Abstract: A method and apparatus for the actuation of a convertible top system on vehicles whereby the convertible top may be received in its resting position in a compartment that is securable by a cover and whereby the convertible top may be unfolded and secured after opening of the cover, for which purpose there are controllable drive elements provided for the cover and the convertible top. The cover (1) and the convertible top (3) are essentially moved in a parallel manner under certain operational conditions to realize a loading-assistance function in a simple and functionally flexible manner, whereby the convertible top (3) remains in its resting, folded position. The control arrangement for the drive elements of the convertible top system is provided thereby with a switch position in which only one drive element (5) or a group of drive elements is triggered, which lifts the cover (3) from its resting position.

Abstract: A driving device for a rollover bar for motor vehicles has a piston-cylinder unit that, in a crash situation, extends the rollover bar out of a rest position into a supporting position. A further or second piston-cylinder unit is provided as an additional drive for the purpose of adjusting the first piston-cylinder unit. The influence of the further piston-cylinder unit on the first piston-cylinder unit can be cancelled in the presence of a crash signal. The piston of the first piston-cylinder unit has detent toothing formed on it which acts counter to a retraction movement of the first piston-cylinder unit and with which a controllable detent element is brought into engagement by means of a hydraulic cylinder in any extended position. A piston of the further piston-cylinder unit is held releasably in its retracted position by a controllable locking device.

Abstract: An operating system for hydraulic drive elements of a folding top, such as a lowerable folding top of a convertible, can be actuated by switching apparatus. The drive elements are fed by a pressure source from a pressure medium reservoir via an inlet and connected to a return to the pressure medium reservoir. Switchable directional control valves distribute the pressure generated by the pressure source to the drive elements moving various parts. Actuation of the directional control valves corresponds to a given sequence of movements of the top. To simplify the operating system, a plurality of operational elements assigned to various operating functions can be switched at the same time by individual directional control valves. As a result, a smaller number of expensive directional control valves is required.

Abstract: A separable insertion-type connection is provided for pipes. By way of an end piece having an exterior collar, a pipe can be sealingly inserted into an inserting opening of a connecting body which receives an elastic sealing ring as well as a supporting ring which, in the inserting direction, is arranged in front of the sealing ring and rests against the opening wall. The pipe can then be axially fixed in the inserting opening by a holding part which can be mounted on the connecting body. The insertion-type connection provides long service life of its sealing ring under extreme conditions. For this purpose, the supporting ring is equipped on its face which faces the sealing ring with a sealing lip which sealingly encloses the pipe end piece. As a result, it is achieved that, when acted upon by pressure, the sealing lip, independently of component tolerances, is pressed in a form-locking manner against the circumference of the pipe end piece.

Abstract: A drive system for a lid or a flap of a convertible car body in which the control effort for the drive system is reduced by configuring the working cylinder as a control valve which releases the lid or the like after unlocking of the lock for lifting by the lifting cylinder, and is connected between the control device and the lifting cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder that locks into position has a housing (1) with at least one pressure connection (7) and a piston (3) and rod (6) that travel tight in an out of the housing. The locking mechanism comprises a piston (11) that rests against a spring (35) and a barrier mechanism (23) with a cage of balls (25) that roll radially into a locking position in a locking groove (26) and back into an unlocking position in an unlocking groove (22). The primary piston communicates with a hollow space (18) and acts on a primary participating surface (19) and the locking piston communicates with an unlocking space (13) and acts on an unlocking surface (14) by way of the pressure connection. There is a variable choke (17), which disengages after a while, beween the pressure connection and the primary space (18) in the primary piston (3).