U.S. patent application number 17/073594 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-21 for sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof assemblies for use with vehicles.
This patent application is currently assigned to AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Jacob GRIMALDO, Tatsuya MATSUI, Michael MIXON, Micah WEDEKIND.
Application Number | 20220118835 17/073594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005161302 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-21 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20220118835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GRIMALDO; Jacob ; et
al. |
April 21, 2022 |
SUNROOF DRIVE APPARATUS AND RELATED SUNROOF ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH
VEHICLES
Abstract
Sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof assemblies for use
with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed assembly includes a
sunroof panel, a rail, a guide block attached to part of the rail,
a bracket beneath the sunroof panel, a link in the rail removably
connected to the guide block, and a drive shoe in the rail slidably
coupled to the link. The drive shoe includes first and second slots
to receive respective first and second pins of the link. The link
can rotate about a rotation axis from a first orientation in which
the link is inseparable from the guide block to a target
orientation in which the link is separable from the guide block.
When the first pin enters a locking area at an end of the first
slot, the drive shoe imparts one or more loads on the first pin
that urge the link into the target orientation.
Inventors: |
GRIMALDO; Jacob; (Westland,
MI) ; WEDEKIND; Micah; (Livonia, MI) ; MIXON;
Michael; (Brighton, MI) ; MATSUI; Tatsuya;
(Novi, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC. |
Northville |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA,
INC.
Northville
MI
|
Family ID: |
1000005161302 |
Appl. No.: |
17/073594 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/024 20130101;
B60J 7/0573 20130101; B60J 7/057 20130101; B60J 7/053 20130101;
B60J 7/022 20130101; B60J 7/043 20130101; B60J 7/0435 20130101;
B60J 7/192 20130101; B60J 7/047 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60J 7/053 20060101
B60J007/053; B60J 7/02 20060101 B60J007/02; B60J 7/19 20060101
B60J007/19 |
Claims
1. An assembly for a sunroof of a vehicle, comprising: a sunroof
panel; a rail extending in a length direction of the vehicle, the
rail including multiple guide channels to receive and guide movable
sunroof components; a guide block attached to a part of the rail
between a first end of the rail and second end of the rail opposite
to the first end; a bracket beneath the sunroof panel and
supporting the sunroof panel, the bracket including a first end and
a second end opposite to the first end that is a pivot point of the
bracket, the bracket configured to pivot about the pivot point
relative to the rail to change a state of the sunroof; a link in
the rail removably connected to the guide block, a first end of the
link pivotably coupled to a part of the bracket between the first
and second ends of the bracket, the link including a first pin
positioned at an intermediate portion of the link and a second pin,
spaced from the first pin, positioned at a second end of the link
opposite to the first end; and a drive shoe in the rail slidably
coupled to the link, the drive shoe including a first slot
extending through the drive shoe configured to receive the first
pin and guide the first pin through a part of the drive shoe to
control an angular motion parameter of the link, the drive shoe
including a second slot extending through the drive shoe configured
to receive the second pin and guide the second pin through a
different part of the drive shoe to provide and maintain a rotation
axis of the link, movement of the drive shoe relative to the link
rotating the link about the rotation axis from a first orientation
in which the link is inseparable from the guide block to a target
orientation in which the link is separable from the guide block,
the drive shoe including a locking area at an end of the first slot
to receive and hold the first pin during sunroof operation, and
when the first pin enters the locking area, the drive shoe is
configured to impart one or more loads on the first pin that urge
the link into the target orientation and enable the link and the
bracket to slide along the rail together with the drive shoe in the
length direction of the vehicle.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking area has a first
width that is greater than a second width of a section of the first
slot adjacent the locking area, and when the first pin is in the
locking area, the drive shoe directly contacts a front portion of
the first pin and a rear portion of the first pin opposite to the
front portion.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein first slot defines a non-linear
path along which the first pin is to travel extending from the end
of the first slot to an opposite end of the first slot, and wherein
the second slot defines a linear path along which the second pin is
to travel extending from an end of the second slot to an opposite
end of the second slot.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the non-linear path extends in
a length direction of the drive shoe and a height direction of the
drive shoe, and wherein the linear path extends only in the length
direction of the drive shoe.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the first and second pins are
positioned on a first side of the link, the link includes third and
fourth pins between the first and second pins and positioned on a
second side of the link opposite to the first side of the link, and
the guide block includes third and fourth slots extending through
the guide block to receive the respective third and fourth pins,
the third and fourth pins configured to slide through respective
third and fourth slots in the guide block to provide support to the
link as the link rotates, where the third and fourth pins remain in
direct contact with the guide block at all orientations of the link
to reduce operational noise.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the link includes an overmolded
portion covering the first, second, third and fourth pins and
positioned between a side portion of the rail and the drive shoe,
the overmolded portion defining first and second touch points
configured to abut the drive shoe at all states of the sunroof to
provide support to the first and second pins and prevent twisting
of the link, the overmolded portion defining a support surface that
extends from the third pin to the fourth pin configured to abut the
rail or the guide block at all states of the sunroof to provide
support to the third and fourth pins and further prevent twisting
of the link.
7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the link includes a link body
to which the first, second, third, and fourth pins are coupled, the
link including at least one bead defined by the link body and the
first, second, third, or fourth pin configured to reduce stress in
the link resulting from a load applied to the link.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the link includes an elongated
bead coupled thereto configured to increase a cross-sectional
stiffness of the link, the elongated bead extending in a length
direction of the link between the first and second ends of the
link.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the elongated bead includes a
first linear segment arranged along a part of link and a second
linear segment adjacent the first linear segment arranged along a
different part of the link, the first linear segment angled
relative to the second linear segment.
10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the link includes a flange
coupled thereto configured to increase rigidity of the link, the
flange adjacent the elongated bead and curving away from the
elongated bead.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first orientation of the
link provides a fully lowered position of the first end of the
bracket, the target orientation of the link provides a fully raised
position of the first end of the bracket, and movement of the drive
shoe relative to the link from an initial drive shoe position to a
final drive shoe position rotates the link about the rotation axis
in a single rotational direction from the first orientation to the
target orientation.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to vehicles and, more
particularly, to sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof
assemblies for use with vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Motor vehicles typically employ sunroofs to improve comfort
of vehicle occupants by allowing sunlight to enter a vehicle cabin
through a sunroof panel (e.g., glass). Some vehicle sunroofs are
configured to open and close, which may be desirable to the vehicle
occupants (e.g., when the vehicle cabin is relatively hot). For
example, a known vehicle sunroof may have a panel that can be moved
(e.g., tilted, raised, lowered, etc.) in response to a sunroof
motor generating output.
SUMMARY
[0003] An aspect of the present disclosure includes an assembly for
a sunroof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a sunroof panel and a
rail extending in a length direction of the vehicle. The rail
includes multiple guide channels to receive and guide movable
sunroof components. The assembly also includes a guide block
attached to a part of the rail between a first end of the rail and
second end of the rail opposite to the first end and a bracket
beneath the sunroof panel and supporting the sunroof panel. The
bracket includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first
end that is a pivot point of the bracket. The bracket is configured
to pivot about the pivot point relative to the rail to change a
state of the sunroof. The assembly also includes a link in the rail
removably connected to the guide block. A first end of the link is
pivotably coupled to a part of the bracket between the first and
second ends of the bracket. The link includes a first pin
positioned at an intermediate portion of the link and a second pin,
spaced from the first pin, positioned at a second end of the link
opposite to the first end. The assembly also includes a drive shoe
in the rail slidably coupled to the link. A first slot extending
through the drive shoe is configured to receive the first pin and
guide the first pin through a part of the drive shoe to control an
angular motion parameter of the link. A second slot extending
through the drive shoe is configured to receive the second pin and
guide the second pin through a different part of the drive shoe to
provide and maintain a rotation axis of the link. Movement of the
drive shoe relative to the link rotates the link about the rotation
axis from a first orientation in which the link is inseparable from
the guide block to a target orientation in which the link is
separable from the guide block. A locking area at an end of the
first slot can receive and hold the first pin during sunroof
operation. When the first pin enters the locking area, the drive
shoe is configured to impart one or more loads on the first pin
that urge the link into the target orientation and enable the link
and the bracket to slide along the rail together with the drive
shoe in the length direction of the vehicle.
[0004] The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of general
introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a view of an example vehicle in which examples
disclosed herein can be implemented;
[0007] FIG. 2A is a partial-view of the example vehicle of FIG. 1
and shows an example vehicle sunroof in a first state;
[0008] FIG. 2B is a view of the example vehicle sunroof of FIG. 2A
and shows a different state of the example vehicle sunroof;
[0009] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are detailed views of an
example assembly for a sunroof of a vehicle in accordance with the
teachings of this disclosure;
[0010] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are detailed views of an example drive
shoe and show different stages of a sunroof opening operation;
[0011] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are detailed views of an example guide
block and show the different stages of the sunroof opening
operation.
[0012] FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial views of the example assembly
and show different stages of a sunroof closing operation;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of an example link in accordance
with the teachings of this disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E are other detailed views of the
example link of FIG. 7 and show additional implementations
thereof;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top-view of the example assembly and shows an
example drive mechanism positioned in an example sunroof rail;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the example assembly
along line E-E of FIG. 9 and shows positioning associated with the
example drive mechanism and the example sunroof rail; and
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side-view of the example assembly and shows
example panel motion provided by the example drive mechanism.
[0018] The figures are not to scale. In general, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying
written description to refer to the same or like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Some vehicle sunroofs have known single link systems that
are structured to control movement of a glass panel based on motor
output. For example, a known single link system can include a main
bracket arranged along a side of the glass panel of a sunroof and
fixedly coupled to the glass panel. Additionally, the known system
can be provided with a motor-driven drive mechanism that is
slidably coupled to a sunroof rail extending along a roof a
vehicle. The known drive mechanism can include a known slidable
shoe and a known rotatable link operatively coupled to the slidable
shoe and the main bracket holding the panel, where interaction of
the shoe and the link rotates the link and the bracket to open or
close the sunroof. That is, the known link acts as lever to lift an
end of the glass panel. As such, during sunroof operation,
relatively high forces can be applied to the link, the shoe, and
associated connecting parts. Further, in certain scenarios (e.g.,
when driving at high speeds), suction forces acting on the glass
panel can create additional, excessive forces that are applied to
such known components of the drive mechanism. As a result, the
known link can be subject to substantial twisting due to uneven
force distribution in its interaction with the rail and shoe during
opening and closing operations, which creates binding and reduces
efficiency in the system. Additionally, such a known link has a
relatively long lever arm through which the forces are transmitted.
The length of the arm of the known link can further contribute to
such undesired twisting as well as create a potential for damage to
the system. For example, relatively high stress concentrations may
exists in areas of the link where pins are coupled to the link, and
mechanical failure of the link can occur in these areas under high
loading conditions.
[0020] The known link may be provided with two pins that slide
along slots extending through the shoe to change the orientation of
the link. Due to the inherent structure of the known link, an area
behind at least one of the pins is not sufficiently supported,
which allows the above mentioned twisting to occur under high
loading conditions and/or rattling noises to be heard during
vibration. Additionally, such a known system may also be provided
with a known guide block attached to the rail that interacts with
the link. In particular, the known guide block can be configured to
substantially maintain a position of the link relative to the shoe,
while allowing the link to rotate about one of the pins until the
shoe reaches a final position relative to the link in which the
shoe can drag or pull the link horizontally across the rail.
Accordingly, the known link can also be provided with two different
pins that slide along slots extending through the guide block to
temporarily prevent separation of the guide block and the link.
However, the known guide block may fail to sufficiently hold at
least one of the pins when the sunroof in is in a vented state,
which can lead to unwanted noise. That is, when the sunroof is in
the vented state, the pin substantially floats in a portion of the
slot due to a size and/or shape of the pin and the slot, where the
pin may partially or fully slip out of the guide block during the
closing operation and/or when relatively high loads are present in
the system. Typically, to support this area during the closing
operation, a supplemental anti-rotation feature is provided on the
link configured to slide against part of the shoe. However, after
an initial stage of the closing operation is carried out, such an
anti-rotation feature on the link is ineffective.
[0021] Additionally, during the opening and closing operations,
motion of the glass panel provided by these known drive mechanisms
is substantially inefficient and has a non-continuous appearance.
This is due to an extra step needed to lower the link into a
locking position relative to the shoe. In particular, the known
link reaches its highest rotation angle when the sunroof is in the
vented state prior to the shoe reaching the final position relative
to the link. As the shoe moves to the final position relative to
the link, the rotation angle of the link slightly decreases such
that the end of the glass panel moves downward.
[0022] Sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof assemblies for
use with vehicles are disclosed. Examples disclosed herein provide
a light-weight and cost-effective solution to advantageously
control motion of a panel (e.g., glass) of a sunroof. Some
disclosed examples provide an assembly (e.g., a single link
assembly) for the sunroof that includes an exemplary bracket (e.g.,
a function bracket) and an exemplary drive mechanism having
improved performance characteristics. The bracket may be arranged
alongside the panel and configured to carry and/or support the
panel. The disclosed drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the
bracket and configured to adjust the bracket between different
positions based on a motor output applied to the drive mechanism,
which opens or closes the sunroof. For example, the bracket can be
adjusted by the drive mechanism between any of a lowered position,
a tilted position, a raised position, and the like. The disclosed
drive mechanism includes an example link that is pivotably coupled
to a part of the bracket between a first end (e.g., rear end) of
the bracket and a second end (e.g., a front end that is a pivot
point of the bracket) of the bracket opposite to the first end. The
drive mechanism also includes an example drive shoe slidably
coupled to the link via a pin and slot connection. Each of the link
and the drive shoe is positioned in a track or rail of the sunroof
assembly and can move along a guide channel extending through the
rail to receive guidance from the rail during sunroof operation.
Additionally, the drive shoe may be connected to at least one motor
(e.g., an electric motor of a sunroof), where output of the motor
enables the drive shoe to slide along the rail.
[0023] Generally speaking, the disclosed drive mechanism is
changeable and/or configured to change between a first state (e.g.,
a sliding state) in which the drive shoe is movable relative to the
link and a second state (e.g., a dragging state) in which the drive
shoe and the link are temporarily locked together. When the drive
mechanism is in the first state, the drive shoe can slide against
first and second pins (e.g., front and rear pins) on the link to
adjust a relative orientation of the link in a controlled manner.
In particular, movement of the drive shoe relative to the link
changes the relative orientation of the link and, as a result,
changes a relative orientation of the bracket (and the panel held
by the bracket), such that the first end of the bracket moves up or
down. On the other hand, when the drive mechanism is in the second
state, the relative orientation of the link and a position of the
link relative to the drive shoe are substantially fixed, where the
drive shoe can drag or pull the link and the bracket along the rail
in a length direction of the vehicle.
[0024] To facilitate controlling the orientation of the link, and
the disclosed drive shoe can be provided with slots for guiding
movement of the pins. For example, a first slot extending through
the drive shoe can be configured to receive the first pin on the
link and guide the first pin through a part of the drive shoe to
control an angular motion parameter (e.g., any of an angular
position, an angular velocity, and the like) of the link. Further,
a second, separate slot extending through the drive shoe can be
configured to receive the second pin on the link and guide the
second pin through a different part of the drive shoe to provide
and maintain a rotation axis of the link. The first slot may define
a non-linear path along which the first pin can travel, while the
second slot may define a linear path along which the second pin can
travel. In particular, as the first and second pins travel across
the respective paths, the drive shoe urges the link to rotate about
the rotation axis (i.e., about the second pin) between any of a
first orientation of the link in which the first end of the bracket
is fully lowered, a second or intermediate orientation of the link
in which the first end of the bracket is partially raised, and/or a
third or target orientation in which the first end of the bracket
is fully raised.
[0025] More particularly, the disclosed drive shoe is provided with
an example locking area positioned at an end of the first slot to
interact with the first pin, which facilitates transitioning the
drive mechanism from the first state to the second state as well as
maintaining the drive mechanism in the second state to allow
horizontal translation of the system along the rail. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, the disclosed drive mechanism
utilizes an updated drive shoe path in which a position of the
disclosed locking area allows for a higher rotation angle of the
link compared to the above-mentioned known mechanism(s). This also
allows for a shorter link with an exemplary pin layout that reduces
stress concentrations in the link and more evenly distributes the
loads on the pins during sunroof operation. Additionally, some
examples disclosed herein provide exemplary features on an
overmolded portion of the link to reduce a certain amount of
cross-car rotation without impeding the functionality of the
mechanism. As a result, examples disclosed herein increase system
efficiency as well as reduce and/or eliminate binding associated
with the above-mentioned known mechanism(s). The disclosed drive
shoe path also allows for a more continuous motion of the panel
when opening or closing the sunroof (e.g., see FIG. 11), where the
link rotates about the rotation axis in a single rotational
direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) from the first
orientation to the target orientation.
[0026] The disclosed drive mechanism may transition from the first
state to the second state in response to the first pin entering the
locking area of the drive shoe during a sunroof opening operation.
For example, as the first pin enters the locking area, the drive
shoe is configured to impart a certain load on the first pin that
urges the link into the target orientation. Further, the drive shoe
is configured to engage and/or directly contact front and rear
portions of the first pin while the first pin is in the locking
area, which allows the drive shoe to effectively drag or pull the
link and the bracket horizontally along the rail.
[0027] Additionally, to facilitate transitioning the drive
mechanism back to the first state as well as maintaining the drive
mechanism in the first state, the assembly can be provided with an
example guide block attached to a part of the rail between a first
end of the rail and a second end of the rail opposite to the first
end. The disclosed guide block can removably connect to the link
via a pin and slot connection. While connected together, the guide
block is structured to prevent the link and the bracket from
translating along the rail until the target orientation of the link
is achieved. For example, the third and fourth pins on the link can
slide against the guide block to substantially maintain the
position of the link relative to the drive shoe, while allowing for
changes in the relative orientation of the link. In particular,
when the target orientation of the link is achieved, the link and
the guide block can separate from each other, where the third and
fourth pins exit the guide block and enter the rail to receive
support from the rail.
[0028] Some examples disclosed herein utilize one or more updated
guide block paths in which the engagement of the guide block and
the third and fourth pins is maintained during rotation of the
link. In such examples, each of the third and fourth pins remains
substantially engaged with internal surface(s) of the guide block
at all orientations of the link, where the guide block sufficiently
holds each of the third and fourth pins until the third and fourth
pins exit the guide block and enter the rail in a controlled
manner, as will be discussed further below. As a result, the third
and fourth pins are prevented from slipping out of the guide block
under high loading conditions, and related noise is substantially
reduced and/or eliminated. Additionally, the above-mentioned
supplemental anti-rotation feature can be removed from the system
to reduce costs and/or save space.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a view of an example vehicle (e.g., a motor
vehicle) 100 in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented.
The vehicle 100 of FIG. 1 could be, for example, any of a car, a
van, a truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and like, or any other
suitable motor vehicle. According to the illustrated example of
FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes an example sunroof 102, an example
controller 104, and one or more example motors 106. The controller
of FIG. 1 is structured and/or configured to control the motor(s)
106 to change a state of the sunroof 102, for example, from a first
state (e.g., a closed state) to a second state (e.g., an open
state) or vice versa. In some examples, the controller 104 of FIG.
1 receives a user input from an input device (e.g., an in-vehicle
button or switch accessible to an occupant in the vehicle 100)
connected to the controller 104 and, in response, opens or closes
the sunroof 102 via the motor(s) 106 and based on the user
input.
[0030] The controller 104 of FIG. 1 can be implemented, for
example, using one or more microcontrollers, one or more electronic
control units (ECUs), and the like, any other suitable control
circuitry, or a combination thereof. As such, the controller 104
may include at least one processor and a database in communication
with the processor. The controller 104 is sometimes referred to as
a sunroof controller and/or a vehicle controller. Additionally, the
controller 104 is communicatively coupled to the motor(s) 106, for
example, via a transmission or signal wire, a bus, radio frequency,
etc. In some examples, the controller 104 provides electrical power
and/or one or more control signals or commands to the motor(s) 106,
thereby controlling the motor(s) 106 and/or an output thereof
(e.g., a torque and/or a force). In other examples, the controller
104 receives (e.g., continuously and/or repeatedly) data from the
motor(s) 106, such as positional data that may be indicative of a
panel position and/or the state of the sunroof 102.
[0031] The controller 104 of FIG. 1 may also be communicatively
coupled to an input device, which facilitates interactions between
the controller 104 and a person or user. The input device may be
positioned in the vehicle 100 such that a vehicle occupant can
activate and/or provided an input to the input device. In some
examples, the controller 104 receives input data from the input
device corresponding to a certain sunroof state or panel position.
In response to receiving the input data, the controller 104
processes the input data and/or directs the motor(s) 106 in
accordance with the input data.
[0032] The sunroof 102 of FIG. 1 can be implemented, for example,
using any of a panoramic sunroof, a pop-up sunroof, a sliding
sunroof, a spoiler sunroof, and the like, or any other suitable
vehicle sunroof. The sunroof 102 is sometimes referred to as a
vehicle sunroof. In some examples, the sunroof 102 is structured
and/or configured to open, close, vent, and/or change between
different sunroof states, for examples, in response to the motor(s)
106 generating output. As such, the sunroof 102 may be provided
with at least one movable panel (e.g., a glass panel) that can be
tilted, raised, lowered, and the like. In such examples, when
closed or in the first state, the sunroof 102 of FIG. 1
substantially isolates a cabin 108 of the vehicle 100 from an
outside or external environment, such that external fluids (e.g.,
water, air, etc.) are prevented from flowing into the cabin 108
through the sunroof 102. Of course, light (e.g., sunlight) may be
transmitted through the panel(s) of the sunroof 102 when the
sunroof 102 is closed or in the first state. On the other hand,
when open or in the second state, the sunroof 102 exposes the
vehicle cabin 108 to the external environment, such that ambient
air is permitted or enabled to flow into the vehicle cabin 108,
which may be desired by a driver and/or vehicle occupant(s) in
certain driving conditions.
[0033] The motor(s) 106 of FIG. 1 can be implemented, for example,
using one or more electric motors. The motor(s) 106 are coupled to
the sunroof 102 and/or supported by a sunroof component. Further,
the motor(s) 106 may be communicatively coupled to the controller
104. In some examples, in response to receiving the power and/or
the control signal(s) or command(s) from the controller 104, the
motor(s) 106 cause the sunroof 102 to open, close, and/or change
between the different sunroof states.
[0034] FIG. 2A is a partial-view of the vehicle 100 and shows the
sunroof 102 in the first state. The sunroof 102 of FIG. 2A is
coupled to a roof 202 of the vehicle 100, for example, via one or
more example fasteners and/or one or more example fastening methods
or techniques. Further, the sunroof 102 of FIG. 2A or at least part
thereof is disposed in an aperture 203 extending through the roof
202. The aperture 203 can be, for example, a relatively large
opening in the roof 202 that is sized and/or shaped to receive one
or more sunroof components. The sunroof 102 may be provided with
one or more example panels (e.g., glass panels) 204, 206, two of
which are shown in this example (i.e., a first panel 204 and a
second panel 206). In FIG. 2A, the first panel 204 is movable
and/or is configured to move between a first panel position (as
shown in FIG. 2A) and a second panel position different from the
first panel position, which changes the state of the sunroof 102.
The first panel position can be, for example, a lowered position of
the first panel 204 corresponding to the first state of the sunroof
102. On the other hand, the second panel position can be, for
example, a tilted position or a raised position of the first panel
204 corresponding to the second state of the sunroof 102. In some
examples, the first panel 204 can slide over or under the second
panel 206 to open the sunroof 102 (e.g., see FIG. 2B). Additionally
or alternatively, in some examples, the second panel 206 of FIG. 2A
is likewise movable and/or configured to move between the first
panel position and the second panel position.
[0035] As previously mentioned, the sunroof 102 of FIG. 2A is in
the first state. As such, the first panel 204 of FIG. 2A is in the
first panel position, and/or the second panel 206 of FIG. 2A is in
the first panel position. To facilitate translating the panel(s)
204, 206 and/or controlling positions thereof, the sunroof 102 is
provided with one or more exemplary assemblies 208, 210, two of
which are shown. For example, in FIG. 2A, a first assembly (e.g., a
single link assembly) 208 is associated with translating a first
side of the first panel 204, while a second assembly (e.g., a
single link assembly) 210 is associated with translating a second
side of the first panel 204 opposite to the first side. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, each of the assemblies 208, 210
include one or more particular sunroof components that function
cooperatively to adjust a position and/or an orientation of the
first panel 204 based on motor output. Such component(s) include,
but are not limited to, any of an adjustable bracket, a catch
device for the adjustable bracket, a slidable shoe, a rotatable
link, a guide block, a guide track or rail, a cable, and the like,
any other suitable component(s) associated with sunroof operation,
or a combination thereof. For example, an adjustable bracket (e.g.,
the example bracket 302 described below) may be arranged along a
side of the first panel 204 and coupled to the side, where the
adjustable bracket provides support to and/or holds the first panel
204 or at least the side thereof. In another example, a sunroof
track or rail (e.g., the example rail 304 described below) may
extend in a length direction of the vehicle 100 across a certain
dimension (e.g., a length) 211 of the sunroof 102 or at least part
of the dimension 211, which provides one or more paths or guideways
along which movable sunroof components can travel.
[0036] In some examples, when the motor(s) 106 generate output, the
first and second assemblies 208, 210, together, advantageously
guide the first panel 204 of FIG. 2A between the first and second
panel positions. Additionally, when the motor(s) 106 cease
generating the output, the first and second assemblies 208, 210,
together, can effectively hold the first panel 204 in one of the
first panel position, the second panel position, or a different
panel position, where the first panel 204 is substantially immobile
(e.g., until subsequent motor output is generated). In such
examples, each assembly 208, 210 or at least part thereof is
connected to the motor(s) 106 to receive the output therefrom, for
example, via one or more cables, belts, chains, etc. that extend
from the motor(s) 106 to a movable component of the assembly 208,
210.
[0037] Additionally, the first assembly 208 and/or the second
assembly 210 can be advantageously utilized to secure the first
panel 204 in the presence of relatively high panel forces
associated with causing panel or bracket deflection. In certain
driving scenarios, one or more external forces (e.g., any of
suction forces, impact forces, etc.) 212 may be applied to the
first panel 204 while the sunroof 102 is closed or in the first
state, which urges the first panel 204 to move and/or deflect along
with the sunroof component(s) connected to the first panel 204.
Such force(s) 212 can be generated, for example, as a result of the
vehicle 100 driving at relatively high speeds and/or during a
vehicle rollover event. In some examples, to protect weatherstrips
213 and/or other fluid seals or sealing devices of the sunroof 102,
the first and second assemblies 208, 210, together, are structured
to counteract the external force(s) 212, such that the panel or
bracket deflection is substantially reduced and/or eliminated while
the sunroof 102 is in the first state.
[0038] FIG. 2B is a view of the vehicle sunroof 102 of FIG. 2A and
shows the second state of the vehicle sunroof 102. In contrast to
the illustrated example of FIG. 2A, the first panel 204 of FIG. 2B
is in the second panel position or a fully raised position. In
particular, the vehicle sunroof 102 of FIG. 2B substantially
exposes the vehicle cabin 108 to an outside environment. For
example, the fluid(s) may pass into the vehicle cabin 108 through
an example opening 214 in the sunroof 102 resulting from the first
panel 204 moving away from the first panel position. While FIG. 2B
depicts the first and second panels 204, 206 overlapping and being
substantially parallel relative to each other when the first panel
204 is in the second panel position, in some examples, the second
panel position can correspond to a different or intermediate state
(e.g., a vented state) of the sunroof 102, wherein the first panel
204 is adjacent and substantially tilted relative to the second
panel 206.
[0039] Although FIGS. 2A and 2B depict aspects in connection with
translating the first panel 204, in some examples, such aspects
likewise apply to the second panel 206. For example, the second
panel 206 can be similarly configured to move to provide an opening
in the sunroof 102. In such examples, the first and second
assemblies 208, 210 may be operatively coupled to the second panel
206. Alternatively, the sunroof 102 may be provided with one or
more additional assemblies, different from the first and second
assemblies 208, 210, that is/are operatively coupled to the second
panel 206 to likewise guide and/or control movement thereof.
[0040] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3E, and 3D are detailed views of an
example assembly 300 for a sunroof of a vehicle in accordance with
the teachings of this disclosure. In some examples, the assembly
300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3E, and 3D corresponds to and/or can be
used to implement one or more of the assemblies previously
described such as, for example, the first assembly 208 and/or the
second assembly 210. According to the illustrated examples of FIGS.
3A, 3B, and 3C, the assembly 300, when assembled, forms and/or
defines the sunroof 102 or at least part thereof. The assembly 300
shown is sometimes referred to as a vehicle sunroof assembly and/or
a sunroof assembly.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 3A, an exploded top-view of the assembly 300
is shown. The assembly 300 of FIG. 3A includes an example bracket
(e.g., a function bracket of a sunroof) 302 supporting and/or
configured to hold a sunroof panel, such as the first or second
panel 204, 206. For example, the bracket 302 can be arranged along
a side of the sunroof panel 204, 206 and fixedly coupled to the
sunroof panel 204, 206, for example, via one or more fasteners
and/or fastening methods or techniques. The bracket 302 of FIG. 3A
is adjustable and sometimes referred to as an adjustable bracket.
Accordingly, the bracket 302 can be adjusted between different
positions and/or orientations, for example, by applying certain
forces to the bracket 302 in a substantially controlled manner,
which changes the position of the sunroof panel 204, 206 and/or
changes the state of the sunroof 102.
[0042] To facilitate providing support and/or guidance to the
bracket 302 and related component(s), the assembly 300 of FIG. 3A
includes an example track or rail 304, as represented by the
dotted/dashed lines of FIG. 3A. The rail 304 of FIG. 3A is
positionable on the roof 202 of the vehicle 100 and/or can be
fixedly coupled to the roof 202, for example, via one or more
fasteners and/or one or more fastening methods or techniques. When
installed on the roof 202, the rail 304 extends in the length
direction of the vehicle 100. In particular, the rail 304 of FIG.
3A forms and/or defines at least one guideway extending across a
length of the rail 304 or part thereof to receive and guide one or
more movable sunroof components, as discussed in greater detail
below.
[0043] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 3A, the
assembly 300 can be provided with an example drive mechanism (e.g.,
a motor-driven drive mechanism) 306 that is slidably coupled to the
rail 304, which facilitates tilting, raising, lowering, and/or
otherwise translating the bracket 302 and the panel held by the
bracket 302. In FIG. 3A, the drive mechanism 306 is provided with
an example drive shoe 308 and an example link (e.g., a link
bracket) 310 that is operatively connected to the drive shoe 308
and the bracket 302. The link 310 is pivotably coupled to the
bracket 302, for example, via a first movable joint (e.g., a pin
joint) 312 formed and/or defined by the link 310 and the bracket
302. As such, the link 310 and the bracket 302 can pivot or rotate
relative to each other about the first movable joint 312 or a first
axis 314 associated with the first joint 312. Additionally, the
drive shoe 308 is configured to slidably couple to the link 310,
for example, via a pin and slot connection or interface formed
and/or defined by the drive shoe 308 and the link 310. The drive
shoe 308 and/or, more generally, the drive mechanism 306 of FIG. 3A
may be driven by at least one of the motor(s) 106.
[0044] The drive mechanism 306 of FIG. 3A, when assembled, is
changeable and/or configured to change between different states
such as, for example, a first state (e.g., a sliding state) of the
drive mechanism 306 and a second state (e.g., a dragging state) of
the drive mechanism 306 different from the first state. When the
drive mechanism 306 is in the first state, the drive shoe 308 is
movable relative to the link 310, where the drive shoe 308 can
slide against one or more pins on the link 310 to adjust a relative
orientation of the link 310 in a controlled manner. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, movement of the drive shoe 308
relative to the link 310 changes the relative orientation of the
link 310 and, as a result, changes a relative orientation of the
bracket 302 and the panel held by the bracket 302. In some
examples, the drive shoe 308 can be moved (e.g., via the motor(s)
106) along the rail 304 relative to the link 310 in a first
direction (e.g., a rear or rearward direction) 316 and/or a second
direction (e.g., a front or forward direction) 318 opposite to the
first direction 316. On the other hand, when the drive mechanism
306 is in the second state, the relative orientation of the link
310 and a position of the link 310 relative to the drive shoe 308
are substantially fixed, where the drive shoe 308 can drag or pull
the link 310 and the bracket 302 across the rail 304 in the length
direction of the vehicle 100. That is, the link 310 and the drive
shoe 308 substantially lock together when the drive mechanism 306
is in the second state. In such examples, the drive shoe 308, the
link 310, and the bracket 302 can move cooperatively together or in
tandem in the first or second direction 316, 318 based on the
output of the motor(s) 106. Each of the drive shoe 308 and the link
310 can be disposed in a guide channel or slot of the rail 304
and/or configured to slide through the rail 304 to receive guidance
from the rail 304 during sunroof operation (e.g., see FIG. 10).
[0045] In some examples, to facilitate precisely controlling link
movement, the link 310 is provided with one or more pins associated
with the drive shoe 308, two of which are shown in this example. In
FIG. 3A, a first pin (e.g., a rear pin) 320 coupled to the link 310
projects from a first side 322 of the link 310, which is insertable
in the drive shoe 308. Additionally, a second pin (e.g., a front
pin) 324 coupled to the link 310 projects from the first side 322
of the link 310, which is similarly insertable in the drive shoe
308. In such examples, the drive shoe 308 is configured to receive
the pin(s) 320, 324 in one or more respective slots extending
through the drive shoe 308 to guide movement of the pin(s) 320, 324
during sunroof operation. For example, the first pin 320 can slide
through a first slot 326 (shown in FIG. 3D) in the drive shoe 308,
while the second pin 324 can slide through a second slot 328 (shown
in FIG. 3D) in the drive shoe 308 different from the first slot
326. In particular, the second pin 324 of FIG. 3A is a pivot point
of the link 310, wherein a second axis (e.g., a rotation axis) 329
of the link 310 about which the link 310 can rotate is provided by
engagement of the second pin 324 and one or more internal surfaces
of the drive shoe 308.
[0046] To enable operation of the drive mechanism 306, the drive
shoe 308 can be connected to at least one of the motor(s) 106, for
example, via a cable, a belt, and the like, and/or any other
suitable component(s) capable of transmitting energy from the
motor(s) 106 to the drive shoe 308. In some examples, the drive
shoe 308 is connected to the motor(s) 106 via a cable 330 (and the
like) extending from the drive shoe 308 to the motor(s) 106, where
tension in the cable 330 is utilized to pull the drive shoe 308
along the rail 304. In such examples, a first example receiver
(e.g., a cable receiver) 332 attached to the drive shoe 308 can be
coupled to the cable 330. Accordingly, energy is transmittable
through the cable 330 of FIG. 3A from the motor(s) 106 to the drive
shoe 308. In some examples, output of the motor(s) 106 creates
tension in the cable 330, thereby moving the drive shoe 308 in the
first direction 316 and/or the second direction 318.
[0047] Additionally, to facilitate transitioning the drive
mechanism 306 between the first and second states and/or
maintaining the drive mechanism 306 in the first state, the
assembly 300 can be provided with an example first guide block 334.
The first guide block 334 of FIG. 3A is attached to a part of the
rail 304 that is between a first end (e.g., a rear end) 336 of the
rail 304 and a second end (e.g., a front end) 338 of the rail 304
opposite to the first end 336. The first guide block 334 may be
fixedly coupled to the rail 304, for example, via one or more
fasteners and/or one or more fastening methods or techniques.
[0048] In some examples, the first guide block 334 can receive the
link 310 and removably connect to the link 310, for example, via a
pin and slot connection or interface that is formed and/or defined
by the first guide block 334 and the link 310. In such examples,
the link 310 is configured to connect the first guide block 334 and
disconnect from the first guide block 334 based on an orientation
of the link 310 relative to the first guide block 334. In
particular, when connected together, the first guide block 334 is
structured to prevent the link 310 and the bracket 302 from
translating along the rail 304 in the first direction 316 until a
certain or target orientation of the link 310 is achieved (e.g.,
see FIG. 3E). As will be discussed further below, one or more pins
on the link 310 can slide against the guide block 334 to
substantially maintain the position of the link 310 relative to the
drive shoe 308, while allowing for changes in the relative
orientation of the link 310. When the target orientation of the
link 310 is achieved, the link 310 and the first guide block 334
can separate from each other as the drive shoe 308 pulls the link
310 and the bracket 302 in the first direction 316 to fully open
the sunroof 102.
[0049] The link 310 of FIG. 3A may be provided with one or more
pins associated with the first guide block 334, two of which are
shown in this example. In some examples, a third pin 340 coupled to
the link 310 projects from a second side 342 of the link 310, which
is insertable in the first guide block 334. Additionally, a fourth
pin 344 coupled to the link 310 projects from the second side 342
of the link 310, which is similarly insertable in the first guide
block 334. The second side 342 of the link 310 is opposite to the
first side 322 of the link 310. As such, the third and fourth pins
340, 344 of FIG. 3A are positioned on the link 310 opposite
relative to the first and second pins 320, 324. In such examples,
the first guide block 334 is configured to receive the pin(s) 340,
344 in one or more respective slots extending through the first
guide block 334 to guide movement of the pin(s) 340, 344 during
sunroof operation. For example, the third pin 340 can slide through
a third slot 346 (shown in FIG. 3B) in the first guide block 334 to
provide support to the link 310 as the link 310 rotates relative to
the drive shoe 308 and the first guide block 334, while the fourth
pin 344 can slide through a fourth slot 348 (shown in FIG. 3B) in
the first guide block 334 different from the third slot 346 to
provide support to the link 310 as the link 310 rotates relative to
the drive shoe 308 and the first guide block 334.
[0050] As previously mentioned, the bracket 302 may pivot relative
to the link 310 about the first movable joint 312. As such, a point
at which the bracket 302 and the drive mechanism 306 connect is a
first pivot point of the bracket 302. In FIG. 3A, a first end 349
of the link 310 is pivotably coupled to a part of the bracket 302
that is between a first end (e.g., a rear end) 350 of the bracket
302 and a second end (e.g., a front end) 352 of the bracket 302
opposite to the first end 350. Additionally, in some examples, the
second end 352 of the bracket 302 is a second pivot point of the
bracket 302 that is spaced from the first pivot point. For example,
as the drive mechanism 306 actuates, the bracket 302 of FIG. 3A is
configured to pivot about the second pivot point relative to the
rail 304 to change the state of the sunroof 102. In such examples,
the assembly 300 can also include a fifth pin 356 projecting from
the second end 352 of the bracket 302 that is receivable by a
second guide block (e.g., a front guide block) 358 (shown in FIG.
3C), different from the first guide block 334, that is coupled to
the rail 304 at or adjacent the second end 338 of the rail 304. The
fifth pin 356 of FIG. 3A is represented by the dotted/dashed lines
of FIG. 3A. In particular, the fifth pin 356 of FIG. 3A is
configured to slidably engage the second guide block 358, thereby
providing a second movable joint (e.g., a pin joint) 360 for the
bracket 302 different from the first movable joint 312.
Additionally, the fifth pin 356 and the second guide block 358,
together, can be configured to raise and/or lower the second end
352 of the bracket 302, as discussed further below.
[0051] Turning to FIG. 3B, a detailed view of the first guide block
334 is shown in which the first guide block 334 is attached to the
rail 304. In particular, a cross-sectional area of the rail 304
along line A-A of FIG. 3A is shown in the illustrated example of
FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B, the first guide block 334 is slidably engaged
with the link 310. More particularly, the link 310 is removably
connected to the first guide block 334 via the third and fourth
pins 340, 344. As previously described, the first guide block 334
can be provided with one or more slots for guiding movement of the
pin(s) 340, 344 on the link 310, two of which are shown in this
example (i.e., the third slot 346 and the fourth slot 348). In some
examples, the first guide block 334 includes a body (e.g., a
relatively small, block-shaped body) in which the third and fourth
slots 346, 348 are positioned. In such examples, the third slot 346
extends through the body and is configured to receive the third pin
340, and the fourth slot 348 extends through the body and is
configured to receive the fourth pin 344. In FIG. 3B, the third pin
340 is in the third slot 346 and abutting one or more internal
surfaces of the first guide block 334 defining the third slot 346,
while the fourth pin 344 of FIG. 3B is in the fourth slot 348 and
abutting one or more internal surfaces of the first guide block 334
defining the forth slot 348.
[0052] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 3B, as the
relative orientation of the link 310 changes, the third and fourth
pins 340, 344 slide through the respective third and fourth slots
346, 348 away from a bottommost (in the orientation of FIG. 3B)
portion of the first guide block 334 toward a topmost (in the
orientation of FIG. 3B) portion of the first guide block 334. In
some examples, each of the third and fourth pins 340, 344 remain
substantially engaged with the internal surface(s) of the first
guide block 334 during such movement of the link 310, which reduces
and/or eliminates unwanted noise typically associated with sunroof
operation. Further, as the link 310 reaches the target orientation
thereof, the third pin 340 enters a topmost section of the third
slot 346, where the third pin 340 can exit the third slot 346 and
enter a fifth slot 364 in the rail 304 in a controller manner.
Similarly, the fourth pin 344 enters a topmost section of the
fourth slot 348 as the link 310 reaches the target orientation
thereof, where the fourth pin 344 can exit the fourth slot 348 and
enter a sixth slot 366 in the rail 304 in a controller manner. As
such, the rail 304 can be provided with at least two slots 364, 366
for further guiding movement of the respective third and fourth
pins 340, 344 after the third and fourth pins 340, 344 exit the
first guide block 334. The fifth slot 364 is adjacent the third
slot 346 and/or connected to the third slot 346, such that the
third pin 340 can easily pass between the third and fifth slots
346, 364. Similarly, the sixth slot 366 is adjacent the fourth slot
348 and/or connected to the fourth slot 348, such that the fourth
pin 344 can easily pass between the fourth and sixth slots 348,
366.
[0053] Turning in detail to FIG. 3C, a detailed view of the second
guide block 358 is shown in which the second guide block 358 is
attached to the rail 304. In particular, a cross-sectional area of
the rail 304 along line B-B of FIG. 3A is shown in the illustrated
example of FIG. 3C. Generally speaking, the assembly 300 can
include the second guide block 358 to facilitate raising and/or
lowering the second end 352 of the bracket 302. In some examples,
the second guide block 358 is fixedly coupled to the rail 304, for
example, via one or more fasteners and/or one or more fastening
methods or techniques. Further, the second guide block 358 of FIG.
3C is slidably engaged with the fifth pin 356 on the guide
structure 358 to create the second movable joint 360 and/or the
second pivot point about which the bracket 302 can pivot.
[0054] In FIG. 3C, the second guide block 358 is provided with at
least one slot for guiding movement of the fifth pin 356. In some
examples, a seventh slot 368 extending through the second guide
block 358 can be configured to receive the fifth pin 356 and guide
the fifth pin 356 through a part of the second guide block 358. In
FIG. 3C, the fifth pin 356 is in the seventh slot 368 adjacent an
end of the seventh slot 368 and abutting one or more internal
surfaces of the second guide block 358 that define the seventh slot
368. In such examples, movement of the fifth pin 356 through the
seventh slot 368 urges the second end 352 of the bracket 302 to
move in an upward direction and/or a downward direction.
Additionally, the rail 304 of FIG. 3C can be provided with at least
one slot for further guiding movement of the fifth pin 356. For
example, an eighth slot 370 extending through the rail 304 is
configured to receive the fifth pin 356 after the fifth pin 356
exits the second guide block 358. The eighth slot 370 is adjacent
the seventh slot 368 and/or connected to the seventh slot 368, such
that the fifth pin 356 can easily pass between the seventh and
eighth slots 368, 370.
[0055] In FIG. 3C, the seventh slot 368 is substantially curved
and/or inclined, which facilitates controlling a height position of
the fifth pin 356 as well as a height position of the second end
352 of the bracket 302. On the other hand, the eighth slot 370 is
substantially linear, which facilitates maintaining the height
position of the fifth pin 356 as well as the height position of the
second end 352 of the bracket 302. In some examples, as the fifth
pin 356 of FIG. 3C travels through the seventh slot 368 toward the
eighth slot 370 in the rail 304, the internal surface(s) of the
second guide block 358 impart a force or load on the fifth pin 356
having a vertical force component that urges the second end 352 of
the bracket 302 to rise. As the fifth pin 356 continues traveling
in the same direction, the fifth pin 356 exits the seventh slot 368
and enters the eighth slot 370, where the rail 304 slidably
supports the fifth pin 356. While the fifth pin 356 is positioned
in the eighth slot 370, the rail 304 imparts a force or load on the
fifth pin 356 that substantially maintains the second end 352 of
the bracket 302 in a raised positioned, while allowing the fifth
pin 356 to slide horizontally along the rail 304.
[0056] Turning to FIG. 3D, a side-view of the assembly 300 is
shown. In FIG. 3D, the bracket 302 is in a first position thereof
(sometimes referred to as a first bracket position) such as for
example, a lowered or closed position that provides the first state
of the sunroof 102. In some examples, to effectively hold the
bracket 302 in the first position thereof, the assembly 300 can be
provided with an example catch device (e.g., a high speed catch
device) 372 that can connect to the bracket 302 (or a part thereon)
and disconnect from the bracket 302. In such examples, the catch
device 372, when connected to the bracket 302 (as shown in FIG.
3D), is effective in reducing and/or eliminating undesired panel or
bracket movement typically associated with high vehicle speeds
and/or certain driving events (e.g., a vehicle rollover), where the
external force(s) 212 may act on the panel held by bracket 302.
[0057] In FIG. 3D, the drive mechanism 306 is structured to adjust
the bracket 302 between the first position and at least one
additional position different from the first position when the
output of the motor(s) 106 is applied to the drive mechanism 306,
thereby at least partially opening the sunroof 102 of the vehicle
100. In some examples, the drive mechanism 306 and the motor(s)
106, together, move the bracket 302 to a second position such as,
for example, a tilted position of the bracket 302, as represented
by the dotted/dashed lines of FIG. 3D. Additionally or
alternatively, in some examples, the drive mechanism 306 and the
motor(s) 106, together, move the bracket 302 to a third position
such as, for example, a fully raised position of the bracket 302
(e.g., see FIG. 3B). In particular, the first position of the
bracket 302 is a position in which the vehicle sunroof 102 is
closed, while the second or third position of the bracket 302 is a
position in which the vehicle sunroof 102 is at least partially or
fully open.
[0058] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 3D, the drive
shoe 308 is slidably coupled to the link 310 via the first pin 320,
the second pin 324, the first slot 326, and the second slot 328.
Further, the drive mechanism 306 of FIG. 3D is in the first state
thereof Accordingly, in FIG. 3D, the drive shoe 308 is movable
relative to the link 310 based on motor output applied to the drive
shoe 308, and the link 310 is rotatable about the second axis 329
relative to both the drive shoe 308 and the first guide block 334.
In some examples, the drive shoe 308 can be moved relative to the
link 310 in the first direction 316 during a sunroof opening
operation associated with opening the sunroof 102. In particular,
the drive shoe 308 of FIG. 3D can slide along the rail 304 from a
first position (e.g., an initial drive shoe position) relative to
the link 310 (as shown in FIG. 3D) to at least one additional
position relative to the link 310 different from the first
position, which causes the link 310 to rotate about the second axis
329 in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) 374.
For example, the motor(s) 106 can urge the drive shoe 308 to move
to a second position relative to the link 310 such as, for example,
an intermediate position (e.g., a vent position) providing the
intermediate state of the sunroof 102 (e.g., see FIG. 4B). In such
examples, the catch device 372 can also slide along the rail 304 in
the first direction 316 in tandem with the drive shoe 308, where
the catch device 372 disconnects from the bracket 302 to allow such
rotation. Conversely, the drive shoe 308 of FIG. 3D can be moved
relative to the link 310 in the second direction 318 during a
sunroof closing operation associated with closing the sunroof 102.
For example, the drive shoe 308 can slide along the rail 304 from
the second position back to the first position, which causes the
link 310 to rotate about the second axis 329 in a second rotational
direction (counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational
direction 374. In any case, the drive shoe 308 of FIG. 3D remains
substantially engaged with the link 310 (e.g., the drive shoe 308
and the link 310 do not disconnect or separate during sunroof
operation). Each of the positions of the drive shoe 308 relative to
the link 310 is sometimes referred to as a drive shoe position.
[0059] As previously described, the drive shoe 308 can be provided
with the first and second slots 326, 328 for guiding movement of
the first and second pins 320, 324 on the link 310. In FIG. 3D,
each of the first and second slots 326, 328 extends through the
drive shoe 308 and is configured to receive a respective one of the
first and second pins 320, 324. In some examples, the first slot
326 of FIG. 3D is configured to guide the first pin 320 through a
part of the drive shoe 308 to control an angular motion parameter
(e.g., any of an angular position, an angular velocity, and the
like) of the link 310, while the second slot 328 is configured to
guide the second pin 324 through a different part of the drive shoe
308 to provide and maintain the rotation axis 329 of the link 310
during sunroof operation. In FIG. 3D, the link 310 is in a first
orientation in which the link 310 is inseparable from the first
guide block 334. In particular, the link 310 of FIG. 3D can rotate
relative to the drive shoe 308 about the second axis 329 from the
first orientation to at least one additional orientation different
from the first orientation such as, for example, a second
orientation providing the tilted position of the bracket 302, as
substantially represented by the dotted/dashed lines of FIG. 3D.
Accordingly, rotation of the link 310 in the first rotational
direction 374 urges the bracket 302 to rotate in the first
rotational direction 374 about the second joint 360 or a third axis
associated therewith to raise the first end 350 of the bracket 302.
Conversely, rotation of the link 310 in the second rotational
direction urges the bracket 302 to rotate in the second rotational
direction about the second joint 360 to lower the first end 350 of
the bracket 302.
[0060] In some examples, to enable the bracket 302 to connect to
and disconnect from the catch device 372, the vehicle sunroof
assembly 300 includes an example adapter 376 positioned on and/or
supported by the bracket 302. The adapter 376 of FIG. 3D can be
fixedly coupled to the bracket 302, for example, via one or more
fasteners and/or one or more fastening methods or techniques. In
FIG. 3D, the adapter 376 is positioned proximate to the first end
350 of the bracket 302, which facilitates reducing loads applied to
the catch device 372 by the adapter 376 during a catch operation in
which the catch device 372 catches the adapter 376. As shown in
FIG. 3D, the adapter 376 is spaced from the first end 350 of the
bracket 302 by a relatively small or certain distance. In some
examples, the adapter 376 is part of the bracket 302, and/or the
bracket 302 and the adapter 376 define an integral or one-piece
component. In particular, the adapter 376 of FIG. 3D can directly
contact a certain area (e.g., an internal area) of the catch device
372 (e.g., when the external force(s) 212 is/are applied to the
panel held by the bracket 302), thereby substantially maintaining
the first position of the bracket 302 as well as the first state of
the sunroof 102.
[0061] Similar to the drive shoe 308, the catch device 372 is
movable relative to the link 310 and, in particular, relative to
the bracket 302 and/or the adapter 376 thereon. For example, the
catch device 372 can slide along the rail 304 from a first position
relative to the adapter 376 (as shown in FIG. 3D) to a second
position relative to the adapter 376 (shown in FIG. 3E) different
from the first position. The first position of the catch device 372
can be an engaged position in which the catch device 372 and the
adapter 376 are substantially engaged with each other, while the
second position of the catch device 372 can be a disengaged
position in which the catch device 372 and the adapter 376 are
disengaged and/or separated from each other. Additionally or
alternatively, the first position of the catch device 372 can be a
position in which the adapter 376 is inserted or positioned in the
catch device 372. In any case, the catch device 372 is connected to
the motor(s) 106 via a sunroof cable (and the like) extending from
the catch device 372 to the motor(s) 106, where tension in the
sunroof cable can be utilized to pull the catch device 372. For
example, similar to the drive shoe 308, a receiver (e.g., a cable
receiver) attached to the catch device 372 can be coupled to the
sunroof cable. In such examples, the catch device 372 can be moved
relative to the adapter 376 (a) in the first direction 316 during
the sunroof opening operation and/or (b) in the second direction
318 during the sunroof closing operation. Additionally, the catch
device 372 and the drive shoe 308 can be configured to move
cooperatively together or in tandem during sunroof operation.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 3E, another side-view of the vehicle sunroof
assembly 300 is shown. In FIG. 3E, the bracket 302 is in the third
position thereof, where the first and second ends 350, 352 of the
bracket 302 are substantially raised and/or even with respect to
height. In contrast to the illustrated example of FIG. 3D, the
drive shoe 308 moved along the rail 304 in the first direction 316
from the first position to a third position (e.g., a final drive
shoe position) relative to the link 310 different from the second
position. As a result, the link 310 rotated relative to the drive
shoe 308 about the second axis 329 in the first rotational
direction 374 from the first orientation to the target orientation
in which the link 310 is separable from the first guide block 334.
The link 310 of FIG. 3E can rotate across a relatively large or
certain angle 378 when moving from the first orientation to the
target orientation. For example, the angle 378 of FIG. 3E is about
15 degrees. In some examples, the first orientation of the link 310
provides a fully lowered position of the first end 350 of the
bracket 302, and the target orientation of the link 310 provides a
fully raised position of the first end 350 of the bracket 302.
[0063] In further contrast to the illustrated example of FIG. 3D,
the drive mechanism 306 transitioned from the first state to the
second state, and the drive shoe 308 dragged or pulled the link 310
and the bracket 302 along the rail 304 in the first direction 316
to enable the fifth pin 356 and the second guide block 358 to lift
the second end 352 of the bracket 302 to a height position that
substantially matches a height position of the first end 350 of the
bracket 302. Additionally, the catch device 372 of FIG. 3E is in
the second position thereof, where the catch device 372 is
separated from the bracket 302 and the adapter 376 thereon. In FIG.
3E, the drive mechanism 306 is interposed between the bracket 302
and the rail 304, which provides support to the bracket 302 or at
least the first end 350 of the bracket 302. Whereas the fifth pin
356 associated with the second end 352 of the bracket 302 is
slidably engaged with rail 304 and positioned in a certain slot
(e.g., the eighth slot 370) in the rail 304, which provides support
to the second end 352 of the bracket 302. As such, the bracket 302
of FIG. 3E is substantially supported by the rail 304 and the drive
mechanism 306.
[0064] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are detailed views of the drive shoe
308 and show different stages (e.g., initial or beginning stages)
of the previously described sunroof opening operation with respect
to the drive shoe 308 and the first and second pins 320, 324 on the
link 310. According to the illustrated examples of FIGS. 4A, 4B,
and 4C, the drive mechanism 306 is assembled, and the drive shoe
308 is being moved (e.g., via the motor(s) 106) in the first
direction 316 relative to the link 310 from the first drive shoe
position to the third drive shoe position previously described.
Further, the first pin 320 on the link 310 is positioned in the
first slot 326 and abutting one or more internal surfaces of the
drive shoe 308 that define the first slot 326, while the second pin
324 on the link 310 is positioned in the second slot 328 and
abutting one or more additional internal surfaces of the drive shoe
308 that define the second slot 328. Additionally, the drive shoe
308 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C is slidably disposed in a primary guide
channel 402 extending through the rail 304, where the drive shoe
308 can slide against opposing surfaces (e.g., top and bottom
surfaces) 404, 406 of the rail 304 that define the primary guide
channel 402.
[0065] In FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the first slot 326 and the second
slot 328 are sized and/or shaped in connection with precisely
controlling, via the first and second pins 320, 324, relative
movement of the link 310 during sunroof operation. In some
examples, the first slot 326 and the pin 320, together, facilitate
controlling one or more angular motion parameters of the link 310
during sunroof operation such as, for example, any of an angular
position of the link 310, an angular speed of the link 310, and the
like. Additionally, in some examples, the second slot 328 and the
second pin 324, together, facilitate providing and substantially
maintaining the second axis 329 of the link 310 during sunroof
operation.
[0066] Turning to FIG. 4A, a first or initial stage of the sunroof
opening operation is shown. According to the illustrated example of
FIG. 4A, the drive shoe 308 is in the first position thereof
relative to the link 310, where the first pin 320 is positioned
substantially at a first end 408 of the first slot 326 and the
second pin 324 is positioned substantially at a first end 410 of
the second slot 328. In FIG. 4A, each of the first and second slots
326, 328 form and/or define a path along which a pin can travel. In
some examples, a first path (e.g., a non-linear path) 412 defined
by the first slot 326 extends through the drive shoe 308 from the
first end 408 of the first slot 326 to a second end 414 of the
first slot 326 opposite to the first end 408. The first end 408 of
the first slot 326 is sometimes referred to as an opposite end of
the first slot 326, with respective to the second end 414 of the
first slot 326. In such examples, the first pin 320 can travel
along the first path 412 from the first end 408 of the first slot
326 to the second end 414 of the first slot 326. Further, in some
examples, a second path (e.g., a linear path) 416 defined by the
second slot 328 extends through the drive shoe 308 from the first
end 410 of the second slot 328 to a second end 418 of the second
slot 328 opposite to the first end 410 (i.e., an opposite end of
the second slot 328). In such examples, the second pin 324 can
travel along the second path 416 from the first end 410 of the
second slot 328 to the second end 418 of the second slot 328. As
the drive shoe 308 of FIG. 4A moves relative to the link 310, the
internal surface(s) of the drive shoe 308 slide against and/or
apply certain forces or loads to the respective first and second
pins 320, 324, thereby guiding movement of the first and second
pins 320, 324 and/or substantially keeping the first and second
pins 320, 324 on the respective first and second paths 412,
416.
[0067] The drive shoe 308 of FIG. 4A has a first dimension (e.g., a
length) 420 and a second dimension (e.g., a height) 422 different
from the first dimension 420. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first
dimension 420 is substantially greater than the second dimension
422. Additionally, the drive shoe 308 includes a first end (e.g., a
rear end) 424 and a second end (e.g., a front end) 426 opposite to
the first end 424. The first end 424 of the drive shoe 308 is
proximate to or adjacent the first end 408 of the first slot 326,
while the second end 426 of the drive shoe 308 is proximate to or
adjacent the second end 418 of the second slot 328. In particular,
the first slot 326 of FIG. 4A non-linearly extends away from the
first end 424 of the drive shoe 308 toward the second end 426 of
the drive shoe 308 across the first dimension 420 and the second
dimension 422. On the other hand, the second slot 328 linearly
extends away from the second end 426 of the drive shoe 308 toward
the first end 424 of the drive shoe 308 across only the first
dimension 420.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 4A, the second path 416 provided by the
second slot 328 is substantially linear, wherein the second path
416 extends only in a length direction of the drive shoe 308 but
not in a height direction of the drive shoe 308. In contrast, the
first path 412 provided by the first slot 326 is substantially
non-linear, wherein the first path 412 extends in both the length
direction and the height direction of the drive shoe 308. In some
examples, the first slot 326 includes a first section 428, a second
section 430 adjacent the first section 428, and a third section 432
adjacent the second section 430. That is, the second section 430 of
the first slot 326 is between the first and third sections 428, 432
and/or connects the first section 428 to the third section 432. In
such examples, each of the first and third sections 428, 432 of the
first slot 326 is substantially horizontal and/or linearly extends
only in the length direction of the drive shoe 308, which
facilitates maintaining the relative orientation of the link
310.
[0069] In some examples, as the first pin 320 slides through the
first or third section 428, 432 of the first slot 326, the drive
shoe 308 imparts one or more loads on the first pin 320 that
substantially prevent the relative orientation of the link 310 from
changing. On the other hand, the second section 430 of the first
slot 326 is substantially inclined and/or curved. In particular,
unlike the first and third section 428, 432, the second section 430
extends partially in the height direction of the drive shoe 308,
which facilitates changing the relative orientation of the link
310. In some examples, as the first pin 320 slides through the
second section 430 of the first slot 326, the drive shoe 308
imparts one or more additional loads on the first pin 320 that urge
the link 310 to rotate about the second axis 329. Thus, changes in
relative orientation of the link 310 are substantially based on
changes in a height position of the first pin 320 relative to the
drive shoe 308. As such, the second section 430 can be particularly
shaped and/or designed to provide one or more desired angular
motion parameters of the link 310 during sunroof operation.
[0070] To facilitate changing the state of the drive mechanism 306
cooperatively with the first guide block 334 and/or maintaining the
drive mechanism 306 in the second state, the first slot 326 and/or,
more generally, the drive shoe 308 of FIG. 4A also includes an
example locking area 434 to receive and temporarily hold the first
pin 320 during sunroof operation (e.g., when the drive shoe 308
approaches and/or reaches the third or final drive shoe position).
The locking area 434 is adjacent the third section 432 of the first
slot 326 and/or connected to the third section 432, such that the
first pin 320 can easily pass between the third section 432 and the
locking area 434. In some examples, the locking area 434 is
positioned substantially at the second end 414 of the first slot
326, which provides for an increased angular displacement of the
link 310. The locking area 434 may also be positioned substantially
at a central portion of the drive shoe 308 that is between the
first and second ends 424, 426 of the drive shoe 308. In
particular, the drive mechanism 306 transitions from the first
state to the second state in response to the first pin 320 entering
the locking area 434, as will be discussed further below.
Additionally, while the first pin 320 is in the locking area 434,
horizontal translation of the link 310 and the bracket 302 along
the rail 304 is allowed. In some examples, the drive shoe 308 is
configured to engage opposite sides of the first pin 320 while the
first pin 320 is in the locking area 434, such that movement of the
drive shoe 308 in the first or second direction 316, 318 causes the
link 310 and the bracket 302 to move in the same direction together
with the drive shoe 308.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 4A, a width of the first slot 326 is
substantially uniform or constant across the first, second, and
third sections 428, 430, 432, whereas the width of the first slot
326 increases or expands across the locking area 434. In some
examples, the first slot 326 flares at the second end 414 thereof.
Accordingly, the locking area 434 may be wider than each of the
first, second, and third sections 428, 430, 432 of the first slot
326. Stated differently, in some examples, the locking area 434 has
a first width that is greater than a second width of a section
(e.g., the third section 432) of the first slot 326 adjacent the
locking area 434.
[0072] Turning to FIG. 4B, a subsequent or second stage of the
sunroof opening operation is shown. According to the illustrated
example of FIG. 4B, the drive shoe 308 is in the second position
relative to the link 310, where the first pin 320 is in the third
section 432 of the first slot 326 to provide the second orientation
of the link 310. In contrast to the illustrated example of FIG. 4A,
the drive shoe 308 moved in the first direction 316 relative to the
link 310 through the primary guide channel 402, and the first pin
320 passed through the second section 430 of the first slot 326
from the first section 428 to the third section 432. In particular,
the intermediate state of the sunroof 102 is provided and
substantially maintained while the first pin 320 remains in the
third section 432 of the first slot 326.
[0073] Turning to FIG. 4C, a subsequent or third stage of the
sunroof opening operation is shown. According to the illustrated
example of FIG. 4C, the drive shoe 308 is in the third position
thereof relative to the link 310, where the first pin 320 is
positioned at the second end 414 of the first slot 326 and the
second pin 324 is positioned at the second end 418 of the second
slot 328. In contrast to the illustrated example of FIG. 4B, the
drive shoe 308 moved further in the first direction 316 relative to
the link 310 through the primary guide channel 402, and the first
pin 320 entered the locking area 434. In some examples, a highest
rotation angle of the link 310 is achieved when the drive shoe 308
reaches the third drive shoe position due to the positioning of the
locking area 434, and the link 310 may have a relatively large
angular displacement as a result. In such examples, the first pin
320, the second pin 324, the first slot 326, and the second slot
328, together, are structured such that movement of the drive shoe
308 relative to the link 310 from the first drive shoe position to
the third drive shoe position rotates the link 310 about the second
axis 329 in a single rotational direction (e.g., the first
rotational direction 374) from the first orientation to the target
orientation, as will be discussed further below in connection with
FIG. 11. In FIG. 4C, the link 310 is substantially tilted and/or
angled relative to the drive shoe 308. Further, the angle 378
previously described may be defined by a horizontal axis and a
fourth axis 437 that is aligned to and/or extending through the
first and second pins 320, 324 of the link 310.
[0074] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 4C, when the
first pin 320 enters the locking area 434, the drive shoe 308 is
configured to impart one or more loads on the first pin 320 that
urge the link 310 into the target orientation and enable the link
310 and the bracket 302 to slide along the rail 304 together with
the drive shoe 308 in the length direction of the vehicle 100. In
some examples, the drive shoe 308 applies a first or primary load
436 to the first pin 320 having a vertical force component.
Further, in some examples, the drive shoe 308 applies a second load
438 and/or a third load 440 to the first pin 320, each of which has
a horizontal force component. As shown in FIG. 4C, the drive shoe
308 is engaged with a rear portion 442 of the first pin 320 and a
front portion 444 of the first pin 320 opposite to the rear portion
442, which allows the drive shoe 308 to effectively drag or pull
the link 310 and, consequently, the bracket 302 and the panel held
by the bracket 302. As such, in some examples, the drive shoe 308
is configured to directly contact the rear portion 442 and the
front portion 444 of the first pin 320 when the first pin 320 is in
the locking area 434. Such engagement of the drive shoe 308 and the
first pin 320, as depicted in FIG. 4C, can maintain the target
orientation as well as a position of the link 310 relative to the
drive shoe 308 during a final stage of the sunroof opening
operation.
[0075] In some examples, while the link 310 of FIG. 4C is held or
locked in the target orientation, the drive shoe 308 is configured
to impart the second load 438 on the front portion 444 of the first
pin 320, thereby urging the link 310 and the bracket 302 to move
along the rail 304 in the first direction 316 together with the
drive shoe 308. In this manner, the third and fourth pins 340, 344
on the link 310 can disconnect and/or separate from the first guide
block 334 and pass into the rail 304 via the fifth and sixth slots
364, 366. Conversely, in some examples while the link 310 of FIG.
4C is held or locked in the target orientation, the drive shoe 308
is configured to impart the third load 440 on the rear portion 442
of the first pin 320 during the sunroof closing operation, thereby
urging the link 310 and the bracket 302 to move along the rail 304
in the second direction 318 together with the drive shoe 308. In
this manner, the third and fourth pins 340, 344 and/or, more
generally, the link 310 can reconnect to and/or slidably engage the
first guide block 334. In response to the link 310 reconnecting
with the first guide block 334, the first pin 320 of FIG. 4C may
exit the locking area 434 and enter the third section 432 of the
first slot 326 resulting from the first guide block 334 applying
reaction load(s) to the third pin 340 and/or the fourth pin 344. As
shown in FIG. 4C, the first pin 320 is positioned at an uppermost
(in the orientation of FIG. 4C) portion of the drive shoe 308
between the first and second ends 424, 426 thereof, while the
second pin 324 is positioned at a lowermost (in the orientation of
FIG. 4C) portion of the drive shoe 308 adjacent the second end 426
thereof.
[0076] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are detailed views of the first guide
block 334 and show the different stages of the sunroof opening
operation with respect to the first guide block 334 and third and
fourth pins 340, 344 on the link 310. According to the illustrated
examples of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the drive shoe 308 is urging the
link 310 to rotate about the second axis 329 in the first
rotational direction 374 from the first orientation to the target
orientation, such that the third and fourth pins 340, 344 slide
through the respective third and fourth slots 346, 348 in the first
guide block 334. In FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the third slot 346 and
the fourth slot 348 are sized and/or shaped in connection with
supporting the link 310 via the third and fourth pins 340, 344
during the first stage, the second stage, and at least part of the
third stage of the sunroof opening operation.
[0077] Turning to FIG. 5A, the first stage of the sunroof opening
operation is shown. According to the illustrated example of FIG.
5A, the link 310 is in the first orientation relative to the drive
shoe 308 and the first guide block 334, where the third pin 340 is
positioned at an end 500 of the third slot 346 and the fourth pin
344 is positioned at an end 501 of the fourth slot 348. The third
slot 346 of FIG. 5A defines a third path (e.g., a non-linear path)
502 extending through the first guide block 334 along which the
third pin 340 can travel during sunroof operation. As the third pin
340 of FIG. 5A moves through the third slot 346 across the third
path 502 and away from the end 500 of the third slot 346, the
internal surface(s) of the first guide block 334 slide against the
third pin 340 to provide support to the link 310. In such examples,
the third path 502 extends from the end 500 of the third slot 346
to the fifth slot 364 in the rail 304, where the third pin 340 can
travel along the third path 502 from the end 500 of the third slot
346 to the fifth slot 364. As such, the third path 502 can be at
least partially formed and/or defined by the fifth slot 364.
[0078] Further, the fourth slot 348 of FIG. 5A forms and/or defines
a fourth path (e.g., a non-linear path) 506, different from the
third path 502, extending through the first guide block 334 along
which the fourth pin 344 can travel during sunroof operation. In
some examples, as the fourth pin 344 moves through the fourth slot
348 across the fourth path 506 and away from the end 501 of the
fourth slot 348, the internal surface(s) of the first guide block
334 slide against the fourth pin 344 to provide additional support
to the link 310. In such examples, the fourth path 506 extends from
the end 501 of the fourth slot 348 to the sixth slot 366 in the
rail 304, where the fourth pin 344 can travel along the fourth path
506 from the end 501 of the fourth slot 348 to the sixth slot 366.
As such, the fourth path 506 can be at least partially formed
and/or defined by the sixth slot 366.
[0079] Turning to FIG. 5B, the second stage of the sunroof opening
operation is shown. As such, the link 310 is in the second
orientation relative to the drive shoe 308 and the first guide
block 334, and the sunroof 102 is in the intermediate state. In
contrast to the illustrated example of FIG. 5A, the link 310
rotated about the second axis 329 in the first rotational direction
374, and the third and fourth pins 340, 344 travelled partially
across the respective third and fourth paths 502, 506. According to
the illustrated example of FIG. 5B, each of the third and fourth
pins 340, 344 is supported by the internal surface(s) of the first
guide block 334. Thus, during the first and second stages of the
sunroof opening operation, the link 310 remains substantially
engaged with the first guide block 334 via the third and fourth
pins 340, 344. Moreover, engagement of the first guide block 334
and the third and fourth pins 340, 344 during the first and second
stages prevents the link 310 from separating from the first guide
block 334, until the link 310 reaches the target orientation.
[0080] Turning to FIG. 5C, the third stage of the sunroof opening
operation is shown. As such, the link 310 is in the target
orientation relative to the drive shoe 308 and the first guide
block 334, and the third and fourth pins 340, 344 are positioned at
topmost portions of the respective third and fourth slots 346, 348.
In contrast to the illustrated example of FIG. 5B, the link 310
further rotated about the second axis 329 in the first rotational
direction 374 as a result of the first pin 320 entering the locking
area 434 and receiving the primary load 436 from the drive shoe
308. In some examples, the third pin 340, the fourth pin 344, the
third slot 346, and the fourth slot 348, together, are structured
such that each of the third and fourth pins 340, 344 remains in
direct contact with the first guide block 334 at all orientations
of the link 310 to reduce operational noise. That is, engagement of
the third pin 340 and the first guide block 334 is substantially
maintained until the third pin 340 enters the rail 304, and
engagement of the fourth pin 344 and the first guide block 334 is
substantially maintained until the fourth pin 344 enters the rail
304. As a result, the third and fourth pins 340, 344 are prevented
from slipping out of the first guide block 334 under high loading
conditions, and related noise is substantially reduced and/or
eliminated.
[0081] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 5C, the link
310 is separable from the first guide block 334 due to the link 310
being in the target orientation. In particular, the third and
fourth pins 340, 344 of FIG. 5C can slide horizontally through the
first guide block 334 in the first direction 316 across linear
sections of the respective third and fourth paths 502, 506, thereby
exiting the first guide block 334 and entering the rail 304 in a
controller manner, where the rail 304 slidably supports the third
and fourth pins 340, 344. While the third and fourth pins 340, 344
are positioned in the respective fifth and sixth slots 364, 366,
the rail 304 is configured to impart certain loads (e.g., vertical
loads) on the respective third and fourth pins 340, 344 that
substantially keep the link 310 in the target orientation, while
allowing the link 310 to slide horizontally along the rail 304
together with the drive shoe 308.
[0082] FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial side-views of the vehicle
sunroof assembly 300 and show different example stages (e.g., final
stages) of the previously described sunroof closing operation.
According to the illustrated examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the
bracket 302 (a relatively small portion of which is shown) is
substantially in the first position thereof, while the catch device
372 is being moved in the second direction 318 toward the adapter
376 such that the adapter 376 passes into an example structure 602
on the catch device 372. Additionally, the drive shoe 308 is being
moved in the second direction 318 relative to the link 310, where
the first and second pins 320, 324 are approaching the first ends
408, 410 of the first and second slots 326, 328.
[0083] To facilitate catching, holding, and/or releasing the
adapter 376, the catch device 372 can be provided with the
structure 602. In particular, an example channel (e.g., U-shaped
channel) 604 in the structure 602 is configured to receive the
adapter 376 when the bracket 302 is in the first position thereof.
The channel 604 extends at least partially through the structure
602 along an axis thereof. As such, the adapter 376 is insertable
or positionable in the channel 604, for example, at a certain stage
of the sunroof closing operation. More particularly, when the
adapter 376 is in the channel 604 (as shown in FIG. 6B), the
structure 602 is configured to engage the adapter 376 to maintain
the bracket 302 in the first position and/or restrict deflection
(e.g., upward deflection) of the bracket 302
[0084] Turning to FIG. 6A, the catch device 372 is approaching the
adapter 376, where there is no physical interaction between bracket
302 and the catch device 372. The adapter 376 may eventually pass
into the channel 604 via an opening in a first end 606 of the
structure 602. To facilitate smooth engagement and/or
disengagement, the structure 602 can be provided with a first guide
or contact surface 608 that is internal to the structure 602.
Further, a second guide or contact surface 610 may be provided on
the adapter 376, which is associated with the first contact surface
608. In some examples, the first contact surface 608 is configured
to slide against the second contact surface 610 on the adapter 376
as the adapter 376 passes into the channel 604. Additionally, each
of the first contact surface 608 and/or the second contact surface
610 has an area that is substantially inclined and/or curved. In
such examples, the first contact surface 608 can be provided with a
first ramped area 612 configured to slidably engage and/or directly
contact a second ramped area 614 of the second contact surface 610
to finely adjust a position of the bracket 302. In this manner,
examples disclosed herein account for a certain positional variance
of the bracket 302 that can result from the external force(s) 212
as the sunroof closing operation is completed.
[0085] Turning to FIG. 6B, the catch device 372 is in the first
position thereof relative to the adapter 376, and the adapter 376
is positioned in the channel 604. In contrast to the illustrated
example of FIG. 6A, the catch device 372 moved (e.g., via the
motor(s) 106) in the second direction 318 toward the adapter 376,
where the adapter 376 passed into the channel 604. According to the
illustrated example of FIG. 6B, the catch device 372 can impart a
certain load 616 on the adapter 376 that counteracts the external
force(s) 212 and/or maintains the bracket 302 in the first bracket
position thereof. Additionally, the catch device 372 of FIG. 6B is
configured to resist a different, reaction load applied to the
structure by the adapter 376.
[0086] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the link 310 and shows an
implementation thereof. According to the illustrated example of
FIG. 7, the link 310 includes an example link body 702 and an
example arm (e.g., a lever arm) 704 on the link body 702 that
projects from the link body 702. The arm 704 is configured to
receive and/or connect to the part of the bracket 302 that is
between the first and second ends 350, 352 of the bracket 302 to
create the first movable joint 312. The arm 704 can be fixedly
coupled to the body 702, for example, via one or more example
fasteners and/or one or more fastening methods or techniques.
Further, one or more (e.g., all) of the first pin 320, the second
pin 324, the third pin 340, and/or the fourth pin 344 can be
similarly coupled to the link body 702. Accordingly, forces
resulting from sunroof operation can be transmitted through the arm
704 and the link body 702 between the first movable joint 312 and
one or more (e.g., all) of the pin(s) 320, 324, 340, 344 on the
link 310. In some examples, a length 706 of the arm 704 is
relatively short to allow for a substantial reduction in such
forces. The length 706 of FIG. 7 is defined by the first end 349 of
the link 310 corresponding to a portion of the arm 704 and a second
end 710 of the link 310 corresponding to a portion of the link body
702 opposite to the first end 349.
[0087] In some examples, the link 310 is provided with at least one
elongated bead 712 coupled thereto. In FIG. 7, the elongated bead
712 extends along the link 310 in a length direction of the link
310 between the first and second ends 349, 710 of the link 310. In
particular, the elongated bead 712 of FIG. 7 is configured to
increase a cross-sectional stiffness of the link 310. In such
examples, the elongated bead 712 can be positioned on at least a
portion of the arm 704 adjacent the first movable joint 312.
Additionally or alternatively, the elongated bead 712 can be
positioned on at least a portion of the link body 702. In FIG. 7,
the elongated bead 712 is defined by both the link body 702 and the
arm 704. Further, the elongated bead 712 of FIG. 7 extends
alongside or adjacent a topmost (in the orientation of FIG. 7)
portion of the link 310 away from the first movable joint 312
toward the second pin 324.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the elongated bead 712 extends across at
least half of the length 706 of the link 310. In some examples, the
elongated bead 712 may include a first segment (e.g., a linear
segment) 714 and a second segment (e.g., a linear segment) 716
adjacent the first segment 714. The first segment 714 is arranged
along a part of the link 310 and linearly extends in a first
direction, while the second segment 716 is arranged along a
different part of the link 310 and linearly extends in a second
direction different from the first direction. As shown in FIG. 7,
the first segment 714 can be substantially angled relative to the
second linear segment 716. That is, an axis of the first segment
714 and an axis of the second segment 716 may define a relatively
small angle.
[0089] Additionally, in some examples, the link 310 is provided
with an example flange 718 coupled thereto adjacent the elongated
bead 712. In FIG. 7, the flange 718 extends along the link 310 in
the length direction of the link 310 between the first and second
ends 349, 710 of the link 310. In particular, the flange 718 of
FIG. 7 is configured to increase strength and/or rigidity of the
link 310. In such examples, the flange 718 can be positioned on at
least a portion of the arm 704 adjacent the first movable joint
312. Additionally or alternatively, the flange 718 can be
positioned on at least a portion of the link body 702. In FIG. 7,
the flange 718 is defined by both the link body 702 and the arm
704. Further, the flange 718 of FIG. 7 extends along the topmost
portion of the link 310 away from the first movable joint 312
toward the second pin 324.
[0090] Additionally, in some examples, the link 310 is provided
with an overmolded portion 720 coupled thereto. In FIG. 7, the
overmolded portion 720 is arranged on outer surface of the link
body 702 and covering the first, second, third, and fourth pins
320, 324, 340, 344. The overmolded portion 720 of FIG. 7 is
positioned at a bottommost (in the orientation of FIG. 7) portion
of the link body 702. In particular, the overmolded portion 720
provides support to the pins 320, 324, 340, 344 as well as
stabilizes the link 310 during sunroof operation. In such examples,
relatively large surface areas of the overmolded portion 720 are
configured to slide against the rail 304 and/or the drive shoe 308
to prevent the link 310 from twisting, as discussed further below
in connection with FIG. 9.
[0091] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E are other detailed view of the
link 310 and show additional implementations thereof. According to
the illustrated examples of FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E, the
overmolded portion 720 has been removed from the link body 702, for
clarity. Turning to FIG. 8A, a top-view of the link 310 is shown.
In FIG. 8A, each of the first pin 320, the second pin 324, the
third pin 340, and the fourth pin 344 is fixedly coupled to the
link body 702, for example, via one or more fasteners and/or one or
more fastening methods or techniques. In some examples, the third
and fourth pins 340, 344 are between the first and second pins 320,
324. That is, each of the third and fourth pins 340, 344 can be
positioned on an area of the link 310 located substantially between
different areas of link 310 on which the respective first and
second pins 320, 324 are positioned. In such examples, the first
and second pins 320, 324 are positioned farther apart relative to
each other compared to the third and fourth pins 340, 344. As shown
in FIG. 8A, the second pin 324 is spaced from the first pin 320 by
a first distance 800, while the fourth pin 344 is spaced from the
third pin 340 by a second distance less 801 than the third
distance. Additionally, the first pin 320 of FIG. 8A is positioned
at an intermediate portion of the link 310 that is between the
first and second ends 349, 710 of the link 310, while the second
pin 324 of FIG. 8A is positioned substantially at or adjacent the
second end 710 of the link 310.
[0092] In some examples, the link 310 includes at least one bead
defined by the link body 702 and the first, second, third, or
fourth pin 320, 324, 340, 344 configured to reduce stress and/or
concentration(s) thereof in the link 310 resulting from a load
applied to the link 310. For example, the link 310 of FIG. 8A can
be provided with a first example bead 802 coupled thereto. The
first bead 802 of FIG. 8A is interposed between the link body 702
and the first pin 320, which increases strength and/or rigidity of
the first pin 320. In FIG. 8A, the link body 702 and the first pin
320, together, form and/or define the first bead 802. In some
examples, the first bead 802 includes an outer surface (e.g., a
substantially continuous surface) 804 having one or more preformed
curvatures and/or bends therein. Further, the first bead 802
extends from an outer surface 806 of the link body 702 to an outer
surface 808 of the first pin 320 and/or connects the outer surfaces
806, 808 together. In particular, stress resulting from an example
load 810 applied to the first pin 320 (by the drive shoe 308) is
effectively distributed through the first bead 802, thereby
preventing mechanical failure of the link 310 during high loading
conditions.
[0093] Additionally, in some examples, the link 310 can be provided
with multiple beads, each of which corresponds to a respective one
of the pins 320, 324, 340, 344. As shown in FIG. 8A, a second bead
812 of the link 310 can be defined by the link body 702 and the
second pin 324, a third bead 814 of the link 310 can be defined by
the link body 702 and the third pin 340, and a fourth bead 816 of
the link 310 can be defined by the link body 702 and the fourth pin
344. In such examples, aspects depicted in connection with the
first bead 802 can likewise apply to one or more (e.g., all) of the
second bead 812, the third bead 814, the fourth bead 816, and/or
any other bead(s) of the link 310.
[0094] In some examples, the link 310 of FIG. 8A is a one-piece
component. In such examples, at least some or all of the first pin
320, the second pin 324, the third pin 340, the fourth pin 344, the
link body 702, the arm 704, the elongated bead 712, the flange 718,
the first bead 802, the second bead 812, the third bead 814, and/or
the fourth bead 816 are integrally formed, for example, via one or
more manufacturing processes, methods, and/or techniques. In any
case, any of the first pin 320, the second pin 324, the third pin
340, the fourth pin 344, the link body 702, the arm 704, the
elongated bead 712, the flange 718, the overmolded portion 720, the
first bead 802, the second bead 812, the third bead 814, the fourth
bead 816, and/or, more generally, the link 310 of FIG. 8A can be
constructed of one or more materials having desired material
properties (e.g., any of strength, rigidity, corrosion resistance,
etc.) such as, for example, any of metal, plastic, and the like, or
a combination thereof.
[0095] Turning to the FIG. 8B, an isometric view of the link 310 is
shown, where the first and second pins 320, 324 on the link body
702 are visible. As shown in FIG. 8B, the flange 718 curves away
from the elongated bead 712 and the topmost portion of the link
310. In some examples, the flange 718 is provided with a preformed
bend 818 having a certain radius of curvature. In such examples,
the radius of curvature can be substantially uniform across the
length of the flange 718 or at least part thereof.
[0096] Turning to FIG. 8C, a cross-sectional view of the link 310
along line C-C of FIG. 8B is shown. In particular, a first example
cross-sectional area 820 of the link 310 is depicted in the
illustrated example of FIG. 8C, where the elongated bead 712 and
the flange 718 form and/or define the first cross-sectional area
820 or at least a portion thereof. In some examples, the elongated
bead 712 includes a protrusion 822 on the first side 322 of the
link 310 and a recess 824 on the second side 342 of the link 310.
In such examples, the protrusion 822 protrudes away from the first
side 322 of the link 310, while the recess 824 extends at least
partially into the second side 342 of the link 310.
[0097] Turning to FIG. 8D, a cross-sectional view of the link 310
along line D-D of FIG. 8B is shown. In particular, a second example
cross-sectional area 826 of the link 310 is depicted in the
illustrated example of FIG. 8D, where the first pin 320, the first
bead 802, and the link body 702 form and/or define the second
cross-sectional area 826 or at least a portion thereof. In FIG. 8D,
the first bead 802 is connected between the first pin 320 and the
link body 702. In some examples, the first bead 802 is provided
with a first preformed bend 828 having a relatively large or
certain radius of curvature to facilitate reducing associated
stress concentration(s) resulting from the applied load 810.
Similarly, the first bead 802 can also be provided with a second
preformed bend 830, different from the first preformed bend 828,
having a relatively large or certain radius of curvature to further
facilitate reducing the associated stress concentration(s). The
first preformed bend 828 of FIG. 8C may serve as an interface of
the first bead 802 and the first pin 320, while the second
preformed bend 830 may serve as an interface of the first bead 802
and the link body 702.
[0098] Turning to FIG. 8E, an additional isometric view of the link
310 is shown, where the second and third pins 340, 344 on the link
310 are visible.
[0099] FIG. 9 is a top-view of the sunroof assembly 300 and shows
the drive mechanism 306 in the rail 304. In FIG. 9, each of the
drive shoe 308 and the link 310 are slidably disposed in the
primary guide channel 402 of the rail 304. The drive shoe 308,
which is substantially represented by the dotted/dashed lines of
FIG. 9, is covered by a part of the rail 304. Additionally, the
first and second pins 320, 324 are engaged with the drive shoe 308,
while the third and fourth pins 340, 344 are engaged with the rail
304. Accordingly, the link 310 of FIG. 9 is separated or spaced
from the first guide block 334 (not shown) and maintained in the
target orientation due to such engagement of the pins.
[0100] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 9, the first
pin 320 corresponds to a first touch point 902 for the link 310,
and the second pin 324 corresponds to a second touch point 904 for
the link 310 different from the first touch point 902. The first
touch point 902 and the second touch point 904 can be spaced from
each other by a third distance 906. In some examples, the
overmolded portion 720 defines the first touch point 902 and the
second touch point 904. In such examples, each of the first and
second touch points 902 and 904 is configured to abut, for example,
the drive shoe 308, thereby providing support to the first and
second pins 320, 324 and/or stabilizing the link 310. Additionally,
in some examples, an area of the link 310 behind the third and
fourth pins 340, 344 is supported by at least one component of the
assembly 300, which prevents the link 310 from twisting during high
loading conditions and/or reduces related noise during vibration.
In such examples, the overmolded portion 720 defines a support
surface (e.g., a relatively long, flat surface) 908 of the link 310
facing away from the drive shoe 308. The support surface 908 may be
substantially smooth and/or continuous. As shown in FIG. 9, the
support surface 908 extends along the overmolded portion 720 from
the third pin 340 to the fourth pin 344. Further, the support
surface 908 extends past or beyond both the third and fourth pins
340, 344. The support surface 908 of FIG. 9 may extend in the
length direction of the link 310 across a fourth distance 910
substantially equal to or greater than the third distance 906. In
such examples, the support surface 908 is configured to abut, for
example, a side portion 912 of the rail 304 defining at least a
part of the primary guide channel 402, thereby providing support to
the third and fourth pins 340, 344 and/or further stabilizing the
link 310.
[0101] In FIG. 9, the overmolded portion 720 is positioned and/or
held between the side portion 912 of the rail 304 and the drive
shoe 308, where the touch points 902 and 904 and support surface
908 are substantially engaged with the respective drive shoe 308
and side portion 912. As a result, a substantially even force
distribution is provided for the link 310 in its interaction with
the rail 304 and the drive shoe 308, which reduces and/or
eliminates binding and/or increases system efficiency. In some
examples the touch points 902 and 904 are configured to abut the
drive shoe 308 at all states of the sunroof 102 to provide the
support to the first and second pins 320, 324 and prevent the
twisting of the link 310 previously described, and the support
surface 908 is configured to abut the rail 304 (or the first guide
block 334) at all states of the sunroof 102 to provide the support
to the third and fourth pins 340, 344 and further prevent the
twisting of the link 310. As a result of such an engagement scheme
associated with the touch points 902 and 904, the drive shoe 308,
the support surface 908, and the rail 304, a certain amount of a
cross-car rotation associated with the drive mechanism 306 is
reduced and/or eliminated during sunroof operation without impeding
the functionality of the drive mechanism 306.
[0102] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof assembly
300 along line E-E of FIG. 9 and shows positioning associated with
the drive mechanism 306 and the rail 304. Each of the drive shoe
308 and the link 310 is substantially represented by the
dotted/dashed lines of FIG. 10. In some examples, the rail 304 is
provided with a rail body (e.g., an extruded body or an extrusion)
1002 supported by the roof 202 that forms and/or defines the
primary guide channel 402. The primary guide channel 402 may
linearly extend through the rail body 1002 along an axis. In some
examples, the primary guide channel 402 is arranged along a length
of the rail 304 or at least part of the length. In particular, the
primary guide channel 402 of FIG. 10 is sized and/or shaped to
receive the drive mechanism 306 (including the drive shoe 308 and
the link 310) and guide movement of the drive mechanism 306 through
the primary guide channel 402 during sunroof operation. Similarly,
in some examples, the primary guide channel 402 is sized and/or
shaped to receive the catch device 372 and guide movement of the
catch device 372 through the primary guide channel 402.
[0103] In FIG. 10, each of the drive shoe 308 and the link 310 is
positioned in the primary guide channel 402 (i.e., in the rail 304)
and can travel along a path provided by the primary guide channel
402. In some examples, when the drive shoe 308 of FIG. 10 slides
through the primary guide channel 402, one or more inner surfaces
of the rail body 1002 slidably engage the drive shoe 308 to
substantially maintain an orientation of the drive shoe 308
relative to the rail 304. In particular, the rail body 1002 of FIG.
10 can be configured to maintain the orientation of the drive shoe
308 at all of positions of the drive shoe 308.
[0104] To better guide movable components of the sunroof assembly
300, the primary guide channel 402 may be comprised of multiple
channels. That is, in some examples, the rail 304 or the body 1002
thereof defines multiple guide channels, each of which extends at
least partially across the length of the rail 304 to receive and
guide a movable sunroof component. As shown in FIG. 4, a first
guide channel 1004 of the multiple guide channels is sized and/or
shaped to receive the drive shoe 308, while a second guide channel
1006 of the multiple guide channels is sized and/or shaped to
receive the link 310. The second guide channel 1006 is adjacent the
first guide channel 1004 and may be at least partially separated
from the first guide channel 1004 by an example protrusion 1008
projecting from a bottommost (in the orientation of FIG. 10), inner
surface of the rail body 1002.
[0105] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the
assembly 300 is provided with an example sunroof panel (e.g.,
glass) 1010 that is held by the bracket 302, which may correspond
to the first or second panel 204, 206 previously described. The
bracket 302 of FIG. 10 is arranged beneath a side portion 1012 of
the sunroof panel 1010 and can extend at least partially across a
length of the sunroof panel 1010. The side portion 1012 of the
sunroof panel 1010 can include an edge of the sunroof panel 1010 or
an area adjacent the edge extending across the length of the
sunroof panel 1010. Additionally, the bracket 302 is connected to
the sunroof panel 1010, for example, directly and/or via one or
more intermediate components interposed between the bracket 302 and
the sunroof panel 1010, such that the bracket 302 provides support
to the sunroof panel 1010 or at least the side portion 1012
thereof. In FIG. 10, a first intermediate component 1014 extending
from the bracket 302 to the sunroof panel 1010 is fixedly coupled
to the bracket 302 and the sunroof panel 1010, for example, via one
or more fasteners and/or one or more fastening methods or
techniques.
[0106] FIG. 11 is a side-view of the sunroof assembly 300 and shows
example panel motion provided by the drive mechanism 306. Initial
or beginning stages of the sunroof opening operation with respect
to the panel 1010 held by the bracket 302 are depicted in the
illustrated example of FIG. 11, where an end (e.g., a rear end)
1100 of the panel 1010 and the first end 350 of the bracket 302
(not shown) are moving relative to the roof 202 of the vehicle 100.
The end 1100 of the panel 1010 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the
first end 350 of the bracket 302. Further, movement of the end 1100
of the panel 1010, as depicted in FIG. 11, is similar and/or
corresponds to movement of the first end 350 of the bracket 302. In
particular, the panel motion provided by the drive mechanism 306 is
substantially efficient and/or continuous in appearance, as
discussed further below. To initiate such panel motion, the drive
shoe 308 is first moved relative to the link 310 from the first
drive shoe position to the third drive shoe position, which rotates
the link 310 about the second axis 329 in the first rotational
direction 374 (i.e., a single rotational direction) from the first
orientation of the link 310 to the target orientation of the link
310, as previously described. Then, after the drive mechanism 306
changes from the first state to the second state resulting from
interaction of the first pin 320 and the locking area 434, the
drive shoe 308 drags or pulls the link 310 and the bracket 302
along the rail 304 to fully open the sunroof 102.
[0107] According to the illustrated example of FIG. 11, the end
1100 of the panel 1010 travels along a certain path 1102 created by
the drive mechanism 306 while the sunroof 102 is opening, which is
represented by the dotted/dashed lines of FIG. 11. For example, as
the link 310 moves from the first orientation to the target
orientation, the end 1100 of the panel 1010 is urged to travel
across a first part of the path 1102 from a first point 1104 on the
path 1102 to a second point 1106 on the path 1102 different from
the first point 1104, where the end 1100 of the panel 1010 moves
away from the roof 202 of the vehicle 100. The first point 1104 of
FIG. 11 corresponds to a minimum height position of the end 1100 of
the panel 1010. Accordingly, the first point 1104 of FIG. 11 also
corresponds to a minimum height position of the first end 350 of
the bracket 302. On the other hand, the second point 1106 of FIG.
11 corresponds to a maximum height position of the end 1100 of the
panel 1010 as well as a maximum height position of the first end
350 of the bracket 302. In particular, the target orientation of
the link 310 is achieved when the end 1100 of the panel 1010
reaches the second point 1106 on the path 1102. Then, as the drive
shoe 308 drags or pulls the link 310 and the bracket 302 along the
rail 304 in the first direction 316, the end 1100 of the panel 1010
is urged to travel across a subsequent or second part of the path
1102 from the second point 1106 to a third point 1108 on the path
1102 different from the second point 1106, where the end 1100 of
the panel 1010 moves slightly toward the roof 202 as a result of
the second end 352 of the bracket 302 being lifted via the second
guide block 358. As such, the third point 1108 of FIG. 11
corresponds to an intermediate height position of the end 1100 of
the panel 1010 as well as an intermediate height position of the
first end 350 of the bracket 302.
[0108] It will be appreciated that the systems, apparatus, and
methods disclosed in the foregoing description provide numerous
advantages. Examples disclosed herein provide drive mechanisms that
can be used to advantageously control motion of a sunroof bracket
and/or a panel held by the sunroof bracket during operation of a
sunroof. Examples disclosed herein provide for more compact and/or
lightweight sunroof architecture while improving performance
associated with such sunroof mechanisms.
[0109] Although certain example systems, apparatus, and methods
have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is
not limited thereto. Obviously, numerous modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
[0110] Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes
merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be
understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may
be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the
disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative,
but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other
claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants
of the teachings herein, defines, in part, the scope of the
foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter
is dedicated to the public.
* * * * *