SLEEPING ROOF SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

Abstract

This sleeper roof system for a motor vehicle comprises a roof canopy (3) hinged relative to the vehicle body (5) between a closed position in which the canopy closes the vehicle roof and an open sleeper position in which the canopy extends laterally relative to the vehicle to form a sleeping structure (7), a set of hoops (9) hinged between a retracted position and an active upright position relative to the canopy, in the active position of said canopy, a set of support cables (10) attached at one end to the canopy and at the opposite end to the vehicle body so as to support the canopy in the sleeper position, and a cover device (8) comprising a canvas (11) covering the hoops and cables in the sleeper position. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: SLEEPING ROOF SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to sleeper roof systems for motor vehicles and, in particular, a sleeper roof system which can be used for any type of motor vehicle, including caravan, motorhome, trailer, but also for low-height vehicles, such as sedans or SUVs (for "Sport Utility Vehicle"). Previous techniques

[0002] Such a system is intended to provide an alternative to roofs generally known as "pop-up" roofs, which refer to a retractable roof that can be fitted to certain types of utility vehicles and that can be raised to create additional space that can be used either as a sleeping area or as part of the vehicle's living space. In its raised position, the retractable roof allows for either a sleeping configuration or an increased living space configuration.

[0003] In the sleeping configuration, the mattress is in the lowered position and positioned approximately at the level of the vehicle's roof, which effectively reduces the height of the vehicle's living space. In the configuration for increasing living space, the mattress is positioned in the raised position against the pop-up roof, which is also in the raised position.

[0004] This type of sleeping solution, while advantageous in that it offers a raised sleeping position, has major drawbacks, as it reduces the volume of the passenger compartment when the pop-up roof is in the sleeping configuration. Description of the invention

[0005] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to propose a sleeping roof system for motor vehicles allowing a sleeping berth to be integrated into the roof lining of the vehicle which, in particular, allows the full usable height inside the vehicle to be maintained, and which is easy to handle while being comfortable and watertight.

[0006] The invention therefore relates to a sleeper roof system for a motor vehicle, comprising a roof canopy articulated relative to the vehicle body between a closed position in which the canopy ensures the closure of the vehicle roof and an open sleeper position in which the canopy extends laterally relative to the vehicle to form a sleeping structure, a set of hoops articulated between a retracted position and an active upright position relative to the canopy, in the open position of said roof, a set of support cables fixed at one end to the roof and at the opposite end to the body of the vehicle so as to support the roof in the open sleeping position, and a hooding device comprising a canvas covering the hoops and cables in the sleeping position.

[0007] Thus, since the roof of the vehicle is hinged, it can be opened so as to deploy a berth integrated into the roof.

[0008] The integrated hooding device then makes it possible to cover the entire vehicle and roof, so as to guarantee watertightness.

[0009] Such a system can also be integrated into a relatively low-height vehicle, since the sleeping area is offset to the side of the vehicle, so that it is possible to stand upright in the vehicle, even if it is relatively low in height.

[0010] According to another feature of the invention, the pavilion is provided with a foot which rests on the ground in said open berth arrangement.

[0011] In one embodiment, the roof pavilion has a hinge axis which is offset laterally towards the outside of the vehicle, relative to the hinge axes of the hoops.

[0012] Advantageously, the pavilion has a dropped edge which extends beyond the case in the closed position.

[0013] The fabric can be positioned so as to cover the end area of ​​the pavilion.

[0014] Preferably, at least one sealing gasket is provided, on which the pavilion rests in the closed position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the hoops include a gooseneck-shaped hinged end.

[0016] Advantageously, the articulation axis of the pavilion is supported by an added part mounted on the body of the vehicle.

[0017] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a sleeper roof system as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: • [Fig.1] and [Fig.2] illustrate a motor vehicle equipped with a sleeper roof system according to the invention, respectively in the closed position and in the open sleeper position; • [Fig.3] illustrates the articulation of the roof in relation to the vehicle body; • [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates the general structure of the roof system berth according to the invention; • [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] show the articulation of the roof in relation to the vehicle body; • [Fig.7], [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] are detailed views showing the articulation of the roof and the roll bars in relation to the vehicle body; and • [Fig. 10] shows locking means for the sleeper roof system according to the invention. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0019] Reference will first be made to Figures 1 and 2 which show a van-type motor vehicle 1, equipped with a sleeper roof system 2 according to the invention, respectively in the closed position in which the sleeper roof system is sealed tightly onto the vehicle body to form the roof of the vehicle and in the open position in which the roof system is deployed laterally to form a bed.

[0020] The sleeping roof system 2 is made from the roof pavilion 3 of the vehicle which is mounted in an articulated manner relative to a stretcher 4 mounted on the body 5 of the vehicle, relative to an articulation axis A which extends longitudinally along one of the lateral sides of the body 5 of the vehicle, here the right side of the vehicle in rear view.

[0021] In the closed position shown in [Fig. 1], the inner face of the roof 3, facing the vehicle's passenger compartment, is equipped with a sleeping area comprising a mattress 6 which, in the closed position, can be covered by a removable lining system or a retractable mechanical curtain system, allowing the roof to be deployed while preserving the aesthetics of the passenger compartment when the system is closed. This lining or curtain system thus provides storage for the mattress when the roof sleeper system is closed, so that the entire assembly is invisible inside the vehicle while in motion.

[0022] In the open position, the roof extends laterally from the side of the vehicle on which it is hinged and forms with the mattress 6 a sleeping structure 7. In this open position, a watertight shelter is also formed, under the roof, next to the car.

[0023] The sleeping roof system further comprises a canopy device 8, including a set of hinged poles 9, front and rear support cables 10, and a tent canvas 11 supported by the poles and cables so as to cover the entire sleeping area 7 as well as the open roof area 12 of the vehicle. The canvas is advantageously held in an overhanging position relative to the sleeping area and the vehicle roof by a system of straps or by a system of magnets integrated into the canvas. In the closed position, a set of straps (not shown) also ensures that the canvas is held in position against the mattress.

[0024] Referring to [Fig. 4], which shows the cradle 4 of the vehicle body 5 and the sleeping structure 7 comprising the canopy 3 and the mattress 6 hinged about the hinge axis A, it can be seen that the cables, which are tensioned by the hoops 9, are attached, on one end, to the vehicle body opposite the hinge axis A and, on the other end, to the free side of the canopy opposite the hinge area, so as to hold the canopy in the open sleeping position and to support the weight of the user(s). The cables securing the sleeping structure also allow for the kinematics and ergonomics of opening and closing.

[0025] As shown in [Fig. 2], the sleeping roof system can be supplemented by one or more legs 13, also hinged or removable, which rest on the ground in the open sleeping position of the canopy 3. These legs are designed to be stored with the sleeping area once the roof is closed. These legs are further advantageously equipped with an optional telescopic adjustment system.

[0026] Referring to figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the axis of rotation A of the pavilion is mounted on an added part 14 which is attached to the body of the vehicle.

[0027] This added part 14 has a curved end area carrying the articulation axis A so as to offset this axis laterally outwards, relative to the vehicle.

[0028] This added part 14 also carries a water and air sealing gasket 16.

[0029] On the opposite side, a similar added part 17 is fixed to the vehicle body and carries a sealing gasket 18 positioned at the same level as the referenced gasket 16.

[0030] As can be seen in [Fig.5], the pavilion 3 has, on each side, a dropped edge, such as 19, which extends beyond the stretcher of the case, in the closed position, so as to ensure a seal of the pavilion in this closed position.

[0031] As shown in figures 7, 8 and 9, which illustrate the pavilion 3 and the hoops 9, the articulation axis A of the pavilion is offset laterally with respect to the articulation axis A' of the hoops.

[0032] In order to allow their rotation and unfolded and folded positions, the hoops have in this respect a swan-neck shaped end.

[0033] Stops limit the angular displacement of each of the hoops so that they adopt a predetermined and stable angular position in the open position. The stops can be arranged along a single cable, or they can be implemented directly by means of cables having different lengths of each other.

[0034] The hoops ensure the retention and tension of the cable 11 in the open position.

[0035] Referring to [Fig. 10], in the closed position, a locking device The 21 flanges ensure the roof pavilion is locked in the closed position when supported against Seals 16 and 18. This device allows compression of the seals to increase water and air tightness. This ensures a seal in both the open and closed positions.

[0036] It should be noted that the system just described can be integrated directly into the vehicle, but can also be offered as a second-hand, aftermarket option. It can also advantageously be equipped with a motorized opening and closing system;

[0037] It should also be noted that in various embodiments, all the elements that make up the sleeping roof system can be folded up to be integrated directly inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, and in particular: the support poles, the mattress with possibly blankets and sheets, the feet, the tent canvas, the cables and the hoops.

[0038] The blankets and sheets are advantageously strapped onto the mattress to allow the roof to be closed without risk of an object falling inside.

[0039] As previously stated, after closing the roof and tightening the tent canvas straps under the mattress, a curtain, for example a blackout sunroof curtain, is closed for example to restore a normal trim appearance to the car.

[0040] Such a curtain is for example rollable and mounted in the rear area.

Claims

Demands

1. A sleeper roof system for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a roof canopy (3) hinged relative to the vehicle body (5) between a closed position in which the canopy ensures the closure of the vehicle roof and an open sleeper position in which the canopy extends laterally relative to the vehicle to form a sleeping structure (7), a set of hoops (9) hinged between a retracted position and an active upright position relative to the canopy, in the open position of said canopy, a set of support cables (10) fixed at one end to the canopy and at an opposite end to the vehicle body so as to support the canopy in the sleeper position, and a cover device (8) comprising a canvas (11) covering the hoops and cables, in the sleeper position.

2. A sleeping roof system according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is provided with a foot (13) which rests on the ground in said open sleeping position.

3. System according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the roof pavilion has a hinge axis (A) which is laterally offset outwards from the vehicle, relative to the hinge axes (A') of the hoops.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the pavilion has a dropped edge (19) which extends beyond the case in the closed position.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the fabric is positioned so as to cover the end area of ​​the pavilion.

6. System according to any one of claims 4 and 5, comprising at least one sealing gasket (16, 18) on which the pavilion rests in the closed position.

7. System according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the hoops (9) comprise a gooseneck-shaped hinged end.

8. System according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the articulation axis of the roof is carried by an added part (14, 17) mounted on the body of the vehicle.

9. Motor vehicle comprising a sleeper roof system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images