Folding roof system for mounting on vehicles

Abstract

Folding roof system for mounting on vehicles, especially closed vehicles with a non-removable vehicle roof, comprising a base module and a roof segment attached to it via a hinge or several individual hinges, which can be folded open 180° to the side.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanically assisted, side-opening 180° folding roof system, particularly for use on enclosed vehicles such as SUVs, motorhomes, vans and transporters or trailers, as well as pickup truck bodies such as demountable campers and hardtops. The invention enables the space-efficient expansion of the usable volume through a robust, compact and weather-resistant folding roof with innovative mechanical and structural integration.

[0002] Various pop-up roof and roof tent systems are known from current technology, but they have significant disadvantages. Traditional pop-up roofs only offer limited volume expansion, as the footprint remains unchanged. Roof tents are mounted on the vehicle as separate cargo units, are not structurally integrated into the vehicle, and are only accessible from the outside.

[0003] 180° folding roof systems are known to some extent from demountable camper units for pickup trucks. In these systems, the upper roof segment pivots sideways and forms the base for a tent extension. However, these systems usually operate with external dampers and cannot be adapted for closed vehicles. A combination of internal or hinge-mounted folding support, continuous sealing technology for all operating states, and automated setup does not yet exist. Furthermore, existing systems are only usable with considerable effort due to the high weight required for rigidity. Sealing in both open and closed positions is often inadequately achieved by channeling rainwater over the mounting surface via a textile overhang.Furthermore, known support systems for the roof in the open state are often mounted lengthwise to the direction of travel, which makes unlocking in the closed state technically impractical.

[0004] The invention solves the aforementioned disadvantages through a modular folding roof system with the following features: • a permanently mounted base module, • a roof segment that can be opened laterally by 180°, • a mechanical or energetic support integrated into the hinge or interior, designed as a lever, spring-elastic torque transmission element, linear actuator, hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric motor with worm gear or hydraulic rotary motor, ◯ wherein the roof is rotated in the hinge via lever arms, which can also be designed as a support or ladder, ◯ wherein the movement of the roof in the hinge is supported by a spring-elastic torque transmission element, ◯ where an internal 180° kinematic mechanism can be implemented by two articulated rods in combination with hydraulic cylinders, linear drives or pneumatic cylinders, ◯ where combined systems of elastic fabric guided over bows and pneumatically, electrically or hydraulically assisted lifting cylinders cover the opening angle from 0-180°, ◯ or combinations of winches and lifting cylinders can be used for different opening angles, • a roof shell that reliably bears the forces generated when opening the roof, as well as loads from people or luggage, • automatically opening, textile-covered rafter structures with the roof, • a circumferential sealing system that ensures a secure seal in the closed, open and intermediate states without additional textile overlap, • Supports that are arranged transversely to the direction of travel and automatically move into working position after unlocking, • Supports that serve as roof racks for transporting cargo while driving and can be additionally loaded when open, • a mattress suspended in the roof segment, which can be used without disassembly and can be used as a bed when open, • an internal lock that securely locks the upper roof segment to the base module, • as well as optional equipment such as windows, lights, mosquito nets, nets or bags.

[0005] A base module (2) fixedly mounted on a vehicle or vehicle body (1) forms the load-bearing unit of the folding roof system. The base module (2) is designed to be torsionally rigid to ensure that forces occurring during driving or under static load are introduced and distributed evenly. This prevents impermissible deformation of the vehicle body and ensures a high level of operational reliability.

[0006] An upper roof segment (3) is pivotably mounted on the base module (2) via at least one hinge. The roof segment (3) is preferably pivotable by 180° from a closed travel position to an open operating position. To assist this pivoting action, supporting elements may be arranged in the area of ​​the hinge or within the roof segment (3). These elements can be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical and are designed, for example, as a lever mechanism, a spring-loaded torque transmission element, a linear actuator, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, an electric motor with a worm gear, or a hydraulic rotary motor. This design significantly reduces the effort required by the user and ensures comfortable operation.

[0007] The upper roof segment (3) is dimensioned and structurally reinforced to reliably absorb both static and dynamic loads. Static loads include, in particular, roof loads, people, or luggage, while dynamic loads result from the opening and closing process as well as from vehicle movements. These forces are distributed evenly through the roof segment (3) into the base module (2), thereby increasing the overall stability of the structure.

[0008] The upper roof segment (3) preferably has extendable supports (4) extending transversely to the direction of travel. In a first functional position, namely when the roof segment (3) is closed, these supports (4) can be flush with the roof shell and, in this position, serve as supports for roof loads, such as roof luggage or attachments, without any additional mechanism. In a second functional position, namely when the roof segment (3) is open, the supports (4) are lowered towards the ground and thereby provide bracing. In this way, the open roof segment (3) is securely supported on the ground, which also facilitates the placement and securing of loads.

[0009] When the upper roof segment (3) pivots, a textile tent fabric (5) is automatically tensioned by a frame structure (6). These frames (6) are articulated to the base module (2) and / or the roof segment (3) and can be rigid, manually adjustable, or automatically adjustable. The articulated mounting of the frames (6) ensures that the tent fabric (5) is evenly tensioned and folded back together with each opening and closing operation. The tent fabric (5) is permanently connected to both the base module (2) and the roof segment (3), thus providing a continuous seal against rain, wind, and other weather conditions.

[0010] To further improve the sealing, a circumferential sealing system is provided. This comprises a sealing profile (7) attached to the outer edge of the upper roof segment (3) and a fabric connection (8) located on the inside of the sealing profile (7) and connected circumferentially to the base module (2). The fabric connection (8) can be designed in various ways, for example, using keder profiles, clamping strips, detachable connecting elements, hook-and-loop fasteners, or adhesive.

[0011] The sealing system is designed to provide a reliable structural seal in both the closed position (driving mode) and the open position (stationary mode). When open, the sealing system forms a channel on the upper roof segment (3) through which rainwater is channeled away via designated openings, thus reliably preventing moisture from penetrating the interior.

[0012] Furthermore, an internally operated locking mechanism is provided, which allows the roof segment (3) to be opened and closed without the user having to leave the vehicle interior. The locking mechanism securely locks the upper roof segment (3) to the base module (2) in the closed position, thus ensuring reliable locking even while driving.

[0013] The suspended mattress can be attached to the roof segment (3) using tension straps or suspensions and simultaneously secures bedding or similar items in the bed. It remains mounted even when the bed is closed, thus eliminating the need for conversion.

[0014] In summary, the described construction enables a space-efficient expansion of the vehicle interior volume, ergonomically simplified operation, the creation of a covered outdoor area with standing height, high structural stability, versatile usability in driving and stationary operation, and comprehensive weather resistance.

[0015] An embodiment of the invention is explained with reference to Figures A to E. These show: Fig. A: Vehicle with closed folding roof Fig. B: Vehicle with open folding roof with supports Fig. : schematic movement sequence Fig. : Section of closed sealing profile Fig. E: Section of the sealing profile open (describe the drainage holes in the rain gutter) Reference symbol list 1. Vehicle 2. Basic Module 3. Upper roof segment 4. Supports 5. Tent fabric 6. Bows 7. External sealing profile 8. Fabric bonding

Claims

[1] Folding roof system for mounting on vehicles, especially closed vehicles with a non-removable vehicle roof, comprising a base module and a roof segment attached to it via a hinge or several individual hinges, which can be folded open laterally by 180°. [2] Folding roof system for use on demountable vehicle bodies or slide-in cabins, comprising a base module and a roof segment attached to it by a hinge or several individual hinges, which can be folded open laterally by 180°. [3] Folding roof system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the folding movement is supported by a kinematics driven by hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically, wherein the kinematics are designed with two rods arranged in the interior, which are pivotally mounted at both ends, one of which is attached to the upper roof segment and the other to the frame or another point in the interior, wherein the point at which both rods are pivotally connected is simultaneously the point through which a supporting mechanism acts on the kinematics, and wherein the supporting mechanism is also attached with its free end in the interior or to the roof and may be pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically driven. [4] Folding roof system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the folding movement is supported by a spring-elastic torque transmission element located in the hinge or in the interior. [5] Folding roof system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the folding movement is supported by a lever mechanism acting at the pivot point. [6] Folding roof system according to one of claims 1 to 5, with a bow structure which unfolds automatically when opening and closing and can automatically adjust its length, wherein the bow structure can be combined with elastic fabric, winches, gas pressure dampers, spring elements or textile materials. [7] Folding roof system according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a circumferential sealing system which ensures a structural seal in the closed, open and intermediate states without the need for additional textile overhangs. [8] Folding roof system according to one of claims 1 to 7, with at least two supports arranged transversely to the direction of travel, which automatically move into the support position after unlocking and additionally serve as roof racks for the transport of cargo during travel and can be loaded in the open state. [9] Folding roof system according to one of claims 1 to 8, with a mattress suspended in the roof segment which can be used as a bed when open. [10] Folding roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, with an internal closure that securely locks the roof segment to the base module. [11] A folding roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein optional equipment elements such as windows, lights, mosquito nets, nets or storage bags are provided.

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