Convertible top with frame and rigid top element extending in a transverse direction

Abstract

Convertible top, comprising a convertible top frame (16) by means of which a convertible top cover is adjustable between a convertible top position covering a vehicle interior (14) and a stowed position releasing the vehicle interior (14) upwards, and which, with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, comprises on both sides a linkage assembly (18) comprising a rear main multi-link assembly, which is pivotably mounted on a respective main bearing (20), and a front linkage unit (60) on which a first rigid convertible top element is mounted, which in the convertible top position can be fixed to a front windscreen (30) of the respective vehicle, characterized in that a stop link assembly (72) is articulated to the main multi-link assembly, which comprises a stop link (74) with a stop surface (86) which assumes a rest position in the convertible top position and is pivoted into an operating position in the stowed position.in which the stop surface (86) rests against a stop counter element (88).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a convertible top with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a convertible top is known, for example, from German patent application DE 102 94 214 B4 and is a so-called RHT (Retractable Hard Top) or folding roof, which is a component of a convertible vehicle. The convertible top comprises a frame by means of which rigid roof panels, forming a convertible top cover, are adjustable between a position in which the roof covers the vehicle interior and is flush with one another, and a stowed position in which the roof panels, together with the frame, are stored in a rear storage compartment of the vehicle. The frame comprises, on both sides of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, a linkage assembly, which includes a rear main linkage assembly designed as a four-bar linkage and having two main links pivotally mounted on a main bearing.The main linkage assembly is connected via an intermediate linkage assembly to a front linkage unit, to which one of the rigid roof shells is mounted. In the convertible top position, this rigid roof shell can be secured to a front cowl of the vehicle. In the stowed position, this roof shell is located above a rear roof shell in the convertible top storage compartment.

[0003] From German patent application DE 10 2013 103 407 A1, a convertible top with a convertible top frame is known, which has a linkage arrangement on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal roof center plane. The linkage arrangement comprises a rear main multi-link arrangement, which is connected to a central roof link, to which a front roof link is articulated and which can be fixed to a front cowl of the vehicle in question.

[0004] From publication DE 10 2010 055 047 A1, a movable and lockable roof section of a vehicle roof is known. This roof section represents a convertible top cassette which can be adjusted between a stowed position and a raised position by means of an actuating device, in which it forms a rear edge element of a convertible top.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a convertible top designed according to the type mentioned in the introduction, the storage behavior of which is optimized in the storage position.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the convertible top with the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, a convertible top is proposed which comprises a convertible top frame by means of which a convertible top cover is adjustable between a convertible top position covering a vehicle interior and a stowed position releasing the vehicle interior upwards and which, with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, comprises on both sides a linkage assembly which includes a rear main multi-link assembly which is pivotably mounted on a respective main bearing and a front linkage assembly on which a first rigid convertible top element extending in the transverse direction of the convertible top is mounted, which in the convertible top position can be fixed to a front wind deflector of the vehicle in question.A stop linkage is articulated to the main multi-linkage arrangement, which includes a stop link with a stop surface that assumes an inactive rest position in the closed position and is pivoted into an active position in the stowed position, in which the stop surface rests against a counter-stop element.

[0008] The convertible top according to the invention thus comprises, in the form of the stop linkage, a device which is activated in the stowed position of the convertible top frame and in this position interacts with a counter-stop element, which is arranged, for example, on the front linkage unit or on the first convertible top element, so that the position of the component on which the counter-stop element is arranged is clearly defined relative to the main linkage assembly. In the stowed position of the convertible top or the convertible top frame, the stop linkage assembly or the stop link is inactive, i.e., without function.

[0009] The convertible top according to the invention is in particular a so-called RHT (Retractable Hard Top) or folding roof, on whose frame at least two rigid roof shells are mounted, the relative position of which to each other in the stowed position can be clearly defined by means of the stop link arrangements. However, it is also conceivable that the convertible top according to the invention is designed as a folding top or panel bow top, in which a clear relative position between a front, rigid top element extending in the transverse direction of the top and a further top element is defined by means of the stop link arrangements of the frame in the stowed position.

[0010] The stop element of the convertible top according to the invention is preferably formed on the underside of the first rigid top element and is, for example, a fork-like or inverted U-shaped component in which the stop link is received in the stowed position.

[0011] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the convertible top according to the invention, the stop link, in its operative position, defines the relative position between two rigid top elements, each extending transversely between the two link assemblies of the top frame. For example, both top elements each form a rigid roof shell of a convertible top. In this case, the stop link can be designed such that, in its extended operative position, it overlaps an edge of the second rigid top element. This edge is, for example, a rear edge of a roof shell pointing towards the rear of the vehicle, over which a front roof shell, arranged at the front when the top is in the raised position, is pivoted in the stowed position.

[0012] In order to precisely control the pivoting movement of the stop link, it can be advantageous for the stop link arrangement to form a multi-link arrangement that is formed on the main multi-link arrangement.

[0013] For example, the multi-link suspension assembly includes a drive link that is pivotally mounted on the main multi-link assembly and articulated to the stop link. For example, the drive link is articulated to an intermediate link between a main link of the main multi-link assembly and a central roof link. The central roof link forms, for example, a support link to which, on the one hand, a rigid roof shell of the convertible top cover is attached, and on the other hand, the front link unit for the front, rigid convertible top element is mounted.

[0014] Furthermore, in a special embodiment of the invention, the stop link arrangement of the convertible top can include a support link which is articulated to a main link of the main link arrangement.

[0015] To achieve an intermediate locking mechanism, that is, a locking mechanism between two roof shells, in the folded position of the convertible top, it is advantageous to provide a locking hook that secures the first top element to the stop link in the folded position. The stop link can be equipped with a locking pin that engages with the locking hook in its locked position.

[0016] The locking hook is preferably pivotably mounted on the first cover element extending in the transverse direction of the cover and is connected to a drive device, for example a drive rod.

[0017] In a further special embodiment of the convertible top according to the invention, the locking hook can be driven by a front closure drive and is preferably connected to a front closure element via the drive rod. A drive for a front closure, by means of which the top can be secured to a front windscreen of the vehicle in question, can thus also be used to drive the locking hook.

[0018] As already explained above, the convertible top according to the invention is preferably designed as a rear main linkage (RHT). In this case, the top cover preferably comprises at least two rigid roof shells, one of which is the first rigid top element mounted on the front linkage assembly, and the other of which is mounted on a central roof link that is connected to the rear main linkage assembly and, in particular, forms a main multi-link assembly with it. The front linkage assembly can be articulated to the central roof link.

[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] The scope of the invention includes all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures; that is, each feature mentioned in the description can, on its own, be part of the claimed subject matter, independent of the further features and / or specifications mentioned in the respective context.

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of a convertible top 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, partial side view of a convertible vehicle with a convertible top according to the invention in its top position; Fig. 2 one Fig. 1. Corresponding view of the convertible top, but in an intermediate position; Fig. 3 also a Fig. 1. Corresponding view of the convertible top, but in a stowed position; Fig. 4 one Fig. 3. Corresponding view of the convertible top, but without showing a front roof shell; and Fig. 5 a perspective interior view of the convertible top in its stowed position without showing the front roof shell.

[0022] The drawing shows a convertible vehicle 10 equipped with a soft top 12, which is located between a Fig. 1 the depicted convertible top position, in which it spans a vehicle interior 14, and one in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. The convertible top 12 is adjustable to the storage position shown in Figure 5, in which it is arranged in a convertible top storage compartment located at the rear of the vehicle interior 14. The convertible top 12 comprises a convertible top frame 16, which, with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, includes a link assembly 18 on each side, which is pivotably mounted on a respective vehicle-mounted main bearing 20.

[0023] The linkage assemblies 18 of the convertible top frame 16, arranged on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, are at least largely mirror-symmetrical to each other. Therefore, reference is made below primarily to the linkage 18 located on the left, relative to the forward direction of travel of the convertible vehicle 10. The linkage assemblies located on the right, relative to the forward direction of travel of the convertible vehicle, are designed analogously.

[0024] The convertible top 12 is designed as a so-called RHT (Retractable Hard Top) and comprises two rigid roof shells 24 and 26. In the open position, these shells have outer surfaces that are flush with one another when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the stowed position, they are arranged one above the other in the convertible top storage compartment such that the first roof shell 24, located at the front in the open position, lies above the second roof shell 26, located at the rear of the first roof shell 24 in the closed position. In the open position, the front edge of the first roof shell 24 can be secured to a front cowl 30 of the convertible vehicle 10 by means of a front fastener 28. This cowl forms an upper transverse member of a windshield frame 32.

[0025] The link arrangements 18 arranged on both sides each comprise a main link arrangement 34, which includes two main links 36 and 38, which together with the respective main bearing 20 form a main multi-link arrangement.

[0026] The main link 36 is connected to the main link 38 via an intermediate link 40. Furthermore, a triangular link 44 is articulated to the end of the main link 36 furthest from the main bearing 20 via a pivot point 42. This triangular link 44 is articulated on one side via a pivot point 46 to the other main link 38 and on the other side via a pivot point 48 to an intermediate link 50. The intermediate link 50, in turn, is articulated via a pivot point 52 to a central roof link 54, on which the rear roof shell 26 is mounted. The intermediate link 50 is part of the main multi-link arrangement.

[0027] The second main link 38 is articulated at its end via a further pivot point 56 to the central roof link 54. On the side of pivot point 56 facing away from the main bearing 20, the main link 38 has a further pivot point 58, via which a connecting rod extending longitudinally through the central roof link 54 is articulated and is connected to a front link unit 60, which is pivotably mounted in the bow-side end region of the central roof link 54.

[0028] The front control unit 60 has two links 62 and 64, which are connected via pivot points 66 and 68 to a support 70 for the front roof shell 24. The ends of the two links 62 and 64 facing away from the front roof shell 24 are articulated to the central roof control link 54.

[0029] At the upper end of the main multi-link assembly, a stop link assembly 72 is formed, comprising a stop link 74 which is connected via a pivot point 76 to a drive link 78, which in turn is connected via a pivot point 80 to the intermediate link 50 of the main link assembly 34. Furthermore, the stop link 74 is connected via a pivot point 82 to a support link 84, which is articulated at the pivot point 46 that connects the main link 38 to the roof link 54.

[0030] The stop link 74 has a bend in the area of ​​the pivot point 76 and a stop surface 86 in its end area facing away from the pivot point 82, which is located in the Fig. 4 and Fig. In the storage position shown in Figure 5, the stop link 74 interacts with a stop element 88, which is essentially inverted U-shaped and is located on the underside of the roof shell 24. Furthermore, in this end region, the stop link 74 has a locking pin 90 projecting towards the longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, which, in the storage position, interacts with a locking hook 92. This locking hook can be driven via a drive rod 94 by a drive motor 96 of the front closure 28, which is designed as an electric motor.

[0031] The convertible top described above works in the manner described below.

[0032] Starting from the in Fig. In the convertible top position shown in Figure 1, the drive motor 96 of the front latch 28 is first actuated to adjust the convertible top frame into the stowed position, thereby releasing the front roof shell 24 from the front cowl 30 of the convertible vehicle 10. The convertible top frame 16 is then adjusted by means of drive motors (not shown) located in the area of ​​the main bearings 20. In this process, the main links 36 and 38 are moved relative to the illustration in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig.4 pivots clockwise, whereby, via the connecting rod (not shown) extending through the roof link 54, the links 62 and 64 of the front link unit 60 also pivot clockwise relative to the roof link 54. Simultaneously, the actuating force introduced into the stop link 74 by the drive link 78 of the stop link assembly 72 pivots the latter from an inactive rest position to an extended active position, in which the rear edge of the roof shell 26 is encompassed by the stop link 74. In the end position of the stop link 74, the front roof shell 24 abuts the stop surface 86 of the stop link 74 with the stop counter element 88. Thus, the position of the roof shell 24 relative to the roof shell 26 in the stowed position is clearly defined.To implement an intermediate shell locking mechanism, the locking hook 92 is engaged with the locking pin 90 via the drive rod 94 by actuating the drive motor 96 of the front lock 28. Reference symbol list 10 Convertible vehicles 12 Convertible top, convertible top 14 Vehicle interior 16 convertible top frame 18 Handlebar arrangement 20 main camps 24 front roof shell 26 rear roof shell 28 Front closure 30 Windlauf 32 Windscreen 34 Main linkage arrangement 36 Main handlebars 38 Main handlebars 40 intermediate links 42 Joint point 44 triangular control arms 46 Joint point 48 Joint point 50 intermediate links 52 Joint point 54 middle roof linkage 56 Joint point 58 Joint point 60 front handlebar unit 62 handlebars 64 handlebars 66 Joint point 68 Joint point 70 carriers 72 Stop linkage arrangement 74 Stop linkage 76 Joint point 78 drive linkage 80 Joint point 82 Joint point 84 support arms 86 Stop surface 88 Stop element 90 locking bolts 92 locking hooks 94 Drive rod 96 Drive motor

Claims

Convertible top, comprising a convertible top frame (16) by means of which a convertible top cover is adjustable between a convertible top position covering a vehicle interior (14) and a stowed position releasing the vehicle interior (14) upwards, and which, with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top, comprises on both sides a linkage assembly (18) comprising a rear main multi-link assembly, which is pivotably mounted on a respective main bearing (20), and a front linkage unit (60) on which a first rigid convertible top element is mounted, which in the convertible top position can be fixed to a front windscreen (30) of the respective vehicle, characterized in that a stop link assembly (72) is articulated to the main multi-link assembly, which comprises a stop link (74) with a stop surface (86) which assumes a rest position in the convertible top position and is pivoted into an active position in the stowed position.in which the stop surface (86) rests against a stop counter element (88). Convertible top according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop element (88) is arranged on the rigid top element. Convertible top according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stop link (74) in its operative position overlaps an edge of a second rigid top element which extends in the transverse direction of the top between the two link arrangements (18). Convertible top according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stop link arrangement (72) forms a multi-link arrangement which is coupled to the main multi-link arrangement. Convertible top according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the stop link arrangement (72) comprises a drive link (78) which is pivotably mounted on the main multi-link arrangement. Convertible top according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stop link arrangement (72) comprises a support link (84) which is articulated to a main link (38) of the main multi-link arrangement. Convertible top according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a locking hook (92) which, in the stowed position, secures the first top element to the stop link (74). Convertible top according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking hook (92) is pivotably mounted on the first top element. Convertible top according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the locking hook (92) can be driven by a drive motor (96) of a front closure and is preferably connected to a front closure element via a drive rod (94). Convertible top according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the convertible top cover comprises at least two rigid roof shells (24, 26) and one of the roof shells (24) is the first rigid convertible top element which is mounted on the front link unit (60), and the other of the roof shells (26) is mounted on a roof link (54) which is connected to the rear main multi-link assembly and to which the front link unit (60) is articulated.

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