A sunroof drive assembly (3-1, 3-2, Fig.2) for actuating a vehicle 5 sunroof 15. The sunroof includes a panel (19) mounted to a panel carrier (21). The sunroof drive assembly comprises a drive cable (29-1) and a connector (31-1, Fig.3) for drivingly connecting the drive cable and panel carrier. The connector is fastened to a drive cable distal end and has at least one reinforced member (41A) for maintaining the connection between the panel carrier and the drive cable during a collision, where the drive cable functions as a tether to restrict or inhibit movement of the sunroof. The at least one reinforced member has a metal bracket (45A, Fig.5) having an outer plastic casing (49A). Also claimed is a sunroof assembly 1 and a vehicle. The connector may comprise a first reinforced member that locates in a first track-type aperture (51A) in the carrier having a first centreline (CL1, Fig.6) where the connector restricts movement perpendicular to the first centreline. A second, opposing track (51B) may be formed on the carrier and have a second track centreline (CL2) for receiving a second, opposing reinforced member 41B. Each reinforced member may comprise a C-shaped end section.
Sunroof drive assembly
2023-02-22
Patent
Electronic Resource
English