Roof arrangement for a vehicle roof, and vehicle roof having a roof opening

Abstract

A roof arrangement for a vehicle roof with a movable roof element and underlying frame with a seal hose having a strand shaped seal profile having a drain lip extending below an uppermost web of the frame.

Claims

1. A roof arrangement for a vehicle roof having a roof opening, comprising: a movable roof element for selectively closing or at least partially opening the roof opening, a frame which holds the roof element, and a strand-shaped seal profile which extends in a horizontal main direction of extent (X, Y), it being possible for the strand-shaped seal profile to be fastened to the vehicle roof, and the strand-shaped seal profile having a first seal hose, the first seal hose being configured for sealing with respect to the movable roof element, the frame having an uppermost web with an upper surface portion unsealed by a drain lip, the first seal hose being arranged above the uppermost web in a state of the roof arrangement in which it is mounted on the vehicle roof, and the first seal hose having a drain lip which extends along a vertical direction from the seal hose at a predetermined distance away from the uppermost web of the frame as far as below the uppermost web of the frame.

2. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a free end region of the drain lip is of a curved or arched configuration and, below the uppermost web, pointing in a direction away from the movable roof element.

3. The roof arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the free end region is at an acute angle of at least 15 degree, preferably at least 20 degree, with respect to the vertical direction.

4. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first seal hose merges seamlessly into the first drain lip on a side which faces the movable roof element.

5. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the seal profile and the drain lip define a smooth exterior profile at least on the side which faces the movable roof element.

6. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the drain lip has a notch on a side which faces the frame, in a transition region in which the drain lip is connected to the first seal hose.

7. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a transition region in which the drain lip is connected to the first seal hose is configured as a folding hinge.

8. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the strand-shaped seal profile has a second seal hose which is connected to the first seal hose, the second seal hose being arranged on the frame and being configured to seal the frame with respect to the vehicle roof.

9. A vehicle roof of a vehicle, comprising a roof opening and a roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the roof arrangement is arranged in an edge region of the roof opening, and the strand-shaped seal profile is fastened to the vehicle roof, and the frame is coupled to the vehicle roof.

10. The roof arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is greater than a water drop size of about 2 to 4 mm.

Description

(1) Further advantages and functions are disclosed in the following, detailed description of one exemplary embodiment. The exemplary embodiment will be described in the following text with the aid of the appended figures. Identical or identically acting elements are provided in all figures with the same reference signs.

(2) In the figures:

(3) FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a vehicle, and

(4) FIGS. 2 to 5 show diagrammatic cross-sectional views of a roof arrangement of the vehicle roof in accordance with one exemplary embodiment in different installed situations.

(5) FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a vehicle 1 with a vehicle roof 2. The vehicle roof 2 is, in particular, the roof which is fixed to the vehicle and is also called a roof panel. The vehicle roof 2 surrounds a roof opening 3. The roof opening 3 can be selectively closed or at least partially opened by means of a movable roof element 4 which can be displaced along a vehicle longitudinal axis.

(6) The movable roof element 4 (also called a cover) is held by a frame 5. The frame 5 has, for example, guide rails which are fastened to the vehicle roof 2 on both sides of the roof opening 3. The frame 5 has, in particular, further elements which are arranged, for example, transversely with respect to the X-direction on a front side 6 of the roof opening 3. The front side 6 is arranged so as to lie opposite a rear side 7 of the roof opening 3. The front side 6 and the rear side 7 are delimited by a front edge and a rear edge, respectively, of a vehicle roof cut-out which delimits the roof opening 3. The frame 5 serves, in particular, to guide the movement of the roof element 4 and to hold further elements, such as drive motors and/or drive cables. The roof element 4 and the frame 5 are, in particular, part of a roof arrangement 8 which can be used as an independent assembly with the vehicle roof 2.

(7) Statements of location or direction which are used, such as at the rear or in front, relate to a vehicle longitudinal axis and a customary driving direction of a motor vehicle which is ready for operation. The vehicle longitudinal axis can also be called a horizontal axis or X-axis in an associated X-direction (see the illustrated coordinate system in the figures). Statements which are used such as above or below relate to the Z-direction in a state of the vehicle in which it is ready for operation.

(8) FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of the vehicle 1 along an exemplary sectional plane S1 (FIG. 1). In addition to the movable roof element 4 and the frame 5, the roof arrangement 8 has a strand-shaped seal profile 9. The seal profile 9 is formed by way of a first seal hose 10 and a second seal hose 11 which are connected to one another via a connecting web 12. The seal profile 9 is elastically resilient, in a sprung manner. The seal profile 9 extends along a horizontal main direction of extent along the roof opening 3, that is to say in the X-direction or Y-direction. Along the main direction of extent, the seal profile 9 is in each case of longer configuration than in the two other directions perpendicular with respect to the main direction of extent.

(9) In a section which delimits the roof opening 3, the vehicle roof 2 has a stamped section 13, to which the seal profile 9 is fastened on the vehicle roof 2 via an adhesive bond 14 and a positively locking plugged connection by means of a cut-out 15. Other fastening methods are likewise conceivable.

(10) The frame 5 has a guide rail 16, an uppermost web 17 which can also be called a guide rail web being provided.

(11) FIG. 2 shows the seal profile 9 in the original dimensions before it is actually in the state which is ready for operation, in particular is squeezed and braced. In particular, the second seal hose 11. The first seal hose 10 is configured for sealing with respect to the movable roof element 4 and the vehicle roof 2. The second seal hose 11 is configured for sealing between the vehicle roof 2 and the frame 5, in particular the uppermost web 17. In accordance with FIG. 2, the first seal hose 10 is arranged substantially along a Y-direction between the vehicle roof 2 and the movable roof element 4. In accordance with FIG. 2, the second seal hose 11 is arranged along a Z-direction between the frame 5 and the vehicle roof 2. In the state in which they are ready for operation, are squeezed and are installed, the seal hoses 10 and 11 of the seal profile 9 are intended to prevent the penetration of water and/or dust and noise.

(12) In the case of a closed vehicle roof 2, that is to say when the movable roof element 4 is arranged completely in the roof opening 3, the first seal hose 10 seals the transition between the vehicle roof 2 and the roof element 4 as far as possible. Nevertheless, water 18 (dotted line) can pass in the direction of the vehicle interior counter to the Z-direction. As will be explained in still greater detail, the said water 18 is guided in a controlled manner by way of draining (see water droplet 19) in a wet region 20 by means of a drain lip 22 which is arranged on the first seal hose 10, and is discharged from there in a targeted manner via a water guide channel (not shown). It can therefore be prevented or it can at least be prevented as far as possible that water 18 passes into a dry region 21 and/or a drive cable channel 23 of the frame 5.

(13) The seal profile 9 is manufactured from rubber or rubber-like materials. The seal profile 9 has, for example, one or more unfoamed or relatively firm and relatively rigid part profiles, and one or more foamed part profiles which are lighter and softer. For example, solid rubber is used for the relatively firm material, whereas sponge rubber is used for the softer more elastic material. The solid rubber is, for example, unfoamed rubber or hard rubber. Other material combinations are likewise conceivable, however.

(14) In order to achieve the advantages and functions mentioned at the outset during the targeted discharge of water and prevention of the penetration of water into the dry region 21, the seal profile 9 is of special configuration, as described in the following text. In a state in which it is mounted for proper operation, the first seal hose 10 is arranged above the uppermost web 17. In addition, the drain lip 22 shaped in an elongate manner, which extends from the first seal hose 10, is configured in such a way that it extends substantially along a vertical direction (Z-direction) as far as a height below the uppermost web 17. Here, however, the drain lip 22 is arranged spaced apart (spacing A) from the uppermost web 17 and does not form a contact area or touching area with the latter.

(15) Furthermore, the drain lip 22 has a slightly arched or curved profile. In particular, a free end region 24 of the drain lip 22, which end region 24 is arranged below the uppermost web 17, is curved or arched in such a way that the free end region 24, in particular a tip 25 of the drain lip 22, points in a direction away from the movable roof element 4. In other words, the free end region 24 is oriented at an acute angle of at least 15, preferably at least 20, with respect to the vertical direction (Z-direction), reference being made to a main direction of extent R of the free end region 24.

(16) Furthermore, a seamless transition is configured between the first seal hose 10 and the drain lip 22, with the result that the drain lip and the first seal hose have a steady contour profile at least on the side which faces the movable roof element 4.

(17) The described configuration of the drain lip 22 ensures that water 18 which has penetrated can be discharged as rapidly as possible along the direction of gravity into the wet region 20.

(18) Furthermore, the drain lip 22 has a notch 27 as part of a folding hinge 28 in an attaching or transition region 26, in which the drain lip 22 is connected to the first seal hose 10. The notch 27 and the folding hinge 28 are arranged and configured in such a way that, in the case of contact from below with a further element, the drain lip 22 can fold together in a predefined direction in the direction of the frame or second seal hose 11 in a predefined and desired way.

(19) The described, defined folding together is advantageous, in particular, for what is known as a cover lower handle 29 which is arranged on the movable roof element 4 on the side which faces the front side 6. This is shown by way of example in FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3 showing the actual extent of the seal profile 9 and therefore an overlap with the other components, whereas FIG. 4 shows an actual squeezed state. It is to be noted that not all reference signs from FIG. 2 are also illustrated in the further FIGS. 3 to 5.

(20) In the case of the closure of the roof opening 3, the roof element 4 closes in such a way that the cover lower handle 29 is moved from below under the vehicle roof 2, in particular the stamped section 13. In the closed state which is shown in FIG. 4, the cover lower handle 29 squeezes from below against the seal profile 9. Here, the drain lip 22 is bent over in a predefined manner by means of the folding hinge 28. In this state, the free end region 24 of the drain lip 22 points clearly in the direction of the frame 5. The frame 5 does not have a guide rail for a mechanism of the movable roof element 4 along the front side 6 and along the rear side 7, and is therefore of different configuration in the side regions, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. In addition to the folding hinge 28, the curved configuration of the drain lip 22, as described above, also helps the said defined folded-over state (as shown in FIG. 4) to be achieved.

(21) FIG. 5 shows a further installed situation of the seal profile 9, an opening mechanism 30 with a sliding pin 31 being shown in the case of an at least partially open state of the movable roof element 4. The seal profile 9 is shown in its extent before the installation and operationally ready state in a non-hatched version, whereas the drain lip 22 is also shown in a squeezed actual state in a hatched form.

(22) As a result of the above-described curved shape and angular configuration of the drain lip 22, the latter can buckle in a predefined manner (as shown in the hatched version) in the case of contact with the pin 31, with the result that a bulbous kink 32 is configured in the direction of the movable roof element 4 (not shown). Even in the said buckled state, the drain lip 22 is at a predefined spacing from the uppermost web 17.

(23) The described seal, that is to say the seal profile 9, makes the advantages and functions which were mentioned at the outset possible. Water 18 which penetrates into the roof arrangement 8 cannot pass to the uppermost web 17 under normal operating conditions and therefore cannot run over into the dry region 21. It is prevented, furthermore, that water passes into the drive cable channel 23 which can also be a part of the dry region. By virtue of the fact that the drain lip 22 is configured to be so long that it protrudes beyond the uppermost guide rail web 17, water would have to flow upwards counter to gravity, in order to pass into the dry region. On account of the above-described angle of 15 or more than 20 with respect to the vertical direction, water cannot swing around the lip and pass into the dry region and/or the drive cable channel 23, even in the case of an oblique position of 15 of the vehicle 1. In the case of the described concept, merely a single drain lip 22 that extends in an elongate manner is necessary, which screens the penetrating water off from the dry region in all functional positions of the roof arrangement and the vehicle.

(24) Furthermore, jamming or pinching of the drain lip 22 is ruled out in the case of contact with the mechanism, in particular with the pin 31, which mechanism is situated below the uppermost guide web 17.

(25) A further advantage consists in that the drain lip 22 is not in direct contact with the second seal hose 11, with the result that squeezing of the seal hose 11 (not shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, shown in FIG. 4) does not have any effects or has at least only unsubstantial effects on a position of the drain lip 22 itself. Therefore, the drain lip 22 is substantially decoupled from the second seal hose 11.

(26) The described seal profile 9 is also suitable for use in multiple projects, since different installation space situations and tolerance conditions are compensated for particularly satisfactorily.

(27) A further advantage can be seen from FIG. 3, from which it can be seen that a transition of the connecting web 12 which is typically manufactured from a very hard rubber material such as solid rubber to the softer and more elastic material of the second seal hose 11 is as far away as possible from an underside 33 of the seal hose 11. In other words, a transition region 34 from the connecting web 12 to the second seal hose 11 is arranged as high up as possible in relation to the Z-direction. As a result, a risk of jamming with other components is substantially ruled out. This means that, in the case of mounting in which the hard part of the connecting web 12 is substantially not elastically resilient, sufficiently elastic material is available by way of the second seal hose 11, in order to ensure correct and secure, sealing mounting.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(28) 1 Vehicle

(29) 2 Vehicle roof

(30) 3 Roof opening

(31) 4 Roof element

(32) 5 Frame

(33) 6 Front side

(34) 7 Rear side

(35) 8 Roof arrangement

(36) 9 Seal profile

(37) 10 Seal hose

(38) 11 Seal hose

(39) 12 Connecting web

(40) 13 Stamped section

(41) 14 Adhesive bond

(42) 15 Cut-out

(43) 16 Guide rail

(44) 17 Uppermost web

(45) 18 Water

(46) 19 Water droplet

(47) 20 Wet region

(48) 21 Dry region

(49) 22 Drain lip

(50) 23 Drive cable channel

(51) 24 End region

(52) 25 Tip

(53) 26 Transition region

(54) 27 Notch

(55) 28 Folding hinge

(56) 29 Cover lower handle

(57) 30 Opening mechanism

(58) 31 Sliding pin

(59) 32 Kink

(60) 33 Underside

(61) 34 Transition region

(62) A Spacing

(63) R Main direction of extent