Safety device for the electro-hydraulic pop-up roof of Volkswagen T5 and T6 models

Abstract

Main claim (independent claim) Safety device for an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof of vehicles, in particular Volkswagen T5, T6 and T6.1 models, characterized in that the safety device is inserted into the front scissor mechanism of the pop-up roof and mechanically blocks the roof in the raised position to prevent unintentional lowering.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a securing device for vehicle roofs, in particular for electro-hydraulic pop-top roofs of Volkswagen T5 and T6 models and their facelift models, as frequently used in mobile homes or camper vans. The invention falls within the field of automotive engineering and mechanical safety systems used to stabilize moving vehicle components in a defined position. State of the art

[0002] Electro-hydraulic pop-top roofs, such as those installed in the Volkswagen T5 and T6 models, allow the roof to be raised to create additional interior space for living or sleeping areas. These roofs are operated by a hydraulic system that raises and holds the roof in the raised position. However, the current state of technology shows that such systems are prone to malfunctions, for example, due to: • Leaks in the hydraulic system leading to a loss of pressure. • Mechanical wear of the scissor mechanism or other components. • Power outages or defects in the electrical control system.

[0003] These malfunctions can cause the roof to lower uncontrollably in the raised position, posing safety risks to occupants as well as potential damage to the vehicle or interior. Mechanical securing devices that operate independently of the electro-hydraulic system are not sufficiently known in the state of the art or specifically optimized for the scissor mechanism of the Volkswagen T5 and T6 models. Technical problem

[0004] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution that prevents the electro-hydraulic pop-top roof of Volkswagen T5 and T6 models from accidentally lowering. The solution should function independently of the electro-hydraulic system, without requiring structural modifications to the vehicle, and be easily retrofittable, making it applicable to both new and existing vehicles. Solution to the technical problem

[0005] The invention solves this problem with a locking device that is integrated into the front scissor mechanism of the electro-hydraulic pop-top roof and mechanically locks the roof in the raised position. The locking device consists of a compact component specifically adapted to the geometry of the front scissor mechanism of the Volkswagen T5 and T6 models. It is positively integrated into the scissor mechanism to ensure a stable locking mechanism that prevents the roof from lowering, even if the electro-hydraulic system fails.

[0006] The locking device is designed to be installed without tools or structural modifications to the vehicle. It engages directly with the moving elements of the scissor mechanism, forming a mechanical lock that prevents the roof from moving in the raised position. The device can be made of aluminum or an engineering plastic, for example, to ensure high mechanical strength while remaining lightweight. The device has an integrated threaded bolt and is manually locked with a wing or knurled nut. The device is designed to be easily removed if necessary to lower the roof again without compromising the functionality of the electro-hydraulic system. Advantages of the invention

[0007] The safety device offers the following advantages: 1. Increased safety: Reliably prevents the pop-up roof from sinking, even if the electro-hydraulic system fails, thus protecting passengers and the vehicle. 2. Easy installation: Can be installed without tools or modifications to the vehicle, making it easy to retrofit existing Volkswagen T5 and T6 models. 3. Cost-effectiveness: Low manufacturing and installation costs compared to complex hydraulic or electronic solutions or replacement of components 4. Robust construction: Use of durable materials that can withstand the mechanical stresses of the scissor mechanism. 5. Ease of use: Intuitive handling through easy insertion and removal, given by the shape of the component. 6. Universal applicability: Designed specifically for Volkswagen T5 and T6 models, but potentially adaptable to other vehicles with similar scissor mechanisms. Preferred embodiment

[0008] In the preferred embodiments, the securing device is made of milled aluminum or plastic or 3D printed plastic, which has a specially shaped contour that fits exactly into the front scissor mechanism of the pop-up roof. Technical drawings • Drawing 1 : Shows part of the securing device in an isometric view showing the positive contour. • Drawing 2 : Shows the other part of the securing device in an isometric view showing the positive contour and the location of the bolt to secure the two parts. • Drawing 3: Shows the integration of the safety device into the front scissor mechanism of the pop-up roof when raised. scope

[0009] The securing device is primarily designed for Volkswagen T5 and T6 models with electro-hydraulic pop-top roofs, especially for motorhomes and camper vans. It is suitable as a retrofit kit for existing vehicles and as a standard component for new vehicles. The invention can potentially be adapted to other vehicle types with similar scissor mechanisms to open up a broader range of applications. Summary

[0010] The proposed safety device represents a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution to eliminate the safety risk of electro-hydraulic pop-top roofs sinking in Volkswagen T5 and T6 models. Due to its integration into the front scissor mechanism, its independent operation from the electro-hydraulic system, and its ease of use, the invention offers a significant improvement over the prior art.

Claims

[1] Main claim (independent claim) Safety device for an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof of vehicles, in particular Volkswagen T5, T6 and T6.1 models, characterized by that the safety device is inserted into the front scissor mechanism of the pop-up roof and mechanically blocks the roof in the raised position to prevent it from accidentally lowering. [2] Dependent claim Safety device according to claim 1, characterized by that the safety device engages positively with the scissor mechanism to ensure stable locking of the roof in the raised position. [3] Dependent claim Safety device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that it can be installed without any structural changes to the vehicle or the scissor mechanism. [4] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat it is made of a material with high mechanical strength, in particular metal, high-strength plastic or a combination thereof. [5] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that it comprises a compact component that can be inserted and removed into the scissor mechanism manually or without tools. [6] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that it contains a locking unit which holds the scissor mechanism in the blocked position by means of a clamping mechanism, a screw connection or a locking device. [7] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that it is specifically adapted to the geometry of the front scissor mechanism of Volkswagen T5 and T6 models to ensure a precise fit. [8] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that it has a visual or haptic mark indicating correct installation in the scissor mechanism. [9] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that it is designed to operate independently of the electro-hydraulic system of the pop-up roof and to ensure that the roof is locked even in the event of a system failure. [10] Dependent claim Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that it is designed as a retrofit kit for existing Volkswagen T5 and T6 models with electro-hydraulic pop-up roof.

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