Method for opening and closing a vehicle roof, corresponding opening and closing system and vehicle

JP2023511927A5Active Publication Date: 2025-03-13AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI SPA
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022544664
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-01-31
Filing Date
2020-12-28
Publication Date
2025-03-13
Estimated Expiration
2040-12-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing retractable roof systems for convertible vehicles, particularly in rear-engined super sports cars, face significant space constraints due to the engine layout, compromising the vehicle's style and performance.

Method used

A system for dividing the roof into multiple sections that rotate and translate to occupy less space both longitudinally and vertically, using a mechanism that includes a drive unit with actuators and linkages to facilitate fully automatic opening and closing.

Benefits of technology

The system allows for a retractable roof to be stored efficiently in a compact compartment, maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic and performance by minimizing space usage and providing a reliable, automated operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A method for opening and closing a retractable roof (10) of a convertible vehicle, the roof (10) being comprised of at least a first portion (10a) and a second portion (10b) connected to one another, the method comprising the steps of moving the first portion (10a) of the roof (10) relative to the second portion (10b) of the roof (10) between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first portion (10a) is at least partially overlapping the second portion (10b), and in the second position the first portion (10a) is at least partially overlapping the second portion (10b). ) is substantially in the same plane as the second part (10b); rotating the first part (10a) and the second part (10b); and translating the superimposed first part (10a) and second part (10b) between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) are inside a compartment (2) of the vehicle and in the second position the first part (10a) and the second part (10b) are outside the compartment (2).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for opening and closing the roof of a convertible vehicle, for example, a super sports car having two seats, two doors and a rear engine. This specification also relates to a convertible vehicle and an opening and closing system for a convertible vehicle, which system can completely automatically fold and store the roof.

Background Art

[0002] To date, in the field of convertible vehicles, storage systems have been known which are designed to fold and store at least one rigid roof segment (retractable hardtop), as disclosed in US2004061354, or a frame having a length of flexible fabric attached thereto (retractable softtop). The roof is usually stowed in a compartment inside the vehicle at the rear. Generally, the compartment occupies part of the rear trunk and extends longitudinally.

[0003] However, these solutions cannot be applied to super sports cars with a rear engine design without significantly impairing the style and performance of the vehicle. In fact, in a super sports car, the interior space at the rear of the vehicle is at least partially occupied by the engine and associated devices. Therefore, the space available for accommodating the retractable roof is severely limited. Therefore, it is particularly difficult to find a solution for this type of vehicle without significantly changing the streamlined silhouette of the vehicle, which is an important element of its success, for example, due to the space occupied by the engine.

[0004] Document DE102012203234 discloses a system for moving a vehicle roof, in which the roof is divided into two parts, which are superimposed on each other, rotated, and stored in a compartment located behind the seats. In this way, the roof is stored in a substantially vertical position and extends longitudinally to a more limited extent than other solutions. The roof parts are rotated by an articulated quadrilateral that defines the rotational trajectory, which is relatively cumbersome.

[0005] In this regard, the main objective of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a technical solution for folding and storing the retractable roof of a convertible vehicle, which is subject to significant space limitations, for example, because the interior space at the rear of the vehicle is limited, or because the vehicle layout does not allow for folding and storing the retractable roof in a conventional manner.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose a system for opening and closing a vehicle roof that reduces the space it occupies in both the longitudinal and vertical directions relative to the vehicle itself.

[0008] The objective of this invention is to propose a simple yet reliable system and method for opening and closing a vehicle roof.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for opening and closing a roof completely automatically. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the following non-limiting description of one or more embodiments of the invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1-3]A schematic diagram shows a convertible vehicle equipped with a system for opening and closing the roof, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an opening / closing system according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5-9] Details of examples of opening and closing systems according to one or more embodiments are shown. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram shows a convertible vehicle equipped with a system for opening and closing the roof, according to one or more embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, one or more embodiments may refer to a convertible vehicle 200, preferably a supercar, equipped with one or more opening / closing systems 1. The opening / closing system 1 includes a retractable roof 10, which may be a hard or soft roof. The opening / closing system 1 enables the execution of steps to fully automatically open and close the retractable roof 10.

[0012] The vehicles could, to their advantage, be road vehicles or even water vehicles.

[0013] The vehicle 200 includes a compartment 2, which has an opening 20 through which the roof 10 can be inserted into or pulled out of the compartment 2, and the opening 20 may be, for example, an upper opening. The compartment 2 may be located inside the vehicle 200, for example, behind the passenger seat.

[0014] The vehicle 200 may be equipped with a cover 4 having a cover element 40 for closing compartment 2. The cover element 40 may be configured to move between a closed position in which the opening 20 is covered and an open position in which the opening 20 is not covered and the roof 10 can be inserted into or pulled out of compartment 2.

[0015] In practice, the cover, or at least the cover element, is movable between a closed position in which compartment 2 is inaccessible and an open position in which compartment 2 is accessible.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the roof 10 is divided into several parts that are directly or indirectly connected to one another. For simplicity, the following and in the drawings, references are made in the case where a first part 10a and a second part 10b exist. However, it is also possible that more parts exist. As shown in the drawings, the first part 10a may be a front part further away from section 2, and the second part 10b may be a rear part closer to section 2. The first part 10a and the second part 10b may be the same size, or the first part 10a may be smaller than the second part 10b, at least on one side. For example, the first part 10a and the second part 10b may have the same width, which is substantially equal to the width of the interior 3 of the vehicle. For example, the roof 10 may be divided into a first part and a second part along a direction traversing the vehicle 200.

[0017] The roof 10 has a closed configuration in which the roof 10 covers the interior 3 of the vehicle 200, as shown, for example in Figure 1; a transient configuration in which parts 10a and 10b of the roof 10 are folded / unfolded, rotated and / or translated, as shown, for example in Figure 2; and an open configuration in which the interior 3 of the vehicle 200 is not covered and the roof 10 is stored inside the compartment 2, as shown, for example in Figure 3. In the open position, thanks to the mechanism of the opening and closing system 1, the first and second parts 10a and 10b of the roof 10 are in close contact. Advantageously, this makes it possible to provide a compartment 2 of reduced size.

[0018] Advantageously, and thanks to the presence of the cover 4 for section 2, the roof 10 also does not need to cover section 2, and therefore can be made shorter in length.

[0019] Thanks to its shorter length, the roof can be stored in compartment 2, which is not very deep.

[0020] Preferably, the cover 4 also forms part of the roof opening and closing system, and its operation must be coordinated with at least the movement of the roof.

[0021] In the closed configuration, the first part 10a and the second part 10b may be substantially in the same plane, and the first part 10a may be locked to the securing support element 5 for safety at the end of the first part 10a opposite the end connected to the second part 10b. In fact, the element 5 may be configured to lock to the first part 10b of the roof 10 when the first part is in place at the element 5.

[0022] In the transitional configuration, the first part 10a may be configured to move between a first position where the first part 10a is superimposed on the second part 10b and a second position where the first part 10a is substantially in the same plane as the second part 10b. The movement from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, can occur by translation, for example, by a first translation in the first direction X and a second translation in the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the first translation and the second translation can occur simultaneously. This means that the first part 10a of the roof 10 can move obliquely. For example, the first part 10a and the second part 10b can be wholly or partly superimposed.

[0023] In one embodiment (for example, the one shown), the front part moves over the rear part and then both are inserted into compartment 2.

[0024] According to one aspect, the first and second parts 10a, 10b can be rotated about the axis of rotation R10 by a predetermined angle α (for example, 90°) in one direction and the opposite direction.

[0025] The first and second parts 10a, 10b follow their respective circular orbits about the common axis of rotation R10 to transition from the closed configuration of the roof 10 to the open configuration and from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0026] The step of opening the roof 10 includes the step of rotating both the parts 10a and 10b of the roof around the rotation axis R10.

[0027] According to one aspect, the first and second parts 10a, 10b rotated in an overlapping manner can be housed in the compartment 2 or pulled out from the compartment 2 by translating along the third direction Z. The third direction Z can substantially coincide with the vertical direction. According to one aspect, the rotation axis R10 can be perpendicular to the first direction X and / or the second direction Y. For example, the rotation axis R10 can be parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle 200. The first direction X is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as being perpendicular to the third direction Z, but changes as the rotational movement progresses. In other words, the first direction is a direction radial to the rotation axis R10 of the roof 10.

[0028] During the step of opening the roof 10, when the parts 10a and 10b of the roof are rotated around the rotation axis R10, the parts 10a and 10b move to the positions shown in FIG. 2, for example, from where they can be translated into the compartment 2.

[0029] According to one aspect, for example, by translating the first part 10a of the roof 10 along the first and second directions X, Y, the operation of moving the first part 10a of the roof 10 relative to the second part 10b, and the operation of rotating the first and second parts 10a, 10b can occur simultaneously. Advantageously, this reduces the time required to open and close the roof 10.

[0030] In the transitional configuration, when the first part 10a and the second part 10b are overlapped and rotated and inserted into or pulled out from the compartment 2, the cover 4 may be away from the opening 20. Otherwise, the cover 4 may be close to the opening 20.

[0031] In the open configuration, the overlapping and rotated first portion 10a and second portion 10b are positioned inside the compartment 2, and the cover 4 may be closed to cover the opening 20.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the opening and closing system 1 comprises a retractable roof 10 and at least one movable unit 12, which will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The moving unit 12 includes a moving and rotating mechanism configured to move a first portion 10a of the roof 10 relative to a second portion 10b of the roof 10 between a first position and a second position, and to rotate the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b around a rotation axis R10 which is parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle 200, such that in the first position the first portion 10a is at least partially superimposed on the second portion 10b, and in the second position the first portion 10a is substantially in the same plane as the second portion 10b.

[0034] Advantageously, compared to conventional solutions, the moving mechanism that enables the rotation of parts 10a and 10b around the axis of rotation is simple, reliable, and small in size.

[0035] The mobile unit 12 includes a translation mechanism configured to translate the first part 10a and the second part 10b, which are superimposed between a first position and a second position, in which case the first part 10a and the second part 10b are inside the compartment 2 of the vehicle 200, and in which case the first part 10a and the second part 10b are outside the compartment 2.

[0036] The moving unit 12 includes a drive unit configured to drive the moving and rotating mechanism and the translation mechanism.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the moving unit 12 may include one or more link mechanisms composed of a plurality of interconnected rigid mechanical elements.

[0038] The drive unit of the moving unit 12 may include a first slider 120 and a first actuator 122 configured to move the first slider 120 between a first position and a second position, for example, along a third direction Z. In this way, when the first actuator 122 brings the first slider 120 to the first position, the rotated first portion 10a is superimposed on the rotated second portion 10b, and when the first actuator 122 brings the first slider 120 to the second position, the first portion 10a is substantially in the same plane as the second portion 10b.

[0039] The drive unit of the moving unit 12 may include a second slider 124 and a second actuator 126 configured to move the second slider 124 between a first position and a second position, for example, along a third direction Z. In this way, when the second slider 124 is in the first position, the roof 10 is housed inside the compartment 2, and when the second slider 124 is in the second position, the roof 10 is outside the compartment 2. The second slider 124 may be connected (for example, directly) to a second portion 10b of the roof 10.

[0040] System 1 may include a rail 6 along which the first slider 120 and / or the second slider 124 can operate. The rail 6 is fixed to the vehicle 200, for example, behind the seats.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the second position of the first slider 120 may be the first slider 120 when it is far from the second slider 124. Conversely, the first slider 120 is in the first position when it is close to the second slider 124.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first slider 120 may include an engagement mechanism 121 configured to engage with the second slider 124 when the first slider 120 is in a first position. For example, the second slider 124 may be configured to translate only when the first slider 120 is coupled to the second slider 124. Thus, when the second actuator 126 moves the second slider 124, the first slider 120 is also moved. The first slider 120 may be configured to engage with the second slider 124 when the first slider 120 is in a first position and to release from the second slider 124 before the first slider 120 begins to move toward the second position.

[0043] In one embodiment, the drive unit of the moving unit may include at least one first tension element 128 (e.g., a belt, rack, or cable) for connecting the first slider 120 to the first actuator 122, and the first actuator 122 may be configured to move the first slider 120 by moving the first tension element 128, for example by pulling a cable. For example, the first slider 120 and the first actuator 122 may be connected by two cables, namely, one cable for moving the first slider 120 from a first position to a second position, and the other cable for moving the first slider 120 from a second position to a first position. The drive unit of the moving unit may include at least one second tension element 129 (e.g., a belt, rack, or cable) for connecting the second slider 124 to the second actuator 126, and the second actuator 126 may be configured to move the second slider 124 by moving the second tension element 129, for example by pulling a second cable. For example, the second slider 124 and the second actuator 126 may be connected by two cables: one cable for moving the second slider 124 from a first position to a second position, and one cable for moving the second slider 124 from a second position to a first position.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first actuator 122 and the second actuator 126 may be electric motors configured to drive the first tension element 128 and the second tension element 129.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the drive unit may include a linear motor configured to drive the first and second sliders 120, 124 between a first position and a second position. Alternatively, the drive unit may include a hydraulic actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the movement and rotation mechanism includes a connecting mechanism 130 (e.g., an articulated quadrilateral) configured to connect a first portion 10a and a second portion 10b of the roof 10 to each other. The connecting mechanism 130 may be configured to move the first portion 10a relative to the second portion 10b of the roof 10 by translation.

[0047] Figures 5 and 6 show front and rear views of examples of the opening and closing system 1 in one or more embodiments with the roof 10 closed. At one or both side ends of the roof 10, the system 1 may include a moving unit 12, as described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the system 1 may include two moving units 12. The vehicle 200 includes a frame or structure, preferably a load-bearing frame or structure, as shown collectively by reference numeral 7.

[0048] The roof 10 is supported by a frame 7, more specifically, one end of the roof 10 is connected to the frame 7. More precisely, the roof 10 may be connected to the frame 7 at one end of a second portion 10b, opposite to the end connected to the first portion 10a.

[0049] System 1 may include two rails 6 positioned at the side ends of the frame 7. The first and second sliders 120, 124 of the two moving units 12 may be configured to move by translation along their respective rails 6. The first and second actuators 122, 126 of the two moving units 12 may be located on the frame 7. The two moving units 12 are driven and configured to move portions 10a, 10b of the roof 10 simultaneously.

[0050] Figures 7 to 9 show examples of how the roof 10 opens in a closed configuration (Figure 7) and a transient configuration (Figures 8 and 9). As already described, system 1 may have multiple levers and links. Multiple levers can be driven by driving the first slider 120 and the second slider 124.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the first slider 120 may be connected to one end of a connecting rod 132, which is connected to a crank 134 at the opposite end. The crank 134 is connected to a link 136 at the end opposite to the end connected to the connecting rod 132. Through the link 136, the crank 134 is connected to an articulated quadrilateral 130, which comprises a rigid element 1300 fixed to a second portion 10b of the roof 10 and connected at one end to the link 136, an arm 1302 fixed to a first portion 10a of the roof 10, and an arm 1304 positioned between and connected to the rigid element 1300 and the second rigid element 1302. The arm 1304 is configured to allow the first portion 10a to move translationally relative to the second portion 10b of the roof 10 in a known manner. The articulated quadrilateral arm 1304 is connected to link 136 by lever 138, and the arm 1304 can be driven by lever 138. The rigid element 1300 is also connected to link 136 by levers 140, 142, and 144. The second slider 124 is connected to link 136 by member 146.

[0052] The second slider 124 is connected by a lever 148 to the link 136 and the second part 10b of the roof 10.

[0053] The roof section 10b is connected to the slider 124 by a lever 148.

[0054] As shown in the drawing, for example, when the first slider 120 is driven, the cable 128 is pulled, and the first slider 120 moves translationally toward a first position, for example, vertically upward. The movement of the first slider 120 causes the movement of the connecting rod 132 and the crank 134, which, via the link 136 and the lever 138, drives the first part 10a of the roof 10 translationally along a first direction X. Via the link 136, the connecting rod 132 and the crank 134 move the rigid element 1300, member 146 and the lever 148, which work together to rotate the first and second parts 10a and 10b of the roof 10. For example, a predetermined angle α may be 90°, and after rotation, the first part 10a and the second part 10b are parallel to a third direction Z. The portions 10a and 10b of the roof 10 are rotated and overlapped, and then held in place by the mechanism of system 1. For example, levers 140, 142, and 144 hold the movable portion of the articulated quadrilateral 130 in place when the first portion 10a is overlapped with the second portion 10b.

[0055] Figure 9 shows the first slider 120 in the first position at the end of its translational motion. When the first slider 120 is in the first position, it is in contact with and coupled to the second slider 124.

[0056] In this way, when the second slider 124 is driven and moved translationally, the first slider 120 also moves translationally together with the second slider 124.

[0057] When the second slider 124, and therefore the first slider 120, moves translationally along the third vertical direction Z, for example downward, the mechanism coupled to the first and second sliders 120, 124 also moves together with them along the third direction Z (entrained). Thus, the roof 10 moves translationally along the third direction Z, for example toward the section 2 that receives the roof 10.

[0058] The explanation given so far with reference to Figures 7 through 9 is a non-limiting example of how the roof 10 opens. Closure occurs in a similar manner, but through translational and rotational motion in the opposite directions.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, as shown in Figure 10, the openable and closable cover 4 may have a cover element 40 positioned between the side walls 42 and configured to close the opening 20 of the compartment 2.

[0060] In one embodiment, the width of the cover element 40 may be smaller than the first and second portions 10a and 10b of the roof 10. That is, the width of the opening 20 may be narrower than, for example, the interior of the vehicle 3. This is because the side walls 42 of the cover 4 are inclined toward the interior of the vehicle for aesthetic and / or vehicle performance reasons.

[0061] The cover element 40 may be configured to move translationally between a first position where the cover element 40 is away from the opening 20 and a second position where the cover element 40 is on the opening 20.

[0062] The side wall 42 may be configured to move by translating together with the cover element 40. For example, the cover 4 may be formed as a single piece, as shown in Figure 3, for example. Alternatively, the side wall 42 may be configured to rotate at least partially, as shown in Figure 10, away from the interior of compartment 2 to expose the opening 20, or toward the interior of compartment 2 to cover the opening 20. The side wall 42 may be configured to rotate in the opposite direction during opening and / or closing of the cover 4.

[0063] The cover element 40 and the side wall 42 may be away from the opening 20 when the roof 10 is inserted or pulled out, or they may be in the opening 20 otherwise.

[0064] The opening and closing of the opening 20, and therefore the movement of the cover 4, can be fully automated. The vehicle 200 may be equipped with a lifting mechanism having an electric motor at one or both side ends of the cover element 40.

[0065] In one embodiment, the side wall 42 may be actuated, for example, by a spring and a Bowden system connected to a lifting mechanism for lifting the cover element 40. Alternatively, the side wall 42 may be actuated by at least one independent electric motor.

[0066] One or more embodiments may refer to a method for opening and closing a retractable roof 10 of a convertible vehicle, the roof comprising at least a first portion 10a and a second portion 10b.

[0067] This delicious, A step of moving a first portion 10a of the roof 10 relative to a second portion 10b of the roof 10 between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the first portion 10a is at least partially overlapping the second portion 10b, and in the second position, the first portion 10a is substantially in the same plane as the second portion 10b. The steps include rotating the first part 10a and the second part 10b around the rotation axis R10, The method includes the step of translating the superimposed first portion 10a and second portion 10b between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the first portion 10a and second portion 10b are inside the vehicle compartment 2, and in the second position, the first portion 10a and second portion 10b are outside the compartment 2.

[0068] For example, in order to open the roof 10, this method may include moving the first portion 10a of the roof 10 toward a first position by translation with respect to the second portion 10b along first and second directions X, Y, rotating the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the roof 10 by a predetermined angle α, for example 90°, in the first direction, and moving the superimposed and rotated first portion 10a and the second portion 10b toward a first position along a third direction Z.

[0069] For example, in order to close the roof 10, this method may include translating the superimposed and rotated first portion 10a and second portion 10b along a third direction Z toward a second position, rotating the first portion 10a and second portion 10b of the roof 10 by a predetermined angle α, for example -90°, in opposite directions, and translating the first portion 10a of the roof 10 toward a second position along first and second directions X, Y relative to the second portion 10b.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the steps of moving the first portion 10a of the roof 10 relative to the second portion 10b of the roof and rotating the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b occur simultaneously.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the step of translating the superimposed and rotated first portion 10a and second portion 10b along a third direction Z, for example, occurs at a different time from the other steps, for example, after the rotation step and while the roof 10 is open, or before the rotation step and while the roof 10 is closed.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle may include at least one cover 4 for closing compartment 2, and this method may include opening and closing compartment 2 by moving the cover 4.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the cover 4 has side walls 42 and a cover element 40 between the side walls 42, where, for example, the width of the cover element 40 may be smaller than the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the roof 10. This method may include the following steps performed during the insertion and withdrawal of the overlapping and rotated first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the roof 10, namely, The steps include moving the cover element 40 between a first position where the opening 20 is not covered and a second position where the opening 20 is covered, The process may include the step of moving the side wall 42 together with the cover element 40, or rotating the side wall 42 at least partially so as to move away from or toward the cover element 40, thereby exposing or covering the opening 20. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0074] [Patent Document 1] US2004061354 [Patent Document 2] DE102012203234

Claims

1. A method for opening and closing a retractable roof (10) of a convertible vehicle, said roof (10) being composed of at least a first part (10a) and a second part (10b) connected to each other, said method comprising the steps of: moving the first portion (10a) of the roof (10) relative to the second portion (10b) of the roof (10) between a first position and a second position, where in the first position the first portion (10a) is at least partially overlapped with the second portion (10b) and where in the second position the first portion (10a) is substantially in the same plane as the second portion (10b); rotating said first portion (10a) and said second portion (10b); translating the superimposed and rotated first and second parts (10a) and (10b) between a first translation position and a second translation position, wherein in the first translation position, the first and second parts (10a) and (10b) are inside a compartment (2) of the vehicle, and in the second translation position, the first and second parts (10a) and (10b) are outside the compartment (2), wherein the rotating step occurs by rotating the first and second parts (10a) and (10b) about a common axis of rotation (R10).

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of moving the first portion (10a) of the roof (10) relative to the second portion (10b) of the roof and rotating the first portion (10a) and the second portion (10b) occur simultaneously.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of translating the superimposed first and second parts (10a) and (10b) occurs after the step of rotating when the roof (10) is opened, or occurs before the step of rotating when the roof (10) is closed.

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle comprises a cover (4) for closing the compartment (2), the method comprising opening and / or closing the compartment (2) by moving the cover (4).

5. The cover (4) includes a side wall (42) and a cover element (40) between the side walls (42), and the method includes the steps of: moving the cover element (40) between a first position in which the opening (20) is not covered and a second position in which the opening (20) is covered; and moving the side wall (42) with the cover element (40) or rotating the side wall (42) at least partially away from or towards the cover element (40) to expose or cover the opening (20).

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first portion (10a) is a front portion of the roof and the second portion (10b) is a rear portion of the roof, and the first portion (10a) is disposed on the second portion (10b) after the step of moving the first portion (10a) of the roof (10) relative to the second portion (10b) of the roof (10).

7. An opening and closing system for a convertible vehicle, comprising a retractable roof (10) consisting of at least a first part (10a) and a second part (10b) connected to each other, and at least one moving unit (12) for moving the retractable roof (10), the at least one moving unit (12) comprising: a translation and rotation mechanism configured to translate the first portion (10a) of the roof (10) relative to the second portion (10b) of the roof (10) between a first position and a second position and to rotate the first portion (10a) and the second portion (10b), wherein in the first position, the first portion (10a) is at least partially superimposed on the second portion (10b) and in the second position, the first portion (10a) is substantially in the same plane as the second portion (10b); a translation mechanism configured to translate the superimposed first and second parts (10a) and (10b) between a first translation position and a second translation position, where in the first translation position the first and second parts (10a) and (10b) are inside a compartment (2) of the vehicle, and where in the second translation position the first and second parts (10a) and (10b) are outside the compartment (2); and a drive unit configured to drive the moving and rotating mechanism and the translation mechanism, the moving and rotating mechanism having a common rotation axis (R10) around which the stacked first part (10a) and second part (10b) are rotated.

8. The opening and closing system according to claim 7, wherein said at least one moving unit (12) comprises at least one linkage mechanism made up of a plurality of interconnected mechanical elements.

9. 9. The opening and closing system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the drive unit of the at least one moving unit (12) comprises a first slider (120) and a first actuator (122) configured to move the first slider (120) between a first position and a second position, and when the first slider (120) is in the first position, the rotated first portion (10a) is superimposed on the rotated second portion (10b), and when the first slider (120) is in the second position, the first portion (10a) is substantially in the same plane as the second portion (10b).

10. 10. The opening and closing system according to claim 9, wherein the drive unit of the at least one moving unit (12) comprises a second slider (124) and a second actuator (126) configured to move the second slider (124) between a first position and a second position, and when the second slider (124) is in the first position, the roof (10) is housed inside the compartment (2), and when the second slider (124) is in the second position, the roof (10) is outside the compartment (2).

11. 11. The opening and closing system of claim 10, wherein the first slider (120) comprises an engagement mechanism configured to engage with the second slider (124) when the first slider (120) is in the first position.

12. The drive unit of the at least one moving unit (12) comprises: at least one first tension element (128) for connecting the first slider (120) to the first actuator (122), the at least one first tension element (128) being configured such that the first actuator (122) moves the at least one first tension element (128) thereby moving the first slider (120); and / or 12. The opening and closing system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: at least one second tension element (129) for connecting the second slider (124) to the second actuator (126), the at least one second tension element (129) being configured such that the second actuator (126) moves the at least one second tension element (129) to thereby move the second slider (124).

13. 13. An opening and closing system according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first portion (10a) of the roof (10) is a front portion of the roof and the second portion (10b) of the roof (10) is a rear portion of the roof.

14. 14. An opening and closing system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, comprising a cover (4) for closing the compartment (2), the cover (4) being movable between a closed position in which the compartment (2) is inaccessible and an open position in which the compartment (2) is accessible.

15. 15. The opening and closing system according to claim 14, wherein the cover includes a side wall (42) and a cover element (40) between the side walls (42), the cover element being movable between a first position in which an entrance opening (20) leading to the compartment is not covered and a second position in which the opening (20) is covered, the side wall (42) being movable with the cover element (40) or rotatable towards and away from the cover element (40) to cover and expose the opening (20), respectively.

16. A convertible vehicle equipped with an opening and closing system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 15 and equipped with said compartment (2).