front edge 500a of the rear central roof element 500 comprises an arm 450 (<figref idrefs="f0009">fig16</figref>) Extending downwards and having at its lower end, a finger or roller 470. When the intermediate central roof element 300 reaches horizontally above the rear central roof element, the hook 490 located on the front edge 300a of the intermediate central roof element bears on the said finger 470. the hook then drives backwards the roof element 500 and shifts it upwards along the two deviations and 250a 250b, to enable the upward shifting of the rear roof element 500. the central roof elements will then be driven along the slide 700 and along the pivotable slide 510 in a substantially vertical position in the boot or 530 storage space behind the seats 550 of the rearmost vehicle interior 570. the mobile slide 510 extends along the seatback 550, in this first position of vertical storage of the roof elements 100 300 500 . Once these central roof elements stored vertically, the rear roof element 900 will swing back from its high position above the back of the cabin to its stowed position in space 530, by means of the drive arm 110 guided by the slider 170 to be positioned in a substantially horizontal position (mark 900 in dashed lines in<figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>).

p0121100 300 500 The central roof elements are then in their substantially vertical position on the second slide 510 pivotally mounted on the frame 130. This allows second slide and rotate the central roof elements from a first storage position (substantially vertical here) a second storage position (here substantially horizontal) which can be located in a bottom clearance 610 630 trunk floor, next to the storage space 530 (substantially horizontal position called low corresponding to mark a in <figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>). The second slide 510 is articulated in this case the structure 130 by an axis 650 transverse to the rotation axis 190 longitudinal of the vehicle located on the lower end 510a of said second pivoting slide.

p0122It is also possible to rotate 100,300,500 roof elements stowed in its first position, to a second position different storage, here substantially horizontally under the rear window 9000alors itself in a substantially horizontal storage position (known then substantially high horizontal position corresponding to the B mark <figref idrefs="f0008">fig 15</figref>). The second slide 510 is then articulated to the frame 130 by a rotation axis 670 transverse to the longitudinal axis 130 located on the upper end 510b of the pivoting slide 510.

p0123By a system of bolts not shown, it would also be possible to pivot the roof elements, stored in their substantially vertical first position in one or the other of said second high or low storage positions, by providing on the slideway 510 both pivot axes 650.670 and selectively acting on one or other of the latches.

p0124Selective means such as a switch 200 'connected to a cable 201' and a motor 203 'itself connected to the slider portion 510 concerned, allow to control at will the movement of the relevant roof parts between their positions vertical and horizontal storage.

p0125It is also possible to tilt the rear seat backrest 550 forward in a substantially horizontal position (see mark 550 in dashed lines <figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>), Thereby further increasing the volume of the trunk. One could even consider the solution of a second slide such as 510 fixed to the seat back pivoting forwards and thus positioning the roof elements stored in a substantially horizontal position above the seat back.

p0126In the embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="f0012">figs22 24</figref>The front roof element 100 is superimposed onto the intermediate roof part and the roof front and intermediate elements are superimposed on the rear roof element as described in connection with the <figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>.

p0127The principle of lifting a roof to allow it to move over another in a superposed position will be described in connection with the raising of the central roof element 300 from above the rear roof element 500 .

p0128The intermediate roof element 300 is slidably mounted in the second groove 230 of the slide 700. This intermediate roof element is engaged in this groove 230 by two sliders 710.730. These two sliders are integral with the roof element 300 by a crank arm (or lever) 750 belonging to a group of front levers. This arm is hinged to the roof member 300 by an axis 770 of rotation transverse to the longitudinal axis 190.

p0129The first crank arm 750 is located on the front edge 300a of the intermediate roof element and a second crank, hinged (or lever) 790 is located on the rear edge 300b of the intermediate roof element 300. To the panel 300, the articulated arm 790 belongs to a group of rear levers. When this roof element is in its closed position and tilted down to be level with the roof elements front and rear 100 500, the sliders 710.730 elbow before 750 are engaged in the deviation 230a. The front part of the roof intermediate element 300 is then in its low position (<figref idrefs="f0012">fig22</figref>).

p0130Other slides 810 and 830 related to the crank 790 on the rear edge 300b of the roof element 300 are also engaged in the second deviation (rear) 230b. So when the 810.830 slides are engaged in the deviation 230b, the rear part of the roof intermediate element is still in its lowest position.

p0131A pivoting element or tilting lever, 850 however allows to guide the passage of 710.730 slides over the deviation 230b, both in the sense of opening and closing of the roof intermediate element. The same pivotal member further serves to guide the passage of the slides 810, in the same deviation 230b. The pivoting means 850 is articulated about a transverse axis 790A to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is located on the upper edge 230 'of the groove 230. The latch 850 comprises three guide surfaces 850a, 850b, 850c. A first surface 850a can guide the slides 810, 830 in the deviation 230b. the area 850b guide the passage of 710.730 slides over this same deviation 230b both when the sliding roof intermediate element forward than backward. As for the third area 850c, it allows, with its leading edge bent 850d passing through the aperture 860 of the slider 230 and when the sliding roof intermediate element forward to swing the lever 850 across the slide and positioning the surface 850a in its upper position<figref idrefs="f0012">Figures 22 and 23</figref>To enable engagement of the slides 810, 830 of the rear elbow 790 in said second deviation 230b (<figref idrefs="f0012">fig22</figref>).

p0132When the roof front, intermediate and rear are in their closed position, substantially aligned one behind the other, they are locked by sliding means 130 secured to the vehicle structure.

p0133In the example shown, locking hooks 100 ', 101', 103 'are locked at least one slide (310 350 390) of each roof element. These three hooks are driven from the front to the back or vice versa, to allow the locking or unlocking of the roof elements, by a rod 105 that moves parallel to the slideway 700. The rod is itself driven by known means such as one or more flexible cables.

p0134The first hook 100 of length situated furthest forward of the rod locks the second slider 310 between the rearmost of the central roof element which is engaged in the second deviation 210b of the first groove.

p0135The second hook 101 of greater length (for example 2d) substantially in the middle of the shaft 105 locks the second slider 350 most backward of the intermediate central roof element 500, which is engaged in the deviation 230b.

p0136The third hook 103 of length for example 3d, located substantially behind the first and second hooks of the rod, locks the second slider 390 in the most rear of the rear central roof element 500, which is engaged in the second deviation 250b of the third groove.

p0137When the central roof element 100 slides on the back to overlap with the roof member 300, the first hook will unlock the second slider of the central roof element, moving a length d backward. The elements of intermediate and rear central roof then remain in the locking position relative to the slide by the second and third locking hooks. The reasoning is the same in the superposition of two and three central roof elements, this last step for the storage of the roof elements in the rear storage space.

p0138In the foregoing, one or more rigid or roof panels may be affected in addition to the rear window (marked to memory 5 of the Figl and 900 on the <figref idrefs="f0008">fig15</figref>) And it is clear that the mechanism of <figref idrefs="f0012">Figures 22-24</figref> is not reserved to a roof to pivot arms as the first figures.