Locking device with handlebar assembly and slide

Abstract

A locking device for a convertible top, comprising a locking carrier (22), a locking hook (28) which is translationally and rotationally displaceable between a release position and a locking position and which engages with a locking counter-element in the locking position, and a drive device for the locking hook (28) comprising a drive element which is rotationally driven about a rotational axis (A) by a drive pinion (66) of a drive unit and which drives a slide (36) movable on the locking carrier (22) via a linkage arrangement (80) and which is connected to the locking hook (28), so that the locking hook (28) undergoes an adjustment movement when the slide (36) is moved, characterized in that the linkage arrangement comprises a connecting link (82) which is articulated to the slide (36) and a support link (78).which is articulatedly connected to the coupling link (82) and which, when the drive element is actuated, is guided in a guide track (92) of the locking carrier (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for a convertible top with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and to a convertible top of a convertible vehicle with such a locking device.

[0002] A locking device of this type is known from German patent application DE 10 2010 044 702 A1 and serves to secure a rigid roof element, which may be a front bow of a folding soft top or a rigid roof segment of a retractable hard top (RHT), to a front cowl of the vehicle in question. This locking device comprises a locking carrier, which forms a locking housing and can be attached to the rigid roof element. A locking hook is movable on the locking carrier between a release position and a locking position, both translationally and rotationally. In the locking position, the locking hook engages with a counter-locking element formed on the front cowl of the vehicle. The locking device has a drive unit for actuating the locking hook, which drives a slide that is movable on the locking carrier and connected to the locking hook.The drive system comprises a drive unit designed as an electric motor, which drives a drive wheel that is connected to the carriage via a linkage arrangement.

[0003] From German patent application DE 10 2016 112 963 A1, a locking device for a convertible top is known, comprising a locking carrier, a locking hook, and a drive unit for the locking hook. A drive pinion of the drive unit drives a drive wheel via a toothed connection, to which a connecting link is articulated via a ball joint. The connecting link is articulated to a slide. By actuating the drive wheel by means of the drive pinion, the slide can be moved, so that the locking hook connected to the slide is driven both translationally and rotationally. A corresponding locking device is known from German patent application DE 10 2016 124 451 A1.

[0004] A locking system for the convertible top of a vehicle is known from German patent application DE 10 2008 008 747 A1. This locking system comprises a locking hook that can be driven translationally and rotationally via a linkage arrangement. The locking hook is guided at its pivot point in a cam of a locking carrier.

[0005] From the publication DE 103 00 881 A1, a cover closure is known which includes a locking hook that can be moved rotationally and translationally.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating a locking device of the type mentioned in the introduction with additional possibilities for securing the locking hook in its closed position.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the locking device with the features of claim 1.

[0008] The locking device according to the invention thus comprises a slide driven by a drive unit and connected to a locking hook. In addition to the drive unit, which is preferably electrically driven, the drive unit comprises a drive element rotatable about an axis of rotation, driven rotationally about the axis of rotation by a drive pinion of a drive unit, and connected to the slide via a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly comprises a connecting link articulated to the slide and a support link articulated to the connecting link via one or more joints and guided in a guide track of the locking carrier when the drive element is actuated.By appropriately designing the support link and the coupling link and their pivot points, it is possible for the coupling link and the support link to assume a relative position to each other in the locking position of the locking hook, which secures the slide against movement, so that a force exerted on the locking hook and thus on the slide cannot lead to any adjustment of the locking hook in its release position, since the acting forces are absorbed by the support link, which is supported in the guide track on the locking carrier.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, the support link is connected to the drive element. This in turn means that the drive forces exerted by the drive element are introduced into the support link and from there into the coupling link and the slide.

[0010] To further secure the locking position of the locking hook, it is advantageous for the support link to have a coupling pin that engages in a cam track of the drive element. The pivot point of the support link to the drive element is therefore not fixed, but shifts when the locking hook is moved from its locked position to the released position or vice versa.

[0011] To ensure that no forces act on the drive element in the locked position of the locking hook that correspond to its drive direction for moving it into the release position, it is advantageous if the cam track of the drive element has a drive section and a locking section that is angled relative to the drive section, i.e., its main axis forms an angle of less than 180° with the main axis of the drive section. If an opening force is unintentionally exerted on the locking hook in the locked position, and the coupling pin of the support link is located in the locking section, then, with appropriate alignment of the locking section, the coupling pin will exert a moment on the drive element that acts in the direction of rotation corresponding to a displacement of the locking hook into the locked position.

[0012] The cam track of the drive element allows any sensors on the locking device that detect the locking position of the locking hook to be detected at a wider rotation angle of the drive element, since the cam track is only traversed by the coupling pin after the locking hook has reached the locked position. Therefore, the component tolerances for the relevant sensors need to meet lower requirements compared to previous solutions.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, in which the linkage assembly preferably assumes an over-center or locking position in the locked position of the locking hook, the linkage assembly comprises, in addition to the support link and the connecting link, a guide link which is articulated to the support link and / or the connecting link and which preferably has a pivot axis that coincides with the axis of rotation of the drive element. The linkage assembly can thus have an over-center linkage that, in the locked position of the locking hook, locks the slide against the locking carrier. The drive element, which is preferably provided with the cam track, prevents the support link from pivoting. The linkage assembly also ensures that in the locked or secured state of the linkage assembly, i.e.,In its over-center position, no torque is exerted by the slide on the drive element.

[0014] In order to clearly define and secure the locking position of the linkage assembly associated with the locking position of the locking hook, the guide track of the locking carrier in a special embodiment of the locking device according to the invention has a hook adjustment section and a hook bolt section, wherein the hook adjustment section runs concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive element and the hook bolt section is an end section of the guide track, which is preferably aligned at least approximately parallel to the direction of travel of the slide.

[0015] To further secure the locking hook in the locked position, a locking pin can be arranged on the slide. In the locked position, this pin engages a corresponding recess in the linkage, thus preventing the locking hook from moving towards the release position. When the locking device is moved from the locked to the release position, the linkage is first pivoted so that the locking pin on the slide is released. Similarly, when the locking device is moved into the locked position, the linkage is pivoted so that the locking pin and the recess on the linkage engage. Any tensile torque introduced into the slide by the locking hook is thereby absorbed by the linkage, which is supported on the locking carrier via the support link.

[0016] The drive element of the locking device according to the invention is preferably designed as a drive wheel, which may have external teeth. The external teeth can engage with a drive pinion, which is driven by a drive unit, in particular an electric motor.

[0017] The slide of the locking device according to the invention is preferably connected to a drive and bearing end of the locking hook via a pull-link arrangement. The pull-link arrangement is thus arranged between the locking hook and the slide, so that a moment can be introduced into the locking hook, which pushes its hook end upwards when moving from a release position to a closed position. The pull-link arrangement can also hold the locking hook in the transverse direction, thus preventing it from moving transversely to the direction of travel of the slide.

[0018] The invention also relates to a convertible top, comprising a locking device of the type described above, by means of which the convertible top or a corresponding convertible top element can be secured to a front cowl of the vehicle. A corresponding locking element is arranged on the front cowl, which interacts with a hook or gripping end of the locking hook to secure the convertible top or convertible top element. The locking element is, for example, a bolt or pin that can be engaged by the locking hook.

[0019] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the description, the drawing and the patent claims.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of a convertible top with a locking device according to the invention is shown schematically simplified in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a convertible vehicle with a soft top that is secured to a front cowl by means of a locking device; Fig. 2 a side view of the locking device in its locked position; Fig. 3 one Fig. 2 corresponding side view of the locking device, but in its release position; Fig. 4 a top view of the locking device in its locked and latched position; Fig. 5 a cut through the locking device along line VV in Fig. 4; Fig. 6. A top view of the locking device in its release position, but excluding a support plate; Fig. 7 a Fig. 6. Corresponding top view of the locking device, but in an intermediate position when a locking hook is pivoted; Fig. 8 also a Fig. 6. corresponding top view of the locking device, but in an intermediate position after the locking hook has reached a locking or engagement position; Fig. 9 also a Fig. 6. corresponding top view of the locking device, but in a first transition position when locking the locking device; Fig. 10 also a Fig. 6. corresponding top view of the locking device, but in a second transitional position when the locking device is locked; and Fig. 11 also a Fig. 6 corresponding view, but in the locking and latching position of the locking device.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a convertible vehicle 10, which has a folding soft top 12 that can be adjusted between a closed position spanning the vehicle interior and a stowed position that opens the vehicle interior upwards. In the Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 1, the folding soft top 12 is fixed to a front bow 14 on a front wind deflector 16 of the vehicle 10, which represents an upper frame leg of a windshield 18 extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0022] A locking device 20 is arranged on the underside of the front bow 14, by means of which the closed position of the folding soft top 12 can be secured and which is located in the Fig. Figures 2 to 11 are shown in isolation. The locking device 20 is adjustable between a locking position, in which the folding soft top 12 is secured to the front wind guard 16, and a release position, in which the folding soft top 12 can be detached from the front wind guard 16 and placed in a storage position.

[0023] The locking device 20 comprises a locking carrier 22 with an upper support plate 24, which forms a housing for the locking device 20. The support plate 24 serves to connect the locking device 20 to the front bow 14 and has screw holes 25 for this purpose.

[0024] Furthermore, the locking device 20 comprises a locking hook 28, which can be engaged with a locking bolt 26 to secure the front bow 14 to the front cowl 16. The locking bolt 26 acts as a locking counter-element and is located on the front cowl 16 of the vehicle. The locking hook 28 has a hook section 30, which engages behind the locking bolt 30 in the locked position, and a bearing and drive section 32, via which the locking hook 28 is driven.

[0025] The locking hook 28 is connected via a bearing bolt 34 guided in an elongated hole of the bearing and drive section 32 (not shown in detail) to a slide 36, which has two sliders 38 on each side with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the locking hook, which are guided in a corresponding guide track 40 of the locking carrier 22.

[0026] A pull-link assembly is arranged between the slide 36 and the locking hook 28 to drive the latter. This assembly is connected to the slide 36 via a bearing pin 42 and to the bearing section 32 of the locking hook 28 via a bearing pin 44. The pull-link assembly 46 has a guide pin 54 on its outer side, which is guided in a guide or cam track 56. This track is formed on the inner side of the locking carrier 22 or is formed by a separate component that is received by the locking carrier 22. The separate component can be interchangeable, allowing the guide track it forms to be adapted to different convertible top systems in a modular manner.

[0027] In order to pre-tension the locking hook 28 towards its locking position, the locking device 20 has a torsion spring 58 which is supported on the slide 36 on one side and rests on the linkage assembly 46 on the other, pushing it upwards.

[0028] A drive motor 64 is attached to the locking carrier 22, which drives a drive pinion 66. The pinion engages with a drive wheel 68, which forms a drive element, or with an external toothing 70 of the drive wheel 68, which is rotatable about a pivot axis A. The external toothing 70 extends around the circumference of the drive wheel 68 over an angle of approximately 140° to 170°.

[0029] A V-shaped or arc-shaped cam track 74 is formed on a boom 72 of the drive wheel 68, in which a coupling pin 76 is guided, which is formed on a support link 78 of a link assembly 80. The cam track 74 has a drive section 741 and a locking section 742, which is angled relative to the drive section 741.

[0030] The linkage assembly 80 comprises, in addition to the support link 78, a connecting link 82 which is articulated to the slide 36 at a pivot point 84. Furthermore, the linkage assembly 80 comprises a guide link 86 which is pivotable about a pivot axis that coincides with the axis of rotation A of the drive wheel 68. The support link 78, the connecting link 82, and the guide link 86 are connected to each other at a common joint 88.

[0031] The support link 78 comprises, at its end furthest from the joint 88, a guide pin 90 which is guided in a guide track 92 formed on the support plate 24 of the locking carrier 22 and forming an arc-shaped hook adjustment section X that runs concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation A of the drive wheel 68 and extends over an angular range of approximately 110° to 140°. The hook adjustment section X transitions into a hook bolt section Y, which extends approximately parallel to the travel path of the slide 36 and forms an end region of the guide track 92.

[0032] The carriage 36 has a locking pin 94 on its upper side, the axis of which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel 68. For example, in Fig. In the locking position of the locking hook 28 or the locking device 20 shown in Figure 11, the locking pin 94 is supported in a recess 96, which is formed on the coupling link 82, in the event of an overload.

[0033] The actuation of the above-described locking device 20 is carried out in the manner described below.

[0034] Starting from the in Fig. In the release position shown in 6, the locking device 20 can be moved into the Fig. The locking position shown in section 11 is brought into place, in which a locking action also occurs. For this purpose, the drive motor 64 is actuated so that the drive wheel 68 is in the Fig. In the selected view from 6 to 11, the actuator is operated counterclockwise around the axis of rotation A. Here, the coupling pin 76 of the support link 78 is located in the drive section 741 of the cam track 74, and the guide pin 90 is moved in the hook adjustment section X of the guide track 92. An adjusting torque is applied to the link assembly 80 via the coupling pin 76, causing the slide 36 to move rearward, i.e., in a direction away from the locking bolt 26. The locking hook 28 is thus released from the position in Fig. 3 shown release position in its in Fig. 2. The locking position shown is pulled and pivoted, in which it engages with the locking bolt 26. This position is reached when the guide pin 90 has reached the transition between the hook adjustment section X and the hook bolt section Y in the guide track 92 (see Figure 2). Fig. 8 and Fig. 9). The coupling link 82 is then pivoted to such an extent that the locking pin 94 engages in the recess 96.

[0035] If, starting from the in Fig. In the position shown in 9, when the drive wheel 68 is rotated further counterclockwise, the guide pin 90 engages in the hook bolt section Y (see ). Fig. 9 and Fig. 10), which is determined by the shape of the cam track 74, in which the coupling pin 76 is moved from the drive section 741 to the locking section 742.

[0036] The actuating force of the support link 78 brings the coupling link 82 and the guide link 86 into an over-center position. Any tensile force acting on the locking hook 28 in the opening direction results in a moment that is introduced into the link assembly 80 and acts in the direction away from the guide track 92. This moment is, however, held by the guide pin 90, which is located in the hook bolt section Y of the guide track 92.

[0037] The adjustment of the locking device 20 from the locked position to the release position is carried out in the reverse manner. Reference symbol list 10 Convertible vehicles 12 Folding canopy 14 Front bows 16 front cowl 18 Windscreen 20 Locking device 22 locking carriers 24 Carrier plate 25 screw holes 26 locking bolts 28 locking hooks 30 hook section 32 Bearing and drive section 34 bearing bolts 36 sleds 38 gliders 40 Guide rail 42 bearing journals 44 bearing journals 46 Traction control arrangement 54 guide pins 56 Scenery Railway 58 Leg spring 64 Drive motor 66 drive pinion 68 Drive wheel 70 External teeth 72 booms 74 Scenery Railway 76 coupling pins 78 support arms 80 Handlebar arrangement 82 coupling links 84 Joint point 86 guide handles 88 joint 90 guide pin 92 Guide rail 94 Safety pin 96 Exclusion 741 Drive section 742 bar section

Claims

[1] A locking device for a convertible top, comprising a locking carrier (22), a locking hook (28) which is translationally and rotationally displaceable for adjustment between a release position and a locking position and which engages with a locking counter-element in the locking position, and a drive device for the locking hook (28) which comprises a drive element which is driven in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) by a drive pinion (66) of a drive unit and which, via a link arrangement (80), drives a carriage (36) which is movable on the locking carrier (22) and is connected to the locking hook (28), so that the locking hook (28) undergoes an adjustment movement when the carriage (36) is moved, characterized bythat the link arrangement comprises a coupling link (82) which is articulated to the slide (36), and a support link (78) which is articulated to the coupling link (82) and which is guided in a guide track (92) of the bolt carrier (22) upon actuation of the drive element. [2] Closure device according to claim 1, characterized by that the support arm (78) is connected to the drive element. [3] Closure device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the support arm (78) has a coupling pin (76) which engages in a guide track (74) of the drive element. [4] Closure device according to claim 3, characterized by that the slide track (74) of the drive element has a drive section (741) and a locking section (742) which is positioned relative to the drive section (741). [5] Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the link arrangement (80) comprises a guide link (86) which is articulated to the support link (78) and / or the coupling link (82) and which preferably has a pivot axis which coincides with the axis of rotation of the drive element. [6] Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the guide track (92) of the closure carrier (22) comprises a hook adjustment section (X) and a hook locking section (Y) and the hook adjustment section (X) runs concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation (A) of the drive element and the hook locking section (Y) is an end section of the guide track (92) which preferably extends at least approximately parallel to the direction of travel of the carriage (36). [7] Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat a locking pin (94) is arranged on the slide (36) which, in the locking position of the locking hook (28), engages in a corresponding recess (96) of the coupling link (82), so that the locking pin (94) secures the locking hook (28) in the locking position against adjustment in the direction of the release position. [8] Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the drive element is designed as a drive wheel (68) which preferably has external teeth. [9] Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the carriage (36) is connected to a drive section of the locking hook (28) via a pull link arrangement (46). [10] A convertible top of a convertible vehicle, comprising a closure device according to one of claims 1 to 9 for securing a convertible top element to a front cowl of the vehicle.

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