Patent Application
20230391175
The invention relates to an assembly for a vehicle roof. The invention furthermore relates to a cover system and a vehicle roof with such an assembly. The invention moreover relates to a method for producing an assembly for a vehicle roof.
Some motor vehicles have vehicle roofs with one or a plurality of covers which, for example as permanently integrated glass elements, allow a view through the vehicle roof or are movably configured components in order to enable an opening in the vehicle roof to be selectively released and closed. In the production of such a vehicle roof, roof modules are connected to a body of the motor vehicle by means of a frame. Configuring a vehicle roof is described in document EP 2020367 A2, for example.
An object on which the invention is based is to achieve an assembly for a vehicle roof which allows a simple and cost-saving construction of a vehicle roof and also contributes to a large view through the vehicle roof. It is furthermore an object to provide a cover system and a vehicle roof with such an assembly and a method for configuring such an assembly.
The respective object is achieved by the features of the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims.
An assembly according to the invention for sealing an intermediate space between two covers for a vehicle roof for a motor vehicle comprises a cover frame which is configured to couple a deployable and retractable first cover and a fixed second cover to a roof body of the motor vehicle. The assembly further comprises a cover seal which is configured to seal a space between the first cover and the cover frame, and an adhesive track which is configured to couple the second cover to the cover frame. The assembly further comprises a cross strut which in terms of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle roof is coupled to the cover frame on opposite sides. Moreover, the assembly has a permanently plastic sealant element. The cover seal is coupled to the cross strut on a front side thereof. The adhesive track is coupled to the cross strut on a rear side of the latter, so that the cover seal, the adhesive track and the cross strut establish a predefined channel which forms a water channel for draining water. Furthermore, the cover seal and the adhesive track are in each case coupled to the cover frame at opposite peripheral regions of the cross strut. A respective sealant element is disposed in the peripheral region of the cross strut and is coupled in a sealing manner to the latter as well as to the cover frame, the cover seal and the adhesive track.
By means of the assembly described, a construction of a vehicle roof which enables a particularly large view through the vehicle roof is able to be implemented in a simple and inexpensive way. In particular, a reliable sealing concept for a water channel in or on the vehicle roof can be provided by means of the assembly described, which moreover enables a particularly narrow and space-saving design embodiment. Moreover, the assembly can be implemented with a small number of components and can be produced inexpensively.
According to an embodiment of the assembly, the cross strut has an injection channel and an outlet opening, by means of which sealant is injected and applied at a predefined position to form the sealant element.
According to an embodiment of the assembly, the cover frame has a recess that configures a sealant receptacle in which the sealant element is applied. Such a recess can be implemented as a depression or a pocket which, solely or in interaction with one or a plurality of adjacent components, configures a cavity for the sealant.
In a region of a sealing point to be formed, an additional outlet channel can also be present as an overflow and enable a defined outlet as a visual check, so that it can be ensured that the relevant contact points are filled with the sealant and the sealant element is reliably sealed. Furthermore, a sealing point to be formed can be mechanically secured or prestressed by means of a centering feature, clip elements and/or screws.
A suitable sealant forms an initial substance for forming the sealant element and can in particular be sprayed or pumped. Butyl preferably forms a suitable sealant, so that the sealant element is preferably formed from butyl or comprises butyl.
The sealant element comprises, in particular, two sealing portions which in terms of the centric longitudinal axis of the vehicle roof are disposed so as to be mirror-symmetrically spaced apart from one another on opposite sides and coupled to the cover frame, the cross strut, the cover seal and the adhesive track. In other words, the assembly comprises two sealant elements. If a sealant element is mentioned in the further description, the explanations given apply in an analogous manner to both sealant portions on the opposite sides of the vehicle roof.
According to a further embodiment of the assembly, the cross strut has a plurality of coupling ribs, by means of which the cross strut is connected to the adhesive track. In particular, the coupling ribs can be fully or partially embedded in the adhesive track, so that a stable and reliable footing of the cross strut on the second cover is realized.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the assembly, the cross strut is made of plastic as a visible plastic part, or comprises plastic. The cross strut thus forms a predefined component for the vehicle roof, which is visible from a vehicle interior of the motor vehicle. The cross strut thus contributes on an upper side to the formation of the water channel and to the controlled drainage of water and on a lower side serves in particular as an esthetic aspect and contributes to an attractive level of comfort in a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the cross strut can also be made of metal or have a combination of materials that form a visually appealing visible part.
A cover system according to the invention for a vehicle roof has an embodiment of the assembly described above and a further cover, each of which is coupled to the cover frame. In terms of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle roof, the cover of the assembly thus forms a front, deployable roof element and the further cover forms a rear, in particular fixed, roof element for the vehicle roof. Alternatively, the cover of the assembly can form the rear cover and the further cover can form the front cover of a two-cover system. Furthermore, the cover system can alternatively only have the cover described conjointly with the assembly and implement a single-cover system. For example, the cover can be made so large that it extends over the entire length of the vehicle or over the available length of the vehicle roof.
A vehicle roof according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises an embodiment of the assembly described above or the cover system described above with two covers, which is coupled to a roof body of the motor vehicle by means of the cover frame.
Because the cover system and the vehicle roof comprise an embodiment of the assembly, features and properties of the assembly described above are also disclosed for the cover system and the vehicle roof and vice versa.
A method according to the invention for producing an assembly which serves for sealing an intermediate space between two covers for a vehicle roof for a motor vehicle, comprises providing a cover frame, which is specified to couple a deployable and retractable first cover and a fixed second cover to a roof body of the motor vehicle. The method further comprises providing a cover seal which is specified to seal a space between the first cover and the cover frame. The method further comprises providing a cross strut and coupling the cross strut to the cover frame, so that the cross strut in terms of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle roof is coupled to the cover frame on opposite sides and a respective cavity is formed between the cross strut and the cover frame. The method further comprises disposing the cover seal on a front side of the cross strut and coupling the cover seal to the cover frame at respective opposite peripheral regions of the cross strut. The method further comprises applying an adhesive track to a rear side of the cross strut and on the cover frame to the respective peripheral region of the cross strut, so that the cover seal, the adhesive track and the cross strut set up a predefined channel which forms a water channel for draining water. The method also includes injecting or applying permanently plastic sealant into the respective cavity and forming a respective sealant element which is disposed in the respective peripheral region of the cross strut and is coupled in a sealing manner to the latter as well as to the cover frame, the cover seal and the adhesive track.
The method relates in particular to configuring an embodiment of the assembly described above, so that features and properties in the context of the assembly described above are also disclosed for the method and vice versa.
Terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “front side”, “rear side” refer to an orientation of the respective component according to an operational configuration of the associated vehicle roof on a motor vehicle.
According to an embodiment of the method, the injecting of permanently plastic sealant comprises the injecting of hot butyl and forming a respective sealant element from or with butyl.
According to an embodiment of the method, the cover seal and/or the adhesive track are/is coupled to the cross member and the cover frame before the sealant is injected. Alternatively, the cover seal and/or the adhesive track can be coupled to the cross member and the cover frame and pressed into the injected sealant after the sealant has been injected.
For example, the method includes applying the sealant to the cover frame at opposite positions in terms of the longitudinal axis, and subsequently fitting the cross strut to the cover frame and pressing the cross strut into the respectively applied sealant. Furthermore subsequently, the cover seal can then be disposed and the adhesive track applied and both components pressed into the respectively applied sealant.
It is a finding in connection with the present invention that in so-called “bottom load” systems a large Z-height in the vertical direction is needed for drainage in a guide rail. In an associated tilting roof concept, an encircling top seal and additional installation space in the vertical direction between a channel and the seal would be necessary.
In so-called “top load” systems, a single-piece steel frame is usually used, which requires a lot of installation space, particularly in the X and Z directions or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and in the vertical direction. Moreover, such a steel frame has to be lined towards the vehicle interior with trim panels and/or roof lining elements, which require additional installation space. In addition, modular top load frames usually have polyurethane foam encapsulation. Correspondingly, expensive tools and processes are required, which also require additional complexity, for example in the case of post-treatment of the foam encapsulation, in order to ensure adhesion of an adhesive bond to the polyurethane foam encapsulation. A foam encapsulation zone requires additional installation space in or on the vehicle roof.
Such disadvantageous effects can be counteracted by means of the assembly described and the corresponding manufacturing method. In order to keep the installation space required for the water channel between the covers or a rear frame cross strut of an 8-shaped or an A-shaped cover frame as small as possible, the cover frame is embodied in multiple parts to match the cross strut. The cross strut is mechanically connected to the cover frame, which is of a U-shaped configuration, for example. The encircling cover seal of the first, front cover and the adhesive track of the second, rear cover run over the cross strut and conjointly form the water channel. They drain into a wet region of the cover frame, the contact point between the cross strut, cover frame, cover seal and adhesive track being permanently and reliably sealed by means of the sealant element.
The permanently plastic sealant is designed in particular as butyl, so that, for example, an applied and processed butyl strip is implemented by the respective sealant element. The butyl strip does not provide any or at least no significant contribution to the strength of the mechanical connection between the cross strut and the cover frame.
Forming a butyl track may include injecting hot butyl, wherein the cover frame and cross strut are preassembled and form a cavity for receiving the butyl. The cross strut preferably has an injection channel and a defined outlet opening for the butyl. The cover seal and the adhesive track can be positioned before injecting the butyl. A control opening for a defined exit of the sealant can be used to check whether joints between the components to be coupled have been completely wetted with butyl. Alternatively, the sealant can be applied before applying the cover seal and the adhesive track. A defined overhang of the butyl is preferably formed in the process, into which the cover seal and the adhesive track are pressed.
Furthermore, the sealant can also be applied before the cross strut is attached to the cover frame. Accordingly, one or in each case one sheet of butyl can be applied to the cover frame, into which the cross strut is pressed when the latter is fitted to the cover frame. The butyl strip is applied in such a predefined way that a defined excess of material emerges from the joint when the cross strut is pressed in. The cover seal is then pressed into such a bead so that a tight connection and no capillaries are created. The adhesive track is also guided over the bead and seals, for example, when the rear cover is put in place.
The assembly described and the production method described can have the following advantages in comparison to conventional concepts:
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. In the drawings:
Elements of identical construction or function are identified with the same reference symbols in all the figures. For reasons of clarity, it is possible that not all of the elements shown are identified with associated reference signs in all of the figures.
The cover system 2 comprises a first, front cover 6 and a second, rear cover 7 in terms of a longitudinal axis L of the vehicle roof 1. The longitudinal axis L also forms a longitudinal axis of the cover system 2 and of the motor vehicle and, according to the illustrated direction of the arrow, also represents a normal direction of travel of the motor vehicle that is ready for operation.
Terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “top side”, “bottom side”, “front edge”, “rear edge” relate to an orientation of the respective component according to an operational configuration of the vehicle roof 1 on a motor vehicle, as indicated in
As will be explained with reference to the following figures, the cover system 2 enables a simple and inexpensive construction of the vehicle roof 1 and also allows a particularly large view through the vehicle roof 1. The front cover 6 is configured as a deployable and retractable roof element, while the rear cover 7 implements a fixed roof element. The front cover 6 is thus configured such that it can be raised or deployed at a rear edge 9 that faces the rear cover 7, so that a ventilation position can be established in order to provide a ventilation function for the vehicle interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, both covers 6 and 7 are made of glass or a transparent plastic, such as acrylic glass, and allow a particularly large view through the vehicle roof 1. Furthermore, the covers 6 and 7 can be made of polycarbonate, toughened safety glass, or partially toughened glass or can comprise the aforementioned. Both a single-layer as well as a double-layer or multi-layer structure of the covers 6 and/or 7 are possible.
The cover receptacle unit 10 further comprises an insertion element 14, which is coupled to the cover inside panel 13. The insertion element 14 can in particular be designed in one piece with the cover inside panel 13 and shaped as a bent tab. Alternatively, the insertion element 14 is designed as a separate component and is connected to the cover inside panel 13 in a force-fitting, form-fitting and/or materially integral manner. The cover inside panel 13 can also be made in one piece or in multiple pieces.
The insertion element 14 and the receptacle opening 16 are designed to match one another, so that the cover 6 can be coupled to the cover frame 8 by inserting the insertion element 13 into the receptacle opening 16. As a result, a screw-free state of the cover 6 that is already ready for operation can be formed on the front cross strut 81 of the cover frame 8.
The receptacle element is U-shaped in terms of the partial cross section illustrated in
In particular, the plastic insert or the plastic overmolding 12 can be configured from a plastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), which counteracts creaking during operation and moreover has advantageous sliding properties that can have a beneficial effect on an assembly process. Moreover, due to its softness, such a plastic can enable tolerance compensation for the components to be coupled. In addition, rib elements can also be provided on a sliding surface of the plastic.
The cover receptacle unit 10 can have, in particular, two or a plurality of receptacle elements 11 and insertion elements 14, which are in each case disposed and/or configured so as to be spaced apart along the front cross strut 81 of the cover frame 8 so that, in terms of a coupled state of the cover 6 to the cover frame 8, respective insertion elements 14 are inserted in associated receptacle elements 11. A respective receptacle element 11 and insertion element 14 can be designed according to
In particular, by means of such an assembly and the cover receptacle unit 10 in the front area of the cover frame 8, the deployable and retractable cover 6 can be assembled without screws. The cover 6 can be easily and reliably coupled to the cover frame 8 by virtue of the plug-in concept implemented by the cover receptacle unit 10. Because screws and complex bearing elements can be dispensed with on a front side of the cover 6, a rotation or pivot axis of the front cover 6 can be configured relatively far on a cover front edge, since no screws have to be accessed during assembly. The cover 6 can thus extend to a windshield of the motor vehicle and contribute toward the greatest possible view.
The cover system 2 also has a cover centering unit 20, which includes a centering lever 21 and a lever receptacle 22, which are designed to match one another (see
A respective plane of main extent of the cover 6 and of the cover 7 extends, apart from existing cover convexities, essentially parallel to the vehicle roof 1 and perpendicular to a vertical direction. With regard to
Like the cover receptacle unit 10, the cover centering unit 20 can also include a vibration-damping element which is coupled to the lever receptacle 22 and is designed, for example, as a plastic overmolding on an inside of the lever receptacle 22 that faces the centering lever 21. The plastic overmolding in terms of a coupled state of the cover 6 to the cover frame 8 is thus disposed between the centering lever 21 and the lever receptacle 22 and contributes toward a secure and low-noise footing of the cover 6.
The cover centering unit 20 is configured in a way that is matched in particular in terms of the rotation axis or pivot axis of the front cover 6. This can comprise an orientation, a position and/or a shape of the centering lever 21 and the lever receptacle 22. Alternatively or additionally, the centering lever 21 and the lever receptacle 22 are configured to match a convexity of the cover 6 in terms of their alignment, their position and/or their shape. The centering lever 21 and the lever receptacle 22 are preferably designed in such a way that they follow a radial path segment which is predefined by the convexity but in particular by the pivot axis of the cover 6 (see
A position of the cover centering unit 20 is preferably predefined as a function of the load to be carried by the cover 6 and other elements interacting with the cover centering unit 20. This relates, for example, to a tilting mechanism 30 which is coupled to the cover 6 for deploying and retracting the latter. In
The cover centering unit 20 forms a concept for centering the cover predominantly in the x-direction or in the direction of the longitudinal axis L in a simple and reliable manner. In addition, it contributes toward alignment in the y-direction or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and parallel to the main plane of extent of the cover 6. Positioning in the Z-direction is predominantly predefined by means of the cover receptacle unit 10, which also defines the location of the pivot axis of the cover 6 as the starting point for assembly. Thus, by means of the cover receptacle unit 10 and the cover centering unit 20, a reliable and beneficial cover suspension concept for the deployable and retractable front cover 6 can be realized.
The cover system 2 furthermore comprises a tilting mechanism which interacts advantageously, in particular when interacting with the cover receptacle unit 10 and the cover centering unit 20 (see
The tilting mechanism 30 comprises a deployment lever 31, a sliding guide 32 and a slotted guide 37. The deployment lever 31 is coupled to the sliding guide 32 in a pivotable manner on the one hand and therefore has a first pivot axis S1. On the other hand, the deployment lever 31 is pivotably coupled to the cover inside panel 13 and therefore has a second pivot axis S2. The sliding guide 32 by means of the slotted guide 37 is furthermore coupled to the cover frame 8 so that the sliding guide 32 in terms of the longitudinal axis L is designed to be displaceable relative to the cover frame (see also
The cover 6 can be adjusted between the first, retracted position Z1 and the second, deployed position Z2 by means of the tilting mechanism 30. The tilting mechanism 30 is designed in such a way that the second pivot axis S2 is fixed in position relative to the cover 6 and the first pivot axis S1 can be displaced relative to the sliding guide 32 when the cover 6 is transferred from the first position Z1 to the second position Z2 and, when the second position Z2 is reached, is fixed in position relative to the sliding guide 32 (see
The deployment lever 31 has a first, a second and a third coupling pin 33, 34 and 39. The sliding guide 32 has a first and a second slotted guide track 35 and 36, in which the respective coupling pins 33 and 34 engage. The first coupling pin 33 is correspondingly mounted so as to be guidable in the first slotted guide track 35 and the second coupling pin 34 is correspondingly mounted so as to be guidable in the second slotted guide track 36, so that the transfer of the cover 6 from the first position Z1 to the second position Z2 and back is guided by a slotted guide.
In particular, the second slotted guide track 36 is designed to be open at the top, so that the second coupling pin 34 can decouple from the second slotted guide track 36 when the deployment lever 31 is raised and the second position Z2 is established. The first coupling pin 33 remains coupled in the first slotted guide track 35. When the deployment lever 31 is retracted and the first position Z1 is established, the second coupling pin 34 couples back into the second slotted guide track 36 again (see
The third coupling pin 39 on a side of the deployment lever 31 that lies opposite the first and the second coupling pin 33 and 34 extends into a slotted guide track 371 of the slotted guide 37. The third coupling pin 39 is correspondingly mounted so as to be guidable in the slotted guide track 371 of the slotted guide 37. The slotted guide track 371 of the slotted guide 37 in terms of the longitudinal axis L is delimited in a predefined manner on both sides and establishes a respective terminal detent for the third coupling pin 39 to form the first and the second position Z1, Z2 of the cover 6. Moreover, the third coupling pin 39 forms the first pivot axis S1 of the deployment lever 31.
The tilting mechanism 30 moreover includes one or a plurality of detent elements or interacts with adjacent components that serve as detent elements to provide a predefined limited travel. The sliding guide 32 is displaceable along the 30 slotted guide 37 between a first and a second detent element. The tilting mechanism 30 is preferably disposed in a rear corner of the cover frame 8, so that the first detent element 84 is formed by a section of the cover frame 8 (see figure The second detent element is formed by a slide detent 38 which in terms of the slotted guide track 371 of the slotted guide 37 lies opposite the first detent element.
In this context, it is pointed out that terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “top side”, “bottom side”, “front edge”, “rear edge” relate to an operational alignment of the respective components according to the representation of the vehicle roof 1 shown in
The slotted guide track 371 is, for example, configured to be closed on one side and, alternatively or additionally to a rear corner of the cover frame 8, provides a terminal detent for the travel of the deployment lever 31. The slide detent 38 is configured, for example, in such a way that it engages by way of a protruding region in an open end of the slotted guide track 371 of the slotted guide 37 and delimits the latter in a predefined manner on one side (see
The tilting mechanism 30 described has an uncomplicated and compact design, which can moreover be manufactured very inexpensively with a small number of components. In particular, the tilting mechanism 30 enables the front cover 6 to be deployed and retracted without the need for a long guide rail, which usually extends in each case laterally along almost the entire longitudinal struts 82 of the cover frame 8. Moreover, by using the tilting mechanism 30 there is no additional deck support required as a tolerance compensation element, as a result of the pivot point or the first pivot axis S1 of the tilting mechanism 30 being attached to the connection between the mechanism and the cover 6. Corresponding compensation takes place in a bearing slot of the sliding guide 32 or the slotted guide 37 in a cost-neutral manner.
In this way, a particularly space-saving construction of the tilting mechanism 30 can be realized, which has an advantageous effect on the largest possible view through the cover 6 and the vehicle roof 1. This can further be achieved in that the tilting mechanism 30 is designed in particular in coordination with a drive unit 40 of the cover system 2, by means of which the sliding guide 32 can be directly driven in a coupled manner.
The cover system 2 furthermore comprises the drive unit 40 which interacts advantageously, in particular when interacting with the tilting mechanism 30.
The drive unit 40 as an electric drive is configured to drive the tilting mechanism 30 directly, in particular without a drive cable. The cover 6 is therefore electrically adjustable between the first and the second position Z1, Z2 without a drive cable, while using the drive unit 40 and the tilting mechanism 30. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the drive unit 40 is configured as a spindle drive with a motor 44 and a driving spindle 42, by means of which the drive unit 40 is coupled directly to the tilting mechanism 30. This can be realized by a drive coupling element 41 which, for example in the form of a spindle nut, drives the sliding guide 32 and causes the deployment lever 31 of the tilting mechanism 30 to be deployed and retracted (see
The tilting mechanism 30 can be mounted in a common mount 43 of the drive unit 40 in a manner adapted to the drive unit 40, as is illustrated in
Preferably, as illustrated in
Thus, a space in the vehicle roof 1 can be left free at the front or rear and can be used for an increased view compared to conventional concepts which comprise long guide rails and drive cables. The installation space directly in front of or behind a deployment mechanism is often vacant so that this position can be used beneficially for disposing the motor 44 of the drive unit 40, having little or no effect on a view through the vehicle roof 1.
The tilting mechanisms 30, which are installed on the right and left or on opposite sides of the vehicle roof 1, can advantageously be synchronized electronically via a motorized actuation of the respective drive unit 40. A complex mechanical synchronization via drive cables can thus be dispensed with. In addition, a bearing or a bracket of the tilting mechanism 30 can at the same time also represent a motor housing or a motor support of the drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 may further include a gearbox and/or a clutch which are/is disposed between the spindle 42 and a shaft of the motor 44.
The drive unit 40, in particular in the context of the tilting mechanism 30 described above, makes it possible to dispense with drive cables, frame parts and cable guides or guide tubes. Accordingly, a considerable gain in installation space can be achieved, in particular in the region at the front of the vehicle roof 1 that is particularly relevant for a clear view. Such a gain in installation space and view is indicated in
The drive unit 40 and the tilting mechanism 30 also enable cost savings due to the small number of components and provide a greater freedom of design for mechanical concepts. In addition, a reliable cover retraction of the front cover 6 can take place via simple motor parameterization of the respective drive unit 40 instead of requiring mechanical retraction elements. In addition, the drive unit 40 and the tilting mechanism 30 contribute toward simpler assembly and an improvement in the acoustics of the cover system 2, which are due to the elimination of drive cables and the corresponding cable noises.
The cover system 2 also includes a sealing assembly 50 which reliably seals an intermediate space between the rear edge 9 of the front cover 6 and a front edge 71 of the rear cover 7 (see
The adhesive track 53 is configured to couple the second cover 7 to the cover frame 8 and the cross strut 51. The cross strut 51 in terms of the longitudinal axis L is coupled, for example screwed and/or adhesively bonded, to the cover frame 8 on opposite sides. The cover frame 8 is preferably configured to be U-shaped. The cross strut 51 connects the lateral longitudinal struts 82 of the cover frame 8. Optionally, the cover frame 8 can also have a rear cross strut in addition to the front cross strut 81, which can contribute toward a particularly stable cover frame 8.
The sealing assembly 50 moreover comprises on a respective vehicle roof side a permanently plastic sealant element 52, which is designed in particular as a butyl track and applied in a predefined manner. The cover seal 4 is coupled to the cross strut 51 on a front side 511 of the latter. The adhesive track 53 is coupled to the cross strut 51 on a rear side 512 of the latter. Thus, the cover seal 4, the adhesive track 53 and the cross strut 51 form the water channel 54. The cover seal 4 and the adhesive track 53 are in each case furthermore coupled to the cover frame 8 at opposite peripheral regions 513 of the cross strut 51. The respective sealant element 52 is disposed in the associated peripheral region 513 of the cross strut 51 and is coupled in a sealing manner to the latter and to the cover frame 8, the cover seal 4 and the adhesive track 53. An intermediate space between the cross strut 51, the cover frame 8, the cover seal 4 and the adhesive track 53 is thus reliably sealed against undesired ingress of water by the sealant element 52.
According to the exemplary embodiment according to
The cross strut 51 is in particular made of plastic, or comprises plastic, and forms a component for the vehicle roof 1 that is visible from the vehicle interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, the cross strut 51 can also be designed as a material composite made of glass fiber reinforced tapes. The cross strut 51 is designed to be particularly narrow in order to conceal the transition between the covers 6 and 7 and moreover to provide a visually appealing aspect and to contribute toward enhanced comfort in the vehicle interior. According to the illustration according to
In order for the sealing assembly 50 to be configured, the cross strut 51 can have one or a plurality of injection channels 56 and control openings or outlet openings 57 at predefined positions, by means of which the sealant for forming the sealant element 52 is injected and applied (see
In a further step, the cross strut 51 is mechanically coupled to the cover frame 8 and pressed into the applied butyl track (see
In a further step, the cover seal 4 and/or the adhesive track 53 are coupled, in particular adhesively bonded, to the cross strut 51 and the cover frame 8 and thereby pressed into the applied butyl track (see
Components are pressed into the butyl track in particular when the sealant is in a heated or soft state, so that a beneficial adaptation to the shape of the components to be impressed can be achieved. If the butyl track is applied in front of the cross strut 51, it is pressed into the butyl track in such a way that a defined excess of material emerges from respective joints. The cover seal 4 is pressed into such a bead, so that a tight connection and minor or no capillaries are formed. The adhesive track 53 is likewise guided over such a bead and pressed into the bead so as to seal the latter, for example by placing the rear cover 7. Alternatively, the sealing assembly 50 may be produced in a different order or manner. For example, the cross strut 51 in terms of the longitudinal axis L is coupled to the cover frame 8 on opposite sides and a respective cavity is formed, the latter being formed as a sealant receptacle between the cross strut 51 and the cover frame 8. The cover seal 4 can then be disposed on the front side 511 of the cross strut 51 and the cover seal 4 can be coupled to the cover frame 8 on the respective peripheral region 513 of the cross strut 51.
The adhesive track 53 is applied to the rear side 512 of the cross strut 51. This can be done with or without the rear cover 7, so that the rear cover 7 is connected to the adhesive track 53 beforehand or afterwards. The adhesive track 53 is applied to the respective peripheral region 513 of the cross strut 51 on the cover frame 8 so that the cover seal 4, the adhesive track 53 and the cross strut 51 establish the predefined channel which realizes the water channel 54 for draining water.
The permanently plastic sealant can then be injected into the respective cavity and the sealant element 52 can be formed. This can be carried out in particular with the aid of the injection channel or channels 56 and control or outlet openings 57. It is preferably checked whether joints between the cross strut 51 and the cover frame 8 and the cover seal 4 and/or the adhesive track 53 have been completely wetted with butyl or the sealant.
The cover seal 4 and/or the adhesive track 53 can thus be coupled to the cross member 51 and the cover frame 8 before or after the injection or application of the sealant.
The sealing assembly 50 described allows the installation space requirements of the water channel 54 between the covers 6 and 7 to be kept very minor. In comparison to conventional concepts, the cover frame 8 with the cross strut 51 is designed in multiple parts, the cross strut 51 being mechanically connected to the cover frame 8 and, as a plastic component 51, also fulfilling a visual aspect in the interior design of the vehicle interior.
The encircling cover seal 4 of the front cover 6 and the adhesive track 53 of the rear cover 7 run over the cross strut 51 and together form the water channel 54, which serves to drain water into a wet region of the cover frame 8. The permanently plastic sealant, in particular in the form of a butyl track, provides merely little or no strength contribution to the mechanical connection.
The sealing assembly 50 can be manufactured inexpensively, and this is also already the case with small numbers. It can be flexibly adapted and moreover provides a robust and reliably sealing construction. The sealing assembly 50 is particularly suitable for deployable and retractable covers, such as the front cover 6, which can be of a relatively soft design. A joint between the cover 6 and the cross strut 51 is therefore preferably designed to be very flexible in order to ensure a long service life and contribute toward reliable sealing. Furthermore, by means of the sealing assembly 50, the use of release films or post-processing, as is customary with polyurethane foam encapsulations, can be dispensed with. Accordingly, the sealing assembly 50 is able to be produced in a relatively simple and time-saving process.
The cover system 2 is also designed to be predefined with regard to the overall stiffness of interacting components. In this regard, the deployable and retractable front cover 6 is configured so as to be predefined with a stiffness A, and the fixedly installed rear cover 7 with a stiffness B. The stiffnesses A and B can each relate to the entire cover 6 or 7 or to local portions of the two covers 6 or 7. In particular, the mutually facing cover edges, i.e. the rear edge 9 of the front cover 6 and the front edge 71 of the rear cover 7, are configured with predefined stiffnesses A and B which are adapted to one another. The cross strut 51 also has a predefined stiffness C. The stiffnesses A, B and C can each relate to an overall stiffness of the associated component, or to portions of these components which are designed in a targeted manner with the corresponding stiffness.
In addition, the cover system 2 includes a reinforcement assembly 60 which includes a U-shaped reinforcement frame with a front cross strut 61 and two lateral longitudinal struts 62. The reinforcement frame 61, 62 can be designed to be contiguous, in particular in one piece, or from a plurality of spaced-apart portions, as is illustrated in the exemplary embodiments according to
The reinforcement frame 61, 62 is disposed in a predefined manner on a lower side of the front cover 6 in order to form the stiffness A of the front cover 6 or to contribute toward the latter in a predefined manner. The reinforcement frame 61, 62 preferably forms the cover inside panel 13 according to
The reinforcement frame 61, 62 and the stiffnesses A, B, C of the two covers 6, 7 and the cross strut 51 are configured to be mutually adapted so that an upward movement of the covers 6, 7 in a vertical direction perpendicular to a respective plane of main extent of the front and/or the rear cover 6, 7 is deliberately permitted within a predefined tolerance range.
Such a tolerance range may, for example, comprise a movement of the front cover 6 of up to 10 mm and a movement of the rear cover 7 of up to 5 mm. For example, the stiffnesses A, B and C are configured in such a way that movements of the front and/or the rear cover 6, 7 of 12 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm or up to 30 mm, 40 mm or 50 mm are tolerable during the interaction of the components.
Alternatively, the tolerance range can also relate to a movement of the covers 6 and 7 relative to one another, so that the overall stiffness of the cover system 2, which has the effect that a spacing between a lower edge of the front cover 6 and a lower edge of the rear cover 7, which face each other, for example 10 mm or 12 mm or 15 mm is allowed, is achieved.
The permitted and intentionally tolerated upward movement potentials of the cover 6 and/or 7 while the motor vehicle is in motion and the associated negative pressure, the latter being caused by the relative wind and pulling the covers 6 and 7 upwards, are configured in a predefined manner with a view to an overall tight cover system 2.
It is a finding in connection with the present invention that while the motor vehicle is driving, locally different suction forces occur on the covers 6 and 7, which pull them upwards. Accordingly, there are different sizes of upward movements of cover sections of the covers 6 and 7.
The largest part of the rear cover 7 is not imparted any appreciable upward displacement. In a front, central region, an upward z-offset of the rear cover 7 takes place, for example by 0.5 mm or more. At the front edge 71 of the rear cover 7, the latter experiences the greatest z-offset of, for example, more than 3 mm.
Based on such knowledge, the cover system 2 is designed in a targeted manner with regard to its stiffness in such a way that it implements a safe, reliable and tight roof system for the vehicle roof 1 despite such movements. When matching the stiffnesses A, B and C to one another, it is also taken into account that conventional cover reinforcement components cause a significant loss of visibility through a vehicle roof. This is due, for example, to profile geometries, foamed encapsulations and nesting with mechanical concepts. In particular, the separation of two covers in a vehicle roof is usually visually relatively bulky and represents an undesirable interruption of a glass surface in a corresponding vehicle roof. In addition, such components result in reduced headroom due to profile height. These undesired influences can be counteracted by means of a specifically predefined stiffness concept, such as that of the cover system 2 described.
By means of the previously described cover receptacle unit 10 and the tilting mechanism 30, the center of rotation or the pivot axis at the front and the deployment mechanism at the rear are disposed separately from one another on the front cover 6 and are coupled to one another only via the cover reinforcement or the cover inside panel 13 and/or the reinforcement frame 61, 62.
In order to contribute to a particularly large view through the vehicle roof 1 and to take into account possible cover movements, only local reinforcement elements in the form of a U-shaped reinforcement frame 61, 62 are attached to the front cover 6, which is already realized in particular by the cover inside panel 13.
The rear edge 9 of the front cover 6, for example, is deliberately designed to be softer than in conventional configurations and has no additional reinforcement elements. The front cover 6 is thus designed without reinforcement on its rear edge 9. The front edge 71 of the rear cover 7 is also deliberately designed to be soft, for example, and is coupled to the cross strut 51 by means of the adhesive track 53, which as a component also forms the water channel 54 and is used as a seal carrier and compared to the stiffnesses A and B of the two covers 6 and 7 makes no significant contribution toward stiffness. In this way, the least possible loss of visibility in the area of the cover separation between the covers 6 and 7 can be achieved.
The cross strut 51 is preferably designed as a plastic part with a predefined stiffness C. The cross strut 51 can also form a mechanically resilient engagement below the front cover 6 or be designed so soft that it (locally) yields under the sealing pressure that acts when the cover 6 is retracted in the position Z1. The cross strut 51 may also comprise a further element which has a further engagement below the front cover 6 at the front edge 71 of the second cover 7 and is configured to delimit a vertical movement of the second cover 7 and to align the latter with the first cover 6.
By designing the cross strut 51 with the stiffness C and introducing reinforcements in one or both cover edges 9, 71 and in particular by the targeted formation of the stiffnesses A and B in the areas of the cover edges 9 and 71, an overall stiffness in the area of the separation point between the covers 6 and 7 can be checked. Further parameters, such as a respective material, metal inserts, glass thicknesses and glass type, connection to mechanisms and body-in-white, adhesive, PU foam encapsulation, etc., can be taken into account in order to obtain additional degrees of freedom for configuring or influencing the stiffnesses A, B and/or C. In particular, the cross strut 51 can also include tapes as inserts and/or be configured as an organo composite of tapes and/or as an organic sheet, or comprise such a material. An organic sheet, for example, contains carbon fibers which are embedded in a plastic matrix.
The stiffnesses A and B of the two covers 6 and 7 overall are mutually adapted and adjusted in such a way that impermissible movements of the covers 6, 7 relative to one another, such as can occur due to wind load, are avoided or at least counteracted. In particular, the following configurations of the stiffnesses A and B of the covers 6 and 7 can contribute toward a stable and secure cover system 2 with reliable functioning of the covers 6, 7:
Re 1.: It is not necessary for the stiffnesses A and B and the curvatures or convexities of the covers 6 and 7 in the region of the mutually facing cover edges 9 and 71 to be exactly the same or nominal. In this context, the term “nominal” curvature refers to a vehicle transverse convexity of the vehicle roof, so that the covers are curved in accordance with a roof skin contour, for example. By configuring the covers to be arched to a greater or lesser extent, deviating from such a nominal convexity, i.e. having a flatter or higher curvature than the roof skin, a pretension can be built up in a targeted manner when differently curved covers are pressed against each other in order to bring them to a common “nominal” position that is established, for example, when closing. A maximum height of such convexity differences, for example in the y0 direction, can be utilized to ensure reliable sealing of the seal. According to 1., the stiffnesses A and B are approximately identical to a certain extent, so that movements of the covers 6, 7 take place without significant displacements relative to one another, inter alia owing to their cover sizes and their weight. An upward movement of the covers 6 and 7 is therefore deliberately tolerated provided that this and in particular the relative movements take place within a predefined tolerance range.
Re 2.: The rear edge 9 of the front cover 6 is designed to be stiffer than the front edge 71 of the rear cover 7, so that in particular lifting of the rear edge 9 is prevented or counteracted. A corresponding position of the rear edge 9 can be predefined by means of the associated cover mechanism.
Re 3.: The rear edge 9 of the front cover 6 is designed to be stiffer than the front edge 71 of the rear cover 7, and the rear cover 7 is designed to be somewhat excessively convex compared to previous design embodiments. When closing, the front cover 6 then pulls the rear cover 7 into a predefined nominal position. Due to the excessive convexity of the rear cover 7, the cover seal 4 in the retracted position Z1 of the front cover 6 in y0 is compressed more than in previous design embodiments, so that the tightness of the cover system 2 is ensured in the event of a relative displacement of the cover edges 6, 71. One or a plurality of spacers can optionally be provided, for example on an upper side of the cross strut 51, in order to prevent the cover seal 4 from being excessively compressed.
Re 4.: The rear edge 9 of the front cover 6 is designed to be softer than the front edge 71 of the rear cover 7 and is moreover embodied to be flatter. When closing, the front cover 6 is braced over the rear cover 7 and closed to a predefined nominal position. The cover seal 4 is compressed more heavily in y0 than in previous design embodiments, so that the tightness of the cover system 2 is ensured in the event of a relative displacement of the cover edges 9, 71. Optionally, one or a plurality of spacers can also be provided in this configuration, for example on an upper side of the cross strut 51, in order to prevent the cover seal 4 from being excessively compressed. In addition, the front cover 6 pane is preferably somewhat prestressed to prevent detachment from the rear cover 7 pane.
The configurations described and the targeted control of the cover stiffnesses A and B as well as the configuration of the curvatures of the covers 6 and 7 make it possible to save on additional reinforcement elements. Due to the compact construction mode of associated cover mechanisms, such as the tilting mechanism 30 and the drive unit 40, the reinforcement of the cover or covers 6, 7 can follow a customer's body-in-white of the motor vehicle. The view through the vehicle roof 1 can thus be designed to be significantly larger. A width and a height of the separation point between the covers 6, 7 can be significantly reduced by means of the described potential embodiments for the covers 6, 7 and the cross strut 51. This can contribute toward increased view and headroom. In particular, the design of the cross strut 51 as a visible plastic part results in a very small installation space requirement, since additional screens or roof lining elements can be omitted. The cross strut 51 can also be made of steel or a hybrid material or in the form of an organo sheet or have one that includes, for example, carbon fibers that are embedded in a plastic matrix.
By separating the deployment mechanism and the pivot point of the front cover 6, a design without a front panel and guide rails is possible. A particularly large view through the covers 6 and 7 and the vehicle roof 1 can thus be set up, which is typically perceived by customers as appealing and enhancing comfort.
According to a particularly preferred design embodiment, the cover system 2, as illustrated in a multiplicity of the figures, comprises at least a cover receptacle unit 10, a cover centering unit 20, a tilting mechanism 30, a drive unit 40, a sealing assembly 50 and a reinforcement assembly 60 (see
A panorama roof can be realized by means of the cover system 2, which in particular enables a top-load front-tilt ventilation concept. The cover system 2 can thus be placed on top and coupled to the roof body 5 and combines a ventilation function with the greatest possible view through the vehicle roof 1. Alternatively, however, the cover system 2 can also be designed for installation from below and implement a so-called “bottom-load” system.
The description includes the following concepts:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2020 129 279.1 | Nov 2020 | DE | national |
| 10 2021 102 605.9 | Feb 2021 | DE | national |
This application is a U.S. national phase application filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/078334, filed on Oct. 13, 2021, published under WO2022/096242 on May 12, 2022, designating the United States, which claims priority from German Patent Application Number 10 2020 129 279.1, filed on Nov. 6, 2020, and from German Patent Application Number, 10 2021 102 605.9, filed on Feb. 4, 2021, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/078334 | 10/13/2021 | WO |
