Retractable roof bar

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle comprising: A retractable roof bar device including a shutter flap movable relative to the body, between a closed position closing the opening and an open position providing access to said opening; a roof bar; a first mechanism for deploying / retracting the roof bar; a mechanism for moving the shutter flap including at least first and second elastically deformable members, each connected at one of their ends, referred to as the "first end," to said shutter flap. Figure 1 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: retractable roof bar technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to roof bars of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to roof bars mounted transversely. Technological background

[0002] In order to better understand the positioning of the different parts involved in a vehicle according to the invention, the description is made with reference to a direct orthonormal frame XYZ in which X is a front-to-back longitudinal axis of the vehicle oriented towards the rear, Y is a transverse axis oriented towards the right of the vehicle and Z is a vertical axis directed upwards.

[0003] It is known to equip motor vehicles with roof bars useful for securing luggage.

[0004] For some of these vehicles, these bars are removable and can be disassembled and / or moved to be subsequently fixed on the roof so as to extend along a transverse axis Y of the vehicle.

[0005] However, installing roof bars requires complicated and cumbersome operations, most often necessitating specialized tools and awkward handling. Furthermore, these bars, which are accessible to anyone from outside the vehicle, can be easily stolen without having to break into the vehicle.

[0006] To limit the risk of theft, it is possible to store the removable roof bars in a storage place when they are not needed.

[0007] In addition to the installation difficulties described above, the storage of roof bars presents some additional disadvantages.

[0008] First, users must have sufficient storage space. Furthermore, during storage, there is a risk of damaging or losing these bars.

[0009] Furthermore, this solution does not allow the roof bars to be available at all times.

[0010] Retractable roof bars overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. They can be moved from a retracted to an extended position for use. Generally, a roof bar in its extended position is trapezoidal or rectangular in shape. The ends of the bar are often attached to the vehicle's roof. Examples of roof bars are shown in documents CN210116453U, US20120074187, and KR100457920.

[0011] There is still a need to further improve retractable roof bars. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to achieve this objective and relates to a vehicle comprising: - A roof comprising a body of generally parallelepiped shape defining a volume suitable for receiving a roof bar, said body having an upper wall provided with an opening, and - A retractable roof rack system comprising • A shutter flap movable relative to the body, between a closed position closing the opening and an open position providing access to said opening, • A roof bar capable of being housed inside the body and movable between an inactive position in which the roof bar is inside the body and an active position in which the roof bar is deployed outside the body, • A first roof bar deployment / retraction mechanism designed to: i. the roof bar from its inactive position to its active position, and / or ii. the roof bar from its active position to its inactive position, • A shutter movement mechanism comprising at least first and second elastically deformable members, each connected at one of their ends, referred to as the "first end", to said shutter such that a first deformation of the first and second elastically deformable members causes the shutter to move from its closed position to its open position, • An actuation mechanism configured to control both the flap movement mechanism and the roof bar deployment / retraction mechanism.

[0013] Thanks to the presence of the shutter, the roof bars are tamper-proof. This also reduces the roof bars' exposure to external factors.

[0014] The user can use the same actuation mechanism to control both the shutter flap movement mechanism and the roof bar deployment / retraction mechanism. This also facilitates the installation of the roof bar on the roof for securing luggage.

[0015] The actuation mechanism can be actuated in various ways, for example, manually, electrically, magnetically, or pneumatically, this list not being exhaustive.

[0016] The user can act on the actuation mechanism directly or through one or more intermediate parts. Actuation mechanism

[0017] Preferably, the actuation mechanism comprises a rotating shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, in particular parallel to the Y axis, and at least one motor arranged to rotate said shaft.

[0018] Preferably, the actuation mechanism comprises two motors arranged to rotate the shaft. Advantageously, each of the motors is located at an opposite end of the shaft.

[0019] Preferably, the tree comprises at least a first portion having a toothed outer face. Preferably, the tree comprises first and second portions, each having a toothed outer face.

[0020] The toothed portion(s) may be attached or machined onto the shaft. Flap movement mechanism

[0021] Preferably, the first and second elastically deformable elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the shutter flap.

[0022] Preferably, the first and second elastically deformable members are arranged so that their deformation according to a second deformation causes the obturating flap to move from its open position to its obturating position.

[0023] Preferably, the shaft is arranged so that rotation of the shaft in: - a first direction of rotation, called the "direct direction", causes the first and second elastically deformable members to deform according to the first deformation, and - a second direction of rotation opposite to the first, called "indirect direction" causes the deformation of the first and second elastically deformable organs according to the second deformation.

[0024] The displacement mechanism may include a transmission system arranged to transmit the motion of said actuating mechanism to the first and second elastically deformable members. In particular, the transmission system is configured to be coupled to the rotating shaft so as to transmit the motion of said shaft to the elastically deformable members.

[0025] Preferably, the transmission system comprises at least first and second gear systems elastically connected to the first and second components deformable, respectively. Each gear system may include a main gear arranged to be rotated by the actuation mechanism and at least first and second secondary gears arranged such that a rotation of the main gear causes the rotation of the first and second secondary gears. Advantageously, the first and second secondary gears are connected to the corresponding elastically deformable element such that the rotation of the secondary gears causes the deformation of said elastically deformable element.

[0026] Preferably, the first secondary wheel is arranged so that the rotation of the main wheel causes the rotation of the first secondary wheel.

[0027] Preferably, the rotation of the first secondary wheel causes that of the second secondary wheel.

[0028] Advantageously, the first and second secondary wheels are arranged on either side of the elastically connected component, in particular opposite each other along the vertical axis Z.

[0029] Preferably, each of the secondary wheels has a toothed outer face. The secondary wheels are preferably arranged so that the teeth of the first secondary wheel mesh with those of the second secondary wheel. Thus, the rotation of the first secondary wheel causes the rotation of the second secondary wheel.

[0030] The first and second secondary wheels of each gear system can be of identical size.

[0031] The first and second secondary wheels of each gear system may have their respective axes of rotation parallel to each other. The axes of rotation of the main and secondary wheels may extend along an axis parallel to the Y-axis.

[0032] The first and second secondary wheels of each gear system can be in contact with a second end of the elastically deformable member located opposite the first end.

[0033] Preferably, the main wheel of the first gear system has a toothed outer face arranged to cooperate with the first toothed portion of the shaft.

[0034] Preferably, the main wheel of the second gear system has a toothed outer face arranged to cooperate with the second toothed portion of the shaft.

[0035] Preferably, the shaft and main gears of the first and second gear systems are arranged so that rotation of the shaft in the forward direction causes rotation of the main gear in a first predefined direction, thereby causing deformation of the elastically deformable parts in the first deformation causing the shutter flap to move from its shutter position to its open position.

[0036] Preferably, the shaft and main gears of the first and second gear systems are arranged so that rotation of the shaft in the reverse direction causes rotation of the main gear in a second predefined direction, opposite to the first predefined direction, so as to cause deformation of the elastically deformable parts according to the second deformation, causing the shutter flap to move from its open position to its closed position. Bar deployment mechanism

[0037] The bar deployment mechanism may comprise two assemblies, preferably arranged symmetrically, particularly with respect to a median plane of the roof bar. Each assembly may comprise first and second articulated arms, each having articulation axes perpendicular to the transverse axis of the roof bar. The articulated arms are preferably rotationally movable between a first position in which the roof bar is in the inactive position and a second position in which the roof bar is in the active position.

[0038] When the arms are in their first position, they can form with the longitudinal axis of the shaft an angle α of less than 20°.

[0039] When the arms are in their second position, they can form with the longitudinal axis of the shaft an angle greater than 30°.

[0040] The arms can be connected to the bar directly or indirectly.

[0041] The bar deployment mechanism may include a slider whose movement from an initial position to a final position causes the articulated arms to tilt towards their second position.

[0042] Preferably, the first arm is connected to the cursor.

[0043] Preferably, the slider is internally threaded.

[0044] Preferably, the slider is rotatably mounted on an externally threaded portion of the rotating shaft so that a rotation of the shaft in the direct direction causes the cursor to move, in particular by translation along the shaft axis, from its initial position to its final position.

[0045] Advantageously, the rotation of the shaft in the indirect direction causes the displacement, in particular by translation along the shaft, from its final position to its initial position.

[0046] The deployment mechanism may further include a sliding block mounted on the roof bar, the sliding block being arranged to be movable in translation relative to the roof bar. The sliding block may include an end stop defining the end of the block's movement relative to the roof bar.

[0047] Preferably, the end stop has a finger engaged in a slot made in the roof bar.

[0048] Preferably, the first and second arms are each articulated at one of their ends on the sliding block.

[0049] The first arm can be articulated at one end to the slider and at the other end to the sliding block.

[0050] Preferably, the arms are arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the sliding block.

[0051] Preferably, the deployment mechanism comprises a fixed support on which the second arm is further articulated.

[0052] Preferably, said support is arranged to be traversed by the rotating shaft.

[0053] The body may comprise at least two side walls, each having a groove, said groove comprising a slide preferably extending along a non-rectilinear axis, the shutter being mounted to slide in said slides.

[0054] Elastically deformable elements can be leaf springs. Brief description of the figures

[0055] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

[0056] [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is a partial perspective view of a portion of the roof of a vehicle and of a retractable roof bar device according to the invention when the roof bar is in active configuration;

[0057] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a similar view to [Fig.1] in which the roof bar is inactive position;

[0058] [Fig. 3a] [Fig. 3a] is a side view of a portion of the roof rack device in inactive position;

[0059] [Fig.3b] [Fig.3b] is a view along axis II of the device of [Fig.3a];

[0060] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4a] is a side view of a portion of the roof rack device in active position;

[0061] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4b] is a view along axis II of the device of [Fig.4a];

[0062]

[0063] [Fig.5] a top view of the roof bar device of [Fig.4a];

[0064] [Fig.6a] and [Fig.6b] represent cross-sections of the bar device roof in active and inactive positions, respectively;

[0065] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents in isolation an example of a displacement mechanism of the shutter according to the invention

[0066] [Fig.8a] [Fig.8a] is a view similar to [Fig.6a]; and

[0067] [Fig.8b] [Fig.8b] is a detail of the movement mechanism of [Fig.7] Description of embodiment(s)

[0068] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0069] Figures 1 to 8b illustrate a roof rack device according to the invention for a vehicle having a roof 1. As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1], the roof 1 comprises a body 10 of substantially parallelepiped shape having an upper wall 1a, a lower wall 11b, and side walls 13a, 13b, 14a (the fourth wall is not shown). The upper wall 1a has an elongated opening 12 along the Y-axis. In the illustrated example, the opening has a generally rectangular shape.

[0070] As can be seen in the figures, the roof bar device includes a shutter flap 20. The latter is movable relative to the body 10, between a closed position closing the opening 12, as can be seen in [Fig.2], and an open position releasing the opening 12 as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0071] The shutter 20 is slidably mounted on the body 10. To this end, the side walls of the latter 13a (13b not shown) each have a groove. Each groove is equipped with a rail 16 to guide the movement of the shutter 20. The shutter 20 has a pair of rollers 22, each engaged in one of the grooves.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the groove extends along a non-straight axis P so that when the flap moves towards its open position, it passes below the upper wall 13a.

[0073] The roof rack device includes a displacement mechanism 50 for the shutter 20, allowing the shutter to be moved from its closed position to its open position. This displacement mechanism is partially illustrated in Figures 7, 8a, and 8b. The displacement mechanism 50 comprises first and second elastically deformable members 52, only one of which is shown. Each elastically deformable member 52 is connected at its first end 52a to the shutter 20 such that a first deformation of the first and second elastically deformable members causes the shutter to move from its closed position to its open position. The first and second elastically deformable members 52 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the shutter.

[0074] The elastically deformable members are further arranged so that their deformation according to a second deformation causes the obturating flap 20 to move from its open position to its obturating position.

[0075] As can be seen in [Fig.8b], the body 10 has guides 15 to guide the movement of the elastically deformable organs.

[0076] The roof rack device further includes an actuation mechanism 70 for controlling the movement mechanism 50.

[0077] The actuation mechanism 60 comprises a rotating shaft 62 extending along the Y direction, and at least one motor 61 arranged to rotate said shaft 62. The shaft 62 comprises first and second portions 63, only one of which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 9a, each having a toothed outer face.

[0078] The displacement mechanism 50 includes a transmission system arranged to transmit to the first and second elastically deformable members 52 the movement of the actuation mechanism 70.

[0079] The transmission system comprises first and second gear systems 55 (only one of which is visible in [Fig. 7]). Each gear system 55 comprises a main gear 56 arranged to be rotated by the actuation mechanism and first and second secondary gears 58a and 58b arranged such that a rotation of the main gear causes the rotation of the first and second secondary gears. Furthermore, the first and second secondary gears are arranged on either side of the elastically connected member 52, opposite each other along the vertical axis Z.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the first secondary wheel 58 is arranged so that the rotation of the main wheel 56 causes the rotation of the first secondary wheel 58a.

[0081] The secondary wheels 58a and 58b each have a toothed outer face. Furthermore, the secondary wheels 58a and 58b are arranged so that the teeth of the first secondary wheel 58 cooperate with those of the second secondary wheel 58b. Thus, the rotation of the first secondary wheel 58a causes the rotation of the second secondary wheel 58b.

[0082] As illustrated, the first and second secondary wheels have parallel axes of rotation. The axes of rotation of the main and secondary wheels extend in a direction parallel to the Y-axis.

[0083] The main wheel 58a has a toothed outer face arranged to cooperate with the first toothed portion 63 of the shaft 62. Rotation of the shaft 62 in a first direction of rotation, referred to as the "direct direction," causes the main wheel to rotate in the opposite direction, referred to as the "indirect direction," and consequently, the secondary wheels 58a and 58b to rotate. Due to the arrangement of the parts, this rotation of the secondary wheels 58a and 58b causes the elastically deformable member 52 to stretch, resulting in the displacement of the shutter from its closed position to its open position.

[0084] Conversely, the rotation of the shaft 62 in the "indirect direction" causes the main wheel 56 to rotate in the opposite direction, and consequently the movement of the shutter flap 20 from its open position to its closed position.

[0085] The roof rack system further comprises a roof bar 30 adapted to be housed inside the body 10. The roof bar 30 extends along a longitudinal axis Yb parallel to the Y-axis of the car. The roof bar 30 is movable between an inactive position in which the roof bar 30 is inside the body 10, as illustrated in Figures 6a and 8b, and an active position in which the roof bar 30 is deployed outside the body 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 6b.

[0086] The movement of the roof bar 30 from its inactive position to its active position is achieved by a translational movement along a vertical axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The retractable roof bar device includes for this purpose a deployment / retraction mechanism 40 for the roof bar 30 arranged to bring: i. the roof bar 30 from its inactive position to its active position, and / or ii. the roof bar 30 from its active position to its inactive position.

[0087] The deployment / retraction mechanism 40 of the bar comprises two assemblies 45 arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the roof bar. In the illustrated example, only one assembly 45 is shown. Each assembly 45 comprises first and second articulated arms 46a and 46b, each having articulation axes 47a-b, 48a-b perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Yb of the roof bar. The articulated arms 46a and 46b are rotationally movable between a first position in which the roof bar 30 is in an inactive position and a second position in which the roof bar 30 is in an active position.

[0088] When arms 46a and 46b are in their first position, they form with the longitudinal axis Yb of shaft 62, an angle a of less than 20°.

[0089] When arms 46a and 46b are in their second position, they form an angle α greater than 30° with the longitudinal axis Yb of shaft 62

[0090] The bar deployment mechanism includes an internally threaded slider 42, the movement of which from an initial position to a final position causes the articulated arms to pivot to their second position. As illustrated, the first arm 46a is articulated on the slider 42.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the slider 42 is rotatably mounted on an externally threaded portion 64 of the rotating shaft 62 so that a rotation of the shaft in the forward direction causes the slider 42 to move, in particular by translation along the axis of the shaft, from its initial position to its final position, as represented by the arrow Fl on [Fig.4a].

[0092] Conversely, the rotation of the shaft 62 in the indirect direction causes the cursor 42 to move from its final position to its initial position, as indicated by arrow F2.

[0093] The assembly 45 further comprises a sliding block 49 mechanically connected to the roof bar 30, the sliding block being arranged to be mobile in translation relative to the roof bar 30 along its longitudinal axis Yb.

[0094] As illustrated, the first and second arms 46a-b are each articulated at one of their ends on the sliding block 49. Also, the first arm 46a is articulated at one of its ends 46al on the slider 42 and at the other end 46a2 on the sliding block 49.

[0095] As can be seen in the figures, the arms 46a and 46b are arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the sliding block 49.

[0096] The sliding block 49 includes a limit stop 49a defining the end of the movement of the block 49 relative to the roof bar 30. In the example illustrated in [Fig.5], the limit stop 49a includes a finger engaged in a slot 32 made in the roof bar 30.

[0097] The rotation of the arms to move from their first position to their second position is accompanied by the sliding of block 49 in the same direction as arrow FL

[0098] Similarly, the rotation of the arms 46a-b to move from the second position to the first position is accompanied by the sliding of the block 49 in the same direction as arrow F2.

[0099] The assembly comprises a fixed support 44 on which the second arm 46b is further articulated at its end 46b2. Said support 44 is provided with a through hole for the rotating shaft to pass through.

[0100] We will now describe the operation of the roof rack device according to the invention.

[0101] To deploy the roof rack, the user operates the actuating mechanism to activate the mechanisms for moving the shutter flap and deploying the roof rack. Activating the motor causes the shaft to rotate in the forward direction, which in turn triggers both the rotation of the main wheel and that of the slider, causing the latter to move along said shaft.

[0102] The rotation of the aforementioned main wheel causes the secondary wheels to rotate. Following the rotation of the secondary wheels 58a and 58b, the deformation members 52 deform according to the first deformation, causing the shutter to move from its closed position to its open position.

[0103] Simultaneously, moving the cursor causes the arms to move from their first position to their second position. This change in configuration is accompanied by the movement of the block along the longitudinal axis of the roof bar. The assembly The movements described allow the bar to lift itself and move from its inactive position to its active position.

[0104] To retract the roof bar, the user operates the actuating mechanism again. Activating the motor causes the shaft to rotate in the reverse direction, which in turn triggers both the rotation of the main wheel in the direct direction and that of the slider, causing it to move along the shaft from its final position to its initial position.

[0105] The rotation of the aforementioned main wheel causes the secondary wheels to rotate. Following the rotation of the secondary wheels 58a and 58b, the deformation members 52 deform according to the second deformation, causing the shutter to move from its open position to its closed position.

[0106] Simultaneously, moving the cursor causes the arms to move from their second position to their first position. This change in configuration is accompanied by the movement of the block along the longitudinal axis of the roof bar. All of the movements described allow the roof bar to move from its active position to its inactive position.

[0107] The invention is not limited to the example just described.

Claims

1. Demands Vehicle comprising: - A roof (1) comprising a body (10) of generally parallelepiped shape defining a volume suitable for receiving a roof bar, said body having an upper wall (1a) provided with an opening (12), and - A retractable roof rack system comprising • A shutter flap (20) movable relative to the body, between a closed position closing the opening and an open position giving access to said opening (12), • A roof bar (30) suitable for being housed inside the body (10) and movable between an inactive position in which the roof bar is inside the body and an active position in which the roof bar is deployed outside the body (10), • A first roof bar deployment / retraction mechanism designed to: i. the roof bar from its inactive position to its active position, and / or ii. the roof bar from its active position to its inactive position, • A mechanism for displacing the shutter flap (20) comprising at least first and second elastically deformable members (52), each connected by one of their ends (52a), referred to as the "first end", to said shutter flap (20) such that a first deformation of the first and second elastically deformable members (52) causes the flap (20) to move from its closed position to its open position, • An actuation mechanism (70) configured to control both the flap movement mechanism and the roof bar deployment / retraction mechanism.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, the first and second elastically deformable members (52) being further arranged so that their deformation according to a second deformation causes the displacement of the shutter flap (20) from its open position to its closed position.

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, the actuation mechanism (60) comprising a rotating shaft (62) extending along a longitudinal axis, in particular parallel to a transverse axis (Y) of the vehicle, and at least one motor arranged to rotate said shaft, the shaft being arranged so that the rotation of the shaft in: - a first direction of rotation, called "direct direction", causes the first and second elastically deformable members (52) to deform according to the first deformation, and - a second direction of rotation opposite to the first, called "indirect direction", causes the first and second elastically deformable members (52) to deform according to the second deformation.

4. Vehicle according to claim 2, the bar device comprising a transmission system arranged to transmit to the first and second elastically deformable members (52) the motion of said actuation mechanism, the transmission system being in particular configured to be coupled to the rotating shaft (62) so as to transmit the motion of said shaft to the elastically deformable members.

5. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, the transmission system comprising at least first and second gear systems (55) connected to first and second elastically deformable members, respectively, each gear system comprising a main wheel (56) arranged to be driven in rotation by the actuation mechanism and at least first and second secondary wheels (58a-b) arranged such that a rotation of the main wheel (56) causes the rotation of the first and second secondary wheels, the first and second secondary wheels being connected to the corresponding elastically deformable member (52) such that the rotation of the secondary wheels cause the deformation of said elastically deformable part.

6. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, the rotating shaft (62) comprising first and second portions (63) each having a toothed outer face, the main wheels (56) of the gear systems (55) each having a toothed outer face arranged to cooperate with one of the first and second toothed portions (63) of the rotating shaft.

7. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the body (10) comprising at least two side walls (13a) each having a groove, said groove comprising a slide preferably extending along a non-rectilinear axis, the shutter being mounted to slide in said slides.

8. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the elastically deformable members (52) being leaf springs.

9. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the bar deployment mechanism comprising two assemblies (45), preferably arranged symmetrically, in particular with respect to a median plane of the roof bar, each assembly comprising first and second articulated arms (46a-b) each having articulation axes (47a-b) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Yb) of the roof bar (30), the articulated arms (46a-b) being rotationally movable between a first position in which the roof bar is in an inactive position and a second position in which the roof bar is in an active position.

10. Vehicle according to the preceding claim with attachment to claim 2, the bar deployment mechanism comprising a slider (42) whose movement from an initial position to a final position causes the articulated arms (46a-b) to tilt towards their second position, preferably the slider being rotatably mounted on an externally threaded portion of the rotating shaft so that a rotation of the shaft in the forward direction causes the slider to move, in particular by translation along the axis of the shaft, from its initial position to its final position.

11. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the deployment / retraction mechanism further comprising a block (49) slidably mounted on the roof bar, the sliding block being arranged to be movable in translation relative to the roof bar (30), preferably the sliding block (49) further comprising a limit stop (49a) defining the end of the movement of the block (49) relative to the roof bar (30).

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