US20010019213A1 - Convertible motor vheicle roof - Google Patents
Convertible motor vheicle roof Download PDFInfo
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- US20010019213A1 US20010019213A1 US09/782,512 US78251201A US2001019213A1 US 20010019213 A1 US20010019213 A1 US 20010019213A1 US 78251201 A US78251201 A US 78251201A US 2001019213 A1 US2001019213 A1 US 2001019213A1
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- Prior art keywords
- roof
- main
- roof element
- motor vehicle
- elements
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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
- B60J7/201—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops being outside of vehicle, e.g. onto boot lid, or into a storage compartment to be closed by one of the roof panels itself
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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
- B60J7/08—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
- B60J7/146—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 all elements being folded in same orientation and stacked fashion
Definitions
- the invention relates to a convertible motor vehicle roof with a main roof element and at least one other roof element which are movably joined to one another, and with a main bearing mechanism which pivotally mounts the main roof element on the body and transfers the main roof element together with the roof element coupled thereto into a stowed position in the opening process of the motor vehicle roof.
- the rear component roof piece together with the front and middle component roof piece is pivoted as a rigidly coupled unit around the body-side support counter to the direction of forward travel, the front component roof piece being raised comparatively high over the motor vehicle. Then, the front component roof piece is moved out of this pivot position to under the middle component roof piece and the two are shifted with a synchronous lowering motion to under the rear component roof piece. Finally, all three component roof pieces are inserted into the box for the folding roof in a pivot-pushing motion.
- German Patent DE 43 26 255 C1 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,735 disclose a motor vehicle roof which has a B column laterally on each side, the B column being supported to pivot and move lengthwise in a body-mounted guide which runs roughly horizontally over the rear axle in the lengthwise direction of the motor vehicle.
- One roof part is pivotally mounted on the B-column and extends from the B-column forward in the direction toward the front window. To open and lower the motor vehicle roof, first the rear window is moved under the roof part and the two rear triangular windows are lowered.
- the B-column is moved by means of a drive, as a unit together with the roof part and the rear window, to the rear lengthwise along the guide while maintaining its vertical position.
- the roof part In the rear position the roof part is folded down towards the B column and in the direction of a stowage space.
- the B-column To completely lower the roof into the stowage space behind the seats, the B-column is pivoted forward relative to the guide, the angular position of the roof part being adapted to the B-column and moved forward by a certain amount.
- the primary object of the invention is to devise a motor vehicle roof of the initially mentioned type which has at least two lowerable roof elements which can be transferred into the stowed position in an improved lowering motion.
- the main bearing during the pivoting motion of the main roof element is preferably the main four-bar mechanism with which the main roof element can be easily guided in a parallel pivoting motion into the stowed position.
- the connecting means between the main roof element and the other roof element is feasibly a four-bar mechanism which is connected to the main bearing means or the main four-bar mechanism in a connection which transfers motion.
- other types of joints and kinematic connections can be used to achieve the desired motions.
- the four-bar mechanism is advantageously connected via a coupling rod to the elements which can be moved by the main four-bar mechanism.
- the motor vehicle roof can in addition to the main roof element have two or three other roof elements which are supported to be able to move toward one another.
- a larger motor vehicle roof can be divided into several smaller rigid roof elements which have better stowage behavior in a small stowage space.
- the individual roof elements can be arranged differently.
- the main roof element can be located between the roof elements.
- the two roof elements can be located in the direction of travel in front of or behind the main roof element.
- the front roof element can be displaced over the middle main roof element and the rear roof element can be displaced under the middle main roof element, in the same way as the front roof element can be displaced under the middle main roof element and the rear roof element can be displaced over the middle main roof element.
- the two roof elements can be attached to the middle main roof element with identical or different connecting means and the connecting means can be designed for parallel pivoting, for translational displacement or for folding around a joint under or over the middle main roof element.
- the connecting means can be designed for parallel pivoting, for translational displacement or for folding around a joint under or over the middle main roof element.
- at least two roof elements are movably connected to the middle main roof element by means of the four-bar mechanism, slide guides, or pivoting joints or by combinations thereof.
- One embodiment calls for there to be an additional roof element on the rear roof element which can be moved by means of an articulated connection, especially an additional four-bar mechanism, and which is dynamically coupled to the main bearing means or to the rear four-bar mechanism.
- the motor vehicle roof can additionally have a rear section with a roof or roof column element which can be lowered via a rear mechanism and the main bearing means can be coupled via a coupling means to the rear mechanism.
- a coupling means can be effected mechanically, electrically or hydraulically.
- the coupling takes place by a coupling rod which connects the main bearing means to the rear mechanism.
- coupling can also take place electronically via a respective drive on the main bearing means and on the rear mechanism, or hydraulically via a common drive for the main bearing means and the rear mechanism.
- FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a convertible motor vehicle roof with three roof elements in the closed position
- FIGS. 2 to 5 each schematically shows a respective position of the motor vehicle roof as it is moved from the closed position (FIG. 2) to the open position (FIG. 5);
- FIGS. 6. 1 to 6 . 7 each schematically depict a respective example of a manner in which the roof elements can be deposited.
- FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 1 but with a rear roof element additionally attached to the motor vehicle roof.
- a lowerable, convertible motor vehicle roof 1 which can be moved in whole or in part into a receiving frame, for example, the roof of a station wagon or an all-terrain vehicle, contains a front roof section which has a front roof element 2 , a middle roof element 3 and a rear roof element 4 (see, FIGS. 1 & 2) which together with a rear roof element 5 of a rear roof section cover the interior of the vehicle in the closed position shown in FIG. 2.
- the motor vehicle roof 1 can be transferred from the closed position (FIGS. 1 & 2) into the open position (FIG. 5).
- the roof kinematic elements include a four-bar mechanism 6 for supporting the middle roof element 3 , which is also called the main roof element.
- the four-bar mechanism 6 contains a rod 7 which is a front rod with respect to the vehicle, and a rear rod 8 .
- the rods 7 , 8 are pivotally coupled to the body in two joints 9 , 10 and to the roof element 3 in two joints 11 , 12 , so that the middle roof element 3 can be lowered to the rear in a parallel pivoting motion around the body-side joints 9 , 10 .
- a drive (not shown) engages either the front or the rear rod 7 or 8 and can pivot the four-bar mechanism 6 .
- the front roof element 2 is coupled to the middle roof element 3 via a front four-bar mechanism 13 which contains a main rod 14 which is pivotally mounted on an arm 15 of the middle roof element 3 in a joint 16 , and on its front end, is coupled in a joint 17 to the front roof element 2 .
- the auxiliary rod 18 of the four-bar mechanism 13 is coupled to the front roof element 2 in a joint 19 which is located on the arm 15 , which is at a distance to the joint 16 , and in a joint 20 .
- the rear roof element 4 contains an arm 21 with two joints 22 , 23 which are spaced apart and on which a main rod 24 and an auxiliary rod 25 of a rear four-bar mechanism 26 are pivotally mounted.
- the main rod 24 and the auxiliary rod 25 are coupled in respective joints 27 , 28 .
- a coupling rod 29 is pivotally coupled to the front rod 7 of the main four-bar mechanism 6 in a joint 30 and to the main rod 24 in a joint 31 .
- Another coupling rod 32 connects a joint 33 , which is located on an extension 34 of the main rod 14 of the front four-bar mechanism 13 , with a joint 35 on the auxiliary rod 25 of the four-bar mechanism 26 (see FIG. 1).
- the coupling rod 32 is coupled to the joint 33 ′ which is located on the extension 34 ′ of the auxiliary rod 18 of the front four-bar mechanism 13 .
- the drive moves the main four-bar mechanism 6 together with the middle roof element 3 in a pivoting motion in the direction to the rear stowage position on the motor vehicle (see motion from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3), the middle roof element 3 retaining its roughly horizontal alignment or tilting only slightly.
- the two four-bar mechanisms 13 , 26 for the front and rear roof elements 2 , 4 are moved such that the front roof element 2 is pivoted in a roughly parallel alignment to the middle roof element 3 to over it while, conversely, the rear roof element 4 is pivoted in a roughly parallel alignment to the middle roof element 3 to under it.
- the entire kinematic mechanism of the folding roof thus contains 16 joints and has a single degree of freedom.
- the rods are shown simplified in the figures as essentially linear elements, but they can be made elbowed, especially for the front four-bar mechanism 13 which is pivoted up and over the middle roof element 3 in order to enable a space-saving rod arrangement.
- the two coupling rods 29 , 32 can connect different rods to one another depending on the space conditions to transfer the drive motion from the main four-bar mechanism 6 to the front and rear four-bar mechanisms 13 , 26 .
- the coupling rod 29 can connect the rear rod 8 of the main four-bar mechanism 6 to the auxiliary rod 25
- the coupling rod 32 can connect the main rod 24 of the rear four-bar mechanism 26 to the auxiliary rod 18 of the front four-bar mechanism 13 , and other combinations can also be feasibly carried out.
- FIGS. 6. 1 - 6 . 7 schematic depict different alternatives for the type of motion of the front and the rear roof elements 2 , 4 to over/under the middle roof element 3 .
- FIG. 6. 1 shows the already described embodiment in which the front roof element 2 can be shifted by means of the four-bar mechanism 13 to over the middle roof element 3 and the rear roof element 4 can be shifted to under the middle roof element 3 .
- FIG. 6. 2 shows an alternative with these motions interchanged.
- FIG. 6. 3 shows front and rear roof elements 2 , 4 which are moved by a movement means translationally to over/under the middle roof element 3 , while FIG. 6. 4 shows an alternative with these motions interchanged.
- FIG. 6. 5 shows a combination of parallel pivoting of the front roof element 2 to over the middle roof element 3 and translational motion of the rear roof element 4 to under the middle roof element 3
- FIG. 6. 6 shows an interchanged motion sequence.
- FIG. 6. 7 shows a version with a pure pivoting or folding coupling of the roof elements 2 , 4 on the middle roof element 3 .
- the main four-bar mechanism 6 can also pivotally support the front or the rear roof element 2 , 4 on the body instead of the middle roof element 3 .
- FIG. 7 shows the motor vehicle roof 1 of FIG. 1 with an additional rear roof element 36 which is pivotally coupled via an additional four-bar mechanism 37 to the rear roof element 4 .
- a bent arm 38 of the rear roof element 36 is pivotally mounted via two joints 39 , 40 on two rods 41 , 42 of the additional four-bar mechanism 37 , the rods 41 , 42 in the joints 43 , 44 being supported on the rear roof element 4 .
- a coupling rod 45 connects the extension of the main rod 24 to the front rod 42 for transfer of motion.
- FIG. 1 Another rear roof column 46 (D-column) can be supported in a pivot joint 47 on the back end of the rear roof element 36 and can be driven with a pivoting motion via a connecting rod 48 and 49 which is connected to the additional four-bar mechanism for folding-in.
- the motor vehicle shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 furthermore contains a rear stowable roof column 50 (D column) with a rear roof part 5 coupled thereto.
- a bearing means 52 for the roof column 50 contains a rod mechanism with two coupled four-bar mechanisms (not detailed in the Figures).
- the bearing means 52 is pivotally mounted via two rods 53 and 54 on two body-mounted joints 55 and 56 .
- One roof column rod 57 which bears the roof column 50 is integrated in the rod mechanism and is pivotally mounted on two joints 58 and 59 .
- the rear roof part 5 is driven by means of an auxiliary rod arrangement which is forcibly moved by the bearing means 52 .
- a drive means can selectively drive the rod 53 or the rod 54 and alternatively also, for example, engage in the joint 55 or the joint 56 .
- a coupling means in the form of a coupling rod 60 forms the dynamic coupling between the main four-bar mechanism 6 of the middle roof element 3 of the front roof section and the bearing means 52 for the roof column 50 .
- the coupling rod 60 is, on the one hand, coupled to the rod 53 in a joint 61 , and on the other hand, to a short projection 62 of the front rod 7 of the main four-bar mechanism 6 in a joint 63 .
- the coupling rod 60 forms a mechanical coupling so that synchronous motion of the roof elements 2 , 3 , 4 and the roof column 50 matched to one another with the rear roof part 5 is ensured when the motor vehicle roof 1 is being stowed and collisions of these components are precluded.
- a drive motion can also be transferred via the coupling rod 60 so that only one drive for stowing the front roof elements 2 , 3 , 4 and the roof column 50 is necessary.
- This drive can engage either the main four-bar mechanism 6 of the front roof elements 2 , 3 , 4 or the bearing means 52 of the roof column 50 .
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a convertible motor vehicle roof with a main roof element and at least one other roof element which are movably joined to one another, and with a main bearing mechanism which pivotally mounts the main roof element on the body and transfers the main roof element together with the roof element coupled thereto into a stowed position in the opening process of the motor vehicle roof.
- 2. Field of the Invention
- Published German Patent Application DE 196 42 152 discloses a motor vehicle roof of the initially mentioned type in which the roof is divided into a front, a middle and a rear component piece which can be transferred from a common closed position which covers the motor vehicle interior into an open position as it is deposited in a rear-side box for the folding roof. The front and the middle component roof piece as well as the middle and rear component roof piece are joined to one another via a respective articulated joint. The rear component roof piece is supported to be able to pivot via a rod arrangement on the body. In the opening process, first the rear component roof piece together with the front and middle component roof piece is pivoted as a rigidly coupled unit around the body-side support counter to the direction of forward travel, the front component roof piece being raised comparatively high over the motor vehicle. Then, the front component roof piece is moved out of this pivot position to under the middle component roof piece and the two are shifted with a synchronous lowering motion to under the rear component roof piece. Finally, all three component roof pieces are inserted into the box for the folding roof in a pivot-pushing motion.
-
German Patent DE 43 26 255 C1 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,735 disclose a motor vehicle roof which has a B column laterally on each side, the B column being supported to pivot and move lengthwise in a body-mounted guide which runs roughly horizontally over the rear axle in the lengthwise direction of the motor vehicle. One roof part is pivotally mounted on the B-column and extends from the B-column forward in the direction toward the front window. To open and lower the motor vehicle roof, first the rear window is moved under the roof part and the two rear triangular windows are lowered. Then, the B-column is moved by means of a drive, as a unit together with the roof part and the rear window, to the rear lengthwise along the guide while maintaining its vertical position. In the rear position the roof part is folded down towards the B column and in the direction of a stowage space. To completely lower the roof into the stowage space behind the seats, the B-column is pivoted forward relative to the guide, the angular position of the roof part being adapted to the B-column and moved forward by a certain amount. - The primary object of the invention is to devise a motor vehicle roof of the initially mentioned type which has at least two lowerable roof elements which can be transferred into the stowed position in an improved lowering motion.
- This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in the aforementioned motor vehicle roof by the coupled roof element being moved via its connecting means, which is controlled by the main bearing mechanism, during the motion of the main roof element under or over the main roof element roughly parallel thereto when the main roof element, which is supported on the body, is pivoted by the main bearing mechanism. Since the roof element is moved over or under the main roof element during the pivoting motion of the main roof element, the height to which it is pivoted out is much less than in the initially named motor vehicle roof. Thus, the roof can also be opened when driving, the incident wind forces being greatly reduced.
- The main bearing during the pivoting motion of the main roof element is preferably the main four-bar mechanism with which the main roof element can be easily guided in a parallel pivoting motion into the stowed position. Also, the connecting means between the main roof element and the other roof element is feasibly a four-bar mechanism which is connected to the main bearing means or the main four-bar mechanism in a connection which transfers motion. However, other types of joints and kinematic connections can be used to achieve the desired motions.
- The four-bar mechanism is advantageously connected via a coupling rod to the elements which can be moved by the main four-bar mechanism.
- The motor vehicle roof can in addition to the main roof element have two or three other roof elements which are supported to be able to move toward one another. Thus a larger motor vehicle roof can be divided into several smaller rigid roof elements which have better stowage behavior in a small stowage space.
- The individual roof elements can be arranged differently. Thus, the main roof element can be located between the roof elements. On the other hand, the two roof elements can be located in the direction of travel in front of or behind the main roof element. During motion, for example, the front roof element can be displaced over the middle main roof element and the rear roof element can be displaced under the middle main roof element, in the same way as the front roof element can be displaced under the middle main roof element and the rear roof element can be displaced over the middle main roof element.
- In various configurations, the two roof elements can be attached to the middle main roof element with identical or different connecting means and the connecting means can be designed for parallel pivoting, for translational displacement or for folding around a joint under or over the middle main roof element. Preferably, at least two roof elements are movably connected to the middle main roof element by means of the four-bar mechanism, slide guides, or pivoting joints or by combinations thereof.
- One embodiment calls for there to be an additional roof element on the rear roof element which can be moved by means of an articulated connection, especially an additional four-bar mechanism, and which is dynamically coupled to the main bearing means or to the rear four-bar mechanism.
- Furthermore, the motor vehicle roof can additionally have a rear section with a roof or roof column element which can be lowered via a rear mechanism and the main bearing means can be coupled via a coupling means to the rear mechanism. One such coupling can be effected mechanically, electrically or hydraulically. Preferably, the coupling takes place by a coupling rod which connects the main bearing means to the rear mechanism.
- On the other hand, coupling can also take place electronically via a respective drive on the main bearing means and on the rear mechanism, or hydraulically via a common drive for the main bearing means and the rear mechanism.
- In the following, embodiments of the motor vehicle roof are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a convertible motor vehicle roof with three roof elements in the closed position;
- FIGS.2 to 5 each schematically shows a respective position of the motor vehicle roof as it is moved from the closed position (FIG. 2) to the open position (FIG. 5);
- FIGS. 6.1 to 6.7 each schematically depict a respective example of a manner in which the roof elements can be deposited; and
- FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 1 but with a rear roof element additionally attached to the motor vehicle roof.
- A lowerable, convertible
motor vehicle roof 1 which can be moved in whole or in part into a receiving frame, for example, the roof of a station wagon or an all-terrain vehicle, contains a front roof section which has afront roof element 2, amiddle roof element 3 and a rear roof element 4 (see, FIGS. 1 & 2) which together with arear roof element 5 of a rear roof section cover the interior of the vehicle in the closed position shown in FIG. 2. By means of roof or folding roof kinematic elements, which are located on the side edge of theroof elements motor vehicle roof 1 can be transferred from the closed position (FIGS. 1 & 2) into the open position (FIG. 5). The roof kinematic elements include a four-bar mechanism 6 for supporting themiddle roof element 3, which is also called the main roof element. The four-bar mechanism 6 contains arod 7 which is a front rod with respect to the vehicle, and arear rod 8. Therods joints roof element 3 in twojoints middle roof element 3 can be lowered to the rear in a parallel pivoting motion around the body-side joints rear rod bar mechanism 6. - The
front roof element 2 is coupled to themiddle roof element 3 via a front four-bar mechanism 13 which contains amain rod 14 which is pivotally mounted on anarm 15 of themiddle roof element 3 in ajoint 16, and on its front end, is coupled in ajoint 17 to thefront roof element 2. Theauxiliary rod 18 of the four-bar mechanism 13 is coupled to thefront roof element 2 in ajoint 19 which is located on thearm 15, which is at a distance to thejoint 16, and in ajoint 20. - The
rear roof element 4 contains anarm 21 with twojoints main rod 24 and anauxiliary rod 25 of a rear four-bar mechanism 26 are pivotally mounted. On themiddle roof element 3, themain rod 24 and theauxiliary rod 25 are coupled inrespective joints coupling rod 29 is pivotally coupled to thefront rod 7 of the main four-bar mechanism 6 in ajoint 30 and to themain rod 24 in ajoint 31. Anothercoupling rod 32 connects ajoint 33, which is located on anextension 34 of themain rod 14 of the front four-bar mechanism 13, with ajoint 35 on theauxiliary rod 25 of the four-bar mechanism 26 (see FIG. 1). In the motor vehicle shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, as shown in FIG. 4, thecoupling rod 32 is coupled to thejoint 33′ which is located on theextension 34′ of theauxiliary rod 18 of the front four-bar mechanism 13. - In the opening process of the
motor vehicle roof 1, the drive moves the main four-bar mechanism 6 together with themiddle roof element 3 in a pivoting motion in the direction to the rear stowage position on the motor vehicle (see motion from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3), themiddle roof element 3 retaining its roughly horizontal alignment or tilting only slightly. Via the twocoupling rods bar mechanisms rear roof elements front roof element 2 is pivoted in a roughly parallel alignment to themiddle roof element 3 to over it while, conversely, therear roof element 4 is pivoted in a roughly parallel alignment to themiddle roof element 3 to under it. The entire kinematic mechanism of the folding roof thus contains 16 joints and has a single degree of freedom. - The rods are shown simplified in the figures as essentially linear elements, but they can be made elbowed, especially for the front four-
bar mechanism 13 which is pivoted up and over themiddle roof element 3 in order to enable a space-saving rod arrangement. - The two
coupling rods bar mechanism 6 to the front and rear four-bar mechanisms coupling rod 29 can connect therear rod 8 of the main four-bar mechanism 6 to theauxiliary rod 25, and thecoupling rod 32 can connect themain rod 24 of the rear four-bar mechanism 26 to theauxiliary rod 18 of the front four-bar mechanism 13, and other combinations can also be feasibly carried out. - FIGS. 6.1-6.7 schematic depict different alternatives for the type of motion of the front and the
rear roof elements middle roof element 3. - FIG. 6.1 shows the already described embodiment in which the
front roof element 2 can be shifted by means of the four-bar mechanism 13 to over themiddle roof element 3 and therear roof element 4 can be shifted to under themiddle roof element 3. - FIG. 6.2 shows an alternative with these motions interchanged.
- FIG. 6.3 shows front and
rear roof elements middle roof element 3, while FIG. 6.4 shows an alternative with these motions interchanged. - FIG. 6.5 shows a combination of parallel pivoting of the
front roof element 2 to over themiddle roof element 3 and translational motion of therear roof element 4 to under themiddle roof element 3, while FIG. 6.6 shows an interchanged motion sequence. - FIG. 6.7 shows a version with a pure pivoting or folding coupling of the
roof elements middle roof element 3. - Additional embodiments with other combinations can be formed from the basic motions shown.
- The main four-
bar mechanism 6 can also pivotally support the front or therear roof element middle roof element 3. - FIG. 7 shows the
motor vehicle roof 1 of FIG. 1 with an additionalrear roof element 36 which is pivotally coupled via an additional four-bar mechanism 37 to therear roof element 4. Abent arm 38 of therear roof element 36 is pivotally mounted via twojoints rods bar mechanism 37, therods joints rear roof element 4. Acoupling rod 45 connects the extension of themain rod 24 to thefront rod 42 for transfer of motion. Finally, another rear roof column 46 (D-column) can be supported in a pivot joint 47 on the back end of therear roof element 36 and can be driven with a pivoting motion via a connectingrod - The motor vehicle shown in FIGS.2 to 5 furthermore contains a rear stowable roof column 50 (D column) with a
rear roof part 5 coupled thereto. A bearing means 52 for theroof column 50 contains a rod mechanism with two coupled four-bar mechanisms (not detailed in the Figures). The bearing means 52 is pivotally mounted via tworods joints roof column rod 57 which bears theroof column 50 is integrated in the rod mechanism and is pivotally mounted on twojoints rear roof part 5 is driven by means of an auxiliary rod arrangement which is forcibly moved by the bearing means 52. - A drive means can selectively drive the
rod 53 or therod 54 and alternatively also, for example, engage in the joint 55 or the joint 56. - A coupling means in the form of a
coupling rod 60 forms the dynamic coupling between the main four-bar mechanism 6 of themiddle roof element 3 of the front roof section and the bearing means 52 for theroof column 50. Thecoupling rod 60 is, on the one hand, coupled to therod 53 in a joint 61, and on the other hand, to ashort projection 62 of thefront rod 7 of the main four-bar mechanism 6 in a joint 63. Thecoupling rod 60 forms a mechanical coupling so that synchronous motion of theroof elements roof column 50 matched to one another with therear roof part 5 is ensured when themotor vehicle roof 1 is being stowed and collisions of these components are precluded. A drive motion can also be transferred via thecoupling rod 60 so that only one drive for stowing thefront roof elements roof column 50 is necessary. This drive can engage either the main four-bar mechanism 6 of thefront roof elements roof column 50. - Further details and possibilities with regard to the movement mechanism for the
rear roof element roof column
Claims (17)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE10006296.2 | 2000-02-14 | ||
DE10006296 | 2000-02-14 | ||
DE10006296A DE10006296C1 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2000-02-14 | Convertible roof for vehicle, in which coupled roof element moves parallel to main roof element, under or over it |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010019213A1 true US20010019213A1 (en) | 2001-09-06 |
US6425622B2 US6425622B2 (en) | 2002-07-30 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/782,512 Expired - Lifetime US6425622B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2001-02-14 | Convertible motor vehicle roof |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US6425622B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10006296C1 (en) |
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US6497447B1 (en) | 2001-08-15 | 2002-12-24 | Asc Incorporated | Convertible hard top for vehicles |
US20030080580A1 (en) * | 2001-10-26 | 2003-05-01 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible vehicle |
FR2836422A1 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2003-08-29 | France Design | Control device for automobile convertible roof comprising several rigid roof elements comprises coordinating arms and connecting rods coordinating pivot movements of elements around fulcrum pins |
WO2003086799A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2003-10-23 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US6659534B2 (en) | 2001-08-15 | 2003-12-09 | Asc Incorporated | Hard-top convertible roof system |
US6695386B1 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2004-02-24 | Asc Incorporated | Vehicle retractable hardtop roof |
US6722724B1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-04-20 | Macfarland David P. | Four section retractable hard top |
US20040178658A1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2004-09-16 | Michael Willard | Tonneau panel mechanism |
US20040222658A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-11-11 | Christopher Dilluvio | Retractable roof structural system |
US6820917B2 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2004-11-23 | Asc Incorporated | Vehicle convertible roof |
US7014247B2 (en) | 2003-03-03 | 2006-03-21 | Asc Incorporated | Hardtop convertible |
US7364217B2 (en) | 2002-09-16 | 2008-04-29 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible vehicle |
US20080277962A1 (en) * | 2007-05-12 | 2008-11-13 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Stowable Roof Configuration for a Convertible |
US20090015033A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2009-01-15 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Movable roof for an automobile |
US20090108623A1 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2009-04-30 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible |
US20150076855A1 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2015-03-19 | Kurt Paul Vogt | Split Hard Top Convertible for Motorized Passenger Vehicle |
US11390151B1 (en) * | 2020-03-18 | 2022-07-19 | Charles Lee Taggart | Vehicle top and method of use |
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FR2801538B1 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2002-01-11 | France Design | RETRACTABLE RIGID ROOF SYSTEM FOR DISCOVERABLE STRUCTURE, PARTICULARLY FOR VEHICLE |
FR2816252B1 (en) * | 2000-11-06 | 2003-02-07 | France Design | CONVERTIBLE ROOF FOR VEHICLE WITH SLIDING PIVOTING ELEMENTS WITH TWO ARMS |
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US7118160B2 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2006-10-10 | Asc Incorporated | Soft-top convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle |
US6843523B2 (en) | 2002-09-19 | 2005-01-18 | Edscha Roof Systems Inc. | Stowage cover for a convertible top |
DE10316027B4 (en) * | 2003-04-07 | 2005-02-10 | Cts Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Hardtop vehicle roof with three rigid roof parts |
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DE102004060503A1 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-07-06 | Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh | Motor vehicle e.g. notchback vehicle, has front arranged roof parts movable on top of each other to their opening, and set below rear roof part in horizontal position of roof parts in vehicle body part |
DE102006042258A1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-03-27 | Dr.Ing.H.C. F. Porsche Ag | Hood for a convertible |
DE102007024171A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2008-11-27 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Removable roof for a convertible |
DE102007042525A1 (en) | 2007-09-07 | 2009-03-12 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Removable roof arrangement for a convertible |
DE102007051120B3 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2008-10-30 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for convertible vehicle has front hoop, main rod drive, roll-over bar, lowering lever and connecting rod |
DE102007051121B3 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2009-07-23 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for convertible four-seater vehicle has main link mechanism that moves front bow and two surface bows with respect to main bearing unit to open or close top, and articulated connection between second surface bow and main link mechanism |
DE102007054469B4 (en) | 2007-11-13 | 2014-04-17 | Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH | vehicle top |
DE102008010414A1 (en) | 2008-02-21 | 2009-08-27 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Movable roof for structure of passenger car, has roof frames which are formed as roof side rails, where roof side rails are extended between upper cross beam of windscreen frame and rearward area of belt line of structure |
DE102008015165A1 (en) | 2008-03-20 | 2009-09-24 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Movable roof for passenger car, has multiple foldable roof elements consecutively lying in vehicle longitudinal direction, which are components of assembly |
DE102008021508A1 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Moving roof for vehicle, particularly passenger vehicle, has multiple roof elements provided in vehicle longitudinal direction, moved between closing position and opening position, and is lowered in storage chamber |
DE102008031142A1 (en) * | 2008-07-01 | 2010-01-07 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Passenger vehicle has roof element, which is moved by guiding device from closing position below stationary fixed element into rest position behind fixed element |
DE102008035951A1 (en) | 2008-07-31 | 2010-02-04 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Adjustable roof for passenger car, has roof cover device comprising convertible roof cover which is fastened to respective roof element and tracking profiles at edges of respective roof elements |
DE102008046796A1 (en) | 2008-09-11 | 2010-03-18 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Removable roof arrangement for a convertible |
DE102009039926B3 (en) * | 2009-09-03 | 2011-03-24 | Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH | Hood arrangement for a convertible vehicle |
KR101358262B1 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2014-02-06 | 국민대학교산학협력단 | Horizontal Folding type Sunroof Apparatus |
DE102012025566A1 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-26 | GM Global Technology Operations, LLC (n.d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Automotive body |
DE102014116063B4 (en) * | 2014-11-04 | 2020-06-18 | Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH | Canopy with mutually adjustable roof frame elements |
DE102016104288A1 (en) | 2016-03-09 | 2017-09-14 | Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH | Hood of a convertible vehicle with flat arch |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE4326255C1 (en) * | 1992-02-05 | 1994-09-29 | Webasto Karosseriesysteme | Vehicle roof |
US5542735A (en) | 1993-08-05 | 1996-08-06 | Webasto Karosseriesysteme Gmbh | Lengthwise movable vehicle roof |
DE4435222C1 (en) * | 1994-09-30 | 1995-11-02 | Webasto Karosseriesysteme | Roof for convertible car |
DE19642152A1 (en) * | 1996-10-12 | 1998-04-16 | Karmann Gmbh W | Motor vehicle with a retractable roof |
DE29620468U1 (en) * | 1996-11-23 | 1998-04-02 | Karmann Gmbh W | Cabriolet vehicle |
DE29620492U1 (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1998-03-26 | Karmann Gmbh W | Cabriolet vehicle |
-
2000
- 2000-02-14 DE DE10006296A patent/DE10006296C1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-02-14 US US09/782,512 patent/US6425622B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6464284B2 (en) * | 2000-09-13 | 2002-10-15 | Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh | Compact top stack linkage |
US6659534B2 (en) | 2001-08-15 | 2003-12-09 | Asc Incorporated | Hard-top convertible roof system |
US6497447B1 (en) | 2001-08-15 | 2002-12-24 | Asc Incorporated | Convertible hard top for vehicles |
US6866325B2 (en) | 2001-08-15 | 2005-03-15 | Asc Incorporated | Hard-top convertible roof system |
US20040041437A1 (en) * | 2001-08-15 | 2004-03-04 | Willard Michael T. | Hard-top convertible roof system |
US6736445B2 (en) * | 2001-10-26 | 2004-05-18 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible vehicle |
US20030080580A1 (en) * | 2001-10-26 | 2003-05-01 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible vehicle |
US7108310B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2006-09-19 | Societe Europeene De Brevets Automobiles | Control device for a convertible vehicle roof which provides optimum clearance above the passenger compartment |
WO2003072383A3 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2004-04-15 | France Design | Control device for a convertible vehicle roof which provides optimum clearance above the passenger compartment |
FR2836422A1 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2003-08-29 | France Design | Control device for automobile convertible roof comprising several rigid roof elements comprises coordinating arms and connecting rods coordinating pivot movements of elements around fulcrum pins |
EP1859981A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2007-11-28 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH | Foldable roof for a convertible vehicle |
US7896424B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2011-03-01 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US20080224496A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2008-09-18 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US7374226B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2008-05-20 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US20050218691A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2005-10-06 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US20060202505A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2006-09-14 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
WO2003086799A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2003-10-23 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US7331624B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2008-02-19 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
CN100346994C (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2007-11-07 | 埃德纱卡布里奥-车顶系统公司 | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle |
US7364217B2 (en) | 2002-09-16 | 2008-04-29 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible vehicle |
US6820917B2 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2004-11-23 | Asc Incorporated | Vehicle convertible roof |
US6695386B1 (en) | 2002-09-18 | 2004-02-24 | Asc Incorporated | Vehicle retractable hardtop roof |
US6722724B1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-04-20 | Macfarland David P. | Four section retractable hard top |
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 |
US7014247B2 (en) | 2003-03-03 | 2006-03-21 | Asc Incorporated | Hardtop convertible |
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 |
US8118343B2 (en) | 2007-05-12 | 2012-02-21 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Stowable roof configuration for a convertible |
US20080277962A1 (en) * | 2007-05-12 | 2008-11-13 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Stowable Roof Configuration for a Convertible |
US7780217B2 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2010-08-24 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Movable roof for an automobile |
US20090015033A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2009-01-15 | Magna Car Top Systems Gmbh | Movable roof for an automobile |
US20090108623A1 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2009-04-30 | Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme Gmbh | Top for a convertible |
US20150076855A1 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2015-03-19 | Kurt Paul Vogt | Split Hard Top Convertible for Motorized Passenger Vehicle |
US9381796B2 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2016-07-05 | Kurt P. Vogt | Split hard top convertible for motorized passenger vehicle |
US11390151B1 (en) * | 2020-03-18 | 2022-07-19 | Charles Lee Taggart | Vehicle top and method of use |
Also Published As
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US6425622B2 (en) | 2002-07-30 |
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