Soft top and convertible

Abstract

The invention relates to a convertible top (6) for a convertible (1), wherein the convertible top (6) is adjustable between a closed state, in which it forms a roof for closing a vehicle interior (3) upwards, and an open state, in which it opens the vehicle interior (3) upwards, wherein the convertible top (6) defines a longitudinal direction (X), a transverse direction (Y) and a vertical direction (Z) in the closed state, wherein the convertible top (6) has a cover layer (9) on an outer side (A) facing away from the vehicle interior (3) in the closed state, and wherein the convertible top (6) has a plurality of segments (11) of a supporting structure (10) on an inner side (I) facing the vehicle interior (3) in the closed state. A compact and lightweight construction results when the cover layer (9) is configured such that it is tensile stable in the longitudinal direction (X) and flexible with respect to the transverse direction (Y), when the segments (11) are configured such that they are pressure stable in the longitudinal direction (X), when the segments (11) are held on the cover layer (9), when the segments (11) in the closed state are supported on one another in the longitudinal direction (X) in contact zones (12) which extend in the height direction (Z) from the inner side (I) to the cover layer (9), and when the cover layer (9) connects the segments (11) to one another in an articulated manner such that the top (6) can be rolled up from the closed state into the open state about a rolling axis (13) running parallel to the transverse direction (Y).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a convertible top according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a convertible equipped with such a convertible top.

[0002] A generic convertible top is known, for example, from DE 291 555 A. The convertible top is adjustable between a closed state, in which it forms a roof for closing off a vehicle interior upwards, and an open state, in which it opens the vehicle interior upwards. In the closed state, the convertible top defines a longitudinal direction running parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a transverse direction running parallel to the vehicle's transverse direction, and a vertical direction running parallel to the vehicle's vertical direction. The convertible top has a cover layer on an outer side facing away from the vehicle interior in the closed state. The convertible top also has several segments of a supporting structure on an inner side facing the vehicle interior in the closed state. In the known convertible top, adjacent segments are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of a joint.The top layer of the conventional convertible top is formed by a covering that rests on the outer side of the segments. The convertible top can be rolled up around a rolling axis running parallel to the transverse direction.

[0003] From WO 2021 / 102174 A1, a roller shutter for a rear loading area of a vehicle is known, which consists of a plurality of individual segments that are hinged to one another in such a way that the roller shutter can be rolled up around a rolling axis.

[0004] DE 10 2010 047 857 A1 discloses a convertible top comprising several layers, namely an outer fabric layer, an acoustically effective upholstery layer, and a functional layer. The convertible top contains several transverse mirrors. To accommodate the transverse mirrors in the convertible top, the upholstery layer is equipped with several recesses, which are created during production using a laser beam.

[0005] DE 20 2012 101 934 U1 discloses an outer skin for a convertible top made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. This convertible top is a rigid convertible top, also known as a hardtop.

[0006] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least a different embodiment for a generic convertible top or for a convertible equipped therewith, which is characterized in particular by low weight and / or a small installation space in the open position. Furthermore, simple and inexpensive manufacture is sought.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention is based on the general idea of coordinating and connecting the cover layer and the segments in such a way that the segments, in conjunction with the cover layer, form a supporting structure when closed, ensuring sufficient dimensional stability for the convertible top mounted on the convertible in the closed state. This eliminates the need for additional, separate stiffening elements, such as transverse mirrors. For this purpose, the segments are attached to the cover layer. The cover layer is flexible but tensile-stable in the longitudinal direction, while the segments are compressive-stable at least in the longitudinal direction. When closed, the segments can rest on one another while being attached to one another via the cover layer. This self-supporting structure simplifies the construction of the convertible top. At the same time, manufacturing costs are reduced.The flexibility of the top layer allows the top to be rolled up, requiring minimal installation space when open. At the same time, the weight of the top is reduced by eliminating the need for additional stiffening elements.

[0009] In detail, the invention proposes that the cover layer be configured such that it is tensile stable in the longitudinal direction and flexible in the transverse direction. Consequently, the cover layer can be elastically bent about axes that run parallel to the transverse direction. Furthermore, the segments are configured such that they are pressure-stable in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the segments are held or fastened to the cover layer. In the closed state, the segments rest against one another in the longitudinal direction in contact zones that extend vertically from the inner side to the cover layer. The cover layer connects the segments to one another in an articulated manner such that the top can be rolled up from the closed state to the open state about a rolling axis that runs parallel to the transverse direction. Accordingly, the rolled-up top can also be rolled down from the open state to the closed state about said rolling axis.When the convertible top is mounted on a convertible, a tensile stress can be generated in the cover layer when the top is closed, which is dissipated as compressive stress in the segments, whereby the top is pre-tensioned when closed and has a high degree of dimensional stability.

[0010] In the present context, a ‘configuration’ is synonymous with a ‘design’ and / or ‘arrangement’, so that the phrase ‘configured so that’ is synonymous with the phrase ‘designed and / or arranged so that’.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the convertible top can have a convertible top body made of a composite material, which forms the cover layer on the upper side and which is cut on the inside to form the contact zones and to form the segments. This means that the cover layer and the segments are formed by a single, common convertible top body, thereby enabling a simple, integral construction. For example, the convertible top body can be manufactured such that the convertible top body initially has the continuous cover layer and a continuous support structure that is not yet segmented. In this state, this convertible top body can have a high level of stability and rigidity, so that in particular it cannot be rolled up. By means of cuts on the inside or underside, the support structure is segmented to form the segments, which are subsequently separated but are still firmly connected to the cover layer.In this state, the convertible top body can now be rolled up.

[0012] The composite material used here can be a fiber-reinforced, multi-layer laminated plastic. Glass fiber-reinforced plastics are conceivable. However, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics are preferred. In particular, the composite material is a CFRP or carbon material.

[0013] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to manufacture the convertible top body as a two-component body, which is injection-molded in a single mold using two different plastic components. One component forms the cover layer. The other component forms the supporting structure, which can be pre-segmented or segmented after the injection molding.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the segments in the contact zones can each have a contact surface, with which the segments are supported against each other in the respective contact zone when closed. In particular, the contact surfaces can be structured such that the contact surfaces of the adjacent segments engage with each other in a form-fitting manner in the respective contact zone when closed. This fixes or secures the position of the adjacent segments in the contact surfaces. This provides the convertible top with high dimensional stability when closed.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least some of the contact zones can run parallel to the transverse direction. This facilitates space-saving rolling up of the convertible top.

[0016] In another embodiment, at least some of the contact zones may be provided with a wave-like configuration along the transverse direction. The wave-like contact zones fix or secure the adjacent segments in the closed state, which improves the dimensional stability of the convertible top.

[0017] In particular, the convertible top can have one area where the contact zones run parallel to the transverse direction, as well as another area where the contact zones run in a wave-like pattern along the transverse direction. This allows the dimensional stability of the convertible top to be specifically increased in areas that are subject to higher loads, for example.

[0018] A convertible according to the invention comprises a body having a vehicle interior and two convertible top fastenings, forming a front convertible top fastening and a rear convertible top fastening. The convertible is further equipped with a convertible top of the type described above, which is fastened to the two convertible top fastenings in the closed state. For the open state, it can be provided that the convertible top is fastened to only one of the two convertible top fastenings or that the convertible top is removed from both convertible top fastenings.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the convertible top and the convertible top fastenings can be coordinated with one another in such a way that the convertible top forms a vault in the closed state, that the cover layer is subjected to tensile stress in the longitudinal direction, in particular with a predetermined tensile force, and that the segments are subjected to compressive stress in the longitudinal direction, in particular with a predetermined compressive force. In other words, for the closed state, the convertible top is clamped between the convertible top fastenings in such a way that the cover layer absorbs a tensile stress, which is dissipated by the segments as compressive stress. Vaults are known to be characterized by high compressive stability, so that the convertible top has high dimensional stability due to this residual stress or prestress.

[0020] In another embodiment, the convertible top can be secured to one of the convertible top attachments when open and rolled up on it. This can generally be the front convertible top attachment or the rear convertible top attachment.

[0021] 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.

[0022] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Components mentioned above and to be mentioned below of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, which are designated separately, may form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is shown differently in the drawings.

[0023] 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.

[0024] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 a highly simplified side view of a convertible in the area of a convertible top, Fig. 2 a highly simplified side view of the convertible top in different states A, B, C, Fig. 3 a schematic plan view of the top in one embodiment, Fig. 4 a highly simplified sectional view of a section of the convertible top in different states A, B, C, D, E, Fig. 5 a simplified sectional view of the convertible top in different states A, B, Fig. 6 highly simplified side views of the vehicle in the area of the convertible top in different states A, B, C.

[0025] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6, a convertible 1, only partially shown here, comprises a body 2, also only partially shown, which has a vehicle interior 3 and two convertible top fastenings 4 and 5, which form a front convertible top fastening 4 and a rear convertible top fastening 5. The relative location specifications “front” or “front” and “rear” or “rear” refer to the vehicle 1, so that the front faces the bow of the vehicle, while the rear faces the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle 1 also has a convertible top 6, which serves to open and close the vehicle interior 3 upwards. The relative location specification “top” refers to the vehicle 1, which is standing or driving on a surface not shown here, wherein the top is directed away from the surface, while the bottom faces the surface.

[0026] The vehicle 1 defines in the usual way a vehicle longitudinal direction X, which in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 runs horizontally, a vehicle transverse direction Y, which is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and a vehicle height direction Z, which is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 runs vertically.

[0027] The top 6 is between a Fig. 1, Fig. 4D, Fig. 5B and Fig. 6C shown closed state and one in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5B and Fig. 6A shown open state. In the closed state, the top 6 forms a roof for closing the vehicle interior 3 upwards. In the open state, the top 6 releases the vehicle interior 3 upwards or opens it upwards. In the example of the Fig. 1, the convertible top 1 is configured such that the convertible top 6 extends between the upper end of a windshield 7 and the upper end of a C-pillar 8. This allows, for example, a rear window to be permanently installed on the body 2, so that it remains unchanged on the body 2 when the convertible top 6 is open. Such a convertible configuration is referred to as a "Targa" by a well-known vehicle manufacturer.

[0028] In the closed state, the convertible top 6 defines a longitudinal direction running parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction X, which is also designated by X, a transverse direction running parallel to the vehicle transverse direction Y, which is also designated by Y, and a vertical direction running parallel to the vehicle vertical direction Z, which is also designated by Z.

[0029] According to the Fig. 2 to 5, the convertible top 6 has a cover layer 9 on an outer side A or upper side A facing away from the vehicle interior 3 in the closed state. Furthermore, the convertible top 6 has a supporting structure 10 on an inner side I or lower side I facing the vehicle interior 3 in the closed state, which supporting structure is segmented so that it has a plurality of segments 11.

[0030] The cover layer 9 is configured such that it is tensile stable in the longitudinal direction X and flexible in the transverse direction Y. Due to the flexibility of the cover layer 9 in the transverse direction Y, the cover layer 9 can be elastically bent or moved about axes that run parallel to the transverse direction Y. In contrast, the segments 11 are configured such that they are compressive stable at least in the longitudinal direction X. Typically, the segments 11 are also compressive stable in the transverse direction Y and also compressive stable in the height direction Z. The segments 11 are held on the cover layer 9. The segments 11 can be attached to the cover layer 9 or firmly connected to it.

[0031] In the closed state, the segments 11 are supported against each other in the longitudinal direction X in contact zones 12. The support of the segments 11 in the contact zones 12 is in the Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C, Fig. 4D, Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B. The contact zones 12 extend in the vertical direction Z from the inner side I of the top 6 to the cover layer 9, thus not penetrating the cover layer 9. The flexible cover layer 9 connects the segments 11 to one another in an articulated manner, such that the top 6 can be rolled about a rolling axis 13, which runs parallel to the transverse direction Y. This allows the top 6 to be rolled up from the closed state to the open state or rolled down from the open state to the closed state. The rolling up or down is in the Fig. 2C, Fig. 5A, Fig. 6A can be seen.

[0032] The top 6 can be conveniently arranged according to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 4A have a top body 14 which consists of a composite material 15. The top body 14 forms the cover layer 9 on the outer side A. On the inner side I, the top body 14 is cut to form the contact zones 12, which simultaneously form the segments 11. The cutting of the top body 14 on the inner side I is in Fig. 2B by a knife 16. It is clear that the cutting of the convertible top body 14 can be achieved using any suitable cutting technique. Laser cutting is preferably used here.

[0033] The composite material 15 can, in particular, be a multi-layer laminated plastic, which can also be reinforced with fibers. A CFRP material or carbon material is preferably used here. Alternatively, the convertible top body 14 can be configured as a 2-component body 17 or 2K body 17, which has a first component 18 made of a first plastic and a second component 19 made of a second plastic that is different from the first plastic 18. The first component 18 forms the cover layer 9. The second component 19 forms the support structure 10. In principle, the contact zones 12 can already be formed during injection molding. It is also possible to carry out the injection molding in such a way that the support structure 10 is initially continuous and the segments 11 are also created by cutting into the convertible top body 14 on the inner side I, for example by means of a laser process.Accordingly, the convertible top body 14 is cut on the inner side I to form the contact zones 12, whereby the segments 11 are formed at the same time.

[0034] According to the Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C, Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E, the segments 11 in the contact zones 12 can each have a contact surface 20 with which the segments 11 in the closed state in the respective contact zone 12 according to Fig. 4D are supported against each other. In particular, the contact surfaces 20 can be structured such that the contact surfaces 20 of the adjacent segments 11 engage with each other in a form-fitting manner in the respective contact zone 12 when closed. For example, the contact surfaces 20 can be provided with microstructures during laser cutting, for example in the form of grooves and / or slots, which interlock within the respective contact zone 12 when closed.

[0035] According to Fig. 3, the top 6 can have a plurality of segments 11 and a plurality of contact zones 12 in a region 21, which run parallel to the transverse direction Y. Additionally or alternatively, the top 6 can have a region 22 which has a plurality of segments 11 and in which the contact zones 12 run in a wave-like manner along the transverse direction Y.

[0036] The production of the top 6 can be carried out according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 so that first the top body 14 is moved according to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 4A is produced, which forms the cover layer 9 on the outside A and the supporting structure 10 on the inside I. Subsequently, according to the Fig. 2B and Fig. 4B, the contact zones 12 are cut into the inner side I of the supporting structure 10, whereby the supporting structure 10 is segmented to form the segments 11. Subsequently, the adjacent segments 11 are movable relative to each other, but are still held together or connected to each other by the cover layer 9. This mobility of the adjacent segments 11 is shown in Fig. 4C.

[0037] In Fig. 2C shows the rolling up and down of the top 6. In Fig. 4D shows how the adjacent segments 11 are supported against each other in the closed state and can transmit compressive forces 23 indicated by arrows. Fig. 4D, the transmission of tensile forces 24, which are transmitted within the cover layer 9, is indicated by a double arrow. Fig. 4E indicates the mobility of the adjacent segments 11 and their connection by the cover layer 9. The elasticity or flexibility of the cover layer 9 forms a hinge 25, which defines a pivot axis 26 about which the two adjacent segments 11 can be pivoted relative to each other. Fig. 4E, the pivot axis 26 extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Preferably, the pivot axis 26 extends substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y.

[0038] According to Fig. 6, the vehicle interior 3 can be opened and closed upwards using the convertible top 6. In Fig. 6A shows the open state. In Fig. 6C shows the closed state. Fig. 6B shows an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state. In the example shown here, the top 6 is fastened only to the front top fastening 4 in the open state and in the intermediate state. In the closed state, however, the top 6 is fastened to both the front top fastening 4 and the rear top fastening 5. According to Fig. 6C, the top 6 and the top fastenings 4, 5 are coordinated with each other in such a way that the top 6 forms a vault 27 in the closed state. In the vault 27, the cover layer 9 is subjected to tensile stress in the longitudinal direction X, while the segments 11 are subjected to compressive stress in the longitudinal direction X. The vault 27 is also in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5B. In Fig. 5B also shows the compressive force 23, which applies compressive loads to the adjacent segments 11 in the longitudinal direction X. The tensile force 24, with which the cover layer 9 is subjected to tensile loads in the longitudinal direction, is also visible. The arch 27 is supported on the body 2 via the convertible top attachments 4, 5. In conjunction with the residual stress within the arch 27, this results in high dimensional stability for the convertible top 6.

[0039] To open the top 6, in the example the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C the rear hood fastening 5 is released, whereby the intermediate state according to Fig. 6B. From there, the top 6 can be easily rolled up around the roll axis 13. Fig. 6A shows the rolled-up state of the convertible top 6. This can, in principle, be the open state. It is also conceivable that the convertible top 6 can be completely removed and / or stored in a corresponding storage compartment, which, however, is not shown here.

[0040] Rolling up the top 6 is also possible in Fig. 5A indicated. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 291 555 A

[0002] WO 2021 / 102174 A1

[0003] DE 10 2010 047 857 A1

[0004] DE 20 2012 101 934 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Convertible top (6) for a convertible (1), - wherein the top (6) is adjustable between a closed state, in which it forms a roof for closing a vehicle interior (3) upwards, and an open state, in which it opens the vehicle interior (3) upwards, - wherein the top (6) defines a longitudinal direction (X), a transverse direction (Y) and a height direction (Z) in the closed state, - wherein the top (6) has a cover layer (9) on an outer side (A) facing away from the vehicle interior (3) in the closed state, - wherein the top (6) has a plurality of segments (11) of a supporting structure (10) on an inner side (I) facing the vehicle interior (3) in the closed state, characterized by , - that the cover layer (9) is configured so that it is tensile stable in the longitudinal direction (X) and flexible with respect to the transverse direction (Y), - that the segments (11) are configured so that they are pressure-stable in the longitudinal direction (X), - that the segments (11) are held on the cover layer (9), - that the segments (11) in the closed state are supported against each other in the longitudinal direction (X) in contact zones (12) which extend in the height direction (Z) from the inner side (I) to the cover layer (9), - that the cover layer (9) connects the segments (11) to one another in an articulated manner, such that the top (6) can be rolled up from the closed state to the open state about a rolling axis (13) running parallel to the transverse direction (Y). [2] Hood (6) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the top (6) has a top body (14) made of a composite material (15) which forms the cover layer (9) on the outer side (A) and which is cut on the inner side (I) to form the contact zones (12) and forms the segments (11). [3] Hood (6) according to claim 2, characterized by , - that the composite material (15) is a fiber-reinforced, multi-layer laminated plastic. [4] Hood (6) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the top (6) has a top body (14) which is designed as a 2-component injection-molded body (17) having a first component (18) made of plastic and a second component (19) made of a different plastic, - that the first component (18) forms the cover layer (9), while the second component (19) forms the supporting structure (10). [5] Hood (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the segments (11) in the contact zones (12) each have a contact surface (20) with which the segments (11) are supported against each other in the respective contact zone (12) in the closed state, - that the contact surfaces (20) are structured in such a way that the contact surfaces (20) of the adjacent segments (11) are in positive engagement with one another in the respective contact zone (12) in the closed state. [6] Hood (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that at least some of the contact zones (12) run parallel to the transverse direction (Y). [7] Hood (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that at least some of the contact zones (12) extend in a wave-like manner along the transverse direction (Y). [8] Convertible (1), - with a body (2) having a vehicle interior (3) and two convertible top fastenings (4, 5) forming a front convertible top fastening (4) and a rear convertible top fastening (5), - with a convertible top (6) according to one of the preceding claims, which is fastened to both convertible top fastenings (4, 5) in the closed state. [9] Cabriolet (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , - that the top (6) and the top fastenings (4, 5) are matched to one another in such a way that the top (6) forms a vault (27) in the closed state, that the cover layer (9) is subjected to tensile stress in the longitudinal direction (X) and that the segments (11) are subjected to compressive stress in the longitudinal direction (X). [10] Cabriolet (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , - that the top (6) is fastened to one of the top fastenings (4, 5) in the open state and is arranged rolled up thereon.

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