Rail system for roof rack fastening

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening rail (1) for a vehicle roof (2). The fastening rail (2) is used for assembling a roof rack and comprises an assembly region (3, 4) for assembling the roof rack and a fastening region (5) for fastening the fastening rail (1) to the vehicle roof. The fastening region (5) comprises a rear engagement device (6) integrally formed with the fastening rail (1) for fixing the fastening rail (1) to the vehicle roof (2) by means of a bayonet-type displacement movement (A, B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening rail for a vehicle roof, which is used for assembling a roof rack and comprises an assembly area for assembling the roof rack and a fastening area for fastening the fastening rail to the vehicle roof. The invention also relates to a roof arrangement, a vehicle and a method for fastening the fastening rail. Background Art

[0002] Roof racks for vehicles have been gaining popularity for decades. Roof racks are well suited for transporting large items, especially when the use of a trailer is not needed or desired. This is due to, for example, the lower purchase cost of a roof rack (relative to a trailer), reduced space requirements, and reduced operating restrictions (no strict enforced speed limits, etc.). An example of the use of a roof rack that is often seen is for transporting skis or other winter sports equipment.

[0003] In order to keep the air resistance of the vehicle as low as possible, in particular for reasons of its energy efficiency, roof racks are usually designed to be assembled / disassembled in a reversible manner, since most of the time they are not needed when the vehicle is in use, thus reducing weight and air resistance. In order to be able to assemble the roof rack, a suitable assembly structure must be provided on the roof of the vehicle. In this case, a structure will be provided that is able to withstand sufficiently large loads, is relatively advantageous in terms of production and assembly, is suitable for assembling as many roof racks as possible (if possible, regardless of the manufacturer), and, in particular, in "normal operation" without the roof rack, has as little air resistance as possible. In particular, in order to ensure the ability to assemble as many different types of roof racks as possible, fastening rails for roof racks, which are known per se and have been used and have proven effective for many years, are still the preferred technical means for roof racks.

[0004] However, there is still a need for improvements with regard to the fastening of fastening rails to the vehicle itself, more specifically: in the roof region. Here, attempts are still being made to achieve a series of partly conflicting interests in the most favourable manner possible, such as the highest possible load-bearing capacity values, the ability to easily assemble, the replaceability of the fastening rails in the event of damage, cost-effective production, etc. Since there is always a need for optimization in this regard, a number of proposed solutions have been proposed over the years.

[0005] For example, in US 5,782,392, a roof is proposed which has a longitudinal groove extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A corresponding protruding raised area of ​​the roof rack fastening device can be inserted into the longitudinal groove with its cross section, thereby forming a substantially flush surface of the roof. The raised area is screwed to the roof structure by means of fastening screws. A rail body with a cross section extends from the fastening protrusions so that the roof rack can be fastened thereto by means of fastening clips. Although the fastening rail described therein has favorable air resistance properties and a favorable appearance, the fastening of the fastening rail to the roof is relatively complicated. Another disadvantage is that, due to the required grooves, the design of the roof is relatively complicated in order to be suitable for the system proposed therein.

[0006] A further proposal has been made in FR 3017087 B1. In this case, a fastening rail extending in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is also fastened to the roof by a plurality of fastening screws. In this case, the assembly of the fastening rail is also relatively complicated.

[0007] Another proposal is disclosed in FR 2993219 A1, in which it is also proposed to fasten a fastening rail for a roof rack extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to the roof by means of a plurality of fastening screws. In this case, the assembly is also relatively complicated.

[0008] Although the known fastening rails and / or their assembly on the vehicle roof generally fulfil the designated function to a sufficient extent, there is still room for further improvement. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to improve a fastening rail for a vehicle roof, which fastening rail is used for assembling a roof rack and comprises an assembly area for assembling the roof rack and a fastening area for fastening the fastening rail to the vehicle roof, so that the fastening rail has improved properties with respect to such fastening rails known in the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for fastening a fastening rail to a vehicle roof, which method has improved properties with respect to the methods known in the prior art.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a fastening rail having the features of the following embodiments. It should be mentioned that the features and measures disclosed individually in the following description can be combined together in any technically advantageous manner and disclose further embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the invention, in particular in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] To this end, a fastening rail for a vehicle roof is proposed, which is used for the assembly of a roof rack and comprises an assembly area for assembling the roof rack and a fastening area for fastening the fastening rail to the vehicle roof, such that the fastening area comprises a rear engagement device, which is integrally formed with the fastening rail for fastening the fastening rail to the vehicle roof by a bayonet-type displacement movement. Due to this design, a fast, intuitive and precise assembly can be achieved by a simple bayonet closure type fastening due to the rear engagement device; in particular, at the same time, a particularly large fastening force can also be generated in a simple manner in one and / or more preferred directions. In principle, since the fastening rail can be fastened to the vehicle roof by a simple operation, at least pre-fastening the fastening rail, the assembly can be carried out in a particularly fast and uncomplicated manner. Even if further fastening steps and / or locking steps are required (as will be described in more detail below), by the proposed design, the pre-fastening can be performed so that the fastening rail is automatically held in the appropriate assembly position, so that the subsequent assembly steps can be carried out particularly easily and even by a small number of people (optionally only by one person) in a simple and fast manner. This is advantageous not only during the initial assembly of the vehicle, but also in particular at a later time, when, for example, the fastening rails need to be repaired or replaced. In this case, the required displacement movement does not necessarily have to be the same for all areas of the fastening rails. For example, even if the fastening rails have to be rotated "in the manner of a propeller", at least a well-approximated displacement movement can be locally referenced in the area of ​​the individual fastening areas. Advantageously, at least one, at least two, at least a plurality or (substantially) all fastening areas are provided with rear engagement devices. In principle, it generally applies here that a greater number of rear engagement devices makes assembly more difficult to a certain extent, but may produce greater load-bearing forces and / or greater (pre) fixing forces. On the other hand, optionally, the (pre) assembly can be accelerated by a smaller number of rear engagement devices; this is combined with a generally still sufficient fastening force. The actual number of fastening areas provided with rear engagement devices can be selected according to the required layout criteria.

[0012] It is usually advantageous that the rear engagement means face substantially in the same direction and / or are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening rail. In this case, a particularly simple (pre) assembly can usually be achieved while having a high load-bearing value of the arrangement.

[0013] It is also advantageous to provide a locking device for the fastening area and / or the rear engagement device, the locking device being particularly configured as a rigid locking device and / or a non-rigid locking device and / or a locking device connected by material. As a result, the (pre) fixation achieved by the rear engagement device can usually be significantly improved, so that the load-bearing value of the final arrangement can be significantly higher. In particular, it is also possible that, due to the locking device, a loose displacement movement opposite to the original displacement movement for fastening the fastening rail to the roof can be prevented. In principle, the locking device provided can be of any type. In particular, a rigid locking device, a non-rigid locking device or a locking device connected by material is suitable, but it can also be a combination of two or all of these locking devices. In this case, the locking device can be arranged in each fastening area and / or on each rear engagement device. However, this can be achieved only in a part of the fastening area / rear engagement device, and in extreme cases only in a single fastening area / single rear engagement device. The type of locking can also vary from fastening region to fastening region (rear engagement device to rear engagement device), so that, for example, a rigid locking device is provided in one fastening region and a non-rigid locking device is provided in a different fastening region.

[0014] Furthermore, it proves advantageous that the locking device comprises a helical device or is substantially so configured. As a result, particularly high tightening forces can be generated by using standard assembly steps and / or by using standard tools (screwdrivers / pneumatic screwdrivers, etc.) with relatively low assembly forces. This is generally advantageous. It should be mentioned that such a helical device can prove advantageous not only in connection with a non-rigid locking device, but also in another connection, for example in particular in connection with a rigid locking device.

[0015] It may also be advantageous for the rear engagement device to be configured essentially hook-shaped. In particular, in this case, an angled hook can be envisaged. In other words, a portion of the hook-shaped rear engagement device protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the lower surface of the fastening rail / from the lower surface of the fastening area (as a kind of support column). The actual rear engagement surface (i.e. the actual rear engagement plate or the actual rear engagement area) can in turn be conveniently arranged essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening area (from a local point of view, because the fastening rail usually has a certain curvature) and / or parallel to the bearing surface of the fastening device, wherein the bearing surface of the rear engagement surface can come into contact with the surface of the roof structure of the vehicle (roof plate / roof cover / structural element of the roof structure). Optionally, it may prove to be advantageous to provide a slight bevel, thereby generating a type of self-locking bevel / a type of self-locking wedge, so that a conical clamping force can be generated to a certain extent. This generally leads to the actual rear engagement surface of the hook-shaped rear engagement device being able to be arranged essentially at right angles to the surface normal of the fastening rail in the area of ​​the relevant fastening area.

[0016] According to the invention, the object is also achieved by a roof arrangement having the features of the following embodiments. Furthermore, a roof arrangement for a vehicle is proposed, which has a roof structure and at least one fastening rail according to the above-described design. In this case, the fastening rail is fixed to the roof structure (at least) by means of a rear engagement device. The roof structure can be essentially any type of vehicle roof structure known in the prior art. In particular, the fastening of the fastening rail can be fastened in the region of a self-supporting element of the roof structure. As a result, particularly high load-bearing values ​​can be produced. Furthermore, the advantages and properties that have already been described with reference to the fastening rail also result in an analogous manner for the proposed roof arrangement. Developments within the meaning of the above description can also be carried out in at least an analogous manner.

[0017] In particular, the proposed roof arrangement can be formed by providing an insertion opening in the roof structure for inserting the rear engagement device of the fastening rail and / or by providing a locking opening for producing, in particular, a rigid locking of the fastening rail to the roof structure. By means of such a design of the roof structure, in particular the fastening rail can be assembled to the roof structure in a particularly simple and intuitive manner. In this case, the dimensions of the locking opening are usually selected to be smaller than the dimensions of the rear engagement device, in particular the rear engagement region of the rear engagement device. In this way, a simple assembly can be performed, which, in combination with an optionally large (preliminary) holding force, enables at least a pre-assembly, which can be a particularly simple and uncomplicated final assembly (for example by introducing the locking device) can be implemented thereby.

[0018] According to the invention, the object is also achieved by a vehicle having the features of the following embodiments. Therefore, a vehicle is proposed, which comprises at least one fastening rail having the above-described design and / or at least one roof arrangement having the above-described design. In particular, the vehicle can be a land vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle. The vehicle can also have the characteristics and advantages already described above in at least an analogous manner. Within the meaning of the above description, the vehicle can also be further developed in at least an analogous manner.

[0019] According to the invention, the object is also achieved by a method having the features of the following embodiments. Finally, a method for fastening a fastening rail to a roof structure of a vehicle is proposed, wherein the fastening rail comprising a rear engagement device is inserted into an insertion opening provided in the roof structure of the vehicle via its rear engagement device, in particular via the rear engagement area of ​​the rear engagement device. Subsequently, the fastening rail is fixed to a fixed position on the roof structure by a bayonet-type displacement movement. The fastening rail can in particular be a fastening rail of the type described above. The roof structure of the vehicle can in particular be a roof structure and / or a roof arrangement within the meaning described above. The method can also have the advantages and characteristics already described above in at least a similar manner. Developments within the meaning described above can also be carried out in at least a similar manner.

[0020] In particular, the method can be performed so that in a further method step, the fastening rail is fixed in its fixed position by a locking device. As a result, a particularly fixed and stable connection can be produced, which in particular cannot be released unintentionally. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further characteristics and advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following description of specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 The arrangement of fastening rails and a motor vehicle roof, suitably prepared for this purpose, is shown in a schematic perspective view;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows various conceivable exemplary embodiments for fastening a rear joint device in each case in a schematic sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the individual figures, identical components are always provided with the same reference symbols, which is why these components are generally described only once.

[0025] exist Figure 1 , an arrangement of a fastening rail 1 for a roof rack and a motor vehicle roof 2 is shown in a schematic perspective view, including the design of the arrangement and the way in which the assembly of the fastening rail 1 on the motor vehicle roof 2 is carried out.

[0026] The fastening rail 1 has a rail base 3 which (as is customary in the prior art) extends over most of the length of the motor vehicle roof 2. The fastening rail 1 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the fastening rail 1 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. Typically, two fastening rails 1 are used, wherein these are each arranged in the transverse region of the motor vehicle roof 2. The cross section of the rail base 3 is substantially the same over its entire length. In this case, the cross section is selected such that it can serve as a basis for anchoring a roof rack for commercial vehicles. For this purpose, for example, a suitable clamping groove 4 is provided in the upper region of the rail base 3.

[0027] While the roof rack (not shown in the present case) is only temporarily assembled on the motor vehicle, the fastening rail 1 usually remains permanently on the motor vehicle. In other words, the fastening rail 1 is assembled in the motor vehicle factory and (except for optional repairs or optional replacements) remains permanently on the motor vehicle during the service life of the motor vehicle.

[0028] The present fastening rail 1 has on its lower surface 8 (facing the motor vehicle roof 2) a plurality of fastening areas 5 (on the Figure 1 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, only two fastening regions 5 are shown. The fastening regions 5 serve to fasten the fastening rail 1 to the roof 2 of the motor vehicle.

[0029] In each case, an approximately L-shaped rear engagement device 6 is integrally formed in the region of the fastening region 5. The rear engagement device 6 has a spacer arm 7 (a kind of strut) which projects essentially perpendicularly from the lower surface 8 of the fastening rail 1. A rear engagement surface 9 (which naturally has a limited thickness and can therefore also be denoted as a rear engagement plate or the like) is arranged approximately at right angles to the spacer arm 7.

[0030] Depending on the size, position and orientation of the rear engagement surfaces 9 of the individual rear engagement devices 6 , a corresponding number of insertion openings 10 are provided in the motor vehicle roof 2 .

[0031] exist Figure 1 It is further determined in the embodiment that the bores 11, 12 are arranged at suitable positions in the rear engagement surface 9 and in the motor vehicle roof 2, respectively, so that the fastening rail 1 can be fixed in its fixed position after the (pre)assembly has been completed. A possible exemplary embodiment of the fixing is shown in FIG. 2, wherein in the case of at least some of the fixing variants shown in FIG. 2, some adjustments of the fastening region 5 of the fastening rail 1 are optionally required.

[0032] For assembling the fastening rail 1, said fastening rail is held by its fastening region 5 in the correct position relative to the insertion opening 10 in the motor vehicle roof 2. Subsequently, a vertical insertion movement A (indicated by arrow A) takes place, wherein the rear engagement device 6 is inserted into the corresponding insertion opening 10. Subsequently, a horizontal displacement movement B (indicated by arrow B) takes place, wherein the fastening rail 1 is displaced far enough relative to the motor vehicle roof 2 that the rear engagement surface 9 of the rear engagement device 6 bears substantially completely behind the roof 13 of the motor vehicle roof 2. Among other things, this also results in the spacer arms 7 of the rear engagement device 6 at least approximately coming into contact with the corresponding edge region of the insertion opening 10 in the roof 13 (also visible in particular in FIG. 2 ). In this case, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to a substantially parallel orientation of the roof 13 of the motor vehicle relative to the ground. For the sake of completeness, reference is made to the fact that this situation is not necessarily provided in the motor vehicle construction and the corresponding movements must be "reconsidered" accordingly.

[0033] In FIG. 2 , in each case the schematic cross-sectional views are shown in different views. Figure 2a , 2b 2 c shows the possibility of fastening the fastening rail 1 to the motor vehicle roof 2 in its assembly position (fixed position), ie after carrying out two assembly movements A (vertical insertion movement) and B (horizontal displacement movement).

[0034] exist Figure 2a, a first variant of the fixing (to some extent step “C”) is shown. After the (pre)assembly of the fastening rail 1 to the motor vehicle roof 2 (movements A and B), the fixing screws 16 are inserted into the blind holes 15 provided in the rail base 3 of the fastening rail 1 in the region of the fastening region 5. In this case, the threaded regions 17 of the fixing screws 16 pass through the through holes 14 provided in the respective blind holes 15, through the bores 12 provided in the roof plate 13, respectively, and through the associated bores 11 provided in the rear engagement surface 9. Subsequently, the nut 18 is positioned and screwed onto the protruding threaded region 17 of the fixing screw 16. This results in the fastening rail 1 assembled on the motor vehicle roof 2 being permanently held in place.

[0035] The nut 18 is advantageously a stop nut, thereby effectively preventing loosening of the fixing screw 16 / nut 18. However, other fixing options are also conceivable, such as washers or adhesive fixing points (not shown in each case).

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the spacing between the lower surface 8 of the rail base 3 in the region of the fastening region 5 and the inner surface of the rear engagement surface 9 corresponds approximately to the thickness of the roof panel 13 of the motor vehicle roof 2 (however, usually a slight additional assembly tolerance is provided). By tightening the nut 18 onto the fixing screw 16, due to the elasticity of the material of the rear engagement device 6, it results in a flat contact between the lower surface 8 of the fastening rail 1 and the adjacent surface of the roof panel 13 and between the inner surface of the rear engagement surface 9 and the adjacent surface of the roof panel 13 in each case. This results in an additional mechanical fixation of the fastening rail 1 to the motor vehicle roof 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, this results in providing a non-rigid and a rigid fixing contact.

[0037] Of course, suitable measures may be provided in the rear engagement device 6 such that this clamping action is facilitated (eg thin material areas, hinge-like devices, etc.).

[0038] Although in the exemplary embodiment shown here (and in the exemplary embodiment shown hereinafter in FIG. 2 ) an essentially planar contact is produced between the lower surface 8 of the rail base 3 of the fastening rail 1 and the roof 13 of the motor vehicle roof 2 , it is also conceivable that columnar spacer elements can also be provided (partially) in the region of the fastening region 5 , which can also be constructed integrally with the fastening rail 1 .

[0039] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a First, in Figure 2b In the variant shown, the bore 11 is provided with an internal thread 19 in the rear engagement surface 9 of the rear engagement device 6, which corresponds to the thread of the threaded region 17 of the fixing screw 16. As a result, the nut 18 can be omitted. Figure 2b In the embodiment, a buffer washer 20 made of a slightly elastic material is arranged between the top plate 13 and the track base 3. Due to its action force, the buffer washer 20 can effectively prevent the fixing screw 16 from shaking loose over time. Of course, other suitable measures can also be thought of.

[0040] exist Figure 2c , another third variant of the fixing is shown. In this variant, no boreholes 11, 12 through which the threaded area 17 of the fixing screw 16 passes are required in either the top plate 13 or the rear engagement surface 9. Instead, a pressing body 21 is provided between the lower surface 8 of the rail base 3 and the adjacent surface of the top plate 13. The pressing body 21 has a blind hole 22 provided with an internal thread 19. By the rotational movement of the fixing screw 16, the pressing body 21 is forced to move outwards away from the rail base 3 of the fixing rail. This results in a securely clamped seat of the top plate 13 between the rear engagement surface 9 of the rear engagement device 6 and the pressing body 21. Although a rigid fixing has been omitted, a sufficiently large holding force can generally be generated by the proposed "purely non-rigid" fixing.

[0041] For the sake of completeness, it will be mentioned that, due to the force ratios, a receiving space 23 must now be provided in the rail base body 3 of the fastening rail instead of a blind hole 15 .

[0042] List of reference numerals:

[0043] 1. Fasten the track

[0044] 2. Motor vehicle roof

[0045] 3. Track base

[0046] 4. Clamping groove

[0047] 5. Fastening area

[0048] 6. Rear engagement device

[0049] 7. Spacer arm

[0050] 8. Lower surface

[0051] 9. Rear engagement surface

[0052] 10. Insert opening

[0053] 11. Drilling

[0054] 12. Drilling

[0055] 13. Top plate

[0056] 14. Through hole

[0057] 15. Blind hole

[0058] 16. Fixing screw

[0059] 17. Threaded area

[0060] 18. Nuts

[0061] 19. Internal thread

[0062] 20. Buffer washer

[0063] 21. Pressing body

[0064] 22. Blind hole

[0065] 23. Receiving Space

[0066] A vertical insertion movement

[0067] B horizontal displacement movement

Claims

1. A fastening rail (1) for a vehicle roof, the vehicle roof (2) comprising a top plate (13), the fastening rail (1) being used for assembling a roof rack, characterized in that: The fastening track (1) comprises: An assembly area (3, 4) for assembling the roof rack; A fastening region (5) for fastening the fastening rail (1) to a vehicle roof, wherein The fastening region (5) comprises a rear engagement device (6) integrally constructed with the fastening rail (1), the rear engagement device (6) being used to fix the fastening rail (1) to the vehicle roof (2) by means of a bayonet-type displacement movement (A, B), the rear engagement device (6) comprising a spacer arm (7) connected to the fastening rail (1) and a rear engagement surface (9) extending from the spacer arm (7); and A locking device is provided for engaging the rear engagement surface (9) and the top plate (13) clamped between the rear engagement surface (9) and the fastening rail (1).

2. The fastening rail according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The rear engagement surface (9) of the rear engagement device (6) faces in substantially the same direction as a longitudinal axis of the fastening rail (1) and / or is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening rail (1).

3. The fastening rail according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that A locking device (16, 17, 18) is provided for the fastening area (5) and / or the rear engagement device (6), the locking device being configured as a rigid locking device (20, 21) and / or a non-rigid locking device and / or a locking device connected by material.

4. The fastening rail according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The locking means comprises a helical means (16, 17).

5. The fastening rail according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The rear engaging device (6) is configured in a hook shape.

6. A roof arrangement of a vehicle, It is characterized in that include: A roof structure (2) having at least one fastening rail according to one of the preceding claims.

7. The roof arrangement according to claim 6, It is characterized in that An insertion opening (10) is provided in the roof structure (2), the rear engagement device (6) for inserting the fastening rail (1), and / or a locking opening (12) is provided for producing a rigid locking of the fastening rail (1) to the roof structure (2).

8. A motor vehicle, It is characterized in that include: At least one fastening rail (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or a roof arrangement according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A method for fastening a fastening rail (1) to a roof structure of a vehicle, characterized in that The fastening rail (1) is a fastening rail as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, The fastening rail (1) is inserted with its rear engagement device (6) into an insertion opening (10) provided in the roof structure (2) of the vehicle, and then the fastening rail is fixed in the direction of a fixed position on the roof structure (2) by means of a bayonet-type displacement movement (A, B).

10. The method according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The fastening rail (1) is fixed in its fixed position by means of locking devices (16, 17, 18, 20, 21).

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