Frame arrangement for a roof opening of a vehicle roof and roof arrangement

Abstract

Frame arrangement for a roof opening (101) of a vehicle roof (102), comprising: - a frame element (104) with a first elongated area (105) extending along a first direction (X) and a second elongated area (106) extending along a second direction (Y), wherein the first area (105) and second area (106) adjoin each other in a frame corner area (107) and enclose an angle (108), - a reinforcing element (109) which is connected to the frame element (104) in the frame corner area (107) and which has a reinforcing bead (110) for reinforcing the frame arrangement (104), wherein - the first area (105) is formed by means of a first component (111) and the second area (106) is formed by means of a second component (112), wherein the two components (111, 112) are coupled together in the frame corner area (107), and wherein the frame element (104) has: - - a first extensive coupling area (113) for coupling with the vehicle roof (102) and - - a second, extensive coupling area (114) for coupling with a kinematic system (115), - wherein the first coupling area (113) is formed along a first plane (116) and the second coupling area (114) is formed along a second plane (117), and the first plane (116) and the second plane (117) are spaced apart from each other in a third direction (Z), wherein the third direction (Z) is perpendicular to the first direction (X), - wherein the reinforcing bead (110) extends diagonally from the first coupling area (113) to the second coupling area (114).

Description

[0001] The application relates to a frame arrangement for a roof opening of a vehicle roof, in particular of a motor vehicle, as well as a roof arrangement for a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Roof frames, for example, serve to secure a functional unit such as a sunroof or the kinematics of a sunroof within the designated opening in the vehicle roof. US Patent 6,786,538 B1 discloses a roof frame designed to stabilize the vehicle roof.

[0003] DE 10 2013 020 866 A1 relates to a motor vehicle roof which has a roof skin made of an aluminum base material with a roof opening. The roof opening is surrounded by a reinforcing frame made of an aluminum base material, which overlaps the roof skin at the edges of the roof opening and is connected to it by numerous weld points.

[0004] DE 10 2015 200 169 B3 relates to a motor vehicle roof with a reinforcement frame arranged around a roof opening, wherein the reinforcement frame has four reinforcement frame elements, wherein the reinforcement frame elements are connected to each other by means of connection arrangements, wherein the connection arrangement comprises an overlap area of ​​two reinforcement frame elements

[0005] DE 11 08 577 A relates to a sliding roof for vehicles, the essential parts of which are formed by a construction consisting exclusively of sheet steel, in which the opening, which can be closed by means of a cover insert, is provided at its edges with a reinforcing frame for stiffening.

[0006] DE 10 2005 047 390 B4 relates to a frame for roof systems in the motor vehicle sector, with at least two longitudinal elements and at least two transverse elements.

[0007] It is desirable to specify a stable frame arrangement for a roof opening in a vehicle roof. Furthermore, it is desirable to specify a roof design incorporating such a frame arrangement.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment, a frame arrangement for a roof opening of a vehicle roof comprises a frame element. The frame element has a first region extending elongated along a first direction and a second region extending elongated along a second direction. The first region and the second region adjoin each other at a frame corner. The first region and the second region form an angle with each other. According to embodiments, the angle is not equal to 180° or 360°, for example, the angle is between 75° and 110°. The frame arrangement comprises a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is connected to the frame element at the frame corner. The reinforcing element has a reinforcing bead to strengthen the frame arrangement. In particular, a single reinforcing bead or a plurality of reinforcing beads are provided on the reinforcing element.

[0009] According to embodiments, the frame element is not formed in one piece, but is composed of, for example, four individual parts, each of which essentially represents one side of a quadrilateral. The frame element is made, for example, of a sheet of steel or another sheet metal or plastic. The frame element has, for example, an essentially quadrilateral outer shape and usually a predominantly quadrilateral smaller cutout in the interior, which, in operation, provides access to the opening of the sunroof. The frame element should be statically robust at the corners, especially if individual parts are connected at the corners. In particular, with so-called modular roof frames, where the frame element is composed of several components, a statically robust connection of the individual components is possible by means of the reinforcing element.

[0010] The roof opening is generally larger than the opening of the sunroof within the frame element. This roof opening initially weakens the vehicle's stability, for example, by lowering the torsional natural frequency of the entire vehicle body compared to closed roofs, thus making it more torsionally flexible. The frame element, which is bonded or otherwise fixed to the body, therefore has a significant influence on the body's torsional stiffness. The frame element, reinforced by a structural element, is stiff against displacement in the horizontal plane, where the angles in the corner regions of the essentially rectangular frame element shift, similar to a parallelogram. However, the frame assembly is usually not simply a planar plate, but rather curved to match the curvature of the vehicle roof and exhibits a corresponding vertical profile.Thus, conventional vertical deformations of the roof frame can also occur, which would further increase the frame's flexibility. These vertical deformations are also reduced by the reinforcing element in the patented frame arrangement. The natural frequency of the entire vehicle body is noticeably increased when the frame arrangement is installed, compared to frame arrangements without the patented reinforcing element. Complex reinforcements of the front corners of the frame element are unnecessary. This also saves weight and costs.

[0011] The reinforcing rib of the reinforcement element has a height and horizontal extent that are maximized by the available space in the assembled state and by the manufacturing technology. In the ready-to-use state, the reinforcing rib extends from the inside out, i.e., from the direction of the opening of the frame assembly to the vehicle body. According to embodiments, the reinforcing element is a separate component from the frame element. Thus, the reinforcing rib does not need to be formed on the frame element itself. This avoids weak points in the sealing concept. The reinforcing rib is formed in the additional reinforcing element, which doubles the sheet metal of the frame element.

[0012] The frame element has a first, extensive coupling area for connection to the vehicle roof. The frame element has a second, extensive coupling area for

[0013] The coupling is achieved with a kinematic system. This kinematic system includes, for example, a guide rail, a drive carriage, and / or other elements to move and guide a movable roof element relative to the frame assembly. The first coupling area is formed along a first plane. The second coupling area is formed along a second plane. The first and second planes are spaced apart from each other in a third direction. The first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other. The reinforcing rib extends diagonally from the first coupling area to the second coupling area.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the first coupling area is connected to the second coupling area by means of a flank. The reinforcing bead extends from the flank to the first coupling area.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, a roof assembly for the roof of a motor vehicle comprises a frame assembly as defined in at least one embodiment. The roof assembly includes a movable roof element that is coupled to the frame assembly and is displaceable relative to the frame assembly. Further advantages, features, and developments will become apparent from the following examples, which are explained in conjunction with the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements may be designated with the same reference numerals across all figures.

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a corner area according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a corner area according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a corner area according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a frame arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment, and Fig. 6 a schematic cross-sectional view of a frame arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the roof 102 of a motor vehicle 103. A longitudinal direction X runs between the windshield and the rear of the motor vehicle 103. The roof 102 has a roof opening 101. The roof opening 101 can be closed by means of one or more roof elements 201 of a roof assembly 200. The roof assembly 200 has a frame assembly 100. The frame assembly 100 serves, for example, to couple the roof element 201 with the rest of the vehicle roof 102. For example, a guide rail 202 ( Fig. 5) coupled to the frame assembly 100. The roof element 201 is in turn coupled to the guide rail 202. Movement of the roof element 201 relative to the rest of the vehicle roof 102 is guided by the guide rail 202.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the frame arrangement 100 according to an embodiment. The corner opposite along the Y-direction and / or the other corners of the frame arrangement are designed to correspond according to embodiments.

[0019] The frame assembly 100 includes a frame element 104, which is formed, for example, from a sheet metal part. The frame element 104 can be coupled to the vehicle roof 102 by means of a first coupling area 113. The frame element 104 serves as an interface between the vehicle roof 102 and the roof element 201. The frame element 104 can be inserted into the roof opening 101. For example, the frame element 104 is bonded or otherwise attached to the vehicle body at the first coupling area 113.

[0020] The frame element 104 is in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2. A first component 111 and a second component 112 are assembled together. Further components, corresponding to the first component and the second component 111, 112, are present on the two other sides, resulting in the essentially rectangular shape.

[0021] The first component 111 is, for example, a sheet metal profile, which is formed separately from the second component 112. The second component 112 is also, for example, a sheet metal profile. The first component 111 and / or the second component 112 can also be made of plastic. In its assembled state, the first component 111 extends, for example, along a side edge of the roof opening 101 in the vehicle roof 102 along the X-direction. In its ready-to-use state, the second component 112 faces, for example, the windshield side and extends along the Y-direction.

[0022] The first component 111 and the second component 112 are connected to each other in a frame corner region 107. In the frame corner region 107, the first component 111 and the second component 112 enclose an angle 108. The angle 108 is, in particular, less than 180° and greater than 10°. For example, the angle 108 is approximately 90°, and in particular between 70° and 110°. Thus, a first region 105 of the frame element 104 is formed, which is defined by the first component 111. A second region 106 of the frame element 104 is formed, which is defined by the second component 112.

[0023] In particular, the first component 111 has a second coupling area 114. The second coupling area 114 serves as a mounting surface for a kinematic element 115, for example for the guide rail 202 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). As also from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the first coupling area 113 extends along a first plane 116. The second coupling area 114 extends along a second plane 117. The first plane 116 is spaced from the second plane 117 along the Z-direction. A flank 118 extends between the first coupling area 113 and the second coupling area 114.

[0024] In the corner region 107, a reinforcing element 109 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment has two reinforcing beads 110. More or fewer than two reinforcing beads 110 can also be provided, depending in particular on the desired degree of reinforcement and the available installation space. The reinforcing element 109 is, in particular, a sheet metal part and, for example, an integral component of the second component 112. The bead 110 is a recess in the sheet metal extending from the first coupling region in the negative Z-direction. Starting from the second coupling region 114, the reinforcing beads 110 each project beyond a base surface 120 of the reinforcing element 109 in the Z-direction.

[0025] The frame assembly 100, for example, has the first coupling area 113, which is curved and runs approximately parallel to the roof surface, slightly lower than the outer roof surface in the assembled state. The frame assembly 100 also has the second coupling area 114, which is lower in the Z-direction. The second coupling area 114 serves to attach the kinematics 115, usually the guide rails 202. The two coupling areas 113 and 114 are connected to each other via the essentially vertical flank 118. The lower second coupling area 114 extends around an inner roof cutout 121 ( Fig. 5) the frame arrangement 100 around at approximately a constant width. Likewise, the surface of the flank 118 extends around the inner roof cutout of the frame arrangement 100 at a more or less constant distance.

[0026] The reinforcing element 109 with the reinforcing beads 110 reduces buckling or movement of the frame element 104 in the vertical direction, i.e., along the Z-direction. Bending of the frame in the corner regions 107 about the vertical axis can be avoided. This bending would cause the first coupling region 113 to bulge upwards. The flank 118 and the second coupling region 114 would either remain at a constant angle to the horizontal in the corner or bulge downwards in the negative Z-direction. Since this bulging would conventionally occur to a particularly high degree in the corner regions 107 of the frame assembly 100, the corner regions 107 are each reinforced with an associated reinforcing element 119, as per the application. Thus, the overall stiffness of the motor vehicle 100 is increased. In particular, buckling of the flank 118 in the Z-direction is prevented.

[0027] The reinforcing ribs 110 each have a height and horizontal extent that are limited by the available space of the surrounding components and the manufacturing technique. For example, the reinforcing rib 110 has a width in the XY plane of a few centimeters, for example, between 1 cm and 3 cm. The reinforcing rib 110 also has a length in the XY plane that is longer than its width, for example, between 2 cm and 10 cm. The reinforcing ribs 110 each connect the flank 118 to the first coupling area 113. On the flank 118, the reinforcing ribs 110 each extend vertically downwards to near the second coupling area 114. On the first coupling area 113, the reinforcing ribs 110 each extend horizontally to as close as possible to the roof cutout of the body.Along their extension direction, the reinforcing ribs 110 each run either straight or slightly concave.

[0028] The reinforcing bead 110 begins, for example, in the frame corner region 107 on the flank 118, particularly at the front corners of the frame assembly 100, i.e., the two corners that face the windshield when installed. If only a single reinforcing bead 110 is provided per corner region 107, this reinforcing bead 110 preferably points directly into the corner of the roof cutout in the body. If multiple reinforcing beads 110 are provided per frame corner region 107, these each point substantially perpendicularly outwards from the flank 118.

[0029] If the frame element 104 is formed from the separate components 111 and 112, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, components 111 and 112 overlap, particularly in the frame corner area 107. The reinforcing ribs 110 are formed in this area by the second component 112, which lies below in the assembled state, in the corner area 107. The two components 111 and 112 overlap in the corner area 107 anyway. Compared to a frame element 104 without the reinforcing element 109 and the reinforcing ribs 110, the overlap area is made larger than would be necessary for simply joining the two components 111 and 112. This creates space for the reinforcing ribs 110 in the area where the two components 111 and 112 overlap.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows the frame arrangement 100 according to a further embodiment. The frame arrangement 100 essentially corresponds to the frame arrangement 100 according to [reference missing]. Fig. 2. Unlike Fig. 2 is the frame element 104 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 3. Formed in one piece. The reinforcing element 109 is a separate component within the frame element 104.

[0031] If the reinforcing beads 110 cannot be formed directly from one of the components 111, 112, it is possible to form the reinforcing element 109 as a separate component.

[0032] The separate reinforcing element 109 is connected by means of one or more connections 119 ( Fig. 6) connected to the frame element 104, for example by welding, riveting, bonding, or other joining techniques. The separate reinforcing element 109 is, in particular, a sheet metal part, for example, a steel sheet. The separate reinforcing element 109 allows a flat surface of the second coupling area 113 on the side facing away from the reinforcing ribs 110. Thus, it is possible to attach a seal, in particular a top seal, to the side of the first coupling area 113 facing away from the reinforcing ribs 110, which, for example, seals the roof element 201 against the frame assembly 100 when closed. This seal (not explicitly shown) is, for example, bonded to the side of the first coupling area 113 facing away from the reinforcing ribs 110 by means of double-sided adhesive tape. This bond is not weakened by the reinforcing ribs 110, since these are located in the separate reinforcing element 119 on the underside.This also prevents a weakening of the frame element 104 along the flank 118 and the second coupling area 114 in the horizontal direction and for forces in the direction of the flank 118. The stiffness in the corner area 107 is increased.

[0033] The separate reinforcing element 109 thus doubles the sheet metal of the frame element 104. For example, the shape of the reinforcing element 109 corresponds to the shape of the frame element 104 with a slight offset ( Fig. 6) In some areas, the reinforcing ribs 110 are formed in which the shape of the reinforcing element 109 differs from the shape of the frame element 104.

[0034] If the depth of the reinforcing ribs 110 exceeds the ductility of the material of the reinforcing element 109, the reinforcing plate can be raised downwards in the corner region 107 between the flank 118 and the first coupling region 113, so that it does not rest on the first coupling region 113 in the corner region 107, but is spaced apart from it. This allows the depth of the reinforcing ribs 110 to be reduced. Likewise, the radii in the corner regions 107 can be increased to facilitate manufacturability.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the frame arrangement 100 according to Fig. 2 with the mounted guide rail 202. The guide rail is arranged at the second coupling area 114 in the first area 105 on the first component 111. For example, the guide rail 202 partially overlaps the reinforcement element 109.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 shows the frame arrangement 100 in a top view. Guide rails 202 are arranged on both sides of the inner roof cutout 121, extending in the X direction. In particular, the two front corner areas 107 are each equipped with a reinforcing element 109.

[0037] The frame arrangement 100 according to the application enables the stiffening of the vehicle body of the motor vehicle 103, in particular an increase in the torsional natural frequency of the body about the longitudinal axis by, for example, several Hertz. For example, the torsional natural frequency of the body is in the range of approximately 50 Hertz. The reinforcing elements 109 with the reinforcing beads 110 can, for example, in the case of the modular roof frame as in connection with Fig.Figure 2 explains that the natural frequency of the motor vehicle 103 is increased by 0.7 Hertz compared to a one-piece roof frame without the reinforcing element 109. The reinforcing element 109 is particularly lighter and easier to install than conventional reinforcing corners without reinforcing ribs 110, which are bolted to the vehicle. The reinforcing element 109 is connected to the frame element 104 before the frame assembly 100 is mounted on the motor vehicle 103. Thus, a frame assembly 100 and a roof assembly 200 can be realized that are easy to install, comparatively lightweight, cost-effective, and yet exhibit high rigidity.

Claims

[1] Frame arrangement for a roof opening (101) of a vehicle roof (102), comprising: - a frame element (104) with a first elongated area (105) extending along a first direction (X) and a second elongated area (106) extending along a second direction (Y), wherein the first area (105) and second area (106) adjoin each other in a frame corner area (107) and enclose an angle (108), - a reinforcing element (109) which is connected to the frame element (104) in the frame corner area (107) and which has a reinforcing bead (110) for reinforcing the frame arrangement (104), wherein - the first area (105) is formed by means of a first component (111) and the second area (106) is formed by means of a second component (112), wherein the two components (111, 112) are coupled together in the frame corner area (107), and wherein the frame element (104) has: - - a first extensive coupling area (113) for coupling with the vehicle roof (102) and - - a second, extensive coupling area (114) for coupling with a kinematic system (115), - wherein the first coupling area (113) is formed along a first plane (116) and the second coupling area (114) is formed along a second plane (117), and the first plane (116) and the second plane (117) are spaced apart from each other in a third direction (Z), wherein the third direction (Z) is perpendicular to the first direction (X), - wherein the reinforcing bead (110) extends diagonally from the first coupling area (113) to the second coupling area (114). [2] Frame arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling area (113) is connected to the second coupling area (114) by means of a flank (118), and the reinforcing bead (110) extends from the flank (118) to the first coupling area (113). [3] Frame arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing element (109) is an integral part of the frame element (104). [4] Frame arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcing element (109) is formed separately from the frame element (104). [5] Frame arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing element (109) comprises a sheet. [6] Frame arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reinforcing element (109) has a plurality of reinforcing beads (110). [7] Roof arrangement for a vehicle roof (102), comprising: - a frame arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - a movable roof element (201) that is coupled to the frame arrangement (100) and is displaceable relative to the frame arrangement (100).

Images