Hinged arrangement of a roof cap of a motor vehicle convertible top

Abstract

Articulated joint (1) of a roof cap (2) of a convertible top (3) of a motor vehicle, comprising a four-bar linkage (4) with a first link (5) as a receiver for the roof cap (2), with a second link (6) for connection to a roof frame (9), with a third link (7) as a steering link and with a fourth link (8) as a guide link, wherein the third link (7) and the fourth link (8) are pivotably articulated at their ends to the first link (5) and the second link (6), respectively, wherein a hook (11) in the form of a two-armed lever with a first lever arm (12) and a second lever arm (13) is rotatably articulated to the fourth link (8), wherein the first lever arm (12) is designed to be hook-shaped and is designed to interact with a projecting bolt (14) arranged on the first link (5), wherein a spring assembly (15) is provided which holds the hook (11) in a first Pre-tensions the direction of rotationwherein the hook (11) rotates in the opposite second direction of rotation against the restoring force of the spring assembly (15) when the second lever arm (13) is supported on the third link (7), wherein the joint assembly (1) is movable between a first extended operating position and a second closed operating position, wherein the hook-like first lever arm (12) engages and secures the bolt (14) in the second operating position and the second lever arm (13) is supported on the third link (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a joint arrangement of a roof cap of a motor vehicle convertible top.

[0002] Folding tops, such as convertible tops, have become common in motor vehicles, with the front end referred to as the roof cap. The top and roof cap are typically guided via a hinged arrangement, allowing the top or roof cap to be moved from an open end position to a closed end position, or vice versa.

[0003] In the closed end position, there is a risk that the roof cap will be lifted due to the pressure conditions caused by the overflowing air, particularly at high vehicle speeds.

[0004] Such joint arrangements have become known, for example, from DE 101 44 515 C2, DE 10 2008 024 725 A1, and DE 10 2008 061 211 A1. However, these joint arrangements are also very complex.

[0005] DE 10 2010 013 010 A1 discloses a convertible top drive for a convertible top, wherein a joint arrangement with a four-bar arrangement is disclosed, wherein a hook in the form of a two-armed lever is also disclosed, which is rotatably connected to a first lever arm and a second lever arm.

[0006] The documents DE 10 2013 103 407 A1, DE 10 2006 042 197 A1 and DE 10 2011 103 778 A1 each disclose different joint arrangements for the convertible tops of a motor vehicle.

[0007] It is the object of the present invention to provide a joint arrangement by means of which the roof cap of the convertible top can be easily displaced and yet remains securely closed even at high speeds.

[0008] The problem is solved with the features of claim 1.

[0009] An embodiment of the invention relates to a joint arrangement for a roof cap of a motor vehicle convertible top, comprising a four-bar arrangement with a first link as a receptacle for the roof cap, with a second link for connection to a roof frame, with a third link as a control link, and with a fourth link as a guide link, wherein the third link and the fourth link are pivotally connected at their ends to the first link and to the second link, respectively, wherein a hook in the form of a two-armed lever with a first lever arm and a second lever arm is rotatably connected to the fourth link, wherein the first lever arm is hook-shaped and is designed to cooperate with a projecting bolt arranged on the first link, wherein a spring arrangement is provided which prestresses the hook in a first direction of rotation,The hook rotates in the opposite second direction of rotation against the restoring force of the spring arrangement when the second lever arm rests on the third link. The joint arrangement is movable between a first extended operating position and a second closed operating position, with the hook-like first lever arm engaging over and securing the bolt in the second operating position, and the second lever arm resting on the third link. Thus, a hook is activated by the displacement of the links, which engages over and blocks the bolt when shifted into the closed operating position, so that the first link cannot be lifted in this closed operating position due to external forces.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous if the spring arrangement urges the hook into a first end position in the first direction of rotation, and if the hook can be rotated from the first end position by supporting the second lever arm on the third link. This action rotates the hook in such a way that, upon transition to the closed operating position, it is initially tilted sufficiently to engage over the bolt. The hook is then rotated to lock the bolt. If the joint arrangement is moved back from the closed operating position to the extended operating position, the hook lifts off again, releasing the bolt.

[0011] It is also advantageous if the hook rests against a stop on the fourth link in the first end position. This allows the hook to be optimally positioned to engage the third link during the transition to the closed operating position.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the hook in the first end position can be guided at least substantially over the bolt in order to engage over it.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the bolt can be blocked by supporting the hook on the third link and the resulting rotation of the hook from the first end position. This causes the bolt to be locked by the hook when moving into the closed operating position. For this purpose, the third link has a support surface on one of its long sides, against which the second lever arm of the hook can rest and along which the second lever arm can slide. Thus, the third link simultaneously serves as a control element for the movement of the hook, i.e., as a control link.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the four links are arranged in a substantially linear overall configuration in the closed operating position, in which the four links are arranged essentially parallel to each other. This achieves a slim design, with even the hook being integrated into this slim design.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the first link has a first end region and a second end region spaced therefrom, and a central region between the first end region and the second end region, wherein the articulated connection of the third link to the first link is provided at the first end region, and the articulated connection of the fourth link to the first link is provided in the central region. This achieves a compact design.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the bolt is located on the first link between the linkage of the fourth link and the second end region. This allows the bolt to be easily accessible and lockable for the hook.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the hook is hinged to the fourth link, with the distance between the hinge point of the hook on the fourth link and the hinge point of the fourth link on the first link being substantially equal to the distance between the bolt and the hinge point of the fourth link on the first link. This advantageously allows the swivel angle of the hook to be kept small, making the arrangement less prone to failure.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the hook is designed such that the first lever arm is positioned at an obtuse angle to the second lever arm. This also allows for a small pivot angle, as the hook can then grip the bolt well while still being easily controlled by the steering linkage.

[0019] The invention is explained in detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a first operating position, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a second operating position which is further closed compared to the first operating position, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a third operating position which is further closed compared to the second operating position, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a fourth operating position which is further closed compared to the third operating position, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a fifth operating position which is further closed compared to the fourth operating position, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a sixth operating position which is further closed compared to the fifth operating position, and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the joint arrangement in a seventh operating position which is further closed than the sixth operating position and which is the closed operating position.

[0020] The Fig. 1 shows a joint assembly 1 of a roof cap 2 of a convertible top 3 of a motor vehicle, shown only schematically. The joint assembly 1 is designed with a four-bar linkage 4, with a first link 5 as a receptacle for the roof cap 2, with a second link 6 for connection to a roof frame 9, with a third link 7 as a control link, and with a fourth link 8 as a guide link. The four links 5, 6, 7, 8 are designed as strut-like elements, preferably made of metal.

[0021] The third link 7 and the fourth link 8 are each pivotably connected at their ends to the first link 5 and the second link 6. For this purpose, bolt elements 10 extend through openings in the links 5, 6, 7, 8 to pivot the links 5, 7 or 5, 8 and 6, 7 and 6, 8 relative to one another.

[0022] A hook 11 in the form of a two-armed lever with a first lever arm 12 and a second lever arm 13 is pivotally connected to the fourth link 8. The first lever arm 12 is designed as a hook or hook-like. A laterally projecting bolt 14 is arranged on the first link 5, with which the hook 11 can cooperate to lock the joint assembly 1.

[0023] A spring arrangement 15, for example as a torsion spring, is provided and articulated on the hook 11, which spring arrangement 15 rotates the hook 11 in a first direction of rotation, clockwise according to Fig. 1. The hook 11 can be rotated in the opposite second direction of rotation, counterclockwise, against the restoring force of the spring assembly 15. This can be achieved if the second lever arm 13 is supported on the third link 7.

[0024] The joint arrangement 1 can be moved between a first extended operating position and a second closed operating position, see for example Fig. 7, should be followed.

[0025] In the second operating position, the hook 11 locks the bolt 14 with its hook-like first lever arm 12 and engages over and secures it, while the second lever arm 13 is supported on the third link 7.

[0026] The spring arrangement 15 is designed such that it acts on the hook 11 in the first direction of rotation into a first end position, so that it preferably strikes a stop there and does not rotate any further.

[0027] Only by supporting the second lever arm 13 on the third link 7 is the hook 11 rotated from the first end position in order to grip over the bolt and secure it.

[0028] The second lever arm 13 is supported on the third link 7 only when the hook 11, in the first end position, is essentially guided over the bolt or is very close to it, in order to engage over it or to engage over it immediately. Supporting the hook 11 by means of the second lever arm 13 on the third link 7 and the resulting rotation of the hook 11 from the first end position then causes the hook to move over the bolt and lock it.

[0029] The Fig. 1 to 7 show the joint arrangement 1 in different operating positions.

[0030] The Fig. 1 shows an operating position which is closest to the first extended operating position and which Fig. 2 to 7 is moved into the second closed operating position. The Fig. 7 shows the joint assembly 1 in the closed operating position. In this closed operating position, the four links 5, 6, 7, 8 are arranged in a substantially linear overall arrangement, in which the four links 5, 6, 7, 8 are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

[0031] The Fig. 1 shows that the first link 5 has a first end region 16 and a second end region 17 spaced therefrom, wherein a central region 18 is provided between the end regions 16, 17.

[0032] The articulated connection of the third link 7 to the first link 5 takes place at the first end region 16. The articulated connection of the fourth link 8 to the first link 5 takes place in the middle region 18. The bolt 14 is arranged on the first link 5 between the articulation of the fourth link 8 and the second end region 17. The hook 11 is articulated on the fourth link 8 such that the distance a between the articulation of the hook 11 on the fourth link 8 and the articulation of the fourth link 8 on the first link 5 is essentially the distance b between the bolt 14 and the articulation of the fourth link 8 on the first link 5. This makes it possible for the hook to engage over the bolt without great deflection. This is also achieved by the fact that the hook 11 is designed such that the first lever arm 12 is arranged at an obtuse angle to the second lever arm 13.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an operating position in which the links 5, 6, 7, and 8 are brought closer together. The hook 11 is closer to the bolt 14.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 3 shows another operating position, in which the links 5, 6, 7, and 8 are moved even closer together. The hook 11 moves even closer to the bolt 14. The second lever arm 13 begins to touch the third link 7.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 4 shows another operating position, in which the links 5, 6, 7, and 8 are brought even closer together. The hook 11 moves even closer to the bolt 14. The second lever arm 13 is supported more strongly by the third link 7, so that the hook 11 is rotated counterclockwise.

[0036] The Fig. Figure 5 shows another operating position, in which the links 5, 6, 7, and 8 are brought even closer together. The hook 11 moves even closer to the bolt 14, and the tip of the hook 11 passes over the bolt 14. The second lever arm 13 is supported even more strongly by the third link 7, so that the hook 11 is rotated further counterclockwise.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 6 shows another operating position, in which the links 5, 6, 7, and 8 are brought even closer together. The hook 11 extends even further over the bolt 14. The second lever arm 13 is supported even more strongly by the third link 7, so that the hook 11 is rotated further counterclockwise.

[0038] The Fig.Figure 7 shows the joint assembly 1 in the closed operating position, in which the links 5, 6, 7, and 8 are brought even closer together. The hook 11 completely overlaps the bolt 14. The second lever arm 13 rests maximally on the link 7, so that the hook 11 is rotated counterclockwise to its greatest extent. List of reference symbols 1 joint arrangement 2 roof caps 3 Hood 4 four-bar arrangement 5 handlebars 6 handlebars 7 handlebars 8 handlebars 9 roof frame 10 bolt element 11 hooks 12 lever arm 13 Lever arm 14 bolts 15 Spring arrangement 16 End area 17 End area 18 middle range

Claims

[1] Joint arrangement (1) of a roof cap (2) of a convertible top (3) of a motor vehicle, with a four-bar arrangement (4) with a first link (5) as a receptacle for the roof cap (2), with a second link (6) for connection to a roof frame (9), with a third link (7) as a control link and with a fourth link (8) as a guide link, wherein the third link (7) and the fourth link (8) are pivotally connected at their ends to the first link (5) and to the second link (6), wherein a hook (11) in the form of a two-armed lever with a first lever arm (12) and a second lever arm (13) is rotatably connected to the fourth link (8), wherein the first lever arm (12) is hook-shaped and is designed to cooperate with a projecting bolt (14) arranged on the first link (5), wherein a spring arrangement (15) is provided which (11) preloaded in a first direction of rotation,wherein the hook (11) rotates in the opposite second direction of rotation against the restoring force of the spring arrangement (15) when the second lever arm (13) is supported on the third link (7), wherein the joint arrangement (1) is movable between a first extended operating position and a second closed operating position, wherein the hook-like first lever arm (12) engages over and secures the bolt (14) in the second operating position and the second lever arm (13) is supported on the third link (7). [2] Joint arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the spring arrangement (15) acts on the hook (11) in the first direction of rotation into a first end position and by supporting the second lever arm (13) on the third link (7) the hook (11) can be rotated out of the first end position. [3] Joint arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the hook (11) is supported in the first end position on a stop of the fourth link (8). [4] Joint arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the hook (11) in the first end position can be guided essentially over the bolt (14) in order to engage over it. [5] Joint arrangement (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that by supporting the hook (11) on the third link (7) and the resulting rotation of the hook (11) from the first end position, the bolt (14) can be blocked. [6] Joint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the four links (5,6,7,8) are arranged in the closed operating position in a substantially linear overall arrangement in which the four links (5,6,7,8) are arranged substantially parallel to one another. [7] Joint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the first link (5) has a first end region (16) and a second end region (17) spaced therefrom and a central region (18) between the first and the second end region (16, 17), wherein the articulated articulation of the third link (7) on the first link (5) is provided at the first end region (16) and the articulated articulation of the fourth link (8) on the first link (5) is provided in the central region (18). [8] Joint arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the bolt (14) is arranged on the first link (5) between the articulation of the fourth link (8) and the second end region (17). [9] Joint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the hook (11) is articulated on the fourth link (8), wherein a distance (a) of the articulation of the hook (11) on the fourth link (8) to the articulation of the fourth link (8) on the first link (5) substantially corresponds to a distance (b) of the bolt (14) from the articulation of the fourth link (8) on the first link (5). [10] Joint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hook (11) is designed such that the first lever arm (12) is arranged at an obtuse angle to the second lever arm (13).

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