Arrangement for positioning a roof bar on a vehicle body

Abstract

Arrangement for positioning a roof bar on a vehicle roof Arrangement (2) comprising a vehicle roof bar (4), a roof (3), the roof (3) comprising an external face (6) and an internal face (7), a means for fixing the roof bar (4) on the roof (3), a device (10) for positioning the roof bar (4) relative to the roof (3), the positioning device (10) comprising a male part (20) attached to or in the roof bar (4) and a female part (30) attached to or in the roof (3), the male part (20) and the female part (30) being able to cooperate with each other so as to position the roof bar (4) relative to the roof (3) before fixing the roof bar (4) via the fixing means. Abstract figure: fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for positioning a roof bar on a vehicle roof Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for positioning a roof bar on a vehicle roof. The invention also relates to a vehicle body comprising such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body and / or such an arrangement. The invention finally relates to a method of mounting such an arrangement. State of the prior art

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises roof bars. Such roof bars are generally fixed to a roof via a fixing means passing through such a roof. Such a fixing means comprises a means for clamping the roof bar against the roof by exerting a force extending in the vertical or substantially vertical direction. A positioning means is also provided for positioning such a roof bar relative to the roof in the transverse and longitudinal directions. Such a positioning means positions the roof bar before tightening the fixing means. The tightening of the means for fixing the roof bar to the roof causes deformations of the roof at the positioning means.Indeed, such tightening causes in particular the crushing of a sealing joint between the positioning means and the roof, which causes major deformations of the roof, in particular of the upper thin sheet metal. To mask such major deformations, grooves, generally stamped, are made on the roof.

[0003] Such grooves represent an additional cost and degrade the aesthetics of the roof. In addition, despite these grooves, minor deformations remain and deteriorate the level of sealing. Finally, such deformations, although minor, are visible to the eye, which makes the vehicle non-compliant in terms of perceived quality. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The aim of the invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a solution offering increased sealing between a roof bar and a roof. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising:

[0006] - a roof bar for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular extending in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction of such a vehicle,

[0007] - a roof of such a vehicle, the roof comprising an external face and a face internal,

[0008] - a means of fixing the roof bar to the roof,

[0009] - a device for positioning the roof bar relative to the roof,

[0010] characterized in that the positioning device comprises a male part attached to or in the roof bar and a female part attached to or in the roof, the male part and the female part being able to cooperate with each other so as to position the roof bar relative to the roof before the roof bar is fixed via the fixing means.

[0011] The female part can pass at least partially through the pavilion.

[0012] The male portion may comprise a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical extension extending along a first axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pavilion, the extension comprising a shoulder having a large diameter.

[0013] The female part may comprise a cavity of circular or oblong section extending along a second axis parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis, the cavity comprising a small section having a small diameter less than the large diameter of the shoulder so as to hold the male part in the female part after insertion of the shoulder under the small section.

[0014] The female part may comprise a means for locking the female part within the pavilion.

[0015] The locking means may be attached to the female part, in particular glued to the female part, the locking means comprising at least one tab intended to compress during insertion of the female part through the pavilion and then relax after passing through the pavilion so as to press the female part against the pavilion.

[0016] The female part may comprise a collar intended to fit or substantially fit the external face of the pavilion around the female part.

[0017] The arrangement may comprise a first seal arranged between the collar and the external face of the roof, in particular made of foam or elastomer.

[0018] The male part may comprise a cap intended to cover the cavity of the female part.

[0019] The arrangement may comprise a second seal arranged between the cap of the male part and the female part, in particular made of foam or elastomer.

[0020] The arrangement may comprise a third seal arranged between the roof bar and the roof, in particular made of foam.

[0021] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one arrangement as described previously.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a body as described above or an arrangement as described previously.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method of mounting an arrangement as described above, characterized in that it comprises a step of providing:

[0024] - a body part comprising a roof, the roof comprising at least one hole, in particular an oblong hole extending longitudinally, a female part of a positioning device being previously attached, in particular by clipping, at the level of this at least one hole,

[0025] - a roof bar comprising at least one orifice, in particular an oblong orifice extending transversely, a male part of a positioning device being previously attached, in particular by being wedged, at the level of this at least one orifice,

[0026] - a means of fixing the roof bar to the roof, in particular a means of fixing comprising four screw-nut systems, followed

[0027] - a step of positioning the roof bar relative to the roof by co operation of each male part with each corresponding female part, followed

[0028] - a step of fixing the roof bar to the roof by means of the means of fixation. Presentation of figures

[0029] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment and an execution mode of a mounting method, given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a partial perspective view of a vehicle according to a mode of realization.

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial section along a vertical and transverse plane of an arrangement according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial detail section along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the arrangement according to the embodiment.

[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a half-section detail of the arrangement along a vertical and transverse plane according to the embodiment.

[0034] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a partial exploded perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment.

[0035] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a female part of a positioning device of the arrangement according to the embodiment, clipped onto a roof.

[0036] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of a male part of the positioning device operation of the arrangement according to the embodiment, according to a plane comprising the axis of an extension of the male part.

[0037] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a section along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the female part of the arrangement according to the embodiment, before insertion into a pavilion.

[0038] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a section along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the part female of the arrangement according to the embodiment, being inserted through the pavilion.

[0039] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a section along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the female part of the arrangement according to the embodiment, after clipping into the pavilion.

[0040] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a partial section along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the arrangement according to the embodiment, the male part being inserted into the female part.

[0041] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a female portion of the arrangement according to the embodiment.

[0042] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a partial section of detail along a vertical and transverse plane of the female part according to the embodiment clipped into the pavilion.

[0043] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a section of a female part, along a plane comprising an axis of a cavity of the female part, according to a first variant of the embodiment.

[0044] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the female part according to the first variant of the embodiment.

[0045] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the female part according to a second variant of the embodiment.

[0046] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is an exploded perspective view of a cylindrical female part according to the embodiment.

[0047] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a partial exploded perspective view of the arrangement according to one embodiment. Detailed description

[0048] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0049] [Fig.l] partially illustrates a vehicle 1. Preferably, the vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 9 or body structure. The vehicle 1 or the body 9 comprises an arrangement 2.

[0050] The arrangement 2 comprises a roof bar 4. For example, the vehicle 1 comprises two roof bars. Preferably, each roof bar 4 extends in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, each roof bar may extend transversely or substantially transversely. Three or more roof bars may be provided.

[0051] The arrangement 2 further comprises a roof 3 of the vehicle. The roof 3 comprises an external face 6 and an internal face 7. As illustrated in [Fig.2], the external face 6 of the roof 3 is oriented towards the exterior of the vehicle and the internal face 7 of the roof 3 is oriented towards a passenger compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0052] The arrangement 2 further comprises a means 5 for fixing the roof bar 4 to the roof 3. As illustrated in [Fig.l], for example, the fixing means 5 comprises four systems each comprising a means for clamping the roof bar 4 to the roof 3. For example, the clamping means comprises screw-nut elements. Fewer systems comprising a means for clamping the roof bar to the roof or more systems may also be suitable.

[0053] The arrangement 2 also comprises a device 10 for positioning the roof bar 4 relative to the roof 3.

[0054] More precisely, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the positioning device 10 comprises a male part or pin or centering pin 20. The male part 20 is attached to, or in, the roof bar 4. The positioning device 10 also comprises a female part or centering device 30. The female part 30 is attached to, or in, the roof 3.

[0055] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the male part 20 and the female part 30 are able to cooperate with each other so as to position the roof bar 4 relative to the roof 3. This cooperation is preferably done before the roof bar 4 is fixed to the roof by means of the fixing means 5.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the female part 30 passes through the pavilion 3, at least partially.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, 7 and 11, the male part 20 comprises an extension 21. The extension 21 is preferably cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical. The extension 21 extends along a first axis AL. The axis Al is preferably perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the pavilion 3. Advantageously, the extension 21 comprises a shoulder 22. The shoulder 22 has a large diameter D shown in [Fig.7]. For example, the large diameter D has a value between 6 mm and 10 mm, notably 8 mm.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 to 14, the female part 30 comprises a cavity 31. The cavity 31 has an oblong section extending along a second axis A2. The second axis A2 is preferably parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first axis A1, or even coincident, or substantially coincident, with the first axis A1. In other words, the second axis A2 is preferably perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the pavilion 3. Preferably, the oblong shape of the cavity 31 has a major axis extending in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction, the minor axis of the oblong shape then extending transversely or substantially transversely. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], a clearance J1 exists between the extension 21 and the cavity 31 in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction. As illustrated in [Fig.4], there is no play, or negligible play, between the extension 21 and the cavity 31 in the transverse or substantially transverse direction.

[0059] More precisely, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 4 and 14, the cavity 31 comprises a small section 32. The small section 32 of oblong shape has a small diameter d in the transverse direction ([Fig.4]). The small diameter d is preferably less than the large diameter D of the shoulder 22. Thus, the male part 20 is blocked in the female part 30 after insertion of the shoulder 22 under, that is to say beyond, the small section 32.

[0060] As illustrated in [Fig. 17], alternatively, the female part is cylindrical. In this case, the female part 30' comprises a cavity 31' of circular section extending along a second axis A2'. The second axis A2' is preferably parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first axis A1, or even coincident, or substantially coincident, with the first axis A1. The cavity 31' comprises a small section 32'. The small section 32' also has a circular shape. The diameter of the small section 32' is less than the large diameter D of the extension 21 of the male part 20.

[0061] Preferably, the male parts are identical. Thus, a male part can cooperate indifferently with a female part 30 with an oblong section cavity or with a female part 30' with a circular section cavity.

[0062] Preferably, a positioning device arranged at the rear of the roof and the roof bar comprises a centering device 30 having an oblong section. In this case, preferably, a positioning device arranged at the front of the roof and the roof bar comprises a centering device 30' having a circular section. Despite possible dispersions in the longitudinal direction between the roof bar and the roof, the cooperation of the respective male and female parts is possible thanks to the tolerance at the rear ensured by the oblong section. Such a tolerance, of the value of the clearance J1 illustrated in Figures 3 and 11, is for example between 6 mm and 10 mm, especially 8 mm.

[0063] Alternatively, the positioning device arranged at the front of the roof and the roof bar comprises a female part with a small oblong section. The positioning device arranged at the rear of the roof and the roof bar then comprises a female part with a circular section. The compensation of dispersions in the longitudinal direction is then ensured by the positioning device arranged at the front. Alternatively again, the positioning device arranged at the front and the positioning device arranged at the rear both have female parts with oblong sections. More substantial dispersions can then be compensated in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Preferably, each male part 20 is fixed to the roof bar 4 at the presentation of the roof bar at the roof level which will be described later. Thus, advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig.5], an orifice 40 is provided in the roof bar 4. Preferably, the orifice 40 is oblong in shape so as to provide clearance in the transverse direction at the level of the fixing between the roof bar and the male part 20. Thus, the major axis A3 of the oblong hole extends transversely, or substantially transversely. Advantageously, the male part comprises a cylindrical head 23. The head 23 is inserted into the oblong hole 40, preferably without clearance in the longitudinal direction (see [Fig.3]), and with clearance J2 in the transverse direction (see [Fig.4]). In other words, the diameter of the head 23 is equal, or substantially equal, to the diameter of the oblong hole 40.In this case, the insertion of the head 23 of the male part 20 into the oblong hole 40 of the roof bar 4 allows the male part 20 to be held in the roof bar. This holding allows for transverse dispersion compensation within the orifice 40, i.e. between the male part 20 and the roof bar 4. For example, the clearance J2 is between 2 mm and 8 mm, for example 5 mm.

[0065] Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the female part 30 comprises a locking means or clip or locking clips 50 of the female part 30 within the pavilion 3. Preferably, the locking means 50 is attached to the female part 30. For example, the locking means 50 is fixed, in particular glued, to a lower zone 33 of the female part 30 illustrated in [Fig. 12]. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 8 to 13, the locking means 50 comprises at least one tab 51. Preferably, four tabs 51 constitute the locking means. One, two, three, five or more tabs 51 may also be suitable. The female part 30 comprises a middle part 34 (see in particular Figures 11 and 14). The middle part 34 extends between a bottom 35 of the cavity 31 and a top part 39. The top part comprises a collar 37 which will be detailed later.The tab(s) 51 extend along the middle portion 34 in a flared manner towards the top portion 39. Thus, as illustrated in the . [Fig.8], the uncompressed tabs 51 comprise upper ends 52 distant from the middle part 34. During insertion or clipping or clipping of the female part 30 within a hole 43 made in the pavilion, as illustrated in [Fig.9], the tabs 51 are compressed until they come into contact, or substantially into contact, with the middle part 34. As illustrated in [Fig. 10] (clipped position), as soon as the upper ends 52 of the tabs 51 have passed through the pavilion 3, the tabs relax. In other words, after passing through the pavilion, the tabs return to their initial shape without constraint. The flared shape of the tabs makes it possible to create a stop, or at least contact, between their upper ends 52 and the inner face 7. This or these contacts are made outside the perimeter of the hole 43.Thanks to these contacts, the female part 30 is pressed against the pavilion 3, under the pavilion, the tabs being fixed to the female part as mentioned previously.

[0066] As illustrated in [Fig.17], a cylindrical centering device 30', i.e. of circular section, comprises a locking means 50' of circular section.

[0067] As mentioned previously and illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15, the female part 30 comprises a collar 37. The collar extends around the top part 39. The collar is intended to fit, in particular at its outer perimeter, the outer face 6 of the roof 3. Advantageously, the arrangement also comprises a first seal 38 arranged between the collar 37 and the outer face 6 of the roof 3. For example, the material of the first seal 38 is foam, for example marketed with the registered trademark BULATEX, in particular C166. In this case, the first seal 38 has a shape filling or substantially filling the volume available under the collar 37 in the case of a collar creating a hollow volume under it. In this case, preferably, the seal without crushing stress extends downwards beyond the volume of the collar.Advantageously, a counterbore type recess is provided in the seal 38 around the top part 39, under the collar, so as not to interfere with the upper ends 52 of the tabs 51 either in the compressed state, in the relaxed state or in the final clipping state in the roof. Other materials may also be suitable for the first seal.

[0068] According to a first variant of the female part, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, a first seal 38E is made of elastomer or elastomer-based. The first seal 38E extends under the collar 37, preferably creating concentric or substantially concentric circular rings of axis A2 in the case of a cylindrical female part, and concentric or substantially concentric oblong rings in the case of an oblong female part. Each ring preferably forms a bead or bulge. For example, as illustrated, the seal 38E comprises four rings so as to preferably create four contact surfaces against the external face 6 of the roof. when the female part is clipped onto the pavilion. Alternatively, fewer or more rings may also be suitable.

[0069] As illustrated in [Fig. 16], a second variant concerns the clipping of the oblong or cylindrical centering device 30” (female part). For example, at least one pad and / or hook 51” having the function of locking means in the pavilion extends along a middle part 34”. In other words, in this second variant, the female part and the locking means are in one piece. Advantageously, this part is molded. This second variant makes it possible to simplify the female part and limit its costs.

[0070] Note that the first variant concerning the first elastomer seal and the second variant concerning the single-piece female part can possibly be associated.

[0071] Preferably, the first seal is fixed, integrated, in particular glued, under the collar.

[0072] Advantageously again, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 11, the part male 20 comprises a cap 27. The cap 27 is intended to cover the cavity 31 of the female part 30 once the roof bar has been positioned relative to the roof. In other words, the cap 27 covers the top part 39. Thus, preferably, in the case of a female part with an oblong section cavity, the corresponding male part also comprises a cap of oblong shape. In the case of a female part with a circular section cavity, preferably, the corresponding male part comprises a circular cap.

[0073] Preferably, the arrangement 2 further comprises a second seal 28 arranged between the cap 27 of the male part 20 and the female part 30. For example, the second seal 28 is made of foam, for example marketed with the registered trademark BULATEX, in particular C166 / S166, or made from elastomer or elastomer. Other materials may also be suitable for the second seal. For example, the second seal 28 is integrated into the male part, for example glued under the cap 27. This second seal prevents the cavity from filling with water, in particular in the case of high-pressure cleaning of the vehicle.

[0074] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the arrangement 2 also comprises a third seal 8 arranged between the roof bar 4 and the roof 3. For example, the third seal 8, generally called a masking seal, is made of foam, for example marketed with the registered trademark BULATEX.

[0075] As illustrated in detail in [Fig. 13], the collar 37 preferably comprises a stop 36, in particular a conical stop (or substantially conical in the case of a female part with an oblong section), extending radially at the level of the top part 39 of the female part. Advantageously, a clearance J3 in the vertical direction is provided between the perimeter of the orifice 43 in the pavilion at the level of the external face 6 and the stop 36. Such a clearance J3 makes it possible to limit the deformation of the sealing collar 37 in the vertical direction, in particular when tightening the fixing means 5. This stop 36 thus has a function in the event of the material used being thinned, such as plastic for example. This stop can also make it possible to determine the level of compression of the first seal 38.

[0076] Thus, when inserting the male part into the female part (with oblong section cavity), the dispersions between the roof bar and the roof can be compensated. More precisely, in the transverse direction, the dispersions can be compensated between the head 23 of the male part and the orifice 40 of the roof bar, and the dispersions in the longitudinal direction can be compensated between the cavity 31 of oblong section and the extension 21 of circular section.

[0077] An embodiment of a method for mounting the arrangement 2 will now be described. The method comprises a step of providing a body part 9' comprising the roof 3. Note that the roof 3 comprises holes 43 made beforehand. In the case of positioning a roof bar extending longitudinally by two devices 10, preferably, the hole arranged at the front of the roof is circular and the hole arranged at the rear of the roof is oblong in the longitudinal direction. Note that the female parts 30, 30' of the positioning devices are previously attached, preferably by clipping, in the holes of the roof, as illustrated in [Fig. 18]. Thus, the oblong centering device 30 is clipped into an oblong hole made at the rear of the roof and the circular centering device 30' is clipped into a circular hole at the front of the roof.

[0078] The supply step also comprises the supply of the roof bar 4. The roof bar comprises orifices 40 made beforehand. In the case of positioning a roof bar extending longitudinally by two devices 10, preferably, the two orifices 40 are oblong in the transverse direction. Note that the male parts of the positioning devices are previously fitted, preferably by being wedged, in the orifices of the roof bar.

[0079] The providing step further comprises providing a means 5 for fixing the roof bar 4 to the roof 3. Preferably, the fixing means 5 comprises four screw-nut systems as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0080] The method then comprises a step of positioning the roof bar 4 relative to the roof 3. More precisely, this positioning step is ensured by cooperation of the male parts 20 with the female parts 30 of the positioning devices 10. By “cooperation”, it is meant here that the extension 21 of each male part is inserted, clipped, blocked, wedged, in the cavity 31 of each corresponding female part until the shoulder 22 is blocked under the small section 32. Thanks to the oblong cavity extending longitudinally, preferably arranged at the rear, any dispersions of the roof bar in the longitudinal direction relative to the locations of the holes 43 in the roof, or vice versa, are taken up and cooperation is possible. Thanks to the oblong holes 40 in the transverse direction in the roof bar, any dispersions of the roof bar in the transverse direction relative to the locations of the holes 43 in the roof, or vice versa, are taken up and cooperation is possible. The method then comprises a step of fixing the roof bar 4 to the roof 3 by means of the fixing means 5.

[0081] Note that tightening the fixing means resulting in the roof bar being pressed against the external face 6 of the roof tends to deform the roof. Thanks to the positioning devices 10, forces from tightening the fixing means 5 are taken up. More precisely, the roof bar presses on the cap 27, the cap presses on the top part 39 (after crushing the seal 28 if this seal is present) which transfers the force to the perimeter surface of the collar 37, the latter coming into contact with the roof 3. Since the force is taken up over a substantial surface of the roof, deformations are avoided.

[0082] Thus, the positioning devices facilitate the positioning of the roof bar while maintaining the dimension in the vertical direction of the roof. In addition, thanks to the first seal 38, the seal is perfectly ensured, even when using a high-pressure cleaner near the roof bar. The flow E in the case of high-pressure cleaning is illustrated in [Fig. 4] and shows that the seal 8 allows water to pass under such a jet pressure. In such a case, the flow E generates a force F which is decomposed on an upper surface of the collar 37 intended to press the collar against the external face 6. This force F increases the seal between the external face 6 of the roof and the female part 30. As a result, water cannot access the orifice 43 in the roof and therefore cannot enter the passenger compartment.Furthermore, the higher the pressure of the cleaning jet, the higher the force F for pressing the collar against the roof. This increased sealing at this level is notably due to the lip shape of the collar 37 which surrounds the top part 39 of the female part.

[0083] Note that the second seal 28 can be omitted. Indeed, in the absence of this seal and the use of a high-pressure cleaner near the positioning devices, the water may become trapped in the cavity 31 without being able to pass through the roof. This water can then evaporate without causing any inconvenience. In the absence of this second seal 28 in the positioning device, preferably, the dimension chain in the vertical direction is adapted, the thickness of the seal in the compressed state being to be deducted from the height H in the vertical direction between the top of the shoulder 22 and the underside of the cap 27 ([Fig.4]).

[0084] Thus, the arrangement 2 ensures the sealing of the roof at the level of the roof bar, while ensuring a function of centering the roof bar relative to the roof accepting transverse and / or longitudinal dispersions, and while avoiding deformations of the roof subjected to the means of fixing the roof bar to the roof.

[0085] In summary, when tightening the fixing means 5 preferably comprising a screw-nut system with an axle extending perpendicularly relative to the roof, the first and second seals 38, 28 of the centering pins are sandwiched between the roof bar and the roof in order to ensure sealing ([Fig.2] in particular). The cooperation of the shoulder 22 with the section 32 prevents any deformation, even minimal, of the roof upwards in particular. The downward force absorption, between the roof bar and the roof, is ensured by the cap 27, the top part 39, the collar 37 and finally the roof as seen previously, which prevents the appearance of deformation of the roof downwards in particular. The vehicle is then compliant in terms of perceived quality when the roof bars are mounted.

[0086] Note that the sheet metal of the roof is preferably thin.

[0087] Thanks to the solution, it is possible to avoid the need to make stampings or grooves or reinforcing ribs on the roof sheet metal, in particular grooves extending longitudinally in the case of a roof bar extending longitudinally. This obviously represents a saving in time and a cost saving. It is then possible to eliminate any simulation calculation of the deformations due to the sealing of the roof and the resulting test / calculation correlations, which again represents a saving in time and cost savings. In addition, it becomes possible to eliminate longitudinal reinforcements under the roof, which again represents savings, a saving in assembly time, as well as a weight saving of around 2.6 kg per vehicle.

[0088] Finally, the solution improves the sealing of the pavilion at the centering locations.

[0089] Although a minimum distance of around 30 cm between the nozzle of the high-pressure cleaner and the vehicle is recommended, it is rarely observed. As mentioned above, the solution is particularly suitable for using a high-pressure cleaner at a shorter distance from the roof bars. Thus, despite the cleaning instructions not being followed, the solution prevents any intrusion of water through the roof.

[0090] It should be noted that the materials, in particular plastic materials, used are capable of resisting climatic conditions and / or time and / or ultraviolet rays, in particular in order to avoid any risk of loss of sealing.

[0091] The solution is particularly suitable for roof bars which are flush with the roof, in other words without any visible fixing foot, generally known by the Anglo-Saxon term "flush". These roof bars have, or give the impression of having, their entire lower surface in contact with the roof. The solution is particularly suitable for roof bars made of aluminum alloy. Even in the event of dispersions following the manufacture of the roof bars, and / or linked to the drilling of the roof, and / or resulting from expansion phenomena of the roof bar and / or the roof, the roof bar is easily positioned on the roof thanks to the adjustments possible in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0092] As a remark, the solution according to the invention therefore achieves the desired objective of avoiding any deformation of the roof of a vehicle receiving roof bars and has the following advantages: - it is economical; - it is easy to implement; - it can be extended to the positioning of an element having a dispersion before an assembly, in particular screwed, on a large sheet, in particular in the event of the need to obtain a seal.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (2) comprising: - a roof bar (4) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), in particular extending in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction of such a vehicle, - a roof (3) of such a vehicle, the roof (3) comprising an external face (6) and an internal face (7), - a means (5) for fixing the roof bar (4) to the roof (3), - a device (10) for positioning the roof bar (4) relative to the roof (3), characterized in that the positioning device (10) comprises a male part (20) attached to or in the roof bar (4) and a female part (30) attached to or in the roof (3), the male part (20) and the female part (30) being able to cooperate with each other so as to position the roof bar (4) relative to the roof (3) before fixing the roof bar (4) via the fixing means (5),the male part (20) comprising a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical extension (21) extending along a first axis (A1) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pavilion (3), the extension (21) comprising a shoulder (22) having a large diameter (D), the female part (30) comprising a cavity (31) of circular or oblong section extending along a second axis (A2) parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis (A1), the cavity (31) comprising a small section (32) having a small diameter (d) smaller than the large diameter (D) of the shoulder (22) so as to hold the male part (20) in the female part (30) after insertion of the shoulder (22) under the small section (32).,

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the female part (30) passes at least partially through the pavilion (3).

3. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the female part (30) comprises a means (50) for locking the female part (30) within the pavilion (3).

4. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking means (50) is attached to the female part (30), in particular glued to the female part (30), the locking means (50) comprising at least one tab (51) intended to compress during the insertion of the female part (30) through the pavilion (3) then relax after passing through the pavilion (3) so as to press the female part (30) against the pavilion (3).

5. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the female part (30) comprises a collar (37) intended to fit or substantially fit the external face (6) of the pavilion (3) around the female part (30).

6. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a first seal (38) arranged between the collar (37) and the external face (6) of the roof (3), in particular made of foam or elastomer.

7. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the male part (20) comprises a cap (27) intended to cover the cavity (31) of the female part (30).

8. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a second seal (28) arranged between the cap (27) of the male part (20) and the female part (30), in particular made of foam or elastomer.

9. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a third seal (8) arranged between the roof bar (4) and the roof (3), in particular made of foam.

10. Vehicle body (9), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Vehicle (1), in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body (9) according to the preceding claim or an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Method for mounting an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a step of providing: - a body part (9') comprising a roof (3), the roof (3) comprising at least one hole (43), in particular an oblong hole extending longitudinally, a female part (30) of a positioning device (10) being previously attached, in particular by clipping, at the level of this at least one hole (43), - a roof bar (4) comprising at least one orifice (40), in particular an oblong orifice extending transversely, a male part (20) of a positioning device (10) being previously attached, in particular by being wedged, at the level of this at least one orifice (40), - a means (5) for fixing the roof bar (4) on the roof (3), in particular a fixing means (5) comprising four screw-nut systems, followed - a step of positioning the roof bar (4) relative to the roof (3) by cooperation of each male part (20) with each corresponding female part (30), followed - a step of fixing the roof bar (4) on the roof (3) by means of the fixing means (5).

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