GB2531645A - Roll over protection system for a vehicle, in particular a convertible - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roll over protection system (12, See figure 1) for a vehicle (10), in particular a convertible, the roll over protection system comprising: at least one first cylinder 24 having a first outer circumferential gearing 26; at least one second cylinder 28 having a second outer circumferential gearing 30 and a first inner circumferential gearing 32 configured to engage the first outer circumferential gearing 26; and at least one third cylinder 34 having a second inner circumferential gearing (36, see figure 4c) configured to engage the second outer circumferential gearing; wherein the cylinders 24, 28, 34 are telescopically slidable in relation to each other from a retracted position to at least one extended position. The telescopic movement of the cylinders may be prevented in relation to each other in an opposite direction back to the retracted position via a bias from a spring element. Furthermore, a guiding element engaging with corresponding tracks may be configured to telescopically extend the cylinders. Additionally, the gearing may be made of a plastic material.

Description

Roll Over Protection System for a Vehicle, in particular a Convertible The invention relates to a roll over protection system for a vehicle, in particular a convertible.

EP 1 955 907 B1 shows a roll over protection system for a motor vehicle, the roll over protection system having a U-shaped roll over bar, consisting of a bar head with two parallel bar limbs guided in two bar tube guides which are fixed to the vehicle. The roll over protection system further comprises a drive for sensor-controlled raising of the roll over bar from a rest position to a protective position. Moreover, the roll over protection system comprises a locking device for the roll over bar which is raised in the protective position.

In a conventional roll over protection system a driving mechanism for moving a protection element such as a roll over bar from a rest position to a protective position needs a big installation space and has a high weight.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roll over protection system having a particularly low weight and requiring a small installation space.

This object is solved by a roll over protection system having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

The invention relates to a roll over protection system for a vehicle, in particular a convertible. The roll over protection system comprises at least one first cylinder having a first outer circumferential gearing which is also referred to as a first external tooth system. Moreover, the roll over protection system according to the present invention comprises at least one second cylinder having a second outer circumferential gearing which is also referred to as a second external tooth system. Moreover, the second cylinder has a first inner circumferential gearing which is also referred to as a first internal tooth system, the first inner circumferential gearing being configured to engage the first outer circumferential gearing. Furthermore, the roll over protection system comprises at least one third cylinder having a second inner circumferential gearing which is also referred to as a second internal tooth system, the second inner circumferential gearing being configured to engage the second outer circumferential gearing. The cylinders are telescopically slidable in relation to each other between a retracted position and at least one extended position being a protective position in which occupants of the vehicle can be protected during a roll over of the vehicle. For example, a telescopic driving mechanism is formed by the cylinders, the driving mechanism being configured to move at least one protection element such as a roll over bar from a rest position to a protective position. Since, at least in the protective position or extended position, the respective inner circumferential gearings engage the respective corresponding outer circumferential gearings, the roll over protection system according to the present invention has a very high stability since the gearings prevent the respective cylinders from sliding from the extended position to the retracted position.

For example, the respective gearings are configured as at least substantially circular gearings which have a particularly large contact area so that a particular high stability of the roller protection system can be realized. Since the cylinders are telescopic, i.e. telescopically movable from the retracted position to the extended position the roll over protection system requires a particularly small installation space in the retracted position. Thus, a particularly big storage space, for example in a trunk of the vehicle, can be realized. Moreover, the weight of the roll over protection system can be kept particularly low since the weight of the respective cylinders themselves can be kept particularly low.

In order to realized a particularly low weight, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the gearings comprises teeth made of a plastic material, said teeth being attached to a base body of the respective cylinder, wherein said base body is made of a metallic material, in particular aluminium. Thereby, the costs of the roll over protection device can be kept particularly low. Moreover, by using said gearings, a particularly simple and stable or rigid gear mechanism having a particularly small installation space can be realized.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 part of a schematic and perspective top view of a vehicle in the form of a convertible, the vehicle having a roll over protection system comprising at least three cylinders which are telescopically movable in relation to each other from a retracted position to at least one extended position; Fig. 2a a schematic perspective view of said cylinders being in the retracted position; Fig. 2b a schematic sectional view of the cylinders along a cutline A-A shown in Fig.2a; Fig. 2c a further schematic sectional view of the cylinders along a cutline B-B shown in Fig. 2a; Fig. 3a a schematic perspective view of the three cylinders being in a first extended position; Fig. 3b a schematic sectional view of the cylinders along a cutline A-A shown in Fig. 3a; Fig. 3c a further schematic sectional view of the cylinders along a cutline B-B shown in Fig. 3b; Fig. 4a a schematic perspective view of the cylinders being in a second extended position; Fig. 4b a schematic sectional view of the cylinders along a cutline A-A shown in Fig. 4a; Fig. 4c a further schematic sectional view of the cylinders along a cutline B-B shown in Fig. 4a; Fig. 5 part of a schematic perspective view of the cylinders; Fig. 6 part of a further schematic perspective view of the cylinders; and Fig. 7 a schematic front view of the cylinders in the second extended position.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 10 in the form of a convertible. The convertible has a roof which can be moved between an open position and a closed position in relation to the body of the vehicle 10, wherein in Fig. 1, the roof is in its open position. The vehicle 10 has a roll over protection system 12 comprising at least two protection elements in the form of roll over bars 14 which are, for example, U-shaped. Thus, the respective roll over bar 14 has two limbs 16 and a web 18 by means of which said limbs 16 are connected with each other. For example, the limbs 16 and the web 18 are formed in one piece. Alternatively, the limbs 16 and the web 18 are separate components which are welded together. Preferably, the roll over bar 14 is made of a metallic material. For example, the respective roll over bar 14 is movable from a rest position to at least one protective position shown in Fig. 1. By moving the roll over bar 14 from the rest position to the protective position the respective roll over bar 14 is moved in the vertical direction of the vehicle upwards. Thereby, occupants of the vehicle 10 can be protected during a roll over when the roof is in its open position. In other words, the respective roll over bar 14 is a reinforcement member installed in or on a vehicle, said reinforcement member serving to protect the occupants in the event of a roll over accident. In particular, the roll over protection system 12 ensures that the occupants are provided with an adequate amount of survival space which reduces the risk of head, neck/spinal and upper torso injuries. For example, in order to move the respective roll over bar 14 from the rest position to the protective position, the respective roll over bar 14 is connected to at least one driving mechanism shown in Figs. 2a to 6. For example, each of said limbs 16 is connected to a driving mechanism shown in Figs. 2a to 6 so that each of the roll over bars 14 is connected to two driving mechanisms. As can be seen from Fig. 7, for example, the respective driving mechanism is attached to the body of the vehicle 10 at least indirectly, the body being indicated by 20 in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, a directional arrow 22 illustrates a direction of movement in which the respective roll over bar 14 is moved from the rest position to the protective position. Said direction of movements extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

As can be seen from Figs. 2a to 4c the respective driving mechanism comprises at least one first cylinder 24 having a first outer circumferential gearing 26 which is also referred to as a first external toothing having a plurality of teeth which are arranged one after another in the longitudinal extension of the first cylinder 24. As can be seen from Fig. 3a, the first cylinder 24 has an at least substantially circular shape.

Moreover, the driving mechanism comprises at least one second cylinder 28 having a second outer circumferential gearing 30 which is also referred to as a second external toothing comprising a plurality of teeth which are arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction of the second cylinder 28. As can be seen from Fig. 4a, the second cylinder 28 has an at least substantially circular shape. Moreover, the second cylinder 28 has a first inner circumferential gearing 32 which is also referred to as a first internal toothing having at least one tooth. In the present case, the first internal toothing has a plurality, i.e. two teeth which are arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction of the second cylinder 28. The first inner circumferential gearing 32 is configured to engage the first outer circumferential gearing 26.

Furthermore, the driving mechanism comprises at least one third cylinder 34 having a second inner circumferential gearing 36 which is also referred to as a second internal toothing comprising at least one tooth. In the present case, the second inner circumferential gearing 36 comprises a plurality of, i.e. at least two teeth which are arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction of the third cylinder 34. The second inner circumferential gearing 36 is configured to engage the second outer circumferential gearing 30.

As can be seen from Figs. 2a to 4c the cylinders 24, 28 and 34 are telescopically slidable in relation to each other from a retracted position shown in Figs. 2a-c to a second extended position shown in Fig. 4a-c, wherein said second extended position is referred to as a fully extended position in which -since the roll bar 14 is connected to the driving mechanism -the roll bar 14 is in its protective position. Figs. 3a-c show a first extended position in which the length of the driving mechanism is less than the fully extended position and greater than in the retracted position. In the retracted position of the driving mechanism, the roll bar 14 is in its rest position. In the first extended position, the roll bar 14 is higher than in the rest position, but lower than in the protective position.

The first inner circumferential gearing 32 engages the corresponding first outer circumferential gearing 26 in the retracted position, the first extended position and the fully extended position. Moreover, the second inner circumferential gearing 36 engages the corresponding second outer circumferential gearing 30 in the retracted position, the first extended position and the fully extended position.

The second cylinder 28 comprises a cylinder element 38 being a base body. Moreover, the second cylinder 28 comprises at least one first gearing element 40. The first gearing element 40 and, thus, the first inner circumferential gearing 32 are movably arranged on the cylinder element 38 so as to allow a translational movement of the first cylinder 24 in said direction of movement in relation to the second cylinder 28. In other words, the first gearing element 40 and, thus, the first inner circumferential gearing 32 are movable in relation to the cylinder element 38 in a direction extending angularly or perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the roll bar 14 and, thus, the first cylinder 24. This means the cylinders 24, 28 and 34 are telescopically movable in relation to each other in the direction of movement illustrated by the directional arrow 22. The gearings 26 and 32 are configured in such a way that the first cylinder 24 can be moved in relation to the second cylinder 28 from the retracted position to the extended positions. Moreover, the gearings 26 and 32 are configured in such a way that the first inner circumferential gearing 32 and the first outer circumferential gearing 26 prevent a translational or sliding movement of the first cylinder 24 in relation to the second cylinder 28 in a second direction being opposite to the direction of movement so that, when the first cylinder 24 is in the fully extended position, the first cylinder 24 is prevented from moving back to the retracted position by means of the gearings 26 and 32. The first inner circumferential gearing 32 is biased towards the first outer circumferential gearing 26 by means of at least one first spring element 42 connected to the second cylinder 28, in particular the cylinder element 38, and the gearing element 40. In the present case, the spring element 42 is connected to the gearing element 40 by means of screws 44.

Additionally, the third cylinder 34 comprises a cylinder element 46 being a base body. Moreover, the third cylinder 34 comprises at least one second gearing element 48 forming the second inner circumferential gearing 36. The gearing element 48 and, thus, the second inner circumferential gearing 36 are movably arranged on the cylinder element 46 so as to allow a translational movement of the second cylinder 28 in the direction of movement from the retracted position to the extended positions and prevent a sliding movement of the second cylinder 28 in an opposite direction back to the retracted position. This means the gearing element 48 can be moved in relation to the cylinder element 46 in a direction extending angularly or perpendicularly to the direction of movement in which the cylinders 24 and 28 and, thus, the roll bar 14 can be moved. Thus, the second inner circumferential gearing 36 is configured to allow a movement of the second cylinder 28 in relation to the third cylinder 34 from the retracted position to the extended positions. However, the gearings 36 and 30 are configured in such a way that a translational movement of the second cylinder 28 from the fully extended position to the retracted position in relation to the third cylinder 34 is prevented. Thus, the driving mechanism and, thus, the roll over protection system 12 have a particularly high stability in the extended position and the protective position.

The driving mechanism comprises at least one second spring element 50 which is mounted on the cylinder element 46 and connected to the second gearing element 48 by means of screws 52. The second gearing element 48 and, thus, the second inner circumferential gearing 36 are biased towards the second outer circumferential gearing 30 by means of the spring element 50. The spring elements 42 and 50 allow respective movements of the gearing elements 40 and 48 away from the first cylinder 24 and the second cylinder 28 respectively when the cylinders 24 and 28 are moved from the retracted position to the fully extended position. In the fully extended position the gearing elements 40 and 48 are biased towards the cylinders 24 and 28 respectively so that the gearing 32 engages the gearing 26 and the gearing 36 engages the gearing 30 thereby holding the cylinders 24 and 28 in the extended position. In other words, the respective gearing element 40 or 48 is a respective gear block which can be moved horizontally, wherein the respective movement of the gearing element 40 or 48 is controlled by the respective spring element 42 or 50 respectively.

As can be seen from Figs. 2a-4c the respective gearings 26, 30, 32 and 36 are configured as circular tooth systems so that large contact areas can be realized. Thus, a particular high stability of the roller protection system 12 can be realized. As can be seen from Figs. 2b, 3b and 4b, the third cylinder 34 comprises first guiding elements 54 which are also referred to as stoppers. For example, the first guiding elements 54 are configured as screws. The first guiding elements 54 engage corresponding first guide tracks 56 of the second cylinder 28 thereby guiding the second cylinder 28 when telescopically moving or sliding the second cylinder 28 in relation to the third cylinder 34. The first guiding elements 54 are mounted on the cylinder element 46.

Furthermore, the second cylinder 28 comprises second guiding elements 58 which are also referred to as stoppers. For example, the second guiding elements 58 are configured as screws. Moreover, the second guiding elements 58 are mounted on the cylinder element 38. The second guiding elements 58 engage respective, corresponding guide tracks 60 of the first cylinder 24 thereby guiding the first cylinder 24 when telescopically moving or sliding the first cylinder 24 in relation to the second cylinder 28. Thus, the guiding elements 54 and 58 and the guide tracks 56 and 60 are used to ensure that the cylinders 24 and 28 move in a straight line. Moreover, the respective stoppers limit the movements of the cylinders 24 and 28 so that the first cylinder 24 cannot be fully moved out of the second cylinder 28 and the second cylinder 28 cannot be fully moved out of the third cylinder 34.

Additionally, the driving mechanism has a port 62 by means of which the first and second cylinders 24 and 28 can be supplied with compressed gas by means of which the cylinders 24 and 28 can be moved from the retracted position to the extended positions particularly fast. Thus, the respective roll bar 14 can be moved from the rest position to the protective position particularly fast in the event of a roll over accident. In order to actuate the roll over protection system 12 the compressed gas is fed through the port 62 so that the compressed gas exerts a force on a bottom 64 of the first cylinder 24. Thus, the first cylinder 24 is moved upwards by said force until the guiding elements 58 limit the movement of the first cylinder 24. When the first cylinder 24 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position the gearing element 40 moves in horizontal direction, i.e. angularly or perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the cylinder 24, wherein the gearing element ensures that the first cylinder 24 does not move from the extended position back to the retracted position. Thereby, a one way movement of the cylinder 24 is realized.

When the first cylinder 24 hits the guiding elements 58 and the gas continues to exert a force on the bottom 64, the second cylinder 28 is moved in relation to the third cylinder 34 from the retracted position to the extended position until the guiding elements 54 limit the movement of the second cylinder 28. When the second cylinder 28 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position in relation to the third cylinder 34 the gearing element 48 moves in relation to the cylinder element 46 in a horizontal direction, i.e. angularly or perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the second cylinder 28. Moreover, the gearing element 48 ensures that the second cylinder 28 does not move back from the extended position to the retracted position. Thus, a one way movement of the second cylinder 28 is realized. Fig. 5 shows one of the guiding elements 54 mounted on the cylinder element 46.

In Fig. 6, a directional arrow 66 illustrates the movement of the gearing element 48 in relation to the cylinder element 46. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the gearing element 48 can be moved in relation to the cylinder element 46 in a direction extending angularly or perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the cylinders 24 and 28. Moreover, the cylinder element 46 and the gearing element 48 are separate parts, wherein the gearing element 48 penetrates a through opening of the cylinder element 46.

Moreover, the gearing element 40 and the cylinder element 38 can be separate parts, wherein the gearing element 40 penetrates a corresponding through opening of the cylinder element 38. The respective gearing elements 40 and 48 are mounted on the respective cylinder element 38 and 46 by means of the screws 44 and the respective spring elements 42 and 50, wherein the respective spring elements 42 and 50 are mounted on the cylinder elements 38 and 46 respectively.

The spring element 50 is a circular spring having projecting legs 68 which allow said movement of the gearing elements 48 in relation to the cylinder element 46. In order to move the cylinders 24, 28 and 34 from the fully extended position back to the retracted position the gearing elements 40 and 48 can be manually moved away from the respective cylinders 24 and 28. Thus, an easy serviceability can be realized and the roll over protection system 12 can be re-used.

In order to realize a particularly low weight of the roll over protection system 12, said teeth of the respective gearings 26, 30, 32 and 36 can be made of a plastic material, wherein the teeth are attached to respective base bodies of the respective cylinders 24, 28 and 34, wherein the respective base body can be made of a metallic material, in particular aluminum. Thus, a hybrid design or hybrid technology of the respective gearings 26, 30, 32 and 36 can be realized.

List of reference signs vehicle 12 roll over protection system 14 roll bar 16 limb 18 web body 22 directional arrow 24 first cylinder 26 first outer circumferential gearing 28 second cylinder second outer circumferential gearing 32 first innner circumferential gearing 34 third cylinder 36 second inner circumferential gearing 38 cylinder element gearing element 42 spring element 44 screw 46 cylinder element 48 gearing element spring element 52 screw 54 guiding element 56 guide track 58 guiding element guide track 62 port 64 bottom 66 directional arrow 68 leg

Claims (8)

1. Claims 1. A roll over protection system (12) for a vehicle (12), in particular a convertible, the roll over protection system (12) comprising: at least one first cylinder (24) having a first outer circumferential gearing (26); at least one second cylinder (28) having a second outer circumferential gearing (30) and a first inner circumferential gearing (32) configured to engage the first outer circumferential gearing (26); and at least one third cylinder (34) having a second inner circumferential gearing (36) configured to engage the second outer circumferential (30) gearing; wherein the cylinders (24, 28, 34) are telescopically slidable in relation to each other from a retracted position to at least one extended position.
2. 2. The roll over protection device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the respective inner circumferential gearing (32, 36) is movably arranged on a respective base body (38, 46) of the respective cylinder (28, 34) so as to allow a translational telescopic movement of the cylinders (24, 28, 34) in relation to each other in a first direction from the retracted position to the extended position and prevent a translational telescopic movement of the cylinders (24, 28, 34) in relation to each other in an opposite second direction back to the retracted position.
3. 3. The roll over protection device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third cylinder (34) comprises at least one first guiding element (54) engaging a corresponding first guide track (56) of the second cylinder (28), the first guiding element (54) and the first guide track (56) being configured to guide the second cylinder (28) when telescopically moving the second cylinder (28) in relation to the third cylinder (34).
4. 4. The roll over protection system (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cylinder (28) comprises at least one second guiding element (58) engaging a corresponding second guide track (60) of the first cylinder (24), the second guiding element (58) and the second guide track (60) being configured to guide the first cylinder (24) when telescopically moving the first cylinder (24) in relation to the second cylinder (28).
5. 5. The roll over protection system (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third cylinder (34) comprises at least one first spring element (50) biasing the second inner circumferential gearing (36) towards the second outer circumferential gearing (30) thereby preventing the second cylinder (28) from sliding from the extended position back to the retracted position in relation to the third cylinder (34).
6. 6. The roll over protection system (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cylinder (28) comprises at least one second spring element (42) biasing the first inner circumferential gearing (32) towards the first outer circumferential gearing (26) thereby preventing the first cylinder (24) from sliding from the extended position back to the retracted position in relation to the second cylinder (28).
7. 7. The roll over protection system (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the gearings (26, 30, 32, 36) comprises teeth made of a plastic material, the teeth being attached to a base body of the respective cylinder (24, 28, 34), wherein the base body is made of a metallic material, in particular aluminum.
8. 8. A vehicle (12) comprising a roll over protection system (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.