BODYWORK OF AN AUTOMOBILE VEHICLE, AND

CORRESPONDING VEHICLE

1. Field of the invention

The field of the disclosure is that of the openings (or bays) used especially in motor vehicles.

More specifically, the disclosure relates to devices for closing off an opening prepared in a structural element, for example in the bodywork of a vehicle or in a door of the vehicle, and comprising a sliding mobile part capable of releasing or closing an aperture, and presenting a flush aspect when seen from the exterior.

Such devices which have been developed for many years by the holder of the present application, are known for example as "flush bays".

2. Background of the invention

Conventionally, to close off the opening of a vehicle, whether it is an automobile, a utility vehicle, a truck, a bus or a railway carriage, a window is added, and is held in place by a connecting frame. This frame has an internal part and an external part which simultaneously grip the edges of the window glass and the aperture prepared in the body, with a seal lining.

The technique most commonly widespread for opening and closing a door window is that of making it vertically mobile in its own plane, in making it penetrate or exit the housing or the lining of the door. Panels that slide horizontally along rails formed in a frame are also known.

Another technique has been proposed by the holder of this patent application. This technique is described in particular in the patent documents EP 0 778 168 and EP 0 857 844. The closure (hereinafter called a "flush window") presented in these documents includes a stationary assembly and a portion that is mobile with respect to said stationary assembly. The mobile portion is connected to the stationary assembly by functional elements that ensure the required mobility and that are provided on the side of the stationary portion turned toward the inside of the vehicle.

Such a "flush" window can be integrally mounted independently of the vehicle, and provided, from the outside, in the housing defined for this purpose in the vehicle body. It can also be integrated, in particular by bonding to the lower portion of a door, according to the technique described in patent document EP 1 022 172.

Aesthetically, the "flush" window has, when seen from the outside, a smooth appearance, flush with the body, because no frame is necessary.

In order to provide a sliding of the mobile part, which is generally constituted by a transparent panel, a guide device is provided, for example comprising a first and second guide rails mounted so as to be fixed on to the fixed unit (or fixed structure) of the opening, on either side of the aperture closed by the mobile panel. This panel is mounted on the rails to slide for example in a longitudinal direction in a plane of sliding between one (or more) positions of opening and an intermediate clearing position in which it faces the fixed panel and is cleared from it.

It will be noted that it has been envisaged to move the mobile part between the closing-off position and the intermediate clearing position, primarily according to two techniques :

- a first technique for which the moving of the mobile part M is a combination of a movement in a direction parallel to the plane of the fixed part F and a movement in a direction perpendicular to this plane, in the form of a general swaying motion, as illustrated by the arrows in figure 1 ; and

- a second technique for which the mobile part M remains constantly in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the fixed part F during its movement. As illustrated by the arrows in figure 2, the mobile part M is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the fixed part F and then in a direction parallel to the plane of the fixed part F.

In these figures, it will be noted that the mobile part is adapted to slide manually by means of a handle mounted on the frame of the mobile part M.

The holder of the present patent application has indeed proposed an improvement in the guiding and locking of such "flush openings" described especially in the document PCT/EP2008/067264 (U.S. Publ. No. 2011/0006558), incorporated by reference in the present description.

In this approach, the flush opening comprises a fixed structure in which there is defined an opening and at least one sliding panel having a frame bearing at least one guiding peg (generally two pegs on the upper part and two pegs at the lower part). Two slides, or shuttles, fixedly joined to the pegs are provided and assembled so as to enable a relative movement of the slides with respect to a corresponding guide element along the sliding axis of the sliding panel so as to enable a movement of said sliding panel in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said fixed structure.

Thus, the sliding panel is fixedly joined directly to a guide element and to at least one slide by means of the guiding pegs, guided in a rail path of a simple, appreciably rectilinear form so as to enable it to be made mobile in the direction of the sliding axis or perpendicularly to the plane of the fixed structure.

It will be noted that the term "plane" herein is understood in a broad sense: the plane formed by the opening is sometimes curved, in one or even two directions (this also justifies in certain cases the term "substantially" used in the description and the claims).

This interesting technique requires means to ensure that the movement of the upper and lower shuttles is obtained synchronizedly, under the effect of a single command, a motor usually. In other words, it requires means to connect the lower shuttle to the upper shuttle, these means being a combination of cables and pulleys, or leaf springs, for instance, circulating in the frame of the mobile panel.

A drawback of this prior-art technique is that it makes it necessary to have a frame that is relatively thick, interfering with transparency in the opening and in certain cases affecting aesthetic quality. Another drawback of this prior-art technique is that the number of elements implemented is important.

Consequently, the manufacture of these openings are generally complex and costly. Also, the weight of such an opening is not optimum.

A further disadvantage of this technique is that the assembly and disassembly of such openings is complex.

The invention relates more specifically to a rear flush- sliding window for a pick-up truck, wherein the window includes one or a pair of fixed window panels, and a slidable window panel. It is known that pickup trucks have a rear window that is mounted in an opening of the vehicle body, behind the seats in the vehicle passenger compartment.

However, the invention can more broadly be applied to all closures of which the opening and/or closing kinematics include a movement (y plane) between an open position and an intermediate disengaged position, in a plane parallel to the plane of the stationary assembly, and a movement (x plane) in this parallel plane. 3. Objectives of the invention

The invention is intended in particular to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, a specific objective of the invention is to provide a device for closing off of an opening that is simple to produce and to mount in a vehicle, in particular in a pick-up truck.

The invention is also intended to provide such a device for closing off of an opening which makes possible a reliable sliding and without effort of the mobile panel, regardless of the direction of movement (opening or closing), and of which the manoeuvre can easily and effectively be motorised.

The invention is also intended to provide such a device that allows for effortless locking and unlocking, and which for simplifies the operations of opening and closing of the mobile panel.

Another objective of the invention is to provide such a device that has all of the advantages of "flush windows" already established by the holder of this application, in particular:

- a flush appearance ;

- aerodynamic aspects ;

- ease and reduced cost of production ;

- ease and reduced cost of assembly.

4. Summary of the invention

These objectives, as well as others, which will appear below, are achieved by a device for closing off an opening formed in the bodywork of an automobile vehicle, comprising a fixed structure in which there is defined an aperture therein, and a movable panel being mobile in relation to said fixed structure, said fixed structure bearing, on its face turned towards an interior of said vehicle, two guide rails of said movable panel, each guide rail cooperating with at least two guiding pins carried by said movable panel, a first of said rails comprising a pair of first guiding grooves and at least two first opening/closing portions formed in each of said first grooves and cooperating each with a first of said pins, said second of said rails comprising a pair of second guiding grooves and at least two second opening/closing portions formed in each of said second grooves and cooperating each with a second of said pins, said first and second guiding grooves enabling the sliding of said movable panel in a sliding plane, and said first and second opening/closing portions enabling movement of said movable panel between a closing off plane defined by said fixed structure and said sliding plane, and vice versa.

According to the invention, said first opening/closing portions enable said first pins to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding plane, and said second opening/closing portions enable said second pins to move in a direction parallel to the sliding plane and in a direction substantially perpendicular to this plane, in the form of a general swaying motion.

This invention relates to a flush-mounted window for use as a rear window in a pick-up truck (or van) for instance.

The device has at least one fixed panel and rails which are provided on a face of the fixed panel turned toward the interior of the vehicle. A movable glazed panel is guided in the rails to slide with respect to the fixed part.

More precisely, the movable panel is guided in upper and lower rails (or left and right rails in an alternative embodiment) between a close position in which the movable panel closes an opening in a closing plane defined by the fixed panel(s), and a sliding position in which the movable panel slides in a sliding plane.

In one embodiment, movement of the lower part of the movable panel includes a displacement (in y) between an opening position and an intermediary clearing position, in a plane parallel to the plane of the fixed unit, and a displacement (in x) in this parallel plane.

Movement of the upper part of the movable panel includes a movement in a direction parallel to the plane of the fixed portion and of a movement in a direction perpendicular to this plane, in the form of a general wandering (or swaying) movement.

In an advantageous manner, movement of the lower part of the movable panel enables movement of the upper part of the movable panel.

In other words, the lower part of the movable panel moves first, such movement triggering, via the frame of the movable panel, movement of the upper part of the movable panel.

The technique of the invention does not require any means, except the frame of the movable panel, to enable movement of the upper part (or lower, or right or left) when the lower part (or upper, or left or right respectively) moves.

In one embodiment, a movable shuttle is guided in one of said rails, said shuttle carrying said first or second guiding grooves and corresponding opening/closing portions.

Thus, one of the rails, the lower rail for instance, carries a movable shuttle sliding in the rail according to a sliding axis. The movable panel carries lower fixed pins each engaged with a groove carried by the shuttle, and upper fixed pins each engaged with a groove carried by the upper rail to allow displacement of the panel from the closing position to the sliding position and viceversa.

Thus, movement of the movable panel is enabled by a single shuttle guided in sliding movement in one of the rails, the lower one preferably.

Movement of the shuttle located in the lower rail for instance enables movement of the lower part of the movable panel, such movement being transmitted via the lateral frame of the movable panel to the upper part of the movable panel.

The technique of the invention does not require a shuttle in each rail and thus means (cables and pulleys, or leaf springs) to connect the shuttle of the lower rail to a shuttle of the upper rail.

Indeed, at least one shuttle is required in only of the rails. The shuttle in one rail and the other rail carry tracks cooperating with pins of the movable panel, the tracks being configured (i.e. shaped) so that, starting from the closing off position, the displacement of the shuttle in the upper or lower rail causes movement of the upper or lower part of the movable panel which in turn causes movement of the lower or upper part of the panel.

Thus, the number of elements implemented in the device is optimized.

Also, the movable panel does not require a frame that is relatively thick, interfering with transparency in the opening and in certain cases affecting aesthetic quality.

Consequently, the manufacture of this device is less complex and costly. Also, the weight of such an opening is reduced.

A further advantage of this technique is that the assembly and disassembly of such devices is less complex.

Advantageously, starting from the closing off position, movement of said shuttle in a predetermined first displacement zone causes said movable panel to be tilted inward with respect to the fixed structure in a intermediate tilting position.

Also, movement of said shuttle in a predetermined second displacement zone causes said movable panel to be displaced from said tilted position to said sliding plane.

Then, movement of said shuttle in a predetermined third displacement zone causes said movable panel to be displaced in said sliding plane.

In one particular embodiment, each of said first guiding grooves has a substantially « L » shape defining two sections.

For instance, each of said first guiding groove comprises a first section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding rail and a second section inclined by an angle of 25° to 35° in relation to the axis perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the corresponding rail.

Preferably, said second section is inclined by an angle of 30°.

In a preferred embodiment, each of said second guiding grooves has a substantially « S » shape defining three sections.

For instance, each of said second guiding grooves has a first section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding rail, a second section inclined by an angle of 10° to 30° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding rail and a third section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding rail.

Preferably, said second section is inclined by an angle of 20°.

Advantageously, starting from the closing off position, movement of said first pins in said first section and in said second section of said first guiding grooves respectively causes said movable panel to be tilted inward in a tilting position.

Then, starting from the tilting position, movement of said first pins causes movement of said second pins in said first section, second section and third section of said second guiding grooves, so that said movable panel is in a sliding position.

In one embodiment, movement of said shuttle is driven by manual actuation means. In another embodiment, movement of said shuttle is driven in both directions by motorised means.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle including at least one such device, said vehicle being for instance one of a pick-up truck, an automobile, a utility vehicle, a truck, a bus or a railway carriage.

5. Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1A and IB illustrate the opening kinematics of flush windows of the prior art ;

Figure 2A is a perspective view from the outside of a vehicle of a flush window according to a first embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 2B is a perspective view from the inside of the vehicle of the window of figure 2A ;

Figure 2C illustrates the opening kinematic of a flush window according to a second embodiment of the present invention ;

Figures 3A to 3D illustrate the flush window of figure 2C in four positions ;

- figure 3A: locked position ;

- figure 3B: intermediate disengaged position ;

- figure 3C: partially open position ;

- figure 3D: opened position.

Figures 4A to 4D show the respective positions of the upper pins carried by the movable panel of the flush window of figure 2C in four positions of the movable panel :

- figure 4A: locked panel ;

- figure 4B: unlocked panel ;

- figure 4C: intermediate disengaged position ;

- figure 4D: partially opened panel. Figure 5 illustrates the flush window according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when in a closed position ;

Figures 5A to 5F are enlarged section views of the flush window of figure 5 ;

Figure 6 illustrates the flush window of figure 5, when in a partially opened position ;

Figures 6A and 6B are enlarged section views of the window of figure 6 ;

Figure 7A show the positions of the lower pins carried by the movable panel of the flush window of figure 2C in the locked position of the movable panel ;

Figures 7B and 7C are enlarged views of figure 7A showing the shape of the tracks cooperating with the lower pins carried by the movable panel ;

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an example of a manual opening mechanism of a flush window according to the invention.

6. Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 2A is perspective view from the outside of a rear window for a pickup truck according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The rear window includes a frame, or fixed structure, 11 which is designed to be mounted into a recessed window opening in the body of the truck cab.

The rear window comprises a center mobile, or sliding, panel 12 located between two portions 16, 17 of a single fixed panel, or structure, 11, the mobile panel 12 being designed to open and close a window opening 18 (shown in figures 3C and 3D) defined in the fixed panel 11.

In this figure 2A, the movable panel 12 closes the window opening 18 and is flush with both the fixed panel 11.

Figure 2B shows the rear window of figure 2A when viewed from the inside, i.e. from the driver and passenger compartment, of the truck cab.

The movable panel 12 comprises a frame 121 and a glazed panel 122, and is capable of sliding along rails 13 and 14 which are mounted in upper and lower portions respectively of the frame 11. These rails 13, 14 are provided on the face of the stationary assembly 11 turned toward the interior of the truck cab. The movable panel 12 is remotely driven in both directions by an electric motor EM via a drive cable C.

Each of the panels 11, 12 is typically made of glass and is substantially transparent.

Heating elements H are incorporated on the movable panel 12, and the portions 16, 17 of the fixed panel 11 for clearing fog or frost. Such heating elements H are activated for example by a switch, mounted, for example, on the dashboard of the pick-up truck. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply of such heating elements is cut when the movable panel 12 is opened.

Figures 3A to 3D show a second embodiment of the invention in which the movable panel 12 is adapted to slide manually by means of a handle 15 affixed directly to the movable panel 12.

The handle 15 is mounted so as to be capable of moving in rotation about an axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the handle can only be turned to the right in order to open or close the movable panel 12.

Advantageously, a housing is defined in the frame 121 of the movable panel 12, so that the handle 15 is substantially flush with the rest of the frame 121.

Numerous designs can be envisaged for this handle 15, according to needs. It is possible in particular to provide areas making it easier to grip. The handle 15 could also be mounted so as to be capable of moving in translation.

As illustrated in figure 3 A, the movable panel 12 in its closed position is substantially flush with the fixed-position panel 11 and, in its open position (figure 3D), overlaps the portion 16 of the fixed-position panel 11 in an offset, parallel plane which is located inside the cab of the pick-up truck.

In figure 3B, when the handle is pivoted by less than 45° deg. clockwise (as illustrated by the circular arrow), the movable panel 12 is first unlocked and then brought to an offset position in a plane parallel to the plane of the fixed structure 11 (as illustrated by the rectilinear arrow).

Once in that offset plane, and as illustrated in figure 3C, the movable panel 12 is guided in translation in the rails 13, 14 (i.e. in the plane parallel to the plane of the fixed structure) until the opening 18 is cleared and the movable panel 12 overlaps the portion 16 of the fixed-position panel 11 (open position of figure 3D).

As opposed to the prior art technique, and as illustrated by the arrows in figure 2C, it is the lower part of the movable panel 12 which is offset first from the fixed structure 11 and which enables movement of the upper part of the movable panel 12 away from the fixed structure 11, without requiring any connecting means (cables for instance) circulating in the frame of the movable panel between the lower part and the upper part of the movable panel 12.

More precisely, the movement of the lower part of the movable panel 12 comprises a first movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the fixed structure 11 and then a second movement in a direction parallel to the plane of the fixed structure 11. In contrast, the movement of the upper part of the movable panel 12 when panel 12 is moved from the closing position (figure 3 A) to the sliding position (figure 3C) is a combination of a movement in a direction parallel to the plane of the fixed structure and a movement in a direction perpendicular to this plane, in the form of a general swaying motion.

The means for enabling the movement of the movable panel 12 between the closed and open positions of the movable panel, and vice versa, will now be described in relation to the first embodiment, i.e. when the movable panel 12 is remotely driven in both directions by an electric motor EM via a drive cable C.

First, a movable shuttle 141 is housed in the lower rail 14, substantially in alignment with the movable panel 12. This shuttle 141 is designed to slide in the lower rail 14 according to a sliding axis, under the effect of a single command, electric motor EM in that case.

The movable panel 12, in this case a glazing, carries a guiding pin at each corner of the frame 121. In other words, there are two pins 21, 22 (figures 4A to 4D) in the upper portion of the frame 121 (one at each end of the surround) and two pins 23, 24 (figure 7) in the lower portion of the frame 121 (one at each end of the surround). These pins 21, 22, 23, 24 extend in the plane of the frame 121.

As shown in figures 7 A to 7C, the shuttle 141 carries two tracks or grooves 142, 143 cooperating each with one of the lowers pin 23, 24 respectively, to allow displacement of the panel 12 from the closing position to the sliding position and vice versa, when the shuttle 141 is displaced in the lower rail 14.

In other words, the tracks 142, 143 of the shuttle 141 are designed to receive the pins 23, 24 which are secured to the movable panel 12 as shown in figure 7 A. The tracks 142, 143 are shaped as an inclined « L » as shown in figures 7B and 7C.

As shown in figures 4A to 4D, the upper rail 13 comprises two tracks 131, 132 having roughly a « S » shape and in which the upper guide pins 21, 22 respectively of the movable panel 12 are located. There is no shuttle in the upper rail 12.

It will be noted that in figure 7 A, the panel 12 is in the closing off position of the aperture 18. When the movable panel 12 is closed, both pins 21, 22 are located at the left end of the tracks 131, 132.

As mentioned above, it is the lower part of the frame 121 of movable panel 12 which moves first when the motor EM is actuated. This motor EM controls the movement of a cable C which is located in the lower rail 14 and links the motor EM to shuttle 141 of the lower rail 14. The movable panel 12 is tilted inwards first, the lower part of the frame 121 being moved in a direction perpendicular to the opening 18, the upper part of the frame 121 being moved slightly in a direction parallel to the opening 18.

Indeed, starting from the closed position of figure 7 A, when the shuttle 141 progresses towards the right in a first displacement zone, the lower pins 23, 24 are guided in the straight first portions 142A, 143 A of the tracks 142, 143 respectively. Each of the first portions 142A, 143 A is parallel to the opening 18 and the lower rail 14.

In this first displacement zone, the movable panel 12 is stationery.

When the shuttle 141 progresses towards the right in a second displacement zone, the lower pins 23, 24 are guided in the inclined second portion 142B, 143B of the tracks 142, 143 respectively. The second portions 142B, 143B are inclined by an angle of 20730° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the lower rail 14.

Thus, the lower part of the movable panel 12 is tilted with respect to the fixed panel 11. In other words, the lower part of the frame 121 is in a plane parallel to the plane of the fixed structure 11, the upper part of the frame 121 being stationary and located in the plane of the fixed structure 11.

Once the lower pins 23, 24 are in contact with the end of the second portions 142B, 143B of the tracks 142, 143 respectively, and when the shuttle 141 progresses towards the right in a third displacement zone, the lower part of the movable panel 12 is guided in translation in a plane parallel to the plane of the fixed structure 11.

In this third displacement zone, as shown in figure 4B, the upper pins 21, 22 are guided in the first portions 131 A, 132A of the tracks 131, 132 in a direction parallel to the opening 18 and the upper rail 13. The upper part of the movable panel 12 is located in the plane of the fixed structure 11 until the upper pins 21, 22 are guided in the inclined portions 13 IB, 132B of the tracks 131, 132. These portions are inclined 131B, 132B by an angle of 20° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the upper rail 13 as shown in figure 4C. At this stage, the upper part of the movable panel 12 is offset from the plane of the fixed structure 11 (i.e. the flush plane) toward a parallel plane.

Once the upper pins 21, 22 are located at the junction of the inclined portions 13 IB, 132B and of the straight portions 131C, 132C of the tracks 131, 132, the movable panel 12 is located in a parallel plane from its flush plane.

Displacement towards the right of the shuttle 141 enables moving or sliding of the movable panel 12 in that parallel plane toward its full open position.

During this movement of the movable panel 12, the lower pins 23, 24 are in contact with the end of the portions 142B, 143B of the tracks 142, 143. The upper pins 21, 22 are guided in the portions 131C, 132C of the tracks 131, 132 in a direction parallel to the opening 18 and the upper rail 13.

Displacement towards the left of the shuttle 141 enables the movable panel 12 to be moved from its full open position to its closed position.

Note that due to the particular choice of the shape of the tracks 131, 132, the upper pins 21, 22 are displaced in a swaying motion, whereas the pins 23, 24 are displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the fixed structure 11, which provides the clearing movement of the movable panel 12 an appreciable aesthetical effect, with any jolting.

In alternatives of this embodiment, it can however be considered to provide an angle between 10° and 30° and different from 20° for the inclined portion 142A, 143A of the tracks 142, 143 and for the inclined portion 131B, 132B of the tracks 131, 132.

Figure 5 illustrates the flush window according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when in a closed position, the movable panel 12 being flush with the fixed structure 11.

Figures 5 A to 5 F are enlarged section views of the flush window of figure 5 showing the gasket S disposed on the periphery of the frame 121 of the movable panel 12, such gasket S sealing the window opening 18 off from, for example, exterior moisture, noise, dirt and debris.

Figure 6 illustrates the flush window of figure 5, when in a partially opened position, the glazed panel 122 and frame 121 of the movable panel 12 being offset from the fixed structure 11 comprising portions 16, 17.

Figures 6 A and 6B are enlarged section views of the window of figure 6.

The shape of the tracks 142, 143 which is different from the shape of the tracks 131, 132 offer greater resistance from a force applied from the exterior to the interior of the truck cab by a theft for instance. In other words, the locking is carried out in four points. The final closing of the movable panel 12 which is carried out in the plane of the fixed structure 11 allows a constant flush-fitting and pressure on the gasket S. It is to be noted that in the manual version (figures 3A to 3D), there are well- known means (e.g. cables) located in the frame of the movable panel 12 connecting the handle 15 and the shuttle 141 and acting on said shuttle 141 in order to move the latter in the lower rail 14, causing said movable panel 12 to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the fixed panel 11.

Figures 8 A and 8B illustrate a particular embodiment in which the handle 15 is located on the lower part of the frame of the movable panel 12. The handle 15 carries a cogwheel 151 which cooperates with a rack-and-opinion 152. The rack- and-opinion 152 is linked to a slide 153 whose movement is controlled by a spring

154 fixed to the movable panel 12 (which is not illustrated in figure 8B). The slide carries a pin 155 extending through the frame of the movable panel 12 and being fixed to the shuttle 141 which is located in the lower rail 14 (not represented). Thus, movement in rotation of the handle 151 triggers movement in translation of the rack-and-opinion 152 and of the slide 153. Movement of the latter drives the pin

155 and thus the shuttle 141 to which it is fixed in translation in the rail 14. The lower pin 23 of the movable panel 12 (not represented) is thus guided in the track 142 carried by the shuttle 141 (although not represented, the lower pin 24 is guided in the track 143 carried by the shuttle 141).

Although the principle of the invention has been described in relation to a rear window for a pick-up truck, the same principle could be applied to a glazed roof for a motor vehicle.

In another embodiment, movement of the upper shuttle could trigger movement of the lower shuttle via the frame of the movable panel.

In still another embodiment, movement of the shuttle on one side of the frame of the movable panel (left hand side for instance) could trigger movement of the shuttle located on the other side (right hand side in this instance) via the frame of the movable panel (the upper and lower part of the frame in this instance).

It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.