JPS62218222A - Retractable back light device for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application This invention generally relates to roof structures of automobiles, and in particular to retractable backlights for automobiles.
t) Devices, more particularly retractable devices for motor vehicles with a foldable convertible top.

<Prior Art> Convertible tops are generally a popular choice for automobiles, with the convertible top being either in an unfolded position covering the passenger compartment or in a folded position for storage behind the rear seats of the automobile. Can be moved between retracted positions.

Such convertible tops are provided with a backlight or rear window for viewing through the rear of the vehicle. Traditionally, backlights of this type have been made of flexible transparent plastic material so that they can be folded and moved with the convertible top.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> However, such plastic backlight panels are prone to cracking over long periods of use and often become cloudy or dark, which results in limited visibility for such panels. be done.

In an attempt to overcome the problems encountered with flexible plastic backlights, rigid plastic and/or glass panels have been installed in the rear opening of the convertible top. However, the majority of rigid panels of this type require that the convertible top be folded and removed manually from the convertible top before retraction, which is a time-consuming and tedious task at best. It cannot survive connected to a convertible top. In these convertible top constructions where the backlight remains attached to the convertible top during the raising and retracting travels, the backlight panel must be limited in extent to limit visibility to the rear of the vehicle.

A powered retractable mechanical device is installed inside the vehicle and is provided with a separate vehicle roof structure coupled to the backlight panel. However, this type of retractable machinery uses a large number of components that add to the cost of the vehicle, increases the complexity of the compatible roof structure, and wastes excessive space within the interior of the vehicle.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a retractable automotive backlight device that overcomes the problems encountered with previously devised retractable automotive backlight devices. It would also be desirable to have a retractable automotive backlight system that utilizes oversized backlight panels. It would also be desirable to have a retractable automotive backlight 'Al that is easily constructed for low manufacturing costs, minimal space consumption inside the vehicle and reliable long-term operation. Ultimately, it would be desirable to have a retractable automotive backlight device that raises and lowers a rigid backlight panel independent of movement of the convertible top of the vehicle.

<Means for Solving the Problems> The backlight device of the present invention which solves the above-mentioned problems has a rigid movable backlight panel that closes a rear window opening of a roof structure of an automobile. 1 end and 2nd end
a first pair of links having ends, the first end being pivotally connected to a spaced apart upper part of the backlight panel; and a first pair of links each having a first end and a second end. the first end has a second pair of links pivotally connected to a spaced apart lower portion of the backlight panel, the first pair of links and the second pair of links being connected to a vehicle. a first elevated position for closing a window opening of the roof structure;
controlling movement of the backlight panel to and from a second storage position in which the backlight panel is oriented substantially vertically within an interior of the vehicle to open a window opening in a roof structure of the vehicle; For a motor vehicle having a roof structure with a rear window opening, including a device for moving a backlight panel between a first raised position and a second storage position for closing the window opening of the roof structure of the motor vehicle. This is a retractable backlight device.

Effects The present invention is a retractable automotive backlight device that provides advantageous use in automobiles with foldable convertible tops. The retractable automotive backlight device includes a first pair of links and a second pair of links each pivotally mounted at one end to the vehicle body structure. The second ends of each of the first pair of links and the second pair of links are pivotally coupled to upper and lower edges of a frame member attached to the lateral edges of the backlight panel. Ru.

A displacement device centrally mounted on the bottom edge of the backlight panel forms a device for driving the backlight panel from the raised position to the lowered position. The device is moved into a storage position where the backlight panel seals the rear window opening of the vehicle roof structure within the interior of the vehicle body. During such movement, the first pair of links and the second
Paired links guide the backlight panel between a raised position and a substantially vertically oriented storage position.

Separately, a reversible drive motor rotates two transversely extending drive shafts, each drive shaft having a drive gear mounted at its outer end. The drive gear meshes with the sector gear to convertably rotate the second link to selectively raise and lower the backlight panel, causing the sector gear rigidly connected to the lower end of the second link.

<Example> To describe the present invention in detail, the retractable backlight panel of the present invention can be used as a large backlight panel formed of a rigid material such as glass for use in automobiles, especially foldable convertible tops. It will be possible to use it in automobiles that have it. This retractable backlight WA a has a raised position in which the backlight panel seals the rear window opening in the roof of the vehicle and a position within the interior of the vehicle behind the rear seats of the vehicle. Controlling movement of the backlight panel to and from a lowered storage position oriented in a substantially vertical position. This allows the compatible roof to be raised and lowered independently of movement of the backlight panel.

The retractable automotive backlight device of the present invention is simply constructed with a minimum number of individual components due to low manufacturing costs and simple mechanical equipment.

The retractable automotive backlight device of the present invention is also provided with a manual or power device to achieve the desired movement of the backlight panel between the raised position and the storage position.

Throughout the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components that are shown in multiple figures.

Referring to the drawings, and in particular, FIG. 1 depicts a retractable backlight arrangement 212 constructed in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.
A motor vehicle 10 is shown having a.

The automobile 10 includes a roof structure 1 having a rear window opening 16.
4 is included. Preferably, the roof structure 14 comprises a conventional convertible top formed of a flexible material such as vinyl resin or the like. Conventional linkage and drive machinery, not shown, are located inside the vehicle. and is coupled to the roof structure 14 for selectively raising and lowering the roof 14 from the deployed position shown in FIG. Covering the passenger compartment, in the retracted storage position the convertible top 14 is folded and stored within the interior of the vehicle body behind the rear seats of the vehicle 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rear window opening 16 of the M-root 14 is selectively closed and opened by a retractable backlight device 12 that includes a rigid backlight panel 18. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the backlight panel 18 is made of transparent glass.

Consists of a flat sheet of rigid material, such as plastic. A backlight panel 18 is fitted inside the vehicle 10 such that when the backlight panel 18 is in the raised position shown in FIG. It has a shape that matches the shape of the opening 16.

Retractable backlight device 12 includes a frame structure, generally designated by the reference numeral 20 in FIG. And firmly supports the backlight panel 18. Frame structure 20 includes a first lateral frame member 22 and a second lateral frame member 24 spaced apart, which side frame members extend vertically along opposite edges of backlight panel 18 and are spaced apart from each other. Fixed.

These side frame members 22,24 can and come from any suitable material, such as extruded plastic or other suitable material. Lateral frame member 22.2
4 are formed with a U-shaped first groove 26 extending along the entire length of the side frame member. The first groove 26 receives the lateral edges of the backlight panel 18 and is secured to the backlight panel 18 by using any suitable means, such as adhesives, fasteners, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side frame members 22,24 also include a second groove 28 formed on the outer side of the backlight panel 18. The second groove 28 has an elongated sealing member or strip 30.
formed to accommodate. A sealing member or strip 30 extends outwardly from the side frame members and includes a rear window opening 16 so as to provide a tight, watertight seal therebetween when the backlight panel 18 is in the raised position. A component is included that sealingly engages the edges of the roof structure @14 to limit the roof structure.

The upper flange 32 and the lower flange 34 are connected to the side flap L/
- formed on each of the arm members 22,24. Flange 3
2 and 34 each include a hole 36.

In addition, the frame structure 20 includes a base frame m material s g
The base frame member 38 extends along the bottom edge of the backlight panel 18 and is secured to the bottom edge of the bracket. The base frame member 38 has a U shown in FIG.
A shaped first groove 40 is included which securely accommodates the bottom edge of the backlight panel 18 . A suitable adhesive or fastener can be used to securely connect the first groove 40 to the bottom edge of the backlight panel 18.

The base frame member 38 also includes a second sealing groove 42 that receives an elongated sealing member or strip 44 . Backlight panel 18
is in the raised position, the sealing member or strip 44 forms a seal between the bottom edge of the backlight panel 18 of the vehicle 10 and the adjacent body panel structure, as shown in FIG. do.

The retractable backlight device 12 also includes a first pair of link members and a second pair of link members, respectively, in addition to the driver side only link member shown in FIG. The first pair of link members includes a first elongate link member, such as link member 46, and a second elongate link member, each link member having a first end 48 and a second elongate link member, respectively. It has a second end 50. Link 4
Each of the links, such as 6, is in the form of an elongated member having an aperture 52 formed in a first end 48 and a second end 50. A first end 48 of each link 46 is pivotally coupled by suitable fastening means to an upper flange 32 on a side frame member 22.24 attached to the backlight panel 18. A suitable pivot connection is inserted through the aligned holes into the upper flange 32 and the first end 48 of the link 46.

The second end 50 of each link 46 of the first pair of links is
The convertible top link mechanism is pivotally connected to the main pivot bracket of the convertible top link mechanism, which is mounted inside the body panel of the vehicle 10 and fixed between the retractable backlight device 12. Maintain dimensional relationships.

Moreover, the retractable backlight device 12 for automobiles includes -
A second pair of links is included including a first link and a second link spaced apart by a foot distance. A single link, such as link 56, is shown in FIG. Each of the links 56 has a respective first end 58 and a second end 60, each having a hole 62 formed therein. First end 5 of each link 56
8 is pivotally connected to a lower flange 34 of a side frame member 22.24 attached to the backlight panel 18.

A suitable pivot connection is inserted through the aligned apertures 62 in the first ends 58 of each of the links 56 and the apertures 36 in the flanges 34 at the lower ends of each of the frame members 22,24.

A second end 60 of each link 56 is pivotally connected to a bracket 64 for a suitable mounting mounted on the vehicle body structure, as shown in FIG.

For mounting, the bracket 64 may have any suitable shape and is provided with a hole for receiving a pivot connection to connect the second end 60 of each of the links 56.
is pivotally connected to this. Links 56 thus pivot about their respective second ends 60.

The retractable backlight device 12 of the present invention is also provided with a moving device, generally indicated by the reference numeral 66, such that the backlight panel 18 seals the rear window opening 16, as shown in FIG. The backlight panel 10 is manually moved between the raised position and the retracted storage position (shown in the image projection of FIG. 5) to which the backlight panel 10 is directed. is in a substantially vertical position within the interior of the vehicle body behind the rear seat 30, thereby opening the rear window opening 16. In one embodiment, the moving device 66 comprises a tap, as shown in FIG. The moving device 66 is centrally mounted on the bottom edge of the backlight panel 18 on the interior side of the vehicle. The displacement device 66 allows a passenger within the interior of the vehicle to apply manual force to lower the backlight panel 18 from the raised position shown in FIG. 5 to the storage position shown in the video image of FIG. can be made to work. This upward force acting on the moving device causes the backlight panel 18 to move onto the roof structure 14 of the vehicle.
towards a raised position sealing the rear window opening 16 of the vehicle.

During such upward movement and downward movement, the first pair of links, such as links 46 and 56, and the second
The paired links control the movement of the backlie H8 along the dotted line indicated by the reference numeral To, 72 in FIG.

Separately, retractable automotive backlight device 1 of the present invention
2 can be provided with a device for automatically raising and lowering the backlight panel 18 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The devices for raising or lowering the backlight panel 18 include devices for pivoting the second links 56 about their respective second ends 60. Preferably, the pivoting device consists of a reversible electric drive motor 74, which is mounted on the vehicle body structure by means of suitable brackets, not shown.

Drive motor 74 includes first and second laterally outwardly extending rotatable drive shafts 76, 78, respectively. Drive shaft 7
6, 78 may be in the form of a rigid shaft extending between a drive mechanism and a drive motor 74 as described below, the drive shafts 76, 78 as shown in FIG.
Preferably, it is in the form of a flexible cable mounted to a flexible sheath or housing so that the drive motor 74 can be mounted to the vehicle body structure at the top of the vehicle trunk.

A drive gear indicated by the reference numerals 80.82 is included in the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement;
operatively coupled to a drive shaft 76 and a second drive shaft 78, respectively, and further operatively connected to each of the second links 56 for reversible pivoting of the second link 56 upon selective activation of the drive motor 74. Concatenated.

Each of first drive gear 80 and second drive gear 82 is mounted on a respective rotatable drive shaft 84,86.

Each of the drive shafts 84 , 86 extends outwardly from the same housing 88 that is attached to a mounting plate (bracket) 87 . Each of the housings 88 is formed with a hole that receives one end of a flexible cable, such as the flexible drive shaft 78 shown in FIG. At one end of the flexible drive shaft 7 is a worm gearing 90 mounted thereto.

The worm gearing 90 engages a pinion gearing 92 mounted on a rotatable shaft 86 inside the housing 88 , which rotatable shaft 86 has a pinion gearing 92 depending on the direction of rotation of the flexible shaft 78 . Drive so that it can rotate in two directions.

Rotatable shafts 86 extend outwardly from housing 88 to drive gears 80, 82, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7, by brackets 87 attached to surrounding vehicle structure. Drive gears 80 and 82 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.
It drives the first drive gear 80 and second sector gear 96 shown in the figure. The first sector gear 94 and the second FA gear 96
each has an arcuate shape forming part of a circular gear. The teeth on the outer edge of the arc-shaped sector gear 94.96 mesh with the drive gear 80.82, which drive teeth 80.
82 is fixably mounted to a rotatable shaft 86 extending outwardly from housing 88 . A fixed portion of the sector gear 94.96 is coupled to the second end 60 of the second link 56 to rotate the second link 56 upon bidirectional rotation of the sector gear 94.96.

In operation, the drive motor 74 is energized in one direction by one or more manual switches (not shown) located within the interior of the vehicle 10, as seen in FIG. , causing clockwise rotation of drive gear 80.82. As a result, the sector gear 94.9
6 is caused to rotate clockwise so that the respective second ends 60
The second link 56 will pivot around. This results in a lowering of the second link 56 associated with a downward pivoting of the bottom edge of the retractable backlight panel 18 along the dotted line 72 shown in FIG. The lowering force acting on the bottom edge of the backlight panel 18 causes the links 46 to pivot about their second ends 60, and the backlight panel 18 is shown in shadow view in FIG. Control the lowering movement of the upper edge of the backlight panel along the dotted path 70 shown in FIG. 6 until the retracted storage position is reached. Drive motor 7
4 in the opposite direction, the drive gear 80.82
The sector gears 94 and 96 are then rotated counterclockwise to raise the second link 56. Second link 56. The interconnection of the rigid backlight panel and the first link 46 causes the backlight panel 18 to move toward the raised position, in which the backlight panel 18 is aligned with the rear window opening 16.
Seal it tightly.

Also, a retractable backlight device 12 for an automobile according to the present invention
includes an ink lock device that actively controls the operation of the backlight panel device and convertible top drive mechanism.

The interlock device includes a first switch device 102 and a second switch device 104, respectively, which preferably comprise toggle switches having a first movable contact 106 and a second movable contact 108. , these movable contacts can be moved in converting the toggle switch device 102, 104 between a first position and a second position.

A terminal provided at each of the first position and the second position has a voltage (
+V) source, for example the battery of the vehicle 10, and alternately connected to ground.

Therefore, depending on the switching direction of the contacts 106, 108, a voltage of positive or negative polarity can be applied to the circuit.

Contacts 106, 108 of toggle switch 102 are coupled to opposite sides of a first motor 110, which drives the retractable backlight vertically to raise and lower the retractable backlight as described above. A conventional rectifying bridge circuit 112 is coupled between contacts 106 and 108 to rectify input power for motor 110 . A limit switch 114 is provided that is movable between a first position and a second position. The limit switch +14 is placed in a suitable position to detect the complete closure of the compatible pin 14 of the vehicle lO, i.e. when this compatible pin 14 is fully raised to cover the opening of the vehicle. Reach a position. In normal position,
The limit switch 114 has a first terminal 116 and a second terminal 1.
18 and these terminals are connected to a circuit to supply voltage to the motor depending on the position of the toggle switch 102. Only when the convertible top 14 is in the fully raised position will this limit switch 114 assume the normal position shown in FIG. Whenever convertible top 14 is not in the fully closed position, limit switch 114 assumes a second position between terminals 116 and 120, thereby shunting motor 110 and activating that motor. is prevented. This results in
Only when the convertible top 14 is in the fully raised position will the retractable backlight of the present invention be activated, which will cause the retractable backlight mechanical device and/or the glass panel installed in this device to , any possible damage is reliably prevented.

A similar in-lock circuit also powers the convertible top drive linkage in the conventional manner.
It is used to control the operation of motor 122. Second
Contacts 106, 108 of toggle switch 104 connect toggle switch 1 between a positive voltage source, such as an automobile battery, and ground.
02 such that a voltage of positive or negative polarity is applied to the second motor 122 to turn the second motor 122 in the desired direction to raise or lower the convertible top 14. Drive. A second limit switch 124 is provided in this circuit and is switchable between a first position and a second position.

A second limit switch 124 is placed in place within the vehicle lo to detect the fully lowered position of the retractable backlight. In normal operation, when the retractable backlight is in the folded position, the second limit switch 124 assumes the position shown in FIG. 9, thereby raising and lowering the convertible top 14. A voltage can be applied to motor 122 by toggle switch 104 .

However, whenever the retractable backlight moves or is not positioned in the fully retracted position, this second limit switch 12
4 is switched to the alternating position to create a shunt in the second motor 122 and prevent movement of the convertible top linkage.

Insofar as it includes the lower drive circuit shown in FIG.
A similar circuit is provided in the manual version of the invention shown in FIG. A limit switch 124 is provided to detect the position of the manually enabled backlight so as to prevent operation of the convertible top drive linkage motor 122 if the manual backlight panel is not in the fully lowered position. .

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION In the abstract, a unique retractable automotive backlight device was disclosed that provides unique advantageous applications in vehicles with foldable convertible tops.

The retractable backlight device of the present invention is useful for freely moving large sized rigid backlight panels that are not affected by convertible top movement. This allows backlight panels with much larger dimensions than previous ones to be installed inside a motor vehicle with a convertible top in order to improve visibility to the rear of the motor vehicle.

Additionally, the rigid backlight panel is safely loaded within the interior of the vehicle prior to retracting and extending the convertible top.

The retractable backlight device of the present invention is designed to move independently of movement of the convertible top. This allows backlight panels with a much larger overall viewing area than before to be installed inside automobiles with convertible tops. Additionally, the rigid backlight panel is safely stowed within the interior of the vehicle prior to retracting and extending the convertible top. The retractable backlight device of the present invention is simply constructed with a minimum number of components for low manufacturing costs, easy machinery and long-term reliability.

The retractable backlight device of the present invention is not prone to cracking even after long-term use, does not fog or darken, so the visibility is not limited, and the manufacturing cost is low, the mechanical equipment is easy, and it has long-term reliability. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automobile including a retractable automobile backlight device constructed in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the backlight panel of the present invention, and FIG. In the cross-sectional view taken at vA3-3 in Fig. 2, the fourth
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the retractable automotive backlight device of the present invention in the raised and storage positions, and FIG. 7 is a side view of another example of a retractable automotive backlight device, FIG. 7 is a partial rear view of the power drive mechanism, and FIG. 8 is the same as that of FIG. 7 showing the drive gearing; FIG. In the cross-sectional view according to 8-8,
and FIG. 9 is a route diagram of the backlight and convertible top control circuit. 10 is a car, 12 is a retractable backlight device,
14 is a roof structure, 16 is a rear window opening, 18 is a backlight panel, 20 is a frame structure, 22.24 is a side frame member, 26 is a U-shaped first groove, and 28 is a second groove.
30 is a sealing member or strip; 32 is an upper flange; 34 is a lower flange; 36 is a hole; 38 is a base frame member; 40 is a U-shaped first groove; 42 is a second sealing groove; 44 is a sealing member; That is, the strip, 46 is a link member, 48 is a first end, 50 is a second end, 52 is a hole,
56 is a second link, 58 is a first end, 60 is a second end,
62 are aligned holes, 64 are mounting brackets, 6
6 is a moving device, 70.72 is a dotted line, 74 is a drive motor, 76 and 78 are drive shafts, 80 is a first drive gear, 82 is a second drive gear, 84.86 is a drive shaft, 87 is a bracket, 88 is a housing, 90 is a worm gear, 92 is a pinion gear, 94 is a first sector gear, 96 is a second sector gear, 102 is a first switch device, 104 is a second switch device, 106 is a first movable contact, 108 is a second movable contact;
110 is a first motor, 112 is a rectifier brifuge circuit, 1
14 is a limit switch, 116 is a first terminal, 118 is a second terminal, 120 is a terminal, 122 is a second motor, 124
is the second limit switch.

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) Closing the rear window opening of the roof structure of the vehicle;
The rigid movable backlight panels each have a first end and a second end, each first end being pivotally connected to a spaced apart top of the backlight panel. a first pair of links, each having a first end and a second end, each first end being pivotally connected to a spaced apart lower portion of the backlight panel; a first elevated position in which the first pair of links and the second pair of links close a window opening of the vehicle roof structure; controlling movement of the backlight panel to and from a second storage position vertically oriented to open a window opening of the vehicle roof structure; and closing the window opening of the vehicle roof structure. A retractable backlight device for a motor vehicle having a roof structure with a rear window opening, including a device for moving the backlight panel between a first raised position and a second storage position. (2) A moving device for manually moving the backlight panel includes a tap installed on the backlight panel;
A retractable backlight device according to claim 1. (3) A retractable backlight device according to claim 2, wherein the tap is centrally mounted at the bottom of the backlight panel. 4. A retractable backlight according to claim 1, wherein the means for moving the backlight panel includes means for pivoting the second links about respective second ends of the second links. Device. (5) The pivoting device includes a drive device having first and second reversibly rotatable drive shafts and a drive device that connects the first and second drive shafts to the lower end of the second link, respectively. 1
Claim 4 including a gear device and a second gear device
Retractable backlight device as described in Section 1. (6) The first gear device and the second gear device include a first gear fixed to each end of the second link and installed to each outer end of the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft. 6. A retractable backlight device as claimed in claim 5, including a second gear engaging and driving the first gear associated for reversible pivoting of the second link. 7. The retractable backlight device of claim 5, wherein the drive device includes a reversible electric motor. (8) The vehicle includes a reversible drive motor for raising and lowering the convertible top of the vehicle, and further activating the convertible top drive motor only when the retractable backlight panel is in the fully lowered position. The patent claim includes an interlocking device that allows the retractable backlight panel to be raised and lowered only when the convertible top is in a fully raised position covering an opening in the vehicle. A retractable backlight device according to claim 5. (9) An interlock device is coupled to the retractable backlight drive device and the convertible top drive motor, and connects voltages of opposite polarity to the drive motor to convertably drive the motor in a predetermined direction. a switch device and a second switch device, the device being installed in a motor vehicle to detect when a retractable backlight panel is in a fully lowered position; a third switch device connected to short-circuit the convertible top drive motor whenever the convertible top is not in use; and a device installed in the vehicle to detect the fully raised position of the convertible top; a fourth switch coupled to short-circuit the retractable backlight drive across the retractable backlight drive whenever the retractable backlight drive is not in the retractable backlight drive position, thereby preventing operation of the retractable backlight drive; 9. A retractable backlight device according to claim 8, comprising a device.