Roof structure, vehicle with such a structure and method for venting the roof structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof structure (102) comprising a roof panel (104) and an interior lining (106), with at least one flow channel (108) extending between the roof panel (104) and the interior lining (106), the flow channel being connected at one end to an inlet opening (110) and at the other end to a vent opening (112). A pressure-dependent adjustable venting device (114) is integrated into the flow channel (108). The invention also relates to a vehicle with such a roof structure (102) and to a method for venting the roof structure (102).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roof structure comprising a roof panel and an interior lining, wherein at least one flow channel extends between the roof panel and the interior lining, the channel being connected at one end to an inlet opening and at the other end to a vent opening. The invention also relates to a vehicle with such a roof structure and to a method for venting such a roof structure.

[0002] Before or during a journey, vehicles undergo a ventilation phase, which is essentially a cooling process. This ventilation phase is particularly necessary if the vehicle has been exposed to sunlight for an extended period and has high interior temperatures. During this phase, a fan is activated to expel the hot, stagnant air from the interior before the air conditioning system begins supplying cool air. Since the air temperature inside a parked vehicle can exceed 60 degrees Celsius, it is more efficient to expel the hot air first before activating the air conditioning and supplying cool, tempered air to the interior. During the ventilation phase, the air vents or windows automatically open slightly, with the fan running at high speed to push the warm air out of the vehicle.In vehicles, the exhaust flaps are typically permanently open, but are equipped with check valves or grid elements that allow targeted and controlled venting.

[0003] To make cooling more efficient, a roof ventilation device for the roof of a motor vehicle is already known from DE 10 2021 004 512 A1, wherein the roof ventilation device has an air duct formed on the roof, which is supplied with air via cavities in a column structure, in particular the A-pillar, and which is discharged from the interior of the vehicle via air outlet openings on the roof. A similar arrangement for a vehicle can also be found, for example, in DE 3714223 C1.

[0004] DE 102 11 927 A1 discloses a roof structure with a ventilation device for motor vehicles, wherein the roof structure in the form of the vehicle roof comprises an outer roof skin and a roof liner extending substantially parallel to it inside the vehicle, wherein air can be supplied in a roof space arranged between the outer roof skin and the roof liner.

[0005] CN 107696827 A discloses a vehicle with an insulating section, wherein the insulating section is arranged in the vehicle body, and a hollow structure is formed between the insulating section and the top of the vehicle body. Air can flow through the hollow structure.

[0006] With these known solutions, cool air from the roof structure is also immediately expelled, meaning that the available cooling capacity is not used efficiently.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a roof structure, a vehicle and a method for venting a roof structure which take into account the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] This problem is solved by a roof structure having the features of claim 1, by a vehicle having the features of claim 7, and by a method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The roof structure according to the invention comprises a roof panel and an interior lining and also includes at least one flow channel running between the roof panel and the interior lining. The flow channel can be formed with channel divisions and channel mergings, or it can meander across the roof surface. In any case, the flow channel is connected at one end to an inlet opening or to several inlet openings, and at the other end to a vent opening. According to the invention, a pressure-dependent adjustable venting device is integrated into the flow channel.

[0010] This has the advantage that a dynamic pressure can first be generated within the flow channel using air – possibly already conditioned – which remains there for at least a while to cool the entire roof structure. Only when a pressure limit, in the form of a pressure threshold, is reached can the ventilation device be opened to release the air in the flow channel, which has already absorbed heat from the components of the roof structure, into the surrounding environment.

[0011] To additionally cool the roof structure for the purpose of cooling an interior space, such as a vehicle interior, at least one air outlet opening of the flow channel, associated with the interior trim, can be provided to deliver pre-tempered air from the flow channel into the interior space. The ventilation device of the flow channel is located downstream of the at least one air outlet opening in one direction of airflow.

[0012] It is advantageous if the ventilation device is assigned to the ventilation opening of the flow channel, as this ventilation device is then set as far back as possible in the direction of flow and thus the entire roof structure can be reliably cooled.

[0013] To ensure comfortable and draft-free cooling in an interior space, a large-area perforation pattern with numerous air outlets is advantageous. This design provides a quiet and draft-free cooling effect by slowly and evenly distributing the cooled air across the ceiling. Similar to a chilled ceiling in buildings, this creates a thermodynamic balance where the ceiling continuously absorbs heat without generating strong air currents. This increases comfort for the occupants, as there are no more bothersome drafts.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, an adjustable air outlet flap is integrated into the flow channel. This flap can be adjusted between a closed position, in which air exchange via the air outlet opening is prevented, and an open position, in which air exchange via the air outlet opening is permitted. Thus, in this variant, it is also possible to control how much air is released into the interior via the air outlet opening or the perforated arrangement of air outlet openings. The air outlet flap can separate a chamber containing one or more of the air outlet openings from the actual flow channel, so that the flow of tempered air into this chamber can be regulated and controlled by means of the air outlet flap.

[0015] It has proven advantageous if the pressure-dependent adjustable venting device is designed as a pressure-dependent adjustable vent flap that only switches to an open position when a pressure threshold is reached. It is also possible to use a venting valve, in particular a spring-loaded check valve, instead of a vent flap. It is advantageous if the venting device is automatically adjustable, depending on the pressure applied to it, between an open position, in which air exchange between the flow channel and the environment is permitted, and a closed position, in which air exchange between the flow channel and the environment is prevented.

[0016] The advantages, advantageous designs and effects explained in connection with the roof structure according to the invention apply equally to the vehicle according to the invention.

[0017] This vehicle is equipped with a roof-mounted unit designed according to the above specifications. It also includes an air conditioning system with a blower, the blower being fluidically connected to the roof-mounted unit's inlet. The roof-mounted unit may have multiple inlet openings. For example, air is drawn into the airflow channel on the roof-mounted unit via the vehicle's A-pillar(s) and / or B-pillar(s). Of course, it is also possible to route a separate line to the inlet opening.

[0018] The advantages, advantageous designs and effects explained in connection with the roof structure and the vehicle according to the invention also apply in the same way to the method according to the invention.

[0019] The inventive method for venting a roof structure comprising a roof sheet and an interior lining, wherein a flow channel runs between the roof sheet and the interior lining, which is connected at one end to an inlet opening and at the other end to a vent opening, and wherein a pressure-dependent adjustable venting device is integrated into the flow channel, particularly comprises the steps of building up a dynamic pressure within the flow channel with the venting device closed, opening the venting device when a pressure threshold value is reached, and releasing the air in the flow channel to the environment via the vent opening.

[0020] This creates a venting phase that activates the airflow channel or the roof ducts. The overpressure is preferably generated by the air conditioning blower, and pre-tempered air can also be introduced into the airflow channel to cool components of the roof structure located there. Once the pressure in the airflow channel reaches the pressure threshold, the vent opens, allowing the hot air to be released from the airflow channel into the surrounding environment.

[0021] This design leads to accelerated cooling of the interior, as the system uses the ventilation phase to first expel the hot air that has accumulated in the roof area, significantly speeding up the initial cooling of the vehicle. By directing the warm air to the outside before the cooled air reaches the interior, the efficiency of the air conditioning system is increased and the interior is brought to a comfortable temperature more quickly.

[0022] It is advantageous if, after the air in the flow channel has been released to the surrounding environment, the ventilation device is closed again, whereby conditioned air is then supplied to the flow channel, and this conditioned air is released into an interior space via at least one air outlet opening of the flow channel when the ventilation device is closed.

[0023] The pressure-controlled air supply to the headliner effectively cools not only the passenger compartment but also the roof area. In other words, after the ventilation phase is complete, the pressure in the airflow channel is reduced to below the pressure threshold at which the vent valve closes.

[0024] It is possible to generate the dynamic pressure in the flow channel using an air conditioning blower until the pressure threshold is reached. The vent then opens automatically, maintaining the pressure in the flow channel at or above the pressure threshold for a predetermined duration. After this period, the pressure in the flow channel is reduced. The vent then closes automatically when the pressure falls below the pressure threshold. With this design, the opening and closing of the vent is determined solely by the pressure in the flow channel, eliminating the need for additional actuators.

[0025] To ensure that all hot air has exited the roof structure's airflow duct, the air conditioning blower is preferably operated at a higher speed even with the vent valve open, so that a dynamic pressure above the pressure threshold still exists in the airflow duct. Only after the air in the airflow duct has preferably been completely exchanged once should the vent be closed, as at that point only air from the air conditioning system, and no warm air, remains in the airflow duct. This air may already be conditioned, but it doesn't have to be.

[0026] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0027] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 an illustration of a vehicle with a roof structure according to the invention; Fig. 2. A detailed view of a roof structure in a first variant; and Fig. 3 A detailed view of a roof structure in a second variant.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100 equipped with an air conditioning system 124 and a blower 126. The air conditioning system 124 is used to cool the interior 118 of the vehicle 100. It can also be seen that flow channels, shown with dashed lines, lead to a roof structure 102 of the vehicle 100; in this case, both via the A-pillar(s) and the B-pillar(s) of the vehicle 100.

[0029] The roof structure 102 consists of a roof panel 104 located on the outside of the interior 118 and an interior lining 106 facing the interior 118. A flow channel 108 runs between the roof panel 104 and the interior lining 106, forming inlet openings 110 at one end. These inlet openings 110 are fluidically connected to the blower 126 of the air conditioning system 124. In other words, the air conveyed by the blower 126 is supplied to the flow channel 108 via the inlet openings 110.

[0030] The flow channel 108 is fluidically connected at its other end to a vent opening 112, which leads to the (external) environment of the vehicle 100. A venting device 114 is integrated into the flow channel 108 at or near the vent opening 112. This venting device 114 is adjustable depending on the pressure. More precisely, it is automatically adjustable between an open position, in which air exchange between the flow channel 108 and the environment is permitted, and a closed position, in which air exchange between the flow channel 108 and the environment is prevented.

[0031] The roof structure 102 is described in detail as follows: Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 for further details. Fig. At the end of the flow channel 108, the venting device 114 is located, which is adjustable depending on the pressure. The venting device 114 is preferably a pressure-dependent adjustable vent flap that only moves into the open position when a pressure threshold is reached. When the air conditioning blower 126 is activated, a dynamic pressure of air builds up in the flow channel 108. If this dynamic pressure in the flow channel 108 is high enough and reaches a pressure threshold, the venting device 114, in this case automatically, moves into the open position, so that warm air from the flow channel 108 of the roof structure 102 is released into the environment.

[0032] During this ventilation phase, the roof structure 102, with its roof panel 104 and interior lining 106, is efficiently cooled. Preferably, the pressure is maintained and the ventilation device 114 is kept open until a complete air exchange has taken place in the flow channel 108. The ventilation phase is then terminated, and the speed of the blower 126 is reduced until the dynamic pressure in the flow channel 108 falls below the pressure threshold. This causes the ventilation device 114 to close automatically, preventing air exchange from the flow channel 108 and the surrounding environment.

[0033] After the ventilation phase, a lower pressure exists in the flow channel 108, which then flows gently into the interior 118 via a multitude of air outlet openings 116, in this case via a large-area or extensive perforation arrangement 120. In this way, the interior 118 is cooled without drafts, which greatly improves the comfort of the occupants.

[0034] In Fig.Figure 3 shows a further variant that improves the efficiency of the ventilation phase. In this variant, an additional chamber 128 is provided in the flow channel 108, accessible via an additional air outlet flap 122. The air outlet flap 122 is adjustable within the flow channel 108, and can be positioned between a closed position, in which air exchange via the air outlet opening 116 is prevented, and an open position, in which air exchange via the air outlet opening 116 is permitted. In this way, the air outlet flap 122 can remain closed during the ventilation phase, preventing warm air from being released into the interior 118 via either of the air outlet openings 116 until the ventilation of the roof structure 102 via the ventilation opening 112 is complete.Only when the ventilation device 114 has been moved into the closed position and the ventilation phase is complete, can the air outlet flap 122 be moved into the open position, so that cooled air can then be released into the interior 118 via the headliner of the roof structure 102.

[0035] As a result, the present invention is characterized by accelerated cooling of the interior and efficient use of the air conditioning system. It ensures comfortable and draft-free cooling for the occupants, with improved thermal balance through radiant cooling and natural convection for additional cooling. More efficient cooling is achieved, with the roof surface, cooled to 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, absorbing and dissipating heat from the interior. Cooler air descends gently, creating natural air circulation without any noticeable draft. The slow and even airflow prevents unpleasant drafts and contributes to a quiet, draft-free vehicle interior. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 100 vehicles 102 Roof structure 104 Roofing sheet 106 Interior trim 108 Flow channel 110 Entrance 112 Vent opening 114 Ventilation device 116 Air outlet opening 118 Interior 120 Perforation arrangement 122 Air outlet flap 124 Air conditioning 126 blowers 128 Chamber

Claims

[1] Roof structure (102) comprising a roof sheet (104) and an interior lining (106), comprising at least one flow channel (108) running between the roof sheet (104) and the interior lining (106), which is connected at one end to an inlet opening (110) and at the other end to a vent opening (112), characterized by , that a pressure-dependent adjustable venting device (114) is integrated into the flow channel (108). [2] Roof structure (102) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one air outlet opening (116) of the flow channel (108) associated with the interior lining (106) is provided for the discharge of pre-tempered air from the flow channel (108) to an interior space (118), and that the venting device (114) of the flow channel (108) is downstream of the air outlet opening (116) in a flow direction. [3] Roof structure (102) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the venting device (114) is assigned to the vent opening (112) of the flow channel (108). [4] Roof structure (102) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that a large-area perforation arrangement (120) consisting of a large number of air outlet openings (116) is present. [5] Roof structure (102) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that an adjustable air outlet flap (122) is integrated into the flow channel (108), which is adjustable between a closed position in which air exchange via the air outlet opening (116) is prevented, and an open position in which air exchange via the air outlet opening (116) is enabled. [6] Roof structure (102) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the pressure-dependent adjustable venting device (114) is formed as a pressure-dependent adjustable venting flap which only switches to an open position when a pressure threshold value is reached. [7] Vehicle (100) with a roof structure (102) according to one of claims 1 to 6, and with an air conditioning system (124) comprising a blower (126), wherein the blower (126) is fluidically connected to the inlet opening (110) of the roof structure (102). [8] Method for venting a roof assembly (102) comprising a roof sheet (104) and an interior lining (106), wherein a flow channel (108) runs between the roof sheet (104) and the interior lining (106), the flow channel being connected at one end to an inlet opening (110) and at the other end to a vent opening (112), and wherein a pressure-dependent adjustable venting device (114) is integrated into the flow channel (108), comprising the steps of building up a dynamic pressure within the flow channel (108) with the venting device (114) closed, opening the venting device (114) when a pressure threshold is reached, thereby releasing the air in the flow channel (108) to the environment via the vent opening (112). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by, that after the air in the flow channel (108) has been released to the surrounding environment, the ventilation device (114) is closed again, that conditioned air is supplied to the flow channel (108), and that this conditioned air is released to an interior space (118) via at least one air outlet opening (116) of the flow channel (108) when the ventilation device (114) is closed. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by, that the dynamic pressure in the flow channel (108) is generated by means of a blower (126) of an air conditioning system (124) until the pressure threshold is reached, wherein the venting device (114) opens automatically, that the pressure in the flow channel (108) is maintained at or above the pressure threshold for a predetermined duration, and that after the predetermined duration has elapsed the pressure in the flow channel (108) is reduced again, wherein the venting device (114) closes automatically when the pressure has fallen below the pressure threshold.

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