US20010005086A1 - Retractable top trunk lid assembly - Google Patents
Retractable top trunk lid assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20010005086A1 US20010005086A1 US09/765,935 US76593501A US2001005086A1 US 20010005086 A1 US20010005086 A1 US 20010005086A1 US 76593501 A US76593501 A US 76593501A US 2001005086 A1 US2001005086 A1 US 2001005086A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- trunk lid
- trunk
- vehicle
- retractable
- roof
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/12—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
- B60J7/14—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement
- B60J7/143—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment
- B60J7/145—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment at least two elements being folded in clamp-shell fashion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/20—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops
- B60J7/202—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops being characterised by moveable cover parts for closing the gap between boot lid and rearmost seats
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D65/00—Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
- B62D65/02—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
- B62D65/06—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being doors, windows, openable roofs, lids, bonnets, or weather strips or seals therefor
Abstract
A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by movement along a track to which the trunk linkage is connected. The retractable hard top linkage includes a pivot bracket that is movable within the top guide track to limit the clearance necessary for folding the hard top into a stowed position.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/334,763 filed Jun. 16, 1999.
- This invention relates to retractable hard top vehicle roofs and related vehicle components that facilitate roof retraction and extension.
- Motor vehicles generally are provided with a rigid roof structure completely enclosing the top of the passenger compartment. In some instances a sunroof may be provided at an additional cost to provide some overhead ventilation, however, the size of the vehicle sunroofs is normally very limited. Vehicle roofs with sunroofs do not in any way approach the ventilation, openness and panoramic view that is available with a convertible roof.
- Conventional convertibles have a soft top that is folded into a series of folds that are stretched over three or four convertible top bows when the top is in its extended, or up, position. Convertible soft tops are prone to problems including excessive noise and potential water leakage. Soft tops are also generally less durable than a hard top and may require replacement periodically during the life of the vehicle. Some of the difficulties with the soft top convertibles result from the fact that they are not particularly well suited to winter weather. Cold temperatures, ice and snow that are encountered in winter discourage consumers from selecting convertible style vehicles even though the consumers may want a convertible for summer driving. In winter, water leakage through the convertible roof can make driving unpleasant and cause water damage to the interior of the vehicle. A soft top can make a vehicle difficult to heat due to heat transfer through the convertible top unless it is lined and insulated. If a convertible top is lined and insulated, reduction in noise levels and better heat retention may be achieved but the top becomes more bulky and requires more space within the vehicle for stowage.
- Retractable hard tops offer the advantages of a hard top roof and a convertible in that they provide a durable vehicle roof that is not prone to excessive noise levels or leakage and provides excellent durability. However, retractable hard tops generally require complex linkages and drive mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,606, discloses a system in which the trunk is provided with a dual hinge mechanism to allow it to be opened in the conventional manner on a forward hinge and to be tipped about its rear edge on an auxiliary rear hinge. In addition, a relatively large storage compartment must be provided to permit the retractable hard top to be folded and then moved into its storage compartment. Depending upon the size of the roof and trunk area of the vehicle, it may be difficult or impossible to configure a retractable hard top according to prior art designs that would still leave sufficient space in the trunk for useful storage. In addition to providing space for storing the retractable hard top, if an automatic hard top is provided, there must be adequate clearance between the trunk lid, wheel housings, floor of the vehicle and belt line of the vehicle so that the hard top may be automatically retracted without interference from other vehicle elements.
- Assembly of convertible tops and retractable hard tops has generally been accomplished by taking separate components including the top and its associated linkage and the tonneau and its associated linkage and assembling them to a partially constructed vehicle on an assembly line. Alternatively, convertibles have been manufactured by removing the roof structure of a conventional coupe, reinforcing the frame and then installing the convertible top and tonneau. In either method the trunk lid is assembled as part of the vehicle entirely separately from the top. Likewise, if a roll bar is provided it is entirely separate from the top and from the trunk lid prior to assembly to the vehicle. These assembly methods are inefficient and add operations to the final vehicle assembly process. Also, testing and adjustment of various systems relating to the operation of the trunk lid, tonneau and top are required post assembly to the vehicle including integration of electrical connections, hydraulic systems and mechanical linkages.
- These and other problems and design objectives are addressed by the present invention as summarized below.
- The advances embodied in the present invention may be applicable to retractable hard tops and soft convertible tops. The present invention includes improvements in the top alone and in combination with a power tonneau cover, trunk lid, and rollbar. The invention also offers advantages relating to modular assembly techniques involving the retractable top, trunk, tonneau and rollbar.
- According to another aspect of the invention, the retractable vehicle top system may be incorporated in a vehicle having a trunk lid that has a linkage that raises the trunk lid as it pivots to provide additional clearance for the retractable vehicle top system as it moves between the top up position and the stowed position. The retractable roof and trunk lid combination includes a roof formed in at least two sections that are pivotally connected to each other by a roof linkage to the vehicle body. The roof linkage includes right and left roof pivot brackets that are connected to right and left sides of the vehicle body by right and left roof pivot members received in right and left roof guide tracks. A trunk lid is connected to both sides of the vehicle body by a trunk lid linkage. The trunk lid linkage includes right and left movable trunk lid pivot members that are received in right and left trunk lid tracks. The movable trunk lid pivot members are connected to the trunk lid and the vehicle body. The roof has a top up position wherein the roof covers the passenger compartment in a stowed position wherein the passenger compartment is uncovered. Two sections of the roof are adjoined in the top up position and are folded together in the stowed position. The roof pivot brackets are moved along the roof guide tracks as the roof is moved between the top up position and the stowed position. The trunk lid has a closed position in which the trunk lid covers the trunk and an open position in which access is provided to the trunk. In the open positions movable trunk lid pivot members are shifted upwardly by moving the trunk lid pivot members in the trunk lid tracks from the position that the pivot members are in when in the closed position to thereby provide clearance for the roof as the roof is moved between the top up position and the stowed position.
- A motor may be connected to the vehicle and trunk lid linkage or connected between two relatively movable parts of the trunk lid linkage. A separate motor may be provided for the retractable top and the trunk lid or both may be powered by a single motor.
- The trunk lid assembly includes several novel features. The trunk lid assembly includes a trunk lid having a closed position and a raised position. Right and left arcuate support arms are affixed to right and left sides of the trunk lid on their back ends and have a roller on their front ends. Right and left tracks each have a forward end and a rearward end. The tracks are mounted on right and left sides of the vehicle. The tracks receive the rollers on the front ends of the support arms. Right and left trunk lid control arms are pivotally secured to right and left sides of the vehicle. Rollers are disposed in the forward ends of the tracks and the control arms are pivoted forward when the trunk lid is in the forward position. The rollers are disposed in the rearward ends of the tracks and the control arms are pivoted upwardly from their forward position when the trunk lid is in the raised position so that the whole trunk lid is raised upwardly as the trunk lid support arms are pivoted to move the trunk lid to the raised position. The trunk lid assembly may be operable by either a motor or by hydraulic cylinders. The motor or hydraulic cylinders may be connected to right and left sides of the vehicle and right and left trunk lid support arms. The hydraulic cylinders may also be connected to right and left trunk lid control arms and right and left trunk lid support arms to move the trunk lid between its closed and raised positions. Alternatively, the trunk lid assembly may include right and left hydraulic cylinders that are connected to right and left sides of the vehicle and the right and left trunk lid control arms to move the trunk between its raised and closed positions.
- According to another aspect of the invention, an outer tonneau cover may be secured to the trunk lid for sliding movement on the trunk lid toward and away from the inner tonneau cover that is attached to the retractable top and frame to open and close an opening defined by a front edge of the trunk lid and the rear edge of the inner tonneau cover.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a retractable vehicle top, trunk lid and tonneau cover assembly may be provided in combination for a vehicle including many of the structural elements previously described with respect to each element separately. Likewise, a retractable vehicle top, rear quarter window, tonneau cover assembly may be provided as a system incorporating the structural elements previously described with respect to each of the components.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a modular convertible top for a vehicle is disclosed in which a frame that is adapted to be secured to the vehicle is used to mount a retractable top and tonneau cover prior to assembly to the vehicle. The frame, retractable top and the inner tonneau cover are all installed in the vehicle simultaneously as a unit.
- Another aspect of the modular convertible top concept, is to provide a trunk lid that is secured to the frame that is also installed in the vehicle simultaneously and as a unit with the frame, retractable top and inner tonneau cover.
- The modular convertible top concept may also comprise including a roll bar that is secured to the frame and installed with the other components simultaneously as a unit.
- The invention also comprehends a method of assembling a convertible top and related components to a vehicle wherein the retractable top and related components are assembled to a frame prior to assembly to the vehicle and wherein the assembly is secured as a unit to the vehicle.
- These and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood in view of the attached drawings and detailed description of several embodiments of the invention that follows.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the modular concept of the present invention wherein a retractable top, power tonneau, trunk lid and roll bar are assembled to each other and a frame including mounting brackets and installed as a unit simultaneously in a vehicle.
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle with a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention in its top up position.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention at the beginning of the retraction cycle.
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention with the retractable top at an intermediate point in the retraction cycle.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention with the retractable top at a nearly fully retracted position.
- FIG. 6 is a partial side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention with the retractable top at a fully retracted position.
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle showing a retractable top made in accordance with the present invention with the retractable top in phantom lines as stowed in the vehicle.
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary exploded view of the retractable top and rear quarter window made in accordance with the present invention with a portion of their associated linkages.
- FIG. 9 is a partial side elevation view of a vehicle showing an alternative linkage mechanism according to the present invention with the retractable top in its top up position.
- FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and the embodiment of the retractable top made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 9 and shown in its partially retracted position.
- FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and a retractable top made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 9 illustrating the top in its fully retracted position.
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the vehicle having a retractable top and a power inner tonneau cover made in accordance with the present invention with the retractable top in its top up position.
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top and power inner tonneau cover made in accordance with the present invention with the retractable top in its nearly fully retracted position.
- FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a retractable top and power inner tonneau cover with the top in its fully retracted position and the tonneau cover disposed above a portion of the top.
- FIG. 15 is the partial exploded perspective view of one side of a retractable top and power inner tonneau cover and a portion of their associated linkages.
- FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunk lid linkage made in accordance with the present invention in its fully raised position with the retractable top shown in phantom partially retracted.
- FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunk lid linkage made in accordance with the present invention partially closed with retractable top shown in phantom fully stowed.
- FIG. 18 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunk lid linkage made in accordance with the present invention closed over the retractable top shown in phantom in its fully retracted position.
- FIG. 19 is a exploded perspective view of a trunk lid and linkage made in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunk lid linkage with an alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism shown in its fully raised position with the retractable top shown in phantom partially retracted.
- FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of a vehicle having a trunk lid made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the trunk lid partially closed and the retractable top shown in phantom in its fully retracted position.
- FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the trunk lid made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the trunk lid closed and the retractable top in its fully retracted position.
- FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the trunk lid and linkage made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing a drive system interconnecting two parts of the linkage.
- FIG. 24 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and a trunk lid cover and linkage made in accordance with the present invention with an alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism shown in its fully raised position with the retractable top shown in phantom partially retracted.
- FIG. 25 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a vehicle and a trunk lid embodiment of FIG. 24 in its partially closed position with the roof shown in phantom in its fully retracted position.
- FIG. 26 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the vehicle and trunk lid cover according to the embodiment of FIG. 24 shown with the trunk lid closed over the retractable top in its fully retracted position.
- FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the trunk lid and linkage made in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 24 showing a drive system interconnecting a part of the linkage to the vehicle or frame.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a trunk lid including a retractable outer tonneau cover formed as a part of the deck lid in conjunction with a moveable inner tonneau cover.
- Referring now to FIG. 1, a retractable top10 for a
vehicle 12 is shown as a modular construction including aframe 14,inner tonneau cover 16 andtrunk lid 18 that are installed as a unit in the partially assembledvehicle 12. Theframe 14 is secured to the retractable top 10,inner tonneau cover 16 andtrunk lid 18 that will be more particularly described below. Thetrunk lid 18 includes anouter tonneau cover 20 that is assembled to thetrunk lid 18 in a sliding relationship similar to the sliding mechanism used for power sunroofs. The front edge of thetrunk lid 22 and a rear edge of theinner tonneau 24 define the space covered by theouter tonneau cover 20 when it is extended from thetrunk lid 18.Main bracket 26 and right and leftwheel housing brackets Holes 32 are provided for fasteners to be received in for securing the modular assembly to thevehicle 12. - Referring to FIGS.2-8, the structure and operation of the
retractable roof 10 is described. The retractable top 10 in the illustrated embodiment includes afront roof assembly 36 and arear roof assembly 38. The front andrear roof assemblies hinge pin 40 and hingeflange 42. Thehinge pin 40 is associated with therear roof assembly 38 and thehinge flange 42 extends rearwardly from the rear edge of thefront roof assembly 36. The roof linkage generally indicated byreference numeral 44 controls retraction and extension of theretractable top 10. Theroof linkage 44 is symmetrical and includes right and left roof linkages on the right and left sides of thevehicle 12. For brevity, only the left side of theroof linkage 44 is shown. However, it should be understood that a right side linkage is also provided as part of theroof linkage 44. The right side roof linkage is substantially identical in all material respects to the left side linkage and its description will not be repeated. - The
roof linkage 44 includes aroof pivot bracket 46 comprising a generally y-shaped member having atrack follower member 48 on one part of theroof pivot bracket 46 that is received for sliding movement along theroof guide track 50. Apivot connector 52 is provided on another portion of theroof pivot bracket 46. Thepivot connector 52 connects theroof pivot bracket 46 to therear roof assembly 38. Apivot pin 54 connects another part of theroof pivot bracket 46 to abalance link 56.Balance link 56 interconnects theroof pivot bracket 46 to thefront roof assembly 36 atfront roof pivot 58. Acontrol link 60 is connected to abody mount pivot 62 and aroof assembly pivot 64. - A
rear quarter window 66 spans the space between thebelt line 68 of thevehicle 12 and thelower edge 70 of therear roof assembly 38. A window/top control arm 72 is connected bypivot 74 to the rear roof assembly.Pivot 76 connects the other end of the window/top control arm 72 to therear quarter window 66. Aroller cam 78 is connected to therear quarter window 66 and is longitudinally extensible to move therear quarter window 66 outboard as the roof is retracted and is longitudinally retracted to move therear quarter window 66 into engagement with thebelt line 68 andlower edge 70 of therear roof assembly 38 when the top 10 is in the top up position. - Referring now to FIG. 2, the
roof pivot bracket 46 is located at the upper and rear end of theroof guide track 50 and therear quarter window 66 is in engagement with thebelt line 68 and edge 70 of therear roof assembly 38. Thefront roof assembly 36 andrear roof assembly 38 are contiguous to form a hard top over the passenger compartment of the vehicle. - As shown in FIG. 3, the roof is in an early stage retraction position wherein the
roof pivot bracket 46 has begun to move downwardly and forwardly in theroof guide track 50. The rear quarter window is extended outwardly to provide clearance between thewindow 66 and the outboard sides of theretractable top 10. Theroof pivot bracket 46 is held in the same angular orientation by thetrack follower member 48 in theroof guide track 50. Thefront roof assembly 36 andrear roof assembly 38 are not contiguous at this phase of the retraction cycle but are held together by thehinge pin 40 and hingeflange 42 as they begin folding toward each other. Thebalance link 56 holds thefront roof assembly 36 in a generally horizontal orientation. Thebalance link 56 is held in place by theroof pivot bracket 46. Therear roof assembly 38 is rotated upwardly on its front end and downwardly on its rear end by the movement of thepivot connector 52 and thecontrol link 60.Control link 60 is anchored to the vehicle at thebody mount pivot 62 and is rotated aboutroof assembly pivot 64. Therear quarter window 66 is rotated by the window/top control arm 72 that is connected to therear roof assembly 36 atpivot 74. The window is connected to the window/top control arm bypivot 76 that rotates therear quarter window 66 about theroller cam 78. - Referring now to FIG. 4, the retraction of the roof has continued to its approximate midpoint wherein the
roof pivot bracket 46 has been moved by a cylinder or motor to the approximate midpoint of theroof guide track 50. Thefront roof assembly 36 is held in its generally horizontal orientation by thebalance link 56 while the rear roof assembly has been rotated to a partially inverted position by thepivot connector 52 on theroof pivot brackets 46. Thecontrol arm 60 supports the rear roof assembly on thebody mount pivot 62 as it rotates about theroof assembly pivot 64. Therear quarter window 66 is rotated by the window/top control arm 72 about theroller cam 78. - Referring now to FIG. 5, the action of the
roof linkage 44 is continued to a fully retracted position and thepivot bracket 46 has moved further downwardly and forwardly on theroof guide track 50. Thebalance link 56 continues to hold the front roof assembly in a generally horizontal orientation as it is further folded on thehinge pin 40 and hingeflange 42 over top of therear roof assembly 38. Therear roof assembly 38 is nearly inverted as it is rotated by the further forward advancement of thepivot connector 52 and rotated about theroof assembly pivot 64. The control link 60 moves in a clockwise direction about thebody mount pivot 62. The window/top control arm 72 continues to rotate therear quarter window 66 about theroller cam 78 that holds the window outboard of the retractable top 10 as it progresses through its retraction cycle. - Referring now to FIG. 6, the retractable top10 is shown in its fully retracted position. The
roof pivot bracket 46 is at the forward and downward end of theroof guide track 50. Theroof pivot bracket 46 is held in the same angular orientation by thetrack follower members 48 to theroof guide track 50. Thecontrol arm 56 continues to hold the front roof assembly in a generally horizontal orientation while therear roof assembly 38 has been inverted so that thefront roof assembly 36 may rest on therear roof assembly 38. Thehinge pin 40 and hingeflange 42 connect thefront roof assembly 36 andrear roof assembly 38 together. Thecontrol arm 60 is disposed in a generally downward orientation suspending therear roof assembly 38 on theroof assembly pivot 64 from thebody mount pivot 62. The window/top control arm 72 is moved by thecontrol arm 60 to a substantially inverted position relative to its position in the top up position. - When the roof is in its retracted position, as shown in FIG. 7, it may be covered by the
inner tonneau cover 16 and anouter tonneau cover 20 on thetrunk lid 18 of thevehicle 12. Thefront roof assembly 36 andrear roof assembly 38 are shown folded against one another. - Referring now to FIG. 8, the tonneau parts of the retractable top are shown in exploded perspective. A
drive 80 is shown that is connected to the vehicle body on one end and thepivot bracket 46 on the other end. Thedrive 80 may be a cylinder, cable drive, motor driven screw drive or other device that is capable of moving theroof pivot bracket 46 within the roof guide tracks 50. Thetrack follower member 48 is shown as an extruded t-shaped member formed on one part of theroof pivot bracket 46. To reduce friction, thetrack follower member 48 may include a roller or other friction reducing structure. Thefront roof assembly 36 includes thehinge flange 42 that is connected to the rear roof assembly by thehinge pin 40.Balance link 56 is connected bypivot pin 54 to theroof pivot bracket 46 on one end while thefront roof pivot 58 connects thebalance link 56 to thefront roof assembly 36. Window/top control arm 72 is connected apivot 74 to thecontrol link 60 on one end and is connected to thepivot 76 on therear quarter window 66.Rear quarter window 66 is further controlled by theroller cam 78 about which it pivots and that is effective to move the window outward during the retraction and extension cycles. - Referring now to FIGS.9-11, an alternative embodiment of the roof retraction mechanism is described that is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-8 but includes a different arrangement wherein the
control link 82 is connected to thebody mount pivot 62 on one end and is connected by apivot 84 on thebalance link 56. The control link 82 connects thebalance link 56 to the vehicle atbody mount pivot 62. Thebalance link 56 is connected bypivot pin 54 to theroof pivot bracket 46 on its lower end and to thefront roof pivot 58 on the other end. In FIG. 9, the retractable top 10 is shown in its top up position. In FIG. 10, the alternative embodiment is shown with the roof at the approximate midpoint of the retraction cycle. In FIG. 11, the roof is shown in its fully retracted position with thecontrol link 82 suspended from thebody mount 62 and supporting thebalance link 56. - Referring now to FIGS.12-14, the inner tonneau cover in combination with the retractable top is shown and its operation is described in conjunction with the operation of the top. A
front pivot flange 90 extends from theinner tonneau cover 16 and is connected by apivot pin 92 to the vehicle body. A rearpivot link flange 94 also extends downwardly from theinner tonneau cover 16 and is connected by apivot link pin 96 to bell crank 98. Bell crank 98 is connected bypivot connector 100 to theroof pivot bracket 46.Roof pivot bracket 46 has previously been described as it relates to the roof retraction mechanism. A front tonneau cover control link 102 interconnects the rearpivot link flange 94 to the bell crank 98 atpivot pin 104. Rear tonneau cover control link 106 interconnects the bell crank 98 to a rear tonneau covercontrol link flange 108 that extends downwardly from the lower edge of therear roof assembly 38 when therear roof assembly 38 is in its top up position. The bell crankpivot 110 connects the rear tonneau cover control link 106 to thebell crank 98. - When the retractable top10 is in its top up position, the
inner tonneau cover 16 is preferably maintained in a generally horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 12. On the beginning of the retraction cycle, theinner tonneau cover 16 is moved to a generally vertical position to provide clearance for the passage of theretractable top 10. Theinner tonneau cover 16 pivots onpivot pin 92 in a counter clockwise direction as viewed from the left side of the vehicle. The front tonneaucover control link 102 is driven by movement of the bell crank 98 in a downward and forward direction as theroof pivot bracket 46 is moved along the roof guide tracks 50 with the roof pivot bracket being guided in the roof guide tracks 50 bytrack follower members 48. As the front tonneaucover control link 102 is moved by the bell crank to a position in front of thepivot pin 92, theinner tonneau cover 16 is pulled down to a generally horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. 14. Rear tonneaucover control links 106 connect the bell crank 98 to the rear tonneau covercontrol link flange 108. The bell crank rotates and carries the rear tonneau cover control link 106 that in turn supports therear roof assembly 38. The bell crank 98 transfers the motive force of therear roof assembly 38 to the tonneau cover and coordinates the movement of the retractable top 10 with theinner tonneau cover 16. - FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the left side of the inner tonneau cover and its associated linkage to the
retractable top 10. The drive illustrated in FIG. 15 is ahydraulic cylinder 81. Thefront pivot flange 90 and rearpivot link flange 94 are shown on the underside of theinner tonneau cover 16. Front tonneaucover control link 102 connects the rearpivot link flange 94 to thebell crank 98. Bell crank 98 includes three connection points. One connecting the bell crank 98 to the front tonneaucover control link 102, another connecting the bell crank 98 to the rear tonneaucover control link 106, and a third comprisingpivot connector 112 connecting the bell crank 98 to theroof pivot bracket 46. Operation of the retractable top 10 and inner tonneau cover was previously described with reference to FIGS. 12-14. - Referring now to FIGS.16-19, the trunk lid assembly for a
vehicle 12 and retractable top 10 is shown. Right and left sides of the trunk assembly are shown in FIG. 19 with the reference numerals for the left side of the vehicle being duplicated by the same reference numerals with a prime designation designating the corresponding parts on the right side of the vehicle. A description of the structure and operation of the trunk lid assembly will be made with reference to the left side with the understanding that the right side is a mirror image of the left side. Thetrunk lid 18 is connected byarcuate support arms 120 at theback end 122 of thearcuate support arms 120. Ahinge roller 124 is received as atrack 126 on thefront end 128 of thearcuate support arms 120. Thetrack 126 includes aforward end 130 and arearward end 132. Referring to FIG. 16, the trunk lid is in its full open position and thehinge roller 124 is disposed in therearward end 132 of thetrack 126. As shown in FIG. 17, with the trunk between its full opened and full closed position, thehinge roller 124 is located between theforward end 130 and therearward end 132 of thetrack 126. As shown in FIG. 18, when the trunk is in its full closed position thehinge roller 124 is disposed near theforward end 130 of thetrack 126. - A
control arm 134 is connected to thevehicle 12 by apivot body connector 136 on itsrearward end 138. Apivot arm connector 140 interconnects thecontrol arm 134 to thearcuate support arm 120 on theforward end 142 of thecontrol arm 134. Adrive 144 is shown schematically at the forward end of thetrack 130. Thedrive 144 may be a hydraulic cylinder, a motor driven screw or other linear drive motor that would be capable of driving thehinge roller 124 longitudinally in thetrack 126. - Referring now to FIGS.20-23. An alternative embodiment of the trunk lid assembly as shown. Once again the trunk lid assembly includes mirror image right and left sides that are shown in FIG. 23 in corresponding reference numerals on the right side of the vehicle are provided with the same reference numerals as used for the left side but include a prime designation. For brevity, the same reference numerals have been provided to similar components of the trunk lid assembly that were used for FIGS. 16-19. The trunk lid assembly includes a
trunk lid 18 for avehicle 12 that is provided with aretractable top 10. The trunk lid is moved upwardly by means of thearcuate support arm 120 that is connected byhinge roller 124 to atrack 126. Thehinge roller 124 is movable within thetrack 126 in the position shown in FIG. 20, the full up position, FIG. 21, the partially closed position, and FIG. 22 the fully closed position. Acontrol arm 134 is connected to the vehicle bypivot body connector 136 and is connected to thearcuate support arm 120 by apivot arm connector 140. In the embodiment of FIGS. 20-23, the drive mechanism shown is ahydraulic cylinder 150 connected betweenarcuate support arm 120 andcontrol arm 134. Thedrive cylinder 150 is connected to anopening 152 on thecontrol arm 134 and is connected to anopening 154 onarcuate support arm 120. Thedrive cylinder 150 contracts as the trunk lid is lifted and is expanded as the trunk lid is closed as shown in FIG. 22. Anair spring 156 may be provided to assist lifting the trunk lid. - Referring now to FIGS.24-27, another alternative embodiment of the trunk lid assembly is shown. Once again the trunk lid assembly includes mirror image right and left sides that are shown in FIG. 27 with corresponding reference numerals on the right side of the vehicle being provided with the same reference numeral as used for the left side but including a prime designation. For brevity, the same reference numerals have been provided to similar components of the trunk lid assembly as were used for FIGS. 16-19. The trunk lid assembly includes a
trunk lid 18 for avehicle 12 that is provided with aretractable top 10. The trunk lid is moved upwardly by means of thearcuate support arm 120 that is connected byhinge roller 124 to atrack 126. Thehinge roller 124 is movable within thetrack 126 in the position shown in FIG. 24, the full open position, FIG. 25, the partially closed position, and FIG. 26 the fully closed position. Acontrol arm 134 is connected to the vehicle or to theframe 14 in a modular construction bypivot body connector 136 and is connected to thearcuate support arm 120 by apivot arm connector 140. In the embodiment of FIGS. 24-27, the drive mechanism is adrive cylinder 160 connected betweenarcuate support arm 120 andcontrol arm 134. Thedrive cylinder 160 is connected to anopening 162 on thecontrol arm 134 and is connected to anopening 164 onarcuate support arm 120. Thedrive cylinder 160 contracts as the trunk lid is lifted and is expanded as the trunk lid is closed, as shown in FIG. 22. - Referring now to FIG. 28, a
trunk lid 18 is shown to include arear tonneau cover 20 that is slidably received ontracks outer tonneau cover 20 extends outwardly from thefront edge 22 of thetrunk lid 18 to expand the gap formed between therear edge 24 of theinner tonneau cover 16 when it is in its horizontal position and thefront edge 22 of thetrunk lid 18. The outer tonneau cover is moved by a motor 174 and cables 176 on both sides of the trunk lid to move theouter tonneau 20 in thetracks trunk lid 18. - While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (12)
1. A trunk lid assembly for a vehicle having a retractable top comprising:
a trunk lid having a closed position and a raised position;
right and left support arms affixed to right and left sides of the trunk lid on their back ends and having a roller on their front ends;
right and left tracks each having a forward end and a rearward end, the tracks being mounted on right and left sides of the vehicle, the rollers on the front ends of the support arms being received in the tracks;
right and left trunk lid control arms being pivotally secured to right and left sides of the vehicle on their rear end and being pivotally secured to right and left supports arms on their forward ends, wherein said rollers are disposed in the forward ends of the tracks and the control arms are pivoted forward when the trunk lid is in the closed position and wherein said rollers are disposed in the rearward ends of the tracks and the control arms are pivoted upwardly from their forward position when the trunk lid is in the raised position such that the trunk lid is raised up as the trunk lid support arms are pivoted to move the trunk lid to the raised position.
2. The trunk lid assembly of further comprising a motor driving the control arm and trunk lid support arm to move the trunk lid between the closed position and the raised position.
claim 1
3. The trunk lid assembly of further comprising right and left hydraulic cylinders connected to the right and left sides of the vehicle and right and left trunk lid support arms to move the trunk lid between the closed position and the raised position and to drive the rollers between the forward and rearward ends of the tracks, respectively.
claim 1
4. The trunk lid assembly of further comprising right and left hydraulic cylinders connected to the right and left trunk lid control arms and right and left trunk lid support arms to move the trunk lid between the closed position and the raised position and to move the drive the rollers between the forward and rearward ends of the tracks, respectively.
claim 1
5. The trunk lid assembly of further comprising right and left hydraulic cylinders connected to the right and left sides of the vehicle and the right and left trunk lid control arms to move the trunk lid between the closed position and the raised position and to move the drive the rollers between the forward and rearward ends of the tracks, respectively.
claim 1
6. A trunk lid assembly for a vehicle having a retractable top comprising:
a trunk lid for closing a trunk compartment, the trunk lid having a closed position and a raised position, the trunk lid having a forward end proximate a central portion of a forward edge of a trunk compartment opening when the trunk lid is in its closed position and a rearward end proximate a rearward edge of the trunk compartment opening when the trunk lid is in its closed position;
right and left linkages attached to the trunk lid, said linkages also being attached to the vehicle, the trunk lid being supported by the right and left linkages in its raised position above the trunk compartment opening with the rearward end of the trunk lid being raised above the central portion of the forward end thereof when in its raised position; and
the retractable top having a top up position and a retracted position, the retractable top when in the retracted position being at least partially disposed directly beneath the central portion of the trunk lid in the trunk compartment, the central portion of the trunk lid remaining forward of the forward edge of the trunk compartment opening, and wherein the retractable top is moved under the central portion of the forward end of the trunk lid when the top is moved between the top up and retracted positions.
7. In combination, a retractable top and a trunk lid covering a trunk compartment of a vehicle in a closed position that may be shifted to a raised position to provide access to the trunk compartment, comprising:
a linkage connecting the trunk lid to the vehicle for supporting the trunk lid as it is moved between the raised position and its closed position, the linkage lifting the trunk lid upwardly to its raised position with a rearward end of the trunk lid being raised to a greater extent than a central portion of a forward end of the trunk lid to provide access to the trunk compartment below the rearward end of the trunk lid, the central portion of the forward end of the trunk lid being raised by the linkage to provide clearance relative to the central portion of the forward end of the trunk lid for moving the retractable top between a top up position and a retracted position, the trunk lid being moved to the same raised position for providing access to the trunk compartment as for moving the retractable top between the top up position and the retracted position; and
wherein the retractable top is disposed in the trunk compartment at least partially disposed below the trunk lid in its retracted position.
8. A retractable top stowage arrangement for a vehicle having a trunk, the arrangement comprising:
a retractable top movable between an extended position wherein the top covers the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a retracted position wherein the top is disposed at least partially within the trunk;
a trunk lid moveable upwardly with the forward edge of the trunk lid remaining forward of a rear portion of the top stack, the trunk lid being movable in one manner with respect to the vehicle for opening and closing the trunk and pivotable in the same manner when the top is moving between its extended and retracted positions; and
a linkage mechanism connecting at least one side of the vehicle and trunk lid and operable when the top is moved between extended and retracted positions to pivot the trunk lid in the one manner sufficiently in opening the trunk that the top can move to its retracted position with respect to the trunk and to pivot the trunk lid in the same manner sufficiently in closing the trunk wherein the top is stowed at least partially within the trunk.
9. The retractable top stowage arrangement of wherein the trunk lid is pivotable to provide access to the trunk from the rear end of the vehicle.
claim 8
10. The retractable top stowage arrangement of wherein the retractable top is formed by at least two rigid panels that are pivotally connected to each other.
claim 8
11. The retractable top stowage arrangement of wherein the linkage mechanism comprises two linkages connected at two spaced locations on the trunk lid and at two spaced locations on the vehicle.
claim 8
12. The retractable top stowage arrangement of wherein the two linkages are connected to right and left sides of the trunk lid.
claim 11
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/765,935 US20010005086A1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-01-19 | Retractable top trunk lid assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/334,763 US6217104B1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 1999-06-16 | Retractable hard top module |
US09/765,935 US20010005086A1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-01-19 | Retractable top trunk lid assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US09/334,763 Continuation US6217104B1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 1999-06-16 | Retractable hard top module |
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US20010005086A1 true US20010005086A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 |
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US09/334,763 Expired - Lifetime US6217104B1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 1999-06-16 | Retractable hard top module |
US09/765,935 Abandoned US20010005086A1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-01-19 | Retractable top trunk lid assembly |
US09/766,381 Expired - Lifetime US6293605B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-01-19 | Retractable top tonneau cover assembly and modular assembly |
US09/779,727 Expired - Lifetime US6386615B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-02-08 | Tonneau cover system |
US09/963,263 Expired - Lifetime US6419294B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-09-25 | Retractable top tonneau cover assembly and modular assembly |
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US09/334,763 Expired - Lifetime US6217104B1 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 1999-06-16 | Retractable hard top module |
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US09/766,381 Expired - Lifetime US6293605B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-01-19 | Retractable top tonneau cover assembly and modular assembly |
US09/779,727 Expired - Lifetime US6386615B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-02-08 | Tonneau cover system |
US09/963,263 Expired - Lifetime US6419294B2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 2001-09-25 | Retractable top tonneau cover assembly and modular assembly |
Country Status (2)
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US (5) | US6217104B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10028405B4 (en) |
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- 2001-02-08 US US09/779,727 patent/US6386615B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-25 US US09/963,263 patent/US6419294B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (9)
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US6663163B2 (en) * | 2001-07-14 | 2003-12-16 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Cover device for a folding top compartment |
US20040145211A1 (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2004-07-29 | Stefan Eichhorst | Bulkhead module for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof |
US7093884B2 (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2006-08-22 | Asc Incorporated | Bulkhead module for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof |
US20040178658A1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2004-09-16 | Michael Willard | Tonneau panel mechanism |
US6866327B2 (en) | 2003-02-06 | 2005-03-15 | Asc Incorporated | Tonneau panel mechanism |
US20040222658A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-11-11 | Christopher Dilluvio | Retractable roof structural system |
US7198318B2 (en) | 2003-03-24 | 2007-04-03 | Asc Incorporated | Retractable roof structural system |
US6964340B2 (en) | 2003-04-18 | 2005-11-15 | Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh | Retractable hardtop with articulating center panel |
US20100038927A1 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2010-02-18 | Webasto Ag | Covering Flap of a Convertible |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020014782A1 (en) | 2002-02-07 |
US6386615B2 (en) | 2002-05-14 |
US6293605B2 (en) | 2001-09-25 |
US6419294B2 (en) | 2002-07-16 |
US6217104B1 (en) | 2001-04-17 |
US20010005089A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 |
DE10028405B4 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
US20010004156A1 (en) | 2001-06-21 |
DE10028405A1 (en) | 2001-01-25 |
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