Connection assembly and vehicle equipped with the same

Abstract

A roof rack connecting assembly of a vehicle includes a side wall (10), the connecting assembly includes a rack fixing support (40), a first connecting piece (20) and a second connecting piece (30); the rack fixing support (40) is installed on the side wall (10) and a slot (42) is formed between the rack fixing support (40) and the side wall (10); the first connecting piece (20) includes a first horizontal part (21) and a first vertical part (22) extending upward from one side of the first horizontal part (21), the first vertical part (22) is provided with a first clamping part (23), and the first horizontal part (21) is clamped in the slot (42); the second connecting piece (30) is installed on the side wall (10) and includes a second vertical part (32) extending vertically and provided with a second clamping part (33), when the first clamping part (23) and the second clamping part (33) are clamped, the first vertical part (22) and the second vertical part (32) abut each other, so that the first connecting piece (20) is installed between the second connecting piece (30) and the rack fixing support (40), and a roof rack (90) is installed on the vehicle through the first connecting piece (20). The connecting piece installation process is simple and fast, and does not need fasteners to fix, reducing the modification of the roof structure. A vehicle with the connecting assembly is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile roof rack technology, and in particular to a connecting component and an automobile equipped with the connecting component. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing use of cars in contemporary society, road trips have become more common. As the range of activities expands, the amount of belongings carried also increases, but the interior space of a car is limited. Therefore, other methods must be used to increase the car's carrying capacity, such as installing a roof rack. Currently, some cars on the market have pre-installed roof rack mounting points, allowing customers to choose the option. However, the connection between the car and the roof rack is typically achieved using fasteners such as screws and bolts. This not only makes the installation process relatively complicated but also significantly alters the roof structure, potentially damaging it during installation.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a roof rack mounting component technical solution that is easy to install and requires minimal modification to the roof structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] When installing a roof rack, the connection between the car and the roof rack is usually made with fasteners such as screws and bolts. This not only makes the installation process more complicated, but also makes significant changes to the roof structure, which may damage the roof structure during the installation process.

[0006] Technical solutions

[0007] This invention proposes a connecting component and a car equipped with the connecting component, the purpose of which is to simplify the roof rack installation process and reduce the modification of the roof structure during the installation process.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0009] A connecting assembly for mounting a car roof rack to a side panel of a roof structure, the connecting assembly including a roof rack fixing bracket, a first connector, and a second connector; wherein, the roof rack fixing bracket is mounted on the side panel and forms a slot with the side panel; the first connector includes a first transverse portion and a first vertical portion extending upward from one side of the first transverse portion, the first vertical portion having a first engaging portion on its side facing away from the first transverse portion, the first transverse portion engaging with the slot; the second connector is mounted on the side panel and includes a vertically extending second vertical portion, the second vertical portion having a second engaging portion, the first engaging portion engaging with the second engaging portion, thereby installing the first connector between the second connector and the roof rack fixing bracket, the first vertical portion abutting against the second vertical portion when the first engaging portion engaging with the second engaging portion.

[0010] Furthermore, one of the first and second card contacts is configured as a card slot, and the other of the first and second card contacts is configured as a card key.

[0011] Furthermore, the first latching portion is configured as a latching groove that extends upwards, and the second latching portion is configured as a latching key whose shape matches the shape of the latching groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the two ends of the card slot extend through the two sides of the first vertical part or the second vertical part in the width direction, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the second snap-fit ​​part is located at the lower part of the second vertical part.

[0014] Furthermore, the second connector includes a second transverse portion extending laterally from the upper side of the second vertical portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the angle between the first horizontal portion and the first vertical portion is greater than 90 degrees.

[0016] Furthermore, the luggage rack fixing bracket is U-shaped and includes two ends connected to the side panel and a middle part adjacent to the two ends, with a gap between the middle part and the side panel forming a slot.

[0017] An automobile equipped with the aforementioned connecting components includes a roof structure, the roof structure including a side panel, the side panel including a first surface extending laterally and a second surface extending upward from the side of the first surface, a roof rack fixing bracket mounted on the first surface, and a second vertical portion abutting against the second surface.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] During installation of the connecting assembly, the first connector is secured to the side panel via the second connector and the roof rack mounting bracket. A slot restricts the forward and backward movement and vertical movement of the first lateral portion, thereby limiting the forward and upward movement of the first connector. The second engaging portion of the second connector restricts the downward movement of the first connector. The second connector and the slot restrict the left and right movement of the first connector. This allows the first connector to be installed between the second connector and the roof rack mounting bracket, and the roof rack is then mounted on the roof via the first connector. The installation process of the first connector in this application is simple and quick, requiring no fasteners and minimizing modifications to the roof structure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of the combined structure of the side panel, connector assembly, and luggage rack fixing bracket of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of the combined structure of the side panel, connecting components, and luggage rack fixing bracket of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of the combined structure of the side panel, connecting components, and luggage rack fixing bracket of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second connector of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connector of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the roof structure of the vehicle of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the roof structure, connecting components, roof rack, glass strip, and panoramic glass of the present invention.

[0027] Figure labeling: 10, side panel; 11, first surface; 12, second surface; 13, third surface; 20, first connector; 21, first transverse portion; 22, first vertical portion; 23, first snap-fit ​​portion; 30, second connector; 31, second transverse portion; 32, second vertical portion; 33, second snap-fit ​​portion; 40, roof rack fixing bracket; 41, middle portion; 42, slot; 50, panoramic glass; 60, glass sealing strip; 70, glass glue; 80, inner side panel; 90, roof rack. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] This application discloses an automobile and a connecting assembly. The automobile includes a roof, and the connecting assembly is used to attach a roof rack 90 (see reference). Figure 7 It is installed on the roof of the vehicle.

[0030] Please see Figures 1-3 The roof includes a side panel 10. The side panel 10 extends along the length direction of the vehicle, and the length direction of the side panel 10 is the same as the length direction of the vehicle. The side panel 10 includes a first surface 11 extending laterally and a second surface 12 extending upward from the side edge of the first surface 11. In this embodiment, the lateral direction is the same as the width direction of the vehicle. The connecting assembly includes a first connector 20, a second connector 30, and a luggage rack fixing bracket 40 provided on the side panel 10. The luggage rack fixing bracket 40 is mounted on the side panel 10 and extends along the length direction of the side panel 10. A slot 42 is formed between the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 and the side panel 10. Preferably, the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 is mounted on the first surface 11. The first connector 20 includes a first horizontal portion 21 and a first vertical portion 22 extending upward from one side of the first horizontal portion 21. The side of the first vertical portion 22 facing away from the first horizontal portion 21 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​portion 23. The first horizontal portion 21 is engaged in a slot 42. The second connector 30 is installed on the side panel 10 and includes a vertically extending second vertical portion 32. The second vertical portion 32 abuts against the second surface 12 of the side panel 10. The second vertical portion 32 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion 33. The first snap-fit ​​portion 23 and the second snap-fit ​​portion 33 are engaged. When the first horizontal portion 21 is engaged in the slot 42 and the first snap-fit ​​portion 23 and the second snap-fit ​​portion 33 are engaged, the bottom side of the first horizontal portion 21 is spaced apart from the side panel 10, and the first vertical portion 21 and the second vertical portion 32 abut against each other, thereby installing the first connector 20 between the second connector 30 and the luggage rack fixing bracket 40. The first connector 20 is defined between the second connector 30 and the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 by the locking and limiting action of the first locking part 23 and the second locking part 33, the limiting action of the second vertical part 32 on the first vertical part 21, and the limiting action of the slot 42 on the first horizontal part 21.

[0031] When the connecting assembly is installed on the roof structure, the slot 42 restricts the forward and backward movement and vertical movement of the first lateral portion 21, thereby restricting the forward and backward movement and upward movement of the first connector 20. The second engaging portion 33 of the second connector 30 restricts the downward movement of the first connector 20. The second connector 30 and the slot 42 restrict the left and right movement of the first connector 20, thus installing the first connector 20 on the side panel 10. The forward, backward, left and right, and vertical movements of the first connector 20 are all limited. The roof rack 90 is installed on the roof structure via the first connector 20. The bottom of the roof rack 90 abuts against the outer side of the side panel 11, and the side panel 11 bears the main weight of the roof rack 90. ​​The first connector 20 acts as a limiter for the roof rack 90, preventing the roof rack 90 from shifting position on the side panel 11. When the roof rack 90 tends to move outward, the roof rack 90 exerts a force on the first connector 20. The pull force towards the outside causes the first horizontal portion 21 of the first connector 20 to tilt upwards according to the lever principle. The middle portion 41 of the roof rack fixing bracket 40 can limit the tilting of the first horizontal portion 21 upwards, and the second vertical portion 32 limits the first vertical portion 21, thereby preventing the first connector 20 from moving outwards. When the roof rack 90 tends to move inwards, the roof rack 90 exerts an inward pushing force on the first connector 20. The second snap-fit ​​portion 33 of the second connector 30 can limit the inward movement of the first connector 20 through the first snap-fit ​​portion 23. The horizontal sidewall of the slot 42 limits the forward and backward movement of the first horizontal portion 21. In summary, the first connector 20 can be firmly fixed to the roof structure and will not fall off the roof structure, thereby also firmly fixing the roof rack 90 to the roof structure. In addition, the installation process of the first connector 20 of this application is simple and quick, and no fasteners are required, reducing the need for modification of the roof structure.

[0032] Further elaboration on the structure of the luggage rack fixing bracket 40: The luggage rack fixing bracket 40 is U-shaped and includes two ends connected to the first surface 11 of the side panel 10, and a middle portion 41 adjacent to the two ends and forming a slot 42 between the middle portion 41 and the first surface 11. The two ends of the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 can be welded to the first surface 11. The middle portion 41 of the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 protrudes upwards along its length, thereby defining a gap between the middle portion 41 and the first surface 11 of the side panel 10. This gap constitutes the slot 42. This embodiment only provides one feasible structure for the luggage rack fixing bracket 40; the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 can also have other structural forms, as long as a gap is formed between the middle portion 41 of the luggage rack fixing bracket 40 and the first surface 11 of the side panel 10.

[0033] Please combine Figures 3-4 The structure and installation method of the side panel 10 and the second connector 30 in this embodiment will be further described in detail below. The side panel 10 also includes a third surface 13 that extends downward at an inclination from the upper side edge of the second surface 12 away from the first surface 11. The angle between the upper side of the second surface 12 and the first surface 11 is greater than 90 degrees. Preferably, the angle is 90 degrees to 120 degrees. The lower side of the second surface 12 extends at an inclination toward the first surface 11. This arrangement is to reduce stress concentration at the connection between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. To enable the second connector 30 to be mounted on the side panel 10, in this embodiment, the second connector 30 further includes a second transverse portion 31 extending laterally from the upper side of the second vertical portion 32. When the second connector 30 is mounted on the side panel 10, the second vertical portion 32 abuts against the upper side of the second surface 12, and the angle between the second vertical portion 32 and the first surface 11 is the same as the angle between the upper side of the second surface 12 and the first surface 11. The second transverse portion 31 abuts against the third surface 13, and the second connector 30 is supported by the third surface 13 and the second surface 12, thereby enabling the second connector 30 to be mounted on the side panel 10. The second snap-fit ​​portion 33 is disposed on the side of the second vertical portion 32 facing away from the second transverse portion 31 and located at the lower part of the second vertical portion 32. In other embodiments, the second connector 30 can also be mounted on the side panel 10 in other ways, such as by snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive bonding, or other methods, as long as the second connector 30 can be mounted on the side panel 10.

[0034] Please combine Figure 3 and Figure 5The structure of the first connector 20 in this embodiment will be further described in detail. The first vertical portion 22 and the first horizontal portion 21 have an arc-shaped transition, which reduces stress concentration between them. The included angle between the first vertical portion 22 and the first horizontal portion 21 is greater than 90 degrees. Preferably, the included angle between the first vertical portion 22 and the first horizontal portion 21 is the same as the included angle between the upper sides of the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. This allows the shape of the first connector 20 to fit the shape of the junction between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. When the first connector 20 is connected to the second connector 30, the first vertical portion 22 abuts against the second vertical portion 32 of the second connector 30 at an angle. Preferably, the first vertical portion 22 and the second vertical portion 32 are in close contact. In this embodiment, the first latching portion 23 is configured as a latching groove, with both ends of the groove extending through the two sides of the first vertical portion 22 in the width direction. The second latching portion 33 is configured as a latching key, with the key bent upwards and the latching groove also bent upwards and extending. The shape of the latching groove matches the shape of the latching key. During assembly, the first horizontal portion 21 of the first connecting member 20 is first inserted into the slot 42. Then, the second connecting member 30 is placed on the side panel 10, and then the second connecting member 30 is slid along the length direction of the side panel 10 to move the second connecting member 30 to the position corresponding to the first connecting member 20, so that the latching key moves from one end of the latching groove into the latching groove, and the latching key is latched in the latching groove. When the latching key is latched in the latching groove, the side wall of the end of the latching key abuts against the side wall of the latching groove, thereby preventing the latching key from shaking in the latching groove. When the first horizontal portion 21 is inserted into the slot 42, the bottom side of the first horizontal portion 21 is spaced apart from the first surface 11. In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the first latching portion 23 may be configured as a latching key, and the second latching portion 33 may be configured as a latching slot, with both ends of the slot extending through the two sides of the second vertical portion 22 in the width direction.

[0035] Please see Figures 6-7This embodiment also discloses a car with a sunroof, which includes the above-mentioned roof structure. The roof structure includes a sunroof glass 50 and a glass sealing strip 60. The roof structure in this embodiment includes two side panels 10, which are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the width direction of the car roof. Each side panel 10 is provided with a glass sealing strip 60. The side of the glass sealing strip 60 facing the second surface 12 is connected to the second surface 12. The glass sealing strip 60 is located above the roof rack fixing bracket 40. The bottom side of the sunroof glass 50 abuts against the glass sealing strip 60. Specifically, the side of the glass sealing strip 60 facing away from the second surface 12 is provided with an L-shaped mounting position. The side of the sunroof glass 50 cooperates with the L-shaped mounting position. The lower part of the first connector 20 and the lower part of the second connector 30 pass through the space between the glass sealing strip 60 and the second surface 12 and enter the lower part of the sunroof glass 50. The roof structure also includes a side inner panel 80, one side of which is lowered, the bottom surface of the side panel 10 is connected to the lowered side of the side inner panel 80, the position of the first surface 11 corresponds to the position of the lowered side of the side inner panel 80, and the panoramic glass 50 is bonded to the other side of the side inner panel 80 with glass glue 70.

[0036] Any combination of various embodiments of the present invention, provided it does not violate the inventive concept of the present invention, shall be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention; within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, any simple modifications to the technical solution and any combination of different embodiments that do not violate the inventive concept of the present invention shall be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting assembly for mounting a car roof rack to a side panel of a roof structure, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes: a luggage rack fixing bracket, which is mounted on the side panel and forms a slot with the side panel; a first connector, which includes a first horizontal portion and a first vertical portion extending upward from one side of the first horizontal portion, the first vertical portion having a first snap-fit ​​portion on its side opposite to the first horizontal portion, the first horizontal portion engaging with the slot; and a second connector, which is mounted on the side panel and includes a second vertical portion extending vertically, the second vertical portion having a second snap-fit ​​portion, the first snap-fit ​​portion engaging with the second snap-fit ​​portion, thereby installing the first connector between the second connector and the luggage rack fixing bracket, the first vertical portion abutting against the second vertical portion when the first snap-fit ​​portion engages with the second snap-fit ​​portion.

2. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first card-connecting portion and the second card-connecting portion is configured as a card slot, and the other of the first card-connecting portion and the second card-connecting portion is configured as a card key.

3. The connection component as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first latching portion is configured as a latching groove that extends upwards, and the second latching portion is configured as a latching key whose shape is adapted to the shape of the latching groove.

4. The connection component as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two ends of the slot pass through the two sides of the first vertical part or the second vertical part in the width direction, respectively.

5. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second snap-fit ​​portion is located at the lower part of the second vertical portion.

6. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector includes a second transverse portion that extends laterally from the upper side of the second vertical portion.

7. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first horizontal portion and the first vertical portion is greater than 90 degrees.

8. The connection component as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The luggage rack mounting bracket is U-shaped and includes two ends connected to the side panel and a middle portion adjacent to the two ends. The middle portion has a gap with the side panel, which forms the slot.

9. A vehicle equipped with a connection assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8, comprising a roof structure, characterized in that, The roof structure includes a side panel, which includes a first surface extending laterally and a second surface extending upward from the side of the first surface. The luggage rack mounting bracket is installed on the first surface, and the second vertical portion abuts against the second surface.

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