DE102008024723A1 - Collapsible roof e.g. soft top, for Cabriolet vehicle, has manual operating unit with pre-locking unit that is detachable from operating handle during opening of collapsible roof, where operating unit is coupled to rotary drive part - Google Patents

Abstract

The roof has a motor operating unit or manual operating unit attached to a front tarp hoof, where the manual operating unit is coupled to a rotary drive part or to a replacing or supplementing part. The manual operating unit is provided with an operating handle (33) that is pivotably supported around a transverse axis (35) and is coupled with the drive part by an intermediate gear. The manual operating unit has a pre-locking unit (42) that is detachable from the handle during opening of the roof.

Description

The The invention relates to a folding top of a motor vehicle with a movably mounted roof frame and one on a front bow the folding top arranged closure device for fixing the closed folding top on a fixed vehicle structure, wherein the closure device comprises a rotary drive part which can be adjusted about an axis of rotation having, with at least one latch part of the closure device coupled to its operation.

From the EP 0 972 665 A1 is a generic closure device for a closure member of a vehicle, in particular for the convertible top of a motor vehicle, known, comprising a drive motor for actuating the shutter mechanism of the closure device, a transmission which is formed with the drive motor as a structural unit and with the drive motor in Connection stands, a round turntable that communicates with the transmission and can be rotated by him in both directions about its central axis, a support plate that carries the turntable, at least one pull and push rod, with its one end to the turntable is articulated, and has at least one catch hook, which is in communication with the other end of the pull and push rod and which can engage in a counter bearing on a cowl of the vehicle for locking. A manual operation of the closure device is not provided.

The EP 0 560 027 B1 discloses a folding top with a locking device which is arranged at the front region of the folding top and has two transversely spaced locking members which can engage with counter bearings in the region of the cowl for locking the closed folding top. The two locking members are coupled to each other via a transverse to the folding top torsion bar. The torsion bar includes a centrally mounted handle, with which the torsion bar can be pivoted about its longitudinal axis, wherein the locking members are actuated. A motor drive for actuating the locking device is not provided.

From the US 6,155,614 A is a vehicle with a folding top has become known, at the front region of a closure device is arranged with two transversely spaced from each other pivotable bars. An actuating device of the closure device, which is arranged centrally on the folding top, is coupled to the two bars via respective connecting elements. According to a first embodiment, a motor actuating device is provided with an electric motor, which operates via a transmission two train-pressure cable, which are connected via deflecting units with the respective bolt. According to a second embodiment, a manual actuating device is provided with a handle, which is rotatably mounted for actuation by means of a bearing axis aligned in the longitudinal direction of the hood on the hood. The handle is in turn pivotable on the bearing axis about a transverse pivot axis between a position of use and a use position relative to the bearing axis. The connection to the two locking hooks is in contrast to the first embodiment via two rigid connecting rods, which are connected via deflection with the respective latch.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an aforementioned folding top to provide that has an improved closure device.

The Object is achieved by a folding top solved with the features of claim 1. advantageous Embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims specified.

If according to a first solution of the problem is provided that on the front bow either a motor Actuator or a manual actuator is attached, each to the rotary drive part or to a the rotary drive part replacing or complementary part is coupled, the closure device remains next to the two different actuator units substantially unchanged. In particular, the connection remains from the rotary drive part identical to the one or more locking hooks and thus unchanged. For adapting the closure device to the respective actuating unit can z. B. a flange attached to the rotary drive part or the rotary drive part can be changed or against a spare part can be exchanged, which connects to locking hooks the closure device takes over.

A second solution of the task provides that a manual Actuator with an operating handle is provided, which is pivotally mounted about a roof transverse axis is and via an intermediate gear with the rotary drive part or with a rotary drive part replacing or supplementing Part is coupled. The intermediate gear allows a Adaptation of different storage positions and directions of movement the actuating handle and the rotary drive part or the other Part.

Finally, according to a third solution, the object is provided that a manual operating unit and a pre-locking unit are provided, which is detachable from an operating handle of the operating unit when opening the folding top. The Pre-lock unit provides a pre-lock function that allows safe top-off operation in a manual lock operation. Advantageously, the actuation of the pre-locking unit by means of the actuating unit of the shutter actuation, so that no further operating device is required.

Further Solutions of the task may be of appropriate Combinations of the features of the above invention Solutions and further features disclosed herein may be formed.

in principle is the locking device on the front bow of the folding top arranged, however, individual components such as engaging parts or counterparts on which closure or latch hooks the locking device engage on other components of the vehicle such as B. on the body or connected to the body Parts attached or formed.

Especially preferred is when the motorized actuation unit and the manual operating unit by means of a uniform Carrier component or by means of its own carrier components can be fixed to the front bow. In any case, should as possible little different parts used in the two variants become.

Preferably the rotary drive part is pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation, wherein a vertical axis of rotation is understood as an axis of rotation, which does not run in the roof transverse direction, but approximately perpendicular to a plane parallel to the front bow is arranged.

Conveniently, For example, the rotary drive part itself may be a gear or an external gear or it has a coaxially arranged gear.

Of the Operating handle can be pivoted on a bearing component be stored on the front bow or on a support member of the front bow is attached. Again, the goal is as possible many identical parts for the two variants of the operating units to use.

Of the Actuating handle can be via any connection be connected to the rotary drive part or gear and is in particular over a link device and / or coupled via a transmission. Conveniently, is a coupling with a drive gear and an output gear intended. Preferably, the two gears are with arranged approximately at right angles to each other rotary axes. Furthermore, the transmission may have at least one coupling lever.

In preferred design, the pre-locking unit has a latching hook on, which pivots on the manual operating unit is mounted and on a arranged on a cowl latching part in particular engages with spring bias detent.

Preferably unlocks the operating handle when pivoting out of a Resting position in an intermediate position, the closure device from the cowl and triggers when pivoting from the intermediate position in an end position the latching hook from its locking engagement.

Of Furthermore, it can be provided that the latching hook by means of a Connecting element or connecting lever connected to the operating handle is the operating handle on a guide or Setting the connecting lever or connecting element engages and at pivoting between his rest position and his Intermediate position is freely movable and when pivoting in its end position coupled to the connecting lever to its entrainment is.

Farther it is useful if the operating handle is held in its rest position by a locking device and by means of a release element for pivoting out of the Lock is releasable.

following an inventive folding top is based on of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing explained in more detail. It shows:

1 in a side view of a convertible vehicle with a folding top in the closed position;

2 in a perspective plan view essential elements of a closure device for a front bow of the folding top;

3 in a perspective plan view of the closure device of 2 with an electromotive actuator;

4 in a perspective plan view of the electromotive actuator of the closure device;

5 in a perspective plan view, a manual actuator of the closure device;

6 in a side view the in 5 illustrated manual actuator with closed operating handle;

7 in a side view the in 6 illustrated manual actuator with pivoted open in a first position operating handle;

8th in a side view the in 6 shown manual control device with full pivoting position swiveled operating handle;

9 in a perspective plan view of the swung-front bow in the storage position of the folding top with an additional locking device in the open position;

10 in a perspective plan view of the swung front bow according to 9 wherein the additional locking device is closed in the locked position;

11 in a perspective plan view of the swung-front bow in the storage position of the folding top with a abge converted embodiment of the additional locking device in the open position;

12 in a further perspective plan view of the swung front bow of the 11 with the additional locking device in the open position;

13 in a perspective plan view of the swung-front bow in the storage position of the folding top with a further modified embodiment of the additional locking device in the open position; and

14 in a perspective plan view of the swung front bow in the storage position of the folding top with the additional locking device of 13 in closed position.

A motor vehicle or cabriolet 1 includes a folding roof or folding top 2 (please refer 1 ) known per se with a top frame 3 , on both sides on a body-side main bearing 4 pivotally mounted handlebar in the form of a main handlebar 5 and a main pillar 6 having. A rigid, flat-formed front bow 7 forms a top and carries a fabric 8th , the whole closed folding top 2 spanned by several hoops 9 is held and attached to a rear arcuate clamping bracket 10 is attached. The folding top 2 is between the in 1 shown closed position and an open or filing position in which it is stored folded rear side, either manually or by means of a top frame 3 engaging drive device (not shown) pivotable. When removing the folding top 2 pivots a front hood section 11 holding the front bow 7 and two front side frame parts 12 contains, opposite a subsequent middle hood section 13 to the rear, so that in the storage position, in which a rear hood section 14 at the main camp 4 is pivoted to the rear and the middle hood section 13 swung on this, the front hood section 11 with the front bow 7 with the underside facing upwards and the front bow 7 directed towards the rear of the vehicle (this type of storage of the folding top 2 is also referred to as K-folding).

The folding top 2 contains a closure device 15 (please refer 2 and 3 ), with the folding top closed 2 the front bow 7 on a body-side component such as a cowl 16 above the windscreen 17 keeps locked. The closure device 15 contains two spaced hooks 18 , each by means of a wave 19 at one at the bottom of the front bow 7 attached carrier 20 are pivotally mounted. One with the wave 19 firmly connected drive lever 21 contains a ball stud 22 to which an associated actuating rod 23 is stored, the center of the front bow 7 is guided and there on a rotary drive part 24 an actuating device 25 the closure device 15 by means of a ball stud or axle bolt 26 is articulated. The closure device 15 also contains each a centering pin 27 placed in an associated receptacle on the lock counterpart at the cowl 16 engages when the folding top is closed 2 the two locking hooks 18 the front bow 7 at the cowl 16 keep locked.

At the bottom of the front bow 7 is central between the two locking hooks 18 a carrier component 28 attached to which the rotary drive part 24 is rotatably supported by a bearing. A drive shaft extending through the bearing is non-rotatable with the rotary drive member 24 connected and forms a rotation axis 29 of the rotary drive part 24 , This rotation axis 29 is in particular in a vertical longitudinal center plane of the folding top 2 and in particular substantially vertically aligned.

According to a first alternative, the actuating device contains 25 a motor drive with an electric motor 31 with flanged gearbox 32 , which is rotatably connected to the drive shaft. The unit from the electric motor 31 and the transmission 32 is on the carrier component 28 , z. B. a plastic or sheet metal part, z. B. determined by means of fittings. The closure device 15 or the locking hooks 18 are thus motor operated.

According to a second alternative, the actuating device 25 formed as a manually operated device and contains instead of the above motor drive a hand or operating handle 33 standing at a warehouse component 34 about a transverse pivot axis 35 is pivotally mounted. The Z. B. formed as a plastic or sheet metal part bearing component 34 is on the carrier component 28 or on the front bow 7 mounted such that the transverse pivot axis 35 on the front bow 7 rear end of the bearing component 34 is arranged and the operating handle 33 from its rest position, in which it is approximately parallel to the inside or underside of the folding top 2 in the area of the front bow 7 from the transverse pivot axis 35 goes forward (see 5 and 6 ), in an actuating position with respect to the folding top 2 is swung down and behind (see 7 and 8th ).

On a particular vertical bearing leg 36 of the bearing component 34 is a drive gear 37 , which also only as z. B. 180 ° -Zahnradsegment may be formed, pivotally mounted so that it with its teeth with a driven gear 38 is engaged, that at the rotary drive part 24 coaxial with its axis of rotation 29 is arranged or the rotary drive part 24 replaced, in which case the actuating rods on it 23 are articulated. The operating handle 33 has one over its transverse pivot axis 35 extending extension 39 on, at the end of a drive handlebar 40 hinged, on the other hand with the drive gear 37 at one to the pivot axis 41 spaced articulation point is articulated.

The front bow 7 is when closing the folding top 2 at the cowl 16 by means of a pre-locking device 42 lockable, the one centrally on the cowl 16 arranged latching bearing part 43 and one on the locking bearing part 43 Locking hook which can be fixed in a pre-locked position 44 having. The latching hook 44 is at a front portion of the bearing component 34 about a transverse pivot axis 45 pivotally mounted, directed forward and by the power of a z. B. on the transverse pivot axis 45 arranged spring 46 biased into its Vorverrastungsstellung.

To release the latching hook 44 from its Vorverrastungsstellung with closed folding top 2 is a connecting lever 47 provided, on the one hand on the latch hook 44 in one axis 48 hinged and on the other hand on a pin 49 of the operating handle 33 is guided on a longitudinal guide or backdrop 50 of the connecting lever 47 is engaged.

When opening the closed folding top 2 becomes a release button 51 a locking of the actuating handle 33 pressed, leaving the operating handle 33 can be swung out of its rest position. When swiveling over the drive handlebars 40 , the drive gear 37 and the output tooth rim 38 the rotary drive part 24 pivoted so that the two operating rods 23 the locking hooks 18 open and out of their lock on the cowl 16 to solve. During this pivoting of the operating handle 33 first slides the pin 49 free in the scenery 50 of the connecting lever 47 until after a swivel angle of the operating handle 33 for example 57 ° to the end of the scenery 50 arrives ( 7 ) and further pivoting the operating handle 33 to z. B. about 20 ° the connection lever 47 takes along 8th ). The connecting lever 47 in turn pivots the latching hook 44 against the force of the spring 46 from its Vorverrastungsstellung in an open position, so now the front bow 7 is released and with the folding top 2 can be pivoted in the storage position. The operating lever 33 is by the spring 46 by means of the connecting lever 47 swung back to the position he had before the pivoting of the latching hook 44 has taken.

When closing the folding top 2 becomes the front bow 7 in its closed position on the cowl 16 guided, with the operating handle 33 assumes its pivotal position, which he at the beginning of the operation of the latching hook 44 has ( 7 ), and the latching hook 44 at the locking bearing part 43 locks. The operating handle 33 is then pivoted forward, with the locking hook 18 in their bar positions on the cowl 16 be pivoted, and finally locked in its rest position ( 6 ).

Around the open folding top 2 Locked in its rear storage position is an additional locking device 52 provided (see 9 and 10 ). This locking device 52 Contains at the bottom of the front bow 7 near its two lateral edges 53 one bolt hook each 54 the one at the front bow 7 formed or arranged carrier part 55 around a pivot axis 56 is mounted pivotably in particular in the roof longitudinal direction. An actuator 57 connects the latch hook 54 with the locking hook 18 in such a way that when pivoting the locking hook 18 in their latch positions by means of the operating handle 33 also the latch hooks 54 be pivoted into their locking positions ( 10 ). With folded folding top 2 is every latch hook 54 on a part of the top frame 3 in locking engagement and holds z. B. one on the main link 5 educated nose 58 so firm that a vertical movement of the front bow 7 relative to the nose 58 of the main handlebar 5 or the part of the top frame 3 which is substantially at rest and unable to move is excluded.

According to a modified embodiment of the aforementioned storage lock is a latch hook 54 ' the additional locking device 52 on an extended carrier part 55 ' pivotally mounted and positioned so that it is stored when the folding top 2 on a body-mounted part in the rear area, z. B. at one of a rear structure 62 attached bolts 59 , can be brought into locking engagement. The latch hook 54 ' is z. B. by means of a shaft 60 on the support part 55 ' pivoted and mounted on the bolt 59 facing side of the support member 55 ' arranged while the actuator 57 on one arm 61 attacks, on the shaft 60 on the latch hook 54 ' opposite side of the carrier part 55 ' is arranged. In this embodiment, the hood frame 3 with folded folding top 2 between the latch hook 54 ' and the carrier part 55 ' be arranged.

The actuator 57 may be any transmission device general such. As a rod, a rod transmission, a train-pressure cable or Bowden cable or the like. The actuator 57 can with the locking hook 18 or with each pressing the locking hooks 18 moving part and be operated on this part. Instead of a latch hook 54 respectively. 54 ' can any other suitable latch part such. B. a pin or a bolt are brought in any suitable movement in a locking position in which he a relative movement of the front bow 7 opposite the other folded folding top 2 or at least substantially restricts or completely prevents the rear area of the vehicle.

In the in the 13 and 14 illustrated modified embodiment is a latch part 55 '' in a horizontal or front bow 7 in an approximately parallel plane from an open position ( 13 ) pivotable and lockable on a frame part or a body-mounted part ( 14 ).

In a folding top, in particular folded in K-fold 2 Thus, an operator can the front bow 7 by actuating the operating handle 33 lock, wherein the closure device is inactive. Of course, a lock in electric motor drive is possible.

The Locking is also applicable to folding ceilings, the fixed roof parts or fixed roof shells or even as hardtop roofs can be formed.

The in the description and by way of embodiments disclosed individual features can be used in any technical appropriate arrangements and designs with the subject invention are combined in its general form.

1

motor vehicle

2

folding top

3

top frame

4

main bearing

5

main link

6

mainstay

7

front bow

8th

roof material

9

Spriegel

10

tensioning bow

11

front top section

12

lateral frame part

13

middle top section

14

rear top section

15

closure device

16

cowl

17

windscreen

18

lock jaw

19

wave

20

carrier

21

drive lever

22

ball pin

23

actuating rod

24

Rotary drive member

25

actuator

26

axle

27

centering

28

support component

29

axis of rotation

31

electric motor

32

transmission

33

operating handle

34

bearing component

35

Transverse pivot axis

36

bearing legs

37

drive gear

38

output gear

39

renewal

40

drive link

41

swivel axis

42

Vorrasteinrichtung

43

Rastlager part

44

latch hook

45

Transverse pivot axis

46

feather

47

connecting lever

48

axis

49

spigot

50

scenery

51

release button

52

locking device

53

lateral edge

54

latch hook

55

support part

56

swivel axis

57

actuator

58

nose

59

bolt

60

wave

61

poor

62

tail structure

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0972665 A1 [0002]
• - EP 0560027 B1 [0003]
• - US 6155614 A [0004]

Claims (15)

Folding top of a motor vehicle with a movably mounted convertible top frame and a closing device arranged on a front bow of the folding top for fixing the closed folding top to a fixed vehicle structure, the closing device having a rotary drive part which can be adjusted about an axis of rotation and is coupled to at least one latch part of the closing device for its actuation , characterized in that on the front bow ( 7 ) optionally a motorized actuation unit ( 31 ) or a manual operating unit ( 33 ), which in each case to the rotary drive part ( 24 ) or to a rotary drive part ( 24 ) is replaced or complementary part coupled, and / or that a manual operating unit with an operating handle ( 33 ) is provided, which is a Verdeckquerachse ( 35 ) is pivotally mounted and via an intermediate gear with the rotary drive part ( 24 ), and / or that a manual operating unit and a pre-locking unit ( 42 ) provided by an actuating handle ( 33 ) of the operating unit when opening the folding top ( 2 ) is solvable. Foldable top according to claim 1, characterized in that the motorized actuating unit ( 31 ) and the manual operating unit ( 33 ) by means of a unitary carrier component or by means of its own carrier components ( 28 respectively. 34 ) on the front bow ( 7 ) are definable. Folding top according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary drive part ( 24 ) about a vertical axis of rotation ( 29 ) is pivotable. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotary drive part ( 24 ) a gear ( 38 ) or a coaxially arranged gear ( 38 ) having. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating handle ( 33 ) on a bearing component ( 34 ) is pivotally mounted on the front bow ( 7 ) or on a carrier component ( 28 ) of the front bow ( 7 ) is attached. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating handle ( 33 ) via a link device and / or via a gear with the rotary drive part ( 24 ) or the gear ( 38 ) is coupled. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating handle ( 33 ) via a drive gear ( 37 ) having gear with the rotary drive part ( 24 ) or the gear ( 38 ) is coupled. Folding top according to claim 7, characterized in that the two gears ( 37 . 38 ) in approximately perpendicular axes of rotation ( 41 respectively. 29 ) exhibit. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transmission at least one coupling lever ( 40 ) having. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the Vorrasteinheit ( 42 ) a latching hook ( 44 ) which is pivotally mounted on the manual operating unit and on one of a cowl ( 16 ) arranged latching bearing part ( 43 ) engages latching in particular under spring preload. Foldable top according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuating handle ( 33 ) when pivoting from a rest position into an intermediate position, the closure device ( 15 ) from the cowl 16 ) unlocked and when pivoting from the intermediate position into an end position, the latching hook ( 44 ) releases from its latching engagement. Folding top according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the latching hook ( 44 ) by means of a connecting element or connecting lever ( 47 ) with the operating handle ( 33 ), the operating handle ( 33 ) on a backdrop ( 50 ) of the connecting lever ( 47 ) engages and it is freely displaceable during pivoting between its rest position and its intermediate position and when pivoting in its end position to the connecting lever ( 47 ) is coupled to its entrainment. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the actuating handle ( 33 ) is held in its rest position by a locking device and by means of a release button ( 51 ) is detachable for pivoting out of the lock. Folding top according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is a soft top, a hardtop or a hybrid of hardtop and softtop. Vehicle with a folding top according to one of the claims 1 to 14.