Roof rack system for the roof of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof rack system (2) for a vehicle roof (1) of a motor vehicle, with respective support elements (3) which can be moved between a storage position and a use position, and with respective carrier elements (9) which are held in the use position on the vehicle roof (1) by means of the associated support elements (3). In order to create a roof rack system (2) which enables improved aerodynamics of the vehicle, which is easy to assemble and disassemble, and which can be used in a particularly advantageous way on several different vehicles, the support elements (3) each have quick-connect elements (10) to which quick-connect elements (11) of the respective associated carrier element (9) can be fixed in the operating position, whereby the support elements (3) can be moved into the storage position when the carrier elements (9) are removed. In particular, a sustainable roof rack system (2) can thus be created by using the same carrier elements (9) when changing vehicles or using several vehicles simultaneously. Furthermore, by using only one roof rack system (2), the storage space required for the carrier elements (9) when they are not in use can be minimized. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling and disassembling such a roof support system (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roof rack system for a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a roof rack system. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling and disassembling a roof rack system according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

[0002] A variety of different roof rack systems are known from the prior art. On the one hand, there are roof rack systems, particularly for SUVs, vans, or station wagons, that use roof-mounted roof rails, to whose bars extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction the actual roof rack is attached. The roof rack comprises respective support elements that extend transversely between the bars of the roof rails. A roof box, a bicycle rack, or the like, for example, can then be attached to the support elements.

[0003] On the other hand, there are roof rack systems, especially for vehicles with notchbacks or similar, in which respective fastening points are concealed beneath the vehicle roof flaps, to which, after opening the flaps, the respective support elements of the roof rack system can be secured. These support elements typically support carrier elements extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0004] While the aerodynamics and thus the energy consumption of vehicles with roof rails are negatively affected, the latter roof rack systems are relatively complex to install and remove from the vehicle roof, especially if the person installing the roof rack is alone.

[0005] DE 102 22 161 A1 already discloses a roof rack system for a motor vehicle roof, comprising respective support elements that can be displaced between a stowed position and a use position about a respective pivot axis extending horizontally and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the roof rack system comprises respective support elements that are connected to the associated support elements via respective guides, whereby the support elements can be displaced from a lowered position, which they are arranged in when the support elements are in the stowed position, into a use position, in which they are held on the vehicle roof at a height corresponding to the vehicle roof.

[0006] The disadvantage is that this roof rack system is relatively complex and creates a correspondingly jagged roof surface when the support elements and carrier elements are moved into the use position, which negatively impacts the vehicle's aerodynamics and thus its energy consumption. Furthermore, this roof rack system can only be used on the vehicle to which it is attached.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a roof rack system, a motor vehicle with such a roof rack system and a method for assembling and disassembling a roof rack system of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which improved aerodynamics of the vehicle is possible and by means of which the roof rack system can be easily assembled and disassembled, and can be used in a particularly advantageous manner in several different vehicles to increase sustainability.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a roof rack system for a vehicle roof having the features of patent claim 1, by motor vehicles having such a roof rack system having the features of patent claim 9, and by a method for assembling and disassembling a roof rack system having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The roof rack system according to the invention for a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle comprises respective support elements that can be moved between a stowed position and a use position. Furthermore, the roof rack system comprises respective support elements that are held on the vehicle roof in the use position by means of the associated support elements.

[0010] In order to create a roof rack system by means of which improved aerodynamics of the vehicle is possible, which is easy to assemble and disassemble, and which can be used in a particularly advantageous manner in several different vehicles, the support elements have respective quick-connection elements to which quick-connection elements of the respectively assigned carrier element can be fixed in the use position, wherein the support elements can be moved into the stowed position when the carrier elements are removed.

[0011] According to the invention, separate support elements are provided, which can be separated from the carrier elements or are detachable from them. These support elements can be moved, for example, extended, between their respective stowed position and their respective use position. By removing the carrier elements beforehand, the support elements can be moved into a stowed position in which they have no or only a minimal impact on the vehicle's aerodynamics, thus enabling extremely efficient and energy-saving driving when the roof rack system is not in use. Furthermore, the support elements can be positioned in the stowed position in such a way that they do not impair the appearance of the vehicle roof.

[0012] The support elements, which can be attached and removed using the respective quick-connecting elements, allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the roof rack system. The quick-connecting elements can be formed, for example, by screw elements, snap-in connection elements (clips), plug-in connection elements, magnetic elements, or similar elements, possibly also in a combination of different means. The key feature of the quick-connecting elements is that the support elements can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily, ideally by a single person.

[0013] Finally, a particularly significant advantage is that the support elements can be used with different roof rack systems or attached to different support elements on multiple vehicle roofs. This allows for the creation of a sustainable roof rack system, for example, by using the same support elements when changing vehicles or using multiple vehicles in parallel. Furthermore, by using only one roof rack system, the storage space for the support elements when not in use can be minimized.

[0014] Particularly in premium vehicles, it has proven advantageous in a further embodiment of the invention if the support elements can be moved between the use position and the stowed position by means of a drive. For example, switching via a button, remote control, or the like is conceivable. Thus, the invention enables particularly convenient extension and retraction of the support elements. However, in more simply equipped vehicles, manual or semi-automatic adjustment, for example, against the spring force of the respective spring elements, is also conceivable for adjusting the support elements.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the support elements have respective paneling areas that, when stowed, are essentially flush with the vehicle roof or are similarly adapted to the vehicle roof. This results in the desired advantageous aerodynamics of the vehicle and the calm appearance of the vehicle roof.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, respective receptacles are arranged in cavities of the vehicle roof, particularly in roof frames or roof pillars, into which the associated support elements can be moved into the stowed position. This allows the support elements to be lowered particularly conveniently into the vehicle roof, even in larger configurations.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the support elements can be moved linearly in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the respective stowed position and the respective use position. This allows for particularly simple and trouble-free adjustment of the support elements, and the receptacles in which the support elements are arranged in the stowed position can be arranged at least substantially in such a way that, once the support elements have been moved into the use position, they are concealed by the support elements or are not visible from the outside. This also allows for particularly favorable aerodynamics of the vehicle roof.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the quick-connection elements of the respective carrier element are adjustable in their mutual spacing. This means that the respective carrier element can be adapted to different spacings between the respective support elements. Different spacings between the respective support elements can arise, for example, in roof rack systems on different vehicle roofs. This means that, for example, respective carrier elements can be fixed to support elements of different vehicle roofs with different spacings or orientations of the support elements. Thus, the carrier elements can continue to be used in the new vehicle, for example, even after a vehicle change.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, adaptation to the varying distance between the respective support elements can be achieved, in particular, by adjusting the mutual spacing of the quick-connecting elements of the respective support element. This can be achieved, for example, by designing the support elements in a telescopic manner. Theoretically, there are of course other possibilities for length adjustment, for example, by means of suitable adapters or the like, by means of which the length of the support elements could be varied.

[0020] If the support elements are telescopically or similarly adjustable in length, this can be done continuously or in steps. For example, a clamping device can be provided between the telescopic parts of the support elements to secure them to one another after continuous adjustment. Alternatively, stepped locking elements can be provided between the telescopic parts of the support elements, with the steps by which the telescopic parts of the support elements can be adjusted corresponding to the respective distances between the support elements.

[0021] The above advantages mentioned in connection with the roof rack system according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to patent claim 9 and to the method for assembling and disassembling a roof rack system according to patent claim 10.

[0022] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figure, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a passenger car designed as an SUV with a roof rack system, which has respective support elements arranged on the vehicle roof and separately shown support elements that can be attached thereto, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view along a sectional plane running in the vehicle transverse direction and vehicle vertical direction through the vehicle roof with respective support elements which are in the retracted stowed position, and Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view along a cutting plane running in the vehicle transverse direction and vehicle vertical direction through the vehicle roof analogous to Fig. 2, wherein the respective support elements are displaced from the retracted storage position into an extended use position, in which an associated carrier element is fixed to the support elements via respective quick-connecting elements.

[0024] According to Fig. 1, four support elements 3 of a roof rack system 2 are schematically indicated on a vehicle roof 1 of a passenger car, for example designed as an SUV, namely two front and two rear support elements 3 in pairs.

[0025] One of these pairs of support elements 3, which are essentially identical in the present case, are in Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view along a section plane extending in the vehicle transverse direction and vehicle vertical direction through the vehicle roof 1. According to Fig. 2, the support elements 3 are located within respective receptacles 6 in a stowed position, in which they are ideally arranged completely recessed and, for example, flush with a surface 4 of a roof element 5 of the vehicle roof 1. The support elements 3 have, for example, respective upper cladding regions 6, which, in the stowed position, form a flat surface with the surface 4 of the roof element 5. In particular, the cladding regions 6 are adapted to the material, color, and / or surface structure of the surface 4 of the roof element 5. In particular, uniform paint finishes, plastics, glass, or the like can be used.

[0026] As an alternative to a flush design of the paneling areas 6 with the surface 4 of the roof element 5, the support elements 3 in the stowed position can also be adapted to the vehicle roof 1 in a different way and, for example, be arranged slightly above the surface 4 of the roof element 5 or recessed relative to it. Theoretically, it would also be conceivable to recess the support elements 3 below respective flaps, in particular automatically closable and openable flaps, which, for example, end flush with the surface 4 of the roof element 5 after closing.

[0027] Particularly advantageous and desirable is the possibility of moving the support elements 3 into an aerodynamic stowage position when the roof rack system 2 is not in use, in particular to keep the energy consumption of the vehicle low when driving.

[0028] In the present case, the support elements 3 are arranged, for example, in their respective stowed position in associated receptacles 7 within the vehicle roof 1.

[0029] From the Fig. 2, the support elements 3 are arranged in accordance with the Fig. 1 shown arrows p into a respective position of use, as can be seen from Fig. 3 becomes clear. Fig. 3 shows analogously to Fig. 2 a sectional view along a cutting plane running in the vehicle transverse direction and vehicle vertical direction through the vehicle roof 1.

[0030] In the present exemplary embodiment, the respective receptacles 7 of the associated support elements 3 have, for example, a cross-section adapted to the outer circumference, so that they can serve as guides for the support elements 3. For example, it would be conceivable to design the support elements 3 cylindrically or prismatically, with the receptacles 7 then being adapted to be hollow cylindrical or hollow prismatic, respectively. Of course, separate guides or similar displacement devices for displacing the support elements 3 between the stowed position and the use position would also be conceivable. By means of the guides or receptacles 7, the support elements 3 can be adjusted at least substantially linearly between the stowed position and the use position.However, other displacement movements, for example arcuate movements, pivoting displacements or pivoting-sliding displacements of the support elements 3 between the stowed position and the use position would also be conceivable.

[0031] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, for example, a respective actuator / drive 8 is arranged within the receptacle 7, by means of which the associated support element 3 can be displaced between the use position and the stowed position. For example, switching via a button, remote control, or the like is conceivable. This enables particularly convenient extension and retraction of the support elements 3. In more simply equipped vehicles, however, manual or semi-automatic adjustment, for example, against the spring force of the respective spring elements, is also conceivable to adjust the support elements 3.

[0032] A particularly space-saving arrangement of the respective receptacles 7 with the associated actuators / drives 8 and support elements 3 is shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is realized by accommodating them in corresponding cavities of the vehicle roof 1, in particular, as shown here, in corresponding roof frames 9 or roof pillars. Of course, the receptacles 7 with the associated actuators / drives 8 and support elements 3 can also be arranged elsewhere.

[0033] Are the support elements 3 according to Fig. 3 are arranged in their respective positions of use, the respective Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 and extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle and essentially horizontally. For this purpose, the support elements 3 on the one hand and the carrier elements 9 on the other hand have, for example, respective Fig.3 schematically indicated quick-connection elements 10, 11, via which the carrier elements 9 can be fixed to the associated support elements 3 in their use position. It should be noted that the quick-connection elements 10, 11 can be designed in a wide variety of conventional forms. For example, locking means, screw connection means, plug-in connection means, magnetic means, or combinations thereof can be used, which are referred to here collectively as quick-connection elements 10, 11.

[0034] It is essential that the support elements 9 can be attached to the vehicle roof on the associated support elements 3 as quickly and easily as possible with just a few simple steps - if possible by one person.

[0035] When the roof rack system 2 is not in use, the support elements 9 are removed from the support elements 3 and stowed, for example, in the vehicle's cargo area or elsewhere. After removing the support elements 9, the support elements 3 can be moved from the respective use position to the corresponding stowed position.

[0036] It is also particularly advantageous if the quick-connection elements 11 of the respective support element 9 are adjustable in their mutual spacing. For example, it would be very easy to use the support elements 9 on different vehicles, including different vehicle types, different designs, or the like. In particular, the support elements 9 and their spacing can be adjusted by continuously or in stages. Here, the support elements 9 can be configured, for example, telescopically in a region 13.

[0037] Additional structures such as bicycle racks, roof boxes, ski racks, or the like can be attached to the support elements 9, for example, in the manner of roof rails. Likewise, the support elements 9 can also be designed or provided with supports so that, for example, objects such as ladders, boards, pipes, or the like can be directly loaded onto them.

[0038] Overall, a roof rack system 2 is thus created, which is preferably used universally in different vehicles, in that the respective support elements 3 and the associated carrier elements 9 have standardized quick-connection elements 10, 11. The carrier elements 9 can only be attached to the support elements 3 when they are in the extended use positions. Conversely, the carrier elements 9 must be removed before retracting the support elements 3, so that after retracting the support elements 3, a surface 4 of the roof element 5 of the vehicle roof 1 is created that is as smooth and aerodynamically favorable as possible.

[0039] The adaptability of the distances between the quick-connecting elements 11 of the support elements 9, for example by adjusting their length (telescopically), enables the roof rack system 2 to continue to be used even when changing vehicles, provided that the new vehicle also has the corresponding support elements 3. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle roof 2 roof rack system 3 support elements 4 Surface 5 roof element 6 cladding areas 7 recordings 8 actuators / drives 9 support elements 10 quick-connect elements 11 quick-connect elements 12 roof frames 13 Area QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 22 161 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Roof rack system (2) for a vehicle roof (1) of a motor vehicle, with respective support elements (3) which can be displaced between a stowed position and a use position, and with respective carrier elements (9) which are held on the vehicle roof (1) in the use position by means of the associated support elements (3), characterized by , that the support elements (3) have respective quick-connection elements (10) to which quick-connection elements (11) of the respectively associated carrier element (9) can be fixed in the position of use, and that the support elements (3) can be moved into the stowed position when the carrier elements (9) are removed. [2] Roof rack system (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the support elements (3) can be displaced between the use position and the stowed position by means of a drive (8). [3] Roof rack system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the support elements (3) have respective cladding areas (6) which, in the stowed position of the support elements (3), are substantially flush with the vehicle roof (1) or are similarly adapted to the vehicle roof (1). [4] Roof rack system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in cavities of the vehicle roof (1), in particular in roof frames (12) or roof pillars, respective receptacles (7) are arranged, in which the associated support elements (3) can be displaced into the stowed position. [5] Roof rack system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support elements (3) can be displaced linearly in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the respective stowed position and the respective use position. [6] Roof rack system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the quick-connecting elements (10, 11) of the respective support element (9) are adjustable in their mutual distance. [7] Roof rack system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support elements (9) can be adjusted continuously or in stages in their length. [8] Roof rack system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support elements (9) are telescopic. [9] Motor vehicle with a roof rack system (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for assembling and disassembling a roof carrier system (2) for a vehicle roof (1) of a motor vehicle, in which respective support elements (3) are displaced between a stowed position and a use position, in which respective carrier elements (9) are held in the use position on the vehicle roof (1) by means of the associated support elements (3), characterized bythat the support elements (3) are moved into the stowed position when the carrier elements (9) are removed, in which position the support elements (3) are fixed in the use position by means of respective quick-connection elements (10, 11) to quick-connection elements (10, 11) of the respectively associated carrier element.

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