DE102005030680B4 - Coupling device between a clamping bracket of a folding top of a convertible and a tailgate - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for motion coupling between a tailgate of a convertible and a clamping bracket at the rear edge of a folding top of the convertible,
characterized in that
- According to a first solution with closed folding top (4) of the clamping bracket (9) during the initial opening of the tailgate (10) is held in its closed position and decoupled by the device (21) of the movement of the tailgate (10) and from a defined Pivoting position of the tailgate (10) of the clamping bracket (9) for joint pivotal movement with the tailgate (10) is coupled to this and / or
- According to a second solution, the pivot axis (14) of the tailgate (10) and the pivot axis (14) of the clamping bracket (9) are arranged coaxially.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for motion coupling between a tailgate of a cabriolet and a clamping bracket at the rear edge of a Folding hood of the convertible.

From the DE 103 31 392 B3 is a generic device to a vehicle with a tailgate and a reaching to the tailgate folding roof known that has a forming the rear edge of the hood clamping bracket. The clamping bracket and the tailgate are pivotally mounted on the body about spaced pivot axes. A hinge device connects the clamping bracket and the tailgate in such a way that when opening the tailgate, the clamping bracket is also lifted immediately to improve the accessibility of the closable by the tailgate trunk. When opening and removing the top of the clamping bracket pivots relative to the tailgate in a lowered storage position below the upper edge of the tailgate, the hinge connection between the clamping bracket and the tailgate is separated. This construction requires a hinge device that is comparatively expensive to perform the motion transmission and for coupling and decoupling.

The DE 101 38 163 C2 discloses a vehicle folding top with a clamping bracket, which rests with the top down on a top compartment lid or trunk lid and is swung up when opening the top, before the top compartment lid or trunk lid can be opened.

The DE 195 31 074 C1 discloses a vehicle with a folding top, wherein a pivot axis for pivoting the folding top from the closed position is disposed in an opening position on a trunk lid coaxial with a pivot axis of the boot lid.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an aforementioned device to create that improves in terms of their functionality and simplified.

The Task is in the device mentioned above according to the invention thereby solved that when closed Folding top or soft top of the clamp when opening the Tailgate in its closed position is held and decoupled by the device of the movement of the tailgate is and that off a defined pivoting position of the tailgate of the clamping bracket for joint pivotal movement with the tailgate coupled to this is. Often extends only released from the tailgate opening for loading and unloading of the cargo or luggage compartment. This takes into account the device according to the invention, by opening at the first opening Tailgate of the clamp is not pivoted. Because the clamp is not already at every opening the tailgate is pivoted, is also the folding top or the top cloth less frequently relaxed and re-tensioned, resulting in less operating force is required, the top fabric is less burdened and the Lifespan of components increased becomes. Since the coupling or uncoupling by the device takes place automatically, is no additional activity required by the operator.

The object is achieved according to the invention in the device mentioned above, that the pivot axis of the tailgate and the pivot axis of the tension bracket are arranged coaxially. By this design of the device is a simpler and space-saving design over that of DE 103 31 392 B3 achieved and allows a correspondingly compact arrangement of the device on each side of the vehicle.

Especially advantageous is a combination of the two solutions mentioned together, because in this case, the advantages of the compact design with the simp chen and rational operation and movement of the tailgate and of the tension bracket complement each other and support.

advantageous Embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

It is particularly preferred when the clamping bracket with folded folding top in its closed position remains and is disconnected from the aufzuschwenkenden tailgate. When the folding top on or in the clamp or between its two Thigh is stored while the top cloth in the area of tensioning bow In some way is curious, should the clamp when swinging the tailgate in its closed position remain in order to avoid collisions or damage to the stored top to prevent. Therefore, the clamping bracket is decoupled from the tailgate, before it can be swung open. The decoupling can z. B. by manual operation, automatically when removing the hood or when lifting the tailgate when stored Hood done.

Conveniently, is at the two pivot axes of the tailgate and the tension bracket a Articulated or handlebar device is provided which the tailgate and the clamp coupled or decoupled from it. This arrangement facilitates a compact Design of the joint or handlebar device.

The Joint means may comprise a coupling lever, in particular arranged coaxially to the pivot axis of the tailgate and the tension bracket is and makes the motion coupling between the tailgate and the clamping bracket.

Conveniently, contains the hinge means a latch lever, which the clamping bracket with the Tailgate coupled or decoupled. The pivotally mounted locking lever can be due to the above manual or automatic actuation between his two positions are adjusted, in particular he special by a biasing device such. B. a tension spring or a Compression spring or a torsion spring in one of the two positions, in particular the latch or coupling position is biased.

If in a preferred embodiment, an actuated by the hinge device locking device is provided, which the clamping bracket in its closed position holding on to the body, the locking device can without another adjusting or actuating device dependent on the position of the tailgate are operated by this self. However, it can also have its own control be provided. Conveniently, the locking device includes a locking hook, the on the clamp pivoted and for provided a locking engagement with a body-mounted counterpart is. The locking hook is particularly shaped so that he the clamping bracket over a certain pivoting moved to its closed position and thereby also performs the tension of the top or the top fabric. Conveniently, a four-bar arrangement is provided for actuating the locking device, in the locked position take a dead center or over-center position can, so on the clamping bracket acting lifting forces the locking of the tension bow not solve can.

The Tensioning of the top by the movement of the tension bow in its closed position conveniently takes place in a range of about 40 ° to 20 ° of the Swing angle of the tailgate and in particular in one area from about 30 ° to 25 °, can but also in other angular ranges. Is particularly favorable however, that the Tailgate with re-tensioned hood without force due to the clamping bracket or the hood can be swiveled.

at a further preferred embodiment is provided that at the tailgate is a driver attached, which is both a locking device of the tension bracket actuated as well as the clamp pivoted after unlocking. It can in particular pen-shaped takeaway intervene in a backdrop of a pivotally mounted gate lever, after an initial one Clearance of the driver pivoted in the backdrop during the initial opening of the tailgate is and thereby actuates the locking device of the clamping bracket.

following becomes a device according to the invention based on embodiments explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 in a side view in a schematic representation of a convertible vehicle with a folding top and a tailgate in the closed position;

2 in a plan view of a lateral storage area with the pivotal mounting of the tailgate and a tension bracket of the folding top and with the coupling device according to the invention between the tailgate and the clamping bracket in its closed position;

3 in a plan view of the lateral storage area according to 2 at initially swung up tailgate and still locked clamping bracket;

4 in a plan view of the lateral storage area according to 3 , wherein the further tilted tailgate has pivoted with the unlocked by the coupling device clamping bracket with;

5 in a plan view of the lateral storage area in the position according to 4 but in different perspective view;

6 in a plan view of the lateral storage area at the rear folded Faltverdeck, wherein the coupling device is shown during decoupling;

7 in a plan view of the lateral storage area at the rear stored Faltverdeck, wherein the coupling device has decoupled the connection between the clamping bracket and the tailgate, the clamping bracket is locked in the closed position and the tailgate is swung up;

8th in a plan view of the lateral storage area with alternatively designed hinge device;

9 in a plan view of the lateral storage area with a further embodiment of the coupling device; and

10 in a plan view of the lateral storage area according to 9 , with the clamping bracket unlocked and swung up with the tailgate.

A convertible vehicle 1 (please refer 1 ) with front seats 2 and backseat 3 contains a folding top 4 or soft top, which in closed position with its front edge 5 on a top edge or frame 6 a windshield 7 is detachably fixed and at the rear of the vehicle 8th with a cover forming the clamping bracket 9 to a trunk or tailgate 10 That's enough, one opening 11 the cargo or trunk 12 closes or releases. Through the arrangement of the hood, which extends to the rear 4 comprising in the usual way a movably mounted on the body and a flexible top cloth carrying linkage containing the vehicle 1 unlike a notchback vehicle a comparatively short tail in the manner of a hatchback vehicle. The top of the tailgate 10 protrudes z. B. only slightly from the clamp 9 to the rear and the rear opening 11 the cargo or trunk 12 extends on the vertical rear side between the two side fenders and rear side structures of the vehicle, the z. B. the tail lights included.

The following explanation the device according to the invention is done on the driver side or left side device. A corresponding device is also on the opposite side provided on the right side of the vehicle to the clamping bracket and the tailgate on both sides of the vehicle to store pivotally.

The clamp 9 is with its two front ends each with a body-mounted bearing block 13 (please refer 2 ) in a joint forming a transverse pivot axis 14 pivotally connected. The joint 14 contains for example one on the bearing block 13 fixed bearing sleeve 15 , on the one at the front end of the tension bracket 9 mounted bearing plate 16 is pivotally mounted.

The tailgate 10 has one on the clamping bracket 9 adapted bow-shaped upper edge 17 on, with the tailgate closed 10 to the clamp 9 adjacent and flush this covers or superimposed, with one at the top 17 arranged and containing a seal decorative strip 18 on the upper edge of the tension bracket 9 is applied. At the bow-shaped upper edge 17 is laterally each a forward projecting bearing arm 19 with a front end bearing part 20 provided, which also on the bearing sleeve 15 coaxial with the bearing plate 16 of the tension bracket 9 is arranged pivotably, wherein it according to the clamping bracket 9 on the outside surrounding arrangement of the upper edge 17 the tailgate 10 outside next to the bearing plate 16 of the tension bracket 9 is arranged. Thus, the tailgate 10 from her the clamp 9 The outside surrounding the closed position to be pivoted upward in an open position, while the clamping bracket 9 remains in its closed position.

A joint device 21 for coupling the tension bow 9 and the tailgate 10 for a common pivoting motion includes a two-armed coupling lever 22 and a latch lever 23 for selective engagement with the coupling lever 22 is movably mounted.

The coupling lever 22 is also on the bearing sleeve 15 on the outside next to the bearing part 20 the tailgate 10 pivotally mounted and contains at its front relative to the vehicle forward arm 24 a latch recess 25 (see eg 6 and 7 ). The opposite rear arm 26 of the coupling lever 22 has a joint at the end 27 for pivotal mounting of a connecting lever 28 a locking device 29 on, by means of the clamping bracket 9 can be fixed to the body.

The latch lever 23 is in a joint 30 on an extension 31 of the bearing part 20 of the bearing arm 19 the tailgate 10 pivoted. The extension 31 is opposite the bearing part 20 angled and extends over the joint in such a way 14 In addition, that in the closed position of the tension bracket 9 and the tailgate 10 the latch lever 23 by one at his joint 30 attached spring 32 ( 6 ) clockwise according to 3 is biased, with a front latch pin 33 at the latch recess 25 of the coupling lever 22 is engaged. In this way, the coupling lever 22 relative to the bearing part 20 rotatably held, so that he when swinging the tailgate 10 simultaneously with this around the joint 14 formed pivot axis is pivoted.

The latch lever 23 is formed, for example, from two identical side parts arranged parallel to each other (see 6 ), on the one hand by a the joint 30 forming bearing pin and on the other hand by the locking pin 33 are firmly connected. One with the latch lever 33 firmly connected operating lever 34 extends over the joint 30 out and contains at its free end a bracket 35 for a rope 36 a bowden cable passing through the hollow bearing sleeve 15 is guided and connected to an actuating device. By pulling on the rope 36 gets over the operating lever 34 the latch lever 23 from his engagement with the coupling lever 22 against the force of the spring 32 swung out so that the coupling lever 22 now relative to the bearing part 20 is pivotable.

The locking device 29 contains a locking hook 37 in a joint 38 on the clamp 9 is pivotally mounted and the latch tip 39 extends downwards and backwards so that the locking hook 37 a bolt 40 which can attach to a body-mounted bearing block 41 firmly attached.

The connecting lever 28 is in a joint 42 on the locking hook 37 between the joint 38 and the bolt tip 39 hinged, so that the rear arm 26 of the coupling lever 22 , the connection lever 28 and the locking hook 37 a four-jointed joint 14 . 27 . 42 and 38 form.

At the clasp 37 is a finger-like projection 43 formed so that it opens when the hook 37 on a support surface 44 of the tension bracket 9 , z. B at the lower edge, supported. One on the clamp 9 mounted centering pin 45 extends from a support part 46 to the rear and is for an engagement in one of the bearing block 41 provided and upwardly open centering slot 47 provided so that the clamping bracket 9 In the closed position is thereby kept centered in the vehicle transverse direction.

A gas spring 48 (eg in 4 shown) supports the tailgate 10 body side and supports the lifting of the tailgate 10 , The closed tailgate 10 lies by means of a bearing arm 19 attached stop 49 at one on the tension bracket 9 arranged stop 50 at.

The entire device is in the so-called water area outside arranged separated by the seals cargo or luggage compartment.

The function of the embodiment of the device according to the invention will be explained below. With the folding top closed 4 (please refer 2 ) and closed tailgate 10 is the coupling lever 22 the hinge device 21 by means of due to the force of the spring 32 pivoted latch lever 23 and the engagement of the locking pin 33 in the recess 25 of the coupling lever 22 rotatably with the bearing part 20 the tailgate 10 coupled. The rope 36 of the Bowden cable has this to the required pivoting of the operating lever 34 of the latch lever 23 yielded. The connecting lever 28 the locking device 29 is in an over-center position where the joint is 27 below a connecting line between the two joints 14 and 42 is arranged. This could possibly be. On the clamp 9 acting lifting force the locking of the locking hook 37 holding the clamp 9 on the bearing block 41 and thus keeps locked to the body, do not solve.

When swinging the tailgate 10 and her bearing arm 19 (Movement of 2 to 3 ) pivots the hinge device 21 as a unit with around the joint 14 or the pivot axis. Because the rope 36 through the bearing sleeve 15 and thus is guided in the pivot axis and thus undergoes no longitudinal displacement during pivoting, the coupling remains through the latch lever 23 maintained. The lifting rear arm 26 of the coupling lever 22 pulls the connecting lever 28 forward and thus pivots the locking hook 37 in the opening direction. The locking hook 37 but still remains on the bolt 40 in the locked position, so that the clamping bracket 9 continues to be locked to the bodywork. Accordingly, for accessibility to the trunk, only the rear trunk opening is available, while the upper opening still through the clamp 9 limited or closed. From this position, the tailgate 10 be closed again, without thus the clamping bracket 9 has been raised and the folding top 4 also has not been relaxed.

If the tailgate 10 is further opened (movement of 3 to 4 respectively. 5 ), it reaches a defined pivot position, in which the also moved along connecting lever 28 the locking hook 37 from its latch engagement on the bolt 40 has pivoted. This is the locking of the tension bracket 9 lifted on the body and the clamping bracket 9 is about the mitschwenkende joint device 21 and the connection lever 28 and the locking hook 37 that with his finger-like projection 43 at the supporting curse 44 or the lower edge of the tension bracket 9 has created, swung up. The raised with its rear edge clamp 9 opens the upper opening of the trunk, thereby facilitating the accessibility to the trunk due to the larger overall opening.

When closing the tailgate 10 also lowers the clamping bracket 9 from, wherein by its weight of the locking hook 37 continue over the connecting lever 28 to the support surface 44 remains panned. If the clamp 9 has reached its horizontal closing position approximately, in which the folding top or the top fabric is not yet stretched, there is the tailgate 10 in an opening angle of z. B. 35 °. About a further tilt angle of the tailgate 10 from Z. B. 5 ° is by means of the hinge device 21 and the connection lever 28 the locking hook 37 on the body-side bolt 40 brought into engagement and pivoted in its locked position (position of 3 ), in which the clamping bracket 9 arranged in its final closed position and the folding top is stretched again. The closing process of the clamping bracket 9 and the tensioning of the top 4 is thus at an opening angle of the tailgate 10 from Z. B. 30 ° ended. The tailgate 10 is now in its further closing movement of stationary stationary clamping bracket 9 decoupled. In the closed end position of the tailgate 10 takes the joint device back in 2 shown position.

To the folding top 4 the convertible is fully opened, it is pivoted backwards and on the clamp 9 filed in his locked closed position remains. Thus also with opened and at the rear filed Faltverdeck 4 the tailgate 10 can be opened, however, while the clamping bracket 9 due to the discarded folding top 4 and must remain in its closed position again, to some extent tensioned top fabric is on the hinge device 21 the coupling between the coupling lever 22 and the bearing part 20 canceled. This is achieved by the rope 36 of the Bowden cable is pulled so that over the operating lever 34 the latch lever 23 against the force of the spring 32 from his intervention on the coupling lever 22 is pivoted (see 6 ). The locking pin occurs 33 from the latch recess 25 of the coupling lever 22 out.

The rope 36 of the Bowden cable is coupled for example with a linkage part of the folding top so that it is the complete removal of the folding top 4 to the pivoting of the actuating lever 34 required travel is shifted in the pulling direction. Alternatively, the rope can 36 be connected with a handle when opening the tailgate 10 is pressed. Other controls are possible.

The tailgate 10 can now be opened (see 7 ), the extension 31 of the storage part 20 and thus also the inactive latch lever 23 is pivoted down while the coupling lever 22 and the connection lever 28 remain in resting over-center position and the clamp 9 remains locked. Thus, the tailgate 10 between its closed position and its open position without coupling with the clamping bracket 9 be freely swiveled.

If the folding top 4 is closed again, the rope is 36 given the opportunity to move back so that the latch lever 23 by the force of the spring 32 again in the coupling engagement with the coupling lever 22 swings.

An alternative design of the coupling device on the hinge device 21 shows 8th , A latch recess 25 ' is on the extension 31 ' of the storage part 20 formed while the latch lever 23 ' on the front arm 24 ' of the coupling lever 22 in the joint 30 ' is pivotally mounted. A feather 32 ' Tension the latch lever 23 ' in its locked position before, while a rope (not shown) of a Bowden cable to the latch lever 23 ' (or a second arm of the locking lever, not shown) 23 ' as an actuating lever) is attached and depending on the attachment by tensile or compressive load the locking lever 23 ' can operate in the manner described above. The operation of the hinge device otherwise corresponds to the first embodiment.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention (see 9 and 10 ) are the clamping bracket 9 and the tailgate 10 with two coaxial pivot axes in the joint 14 on a body-side bracket (not shown) pivotally mounted, but also parallel and spaced apart pivot axes are possible. The bearing part 20 the tailgate 10 or their bearing arm 19 is according to the first embodiment on the outside next to the bearing plate 16 of the tension bracket 9 arranged while the bearing block inside the bearing plate 16 is arranged. A z. B. pen or bol zenförmiger driver 51 , on the bearing part 20 the tailgate 10 is fixed and protrudes inward, is in a groove-shaped backdrop 52 in the bearing plate 16 concentric with the pivot axis or the joint 14 the tailgate 10 and the tension bracket 9 is formed, slidably received. The driver 51 is further in a backdrop 53 a scenery lever 54 slidably received, in a joint 55 the bearing plate 16 of the tension bracket 9 is pivotally mounted.

At one over the joint 55 z. B. angled out protruding arm 56 of the scenery lever 54 is a coupling link 57 attached to the inside of the tension bracket 9 to a locking device 58 runs and with a locking hook 59 coupled to the one at the clamping bracket 9 inside mounted carrier part 60 around a pivot axis 61 is pivotally mounted. On the support part 60 stand down two guide fingers 62 off, so that when lowered clamping bracket 9 a body-bolt 63 in the lead 64 between the two guide fingers 62 is taken up and the clamp 9 keeps centered on the body. The bolt tip 65 the locking hook 59 is formed such that it engages the bolt 63 the lowered and its closed position approximated clamping bracket 9 pulls down under application of the clamping force for tensioning the top or the top fabric in its closed position. A gas spring (not shown) is on an arm-shaped front end 66 of the storage part 20 attached and acts in the direction of a weight relief of the tailgate 10 ,

With the folding top closed 4 and closed tailgate 10 (please refer 9 ) is the driver 51 at the bottom of the scenery 53 of the pivoted in its closed position crank lever 54 arranged. In this position is the arm 56 of the scenery lever 54 pivoted forward and holds over the forward drawn coupling member 57 the locking hook 59 locks and thus the clamping bracket 9 in its closed position. When opening the tailgate 10 the driver initially moves freely in the backdrop 52 the bearing plate 16 in the scenery 53 of the scenery lever 54 while the clamp 9 remains in its closed position. By means of gas compression spring can be a preferred opening position of the tailgate 10 be set as a detent position.

When further swinging the tailgate 10 reaches the driver 51 the rear or upper end of the scenery 53 and then pivots in the course of the scenery lever 54 around its pivot axis 55 and with it the arm 56 in turn, via the coupling link 57 the locking hook 59 opens, so that due to the top tension of the clamping bracket 9 slightly raised.

When further swinging the tailgate 10 now reaches the driver 51 also the rear or upper end of the scenery 52 in the bearing plate 16 and pivots in the mechanical stop on the bearing plate 16 at the same time the clamping bracket 9 while it is pivoted up to its open position according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment is thus also the initial opening of the tailgate 10 without a movement of the tension bracket 9 possible, which is coupled only from a defined pivoting position of the tailgate to the movement. The coupling link 57 may be a stiff bow, a bowden cable or a pull-push cable that fits in a channel of the tension bow 9 , the z. B. is formed as an extruded, can be performed.

When the hood is off is also a decoupling of the tension bracket 9 from the movement of the tailgate 10 required. This decoupling can via an axial displacement of the driver 51 or by a hinge device with a pivotable locking lever according to the first embodiment. In such a hinge device z. B. the bearing part 20 opposite the tailgate 10 or their bearing arm 19 pivotable and attached and disconnected, so that the driver 51 deactivated, ie from the pivoting movement of the tailgate 10 can be disconnected.

The activity the decoupling or the driver can turn manually, by Coupling to the hood kinematics or by another producible Signal and one of them controlled actuator done.

1

Convertible car

2

front seat

3

back seat

4

roof

5

leading edge

6

frame

7

windscreen

8th

vehicle rear

9

tensioning bow

10

luggage compartment or tailgate

11

opening

12

loading or trunk

13

bearing block

14

joint

15

bearing sleeve

16

bearing plate

17

upper edge

18

molding

19

bearing arm

20

bearing part

21

articulation device

22

coupling lever

23

locking lever

24

front poor

25

locking recess

26

rear poor

27

joint

28

connecting lever

29

locking device

30

joint

31

extension

32

feather

33

locking pin

34

actuating lever

35

bracket

36

rope

37

locking hook

38

joint

39

Riegelspitze

40

bolt

41

bearing block

42

joint

43

head Start

44

support surface

45

spigot

46

support part

47

centering

48

Gas spring

49

attack

50

attack

51

takeaway

52

scenery

53

scenery

54

rocker arm

55

joint

56

poor

57

coupling member

58

locking device

59

locking hook

60

support part

61

swivel axis

62

guide fingers

63

bolt

64

guide

65

Riegelspitze

66

front end

Claims (16)

Device for motion coupling between a tailgate of a convertible and a tensioning bow on the rear edge of a folding top of the convertible, characterized in that - according to a first solution with the folding top closed ( 4 ) of the clamping bracket ( 9 ) when initially opening the tailgate ( 10 ) is held in its closed position and by means of the device ( 21 ) of the movement of the tailgate ( 10 ) is decoupled and from a defined pivoting position of the tailgate ( 10 ) of the clamping bracket ( 9 ) for joint pivotal movement with the tailgate ( 10 ) is coupled to these and / or - according to a second solution, the pivot axis ( 14 ) of the tailgate ( 10 ) and the pivot axis ( 14 ) of the tension bracket ( 9 ) are arranged coaxially. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping bracket ( 9 ) with the folding top ( 4 ) remains in its closed position and from the aufzuschwenkenden tailgate ( 10 ) is decoupled. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the two pivot axes ( 14 ) a joint device ( 21 ) is provided, the tailgate ( 10 ) and the clamping bracket ( 9 ) coupled or decoupled. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the articulation device ( 21 ) a coupling lever ( 22 ), which is coaxial with the pivot axis ( 14 ) of the tailgate ( 10 ) and the tension bracket ( 9 ) is arranged Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the articulation device ( 21 ) a latch lever ( 23 ), which the clamping bracket ( 9 ) with the tailgate ( 10 ) coupled or decoupled. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that one of the hinge device ( 21 ) actuated locking device ( 29 ) is provided, which the clamping bracket ( 9 ) holds in its closed position on the body. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking device ( 29 ) a locking hook ( 37 ), which on the clamping bracket ( 9 ) is pivotally mounted and provided for a locking engagement with a body-mounted counterpart. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that when the tailgate is open ( 10 ) and swung-up clamping bracket ( 9 ) the lowering of the tailgate ( 10 ) the coupled clamping bracket ( 9 ) moves against its closed position and the locking device ( 29 ) while simultaneously tensioning the top ( 4 ) the clamping bracket ( 9 ) is moved to its closed position. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the tensioning of the hood during closing of the clamping bracket ( 9 ) at an opening angle of the tailgate ( 10 ) of about 30 ° to 25 °. Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the uncoupling of the clamping bracket ( 9 ) from the tailgate ( 10 ) with the folding top ( 4 ) by manual operation or by an adjusting device depending on the position of the top ( 4 ) he follows. Device according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that a rope ( 36 ) for uncoupling the tension bow ( 9 ) from the tailgate ( 10 ) with the folding top ( 4 ) or for actuating the locking lever ( 23 ) near the pivot axis of the articulated device ( 21 ) and in particular by a hollow axis of the joint ( 14 ) of the articulated device ( 21 ) is guided. Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that a four-bar arrangement ( 14 . 27 . 42 . 38 ) for actuating the locking device ( 29 ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the four-bar arrangement ( 14 . 27 . 42 . 38 ) in the locking position of the locking device ( 29 ) occupies a dead center position or an over center position. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that on the tailgate ( 10 ) a driver ( 51 ) is mounted, which is both a locking device of the clamping bracket ( 9 ) as well as the clamping bracket ( 9 ) pivoted after unlocking. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the in particular pin-shaped driver ( 51 ) in a scenery ( 53 ) a pivotally mounted link lever ( 54 ) engages after an initial clearance of the driver ( 51 ) in the scenery ( 53 ) when initially opening the tailgate ( 10 ) is pivoted while the locking device of the tension bracket ( 9 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the articulated device ( 21 ) in a water-bearing space of the body below the tension bracket ( 9 ) is arranged.