CONVERTIBLE CAR WITH OPENING ROOF

Abstract

A convertible car (1) configured to be driven by a driver and comprising: an opening roof (10), which can be arranged in an open or closed configuration; an actuator system (22) for moving the opening roof (10); a control unit (13) configured to: determine a current and / or future value of the probability and / or intensity of adverse weather indicators (AWIs), such as rain, wind, and / or lightning, in the vicinity of the car (1) or along a route (P) on which the car (1) is located; verify that the probability and / or intensity of at least one adverse weather indicator is greater than at least one respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value; and, if the verification is positive, perform the closing actions to switch the roof (10) from the open to the closed configuration. Main figure: [Fig. 1] Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: CONVERTIBLE CAR WITH OPENING ROOF Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a convertible car with an opening roof.

[0002] In particular, the present invention finds an advantageous, but not exclusive, application in a high-performance road vehicle, to which the following description explicitly refers, without losing generality. Context of the invention

[0003] We know of convertible cars, that is to say, cars equipped with a roof, usually rigid, that can be opened, which is generally folded into an appropriate compartment or inside the rear luggage compartment.

[0004] Over the years, various processes and systems for opening and closing the roof have been developed on such convertible cars.

[0005] Italian patent application BO1313A000137 describes a convertible car with a retractable hardtop, having a four-seater passenger compartment (two front and two rear seats), an engine compartment arranged in a forward position (i.e., in front of the passenger compartment) and closed by an engine compartment, and a luggage compartment (or trunk) arranged in a rear position (i.e., behind the passenger compartment) and closed by a luggage compartment. The retractable hardtop comprises a pair of rigid elements that are mechanically connected to a chassis by means of respective connecting members, and when the retractable hardtop is in an open position, these elements are located inside the luggage compartment (in particular in the upper area of ​​the luggage compartment).

[0006] European patent EP 2921329 describes a convertible car with a front engine having a passenger compartment; an opening rigid roof; a rear luggage compartment which contains the rigid roof when the rigid roof itself is arranged in an open position; a top cover which is arranged over the luggage compartment and is movable between a closed position and an open position; a luggage box which is supported by the top cover and is movable relative to the top cover.

[0007] Usually, the roof opening and closing operations take considerably long times (more than one minute) and can only be carried out under specific vehicle conditions, for example when the vehicle is stationary or with the engine off.

[0008] In particular, the slowness of these operations and the need to stop lead users to convert the car and therefore open the roof only in optimal weather conditions. However, in the event of variable weather or sudden disturbances, it is common to have to abruptly stop driving, perhaps even in dangerous conditions, such as on the emergency lane of a highway or motorway, to close the roof, avoiding getting wet in the rain and in any case avoiding damage to the interior of the car.

[0009] Consequently, some users sometimes decide not to buy a convertible car because of the limited use that can usually be made of it, especially during the colder seasons, without resorting to unforeseen circumstances.

[0010] In the sector, there is a need to improve the ease of use of convertible cars.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to produce a convertible car with a retractable roof which is at least partially free from the disadvantages described above and at the same time, which has an easy and economical realization. Summary

[0012] According to the present invention, a convertible car with a retractable roof is proposed, configured to be driven by a driver and comprising:

[0013] four wheels, of which at least one pair are drive wheels;

[0014] a passenger compartment defining at least one driving position for a driver;

[0015] an opening roof, which can be arranged in an open configuration, in in which the passenger compartment is open, or in a closed configuration, in which it delimits the passenger compartment upwards, covering it;

[0016] an actuator system, which is mechanically connected to the retractable roof and is configured to move the retractable roof between the closed configuration and the open configuration and vice versa;

[0017] a control unit, which is configured to actuate the actuator system and move the opening roof from the open configuration to the closed configuration;

[0018] the car being characterized in that the control unit is configured to:

[0019] determine, cyclically, a current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of adverse weather indicators, such as rain, wind and / or lightning in the vicinity of the car or along a route on which the car is located;

[0020] verify that the probability and / or intensity of at least one bad weather index is greater than at least one respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value;

[0021] in the case where the verification is positive, carry out the closing actions to switch from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the roof.

[0022] In preferred embodiments of the present invention: - the vehicle includes an interface device connected to the control unit and configured to indicate to the driver the actions to be taken for the closing of the roof; in which the actions to be taken include the actuation of the actuator system and / or the reduction of driving speed, in particular the interruption of driving; - the control unit is configured to automatically operate the actuator system and close the retractable roof, switching from the open configuration to the closed configuration; - the vehicle includes a receiving device, which is configured to receive weather data from at least one database; wherein the control unit is connected to the receiving device and is configured to determine or receive the current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of adverse weather indices using the weather data received by the receiving device; - the vehicle includes a navigation system configured to define a route to reach a destination; the control unit being configured to calculate the future positions of the car along the route and to check for possible interferences between the future positions of the car and meteorological phenomena having at least a bad weather index greater than the respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value; wherein said meteorological phenomena are extrapolated from the weather data received by the car; the control unit being further configured to define a safety interval to trigger the closing actions before the interference; - The vehicle includes a rain detector, which is connected to the control unit and can be used by the latter to check the actual presence of rain and trigger the roof closing actions, in particular to compensate for erroneous forecasts and / or weather data. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments, in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view, with details removed for the sake of clarity, of a car made according to the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a plan and schematic view of the car of the [Fig.1] during the journey of a route on a map;

[0026] [Fig. 3] Figures 3 illustrate three different and successive stages of the process of car control [Fig. 1] approaching a disturbance and passing from an open configuration, with the roof stowed, to a closed configuration with the roof deployed.

[0027] [Fig.4] Figures 4 illustrate three different and successive stages of the process of controlling the car of [Fig.1] approaching a disturbance and changing from an open configuration, with the roof stowed, to a closed configuration with the roof deployed.

[0028] [Fig.5] Figures 5 illustrate three different and successive stages of the process of controlling the car of [Fig.1] approaching a disturbance and changing from an open configuration, with the roof stowed, to a closed configuration with the roof deployed. Detailed description

[0029] In [Fig.1], with reference number 1, a car with two front wheels 2 and two rear wheels 3 is generally indicated as a whole, of which at least one pair (or all) receives the engine torque from a powertrain 4.

[0030] In particular, the powertrain 4 can be exclusively thermal (i.e. it comprises only an internal combustion engine), hybrid (i.e. it comprises an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor), or electric (i.e. it comprises only one or more electric motors).

[0031] Preferably, but not limitingly, the powertrain 4 is located at the front of the car 1 relative to a normal direction of travel D. In this way, the convertibleness of the car 1 is facilitated.

[0032] The same numbers and the same reference letters on the figures identify the same elements or components having the same function.

[0033] In the context of this description, the term "second" component does not imply the presence of a "first" component. These terms are in fact used as labels to improve clarity and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0034] The elements and features illustrated in the various preferred embodiments, including drawings, may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of this application, as described below.

[0035] The car 1 further comprises a body 5 defining a passenger compartment 6, which is configured to accommodate at least one driver and optionally one or more passengers. The passenger compartment 6 defines at least one driver's seat 7 for the driver.

[0036] It is specified that in the following part of this description, expressions such as "upwards", "downwards", "forwards", "towards the rear" and the like are used with reference to normal forward conditions of car 1 along the normal forward direction D.

[0037] As illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment of [Fig. 1], it is further possible to define: a longitudinal axis X, attached to car 1 and arranged, in use, horizontally and parallel to a normal direction of advancement D of car 1; a transverse Y-axis, attached to car 1 and positioned, in use, horizontally and orthogonally to the X-axis; and a vertical Z axis, attached to car 1 and positioned, in use, vertically and orthogonally to the X, Y axes.

[0038] In the non-limiting embodiment of [Fig.1], the car 1 further comprises a dashboard 8 arranged inside the passenger compartment 6, delimiting the passenger compartment 6 at the front with reference to a normal direction of advancement of the car 1 (i.e. along the axis X mentioned above) and arranged opposite the driver's seat 7.

[0039] The car 1 further includes a windscreen 9 delimiting the passenger compartment 6 at the front and arranged contiguously to the dashboard 8.

[0040] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the car 1 further comprises an opening roof 10, preferably rigid, which can be arranged in an open configuration (illustrated in Figures 1 and 3), in which the passenger compartment 6 is uncovered, or in a closed configuration (illustrated in [Fig. 5]), in which the roof 10 encloses the passenger compartment upwards, covering it. In other words, in the open configuration, the interior of the passenger compartment 6 is exposed to the elements and atmospheric agents, whereas in the closed configuration, the opening roof 10 extends from the windshield 9 to a rear luggage compartment 11, and the passenger compartment 6 is protected from the elements and atmospheric agents directly by the roof 10.

[0041] Preferably, but not limited to, when the rigid roof 10 is arranged in the open configuration (illustrated in Figures 1 and 3), the rigid roof 10 is arranged inside a luggage compartment 11 (in particular in the upper area of ​​the luggage compartment 11); preferably, a movable partition element (known and therefore not illustrated in detail) is provided which divides the luggage compartment 11 in order to establish a physical separation between the upper area intended to house the rigid roof 10 and the lower area available for luggage.

[0042] In addition, the car 1 includes an actuator system 12 (electric or hydraulic, comprising one or more actuator devices such as motors and / or cylinders), which is mechanically connected to the opening roof 10 and is configured to move the opening roof 10 between the closed and open configurations described above. Optionally, the actuator system 12 also includes devices of a type known to move the above-mentioned separation element which divides the luggage compartment 11.

[0043] The car 1 further comprises a control unit 13 (electronic, “ECU”), which is at least configured to actuate the actuator system 12 and move the retractable roof 10 from the open to the closed position (and vice versa). In particular, but not limited to, the control unit 13, among other things, processes a plurality of data from various sensor devices distributed throughout the car 1. Physically, the control unit 13 may consist of a single device or of several devices separated from each other and communicating via the network (CAN, Ethernet, etc.) of the car 1.

[0044] In particular, the control unit 13 is configured / programmed to determine, cyclically, a current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of adverse weather indicators WI, such as rain, wind and / or lightning in the vicinity S of the car or along a route P on which the car 1 is located.

[0045] For example, the current value of a bad weather index WI may be the probability of rain, possibly the intensity could be relative to the amount of rain that is forecast or perceived by the car 1; other examples could be the probability of lightning, the intensity and temperature of the wind, which, even in the absence of rain, may make driving dangerous with the roof 10 open or nevertheless reduce the pleasure of driving.

[0046] In addition, the control unit 13 is configured to verify that the probability and / or intensity of at least one adverse weather index WI (probability of rain, hail, lightning, amount of precipitation, wind direction, intensity and temperature) is greater than at least one respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value.

[0047] In other words, the control unit 13 performs a dynamic comparison between a reference value for each bad weather index WI and its respective current value (or future value along the path P).

[0048] In the case where the check is positive, i.e. at least one current value of a bad weather index WI exceeds the respective reference value, for example that the probability of rain is greater than 50%, the control unit 13 is configured to execute closing actions to switch from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the roof 10.

[0049] In the non-limiting embodiment of [Fig. 1], the car includes an interface device 14 (for example a central screen, the dashboard screen, a warning light, ...) connected to the control unit 13 and configured to indicate to the driver the actions to be taken for the closing of the roof 10.

[0050] Advantageously but not limitingly, the actions to be performed include the actuation of the actuator system 12 (for example by means of a button or a voice command) and / or the reduction of driving speed, in some cases, the interruption of driving.

[0051] In particular, in the event of a speed exceeding a certain threshold, for example 20 km / h, preferably 10 km / h, the control unit 13, in order to avoid a potentially destructive sail effect for the roof 10 (and its deployment mechanism, connected to the actuator system 12) during its closing, informs the driver DR in advance to reduce the speed until a sufficiently low speed is reached (for example those mentioned above) to ensure that the closing of the roof 10 takes place safely, without risk to the car 1.

[0052] In certain non-limiting cases, in the case of autonomous driving by the car 1, the control unit 13 is further delegated to the driving of the car 1 and slows down autonomously until it reaches a speed low enough for the safe closing of the roof 10.

[0053] Alternatively or in addition, the control unit 13 (for example, after initial setup by the driver) is configured to automatically actuate (i.e., without requiring any authorization from the driver while driving) the actuator system 12 and close the retractable roof 10, switching from the open to the closed position. In this way, the driver is not distracted while driving. Preferably, the closing occurs if the car 1 is already moving below a speed sufficiently low for the safe closing of the roof 10.

[0054] Advantageously, but not exclusively, the car 1 includes a receiving device 15 (for example, a control unit with an antenna, such as a modem, capable of communicating wirelessly with other remote devices), which is configured to receive weather data WD from at least one database 16 (for example, a remote server or the cloud). In particular, the weather data WD is received by a suitable database of weather stations that monitor heavy masses and consequently calculate the current severe weather indices WI. In each case, the weather data WD includes the positions of the heavy masses in the hours following the reading, enabling the control unit 13 to determine the severe weather indices WI. In other, non-limiting cases, the weather data WD already includes the severe weather indices WI for the next few hours in the area near the car 1 and / or the route P..

[0055] In certain preferred, non-limiting cases, the car 1 is limited to receiving this weather data WD to compare it to respective reference values.

[0056] In other, non-limiting cases, the control unit 13 is connected to the receiving device 15 and configured not only to receive but also to determine the current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of the adverse weather indices WI using the weather data WD received by the receiving device 15. In this case, through calculation systems and tables of known type, the control unit 13 processes the weather data WD received by the receiving device 15 to define the value of at least one of the adverse weather indices WI.

[0057] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the car 1 further comprises a navigation system 17, which is configured to define a route P to reach a destination. In particular, the navigation system 17 is of a known type and therefore not described in further detail in the following section.

[0058] Preferably, but not limited to, the control unit 13 is configured to calculate / process, or receive via a processor, the future positions FP of the car along the route P and to check for any interference between the future positions FP of the car and weather phenomena WP having at least one adverse weather index WI (e.g., the probability of rain) greater than the respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value. In particular, the weather phenomena WP are extrapolated from the weather data WD received by the car 1 by means of the receiving device 15.

[0059] In particular, but not limited to, the control unit 13 is further configured to define a safety interval SI (of time or space, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]) to trigger the closing actions before interference with weather phenomena WP. In other words, depending on the speed of the car 1 and the expected time of interference, the control unit 13 signals the driver to close the roof 10 or closes it automatically with sufficient time before encountering the disturbance, i.e., the adverse weather phenomena WP. In the non-limiting embodiment of [Fig. 3], the safety interval SI is illustrated as a distance (in the case illustrated by rain) during which the car 1 triggers the actions for closing the roof 10.

[0060] In the non-limiting embodiment of [Fig. 1], the car further includes a rain sensor 18, which is connected to the control unit 13 and can be used by the latter to verify the actual presence of rain and trigger the closing actions of the roof 10, in particular to compensate for erroneous forecasts and / or weather data WD. In this way, even if it were to start raining suddenly, contrary to the forecast and therefore to the weather data WD, the control unit 13 is responsible for immediately warning the driver or automatically closing the roof 10.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method is described for a convertible car 1 configured to be driven by a driver.

[0062] In particular, the road car 1, more specifically the control unit 13, is configured (i.e. programmed / realized) to carry out the process described here.

[0063] In particular, the process is preferably carried out exclusively when the car 1 is in the open configuration (illustrated in Figures 1 and 3). This does not preclude, in certain cases, the process from being carried out even when the car 1 is in the closed configuration. In such a case, the control unit 13 warns the driver that it is not advisable to open the roof 10, for example, because of a high probability of rain in the next hour, particularly along the route to be traveled.

[0064] The method includes the step of cyclically determining the current and / or future probability and / or intensity of adverse weather indices WI, such as rain, wind, and / or lightning, in the vicinity of car 1 and / or along the route P on which the car is located. In other words, during this step, the control unit 13 receives or generates, based on the received weather data WD, the adverse weather indices WI with respect to car 1 and / or along the route P that is intended to be traveled.

[0065] Once the values ​​indicated above have been determined, the method provides for verifying that, in the vicinity of car 1 and / or along route P, the probability and / or intensity of at least one adverse weather indicator is greater than the respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value. Therefore, it is verified whether the probability of rain is greater than 50% and / or whether there will be lightning along route P and / or whether the wind speed along route P is greater than 15 knots (in particular greater than 20 knots).

[0066] The method further includes, in the case where the verification is positive, i.e. in the case where one of the current and / or future values ​​along the path P exceeds the predefined threshold values, the step of executing closing actions to switch from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the roof 10. In particular, the closing actions include indications provided to the driver, by means of the interface device 14, for closing the roof 10.

[0067] In detail, as previously mentioned, the actions to be performed include actuation of the actuator system 12 and / or reduction of driving speed. In some cases, the actions to be performed include interruption of driving.

[0068] Preferably, but not exclusively, particularly after appropriate adjustment by the driver, the closing actions include the step consisting of automatically activating the actuator system 12 to close the operable roof 10 and the step of switching from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0069] Advantageously but not limitingly, in order to determine the current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of the adverse weather indices WI, weather data received by at least one database 16, for example a remote server or a cloud, is used.

[0070] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the process comprises the following steps: record the current position AP of car 1, and according to the route P defined by means of the navigation system 17, calculate the future positions FP of car 1 along the route P; check for possible interference between the future positions FP of car 1 and the weather phenomena WP (figures 2 to 5) having at least one bad weather index WI greater than the respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value; in which said weather phenomena WP are extrapolated from the weather data WD received by car 1; define a safety interval SI (of time or space) to trigger the closing actions before interference with disturbances, i.e. with weather phenomena WP dangerous for the pleasure of driving.

[0071] Advantageously but not limitingly, the method includes, contextually with respect to all other steps, also a step of determining the current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of the adverse weather indices WI by means of the rain detector, in order to verify the actual presence of rain or to compensate for erroneous forecasts or weather data WD, and consequently trigger the roof closing actions 10.

[0072] Preferably, in practice, the car 1 (particularly in the open configuration) receives weather data WD from a weather station or an institution that, for example, monitors heavy loads. At the same time, the rain sensor 18 verifies the actual absence of precipitation in the area where the car 1 is located. If the rain sensor 18 detects precipitation, the car 1 triggers the roof closing actions, whether related to warnings for the driver or fully automated (thus activating the actuator system 12).

[0073] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a possible development of the control unit 13, which receives the weather data WD concerning the position of weather phenomena WP having adverse weather indices WI greater than at least one of the predefined values ​​and combines them with what has been developed by The navigation system 17, i.e., with route P. In particular, the control unit 13 determines possible collisions over time (taking into account travel time) between route P and the position of the weather phenomena WP. In the event that the control unit 13 encounters interference along route P of the car 1 with the weather phenomena WP, the actions to close the roof 10 to protect the driver and the interior of the passenger compartment 6 would be initiated.

[0074] Although the invention described above refers in particular to a specific embodiment, it should not be considered as limited to that embodiment, including within its scope all those variants, modifications or simplifications covered by joined claims, such as for example a different type of detection device, a different type of content visualization system, a different type of information presented, a different conformation of the car.

[0075] The car described above has many advantages.

[0076] First, they allow the driver not to have to worry about adverse weather even when driving the car in the open configuration.

[0077] In addition, they allow the driver to be warned in advance of the possible encounter with heavy masses which present a significant probability of rain or lightning.

[0078] Finally, it is possible to instruct the driver to reduce the speed below a certain threshold to perform the closing operations without having to stop. List of reference numbers for Figure 1 car 2 front wheels 3 rear wheels 4. Powertrain system 5 cases 6 passenger compartment 7 driver's station 8 dashboard 9 windshields 10 roof 11 luggage compartments 12 actuator system 13 control unit 14 interface device 15 receiving device 16 database 17 navigation system 18 rain detector AP current position D direction of progress FP futures positions P route SI safety interval WD weather data WI bad weather indicators WP weather phenomena X-axis Y axis Z-axis

Claims

Claims

1. Convertible car (1) configured to be driven by a driver and comprising: four wheels (2, 3), including at least one pair of drive wheels (2, 3); a passenger compartment (6) defining at least one driving position for a driver; an openable roof (10), which can be arranged in an open configuration, in which the passenger compartment (6) is uncovered, or in a closed configuration, in which it delimits the passenger compartment (6) upwards, covering it; an actuator system (12), which is mechanically connected to the openable roof (10) and is configured to move the openable roof (10) between the closed configuration and the open configuration and vice versa; a control unit (13), which is configured to actuate the actuator system (12) and move the openable roof (10) from the open configuration to the closed configuration;the car (1) being characterized in that the control unit (13) is configured to: determine, cyclically, a current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of bad weather indices (WI), such as rain, wind and / or lightning in the vicinity of the car (1) or along a route (P) on which the car (1) is located; verify that the probability and / or intensity of at least one bad weather index is greater than at least one respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value; in the case in which the verification is positive, carry out the closing actions to switch from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the roof (10).;

2. Car (1) according to claim 1 and comprising an interface device (14) connected to the control unit (13) and configured to indicate to the driver the actions to be carried out for closing the roof (10); wherein the actions to be carried out comprise the actuation of the actuator system (12) and / or the reduction of the driving speed, in particular the interruption of driving.

3. A car (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (13) is configured to automatically operate the actuator system (12) and close the openable roof (10), switching from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

4. Car (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and comprising a receiving device (15), which is configured to receive weather data (WD) from at least one database (16); wherein the control unit (13) is connected to the receiving device (15) and is configured to determine or receive the current and / or future value of probability and / or intensity of the bad weather indices (WI) using the weather data (WD) received by the receiving device (15).

5. Car (1) according to claim 4 and comprising a navigation system (17) configured to define a path (P) to arrive at a destination; the control unit (13) being configured to calculate future positions (FP) of the car (1) along the path (P) and check for possible interferences between the future positions (FP) of the car (1) and weather phenomena (WP) having at least one bad weather index higher than the respective predefined threshold probability and / or intensity value; wherein said weather phenomena (WP) are extrapolated from the weather data (WD) received by the car (1); the control unit (13) being further configured to define a safety interval (SI) to trigger the closing actions before the interference.

6. Car (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and comprising a rain detector (18), which is connected to the control unit (13) and can be used by the latter to check the actual presence of rain and trigger the closing actions of the roof (10), in particular to compensate for erroneous forecasts and / or weather data (WD).

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