U.S. patent application number 14/635414 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for vacuum blocker.
The applicant listed for this patent is Richard M. Kleinhoffer, Cliff R. Reitzloff. Invention is credited to Richard M. Kleinhoffer, Cliff R. Reitzloff.
Application Number | 20150246605 14/635414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54006378 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150246605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kleinhoffer; Richard M. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2015 |
VACUUM BLOCKER
Abstract
A vacuum blocker for a movable roof panel is provided and moves
between an open position and a closed position and between a seated
position and a lifted position when in the closed position relative
to an opening formed in a fixed roof panel of a vehicle. A seal
member is supported by the fixed roof panel and forms a first seal
at a junction of the fixed roof panel and the movable roof panel
when the movable roof panel is in the seated position. A flap
extends between the seal member and the movable roof panel and
forms a second seal at a junction of the seal member and the
movable roof panel when the movable roof panel is in the closed
position and is moved from the seated position to the lifted
position.
Inventors: |
Kleinhoffer; Richard M.;
(Bruce, MI) ; Reitzloff; Cliff R.; (Northville,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kleinhoffer; Richard M.
Reitzloff; Cliff R. |
Bruce
Northville |
MI
MI |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54006378 |
Appl. No.: |
14/635414 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61946112 |
Feb 28, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/216.06 ;
49/484.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 10/27 20160201;
B60J 10/32 20160201; B60J 7/12 20130101; B60J 10/24 20160201; B60J
7/061 20130101; B60J 10/40 20160201; B60J 10/82 20160201; B60J
7/0046 20130101; B60J 10/90 20160201; B60J 10/30 20160201 |
International
Class: |
B60J 10/10 20060101
B60J010/10; B60J 7/12 20060101 B60J007/12; B60J 10/00 20060101
B60J010/00 |
Claims
1. A vacuum blocker for a movable roof panel movable between an
open position and a closed position and between a seated position
and a lifted position when in the closed position relative to an
opening formed in a fixed roof panel of a vehicle, the vacuum
blocker comprising: a seal member supported by the fixed roof panel
and operable to form a first seal at a junction of the fixed roof
panel and the movable roof panel when the movable roof panel is in
the seated position; and a flap extending between said seal member
and the movable roof panel and operable to form a second seal at a
junction of said seal member and the movable roof panel when the
movable roof panel is in the closed position and is moved from the
seated position to the lifted position, said flap moving under
fluid pressure in response to movement of the movable roof panel
from the seated position to the lifted position to maintain said
second seal throughout a range of movement of the movable roof
panel from the seated position to the lifted position.
2. The vacuum blocker of claim 1, wherein said flap is fixed for
movement with the movable panel.
3. The vacuum blocker of claim 2, wherein said flap extends down
from the movable panel and includes a sealing surface in contact
with said seal member.
4. The vacuum blocker of claim 3, wherein said sealing surface is
in contact with said seal member throughout said range of movement
of the movable roof panel from the seated position to the lifted
position and slides along said seal member when the movable roof
panel is moved between the seated position and the lifted
position.
5. The vacuum blocker of claim 1, wherein said flap is in contact
with said seal member and the movable roof panel when the movable
roof panel is in the seated position, said flap being compressed
between said seal member and the movable roof panel when the
movable roof panel is in the seated position.
6. The vacuum blocker of claim 1, wherein said flap is urged into
engagement with the movable roof panel by said seal member when the
movable roof panel is in the seated position.
7. The vacuum blocker of claim 1, wherein said flap is attached to
the movable roof panel by a binding member, said binding member
disposed at an outboard edge of the movable roof panel.
8. The vacuum blocker of claim 1, wherein said flap is fixed for
movement with said seal member.
9. The vacuum blocker of claim 8, wherein said flap includes a
sealing surface in contact with the movable roof panel throughout
said range of movement of the movable roof panel from the seated
position to the lifted position and slides along the movable roof
panel when the movable roof panel is moved between the seated
position and the lifted position.
10. The vacuum blocker of claim 8, wherein said flap is formed from
a flexible material that biases said flap into engagement with the
movable roof panel.
11. The vacuum blocker of claim 10, wherein said flap is integrally
formed with and extends from said seal member.
12. The vacuum blocker of claim 11, wherein said flap extends from
said seal member toward the movable roof panel.
13. A vehicle comprising: a fixed roof panel having an opening; a
movable roof panel movable between an open position and a closed
position and between a seated position and a lifted position when
in the closed position relative to said opening: a seal member
supported by said fixed roof panel and operable to form a first
seal at a junction of said fixed roof panel and said movable roof
panel when said movable roof panel is in said seated position; and
a flap extending between said seal member and said movable roof
panel and operable to form a second seal at a junction of said seal
member and said movable roof panel when said movable roof panel is
in said closed position and is moved from said seated position to
said lifted position, said flap moving under fluid pressure in
response to movement of said movable roof panel from said seated
position to said lifted position to maintain said second seal
throughout a range of movement of said movable roof panel from said
seated position to said lifted position.
14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein said flap is fixed for
movement with said movable panel.
15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein said flap extends down from
said movable panel and includes a sealing surface in contact with
said seal member.
16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein said sealing surface is in
contact with said seal member throughout said range of movement of
said movable roof panel from said seated position to said lifted
position and slides along said seal member when said movable roof
panel is moved between said seated position and said lifted
position.
17. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said flap is fixed for movement
with said seal member.
18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein said flap includes a sealing
surface in contact with the movable roof panel throughout said
range of movement of the movable roof panel from the seated
position to the lifted position and slides along the movable roof
panel when the movable roof panel is moved between the seated
position and the lifted position.
19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein said flap is formed from a
flexible material that biases said flap into engagement with the
movable roof panel.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein said flap is integrally formed
with and extends from said seal member toward the movable roof
panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Ser. No.
61/946,112, filed Feb. 28, 2014.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to vacuum blocking seals for
vehicle cabins.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Fabric or flexible roofs are typically incorporated into
convertible vehicles to permit movement of the roof between an open
state and a closed state. Recently, conventional or fixed-roof
vehicles are incorporating large roof openings to provide vehicle
occupants with an open-air feeling without requiring retraction of
the vehicle roof, as is done in convertible vehicles. Such vehicles
typically incorporate a fabric or other flexible roof panel that is
selectively movable relative to a fixed roof panel between an open
state and a closed state.
[0005] While vehicles with large roof openings and associated
flexible roof panels provide vehicle occupants with an open-air
feeling, such flexible roof panels are difficult to seal relative
to the fixed roof panel. Inadequate sealing can lead to higher
noise levels within a cabin of the vehicle and exposure to external
temperatures or elements.
[0006] One source of such problems is separation of the flexible
roof panel from the vehicle body at the fixed roof panel due to
pressure differentials between the cabin interior and the vehicle
exterior. For example, as vehicle speed increases, airflow around
the vehicle exterior can create an area of low pressure relative to
the interior cabin pressure at the flexible roof panel. This
pressure differential can cause the flexible roof panel to lift up
or balloon outward from the cabin, thereby causing gaps between the
roof material and the vehicle body. These gaps can allow the
relatively low pressure outside the vehicle to act as a vacuum to
draw air from the cabin, which can cause a whistling or buffeting
noise and, further, can lead to difficulty maintaining a desired
cabin temperature. Such gaps further serve as pathways for external
elements such as water or dirt which may enter the cabin during
movement of the vehicle.
[0007] Traditional attempts to minimize separation of a flexible
roof panel from a fixed roof panel include compressing large,
resilient seals to such a degree that the seals expand and maintain
contact with the fixed roof panel as the flexible roof panel lifts
and the seals decompress. This expansion is due to the compressed
geometry and material of the seal seeking to return to its
decompressed state. Such seals are typically either too small to
maintain contact with the roof during the full range of lift, or
involve very large and/or complex geometries requiring a high
degree of compressibility. In addition to seals, cables are
generally included along a periphery of the flexible roof panel to
maintain a predetermined tension in the material of the panel,
thereby minimizing lifting. However, typical seal and cable
solutions are prone to wear, are costly and complex to manufacture,
and increase the weight and packaging size of the overall
assembly.
SUMMARY
[0008] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0009] A vacuum blocker for a movable roof panel is provided and
moves between an open position and a closed position and between a
seated position and a lifted position when in the closed position
relative to an opening formed in a fixed roof panel of a vehicle. A
seal member is supported by the fixed roof panel and forms a first
seal at a junction of the fixed roof panel and the movable roof
panel when the movable roof panel is in the seated position. A flap
extends between the seal member and the movable roof panel and
forms a second seal at a junction of the seal member and the
movable roof panel when the movable roof panel is in the closed
position and is moved from the seated position to the lifted
position. The flap moves under fluid pressure in response to
movement of the movable roof panel from the seated position to the
lifted position to maintain the second seal throughout a range of
movement of the movable roof panel from the seated position to the
lifted position.
[0010] A vehicle includes a fixed roof panel having an opening and
a movable roof panel that moves between an open position and a
closed position and between a seated position and a lifted position
when in the closed position relative to the opening. A seal member
is supported by the fixed roof panel and forms a first seal at a
junction of the fixed roof panel and the movable roof panel when
the movable roof panel is in the seated position. A flap extends
between the seal member and the movable roof panel and forms a
second seal at a junction of the seal member and the movable roof
panel when the movable roof panel is in the closed position and is
moved from the seated position to the lifted position. The flap
moves under fluid pressure in response to movement of the movable
roof panel from the seated position to the lifted position to
maintain the second seal throughout a range of movement of the
movable roof panel from the seated position to the lifted
position.
[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle
incorporating a vehicle roof in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle of FIG.
1 showing the vehicle roof in a retracted or open position;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle roof of FIG.
1 taken along line 3-3 showing a vacuum blacker in accordance with
the principles of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle roof of FIG.
1 showing the vehicle roof in a lifted state;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle roof in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure showing
another vacuum blocker in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle roof of
FIG. 5 in a lifted state.
[0019] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0024] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do
not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the
context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example embodiments.
[0025] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle roof 10 for a
vehicle 12 is provided and includes a fixed roof panel 14 and a
retractable portion 18. The vehicle roof 10 is shown with the
retractable portion 18 in a closed position (FIG. 1) and with the
retractable portion 18 in a retracted or open position (FIG. 2).
The vehicle roof 10 generally has a front end 22 located proximate
to a windshield 24, a rear end 26 located proximate to a rear
window 28, and a pair of sides 30, 34 extending between the front
end 22 and rear end 26.
[0027] The roof panel 14 is formed of a rigid material such as
metal, rigid plastic, or a composite material, for example, and
extends the length of the vehicle roof 10 from the front end 22,
along the sides 30, 34, to the rear end 26. The roof panel 14
defines an aperture 38 and includes a pair of tracks 42, a pair of
side sealing portions 46, and a front sealing portion 50. The
aperture 38 extends through the vehicle roof 10 to a passenger
compartment 54 (FIG. 2). The aperture 38 provides an open-air
environment to the passenger compartment 54 when the retractable
portion 18 is in the retracted or open position. Conversely, when
the retractable portion 18 is in the closed position, the
retractable portion 18 covers the aperture 38, thereby enclosing
the passenger compartment 54.
[0028] The tracks 42 run parallel to each other and along
respective ones of the sides 30, 34 of the roof panel 14. The side
sealing portions 46 similarly run parallel to each other and along
respective ones of the sides 30, 34 of the roof panel 14. The
tracks 42 are located between the side sealing portions 46 and the
aperture 38. The side sealing portions 46 will be discussed in
greater detail below with regard to FIGS. 3-6. The front sealing
portion 50 is located along the front end of the aperture 38 and
connects the side sealing portions 46.
[0029] The retractable portion 18 is bordered by the roof panel 14
along the front and rear ends 22, 26 and along the sides 30, 34.
The retractable portion 18 includes a flexible panel 58 and a
plurality of supports 62 (FIG. 1). The flexible panel 58 can
include a plurality of discrete panels or, alternatively, can be a
single sheet 66 formed of any flexible material such as, for
example, canvas, a flexible synthetic material, or a fabric having
a vinyl-reinforced backing. The flexible panel 58 includes a
central section 70, a peripheral section 74, and a leading edge 78
located proximate to the front end 22. The central section 70
extends across the aperture 38 when the retractable portion 18 is
in the closed position. The peripheral section 74 extends from the
central section 70 and over the tracks 42 to form a seal with the
side sealing portions 46 when the retractable portion 18 is in the
closed position, as will be discussed in greater detail below with
regard to FIGS. 3-6. The leading edge 78 extends from the central
section 70 toward the front end 22 and forms a seal with the front
sealing portion 50.
[0030] Each support 62 extends across the aperture 38 and includes
an end that is respectively coupled to the sides 30, 34 via a
corresponding one of the tracks 42. The supports 62 are slidably
coupled to the tracks 42 for movement along the tracks 42 to allow
the retractable portion 18 to move between the closed position and
the retracted or open position. The supports 62 are coupled to the
central section 70 of the flexible panel 58 for movement therewith.
In the closed position, the supports 62 are spaced apart along the
length of the aperture 38. When the retractable portion 18 is moved
from the closed position (FIG. 1) to the retracted position (FIG.
2), the supports 62 are moved along the tracks 42 toward one
another to decrease the space between adjacent supports 62. As the
space between supports 62 decreases, the flexible sheet 66 folds
upon itself to expose the aperture 38. In moving from the retracted
position to the closed position, the supports 62 move away from one
another and the flexible sheet 66 unfolds until the flexible sheet
66 covers the aperture 38. The supports 62 can be moved between the
closed position and the retracted position manually or,
alternatively, with the assistance of a mechanism (not shown) such
as a motor or hand crank, for example.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, cross-sectional views of a
first configuration of the side sealing portion 46 and peripheral
section 74 are illustrated. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3
and 4 are taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1. The sides 30, 34 of the
vehicle roof 10 are substantially similar, and while FIGS. 3 and 4
illustrate cross-sectional views of side 30, the following
description is understood to also encompass the similar features of
side 34.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle roof 10 with the retractable
portion 18 in the closed position and with the flexible panel 58 in
a seated position. The flexible panel 58 is in the seated position
when a pressure differential between an interior pressure P.sub.I
and an exterior pressure P.sub.E of the vehicle 12 is less than a
predetermined pressure differential. The interior pressure P.sub.I
is the pressure inside the passenger compartment 54 and is exerted
on an interior surface 82 of the flexible sheet 66, while the
exterior pressure P.sub.E is the pressure outside the vehicle 12
and is exerted on an exterior surface 86 of the flexible sheet
66.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates the flexible panel 58 in a lifted
position. The flexible panel 58 is in the lifted position when the
pressure differential between the interior pressure P.sub.I and the
exterior pressure P.sub.E is greater than the predetermined
pressure differential. Namely, the flexible panel 58 is moved into
the lifted position when the interior pressure P.sub.I within the
passenger compartment 54 exceeds the exterior pressure P.sub.E
acting on the exterior surface 86 of the flexible sheet 66 by a
predetermined amount.
[0034] The peripheral section 74 includes a binding member 90, an
end 94 of the flexible sheet 66, and a vacuum blocker 98. The
peripheral section 74 can further include a tension cable (not
shown) that exerts a force on the flexible panel 58 to urge the
flexible panel 58 in a direction toward the roof panel 14. The
vacuum blocker 98 is formed from a flexible material such as, for
example, canvas, flexible synthetic material, or vinyl-reinforced
backing. The vacuum blocker 98 may extend along an entire length of
the peripheral section 74 from the rear end of the peripheral
section 74 to the front end of the peripheral section 74. The
vacuum blacker 98 has a proximate or connected end 102, a distal or
free end 106, an exterior blocker surface 110, and an interior
blocker surface 114. The connected end 102 is coupled to the
flexible panel 58 at the binding member 90. The vacuum blacker 98
extends freely from the connected end 102 to the free end 106. The
exterior blocker surface 110 forms a seal with the side sealing
portion 46, as will be described in detail below.
[0035] The interior blocker surface 114 is formed on an opposite
side of the vacuum blocker 98 than the exterior blocker surface
110. The binding member 90 can be any device that finishes the end
94 of the flexible sheet 66 such as a clamp, adhesive, or a sewn
seam, for example. In addition to finishing the end 94 of the
flexible sheet 66, the binding member 90 couples the vacuum blocker
98 to the flexible panel 58. Alternatively, the vacuum blocker 98
can be an extension of the flexible sheet 66 such that the flexible
sheet 66 and vacuum blocker 98 are a single piece of material,
folded over on itself and held in place by the binding member 90.
Regardless of the particular configuration of the vacuum blocker
98, the end 94 of the flexible sheet 66, and the binding member 90,
the vacuum blocker 98 is free to hang below the flexible panel
58.
[0036] The side sealing portion 46 includes an inner rail 118 and
an inner seal 122. In the example provided, the side sealing
portion 46 also includes an outer rail 126 and an outer seal 130.
The inner and outer rails 118, 126 extend along the length of the
side sealing portion 46 from the rear end of the side sealing
portion 46 to the front end of the side sealing portion 46. The
inner and outer rails 118, 126 are spaced apart and substantially
parallel to one another and extend vertically up from the roof
panel 14 of the vehicle roof 10 to form a trough 134 therebetween.
The inner rail 118 is located closer to the central section 70 and
to the aperture 38 than the outer rail 126. Thus, the inner rail
118 is located between the outer rail 126 and the aperture 38. The
trough 134 can include a drain (not shown) to allow fluid trapped
in the trough 134 to escape the vehicle roof 10.
[0037] The inner seal 122 includes an inner mount 138 and an inner
sealing body 142. The inner seal 122 can be formed of a molded
resilient material such as a foam or rubber, for example. The inner
mount 138 attaches the inner seal 122 to the inner rail 118.
Namely, the inner mount 138 includes a pair of inner slats 146 that
extend from the inner sealing body 142, whereby each of the pair of
inner slats 146 are substantially parallel to one another, are
spaced apart from one another, and straddle the inner rail 118. The
pair of inner slats 146 can be spaced apart such that the inner
rail 118 and the inner slats 146 form a press fit or interference
fit to attach the inner seal 122 to the inner rail 118.
[0038] The inner sealing body 142 extends from the inner mount 138
between the inner rail 118 and the flexible sheet 66. The inner
sealing body 142 is compressible and can include a generally hollow
or tubular shape. In the example provided, the inner sealing body
142 has a generally teardrop-shaped cross-section that becomes
deformed when compressed. The inner sealing body 142 has a first
sealing surface 150. When in the seated position, the inner sealing
body 142 is compressed by the peripheral section 74. In this
position, the vacuum blacker 98 is pressed between the flexible
sheet 66 and the first sealing surface 150 to form a seal
therebetween. In this position, compression of the inner sealing
body 142 forms and maintains the seal between the inner seal 122
and the peripheral section 74 of the flexible panel 58.
[0039] The outer seal 130 includes an outer mount 154 and an outer
sealing body 158. The outer seal 130 can be formed of a molded
resilient material such as a foam or rubber, for example. The outer
mount 154 attaches the outer seal 130 to the outer rail 126.
Namely, the outer mount 154 includes a pair of outer slats 162 that
extend from the outer sealing body 158, whereby each of the pair of
outer slats 162 are substantially parallel to one another, are
spaced apart from one another, and straddle the outer rail 126. The
pair of outer slats 162 can be spaced apart such that the outer
rail 126 and the outer slats 162 form a press fit or interference
fit to attach the outer seal 130 to the outer rail 126.
[0040] The outer sealing body 158 extends from the outer mount 154,
between the outer rail 126 and the flexible sheet 66. The outer
sealing body 158 is compressible and can include a generally hollow
or tubular shape. In the example provided, the outer sealing body
158 has an irregular, tubular shaped cross-section that extends at
an angle up from the outer mount 154 and flattens when compressed.
The outer sealing body 158 has a second sealing surface 166 that,
when in the seated position (FIG. 3), is compressed by the
peripheral section 74. In this position, the second sealing surface
166 forms a seal with the peripheral section 74 proximate to the
binding member 90, whereby compression of the outer sealing body
158 acts to form and maintain the seal between the outer seal 130
and the peripheral section 74 of the flexible panel 58.
[0041] As the pressure differential between the interior pressure
P.sub.I and the exterior pressure P.sub.E increases, the flexible
panel 58 is moved from the seated position (FIG. 3) to the lifted
position (FIG. 4). As the flexible panel 58 moves toward the lifted
position, the inner and outer seals 122, 130 begin to decompress
(i.e., expand) and maintain sealing contact with the flexible panel
58 until fully decompressed or expanded. If the pressure
differential continues to rise after the inner and outer seals 122,
130 have fully decompressed, the flexible panel 58 moves to the
lifted position. In the lifted position, the flexible panel 58 no
longer presses against the inner and outer seals 122, 130 to form a
seal therebetween. In this position, the pressure differential
creates a suction pressure P.sub.s (FIG. 4) that attempts to draw
air from the passenger compartment 54 to the vehicle exterior
through a gap 170 between the inner and outer seals 122, 130 and
the flexible sheet 66.
[0042] The suction pressure P.sub.s holds the vacuum blocker 98
against the inner sealing body 142 to prevent air from being drawn
from the passenger compartment 54 to the vehicle exterior through
the gap 170. The vacuum blocker 98 also limits penetration of
exterior elements such as noise, water, or dirt, for example, into
the passenger compartment 54. The vacuum blocker 98 is of
sufficient length to allow the flexible panel 58 to lift a maximum
height or distance away from the roof panel 14 during vehicle
operation while the suction pressure P.sub.s maintains contact
between the vacuum blocker 98 and the inner seal 122. Accordingly,
when in the seated position, the vacuum blocker 98 drapes down
toward the passenger compartment 54 and can hang below the inner
sealing body 142. After full decompression of the inner seal 122
and as the flexible panel 58 lifts toward the lifted position, the
connected end 102 of the vacuum blocker 98 is pulled up with the
flexible sheet 66 in the direction (Z; FIG. 4). The exterior
blocker surface 110 slides along the inner sealing body 142 while
the suction pressure P.sub.S (i.e., fluid pressure) maintains
sealing contact between the vacuum blocker 98 and the inner seal
122. In one configuration, the maximum amount of travel of the
flexible panel 58 into the lifted position is approximately between
12 mm and 20 mm. Accordingly, the vacuum blocker 98 may include a
length of approximately 35 mm to maintain contact with the inner
sealing body 142 throughout the range of motion of the flexible
panel 58 into the lifted position.
[0043] The vacuum blocker 98 is of sufficient length and stiffness
such that the suction pressure P.sub.S, during normal vehicle
operation, is insufficient to force the vacuum blocker 98 to be
entirely sucked or moved out of the gap 170 between the flexible
sheet 66 and the inner seal 122. As the pressure differential
decreases below the predetermined pressure, the flexible panel 58
and vacuum blocker 98 move toward the seated position until fully
seated. As the flexible panel 58 returns to the seated position,
exterior blocker surface 110 slides back down the inner sealing
body 142 in the direction (Y)--opposite to direction (Z)--until
compression of the inner sealing body 142 takes over to form the
seal between the inner seal 122 and the flexible panel 58 and the
flexible panel 58 returns to the seated position.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a cross-sectional view of
another peripheral section 74' is illustrated. As with the
peripheral section 74, the peripheral section 74' may be used with
the vehicle 12 and would be used in place of the peripheral section
74 of the vehicle roof 10. Accordingly, the cross-sectional views
of FIGS. 5 and 6 are taken in a similar location as line 3-3 of
FIG. 1.
[0045] The sides 30, 34 of the vehicle roof 10 are substantially
similar, and while FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate section views of side
30 of the vehicle roof 10, the following description also
encompasses the similar features of side 34 of the vehicle roof
10.
[0046] In view of the substantial similarity in structure and
function of the components associated with the peripheral section
74 with respect to the peripheral section 74', like reference
numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like
components while like reference numerals containing an apostrophe
(') are used to identify those components that have been
modified.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates the vehicle roof 10 with the retractable
portion 18 in the closed position and with the flexible panel 58 in
a seated position.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates the vehicle roof 10 of FIG. 5 with the
flexible panel 58 in the lifted position.
[0049] The peripheral section 74' includes the binding member 90
and a vacuum blacker 98'. The vacuum blocker 98' is mounted to the
inner sealing body 142 and may be integrally formed or molded to
the inner sealing body 142. For example and in one configuration,
the vacuum blocker 98' is mounted to an interior side 174 of the
inner sealing body 142 and extends upward therefrom toward the
flexible sheet 66. The vacuum blocker 98' extends the length of the
side sealing portion 46 from the rear end of the side sealing
portion 46 to the front end of the side sealing portion 46. The
vacuum blocker 98' has a proximate, or connected end 102', a distal
or free end 106', an exterior blocker surface 110', and an interior
blocker surface 114'. The connected end 102' is coupled to the
inner sealing body 142. The vacuum blocker 98' extends freely from
the connected end 102' to the free end 106'. The exterior blocker
surface 110' forms a seal with the flexible panel 58, as will be
described in detail below. The interior blocker surface 114' is
formed on an opposite side of the vacuum blocker 98' than the
exterior blocker surface 110'.
[0050] In the seated position, the flexible sheet 66 directly
contacts the inner seal 122 to compress the inner sealing body 142
and form a seal between the first sealing surface 150 and the
interior surface 82 of the flexible sheet 66 (FIG. 5). In this
position, the vacuum blocker 98' extends from the interior side 174
of the inner sealing body 142 toward the flexible sheet 66 and, in
fact, contacts the interior surface 82 of the flexible sheet 66 at
the exterior blocker surface 110'. In the present example, the
vacuum blocker 98' extends vertically, toward the flexible sheet 66
when the flexible panel 58 is in the seated position. The vacuum
blocker 98' contacts the flexible sheet 66 as the vacuum blocker
98' is biased in a direction (X; FIG. 5) toward the interior
surface 82 of the flexible sheet 66. Thus, in the seated position,
the vacuum blocker 98' is compressed down by the flexible sheet 66.
The free end 106' of the vacuum blocker 78' is free to hang down
from the flexible sheet 66 and toward the passenger compartment 54
in a direction (Q; FIG. 5) that is opposite to direction (X). In
this position, compression of the inner sealing body 142 along with
the vacuum blocker 98' acts to form and maintain the seal between
the inner seal 122 and the peripheral section 74' of the flexible
panel 58.
[0051] As the pressure differential between the interior pressure
P.sub.I and the exterior pressure P.sub.E increases, the flexible
panel 58 is moved from the seated position to the lifted position
(FIG. 6). As the flexible panel 58 moves toward the lifted
position, the inner and outer seals 122, 130 begin to decompress or
expand and maintain sealing contact with the flexible panel 58
until fully decompressed or expanded. If the pressure differential
continues to rise above a threshold or predetermined value, the
flexible panel 58 moves to the lifted position and both of the
seals 122, 130 may be disengaged from the flexible panel 58.
[0052] In the lifted position, the flexible sheet 66 is no longer
pressing against the inner and outer seals 122, 130 or the vacuum
blocker 98' to form a seal therebetween. In this position, the
pressure differential creates a suction pressure P.sub.s' that
attempts to draw air from the passenger compartment 54 to the
vehicle exterior through the gap 170 between the inner and outer
seals 122, 130 and the flexible sheet 66. The suction pressure
P.sub.s' holds the vacuum blocker 98' against the interior surface
82 of the flexible sheet 66 to prevent air from being drawn from
the passenger compartment 54 to the vehicle exterior through the
gap 170. The vacuum blocker 98' also limits penetration of exterior
elements such as noise, water, or dirt, for example, into the
passenger compartment 54. The vacuum blocker 98' is of sufficient
length to allow the flexible panel 58 to lift the maximum height
possible during vehicle operation while the vacuum blocker 98'
maintains contact with the interior surface 82 of the flexible
sheet 66.
[0053] As the cover lifts toward the lifted position and after full
decompression of the inner seal 122, the exterior blocker surface
110' of the vacuum blocker 98' moves along the interior surface 82
of the flexible sheet 66 while the suction pressure P.sub.S'
maintains sealing contact between the vacuum blocker 98' and the
interior surface 82. In one configuration, the maximum amount of
travel of the flexible panel 58 is approximately between 12 mm and
20 mm. Accordingly, the vacuum blocker 98' may include a length of
approximately 35 mm to maintain contact with the interior surface
82 throughout the range of motion of the flexible panel 58 into the
lifted position.
[0054] The vacuum blocker 98' is of sufficient length and stiffness
such that the suction pressure P.sub.S', during normal vehicle
operation, is insufficient to force the vacuum blocker 98' to be
entirely sucked out of the gap 170 between the flexible sheet 66
and the inner seal 122. As the pressure differential decreases
below the predetermined pressure, the flexible panel 58 and vacuum
blocker 98' then move toward the seated position in the direction
(Q) until fully seated. As the flexible panel 58 returns to the
seated position, exterior blocker surface 110' moves back along the
interior surface 82 of the flexible sheet 66 until compression of
the inner sealing body 142 takes over to form the seal between the
inner seal 122 and the flexible panel 58 along with the exterior
blocker surface 110'.
[0055] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *