Method for opening and closing a vehicle roof, corresponding opening and closing system and vehicle

An opening and closing system configured for opening and closing a convertible vehicle, the opening and closing system comprising:

• a retractable roof including a first portion and a second portion, connected to each other, and at least one movement unit for moving the retractable roof, the at least one movement unit comprising:
• a movement and rotation mechanism, configured to move the first portion of the roof relative to the second portion of the roof between a first position and a second position, such that, at the first position, the first portion is at least partly superposed on the second portion and, at the second position, the first portion lies in substantially the same plane as the second portion, and to rotate the first portion and the second portion,
• a translating mechanism, separate from the movement and rotation mechanism and configured to translate, via a uniform motion in a generally straight line, the superposed first portion and second portion between a third position and a fourth position, such that, at the third position, the first portion and the second portion are inside a compartment in the vehicle and, at the fourth position, the first portion and the second portion are outside the compartment, and
• a drive unit, configured to drive the movement and rotation mechanism and the translating mechanism, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a common axis of rotation about which the superposed first portion and second portion are rotated.