Vario Roof (VR), Function
Vario Roof (VR), Function
The vario roof is opened and closed hydraulically. A pump in the RVC hydraulic unit (A7/5) generates the required working pressure and the hydraulic cylinders actuate the vario roof mechanism. A total of 11 hydraulic cylinders are installed:
Hydraulic cylinder open/close vario roof, left
Hydraulic cylinder open/close vario roof, right
Hydraulic cylinder raise/lower tubular frame, left
Hydraulic cylinder open/close tubular frame latch, left
Hydraulic cylinder open/close tubular frame, right
Hydraulic cylinder vario roof latch, front
Hydraulic cylinder raise/lower load assist, left
Hydraulic cylinder raise/lower load assist, right
Hydraulic cylinder raise/lower roll bar, right
Hydraulic cylinder open/close roll bar lock pawls, left
Hydraulic cylinder open close roll bar lock pawls, right
The vario roof is controlled by the RVC control module (N52). It evaluates the positions of the limit switches and side windows and switches the solenoid valves (Y55/1y1.....Y55/1y6) accordingly for control of the hydraulic cylinders. The six solenoid valves are consolidated to form the RVC valve block (Y55/1) and are bolted to the RVC hydraulic unit (A7/5).
The vario roof can be operated using the vario roof switch (N72s16) or the transmitter key (A8/1). The following functions are possible:
- Open vario roof
- Close vario roof
- Stop function (interruption of vario roof actuation)
- Relocking
Automatically raising/lowering the roll bar
In order to avoid a collision with the vario roof, the roll bar is stowed during operation of the vario roof.When the vario roof has moved to a locked end position, it is returned to its original position. The RVC control module (N52) disables actuation of the roll bar while the vario roof is being operated.
Automatic raising/lowering of the side windows to the short stroke position
The power windows are actuated by means of CAN messages from the RVC control module (N52) to the door control module in question. The CAN message from the RVC control module (N52) causes the window to roll down to the short stroke position. This means that during operation of the vario roof, all window functions can be performed only as far as the short stroke position.
Automatic opening/closing of the rear side windows
The rear side windows are actuated and their positions are monitored directly via the RVC control module (N52). When the vario roof is actuated, the rear side windows are opened fully.
Trunk lid remote release
The trunk lid remote release is inhibited by the RVC control module (N52) as long as the vario roof is not in a locked end position. Moreover, the trunk lid lock is actively locked by the pneumatic system equipment control module with combined functions (A37) if not already locked. After the vario roof reaches a locked end position, the trunk lid reassumes its previous status.
Opening of the trunk lid opposite to direction of travel
The trunk lid is connected to the tubular frame by the two 7-joint hinges. The tubular frame opens the trunk lid opposite to the direction of travel so that the vario roof can be stowed in the trunk.
NOTE: The latch striker for the trunk lid lock is also attached to the tubular frame.
Acoustic warning signal from instrument cluster (A1)
- At the beginning and end of each vario roof actuation, a gong sounds from the instrument cluster (A1) for 1 s confirming correct execution.
- If the vehicle is in motion and the top is not properly locked, a warning signal sounds for 10 s. After expiration of this period of time, the gong can only be armed again by:
- A change from ignition OFF to ignition ON
- A change in the limit switch constellation
- Actuation of the vario roof switch (N72s16)
Monitoring of roof function
The vario roof operating sequence is stored in a sequence table for each direction of motion, which is compared with a search function (determines the current position of the vario roof). If these values do not coincide, either an emergency operation is performed or the vario roof sequence is interrupted and an error message is sent to the instrument cluster (A1), depending on the severity of the error which has occurred.
NOTE: If the vario roof operating sequence is interrupted, the stop function is activated immediately, moving the vario roof to the end position in a controlled manner.
The following criteria interrupt the vario roof operating sequence
- Releasing the vario roof switch (N72s16)
- Ignition OFF
- Low voltage in vehicle power supply
- Vehicle speed V > 5 km/h
- Trunk lid rotary tumbler and lock pawl opened
- Trunk partition not closed (applies only for opening of vario roof)
- Roll bar crash deployment active
- Interrupt conditions resulting in damage or exceeding actuating request time
NOTE: If the operating sequence is interrupted and the vario roof is not in a confirmed end position, the stop function becomes effective. It holds the vario roof hydraulically in the current position for t = 7 min. If the stop function cannot be revoked by this time, the vario roof moves to the nearest mechanical end position under its own weight with hydraulic damping.