U.S. patent application number 09/737132 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-28 for unlocking device for vehicle convertible tops.
Invention is credited to Fischer, Johann, Haberl, Franz, Rauscher, Michael.
Application Number | 20010005090 09/737132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7932449 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010005090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haberl, Franz ; et
al. |
June 28, 2001 |
Unlocking device for vehicle convertible tops
Abstract
The invention relates to an unlocking device for a vehicle
convertible top, comprising a handle for actuating the unlocking
device, and at least one locking hook which locks the vehicle
convertible top and is operatively connected to the handle by means
of an actuating arrangement, a signal generator being provided
which detects the position of the handle and which generates a
signal when the handle is shifted by a predetermined extent, and
the signal causing a catch to be released, preventing further
shifting of the handle beyond the predetermined extent.
Inventors: |
Haberl, Franz; (Wallerfing,
DE) ; Rauscher, Michael; (Deggendorf, DE) ;
Fischer, Johann; (Regen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIDSON, DAVIDSON & KAPPEL, LLC
1140 Avenue of the America, 15th Floor
New York
NY
10086
US
|
Family ID: |
7932449 |
Appl. No.: |
09/737132 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 7/1851 20130101;
Y10S 292/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/121 |
International
Class: |
B60J 007/185 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 13, 1999 |
DE |
199 60 022.8 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An unlocking device for a vehicle convertible top, comprising a
handle for actuating the unlocking device, and at least one locking
hook which locks the vehicle convertible top and is operatively
connected to the handle by means of an actuating arrangement, a
signal generator being provided which detects the position of the
handle and which generates a signal when the handle is shifted by a
predetermined extent, and the signal causing a catch to be
released, preventing further shifting of the handle beyond the
predetermined extent.
2. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catch
can only be released if at least one further safety signal is
present.
3. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the further
safety signal indicates the actuation of the handbrake.
4. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the further
safety signal indicates the selection of the parking position of an
automatic transmission.
5. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the further
safety signal indicates a driving speed lower than a predetermined
value.
6. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catch is
designed as a ratchet which can be electrically actuated by means
of a lifting magnet.
7. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ratchet
is connected to the lifting magnet via a coupling link.
8. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catch is
designed as a direct catch which is a moveable part of a
solenoid.
9. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a turning
panel is arranged between the handle and the actuating
arrangement.
10. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least
one actuating arrangement is coupled to the turning panel.
11. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the turning
panel has a control surface which actuates the signal generator as
a function of the shifting of the handle.
12. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
shifting of the handle is a rotational movement.
13. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the catch
permits the rotational movement of the handle only up to a
predetermined extent.
14. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
unlocking device is covered by a cover which does not cover the
handle.
15. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cover
is provided with an emergency actuation hole through which the
catch can be released manually.
16. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
emergency actuation hole is concealed by the handle in its
inoperative position.
17. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle,
the signal generator and the catch are arranged on a support
panel.
18. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
convertible top is a folding roof.
19. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
convertible top is a hinged roof.
20. The unlocking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
convertible top is a hard top.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an unlocking device for a
vehicle convertible top, having a handle for actuating the
unlocking device, and a locking hook which locks the vehicle
convertible top and is operatively connected to the handle by means
of an actuating arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Vehicle convertible tops known in practice comprise, for
example, an unlocking catch in which a microswitch which detects
the position of the locking element is arranged in the region of
the actual locking, i.e. in the lateral region of the convertible
top and in the vicinity of locking elements themselves. The
blocking element, which blocks and releases the movement of the
locking element, is likewise situated in the lateral region. The
locking elements are actuated via a handle attached centrally.
[0003] During rapid actuation of the handle, for example by the
vehicle driver, the locking element is shifted in such a manner
that, although the microswitch detects the change in position of
the locking element, it is possible for the blocking element to
become jammed by the locking element, with the result that release
of the locking element by the blocking element is no longer
possible.
[0004] The multiplicity of components present between the handle
and the lateral locking elements and the associated blocking
element causes the respective freedom of movement of these
components to add up in such a manner that the jamming may occur
more frequently.
[0005] The known unlocking device therefore has the disadvantage
that under unfavorable operating conditions, for example actuation
of the handle too rapidly, the unlocking device jams and the
convertible top cannot be immediately opened.
[0006] German laid open publication DE 198 01 852 A1 describes a
locking arrangement for securing a convertible top, in which the
locking arrangement can be actuated by means of a telescopically
extendable closing handle, a secondary locking of the closing
handle consisting in that the convertible-top locking can be
actuated only when the closing handle is extended. The closing
handle is secured in a purely mechanical manner without electric
sensors or electromechanical catches and, although this provides a
certain amount of protection against unintentional actuation of the
handle, malicious opening of the convertible top, for example
during travel, is not prevented.
[0007] German laid open publication DE 199 18 628 A1 relates to an
actuating mechanism for a convertible roof, the front roof part
being locked to the body via complicated sensors in conjunction
with locking bolts which are driven by an electric motor, and the
convertible-top mechanism being actuated by an electric switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an
unlocking device in which reliable unlocking of the convertible top
is ensured.
[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by a signal
generator being provided which detects the position of the handle
and which generates a signal when the handle is shifted beyond a
predetermined extent, and the signal causing a catch to be
released, said catch preventing shifting of the handle beyond the
predetermined extent.
[0010] The essential advantages of the unlocking device according
to the invention are, firstly, that securing against unintentional
opening of the convertible top is ensured and, secondly, that
jamming of the unlocking device is virtually ruled out.
[0011] The abovementioned object, the features and advantages of
the present invention can be better understood taking into
consideration the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the
associated drawings.
[0012] The invention is explained in greater detail below with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a partially perspective view of the unlocking
device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of part of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of a significant
section of the unlocking device according to the invention, as seen
from the rear side.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a handle for actuating the
unlocking device of FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view (along the line A-A in
FIG. 1 or 2) of a first design of a catch of the unlocking device
of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a further catch of
the unlocking device, but according to a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another catch of the
unlocking device according to a third preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] The unlocking device which is illustrated in a first
preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5 and is intended for a vehicle
convertible top, such as, for example, a folding roof, a hinged
roof or a hard top, comprises a support panel 2 which is arranged
in the middle or centrally, as seen over the vehicle width, and on
which a significant part of the unlocking device is arranged.
[0021] Actuating arrangements, which are referred to as pull rods 3
below, extend from this central support panel 2 in both transverse
directions, in relation to to the vehicle, which end at a side part
14 on which a respective locking hook 7 is positioned, by means of
which the convertible top can be fastened or locked to the
windshield frame (not illustrated), for example. The actuating
arrangement may also be a pull cable or a group of components
capable of producing the operative connection between the locking
hook 7 and the control unit (for example, the handle 4).
[0022] Shifting these pull rods 3 in the direction of the central
support panel 2 enables the locking hook 7 to be pivoted around an
axis 21 so as to effect the locking. Shifting the pull rods 3 in
the direction of the side part 14 enables the locking hook 7 to be
pivoted back again so as to effect the unlocking.
[0023] The pull rods 3 are shifted by a turning panel 6, which
preferably consists of sheet metal, being rotated around an axis of
rotation 22. It can readily be seen in FIG. 2, in an enlarged
illustration, that each pull rod 3 is coupled eccentrically to the
turning panel 6, so that during rotation of the turning panel 6
rotation of the coupling point 23 of each pull rod 3 around the
axis of rotation 22 takes place, ultimately resulting in the pull
rod 3 being shifted.
[0024] The position of the pull rods 3 according to FIG. 2 shows a
position of the pull rods 3 beyond the dead center, since the
latter have been rotated by the coupling points 23 slightly beyond
the dead center. Additional securing against unintentional opening
is realized in this manner. An appropriately high force has to be
applied to the turning panel 6 in order to rotate the coupling
points 23 or shift the pull rods 3 out of this position beyond the
dead center.
[0025] The turning panel 6 has a noncircular outer contour on which
variously shaped surfaces are formed. One of these surfaces is a
control surface 19. Resting on the control surface 19 is a switch
lever of a signal generator, which is illustrated in the figures as
a microswitch 1. The signal generator may also be a sensor, a light
barrier etc., the position of the turning panel 6 being detected
and a corresponding signal being output by the signal
generator.
[0026] In the illustration according to FIG. 2, it can be seen that
below the control surface 19 a stop 13 is fastened to the support
panel 2 by means of two screws. This stop 13 prevents the turning
panel 6 from being able to move further counterclockwise than is
illustrated in FIG. 2. The turning panel 6 may only be rotated
clockwise from the position according to FIG. 2.
[0027] Clockwise rotation, from the position according to FIG. 2,
causes the control surface 19 to be rotated and as soon as that
edge 24 of the control surface 19 which lies at the rear (as seen
in the direction of rotation) releases the switch lever of the
microswitch 1, the microswitch 1 generates a signal.
[0028] Further rotation of the turning panel 6 in the clockwise
direction is prevented by a catch, which is formed in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 by means of a ratchet 9. This ratchet 9
is connected to a lifting magnet 5 via a coupling link 15 (FIG. 5).
By activation of the lifting magnet 5, the coupling link 15 can be
shifted and, via a turning joint 25, the ratchet 9 can be pivoted
in such a manner that engagement with, or disengagement from, the
turning panel 6 can be produced.
[0029] The support panel 2, to which the handle 4, the lifting
magnet 5, the turning panel 6, the microswitch 1 and the stop 13 of
the unlocking device according to the invention are directly or
indirectly fastened, is itself fastened for example to a front bow
or roof frame of the vehicle via fastening plates 10 and holes
11.
[0030] The support panel 2 and the associated parts of the
unlocking device are covered by a cover 8.
[0031] The handle 4 is operatively connected to the turning panel
6, that is to say, when the handle 4 is rotated, the turning panel
6 is also correspondingly rotated along with it. The pull rods 3
are coupled to the turning panel 6 and are likewise shifted during
rotation of the turning panel 6.
[0032] A hinged mechanism (not shown) allows the handle 4 to be
swung into the position according to FIG. 4 and swung out of this
position.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates that the handle 4, in the swung-in
position, conceals an emergency actuation hole 12 which is used for
manually unlocking the ratchet 9, by inserting a pointed object
into the emergency actuation hole, and therefore makes it possible
to open the convertible top in an emergency.
[0034] Starting from a closed convertible top, first of all the
handle 4 is pivoted out of the position according to FIG. 4. The
handle 4 is swung virtually at right angles to this position
according to FIG. 4.
[0035] Rotation of the handle 4 causes the turning panel 6 to be
rotated along with it. As soon as the rotation of the turning panel
6 releases, by means of the control surface 19, the switch lever of
the microswitch 1, a signal is generated. This signal indicates
that the operator would like to open the convertible top. However,
the catch has not yet been released at this point. The ratchet 9
therefore prevents further rotation of the turning panel 6.
[0036] If the vehicle is at a standstill or if the handbrake has
been applied or if the parking position has been selected in the
case of an automatic transmission, a further signal, a so-called
safety signal, can preferably be derived from these operating
states. This safety signal is preferably used in order to prevent
unintentional opening of the convertible top.
[0037] Only if both signals, namely the signal from the microswitch
1 and the safety signal from, for example, the actuation of the
handbrake, are present, the lifting magnet 5 is activated and the
ratchet 9 released.
[0038] The turning panel 6 can then be rotated further by the
handle 4 and the pull rods 3 can thereby be shifted further until
the locking hooks 7 are unlocked.
[0039] The response time of the catch, i.e. the time between the
start of rotation of the handle 4 and the release of the ratchet 9,
can be made very short by means of this arrangement, and can be
considerably shortened as compared with the prior art.
[0040] In the case of the unlocking device according to the
invention, it is no longer possible for jamming, as described at
the beginning in the prior art, to occur. The catch and the
microswitch 1 are provided directly adjacent to the turning panel
6, with the result that no great distances lie in-between nor does
a multiplicity of interposed components have to be activated.
[0041] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
which is illustrated in FIG. 6, the catch may also be designed as a
direct catch 16. In this embodiment, the ratchet 9 and the coupling
link 15 are omitted, while a moveable part of a solenoid 20
directly blocks or releases the turning panel 6. In the embodiment
according to FIG. 6, the solenoid 20 is oriented vertically (in
relation to the vehicle).
[0042] Finally, FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment, in which the
solenoid 20 is arranged horizontally. The direct catch 16 is
provided in a recess 17 on the turning panel 6 and allows or
prevents further rotation of the turning panel 6, depending on the
position of the moveable part of the solenoid 20. An electrical
lead 18 leads to the solenoid 20.
[0043] In summary, an unlocking device according to the invention
for a vehicle convertible top has a handle 4 for actuating the
unlocking device, and also at least one locking hook 7 which locks
the vehicle convertible top, the locking hook 7 being operatively
connected to the handle 4 by means of a pull rod 3, a microswitch 1
being provided which detects the position of the handle 4 and which
generates a signal when the handle 4 is shifted beyond a
predetermined extent, and the signal causing a catch to be
released, preventing the handle 4 from being shifted beyond the
predetermined extent. The advantages of the unlocking device
according to the invention are, firstly, that securing against
unintentional opening of the convertible top is ensured and,
secondly, that jamming of the unlocking device is virtually ruled
out.
[0044] As regards features of the invention which are not explained
specifically in greater detail above, express reference should
additionally be made to the patent claims.
* * * * *