Convertible top with a rotational angle detection device

Abstract

A folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle includes a rotational angle detection device disposed in a rotary hinge (1) for detection of the rotational angle between linkage arms (2, 4) of a convertible top frame that are pivotably connected with each other by a bearing pin (10; 22). A rotational angle encoder (8; 18; 30) is connected with one linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element (6; 20; 32) is connected with the other linkage arm so as to rotate therewith. The rotational angle encoder and/or the sensor element is/are disposed adjacent to the bearing pin on respective surfaces of the linkage arms facing towards each other or within housing parts (24, 26) connected to the respective linkage arms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be described in an exemplary manner with the assistance of schematic figures of representative linkage or frame assemblies of a folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a representative rotary hinge for a convertible top frame having a film potentiometer serving as a rotational angle detection device;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of the rotary hinge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a view similar to FIG. 1 of a modified embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a representative embodiment of a rotary hinge having a contact-less inductive system serving as a rotational angle detection device;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of the rotary hinge of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic top view of the rotary hinge of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a further representative embodiment of a rotary hinge with a contact-less magnetic system serving as a rotational angle detection device.

Claims

1. A convertible top for a convertible vehicle, comprising: a foldable frame comprising at least first and second linkage arms pivotably coupled at a rotary hinge defining a rotational axis of the first and second linkage arms, anda rotational angle detection device arranged and constructed to detect a rotational angle between the first and second linkage arms, the rotational angle detection device including a rotational angle encoder connected with the first linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element connected with the second linkage arm so as to rotate therewith, wherein the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element are respectively disposed adjacent to the rotational axis and on surfaces of the first and second linkage arms that face towards each other or within first and second housing parts respectively attached to the first and second linkage arms.

2. A convertible top according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element is accommodated in a recess defined in at least one of the surfaces of the linkage arms that face towards each other.

3. A convertible top according to claim 2, further comprising a bearing bush extending through at least one of the first and second linkage arms and surrounding a bearing pin defining the rotational axis of the rotary hinge, the bearing pin having a shaft length corresponding at least to the thickness of the portion of the linkage arm that surrounds the bearing pin.

4. A convertible top according to claim 3, further comprising a spacer washer disposed between the first and second linkage arms, the spacer washer having a thickness is at least as thick as the height required by at least one of the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element disposed between the two facing surfaces of the linkage arms.

5. A convertible top according to claim 4, wherein the linkage arms are pivotably connected to each other by a rivet.

6. A convertible top according to claim 4, wherein the linkage arms are pivotably connected to each other by a removable screw or a bolt.

7. A convertible top according to claim 4, wherein the rotational angle encoder contacts the sensor element.

8. A convertible top according to claim 1, wherein the rotational angle encoder is arranged and constructed not to contact the sensor element during detection of the rotational angle.

9. A convertible top according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element is accommodated in a housing part attached to an end portion of one of the linkage arms.

10. A convertible top according to claim 1, wherein the rotational angle encoder contacts the sensor element.

11. A convertible top according to claim 10, wherein the sensor element comprises a film potentiometer disposed on an inner contact surface of the rotary hinge.

12. A convertible top according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element comprises a magnetic detection device disposed within a housing part that at least partially defines the rotary hinge.

13. A foldable frame for supporting a convertible top, comprising: at least first and second linkage arms pivotably coupled at a rotary hinge defining a rotational axis of the first and second linkage arms,a rotational angle encoder fixedly coupled with the first linkage arm adjacent to the rotational axis, the rotational angle encoder being disposed on an inner-facing surface of, or within, at least one of the rotary hinge and the first linkage arm anda sensor element fixedly coupled with the second linkage arm adjacent to the rotational axis, the sensor element being disposed on an inner-facing surface of, or within, at least one of the rotary hinge and the second linkage arm, wherein the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element are arranged and constructed to generate a signal representative of the angular position of the first linkage arm relative to the second linkage arm.

14. A foldable frame according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element is accommodated in a recess defined in at least one of the surfaces of the linkage arms or the rotary hinge that face towards each other.

15. A foldable frame according to claim 13, further comprising: a bearing bush extending through at least one of the first and second linkage arms and surrounding a bearing pin defining the rotational axis of the rotary hinge, the bearing pin having a shaft length corresponding at least to the thickness of the portion of the linkage arm(s) that surrounds the bearing pin, anda spacer washer disposed between the first and second linkage arms, the spacer washer having a thickness is at least as thick as the height required by at least one of the rotational angle encoder and the sensor element disposed between the two facing surfaces of the linkage arms.

16. A foldable frame according to claim 13, wherein the linkage arms are pivotably connected to each other by one of a rivet, a screw or a bolt.

17. A foldable frame according to claim 13, wherein the rotational angle encoder contacts the sensor element.

18. A foldable frame according to claim 13, wherein the rotational angle encoder is arranged and constructed not to contact the sensor element during detection of the rotational angle.

19. A convertible top according to claim 13, wherein the sensor element is accommodated within a housing part attached to an end portion of one of the first and second linkage arms, which housing part at least partially defines the rotary hinge.

20. A foldable frame according to claim 13, wherein the sensor element comprises a film potentiometer and the rotational angle encoder comprises a mounted pin in contact with the film potentiometer.