Vehicle with top lateral support frame

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle having a top transverse support frame of a roof, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is arranged above the seat area of ​​the vehicle occupants in the vehicle height direction, and is at least partially adjacent to the area of ​​the vehicle interior space from the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The area provides free space for movement of the head of the vehicle occupants. The top transverse support frame has two lateral areas and a middle area connected to the lateral areas. The middle area extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The middle area is connected to the lateral areas through transition areas respectively. The transition area extends obliquely toward the rear side of the vehicle between the lateral area and the middle area. The front side of the middle area is spaced apart from the front side of the lateral area in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the two lateral areas extend obliquely forward between the transition area and the outer side of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle having a top transverse support frame of a roof. Background Art

[0002] EP1419953A1 discloses a vehicle body structure having a rear side frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In addition, a C-pillar and a D-pillar extending substantially in the height direction of the vehicle are provided. The connection rigidity between the C-pillar and the D-pillar in the transverse direction of the vehicle is ensured by arranging the top support member substantially in an X-shape.

[0003] The roof supports extend above the seat area of ​​the vehicle. In order to achieve the required head freedom in the vehicle height direction below the roof supports, the vehicle roof must be designed to be correspondingly high. However, as the roof height increases, the vehicle's driving resistance increases to an undesirable extent. In addition, a large vehicle height impairs the overall aesthetic impression of the vehicle.

[0004] DE 10 2015 216 202 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a double Y-shaped roof area in order to achieve sufficient rigidity of the vehicle body. The roof height of the motor vehicle is also undesirably large in order to create sufficient head freedom for the vehicle occupants.

[0005] DE102017116752A1, DE102017116752 A1 and DE202014104732U1 respectively show a vehicle with a top transverse support frame of a roof. The top transverse support frame extends in the vehicle transverse direction, is arranged above the seat area of ​​the vehicle occupant in the vehicle height direction, and is at least partially adjacent to the free space for movement of the head of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle interior space from behind in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In addition, the top transverse support frame has two lateral areas and a middle area connected to each of the lateral areas. The middle area extends in the vehicle transverse direction. Each of the lateral areas is implemented to extend obliquely backwards between the middle area and the vehicle outer side. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create a vehicle which has the smallest possible roof height while maintaining the desired head freedom for the vehicle occupants, without impairing the rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved with a vehicle having the features of the invention.

[0008] The vehicle according to the invention comprises a roof transverse support which extends in the vehicle transverse direction, is arranged in the vehicle height direction above a seat area for a vehicle occupant and adjoins at least partially from behind an area of ​​the vehicle interior in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This area provides freedom of movement for the head of a vehicle occupant.

[0009] The top transverse support frame has two lateral regions and a middle region connected to the lateral regions. The middle region extends in the vehicle transverse direction and can be connected to the lateral regions via transition regions. The transition region can extend obliquely in the direction of the vehicle rear side between the lateral region and the middle region. The front side of the middle region can be spaced apart from the front side of the lateral region in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In addition, the middle region and the lateral region can be arranged to extend substantially in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0010] The vehicle according to the invention has a desired high strength in the vehicle transverse direction, especially during a side impact, by means of the roof transverse support extending in the vehicle transverse direction. In addition, in addition to the roof section, a rear window or another roof section connected to the roof section in the vehicle longitudinal direction can also be supported in the vehicle height direction by means of the roof transverse support.

[0011] In this case, the roof transverse support can adjoin with its lateral regions the upper ends of the B-pillars, C-pillars or D-pillars of the vehicle body and be fixedly connected to these upper ends.

[0012] The A-pillar is the connection between the roof and the so-called front bulkhead in motor vehicle construction. The bulkhead is part of the vehicle body in vehicle construction and covers the passenger compartment below the windshield. In front-engined vehicles, the bulkhead closes off the engine compartment towards the rear. The function of the bulkhead is to shield the passengers from driving wind, waste heat, noise and splashing water. In modern self-supporting bodies, the bulkhead also has a reinforcement function.

[0013] The B-pillar provides a connection between the bottom of the vehicle and the roof in the middle of the passenger compartment. Some coupes and convertibles and very rarely also sedans do not have a B-pillar.

[0014] The C-pillars form the connection between the roof and the fenders or rear side walls, which are arranged, for example, in the region of the rear of the vehicle.

[0015] In station wagons, vans and so-called SUV vehicles (Sports Utility Vehicles), the D-pillar is the fourth pillar. A station wagon, or Kombi for short, is a body type for passenger cars with a particularly large load capacity. The name is derived from the combination of passenger car and truck, since the vehicle can transport not only people but also goods.

[0016] If the roof transverse support extends in the vehicle transverse direction, for example between the upper ends of the B-pillars of the vehicle, its front side facing the vehicle front adjoins from behind a region of the vehicle interior which is arranged above the front seat area for the vehicle occupants.

[0017] If the roof transverse support is arranged extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, for example between the upper ends of the C-pillars or D-pillars of the vehicle, the front side of the roof transverse support facing the vehicle front adjoins from behind a region or head region of the vehicle interior which is arranged above a central or rear seat region for a vehicle occupant.

[0018] The term "adjacent" is used in the present case in the sense that the top transverse support extends outside the region. This means that the top transverse support is arranged behind the region in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is not arranged above the region in the height direction of the vehicle.

[0019] The area of ​​the vehicle interior or the head area can extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle transverse direction and the vehicle height direction in such a way that the desired head freedom is provided for the vehicle occupant in the front, middle and / or rear seat area of ​​the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the vehicle outer side and the vehicle center. In the area of ​​the vehicle center, the top transverse support is positioned with its middle area further forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction above the vehicle interior than with the ends of the lateral areas. As a result, the top transverse support with its lateral areas restricts the head freedom of the vehicle occupant less than with the known solutions.

[0020] Furthermore, in the transverse direction of the vehicle, between the lateral regions of the top transverse support, an area of ​​the vehicle interior below the roof section and / or below the rear window is delimited by the top transverse support and by the roof section and / or by the rear window, which area is not available in the solutions known from the prior art. This area of ​​the vehicle interior constitutes a structural space in which various vehicle components can be arranged without restricting the head freedom for the vehicle occupants in the front and rear passenger compartment to an undesirable extent. This in turn provides the possibility of implementing a vehicle with a desired low vehicle height, which has a positive effect on the driving resistance of such a vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle can be implemented with a good overall aesthetic impression.

[0021] The term "head freedom" or "head area" is understood to mean a space in the vehicle interior, the dimensions of which are defined in the vehicle interior in the direction of the vehicle height, in the direction of the side, in the direction of the top and in the direction of the bottom by a defined distance from a reference point or a defined reference surface of the vehicle. This space is arranged in the vehicle height direction above the vehicle seat or more precisely above the seat surface of the vehicle seat and is also referred to as the head cover, which is, for example, a reference surface for the downward spatial extension of the space. The dimensions of the head cover are determined so that, taking into account the adjustment range, the vehicle seat provides users of the largest possible user group with a sufficiently large freedom of movement around the head of the vehicle occupant based on the head position occupied by the head in the middle seat position. Taking into account the differences in body shape between the 5th percentile female and the 95th percentile male includes approximately 95% of the relevant user group.

[0022] If the rear side of the middle region of the top transverse support is spaced apart from the rear sides of the lateral regions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the top transverse support can also be designed with a sufficiently large cross section in the middle region. A high rigidity of the vehicle body can then also be achieved in the front roof region, that is to say in particular in the region of the upper ends of the B-pillars, C-pillars and / or D-pillars. The top transverse support does not extend with its lateral regions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle into the head region, as is the case in known vehicle bodies. As a result, the freedom of the head of the vehicle occupant towards the rear and upward is not restricted by the top transverse support.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, at least one vehicle component is arranged in the region of the vehicle interior. This region is arranged behind the rear side of the middle region of the roof transverse support in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and between the lateral regions in the transverse direction of the vehicle and below at least one roof section and / or a rear window. In this case, the vehicle component, such as a camera or the like, can be provided, for example, for detecting the vehicle surroundings and / or for establishing a radio connection between another vehicle component and an external device.

[0024] The vehicle component can be arranged in the vehicle height direction between the vehicle roof and / or rear window and the roof ceiling. The vehicle then has a visually high-quality impression in a simple manner.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, a particularly good support of the rear window and the roof section connected to the rear window in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or the roof sections adjoining one another is achieved. In this embodiment, the top transverse support is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle below the connection region or below the abutment region between the rear window and the roof section or between the roof sections. It can be provided that the rear window and the roof section overlap in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the connection region and that the roof section is arranged below the rear window.

[0026] The rear window can be provided with an opaque layer on its upper side at least above the overlapping area with the roof part and above the top transverse support. This layer can be, for example, a baked-on ceramic pigment which protects the bonding area between the rear window and the vehicle body from UV radiation and additionally achieves the desired high aesthetic overall impression of the vehicle.

[0027] The roof part or the roof can be produced from glass, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic and / or metal, in particular steel or aluminum, in order to be able to adapt the vehicle to different customer requirements.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that a rear side of the middle region of the roof transverse support projects rearwardly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle beyond a rear side of the roof part facing the rear window, which is arranged below the rear window.

[0029] Furthermore, it is also possible for the rear side of the middle region of the roof transverse support to protrude rearwardly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle beyond the rear side of the second roof part of the front first roof part facing rearwardly.

[0030] The rear side of the roof ceiling can be in contact with the rear window and be provided with a cutout through which the camera is guided, so that the field of view of the camera is completely available in a simple manner, even though the camera is arranged behind the trim so as not to be visible to the vehicle occupants.

[0031] In addition, there is also the possibility that the top transverse support is configured with outer regions, which extend in each case in the region of the vehicle outer side in the vehicle longitudinal direction above the vehicle body, wherein the outer regions can be operatively connected to the ends of the lateral regions of the top transverse support, which ends each face the vehicle outer side.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the front side of the roof cross support is positioned higher in the vehicle height direction than the rear side of the roof cross support. This is particularly advantageous when the vehicle according to the invention has a lowered profile in the rear roof area, since the desired head freedom can nevertheless be provided.

[0033] The top transverse support frame can include an upper part and a lower part which define a cavity. The upper part can additionally have a wall region which extends from the upper side of the upper part into the cavity in the direction of the lower part. The upper side of the upper part can adjoin the wall region. The wall region defines a structural space for accommodating at least one optical vehicle component in the height direction, the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the top transverse support frame unit.

[0034] For simple installation of the optical vehicle component, the installation space can be designed with a receiving opening in the region of the upper side of the upper part.

[0035] This embodiment of the roof transverse support with a preferably trough-shaped structural space provides the possibility in a structurally simple manner to arrange optical vehicle components, such as cameras or the like, at least partially below the outer skin or roof of the vehicle. Undesirable flow separations in the region of the optical vehicle components and the resulting impairment of driving comfort can thus be reduced or avoided in a simple manner.

[0036] Furthermore, the overall aesthetic impression of contemporary vehicles is impaired to a lesser extent than in conventional solutions due to the at least partial arrangement of the optical vehicle components in the structural space of the top transverse support. This is because the contour of contemporary vehicles is altered to a lesser extent due to the at least partial arrangement of the optical vehicle components sunk beneath the outer skin of the vehicle than if the optical vehicle components were arranged completely outside the outer skin.

[0037] Additionally, the optical vehicle component can be arranged in the desired area above the windshield rear window or also in the area above the rear window. The optical field of view of the optical vehicle component is therefore neither limited forward nor backward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0038] In this case, the optical field of view of an optical device is understood to mean a region in the viewing angle of the optical device, in the image plane of a camera, etc., within which events or changes can be perceived and recorded.

[0039] In order to be able to provide a top transverse support with a desired rigidity, the upper part and / or the lower part of the top transverse support can each be embodied with at least one embossing.

[0040] Furthermore, an embossing is understood here to mean a step with a defined shape which is pressed into a preferably thin-walled component, such as the upper part and the lower part of the top transverse support. The embossing serves to reinforce the upper part and / or the lower part. This can increase the bending strength of the top transverse support and reduce its tendency to vibrate.

[0041] It can be provided that the upper part and / or the lower part is constructed with knobs, ribs, folds or folds, etc. Knobs are point-shaped depressions or projections, while ribs can be provided in the form of groove-shaped depressions or linear projections. Short ribs are also called impact reinforcements. Linear projections are also usually called ribs. Folds are edges or folds that are usually designed in an L-shaped or Z-shaped manner in the form of steps.

[0042] The wall region of the upper part can have lateral wall sections. The lateral wall region can be arranged between the upper side of the upper part and the bottom section of the wall region in order to shield the vehicle interior of the vehicle to a desired extent from the surroundings of the vehicle. Furthermore, it can be provided that the lateral wall region encloses an obtuse angle with the upper side of the upper part. This angle can have an angle value in the range of 90° to approximately 135°.

[0043] This makes it possible to avoid undercuts relative to the top in a simple manner. In addition, this also ensures that only low stresses occur in the transition between the lateral wall region and the top and in the transition between the lateral wall section and the bottom section.

[0044] For this purpose, the wall region of the upper part can have an approximately trapezoidal cross section in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction.

[0045] The upper side of the upper part can have a recess extending in the longitudinal direction in the height direction, at least in the region of one of the lateral wall sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the top transverse support. The optical vehicle component can then be connected to other vehicle components, such as control devices, computing units, etc., in a simple manner via lines. This is because the lines can be guided from the installation space through the recessed slots forming the recesses with little effort.

[0046] In addition, a cover or a baffle can be provided, which is arranged above the installation space and above the upper side of the upper part. By means of the cover, the installation space can be covered and preferably sealed from the surroundings with little effort.

[0047] The cover can be designed with an air guide hood that projects relative to the upper side of the cover. In addition, there is the possibility that the air guide hood has such an opening or such a transparent area that is adapted to the optical field of view of the optical vehicle component, so that the surroundings can be detected over the entire optical field of view of the optical vehicle component.

[0048] Furthermore, a further roof transverse support or so-called supporting frame can be provided, which is supported at least partially on the upper side of the upper part at least in the vicinity of the wall region and engages in the structural space. With the aid of such a supporting frame, the desired supporting surface can be provided for a roof part, such as a glass roof part or the like, without having to structurally design the upper part and / or the lower part of the roof transverse support in a special manner for this purpose.

[0049] Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed having a roof transverse support described in greater detail above and a camera which is arranged in the structural space of the roof transverse support.

[0050] If the top transverse support forms the rear window frame or the windshield rear window frame, the optical field of view of the camera is not restricted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the rear or to the front.

[0051] Further advantages and advantageous developments of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments which are described in principle with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In the attached picture:

[0053] FIG1 shows a simplified illustration of an SUV vehicle in side view;

[0054] FIG2 is a three-dimensional view of a vehicle body of an SUV known in the prior art;

[0055] FIG3 shows a top view of the SUV vehicle according to FIG1 ;

[0056] FIG4 is a side view of a vehicle implemented as a sedan;

[0057] FIG5 shows a top view of the vehicle according to FIG4 ;

[0058] Figure 6 A greatly simplified illustration showing a comparison between a known top transverse support frame and a further top transverse support frame in top view;

[0059] Figure 7 The top lateral support frame constructed according to the present invention is shown. Figure 6 In the corresponding illustration, the top transverse support frame extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is positioned to extend between the C-pillars;

[0060] Figure 8 A diagram showing another embodiment of a top lateral support frame constructed according to the present invention corresponds to Figure 7 pictorial diagram;

[0061] Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 8 A three-dimensional illustration of region IX characterized in more detail in FIG. 1 , which region includes the top lateral support frame;

[0062] Fig.10 shows a simplified partial view of a top transverse support frame arranged in the area X characterized in more detail in FIG. 5 ;

[0063] Fig.11 The top lateral support frame is shown in Fig.10 An enlarged three-dimensional illustration of region XI characterized in more detail in FIG.

[0064] Fig.12 A top transverse support frame with two differently implemented covers is shown. Fig.10 a corresponding graphic representation; and

[0065] Fig.13 Shown along the Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the top lateral support frame along the cutting line XIII-XIII is characterized in more detail in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1, which is a so-called SUV vehicle. The vehicle is designed with three seat rows 2, 3, and 4, which are arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. The first or front seat row 2 provides space for the driver and the front passenger, while the second or middle seat row 3 is arranged in the front part of the vehicle (Fahrzeugfont). The rear or third seat row 4 is arranged in the rear area of ​​the vehicle interior 8. The backrests 4D1 and 4D2 of the third seat row 4 can be converted to a horizontal position as required so as to provide as large a loading capacity as possible in the rear area of ​​the vehicle interior 8. The rear area of ​​the vehicle interior 8 can be approached through the so-called rear cover 6.

[0067] The interior height 2A of the first seat row 2 extends from the seat surfaces 2B1, 2B2 to the lower edge 7A of the roof 7 in the vehicle interior 8. Furthermore, the interior height 3A in the region of the second seat row 3 extends from the seat surfaces 3B1, 3B2 to the lower edge 7A of the roof 7. Furthermore, the interior height 4A in the region of the third seat row 4 is defined by the seat surfaces 4B1, 4B2 and the lower edge 7A of the roof 7 above the seat surfaces 4B1, 4B2.

[0068] The vehicle 1 comprises A-pillars 9A, 9B, B-pillars 10A, 10B, C-pillars 11A, 11B and additional D-pillars 12A, 12B. Here, the first seat row 2 is arranged at the height of the B-pillars 10A, 10B in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, the second seat row 3 is arranged in the region of the C-pillars 11A, 11B, and the third seat row 4 is arranged between the D-pillars 12A, 12B in the transverse direction y of the vehicle.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle body 13 of a vehicle 1, which has a plurality of top transverse struts 14 to 17 extending in the vehicle transverse direction y in the region of the roof 7. Here, the top transverse strut 14 is connected to the upper region of the A-pillars 9A, 9B and is an upper wind deflector. A further top transverse strut 15 extends in the vehicle transverse direction y between the upper ends of the B-pillars 10A, 10B, while a further top transverse strut 16 is positioned extending between the C-pillars 11A, 11B. A top transverse strut 17 is connected to the top transverse strut 16 in the vehicle longitudinal direction x, which in turn is arranged between the upper ends of the D-pillars 12A, 12B. The top transverse strut 17 is arranged essentially in the region of the rear end of the roof 7, wherein the rear end of the roof 7 is connected here to the upper region 18 of the rear lid 6.

[0070] The top transverse struts 14 to 17 shown in FIG. 2 have a known and substantially straight course in the vehicle transverse direction y. They therefore limit the interior heights 2A to 4A in the region of the seat rows 2 to 4 in the vehicle height direction z. In order to be able to provide the desired head freedom for the vehicle occupants sitting in the region of the seat rows 2 to 4, a corresponding height of the roof 7 should be provided.

[0071] In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 , so-called head covers 2C1 to 4C2 are graphically shown in the region of the seat rows 2 to 4 , which are regions of the vehicle interior 8 above the seat surfaces 2B1 to 4B2 . The head covers 2C1 to 4C2 extend below the vehicle roof 7 and define the desired head freedom for the vehicle occupants. The head covers 2C1 to 4C2 extend forward, upward and laterally above the seat surfaces 2B to 4B of the seat rows 2 to 4 in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, in the transverse direction y of the vehicle and in the height direction z of the vehicle, starting from the backrests 2D1 to 4D2 of the seat rows 2 to 4 . It can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 3 , in which the top transverse struts 15 , 16 and 17 are schematically shown as solid lines, that the top transverse struts 10 to 12 extend through the head covers 2C1 to 4C2 above the seat surfaces 2C1 to 4D2 in the transverse direction y of the vehicle, if these top transverse struts have a straight course known per se in the transverse direction y of the vehicle.

[0072] Fig. 4 shows a side view corresponding to Fig. 1 of another vehicle 20, which is designed as a sedan. In addition, the vehicle 20 is shown in a top view in Fig. 5. The vehicle 20 comprises A-pillars 9A, 9B, B-pillars 10A, 10B and C-pillars 11A, 11B and a front seat row 2 and a rear seat row 3. In addition, the vehicle 20 is constructed with a top transverse support frame 14, which is also a windshield rear window frame at the same time. In the region of the B-pillars 10A, 10B, another top transverse support frame 15 is provided. In addition, the vehicle 20 comprises a third top transverse support frame 16 in the transition region between the roof 7 and the rear window glass 21. Above the seat surface 2B1, 2B2 or 3B1, 3B2, the head cover 2C1 to 3C2 are described again in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0073] The outer skin of roof 7 of vehicle 1 as well as of vehicle 20 can be produced in the region of roof transverse supports 14 to 17 and 14 to 16 from glass, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic and / or metal.

[0074] Figure 6 A comparison is shown between a straight-line embodiment of a roof transverse support 16 of a vehicle 20 according to FIG. 4 known from practice and an embodiment of a roof transverse support 166 which is designed with lateral regions 166A and 166B extending obliquely to the rear. A middle region 166C is provided between the lateral regions 166A and 166B of the roof transverse support 166 and is arranged above the second seat row 3 and extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction y. Figure 6 As can be seen from the illustration, due to the angled arrangement of the lateral areas 166A and 166B, the top transverse support frame 166 is no longer arranged with its lateral areas 166A and 166B above the head cover parts 3C1 and 3C2 in the vehicle height direction z. Therefore, the top transverse support frame 166 does not restrict the head freedom of the vehicle occupant sitting in the area of ​​the rear seat row 3 of the vehicle 20.

[0075] By implementing the lateral adjustment of the roof transverse support 166 or by sweeping the roof transverse support 166, the desired interior height 3A can be achieved with a smaller roof height. Since the roof height of the roof 7 can be designed to be smaller in the region of the C-pillar 11 than in a vehicle 20 with a straight-line roof transverse support 16, the driving resistance of the vehicle 20 is lower, which has a positive effect on the fuel consumption or energy consumption of the vehicle 20. In addition, due to the lower roof line of the roof 7, the vehicle 20 can be designed with a better overall aesthetic impression, which is particularly desirable in vehicles with a sporty appearance.

[0076] In addition, a structural space 22 is defined in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the lateral areas 166A and 166B and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the middle area 166C, in which one or more vehicle components, such as cameras, radio devices, etc., can be arranged without restricting the head freedom of the vehicle occupants in the area of ​​the rear seat row 3.

[0077] Additionally, a region 23 is provided in the vehicle longitudinal direction x in front of the middle region 166C of the top transverse support 166 and in the vehicle transverse direction y between the head covers 3C1 and 3C2 , in which region further vehicle components such as antennas etc. are arranged.

[0078] Figure 7 An embodiment of the top lateral support frame 166 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 7 In the top support frame 166, the top support frame 166 again includes two lateral regions 166A and 166B and a middle region 166C. The middle region 166C extends parallel to the vehicle transverse direction y. A transition region 166D or 166E is provided between the middle region 166C and the lateral region 166A or 166B, respectively, and the transition region is arranged between the middle region 166C and the lateral regions 166A, 166B, respectively, and extends obliquely backward. The two lateral regions 166A and 166B extend forwards basically obliquely between the transition regions 166D and 166E and the outer side of the vehicle and are slightly adjusted relative to the vehicle transverse direction y. In principle, according to Figure 7 The top transverse support frame 166 has a so-called curved course.

[0079] The front side 166C2 of the middle region 166C is spaced apart from the front sides 166A2, 166B2 of the lateral regions 166A, 166B in the vehicle longitudinal direction x or is arranged in front of these front sides. At the same time, the rear side 166C1 of the middle region 166C is also spaced apart from the rear sides 166A1, 166B1 of the lateral regions 166A, 166B in the vehicle longitudinal direction x or is positioned in front of the rear sides.

[0080] according to Figure 7 The curved course of the top transverse support frame 166 provides the advantage that the top transverse support frame 166 is arranged behind the head cover parts 3C1 and 3C2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction x. In addition, a structural space 22 is defined in the vehicle transverse direction y and in the vehicle longitudinal direction x between the transition areas 166D and 166E and in the vehicle longitudinal direction x behind the intermediate area 166C, in which one or more vehicle components, such as cameras, radio devices, etc., can be arranged without restricting the head freedom of the vehicle occupants in the area of ​​the rear seat row 3.

[0081] Furthermore, a region 23 is provided in front of a middle region of the top transverse support frame 166 in the vehicle longitudinal direction x and between the head covers 3C1 and 3C2 in the vehicle transverse direction y, in which region further vehicle components such as antennas etc. are arranged.

[0082] As Figure 7 As an alternative to the course of the top transverse support 166 shown in , depending on the respective application, it is also possible for the two lateral regions 166A and 166B and the central region 166C to extend essentially parallel to the vehicle transverse direction y.

[0083] Figure 8 A further embodiment of a top transverse support 166 is shown, which has a course in the vehicle transverse direction y which is different from the course according to Figure 7 The top transverse support frame 166 is oriented in the same direction as the top transverse support frame 166. Figure 8 The top transverse support frame 166 of the vehicle 20 additionally comprises outer regions 166F and 166G in the region of the vehicle outer side, which extend from the lateral ends of the lateral regions 166A and 166B in the vehicle longitudinal direction x. The shape of the top transverse support frame 166 is configured so that the top transverse support frame 166 is configured according to Figure 8 Above the second seat row 3 , head covers 3C1 and 3C2 are respectively enclosed laterally in the vehicle transverse direction y and from behind in the vehicle longitudinal direction x.

[0084] Fig. 9 The vehicle 20 is shown in a simplified view from the rear. Figure 8 Region IX is characterized in more detail in Fig. 9 As can be seen from the illustration, an additional top transverse support frame 24 is provided between the vehicle interior space 8 and the top transverse support frame 166 in the vehicle height direction z, which includes a straight line in the vehicle transverse direction y and is closed at the rear side 166A1 or 166B1 of the lateral areas 166A and 166B. Fig. 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the vehicle body 22 is made of glass, wherein the region 23 is covered in the vehicle height direction z by a cover or more precisely a plastic cover 42A. In addition, a brake light 26 is arranged at the rear of the installation space 22 .

[0085] The top transverse supports 15 and 17 can be constructed in the region of the B-pillar 10 or also in the region of the D-pillar 12, as in the previously described embodiment of the top transverse support 166. The roof 7 of the vehicle 1 or of the vehicle 20 can then be designed with the desired low height and nevertheless provide the desired head freedom for the vehicle occupants in the region of the seat rows 2 and 3 or in the region of the seat rows 2 to 4, with high rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0086] According to Fig. 9 Unlike the illustration of FIG. 4 , in which a part of the roof 7 has a cutout in the region of the plastic cover 42A, there is also the possibility, for the sake of manufacturability, of implementing the roof in a straight line in the vehicle transverse direction y in the abutment region facing the rear window 21. The top transverse support 166 can be positioned in the vehicle longitudinal direction x relative to the abutment region between the roof 7 and the side of the rear window 21 facing the roof 7 so that the top transverse support 166 acts on the roof 7 and the rear window 21 from below over the entire vehicle width. The abutment region is then supported by the top transverse support 166 in the vehicle height direction z over the entire vehicle width.

[0087] Figures 10 to 13 Different views show further embodiments of a roof transverse support frame 16 of a vehicle 20. The roof transverse support frame 16 comprises an upper part 30 or upper shell and a lower part 31 or lower shell, which define a cavity 32. To improve component rigidity, the upper part 30 and the lower part 31 are each provided with a plurality of embossings 30A, 30B, 31A, 31B.

[0088] The upper part 30 is formed with a wall region 33, which protrudes or projects into the cavity 32 from an upper side 34 of the upper part 30 adjoining the wall region 33 in the direction of the lower part 31. The wall region 33 delimits a structural space 35 for accommodating an optical vehicle component or more precisely a camera 36 in the vehicle height direction z, the vehicle longitudinal direction x and the vehicle transverse direction y. The structural space 35 is formed in the region of the upper side 34 of the upper part 30 with a receiving opening 37, through which the camera 36 can be inserted into the structural space 35.

[0089] The wall region 33 of the upper part 30 has lateral wall sections 33A to 33D. The wall sections 33A to 33D extend in the vehicle height direction y between the upper side 34 of the upper part and the bottom section 38A arranged in the cavity 32. In addition, the wall sections 33A to 33B enclose an obtuse angle α with the upper side 34 of the upper part 30. Here, the angle α varies in the range of 90° to 135° depending on the respective application. In the illustrated embodiment of the top transverse support 16, the wall region 33 has a trapezoidal cross section in the vehicle longitudinal direction x and in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0090] The upper side 34 of the upper part 30 is formed with a recess 38 in the region of the lateral wall section 33A in the vehicle height direction z, which extends in the vehicle transverse direction y. In the region of the recess 38, the wall section 33A is designed to have a smaller height than the other wall sections 33B to 33D. The reduced height of the wall section 33A in the region of the recess 38 makes it possible in a simple manner to connect the camera 36 to electrical components of the vehicle 20 (e.g., a power supply, a control device, etc.) via corresponding lines. Signal lines can be laid out from the construction space 35 through the recess 38 in the direction of such further electrical components during installation with little effort.

[0091] The cover 39 or the baffle is arranged above the structural space 35 and is supported on the upper side 34 of the upper part 30. Here, the upper side 40 of the cover 39 forms the outer skin of the vehicle 20. In addition, the cover 39 is configured with an air guide 41 protruding relative to the upper side 40 of the cover 39 or with a small fin. The air guide 41 is a cover for the area of ​​the camera 36, ​​which extends beyond the upper side 40 in the vehicle height direction z. In addition, the air guide 41 has an opening 42 adapted to the optical field of view FOV, in which a transparent area can be arranged for shielding the camera 36 from the surroundings 9 of the vehicle. By means of such a transparent area, the surroundings 9 of the vehicle 20 can be detected without restriction over the entire optical field of view FOV of the camera 36.

[0092] If the vehicle 20 is to be designed without the camera 36 , a cover or a baffle 42A without the air deflector 41 can be provided for covering the installation space 35 instead of the cover 39 with the air deflector 41 . Fig.12 In the vehicle transverse direction y, apart from the cover 39 which is only shown halfway, it is also shown only halfway.

[0093] In addition to or as an alternative to Figures 10 to 13 The embodiment of the roof transverse support 16 shown in FIG. 1 together with the wall region 33 of the upper part 30 , for example, deep-drawn, also provides the possibility of the roof transverse support 14 of the vehicles 1 and 20 or according to Figure 7 or according to Figure 8 The top transverse support frame 166 is designed with a wall region and a structural space defined by the wall region in the above-described manner as the top transverse support frame 16. Then, for example, a camera can also be arranged in the front region of the roof 7 in the manner and method described in more detail above to be able to detect the front vehicle surroundings.

[0094] Furthermore, the roof transverse support 17 of the vehicle 1 can also be designed in the manner described above with at least one wall region and with a structural space delimited by the wall region in order to accommodate a camera in the structural space.

[0095] Furthermore, the top transverse support frame 15 can also be designed with a wall region and a construction space delimited by the wall region in order to be able to arrange optical or other vehicle components, such as antennas or the like, therein.

[0096] In addition, it can also be provided that the wall region is arranged eccentrically in the top transverse support in the vehicle transverse direction y. Furthermore, it is also possible that at least one top transverse support is embodied with a plurality of wall regions and thus also with a plurality of structural spaces spaced apart from one another in the vehicle transverse direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle (1, 20) having a top transverse support frame of a roof (7), which extends in the vehicle transverse direction (y), is arranged in the vehicle height direction (z) above a seat area (2 to 4) for vehicle occupants and in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x) at least partially adjoins from behind an area (2C1 to 4C2) of a vehicle interior (8), the area of ​​the vehicle interior being a free space for movement of the vehicle occupants' heads, It is characterized in that The top transverse support frame (166) has two lateral regions (166A, 166B) and a middle region (166C) connected to the lateral regions, wherein the middle region (166C) extends along the vehicle transverse direction (y) and is connected to the lateral regions (166A, 166B) via transition regions (166D, 166E), respectively, and the transition regions (166D, 166E) between the lateral regions (166A, 166B) and the middle region (166C) extend obliquely toward the rear side of the vehicle, and the front side (166C2) of the middle region (166C) is spaced apart from the front sides (166A2, 166B2) of the lateral regions (166A, 166B) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x), wherein the two lateral regions (166A, 166B) extend obliquely forward between the transition regions (166D, 166E) and the outer side of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that A rear side (166C1) of the middle region (166C) is spaced apart from rear sides (166A1, 166B1) of the lateral regions (166A, 166B) in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that At least one vehicle component for detecting the vehicle surroundings and / or for establishing a radio connection between another vehicle component and an external device is arranged in the following area (22) of the vehicle interior space (8), the area of ​​the vehicle interior space being arranged behind a rear side (166C1) of a middle area (166C) of the top transverse support frame (166) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x) and between the lateral areas (166A, 166B) in the vehicle transverse direction (y).

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that The vehicle component is arranged in a vehicle height direction (z) between the vehicle roof (7) and / or the rear window (21) and the vehicle roof ceiling.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The top transverse support frame (166) is arranged below the connection area between the rear window glass (21) and the roof (7) along the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle, wherein the rear side (166C1) of the middle area (166C) of the top transverse support frame (166) protrudes rearwardly in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle beyond the rear side of the roof (7) facing the rear window glass (21).

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The top transverse support frame (166) is arranged below the connection area between the first roof part and the second roof part of the roof (7) along the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle, wherein the rear side (166C1) of the middle area (166C) of the top transverse support frame (166) protrudes rearwardly from the rear side of the first roof part toward the second roof part in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that The rear window (21) is provided with an opaque layer at least above the connection area with the vehicle roof (7) and above the top transverse support (166).

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The roof (7) is made of glass or metal.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The roof (7) is made of steel, aluminum or a composite material.

10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The roof transverse support is in operative connection with a B-pillar, a C-pillar or a D-pillar of the vehicle (1, 20) in the region of the respective vehicle side.

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The top transverse support frame (166) is formed with outer regions (166F, 166G), each of which extends above the vehicle body (13) in the region of the outer side of the vehicle along the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle, wherein the outer regions (166F, 166G) are in operative connection with ends of lateral regions (166A, 166B) of the top transverse support frame (166), each of which faces the outer side of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that The front side of the top lateral support frame (166) is positioned higher than the rear side of the top lateral support frame (166) in the vehicle height direction (z).

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