Bulkhead module for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof
AssigneesASC Incorporated, Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
InventorsStefan W. Eichhorst, Timothy J. Olind, Gary J. Forgue
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular bulkhead assembly is provided for a convertible roof system for an automobile. The convertible roof system is mounted to the bulkhead or wall member including left and right linkage assemblies, an electronic control unit, and a hydraulic control system. The bulkhead module can then be assembled into a vehicle as a modular unit. The electronic control unit can then be connected to the vehicle power supply by connection of wire harnesses from the electrical control unit.
Claims21
A modular convertible top assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
- a modular support panel further comprising a substantially flat wall aligned on a substantially vertical plane and extending a majority of the distance between a vehicle floor and a vehicle beltline;
- two linkage assemblies mounted to said support panel;
- at least one roof panel, said linkage assemblies supporting the at least one roof panel that is movable between a passenger compartment covering position and a stowed position;
- a hydraulic system connected to at least one of said linkage assemblies and operably retracting and extending said at least one linkage assembly, said hydraulic system including a hydraulic pump mounted to said support panel;
- and
- an electronic control unit mounted to said support panel, said electronic control unit being connected with said hydraulic system for activating said hydraulic control system for controllably retracting and extending said at least one linkage assembly;
- wherein said modular support panel includes holes and offset surfaces on said substantially flat wall, and said wall extends transversely in said vehicle at least a majority of the distance between said two linkage assemblies.
A modular convertible top assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
- a wall member adapted to be mounted in a vehicle;
- a linkage assembly mounted to said wall, said linkage assembly supporting at least one roof panel that is movable between a first position for covering a passenger compartment and a second stowed position;
- a hydraulic control system connected to said linkage assembly for controllably retracting and extending said linkage assembly, said hydraulic control system including a hydraulic pump mounted to said wall;
- an electronic control unit mounted to said wall and in communication with said hydraulic control system for activating said hydraulic control system for controllably retracting and extending said linkage assembly;
- and
- a hold down bracket assembly mounted to said wall, said hold down bracket assembly adapted to lock said linkage assembly in said second stowed position.
A modular convertible top assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
- a member adapted to be mounted to a body structure of a vehicle;
- a linkage assembly mounted to said member, said linkage assembly supporting at least one roof panel that is movable between a first position for covering a passenger compartment and a second stowed position;
- and
- at least one guide pin disposed on one of said member and said body structure of the vehicle, and at least one mounting hole disposed on the other of said member and said body structure, said at least one guide pin and said at least one mounting hole cooperating to define a positioning guide when said member is assembled to said body structure.
A preassembled convertible roof module comprising:
- a panel;
- a top stack linkage system mounted on the panel prior to final vehicle assembly;
- a latch motor;
- an electronic controller mounted on the panel, the electronic controller being operable to control the latch motor;
- and
- at least one guide pin projecting from the panel to assist in final vehicle assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.