CA1217218A

CA1217218A - Lifter apparatus for pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly

Info

Publication number: CA1217218A
Application number: CA000441091A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Milton C. Kaltz
Original assignee: American Sunroof Corp
Current assignee: American Sunroof Corp
Priority date: 1983-11-24
Filing date: 1983-11-14
Publication date: 1987-01-27
Also published as: DE3342811A1; AU565206B2; AU2138683A; FR2555518A1

Abstract

PIVOTAL-SLIDING ROOF PANEL ASSEMBLY

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly for a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The assembly includes a housing securable to the roof structure of the vehicle. A movable roof panel is slidably mounted within the housing and is selectively movable between closed, fully-opened and partially opened venting positions.
Drive means including a drive motor and drive belts are connected to the movable roof panel for selectively moving the movable roof panel between positions. Guide rails are mounted on the housing for directing the sliding movement of the movable roof panel. In one embodiment, first and second lifters are mounted on opposed sides of the roof panel and are operative for raising and lowering the roof panel and each includes a guide member slidably mounted within the guide rail, a slider member movably disposed within the guide member and first and second pivotally connected links which are connected between the slider member, the guide member and the movable roof panel and are movable between collapsed and extended positions to raise and lower the roof panel.
A stop member is provided to limit forward movement of the first link to cause an extension of the first and second links from the collapsed to the extended or par-tially extended positions. In a second embodiment, a lifter apparatus is provided and it includes a link pivotally connected at a first end to a slidable guide shoe mounted in a longitudinally extending guide rail attached to the vehicle. The second end of the link is slidingly disposed in an aperture formed in an attachment member secured to the roof panel. A cam block mounted on the guide shoe engages the attachment member to urge the attachment member upward such that the roof panel is urged into registry with the roof opening to close the roof opening. Further movement of the guide shoe causes the link to pivot about the first end to a substantially vertical orientation such that the second end of the link slides along the aperture in the attachment member and urges the attachment member and roof panel upward to the vent position.

Description

PIV~AL-SLIDING ROOF PANEL A~SEMBLY

This invention relates, in general, to vehicle roof structures and~ more specifically9 to a pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly having lifter devices for lifting a movable roof panel between lower, closed and vent positions.
Vehicles having a movable, sliding rocf panel are well known. Such roof panels are movable between a closed position in which the roof panel sealingly closes an opening in the roof of the vehicle and an open posi-tion in which the roof panel is disposed beneath the vehicle roof structure to open the roof opening.
It is also known to provide such movable roof panels with the capability to be raised to a flip-up, venting position in which the rear edge of the roof panel is raised a shbrt distance above the roof of the vehicle.
In order to raise the roof panel from Q lowered position in which the panel slides fore and aft to a closed posi-tion sealing the roof opening and from the closed posi-~0 tion to the venting position, various lifter mechanisms have been devised. Such lifter mechanisms typically incorporate a linkage which is mounted between the sliding members of the roof panel apparatus and the roof panel itself for moving the roof panel between the ~5 lowered, closed and venting positions. Despite the variety of types of lifter mechanisms which have beer.
previously devised, all such lifter mechanisms must meet the dual requirements of reliable operation and compact size in order to minimize the amount of interior space within the vehicle that is consumed by the roof panel apparatus.
'. ~

~L'7~

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a lifter apparatus for a vehicle having a movable roof panel which is operative to raise the roof panel between lowered9 closed and venting positions. It would also be desirable to provide a lifter apparatus for a movable roof panel which is small and compact in si~e.
There is disclosed herein a new and improved lift apparatus for a vehicle having a movable roof panel which is ~dapted to open and elose an opening in the vehicle roof and is further raisable to a vent position.
The lifter apparatus includes a link pivotally connected at a first end to a slidable guide shoe mounted in a longitudinally extending guide rail. The second end of the link is slidingly disposed in an aperture formed in an attachment member upward sueh that the roof panel is moved from the lowered position to the closed position in which it is disposed in registry with the edges of the roof opening.
Further forward movement of the guide shoe causes the link to further pivot about the first end such that the second end slides along the aperture in the attachment member and urges the attachment member and roo~ panel attached thereto upward to the partially raised vent position.
In one embodiment, the cam block is adjustably mounted on the guide shoe so as to enable vertical adjustment of the roof panel in the closed position. In addition3 the cam block and the attachment member are formed with complementary cam surfaces in the form of planar, inclined faees for sliding engagement there-between.

t~2~

According to another feature of the present invention, means are provided fo~ preventing premature lift;ng of the roof panel as the roof panel slides from the open position towards the closed position. Means are also provided for preventing removal of the roof panel from the opening when the roof panel is in the closed position so as to prevent unauthorized entry into the vehicle through the roof opening.
In a second embodiment a pivotal-sliding rvof panel assembly includes an integrally formed housing constructed of a plastic material which is adapted to be mounted to the interior of the stationary roof structure of the vehicle. A movable roof panel is movably mounted within the housing. Drive means, mounted on the housing, are operably connected to the movable roof panel for causing selective movement of the roof panel. Guide rails are mounted on the housing and extend in the sliding dire~tion of the movable roof panel. Lifter means, connected between the housing and opposed sides of the movable roof panel, are provided for raising and lowering the roof panel. Each of the lieter means includes first and second pivotally connected links which are operative to raise and lower the roof panel~ Guide means are slidably disposed within the guide rails and ~5 are connected to and moved by the drive means. A slider member is slidably disposed within the guide means. The first and second links are pivotally connected between the guide means, slider member and the movable roof panel for controlling movement of the movable roof panel. Stop means are provided for stopping the forward movement of the first link such that the lifter means rnoves to a partially-extended position from a collapsed position raising the roof panel to the closed position and, upon continued driving movement, to a fully extended position.
In the second embodiment, the first link is pivotally connected at a first end to an interrnediate portion of the second link and, at a second end, to the slider member disposed within the guide means. The second link is pivotally connected at a first end to the guide means and~ at a second end, to the movable roof panel.
The drive means comprises a drive motor mounted on the housing and first and second belts which are respectively connected to opposed ones of the guide means. Preferably, the first and second drive belts are in the form of elongated, flexible strips and include a plurality of spaced apertures formed along their length.
Means, rotatably driven by the motor, engages the aper-tures in the belts so as to cause selective reversible movement of the belts.
The second embodiment also includes detector means operative to detect when the movable roof panel is in the clcsed position closing the opening in the roof of the vehicle. The detector means further includes control means, responsive to the detector means, for selectively connecting an actuator means to the drive motor to energize the drive motor to move the roof panel from the closed position to either one of the fully opened or partially opened venting positions.

~ ,4 The pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly of the present invention provides many significant advantages over similar prior art sliding roof assemblies. Con-struction of the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly from a relatively small number of lightweight components results in a roof panel assembly whieh is light in weight, which makes it ideally suited for today's smaller and lighter automobiles. The pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly may also be constructed as a modular assembly and installed on a vehicle as a one-piece unit which greatly simplifies the installation procedure. Finally, the unique lifter mechanism incorporated into the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly of the present invention is compact in size which contributes to increased head room within the vehicle and an enlarged viewing area on the movable roof panel.
The various features, advantages and other uses of the present invention will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a partial, perspective view of a vehicle having a pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly mounted therein which includes a lifter apparatus constructed in aceordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the housing of the roof panel assembly;
Figure 3 is a cross-section~l view, generally taken along line 3-3, in Figure 1, showing the construc-tion of the lifter apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lifter apparatus of the present invention depicted in the lowered position;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view9 generally taken along line 5-5 in Figure 3, showing the position of the components of the lifter apparatus when the roof panel is in the closed position;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional viewJ similar to that depicted in Figure 57 but showing the position of the components of the lifter apparatus when the roof panel is in the vent position;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view~ generally taken along line 7-7 in Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the roof panel position sensor;
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the control apparatus used to control movement of the roof panel;
Figure 10 is a partial, perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention in the form of a ~0 vehicle having a pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention mounted therein;
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the control unit of the present invention;
Figure 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the pivotQl-sliding roof panel assembly of the present invention;
Figure 13 is an exploded, perspective view of the movable roof panel assembly;
Figure 14 is a perspective view; partially sectioned, of the lifter mechanism;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 15-15 in Figure 14;
Figure 16 is a partial, perspectiYe view of the lifter mechanism showing the position of the components of the lifter mechanism when in the partially extended position;
Figure 17 is a partial, perspec~ive view of the lifter mechanism showing the position of the components of the lifter mechanism when in the collapsed position;
Figure 18 i5 a perspective view of one of the drive belt corner guides;
Figure 19 is a partial, perspective view of the roof panel locking means; and Figure 20 is a partial, sectional view of the ~5 right end of the water trough.
Throughout the following description and drawing, identical reference numbers are used to refer to the same component shown in multiple figures of the drawing.
Referring now to the drawing, and to Figure 1 in particular, there is illustrated a pivotal~sliding roof panel assembly 10 which is adapted to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 includes a sta-tionary roof structure 14 having an opening 16 formed therein. Preferably, the opening 16 has a rectangular con~iguration and is situated over the front seat of the vehicle 12. The roof opening 16 is opened and closed by a movable roof panel 22 which slides between closed and open positions as well as pivoting about a front edge to a flip-up vent position.

As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10 includes a rectangularly shaped roof panel 22 which is preferably formed of a transparent glassO The roof panel 22 has approximately the same shape as the roof opening 16 so as to completely close the opening 16 when ~he roof panel 22 is moved to the fully closed position. ~ casing or gasket 24 formed of a plastic material, such as a polyvinyl chloride, is molded around the peripheral edge of the roof panel 22.
The casing 24 is formed with an upper lip 26 which is in registry with the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the roof panel 22 and a downwardly extending flange portion 28 which depends from the upper lip 26 along the side of the roof panel 22 and is in registry with the bottom surface of the roof panel 22.
Suitable attachment members, which will be described in greater detail hereafter, are integrally molded between the casing 24 and the roof panel 22 to provide a means for mounting the roof panel 22 on the vehicle 12.

2~ Referring now to Figure 2, there is depicted a frame or housing assembly 40 which is adapted to be mounted to the interior of the stationary roof structure 14 of the vehicle 12. The frame assembly 40 includes an integrally formed, substantially rectangular housing 42.
The housing 42 includes an aperture 44 which is eon-figured to the approximate shape of the roof opening 16 and a planar, solid rear section 46.
Preferably, the housing 42 is formed as an integral unit from a stamped, lightweight material, such as fiberglass sheet molding eompound (CS~C). Other z~

materials, such as nylon or polypropylene based compounds, having the requisite high strength and light-weight properties, may also be used to form the housing 42.
S The housing 42 is integrally formed with mounting brackets, drain openings and s~iffening ribs.
The housing 42 also includes opposed side flanges 48 which extend longitudinally along the sides of the housing 20. An intermediate, upwardly extending flange 50 is foemed on each side flange 48 of the housing 42 and divides the flange 48 into an inner portion which serves as a base for the guide rails, to be described in greater detail hereafter, and an outer channel or drain 52. Each of the side drain troughs 52 communicates with the like formed drain troughs situated along the front and rear edges of the housing 42. The corners of the housing 42 are formed with hollow conduits 54 which are adapted to be connected to suitable conduits or tubes which extend through the body of the vehicle 12 to form means for diverting water collected in the drain troughs of the housing 42 away from the roof panel assembly lO.
The housing 42 also includes front and rear mounting pads 56 and 58, respectively. The mounting pads 56 and 58 serve as a means for mounting the drive means, described hereafter, on the housing 42. This enables the drive means to be selectively mounted on either of the front or rear edges of the housing 42 depending upon the particular vehicle construction.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 42 is adapted to be mounted to a panel opening reinforcement 60 ~L7~

which is of substantially rectangular configuration. The panel opening reinforcement 60 is formed of a metallic material, such as steel, and is secured to the interior stationary roof structure 14 of the vehicle 12 by suitable means, such as by welding. A resilient padding member 62 is interposed between the outer edges of the housing 42 and the panel opening reinforcement 60. The housing 42 is then secured by conventionQl fasteners to the panel opening reinforcement 60 so as to mount the housing 42 to the stationary roof structure 14 of the vehicle 120 Drive means 70 are provided for moving the roof panel 22 between open and closed positions as well as between the closed and vent positions. As is conventional, the drive means 70 includes a reversible, electric drive motor 72 which has an output shaft con-nected to an output gear assembly mounted on either of the ~ront or rear mounting pads 56 and 58 such that the bevel gear extends downward through an aperture in the mounting pads 56 and 58.
The roof panel 22 is driven by the drive motor 72 and gear assembly via thrust transmitting drive cables 74 and 76 which have one end secured to rear guide shoes described hereafter. The drive cables 74 and 76 have helically wound outer surfaces adapted to engage the bevel gear of the drive means 70. As the bevel gear rotates, the cables 74 and 76 are linearly moved resulting in movement of the roof panel 22 between its open and closed positions. A guide block 78 is mounted on the bottom sides of each of the front and rear mounting pads 56 and 58 and includes a pair of longi-tudinally extending slots therein which are adapted to slidingly receive the thrust transmitting drive cables 74 and 7B. A perpendicularly orlented bore extends through the guide block 78 centrally between the longitudinally extending slots arld receives the bevel gear therein such that the bevel gear engages the sides of the drive cables 74 and 76 to cause translation thereof.
In a rear mounted drive motor configuration, such as that depicted in Figure 2, an idler cable 80 is attached at one end to one of the front guide shoes of the roof panel assembly 10. The o~her end of the idler cable 80 enters the housing of a sensor means 82 and engages an actuator disposed therein, as described in greater detail hereafter.
As shown in Figures 2-7, a pair of elongated guide tracks or rails 90 and 92 are mounted on the inwardly extending side flanges 48 of the housing 42 and extend in the sliding direction of the movable roof panel 2a. The guide rails 90 and 92 are identically constructed and include a base 94, upwardly extending spaced side walls 9B and 98 and inwardly extending flanges lO0 and 102. The guide rails 90 and 92 have a channel configuration and are adapted to slidingly receive the guide shoes connected to the movable roof panel 22. The juncture between the base 94 and one of the side walls, such as side wall 98, of each guide rail 90 and 92 is formed with a circular recess 104.
As is conventional, the roof panel assembly 10 is provided with front and rear pairs of guide shoes 2~3 which control the fore and aft sliding movement of the roof panel 22. The front guide shoes, not shown, comprise pivotal links which are connected on opposed sides of the roof panel 22 adjacent the front edge thereof. The front guide shoes enable the roof panel 22 to be pivoted such that the rear edge of the roof panel 22 can be lowered and slid rearwardly underneath the syationary roof structure 14 of the vehicle 12, raised to a closed position wherein the roof panel 22 is substan-L0 tially in registry with the edges of the roof opening 16 and pivoted about the front edge to a partially raised vent position.
As shown in Figures 4-~, each of the identical rear guide shoes 110 are formed with a planar base 112 having outwardly extending side flanges 114 and 116. One of the side flanges 114 has a substantially square con-figuration and is adapted to ride between the base 94 and the upper flange 100 of the guide rail. The opposed side flange 116 has a circular cross section which slides ~0 within the circular recess 104 in the guide rail and is formed with a hollow bore 118 extending therethrough which is adapted to securely receive one of the thrust transmitting drive cables 74 or 76. In this manner, translation of the drive cables 74 and 76 causes movement of each of the rear guide shoes 110 longitudinally within the guide rails 90 and 92.
Each of the rear guide shoes 110 further includes a centrally located, upwardly extending flange 120 having first and second raised bosses 122 and 124, respectively, formed at opposite ends thereof.

Aecording to the teachings of the present invention, a lifter apparatus, deno~ed in general by reference numher 130 in Figure 4, is provided for raising the roof panel 22 between lowered, closed and vent positions. The lifter apparatus 130 ineludes a link 132, a cam or wedge block 170, and a panel attachment member 150.
The link 132 is in the form of an elongated member having spaced, laterally offset, first and second ends 134 and 138, respectively. The first end 134 of the link 132 is pivotally connected to the rear guide shoe 110 by means of a pivot pin 136 which extends through aligned bores formed in the boss 124 of the rear guide shoe 110 and the first end 134 of the link 132. The second end 138 of the link 132 is thus disposed for pivotal movement about the first end 134.
A slider member 140 is attached to the second end 138 of the link 132. The slider member 140 comprises an elongated shaft having a first reduced diameter por-~0 tion 142 and an outer enlarged head 144.
The panel attachment member lS0 is in the form of a bracket having a planar upper surface 152. The outermost end 154 of the panel attachment member 150 is bent inward and spaced above the planar top surface 152.
The opposed, spaced surfaces of the outermost end 154 and the planar top surface 153 of the panel attachment member 150 are adapted to engage the edges of the top and bottom surfaees of the roof panel 22. Preferably, the outermost edge portions of the panel attachment member 150 are mounted on the roof panel 22 by integrally molding the outermost edges of the panel attachment member 150 within the casing or gasket 24, as shown in ~igure 3.
The panel attachment member 150 further includes a depending flange portion 156 having an aperture 158 formed therein. Preferably, the aperture 158 is in the form of an elongated slot having a first smaller width section 160 and a larger width outer section 162. The first and second portions 160 and 162 of the aperture 158 correspond in size to the first and second portions 142 and 144, respectively, of the slider member 140 attached to the second end 138 of the linlc 132. The aperture 158 slidingly receives the slider member 140 therein such that the slider member 140 is slidable along the length of the aperture 158 during movement of the lifter appara-tus 130 of the present invention, as will be described in greater detail hereafter. The depending flange portion 156 of the panel attachment member 150 is further pro-vided with a first cam surface 164, adjacent one end thereof. The cam surface 164 has a planar, vertically ~0 extending, inclined form.
As shown in Figures 3, S and 6, the lifter apparatus 130 includes a cam or wedge block 170. The cam bloek 170 has a generally cubical configuration and is formed with a cam surface 172 which is shaped complemen-tary to the cam surface 164 formed on the panel attaeh-ment member 1500 Thus, the cam surface 172 on the cam block 170 has a planar, vertically extending, inclined form.
The cam block 170 is mounted to the first boss 122 on the rear guide shoe 110. According to a preferred ~LZ~'7;~

embodiment, the cam block 170 is adjustably mounted in a vertical direction to the rear guide shoe 110 so as to enable the ver~ical position of the roof panel 22 to be adjusted so as to ensure a fully closed~ water- and air-tight seal between the roof panel 22 and the peripheral edges of the roof opening 16 when the roof panel 22 is in the closed position.
A vertically extending, elon~ated slot 174 is formed in the first boss 122 on the rear guide shoe 110 and has a first enlarged width section 176 and a second reduced width section 178. A plurality of serrations 180 are formed on the vertically extending sides of the reduced width section 178 of the slot 174 and correspond to serrations formed in a vertical slot on the cam block 170. In this manner, the cam block 170 may be adjusted vertically to align the serrations thereon with selected serrations in the slot 174 on the first boss 122 so as to vary the vertical position of the cam block 170 with respect to the rear guide shoe 110. A suitable ~astening ~0 means 182, such as a shoulder screw, is inserted through the aligned slots in the first boss 122 and the cam block 170 to securely mount the cam block 170 to the rear guide shoe 110 in the desired vertical position.
In describing the operation of the lifter meeha-nism 130 of the present invention in moving the roof panel 22 between lowered, closed and vent positions, it will be assumed that the lifter mechanism 130 is initially disposed in the position depicted in Figures 3 and 4 which corresponds to the lowered position of the roof panel 22 in which the roof panel 22 is disposed beneath the stationary roof structure 14 of the vehicle 12.

:~2~

; When the drive rneans 70 has been energized to move the roof panel 22 from the open position to the closed position, the thrust transmitting drive cables 74 and 7B will push the rear guide shoes 110 forward along the guide tracks 90 and 92. As the link 132 is in a substantially horizontal orientation, with the pivot pin 136 and the slider 140 aligned along the same horizontal plane, and the complementary cam surfaces 164 and 172 of the panel attachment member 150 and the cam block 170, respectively, are in abutting relationship~ the entire roof panel 22 will be slid towards the front of the vehicle 12 upon forward movement of the rear guide shoes 110 until the front guide shoes engage stops mounted on the housing 42 not shown, which terminate further forward lS movement of the roof panel 22. At this point, the drive means 70 continues to urge the rear guide shoes 110 in a forward direction such that the cam surface 154 on the panel attachment member 150 will slide upwards along the mating cam surface 172 of -the cam block 170 and urge the rear edge of the roof panel 22 upward and pivot the link 132 about the first end 134 until the cam block 170 slides completely underneath the lower surface of the depending flange portion 1S6 of the panel attachment member 150, as shown in Figure 5. At this position, the roof panel 22 has been raised into registry with the edges of the roof opening 16 of the vehicls 12~
If it is desired to move the roof panel 22 to the vent position shown in Figure 6, the drive means 70 will be energized to urge the rear guide shoes 110 in a further forward direction. However, as forward movement L 7~

of the front edge of the roof panel 22 is prevented, con-tinued forward movement of the rear guide shoes 110 will pull the first end of the link 134 hori~ontally forward causing the second end 13~ of the link 132 to pivot upwards in Q clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 5 and 6, until the link 130 has assumed a substantially vertical position, as shown in Figurs 6, which corresponds to the vent position of the roof panel 22.
In this position, the rear edge of the roof panel ~2 is :L0 raised a short distance above the stationary roof struc-ture 14 of the vehicle 12.
Reversal of the drive means 70 will reverse the above-described operation of the lifter apparatus 130 and cause lowering of the roof panel 22 from the vent to the closed position or from the closed to the lowered posi-tion wherein it can be slid aft under the stationary roof structure 14 of the vehicle 12.
Additional features of the lifter apparatus of the presènt invention are illustrated in Figures 5 and 7.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, means are provided for preventing premature and inadver-tent raising of the roof panel 22 as it is being moved from the open to the closed position. The means for pre-venting such premature raising of the roof panel 22 includes an outwardly extending projection l9Q formed on an intermediate portion of the linlc 132. As shown in phantom in Figure 5, the projection 19Q is positioned so as to ride beneath the upper flange 100 of the guide rail 90. A discontinuity or opening 192 is formed in the upper flange 100 of the guide rail 90 at a location where 2~l~7;~

the roof panel 22 can begin to be urged upward to the closed position. In this manner, the projection 190 is held beneath the upper flange 100 until the roof panel 20 can rise to the closed position. At this point, as the link 130 pivots about the first end, as described above, to raise the roof panel 22 to the closed position, the projection 190 will pass thrcugh the discontinuity 192 in the upper flange 100 of the guide rail 90 so as to permit upward movement of the link 132 and roof panel 22.
The projection 190 also serves as a means for preventing undesired removal of the roof panel 22 from the roof opening 16 when the roof panel 22 is in the closed position. An L-shaped member or bracket 194 is mounted between the side flange 48 of the panel housing ~0 and the guide rail 90 and includes an upwardly extending side wall 196 and an inwardly extending upper flange 198.
As shown in Figure 7, the upper flange 198 of the bracket 194 is spaced above the upper flange 100 of the guide rail 90. Further, the bracket 19~ is located on the guide rail 90 such that the projection 190 is disposed beneath the upper flange 198 when the roof panel 22 has been moved to the closed position. Thus, it can be seen that the upper flange 198 prevents upward move-ment of the roof panel 22 such as would result when the roof panel 22 is attempted to be removed from the roof opening 16 from the exterior of the vehicle 1~.
During movement of the roof panel 22 from the closed position to the vent position, the guide shoes 110 will initially translate towards the front of the vehicle ~Z~ 72~3 12 such that the projeetion 190 will pass from underneat}
$he upper flan~e 198 of the braeket 194 and be fre~ to move upward as the link 130 pivots to the vent position.
As noted above, the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10 of the present invention is provided with sensor means 82 which operates to sense when the roof panel 22 is in the closed position. The sensor means 82, shown in ~igure 2 and in greater detail in Figure 9, comprises a housing 210, is hollow and is formed with an outwardly extending hollow ~ube 212 which is adapted to slidably receive the end of one oî ~he drive cables, such as drive cable 74. In a rear mounted drive motor configuration, the idler cable 80 is connected to the end of the guide cable 74 and acts as an extension of the drive cable 74 for activating the sensor means 82.
The end Oe the idler cable 80 is slidingly receivable within the interior of the housing 210 and contacts an actuator 214 which is movably disposed within the housing 210. The actuator 214 is biased to a central location within the interior of the housing 210 by suitable biasing means, such an an elongated coil spring 216.
The housing 210 is positioned on the frame 40 such that the end of the idler cable 80 will contact the actuator 214 at the central or neutral position when the roof panel 22 is in the closed position. An arming pin 218 is removably inserted through a bore 220 formed in a side of the housing 210 to engage and contact the actuator 214 and hold it in the central neutral position until the housing 210 is properly positioned on the frame 2:L~

40 and the end of the idler eable 80 is in contact with the actuator 214.
When in the central or neutral position, the actuator 214 engages a movable plunger 222 which is con-S nected to a conventional electrical limit switch 224.
Depression of the plunger 222 by the actuator 214 causes the output of the limit switch 224 to move the contact switch 226, Figure 9, from a normally closed position to an open position.
When the roof panel 22 has moved from the closed position to either the vent or open position, the actuator 214 will be moved by the idler cable 80 or the bias spring 216 away from the central or neutral position such that the plunger 222 of the limit switch 224 extends outward therefrom which results in the output eontact 226 of the limit switch 224 switching back to the normally closed state.
As shown in Figure 9, the output contact 226 of the limit switch 224 forms a part of a control apparatus ~ 220 which unctions to control the movement of the roof panel 22 between the open, closed and vent positions.
The control apparatus 228 is preferably mounted within a module located within the vehicle 12 and is connected to a suitaoble source of electrical power, such as the 12V
power provided by the vehicle battery.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control apparatus 22~ includes a manually operable switch means 229 having first and second con-tacts 230 and 232, respectively, which are connected between the source of electrical power and to the drive -20~

~2~'7Z~

motor 72. Contaets 230 and 232 are switchable between two distinct states corresponding to forwar~ and rearward movement of the roof panel 22 and operate to connec~
electrical power in one of two opposite polarities to the drive motor 72 in order to control the direetion of rota-tion of the output shaft of the drive motor 72.
Preferably, the switch means 229 comprises a double pole, double throw switch in which the contacts 230 and 232 are ganged together and are normally biased to a neutral or center position, as shown in Figure 9.
The control apparatus 228 further includes a conventional rectifying ~ridge circuit 234 which supplies power to the logic elements used in the control apparatus 228 of the present invention.
Means, responsive to the sensor means 224, are provided for disconnecting the drive motor 72 from the source of electrical power when the roof panel 22 reaches the closed position from either the vent or open position Preferablyt the disconnecting means includes a first ~0 control means 236, such as an electromechanical relay, which has its coil connected to the sorce of electrical power through the first switch means 229 and the output contact 226 of the sensor means 224. The control means or relay ~36 includes a switchable contact 23~ which switches, when the relay coil 236 is energized upon acti-vation of the first switch means 229 and the roof panel 22 is positioned away from the closed position, from a first state, shown in Figure 9, to a second state wherein electrieal power is applied therethrou~h to the drive motor 72 to effect movement of the roof panel 22.

When the roof panel 22 reaches the closed position, the sensor means 214 will depress the plunger 216 and cause contact 226 to switch to ~he open s~ate, as described above~ which breaks the circuit to the relay coil 236, thereby de-energizing the relay coil 236 whieh causes its output contact 238 to switch to the first state disconnecting electrical power from the drive motor 72. As shown in Figure 9, in the first state the relay contact 238 is connected across the output terminals of the drive motor 72 so as to short out the drive motor 72 which causes an instantaneous breaking or stoppage of the drive motor 72 and prevents undesired coasting or addi-tional movement of the roof panel 22 from the closed position.
When the roof panel assembly 20 is in the fully closed position, the contact 226 will be in an open state and the contact 238 of the relay 236 will be in a posi-tion shorting out the drive motor 72 such that electrical power is not applied thereto. In order to move the roof ~n panel 22 from the closed position to either the vent or open position, the control apparatus ~28 is provided with menns for momentarily connecting electrical power to the drive motor 72 so as to cause initial movement of the roof panel 22 from the closed position until the sensor 214 disengages from the plunger 216 and output contact 226 again switches to the closed position to maintain the relay coil 236 in an energized state.
The means for momentarily connecting electrical power to the drive motor 72 includes a switch means 240 comprised of two serially connected transistors and an -2~-RC timer network comprised of a serially connected resistor an~ capacitor. The switch means 240 and ~C net-work 242 are responsive to the sequential de aCtiYatiOn and re-act;vation of the first switch means 229 such that the switch means 240 switches to a closed state, thereby connecting power to the relay coil 236 which eauses its output contact 238 to switch to a state whereby electri-cal power is connected to the drive motor 72 to effect initial movement of the roof panel 22 from the closed position. As the output of the switch means 240 is con-nected in parallel with eontact 226, power will be applied to the relay coil 236 despite the contact 226 being in the open state.
As described above, the contac$ 226 will switch to the closed state shortly after the roof panel 22 moves from the closed position so as to continually apply power to the relay coil 236, thereby maintaining it in an energized state such that electrical power is applied through the relay contact 238 to the drive motor 72 to 2~ move the roof panel 20 to the vent or open position.
A The switch means 240 provides a momentary output which is controlled by the time required to charge the capacitor in the RC network 242. At the completion of this predetermined time period, which is preferably less than one second in duration, the switch means 240 will be de-energized to await the next se~uential de-activation and re-activation of the switeh means 229.
Referring now to the drawing, and to Figure 11 in particular, there is shown a second exampLe of the present invention in the form of a pivotal-sliding roof 2~3 panel assembly 10' which is adapted to be mounted in the roof of a vehicle 12'. The vehicle 12' includes a sta-tionary roof structure 14' having an opening 16' formed therein. The opening 16' is preferably of rectangular configuration and is situated over the front seat of the vehicle 12'. The opening 16' is opened and closed by a movable roof panel which slides between closed and opened positions as well as pivoting to a flip-up position.
Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown a ]o frame or housing assembly 18' which is adapted to be mounted to the interior of the stationary roof structure 14' of the vehicle 12'. The frame 18' includes an integrally formed, substantially rectangular housing 20'.
The housing 20' includes an aperture 22' which is con-figured to the approximate shape of the opening 16' in the roof 14' of the vehicle 12' and a planar solid rear section 2~ t -Preferably, the housing 20' is formed in an integral, one-piece unit from a stamped, lightweight ~0 material, such as fiberglass sheet molding compound (CS~IC). Other materials, such as nylon or polypropylene b~sed compounds, having the requisite high strength and lightweight properties, may also be used to form the housing. The housing 20' is formed to include mounting brackets, drain openings and stiffening ribs9 as will be described in greater detail hereafter.
Specifically, the housing 20' is formed with side drain troughs 26' and 28' which extend longitudi-nally along the sides of the housing 20'. The housing 20' is formed with an outwardly extending flange portion -2~-30' which is adapted to be secured to a panel opening reinforcement member 32'. Each of the identically formed side drain troughs, such as drain trough 26', is formed with a channel-like trough section which is connected between the outward flange 3DI and an inward extending flange portion 34' which serves as a mounting base for the guide rails of the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10', as described in greater detail hereafter.
The side drain troughs 26' and 28t communicate with a front drain trough 36', shown in Figure 12, whieh extends across the front of the housing 20'. The corners of the housing 20' are fcrmed into hollow conduits 38' which are adapted to be connected to suitable conduits or tubes 39' which extend through the body of the vehicle 12' to form means for diverting water collected in the drain troughs 26', 28' and 36' of the housing 20' from the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10' of the present invention.
Finally, the housing 20' is formed with front ~0 and rear mounting pads 40' and 42', respectively. The mounting pads 40' and 42' serve as a means for mounting the drive means, described hereafter, to the housing 20'.
This enables the drive means to be selectively mounted on either of the front or rear ends of the housing 20', depending upon the particular vehicle construction and application of the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10' .
As shown in Figure 12, the housing 20' is adapted to be mounted to a panel opening reinforcement ring 32' which is of substantially rectangular ~2~

configuration. The panel opening reinforcement ring 32' is formed of a metallic material, such as steel, and is adapted to be secured to the interior stationary roof structure 14' of the vehicle 12' by suitable means, such as by welding. The housing 20' is then secured by con-ventional fasteners through mounting bra¢kets 44' to the reinforcement ring 32' to thereby mount the roof panel assembly 10' to the interior roof structure of the vehicle 12'.
Referring now to Figure 13, there is shown the detailed construction of the movable roof panel assembly 50t. The movable roof panel assembly 50' includes a rec-tangularly shaped panel 52' which is preferably formed of transparent glass, although other translucent or opaque materials may also be used. The panel 52' is formed to approximately the same shape as the opening 16' in the roof l4' of the vehicle 12' so as to completely close the opening 16' when moved to the fully closed position~ A
casing or gasket 54' formed of a plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride, is molded around the peripheral edge of the panel 52' and forms a means for supporting the panel 52'.
As shown ln greater detail in Figure 15, the casing 54' is formed with an upper lip 56' which extends over the upper surface of the panel 52' and a base por-tion 58' which is disposed in registry with the bottom surface of the roof panel 52'. Downwardly extending flanges 60' and 62' extend from the base portion 58' and have a varying cross section along the length of the panel 52'. Mounting brackets 64' and 66l are integrally `z~

molded in the cas;ng $4' along opposed side edges of the panel 52' and extend downward therefrom to provide a suitable mounting means for connecting the movable roof panel 50' to the lifter means, as described in greater detail hereafter. Preferably, ~he mounting brackets 64' and 66' are located adjacent the rear edge of the roof panel 52'. Forwardly located braekets 65' and 67' are also molded in the casing 54' for conneetion to the front guide shoes of the rcof panel apparatus 10'.
As shown in Figure 15, the brackets 64', 65', 66' and 67' have a substantially T-shaped configuration with an upper portion being molded in the casing S4'. A
flange or leg 68' extends downward from the upper portion thereof and has an aperture formed therein for mounting the siiding roof panel 52' to the other components of the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10'.
As shown in Figure 13, the movable roof panel ussembly 50' also includes a manually operable sunscreen 70' formed of an opaque material. The sunscreen 70' rides within the housing and enables the interior of the vehicle 12' to be completely closed off from view. A
handle 72' is affixed to the front of the sunscreen 70' to enable the sunscreen 70' to be manually moved between opened and closed pOSitiOIIS as desired.
As shown in Yigures 12, 14 and 15, the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 101 further includes a pair of guide ralls 80' and 82' which are mounted on opposed sides of the inward extending flange 34' of the housing 20'. The guide rails 80' and 821 are in the form of elongated members which are oriented to extend in the sliding direction of the movable pnnel 50'.

7~

As shown in Figure 15, each of the guide rails9 such as guide rail 80', is formed as an extrusion having a channel-like cross sect;on defined by a substantially flat bottom 83' and a pair of spaced, upward extending side walls 84' and 86', each of complex configuration.
The first side wall 84' has a vertical wall por-tion 88' extending upward from the bottom wall 83' and a pair of horizontally extending spaced flanges 90l and 92' extending outward therefrom. The flanges 90' and 92' define a slot 91' therebetween which slidably receives the sunscreen 70' shown in Figure 13.
The second upstanding side wall 86' of the guide rail 80' is formed with a vertical wall section 94' which extends upward from the bottom wall 83' and terminates in a horizontal top flange 96'. Spaced pairs of aligned slots are formed in the bottom wall 83' adjacent the second side wall 86' and the top flange 96' of the second side wall 86' to form first and second spaced, substantially horizontally extending channels 98' and ~0 100', respectively.
Referring again to Eigure 12, there is shown a drive means 110' which is provided for moving the roof panel 50' between closed, partially opened and fully opened positions. According to the preferred embodiment 2S of the present invention, the drive means ll~' comprises a reversible electric motor 112' having a vertically extending output shaft 114'. A sprocket gear 116' having a plurality of outwardly extending teeth or projections is fixedly mounted to the output shaft 114' for rotary movement therewith.

'7~

The motor 112' is mounted on either of the front or rear mounting pads 40' or 42' on the housing 20' depending upon the particular application of the pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10' of the present invention.
The drive means 110' further includes a pair of drive belts 118' and 120'. Eaeh of the drive belts 118' and 120' is in the form of a flat, planar, elongated strip formed of a flexible plastic material, although other materials may also be used. Each of the belts 118' and l20' has a plurality of spaced apertures 122', preferably in the form of square or rectangular windows, formed along its length. The apertures 122' are engaged by the teeth on the sprocket gear 116' which causes move-ment of the drive belts 118' and 120' when the motor 112' is energized.
As shown in Figure 12, the drive belts 118' and 120' are oriented on edge so as to pass on opposed sides of the sprocket gear 116' and be engaged and driven by the sprocket gear 116' in either forward or reverse ~0 directions.
As shown in Figure 12 and in greater detail in Figure 18, corner guide means 123' and 124' are mounted along opposed sides of the front edge of the housing 20'.
Each of the corner guide means 123' and 124' has a substantially arcuate shape and includes a bottom member 126' and a top cover member 128'.
The cover member 128' has a substantially L-shaped, cross-sectional configuration with one leg being mounted in a slot 130' formed along the front flange of the housing 20'. A block member 132' -2g-~2~Ltd~'2~

integrally formed with the cover member 128' is adapted to engage the end of one of ~he guide rails, such as guide rail sa~. A key 134' is disposable within the block 132' to engage the second channel 100' in the guide rail 80' so as to align the guide means 123' and 124' with the opposed guide rails 8U' and 82'.
Each of the bottom members 126' of the guide means 123' and 124' has a first, arcuate, internal slot or channel formed therein, such as channel 136' in the guide means 123'. One end o~ the channel 136' is aligned and communicates with the first channel 98' in the guide rails to form a continuous extension thereof. In this manner, the drive belts 118' and 120' are directed in a controlled manner from the guide rails 80' and 82', around the front corners of the housing 20', across the front of the housing 20' and past the drive motor 112' and sprocket gear 116'.
As shown in Figure 18, one of the guide means, such as guide means 123', has a second internal slot or channel 138' formed therein. The second channel 138' is substnntially U-shaped with its ends aligned in a common plane so as to loop back on itself. In this manner, the end of one of the drive belts, such as drive belt 120', is looped back on itself to prevent interference with the other drive belt 118' as the belts move.
The pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly 10t of the present invention includes lifter means connected between opposed sides of the housing and the roof panel assembly 50' for effecting raising and lowering of the roof panel assembly 50'. As each of the lifter means is identically constructed, only one of the lifter means, such as lifter means 150' illustrated in Figure 149 will be described in detail hereafter. The lifter means 150' ineludes a linkage 152~ comprised of first and second pivotally connected links 154' and 156', respectively.
The lifter means 150' further includes guide means 158' which is slidably disposed within the second channel 100' in the guide rail 80' and slider means 160' slidably disposed within the guide means 158'. Stop means 162' are provided for limiting forward movement of the lifter means 150' at a predetermined position along the guide rail 80'.
As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the guide means 158' is in the form of an elongated block having upper and lower, outwardly extending projections 166' and 168' which are disposable within and slide along the slots forming the second channel 100' in the guide rail 80'.
The block 158' further includes an internal slot 170' which has an enlarged side portion 172', as shown in Figure 15.
The slider member 160' includes a plate 174' which is slidably disposed within the enlarged portion 172' of the slot 170' in the ~uide block 158'. An out-wardly extending, cylindrical pivot pin 176' is joined to ~5 one side of the plate 174' and extends outward therefrom.
The first link 154' has a planar elongated form with apertures formed at opposed ends thereof. The first link 154' is pivotally connected about the pivot pin 176' at a first end 178'. The opposed or second end 180' of the first link 154' is pivotally connected by pivot pin 182' to an intermediate portion of the second link 156'.

The second link 156' has a flattened Y-shape such that its ends 184' and 186' are disposed at a pre-determined angular relationship~ The irst end 184' of the second linlc 156' is pivotally connected by pivot pin 188' to the guide block 158'. Preferably~ as shown in Figure 15, the pivot pin 188' extends completely through the guide block 158' and drive belt 118' to seeure the second link 156' to both the drive belt 118' and the guide block 158'. The second or opposed end 186' of the second link 15B' is adapted to be connected by suitable fastening means 190' (Figure 15) to the mounting bracket 64' flttached to the movable roof panel assembly 50'.
The sto~ means 162' is in the form of an elongated plate 192' which is secured to the bottom wall 83' of the guide rail 80' by suitable fasteners. The stop means 162' has an upwardly extending catch portion 194' formed at one end thereof which is adapted to catch and hold the first end 178' of the first link 154' to prevent further forward horizontal motion of the first ~0 link 154'.
Referring now to Figures 14, 16 and 17, the operation of the lifter means 150~ of the present inven-tion will now be described. In Figure 14, the lifter means 150' is depicted in the partially extended position in which the roof panel assembly 50' completely closes the roof opening 16' in the vehicle 12'. In this position, the first end 178' of the first link 154' engages and is held in a fixed position by the catch 194' on the stop means 162' and the slider member 160' is disposed substantially centrally within the guide block 158'.
.

~LZ317~

In order to move the roof panel assembly 50' to the partially opened, venting position illustrated in Figure 16, the drive motor 112' is energized to move the drive belts 118' and 120' toward the front of the vehicle 12'. This pulls the guide block 158' attached to the drive bclts 118' in a forward direction causing the first end 184' of the second link 156' to likewise move in a forward, horizolltal direction towards the first link 154'. In so doing, the first link 154' pivots about the pin 176' in a counterclockwise direetion eausing the pivot pin 182' to similarly move along a counterclockwise arcuate path~ This has the effect of causing the second end 186' of the second link 156' to move in an upward clockwise path raising the movable roof panel assembly 50' upward to the venting position.
To lower the roof panel to the fully closed position againJ the drive motor 112' is reversed so as to move the drive belts 118' and 120' in a rearward direc-tion which separates the first ends 178' and 184' of the ~0 first and second links 154' and 156' and partially collapses the linkage 152'.
In order to move the roof panel assembly 50' from the closed position to the fully opened position in which the roof ope~ing 16' is completely exposed, the drive motor 112' is eontinually energized in a reverse manner causing the drive belts 118' and 120' to eontinue to move in a rearward direction. This pushes each guide block 158' and the first end 184' of the second link 156' in a rearward direction causin~ the second end 186' of the second link 156' and the movable roof panel assembly 50' connected thereto to lower so as to slip the rear edge of the movable roof panel assembly 50' b~low the stationary roof panel structure 14' of the vehicle 12'.
The movable roof panel 50' lowers until the first and second links 154' and 156' are disposed in an in-line, substantially horizontal orientation, as shown in Figure 17, which provides a rigid linkage for driving the movable roof panel assembly 50' in a substantially horizontal, rearward direction.
As the movable roof panel assembly 50' is moved from a fully opened to the fully closed position, the aligned first and second links 154' and 156' again pro-vide a rigid linkage for pulling the roof panel assembly 50' towards the front end of the vehiele. As the first link 154' nears the stop means 162', it is necessary that the rigid linkage between the aligned first and second links 154' and 156' be broken such that the lifter means 150' may be moved to the extended position. Thus, cam means 200' secured to the guide rail 80' is provided.
The c~m means 200' includes a plate 202' and an inclined portion 204' which is engaged by the pivot pin 182' con-necting first and second links 154' and 156' as the lifter means 150' moves towards the forward end o~ the vehicle. The pivot pin 182' thus rides up along the incline 204'~ breaking the rigid connection between the first and second links 154' and 156', enabling the lifter means 150' to move to the extended position when the first end 178' of the first link 154' engages the catch 194' of the stop means 162', as described previouslyO

~ 2~

In order to prevent any rearward movement of the roof panel assembly 50' before the rear edge thereof has dropped below the edge of the stationary roof structure of the vehicle, a locking means 210' is provided. The locking means 210', as shown in Figure lg, functions to hold the forward end of the roof panel assembly 50' sta-tionary until the lifter means 150' has collapsed and lowered the rear edge of the roof panel assembly 50'.
The locking means 210' includes a spring clip 212' which is affixed to a water trough 230' at one end.
The spring clip 212' is formed of a resilient material and is biased in a downward direetion. The clip 212' has a depression 214' formed centrally therein which is adapted to engage a recess or no$ch 216' ormed in the guide rail 80'. A finger 218' extends outward from the guide block 158' to engage an upstanding flange formed at the end of the clip 212' and disengage the depression 214' from the notch 216'.
In operation, the depression 214' in the clip ~0 212' will be seated in the notch 216' when the roof panel assembly 50' is in the flip-up9 venting position. As the roof panel 50' is lowered, the guide block 158' moves in a rearward direction. However~ the clip 212' will hold the trough 230' and front guide shoes which are connected together via a connecting rod 220' in a fixed position.
When the rear edge of the roof panel S0' has been lowered sufficiently to clear the rear stationary roof stPucture of the vehicle, the guide block 158' will have moved rearward to a position in which the finger 128' engages the upstanding flange on the clip 212' and urges the clip ~z~

212' upward until the depression 214' is released from the notch 2167. This frees the entire mov~ble roof panel 50' for rearward horizontal movement.
Refsrring now to Figures 19 and 20, there is shown a water ~rough 230' which is adapted to divert water from the rear edge of the movable roof panel assembly 50 to the sides of the housing 20'. The trough 230' is in the form of a channel~like member 232' which extends laterally across the vehiele. According to the prefarred embodiment, the water trough 230' is movable in conjunction with the movement of the movable roof panel assembly 50' between open and closed positions so as to divert water entering the roof opening adjacent the rear edge of the movable roof panel assembly 50' to the sides of the housing 20' and thence through the drain conduits out of the vehicle. Accordingly, a pair of guide shoes 234', each associated with one of the guide rails 80' and 82', are secured to the bottom surface of the channel member 232' at opposite ends thereof. The guide shoes 234' are formed with an outer flange portion 236' which rides in one of the channels of the guide rails to control the sliding movement of the water trough 230'.
Means, denoted in general at reference number 220', is provided for connecting the water trough 230' to ~5 the front guide shoes so as to transmit movement of the first guide shoes to the water trough 230'. According to the preferred embodiment, the connecting means 220' is in the form of an elongated rod member having its first end secured or molded to the front guide shoe and its rear end molded or otherwise secured to the guide shoe 234' -36~

2~

affixed to the water trough 230'. In this manner, the water trough 230' moves concurrently with movement of the front guide shoes between open and closed positions. In addition, the water trough 230' remains in its forward position adjacent the rear edge of the roof opening 16' when the movable roof panel assembly 50' is pivoted to the flip-up venting position.
As shown ;n Figure 12 and in greater detail in Figure 11, the pivotal-sliding roof panel apparatus 10' further includes control means for controlling the move-ment of the movable roof panel 50' between open and closed positions and between closed and venting positions. The control means includes a housing denoted in general at reference number 240' which is mounted to the internal roof structure of the vehicle adJacent the front of the roof panel housing 20'. The housing 240' includes a hollow bore 242' which is adapted to receive one end of one of the drive belts, such as drive belt 118' shown in Figure 12. One end of the drive belt 118' is slidably insertable within the interior of the housing 240' and contacts a movable actuatur 244' which is biased by a biasing means 246', such as a coil spring, to a central or neutral position within the housing 240', as shown in Figure 11. The housing 240' is positioned such that the end of the drive belt 118' will urge the actuator 244' to the neutral position when the movable roof panel assembly 50' is in the completely closed position. An arming pin 243', shown in Figure 12~ is removably inserted through an aperture in the housing 240' to engage the actuator 244' and hold it in the

-3~-neutral position until the housing 240' is secured in the desired position on the housing 20'.
In the neutral position7 the actuator 244~ trips a plunger 248' connected to a conventional electrical limit switch 250', causing the output contRcts of the limit switch 250' to move to a closed position. The contacts of the limit switch 250' are connected in a suitable control circuit arrangement, not shown, with the drive motor 112' and occupant-opsrated actuator means or switches for controlling the movement of the roof panel between open and closed positions.
Thus, there has been disclosed a pivotal-sliding roof panel assembly for a vehicle having an opening in the roof thereof. The apparatus is constructed as a modular unit which can be installed RS a one-piece unit on the vehicle, thereby simplifying and expediting the installation process.
The unique pivot~l-sliding roof panel assembly disclosed herein includes a novel lifter mechanism which is operative for moving the roof panel between closed, fully opened and partially opened venting positions. In addition, the lifter mechanism is compact in size such that the amount of interior space within the vehicle that is consumed by the roof panel apparatus is minimized.
~5

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A pivotal-sliding roof panel apparatus adapted to be mounted to the stationary roof structure of a vehicle having an opening in the roof which is opened and closed by a movable roof panel, the apparatus comprising:
a housing adapted to be mounted to the sta-tionary roof structure of the vehicle, the housing having an aperture adapted to register with the opening in the roof of the vehicle;
a roof panel slidably mounted within the housing;
guide rails mounted on the housing and exending in the sliding direction of the roof panel;
front and rear guide shoes operatively connected to the roof panel and movable along the guide rails for moving the roof panel between a closed position wherein the roof panel is disposed in registry with the edges of the roof opening and an open position wherein the roof panel is disposed beneath the stationary roof structure of the vehicle;

first and second lifter means, connected between the rear guide shoes and opposed sides of the roof panel, for moving the roof panel between a closed position and a lowered position wherein the roof panel is movable beneath the stationary roof structure of the vehicle and between the closed position and a vent position wherein the rear edge of the roof panel is raised above the sta-tionary roof structure is the vehicle;
each of the first and second lifter means comprising:
a link having first and second ends, the first end of the link being pivotally connected to the rear guide shoe;
an attachment member attached to the roof panel, the attachment member having an aperture formed therein;
the second end of the link being slidably disposed within the aperture in the attachment member;
a cam block mounted on the rear guide shoe, the cam block engaging the attachment member as the rear guide shoe moves along the guide rail and urges the attachment member and the roof panel upwards, pivoting the link about the first end; and wherein, further movement of the rear guide shoe causes further pivotal movement of the link about the first end and urges the roof panel upward from the closed position to the vent position.

2. The roof panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein;
the aperture in the attachment member is an elongated slot; the link includes a slide member con-nected to the second end and extending outward therefrom, the slide member adapted to slidingly engage the slot in the attachment member.

3. The roof panel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cam block and the attachment member have complemen-tary formed engaging cam surfaces

4. The roof panel apparatus of claim 3 wherein the cam surfaces have a planar, inclined form.

5. The roof panel apparatus of claim l wherein the cam block is vertically adjustable with respect to the rear guide shoe.

6. The roof panel apparatus of claim 1 further including:
means for preventing premature raising of the roof panel before the roof panel is situated below the roof opening.

7. The roof panel apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for preventing premature raising of the roof panel comprises:
a projection formed on the link and extending outward therefrom;
the guide rail having a channular configuration defined by a base, spaced sides and inwardly upper flanges;

The projection being disposed below the upper flange of one of the guide rails during movement of the roof panel between open and closed positions so as to prevent premature raising of the roof panel; and the one guide rail having a discontinuity formed in the upper flange, the discontinuity being positioned such that the projection on the link can pass there-through when the roof panel is below the roof opening so as to enable the roof panel to be raised to the closed position.

8. The roof panel apparatus of claim 1 further including:
means for preventing removal of the roof panel from the exterior of the vehicle when the roof panel is in the closed position, the means for preventing removal of the roof panel comprising:
a member mounted on the guide rail and having an upwardly extending side wall and an inwardly extending upper flange;
a projection formed on the link and extending outward therefrom;
the bracket being positioned such that the upper flange is disposed vertically over the projection on the link when the roof panel is in the closed position to prevent vertical upward movement of the roof panel therefrom.

9. A pivotal-sliding roof panel apparatus adapted to be mounted to the stationary roof structure of a vehicle having an opening in the roof thereof which is opened and closed by a movable roof panel, the apparatus comprising:
a housing adapted to be mounted to the sta-tionary roof structure of the vehicle, the housing having an aperture alignable with the opening in the roof of the vehicle;
a movable roof panel movably mounted within the housing;
drive means, mounted on the housing and operable connected to the movable roof panel, for causing selec-tive movement of the movable roof panel;
guide rails mounted on the housing and extending in the sliding direction of the movable roof panel;
first and second lifter means, connected between the housing and opposed sides of the movable roof panel for raising and lowering the movable roof panel, the first and second lifter means each comprising:
first and second pivotally connected links movable between collapsed and extended positions;
guide means slidably disposed within one of the guide rails, the guide means connected to and moved by the drive means;
a slider member slidably disposed within the guide means;
the first link pivotally connected at a first end to an intermediate portion of the second link and at a second end to the slider member;

the second link pivotally connected at a first end to the guide means and at a second end to the movable roof panel; and stop means for stopping the forward movement of the first link such that the lifter means moves to a par-tially extended position from the collapsed position raising the roof panel to a closed position and, upon continued movement of the drive means, to a fully extended position raising the roof panel to a partially opened, venting position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further including cam means mounted on the guide rails and engageable with the pivot point between the first and second links as the lifter means moves between the retracted and closed posi-tions to urge the pivot point upwards.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the drive means comprises:
a drive motor mounted on the housing:
first the second belts connected to opposed ones of the guide means; and means, mounted on the motor and rotated thereby, for engaging and moving the first and second belts.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first and second belts each include a plurality of spaced aper-tures along its length.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the guide rails are each formed with first and second channels, one of the first and second drive belts being slidably movable in one of the first and second channels and the guide means being slidably movable in the other of the fist and second channels.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 further including:
means for actuating the drive motor in one of two opposed directions;
means, associated with one of the first and second belts, for detecting when the movable roof panel is in the closed position closing the aperture in the housing; and control means, responsive to the detecting means, for selectively connecting the actuator means to the drive motor to move the movable roof panel from the closed to one of the fully opened and partially opened venting positions.

15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the guide means comprises:
an elongated block slidably mounted within the guide rail, the block having an elongated slot formed therein for slidably receiving the slider member.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 further including:
first and second corner guide means mounted at front opposed sides of the housing for guiding the drive belts, the guide means comprising:
a housing including base and cover members;

the base member having a first arcuate channel formed therein operative for directing one of the drive belts from the front of the housing into one of the first and second channels in the guide rails; and one of the housings having a second channel formed in the base member thereof having first and second ends arranged in a common plane and operative to receive the end of the other of the first and second drive belts and direct the end back towards the other of the first and second drive belts.