Roof box and movable roof rack for motor vehicles

Abstract

Roof box (1) for motor vehicles for forming a usable interior space (6), comprising a base element (2), a ceiling element (3), a rear wall (4) and two side walls (5), wherein the rear wall (4) and the two side walls (5) are each connected to the ceiling element (3) by at least one upper hinge (8, 9) and the rear wall (4) or the two side walls (5) each have a lower rear or side wall segment (11) and an upper rear or side wall segment (12) connected thereto by at least one central hinge (10), characterized in that both rear wall segments or the two side wall segments (11, 12) are foldable inwards, and that the roof box (1) has a lower frame (15) with at least one cross member (13) and two longitudinal members (14) and the frame (15) is connected to the rear wall (4) or the two side walls (5) by at least one hinge each.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roof box for motor vehicles for creating a usable interior space, comprising a floor element, a ceiling element, a rear wall, and two side walls. Such devices are closed luggage carriers and enable the additional transport of luggage or, for example, ski equipment. They are mounted on the roof of the motor vehicle, usually on roof rails or on roof rails provided for this purpose by the manufacturer. However, a roof box increases the fuel consumption of the motor vehicle because it increases the weight and aerodynamic drag. If the additional luggage space of the roof box is not needed, it must be dismantled and stored elsewhere. Storing the roof box requires considerable space, which is particularly disadvantageous if no suitable garage or storage room is available.

[0002] From the publication DE 20 2004 011 570 U1, a roof structure for motor vehicles, preferably for passenger cars, for the required creation of an additional space, in particular a sleeping cabin, is known. The known roof structure is designed with a ceiling and a floor panel, which are connected to one another via two side walls and a front and a rear wall to form a closed interior, wherein the roof structure can be moved between a compressed travel position and an unfolded use position in such a way that the distance between the ceiling and floor panels is maximized in the use position and minimized in the travel position. At least the two side walls, preferably all wall elements, are designed as fixed elements, wherein each of these side walls is provided, preferably halfway up, with a continuous articulated joint in such a way that the side walls can be folded together in the travel position.This roof structure is a separate and non-integrated system that can be attached to the roof and can only assume its usable position when the vehicle is stationary and is therefore not intended or suitable for use while driving.

[0003] WO 97 / 18973 discloses a collapsible luggage compartment installed in a vehicle, which is suitable for providing additional space for the transport of excess luggage at any time. The luggage compartment consists of a roof and hinged walls permanently attached to the vehicle roof. In use, the luggage compartment defines a space for the transport of excess luggage. When folded, the luggage compartment does not protrude above the vehicle roof. A control device is used to fold and unfold the luggage compartment.

[0004] This publication shows a collapsible vehicle roof box with a platform, i.e., a base plate, that sits on a base. The base supports the closed roof box.

[0005] The document DE 10 2007 029 580 A1 shows a motor vehicle roof having a base roof and a roof segment that is movable substantially vertically relative to the base roof, wherein the roof segment, in the closed state, substantially abuts the base roof and, in the open state, is arranged at a distance from the base roof. The roof segment can have at least one upper roof element that is connected relatively movably to the roof segment and / or the base roof can have at least one lower roof element that is connected relatively movably to the base roof. A storage space can be opened and closed by means of the movable roof element. This makes it possible to improve the transport of luggage without significantly compromising safety. Furthermore, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and in paragraph

[0035] of the description a hydraulically or pneumatically controlled actuating device is mentioned.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a roof box that can be stored in a space-saving manner.

[0007] This object is achieved with a roof box for motor vehicles according to claim 1. A roof box for motor vehicles for forming a usable interior space is proposed, comprising a floor element, a ceiling element, a rear wall, and two side walls, wherein the rear wall and the two side walls are each connected to the ceiling element by at least one upper hinge, the rear wall or the two side walls each have a lower rear or side wall segment and an upper rear or side wall segment, and both rear wall segments or the two side wall segments are connected to one another by at least one central hinge such that the corresponding segments can be folded inwards, i.e. towards the interior. This makes the roof box foldable, because when the rear wall or side wall segments are folded in, the effective height of the rear wall or side wall is reduced.Since the ceiling element is connected to the rear wall and both side walls by an upper hinge, it is lowered when the segments are folded in, which causes the roof box to fold up overall. This reduces the space required by the roof box and it can be stored compactly after disassembly. Another advantage of the roof box is that it has low air resistance when folded up. Instead of removing the roof box from the vehicle, it can alternatively be folded up and remain mounted on the vehicle. The roof box also has a lower frame with at least one cross member and two longitudinal members. Two cross members are preferred. The frame is connected to the rear wall by at least one hinge or to the two side walls by at least one hinge each.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims and are explained below.

[0009] The ceiling element is connected to the frame by at least one front ceiling element hinge.

[0010] The frame is connected to the floor element by at least one frame hinge and can thus be folded up or down together with the side walls, the rear wall and the ceiling element in order to open or close the roof box.

[0011] Both side walls taper in height towards the front and, together with the correspondingly curved ceiling element arranged on top, form a roughly wedge-shaped, aerodynamic shape.

[0012] The roof element comprises two or more roof segments, each movably connected by one or more roof segment hinges. This allows the overall curvature of the roof element to be partially compensated, resulting in a smaller footprint when the roof box is folded.

[0013] The side walls are designed to be movable relative to the roof element along their upper edges. This is advantageous because the roof element can move backward relative to the side walls when folding the roof box, preventing tension in the roof box.

[0014] The roof box can be folded or unfolded automatically if pneumatically controllable air cushions and / or servo motors connected to an electronic control system are provided on the hinges and / or moving parts.

[0015] The invention further relates to a movable roof rack for motor vehicles, in particular for the foldable roof box described here. A disadvantage of conventional roof racks that can be mounted on the roof is that the luggage or the roof box must be lifted onto the roof and secured there. This is very strenuous and laborious, especially with heavy objects. Roof racks with devices have therefore been proposed to make it easier to transport luggage onto the roof. For example, German Offenlegungsschrift DE 41 22 823 A1 and German utility model DE 200 02 018 U1 propose roof racks with a lifting device. The disadvantage of these movable roof racks is that they have additional weight and require additional space on or around the vehicle. This increases air resistance and fuel consumption.

[0016] From US 4 240 571 A, a roof rack for a motor vehicle is known, comprising a support frame mounted on a rail system for movement from a normally horizontal support position on the roof of the vehicle to a substantially inclined loading and unloading position to one side of the vehicle. A strut is pivotally mounted on the support frame at its upper end. A lower end of the strut has a pivot block slidably mounted on a vertical guide on the side of the vehicle. This pivot block is located at the lower end of the guide when the support frame is in the loading and unloading position. It is raised towards the upper end of the guide to raise the support frame from the loading and unloading position to a central position of less inclination, from which the support frame can be easily moved into the support position.

[0017] This document specifically shows a roof rack with two roof guides, on which a frame with two cross rails rests, movable transversely to the vehicle. A guide is attached to one side of the vehicle, along which one end of a strut is mounted for vertical movement, while the other end of the strut is pivotally connected to the frame. This arrangement is not integrated into the vehicle pillars, and the cross rails are firmly attached to the vehicle.

[0018] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a movable roof rack for motor vehicles which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0019] This object is achieved by a movable roof rack for motor vehicles according to claim 8. A movable roof rack for motor vehicles, in particular for the foldable roof box described above, is provided, which has the following features: a) at least one roof guide extending from the upper area of ​​each roof guide of a vehicle pillar on the roof of the motor vehicle, b) at least one vehicle pillar guide, which is angled and connected to each of the at least one roof guides and extends along each vehicle pillar for each roof guide, c) at least one cross rail, which is movable horizontally along each of the at least one roof guides and vertically along each of the at least one vehicle pillar guides, and d) a support profile for each cross rail, which is articulated at its lower end to the lower region of each roof guide and thus each roof rail, and at its other end is articulated to the end region of the cross rail opposite one of the at least one vehicle pillar guides when the roof rack is retracted. The movable roof rack therefore has numerous advantages. It is particularly compact and integrated into the motor vehicle in such a way that it is not visually noticeable or conspicuous when retracted.By integrating the roof and pillars, the vehicle's aerodynamic drag is not reduced. The roof rack doesn't need to be mounted on the vehicle's roof; instead, it's always accessible thanks to its integration into the vehicle's body.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims and are explained below.

[0021] A particularly advantageous arrangement results when a front roof guide and a rear roof guide are provided, wherein the front roof guide extends from the two upper regions of the two B-pillars approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the passenger car onto the vehicle roof thereof, and the rear roof guide extends from the two upper regions of the two C-pillars approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the passenger car onto the vehicle roof thereof, and one or both B-pillars have B-pillar guides which adjoin the front roof guide at an angle and extend along the B-pillar, and one or both C-pillars have C-pillar guides which adjoin the rear roof guide at an angle and extend along the C-pillar.If both B-pillars have B-pillar guides and both C-pillars have C-pillar guides, the movable roof rack can advantageously be lowered on one or the other side of the vehicle as required.

[0022] The B-pillar and C-pillar support profiles are each connected by a bar. The bars are foldable and can be moved vertically along with the cross members. This increases the stability of the roof rack.

[0023] Differences in the length of the cross rails in relation to the height of the vehicle pillars and their guides can be compensated for by the fact that the support profiles are designed to be telescopically adjustable in length.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details can be taken from the figures of the drawing.

[0025] Functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols. Identical or essentially identical parts that are provided multiple times are marked with a common reference number followed by letters such as a and b to distinguish them.

[0026] The figures in the drawing show in detail: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of the roof box in a front view; Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of the roof box in a rear view; Fig. 3 a perspective front view of the roof box; Fig. 4 a perspective front view of the roof box in the open state; Fig. 5 a perspective rear view of the roof box with the rear wall partially folded in; Fig. 6 a perspective front view of the roof box in a partially folded state; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a motor vehicle with the roof rack; Fig. 8 a perspective view as in Fig. 7 but with partially horizontally extended cross rails; Fig. 9 a perspective view as in Fig. 7 but with cross rails fully extended horizontally; Fig. 10 two perspective detailed views of a cross rail fully extended horizontally and a cross rail partially lowered vertically; Fig. 11 a perspective detailed view of a partially horizontally extended cross rail; and Fig. 12 a perspective view of another embodiment of the roof box.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the roof box 1 in a front view and the Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the roof box 1 from a rear view. An exploded view indicates that some elements of the roof box 1 are shown "floating" on top of each other for clarity. Due to the exploded view, some hinges are shown as two separate, floating parts, although a hinge is understood to be a joint that movably connects and secures two parts at their edges.

[0028] The roof box 1 has as its base a lower floor element 2, which is designed as an approximately rectangular plate, the rear edge and both side edges of which have a floor wall 19. To adapt to common vehicle roof shapes, the floor element 2 can also be trapezoidally widened towards the front and / or have a curve. An approximately rectangular frame 15 with two longitudinal members 14, 14' and two cross members 13, 13' is arranged on the floor element 2. The outer dimensions of the frame 15 are selected to be slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the floor wall 19, so that the frame 15 can rest on the floor element 2 within the floor wall 19. The frame 15 is articulated to a longitudinal member 14' with the floor element 2 by a front frame hinge 17 and a rear frame hinge 17'. This allows the frame 15 to be folded upwards together with the elements arranged on it.

[0029] Two side walls 5, 5' are arranged on the frame 15. The two side walls 5, 5' each have a lower, approximately trapezoidal side wall segment 11, 11' and an upper side wall segment 12, 12', which are connected to each other by a central hinge 10, 10'. The lower side wall segments 11, 11' of the side walls 5, 5' are each connected to a longitudinal member 14, 14' of the frame 15 by a lower side wall hinge 7. A ceiling element 3 is arranged on the two side walls 5, 5' and the front cross member 13. The upper side wall segments 12, 12' of the side walls 5 are attached to the ceiling element 3 by upper side wall hinges 8, 8'. The side walls 5, 5' are designed to be displaceable relative to the ceiling element 3 along their upper edges, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal beams 14, 14'.For this purpose, the upper side wall hinges 8, 8' can be slidably mounted on the ceiling element 3 or on the side walls 5, 5', for example, by means of a rail (not shown). Another possibility is that the hinges 8, 8' themselves are designed such that they have play in the longitudinal direction, thus allowing the ceiling element 3 and the side walls 5, 5' to be displaceable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The ceiling element 3 has a front ceiling segment 3a, a middle ceiling segment 3b, and a rear ceiling segment 3c, which are connected to each other by ceiling segment hinges 18, 18'. The front ceiling segment 3a is also connected to the frame 15 by front ceiling element hinges 16, 16'.

[0031] Both side walls 5, or both side wall segments 12, 12', taper in height toward the front. Accordingly, the ceiling element 3 is curved, particularly in the area of ​​the front ceiling segment 3a. This gives the roof box 1 a roughly wedge-shaped, aerodynamic form.

[0032] Both side walls 5 also taper in a rear section, on which the rear ceiling segment 3c is arranged. A rear wall 4 is connected to this ceiling segment 3c by two rear wall hinges 9, 9'.

[0033] The described parts of the roof box 1 can be made of plastic, metals, in particular aluminum and titanium, carbon, or composite materials. The frame can be made of aluminum tubes, for example. The hinges can be multi-part or single-part, for example as a metal or flexible film hinge. They can be attached to the corresponding parts or molded onto them. Seals are provided for the edges of the roof box 1 so that the interior 6 (see Fig. 4) is protected against moisture and dirt.

[0034] If the supports 13, 14 of the frame 15 are hollow profiles, electrical cables for power supply and control or pneumatic compressed air lines (not shown) can be laid inside them.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a perspective front view of the roof box 1 in the unfolded, closed state with the base element 2, a side wall 5 and the ceiling element 3. The base element 2 additionally has means (not shown) for fastening the roof box 1 to the roof of a motor vehicle.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of the roof box 1 in the open state. It shows the usable interior space 6 formed by the roof box 1.

[0037] The frame 15 has two frame hinges 17, 17' on one of its two longitudinal members 14', by which it is connected to the floor element 2. Since the side walls 5, the rear wall 4, and the ceiling element 3 are arranged on the frame 15, these elements can be folded up or down together with the frame 15 in order to open or close the roof box 1. One or more frame hinges (not shown) can also be additionally provided on the opposite longitudinal member 14, which are arranged or designed such that the roof box 1 can be opened from both sides as required.

[0038] A lock (not shown) is also provided which secures the roof box 1 against opening when it is closed.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective rear view of the roof box 1 with the rear wall 4 partially folded in. If the roof box 1 is to be folded up, the rear wall 4 is first folded inwards, i.e., into the interior 6, using the rear wall hinges 9, 9'. For this purpose, the rear wall 4 has a closure (not shown) which is opened beforehand. Fig. In Figure 5, the essentially rectangular rear wall 4 is shown partially folded; in the fully folded state, it lies completely against the essentially rectangular rear ceiling segment 3c. To facilitate this, the rear wall 4 and the rear ceiling segment 3c have approximately the same dimensions, i.e., the surfaces of both parts are approximately congruent.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective front view of the roof box 1 in a partially folded state. The rear wall 4 is already completely folded inward and rests against the rear ceiling segment 3c (not shown). In the next step, the lower 11, 11' and upper side wall segments 12, 12 are folded inward together until the lower side wall segments 11, 11' rest against the floor element 2 and the upper side wall segments 12 rest against the ceiling element 3. When the side wall segments 11, 11', 12, 12' are folded in, the middle ceiling segment 3b also lowers, as it rests on the upper side wall segments 12, 12' and is connected to them by the upper side wall hinges 8, 8'.In order for the side wall segments 11, 11' to be able to be folded completely inwards, the side wall hinges 8, 8' can be designed, for example, as elastic film hinges such that the side wall segments 11, 11' are slightly lowered in relation to the central roof segment 3b when folding in.

[0041] Since the front ceiling segment 3a is connected to the frame 15 at the front edge by the front ceiling element hinges 16, 16' and to the middle ceiling segment 3b at the rear edge by the ceiling segment hinge 18, the front ceiling segment 3a pivots downwards towards the floor element 2 about a pivot axis located in the area of ​​the ceiling element hinges 16, 16'. By pivoting the front ceiling segment 3a, it slides backwards along the upper side wall segments 12, 12' with the middle 3b and rear ceiling segment 3c as it is lowered. To enable this movement in the longitudinal direction, the hinges 8, 8' can be slidably attached, for example by means of a rail (not shown), or can be designed such that they have play in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] The roof box 1 can be manually opened or closed and folded or unfolded in the manner described. In a preferred embodiment, electromagnets and / or servomotors (not shown) are provided on the hinges and / or moving parts, which are controlled by an electronic sequence control. To coordinate the sequence control, sensors can be provided for the roof box 1, which transmit the status of the moving parts. This allows the opening / closing and / or folding / unfolding to be fully automated, for example via a remote control or a radio remote control. For this purpose, the roof box 1 can be connected to the power grid and / or the data bus of the motor vehicle. It can also have interior and / or exterior lighting with brake lights. The power supply can also be provided via an integrated solar module with energy storage (not shown), which is arranged on the ceiling element 3.In order to hold the moving parts in a specific folded or unfolded position, magnets or electromagnets can be provided, for example on the rear wall 4 and on the ceiling element 3. Suitable sensors can also be provided to inform the driver about the status of the roof box 1 and / or to give warning signals, for example if the permitted height is exceeded by the roof box 1 when entering a parking garage. Additional sensors can indicate the weight of the payload or whether the roof box 1 is locked or open. Furthermore, a camera can be provided, for example, to monitor the interior 6 of the roof box 1 while driving. Through the connection to the motor vehicle's data bus, all data can be displayed and monitored on the instrument cluster, including fuel consumption. An integrated GPS tracking system with a transmitter is also possible to locate the position of the roof box 1 in the event of theft.

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle with the movable roof rack. This is particularly suitable for the foldable roof box 1 but also for any other type of luggage (not shown). A front 104b and a rear cross rail 104a are provided, which are arranged on the vehicle roof 130 and extend from the left to the right panel of the B-pillar 101a, 101b and from the left to the right panel of the C-pillar 102a, 102b. The cross rails 104a have suitable means for securing luggage or roof boxes. Two longitudinal strips 103a, 103b are arranged on the two cross rails 104a, 104b.

[0044] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view as in Fig. 7, but with partially horizontally extended cross rails 104a, 104b. The extension serves to initially move luggage or a roof box 1 attached to the cross rails 104a, 104b horizontally in a lateral direction. During extension, the bar 103a facing the extension direction folds over by approximately 90 degrees.

[0045] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view as in Fig. 7 but with the cross rails 104a, 104b fully extended horizontally. During extension, the cross rails 104a, 104b move along designated, approximately U-shaped recesses, which are designed as roof guides 114a, 114b. During extension, the cross rails 104a, 104b are held at one end by the roof guides 114a, 114b and at the other end by support profiles 115, 116. The support profiles 115, 116 are hingedly connected at their lower end to the pillars 101, 102, and at their other, upper end to the cross rails 104. The support profiles 115 of the B-pillar 101 and the support profiles 116 of the C-pillar 102 are hingedly connected to a bar 103. This bar 103 folds outwards when shutting down.

[0046] Fig. Figure 10 shows an upper perspective detail view of a fully horizontally extended cross rail 104. Below, the cross rail 104 is shown in a partially vertically lowered position. As already described above, the cross rails 104 initially move horizontally to the side along their roof guides 114. In doing so, the support profiles 115, 116 fold away from the columns 101, 102. The support profiles 115, 116 are designed to be telescopically adjustable in length and therefore become longer when unfolded to match the length of the cross rails 104.

[0047] The horizontal roof guides 114 merge into approximately vertical column guides 111, 112. In Fig. 10 shows the B-pillar guide 111 as an example. The cross rails 104 initially move horizontally from the roof guides 114 into the pillar guides 111, 112 and, in doing so, move vertically downwards with the strips 103. The cross rails 104 can be moved to the right or to the left, whereby the roof rack can be lowered vertically and loaded or unloaded optionally on one or the other side of the motor vehicle. This provides a particularly convenient luggage rack that transports luggage from the vehicle roof 130 down to the side of the vehicle. After loading or unloading, the process can be reversed and luggage can be transported onto the vehicle roof 130. In a simple embodiment, the described transport process can be carried out manually and, for example, assisted by springs, as with a tailgate.In a more complex embodiment, the described transport process is carried out automatically by means of an electric, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic drive and a control system. To prevent the support profiles 115, 116 and the cross rails 104 from colliding with other vehicles or walls during unfolding or extending, distance sensors can be provided on the vehicle. These sensors are connected to the control system and stop or retract the drive.

[0048] Fig. 11 shows a perspective detail view of the Fig. 8 partially horizontally extended cross rail 104. A foot 121 is arranged at the end of the cross rail 104. The foot 121 can slide in the roof guide 114 or move by means of wheels or rollers (not shown). In the non-extended position of the cross rails 104, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the foot 121 is recessed into an opening 133 of the bar 103. In this position, the underside of the cross rail 104 rests on the surface of the roof guide 114, and the bar opening 133 is closed by a retaining element 107. This retaining element has seals (not shown) for this purpose. Since the foot 121 is angled relative to the cross rail 104, the cross rail 104 is raised during extension, as shown in Fig. 11. Upon lifting, an angle element 108 folds downward by means of a preloaded spring 109 and pushes the retaining element 107 in the extension direction. The retaining element 107 has an opening 124 for securing the roof box 1 or luggage (not shown).

[0049] The cross rail 104 is driven or pulled during movement by two cables 105 for each direction, only one of which is shown. The cable 105 is guided through the rail opening 133. The cable 105 can be designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic hose to supply energy for driving the luggage carrier.

[0050] The cross rails 104 can also be moved in the other direction and lowered vertically on the other side of the vehicle. This allows loading and unloading from either side, for example, when only one side is accessible.

[0051] Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the roof box 1'. This is particularly suitable for the above-described, movable roof rack. It has fastening means 20 that fit into the openings 124 of the holding elements 107 (see Fig. 11). Via these fastening means 20 or other suitable connections, the roof box 1' can also be supplied with electricity or compressed air and connected to the on-board computer.

[0052] Since a preferred embodiment of the roof rack can be lowered vertically on either side of the motor vehicle, the roof box 1' is preferably openable from both sides. This can be made possible, for example, by providing two hinge closures 23 on each side of the roof box 1', thus a total of four. In the closed state, the hinge closures 23 close the roof box 1', for example by snapping into place. If they are opened on one side, the opposite hinge closures 23 function as hinges, as shown in Fig. 12. Alternatively or additionally, an articulated joint 21 may be provided.

[0053] Furthermore, air cushions 22 are provided, which have recesses 24 for the objects to be transported. The air cushions 22 can also be pneumatically controlled, as described above, to unfold or fold the roof box 1'. Pressure sensors (not shown) can be provided for control purposes, which can also measure the weight of the roof box 1' and display it on the on-board computer.

[0054] The floor element 2 is slightly curved in the longitudinal direction in order to adapt to the roof shape of a motor vehicle. List of reference symbols 1 roof box 2 floor elements 3 ceiling element 4 Rear wall 5 Side wall 6 Interior 7 Lower side panel hinges 8 Upper side panel hinges 9 rear panel hinges 10 center hinges 11 Lower side wall segments 12 upper side wall segments 13 cross members 14 longitudinal members 15 frames 16 Front ceiling element hinges 17 frame hinges 18 ceiling segment hinges 19 Bottom wall 20 fasteners 21 Articulated joint 22 air cushions 23 hinge closures 24 recesses 101 B-pillars 102 C-pillars 101b B-pillar cover 102a C-pillar cover 103 bar 104 cross rails 105 cable pull 107 Holding element 108 Angle element 109 spring 111 B-pillar guides 112 C-pillar guides 114 roof guides 115 B-pillar support profile 116 C-pillar support profile 120 axle 121 feet 124 Holding element opening 130 vehicle roof 133 groin opening

Claims

[1] Roof box (1) for motor vehicles for forming a usable interior space (6), comprising a floor element (2), a ceiling element (3), a rear wall (4) and two side walls (5), wherein the rear wall (4) and the two side walls (5) are each connected to the ceiling element (3) by at least one upper hinge (8, 9) and the rear wall (4) or the two side walls (5) each have a lower rear or side wall segment (11) and an upper rear or side wall segment (12) connected thereto by at least one central hinge (10), characterized by that both rear wall segments or the two side wall segments (11, 12) can be folded inwards, and that the roof box (1) has a lower frame (15) with at least one cross member (13) and two longitudinal members (14) and the frame (15) is connected to the rear wall (4) or the two side walls (5) by at least one hinge in each case. [2] Roof box (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the ceiling element (3) is connected to the frame (15) by at least one front ceiling element hinge (16). [3] Roof box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame (15) is connected to the floor element (2) by at least one frame hinge (17). [4] Roof box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that both side walls (5) taper in height towards the front and form an approximately wedge-shaped, aerodynamic shape with the correspondingly curved ceiling element (3) arranged thereon. [5] Roof box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the ceiling element (3) has two or more ceiling segments (3a, 3b, 3c), which are each connected by ceiling segment hinges (18). [6] Roof box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the side walls (5) are designed to be displaceable along their upper edges relative to the ceiling element (3). [7] Roof box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that pneumatically controllable air cushions and / or servo motors and / or electromagnets are provided on hinges and / or moving parts, which are connected to an electronic control system in order to automatically fold or unfold the roof box (1). [8] Movable roof rack for motor vehicles, in particular for the foldable roof box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a) at least one roof guide (114; 114a, 114b) extending from the upper region of each roof guide (114; 114a, 114b) of a vehicle pillar (101, 102) on the vehicle roof (130) of the motor vehicle, b) at least one vehicle pillar guide (111, 112) which is angled and connected to each of the at least one roof guide (114; 114a, 114b) and extends along each vehicle pillar (101, 102) of the roof guide (114; 114a, 114b), c) at least one cross rail (104; 104a, 104b) which is movable horizontally along one of the at least one roof guide (114; 114a, 114b) and vertically along one of the at least one vehicle pillar guide (111, 112), d) for each cross rail (104; 104a, 104b) a support profile (115, 116) which is connected at its lower end in an articulated manner to the lower region of each roof guide (114; 114a, 114b) and thus to one vehicle pillar (101, 102) for each cross rail (104; 104a, 104b) and at its other end in an articulated manner to the end region of the cross rail (104; 104a, 104b) opposite one of the at least one vehicle pillar guide (111, 112) when the roof rack is retracted. [9] Movable roof rack according to claim 8, characterized by that a front roof guide (114b) and a rear roof guide (114a) are provided, wherein the front roof guide (114b) extends from the two upper regions of the two B-pillars (101) approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the passenger car onto the vehicle roof (130) thereof, and the rear roof guide (114a) extends from the two upper regions of the two C-pillars (102) approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the passenger car onto the vehicle roof (130) thereof, wherein one or both B-pillars (101) have B-pillar guides (111) which adjoin the front roof guide (114b) at an angle and extend along the B-pillar (101), and wherein one or both C-pillars (102) have C-pillar guides (112) which adjoin the rear roof guide (114a) at an angle and extend along the C-pillar (102). [10] Movable roof rack according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the support profiles (115) of the B-pillar (101) and the support profiles (116) of the C-pillar (102) are connected by a foldable strip (103). [11] Movable roof rack according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the support profiles (115, 116) are designed to be telescopically adjustable in length.

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