Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh

Peter Gutendorf

Jorg Jahn

Ansgar Pellenwessel

Guntram Knobloch

Dieter Rethschulte

Reiner Hinrichs

An apparatus is provided for the actuation of at least one pivotable external element of a vehicle, in particular of a top element of a convertible vehicle, with at least one pivot joint and a drive. The drive may be an electric motor which introduces a drive torque directly into the at least one pivot joint.

Device for actuating at least one pivoted exterior element of a vehicle

A folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle includes a rotational angle detection device disposed in a rotary hinge () for detection of the rotational angle between linkage arms () of a convertible top frame that are pivotably connected with each other by a bearing pin (). A rotational angle encoder () is connected with one linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element () is connected with the other linkage arm so as to rotate therewith. The rotational angle encoder and/or the sensor element is/are disposed adjacent to the bearing pin on respective surfaces of the linkage arms facing towards each other or within housing parts () connected to the respective linkage arms.

Convertible top with a rotational angle detection device

A motor vehicle that is equipped with a movable convertible top comprising control equipment for controlling the convertible top motion and a detection device for recognition of an intervention into the range of motion of a convertible top mechanism, which is equipped with a sensor system with sensors operating with different measurement principles, wherein, when recognizing a malfunction of the detection device or when recognizing an obstruction situation, the convertible top motion is controlled in a safety mode during which the convertible top motion continues with reduced speed and power or is stopped or reversed.

Vehicle with movable convertible top

A capacitive sensor, in particular for the detection of an obstruction of objects or body parts by motor driven devices, includes an arrangement of a multitude of electrodes on a support and means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change. The sensor is of a flat and film-like embodiment with a support made out of a film material for the arrangement of the electrodes. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor system, for detection of an obstruction situation of objects or body parts with motor driven devices uses several sensors of the above design, is disclosed, whereby an obstruction situation is detected, if a selection of several sensors is responding.

Capacitive sensor and detection device with capacitive sensors for the detection of an obstruction situation

A device for determining an angular position of parts of a convertible roof, which can be swiveled relative one another has an electrical or electronic determining instrument with a housing connected to a first part of the folding top, and a controller member, which can be rotated to relative to the first part of the folding top, connected to a second part of the folding top, which can be swiveled relative to the first part. A connection of the housing to the first part of the folding top of and/or a connection the controller member to the second part is constructed as a movable connection.

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Osnabruck, Germany

Peter Gutendorf