BOTTOM-LOADED OPENING ROOF ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

摘要

The invention relates to a roof and roof assembly for a motor vehicle. The inven tion also relates to methods of making the same. The roof assembly comprises of a roof str ucture formed from a sheet of metal material and defining a roof opening. An opening ro of assembly is mounted to the roof structure and movable between opened and closed positions with respect to the roof opening. A single piece of sheet metal is stamped to integra lly form a water-catching channel and roof reinforcement portions. The sheet metal is fixed to the roof structure adjacent to the opening so that the channel extends into the opening t o enable the channel to catch water running off the roof structure into the opening when the opening roof assembly is in the opened position. Conduits communicate with the water-catching channel for draining water from the water-catching channel.