Roof assembly for convertible motor vehicle

Abstract

To provide a simple and reliable convertible roof locking device.SOLUTION: A roof assembly for a convertible motor vehicle includes: a roof to be placed in contact with a frame of the motor vehicle in a closed roof position; a manual locking device that can be manually operated according to a first operating mode, in which the manual locking device cooperates with the frame to carry out a first constraining action in order to secure the roof to the frame in the closed roof position, and according to a second operating mode, in which the locking device refrains from cooperating with the frame thus removing the first constraining action; and an additional locking device (40) carried by the roof to automatically exert a second constraining action to secure the roof to the frame at least in response to positioning of the roof in the closed roof position or to movement of the roof to the closed roof position, the additional locking device (40) having release means (54) that can be manually operated in order to remove the second constraining action.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102022000009812, filed May 12, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a roof assembly for a convertible motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, a convertible automobile is an automobile that can be driven with the roof covering the passenger compartment opened or closed.

[0004] In other words, the roof of the vehicle can be moved from a closed roof position in which the roof covers the passenger compartment.

[0005] When a user of a convertible vehicle wishes to cover the passenger compartment with the roof, the user must move the roof to a closed roof position and secure the roof to the vehicle frame.

[0006] In particular, convertible automobiles have one or more fastening devices that a user can use to secure the roof to the frame portion after the roof has been moved to the closed roof position. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] These fixation devices are often exclusively manually actuated.

[0008] Generally speaking, there is a need to improve the security of the roof attachment to the frame.

[0009] In fact, failure to secure to the frame can cause serious damage during use of the convertible automobile.

[0010] For example, the roof may separate from the rest of the convertible automobile and fly through the air in a manner that is extremely dangerous to both people and objects in the vicinity.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to meet the above-mentioned needs, preferably in a simple and reliable manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This object is achieved by a roof assembly as claimed in claim 1.

[0013] Each dependent claim defines a particular embodiment of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] In order that the invention may be better understood, one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a convertible automobile equipped with a roof assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the roof assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inner portion of the roof assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lock assembly that is part of the roof assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lock assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 10A-10C are side views showing the stages in which the roof assembly is hooked to the frame of the convertible automobile by the locking assembly. [Figure 7] 10A-10C are side views showing the stages in which the roof assembly is hooked to the frame of the convertible automobile by the locking assembly. [Figure 8]10A-10C are side views showing the stages in which the roof assembly is hooked to the frame of the convertible automobile by the locking assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the lock assembly taken along a first cross-sectional plane. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly taken along a first cross-sectional plane. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a further cutaway view of the locking assembly taken along a second cross-sectional plane. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly taken along a second cross-sectional plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In FIG. 1, the reference number 1 is used to generally designate a convertible motor vehicle.

[0017] Like any motor vehicle, motor vehicle 1 has a normal direction of forward movement and includes a passenger compartment for accommodating at least one driver and possibly one or more passengers.

[0018] The motor vehicle 1 comprises a frame 2 which defines or surrounds the passenger compartment.

[0019] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 comprises a roof assembly 3 which can be fixed to the frame 2 .

[0020] The assembly 3 comprises a roof 4, i.e., more precisely, a panel or sheet metal, having a shape and dimensions such that it covers the passenger compartment from above in the closed roof position. As is known, the roof 4 can be different from a panel or sheet metal, but rather flexible or comprise a fabric, without loss of generality thereby.

[0021] In the closed roof position, the roof 4 is arranged in contact with the frame 2. The frame 2 is capable of supporting the roof 4 in the closed roof position.

[0022] However, placing the roof 4 in the closed roof position is not sufficient to secure the roof 4 to the frame. In fact, moving the roof 4 to the closed roof position merely establishes contact between the roof 4 and the frame 2, and although the roof 4 may at least be held in the closed roof position by friction, this friction does not establish an actual stable restraint.

[0023] A gust of wind occurring during use of the vehicle 1 may in fact be sufficient to break the bond caused by friction between the roof 4 and the frame 2, causing the roof 4 to separate from the frame 2 and causing damage to nearby objects or people.

[0024] Thus, the term "binding" and the verb "binding" are used herein to mean a stable binding and to create a stable binding, i.e., to create a bond that can only be broken by destroying the components that create that bond.

[0025] To restrain or secure the roof 4 to the frame 2, the assembly 3 comprises at least one manual locking device 5 configured to be manually operated when the roof 4 is in the closed roof position.

[0026] The apparatus 5 is supported by the roof 4. More specifically, the apparatus 5 comprises at least one structure 6 that is supported in a fixed position by the roof 4, i.e., the structure 6 is fixed relative to the roof 4.

[0027] The device 5 has two modes of operation: The first mode of operation involves manually securing or restraining the roof 4 to the frame 2 in a closed roof position.

[0028] In this operating mode, the device 5 cooperates with the frame 2, i.e., more specifically, contacts or is manually contacted with the frame 2, and thus performs or exerts a first restraining action to fix or restrain the roof 4 to the frame 2 in a closed roof position.

[0029] On the other hand, the second operating mode is the opposite of the first operating mode, and involves removing the first restraining action, in other words, the device 5 ceasing to cooperate with, or more specifically, ceasing to contact, the frame 2, which would cause the device 5 to exert the first restraining action, or being manually caused to cease doing so.

[0030] More specifically, the device 5 comprises at least one rock bolt 8, in this case a plurality of rock bolts 8, in particular at least four rock bolts 8, arranged in pairs at the front end 9 and the rear end 10 of the roof 4, more precisely at the four corners of the roof 4.

[0031] Hereinafter, terms such as "forward" and "rearward" may be interpreted in relation to the forward direction of the vehicle 1 or in relation to identifying an appropriate orientation for positioning and / or installation relative to the vehicle 1.

[0032] Each lockbolt 8 is preferably identical, meaning that features described for one lockbolt 8 also apply to all others. Therefore, a description will be given with respect to only one lockbolt 8.

[0033] The lock bolt 8 includes a guide body 12. This guide body 12 is fixed to the roof 4, specifically fastened to the roof 4, and more specifically fastened by a known screw member 13 (FIG. 4).

[0034] The guide body 12 extends along a straight axis A. This straight axis A is in particular parallel to the direction of forward movement of the motor vehicle 1 or to the direction X in which the roof 4 extends between the ends 9 and 10.

[0035] Furthermore, the guide body 12 has a hole 14 extending along the axis A. Specifically, the hole 14 is a through hole.

[0036] Each guide body 12 is specifically manufactured as a single piece by extrusion, and more specifically, the guide body 12 is processed by removing material after being extruded.

[0037] Furthermore, the guide body 12 has, in particular transversely to the axis X, or more precisely along an axis B perpendicular thereto, a slot 15 obtained at a depth communicating with the hole 14 .

[0038] The lock bolt 8 further includes a pin 16 coupled to the guide body 12 so as to slide along the axis A inside the hole 14. In other words, by inserting the pin 16 into the hole 14, the pin 16 can slide relative to the guide body 12 along the axis A. Therefore, the guide body 12 has the function of guiding the sliding of the pin 16 along the axis A.

[0039] More specifically, the pin 16 is supported by a bushing 25 of the lock bolt 8 so as to slide relative to the guide body 12 .

[0040] In particular, the bushing 25 is fixed relative to the pin 16 about the axis A and the outer surface of the pin 16 .

[0041] The pin 16 is inserted into the bushing 25 along the axis A.

[0042] The bushing 25 slides along the guide body 12 inside the hole 14 .

[0043] For example, the bushing 25 is coupled to the pin 16 by an interference fit therewith.

[0044] In the embodiment shown here, the guide body 12 also serves to guide the sliding of the slide part 17 along the axis A. In fact, the guide body 12 defines a guide part 18 formed by appendages 18a, 18b, which are bent like a hook around respective axes parallel to the axis A. For example, the appendages 18a, 18b may be flexible.

[0045] The slide 17 is part of the lock bolt 8 and has in particular slide elements 17a, 17b surrounded and thus supported by appendages 18a, 18b for sliding movement along respective axes parallel to the axis A.

[0046] The slide 17 further has an inner surface 19 facing the outer surface 20 of the guide body. In particular, the inner surface 19 is concave with respect to the axis A and has the same shape as the outer surface 20.

[0047] The slot 15 forms a corresponding opening in the outer surface 20 which is partially covered by the inner surface 19.

[0048] Furthermore, the locking bolt 8 comprises a knob 21 fixed relative to the pin 16 and projecting along the axis B through the slot 15 relative to the guide body 12 .

[0049] Specifically, pin 16 has a hole 22 along axis B. More specifically, slide 17 also has a hole 23 along axis B, and thus hole 23 is aligned with hole 22. Hole 23 is a through hole.

[0050] Knob 21 comprises a portion 24 suitable for gripping by a user, and pin 24a, which passes completely through hole 23 and is inserted, for example by interference, into bore 22 to secure knob 21 relative to pin 16. Thus, pin 24a passes through slot 15 and terminates within hole 14.

[0051] In this manner, a user can use knob 21 to move pin 16 along axis A between at least two lock bolt positions.

[0052] The positions of the lock bolts include a closed position in which the roof 4 is secured to the frame 2 , and an open position in which the lock bolts 8 do not exert a restraining effect between the roof 4 and the frame 2 .

[0053] Thus, generally, pin 16 is coupled to guide body 12 so as to slide inside bore 14 along axis A between each lock bolt position.

[0054] The pin 16 is configured to engage the hole 39, or pin seat, when in the closed position and to disengage when in the open position.

[0055] The engagement of pin 16 in hole 39, or pin seat, provides the first restraining function.

[0056] The perimeter of slot 15 defines the limits of travel of knob 21, and thus slide 17 and pin 16, along axis A. These limits correspond to the open and closed positions, respectively.

[0057] The slide 17 preferably has a surface 27 opposite the inner surface 19 relative to the axis B.

[0058] In other words, the surface 27 faces the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 1 .

[0059] Surface 27 has two indicia 28, 29 on either side of knob 21, along axis A. Indicia 28, 29 are clearly associated with the closed and open positions, respectively. For example, indicia 28, 29 may include two distinct designations (e.g., "locked" and "unlocked") that clearly evoke the closed and open positions.

[0060] The lock bolt 8 is partially hidden from view of the user by a cover element 30 fixed to the roof 4. The cover element 30, which is part of the assembly 3, has at least one window 31 disposed along the axis A such that the window 31 exposes only the nameplate 28 of the nameplates 28, 29 to the passenger compartment when the pin 16 is moved to the closed position, and exposes only the nameplate 29 of the nameplates 28, 29 to the passenger compartment when the pin 16 is moved to the open position.

[0061] The knob 21 obviously passes through the window 31, so that the user can use the knob 21. Furthermore, as can be directly derived from the above, the pin 24a of the knob 21 passes completely through the hole 23, so that the sliding part 17 follows the translation of the pin 16. The pin 16 therefore pushes the sliding part 17 around the hole 23.

[0062] The pin 16 advantageously has an outer surface centered on the axis A with two radial grooves 32 centered on the axis A.

[0063] The guide body 12 therefore has a further hole 33 which extends transversely, or more precisely perpendicularly, to the axis A along an axis C and which communicates with the bore 14. The axis C may be parallel to the axis B, but this is not essential.

[0064] The hole 33 is a blind hole and is bounded by a bottom wall that faces the bore 14 transversely to the axis C.

[0065] The hole 33 accommodates a spring 34 in which an engaging element 35, in particular a spherical or hemispherical body, is fixed.

[0066] The engagement elements 35 are suitable for engaging in the respective grooves 32, in particular with slight interference.

[0067] Spring 34 is configured or preloaded to urge engaging element 35 along axis C toward axis A.

[0068] More specifically, spring 34 is an axial spring loaded along axis C and supported by the bottom wall defining bore 33 .

[0069] To be precise, one end of the spring 34 is fixed to the bottom wall, while the opposite end of the spring 34 carries an engaging element 35, which is the head of the spring 34 itself.

[0070] The spring 34 and the engagement element 35 are part of the lock bolt 8 .

[0071] The relative position of groove 32 along axis A with respect to hole 33 is such that axis C passes through one side of groove 32 when pin 16 is in the closed position and axis C passes through the other side of groove 32 when pin 16 is in the open position.

[0072] In this way, the engaging elements 35 engage with the respective grooves 32 of the pin 16 by the elastic reaction force or thrust of the springs 34 in the two lock bolt positions.

[0073] In doing so, the force applied by the user along axis A required to remove pin 16 from one of the lock bolt locations and move pin 16 along axis A is slightly increased due to the interaction between engagement element 35 and pin 16 in groove 32.

[0074] Indeed, the resilience of spring 34 allows engaging element 35 to retract towards the inside of hole 33 in response to a force applied to pin 16 along axis A. In this way, engaging element 35 can protrude out of groove 32 and therefore continue to slide on the outer surface of pin 16 under the thrust of spring 34.

[0075] The grooves 32 are disposed on either side of the knob 21 along the axis A.

[0076] As in the embodiment shown in this specification, the lock bolt 8 may preferably be provided with several holes 33 transverse to the axis A, or more precisely along respective axes C perpendicular thereto, as well as an equal number of springs 34 housed in the holes 33 and carrying respective engagement elements 35 engaging in respective grooves 32.

[0077] The frame 2 comprises a coupling interface 38 configured to contact and cooperate with the device 5 in the first mode of operation.

[0078] In some cases, the coupling interface 38 can be considered part of the assembly 3, regardless of the remaining parts belonging to the frame 2.

[0079] More precisely, the coupling interface 38 has at least one hole 39 for each lock bolt 8 .

[0080] The bore 39 extends along the axis A and is aligned with the pin 16 along the axis A so that the pin 16 is inserted into the bore 39 when the pin 16 is in the closed position.

[0081] Thus, the hole 39 is configured to have a position and size to receive the pin 16 therein when the pin 16 is in the closed position.

[0082] In other words, the holes 39 define the pin seats obtained on the frame 2 and, more precisely, on the coupling interface 38 .

[0083] In particular, the hole 39 is configured to be engaged by the pin 16 with slight interference, i.e., so that friction occurs between the walls defining the hole 39 and the pin 16, but the pin 16 can nevertheless be withdrawn from the hole 39 without being damaged, thereby returning to the open position.

[0084] Although an interference connection between the hole 39 and the pin 16 is highly advantageous, it is not absolutely necessary, since a connection with clearance, in particular a small clearance, may also be suitable for obtaining cooperation between the device 5 and the frame 2 that provides the first restraining effect.

[0085] Hole 39 is aligned with bore 14 along axis A.

[0086] In the open position, the pin 16 is out of the hole 39 and therefore does not or ceases to cooperate to perform the first restraining function.

[0087] Advantageously, the assembly 3 further comprises an additional locking device 40 which is held by the roof 4 and is configured to automatically, i.e. without further manual operation by the user, exert or perform a second restraining action to secure the roof 4 to the frame 2 in response to at least positioning of the roof 4 in the closed roof position or movement of the roof 4 ending in the closed roof position.

[0088] The positioning or movement of the roof 4 can be performed by manual operation by the user.

[0089] This movement can be achieved, for example, by releasing the roof 4 from a position above the closed roof position, so that the roof 4 falls by gravity onto the frame 2, and more specifically onto the coupling interface 38.

[0090] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the roof 4 can be manually pushed downwards relative to the frame 2, or more precisely relative to the coupling interface 38, towards the closed roof position.

[0091] Or, according to another embodiment, the roof 4 can even be accompanied by a closed roof position of the roof.

[0092] In any case, the device 40 is configured to perform a second restraining action in addition to the operation performed for positioning or moving, i.e., guiding the roof 4 to a closed roof position, without requiring any further operation by the user.

[0093] In other words, this movement is sufficient for the device 40 to act or operate accordingly, thus performing the second restraining action.

[0094] Device 40 may be structurally and functionally independent from device 5, such that either device 5, 40 can be eliminated without affecting the operation of the other device 5, 40.

[0095] In this case, the assembly 3 comprises two devices 40 arranged near the edge 9 of the roof 4 , in particular in the corner area, and more particularly near the lock bolts 8 .

[0096] The devices 40 are preferably coupled to the rock bolts 8 or are held at their ends 9 by the rock bolts 8. Specifically, each device 40 is supported by a respective guide body 12.

[0097] Since each feature of one device 40 can be applied to the other device 40, only one device will be described in detail.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the device 40 may comprise a snap coupling mechanism configured to secure the roof 4 to the frame 2, or more precisely to the coupling interface 38, in response to the aforementioned movement.

[0099] For example, the snap-connection mechanism can perform the snap-connection due to or using the weight of the roof 4. In other words, gravity can help initiate the snap-connection.

[0100] The initiation of the snap connection corresponds to or results in the creation of a second restraining action.

[0101] In particular, the device 40, more particularly the snap coupling device, comprises an arm 41 having a hook end 42 configured to hook onto the frame 2, more precisely the coupling interface 38, in response to, for example, movement of the roof 4, thus exerting a second restraining action.

[0102] The arm 41 is held by the roof 4 , more precisely by the lock bolt 8 , and even more precisely by the guide body 12 .

[0103] In particular, the coupling interface 38 has a recess 44 configured and shaped to receive the hook end 42 .

[0104] More specifically, the recess 44 is disposed in front of the hole 39 along the axis A. In other words, the axis A along which the hole 39 extends is directed towards the recess 44.

[0105] The recess 44 has its own axis D, which may be coplanar with, but not necessarily parallel to, axis A. In FIG. 6, axis D is incident on axis A. Obviously, according to variants not shown here, axis D may instead be parallel to axis A.

[0106] 6 shows the hook end 42 inside the recess 44. Here, the hook end 42 has a surface 45, specifically an upper surface, facing the surface 46 that defines the recess 44, particularly at its upper part.

[0107] According to FIG. 6, the direction perpendicular to the surface 45 is transverse to the axis D.

[0108] If the roof 4 is lifted or moved upward for some reason while the hook end 42 is inside the recess 44, the surface 45 will hit the surface 46. This will prevent the roof 4 from being lifted or moved upward. Therefore, the second restraining action includes or is achieved by the surface 45 hitting the surface 46.

[0109] In the embodiment shown herein, the coupling interface 38 has a cavity 47 disposed along the axis D or the axis A, specifically between the hole 39 and the recess 44. The cavity 47 is in communication with at least the recess 44.

[0110] In particular, the cavity 47 also communicates with the hole 39 .

[0111] The cavity 47 is suitably shaped to accommodate the arm 41 .

[0112] In the closed roof position, the arms 41 are inserted into the cavities 47. Positioning the roof 4 in the closed roof position therefore corresponds to inserting the arms 41 into the cavities 47.

[0113] The arm 41 is preferably hinged to the roof 4, or more precisely to the guide body 12, about a hinge axis H, specifically perpendicular to a plane containing the axes D and A, and therefore more generally perpendicular to the axis A or the forward direction of the vehicle 1.

[0114] The axis H is also perpendicular to the direction in which the roof extends between the ends 9 and 10 .

[0115] Furthermore, the axis H intersects an axis perpendicular to the roof 4 .

[0116] In this case, the arm 41 can rotate around the hinge axis.

[0117] In particular, the arm 41 or axis H is positioned such that the arm 41 rotates in response to movement of the roof 4, terminating in a closed roof position. More specifically, this rotation occurs according to a first rotational direction.

[0118] Alternatively, according to a variant not shown here, the arm 41 can be connected to the roof 4 in a different way, for example by means of a prismatic joint.

[0119] Generally, the arm 41 is coupled to the roof 4, or more precisely to the guide body 12, so that it can be moved, for example manually, relative to the guide body 12 between a first position and a second position. When the arm 41 is in the first position, the roof 4 can be placed in a closed roof position, and the arm 41 does not come into contact with the frame 2 or the coupling interface 38 until the moment the closed roof position is reached, at which point the arm 41 may come into contact with the frame 2.

[0120] In other words, the arm 41 can be inserted into the cavity 47 in a first position, and the arm 41 does not immediately come into contact with the coupling interface 38, but only after being only partially inserted into the cavity 47, or, as the case may be, until the moment the closed roof position is reached.

[0121] When the roof 4 is in the closed roof position, the movement of the arm 41 from the first position to the second position corresponds to introducing the hook end 42 into the recess 44 and thus to generating a second restraining action.

[0122] The snap connection described above is therefore set by this movement, and in particular this snap connection is therefore effected by the arm 41 in the cavity 47.

[0123] In this case, the movement from the second position to the first position corresponds to a rotation of the arm 41 around the axis H according to the first rotation direction described above. The second rotation direction of the arm 41 is opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0124] Rotation of the arm 41 according to a first direction of rotation, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, is suitable for releasing the hook end 42 from the frame 2, and more precisely from the coupling interface 38.

[0125] More generally, the movement of the arm 41 from the second position to the first position is suitable for releasing the hook end 42 from the frame 2 and, more precisely, from the coupling interface 38 .

[0126] The device 40 includes an elastic member 48 that connects the arm 41 to the roof 4. Specifically, the elastic member 48 connects the arm 41 to the guide body 12.

[0127] The elastic member 48 is configured to exert an elastic reaction force in response to the arm 41 moving from the second position to the first position.

[0128] This elastic reaction force is directed in the opposite direction to the second position, ie, the movement of the arm 41 .

[0129] The second position of the arm 41 is therefore the equilibrium position of the arm 41 .

[0130] In this case, the elastic member 48 is configured to exert an elastic reaction force in response to the rotation of the arm 41 in at least the first rotation direction, more precisely, starting from the second position.

[0131] Here, the elastic reaction force is an elastic reaction torque around the axis H in accordance with the second rotation direction.

[0132] The rotation of the arm 41 according to the first direction of rotation can result from the movement of the roof 4 ending in a closed roof position.

[0133] The aforementioned snap connection is therefore triggered by the elastic member 48 when the roof 4 is in the closed roof position and the arm 41 is in the first position, ie more precisely inside the cavity 47 .

[0134] In particular, the arms 41 can only enter the cavity 47 in the first position. In other words, the roof 4 can only reach the closed roof position if the arms 41 are in the first position.

[0135] Insertion inside the cavity 47, i.e. positioning the roof 4 in the closed roof position, can be done in a number of ways, for example by manually moving the arm 41 to the first position or by introducing it into the cavity 47.

[0136] Alternatively, since the elastic member 48 is deflected, the arm 41 can be inserted inside the cavity 47 by pushing it, or more precisely by forcing the hook end 42 towards the cavity 47 against the frame 2, or more precisely against the coupling interface 38. Even when the arm 41 is in the second position, the reaction force of the frame 2 or the coupling interface 38 to the thrust of the arm 41 towards the cavity 47 will cause the arm 41 to move towards the first position, countering the elastic reaction force of the elastic member 48.

[0137] When this thrust is sufficient to move the arm 41 to the first position, the arm 41 slides into the cavity 47 under its own thrust.

[0138] Inside the cavity 47 , the hook end 42 faces the recess 44 .

[0139] In other words, when the arm 41 is inside the cavity 47, the recess 44 provides space for the arm 41, or more precisely the hook end 42, to move.

[0140] Therefore, the frame 2 or the coupling interface 38 does not react against the reaction force of the elastic member 48 in the area of ​​the recess 44, so that the hook end 42 enters the recess 44 upon movement of the arm 41 from the first position to the second position caused by the reaction force of the elastic member 48, i.e. a snap coupling is effected.

[0141] Surface 45 preferably has at least a portion that is transverse to, or perpendicular to, axis H. Thus, when surface 45 impacts surface 46, surface 45 experiences a reaction force perpendicular to axis H. The torque about axis H generated by this reaction force is therefore clearly zero. In this way, hook end 42 remains locked within recess 44.

[0142] This thrust can obviously include the contribution of gravity, or it can even be defined by the weight of the roof 4, which for example has been moved into the closed roof position by gravity.

[0143] The insertion of the arm 41 into the cavity 47 can therefore also be achieved by the weight of the roof 4, which constitutes or contributes to the thrust.

[0144] The coupling interface 38 preferably comprises a guide surface 50 , particularly at the mouth of the cavity 47 .

[0145] More specifically, guide surface 50 is adjacent recess 44 , more specifically surface 46 .

[0146] The guide surface 50 is specifically shaped to guide or accompany the insertion of the arm 41, more precisely the hook end 42, within the cavity 47 in response to the thrust of the back 51 of the hook end 42 against the guide surface 50 towards the recess 44 or cavity 47.

[0147] The guide surface 50 accompanies or determines the movement of the arm 41 from the second position to the first position in response to positioning in or terminating movement at the closed roof position.

[0148] Specifically, the guide surface 50 accompanies the rotation of the arm 41 in the first rotation direction, particularly against the elastic reaction force of the elastic member 48 .

[0149] Once the guide surface 50 has positioned the arm 41 in the first position, the arm 41 can be inserted deeper into the cavity 47 .

[0150] Here, the elastic member 48 moves the arm 41 from the first position to the second position, so that the hook end 42 enters the recess 44 and hooks onto the coupling interface 38 .

[0151] To facilitate the insertion of the arm 41 into the cavity 47, the device 40 comprises a rod 52 fixed to the roof 4, adjacent to the arm 41 along the axis H and extending perpendicular to the axis H. The cavity 47 defines an insertion seat for guiding the insertion of the rod 52 into the cavity 47, in particular in a sliding manner.

[0152] Therefore, guiding the insertion of the rod 52 also means guiding the insertion of the arm 41 as a result.

[0153] The device 40, and more particularly the snap mechanism, may also differ from the advantageous one shown.

[0154] For example, the device 40 may be an automatic device including a sensor configured to detect the positioning of the roof 4 in a closed roof position, and an actuator configured to secure the roof 4 to the frame 2 when the sensor detects that the roof 4 is positioned in the closed roof position.

[0155] In contrast, the particular device 40 shown herein is entirely mechanical, i.e., it does not require the supply of electrical power or fluids, or more generally, actuators.

[0156] This has advantages in terms of simplicity, effectiveness and reliability.

[0157] The device 40 further comprises a release member 54 that can be manually actuated to remove the second restraining action exerted by the device 40 .

[0158] In this case, the release member 54 comprises a lever 55 fixed to an arm 56 , which is fixed relative to the arm 41 .

[0159] Preferably, arm 56 forms a single piece with arm 41 .

[0160] The arms 56 extend radially from the axis H in a manner different from that of the arms 41 .

[0161] In particular, the lever 55 is fixed relative to the arm 56, more particularly to the arm 56, by one or more known fixing elements, such as, for example, screws, pins, rivets, and the like.

[0162] Furthermore, the device 40 comprises in particular a ball grip or pin 57 fixed relative to the arm 56 and projecting relative to the arm 56 along an axis K parallel to the axis H.

[0163] More specifically, the elastic element 48 connects a pin 57, which is fixed relative to the arm 56 and / or the arm 41, to the guide body 12. According to Fig. 6, for example, the elastic element 48 has a portion 48a which passes through a hole 65 formed in the pin 57. By inserting this portion into the hole 65, a connection between the pin 57 and the elastic element 48 is formed.

[0164] More specifically, the hole 65 extends radially relative to the axis K and faces the elastic element 48 .

[0165] Specifically, the hole 65 is a through hole.

[0166] More specifically, the resilient element 48 passes completely through the hole 65, ie, across the pin 57 from side to side.

[0167] In the embodiment shown herein, the elastic element 48 comprises a torsion spring having an end 48b fixed inside the hole 66 of the guide body 12, an intermediate portion 48c wrapped around the pin 67, and another end defined by a portion 48a that passes through the hole 65 and onto the pin 57.

[0168] The pin 67 may be part of the device 40 .

[0169] The pin 67 extends along an axis W parallel to the axes H and K, and is fixed to the guide body 12 .

[0170] Lever 55 is positioned for user access and operation.

[0171] More particularly, the cover element 30 partially conceals the device 40 from the user's view but has an opening 58 which communicates with the housing that houses the lever 55 .

[0172] This housing is defined in particular by a cover element 30 .

[0173] The opening 58 allows access to the housing from, for example, the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. In this way, the lever 55 is accessible to the user.

[0174] The lever 55 can be operated by a user to cause the arm 41 to move from the second position to the first position, particularly against the resilient reaction force of the resilient member 48 .

[0175] More precisely, the lever 55 can be operated to rotate the arm 41 according to a first direction of rotation.

[0176] This rotation can be used to release the hook end 42 from the coupling interface 38 .

[0177] Preferably, the movement of the lever 55, or more precisely of its part 60, is guided by a guide fixed relative to the roof 4. For example, this guide is defined by the cover element 30, or more precisely by its wall which defines the housing of the lever 55.

[0178] Portion 60 substantially forms or defines a button that can be pressed by a user, in particular by inserting a finger into the housing of lever 55 through opening 58 .

[0179] More specifically, a user can press portion 60 upward.

[0180] In this way, the user can push the portion 60 upwards, thus determining the movement of the arm 41 towards the first position.

[0181] In this case, the upward thrust of the portion 60 causes the arm 41 to rotate according to a first direction of rotation.

[0182] 7, this thrust is transferred from the lever 55 to the arm 56. Since the arm 56 is radial to the axis H and the thrust is transverse to the axis H, a torque directed in the first rotation direction is generated, which is opposite to the elastic reaction torque of the elastic member 48.

[0183] This torque causes rotation in the first rotation direction, and the arm 41 comes out of the recess 44 .

[0184] In this way, by pressing the button, the arm 41 can be withdrawn from the cavity 47 (FIG. 8).

[0185] The roof 4 is therefore released from the second restraining action. If the first restraining action is also removed, the roof 4 is free relative to the frame 2 and can be moved.

[0186] When the button is released, the elastic member 48 returns the arm 41 to the second position.

[0187] From the above, the advantages of the assembly 3 according to the invention are clear.

[0188] The additional locking device 40 performs a second restraining function beyond simply positioning the roof 4 in the closed roof position without requiring any further action from the user.

[0189] In this way, even if the user forgets to apply the first restraining action using the locking bolts 8, the roof 4 will be fixed to the frame 2 in any case.

[0190] This prevents the user from accidentally losing the roof 4 while using the vehicle 1.

[0191] The device 40 is compact in construction, simple to use, and highly reliable, so that the benefits of improved safety for the vehicle 1 are not compromised by excessive complexity or bulkiness of the assembly 3.

[0192] Additionally, the rock bolt 8 features several improvements over the prior art.

[0193] For example, the manufacturing costs of the assembly 3 are reduced by the guide body 12 being manufactured as a single piece, more precisely by extrusion, without any significant loss in terms of quality or operational effectiveness.

[0194] If the diameter of the holes 14 is less accurate compared to the design conditions, their clearances are also compensated for by the bushings 25 as necessary.

[0195] Furthermore, the user can better sense the position of the pin 16 through the resistance provided by the engagement element 35 and the groove 32 working together.

[0196] Finally, the assembly 3 according to the invention may be subjected to modifications and variations without thereby going beyond the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0197] In particular, the number and shape of the components described and illustrated herein may be varied and, in particular, may be varied with the greatest degree of freedom.

[0198] Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely for clarity and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0199] The device 40 can also be located in the region of the end 10. Alternatively, a single device 40 may be sufficient to perform the secondary restraining function.

Claims

1. A roof assembly (3) for a convertible automobile (1), A roof (4) is configured to be positioned in contact with the frame (2) of the automobile (1) in the closed roof position, so as to close the passenger compartment of the automobile (1) from above. A manual locking device (5) held by the roof (4), wherein when the roof (4) is in the closed roof position, the manual locking device (5) is connected to the frame (2) in order to fix the roof (4) to the frame (2) in the closed roof position. A manual locking device (5) is configured to be operated manually according to a first operating mode in which it cooperates to perform a first restraining action, and is configured to be operated manually according to a second operating mode in which the locking device (5) ceases to cooperate with the frame (2) and thus removes the first restraining action, Equipped with, A roof assembly (3) for a convertible automobile (1), further comprising an additional locking device (40) which is held by the roof (4) and configured to automatically exert a second restraining action to fix the roof (4) to the frame (2) in response to positioning of the roof (4) in or movement to the closed roof position, the additional locking device (40) having a release means (54) configured to be operated manually to remove the second restraining action.

2. The roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein the additional locking device (40) comprises a snap coupling mechanism configured to fix the roof (4) to the frame (2) in response to the positioning of the roof (4) in the closed roof position or the movement to the closed roof position, thereby exerting the second restraining effect.

3. The roof assembly according to claim 1, wherein the additional locking device (40) exerts the second restraining effect by comprising a first arm (41) having a hook end (42) configured to hook onto the frame (2).

4. The roof assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first arm (41) is connected to the roof (4) so ​​as to be movable relative to the roof (4) between a first position in which the roof (4) can be positioned in the closed roof position and a second position in which the hook end (42) is hooked onto the frame (2), and the additional locking device (40) further comprises elastic means (48) configured to connect the first arm (41) to the roof (4) and exert an elastic reaction force toward the second position in response to the movement of the first arm (41) from the second position toward the first position.

5. The manual locking device (5) comprises at least one lock bolt (8), and the lock bolt (8) is A guide body (12) is fixed to the roof (4), extends along a straight axis (A), and has a hole (14) along the straight axis (A), A pin (16) coupled to the guide body (12) so as to slide along the straight axis (A) inside the hole (14) between two lock bolt positions, wherein the pin (16) is configured to engage with a pin seat (39) obtained on the frame (2) when in one of the two lock bolt positions, and to disengage from the pin seat (39) when in the other of the two lock bolt positions, and the engagement with the pin seat (39) performs a first restraining action, The roof assembly according to claim 1, comprising a knob (21) fixed to the pin (16), projecting toward the guide body (12) through a slot (15) obtained on the guide body (12) along a first transverse axis (B) that crosses the straight axis (A), and communicating with a hole (14), the knob (21) being suitable for a user to grip in order to move the pin (16) between the two lock bolt positions.

6. The roof assembly according to claim 5, wherein the lock bolt (8) is provided with a bushing (25) and the bushing (25) supports the pin (16) with respect to the guide body (12) so that the pin (16) slides through the hole (14) along the straight axis (A).

7. The roof assembly according to claim 5, wherein the guide body (12) is manufactured as a single part.

8. The roof assembly according to claim 7, wherein the guide body (12) is manufactured by extrusion molding.

9. The pin (16) has an outer surface centered on the axis (A) of the straight line, having two grooves (32) centered on the axis (A) of the straight line, and the guide body (12) has a further hole (33) that communicates with the hole (14) and extends along a second axis (C) that crosses the axis (A) of the straight line, and the lock bolt (8) has an engaging element (35) configured to engage with each of the two grooves (32), and is fixed to the engaging element (35) inside the further hole (33), and the engaging element (35) is aligned with the axis ( The roof assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a spring (34) loaded to push toward A), wherein the further hole (33) is arranged such that when the pin (16) is in one of two corresponding positions of the lock bolt (8), the spring (34) engages the engaging element (35) with one of the two grooves (32), and when the pin (16) is in the other of the two lock bolt positions, the spring (34) engages the engaging element (35) with the other of the two grooves (32).

10. A convertible automobile (1) comprising a frame (2) and a roof assembly (3) as described in claim 1.

11. The roof assembly (3) is as described in claim 4, The automobile according to claim 10, wherein the frame (2) comprises a coupling interface (38) having a guide surface (50) molded to move, or determine, the movement of the first arm (41) from a second position to a first position in response to the positioning or movement, the coupling interface (38) comprising a recess (44) the recess (44) enabling the hook end (42) to hook into the coupling interface (38) adjacent to the guide surface (50), and the hook end (42) to enter the recess (44) through further movement of the first arm (41) from a first position to a second position caused by the elastic means (48).

12. The automobile according to claim 11, wherein the roof assembly (3) is also the one described in claim 5, and the coupling interface (38) comprises the pin seat (39) extending along a further straight axis (A) toward the recess (44).

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