Vehicle with removable roof elements

Abstract

Vehicle (1) with a vehicle roof (2) which has a roof opening (6, 7) on both sides of a longitudinal center web (5) arranged in the region of a longitudinal center line of the vehicle (1) and connecting a front (3) and a rear roof support element (4), each opening being closed by means of a removable roof element (15, 16), wherein the removable roof elements (15, 16) each have at least one dimensionally stable part (17) and at least one flexible part (18) connected thereto, characterized in that the front (3) and rear roof support element (4) and the longitudinal center web (5) connecting them to each other and separating the two roof openings (6, 7) from each other form a one-piece installation module (8) which is inserted into a roof cutout of the vehicle roof (2) and is firmly connected to the body of the vehicle (1), and that the flexible part (18) is connected to at least the roof support elements (3, 7) by means of at least one positive locking means (21).4) and is detachably connected to the longitudinal central web (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with removable roof elements according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] For some time now, vehicles, especially motor vehicles, have been known that have a roof with a removable center section. Such a roof is sometimes referred to among experts as a "TARGA". ® “-Roof” is the term used.

[0003] DE 94 06 435 U1 describes a roof arrangement with a removable roof of the generic type, which has two dimensionally stable roof sections interlocking along a longitudinal joint, with a lock attached to each of the two roof sections at the front and rear ends of the longitudinal joint. The roof sections can be inserted into a roof opening formed between a front, upper windshield frame and a rear roll bar. Thus, two stowable roof sections with approximately half the width of the vehicle roof are available. Near the side edge of the vehicle, the roof sections have lateral fastening elements on the inside that engage with corresponding fittings in the windshield frame and the roll bar. To remove the roof sections from the aforementioned roof opening, they are first pulled apart transversely to the side of the vehicle to release a tongue-and-groove connection in the area of ​​the longitudinal joint and then lifted out of the roof opening.

[0004] DE 27 59 029 A1 discloses a generic vehicle with a roof cutout extending between a front windshield head section and a rear roof section. A central section connecting the windshield head section to the rear roof section is arranged along a longitudinal center line of the roof cutout, dividing the roof cutout into two openings. These openings are closed by means of removable plates.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2006 039 010 A1 discloses a cover device for a motor vehicle with an opening roof. When the roof is in the open position, the passenger compartment is at least partially covered by a removable, flat cover element. This cover element is at least partially permeable to air and transparent from the passenger compartment to the outside. The cover element can be flexible and / or foldable, for example, made of a textile material.

[0006] From DE 103 24 920 B3, a convertible top for a motor vehicle is known, comprising at least one first and one second planar structural element. The structural elements are designed for installation and removal over a roof opening in the transverse direction of the vehicle and, when installed, are fixed at the front to a windshield frame and at the rear to a frame spanning the width of the vehicle. For storage, the planar structural elements are connected to one another via guide devices and can be slid relative to each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle, in particular in a comb-like manner, by means of these guide devices. In operation or in the installed state, the planar structural elements are covered by a common flexible roof skin to cover any resulting gaps.

[0007] From the generic patent DE 10 2005 044 743 A1, a vehicle roof with two roof segments adjustable in the transverse direction of the vehicle is known. Each roof segment consists of a lateral roof frame, which is detachably fixed to the vehicle body, and a fabric or louvered roof connected at one end to the roof frame and at the other end to a storage device for the roof segments running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle between the roof segments. The storage device can be detached from the vehicle body in the open position of the roof segments or in the stowed position of the roof segments, thus creating a roof opening extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0008] US Patent 4,639,035 A discloses a so-called cover arrangement for openings in vehicle roofs, comprising a U-shaped frame that can be inserted into the opening and a cover made of flexible, lightweight, weather-resistant material. The cover is detachably attached to the frame by means of fasteners, such as a zipper.

[0009] From FR 1 465 426 A, a body with a roof cutout is known which is divided into two roof openings by means of a support extending longitudinally in the direction of the vehicle and attached at one end to the vehicle roof and at the other end to an upper crossmember of a windshield frame. Two fabrics are attached to the longitudinal edges of the support and are detachably fastened to the upper crossmember of the windshield frame and to the vehicle roof by means of a zipper.

[0010] From US 5 052 743 A, a vehicle with a vehicle roof is known which has a roof opening on both sides of a longitudinal center web arranged in the area of ​​a longitudinal center line of the vehicle and connecting a front and a rear roof support part, each closed by means of a removable roof element, wherein the front and rear roof support part and the longitudinal center web connecting them to each other and separating the two roof openings from each other form a one-piece installation module which is inserted into a roof cutout of the vehicle roof and is firmly connected to the body of the vehicle.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which, in view of the prior art, has an alternative roof with two removable roof elements that simplify and make the removal and installation of the same more comfortable and require minimal storage space when removed.

[0012] Starting from a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a vehicle roof which has a roof opening on both sides of a longitudinal center rib arranged in the area of ​​a longitudinal center line of the vehicle and connecting a front and a rear roof support element, each opening being closed by means of a removable roof element, wherein the removable roof elements each have at least one dimensionally stable part and at least one flexible part connected to it, the problem is solved by the front and rear roof support elements and the longitudinal center rib connecting them to each other and separating the two roof openings from each other forming a one-piece installation module which is inserted into a roof cutout of the vehicle roof and is firmly connected to the body of the vehicle, and by the flexible part being detachably connected at least to the roof support elements and the longitudinal center rib by means of at least one positive locking means.

[0013] This results in particularly lightweight and cost-effective roof elements, which also require minimal storage space when installed, as it is possible to fold, roll and / or wind up the flexible part of each roof element to advantage.

[0014] The dependent claims describe preferred further developments or embodiments of the invention.

[0015] It is then provided that the respective dimensionally stable part forms a roof side longitudinal beam, preferably reinforcing the roof structure, which extends within the relevant roof opening between the front and rear roof support parts and is detachably connected to them.

[0016] Preferably, the roof side longitudinal beam is formed by an elongated hollow profile with a closed or open hollow profile cross-section, which combines lightweight construction with high stability, in particular high buckling stiffness.

[0017] For the detachable connection of the roof side longitudinal beam with the front and rear roof support parts, a locking system is advantageously provided, which, in addition to easy assembly and disassembly of the roof element in question, ensures a secure attachment of the same to the roof support parts and, with the aid of a lock, enables a high level of theft protection.

[0018] Preferably, the locking system can be operated manually and / or particularly conveniently using external force, for example electromechanically.

[0019] A form-fitting device, which is formed by a zipper system or by an elastic band and / or a tensioning rope, proves to be particularly practical.

[0020] As the invention further provides, the flexible part is preferably an integral component of the dimensionally stable part of the roof element in question, resulting in an assembly unit in the form of the roof element that is easy and convenient to handle.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawings. However, it is not limited to this embodiment but encompasses all embodiments defined by the claims. For the purposes of this description, the usual direction of travel of a motor vehicle shall be denoted by “-x” (“minus x”), the direction opposite to its usual direction of travel by “+x” (“plus x”), starting from the usual direction of travel (-x), the horizontal direction perpendicular to the x-direction to the right by “+y”, starting from the usual direction of travel (-x), the horizontal direction perpendicular to the x-direction to the left by “-y”, the vertical direction perpendicular to the x-direction upwards by “+z”, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the x-direction downwards by “-z”.This method of designating spatial directions in Cartesian coordinates corresponds to the coordinate system generally used in the automotive industry. Furthermore, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," and similar terms, including "right" and "left," are used in the manner commonly employed to indicate direction on a motor vehicle. The following are shown: Fig. 1 a partial perspective view of a vehicle equipped with removable roof elements according to the invention, Fig. 2 a sectional view of a roof element along a section line running in the transverse direction of the vehicle (Y-direction) (section II according to Fig. 1), and Fig. 3 a perspective view of a suitable installation module of the vehicle for accommodating said roof elements.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1, in this case a motor vehicle, with a vehicle roof 2, which has a roof opening 6, 7 on both sides of a longitudinal center web 5 arranged in the area of ​​a longitudinal center line and connecting a front (3) and a rear roof support part 4. According to this embodiment, the front (3) and rear roof support parts 4 and the longitudinal center web 5 connecting them form a mounting module 8 (see Figure 1). Fig. 3) The installation module 8 is inserted into a roof opening in the vehicle roof 2 and is firmly connected to the vehicle body 1, in particular to a front roof crossmember 9, a windshield frame 12 which further forms A-pillars 10 and holds a windshield 11, and a rear roof section 13, which is formed, for example, by a roof crossmember (not shown) connecting B-pillars 14 and / or a roll bar. A removable roof element 15, 16 is inserted into each of the aforementioned roof openings 6, 7.

[0023] Each removable roof element 15, 16 has, according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a dimensionally stable part 17 and a flexible part 18 connected to it. According to this embodiment, and preferably, the flexible part 18 is an integral component of the dimensionally stable part 17. This means in particular that the flexible part 18 is designed to be, and does not need to be, detachable from the dimensionally stable part 17, at least for handling the roof element 15, 16 or for assembling and disassembling it.

[0024] Notwithstanding the above, it is of course possible to detach the roof element 15, 16 for maintenance or, in particular, for replacement of the flexible part 18, which is accordingly covered by this invention. Such replacement of the flexible part 18 may be necessary, for example, if it is damaged or if it is to be replaced by a flexible part 18 of a different color and / or material and / or structure, such as one with a specific light and / or air permeability. Thus, the user of the vehicle 1 can, for example, keep two or more flexible parts 18 of different colors and / or materials and / or structures on hand and, as needed, exchange them for their intended use or connect them to the dimensionally stable part 17.

[0025] How the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 2, according to this embodiment, the respective dimensionally stable part 17 forms a roof side longitudinal beam 17.1, preferably reinforcing the roof structure. In assembly, this extends within the relevant roof opening 6, 7 between the front (3) and the rear roof support part 4 and is detachably connected to them.

[0026] Again Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the roof side longitudinal beam 17.1, according to this embodiment, is formed by an elongated hollow profile with a closed hollow profile cross-section, which combines lightweight construction with high stability, in particular high buckling stiffness. Alternatively, the roof side longitudinal beam 17.1 can also be formed by an elongated hollow profile with an open hollow profile cross-section, for example, in the form of a U-profile (not shown in the drawing).

[0027] A locking system 19 is provided for the detachable connection of the roof side longitudinal member 17.1 to the front (3) and rear roof support members 4. This locking system ensures not only easy assembly and disassembly of the respective roof element 15, 16, but also secure attachment of the element to the roof support members 3, 4. According to this embodiment, the locking system 19 has axially adjustable bolts 20 which, in the locked position, create a positive locking connection between the free ends of the roof side longitudinal members 17.1 and the front (3) or rear roof support member 4. The locking system 19 can be operated manually and / or, for added convenience, by external force, for example, electromechanically. The locking system 19 can also include a lock (not shown in the drawing) which provides a high level of theft protection.

[0028] As regards the flexible part of each roof element 15, 16, this is formed by a flexible surface structure or covering which is detachably connected to the roof support elements 3, 4 and the longitudinal central web 5 separating the two roof openings 6, 7 by means of a positive locking element 21. In this case, a zipper system 21.1 is provided as the positive locking element 21. However, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned zipper system 21.1, but encompasses any suitable positive locking element 21 known per se. For example, an elastic band and / or a tensioning cable can also be provided as the positive locking element 21 (not shown in the drawing).

[0029] The flexible surface structure is formed, for example, by a fabric or a tarpaulin and, as already mentioned above, can be available in different colors, made of different materials, and / or with different textures. Thus, the flexible surface structure can be, for example, permeable to light, air, and / or water, or impermeable.

[0030] The invention essentially functions as follows: during the assembly of the roof element 15, 16, preferably in a first step, the dimensionally stable part 17, or the roof side longitudinal member 17.1, is brought into contact with the vehicle 1 and fixed to the roof support members 3, 4. In a second step, the flexible part 18, in the form of the flexible surface structure or covering, is detachably connected to the vehicle 1, or the roof support members 3, 4, and the longitudinal center web 5 by means of said positive locking device 21, such as the zipper system 21.1.

[0031] Disassembly is preferably carried out in reverse order. Following this, the flexible part 17 (flexible surface structure) can be folded and / or wrapped around the dimensionally stable part 17 (roof side longitudinal beam 17.1) and subsequently stored in the vehicle 1 in a space-saving manner. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 Vehicle roof 3 front roof mounting part 4 rear roof mounting part 5 Longitudinal center web 6 Roof opening 7 Roof opening 8 Installation module 9 roof crossbeams 10 A-pillar 11 Windshield 12 Windscreen frames 13 Roof section 14 B-pillar 15 roof elements 16 roof elements 17 dimensionally stable part 17.1 Roof side longitudinal beams 18 flexible part 19 Locking system 20 bolts 21 Form-fitting devices 21.1 Zipper system

Claims

Vehicle (1), with a vehicle roof (2) which has a roof opening (6, 7) on both sides of a longitudinal center web (5) arranged in the region of a longitudinal center line of the vehicle (1) and connecting a front (3) and a rear roof support element (4), each opening being closed by means of a removable roof element (15, 16), wherein the removable roof elements (15, 16) each have at least one dimensionally stable part (17) and at least one flexible part (18) connected thereto, characterized in that the front (3) and rear roof support element (4) and the longitudinal center web (5) connecting them to each other and separating the two roof openings (6, 7) from each other form a one-piece installation module (8) which is inserted into a roof cutout of the vehicle roof (2) and is firmly connected to the body of the vehicle (1), and that the flexible part (18) is connected to at least the roof support elements (3, 7) by means of at least one positive locking means (21).4) and is detachably connected to the longitudinal central web (5). Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective dimensionally stable part (17) forms a roof side longitudinal member (17.1) which extends within the relevant roof opening (6, 7) between the front (3) and the rear roof support part (4) and is detachably connected to the same. Vehicle (1) according to claim 2 , characterized in that the roof side longitudinal member (17.1) is formed by an elongated hollow profile with a closed or open hollow profile cross-section. Vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a locking system (19) is provided for the detachable connection of the roof side longitudinal member (17.1) with the front (3) and the rear roof support part (4). Vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking system (19) can be operated manually and / or by means of external force. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible part (18) is formed by a flexible surface structure. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one positive locking means (21) is formed by a zipper system (21.1) or by an elastic band and / or a tensioning cable. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible part (18) is an integral part of the dimensionally stable part (17).

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