Roof rack subassembly for motor vehicle

Abstract

A roof rack subassembly for a motor vehicle has a roof element, a body-side component, a support foot for supporting a roof rail extending over the roof element in an assembled state of the roof rack subassembly, and an anchoring element for at least indirectly connecting the support foot to the body-side component. In order to optimize the assembly of a roof rack in a vehicle having a glass roof, the body-side part has a locking portion with a locking opening, in which the anchoring element can be guided by means of a key portion along a closing axis through the locking opening into an introduction position and can be rotated about the closing axis out of the introduction position into a locking position, in the locking position, the key portion engages with the locking portion in a forcibly locking manner in the direction of the closing axis.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle roof racks, and more particularly to a roof rack sub - assembly for a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In modern passenger motor vehicles, in addition to a roof covered with a metal sheet or plastic material, a glass roof is also used. Such a glass roof typically extends longitudinally over a large part of the passenger compartment. In the transverse direction, the glass roof typically extends transversely to a position adjacent to the body side member in the vehicle pillar area. In order not to affect the incident light and the line of sight, the glass roof may include one or more glass elements configured to be self - supporting rather than using metal reinforcing elements. For such vehicles with a glass roof, it is also generally desirable to be able to mount a roof rack. To secure the roof rack, roof rails or threaded screws can be used in the door opening or the roof area, however, this may reduce the appearance and aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0003] There is a desire to provide a roof rack sub - assembly that optimizes the assembly of a roof rack, especially for a vehicle with a glass roof. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a roof rack sub - assembly for a motor vehicle has a roof element, a body side member, a support foot for supporting a roof cross - beam, and an anchoring element. The body side member has a locking portion with a locking opening. The roof cross - beam extends above the roof element in the assembled state of the roof rack sub - assembly. The anchoring element is configured to connect the support foot to the body side member at least indirectly. The anchoring element is configured to be guided along a closing axis through the locking opening by a key portion into an insertion position, and is further configured to rotate out of the insertion position about the closing axis into a locking position, in which the key portion engages with the locking portion in a forced - locking manner in the direction of the closing axis.

[0005] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: The roof element is a glass roof element; The glass roof element is connected to the body side member by an adhesive connection; The body side member has a decorative element having a surface portion that forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle, and the locking portion is formed by a locking element that is at least indirectly fixed to the decorative element; The surface portion is spaced apart from the roof element by a gap region, and the locking portion is at least partially arranged in the gap region; The locking portion is arranged in a recessed state relative to the surface portion and the roof element; The body side member is horizontally adjacent to the roof element; The roof element is connected to the body side part by an adhesive connection; The anchoring element has a shaft portion that extends along a closing axis and is at least partially received in a support foot in a force-locking manner in the assembled state; The key portion has a central portion arranged around the closing axis and at least one wing portion radially protruding from the central portion; The locking portion has at least one tangentially restricted stop portion configured to limit the rotationality of the anchoring element around the closing axis by a tangential force-locking connection with the key portion; The support foot is supported on a surface portion in the assembled state and is spaced apart from the roof element; and The clamping element is configured to engage with the anchoring element and the support foot in a force-locking manner in the assembled state and to pre-tension the support foot relative to the surface portion.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle has a glass roof element and a body side part horizontally adjacent to the glass roof element, the body side part having a locking portion with a locking opening. The body side part has a decorative element having a surface portion that forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle, and the locking portion is formed by a locking element at least indirectly fixed to the decorative element. The roof rack assembly may further include a support foot for supporting a roof cross member and an anchoring element, the roof cross member extending above the roof element in the assembled state of the roof rack assembly, the anchoring element at least indirectly connecting the support foot to the body side part. The anchoring element is configured to be guided into an insertion position along the closing axis through the locking opening by means of the key portion and is further configured to rotate out of the insertion position around the closing axis into a locking position, in which the key portion engages with the locking portion in a force-locking manner in the direction of the closing axis.

[0007] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features: The surface portion is spaced apart from the roof element by a gap region, and the locking portion is at least partially arranged in the gap region; The locking portion is configured to be recessed relative to the surface portion and the glass roof element; The glass roof element is connected to the body side part by an adhesive connection; The anchoring element has a shaft portion that extends along a closing axis and is at least partially received in a support foot in a force-locking manner in the assembled state; The key part has a central part arranged around a closed axis and at least one wing part radially protruding from the central part, and wherein the locking part has at least one tangentially restricted stop part configured to limit the rotationality of the anchoring element around the closed axis by a tangential force-locking connection with the key part; and The clamping element is configured in the assembled state to engage with the anchoring element and the support leg in a force-locking manner and to pre-tension the support leg relative to the surface part.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will further understand and recognize these and other features, advantages and objectives of the present disclosure by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0009] In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof rack subassembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 is Figure 1 a first cross-sectional view of the roof rack subassembly shown; Figure 3 is Figure 1 a second cross-sectional view of the roof rack subassembly shown; Figure 4 is Figure 1 a perspective view of an element of the roof rack subassembly, wherein the anchoring element is in the disengaged position; Figure 5 is according to Figure 4 a perspective view of, wherein the anchoring element is in the introduced position; and Figure 6 is according to Figure 4 a perspective view of, wherein the anchoring element is in the locked position. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments proposed by the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar components. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and for purposes of emphasis and understanding, certain components are enlarged relative to other components.

[0011] As needed, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure that can be embodied in various and alternative forms. These drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways.

[0012] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "up", "down", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientation concepts as Figure 1 oriented in. However, it should be understood that these concepts may assume various alternative orientations unless explicitly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the claims, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0013] The illustrated embodiments are primarily directed to the combination of method steps and device components related to an insertion unit for insertion into a storage compartment of a vehicle's center console. Accordingly, where appropriate, device components and method steps are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art who would benefit from the description herein. Additionally, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

[0014] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be used alone or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as including components A, B, and / or C, the composition can include A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0015] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or actions. The term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or device that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprising... one" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device that comprises the element.

[0016] This application may relate to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, such quantities and numbers should not be considered as limitations, but rather as examples of possible quantities or numbers in the context of this application. In such a case, this application may also use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In such a case, the term "plurality" should be any number greater than one (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). The terms "about", "approximately", "close to", etc. mean plus or minus 5% of the specified value.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "substantially" and their variants are intended to illustrate that the described features are equal to or approximately equal to a numerical value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or approximately planar surface. In addition, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean values that differ from each other by within about 10%, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "the", "a" or "an" mean "at least one", and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Thus, for example, references to "a component" include embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a roof rack assembly 1 for a motor vehicle (e.g., a passenger vehicle) according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the roof rack assembly 1 shown. In the figure, the longitudinal axis X, the transverse axis Y, and the vertical axis Z are respectively depicted. Figures 1 - 3Respectively show the assembled state in which the roof rack assembly 1 is correctly installed and ready for use. According to one embodiment, the roof rack assembly 1 has a roof element 10 which can be in the form of a glass roof element, for example. The transverse axis Y is adjacent to the roof element 10, showing the body side member 2, and the body side member 2 is part of the body of a motor vehicle like the roof element 10. The body side member 2 has a structural element 3 formed of a steel plate and a decorative element 4 supported on the structural element 3, and the decorative element 4 can be formed of a thinner steel plate, a plastic material or a fiber composite material. The decorative element 4 is supported by the structural element 3 and can be connected to the structural element 3 by welding, adhesive connection or other means. The decorative element 4 has a surface portion 4.1 that forms the outer surface of the motor vehicle. The decorative element 4 can be painted in a known manner to produce an attractive appearance. The decorative element 4 is adjacent to a recessed portion 4.2, and the recessed portion 4.2 extends downward relative to the vertical axis Z and further extends relative to the transverse axis Y in the direction of the roof element 10, and is partially located below the roof element 10. The roof element 10 is connected to the recessed portion 4.2 of the decorative element 4 by an adhesive connection member 11. The surface portion 4.1 is separated from the roof element 10 by a gap region 6, and the gap region 6 is partially defined by the recessed portion 4.2.

[0020] A locking element 8 made of a steel plate is arranged in the mentioned gap region 6 such that the locking element 8 is arranged in a recessed state relative to the surface portion 4.1 and the roof element 10. The locking element 8 is connected to the recessed portion 4.2 by two connecting portions 8.1. The connection can be produced by adhesive bonding, welding, threaded connection or the like in a manner not shown here. In addition, a locking portion 8.2 is formed between the connecting portions 8.1, and the locking portion 8.2 has a locking opening 9, and the locking opening 9 extends through the locking portion 8.2 along a substantially vertical closing axis S.

[0021] The support feet 15 of the roof rack assembly 1 are used to support the roof cross member 22, and the roof cross member 22 is only partially schematically shown in the figure. The support feet 15 extend above the roof element 10 parallel to the transverse axis Y and are connected to the connection region 15.1 of the support feet 15. The anchoring element 20 is guided by a cylindrical shaft portion 20.1, and the shaft portion 20.1 extends through two through openings 16 of the support feet 15 parallel to the closing axis S. By using a clamping element 21, a forced locking connection is produced between the anchoring element 20 and the support feet 15 relative to the closing axis S. Figure 2Only the clamping element 21 is schematically shown, and the clamping element 21 can be, for example, in the form of a nut that mates with the external thread of the shaft portion 20.1. A key portion 20.2 is formed at the lower end of the anchoring element 20, and the key portion 20.2 is guided through the locking opening 9. The key portion 20.2 engages with two wing portions 20.4 behind the locking portion 8.2, and the wing portions 20.4 extend radially outward from the central portion 20.3. Generally speaking, the support leg 15 is connected to the body side member 2 via the anchoring element 20. In this case, the support leg 15 is pre-tensioned relative to the surface portion 4.1 by the clamping element 21 and the anchoring element 20.

[0022] As Figure 2 shown, the support leg 15 is supported on the surface portion 4.1 in the assembled state but is spaced apart from the roof element 10. Therefore, the roof element 10 does not carry the support leg 15 or the load placed on the roof cross member 22. In addition, the roof element 10 still has a movement clearance in the direction of the transverse axis Y towards the decorative element 4. For example, in the case of thermal expansion, the movement clearance is necessary.

[0023] Now reference will be made to Figures 4 - 6 describe the assembly of the anchoring element 20 and the support leg 15. In order to make the relevant areas more clearly visible, the structural element 3, the decorative element 4, and the roof element 10 are omitted in these figures. Figure 4 The anchoring element 20 guided through the through opening 16 in the disengaged position is shown, where the shaft portion 20.1 and the key portion 20.2 are located outside the locking opening 9. The locking opening 9 has a circular-cylindrical inner portion 9.1 and two radially outwardly protruding outer portions 9.2. The shape and size of the inner portion 9.1 are adapted to the main portion 20.3 of the key portion 20.2, while the shape and size of the outer portion 9.2 are adapted to the wing portions 20.4. Therefore, the key portion 20.2 can be guided through the locking opening 9 into the Figure 5 shown insertion position by a translational insertion movement E parallel to the closing axis S. In this insertion position, each wing portion 20.4 abuts against the stop portion 8.3 in the tangential direction, and the stop portion 8.3 extends downward adjacent to the outer portion 9.2. Starting from the insertion position, by using a rotational movement D around the closing axis S, the anchoring element 20 can be rotated to the Figure 6 shown locking position. In this locking position, the wing portions 20.4 engage with the locking portion 8.2 in a forced locking manner, such that the anchoring element 20 cannot be removed from the insertion opening 9 along the closing axis S. In this state, the clamping element 21 can be used to pre-tension the support leg 15 relative to the decorative element 4.

[0024] In Figure 5 and Figure 6In this case, due to the rotational movement D, the insertion position and the locking position are different, differing by approximately 90°. Of course, the rotational movement can also be performed at a smaller or larger angle. However, the stop portion 8.3 prevents a 180° rotation because there is a tangential forced locking connection with the wing portion 20.4 in advance. When the anchoring element 20 is disassembled, the rotational movement D is performed in the reverse direction, where the stop portion 8.3 prevents the anchoring element 20 from rotating beyond the insertion position due to the forced locking connection with the wing portion 20.4. Thereafter, the anchoring element 20 can be disengaged by performing the insertion movement E in the reverse direction.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, a roof rack subassembly for a motor vehicle is provided. In this context, the term "motor vehicle" in the narrow sense refers to a road vehicle, that is to say, a vehicle suitable for and permitted on road traffic, which is naturally intended to be restrictive and intended to include off-road vehicles. In particular, for example, it can be a passenger vehicle, a truck or a bus. There is no limitation on the drive of the motor vehicle. For example, it can be driven by an internal combustion engine using gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen or other gases as fuel. Alternatively or additionally, an electric vehicle that can be supplied with energy, for example, by battery cells and / or fuel cells, can be provided. Preferably, the motor vehicle in each case has at least two axles with two wheels, but different variants can also be considered.

[0026] The term "roof rack subassembly" relates to the fact that it has at least a part of the roof rack and at least one component for arranging the roof rack. Generally speaking, the subassembly is arranged in the roof area, which closes the interior (usually the passenger compartment) of the motor vehicle in the upward direction.

[0027] The roof rack subassembly has a roof element. The roof element forms at least a part of the roof and extends along the vehicle longitudinal axis (X-axis) and the vehicle transverse axis (Y-axis). However, the roof element does not necessarily extend parallel to one of these axes. Generally speaking, the roof element is arranged in a planar manner. The roof element can include one or more layers. The roof element is provided to terminate the above-mentioned interior in the upward direction and, in particular, to protect the interior from the weather. Therefore, the roof element itself is usually configured in a waterproof manner. The roof element itself is preferably configured in a rigid manner, but limited elastic deformation ability, for example, is not excluded.

[0028] In addition, the roof rack assembly has a body side member that is horizontally adjacent to the roof element. The body side member, like the roof element, belongs to the body of the motor vehicle. The body side member is arranged to be adjacent to the roof element in the horizontal direction, in particular with respect to the vehicle's transverse axis, the body side member can be adjacent to the roof element. For example, in such a way that the edge region of the body side member is arranged below the roof, the horizontal position of the body side member can partially intersect the horizontal position of the roof. The body side member can be directly connected to the roof element. The body side member can be a transverse member of the body with respect to the vehicle's transverse axis. The body side member can be configured in an integral manner. In other embodiments, the body side member has a plurality of elements connected to each other.

[0029] In addition, in the assembled state of the roof rack assembly, support feet are provided for supporting a roof cross member that extends above the roof element. The roof cross member is provided for at least proportionally supporting the load intended to be transported on the roof. The load extends along the vehicle's transverse axis in the assembled state, which is also referred to as the assembled state or the installed state. The roof cross member can be regarded as part of the roof rack assembly. The roof cross member extends above the roof element with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis (Z-axis) and can completely bridge the roof element. Support feet are provided for supporting the roof cross member. In this case, the support feet can be connected to the end portions of the roof cross member or permanently connected. Another support foot can be associated with the opposite end portion of the roof cross member such that a single support foot only supports a part of the weight of the roof cross member and the load. To ensure the necessary stability, the support feet can be at least partially made of metal.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the body side member has a locking portion with a locking opening. The locking portion is part of the body side member. The locking portion can be made of metal (such as a steel plate), but other materials (such as plastic materials or composite fiber materials) are also possible. At least the locking portion itself is advantageously configured in a rigid manner, which preferably also applies to the entire body side member. The locking portion has a locking opening, which can particularly be in the form of a through-opening. The term "locking opening" is mainly used to characterize the function described further below and should not otherwise be construed as limiting.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the roof rack assembly has an anchoring element for connecting the support feet to the vehicle body side member at least indirectly, and the anchoring element can either be guided into the insertion position by means of a key part passing through a locking opening along a closing axis, and can either rotate around the closing axis from the insertion position to the locking position, in which the key part engages with a locking part in a forced-locking manner in the direction of the closing axis. In the assembled state, the anchoring element can be directly or indirectly connected to the support feet. Generally speaking, the anchoring element (that is, in applicable cases through additional elements) is arranged at least indirectly between the support feet and the vehicle body side member. In particular, the anchoring element can be configured to transfer forces between these components. The anchoring element has a key part. This can in particular be formed at the end of the anchoring element. By translating the anchoring element along the closing axis, the key part can be guided through the locking opening. The term "along the closing axis" preferably means parallel to the closing axis, but there can also be an angle between the movement direction of the anchoring element and the closing axis. However, in some examples, this angle is preferably at most 45°, more preferably at most 30°, and even more preferably at most 10°. The cross-section of the key part and the cross-section of the locking opening can preferably be adapted to each other. That is to say, except for the clearance dimension required for the key part to pass through without interruption, the cross-section of the key part and the cross-section of the locking opening almost correspond to each other. Starting from the insertion position, the anchoring element can rotate around the closing axis to the locking position. In this position, the key part and the locking part engage with each other in a forced-locking manner in the direction of the closing axis. Due to the corresponding forced-locking connection, the anchoring element can no longer be translated and pulled back along the closing axis. It can be said that the key part in the locking position engages behind the locking part. It can be recognized that in order to achieve a forced-locking connection, the locking opening and the key part partially have a non-circular cross-section centered relative to the closing axis. Otherwise, the rotation around the closing axis will not result in locking. Generally speaking, translating the anchoring element into the insertion position corresponds to inserting a key into a lock, and rotating around the closing axis corresponds to rotating the key. Of course, by using the reverse movement sequence, the anchoring element can be disengaged from the locking part again, and thus disengaged from the vehicle body side member.

[0032] The roof rack assembly enables the roof rack to be arranged on the vehicle roof, which can in particular be produced without including roof elements. Thus, for example, mechanical damage to the roof elements is also eliminated. Furthermore, as will be further explained below, the connection can be produced in a space-saving manner. The connection is partly based on a forced locking connection between the anchoring element and the locking part and can thus be released again if necessary. Furthermore, with regard to the intended cooperation of the anchoring element and the locking part, it is advantageous that the movement sequence for locking and unlocking the anchoring element requires little space. After translational introduction along the closing axis, there is a rotation about the closing axis, that is to say, no tilting movement about any other axis or translational movement perpendicular to the closing axis is required. The intended closing movement also enables a space-saving configuration of the locking part and the key part.

[0033] For example, the roof element can be made of sheet metal, plastic material or composite material. Combinations of these materials are also conceivable. In particular, the roof element can be in the form of a glass roof element. That is to say, the glass roof element consists at least mainly of glass, where the term glass also encompasses other light-transmitting materials in addition to glass in the chemical / physical sense. Of course, the glass roof element can also be tinted to limit light transmission. Furthermore, the glass element can be made of multiple layers, for example, at least one glass layer and at least one plastic material layer. The glass element can also have a surface coating, for example, partial reflection. Furthermore, the roof element (especially when it is in the form of a glass roof element) can preferably be connected to the body side member by an adhesive connection. In particular for glass roof elements, for example, in certain cases, connection by screwing, riveting or welding is not preferred. Thus, in this case, the adhesive connection represents a favorable connection possibility. The adhesive can be applied in an elongated coherent form at the edge of the roof element. Depending on the materials intended to be connected, adhesives of different chemical compositions can be selected. In this case, the term "adhesive connection" refers to any connection of a material-produced material joining connection, in which case the material is usually referred to as an "adhesive" as an amorphous substance (such as a liquid or paste) that comes into contact with the parts intended to be connected and then cures. In the cured state, the adhesive preferably remains elastic in order to compensate for differences in thermal expansion, for example. A direct adhesive connection can preferably be produced with the body side member, but an adhesive connection can also be produced through an element that is itself connected to the body side member. The adhesive connection is used on the one hand for mechanical connection and on the other hand can also be used for sealing.

[0034] The body side member may have a decorative element having a surface portion that forms the outer surface of the motor vehicle, wherein the locking portion is formed by a locking element that is at least indirectly fixed to the decorative element. The decorative element forms part of the exterior decoration of the motor vehicle. For example, the decorative element may include a metal sheet, a plastic material, or a fiber composite material. The surface portion may be painted or otherwise coated in a known manner to produce an attractive appearance. In any case, the decorative element forms an outer surface that can be seen and touched from the outside. In this embodiment, the roof rack assembly has a locking element that forms the locking portion. For reasons of stability, the locking element may be made of metal (such as a steel sheet), but other materials may also be considered. The locking element is produced separately from the decorative element and is subsequently connected to the decorative element. The connection may be made in a releasable manner (such as using screws) or in a non-releasable manner (such as by riveting, welding, adhesives, etc.). For example, the locking element may have at least one connection portion and a locking portion that are directly or indirectly connected to the decorative element, and the portions mentioned are integrally connected to each other. Thus, an intermediate space may be formed between the locking portion and the body side member, where the key portion is arranged in the insertion position. In some cases, the decorative element may not be stable enough to support itself or provide sufficient stiffness to the corresponding part of the body. Therefore, the body side member may have a structural element on which the decorative element is supported. For example, the corresponding structural element may be in the form of a shaped metal sheet member or formed by a plurality of shaped metal sheet members welded to each other.

[0035] The surface portion may be separated from the roof element by a gap region, and the locking portion is at least partially arranged in the gap region. For example, the gap region may form a kind of channel or groove between the surface portion and the roof element. In any case, a recess is formed in the gap region relative to the adjacent surface portion and roof element. For example, the gap region may be used to compensate for the different thermal expansions of the roof element and the body side member. The gap region may be partially limited by the body side member, particularly by the decorative element. In this case, the contour of the decorative element gradually moves away from the surface portion in the gap region. In this embodiment, the locking portion is at least partially arranged in the gap region, whereby it does not protrude or only slightly protrudes relative to the surface portion and the roof element. This has mechanical and visual advantages, especially when the support feet are removed and the locking portion (for example, as part of the locking element) remains on the motor vehicle. The gap region may be partially defined by a recess of the decorative element that extends downward from the surface portion and extends horizontally in the direction of the roof element.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the locking part is arranged in a recessed state relative to the surface part and the roof element. This means that the locking part is arranged to be lower than both the roof element and the surface part. These statements can also particularly relate to the above-mentioned locking element. In this context, "lower" may particularly relate to the vertical axis of the vehicle. Generally, however, this means that when viewed from the outside, the locking part gradually moves away from both the surface part and the roof element. Therefore, the locking part does not protrude between the surface element and the roof element and is not even visible from most perspectives in some cases. In some cases, due to this configuration, it is also possible to ensure that the roof element with significant thermal expansion can expand in an unobstructed manner in the direction towards the surface part without contacting the locking part.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the anchoring element has a shaft part that extends along a closing axis and is at least partially received in a support foot in a forced-locking manner in the assembled state. The shaft part is preferably integrally constructed with the key part. Embodiments where there is no clear distinction between the shaft part and the key part can be considered. The shaft part can be configured linearly. The shaft part can have at least partially consistent cross-sections. For example, the closing axis can form the axis of symmetry of the shaft part. In the assembled state, the shaft part is at least partially received in the support foot in a forced-locking manner. For example, the support foot can have at least one through-opening through which the shaft part is guided. In the assembled state, the shaft part and the support foot can be directly and / or indirectly connected to each other by an additional element.

[0038] A configuration is provided where the key part has a central part arranged around the closing axis and at least one wing part radially protruding from the central part. The central part can be arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner (e.g., in a circular cylindrical manner) relative to the closing axis. The central part can be adjacent to the shaft part or formed by a part of the shaft part. At least one wing part protrudes radially from the central part, where the term "radially" relates to the closing axis. In particular, a plurality of wing parts, for example two, can be provided. The locking opening is advantageously adapted to the cross-section of the key part such that the locking opening has an interior corresponding to the central part and an exterior part that radially protrudes relative to the interior part for each wing part. Therefore, the key part can be guided along the closing axis through the locking opening, where the central part is guided through the interior part and each wing part is guided through the exterior part. In the case of subsequently rotating the anchoring element, the tangential positions of the wing part and the exterior part no longer correspond to each other, such that the anchoring element cannot be pulled out through the locking opening again. Advantageously, the central part and / or the interior part are configured in a circular-cylindrical manner. In this case, the inner diameter of the interior part can be selected to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the central part. Therefore, the inner dimension of each exterior part can be selected to be slightly larger than the corresponding exterior dimension related to the wing part.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one tangentially restricted stop portion is formed on the locking portion, the stop portion being configured to restrict the rotationality of the anchoring element about the closing axis by a tangential forced locking connection with the key portion. The stop portion is restricted in the tangential direction, that is to say, the stop portion extends in the tangential direction about the closing axis, rather than extending circumferentially about the closing axis, but only over a limited angle. In the case of rotation of the anchoring element, the anchoring element comes into contact with the stop portion, thereby stopping the rotational movement of the anchoring element. In particular, the stop portion may be configured to form the said forced locking connection with a wing portion of the anchoring element. A plurality of stop portions may also be provided, for example, one stop portion corresponding to one wing portion. Depending on the position of the stop portion, the anchoring element may stop at different positions. It can also be said that, due to the forced locking connection, different rotational positions of the anchoring element can be defined. For example, at least one stop portion may define an insertion position. Thus, when the user wishes to remove the anchoring element again, when he / she rotates the anchoring portion back from the closed position to the insertion position, he / she receives a tactile feedback. Thus, he / she can easily pull out the anchoring element again through the insertion opening by means of the key portion. On the other hand, at least one stop portion can also prevent the anchoring element from rotating too far beyond the closed position and possibly reaching the insertion position again. At least one stop portion may advantageously be configured integrally with the locking portion (for example, as part of the locking element). In the case of a formed sheet metal part, for example, by bending a partial area, on the one hand, the stop portion can be formed while the resulting gap can form the outer part of the locking opening.

[0040] Via the support feet, some of the weight of the roof cross member (in particular the load supported on the roof cross member) is transferred to the vehicle body. In some cases, the roof element may not be stable enough to absorb only a part of the corresponding forces. Therefore, it is preferred that the support feet are supported on the body side members. An embodiment is provided where the support feet are supported on a surface portion and spaced apart from the roof element in the assembled state. Optionally, the support feet may also be supported in a gap area. Preferably, the support feet are only supported on the surface portion. In any case, since the support feet are spaced apart from the roof element and thus do not contact the roof element, no force is transferred to the roof element.

[0041] While an anchoring element having the above-mentioned shaft portion, for example, can form a force-locking connection with a support leg, the corresponding force-locking connection is typically only provided transversely with respect to the closing axis. In this case, forces can only be transmitted along the closing axis by means of additional elements. Depending on the corresponding configuration, the roof rack assembly has a clamping element which is configured to engage with the anchoring element and the support leg in a force-locking manner in the assembled state and to pre-tension the support leg with respect to the surface portion. The term "clamping element" is related to the function and should otherwise not be construed as limiting. On the one hand, the force-locking connection of the clamping element and, on the other hand, the force-locking connection of the key portion and the locking portion are generally capable of forming a pre-tension. In this case, the pre-tension preferably acts along the closing axis. Since the starting point of the corresponding pre-tension can be offset transversely with respect to the surface portion, the pre-tension can cause a torque. However, this can be absorbed by the roof cross member so that the support leg is not distorted.

[0042] It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the above structure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and it should also be understood that these ideas are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the claims state the contrary in terms.

Claims

1. A roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle, the roof rack assembly comprising: a roof element; a body side member having a locking portion with a locking opening; a support leg which, in the assembled state of the roof rack assembly, is adapted to support a roof cross member extending above the roof element; and an anchoring element for at least indirectly connecting the support leg to the body side member, wherein the anchoring element is configured to be guided along a closing axis through the locking opening by a key portion into an insertion position and is further configured to rotate out of the insertion position about the closing axis into a locking position, in which the key portion engages in a force-locking manner with the locking portion in the direction of the closing axis.

2. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the roof element is a glass roof element.

3. The roof rack assembly according to claim 2, wherein the glass roof element is connected to the body side member by an adhesive connection.

4. The roof rack assembly according to claim 3, wherein the body side member has a decorative element having a surface portion forming an outer surface of the motor vehicle, and the locking portion is formed by a locking element at least indirectly fixed to the decorative element.

5. The roof rack assembly according to claim 4, wherein the surface portion is spaced apart from the roof element by a gap region, and the locking portion is at least partially arranged in the gap region.

6. The roof rack assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking portion is arranged recessed relative to the surface portion and the roof element.

7. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body side member is horizontally adjacent to the roof element.

8. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the roof element is connected to the body side member by an adhesive connection.

9. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring element has a shaft portion extending along the closing axis and at least partially received in the support leg in a force-locking manner in the assembled state.

10. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the key portion has a central portion arranged about the closing axis and at least one wing portion radially protruding from the central portion.

11. The roof rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein the locking portion has at least one tangentially limited stop portion configured to limit the rotationality of the anchoring element about the closing axis by a tangential force-locking connection with the key portion.

12. The roof rack assembly according to claim 8, wherein the support leg is supported on the surface portion and spaced apart from the roof element in the assembled state.

13. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element is configured to engage with the anchoring element and the support leg in a force-locking manner in the assembled state, and to pre-tension the support leg relative to the surface portion.

14. A roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle, the roof rack assembly comprising: A glass roof element; A body side member, the body side member being horizontally adjacent to the glass roof element and having a locking portion with a locking opening, wherein the body side member has a decorative element having a surface portion forming an outer surface of the motor vehicle, and the locking portion is formed by a locking element at least indirectly fixed to the decorative element; A support leg, the support leg being configured to support a roof cross member extending above the roof element in the assembled state of the roof rack assembly; And An anchoring element for at least indirectly connecting the support leg to the body side member, wherein the anchoring element is configured to be guided into an insertion position along a closing axis through the locking opening by means of a key portion, and is further configured to rotate out of the insertion position about the closing axis into a locking position, in which the key portion engages with the locking portion in a force-locking manner in the direction of the closing axis.

15. The roof rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the surface portion is spaced apart from the roof element by a gap region, and the locking portion is at least partially arranged in the gap region.

16. The roof rack assembly according to claim 15, wherein the locking portion is arranged recessed relative to the surface portion and the glass roof element.

17. The roof rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the glass roof element is connected to the body side member by an adhesive connection.

18. The roof rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the anchoring element has a shaft portion extending along the closing axis and at least partially received in the support leg in a force-locking manner in the assembled state.

19. The roof rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the key portion has a central portion arranged around the closing axis and at least one wing portion radially protruding from the central portion, and wherein the locking portion has at least one tangentially limited stop portion configured to limit the rotational movement of the anchoring element about the closing axis by a tangential force-locking connection with the key portion.

20. The roof rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein the clamping element is configured to engage with the anchoring element and the support leg in a force-locking manner in the assembled state, and to pre-tension the support leg relative to the surface portion.

Images