A roof rack with folding guardrails

Abstract

This invention relates to a roof rack with a folding guardrail, comprising a base frame, guardrail, connecting posts, and buckles. The semi-circular rings and semi-circular grooves of the front, rear, left, and right frames of the base frame are respectively connected to the grooves and small grooves of the front, rear, left, and right side panels of the guardrail. The semi-circular grooves and small grooves form a three-quarter circle hole, which is hinged by inserting the connecting posts. The front, rear, left, and right side panels are arranged in a rectangular, movable connection to form the guardrail standing on the upper part of the base frame. Under external force, the left and right side panels can fold inwards, while the front and rear side panels can be folded and stacked on top of the left and right side panels, maintaining their folded state. Its advantages are: when luggage is needed, the guardrail protects and secures the luggage; when not needed, the guardrail can be folded for easy passage through height-restricted spaces with low wind resistance; it also has a small storage volume, a simple structure, and good strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of roof racks for automotive exterior equipment, and in particular, the structural technology of a roof rack with a folding guardrail. Background Technology

[0002] With improved living standards, people are increasingly taking road trips and participating in outdoor activities. However, the limited space inside vehicles restricts the amount of items that can be loaded in the trunk. To expand the amount of luggage that can be carried and to accommodate items like tents, roof racks installed on car roofs have emerged in the market. Existing technologies include single-layer roof racks without guardrails (e.g., "Roof Rack and Car (CN202410298551.4)" and "Roof Rack (CN2023302059230)") and double-layer roof racks with guardrails (e.g., "A Conveniently Disassembled Roof Rack (CN2024108813649)" and "Roof Rack (CN2023305430222)"). The advantages of single-layer roof racks are: a small cross-section, resulting in lower wind resistance when no luggage is needed; easy passage through height-restricted areas in underground parking garages; and a smaller storage volume. The advantages of double-layer roof racks are: guardrails protect and secure luggage. A foldable double-layer car roof rack solution combining the advantages of both types has emerged in the market. For example, the Chinese patent "Foldable Roof Rack (CN2024201934883)". While existing technologies generally meet the needs, their disadvantages are: 1. Single-layer car roof racks lack guardrails to protect and secure luggage. Luggage is prone to shifting when the car brakes or turns. 2. Double-layer car roof racks are quite tall when empty, which may be difficult to pass through underground parking garages with height restrictions (2-2.2 meters). They also have a larger cross-section, resulting in greater wind resistance, and require significant storage space after disassembly. 3. Existing foldable double-layer car roof racks have detachable guardrails. When unfolded to form guardrails, adjacent side panels need to be connected with connecting pieces and bolts; when folded back to a single layer, these connecting pieces and bolts need to be removed. This is very inconvenient (due to the large amount of disassembly and assembly work, it is practically infeasible). Meanwhile, the use of hinges to connect the side panels and the bottom frame makes the structure complex, weak, unattractive, and adds unnecessary costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a roof rack with a foldable guardrail that can protect and secure luggage when needed, and can be folded up when not in use to easily pass through height-restricted spaces with low wind resistance. It also has a small storage volume, and has a simple structure and good strength.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is: a roof rack with a folding guardrail, such as...Figure 1 Longitudinal section Figure 2 and transverse section Figure 3 As shown, it includes a base frame, guardrail, connecting posts, and clips. The base frame is as follows... Figure 4 and transverse section Figure 5 As shown, it includes a front frame, a rear frame, a left frame, a right frame, and a support beam. The cross-section of the front frame is shown in the cross-section diagram. Figure 6 As shown, its lower part includes a hollow tube. The hollow tube contains a cavity. Its upper part includes a folded edge, a semi-circular ring, and a semi-circular groove concentric with the center inside the semi-circular ring. The semi-circular ring and the semi-circular groove are used to connect with the groove and small groove of the front side panel of the guardrail, respectively. The semi-circular ring includes a partition post to form a barrier between the groove and the semi-circular ring, preventing damage from friction between the aluminum materials. The rear frame, left frame, and right frame have the same structure as the front frame and are used to connect with the groove and small groove of the rear side panel, left side panel, and right side panel of the guardrail, respectively. The multiple support beams are arranged laterally and spaced longitudinally, and are connected to the left and right frames on both sides to form a support base for placing objects. The front frame, rear frame, left frame, and right frame can be formed by bending a single tube into a rectangular frame (where the splice is connected by a joint or welding), or they can be fixedly connected by rigid corner connectors at the angles between the front frame, rear frame, left frame, and right frame and their respective corner joints. Clearly, the upper part of the support beam can be connected to plates to improve placement conditions and provide sunshade; the bottom of the frame also needs to be equipped with multiple sets of mounting mechanisms to fix the frame to the roof connecting rods or crossbars. (Briefly described.)

[0005] The guardrails mentioned above are as follows Figure 7 and transverse section Figure 8 As shown, it includes a front side plate, a rear side plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate. The cross-section of the front side plate (or sloped side plate) is as shown in the cross-section diagram. Figure 9 As shown, its upper part includes a sloping hollow plate, the interior of which contains a cavity. Its lower part includes a groove and smaller grooves concentric with each other opposite the groove. The bottom of the groove includes a partition post. The two ends of the front plate may also be connected to plugs and elastic clips. The rear plate is as follows... Figure 10 As shown, its connection cross-section is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 11 As shown, the assembly includes a slat, a connecting block, a cylinder, and a snap-fit ​​fastener (fastening structure). The slat has a cavity in the middle for connecting the snap-fit ​​fastener. The lower part of the slat includes a linear connection structure. Both sides of the slat have recessed holes (filling the snap-fit ​​button recessed holes) for fastening the round buckles of the left and right side panels. The upper part of the connecting block includes a linear connection structure for connecting to the linear connection structure of the slat via a cylinder. The lower part of the connecting block includes a groove and a small groove concentric with the groove opposite it, for connecting to the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the rear frame of the bottom frame, respectively. The bottom of the groove includes an isolation post for creating a barrier between the groove and the semi-circular ring, preventing direct contact and friction damage between the aluminum materials. The cylinder... Figure 12As shown, it can be a cylindrical bolt. The elastic buckle is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, it comprises an elastic buckle body and a sealing element. The elastic buckle body is similar to a typical elastic buckle. The linear connection structure at the lower part of the slat and the linear connection structure at the upper part of the connecting block are connected by a cylinder, and the cavities at both ends of the slat connect to the elastic buckles. The left side plate is as follows... Figure 14 As shown, its connection cross-section is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 15 As shown, the system includes slats, connecting blocks, cylinders, beveled end caps, and end caps. The slats have a cavity in the middle, a linear connecting structure at the bottom, and a bevel at the front (for connecting the beveled end cap). The connecting block has a linear connecting structure at the top and a groove and smaller grooves concentric with the groove opposite it at the bottom, for connecting to the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the left frame of the base frame, respectively. The bottom of the groove includes a partition post. The upper part of the left side panel includes a recessed platform so that when the left side panel is folded, its slats can be lower than the plane of the base frame, avoiding interference with the slats of the folded front and rear side panels, resulting in a flatter and more aesthetically pleasing surface after folding. The cylinder... Figure 12 As shown, briefly described. The inclined end cap is as follows: Figure 16 As shown, the upper part of its inclined surface includes a circular buckle (fastening structure). The linear connection structure at the lower part of the slats and the linear connection structure at the upper part of the connecting block are connected by a cylinder, and the cavities at both ends of the slats are respectively connected to the inclined end cap and the end cap. The right side plate and the left side plate have the same structure but opposite directions. Obviously, without considering wind resistance, the front side plate can have the same structure as the rear side plate but opposite directions, and the front part of the slats of the right side plate and the left side plate does not include the inclined surface. The front side plate, rear side plate, left side plate and right side plate are arranged in a rectangle and are movably connected by fastening structures at adjacent included angles.

[0006] The connecting column includes rivets or bolts with a cylindrical cross-section.

[0007] The buckle as described Figure 17 As shown, the device includes a buckle body, a retaining ring, and rivets. The buckle body has a lower ring and an upper hook. The ring connects to the support beam, and the hook, when upright, catches the edge of the folded sloping side panel or rear side panel. The retaining ring is fixedly connected to the support beam by rivets.

[0008] The cross-section of the connection between the front frame, front side panel and connecting column is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 18 As shown, the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the front frame are connected to the groove and small groove of the front side plate respectively, and the semi-circular groove and the small groove form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post.

[0009] The cross-section of the connection between the rear frame, rear side plate and connecting column is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 19As shown, the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the rear frame are connected to the groove and small groove of the rear side plate respectively, and the semi-circular groove and the small groove form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post.

[0010] The cross-section of the connection between the left frame, the left side panel, and the connecting column is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 20 As shown, the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the left frame are connected to the groove and small groove of the left side plate, and the semi-circular groove and small groove form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post. The connection between the right frame, the right side plate and the connecting post is shown in the cross-section. Figure 20 The images are basically the same, but in opposite directions.

[0011] The base frame, guardrail, connecting posts, and buckles are connected and folded as follows: Figure 21 As shown, the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the bottom frame are connected to the groove and small groove of the guardrail respectively, and the semi-circular groove and the small groove form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post.

[0012] The bottom frame, front side panel, connecting column, and buckle are connected and folded as shown in the longitudinal section. Figure 22 As shown, the front frame and front side panel of the base frame are hinged together by connecting columns. The front side panel is also folded and snapped into place with clips. The connections of the folded rear, left, and right side panels to the base frame are similar to those of the folded front side panel.

[0013] The connection of the base frame, guardrail, connecting post and buckle is as follows: Figure 1 Longitudinal section Figure 2 and transverse section Figure 3 As shown, the semi-circular rings and semi-circular grooves of the front, rear, left, and right frames of the base frame are respectively connected to the grooves and small grooves of the front, rear, left, and right side panels of the guardrail. The semi-circular grooves and small grooves form a three-quarter circle hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post. The ring of the buckle connects to the supporting beam. The front, rear, left, and right side panels are arranged in a rectangle and are movably connected by a snap-fit ​​structure at adjacent angles, forming a guardrail standing on the upper part of the base frame. The left and right side panels can fold inwards under external force, while the front and rear side panels can be folded and stacked on top of the recessed platforms of the left and right side panels. The edges of the front and rear side panels are hooked by the buckles to keep them folded.

[0014] After adopting the above solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: when luggage needs to be placed, it has guardrails to protect and fix the luggage; when not needed, the guardrails can be folded to easily pass through height-restricted spaces with low wind resistance; at the same time, the storage volume is small, and the structure is simple and strong. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the combination of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom frame of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the bottom frame of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the front frame of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guardrail of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the guardrail of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the front side plate of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rear panel of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the rear side plate of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic buckle of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the left side panel of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the left side plate of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the inclined plug of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the buckle of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the front frame, front side plate and connecting column of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the rear frame, rear side plate and connecting column of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 20This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the left frame, the left side plate, and the connecting column of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom frame, guardrail, connecting post, and buckle connection and folding of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom frame, front side plate, connecting column, and buckle connection and folding of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Base frame; 11. Front frame; 111. Hollow tube; 112. Cavity; 113. Folded edge; 114. Semi-circular ring; 115. Semi-circular groove; 116. Isolation post; 12. Rear frame; 13. Left frame; 14. Right frame; 15. Support beam; 20. Guardrail; 21. Front side panel; 211. Sloping hollow plate; 212. Cavity; 213. Groove; 214. Small groove; 215. Isolation post; 216. Plug; 22. Rear side panel; 221. Slat; 222. Connecting block ; 223, cylinder; 224, elastic buckle; 225, cavity; 226, groove; 227, small groove; 228, isolation post; 23, left side plate; 231, strip; 232, connecting block; 233, cylinder; 234, beveled end cap; 235, groove; 236, small groove; 237, isolation post; 238, recessed platform; 24, right side plate; 30, connecting post; 40, buckle; 41, buckle body; 42, fixing ring; 43, rivet; 44, ring; 45, hook. Detailed Implementation Example

[0038] A roof rack with folding guardrails, such as Figure 1 Longitudinal section Figure 2 and transverse section Figure 3 As shown, it includes a base frame 10, a guardrail 20, a connecting post 30, and a buckle 40. The base frame 10 is as follows... Figure 4 and transverse section Figure 5 As shown, it includes a front frame 11, a rear frame 12, a left frame 13, a right frame 14, and a support beam 15. The cross-section of the front frame 11 is shown in the figure. Figure 6 As shown, its lower part includes a hollow tube 111. The hollow tube 111 contains a cavity 112. Its upper part includes a folded edge 113, a semi-circular ring 114, and a concentric semi-circular groove 115 inside the semi-circular ring 114. The semi-circular ring 114 includes a partition post 116. The rear frame 12, left frame 13, and right frame 14 have the same structure as the front frame 11. The multiple support beams 15 are arranged laterally and spaced longitudinally, and are connected to the left and right frames on both sides respectively. The front frame 11, rear frame 12, left frame 13, and right frame 14 can be formed by bending a single tube to form a rectangular frame.

[0039] The guardrail 20 is as follows Figure 7 and transverse section Figure 8 As shown, it includes a front side plate 21, a rear side plate 22, a left side plate 23, and a right side plate 24. The cross-section of the front side plate 21 is shown in the cross-section diagram. Figure 9 As shown, its upper part includes a sloping hollow plate 211, and the interior of the sloping hollow plate 211 includes a cavity 212. Its lower part includes a groove 213 and small grooves 214 opposite to the groove 213, both concentric. The bottom of the groove 213 includes an isolation post 215. The two ends of the front plate 21 may also be connected to plugs and elastic clips. The rear plate 22 is as follows... Figure 10 As shown, its connection cross-section is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 11 As shown, it includes a slat 221, a connecting block 222, a cylinder 223, and an elastic buckle 224. The slat 221 includes a cavity 225 in the middle. The lower part of the slat 221 includes a linear connection structure. The slat 221 has recessed holes on both sides. The upper part of the connecting block 222 includes a linear connection structure. The lower part of the connecting block 222 includes a groove 226 and small concentric grooves 227 opposite to the groove 226. The bottom of the groove 226 includes an isolation post 228. The cylinder 223... Figure 12 As shown, it can be a cylindrical bolt. The elastic buckle 224 is as follows... Figure 13 As shown, it comprises an elastic buckle body and a sealing element. The elastic buckle body is similar to a typical elastic buckle. The linear connection structure at the lower part of the strip 221 and the linear connection structure at the upper part of the connecting block 222 are connected by a cylinder 223, and the cavities 225 at both ends of the strip 221 are connected to the elastic buckles 224. The left side plate 23 is as follows... Figure 14 As shown, its connection cross-section is as shown in the cross-section. Figure 15 As shown, it includes a slat 231, a connecting block 232, a cylinder 233, a beveled plug 234, and a plug. The slat 231 has a cavity in the middle, a linear connection structure at the bottom, and a bevel at the front. The connecting block 232 has a linear connection structure at the top and a groove 235 and concentric small grooves 236 opposite to the groove 235 at the bottom. The bottom of the groove 235 includes an isolation post 237. The upper part of the left side plate 23 includes a recessed platform 238. The cylinder 233 is as follows... Figure 12 As shown, briefly described. The inclined plug 234 is as follows: Figure 16 As shown, the upper part of its inclined surface includes a circular buckle. The linear connection structure at the lower part of the slat 231 and the linear connection structure at the upper part of the connecting block 232 are connected by a cylinder 233. The cavities at both ends of the slat 231 are respectively connected to the inclined end cap 234 and the end cap. The right side plate 24 and the left side plate 23 have the same structure but opposite directions. The front side plate 21, rear side plate 22, left side plate 23 and right side plate 24 are arranged in a rectangle and are movably connected by a snap-fit ​​structure at adjacent included angles.

[0040] The connecting column 30 includes rivets or bolts with a cylindrical cross-section.

[0041] The buckle 40 as described Figure 17 As shown, the device includes a buckle body 41, a retaining ring 42, and a rivet 43. The buckle body 41 includes a ring 44 at the bottom and a hook 45 at the top. The retaining ring 42 is fixedly connected to the support beam 15 by the rivet 43.

[0042] The cross-section of the connection between the front frame 11, the front side plate 21, and the connecting column 30 is shown in the cross-section. Figure 18 As shown, the semicircular ring 114 and semicircular groove 115 of the front frame 11 are connected to the groove 213 and small groove 214 of the front side plate 21, and the semicircular groove 115 and small groove 214 form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting the connecting post 30.

[0043] The cross-section of the connection between the rear frame 12, the rear side plate 22, and the connecting column 30 is shown in the cross-section. Figure 19 As shown, the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the rear frame 12 are connected to the groove 226 and small groove 227 of the rear side plate 22 respectively, and the semi-circular groove and small groove 227 form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting the connecting post 30.

[0044] The cross-section of the connection between the left frame 13, the left side plate 23 and the connecting column 30 is shown in the cross-section. Figure 20 As shown, the semi-circular ring and semi-circular groove of the left frame 13 are connected to the groove 235 and small groove 236 of the left side plate 23, and the semi-circular groove and small groove 236 form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting the connecting post 30. The connection between the right frame 14, the right side plate 24 and the connecting post 30 is shown in the cross-section. Figure 20 The images are basically the same, but in opposite directions.

[0045] The base frame 10, guardrail 20, connecting post 30, and buckle 40 are connected and folded as follows: Figure 21 As shown, the semicircular ring and semicircular groove of the bottom frame 10 are connected to the groove and small groove of the guardrail 20 respectively, and the semicircular groove and small groove form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting the connecting post 30.

[0046] The bottom frame 10, front side plate 21, connecting column 30, and buckle 40 are connected and folded as shown in the longitudinal section. Figure 22 As shown, the front frame 11 and front side panel 21 of the base frame 10 are hinged together by connecting post 30. Simultaneously, the front side panel 21 is folded and engaged with snap-fit ​​40. The connection between the folded rear side panel 22, left side panel 23, and right side panel 24 and the base frame 10 is similar to that of the folded front side panel 21.

[0047] The connection of the base frame 10, guardrail 20, connecting post 30 and buckle 40 is as follows: Figure 1Longitudinal section Figure 2 and transverse section Figure 3 As shown, the semi-circular rings and semi-circular grooves of the front frame 11, rear frame 12, left frame 13, and right frame 14 of the base frame 10 are respectively connected to the grooves and small grooves of the front side plate 21, rear side plate 22, left side plate 23, and right side plate 24 of the guardrail 20. The semi-circular grooves and small grooves form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post 30. The ring 44 of the buckle 40 is connected to the support beam 15. The front side plate 21, rear side plate 22, left side plate 23, and right side plate 24 are arranged in a rectangle and are movably connected by a snap-fit ​​structure at adjacent angles to form the guardrail 20 standing on the upper part of the base frame 10. The left side plate 23 and right side plate 24 can be folded inward under external force, while the front side plate 21 and rear side plate 22 can be folded and stacked on the upper part of the recessed platform of the left side plate 23 and right side plate 24. The front side panel 21 and the rear side panel 22 are held in a folded state by hooking the hook 45 of the buckle 40.

Claims

1. A roof rack with a folding guardrail, comprising a base frame, guardrail, connecting posts, and buckles; wherein the buckles connect to a support beam; characterized in that: The semi-circular rings and semi-circular grooves of the front, rear, left, and right frames of the base frame are respectively connected to the grooves and small grooves of the front, rear, left, and right side panels of the guardrail. The semi-circular grooves and small grooves form a three-quarter circular hole, which is hinged by inserting a connecting post. The front, rear, left, and right side panels are arranged in a rectangular shape and are movably connected to form a guardrail standing on the upper part of the base frame. The left and right side panels can be folded inward under external force, while the front and rear side panels can be folded and stacked on top of the left and right side panels, and remain folded.

2. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower part of the front frame of the bottom frame includes a hollow tube, and the upper part includes a folded edge, a semi-circular ring, and a semi-circular groove with the same center inside the semi-circular ring. The rear frame, left frame, and right frame have the same structure as the front frame.

3. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front, rear, left, and right side panels are arranged in a rectangle and connected by a snap-fit ​​structure at adjacent corner positions.

4. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper part of the front panel includes a sloping hollow plate, and the lower part includes a groove and small grooves with the same center opposite the groove, with elastic buckles connected at both ends.

5. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear connection structure at the lower part of the rear side plate slats and the linear connection structure at the upper part of the connecting block are connected by a cylinder, and the cavities at both ends of the slats are connected by elastic buckles.

6. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 5, characterized in that: The slats include a cavity in the middle and a linear connection structure at the bottom.

7. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper part of the connecting block includes a linear connection structure, and the lower part includes a groove and small grooves with the same center opposite the groove.

8. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear connection structure at the lower part of the left side plate and the linear connection structure at the upper part of the connecting block are connected by a cylinder, and the cavities at both ends of the plate are respectively connected to the inclined end cap and the end cap.

9. A roof rack with a folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper part of the left side plate includes a recessed platform.

Images