Adjustable vehicle roof, vehicle with the same and method for operating such an adjustable vehicle roof

An inflatable layer between outer and inner layers, fixed by retaining cords to transverse bars, addresses the challenges of fold-free stability and compact storage in vehicle roofs, improving user comfort and extending service life.

DE102023001840B4Active Publication Date: 2025-08-14MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023001840
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-05-08
Publication Date
2025-08-14
Estimated Expiration
2043-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing adjustable vehicle roofs face challenges in maintaining a fold-free and dimensionally stable structure during high-speed travel while being compactly stowable, with visible supporting structures and limited installation space.

Method used

An inflatable and evacuable layer sandwiched between outer and inner layers, fixed by retaining cords to transverse bars, maintains layer tension and allows flexible expansion and contraction, ensuring a fold-free and dimensionally stable roof.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a powerful, fold-free, and dimensionally stable vehicle roof that can be compactly stored, enhancing user comfort and extending service life by maintaining tension and preventing bulging during high-speed travel.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Adjustable vehicle roof (1) for a vehicle (2), - an outer layer (3) having an outer surface (7) facing an environment (6) and an inner surface (8) facing away from the outer surface (7), - an inflatable and evacuable inflation layer (4) which is arranged on the inner surface (8) of the outer layer (3) and has an inflation layer inner surface (9) facing away from the inner surface (8) of the outer layer (3), - an inner layer (5) which is arranged on the inflation layer inner surface (9) of the inflation layer (4) and has an interior surface (11) which can be turned towards a vehicle interior (10) of the vehicle (2), - a supporting structure (12) with cross bars (13) integrated in the inflation layer (4), - wherein the adjustable vehicle roof (1) can be moved back and forth between an extended state (19), in which it extends between a windscreen frame (21) of the vehicle (2) and a rear area (22) of the vehicle (2) and spans the vehicle interior (10), and a retracted state (20), in which it is folded together to form folding radii (31) and is completely stowed in a receiving space (23) of the vehicle (2), characterized in that - the outer layer (3) is fixed to the cross bars (13) by means of outer layer retaining cords (14), - the inner layer (5) is fixed to the cross bars (13) by means of inner layer retaining cords (15), - in the retracted state (20), the previously evacuated or at least partially airless inflation layer (4) is inflated again or partially inflated and / or subjected to a predetermined operating pressure, and as a result the vehicle roof (1) expands within the receiving space (23) so that it is supported on a wall (32) enclosing the receiving space (23), completely or substantially completely occupies the receiving space (23), and the folding radii (31) are enlarged in comparison with the folding radii (31) formed when the vehicle roof (1) is folded together.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustable vehicle roof according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such an adjustable vehicle roof and in particular to a method for operating such an adjustable vehicle roof.

[0002] Adjustable fabric roofs or soft tops have long been in use in vehicles. To create a high-quality overall appearance, it is important that the vehicle fabric roofs are as wrinkle-free as possible, and that any supporting structure made of dies and the like is not visible through the covering. Furthermore, it is desirable that the covering retains its shape throughout the vehicle's entire life cycle, even when traveling at high speeds. A further requirement is that an adjustable vehicle fabric roof must be able to be folded up and stowed in the smallest possible space, so that the space required in a vehicle for such a roof attachment can be kept relatively tight. Well-known adjustable vehicle fabric roofs or soft tops meet these requirements.However, there is an interest in continuous improvement in order to provide even more powerful adjustable vehicle fabric roofs and thus increase the comfort experience that a vehicle user experiences when handling the vehicle.

[0003] An adjustable vehicle fabric roof of the type mentioned above is known from DE 40 23 348 C1. Other adjustable vehicle fabric roofs are described in DE 101 34 593 B4, DE 196 30 856 C1, and DE 10 2004 012 187 B4.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment for an adjustable vehicle roof. In particular, a vehicle with such an adjustable vehicle roof and, furthermore, a method for operating such an adjustable vehicle roof are to be provided.

[0005] In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to equip an adjustable vehicle roof with an inflatable and evacuatable inflation layer.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention proposes an adjustable vehicle roof for a vehicle, which comprises: - an outer layer having an outer surface facing the surroundings of the vehicle roof and / or the vehicle and an inner surface facing away from the outer surface, - an inflatable and evacuable inflation layer arranged on the inner surface of the outer layer and having an inflation layer inner surface facing away from the inner surface of the outer layer, - an inner layer arranged on the inflation layer inner surface of the inflation layer and having an interior surface facing a vehicle interior of the vehicle, - a supporting structure with cross braces integrated into the inflatable layer. The cross braces can expediently have main longitudinal extensions which, when the adjustable vehicle roof is installed in a vehicle, are oriented transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle oriented in the direction of travel. This means that the main longitudinal extensions of the cross braces are parallel with respect to a transverse direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Essential to the invention is that the outer layer is secured to the cross braces by means of outer layer retaining cords, and that the inner layer is secured to the cross braces by means of inner layer retaining cords.

[0008] This design provides an innovative adjustable vehicle roof for a vehicle, in which the inflatable layer is sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner layer, and the resulting layer composite is permanently held in shape by the aforementioned retaining cords. Due to their flexibility, low weight, comparatively high load-bearing capacity, and cost-effectiveness, the retaining cords allow for a relatively high-performance adjustable vehicle roof. In particular, the retaining cords allow for flexible expansion and contraction of the inflatable layer.An advantage of the proposed adjustable vehicle roof is that the outer layer and / or the inner layer is / are practically free of wrinkles when the inflatable layer is inflated and the adjustable vehicle roof is operated into an extended state in which it extends between a windshield frame of the vehicle and a rear area of ​​the vehicle and spans the said vehicle interior. In addition, the individual cross bows are then not visible from the outside, i.e. from the surroundings. This is due to the fact that the inflated and thus expanded inflatable layer presses the outer layer and / or the inner layer outwards or inwards away from the cross bows against the holding force of the retaining cords, which results in an increase in the layer tension of the outer layer and / or the inner layer.Furthermore, the inflatable layer can help maintain the layer tension of the outer layer and / or the inner layer at a relatively constant level throughout the vehicle's entire service life, even when traveling at relatively high speeds. A further advantage of the proposed adjustable vehicle roof is that, in a retracted state, in which the adjustable vehicle roof is completely stowed in a storage compartment of the vehicle, it can be folded relatively compactly. It can then be further adjusted, using the method for operating the adjustable vehicle roof described below, into a protective position (which corresponds to the retracted state) that promotes the service life of the adjustable vehicle roof.

[0009] The outer layer retaining cords and / or inner layer retaining cords can each be made from a single thread or from two or more twisted-together single threads. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the outer layer retaining cords and / or inner layer retaining cords to be secured to the crossbars by tying, gluing, and / or clamping. The same applies to the securing of the outer layer retaining cords and / or inner layer retaining cords to the outer layer or inner layer, respectively. The securing of the outer layer retaining cords and / or inner layer retaining cords could also be achieved by means of fabric sections sewn or glued to the inner layer. The fabric sections are expediently connected to the inner layer, in particular the inner headliner, at two points, with the crossbar located between them. This crossbar is encompassed by a section (e.g., a fabric section) of the inner layer.The outer layer retaining cords and the inner layer retaining cords can be identical or different from each other. For example, the outer layer retaining cords can have a different cord diameter than the inner layer retaining cords, or vice versa.

[0010] It is also conceivable that the vehicle roof has additional retaining cords by means of which the inflatable layer is fixed to the cross bars.

[0011] Furthermore, the crossbars can be integrated into the inflatable layer in such a way that they are located directly adjacent to the inner layer and / or are spaced apart from the outer layer. This effectively places the inflatable layer above the crossbars.

[0012] It can expediently be provided that the outer layer retaining cords are cut to length such that, in an extended state of the vehicle roof in which the inflatable layer is inflated and the vehicle roof extends between a windshield frame of the vehicle and a rear region of the vehicle and spans the vehicle interior, they predefine an outer contour of the outer surface. In particular, it can be provided that the inner layer retaining cords are cut to length such that, in one (or the) extended state of the vehicle roof in which the inflatable layer is inflated and the vehicle roof extends between a windshield frame of the vehicle and a rear region of the vehicle and spans the vehicle interior, they predefine an inner contour of the interior surface. As a result, the outer contour of the outer surface or the inner contour of the interior surface can be adjusted relatively easily and, in particular, can be kept free of wrinkles.

[0013] The cross members can in turn be attached to an adjustable support rod of the support structure, which is, for example, attached to a vehicle structural component of the vehicle, or can be connected to the same via the outer layer and / or the inflation layer and / or the inner layer.

[0014] The outer layer and / or the inflatable layer and / or the inner layer are expediently designed to be flat, i.e. they are planar structures.

[0015] The inflation layer can also be fixed only at specific points to the supporting structure and / or the crossbar. It can also be advantageous if the inflation layer is only partially formed in the vehicle roof, such that certain areas of the vehicle roof are free of an inflation layer, while other areas of the vehicle roof have an inflation layer. For example, in the areas of the vehicle roof without an inflation layer, the outer layer can be directly connected to the inner layer, or a placeholder intermediate layer can be integrated. This allows for a wide range of flexible design options for the vehicle roof.

[0016] Furthermore, it is expedient if the inflation layer has cutouts in which the outer layer retaining cords are accommodated. Additionally or alternatively, the inflation layer can have further cutouts in which the inner layer retaining cords are accommodated. The cutouts and / or the further cutouts can be realized, for example, by openings extending through the inflation layer. These openings can be formed by incisions or cylindrical recesses. Corresponding cutouts and / or further cutouts allow for easy installation of the outer layer retaining cords or the inner layer retaining cords.

[0017] It can also be expediently provided that the inflation layer has transverse recesses oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, in which the transverse bows are received. It is expedient if the transverse bows are each completely received in the transverse recesses. In this case, the transverse recesses can each open out to form a longitudinal opening on the inner surface of the inflation layer. The longitudinal openings of the transverse recesses allow, for example, easy assembly / integration of the transverse bows in the inflation layer, since the transverse bows can be easily inserted into the transverse recesses through the longitudinal openings of the transverse recesses. The longitudinal openings of the transverse recesses are then expediently covered by the inner layer when the vehicle roof is assembled, in particular in a fluid-tight manner, so that the transverse bows can neither fall out of the transverse recesses nor can dirt accumulate in them.

[0018] In particular, the free cuts and / or the further free cuts are designed to be smaller, for example with regard to their opening diameter, than the transverse recesses.

[0019] It is advantageous if the adjustable vehicle roof is a fabric roof. The outer layer can be made of a fabric material, forming an outer fabric layer. Furthermore, the inner layer can be made of a fabric material, forming an inner fabric layer. This provides an advantageous vehicle roof made of a fabric material. The outer fabric layer and / or the inner fabric layer can be kept relatively easy to keep wrinkle-free using the outer layer retaining cords or the inner layer retaining cords. Furthermore, such fabric roofs are visually appealing.

[0020] In particular, the inflation layer can be implemented by at least one inflatable and evacuatable air cushion. Such an air cushion can be provided relatively easily and inexpensively. It can expediently be composed of several air chambers.

[0021] Furthermore, it can expediently be provided that the adjustable vehicle roof can be actuated back and forth between an extended state, in which the adjustable vehicle roof extends between a windshield frame of the vehicle and a rear area of ​​the vehicle and spans the vehicle interior, and a retracted state, in which the adjustable vehicle roof is stowed in a receiving space of the vehicle. In this case, it is expedient if the inflatable layer in the extended state is pressurized, for example by means of a compressor device of the vehicle roof or the vehicle, with an operating pressure that is controllable or controlled as a function of at least one item of vehicle status information and is in particular expanded. The at least one item of vehicle status information describes current properties of a vehicle equipped with the proposed vehicle roof, for example the current age of the vehicle.Further vehicle status information can be provided by the current speed of the vehicle, the current age of the vehicle roof, the current ambient temperature, or the like. It is understood that the above list of vehicle status information is not exhaustive, but can be supplemented by further, current vehicle status information. This ensures that the inflation layer is optimally inflated or expanded depending on the current situational conditions of the vehicle or the proposed vehicle roof. This allows, for example, the outer layer and / or the inner layer to be kept wrinkle-free depending on the situation, and furthermore, the entire vehicle roof, for example, to be kept dimensionally stable depending on the situation.

[0022] According to a further basic concept of the invention, a vehicle is provided that is equipped with an adjustable vehicle roof according to the above description and has a vehicle interior that can be spanned by the adjustable vehicle roof. Such a vehicle thus has an advantageous vehicle roof that improves the comfort experience of the vehicle user.

[0023] A further basic idea of ​​the invention is to propose a method for operating an adjustable vehicle roof constructed according to the above description, which is installed in a vehicle. Within the framework of this method, it is provided that - the vehicle roof is adjusted to an extended position of the vehicle roof in which the inflation layer of the vehicle roof is inflated and the vehicle roof extends between a windshield frame of the vehicle and a rear area of ​​the vehicle and spans the vehicle interior, - wherein the inflation layer of the vehicle roof in the extended state is pressurized with an operating pressure regulated as a function of at least one vehicle status information, for example by means of a compressor device of the vehicle roof or of the vehicle.

[0024] With regard to the at least one piece of vehicle status information, the above statement regarding the vehicle status information applies analogously. This ensures that the inflation layer is optimally inflated depending on the current conditions of the vehicle or the proposed vehicle roof. This allows, for example, the outer layer and / or the inner layer to be kept wrinkle-free and, furthermore, the entire vehicle roof, for example, to remain dimensionally stable.

[0025] In particular, the regulated operating pressure can ensure that a compressive load previously applied in a linear manner to the outer layer by the cross bows can now be passed on across the entire surface of the outer layer. Furthermore, it can be provided that if the layer tension of the outer layer decreases during the vehicle's service life, an air volume in the increased inflation layer or the operating pressure is regulated upwards, whereby the original layer tension of the outer layer can be maintained or restored. This prevents, in particular, loose material. Furthermore, a regulated operating pressure can prevent the ballooning effect that occurs at relatively high vehicle speeds, where the vehicle roof bulges outwards. Depending on the speed, the air volume or the operating pressure can be reduced in order to prevent excessive curvature or bulging.It is also conceivable that temperature influences that have a negative effect on the vehicle roof are compensated by the regulated operating pressure.

[0026] It can be expedient within the scope of the said method that the vehicle roof is adjusted from the extended state into a retracted state of the vehicle roof, in which the adjustable vehicle roof is completely stowed in a receiving space of the vehicle, by - the inflation layer of the vehicle roof is first evacuated or air is discharged from it so that there is no air or essentially no air or preferably only a little air in the inflation layer, - the vehicle roof is then folded and completely stowed in the vehicle's storage space, - the storage space is then closed using a cover of the vehicle, which is possible with relatively little effort due to the folded vehicle roof being completely stowed in the storage space of the vehicle, - whereby the inflation layer of the vehicle roof is then inflated or partially inflated or subjected to a predetermined operating pressure in such a way that the vehicle roof expands within the receiving space.

[0027] In particular, it can be provided that the inflation layer is inflated in such a way that the vehicle roof completely or essentially completely occupies the receiving space. This increases the folding radii that inevitably arise at the folding edges of the folded vehicle roof when the vehicle roof is folded up. This has the advantage that the layers of the vehicle roof in these areas are subjected to less stress than before, which, for example, increases the service life of a corresponding vehicle roof. This also has the advantageous effect of preventing disturbing noises such as rattling or the like, since the stowed vehicle roof can be supported from the inside against a wall enclosing the receiving space. This overall contributes to increasing the comfort experienced by the vehicle user.

[0028] In summary, the present invention expediently relates to an adjustable vehicle roof. It is characterized by an outer layer having an outer surface facing the environment and an inner surface facing away from it; an inflatable and evacuatable inflation layer arranged on the inner surface of the outer layer and having an inflation layer inner surface facing away from the inner surface of the outer layer; an inner layer arranged on the inflation layer inner surface and having an interior surface facing a vehicle interior; and a supporting structure with crossbars in the inflation layer. It is essential that the outer layer is fixed to the crossbars by means of outer layer retaining cords, and the inner layer is fixed to the crossbars by means of inner layer retaining cords.The invention further relates to a vehicle having such a vehicle roof and, in particular, to a method for operating such a vehicle roof installed in a vehicle.

[0029] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0030] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0032] Showing schematically: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable vehicle roof according to the invention, Fig. 2 a partial sectional view of the adjustable vehicle roof from Fig. 1 according to a Fig. 1 level 33 marked with a dashed line, looking in the direction of an arrow II also marked there, Fig. 3 another partial sectional view of the adjustable vehicle roof from Fig. 1 according to a Fig. 1 further level 34 marked with a dashed line, looking in the direction of an arrow III also marked there, Fig. 4 the view from Fig. 3, however, an inflatable layer of the adjustable vehicle roof has been evacuated or air has escaped from it, Fig. 5 in a sectional view the adjustable vehicle roof completely stowed in a storage space and finally Fig. 6 the sectional view Fig. 5, however, an inflation layer of the vehicle roof is inflated or pressurized with a predetermined operating pressure so that the vehicle roof expands within the receiving space.

[0033] The Fig. 1 to 6 show an adjustable vehicle roof 1, designated as a whole by 1, for a vehicle 2.

[0034] With a view to Fig. 1, which, as mentioned, shows the adjustable vehicle roof 1 in a perspective view, with the vehicle 2 hidden, it can be seen that the vehicle roof 1 extends in the direction of a vehicle longitudinal axis 17 oriented in the direction of travel 16 of the vehicle 2 between a windshield frame 21 of the vehicle 2 and a rear area 22 of the vehicle 2, spanning a vehicle interior 10 of the vehicle 2. The adjustable vehicle roof 1 can be arranged between a Fig. 1 illustrated extended state 19 of the vehicle roof 1, in which the vehicle roof 1 extends between the windshield frame 21 and the rear area 22 and spans the vehicle interior 10, and a Fig. 6, in which the adjustable vehicle roof 1 is stowed in a receiving space 23 of the vehicle 2, can be operated back and forth. The vehicle 2 can have a corresponding, drivable adjustment mechanism for this purpose.

[0035] In Fig. 2 is, as mentioned, a partial sectional view of the adjustable vehicle roof 1 from Fig. 1 according to a Fig. 1 with a dashed line, looking in the direction of an arrow II also shown there. The vehicle roof 1 accordingly has an outer layer 3, which has an outer surface 7 facing an environment 6 of the vehicle roof 1 and / or the vehicle 2 and an inner surface 8 facing away from the outer surface 7. The outer layer 3 is, by way of example, an outer fabric layer made of a fabric material. Furthermore, an inflatable and evacuatable inflation layer 4 of the vehicle roof 1 is provided, which is, by way of example, realized by at least one inflatable and evacuatable air cushion and is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the outer layer 3. The inflation layer 4 has an inflation layer inner surface 9 facing away from the inner surface 8 of the outer layer 3. The vehicle roof 1 further has an inner layer 5, which is arranged on the inflation layer inner surface 9 of the inflation layer 4.The inner layer 5, in turn, has an interior surface 11 facing the vehicle interior 10, which in this case forms a roof lining. The inner layer 5 is made of a fabric material, thus forming an interior fabric layer.

[0036] In Fig. 2 further indicates that the vehicle roof 1 has a supporting structure 12 with cross bars 13 integrated in the inflation layer 4. The cross bars 13 expediently extend in a transverse direction 18 oriented orthogonally to the vehicle longitudinal axis 17. It is essential that the outer layer 3 is Fig. 2 outer layer retaining cords 14 indicated by dashed lines are fixed to the cross bars 13. Furthermore, it is essential that the inner layer 5 is secured by means of inner layer retaining cords 15, which are Fig. 2 are indicated by dotted lines, are fixed to the crossbars 13. This construction provides an innovative adjustable vehicle roof 1 for the vehicle 2. The retaining cords 14, 15 allow a relatively powerful adjustable vehicle roof 1 to be provided due to their shape flexibility, their low weight, their comparatively high load-bearing capacity and their cost-effective provision. In particular, the retaining cords 14, 15 allow a flexible expansion and contraction of the inflation layer 4. The outer layer retaining cords 14 are cut to length in this case such that in the extended state 19, see Fig. 1, in which the inflation layer 4 is inflated and the vehicle roof 1 extends between the windshield frame 21 and the rear area 22 and spans the vehicle interior 10, defining an outer contour of the outer surface 7. Likewise, the inner layer retaining cords 15 are cut to length such that, in the extended state 19, they define an inner contour of the interior surface 11. To ensure that the retaining cords 14, 15 can be installed easily and quickly, the inflation layer 4 is provided with cutouts 24 for the outer layer retaining cords 14 and with further cutouts 25 for the inner layer retaining cords 15. These cutouts 24, 25 can be realized by incisions or openings in the inflation layer 4, so that the outer layer holding cords 14 can be accommodated in the cutouts 24 and the inner layer holding cords 15 in the further cutouts 25.

[0037] With regard to the cross bars 13, it should be noted that they have been integrated into the inflation layer 4 in such a way that they are located directly on the inner layer 5 and have a certain distance from the outer layer 3. As a result, the inflation layer 4 is placed, so to speak, above the cross bars 13. By way of example, it is further provided that the inflation layer 4 has transverse recesses 26 oriented transversely with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis 17, in which the cross bars 13 are completely accommodated. The transverse recesses 26 open, as shown in Fig. 2, each forming a longitudinal opening 27 to the inner surface 9 of the inflation layer 4. However, the longitudinal openings 27 of the transverse recesses 26 are covered by the inner layer 5 in the assembled state of the vehicle roof 1.

[0038] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 each show a partial sectional view of the adjustable vehicle roof 1 from Fig. 1. The inflation layer 4 of the Fig. The vehicle roof 1 shown in Figure 3 is pressurized to a predetermined operating pressure, so that the inflation layer 4 is expanded in the transverse direction 18 shown there. The outer layer 3 and the inner layer 5 are practically wrinkle-free. Fig. 4, the inflation layer 4 is evacuated or air has flowed out of it. As a result, the inflation layer 4 is less extended in the direction of the transverse direction 18 shown there than the inflation layer 4 of Fig. 3.

[0039] The proposed vehicle roof 1 can be operated within the framework of a method for operating the adjustable vehicle roof 1. Within the framework of the method, it is provided that the vehicle roof 1 is adjusted to the extended state 19 of the vehicle roof 1, wherein the inflation layer 4 in the extended state 19 is pressurized, for example, by means of a compressor device (not illustrated), with an operating pressure regulated as a function of at least one vehicle status information item.

[0040] Furthermore, the method can provide that the vehicle roof 1 is removed from the Fig. 1 illustrated extended state 19 into the retracted state 20 of the vehicle roof 1, which in Fig. 6 is illustrated. For this purpose, it is provided that the inflation layer 4 is first evacuated or air is expelled from it, so that there is no air or essentially no air or preferably only a little air in the inflation layer 4. This can again be achieved using the aforementioned compressor device. Furthermore, it is provided that the vehicle roof 1 is then folded and completely stowed in the receiving space 23 of the vehicle 2. This is shown in Fig. 5 and can be referred to, for example, as a storage state or protective position, which the vehicle roof 1 temporarily assumes between the extended state 19 and the retracted state 20. Subsequently, the receiving space 23 is then closed using a cover 28 of the vehicle 2, which is possible with relatively little effort when the vehicle roof 1 is in the storage state.

[0041] What is special is that the previously evacuated or at least partially deflated inflation layer 4 is then inflated again or partially inflated and / or subjected to a predetermined operating pressure. The inflation layer 4 is inflated in such a way that the vehicle roof 1 is positioned within the receiving space 23, for example, in the Fig.6, is supported on a wall 32 enclosing the receiving space 23, and completely or essentially completely occupies the receiving space 23. As a result, the folding radii 31 of the vehicle roof 1, which inevitably form at the folding edges 30 of the folded vehicle roof 1 when the vehicle roof 1 is folded together, are significantly increased. This has the advantage that the outer layer 3, the inflation layer 4, and the inner layer 5 of the vehicle roof 1 are subjected to less stress in these areas than before. This can, for example, noticeably increase the service life of the vehicle roof 1. The vehicle roof 1 can expediently also expand in a direction oriented transversely to the main expansion direction 29.

Claims

[1] Adjustable vehicle roof (1) for a vehicle (2), - an outer layer (3) having an outer surface (7) facing an environment (6) and an inner surface (8) facing away from the outer surface (7), - an inflatable and evacuable inflation layer (4) which is arranged on the inner surface (8) of the outer layer (3) and has an inflation layer inner surface (9) facing away from the inner surface (8) of the outer layer (3), - an inner layer (5) which is arranged on the inflation layer inner surface (9) of the inflation layer (4) and has an interior surface (11) which can be turned towards a vehicle interior (10) of the vehicle (2), - a supporting structure (12) with cross bars (13) integrated in the inflation layer (4), - wherein the adjustable vehicle roof (1) can be moved back and forth between an extended state (19), in which it extends between a windscreen frame (21) of the vehicle (2) and a rear area (22) of the vehicle (2) and spans the vehicle interior (10), and a retracted state (20), in which it is folded together, forming folding radii (31), and completely stowed in a receiving space (23) of the vehicle (2), characterized by , that - the outer layer (3) is fixed to the cross bars (13) by means of outer layer retaining cords (14), - the inner layer (5) is fixed to the cross bars (13) by means of inner layer retaining cords (15), - in the retracted state (20), the previously evacuated or at least partially airless inflation layer (4) is inflated again or partially inflated and / or subjected to a predetermined operating pressure, and as a result the vehicle roof (1) expands within the receiving space (23) so that it is supported on a wall (32) enclosing the receiving space (23), completely or substantially completely occupies the receiving space (23), and the folding radii (31) are enlarged in comparison with the folding radii (31) formed when the vehicle roof (1) is folded together. [2] Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the outer layer retaining cords (14) are cut to such a length that they define an outer contour of the outer surface (7) in an extended state (19) of the vehicle roof (1), in which the inflation layer (4) is inflated and the vehicle roof (1) extends between a windshield frame (21) of the vehicle (2) and a rear region (22) of the vehicle (2) and spans the vehicle interior (10). [3] Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that - the inner layer retaining cords (15) are cut to such length that, in an extended state (19) of the vehicle roof (1), in which the inflation layer (4) is inflated and the vehicle roof (1) extends between a windshield frame (21) of the vehicle (2) and a rear region (22) of the vehicle (2) and spans the vehicle interior (10), they predetermine an inner contour of the interior surface (11). [4] Vehicle roof (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the inflation layer (4) has cutouts (24) in which the outer layer holding cords (14) are accommodated, and / or - the inflation layer (4) has further cutouts (25) in which the inner layer holding cords (15) are accommodated. [5] Vehicle roof (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the inflation layer (4) has transverse recesses (26) in which the transverse bows (13) are received. [6] Vehicle roof (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - it forms a vehicle fabric roof, - wherein the outer layer (3) is made of a fabric material and forms an outer fabric layer, and / or - wherein the inner layer (5) is made of a fabric material and realizes an inner fabric layer. [7] Vehicle roof (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the inflation layer (4) is realized by at least one inflatable and evacuatable air cushion. [8] Vehicle roof (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - it can be operated back and forth between an extended state (19), in which the adjustable vehicle roof (1) extends between a windscreen frame (21) of the vehicle (2) and a rear area (22) of the vehicle (2) and spans the vehicle interior (10), and a retracted state (20), in which the adjustable vehicle roof (1) is stowed in a receiving space (23) of the vehicle (2), - wherein the inflation layer (4) in the extended state (19) is subjected to an operating pressure which is controllable or controlled as a function of at least one vehicle status information item. [9] Vehicle (2) with an adjustable vehicle roof (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a vehicle interior (10) which can be spanned by the adjustable vehicle roof (1). [10] Method for operating an adjustable vehicle roof (1) installed in a vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 in the context thereof, - the vehicle roof (1) is adjusted to an extended state (19) of the vehicle roof (1), in which the inflation layer (4) is inflated and the vehicle roof (1) extends between a windscreen frame (21) of the vehicle (2) and a rear area (22) of the vehicle (2) and spans the vehicle interior (10), - wherein the inflation layer (4) of the vehicle roof (1) in the extended state (19) is subjected to an operating pressure regulated as a function of at least one vehicle status information item, - the vehicle roof (1) is adjusted from the extended state (19) into a retracted state (20) of the vehicle roof (1), in which the adjustable vehicle roof (1) is completely stowed in a receiving space (23) of the vehicle (2), by - the inflation layer (4) of the vehicle roof (1) is first evacuated or air is discharged from it, so that there is no air or essentially no air or preferably only a little air in the inflation layer (4), - the vehicle roof (1) is then folded together, forming the folding radii (31), and completely stowed in the receiving space (23) of the vehicle (2), - wherein the receiving space (23) is then closed by means of a cover (28) of the vehicle (2), characterized by , that - then the inflation layer (4) of the vehicle roof (1) is inflated or subjected to a predetermined operating pressure in such a way that the vehicle roof (1) expands within the receiving space (23), is supported on a wall (32) enclosing the receiving space (23), completely or essentially completely occupies the receiving space (23) and the folding radii (31) are enlarged in comparison with the folding radii (31) formed when the vehicle roof 1 is folded together.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Bow for folding top of motor vehicle comprises flexurally rigid profile with integrated fastening or guiding components for functional component of vehicle to be fitted completely or partially in cavity or recess defined by profile

    DE10113101A1

  • adjustable vehicle roof with inflatable chambers

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