A roof device and a roof camping system, method using the same

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of automotive technology, and more particularly to a roof device, a roof camping system and method using the roof device, comprising: a roof air conditioner air outlet, a plurality of socket panels, a roof air conditioner air outlet pipeline and a socket line; the front end of the roof air conditioner air outlet pipeline is connected to the roof air conditioner air outlet, and the rear end is connected to the vehicle air conditioner total air outlet pipeline and the vehicle interior air conditioner air outlet pipeline; the socket panel is connected to the vehicle power supply through the socket line. The roof camping system is provided, comprising: a roof tent with an opening at the bottom, and the opening corresponds to the size and position of the opening top cover of the roof device; the roof device provides the roof socket power supply and the roof air conditioner for the user camping in the roof tent; the user terminal gives the instruction of the control module controlling the roof air conditioner to regulate the air conditioner after receiving. The structure of the roof itself is improved, and the user is provided with the convenience of electricity and comfortable temperature when camping, which improves the comfort, convenience, practicality and safety of the user when camping on the roof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and more particularly to a roof-mounted device and a roof camping system and method using the roof-mounted device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing car rooftop accessories, aside from lights or sunroof opening, offer few other functions and fail to effectively utilize the roof space to provide users with accessories that combine convenient power access and comfortable temperature control. This is especially true when users are camping in their cars, where additional power outlets and air conditioning systems are typically installed separately, offering limited camping convenience within the vehicle itself. With the upgrading of the automotive consumer market and the popularization of outdoor leisure culture, rooftop tents, due to their advantages of not taking up interior space and easy deployment, have become the preferred equipment for many camping enthusiasts.

[0003] However, due to seasonal temperature variations, rooftop camping comes to a standstill in winter, while users' needs for charging mobile phones, tablets, and other digital devices, as well as the electricity demand for camping equipment such as lights, electric blankets, and small projectors, are increasing daily. Existing camping power supply equipment includes external rechargeable battery packs, which are inconvenient to carry and use. Some connect to the vehicle's power supply via an inverter and then extend the power to the tent via an extension cord, which is unsafe. Connecting to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket can also damage the vehicle's power circuit due to overload when using multiple devices simultaneously. Others install solar charging panels on the roof, but this is not only costly, but the charging efficiency is also greatly affected by weather. Furthermore, users need to run back and forth between the vehicle's interior and the roof to charge their devices, which is also inconvenient.

[0004] This shows that existing rooftop camping methods still fall short in terms of extreme temperature adaptability and electrical convenience, making it difficult to improve the comfort, practicality, convenience, and safety of outdoor camping. Furthermore, they fail to incorporate improvements to the roof structure itself to enhance the user experience when camping on rooftops. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, in order to solve the problem that existing roof camping methods do not combine improvements to the roof structure itself, and do not consider the user's needs for convenient electricity use and temperature comfort when camping on the roof, thus making it difficult to improve the user's comfort, convenience, practicality and safety when camping on the roof, the present invention provides a roof device and a roof camping system and method using the roof device.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a roof device, comprising: a box body, a roof air conditioning vent inside the box body, multiple socket panels, a roof air conditioning duct connected to the outside of the box body, and socket wiring. The roof air conditioning duct extends from the bottom opening of the box, with its front end connected to the roof air conditioning vent and its rear end connected to the vehicle's main air conditioning duct and the in-vehicle air conditioning duct. The socket panel is connected to the vehicle's power supply via a socket line extending from the opening at the bottom of the box.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the roof device further includes: a valve for controlling the air outlet of the roof air conditioner, located at the rear end of the roof air conditioner duct; When the valve is closed, the roof air conditioning duct is shut off, switching to in-vehicle air conditioning mode. When the valve is open, the air outlet duct of the vehicle's air conditioning system is closed, and the vehicle's air conditioning mode is switched to the roof air conditioning mode. Among them, the valve length is required to be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional length of the bottom of the rear end of the roof air conditioning duct, and also greater than or equal to the cross-sectional length of the connection between the interior air conditioning duct and the rear end of the valve.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the roof device further includes a switch button located next to the roof air conditioning vent; The roof-mounted air conditioning valve switch is used to control the valve switch.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the roof device is configured to be used facing outwards from the vehicle.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the housing of the roof assembly further includes a top cover with an opening facing outwards.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the opening top cover is made of a waterproof, stain-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material with a predetermined sealing degree.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a rooftop camping system, comprising: a rooftop device, a control module, a user terminal, and a tent mounted on the roof of the vehicle; the control module is network-connected to the user terminal. The rooftop tent has an opening at the bottom, and the size and position of the opening correspond to the opening of the rooftop installation. The rooftop installation provides users with rooftop power outlets and rooftop air conditioning when camping in rooftop tents. The user terminal is used to give instructions to the control module to control the roof air conditioner; The control module is used to receive control commands from the user terminal for the roof-mounted air conditioning system, and to control the roof-mounted air conditioning system's on / off state as well as its temperature and fan speed.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the control module includes: a roof-mounted air conditioning valve controller and an air conditioning controller connected by wiring; The roof air conditioning valve controller is located at the valve location and is used to switch the air conditioning between the in-vehicle air conditioning mode and the roof air conditioning mode by controlling the opening and closing of the roof air conditioning valve. The air conditioning controller is used to control the on / off state, temperature, and fan speed of the vehicle's air conditioning.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the user terminal is further configured to, upon receiving an instruction from the user to manually press the roof air conditioning valve, issue an instruction to the control module to control the roof air conditioning switch.

[0015] Thirdly, the present invention provides a rooftop camping method based on the rooftop device of the first aspect, comprising: Power from the rooftop socket and rooftop air conditioning are obtained through the opening at the bottom of the rooftop tent and the top cover of the rooftop device; The user terminal sends commands to control the roof-mounted air conditioner switch, as well as the temperature and fan speed. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a roof device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an air conditioning outlet duct provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an illustration of a rooftop tent camping scenario provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a positional assembly diagram of a roof device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a rooftop camping system provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a rooftop tent according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rooftop camping system provided by the present invention; Figure 8 This invention provides a method for rooftop camping. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0018] The following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further detailed explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this invention is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

[0019] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a roof device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, this roof-mounted device is housed in a box, inside which are visible the roof-mounted air conditioning vents and multiple socket panels. These sockets can be USB interfaces, or other types such as... Figure 1 Two-prong and three-prong sockets are available. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the external part of the box connects to the air vent of the roof air conditioning system. This roof air conditioning vent extends from the opening at the bottom of the box, with its front end connected to the roof air conditioning vent and its rear end connected to the vehicle's main air conditioning vent and the interior air conditioning vent. Also not shown in the figure is the socket wiring on the socket panel, which extends from the opening at the bottom of the box to connect to the vehicle's power source for electrical power.

[0020] In one embodiment, the roof-mounted device is used facing inwards towards the vehicle interior. One air outlet path of the vent duct can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an air conditioning outlet duct is provided, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ventilation structure of the roof vents allows air to travel from the car's air conditioning system through the bottom of the front seats to the B-pillar and then to the roof vents.

[0021] Furthermore, Figure 1 A valve can be installed at the rear end of the roof-mounted air conditioning vent, completely covering and sealing the vent. When the air conditioning is switched to interior mode, this valve can be a pivot point, rotating around the lower end of the vent to completely cover the interior air conditioning vent. This switches the air conditioning mode from interior to roof-mounted. Regardless of the mode, as long as the air conditioning is on, switching between the two modes is possible via the main air conditioning vent. It's important to note that the valve length must be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional length of the bottom rear end of the roof-mounted air conditioning vent, and also greater than or equal to the cross-sectional length of the connection point between the interior air conditioning vent and the valve's rear end, to ensure complete coverage of the vent.

[0022] This multi-functional unit, when used inside the vehicle with the interior air conditioning ducts closed, switches to roof-mounted air conditioning mode. This shortens the time it takes for the interior air conditioning to cool or heat the entire vehicle, allowing for more targeted cooling or heating of a specific seat under the roof unit, achieving the fastest possible cooling or heating, and providing convenient charging for electrical devices. Especially useful for rear passengers who urgently need air conditioning, as they don't have to wait for the air to travel from front to back; the airflow is immediate. Convenient and practical, this provides users with timely feedback on their needs, enhancing the user experience.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, next to the roof-mounted air conditioning vents, there is a switch that controls the valve of the roof-mounted air conditioning duct. This switch can be controlled via a physical linkage. Alternatively, a controller can be installed at the valve, which can be configured as a Bluetooth-connected switch. The valve can be opened and closed via a user terminal, vehicle cloud platform, or a direct button press, receiving a control signal from the controller. In addition to controlling the roof-mounted air conditioning ducts, this switch can also be used as a separate socket switch to control the power supply to the socket. It can also be configured to control the power supply to adjacent sockets, serving as a master switch; there are no restrictions on this. The user terminal can include, but is not limited to, a mobile app or the vehicle's official website.

[0024] In another embodiment, the roof device can also face outwards. The roof device can be rotated axially or detached by a snap-fit ​​mechanism to change its orientation from facing inwards to facing outwards. When facing outwards, it is dustproof and aesthetically pleasing. When in use, it can be turned inwards.

[0025] Currently, users' use of cars extends beyond simply driving. In the current automotive consumer market, the development of camping equipment has become a key focus for both automakers and outdoor gear companies. Rooftop tents, as a core component connecting cars and camping scenarios, are experiencing a market penetration rate growing at a rate of 15%-20% annually. For examples of rooftop tent installations in cars, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 Provides an illustration of a rooftop tent camping scenario, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the rooftop tent is connected to the roof rack of the car via a special fixing mechanism, which allows for quick installation and disassembly of the tent. When camping is needed, the tent can be unfolded to form an enclosed resting space, and when not in use, it can be folded up for storage to ensure normal vehicle operation.

[0026] However, safety hazards exist in extreme environments. The most prominent issues are concentrated in two core dimensions: temperature adaptability and ease of use.

[0027] In terms of temperature adaptability, most existing rooftop tents are made of flexible materials such as Oxford cloth and canvas. Although some products add a layer of insulation, their temperature control capabilities are extremely limited due to the inherent thermal conductivity of the materials and their structural design. In the high temperatures of summer, rooftop tents are directly exposed to sunlight, creating a "greenhouse effect" inside the tent. The internal temperature is often 5-8°C higher than the outside temperature. Even with the vehicle's air conditioning on, cool air cannot be effectively transferred to the tent, making it difficult for users to rest and potentially leading to heatstroke. In the low temperatures of winter, the tent's insulation performance is also insufficient. At night, the internal temperature of the tent is close to the outside temperature, making it difficult for users to withstand the cold even with sleeping bags and other warm clothing.

[0028] Furthermore, to address the aforementioned challenges of rooftop camping, please refer to... Figure 4 A positional assembly diagram of a roof-mounted device is provided, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this roof-mounted device facing outwards provides a solution for rooftop camping. Specifically, an opening cover that allows visibility of the vehicle's exterior can be installed on the top of the roof-mounted device housing. This opening cover can be made of the same material as the exterior of the vehicle, meaning it can be made of a waterproof, stain-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material with a predetermined sealing degree. Thus, when the opening cover is opened facing outwards, the charging function and rooftop air conditioning function of the roof-mounted device can be seen and used, and the vehicle's air conditioning system can direct hot or cold air into the rooftop tent through the opening.

[0029] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, the top cover can be a flip cover or a sliding cover, etc., and there are no restrictions here.

[0030] To enhance user convenience in camping scenarios, a rooftop camping system can be installed based on this rooftop device with an open top cover. See details below. Figure 5 A block diagram of an embodiment of a rooftop camping system is provided, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it may include: A rooftop device that provides rooftop power outlets and rooftop air conditioning for users camping in rooftop tents.

[0031] like Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a rooftop tent is provided, such as Figure 6 As shown, a roof tent with an opening at the bottom, the opening being configured to correspond to the size and position of the opening cover of the roof device; it may also include: a control module and a user terminal.

[0032] This user terminal can be used to give commands to the control module to control the roof air conditioner.

[0033] The control module can be used to receive roof air conditioning control commands from the user terminal to control the roof air conditioning switch and the temperature and fan speed of the air conditioning.

[0034] See Figure 7 This is a block diagram of another embodiment of the rooftop camping system provided by the present invention, where the vehicle-mounted unit refers to the rooftop device. Combined with this... Figure 7 Explanation: The control module here may include the roof-mounted air conditioning valve controller located at the valve, as described above. Its usage has been discussed previously and will not be repeated here. It may also include an air conditioning controller, which can be used to control the on / off state, temperature, and fan speed of the vehicle's air conditioning system upon receiving control commands from the user terminal. It can also be used to issue commands to the control module to control the on / off state of the roof-mounted air conditioning system when it receives a command from the user to manually press the roof-mounted air conditioning valve.

[0035] This function allows the valve to be configured as a connected Bluetooth valve, enabling control of the roof-mounted air conditioning vent valve, the air conditioning system, and even the Bluetooth socket switch via user terminals, such as mobile apps, which send control commands to the control module. It can also be configured to control the power supply to the air conditioning system, roof-mounted air conditioning valve, and socket by pressing the Bluetooth air conditioning valve switch, socket switch, or both.

[0036] See Figure 8 The present invention provides a rooftop camping method, which can be implemented based on the aforementioned rooftop device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the steps may include the following: Step 101: Obtain power from the roof socket and roof air conditioner through the bottom opening of the roof tent and the top cover of the roof device.

[0037] Step 102: Through the user terminal, give the command to control the roof air conditioner switch, and control the temperature and fan speed of the air conditioner.

[0038] Step 103: When the user manually presses the roof air conditioning valve, the system receives a command from the user terminal to control the air conditioning and issues a command to the control module to control the roof air conditioning switch.

[0039] In one embodiment, as illustrated by the example: When a user is camping on the rooftop and feels the temperature inside the tent is low, they can open the bottom opening of the tent and manually press the rooftop air conditioning switch, or open their mobile phone to access the user terminal and send a command to the control module to turn on the air conditioning for heating. Specific temperature and fan speed adjustments can also be made via a mobile app. If the phone needs charging, it can be directly plugged into a wall socket on the roof.

[0040] This invention provides a roof-mounted device and its user, comprising: a roof-mounted air conditioning vent, multiple socket panels, a roof-mounted air conditioning duct, and socket wiring; the roof-mounted air conditioning duct is connected at its front end to the roof-mounted air conditioning vent and at its rear end to the vehicle's main air conditioning duct and the in-vehicle air conditioning duct; the socket panels are connected to the vehicle's power supply via socket wiring, and also provide a roof-mounted camping system, including: a roof-mounted tent with an opening at the bottom, the opening corresponding to the size and position of the roof-mounted device's opening cover; the roof-mounted device providing power and air conditioning for users camping in the roof-mounted tent; and a user terminal that sends commands to the control module to control the roof-mounted air conditioning, thereby adjusting the air conditioning upon receipt. In this way, while improving the roof's structure, it provides users with convenient access to electricity and a comfortable temperature during camping, enhancing the comfort, convenience, practicality, and safety of roof-mounted camping.

[0041] As is known from common technical knowledge, this invention can be implemented through other embodiments that do not depart from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and are not the only ones. All modifications within the scope of this invention or equivalent to the scope of this invention are included in this invention.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0043] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0044] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0045] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A roof-mounted device, characterized in that, include: The box contains a roof air conditioning vent, multiple socket panels, and external connections to the roof air conditioning duct and socket wiring. The roof air conditioning duct extends from the bottom opening of the box, with its front end connected to the roof air conditioning vent and its rear end connected to the vehicle's main air conditioning duct and the in-vehicle air conditioning duct. The socket panel is connected to the vehicle's power supply via a socket line extending from the opening at the bottom of the box.

2. The roof device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The valve that controls the airflow from the roof air conditioning vent is located at the rear end of the roof air conditioning duct. When the valve is closed, the roof air conditioning duct is shut off, switching to in-vehicle air conditioning mode. When the valve is open, the air outlet duct of the vehicle's air conditioning system is closed, and the vehicle's air conditioning mode is switched to the roof air conditioning mode. Among them, the valve length is required to be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional length of the bottom of the rear end of the roof air conditioning duct, and also greater than or equal to the cross-sectional length of the connection between the interior air conditioning duct and the rear end of the valve.

3. The roof device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The switch button is located next to the air conditioning vent on the roof; The roof-mounted air conditioning valve switch is used to control the valve switch.

4. The roof device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The roof device is configured to be used facing outwards from the vehicle.

5. The roof device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing of the roof assembly also includes a roof cover with an opening facing outwards.

6. The roof device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The open top cover is made of a waterproof, stain-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material with a pre-set seal.

7. A rooftop camping system, characterized in that, include: The roof-mounted device, control module, user terminal, and tent mounted on the roof as described in any one of claims 1-6; The control module is connected to the user terminal network; The rooftop tent has an opening at the bottom, and the size and position of the opening correspond to the opening of the rooftop installation. The rooftop installation provides users with rooftop power outlets and rooftop air conditioning when camping in rooftop tents. The user terminal is used to give instructions to the control module to control the roof air conditioner; The control module is used to receive control commands from the user terminal for the roof-mounted air conditioning system, and to control the roof-mounted air conditioning system's on / off state as well as its temperature and fan speed.

8. The rooftop camping system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module includes: a roof-mounted air conditioning valve controller and an air conditioning controller connected by wiring; The roof air conditioning valve controller is located at the valve location and is used to switch the air conditioning between the in-vehicle air conditioning mode and the roof air conditioning mode by controlling the opening and closing of the roof air conditioning valve. The air conditioning controller is used to control the on / off state, temperature, and fan speed of the vehicle's air conditioning.

9. The rooftop camping system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The user terminal is also used to issue a control module control command to switch the roof air conditioner on and off when it receives a command from the user to manually press the roof air conditioner valve.

10. A method for rooftop camping, characterized in that, The roof device based on any one of claims 1-6 comprises: Power from the rooftop socket and rooftop air conditioning are obtained through the opening at the bottom of the rooftop tent and the top cover of the rooftop device; The user terminal sends commands to control the roof-mounted air conditioner switch, as well as the temperature and fan speed.

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