Rigid and foldable living module for motor vehicle roof

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable living module (100) for a motor vehicle roof, comprising a rigid lower shell (110) and a rigid upper shell (120) movable between a lowered position in which it rests on said lower shell so as to delimit with it a closed internal volume, and a raised position;said module also comprising two longitudinal panels (150, 160) each consisting of two rigid half-panels capable of moving, when said upper shell passes from its lowered position to its raised position, between a retracted position in which their half-panels are folded over each other while being contained in said closed internal volume, and a raised position in which the latter extend vertically between said shells, as well as two rigid end transverse panels (180) capable of moving between a horizontally retracted position and a raised position in which they extend vertically between said shells. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 8;

Description

Title of the invention: Rigid and foldable living module for the roof of a motor vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of leisure activities and more specifically to that of camping and caravanning. It relates in particular to a rigid and foldable living module, intended to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle. Prior art

[0002] For several years, the camping and caravanning market has experienced strong growth.

[0003] However, purchasing a camper van or a van represents a significant investment, which reduces the potential clientele for this type of vehicle.

[0004] In addition, motorhomes and vans have significant dimensions and weight, which makes them difficult to move, particularly on uneven terrain or in narrow passages or where access height is limited.

[0005] In order to attract a wider clientele, some specialist companies offer foldable living modules designed to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle.

[0006] French patent application FR 2 434 054 A1 discloses, for example, such a foldable housing module comprising: - a rigid lower shell intended to be fixedly attached to the roof of the vehicle, - a rigid upper shell movable between a lowered position in which it rests on the lower shell so as to delimit with it a closed internal volume and a raised position in which it is vertically spaced from the latter, - a continuous lateral tent canvas whose upper and lower edges are respectively integral with the corresponding peripheries of the upper and lower shells, said canvas being able to deploy vertically between said peripheries of these shells when said upper shell is moved to the raised position, and - means for lifting the upper shell controlled by a crank.

[0007] In the lowered position of the upper hull, the living module thus adopts a closed rolling configuration in which the side canvas and the lifting means are entirely housed in the closed internal volume delimited by the two hulls.

[0008] With a reasonable acquisition cost making it accessible to all budgets, such a foldable housing module constitutes an economical development solution and adaptable to any type of vehicle equipped with a rigid roof.

[0009] It also makes it possible to overcome the access problems encountered by motorhomes and vans and can also be easily removed from the vehicle when the user does not need it so as to return the vehicle to its initial configuration.

[0010] However, user feedback shows that this type of foldable housing module suffers from numerous drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, the fact that the side walls are made of canvas offers only a low level of protection against external intrusions of human or animal origin, which tends to generate a strong feeling of insecurity among users.

[0012] Furthermore, such a housing module does not provide satisfactory thermal and sound insulation from the external environment and is particularly sensitive to wind (the vibrations of the fabric generated can be noisy and anxiety-inducing for users, particularly at night).

[0013] Furthermore, the canvas side walls tend to become impregnated with moisture, particularly when the housing module is subjected to severe weather. When the module is retracted into the closed rolling configuration before these walls have had time to dry completely, some of this residual moisture will pass through them so as to generate, during the next use of this module, an interior atmosphere saturated with moisture and particularly unpleasant. Statement of the invention

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

[0015] To this end, it proposes a foldable living module for a motor vehicle roof, comprising a rigid lower shell intended to be fixedly attached to said roof, a rigid upper shell movable between a lowered position in which it rests on said lower shell so as to delimit with it a closed internal volume, and a raised position in which it is vertically spaced from the latter; The housing module according to the invention is characterized in that it also comprises: - two lateral longitudinal panels each consisting of two rigid lower and upper half-panels pivotally hinged by two of their longitudinal edges, the second longitudinal edge of each said lower half-panel, respectively upper, being pivotally hinged on a corresponding longitudinal side of said lower shell, respectively upper, so that said longitudinal panels are able to move, when said upper shell passes from its lowered position to its raised position, between a retracted position at the horizontal in which their half-panels are folded over each other while being contained in said closed internal volume and a raised position in which the latter extend vertically in the extension of each other between said shells, and - two rigid transverse end panels each pivotally hinged by their lower edge on a corresponding transverse side of said lower shell so as to be able to move between a horizontally retracted position and a raised position in which they extend vertically between said shells, said housing module being able to adopt: - a closed rolling configuration in which said upper shell occupies its lowered position and where said longitudinal lateral and transverse end panels occupy their retracted positions by being housed superimposed on each other in said closed internal volume, and - a deployed configuration of use in which said upper hull occupies its raised position and said longitudinal lateral and transverse end panels occupy their raised positions between said hulls.

[0016] While retaining the foldable nature of existing housing modules equipped with canvas side walls, the housing module according to the invention makes it possible to offer, in its deployed service configuration, a secure and protective living space against external attacks of human or animal origin.

[0017] This housing module also offers much better thermal and sound insulation than that provided by existing modules while preserving the living space from external humidity which cannot impregnate its walls, so as to guarantee users a comfortable atmosphere conducive to rest in all circumstances.

[0018] Finally, the longitudinal and transverse walls can be easily changed if necessary individually and without having to dismantle the entire structure.

[0019] According to preferred characteristics of said foldable housing module according to the invention: - this also includes lifting means extending between said lower and upper shells; - said lifting means are arranged so as to be entirely housed in said closed internal volume when this module adopts said closed rolling configuration; - said lifting means comprise four pneumatic cylinder lifting devices each extending between a corner area of ​​said lower shell and the corresponding corner area of ​​said upper shell; - each said lifting device comprises a lower arm, an upper arm pivotally articulated by its lower end to the upper end of said lower arm and along an articulation axis perpendicular to the plane formed by these two arms, as well as a pneumatic cylinder whose ends are respectively pivotally articulated on said lower arm and on said upper arm along axes parallel to said articulation axis; - said lifting means are motorized; - at least one of said transverse end panels has a cutout extending from its lower edge and in which an access door of corresponding dimensions is mounted pivotally hinged by its upper edge along a transverse axis; - at least one of said transverse end panels and / or one of said longitudinal side panels has a glazed window; - at least one of said transverse end panels and / or one of said longitudinal side panels has an air vent; - said end transverse panels comprise gripping means for the hands of a user; - said module comprises means for locking said transverse end panels in the raised position; - that said half-panels comprise at their ends rims projecting transversely on the internal side and intended to form, in said deployed configuration of use, retaining stops for said transverse end panels so as to prevent them from pivoting beyond their vertical raised position; - the internal faces of said edges are provided with a joining bead intended to ensure sealing, in said deployed configuration of use, between said lateral longitudinal panels and said end transverse panels at their vertical joining edges; - said half-panels and said transverse end panels are each made up of an insulating core of polyurethane or extruded polystyrene, covered on its internal and external faces by two sheets of metal; and / or - said module comprises securing means rigidly fixed against the lower face of said lower shell and intended to allow its installation on the roof of said vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of several exemplary embodiments, given below for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] represents a perspective view of a motor vehicle on the roof of which a foldable living module according to the invention is mounted, shown in the closed rolling configuration;

[0022] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the foldable housing module according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the foldable housing module according to the invention in closed rolling configuration;

[0024] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the foldable living module according to the invention in this closed rolling configuration;

[0025] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of the foldable housing module according to the invention illustrating a first step of the deployment kinematics;

[0026] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the foldable living module according to the invention in the configuration of [Fig.4];

[0027] [Fig.7] represents a perspective view of the foldable housing module according to the invention illustrating an intermediate step of the deployment kinematics; and

[0028] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the foldable housing module according to the invention in deployed usage configuration. Description of the embodiments

[0029] In the figures, we define an orthogonal reference frame XYZ comprising three axes perpendicular two by two, namely: - an X axis, defining a longitudinal direction, - a Y axis, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which with the X axis defines a horizontal XY plane, and - a Z axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the horizontal XY plane.

[0030] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 1 on the roof of which is fixedly mounted a foldable living module according to the invention 100, shown in its closed rolling configuration.

[0031] In the description which follows and by convention, the terms “front”, “rear”, “lower” and “upper” will be defined in relation to the mounting position of the foldable living module 100 on such a vehicle and to its deployed configuration of use of [Fig.8].

[0032] With reference to the exploded view of [Fig.2], this foldable housing module 100 comprises: - a rigid lower shell 110 and a rigid upper shell 120, - a 130 mattress, - lifting means 141, 142, 143, 144, - two rigid longitudinal side panels that fold in two 150, 160, and - two rigid end transverse panels 170, 180.

[0033] Rectangular in shape, the rigid lower shell 110 is intended to be fixedly attached to the roof crosspieces 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0034] This lower shell 110 comprises a horizontal main wall 111 bordered by a vertical peripheral rim 112 extending upwards.

[0035] Lashing means, not visible in the figures and consisting for example of rails, are furthermore rigidly fixed against the lower face of this horizontal main wall 111, so as to allow the installation of the living module 100 on the roof bars 2 of the vehicle.

[0036] As illustrated by [Fig. 5], the main wall 111 advantageously has a corrugated profile in section so as to optimize its mechanical rigidity. Such a corrugated profile also has the advantage of allowing the integration, in some of the hollow grooves present on the lower face of this wall 111, of lashing rails.

[0037] Referring again to [Fig.l], the lower shell 110 also includes a rectangular internal frame 113 projecting vertically from the main wall 111 along and adjacent the peripheral rim 112.

[0038] This internal frame 113, in which the mattress 130 is housed, is made up of two longitudinal walls 113A, 113B and two transverse walls 113C, 113D.

[0039] For reasons which will be explained in more detail later in this description, the latter extend over a height less than that of the longitudinal walls 113A, 113B and greater than or equal to the thickness of the mattress 130.

[0040] The rigid upper shell 120 overhangs the lower shell 110 opposite which it is mounted movably, by means of the lifting means 140, between a lowered position in which it rests on this lower shell 110 ([Fig. 3]) and a raised position in which it is vertically spaced therefrom (figures 1, 6 and 7).

[0041] Having a rectangular shape and dimensions identical to those of the lower shell 110, this upper shell 120 comprises a flat horizontal main wall 121 bordered by a vertical peripheral rim 122 extending downwards.

[0042] The upper shell 120 also includes a rectangular internal frame 123 (visible in Figures 4 and 6) projecting vertically from the main wall 121 along and close to the peripheral rim 122.

[0043] This internal frame 123 is made up of two longitudinal walls 123A, 123B and two transverse walls (only wall 123D being visible in figures 4 and 6) extending on an identical height and significantly lower than that of the walls of the frame 113 of the lower shell 110.

[0044] The two lower 110 and upper 120 shells are advantageously made from a composite material consisting of a thermosetting polymer matrix (chosen for example from the family of unsaturated polyesters, polyepoxides or vinylesters) reinforced with glass fibers.

[0045] This type of composite material, commonly referred to by the English acronym GRP for "Glass Reinforced Plastic", has the main advantages of having high mechanical strength, being relatively light and being a good thermal and sound insulator.

[0046] Alternatively, the shells may be made from different materials, such as for example from a composite material consisting of a thermosetting polymer matrix (chosen for example from the family of unsaturated polyesters, polyepoxides or vinylesters) reinforced with carbon fibers (this type of material being commonly designated by the English acronym CFRP for “Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer”).

[0047] In the lowered position of the upper shell 120 corresponding to the closed rolling configuration of the habitation module 100 and illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 4, the periphery of its peripheral rim 122 rests against the periphery of the peripheral rim 112 of the lower shell 110, so as to delimit with the latter a closed internal volume intended to accommodate all of the other constituent elements of the habitation module 100.

[0048] Fixing means not shown are also arranged between the peripheral edges 112, 122 of the lower 110 and upper 120 shells so as to allow them to be locked onto each other in the closed rolling configuration of the housing module 100.

[0049] These fixing means may for example comprise a plurality of fasteners distributed around the peripheral periphery of the shells, these fasteners each comprising in a known manner a hook fixed on a first peripheral rim and capable of cooperating with a loop mounted articulated on an element itself articulated on a yoke fixed on the second peripheral rim.

[0050] Extending symmetrically with respect to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the housing module 100, the two lateral longitudinal panels 150, 160 each consist of a rectangular rigid lower half-panel 151, 161 and a rectangular rigid upper half-panel 152, 162 of the same dimensions and of a length equal to that of the longitudinal walls 113A, 113B, 123A, 123B of the frames 113 and 123.

[0051] In the search for an optimum compromise between rigidity, thermal and acoustic insulation, mass and cost price, the half-panels 151, 152, 161, 162 are each advantageously constituted by an insulating core of polyurethane or extruded polystyrene, covered on its internal and external faces by two sheets of lacquered aluminum sheet.

[0052] The upper edge of each lower half-panel 151, 161 is pivotally articulated, along a respective longitudinal axis and by means of at least one hinge 153, 163, on the lower edge of a corresponding upper half-panel 152, 162.

[0053] As illustrated by Figures 4 and 6, the lower edge of each lower half-panel 151, 161 is further pivotally articulated along a respective longitudinal axis, and by means of at least one hinge 154, 164, on the upper edge of a corresponding longitudinal wall 113A, 113B of the frame 113 of the lower shell 110.

[0054] Still with reference to these figures 4 and 6, the upper edge of each upper half-panel 152, 162 is furthermore pivotally articulated along a respective longitudinal axis, and by means of at least one hinge 155, 165, on the upper edge of a corresponding longitudinal wall 123A, 123B of the frame 123 of the upper shell 120.

[0055] These lateral longitudinal panels 150, 160 are thus able to move, when the upper shell 120 passes from its lowered position to its raised position, between: - a retracted position (see [Fig.4]) in which their lower 151, 161 and upper 152, 162 half-panels are folded horizontally onto each other while being contained in the closed internal volume delimited by the two shells 110, 120, and - a raised position (see figures 1, 6 and 7) in which their lower 151, 161 and upper 152, 162 half-panels extend vertically in the extension of each other between the corresponding lower 113A, 123A and upper 113B, 123B longitudinal walls of the shells 110, 120.

[0056] In their retracted position, it will be noted that the upper edges of the lower half-panels 151, 161 face each other, as do the lower edges of the upper half-panels 152, 162.

[0057] The lifting means in this case consist of four pneumatic jack lifting devices 141, 142, 143, 144 extending between the lower shell and the upper shell.

[0058] Each lifting device 141, 142, 143, 144 comprises a lower arm 141A, an upper arm 14IB pivotally articulated by its lower end to the upper end of the lower arm 141A and along a first articulation axis perpendicular to the plane formed by these two arms, as well as a pneumatic cylinder 141C conventionally comprising a piston rod mounted movably in a cylindrical body.

[0059] A first end of this cylinder 141C is pivotally articulated on the lower arm 141A along a second articulation axis parallel to said first articulation axis, while its second end is pivotally articulated on the upper arm 141B along a third articulation axis parallel to said first and second articulation axes.

[0060] The lower end of each lifting device 141, 142, 143, 144 (here constituted by the lower end of its lower arm) is articulated to the upper face of the main wall 111 of the lower shell 110 at a corresponding corner of this wall.

[0061] In the same way, the upper end of each lifting device 141, 142, 143, 144 (here constituted by the upper end of its upper arm) is articulated to the lower face of the main wall 121 of the upper shell 120 at a corresponding corner of this wall.

[0062] These four lifting devices 140, 141, 142, 143 are arranged coplanarly two by two on each longitudinal side of the housing module 100 so as to be housed, in the closed rolling configuration of the housing module 100, inside the closed internal volume defined by the two lower 110 and upper 120 shells resting on each other.

[0063] More precisely and as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the two lifting devices 141, 142 (respectively 143, 144) are housed, in this closed configuration of the living module 100, in the lateral spaces extending between the longitudinal walls 113A, 123A (respectively 113A, 123B) and the corresponding longitudinal portions of the peripheral edges 112, 121 of the shells 110, 120.

[0064] We will now specify in more detail and with the support of figures 2, 4 and 6, the characteristics of the articulation connections between the ends of the lifting devices 141, 142, 143, 144 and the main walls 111, 121 of the shells 110, 120.

[0065] As illustrated in these figures, the lower end of each lifting device 141, 142 arranged on the side of the longitudinal wall 113A is coupled to the main wall 111 via a simple pivoting articulation along a corresponding axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the two arms of this device (only the axis PI of the device 142 being shown in figures 2 and 4).

[0066] The upper end of each of these lifting devices 141, 142 is coupled to the main wall 121 via a double pivot joint along the same longitudinal axis L1 and along a corresponding axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the two arms of this device (only the axis P2 of the device 142 being shown in FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0067] The lower end of each lifting device 143, 144 arranged on the side of the longitudinal wall 113B is coupled to the main wall 111 via a double pivot joint along the same longitudinal axis L2 and along a corresponding axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the two arms of this device (only the axis P3 of the device 144 being shown in Figures 2 and 4).

[0068] Finally, the upper end of each of these lifting devices 143, 144 is coupled to the main wall 121 via a double pivot joint along the same longitudinal axis L3 and along a corresponding axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the two arms of this device (only the axis P4 of the device 144 being shown in FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0069] As illustrated by Figures 5 and 6, the presence of these longitudinal articulation axes L1, L2 and L3 makes it possible to initiate the lifting or lowering of the upper shell 120 by only one of its longitudinal sides without generating torsional stresses at the corner zones of the main walls 111, 121, so as to allow a single person to carry out the complete lifting or lowering of this upper shell 120 (and by the same token the deployment or folding of the longitudinal panels 150, 160).

[0070] Furthermore, the absence of longitudinal axes of articulation between the lower end of the lifting devices 141, 142 and the main wall 111 makes it possible to guarantee that the upper shell 120 is located, when it reaches its high position, perfectly in line with the lower shell 110, so as to form with the latter and the longitudinal panels 150, 160 a rectangular parallelepiped volume as illustrated by [Fig.7].

[0071] This absence of longitudinal axes of articulation between the lower end of the lifting devices 141, 142 and the main wall 111 also makes it possible to ensure that the periphery of the peripheral rim 122 of the upper shell 120 comes to rest, when it reaches its low position, resting on the periphery of the peripheral rim 112 of the lower shell 110 in the closed rolling configuration of this housing module 100.

[0072] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the lifting means may be configured differently. The latter may, for example, comprise four telescopic arm lifting devices each extending between a corner of the main wall of the lower shell and the corresponding corner of the main wall of the upper shell.

[0073] According to other embodiment variants not shown, the lifting means can also be motorized.

[0074] Extending symmetrically with respect to the median vertical transverse plane of the housing module 100, the two rigid end transverse panels 170, 180 have for the function, on the one hand, of closing the two ends of the habitation module 100 after the lifting of the upper hull and the deployment of the longitudinal panels, and on the other hand of guaranteeing the stability of this habitation module 100 in its deployed configuration of use.

[0075] These transverse end panels 170, 180 are also advantageously constituted by an insulating core of polyurethane or extruded polystyrene, covered on its internal and external faces by two sheets of lacquered aluminum sheet.

[0076] The lower edge of each of them is pivotally articulated along a respective transverse axis, and by means of at least one non-visible hinge, on the upper edge of a corresponding transverse wall 113C, 113D of the frame 113 of the lower shell 110.

[0077] Each transverse end panel 170, 180 is thus able to move between a retracted position (see [Fig. 4]) in which it extends horizontally on the mattress 130 and a raised position (see figures 1, 6 and 7) in which it extends vertically between the corresponding lower 113C, 113D and upper 123D transverse walls of the shells 110, 120.

[0078] In the closed rolling configuration of the habitation module 100 and as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the upper shell 120 occupies its lowered position and the longitudinal panels 150, 160 and transverse panels 170, 180 occupy their retracted positions by being housed superimposed on each other in the closed internal volume delimited by the shells 110, 120 (the transverse panels 170, 180 being located below the folded longitudinal panels 150, 160).

[0079] In the deployed configuration of use of this living module 100 and as illustrated in [Fig.8], the upper shell 120 occupies its raised position and the longitudinal panels 150, 160 and transverse panels 170, 180 occupy their raised positions between the shells 110, 120, so as to delimit a living space of rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0080] It will be noted on this occasion and in support of [Fig.2] that the longitudinal half-panels 151, 152, 161, 162 comprise at their ends rims 151A, 152A, 161A, 162A projecting transversely from the internal side and intended to form, in the deployed configuration of use of the housing module 100, retaining stops for the transverse panels 170, 180 so as to prevent them from pivoting beyond their vertical raised position.

[0081] The internal faces of these edges 151A, 152A, 161A, 162A are further preferably provided with a joint bead intended to ensure sealing, in the deployed configuration of use of the housing module 100, between the panels longitudinal 150, 160 and the transverse panels 170, 180 at their vertical joining edges.

[0082] In order to facilitate the manual lifting of these transverse panels 170, 180 in the raised position, the latter advantageously comprise gripping means not shown for the hands of a user, the latter being constituted for example by strips of fabric or by handles implanted in recesses made in these panels.

[0083] It will be noted that the height differential between the lower transverse walls 113C, 113D and the lower longitudinal walls 113A, 113B visible in [Fig.2] is greater than or equal to the thickness of these transverse panels 170, 180, so that once folded down in the retracted position, the latter do not protrude above these lower longitudinal walls 113A, 113B so as not to hinder the folding of the longitudinal panels 150, 160 in the retracted position (see [Fig.4]).

[0084] In order to optimize in particular the thickness of the mattress 130, this height differential will preferably be chosen to be equal to the thickness of the transverse panels 150, 160 so that, in the closed rolling configuration of the housing module 100, the longitudinal panels 150, 160 are superimposed on these transverse panels 170, 180.

[0085] In order to prevent any accidental folding of the transverse panels 170, 180, the housing module 100 advantageously comprises means for locking these transverse panels 170, 180 in the raised position comprising, for example, for each of them, at least one pin 190 provided to successively pass through two orifices provided respectively in a longitudinal panel and in the corresponding lateral edge of said transverse panel.

[0086] According to alternative embodiments not shown, these locking means may be different and comprise, for example, screws each designed to be engaged through an orifice provided in a longitudinal panel and then to be screwed into a transverse thread provided on the corresponding lateral edge of said transverse panel.

[0087] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 2], the rear transverse panel 180 has a rectangular cutout 181 extending from its lower edge over the majority of its surface. An access door 182 of corresponding dimensions is further mounted pivotally by its upper edge and along a transverse axis on the upper edge of this cutout 181.

[0088] The rear transverse panel 180 also comprises stop means, not shown, provided to prevent any pivoting of the internal side of this door 182.

[0089] A locking device, not shown, of the lock type is further advantageously installed between the rear transverse panel 180 and the door 182 in order to prevent access to the interior of the habitation module 200 in its deployed configuration of use.

[0090] Still with reference to this [Fig.2], the front transverse panel 170 and the door 182 of the rear transverse panel 180 each have a respective glazed window 171, 183.

[0091] Other windows can also be provided on the longitudinal panels 150, 160 and in particular on their upper half-panels 152, 162.

[0092] In order to ensure the breathability of the living module 100, at least one of the longitudinal panels 150, 160 and / or the transverse panels 170, 180 also preferably have ventilation openings, not shown, and advantageously provided with mosquito nets.

[0093] The living module 100 may also include sliding curtains mounted on the internal side of the windows 183, 171 in order to keep the interior of the module protected from daylight.

[0094] It will also be noted that access to the living module 100 is preferably achieved via a telescopic ladder, not shown, housed for example in the trunk of the vehicle 1 and the upper end of which can be removably fixed to the transverse portion on the door side 180 of the peripheral edge 112 of the lower shell 110.

[0095] Finally, it is recalled that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but also encompasses all variant embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Claims Foldable living module (100) for the roof of a motor vehicle (1), comprising a rigid lower shell (110) intended to be fixedly attached to said roof, a rigid upper shell (120) movable between a lowered position in which it rests on said lower shell (110) so as to delimit with it a closed internal volume, and a raised position in which it is vertically spaced from the latter; said module also comprising: - two lateral longitudinal panels (150, 160) each consisting of two rigid lower (151, 161) and upper (152, 162) half-panels pivotally hinged by two of their longitudinal edges, the second longitudinal edge of each said lower (151, 161), respectively upper (152, 162) half-panel being pivotally hinged on a corresponding longitudinal side of said lower (110), respectively upper (120) shell, so that said longitudinal panels (150, 160) are able to move, when said upper shell (120) passes from its lowered position to its raised position, between a horizontally retracted position in which their half-panels (151, 152, 161, 162) are folded on each other while being contained in said closed internal volume and a raised position in which the latter extend vertically in the extension of one another between said shells (110, 120), and - two rigid transverse end panels (170, 180) each pivotally hinged by their lower edge on a corresponding transverse side of said lower shell (110) so as to be able to move between a horizontally retracted position and a raised position in which they extend vertically between said shells (110, 120), said housing module (100) being capable of adopting: - a closed rolling configuration in which said upper shell (120) occupies its lowered position and where said longitudinal lateral panels (150, 160) and transverse end panels (170, 180) occupy their retracted positions by being housed superimposed on each other in said closed internal volume, and - a deployed configuration of use in which said upper shell (120) occupies its raised position and where said longitudinal lateral panels (150, 160) and transverse end panels (170, 180) occupy their raised positions between said shells (110, 120); said module further comprising lifting means (141, 142, 143, 144) extending between said lower (110) and upper (120) shells; said lifting means (141, 142, 143, 144) being arranged so as to be entirely housed in said closed internal volume when this module (100) adopts said closed rolling configuration; characterized in that said lower (110) and upper (120) shells each comprise a respective horizontal main wall (111, 121) bordered by a respective vertical peripheral rim (112, 122), as well as a respective rectangular internal frame (113, 123) projecting vertically from said main wall (111,121) along and near said peripheral edge (112, 122) and consisting of two longitudinal walls (113A, 113B, 123A, 123B) and two transverse walls (113C, 113D, 123C, 123D), the second longitudinal edge of each said lower half-panel (151, 161), respectively upper half-panel (152, 162), being pivotally articulated on the lower edge, respectively upper edge, of a said corresponding longitudinal wall (113A, 113B, 123A, 123B) of the frame (113, 123) of said lower shell (110), respectively upper shell (120), said lifting means (141, 142, 143, 144) being capable of being housed, in said closed rolling configuration of said module (100), in the lateral spaces extending between said longitudinal walls (113A, 123A, 113B, 123B) and the corresponding longitudinal portions of the peripheral edges (112, 121) of said shells (110, 120).,

2. A foldable living module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge of each said transverse end panel (170, 180) is pivotally hinged to the upper edge of a corresponding said transverse wall (113C, 113D) of the frame (113) of said lower shell (110).

3. Foldable living module (100) for a motor vehicle roof (1), comprising a rigid lower shell (110) intended to be fixedly attached to said roof, a rigid upper shell (120) movable between a lowered position in which it rests on said lower shell (110) so as to delimit with it a closed internal volume, and a raised position in which it is vertically spaced from the latter; said module also comprising: - two lateral longitudinal panels (150, 160) each consisting of two rigid lower (151, 161) and upper (152, 162) half-panels pivotally hinged by two of their longitudinal edges, the second longitudinal edge of each said lower (151, 161), respectively upper (152, 162) half-panel being pivotally hinged on a corresponding longitudinal side of said lower (110), respectively upper (120) shell, so that said longitudinal panels (150, 160) are able to move, when said upper shell (120) passes from its lowered position to its raised position, between a horizontally retracted position in which their half-panels (151, 152, 161, 162) are folded on each other while being contained in said closed internal volume and a raised position in which the latter extend vertically in the extension of one another between said shells (110, 120), and - two rigid transverse end panels (170, 180) each pivotally hinged by their lower edge on a corresponding transverse side of said lower shell (110) so as to be able to move between a horizontally retracted position and a raised position in which they extend vertically between said shells (110, 120), said housing module (100) being capable of adopting: - a closed rolling configuration in which said upper shell (120) occupies its lowered position and where said longitudinal lateral panels (150, 160) and transverse end panels (170, 180) occupy their retracted positions by being housed superimposed on each other in said closed internal volume, and - a deployed configuration of use in which said upper shell (120) occupies its raised position and where said longitudinal lateral panels (150, 160) and transverse end panels (170, 180) occupy their raised positions between said shells (110, 120); said module further comprising lifting means (141, 142, 143, 144) extending between said lower (110) and upper (120) shells; said lifting means (141, 142, 143, 144) being arranged so as to be entirely housed in said closed internal volume when this module (100) adopts said closed rolling configuration; characterized in that said half-panels (151, 152, 161, 162) comprise at their ends flanges (151A, 152A, 161A, 162A) projecting transversely from the internal side and intended to form, in said deployed configuration of use, retaining stops for said transverse end panels (170, 180) so as to prevent them from pivoting beyond their vertical raised position.

4. Foldable housing module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal faces of said rims (151A, 152A, 161A, 162A) are provided with a joining bead intended to ensure sealing, in said deployed configuration of use, between said lateral longitudinal panels (150, 160) and said transverse end panels (170, 180) at their vertical joining edges.

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