Sunroof opening for vehicle roof panel
US6408516B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49995
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of stamping and punching at several stations, an opening in a vehicle rood panel to provide for sunroof installation is described. A preformed recess is stamped into the top section of the panel to define a perimeter for a sunroof opening. The stamping of the preform comprises locating the roof panel in a stamping press beneath a press die where the die is aligned with the perimeter of the desired position for the sunroof opening. The preform recess is stamped in the panel where the preform is characterized by having a first bend which defines the opening perimeter and comprises rounded corner portions interconnected a front, rear and two side edges. A downwardly extending flange which becomes a sidewall of the sunroof opening is provided and has a length at least equal to the depth of a sealed portion of the sunroof panel and a second bend extending opposite to the first bend for interconnecting flange to the base portion of the recess. At the subsequent stations the underside surface of the flange of the preform is used to locate the panel for further processing. Preferably, at a subsequent processing station an apparatus is provided for bending lip portions of the depen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.