Roof structure of a vehicle with integrated mounting for attaching a roof rack

Abstract

A roof structure of a vehicle is provided, comprising a receptacle integrated into the roof structure for fastening a roof rack, wherein the receptacle comprises: at least one fastening element per roof side, which is formed to receive a fastening screw of the roof rack, and a magnetic field sensor running around at least one of the fastening elements and integrated into the roof structure, which magnetic field sensor is designed to detect a magnetic field change in the region of the fastening element, which change is triggered by introducing a fastening screw, which is formed from a material that can influence a magnetic field, into the fastening element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roof structure of a vehicle with an integrated holder for attaching a roof rack.

[0002] Roof racks are usually attached using four bolts. These are located in the body, specifically in the side edges of the roof. If a roof rack is attached to a vehicle equipped with an outward-opening sliding or tilting roof, it may collide with the base of the roof rack. To prevent this, the vehicle's electronics (a corresponding control unit) can detect the roof rack and restrict the roof's movement accordingly.

[0003] Patent application DE 10 2009 038 935 A1 describes a detection device for a sliding and / or tilting roof on a vehicle. It uses sensors to detect a roof structure attached to the vehicle roof and can restrict or interrupt the movement of the sliding and / or tilting roof to avoid a collision. The sensor can be designed as a button that detects the attachment or detachment of the roof structure.

[0004] DE 10 2004 008 174 A1 describes a method and a device for controlling the movement of a lid on a vehicle roof, which can be opened and closed as needed. A sensor detects whether a roof rack is installed on the vehicle roof. If one is installed and the switch to open the lid is activated, a control prevents the lid from moving beyond a certain range. Several sensors can be installed, positioned in the area of the roof rack attachment. The sensors can be integrated into a roof module. They are designed as microswitches.

[0005] DE 10 2012 014 696 B4 concerns a roof rack system for a vehicle, consisting of a roof rail and a load carrier. The load carrier has a mounting projection that engages and closes a recess in the roof rail. A cover serves to close the recess when the load carrier is not installed. The recess can be detected using a magnet and a magnetic field sensor, and the vehicle's control unit can react accordingly.

[0006] DE 10 2012 005 888 A1 discloses a profile strip for a vehicle-mounted support structure. The profile strip has at least one recess for receiving a securing means of a roof rack device, wherein the cross-section of the profile strip is shaped such that a roof rack device can be releasably fastened to the profile strip only by the engagement of at least one securing means present in the roof rack device into the at least one recess of the profile strip. Furthermore, at least one sensor device is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field in the region of the recess and / or the engagement of a securing means in the recess. The profile strip is a separate component that is attached to the body. Cables leading into the interior of the body must be sealed from the wet area.

[0007] Documents DE 10 2004 031 224 A1 and DE 10 2011 116 195 A1 describe sensors arranged on a roof area to detect the roof load. These sensors are always in mechanical contact with the roof structure. Document DE 10 2014 203 558 A1 describes a fastening arrangement for a roof attachment of a motor vehicle using a blind rivet. Magnetic field sensors and various applications are known from DE 10 2020 208 804 A1 and DE 39 01 678 A1.

[0008] Current roof rack detection systems require complex sealing to the bodywork to separate the dry area from the wet area. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved roof rack detection system. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A roof structure of a vehicle is proposed, comprising a receptacle integrated into the roof structure for fastening a roof rack, wherein the receptacle comprises: at least one fastening element per roof side, which is designed to receive a fastening screw of the roof rack, and a magnetic field sensor running around at least one of the fastening elements and integrated into the roof structure, which is designed to detect a magnetic field change in the region of the fastening element, which change is triggered by introducing a fastening screw, which is made of a material that can influence a magnetic field, into the fastening element.

[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that a signal connection is provided between the magnetic field sensor and a vehicle-internal control unit, via which a signal can be transmitted between the magnetic field sensor and the vehicle-internal control unit when a magnetic field change is detected by the magnetic field sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that two fastening elements are provided on each side of the vehicle, which are positioned at a predetermined distance from one another along a longitudinal side of the vehicle, wherein two fastening elements opposite one another across a vehicle width are each designed to fasten a roof rack formed as a cross member thereto.

[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that the magnetic field sensor is designed as a Hall sensor. Furthermore, it is provided that the fastening elements are designed as rivet nuts.

[0013] Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed, comprising the body-side roof structure.

[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that the vehicle has a roof rack fastened to its roof structure, which is formed as two cross members, each of which is fastened with its fastening areas by means of a fastening screw to fastening elements lying opposite one another across a vehicle width, wherein a circumferential magnetic field sensor is provided around at least one of the fastening elements, and the fastening screw screwed in there is formed from a material that can influence a magnetic field.

[0015] Furthermore, a method for controlling a functionality of a vehicle with the body-side roof structure is proposed, wherein, in the event that it is detected that a roof rack is mounted on the roof structure, this information is processed in such a way that a sliding / tilting roof of the vehicle is limited in its movement in a predetermined manner, and / or when driving into a height-restricted area is detected, an optical and / or acoustic warning message is output within the vehicle, which indicates the presence of the roof rack.

[0016] Furthermore, it is provided that in the event that an outward-opening sliding / tilting roof of the vehicle is limited in its movement in a predetermined manner, corresponding information is shown on a display inside the vehicle.

[0017] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which illustrate details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination in a variant of the invention.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle roof with mounted roof racks according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of important components of the roof rack detection system without a roof rack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of important components of the roof rack detection system with roof rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the following descriptions of the figures, the same elements or functions are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0020] As already mentioned in the introduction, many vehicles offer the option of attaching a roof rack to the roof. Some vehicles have what are known as roof rails as a mounting bracket, which come in two different designs. In one design, the roof rails are attached to the vehicle roof, while in another, they are positioned at a distance from it. A roof rack or other accessories can then be attached directly to these rails.

[0021] Another possibility for attaching a roof rack 4 is in Fig. 1 as a plan view. Here, a receptacle integrated into the roof structure 1 of the vehicle 100 is provided in the form of fastening elements integrated into the roof structure 1 at predetermined positions, which fastening elements are designed as nuts, preferably in the form of rivet nuts 3. The following description is made with reference to rivet nuts 3, as these represent a preferred embodiment. As a rule, two rivet nuts 3 are provided per roof side, which are positioned at a predetermined distance from one another along a vehicle longitudinal side L. Each rivet nut 3 is opposite a rivet nut 3 provided on the other roof side (vehicle side), so that a roof rack 4 can be mounted across the vehicle width B by screwing (twisting) an associated fastening screw through a fastening area of the roof rack 4 into the rivet nut 3. Such a roof rack 4 can also be referred to as a cross member.Normally, two roof racks 4 (cross bars) spaced apart along the length L of the vehicle are provided, which are fastened by means of a fastening screw 5 to rivet nuts 3 located opposite each other across the vehicle width B. Either additional accessories or a roof load can then be attached to the roof racks 4.

[0022] The basic concept of the invention is to install the roof rack detection system within the vehicle body, eliminating the need for complex sealing to the body. For this purpose, at least one magnetic field sensor is used, which is located in the area of the rivet nut installed in the vehicle roof (roof structure) and detects the presence of a fastening screw made of a material that can influence a magnetic field for attaching a roof rack, as described below.

[0023] As in Fig. 2 as a sectional view, at least one magnetic field sensor 2, e.g., a Hall sensor, is installed in the dry area of the roof structure 1 of the vehicle 100. This sensor is fastened near the rivet nut 3, which is sealed against the wet area, for the fastening screw 5 of the roof rack 4. The magnetic field sensor 2 is mounted circumferentially around the sealed rivet nut 3 at a distance. The magnetic field sensor 2 is also connected to an internal vehicle control unit 6 by means of cabling (also electrically if necessary). The cabling thus runs in the dry area, so that no sealing against the wet area is necessary.

[0024] To enable detection by the magnetic field sensor 2, the fastening screws 5 must be made of a material that can influence the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field sensor 2 as soon as it penetrates them. Specifically, steel screws with ferritic and martensitic structures are suitable, which are generally already in use.

[0025] In Fig.3 shows an embodiment (sectional view) in which a roof rack 4 (also referred to as a roof load carrier) is located on the roof structure 1 and is screwed (screwed) into the corresponding rivet nut 3 installed in the roof structure 1 by means of a fastening screw 5. By screwing the fastening screw 5, made of a corresponding material (with magnetic properties), into the associated rivet nut 3, the existing magnetic field generated by the magnetic field sensor 2 changes, which is detected by the magnetic field sensor 2. Since the magnetic field sensor 2 is connected to a corresponding in-vehicle control unit 6 via cabling, the information about a change in the magnetic field can be transmitted therefrom by the magnetic field sensor 2.Thus, the information that a roof rack 4 is present on the vehicle roof can be provided for further use within the vehicle 100 so that certain functionalities of the vehicle can be controlled.

[0026] In one version, a magnetic field sensor 2 is installed on only one rivet nut 3. In one version, a magnetic field sensor 2 is installed on each roof rack 4 on a rivet nut 3. This allows both roof racks 4 to be monitored. In another version, a magnetic field sensor 2 is installed on each rivet nut 3.

[0027] Using the information that a roof rack 4 is mounted on the roof structure 1, for example, the movement of an existing (outward-opening) sliding / tilting roof can be restricted to avoid a collision with the roof rack 4. The restriction of freedom of movement can be displayed on a display inside the vehicle as information (as a warning / reminder of the mounted roof rack 4).

[0028] In addition, for example, when entering a parking garage or covered parking spaces or other height-restricted areas, the presence of a roof rack can be displayed on a display inside the vehicle as a visual and / or acoustic warning message as a reminder / indication of the presence of the roof rack 4.

[0029] Magnetic field sensors 2 installed directly in the body (in the roof structure 1) allow for significantly easier installation, as there is no connection from outside the roof structure, i.e., the wet area, to inside the vehicle, i.e., the dry area. Thus, no complex sealing is required. List of reference symbols 1 Roof structure of the vehicle 2 sensors 3 rivet nuts 4 roof racks (cross bars) 5 fixing screw 6 Control unit L Longitudinal side of vehicle B Vehicle width

Claims

[1] Roof structure of a vehicle (100), comprising a receptacle integrated into the roof structure (1) for fastening a roof rack (4), the receptacle comprising: - at least one fastening element (3) sealed towards a wet area of the vehicle (100) on each roof side, which fastening element is designed to receive a fastening screw (5) of the roof carrier (4), and - a magnetic field sensor (2) which surrounds at least one of the fastening elements (3) at a distance therefrom and is integrated into the roof structure (1), which is designed to detect a change in the magnetic field in the region of the fastening element (3) which is triggered by inserting a fastening screw (5) made of a material which can influence a magnetic field into the fastening element (3). [2] Roof structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein a signal connection is provided between the magnetic field sensor (2) and a vehicle-internal control unit (6), via which a signal can be transmitted between the magnetic field sensor (2) and the vehicle-internal control unit (6) when a magnetic field change is detected by the magnetic field sensor (2). [3] Roof structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two fastening elements (3) are provided for each vehicle side, which are positioned at a predetermined distance from one another along a vehicle longitudinal side (L), wherein in each case two fastening elements (3) opposite one another across a vehicle width (B) are adapted to fasten a roof carrier (4) formed as a cross member thereto. [4] Roof structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field sensor (2) is designed as a Hall sensor. [5] Roof structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening elements (3) are formed as rivet nuts. [6] Vehicle (100) comprising a body-side roof structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Vehicle (100) according to claim 6, comprising a roof support (4) fastened to its roof structure (1), which is formed as two cross members, each of which is fastened with its fastening areas by means of a fastening screw (5) to fastening elements (3) lying opposite one another across a vehicle width (B), wherein a circumferential magnetic field sensor (2) is provided at least around one of the fastening elements (3), and the fastening screw (5) screwed in there is formed from a material that can influence a magnetic field. [8] Method for controlling a functionality of a vehicle (100) with a body-side roof structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the event that it is detected that a roof carrier (4) is mounted on the roof structure (1), this information is processed in such a way that - a sliding / tilting roof of the vehicle (100) is limited in its movement in a predetermined manner, and / or - when driving into a height-restricted area is detected, an optical and / or acoustic warning message is issued within the vehicle (100), indicating the presence of the roof rack (4). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein in the event that an outwardly opening sliding / tilting roof of the vehicle (100) is limited in its movement in a predetermined manner, corresponding information is displayed on a display inside the vehicle (100).

Images