Roof frame for a tarpaulin structure

Abstract

A convertible top frame for a tarpaulin structure, with a side tarpaulin guide arrangement (9), comprising a plurality of sliding struts (91) which can be displaced along a longitudinal member (4) supported against a loading platform (11), wherein a tarpaulin (15) which at least partially closes a lateral opening (14) of the convertible top frame can be connected to the sliding struts (91), wherein the sliding struts (91) have a carriage (91a) at one of their two ends, with which they can be displaced relative to the longitudinal member (4), wherein the sliding struts (91) can be secured to a guide rail (3) assigned to the loading platform (11), wherein locking means (93; 94; 99) are provided on the sliding struts (91), which secure the sliding struts (91) in contact with the guide rail (3), wherein the locking means (93; 94;99) comprise a locking member (99) which is displaceable with respect to the sliding strut (91), characterized in that a displacement of the locking member (99) by closing the side tarpaulin guide arrangement (9) along the longitudinal member (4) fixes the sliding struts (91) against the guide rail (3);

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roof frame for a tarpaulin structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] EP 2 353 904 A1 describes a generic roof frame for a commercial vehicle body, in which a continuous side tarpaulin closing a side opening of the commercial vehicle body is attached to sliding stanchions. The sliding stanchions hang over rollers in a longitudinal member supported by corner stanchions and center stanchions and are movable along the longitudinal member. The side tarpaulin is attached to the sliding stanchions and, when the side tarpaulin is pushed together, is folded over by 180° in the area between two adjacent sliding stanchions, with tensile straps incorporated horizontally into the side tarpaulin increasing the load-bearing capacity of the side tarpaulin. In order to be able to move the sliding stanchion, it is necessary to manually release a tensioning device assigned to the individual sliding stanchion and to manually release a hook, which is then released, from a tensioning edge arranged on a frame rail in the area of the loading platform.Furthermore, an upper section and a lower section of the sliding stanchions are mutually tensioned with a spring element, so that after releasing the tensioning device, the stanchion is lifted out of a groove-like recess in the frame rail.

[0003] WO 2010 / 085 202 A1 discloses a convertible top frame for a commercial vehicle body, in which a side wall arrangement closing a lateral opening of the commercial vehicle body consists of several side wall sections that are displaceably guided on an upper longitudinal member. Between each two adjacent side wall sections, a sliding stanchion is provided, which can be displaced via rollers on the upper longitudinal member. Each side wall section has two sliding strips, to each of which a cover surface made of a plate body is articulated on either side. The two mutually facing cover surfaces of the two sliding strips of a side wall section are articulated across the height of a projection stanchion, which is not connected to the upper longitudinal member.When the side wall assembly is closed, the extension stanchion and the sliding stanchion are each individually connected to a stanchion base on a frame rail provided in the loading platform area via a lever hinged to the stanchion body. The two mutually facing cover surfaces of the two sliding rails of a side wall section are also hinged to the sliding rail, allowing each side wall section to be folded into a package of four cover surfaces essentially stacked on top of each other and perpendicular to the plane of the opening.

[0004] DE 600 28 741 T2 shows a convertible top frame for a tarpaulin body, comprising a plurality of sliding struts designed as foldable shutters, which can be displaced along a longitudinal member supported against a loading platform. A tarpaulin closing the side opening of the convertible top frame can be connected to the sliding struts. The sliding struts are displaced via slides in the longitudinal direction of a loading platform. The slides are mounted or guided by rollers in a lower and an upper guide track of a lower and upper longitudinal member, respectively. The convertible top frame is locked manually at the end shutters via a sliding bar.

[0005] It is the object of the invention to provide a roof frame with which an opening of a tarpaulin structure can be opened and closed reliably.

[0006] This object is achieved by a convertible top frame having the features specified in independent claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, a convertible top frame for a tarpaulin body is provided, which has a side tarpaulin guide arrangement in which a plurality of sliding struts can be displaced along a longitudinal member supported against a loading platform. A tarpaulin that at least partially closes the lateral opening of the convertible top frame can be connected to the sliding struts, wherein the tarpaulin can be fastened, for example, using snap fasteners. The sliding struts have a carriage at one of their two ends, with which they can be displaced relative to the longitudinal member. The carriage is expediently equipped in the manner of a roller carriage with support rollers that enable rolling in a corresponding guide track of the longitudinal member. The carriage is connected to the upper end of the sliding strut and can also be formed integrally with it.The sliding strut can also be secured to a guide rail assigned to the loading platform in order to fix the side tarpaulin guide assembly as a whole relative to the rest of the convertible top frame. The side tarpaulin guide assembly has locking means provided on the sliding struts, which preferably secure the sliding struts in a positive-locking manner against a stop when the side tarpaulin guide assembly is closed. This locking mechanism ensures that a load acting perpendicular to the plane of the opening, which is introduced into the sliding strut directly or via the tarpaulin, can be directed into the stop, effectively preventing the sliding strut from being pushed laterally out of its closed position.

[0008] It is expediently provided that the sliding struts can be lifted from the opening by pivoting in the area of the slide. Advantageously, the sliding strut is first unlocked and, upon pivoting back toward the opening, is only relocked once the sliding strut is positioned with a part in alignment with its counterpart, referred to as the guide rail, and preferably subsequently lifted. According to a further development, the sliding struts, in the pivoted state, are held at a distance from the guide rail or a wall to which the guide rail is attached.

[0009] The locking means expediently comprise an extension kinematics provided between adjacent sliding struts, which causes the sliding strut to be locked to the stop.

[0010] Locking can be achieved by moving the extension kinematics into an over-center position, or by moving one end of the sliding strut from below into a complementary, lateral force-absorbing counter-shape, in which loads acting at least perpendicular to the plane of the opening are positively introduced into the stop. The locking arrangement actuates a locking member, which is advantageously displaceable in its axial extent relative to the sliding strut. In a simple embodiment, this is a pin that is kinematically coupled to the locking means and is preloaded by gravity or by spring preload in a locking direction opposite to the aforementioned lifting direction.This results in a clamp-like, counter-rotating movement of the outer end of the sliding strut by lifting the sliding strut against a lower edge of the stop and simultaneously lowering the latch towards the lower end of the sliding strut towards an upper edge of the stop. In a simple embodiment, this can be achieved by a connecting link that is connected to the link of the extension kinematics and, if necessary with a slotted hole, then lowers the latch relative to the lower section of the sliding strut when the lower section of the sliding strut is raised relative to the upper section of the sliding strut. If the latch has a wedge ramp, this can additionally assist in pulling the sliding strut towards the wall that holds the guide rail and also provide contact surfaces for the introduction of vertical forces from the longitudinal member via the sliding strut into the guide rail.According to a particularly practical further development, it can be provided that a hole is provided at the lower end of the sliding strut and on the bolt which is aligned when fully closed, through which a seal can be passed as a customs seal.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise a cable pull that acts upon or even passes through the sliding strut, which, when the cable pull is tensioned, lowers the locking member relative to the sliding strut or its lower section. This can be easily achieved, for example, if the latch is pretensioned in the release direction and is disengaged into the locking position by means of a cable pull and deflection pulley against the pretension. Preferably, however, the reverse is provided, with spring means axially pretensioning the latch into the locking position, and the cable pull of the locking means lifting the latch, for example via a deflection pulley, when the side tarpaulin is opened and the cable pull is tensioned accordingly.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking means can be actuated by permanent magnets, an electric motor, or a wedge-shaped control system that converts a longitudinal movement of the convertible top frame into a vertical movement. For example, engagement pawls or braking elements could be pivotally connected to the sliding strut, which can be selectively unlocked or locked when the cable is loaded in the pulling direction, thus providing an additional positive locking of the sliding strut.

[0013] Overall, it is advantageous if the sliding strut has an upper section and a lower section which are axially displaceable relative to one another by a defined length, wherein the gravity of the lower section or spring means prestress the lower section in the direction of a lowered position, wherein the locking means selectively lock the lower end and / or the spring means if necessary.

[0014] Preferably, as a further development, the sliding strut has an upper section and a lower section that are axially displaceable relative to each other by a limited distance, and the lower section is biased by a spring or preferably by gravity into a position spaced from the upper section. In this case, the locking means can expediently lock the lower section selectively against the upper section or preferably against the stop.

[0015] The sliding strut expediently has a hook section that can be brought into contact with an edge of the guide rail from below, allowing locking to the guide rail. The hook section engaging with the edge of the guide rail can have a spherical, conical, pointed, pyramidal, trapezoidal, or other contour that supports centering. However, it is possible for the hook section to have a contour complementary to the aforementioned contours if the section on the guide rail is shaped like a projection rather than a recess.

[0016] According to a preferred variant, both the edge and the end of the hook-shaped section of the sliding strut are provided with a plurality of equidistant grooves with a triangular cross-section running parallel to the guide rail. These grooves enable claw engagement at different distances, so that the sliding strut can be connected even if a protruding part of the load prevents connection directly adjacent to the opening. To further facilitate the positioning of the lower end of the sliding strut, enlarged recesses can be provided in the guide rail in the closed positions of the sliding strut, which also facilitate axial sliding into the desired position. If these recesses also have a step in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, the sliding strut is also reliably fixed in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.In this case, it can advantageously be provided that separate locking means, such as safety pins or connecting arrangements in the manner of a stanchion foot, are provided in the preferred position, to which a manual closure can optionally be carried out for additional security.

[0017] The side tarpaulin guide arrangement is highly stable, especially when sliding stanchions are arranged at intervals between adjacent sliding struts, since the sliding stanchions, in particular, transmit vertical forces from the longitudinal member into the guide rail, thus ensuring that the closed side tarpaulin guide arrangement does not become loose, for example, due to the longitudinal member bending. With the sliding strut design described above, these vertical forces are also transmitted into the guide rail, and a convertible top frame is possible that does not require a center stanchion.However, at least one central stanchion is preferably provided between the corner stanchions. This ensures that the longitudinal member maintains a defined distance from the loading platform and thus from the guide rail, thus significantly reducing the deflection of the longitudinal member, thereby increasing the guidance and locking accuracy of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement. The central stanchion can be of conventional design, but it is also possible to connect the central stanchion to a separate base via a stanchion lever and to provide side tarpaulin guide arrangements on both sides of the central stanchion.Even then, the long side of the convertible top frame can still be opened easily, namely by first releasing the center stanchion, which is connected to the tarpaulin, from its stanchion base, which allows it to be lifted and / or extended, and then releasing the side tarpaulin guide arrangement(s) and moving the side tarpaulin together with the center stanchion to release the opening.

[0018] The guide rail is advantageously positioned low enough on an outer wall in the area of the loading platform that the portion of the wall remaining above the guide rail can act as a support plane for those parts that serve as spacers for the sliding struts when the side tarpaulin guide assembly is open. This reliably ensures that the side tarpaulin guide assembly cannot swing into the loading space with mechanical parts, and preferably, the tarpaulin itself does not protrude significantly into the loading space.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, it is possible to pretension the side tarpaulin guide arrangement toward an opening position by means of spring means, which can be provided inside or outside the tarpaulin. If the end part of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement is released, the spring means cause the side tarpaulin guide arrangement to fold completely or at least substantially, with the sliding stanchions being raised, the sliding struts being lowered, the sliding struts swinging out, and the sliding stanchions and sliding struts moving together to form a package pushed together relative to the tensioning arrangement. The spring means are then simultaneously pretensioned again when the tarpaulin is closed, for which purpose a tarpaulin tensioner designed as a folding lever can serve.

[0020] According to one aspect, a roof frame for a tarpaulin body, such as a commercial vehicle body for trucks or trailers or a container, is created, in which a plurality of sliding struts are displaceable on longitudinal members supported against a loading platform. A tarpaulin that at least partially closes the lateral opening of the roof frame can be connected to the sliding struts, for example by loops in the tarpaulin or by riveting. The sliding struts have a carriage at one of their two ends, with which they can be displaced relative to the longitudinal member. For this purpose, the carriage has sliding elements, usually designed as support rollers, which engage in a corresponding guide track of the longitudinal member and thus enable displaceability with low rolling friction.The sliding struts can be secured to a guide rail assigned to the loading platform, with the guide rail running at the end of the sliding strut opposite the slide. By securing the sliding strut to the guide rail, a stable position is achieved in the convertible top frame, as the slide can be moved within the longitudinal member. The sliding struts can be lifted away from the convertible top opening by pivoting in the area of the slide, whereby the longitudinal axis of the sliding strut is inclined to the plane of the opening and intersects it in the area of the longitudinal member. This makes it particularly advantageous to guide the sliding strut past the load in the event of slipping loads. Furthermore, by pivoting the sliding strut like a pendulum, the tarpaulin attached to it is also folded, and the tarpaulin can be easily pushed together.When pivoted, the sliding struts are held at a distance from the guide rail, which advantageously prevents the sliding struts from swinging back and forth under the weight of their own mass or even swinging into the cargo area. At the same time, this ensures an orderly and evenly pivoted position for all sliding struts, which does not interfere with loading the tarpaulin body. Their own weight also prevents the sliding struts from projecting laterally beyond the preset opening angle, allowing a narrow working area to open and close the side tarpaulin.

[0021] To keep the sliding strut at a distance from the guide rail when pivoted, a spacer is expediently provided which keeps the sliding strut at a distance from its lower end from the guide rail or the wall to which the guide rail is connected. The spacer can be designed, for example, as a spring clip or spring plate which is fixed in the area of the tarpaulin and which, when the tarpaulin is pushed together, is moved in such a way that it extends the sliding strut at its lower end. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, to attach a control arm as a spacer to the side of the sliding strut facing the opening. This control arm is articulated in the base area of the sliding strut and is pivoted relative to the sliding strut. When the sliding strut is pivoted, it is supported against a wall or an actuating element which carries out the pivoting.

[0022] Preferably, however, a deployment kinematics is provided between adjacent sliding struts, which pivots the sliding struts relative to the guide rail or the wall to which the guide rail is connected and keeps them spaced apart. In this respect, the deployment kinematics is not only intended for pivoting the sliding strut, but also as a spacer. In a simple embodiment, the deployment kinematics each have a control arm that articulates the sliding strut and the spacer. If a control arm is connected to the sliding strut on each side of the sliding strut, when the tarpaulin is pushed together, the control arm will force the sliding strut into the pivoted-out position and then hold it in the pivoted position, thus performing a spacer function.Alternatively, it is possible to design the extension kinematics with two links, which then span a four-bar linkage between a base and the sliding strut as a coupling of the four-bar linkage. A four-bar arrangement advantageously allows the sliding strut to be pivoted in a defined manner with respect to a single extension kinematics, whereby locking by means of an over-center locking of the four-bar linkage is also possible. Furthermore, adjacent four-bar linkages can be connected to control links, which synchronize the entire extension movement. Furthermore, modified kinematics can be considered as extension kinematics, in which a pivot pin of the linkage is mounted in a slotted hole, and an additional degree of freedom is used to generate a moment in one or the other direction. This makes it possible, in particular, to convert an axial movement of the links into a deployment movement.

[0023] According to one embodiment, at least one of the links of the extension kinematics is elastically deformable, in order to achieve the degrees of freedom required, particularly in the event of jamming or for overcoming obstacles. Alternatively, the joint eye in which the link is accommodated can also have a certain amount of play, for example, if it is designed as an elongated hole, or if additional mobility in the extension kinematics is provided by a more complex arrangement such as a seven-joint kinematics.

[0024] According to one design variant, the spacer is designed as a guide part that can be displaced along the guide rail. In a further design, the guide part can be provided for axially displaceable along the guide rail like a carriage. The guide part would then be arranged between adjacent sliding struts and form the basis for the extension kinematics, which simultaneously defines the spacer. However, a spacer is also provided without extension kinematics, for example, if a spring or the like is supported against the guide part. Preferably, however, the spacer is connected to a sliding stanchion, which is arranged between adjacent sliding struts and can be displaced in the longitudinal member.This makes it possible to find suitable connections for introducing the required forces across the entire height of the sliding pillar, and at the same time, by gripping the sliding pillar, to also introduce these forces into the kinematically connected sliding strut by pulling and / or pushing. According to a preferred embodiment, the spacer, or in the case of a pillar, its lower end, has a roller that can be supported in a guideway of the guide rail, thus ensuring that a displacement movement can also be introduced into the spacer due to low rolling friction.

[0025] According to one aspect, a convertible top frame for a tarpaulin body is provided, which has a side tarpaulin guide arrangement that simplifies the opening and closing of a side tarpaulin so that only a few manual steps are required. The side tarpaulin guide arrangement comprises a plurality of sliding struts that can be moved along longitudinal members supported against a loading platform. A tarpaulin that at least partially closes the side opening of the convertible top frame can be connected to the sliding struts, thus enabling a flexible side wall of a tarpaulin body with the associated low weight.The sliding struts have a carriage at one of their two ends, with which they can be displaced relative to the longitudinal member; the carriage is generally designed as a roller carriage that can be moved along a corresponding chamber or guide track of the longitudinal member and only has to overcome rolling friction. The sliding struts can also be secured to a guide rail assigned to the loading platform in order to fix the sliding strut in place. The side tarpaulin guide arrangement has a lifting means that vertically displaces, in particular lifts, at least one sliding strut when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement is closed and fixes it against the guide rail. This advantageously makes it possible to fix the sliding strut to the guide rail or a section of a guide rail by raising the sliding strut relative to the guide rail, thus engaging under the guide rail from below.The lifting means are expediently controlled in such a way that the lifting only begins when a hook section of the sliding strut which engages under the guide rail is positioned below the guide rail and then, expediently self-centering, penetrates into a corresponding counterpart, e.g. a recess, in the longitudinal rail from below.

[0026] It is expediently provided that the sliding struts can be lifted off the opening by pivoting in the area of the slide, whereby the sliding strut is advantageously lowered first and is only raised again when pivoting back towards the opening when the sliding strut is positioned with a part in line with its counterpart, which is referred to as the guide rail.

[0027] According to a further development, the sliding struts are kept at a distance from the guide rail or a wall to which the guide rail is attached when pivoted.

[0028] The lifting means preferably comprise a deployment kinematics system provided between adjacent sliding struts, which pivots the sliding strut relative to a spacer assigned to the guide rail. The spacer thus represents an abutment for the sliding strut when the sliding strut is pivoted out. The joints of the deployment kinematics thus transfer the mass of the sliding strut into the spacer, so that the spacer expediently rests against the guide rail or a wall, such as the tail lift, to which the guide rail is connected. Alternatively, the deployment kinematics system can also be mounted on a guide part in the guide rail. The deployment kinematics system then also causes the sliding strut, or at least its lower section, to be lifted by the correspondingly acting guide rods of the deployment kinematics, which can be designed in various ways as described above.It is expediently provided that the base of the deployment kinematics, which is preferably a sliding post, is lowered slightly, at least in the area accommodating the guide rods of the deployment kinematics. The lifting means act in particular in that, when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement is almost or completely closed and the side tarpaulin is correspondingly closed, the guide rods of the deployment kinematics can move into a plane parallel to the opening, together with the sliding strut and at least one guide part of the sliding post, and the resulting reduction in the number of degrees of freedom with respect to the movement of the sliding strut causes it to be raised.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the lifting means comprise a cable pull passing through the sliding struts, which lifts at least one lower end of a sliding strut when the cable pull is tensioned. According to a first embodiment, it can be provided for this purpose that the cable pull runs essentially lengthwise to the sliding strut and, via deflection pulleys or other force redirection means, changes its lowering or raising depending on the pivot angle of the sliding strut relative to the plane of the opening to be closed by the side tarpaulin. According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that a cable pull is connected to the clamping part, which is attached to the stanchion, and with which a final tension is introduced into the tarpaulin. If this tensioning arrangement is released, a cable pull lifting the sliding strut is also released, and the sliding strut can move downwards.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the cable is connected to abutments connected to the tarpaulin, which are arranged at intervals between adjacent struts, so that the cable is relieved when the tarpaulin is pushed together and tensioned when the tarpaulin is closed. By tensioning the cable passing through the sliding strut, the latter is raised and advantageously locked relative to the guide rail.

[0031] A sliding stanchion arranged at intervals between the sliding struts is particularly suitable as an abutment, as this allows for particularly easy adjustment of the cable height. According to an alternative design, a conventional tarpaulin roller can also serve as the abutment. This roller is attached to the upper edge of the side tarpaulin and can be moved within the longitudinal member. It also has an eyelet or similar device for guiding the cable. In this case, the cable will pass through the sliding strut in a higher area. Instead of a continuous cable, it is also possible to provide cable sections from abutment to sliding strut and from sliding strut to abutment, thus avoiding the need for feedthroughs. These are particularly easy to replace and can be individually adjusted to the desired cable tension using appropriate tarpaulin tensioners.

[0032] To raise the sliding strut, a suitable embodiment provides for the sliding strut to be raised or lowered relative to the longitudinal member. This can be achieved, on the one hand, by providing an axial guide in the area of the roller carriage, with which the sliding strut can be moved up and down relative to the roller carriage. According to another embodiment, the sliding strut can be provided with a telescopic section that, under the preload of the spring, compensates for part of the sliding strut's own weight by retracting the telescopic section.Preferably, however, a telescopic section is provided below the support roller of the sliding strut that effects the pivoting movement. This telescopic section allows a preset lifting path of the lower section of the sliding strut relative to the upper section of the sliding strut. The lower section of the sliding strut follows under its own weight when the lifting means are actuated in the opposite direction, i.e., for lowering. However, the lifting means then overcome the gravity of the lower section of the sliding strut by raising it again.

[0033] According to one aspect, a method for actuating a side tarpaulin guide assembly is provided to release an opening of a convertible top frame of a tarpaulin structure. Sliding struts suspended from a longitudinal member are lowered with their lower section and pivoted around the longitudinal member when the side tarpaulin guide assembly is pushed together, projecting their lower end from the opening. This method differs from the accordion method, in which deployment strips are displaced parallel to the plane of the opening, and can be advantageously applied in a convertible top frame of the type described above.

[0034] According to one aspect, a sliding strut is provided for use in such a convertible top frame of a tarpaulin structure, comprising a central cover section which is assigned to the lateral opening of the convertible top frame, with an upper connection device formed at one end for connection to a longitudinal member supported against a loading platform, and with a lower connection device formed at the other end for connection to a guide rail provided in the region of the loading platform, wherein means for inclining or pivoting relative to the plane of the opening by pivoting in the longitudinal member are provided in the region of the upper connection device. The sliding strut is characterized in that a spacer holds the sliding strut in its inclined position in the pivoted state.This prevents the moment that the sliding strut imparts to the spacer due to its mass from causing the sliding strut to swing back when opened and penetrate the cargo area. For this purpose, the spacer is conveniently supported on a corresponding wall of the convertible top frame.

[0035] The side tarpaulin is connected to the sliding strut using appropriate means of connection, whereby any means of connection can be considered, for example riveting, screwing, gluing, inserting into a pocket of the side tarpaulin material, connecting eyelets to the circumference of the sliding strut, and many more.

[0036] The upper connecting device expediently has at least one support roller that is pivotably received in a chamber of the longitudinal member. This allows the sliding strut to be easily moved, i.e. rolled, within the longitudinal member, and at the same time the support point of the support roller in the corresponding chamber of the longitudinal member forms a temporary joint without being prevented from further rolling. For this purpose, the upper connecting device is expediently designed as a slide that can be formed integrally with the sliding strut, but is preferably insertable into a shaft section of the sliding strut. By appropriately selecting the shaft sections, different heights of openings can be spanned. The lower connecting device is also expediently designed as a lower slide that is connected to the profile section in the same way.It is also possible to equip the lower carriage with rollers that engage with a guide section of the track roller and, optionally, also lock the sliding strut to the track rail. However, to achieve a particularly tight fit, the lower carriage is preferably equipped with only sliding surfaces.

[0037] It is possible to provide a section in the lower connection device of the sliding strut that can be connected to a pillar base, allowing the sliding strut to be locked to the pillar base. However, this requires the locking mechanism to be manually released before the sliding strut can be moved.

[0038] According to a further development, an upper section and a lower section of the sliding strut are provided which are axially movable relative to one another, so that the lower section can be raised or lowered relative to the upper section. The upper section and the lower section which are movable relative to one another are expediently provided in the connecting device of the sliding strut, whereby a large mass preloads the lower section into the lowered position due to gravity. Alternatively, however, it is possible to provide the area of axial mobility of the upper section and lower section in a different area of the sliding strut and, in addition to the axial mobility, to also introduce a moment into the lower section which makes it possible to pivot the lower connecting device out of engagement with the guide rail when the lower section is lowered.In this respect, the upper section and the lower section simultaneously form a guide rail that pivots the lower section somewhat.

[0039] The lower connecting device can be conveniently secured to the guide rail by gripping underneath, allowing forces acting perpendicular to the plane of the opening to be transferred to the sliding strut. At the same time, if the raised sliding strut is positively locked to the longitudinal beam, this effectively prevents the sliding strut from being displaced sideways by load.

[0040] According to a further development, the lower connecting device can be released from the guide rail by axially lowering at least the lower connecting device. This allows the sliding strut to swing around the pivot axis without remaining fixed to the guide rail when the side tarpaulin is opened.

[0041] Further advantages and features of the claimed invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the dependent claims.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a roof frame of a tarpaulin body for a semi-trailer. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view from the rear of a preferred embodiment of a convertible top frame according to the invention, which is partially cut away. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the top frame according to Fig. 2 without cable pull, in which the side tarpaulin guide arrangement is pushed together. Fig. 4 shows a section of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement from Fig. 3, where the sliding struts and sliding posts are unlocked but not yet pushed together. Fig. 5 shows a side view of a sliding strut made of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows an enlarged detail VI from Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows an enlarged detail VII from Fig. 5. Fig. 8 shows a side view comparable Fig. 5 of a sliding strut in the locked state. Fig. 9 shows a detail IX from Fig. 8. Fig. 10 shows a detail X from Fig. 8. Fig. 11 shows a side view of a sliding stanchion made of Fig. 3 in the locked state. Fig. 12 shows a detail XII from Fig. 11. Fig. 13 shows a detail XIII from Fig. 11. Fig. 14 shows the collapsed side tarpaulin guide arrangement from Fig. 3 in a side view. Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 with extended sliding strut. Fig. 16 shows a detail XVI from Fig. 15. Fig. 17 shows a detail XVII from Fig. 15. Fig. 18 shows the side tarpaulin guide arrangement from Fig. 3 in closed position in a side view. Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a sliding strut made of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 shows a detail XX from Fig. 19. Fig. 21 shows a detail XXI from Fig. 19. Fig. 22 shows two variants of means for locking the sliding strut. Fig. 23 shows a perspective view from behind of the top frame according to Fig. 2. Fig. 24 shows a detail XXIV from Fig. 23. Fig. 25 shows a detail XXV from Fig. 23. Fig. 26 shows a detail XXVI from Fig. 23. Fig. 27 shows a detail XXVII from Fig. 23. Fig. 28 shows a side view of the top frame according to Fig. 2 in the closed position. Fig. 29 shows a detail XXIX from Fig. 28. Fig. 30 shows a detail of the connection of a cable pull to a profile section of a sliding strut or sliding post. Fig. 31 shows an embodiment of a handlebar. Fig. 32 shows an alternative embodiment of a handlebar. Fig. 33 shows a lower section of a sliding strut which is fixed to the guide rail. Fig. 34 shows an upper section of a sliding strut connected to a longitudinal member. Fig. 35 shows the lower slide of a sliding stake. Fig. 36 shows the lower slide of a sliding strut. Fig. 37 shows the upper slide of a sliding stake. Fig. 38 shows the upper slide of a sliding strut.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 1, the basic structure of a preferred top frame 10 for a tarpaulin body, which in this case is mounted over a semi-trailer, is first described. The top frame 10, designated overall by 10, has a loading platform 11, from which four stationary corner stanchions 1 protrude upright in the corners of the loading platform 11. A longitudinal member 4, made of an extruded aluminum profile, is supported on each of the corner stanchions 1 along the longitudinal edge of the top frame 10. The longitudinal member 4 can also be composed of several sections arranged one behind the other.

[0044] Between the two corner stanchions 1 arranged on one side or on the other side of the longitudinal bisector of the roof frame 10, one or more central stanchions 2 are arranged, of which Fig. 1 only one is shown on each side. The middle stake 2 has at its upper end a (in Fig. 1) roller carriage or slide with which it can be moved along a corresponding guide track of the longitudinal member 4 and is held thereon. In order to be able to introduce forces from the longitudinal member 4 into a frame area surrounding the loading platform 11, the central stanchion 2 has a connecting profile at its lower end which can be connected to a stanchion foot arranged on a frame of the loading platform 11, wherein the central stanchion 2 is raised slightly when connected to the stanchion foot and thus comes into support from below against the longitudinal member 4. The stanchion foot is arranged in or on a guide rail 3 which runs along the loading platform 11 from corner stanchion 1 to corner stanchion 1.

[0045] Thus, the longitudinal member 4 is supported against the loading platform 11 via the corner stanchions 1 and the center stanchions 2, generally via the guide rail 3. Suspended from the longitudinal member 4, in a further chamber, is a tarpaulin 15 made of a convertible top material covering an opening 14 as a lateral boundary wall of the convertible top frame 10. This tarpaulin can be secured in the area of the loading platform 11. When released, it exposes the opening 14 and—if necessary, together with the released center stanchion 2—can be moved along the corresponding guide in the longitudinal member 4.

[0046] The area lying in the direction of travel or in the longitudinal direction of the convertible top frame 10 between the two corner stanchions 1 opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal bisector is delimited by a closed wall 12, while in the rear area 13 lying between the two opposite corner stanchions 1, two doors are provided which are each hinged to the corner stanchions 1 and which enable loading from the rear.

[0047] The roof area between the two opposite longitudinal members 4 is closed by a sliding roof, which comprises a roof tarpaulin 5, which is attached to the bows 8 bridging the two longitudinal members 4, wherein the bows 8 each have a slide 6 at their ends, with which they can be moved along a guide track of the longitudinal members 4. Between adjacent bows 8 or their slides 6, tarpaulin folding aids are provided, which are set up in the manner of an inverted V when adjacent bows 8 are pushed together and, with the tip of the inverted V, straighten the roof tarpaulin 5 and prevent it from falling down between the bows 8. The roof tarpaulin 5 is tensioned via a portal device 19 that can be pivoted on the rearmost bow 8 and is released by lifting the portal device 19 in order to prevent the bows 8 from being moved out of their Fig. 1 shown position.

[0048] In Fig. 2, the structure of a side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9, which closes the opening 14, is explained in more detail. For better illustration, the tarpaulin 15 is not shown. The side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 extends in the Fig. 2, the side tarpaulin guide arrangements 9 cover the entire width of the opening 14 between the two corner stanchions 1, but it is also possible to provide several side tarpaulin guide arrangements 9, each of which covers only a part of the opening 14, for example between the corner stanchion 1 and a central stanchion 2.

[0049] The side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 shown comprises a plurality of sliding struts 91, which are guided in the upper longitudinal member 4 in a corresponding guide track and to which the top fabric of the tarpaulin 15 is attached. The sliding struts 91 comprise a shaft section 91m made of a hollow rectangular profile or another suitable profile, which substantially spans the height of the opening 14 and into which an upper slide 91a is connected at the upper end for connection to the longitudinal member 4, and into which a lower slide 91b is connected at the lower end for connection to a downward-facing profile section 31 of the guide rail 3. The sliding strut 91 is designed such that it has an upper section 91o and a lower section 91u, which are axially movable relative to one another.The end of the lower slide 91b facing away from the shaft section 91m has a spherically shaped hook section 91h at its end, which, when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed, engages under the profile section 31 of the guide rail 3, thus creating a positive connection in a direction normal to the opening 14. The structure of the sliding strut 91 will be explained further below.

[0050] Adjacent to each sliding strut 91, a sliding stanchion 92 is displaceably connected to the upper longitudinal member 4, to which the top fabric of the tarpaulin 15 is also connected. The sliding stanchions 92 comprise a shaft section 92m made of a hollow rectangular profile or another suitable profile, which essentially spans the height of the opening 14 and into which an upper slide 92a is connected at the upper end for connection to the longitudinal member 4, and into which a lower slide 92b is connected at the lower end for connection to an upwardly facing groove-like guide track 32 of the guide rail 3. The end of the lower slide 92b of the sliding stanchion 92 facing away from the shaft section 92m has a spherically shaped sliding surface 92g at the end, which, when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is in the closed state, penetrates into a groove-like guide track 32 of the guide rail 3 from above and thus creates a positive connection in a direction normal to the opening 14.It is possible to arrange a roller or a ball in the area of the sliding surface 92g, which improves the displaceability in the event that the sliding surface 92g rubs against the grooved guideway 32. The sliding post 92 is also designed to have an upper section 92o and a lower section 92u, which are axially movable relative to one another. Details of the structure of the sliding post 92 will be explained further below.

[0051] Adjacent to the outer, i.e. in Fig. 2 rearmost sliding stanchion 92 in the direction of travel, the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 has a tarpaulin tensioning arrangement into which the tarpaulin 15 is clamped at the end and which can be locked to the corner stanchion 1.

[0052] The guide rail 3 is connected, e.g., screwed, as a continuous part, for example as an extruded part, to a side-facing end face of a metal frame 11a that borders and laterally closes the loading platform 11. The end face of the metal frame 11a projects beyond the guide rail 3 and thus defines a wall 30 above the guide rail 3 and below the loading platform 11. A plastic buffer 3a is inserted into an outward-facing end face of the guide rail 3, which prevents damage to the lower slide 91b of the sliding strut 91 that spans the guide rail 3.

[0053] On the lower carriage 92b of the sliding posts 92, a link 93 is articulated in a corresponding receptacle 40, with one end 93a of the link being articulated in a corresponding receptacle 40 of a lower carriage 91b of the sliding strut 91. The link 93 is arranged a little way above the guide rail 3 and, when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed, runs essentially in or parallel to the plane of the tarpaulin 15. The structure of the link 93 is described below with reference to Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 will be explained in more detail. The receptacles 40 for connecting the links 93 and the links 93 together form a link kinematics that kinematically couples and positively guides adjacent sliding posts 92 and sliding struts 91. The guidance is provided, as will be described below, both for deflecting the lower sections 91u of the sliding struts 91 when opening the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9, as well as for raising the lower sections 91u of the sliding struts 91 when closing the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 or lowering the lower sections 91u of the sliding struts 91 when opening the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9, and for unlocking or locking the lower sections 91u of the sliding struts 91 when opening or closing the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9.

[0054] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the convertible top frame 10 and part of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9, which provides a more detailed view of the arrangement of the sliding struts 91 and the sliding stanchions 92. In particular, the links 93 and their articulation to corresponding receptacles 40, designed as hinge eyes, in the lower slides 91b, 92b of the sliding strut 91 and sliding stanchion 92 are shown. It can also be seen that the sliding strut 91 has a central shaft section 91m, to the upper end of which a slide 91a designed as a roller carriage is connected, and to the lower end of which a lower slide 91b, different from the upper slide 91a, is connected, which is designed for positive engagement with the profile section 31.

[0055] In the side view according to Fig. 5 and the enlarged sections according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows how the sliding strut 91 or the sliding stanchion 92 is connected to the upper longitudinal beam 4 or to the guide rail 3 when the sliding stanchions 92 are raised and the sliding struts 91 are lowered. Fig. 6, that the sliding strut 91 is received in a guide track 4a of the longitudinal member 4 with an upper carriage 91a by means of a support roller 21 connected to the upper carriage 91a. It can be seen that the support roller 21 of the upper carriage 91a of the sliding strut 91 rests on a groove-shaped profile section of the guide track 4a, wherein adjacent to the upper end of the support roller 21 there is an escape space in the guide track 4a, into which the support roller 21 can escape when the sliding strut 91 is pivoted in the region of the upper carriage 91a about the pivot axis formed by the support of the support roller 21 in the guide track 4a.

[0056] One recognizes in Fig. 38 and Fig. 6, Fig. 9 and Fig. 16, that a part of the upper slide 91a is at least predominantly axially movable with respect to another part of the upper slide 91a. For this purpose, a carrier 191 supporting the support roller 21 has, below a bend 191a, a downwardly projecting extension 191b, which has a stop (not shown) at its end. The extension 191b is received in an axially displaceable manner in a receiving area of a support part 291a extending a plug-in section 291 of the upper slide 91a, which support part 291a further comprises an upwardly projecting engagement slider 25, which slides into the opening of a profile chamber 4b when the sliding strut 91 is raised, as in Fig. 9, and thus fixes the sliding strut 91 relative to the longitudinal member 4 in the raised state of the support part 291a. Furthermore, the flat and outwardly projecting upper end face of the support part 291a rests flat against the flat lower end region of the longitudinal member 4 and is thus able to at least partially dissipate vertical loads acting on the longitudinal member 4. In this respect, the support 191 of the upper slide 91a of the sliding strut 91 forms the upper section 91o of the sliding strut 91, relative to which the remaining part of the sliding strut 91 defines the lower section 91u. It is possible to arrange a spring between the extension 191b and the support part 291a, which pretensions the two parts in directions pulled apart; however, in the embodiment shown, this is already achieved by the mass of the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91.

[0057] It can be seen that the longitudinal member 4 has two further guideways 4c and 4d, which are provided for receiving guide and support rollers of a carriage 6 of a roof cover. Furthermore, the longitudinal member 4 has a receptacle 4e into which a sealing lip or the like can be inserted, which protects the tarpaulin 15 against the penetration of rainwater or the like.

[0058] The Fig. 7 and Fig. The hook section 91h of the lower slide 91b of the sliding strut 91, shown in Figure 36, adjoins a clamping region 91k that spans the guide rail 3 when closed. Above the clamping region 91k, an angled transition 91w is formed, which, when the tarpaulin 15 is closed, rests partially on the guide rail 3 and can thus introduce vertical forces into it. When the sliding strut 91 is lowered, the angled transition 91w, through a wedge effect, causes the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 to extend slightly away from the opening 14. The receptacles 40 are connected to a plug-in section 91s of the lower slide 91b, which is inserted into the shaft section 91m. When the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 is lowered, the hook section 91h is lifted away from the profile section 31 to such an extent that the hook section 91h disengages from the profile section 31.

[0059] In Fig. 5 to 7, the sliding post 92 can be seen behind the sliding strut 91. The upper slide 92a (also shown in Fig. 37) of the sliding stanchion 92 has an angular guide section 192, to which two support rollers 23 received in the guide track 4a and two horizontally extending guide rollers 24 received in the guide track 4b are connected. The carriage 92a is inserted into the shaft section 92m of the sliding stanchion 92 by means of a plug-in section 292, wherein the end of the plug-in section 292 facing away from the shaft section 92m has a plate-shaped stop surface 292a through which two guide pins 192a project from the leg of the guide section 192 carrying the support rollers 23 pass. A compression spring 392 is clamped between a head of the guide pins 192a and the stop surface 292a, which preloads the stop surface 292a upwards in the direction of the guide section 192.The lower section 92u of the sliding stanchion 92 defined by the plug-in part 292 and the parts of the sliding stanchion 92 provided thereunder is thus movable relative to the upper section 92o of the sliding stanchion 92 defined by the guide section 192.

[0060] The one wall in the guide track 4b, against which the guide roller 24 is supported, is designed only as a wall extension 140, so that when the upper section 92o of the sliding post 92 is lifted, the guide roller 24 is also lifted, and thereby a pivoting movement of the sliding post 92 over the support roller 23 in the guide track 4a is provided, which is not hindered by the extension 140. Fig. 13, that by lowering the body of the sliding pillar 92, the lower end of the sliding pillar 92 comes into contact with the profile section 31 of the wall 30. To compensate for play, which may arise, for example, due to sagging longitudinal members or defective spring elements, it is possible to integrate a roller in the base area of the sliding pillar 92, with which it can be moved in the guide track 32.

[0061] The sliding strut 91 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 8-10, the sliding rod 92 in greater detail in Fig. 11-13 shown in the locked state. In Fig. 35 shows that the lower slide 92b with the sliding surface 92g also has a plug-in section 92s, with which the lower slide 92b can be inserted into the shaft section 92m. Fixation is then achieved, as with the other slides, by means of crossbars or crimping.

[0062] If the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is to be pushed together to clear the opening 14, the tarpaulin tensioning arrangement is released, for example by turning its handle. The top fabric, which tensions the outermost sliding stanchion 92, allows the sliding stanchion 92 to move out of the grooved guide track 32 due to the pretension of the compression spring 392. If the tarpaulin tensioning arrangement with the tarpaulin 15 is pulled in the opening direction, the sliding struts 91 are lowered slightly by the lifting means 93; 94, while the sliding stanchions 92 are raised slightly out of the grooved guide track 32. For the vertical displacement of the sliding struts 91 by lowering their lower section 91u relative to their upper section 91o and by raising the sliding stanchions 92, corresponding lifting means 93; 94 are provided, which can have several different operating mechanisms.One of the lifting means 93; 94 is the extension kinematics formed by the protruding links 93 with the receptacles 40 supporting the links 93, which not only swings out the sliding strut 91 but also lifts it. The relative movement with respect to the guide rail 3 is slight, but sufficient to eliminate any form fit with the guide rail 3. It can be seen that the link 93 must not run horizontally when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed, because then the required mobility of the sliding strut 91 and the sliding post 92 in the vertical direction is not provided. Rather, the link 93 is mounted slightly inclined to the horizontal in such a way that the required mobility is provided.Although the links 93 are equipped with a certain degree of elasticity, they are essentially compressively and tensile-resistant, which is why the vertical movement of the sliding struts 91 and the sliding stanchions 92 simultaneously leads to a spatial compensating movement of the sliding strut 91 such that the sliding strut 91 is pivoted slightly away from the lower guide rail 3 in the direction away from the opening 14 out of the plane of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9. This ensures that upon further displacement of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9, the hook sections 91h of the sliding struts 91 do not come into undesired contact with the guide rail 3.

[0063] If the side tarpaulin guide assembly 9 is now raised by moving a front-end holding part of the tarpaulin tensioning assembly, for example, connected to the corner stanchion 1, for the tarpaulin 15, the guide rods 93 of the extension kinematics ensure that the lower ends of the sliding struts 91 are pivoted further outward relative to their connection to the upper longitudinal member 4, while the adjacent sliding stanchions 92 and sliding struts 91 are pushed together. Accordingly, the tarpaulin 15 is folded accordion-like in the lower area. The guide rods 93 perform a pivoting movement in space.

[0064] To support the lifting means 93; 94, it is provided that the sliding stanchion 92 with its lower section 92u, in which the links 93 are mounted, is raised a little way relative to the upper section 92o of the sliding stanchion 92 or relative to the longitudinal member 4, so that the lower slide 92b of the sliding stanchion 92 with the sliding surface 92g is released from the groove-like guide track 32 in the guide rail 3 at least to such an extent that blocking of the displacement of the sliding stanchion 92 via its slide 92a, which is guided in the longitudinal member 4, is prevented. It is possible to guide the upper carriage 92a both in the chamber in which the central stanchion 2 is accommodated with its roller carriage, and in the outer chamber of the longitudinal member 4 in which, in other superstructures, so-called tarpaulin rollers, i.e. roller carriages which are connected to the tarpaulin 15 and with which the tarpaulin 15 can be displaced along the longitudinal member 4, are accommodated.A special feature of the outer guide track 4a is the fact that the slide or roller carriage, as well as the tarpaulin rollers, can pivot within it. The upper slide 91a of the sliding strut 91 is also accommodated in the outer guide track 4a. To support the relative movement of the lower section 92u with respect to the upper section 92o, the compression spring 392 preloads the two sections in the lifting direction against the force of gravity. This ensures that the outermost sliding strut 92 moves upward when the tarpaulin 15 is opened.

[0065] The sliding strut 91 can be braced with its lower section 91u against its upper section 91o, acting in a manner opposite to that of the sliding stanchion 92, in such a way that a spring biases the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 downward. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the lower section 91u is lowered relative to the upper section 91o by the action of gravity.

[0066] The lifting means 93; 94, in particular the deployment kinematics with the links 93, ensure that when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed, the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 is raised, overcoming its own weight with respect to the upper section 91o of the sliding strut 91, and its hook section 91h engages under the corresponding profile section 31 of the guide rail 3. The deployment kinematics tightens the sliding strut 91 sufficiently to enable normal travel. At the same time, the lower section 92u of the sliding stanchion 92 is pressed by the deployment kinematics with the links 93 into the grooved guide track 32 of the guide rail 3 against a preload of the compression spring 392, which preloads the lower section 92u of the sliding stanchion 92 upwards toward the upper section 92o.

[0067] If the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is released by unlocking the tarpaulin 15, the rear sliding stanchion 92 arranged at the outer end can be raised slightly, whereby the next sliding strut 91 is lowered slightly under the action of the control arm 93. If the rear sliding stanchion 92 is then moved along the longitudinal member 4, the control arm 93 forces the sliding strut 91 with its lower section 91u away from the lateral opening 14 of the convertible top frame 10, whereby the upper slide 91a of the sliding strut 91, received in the longitudinal member 4, ensures that the sliding strut 91 tilts towards the plane of the opening 14 and swings outwards relative to this plane. The distance by which the sliding strut 91 swings is determined by the dimensions of the control arms 93, which have a certain elasticity. Accordingly, the further sliding supports 92 and sliding struts 91 of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 are moved upon further opening.Overall, the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is then arranged according to the diagram in . Fig. 3, whereby the tarpaulin 15 is omitted for better illustration.

[0068] If the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed again, the described movement takes place in the reverse order, with the consequence that the lower section 92u of the sliding post 92 is lowered a little and the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 is raised a little, whereby both parts engage with the corresponding profile section 31 or with the corresponding guide track 32 of the guide rail 3.

[0069] The lifting and lowering of the sliding strut 91 or the sliding stanchion 92 during opening and closing is reproducibly ensured with the described lifting means 93; 94. In addition to or instead of the deployment kinematics, a cable pull 94 is provided, which extends across almost the entire width of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 and is attached to the outer sliding stanchion 92. The cable pull 94 engages a high point of the sliding stanchion 92 and a low point of the sliding strut 91 and, in addition to its lifting function explained below, also provides additional lateral stabilization to prevent the load from slipping. The cable pull 94 can be designed as a continuous cable pull or consist of cable pull pieces, each of which is attached only between two adjacent shaft sections 91m, 92m, or which extend through several adjacent of the aforementioned parts.A special feature of the cable pull 94 is that when the side tarpaulin guide assembly 9 is pushed together, the cable pull 94 is relieved of load, thus allowing free vertical movement of the sliding post 92 or the sliding strut 91. However, if the side tarpaulin guide assembly 9 is tensioned, the cable pull 94 transmits a lifting force to the sliding strut 91 and a lowering force to the sliding post 92, which supports or replaces the above-described effect of the deployment kinematics.

[0070] It is understood that the lifting means 93; 94 can also be implemented using other solutions, for example, by cable pulls, gears, linkages, or the like. For example, it can be provided that the cable pull 94 is not accommodated in the sliding posts 92, but rather in tarpaulin rollers that are connected to the upper side of the tarpaulin 15 and can be displaced in the corresponding guide track 4a of the longitudinal member 4. In this case, the cable pull 94 can be connected to corresponding deflection means of the tarpaulin rollers, which themselves do not need to be lifted, since there is no avoidable form fit or frictional contact with the guide rail 3. In this case, it is sufficient for spacers, which have the length of the link 93, to be supported with a central region against the wall 30 to which the guide rail 3 is connected, and to cause the pendulum deflection of the sliding strut 91 with corresponding legs.Such a spacer can be realized, for example, by a carriage connected to the guide rail 3 and to which the links 93 are hinged. However, it is sufficient to provide a flexible, sufficiently rigid section, for example made of spring wire or a resilient sheet metal, the ends of which are each assigned to a sliding strut 91, in particular its lower carriage 91b, and are connected there in an articulated manner or in contact. The part of the spacer assigned to the guide rail 3, which should be connected to the tarpaulin 15 and which abuts the wall 30, prevents the sliding strut 91 from swinging under the influence of its mass. As an alternative to a spring wire, a spring wire can also be considered, which, like a leg spring, has several central coils, in which the legs are pivotable with respect to the coil.If such a spring wire is pre-tensioned into an open position of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9, a largely automatic or at least assisted opening of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 would be possible simultaneously with the pivoting out of the sliding struts 91. In any case, it is possible to use a cable pull arrangement, which is connected to an end part connectable to the corner stanchion 1 or center stanchion 2, for automatically opening or closing the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 after its unlocking by means of a suitable motor.

[0071] If the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed again, the extension kinematics with the links 93 and / or the cable pull 94 causes the respective lower slides 92b and 91b of the sliding stanchion 92 or the sliding strut 91 to be connected to the correspondingly shaped profile sections 31 or guide track 32 of the guide rail 3. Accordingly, the extension kinematics and / or the cable pull 94 represent parts of a locking means with which the sliding stanchion 92 and in particular the sliding strut 91 can be fixed to the guide rail 3.

[0072] It should be noted that the guide rail 3 does not have to be designed as a continuous profile, since, similar to a stanchion base, it is sufficient to connect it to the area in which the sliding strut 91 or the sliding stanchion 92 comes to rest when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed. However, a continuous guide rail 3 has the advantage that it can be equipped with blocking means in which the opened tarpaulin 15 can be locked, such as a section of the profile section 31 that forms a stop in a pivoted-up state, or a brake shoe that can be separately inserted into the profile section 31.

[0073] In addition, the locking means can actuate additional locking elements, which are provided in particular on the sliding strut 91. This advantageously ensures that the sliding strut 91 can also transmit vertical forces from the longitudinal member 4 into the guide rail 3, and a greater load-bearing capacity against forces acting on the sliding strut 91 from the load is achieved, whereby, in case of doubt, the use of center stanchions 2 can be partially or completely dispensed with. In this case, it is provided that a lock provided on the sliding strut 91 is additionally displaced downwards relative to the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 by the deflection kinematics or the cable pull 94, whereby the lock is lowered relative to the guide rail 3.In this case, it can be provided that the locking member penetrates into a recess in the guide rail 3, or that the locking member engages in another way with respect to the guide rail 3; this ensures that even in the event of a malfunction or defect, for example, a broken link 93, a reliable locking of the sliding strut 91 is achieved, even if the convertible top frame 10 experiences severe vibrations, for example when loading from above and / or when driving over rough terrain. To actuate a locking member, it is provided, for example, that a double-armed lever is connected to the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91, with the link 93 engaging one lever arm, while the other lever arm actuates the locking member. This creates a kinematic chain between the link 93 and the locking member.Alternatively, the cable 94 can be guided over deflection pulleys which are connected to the locking member, so that when the cable 94 is tensioned, the locking member is displaced axially with respect to the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91.

[0074] A particular advantage of the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is that both the sliding stanchion 92 and the sliding strut 91 can pivot away from the opening relative to the corresponding guide track 4a of the longitudinal member 4, but both are prevented from pivoting into the loading area. Particularly when a shifted load penetrates the tarpaulin area and thus represents a mechanical obstacle to the sliding stanchions 92 sliding past, they can simply be pivoted around the obstacle.

[0075] In Fig. 14-17, it can be seen that the collapsed side tarpaulin guide assembly 9, in which the sliding struts 91 are pivoted outward by an angle α by the guide rods 93, is pivoted outwards. By striking the lower section 92u of the sliding stanchion 92 against the wall 30, it is prevented that parts of the side tarpaulin guide assembly 9 swing into the interior of the tarpaulin structure under the force of gravity of the rods. Fig. 17, that the lower end of the sliding post 92 is raised relative to the guide track 32, and that the upper end of the sliding post 92 is displaced upwards under the load of the spring. Fig. 16 further shows that the sliding strut 91 is pivoted outward in the region of the upper carriage 91a around the support point of the roller 21 in the guide track 4a. Furthermore, it can be seen that the upper end of the sliding strut 91 is offset downward from the lower end face of the longitudinal member 4 by a distance sufficient to disengage the lower end of the sliding strut 91 from the profile section 31.

[0076] Fig. 18-21 shows the side tarpaulin guide assembly 9 in an embodiment without cable pull 94 in the locked position. However, a force line corresponding to the cable pull 94 is shown in dashed lines. Furthermore, the displacement direction of the sliding struts 91 and the sliding posts 92 during closing is illustrated using upward and downward-pointing triangles. It can be seen that in the closed state, the sliding struts 91 are all raised and their hook section 91h engages under and behind the profile section 31 of the guide rail 3.

[0077] Furthermore, in Fig. 20 that the upper end face of the support part 291a is pressed flat against the lower end face of the longitudinal member 4, and that the engagement slider 25 penetrates into the access opening to the guide track 4b. In the background, the guide roller 24 of the sliding stanchion 92 can be seen. The sliding stanchion 92 is lowered such that the sliding surface 92g engages the guide track 32. The sliding struts 91 and the sliding stanchions 92 are thus capable of absorbing forces acting transversely to the closed opening 14, for example, due to insufficiently secured loads or the like, and of transmitting them into the parts of the convertible top frame 10 to which they are connected.Furthermore, it is possible to provide ropes, chains, or other tensile-resistant connections between adjacent sliding posts 92, i.e., without threading them into the sliding struts 91, which form an additional railing when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed and at the same time prevent slipping loads from working their way into the tarpaulin 15. Furthermore, reinforcements can be incorporated into the tarpaulin 15, designed as a belt or tensile-resistant part, and which transmit the loads to the sliding posts 92 and sliding struts 91 to which the tarpaulin 15 is connected.

[0078] In Fig. 23 shows in more detail the cable pull 94, which moves downwards in a zigzag pattern from sliding post 92 to sliding strut 91 and upwards again from sliding strut 91 to sliding post 92. In Fig. 24 shows how the cable 94 is connected to the shaft section 92m of the rearmost sliding stanchion 92 via a tension member 94a. It can also be seen that a slot-like recess 60 is provided in the shaft section 92m, through which the cable 94 is guided to the further sliding stanchions 92. Fig. 26 shows that the slot 60 can be lined with an insert 60a. Fig. 25 shows that the edge section of the tarpaulin 15 is inserted into a tarpaulin tensioner, which is secured to the corner stanchion 1 by a lock; simultaneously with the tensioning of the tarpaulin 15, all sliding struts 91 and sliding stanchions 92 move into their position corresponding to the closed position, in which the compression spring 392 on the upper slide 92a of the sliding stanchion 92 is tensioned in order to lower the sliding stanchion 92.

[0079] In Fig. Figure 28 shows a rear part of an embodiment of the convertible top frame 10, in which the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is closed, and in which the movement components of the sliding posts 92 or the sliding struts 91 are carried in the cable pull 94. It can be seen that no guide rod 93 is provided between the rear sliding post 92 and the rearmost sliding strut 91.

[0080] In Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 illustrates embodiments of links 93. These are in the simple design with Fig. 31 is designed as a round spring wire, which can be inserted with its S-shaped angled ends 93a into the corresponding receptacles 40 of the lower slides 92b, 91b of the sliding post 92 or the sliding strut 91. Alternatively, the links 93 can also have joint eyes, which allow riveting to the corresponding joint eyes of the lower slides 91b, 92b. Fig. The alternative embodiment of the guide rod 93' shown in Figure 32 provides several spiral windings in its center, which allow the two legs of the round spring wire extending from the windings to be bent more easily. Furthermore, it is also possible to introduce a preferred preload into the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 via the guide rod 93'.

[0081] In Fig. 33 and Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the installation situation of the sliding strut in a comparable view to the Fig. 26 and Fig. 27. In Fig. 35 and Fig. 36 shows the lower slides 92b and 91b of the sliding post 92 and the sliding strut 91, respectively. Fig. 37 and Fig. 38 shows the upper slides 92a and 91a of the sliding post 92 and the sliding strut 91, respectively.

[0082] The invention has been explained above with reference to exemplary embodiments of convertible top frames 10 according to the invention, in which the lifting means 93; 94 for lifting the sliding struts 91 and the locking means for locking the sliding struts 91 were illustrated with reference to a sliding strut 91 that was pivoted away from the longitudinal member 4 by pendulum action. It is understood that the locking means and the lifting means 93; 94 can be used in the same way for sliding struts 91 that do not remain connected to the longitudinal member 4 but are displaced away from it.

[0083] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which the abutment for the lifting means 93; 94 and locking means of the sliding strut 91 were designed as a sliding stanchion 92, which is guided at least temporarily on both the guide rail 3 and the longitudinal member 4. It is understood that it is sufficient if an abutment is guided on only one of the two parts, for example, the longitudinal member 4 or the guide rail 3. For example, the extension kinematics can be connected to the links 93 on a carriage that is displaceable along the guide rail 3 or the longitudinal member 4; furthermore, the cable pull 94 can be connected to a tarpaulin roller or a carriage that is displaceable on the longitudinal member 4 or the guide rail 3. For example, a carriage that is displaceable on the guide rail 3 can be provided via deflection rollers or the like as a lifting means for the sliding strut 91.

[0084] In Fig. 22, two preferred developments of locking arrangements are shown schematically. According to Fig. 22(a), the link 93 is connected to a double-arm lever 99a, whereby, upon lifting the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91, the double-arm lever 99a is simultaneously pivoted about its central linkage. A locking member 99 is pivoted to the end of the double-arm lever 99a remote from the linkage with the link 93, which is displaced downward by the pivoting, thus creating an additional locking mechanism. According to Fig.22b, a locking member 99 is operable by the cable 94. The cable 94 is guided around a pulley arrangement comprising three pulleys 98, of which the upper pulley 98 connected to the locking member 99 displaces the locking member 99 downward relative to the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91 upon application of a tensile force indicated by arrows. By engaging the outer pulleys 98, a lifting force is introduced into the lower section 91u of the sliding strut 91, which is raised with increasing tension on the cable 94. The locking member 99 can be preloaded by a spring against the engagement direction.

[0085] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment in which a preferred lifting and locking arrangement was implemented by a cable pull 94. It is also possible, after tensioning the tarpaulin 15, to achieve the lifting and locking by means of rods inserted horizontally into the shaft sections 91m, 92m, which initiate an upward or downward movement via wedge surfaces in the shaft sections 91m, 92m. It is also possible to provide a link arrangement as the lifting means 93; 94 for the upper and lower sections 91o, 92o, 91u, 92u, which axially displaces two halves of the shaft sections 91m, 92m relative to each other.

[0086] The invention has been explained in more detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments in which the lower slides 91b of the sliding strut 91, which engage under the guide rail 3, and the lower slides 92b of the sliding stanchion 92, which engage into the guide rail 3, each disengage in their own way: one 91b by lowering and pivoting out, the other 92b by pulling up. This advantageously creates a convertible top frame 10 in which the longitudinal members 4 are connected to the loading platform 11 only via the corner stanchions 1 when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 is open.It is therefore possible, for example, when the corner stanchions 1 are designed as lifting stanchions with the tarpaulin 15 open, to raise the roof level by lifting the longitudinal members 4, which significantly facilitates loading from the side and at the same time does not require any separate work steps to detach the side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 from the guide rail 3; however, it should be noted that the lower sections of the sliding stanchions 92 then no longer rest against the wall 30 and thus, together with the guide rods 93, keep the sliding struts 91 at a distance. To prevent the folded side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9 from pivoting in, a guide plate that extends the wall 30 can be connected, if necessary detachably, to the end at which the folded arrangement is arranged.

[0087] The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments in which the sliding surface 92g and the hook portion 91h are designed as projecting parts having a substantially spherical cross-section and penetrating into groove-like or channel-like profile portions 31 and guide track 32 formed as counterparts. It is understood that any connection enabling load-bearing capacity transverse to the plane of the opening 14 can be provided in the same way. For example, the guide rail 3 can have a flat plate behind which a sharp-edged hook penetrates with its hook tip, enabling full-surface contact.

[0088] The invention has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment in which a lateral opening 14 of the convertible top frame 10 is closed with a side tarpaulin guide arrangement 9. It is understood that the rear opening can be closed in the same way, and that if the pretensioning due to the dead weight of the sliding strut 91 is replaced by a spring means, a corresponding arrangement can also guide a corresponding roof tarpaulin 5 in the roof area of the convertible top frame 10. In particular, in the roof area, a left-oriented sliding strut and a right-oriented sliding strut can be provided alternately on the two parallel longitudinal members 4, which, when the roof tarpaulin 5 is pushed together, alternately have a bow 8 raised at the left end and a bow 8 raised at the right end.

[0089] The invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments in which the guide rods 93 are each individually connected to the sliding strut 91 and to an adjacent sliding stanchion 92. It is understood that folding panels can also be connected to adjacent sliding stanchions 92, the extendable central region of which is assigned to the sliding strut 91, for example, connected to it, thus achieving the distance to the guide rail 3 or to the adjacent sliding stanchions 92.

[0090] The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments with a single continuous guide rail 3, which has the receptacles in the profile section 31 and guide track 32, both complementary to the sliding strut 91 and sliding post 92. It is understood that it is possible to distribute the two receptacles across two rails, so that, for example, an upper rail forms a downward-facing continuous angle with which the - shorter - sliding strut 91 interacts, while a lower rail forms an upward-facing continuous angle with which the - then longer - sliding post 92 interacts. The two angles then face each other in the manner of a C.

Claims

[1] Roof frame for a tarpaulin structure, with a side tarpaulin guide arrangement (9), comprising a plurality of sliding struts (91) displaceable along a longitudinal member (4) supported against a loading platform (11), wherein a tarpaulin (15) at least partially closing a lateral opening (14) of the top frame can be connected to the sliding struts (91), wherein the sliding struts (91) have a slide (91a) at one of their two ends, with which they can be displaced relative to the longitudinal member (4), wherein the sliding struts (91) can be fixed to a guide rail (3) assigned to the loading platform (11), wherein locking means (93; 94; 99) are provided on the sliding struts (91) which fix the sliding struts (91) in contact with the guide rail (3), wherein the locking means (93; 94; 99) comprise a locking member (99) displaceable relative to the sliding strut (91), characterized by , that a displacement of the locking member (99) by closing the side tarpaulin guide arrangement (9) along the longitudinal member (4) fixes the sliding struts (91) against the guide rail (3). [2] Top frame according to claim 1, characterized by that the sliding struts (91) can be lifted off the opening (14) by pivoting in the area of the slide (91a). [3] Top frame according to claim 2, characterized by that the sliding struts (91) are kept at a distance from the guide rail (3) in the pivoted state. [4] Top frame according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the locking means (93; 94; 99) comprise an extension kinematics (40, 93) provided between adjacent sliding struts (91), which actuates the locking member (99) with the sliding strut (91). [5] Top frame according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the locking means (93; 94; 99) comprise a cable (94) acting on the sliding struts (91), which lowers the locking member (99) relative to the sliding strut (91) when the cable (94) is tensioned. [6] Top frame according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that between adjacent sliding struts (91) there is arranged a counterpart which is displaceable on one of the longitudinal members (4) and the guide rail (3), said counterpart forming an abutment with respect to the locking means (93; 94; 99), and that the locking means (93; 94; 99) fix the sliding strut (91) in a form-fitting manner against a stop of the guide rail (3) when the side tarpaulin guide arrangement (9) is closed. [7] Top frame according to claim 6, characterized by that the counterpart is selected from the group comprising sliding stanchions (92), tarpaulin roller and guide part. [8] Top frame according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat a lower portion (91u) of the sliding strut (91) is biased against an upper portion (91o) of the sliding strut (91) into a lowered position by spring means and / or gravity, and that the locking means (93; 94; 99) selectively lock the lower portion (91u) and / or the spring means. [9] Top frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sliding strut (91) has a hook section (91h) which can be brought into contact with a profile section (31) of the guide rail (3) from below. [10] Top frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the area of the loading platform (11) a wall (30) is provided which prevents the side tarpaulin guide arrangement (9) from swinging into a loading space.

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