Foldable top for convertible vehicle

0001The invention relates to a folding top for a convertible vehicle in a training according to the preamble of claim 1.

0002The invention is concerned with the problem, a convertible vehicle with a folding top in accordance with DE 295 13 595.6 to create well-known type, whose top kinematics low technical effort in opening and closing movement of the top decreased impairment allows vehicle occupants and thereby an overall has enhanced ease of use.

0003The invention solves this problem by a convertible top with the features of claim 1. With regard to essential Another embodiment features is made to the claims 2 referred to 16th

0004The folding top according to the invention comprises the rear-end area its two peripheral folding linkage assemblies each one known from se main pillar and a existing on this outer-hinged spreader strut, two-piece rod group as a connecting unit for Roof Covering. This spreader strut is along the edge so connected to a region of the roof skin that one of the main pillar independent connection is created and the rear-end area of ​​the roof cladding independently of be tightened or relaxed the movement of the main column can. The integrated into the rear-end area in Dachhhaut Rear window, with this top kinematics over an enlarged adjustment range be shifted, that the supporting components reach a high position and this one on the rear area of ​​the vehicle as headroom is through effective trajectory.

0005acts in the opening or closing movement of the top the spreader strut with the rear edge of the area Roofing detected top fabric-tensioning bow together such that a largely stress-free and gentle on the material Movement of the folding top is reached. When opening the folding top to the top cover tensioning bar and the facing rearwards pivoted spreader strut, wherein the held of two components roof-tail region raised with the integrated rear window is and by movement of the spreader strut against the Direction and the front edge of the rear window superscript occupies.

0006In this opening operation of the folding roof remains in a Rear area of ​​the vehicle seated passenger of the movement the rear window unaffected because its front edge region on one extending from the upper region of the interior led to behind the headrests extending trajectory can be. This is a previously disadvantageous perceived shift from top parts in the field the occupant avoided while for tall people in the rear a threat in the top motion excluded and with these top kinematics of convenience improved overall.

0007Further details and advantageous effects of the invention result from the following description and the drawing in which an embodiment of the article of the invention is illustrated in more detail. In the Drawing:<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a side view of the illustrated without roof Folding top in the closed position,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a side view similar to FIG. 1 in a first opening phase at an adjustment Top fabric-tensioning bow and a spreader strut,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a second opening phase during movement of the Folding linkage to a rear top compartment out</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a side view with the top compartment located folding top, </dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a perspective detail view the folding linkage in the region of the main column in the closed position,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>similarly a perspective view of Fig. 5 during the opening phase of FIG. 2 with pivoted up top fabric-tensioning bow, and</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a schematic diagram of a second embodiment the spreader strut with right at this angelenktem top fabric-tensioning bow.</dd></dl>

0008In Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned side view a total designated with 1 folding top for a not shown in detail convertible vehicle illustrates, whose roof skin 2 between both sides of the median longitudinal plane 3 (Fig. 5) symmetrically opposite Rod linkage legs 4 of each in the closed position in the region of the windscreen frame is not ( illustrated) fixable folding linkage assembly 5 extends. The roof panel 3 is in the rear-end area of ​​the Folding top 1 between a top tensioning bow 6 and a rear corner bow 7 with a preferably from Hard glass existing rear window 8 is provided.

0009The two folding linkage assemblies 5 (of which in the only drawings each one represented or below described is) exhibit at a known top kinematics the vehicle rear portion towards each one with a Drive member 9 connected and the body side in a Main pivot bearing 10 supported main pillar 11 in their proximity to the vehicle longitudinal mid-plane 3 a go synchronously with the main column 11 pivotable inner guide rod 12 is provided (Fig. 5).

0010The inventively constructed top kinematics has a main column 11, which with an outer side of this angel narrowed spreader strut 13 is provided, at the attacks along its edge at least in areas the roofing 2 (not shown). The side view of FIG. 1 illustrates that the spreader strut 13 in the closed position the folding top 1 outside in front of the main column 11 a covering position with substantially parallel alignment occupies the main pillar 11th

0011The combination of FIGS. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrates the Movement in a first phase, during the opening movement the folding linkage 5, wherein the spreader strut 13 in this movement phase pivoted independently of the main pillar 11 is illustrated and facing rearwards in the Spread position (FIG. 2) is displaced. In continuation the opening movement of the folding roof 1 (Fig. 3, Fig. 4), the spreader strut 13 is in its expanded position in the parallel cover position on the outside, the main pillar 11 is returned (Fig. 3) and thereafter the Spreader strut 13 and the main pillar 11 at the same time Pivotal movement to the parts of the folding linkage 5 in the Top compartment 14 of the vehicle collapsed (Fig. 4).

0012In the movement phase according to FIG. 2 the spreader strut is 13 in its spread position through respective main column 11 directed connection members held that as a way the integration of the spreader strut 13 in the top kinematics according to a perspective rear view Fig. 6 are shown in more detail. It is clear that one with between the main column 11 and the spreader strut 13 a front joint lever and a rear joint lever 15 16 provided articulation is provided, the total a four-bar chain A, B, C, D in the manner of a parallelogram control forms.

0013The above-described embodiment of the folding linkage assembly 5 with the main column and the spreader strut 11 as a connecting unit 13 the roof skin 2 allows their regions vertical displacement, in such a way that the rear window 8 and these enclosing rear portion of the roof panel 2 on an elevated trajectory R on a passenger P can be moved. This movement phase in Fig. 2 clarified. The substantially scale representation shows the trajectory R (dot-dash line) and the motion arrow R 'the possible pivot positions the rear window 8 during the opening process, while the top kinematics invention by means of the Spreader strut 13 of Foremost edge 17 of the rear window 8 is no longer up to the front within the field of the passenger P is displaced, and this also during the entire Opening or. Closing cycle (Fig. 1 to Fig. 4) unaffected of the movement of the top in the vehicle 1 may remain.

0014For a positively controlled movement of the spreader strut 13 means the top kinematics is the spreader strut 13 in Area of ​​linkage components 15, 16 as in the folding linkage 5 integrated, that in the area of ​​the main drive member 9 generated actuating movement of the folding top 1 through constructive selectable compound components, for example the one of the linkage arms 4, one of the corner hoop 7 and / or the rear-side cover tensioning bar 6, on the Spreader strut can be transferred. 13

0015In a preferred embodiment is a positive control of the Spreader strut 13 by means of acting on this top tensioning bow 6 is provided. It is also conceivable that the Spreader strut 13 to shift in the prescribed Relaxation position of the roof skin 2 (Fig. 2) with a separate is provided drive means (not shown).

0016In Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a constructive simple version of the top kinematics with the spreader strut 13 and the top cover tensioning bar 6 shown. Of the Cover tensioning bar 6 engages a generally designated S Swivel hub assembly in a swivel joint G at that in conjunction with the top cover tensioning bar 6 a a vertical distance H to the main pivot bearing 10 (or for non-illustrated body sill) having High position can be shifted. The top cover tensioning bar 6 during the vertical displacement (distance H) against the Direction swiveled (arrow K), wherein the top cover tensioning bar 6 in the pivot hub assembly S with a carrier formed by a hydraulic cylinder 18 lifting member cooperates.

0017The swivel joint G is as end juncture between the top cover tensioning bar 6 and the spreader strut 13 provided so that this opening of the first phase Folding top 1 forcibly controlled by pivoting about the as fixed fulcrum illustrated joint A '(in Fig. 6 as a movable Leg 15 designed with hinge points A and B) At an angle W defining spread position is shifted to the main pillar 11th About an appropriate Rated the distance H by means of a vehicle-specific Dimensioning of the parts of the swivel hub assembly S can be connected to these different requirements the trajectory the rear window 8 and / or the required headroom meet over the passenger compartment.

0018In the illustrated embodiment of the detail Folding top 1 with the spreader strut 13 shown in FIG. 1 to 6 this is at its rear end by a multi-membered Link chain E with the rear-end area of Roof skin 2 detected top cover tensioning bar 6 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). The top cover tensioning bar 6 has a directed angled and in closed position (Fig. 1) upwards Supporting leg on 20, the way to the main camp 10 in the region of the main column 11 with an oscillation strut 21 respective hinge points L, L 'and forms the body side articulated on a support strut 21 '(Fig. 6).

0019Thus, the top cover tensioning bar 6 in the hinge point L a located at a distance H 'on the body sill fulcrum on, with the one to the distance H shown in FIG. 7 at the Opening movement corresponding vertical displacement as a solid Measurement is included in the construction, wherein, for the displacement of the top tension bracket 6 in the up waving Position the pivot point L in its vertical position in the Body is arranged so that a parapet on the vehicle body befindlicher support area is reached and inevitably with this increased trajectory R results.

0020When swiveling (or lowering) the top tensioning bow 6 is also the positive control in the E 'of Connection of cover tensioning bar 6 and spreader strut 13 effective (Fig. 6), so that these two components together the relaxation of the roof 2 in the corner hoop take 7, 7 ', 7' 'causing the high position (Fig. 2). The compound E 'between the top cover tensioning bar 6 and the spreader strut 13 is of two guide rods 24 and 24 'are formed, which are connected via a joint F. The guide bar 24 'engages on the spreader strut 13 to, in particular provided a rotationally fixed connection is.

0021In an advantageous embodiment, is for the transfer of Top tensioning strap 6 in the open position a Anriebsorgan 22 is provided in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, which is effective regardless of the main drive. 9 Equally conceivable with the main drive member 9 a to cover tensioning bar 6 provide towards extending drive linkage (Not shown), which however in the region of the main pivot bearing 10 requires an additional freedom of movement.

0022The roof panel 2 has in its rear-end area between the corner hoop 7 and the top cover tensioning bar 6, Rear window 8 which in opening and closing movement the folding top 1 on the spreader strut 13 and the respective pivot assembly (S in FIG. 7; E in FIG. 6) of the folding-top tensioning bow 6 defined trajectory R is carried out so that the interior of the vehicle with the Passenger P is largely unaffected.

0023On top tensioning bow 6 is a known and Roof 2 in the closed position firming clamping unit a rear clamping member 23 and a front tension strut 25 is provided, in turn, with the folding linkage assembly 5 is connected. These two struts 23 and 25 are made of the dead center position shown in Fig. 1 then by means of the power cylinder 22 movable, if this for moving the convertible top tension bracket 6 the performs prescribed opening movement. It takes place a pivotal movement about the clamping between the struts 23 and 25 provided joint T.

0024At the rear clamping member 23, the rear window 8 is over an angle lever 26 hinged so that the rear window 8 positively driven by the movement of the tension strut 23 in the reaches 2 high position shown in FIG. and here on the angle part 26 'a stable support of substantially achieved vertically aligned rear window 8 is.

0025In an appropriate embodiment, the top kinematics in Range of spreader strut 13 or the top tension bracket 6 a supported on the main pivot bearing 10 gas compression spring 27 , so that the rear-side parts of the folding linkage 5 in the open position (Fig. 2) against an unintentional downward movement are secured, the top compartment lid (Not shown) can be opened without hindrance and then the displacement of the folding roof 2 in the storage position (Fig. 4) in the top compartment 14 is possible.

0026When opening the folding top 2 from the closed position in accordance with FIG. 1 is first the field of top tip 28 unlocked from the windshield frame, not shown and then raises the top fabric-tensioning bow 6 up to the near vertical position (FIG. 2) via the Region of the headrest 29, whereby a pivotal movement takes place about the pivot point L. At the same time, overcoming the dead center position of the two struts 23 and 25, the folding top 28 is raised. The rear window 8 is the above-described and illustrated top kinematics in one of the top material-tensioning bow 6 level spent substantially parallel position and this is behind the head region of a rear passenger P.

0027The spreader strut 13 is in this movement positively controlled their connection parts for top fabric-tensioning bow 6 raised and thereby the rear-side top fabric (Not shown) of the roof skin 2 by means of Spreader strut tracked so that no additional stresses occur in the roof covering. 2 The respective in the area Connecting lugs 30, 30 '(Fig. 6) on the spreader strut follow 13 hinged corner hoop 7, 7 'and 7 " the above movement also, a relief carried out of the roof membrane. 2

0028After reaching the opening position shown in FIG. 2 is now the non-illustrated cover over the roof compartment 14 are opened (Fig. 4) and there is a reduction in the top fabric-tensioning bow 6 (arrow V in Fig. 3) in Towards the top compartment 14 towards, the spreader strut 13 back into their overlapping position for main pillar 11 is brought. In continuation of this stowing movement of Folding top 1 pivot the main column 11 and the spreader strut 13 now jointly to the connecting point at X Main bearing 10 to the storage position in the top compartment 14 (Fig. 4) and the top box lid can automatically getting closed.

0029On return of the folding top 1 in the closed position (Fig. 1) is the above movement in reverse sequence, wherein the spread position of Main pillar 11 and spreader strut 13 also in this movement only in the high-position position of the top material-tensioning bow 6 is provided.