Arrangement for a vehicle roof and vehicle roof for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Arrangement (1) for a vehicle roof (5), comprising: - a cover (3) by means of which a roof opening in the vehicle roof (5) can be closed, which is limited by a roof frame (7), and - a release device comprising an inner lever element (10) and an outer lever element (30) as well as an actuating cable (12) which is coupled on one side to the lever elements (10, 30) and on the other side to a locking pin (16), wherein the inner lever element (10) is arranged on an inside and the outer lever element (30) on an outside of the cover (3) and wherein the release device can be transferred from a first state, in which the cover (3) is coupled to the roof frame (7) by means of the locking pin (16) from a vehicle interior and by means of the outer lever element (30) from a vehicle exterior, to a second state in which the cover (3) is decoupled from the roof frame (7) and can be removed from the vehicle roof (5) together with the release device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof for a motor vehicle, which enable a reliable unlocking mechanism of a cover and contribute to the safe operation of an associated motor vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle roofs with a cover, such as spoiler roofs, allow for the opening of a corresponding roof vent. This is achieved, for example, by lifting the cover into a ventilation position before sliding it further back into an open position. Such an arrangement, which enables the opening and sliding of a cover, is described, for example, in document DE 10 2011018151 A1. These covers are also used on heavy vehicles, such as buses, to allow for ventilation of the vehicle interior when desired.

[0003] In an emergency, it may be necessary to exit the vehicle through the roof opening, so a release mechanism is desirable that allows a cover to be easily decoupled from the vehicle roof and provides the largest possible opening area for exiting the vehicle.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating an arrangement for a vehicle roof and a corresponding vehicle roof for a motor vehicle, which enable easy decoupling and removal of a cover by means of a reliable unlocking mechanism and thus contribute to the safe operation of the associated motor vehicle.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] An arrangement according to the invention for a vehicle roof comprises a cover by means of which a roof opening in the vehicle roof, which is bounded by a roof frame, can be closed. The arrangement further comprises a release device comprising an inner and an outer lever element as well as an actuating cable which is coupled on one side to the lever elements and on the other side to a locking pin. The inner lever element is arranged on an inner side and the outer lever element on an outer side of the cover.In an installed state of the arrangement in the roof of a motor vehicle, the unlocking device can be moved from a first state, in which the cover is coupled to the roof frame by means of the locking pin, to a second state, in which the cover is decoupled from the roof frame and can be removed from the vehicle roof together with the unlocking device, by means of the inner lever element from a vehicle interior and / or by means of the outer lever element from a vehicle exterior.

[0007] The described arrangement implements a reliable release mechanism that can be operated easily and with minimal effort, enabling the decoupling and removal of the roof cover from a motor vehicle and thus contributing to the safe operation of the vehicle. Easy handling of such a release mechanism is particularly important in emergencies where time and stress make complicated mechanisms undesirable. The described arrangement allows the cover to be easily decoupled from the roof frame and removed from the vehicle roof by pushing from the inside or pulling from the outside, thus revealing an emergency exit opening. In particular, the release and removal of the cover can be accomplished with a single movement. There is no need for multiple components that must be operated individually, sequentially, or with several movements simultaneously.The described arrangement can be implemented with a clear and simple design and is also easy to operate.

[0008] The operating cable is connected on one side to the locking pin and on the other side to the lever elements, which are located, for example, in a central area of ​​the lid. The inner and outer lever elements are positioned at opposite points on the respective sides of the lid and are mechanically coupled, so that, similar to two door handles on a door, actuating the release mechanism from either the inside or outside also causes the other lever element to move. By turning or actuating one of the lever elements, a force is exerted on the operating cable, which in turn is transmitted to the locking pin attached to the operating cable, thus moving it from its locked position and initiating the decoupling of the lid from the roof frame.The dual-sided release of the roof opening enables the vehicle occupants to unlock and remove the cover in an emergency, and allows persons outside the vehicle to perform such an emergency opening, for example, if the vehicle occupants are unable to do so.

[0009] Furthermore, this arrangement allows for the largest possible opening of the roof in the corresponding vehicle roof. This is achieved by locating all elements of the release mechanism on the cover, so that when the cover is detached and removed from the vehicle roof, the release components remain attached to the cover and are removed with it. The released roof opening is therefore limited only by the roof frame, which defines the opening's boundaries. Thus, no elements remain on the roof frame that could obstruct exiting through the exposed roof opening.

[0010] Due to the small number of elements that need to be actuated in an emergency, the risk of a malfunctioning component preventing or hindering unlocking and / or removal is also reduced. Thus, the described arrangement further contributes to increased vehicle safety. The described arrangement can be implemented with a clear and simple design and requires no complex mechanics. This further contributes to a cost-effective construction. After decoupling and removing the cover, it can be reused, in particular by repositioning it in the roof frame so that the locking pin engages and the cover returns to its original state. This reusability allows for inspection and maintenance of the cover, especially to check the functionality of the unlocking mechanism.

[0011] According to a further development, the arrangement includes a safety lever located on the inside of the cover. In a blocking first position, this lever prevents the release mechanism from being operated, at least by means of the outer lever element, and in a second position, it releases the mechanism. The safety lever secures the cover and the release mechanism from the inside, thus preventing misuse of the outer lever element to open the roof. For example, the safety lever is designed and integrated into or on the cover in such a way that it blocks the operation of the outer lever element in the first position.

[0012] According to a further development of the arrangement, the safety lever on the inner lever element is positioned and designed such that, in the first position, it extends away from the inside of the lid, and in the second position, it extends along the inside of the lid. For example, the safety lever has an elongated shape which, when the arrangement is installed, extends towards the vehicle interior in the first position. For instance, the first position of the safety lever represents an extended state in which it projects downwards, essentially vertically, from the inside of the lid. The second position, for example, represents a folded-in state in which the elongated safety lever is essentially parallel to the inside of the lid. In this way, the driver or vehicle occupants can quickly see whether the safety lever locks the outer lever element or not.Additionally, the safety lever can have a striking color to clearly indicate the blocking first position.

[0013] Before the vehicle is started, the safety lever is conveniently located in its first position, making it clearly visible to the driver and passengers. The safety lever is then moved to its second position, allowing the release mechanism to be operated using the outer lever element. After the vehicle has been driven, the safety lever can advantageously be folded back to its first position, particularly to prevent unauthorized opening of the vehicle roof from the outside.

[0014] According to a further development of the arrangement, the roof frame has a recess into which the locking pin engages in the first state of the unlocking device, thereby coupling the cover to the roof frame. This allows for simple and cost-effective coupling and decoupling of the cover to the roof frame and the vehicle roof. The recess is designed, for example, as an elongated slot or channel extending vertically. The vertical direction refers to an upward or downward direction relative to a vehicle in operation.

[0015] In a lower section of the elongated channel, for example, there is a recess facing the roof frame into which the locking pin can preferably engage in a form-fitting manner, thus enabling the first state of the cover to be formed and reliably coupled to the roof frame and the vehicle roof. When unlocking, the locking pin is pulled out of the recess towards the center of the cover by actuating the inner or outer lever element and the attached actuating cable, thus moving the cover into the second state and decoupling it from the roof frame. The cover can then be removed from the vehicle roof by pushing from the inside or pulling from the outside, with the retracted locking pin being guided along the elongated channel, which is, for example, open at an upper section so that the locking pin can emerge upwards.

[0016] Alternatively, the recess can simply be designed as a form-fitting indentation in the roof frame that engages with the locking pin. When unlocked, the locking pin is then pulled, for example, towards the center of the lid so that it no longer extends into the area of ​​the roof frame.

[0017] In particular, after decoupling and removal, the cover can be reused and coupled to the roof frame or the vehicle roof by essentially performing the described sequence of movements in reverse.

[0018] According to a further development of the arrangement, the unlocking device comprises two or more locking pins, and the roof frame has corresponding recesses on opposite sides into which a respective locking pin engages in the first state of the unlocking device. Coupling and decoupling according to the first and second states of the cover can be achieved analogously to the mechanism described above. For example, the roof frame has two elongated recesses with indentations on each of two opposite sides, into which a respective locking pin engages. Such an embodiment of the arrangement would therefore have four recesses in the roof frame and correspondingly four locking pins.

[0019] Preferably, in such a case, two locking pins are coupled to one end of the actuating cable by means of a coupling element to enable a clear design and simple operation of the arrangement. Such a coupling element can, for example, be designed as a simple plate whose axial ends are each coupled to a locking pin. The actuating cable is then preferably coupled to the plate in a central area to achieve symmetrical retraction of the locking pins towards the center of the cover. In further embodiments, the respective components can also be coupled to the coupling element at other positions, so that a symmetrical design of the unlocking device is not necessarily required.

[0020] According to a further development, the arrangement comprises a hinge element and a folding lever, which are positioned on opposite sides of the roof frame and by means of which a ventilation position of the cover can be adjusted. This further development of the cover enables the previously described emergency release function and, in addition, allows the cover to be opened at least on one side to ventilate the vehicle interior. For this purpose, the arrangement features the folding lever, which, for example, in conjunction with the roof frame and the edge of the cover, forms predefined detent positions. When one of the lever elements is actuated, the hinge element and the folding lever are decoupled from the cover, so that it can be removed from the vehicle roof.Thus, the elements capable of unlocking remain on the cover and can be removed from the vehicle roof with it, and only the elements required to set a ventilation position of the cover remain on the roof frame, so that the emergency exit opening is not significantly restricted, especially compared to conventional emergency exits.

[0021] A vehicle roof according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a roof opening in the vehicle roof and an embodiment of the previously described arrangement for the vehicle roof, wherein the roof opening in the vehicle roof can be closed by means of the cover of the arrangement. The vehicle roof can be that of a conventional passenger car; in particular, the vehicle roof can be the roof of a heavy-duty vehicle, such as a bus. By means of the described features of the arrangement, a simple and reliable unlocking mechanism for the cover in the roof of the bus is thus realized, which contributes to safe operation and, in an emergency, allows the occupants to exit the bus with a simple movement from inside and / or outside. Since the vehicle roof comprises an embodiment of the previously described arrangement, all features and properties of the arrangement are also disclosed for the vehicle roof, and vice versa.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 An exemplary embodiment of a vehicle roof for a motor vehicle in a schematic plan view, Fig. 2A-2C an embodiment of an arrangement for the vehicle roof according to Fig. 1 in different views, Fig. 3A-3E is a further embodiment of the arrangement for the vehicle roof according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in different views.

[0023] Elements of the same construction or function are marked with the same reference symbols across all figures. For the sake of clarity, not all depicted elements may be marked with their corresponding reference symbols in every figure.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates in a top view a vehicle roof 5 for a motor vehicle, which includes an arrangement 1 with a cover 3 by means of which a roof opening in the vehicle roof 5 can be closed, which is bounded by a roof frame 7. As shown in the following Fig. As explained in more detail in sections 2A to 3E, arrangement 1 implements a reliable and easy-to-use unlocking mechanism to decouple and remove the cover 3 from the roof frame 7 and vehicle roof 5 in an emergency. Arrangement 1 thus contributes to the safe operation of the motor vehicle, which can be, for example, a passenger car, but especially a heavy-duty vehicle such as a bus.

[0025] In the Fig. Figures 2A to 2C illustrate an embodiment of the arrangement 1 in various views. The arrangement 1 has a release device comprising an inner lever element 10 and an outer lever element 30, as well as one or more actuating cables 12. The actuating cable 12 is coupled on one side to the lever elements 10 and 30 and on the other side to a respective coupling element 14, the axial ends of which are in turn coupled to a respective locking pin 16.

[0026] The inner lever element 10 is located on an inside and the outer lever element 30 on an outside of the cover 3. In an installed state of the arrangement 1 according to Fig. 1 The unlocking device can be transferred from a first state, in which the cover 3 is coupled to the roof frame 7 by means of the locking pins 16, to a second state, in which the cover 3 is decoupled from the roof frame 7 and can be removed from the vehicle roof 5, by means of the inner lever element 10 from a vehicle interior and / or by means of the outer lever element 30 from a vehicle exterior.

[0027] The release mechanism implemented by means of arrangement 1 is easy and requires minimal effort to operate. The ease of use of such a release mechanism for the cover 3 is particularly important in emergencies where time and stress make cumbersome mechanisms undesirable. The illustrated arrangement 1 allows the cover 3 to be decoupled from the roof frame 7 with a single movement and removed from the vehicle roof 5 by pushing from the inside or pulling from the outside, thus creating an opening for emergency exits.

[0028] In the embodiment according to the Fig. In sections 2A to 2C, the roof frame 7 has a lid seat 9 on which the lid 3 rests reliably in the first position. Furthermore, the roof frame 7 has two recesses 8 on opposite sides, into which a respective locking pin 16 engages in the first position of the unlocking device, thereby coupling the lid 3 to the roof frame 7. Thus, coupling and uncoupling of the lid 3 to the roof frame 7 and the vehicle roof 5 can be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0029] The recesses 8 are designed, for example, as elongated holes or channels extending vertically. In this context, "vertical" refers to an upward or downward direction with respect to a roadworthy vehicle; this corresponds, for example, to the z-direction as described in the Fig. 1. Coordinate system shown. On a lower section, the respective recess 8 has a depression in the roof frame 7, into which the respective locking pin 16 engages, preferably in a form-fitting manner, in the first state and thus reliably couples the cover 3 to the roof frame 7 and the vehicle roof 5.

[0030] When unlocking, the locking pins 16 are pulled out of the recess 8 towards the center of the cover by actuating the inner or outer lever element 10, 30 and the connected actuating cable 12, so that the cover 3 is moved into the second state and decoupled from the roof frame 7. The cover 3 can then be removed from the vehicle roof 5 by simply pushing from the inside or pulling from the outside.

[0031] The arrangement 1 can have an actuating cable 12 extending through the inner lever element 10 and coupled at each end by means of a coupling element 14 with two locking pins 16. Alternatively, the arrangement 1 has two actuating cables 12, each of which is coupled at one end to a coupling element 14 and the two associated locking pins 16 and at the other end to the inner lever element 10.

[0032] By turning or actuating one of the lever elements 10, 30, a tensile force is exerted on the actuating cables 12, which in turn is transmitted via the respective coupling element 14 to the associated locking pins 16, so that these are pulled out of the corresponding recesses 8 and their locking position. In this way, the locking pins 16 on both sides are released from the roof frame 7 by means of a handle, and the cover 3 is decoupled. The coupling elements 14 are, for example, designed as metal plates and enable a clear design and simple actuation of the arrangement 1. The respective actuating cable 12 is preferably coupled to the coupling element 14 in a central area to ensure that the locking pins 16 are retracted symmetrically towards the center of the cover.

[0033] Arrangement 1 thus allows the cover 3 to be unlocked and removed from both inside and outside with a simple movement. To prevent unauthorized opening from the outside, arrangement 1 further includes a safety lever 18, which is located on the inside of the cover 3 and is designed to prevent the unlocking device from being actuated by the outer lever element 30 in a first position. In a second position of the safety lever 18, rotation or actuation of the outer lever element 30 is permitted. The safety lever 18 secures the cover 3 and the unlocking mechanism from the inside and thus prevents misuse of the outer lever element 30 to open the roof opening from the outside.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiments, the safety lever 18 is arranged and designed on the inner lever element 10 such that, in the first position, it is folded downwards and extends from the inside of the cover 3 towards the vehicle interior. This allows the driver and vehicle occupants to easily and quickly see that the safety lever 18 is in the blocking position and prevents the outer lever element 30 from being actuated. In the second position, the safety lever 18 is folded inwards and extends along the inside of the vehicle roof 5 or the cover 3. Locking the outer lever element 30 by means of the safety lever 18 can preferably be performed after the end of a driving cycle and released again before the vehicle is used again.

[0035] Due to its described design, arrangement 1 allows for the largest possible opening of the roof in the vehicle roof 5, since all elements of the unlocking device are located on the cover 3 and remain attached to it when the cover 3 is uncoupled and removed. The released roof opening is therefore limited only by the roof frame 7, which defines the opening size of the vehicle roof 5. Thus, no elements remain on the roof frame 7 that could impede exiting through the exposed roof opening.

[0036] Arrangement 1 provides a clear and concise design for the release mechanism and contributes to a cost-effective and safe construction of the vehicle roof 5. After decoupling and removing the cover 3, it can be reused, in particular by repositioning the cover 3 in the roof frame 7 so that the locking pins 16 engage in the respective recesses 8 and the cover 3 returns to its initial state. This reusability allows for inspection and maintenance of the cover 3, especially to verify the functionality of the release mechanism.

[0037] Fig.Figures 3A to 3E illustrate a further embodiment of the arrangement 1 in various views. Beyond the simple unlocking of the cover 3 and the opening of the roof in the vehicle roof 5, the arrangement 1 is capable of assuming one or more fan positions to allow ventilation of the vehicle interior of the bus or car as desired. For this purpose, the arrangement 1 has a hinge element 22 and a folding lever 20, which are arranged on opposite sides of the roof frame 7.

[0038] By means of the folding lever 20, the cover 3 can, for example, assume predefined detent positions and form a ventilation gap. The locking pin(s) 16 can follow the cover 3 when it is raised within the predefined recesses 8, for example in the form of elongated holes or elongated channels. When one of the lever elements 10, 30 is actuated, the locking pins 16 are pulled out of the recesses 8 and the cover 3 is decoupled from the hinge element 22 and the folding lever 20. The cover 3 can thus be removed from the vehicle roof 5 with the elements required for unlocking, and only the components designed for setting a ventilation position remain on the roof frame 7: the hinge element 22 and the folding lever 20. Reference symbol list 1. Arrangement 3 lids 5 Vehicle roof 7 roof frames 8. Recess in the roof frame 9 Lid seat 10 inner lever element 12 operating cables 14 Coupling element 16 Locking pin 18 safety levers 20 folding levers 22 hinge element 30 outer lever element

Claims

[1] Arrangement (1) for a vehicle roof (5), comprising: - a cover (3) by means of which a roof opening in the vehicle roof (5) can be closed, which is limited by a roof frame (7), and - a release device comprising an inner lever element (10) and an outer lever element (30) as well as an actuating cable (12) which is coupled on one side to the lever elements (10, 30) and on the other side to a locking pin (16), wherein the inner lever element (10) is arranged on an inside and the outer lever element (30) on an outside of the cover (3) and wherein the release device can be transferred from a first state, in which the cover (3) is coupled to the roof frame (7) by means of the locking pin (16) from a vehicle interior and by means of the outer lever element (30) from a vehicle exterior, to a second state in which the cover (3) is decoupled from the roof frame (7) and can be removed from the vehicle roof (5) together with the release device. [2] Arrangement (1) according to claim 1, comprising a safety lever (18) which is arranged on the inside of the lid (3) and which, in a blocking first position, prevents actuation of the unlocking device at least by means of the outer lever element (30) and, in a second position, releases it. [3] Arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the safety lever (18) is arranged and designed on the inner lever element (10) such that in the first position it extends away from the inside of the lid (3) and in the second position along the inside of the lid (3). [4] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roof frame (7) has a recess (8) into which the locking pin (16) engages in the first state of the unlocking device and thereby couples the cover (3) to the roof frame (7). [5] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the unlocking device comprises two locking pins (16) and the roof frame (7) has a recess (8) on opposite sides into which a respective locking pin (16) engages in the first state of the unlocking device, wherein a respective locking pin (16) is coupled to an end of the actuating cable (12) by means of a coupling element (14). [6] Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a hinge element (22) and a folding lever (20) which are arranged on opposite sides of the roof frame (7) and by means of which a fan position of the cover (3) can be adjusted. [7] Vehicle roof (5) for a motor vehicle, comprising - a roof opening in the vehicle roof, and - an arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the roof opening in the vehicle roof (5) can be closed by means of the cover (3) of the arrangement (1).

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