DE19714125C2 - Convertible vehicle roof - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a convertible vehicle roof with a fixed rear element, the covers at least part of the vehicle interior upwards in a closed position, with a swivel connection between the rear element and the vehicle it is provided that the rear element can be covered with a top compartment lid Convertible top compartment is retractable to the vehicle interior in this open position to be exposed in accordance with the preamble of patent claim 1.

In a convertible vehicle roof known from DE 44 46 799 C2, this is Rear element with its rear articulation point after swiveling up into one Intermediate position in a rotated position, with the roof closed to the outside facing roof skin is stored in a storage space. The fulcrum of the Swivel lever is approximately at the level of a B-pillar-like stiffening of the Rear element arranged. For the transition from the swiveling movement to the rotated one Lowering movement must a locking mechanism between unspecified Swivel lever and rear element can be released. This locking mechanism means one additional effort. Due to the rotated shelf the comes every time dirty outside of the rear element in contact with the storage space, so that in Over time, the storage space becomes heavily soiled.

In another vehicle roof known from DE 36 35 373 A1, there is a fixed roof element connected by means of a hinge part to the rear element so that at the beginning of the Opening movement can be pivoted over the rear element. At the rear end of the Tail element is articulated a lever with one end, the other end is articulated to the body in the front section of the convertible top compartment. The  Convertible top compartment lid is about a pivot axis on its rear edge with its front edge can be swiveled upwards around the convertible top compartment to accommodate the rear and roof elements to release. A flexible convertible top part is arranged on the rear edge of the rear element, to cover the rear part of the vehicle interior in the closed position. In the course the opening movement becomes the rear element together with the one above Roof element pivoted downwards to the rear so that it would lie in the convertible top compartment comes, which is finally closed again by the lid.

The disadvantage of this vehicle roof is that on the one hand the pivot lever for the Pivoting movement of the roof element must be very long, which takes up a lot of space, and on the other hand, the attachment of the lever in the front section of the convertible top compartment quite large convertible top compartment required.

DE 44 35 222 C1 describes a vehicle roof with a roof element and a rear element known, the roof element and the rear element each with a vehicle-fixed in attached to the front part of a convertible top compartment linkage and that Rear element at the beginning of the opening movement upwards over the roof element is pushed and then both together backwards down into the convertible top compartment be pivoted to expose the vehicle interior. The rods are with your one end at the rear section of the rear element or roof element articulated while its other end is in the front part of the convertible top compartment is articulated to the body. The top compartment lid is on a swivel axis on it The rear edge can be swiveled upwards with its front edge to the convertible top compartment Release the rear and roof element. On the top compartment lid are in front laterally pivotable side flaps are provided to allow passage of the linkage for the To allow roof element and the rear element in the roof closed position.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the linkages are designed with long levers need, which requires a large space.

From DE 41 00 677 C2 is a vehicle roof with a roof element and with it connected rear element known, at the beginning of the opening movement Roof element is raised and then pushed back over the rear element, so that  it comes to lie parallel and aligned with the rear element. In the front part the piston rod of a drive cylinder is articulated laterally of the rear element, the end of which in turn is articulated in the rear area of the convertible top compartment. In the convertible top compartment side walls there are two inclined downwards at the rear Link tracks are provided, in which the rear element is guided by means of two link pins is. To lower the rear element with the roof element pushed over it, the Piston rods into the cylinder, causing the rear element to move backwards and downwards until it is roughly on the same level as the rear top of the body. The In this position, the rear element and the roof element act as a cover for the Convertible top compartment. An additional top compartment lid is not provided.

A disadvantage of this known vehicle roof is that the convertible top compartment is closed Vehicle roof is not covered and an expensive and prone to jamming Sliding mechanism is provided.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above Avoid vehicle roofs and a simple and compact convertible as possible To create vehicle roof while avoiding large openings in the top compartment lid.

This task is based on a vehicle roof of the type mentioned solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Because the Convertible top compartment lid from the position covering the convertible top compartment with its The rear edge can be swiveled upwards into a release position around the convertible top compartment release, and the swivel connection between the rear element and the vehicle is formed is that the rear element from the closed position with its front section to the rear up to an intermediate position and from this intermediate position to the front down to the storage is pivotable in the convertible top compartment, is not an additional locking or rotating mechanism required between swivel lever and rear element. By articulating the Long levers can be avoided by swiveling connections in the rear area of the rear element be, which allows a compact arrangement of the swivel connection. Furthermore, only relatively short openings in the top compartment lid for the passage of the Swivel connection required.  

In a further embodiment it is preferably provided that the convertible top compartment lid is facing upwards is pivotable into the release position when the rear element in the intermediate position is brought, the rear element pivotable from the intermediate position into the open position is while the top compartment lid remains in the release position, and the Convertible top compartment lid can be brought into the cover position when the rear element is in the open position in the soft top compartment. This results in an expedient Sequence of movements when opening the vehicle roof.

In addition, a fixed roof element is preferably provided, which in the closed position before Rear element is arranged to cover part of the vehicle interior, the The rear element and the roof element to release the vehicle interior one above the other can be arranged and in this position together down into the convertible top compartment are retractable. This allows a relatively compact top compartment.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that on the Rear element on each side one end of one in the closed position to the rear extending toggle lever is firmly attached, at the other end two levers with their are hinged at one end, the other end of which is pivotable on the Vehicle body are articulated. This arrangement ensures a clear Movement component of the rear element during opening to the rear, which results in full raised position the required distance to the one to be set up below Convertible top compartment lid is reached.

A simpler version is achieved by a pivot axis fixed to the body, whereby the pivot axis is arranged far behind the rear edge of the rear element, by a direction of movement backwards upwards from the body or the Trunk lid to achieve away. This represents a simple and robust design of the Connection mechanism between the rear element and the vehicle.

In addition, a swivel connection is preferred between the roof element and the rear element provided that is designed so that the rear element and the roof element in the same Orientation can be arranged at least approximately parallel to one another. This allows  a compact arrangement of the rear element and roof element when storing in the Convertible top compartment.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is further provided that on the rear element each side two toggle levers are each articulated with one end, the each other end of the two toggle levers is articulated on the roof element. This represents one simple execution of the connection mechanism between the roof element and rear element. It is preferably provided that the swivel connections are so designed and so are driven that when swiveling the rear element from the closed position in the Intermediate position, the roof element is pivotable under the rear element. This allows a quick opening process.

Furthermore, the top compartment lid is preferably about an axis near its front edge pivotable, wherein it has a front part and a rear part which are pivotable to one another are connected. On the one hand, this two-part design reduces the vertical extension of the open top compartment lid, which is under conditions of a restricted Height freedom, such as in an underground car park or under avenue trees is an advantage. On the other hand, the combination of roof element and rear element must be used to open the Convertible top compartment lid must not be pivoted as far back as the Convertible top compartment lid is also effective in the horizontal direction during its opening process shortened and thereby its rear edge under the composite of roof element and Rear element slips out.  

In the following two embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings explained. Show it:

Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle roof according to a first embodiment in the closed position.

Fig. 2 to 6 views like Figure 1, but the vehicle roof is shown in different intermediate positions.

Fig. 7 and 8 views like Figures 1 to 7, but the vehicle roof is shown in the open position.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the folding top compartment lid of the vehicle roof in the position shown in Fig. 7;

FIG. 10 is a section along the line AA in Fig. 9;

FIG. 11 is a section along the line BB in Fig. 9;

FIG. 12 is a section taken on the line CC in Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of a vehicle roof according to the invention formed according to a second embodiment in the closed position;

Figs. 14 to 16 are views like Fig 13 but in different intermediate positions. and

Fig. 17 is a view like Fig. 13, but in the open position of the top.

In Fig. 1, a convertible vehicle roof is shown, which has a convertible top 11 consisting of a rigid roof element 10 and a rigid rear element 12 which adjoins the roof element 10 to the rear. The roof element 10 is at its front cut from a rigid front element 14 which has a cover which can be pushed back for ventilation purposes under the roof element and has two side rails which can be folded inwards when the cover is pushed back. However, the front element 14 can also be provided with an opening which can be optionally closed or exposed by a lid for ventilation purposes, and it can be displaceable as a whole under the roof element 10 . Such combinations of front element and roof element are known for example from DE 44 35 222 C1 and are explained there in detail.

In the closed position of the vehicle roof shown in FIG. 1, front element 14 , roof element 10 and rear element 12 lie against one another in a sealing manner and cover the entire interior 20 of the vehicle. The front element 14 lies sealingly against the upper edge 16 of the front pane 18 . The rear element 12 , in which the rear window of the vehicle (not shown) is integrated, extends up to approximately the belt line 22 of the vehicle body and there lies sealingly against the body. In the rear section 24 of the rear element 12 , a toggle lever 26 , the curvature of which points downward, is attached on both sides with its front end 28 . At the rear end 30 of the toggle lever 26 , two levers 32 , 34 are each pivotally articulated at one end, while the other end of the levers 32 , 34 is articulated at vehicle-mounted articulation points 36 , 38 . In the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the articulation points 36 , 38 for the toggle lever 26 are further back than the front end 28 of the toggle lever 26 .

At the rear end of the roof element 10 , a rearwardly extending fastening element 40 is provided on each side, to which two toggle levers 42 , 44 are articulated with one end, the other end of which is articulated to the central section of the rear element 12 . The curvature of the two toggle levers 42 , 44 is different, but in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 points downwards in both cases, the toggle levers 42 , 44 being arranged approximately parallel to one another and their articulation points on the fastening element 40 to the front point.

Below the rear element 12 , a convertible top compartment 46 is arranged approximately above the rear axle of the vehicle, which is covered by a multi-part convertible top compartment cover 48 which has a three-part front part 50 which can be pivoted about an axis near the top compartment lid front edge 49 and a rear part 52 which is pivotally connected thereto. According to FIG. 9, the front part is divided 50 of the folding top compartment lid 48 in a central part 51 which is detachably connected to a roll bar 54 and two side portions 53 which flank the roll bar 54 and the central part 51 and to which the rear portion 52 via hinge connections 55 is articulated. In the position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9, the roll bar 54 , the front part 50 and the rear part 52 lie against one another in a substantially horizontally aligned manner. The articulation points 36 , 38 for the toggle lever 26 and the toggle lever 26 itself are arranged in a space-saving manner in the rear section of the convertible top compartment 46 . The toggle lever 26 is passed through a narrow slot 57 through the top compartment lid rear part 52 .

According to FIG. 10, with the top compartment lid 48 closed, the side parts 53 lie with their outer edge portion 59 in a sealing manner on a body-fixed seal 61 in order to prevent moisture from penetrating into the top compartment 46 .

The roll bar 54 is pivotally mounted in the front part of the convertible top compartment 46 with its lower end 56 about a horizontal axis 64 oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the position shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9, the roll bar 54 is folded back into a substantially horizontal rest position. The roll bar 54 has two side sections 66 and a crossbar 68 oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is driven in a known manner by a drive (not shown), for example a hydraulic cylinder.

The side portions 66 are each provided with a slot downwardly curved side scenes 58, in which by means of the engagement of a laterally provided on the inside of side members 53 guide pin 60, the top compartment lid side portions 53 are ge leads. However, the coupling between the roll bar 54 and the top compartment cover side parts 53 is automatically canceled by means of an electromotive or electromagnetic locking part in the event of a rollover. For example, the link pin 60 can be actuated electromagnetically and can be displaced in the transverse direction of the vehicle, so that it engages or not in the link slot 58 depending on the lateral position (see FIG. 11). In the closed position of the convertible top 11 shown in FIG. 1, the link pin 60 engages in the link slot 58 , being close to the front end of the link slot 58 . Furthermore, the central part 51 of the top compartment 50 in the position shown in FIG. 1 is coupled to the roll bar 54 , this coupling also being automatically removed in the event of a rollover.

According to Fig. 2 of the vehicle roof is at the beginning of the opening movement, first, the lid of the front panel 14 by means of an electric drive to the rear under the roof element 10 is pushed, and the side members are folded inward at the front edge of the roof element 10. At the same time, the rear element 12 is pivoted upwards rearward by means of the drive, which engages one of the fastening levers 32 , 34 of the toggle lever 26 , while at the same time the roof element 10 is moved downward under the rear element 12 by pivoting the toggle levers 42 , 44 by means of the drive .

According to FIG. 3, the rear element 12 is pivoted out into an intermediate position in which it points essentially vertically upwards. In this intermediate position, the roof element 10 lies completely in front of the rear element 12 , the roof element 10 and the rear element 12 being oriented in parallel in a space-saving manner in the same orientation, ie with the same curvature on the outside. From now on, the roof element 10 and the rear element 12 are coupled to one another and move together. The top compartment lid 48 is still closed.

According to FIG. 4, the roof panel 10 and the rear element 12 are held in the intermediate vertical position, while the roll bar 54 from its horizontal position pivoted upwardly, said top compartment lid central portion 51 and the top compartment side parts are coupled to the roll bars 54 53 and thereby also to a pivoting movement are driven. The setting pin 60 moves in the setting slot 58 . The top compartment lid rear part 52 folds against the top compartment lid side parts Ver 53 by an angle predetermined by a stop down. The convertible top compartment cover side parts 53 are moved so that they are both pivoted and slightly raised. The convertible top compartment middle part 51 , however, is firmly coupled to the roll bar 54 .

In Fig. 5 the roll bar 54 is shown in its maximum pivoted position. The convertible top compartment cover 48 is now swung out to the maximum, and it releases the convertible top compartment 46 , the side parts 53 extending almost vertically upwards. The link pin 60 comes to lie near the rear end 72 of the link slot 58 . The multi-part design of the convertible top compartment cover 48 with the rear part 52 that can be folded down reduces the overall free height required to open the vehicle roof, so that opening or closing of the vehicle roof is possible even with limited height clearance, such as in an underground garage or under avenue trees. On the other hand, the composite of roof member 10 and rear member 12 must be not so far pivoted to open the folding top compartment lid 48 to the rear, because the convertible top compartment cover 48 effectively shortened in its opening operation in the horizontal direction and in its rear edge under the composite roofing element 10 and rear element 12 slips out.

As soon as the convertible top compartment cover 48 is fully opened, the roof element 10 and the rear element 12 are pivoted together downward and down into the convertible top compartment 46 by means of the toggle lever 26 , as shown in FIG. 6.

Once the roof panel 10 and the rear-end element are recessed in the top compartment 46 12, the roll bar 54 and thus the top compartment lid 48 are swung back into the horizontal position so that the top compartment lid 48 finally back box to the top 46, which is now the roof panel 10 and the Receives rear element 12 , covers, as shown in Fig. 7. The vehicle roof is now open. The top compartment lid 48 , the roof element 10 and the rear element 12 are locked in this position with respect to the body. The open position of the top 11 has been reached.

As can be seen from FIG. 12, the central part 51 can be decoupled from the roll bar 54 and pushed under the rear part 52 when the convertible top compartment lid 48 is closed, in order to release one or more emergency seats (not shown) for use. This can be done manually or by means of a drive. This position is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 12.

In the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position of the top 11 shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle occupants are protected in the event of a rollover, even though the roll bar 54 is in its rest position. For this purpose, a control (not shown) with a sensor, preferably an acceleration sensor, is provided, which, when a sensor signal is present, which for example exceeds a certain threshold value, the locking part for decoupling the roll bar 54 and the convertible top compartment cover 48 , ie decoupling the roll bar 54 caused by both the central part 51 and the side parts 53 and subsequently causes the roll bar 54 to pivot from its rest position into its protective position in a very short time.

Finally, a switch (not shown) for optional actuation by the driver can be provided, which causes the roll bar 54 to be decoupled from the convertible top compartment cover middle part 51 and the convertible top compartment cover side parts 53 . The roll bar 54 is then brought out of the rest position into its vertically pivoted-out position, in which it serves as permanent rollover protection for the vehicle occupants when the convertible top 11 is open or closed. The convertible top compartment lid middle part 51 is stowed under the rear part 52 when the roll bar 54 is pivoted out.

The described special type of coupling between the roll bar 54 and the convertible top compartment side parts 53 via a guideway, ie the link slot 58 , has the advantage that the convertible top compartment cover side parts 53 do not move with their front edge 49 when swiveling out, as is the case with rigid coupling with the Roll bar 54 would be the case.

All pivotal movements described are essentially vertical, in Vehicle longitudinal direction oriented plane.

The coupling between the roll bar and the top compartment lid side parts can also take place differently than previously described, for example via a joint construction.

An alternative embodiment of a convertible vehicle roof is shown schematically in FIGS. 13 to 17. In the closed position shown in FIG. 13, a fixed roof element 110 and a fixed rear element 112 , which form a convertible top 111 , abut one another in order to close off a vehicle interior 120 . A convertible top compartment 146 arranged above the wheel housings is covered by a convertible top compartment cover 148 which is pivotally connected to the vehicle about its front edge 149 . The top compartment lid 148 can, as shown schematically, be formed in one part or in two parts, similar to the first embodiment described above.

The roof element 110 and the rear element 112 are connected to one another at their rear edge or their front edge by means of a pivot connection (not shown) in such a way that the roof element 110 pivots under the rear element 112 in the opposite orientation to the rear element 112 after releasing a lock (not shown) can be. The rear element 112 is pivotally connected to the vehicle at its rear end 124 by means of a pivot connection (not shown), one end of which is attached to the rear end 124 and the other end of which is attached to the body in the rear section of the convertible top compartment 146 . The pivot connection can be designed similarly to the first embodiment described above.

Referring to FIG. 14 of the folding top is in opening 111 first pivots the rear element 112 about an axis near its rear edge upward, until the rear member 112 is substantially perpendicular, said roof member stay 110 and the rear element 112 rigidly locked together.

Referring to FIG. 15, the locking between the roof member 110 and the rear member 112 is then released, and the roof member 110 is pivoted about its lower rear edge downward and under the rear element 112.

In Fig. 16, the roof member 110 is fully pivoted in front of and under the rear element 112, which is oppositely oriented to the rear element 112. In this position, the rear element 112 and the roof element 110 form a package and are locked together. The convertible top compartment lid 148 is then pivoted upward about its front edge 149 in order to expose the convertible top compartment 146 for receiving the package comprising roof element 110 and rear element 112 .

The package of roof element 110 and rear element 112 is then pivoted down and placed in the convertible top compartment 146 . The convertible top compartment lid 148 is then lowered again in order to cover the convertible top compartment 146 with the package stored therein. This position is shown in Fig. 17. The vehicle roof is now in its open position.

Claims (20)

1. Convertible vehicle roof with a fixed rear element (12, 112) in a closed position at least a portion of the vehicle interior (20, 120) covering upwardly, between the rear-end element (12, 112) and the vehicle, a pivotal connection (knee lever 26, Lever 32 , 34 ) is provided such that the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) can be lowered into a convertible top compartment ( 46 , 146 ) which can be covered with a convertible top compartment lid ( 48 , 148 ) in order to expose the vehicle interior ( 20 , 120 ) in this open position, wherein the convertible top compartment lid ( 48 , 148 ) can be pivoted from the position covering the convertible top compartment ( 46 ) with its rear edge upward into a release position in order to release the convertible top compartment ( 46 , 146 ), and the swivel connection (toggle lever 26 , lever 32 , 34 ) is formed between the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) and the vehicle so that the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) from the closed position with its front edge towards the rear and into an intermediate position is pivotable, characterized in that the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) can be pivoted from this intermediate position downwards for storage in the convertible top compartment ( 46 , 146 ) and the pivot connection (toggle lever 26 , lever 32 , 34 ) between the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) and vehicle with one end (toggle lever 26 ) in the rear area ( 24 ) of the rear element and with its other end (lever 32 , 34 ) in the rear area of the convertible top compartment ( 46 ) is fixed to the body. 2. Vehicle roof according to claim 1, characterized in that the convertible top compartment lid ( 48 , 148 ) can be pivoted upwards into the release position when the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) is brought into the intermediate position. 3. Vehicle roof according to claim 2, characterized in that the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) can be pivoted from the intermediate position into the lowered open position, while the convertible top compartment lid ( 48 , 148 ) remains in the release position. 4. Vehicle roof according to claim 3, characterized in that the convertible top compartment lid ( 48 , 148 ) can be pivoted into the covering position when the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) is in the open position. 5. Vehicle roof according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot connection (toggle lever 26 , lever 32 , 34 ) between the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) and the vehicle in the rear third of the rear element (12, 112) or in the rear third of the convertible top compartment ( 46 , 146 ) is attached to the body. 6. Vehicle roof according to claim 1 or S. characterized in that on the rear element ( 12 ) on each side one end ( 28 ) of a to the rear end of the sem end extending toggle lever ( 26 ) is fixedly attached the other end ( 30 ) of which two levers ( 32 , 34 ) are articulated at one end, the other end of which are articulated on the vehicle. 7. Vehicle roof according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) about an arranged behind its rear edge body-fixed axis of rotation with respect to the vehicle. 8. Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixed roof element ( 10 , 110 ) is provided which is arranged in the closed position in front of the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) in order to cover part of the vehicle interior ( 20 , 120 ), wherein the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) and the roof element ( 10 , 110 ) can be arranged one above the other to release the vehicle interior ( 20 , 120 ) and in this position can be sunk down together into the convertible top compartment ( 46 , 146 ). 9. Vehicle roof according to claim 8, characterized in that between the roof element ( 10 ) and rear element ( 12 ) a pivot connection (toggle 42 , 44 ) is provided, which is designed such that the rear element ( 12 ) and the roof element ( 10 ) in same orientation can be arranged at least approximately parallel to each other. 10. The vehicle roof according to claim 9, characterized in that the pivot connection (toggle 42 , 44 ) between the roof element ( 10 ) and the rear element ( 12 ) is designed such that the roof element ( 10 ) can be arranged below the rear element ( 12 ). 11. A vehicle roof according to claim 10, characterized in that on the rear element ( 12 ) on each side two toggle levers ( 42 , 44 ) are each articulated at one end, the other end of the two toggle levers ( 42 , 44 ) the roof element ( 10 ) is articulated. 12. Vehicle roof according to claim 8, characterized in that a pivot connection is provided between the roof element ( 110 ) and rear element ( 112 ), which is designed such that the roof element ( 110 ) in the opposite orientation to the rear element ( 112 ) under the rear element ( 112 ) is foldable. 13. Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top compartment lid ( 48 , 148 ) is pivotable about an axis near its front edge ( 49 , 149 ). 14. Vehicle roof according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the pivot connections (toggle lever 26 , lever 32 , 43 ; or toggle lever 42 , 44 ) are designed and driven so that when the rear element ( 12 ) is pivoted out of the In the closed position, the roof element ( 10 ) can also be pivoted under the rear element into the intermediate position. 15. Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the convertible top compartment cover ( 48 ) has at least one front part (SO) and one rear part ( 52 ) which are pivotally connected to one another. 16. Vehicle roof according to claim 15, characterized in that in the covering position the front part ( 50 ) and the rear part ( 52 ) of the convertible top compartment cover are horizontally aligned one behind the other, while in the release position the rear part ( 52 ) is angled downwards with respect to the front part ( 50 ) is. 17. Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a about its lower end ( 56 ) pivotable, for a pivoting drive ben ben roll bar ( 54 ) is provided, which is arranged in the front portion of the convertible top compartment ( 46 ) and in the open position located rear element ( 12 ) is pivoted upwards. 18. Vehicle roof according to claim 17, characterized in that the front part ( 50 ) in the rear part ( 52 ) connected side parts ( 53 ) which are driven to its pivoting movement in that they are in a guide (link slot 58 ) on the roll bar ( 54 ) are guided, and is divided into a middle part ( 51 ), the top compartment lid ( 48 ) and the roll bar ( 54 ) being able to be decoupled automatically when the vehicle rolls over. 19. Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear element ( 12 , 112 ) is provided for covering the entire rear area of the vehicle interior ( 20 , 120 ). 20. Vehicle roof according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the roof element ( 10 ) is connected to a front element ( 14 ) which has a cover which can be pushed back under the roof element and two side rails which can be folded inwards when the cover is pushed back.