Vehicle roof lifting mechanism

Abstract

A lifting system for a vehicle roof panel is provided. The system comprises first and second struts 12, 14, pivotally connected at a pivot 16. First strut 12 is translatably mounted at a mount 25 to a

Description

The present invention relates to a lifting mechanism for raising a vehicle roof panel relative to a vehicle roof frame. The present invention also relates to a system, vehicle and method incorporating the lifting mechanism. Roof lifting mechanisms are typically integrated into vehicles to raise the roof panel relative to the roof frame, thereby providing additional space and flexibility for passengers or cargo. These mechanisms are often found in vehicles such as minivans, campervans and other recreational vehicles (RVs). Raised or pop-up roofs in vehicles are typically designed to be held in the lowered position while the vehicle is in motion and selectively held in the raised position only when the vehicle is stationary. In the raised position, these roof lifting mechanisms increase headroom and living space, providing enhanced comfort when the vehicle is parked. In some vehicles, roof lifting mechanisms create an additional compartment, typically used for sleeping. When raised, these mechanisms allow passengers to stand, move, and sleep comfortably inside. Since many RVs serve multiple functions—acting as both a mobile home and a vehicle—roof lifting mechanisms are highly desirable for maximising space. They create versatile living areas, offering additional room that improves passenger comfort by clearly defining different functional spaces, such as the driving, living and sleeping zones. The known lifting mechanisms are often manually operated, but these forms of mechanism can be cumbersome to deploy. Lifting mechanisms may be powered, typically using electric motors, but these forms of mechanism can be bulky. It is therefore desired to provide improvements relating to roof lifting mechanisms. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lifting mechanism for raising a vehicle roof panel relative to a vehicle roof frame, the lifting mechanism comprising: a first strut having a first frame end mountable to the frame and a first panel end mountable to the panel; a second strut having a second frame end mountable to the frame and a second panel end mountable to the panel; a pivot point at which the first strut and second strut are pivotably mounted to one another; wherein a translatable one of the first and second frame ends is translatably mountable to the frame and a pivotable one of the first and second frame ends is pivotably mountable to the frame; and wherein a translatable one of the first and second panel ends is translatably mountable to the panel and a pivotable one of the first and second panel ends is pivotably mountable to the panel. As will be appreciated, the present invention provides a lifting mechanism that is easy to deploy. For example, in use, moving the translatable one of the first and second frame ends towards the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends can cause the first and second struts to pivot relative to one another about the pivot point and can cause the translatable one of the first and second panel ends to move towards the pivotable one of the first and second panel ends, thereby moving the roof panel into a raised position relative to the roof frame. Conversely, moving the translatable one of the first and second frame ends away from the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends can cause the first and second struts to pivot relative to one another about the pivot point (in the opposite direction to when raising) and can cause the translatable one of the first and second panel ends to move away from the pivotable one of the first and second panel ends, thereby moving the roof panel into a lowered position relative to the roof frame. The translatory motion of the translatable one of the first and second panel ends, which is used to lift the roof panel, can allow the mechanism to be deployed in a convenient and compact manner. In embodiments, one of the first strut and second strut may comprise a strut channel and the other of the first strut and second strut may be arranged to nest within the strut channel when the lifting mechanism is in a lowered position. The strut channel may comprise a first (upwardly open) channel portion and a second (downwardly open) channel portion. This can allow the struts to be stored in a compact configuration when in the lowered position. Furthermore, one of the first strut and second strut may have a slot and the other of the first strut and second strut may pass through the slot. The slot can help to maintain a precise alignment of the first and second struts. This can allow guided motion and stable operation of the lifting mechanism. The first channel portion and second channel portion may be located on either side of the slot. In embodiments, the lifting mechanism may further comprise a frame mounting structure for mounting the first frame end and / or the second frame end (e.g. indirectly) to the frame. The frame mounting structure can allow the lifting mechanism to be easily installed on existing frames and / or vehicles without the need for extensive modifications. The translatable one of the first and second frame ends may comprise a frame translatory component configured to move along the frame mounting structure. The frame translatory component may comprise one or more wheels to enable the frame translatory component to move along the frame mounting structure. The frame translatory component may comprise one or more axles, e.g. for the one or more wheels. For example, the frame translatory component may comprise an axle with opposing ends, each end having a wheel to enable the frame translatory component to move along the frame mounting structure. These embodiments can help to minimise friction as the roof panel moves between a raised and lowered position, thus allowing for a smoother, more efficient and easily deployable operation. Reducing friction during operation can also help to extend the lifespan of the lifting mechanism by making it less susceptible to wear over time. The frame mounting structure may comprise a frame mounting channel configured to receive the frame translatory component. The frame mounting channel may comprise a base wall. The frame mounting channel may comprise opposing side walls. The frame mounting channel may comprise sections extending inwardly from the side walls configured to retain and / or guide the frame translatory component within the frame mounting channel. The frame mounting structure and the frame translatory component in these embodiments are configured to be strong and robust. This is particularly beneficial, as it extends the lifespan of those components. However, the frame mounting structure, being on the frame side of the lifting mechanism rather than the panel side of the lifting mechanism, does not contribute weight that needs to be lifted when raising the panel. In embodiments, the lifting mechanism may further comprise a panel mounting structure for mounting the first panel end and / or the second panel end to the panel. The panel mounting structure can allow the lifting mechanism to be easily installed on existing panels and / or vehicles without the need for extensive modifications. The translatable one of the first and second panel ends may comprise a panel translatory component configured to move along the panel mounting structure. The panel translatory component may comprise one or more bearings to enable the panel translatory component to move along the panel mounting structure. The panel translatory component may comprise one or more shafts, e.g. for the one or more bearings. For example, the panel translatory component may comprise a shaft with opposing ends, each end having a bearing to enable the panel translatory component to move along (e.g. an elongate slot in) the panel mounting structure. These embodiments can again help to minimise the friction generated when the roof panel is moved between a raised and lowered position and therefore can allow a more efficient and easily deployable operation of the lifting mechanism. Reducing friction during operation can also help to extend the lifespan of the lifting mechanism by making it less susceptible to wear over time. The panel mounting structure may comprise a panel mounting channel configured to receive the panel translatory component. The panel mounting channel may comprise a top wall. The panel mounting channel may comprise opposing side walls. Each side wall may have an elongate slot configured to retain and / or guide the panel translatory component. The panel mounting structure and the panel translatory component in these embodiments are configured to be compact and lightweight to minimise the additional weight on the roof panel. This is particularly beneficial, as it reduces the load the lifting mechanism must lift when raising the roof panel. ln embodiments, the distance between the pivot point and the first frame end may be different to the distance between the pivot point and the first panel end. For example, the distance between the pivot point and the first frame end may be longer than the distance between the pivot point and the first panel end. Similarly, the distance between the pivot point and the second frame end may be different to the distance between the pivot point and the second panel end. For example, the distance between the pivot point and the second frame end may be shorter than the distance between the pivot point and the second panel end. These embodiments can help control the angle at which the roof panel is lifted when it is moved into the raised position. For example, these embodiments can allow the roof to be lifted in a tilted position, i.e. in which the panel is no longer substantially parallel to the frame when raised. This configuration is particularly beneficial as it enables efficient drainage of precipitation, enhances roof aerodynamics to improve stability in windy conditions, and increases interior space and headroom for greater user comfort. For example, the pivot point may be positioned closer to the first panel end of the first strut and / or closer to the second frame end of the second strut to allow the lifting mechanism to lift into a tilted position, i.e. with a lower portion of the panel being nearer the first panel end of the first strut and / or being nearer the second frame end of the second strut. Similarly, the pivot point may be positioned further from the first frame end of the first strut and / or further from the second panel end of the second strut to allow the lifting mechanism to lift into a tilted position, i.e. with a higher portion of the panel being nearer the first frame end of the first strut and / or being nearer the second panel end of the second strut. These embodiments accordingly lift the roof panel so that one end is raised higher than the other end. For recreational vehicles that use the roof lifting mechanism to create a sleeping compartment, this arrangement is particularly advantageous because it provides more headroom where needed. This can allow a user to sit comfortably upright, without compromising space at the lower end where the user's feet would typically be. In embodiments, the distance between the pivot point and the first frame end may be substantially the same as the distance between the pivot point and the second panel end. Similarly, the distance between the pivot point and the second frame end may be substantially the same as the distance between the pivot point and the first panel end. This can help to ensure the roof panel lifts evenly, maintaining a consistent tilt and promoting stability when the lifting mechanism moves the roof panel between a raised and lowered position. In embodiments, the lifting mechanism may further comprise an actuator configured to move the translatable one of the first and second frame ends towards the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends. This can allow for easier operation of the lifting mechanism. The actuator may be connected to the translatable one of the first and second frame ends. For example, the actuator may be connected via the frame translatory component. The (e.g. other end of the) actuator may be connectable to the frame mounting structure and / or frame. Thus, the actuator may be connectable between the translatable one of the first and second frame ends (e.g. via the frame translatory component) on the one hand and the frame mounting structure and / or frame on the other hand. This connection can allow robust control over the raising and lowering of the lifting mechanism when moving the roof panel into raised and lowered positions. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The actuator may comprise a screw actuator, which may comprise a rotating element that drives a threaded shaft coupled to the translatable one of the first and second frame ends (e.g. via the frame translatory component). This can provide a finely controlled movement of the translatable one of the first and second frame ends towards the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends, thereby lifting the roof panel relative to the roof frame. The actuator may also help to ensure the roof panel is held and maintained in the raised position. In embodiments, the lifting mechanism (e.g. actuator) may be electronically and / or remotely operable. This can allow the roof panel to be raised or lowered without the need for manual effort or direct physical interaction. Users can operate the lifting mechanism from a distance or from inside the vehicle. This can provide a smoother and more convenient deployment of the lifting mechanism. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof lifting system comprising a roof frame, a roof panel and one or more lifting mechanisms as described herein in any aspect or embodiment. In embodiments, the roof lifting system may comprise a pair of the lifting mechanisms. The lifting mechanisms of the pair may be mounted on opposite sides of the roof frame. The lifting mechanisms of the pair may be arranged substantially opposite and / or parallel to one another. This can help to ensure that the roof panel is uniformly lifted. In some embodiments, the roof lifting system may comprise one or more of the lifting mechanisms, wherein none of the lifting mechanisms comprises an actuator, only one of the lifting mechanisms comprises an actuator, or both of the lifting mechanisms comprises an actuator. Thus, each of the lifting mechanisms may be passively driven (e.g. with there being no actuator for the lifting mechanism) or actively driven (e.g. with there being an actuator for the lifting mechanism). In preferred embodiments, both lifting mechanisms in the lifting system may be actively driven. This can help to ensure the roof panel lifts evenly. In embodiments, the roof lifting system may further comprise one or more additional struts, e.g. provided separately from the one or more lifting mechanisms, to assist with raising and maintaining the roof panel in the raised position. For example, the roof lifting system may comprise a pair of the additional struts. The additional struts of the pair may be mounted on opposite sides of the roof frame. The additional struts of the pair may be arranged substantially opposite and / or parallel to one another. This can help to ensure that the roof panel lifts evenly. Each additional strut may comprise a gas strut, which can help to ensure the roof panel is securely held and maintained in the raised position. This can provide an additional safety measure to supplement the role of the (e.g. actuator of the) lifting mechanism in holding the roof panel in place in the raised position. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising one or more lifting mechanisms or a roof lifting system as described herein in any aspect or embodiment. This can allow a vehicle to provide additional headroom and interior space when the lifting mechanism is used to lift the roof panel relative to the roof frame into a raised position. The roof lifting system can be used to transform a standard transport vehicle, such as a van, into a recreational vehicle, which may provide a distinct sleeping compartment separate from the driving and living areas. Furthermore, the roof lifting system can allow the roof panel to be held in the lowered position while the vehicle is in motion and held in the raised position when stationary. This can provide convenient configuration for vehicle users wanting to raise and then lower the roof lifting system. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fitting one or more lifting mechanisms or a roof lifting system as described herein in any aspect or embodiment to a vehicle, the method comprising: mounting the translatable one of the first and second frame ends and the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends to a roof frame; and mounting the translatable one of the first and second panel ends and the pivotable one of the first and second panel ends to a roof panel. The method may comprise cutting an opening in the vehicle roof. The method may comprise installing the roof frame in an opening in the vehicle roof. By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a close up perspective view of the panel mounting channel of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a roof lifting system comprising a pair of the lifting mechanisms of Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a lifting mechanism 10 for raising a vehicle roof panel relative to a vehicle roof frame. The lifting mechanism 10 is shown when deployed in a raised position. The lifting mechanism 10 comprises a first strut 12 and a second strut 14 which are pivotably mounted to one another at a pivot point 16. The first strut 12 has a central slot 18 through which the second strut 14 passes. The first strut 12 comprises a strut channel 19 configured to accommodate the second strut 14 when the lifting mechanism 10 is in a lowered position. The strut channel 19 on the first strut 12 is formed of two portions 20,22, which are separated by the slot 18 through which the second strut 14 passes. The first channel portion 20 comprises a lower section and opposing side walls, but lacks an upper section, while the second channel portion 22 comprises an upper section and opposing side walls but no lower section. As the lifting mechanism 10 is moved between a raised position and a lowered position, the struts 12, 14 pivot about the pivot point 16. When in the lowered position, the second strut 14 nests neatly into the channel portions 20, 22 of the first strut 12. The first strut 12 comprises a first frame end 24 that is mounted to a vehicle roof frame 52 (shown in Figure 3) via a frame mounting structure 36. The first strut 12 also comprises a first panel end 26 that is mounted to a roof panel 44 (again shown in Figure 3) via a panel mounting structure 40. The first frame end 24 is translatably and pivotably mounted and comprises a frame translatory component 25, which will be explained in more detail below, whereas the first panel end 26 is merely pivotably mounted and thus has no such translatory component. Similarly, the second strut 14 comprises a second frame end 32 that is pivotably mounted to the roof frame 52 via the frame mounting structure 36. The second strut 14 also comprises a second panel end 34 that is mounted to the roof panel 44 via the panel mounting structure 40. The second panel end 34 is translatably and pivotably mounted and comprises a panel translatory component 35, which again will be explained in more detail below, whereas the second frame end 32 is merely pivotably mounted and thus has no such translatory component. The distance between the pivot point 16 and the first frame end 24 is longer than the distance between the pivot point 16 and the first panel end 26. Conversely, the distance between the pivot point 16 and the second frame end 32 is shorter than the distance between the pivot point 16 and the second panel end 34. However, the distance between the pivot point 16 and the first frame end 24 is substantially the same as the distance between the pivot point 16 and the second panel end 34. Similarly, the distance between the pivot point 16 and the second frame end 32 is substantially the same as the distance between the pivot point 16 and the first panel end 26. This can help to control the angle at which the lifting mechanism 10 is deployed. In this embodiment, the roof panel 44 is substantially parallel to the roof frame 52 in the lowered position but is tilted relative to the roof frame 52 as the roof panel 44 is raised. As discussed above, the lifting mechanism 10 comprises a frame mounting structure 36 for mounting the first frame end 24 and the second frame end 32 to the roof frame 52. The second frame end 32 is pivotable at one end of the frame mounting structure 36, while the first frame end 24 is translatably (see double-ended arrow) and pivotably mounted to the frame mounting structure 36. The lifting mechanism 10 also comprises a panel mounting structure 40 for mounting the first panel end 26 and the second panel end 34 to the roof panel 44. The first panel end 26 is pivotable at one end of the panel mounting structure 40 (the corresponding end to that at which the second frame end 32 is pivotably mounted to the frame mounting structure 36), while the second panel end 34 is translatably (see double-ended arrow) and pivotably mounted to the panel mounting structure 40. Both the frame mounting structure 36 and the panel mounting structure 40 comprise a mounting channel 38, 42 configured to receive their respective translatory components 25, 35. The mounting structures 36, 40 can be easily installed on existing vehicles simply by mounting those to the frame 52 and roof panel 44 respectively and thus without the need for extensive modifications other than cutting an opening in the vehicle roof and installing the frame 52. Still referring to Figure 1, the frame mounting channel 38 is defined by a base wall 39, opposing side walls 41, and sections 43 extending inwardly from the side walls 41 configured to guide and retain the frame translatory component 25 within the frame mounting channel 38. The frame translatory component 25 comprises an axle 28 with two opposing ends, each end having a wheel 30 (one visible) to enable the frame translatory component 25 to move along the frame mounting channel 38. The frame translatory component 25 therefore moves longitudinally along the frame mounting channel 38 and substantially parallel to the plane of the roof frame 52. Referring now to Figure 2, the panel mounting channel 42 is configured to receive the panel translatory component 35. The panel mounting channel 42 is defined by opposing side walls 47, each side wall 47 having an elongate slot 46 to guide and retain the panel translatory component 35. The panel translatory component 35 comprises a shaft 48 with two opposing ends, each end having a bearing 50 to enable the panel translatory component 35 to move along the elongate slot 46 in the panel mounting channel 42. The panel translatory component 35 therefore moves longitudinally along the panel mounting channel 42 and substantially parallel to the plane of the roof panel 44. Referring now to Figure 3, a roof lifting system 56 is shown having a pair of the lifting mechanisms 10. The roof lifting system 56 further comprises the roof frame 52 and the roof panel 44. The pair of lifting mechanisms 10 are mounted on opposite sides of the roof frame 52. This can help to ensure the roof panel 44 is lifted evenly when moved into the raised position. The roof lifting system 56 further comprises a pair of additional gas struts 58 provided separately to the lifting mechanisms 10, to assist with raising and maintaining the roof panel 44 in the raised position. The pair of additional struts 58 are again mounted on opposite sides of the roof frame 52 to ensure the roof panel 44 is lifted evenly when moved into the raised position. The frame mounting structures 36 are attached to the roof frame 52 and the panel mounting structures 40 (one visible) are attached to the roof panel 44. Each lifting mechanism 10 in the roof lifting system 56 further comprises a screw actuator 54 configured to move the first frame ends 24 towards the second frame ends 32 to lift the roof panel 44 relative to the roof frame 52. The actuators 54 are connected to the first frame ends 24 that are translatably mounted via the frame translatory components 25. As is shown schematically, the actuator 54 in each of the lifting mechanisms 10 further comprises a control cable 62 that is connected between the actuator 54 and a controller 60 configured to control the driving of the actuators 54 for simultaneous operation of the lifting mechanisms 10. The controller 60 may be operated via a control panel of the vehicle or using a remote control. As discussed above, the lifting mechanisms 10 of the lifting system 56 are configured so that during operation, moving the first frame end 24 towards the 5 second frame end 32 (i.e. via driving of the actuator 54) causes the first and second struts 12, 14 to pivot relative to one another about the pivot point 16 and causes the first frame end 24 to move towards the second frame end 32, thereby moving the roof panel 44 into a raised position relative to the roof frame 52. Conversely, moving the first frame end 24 away from the second frame end 32 10 (i.e. via driving of the actuator 54 in the opposite direction) causes the first and second struts 12, 14 to pivot relative to one another about the pivot point 16 and causes the second panel end 34 to move away from the first panel end 26, thereby moving the roof panel 44 into a lowered position relative to the roof frame 52. During operation, the roof panel 44 is raised relative to the roof frame 52 in a 15 tilted position such that the panel 44 is no longer substantially parallel to the frame 52, with a lower portion of the panel 44 being nearer the first panel end 26 of the first strut 12 and being nearer the second frame end 32 of the second strut 14.

Claims

1. A lifting mechanism for raising a vehicle roof panel relative to a vehicle roof frame, the lifting mechanism comprising:a first strut having a first frame end mountable to the frame and a first panel end mountable to the panel;a second strut having a second frame end mountable to the frame and a second panel end mountable to the panel;a pivot point at which the first strut and second strut are pivotably mounted to one another;wherein a translatable one of the first and second frame ends is translatably mountable to the frame and a pivotable one of the first and second frame ends is pivotably mountable to the frame; andwherein a translatable one of the first and second panel ends is translatably mountable to the panel and a pivotable one of the first and second panel ends is pivotably mountable to the panel.

2. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first strut and second strut comprises a strut channel and the other of the first strut and second strut is arranged to nest within the strut channel when the lifting mechanism is in a lowered position.

3. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first strut and second strut has a slot and the other of the first strut and second strut passes through the slot.

4. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a frame mounting structure for mounting the first frame end and / or the second frame end to the frame.

5. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein the translatable one of the first and second frame ends comprises a frame translatory component configured to move along the frame mounting structure.

6. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the frame translatory component comprises one or more wheels to enable the frame translatory component to move along the frame mounting structure.

7. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the frame mounting structure comprises a frame mounting channel configured to receive the frame translatory component.

8. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frame mounting channel comprises opposing side walls and sections extending inwardly from the side walls configured to retain and / or guide the frame translatory component within the frame mounting channel.

9. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a panel mounting structure for mounting the first panel end and / or the second panel end to the panel.

10. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the translatable one of the first and second panel ends comprises a panel translatory component configured to move along the panel mounting structure.

11. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the panel translatory component comprises one or more bearings to enable the panel translatory component to move along the panel mounting structure.

12. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the panel mounting structure comprises a panel mounting channel configured to receive the panel translatory component.

13. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 12, wherein the panel mounting channel comprises side walls, each side wall having an elongate slot configured to retain and / or guide the panel translatory component.

14. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the pivot point and the first frame end is different to the distance between the pivot point and the first panel end.

15. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 14, wherein the distance between the pivot point and the first frame end is longer than the distance between the pivot point and the first panel end.

16. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the pivot point and the second frame end is different to the distance between the pivot point and the second panel end.

17. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 16, wherein the distance between the pivot point and the second frame end is shorter than the distance between the pivot point and the second panel end.

18. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the pivot point and the first frame end is substantially the same as the distance between the pivot point and the second panel end and / orwherein the distance between the pivot point and the second frame end is substantially the same as the distance between the pivot point and the first panel end.

19. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator configured to move the translatable one of the first and second frame ends towards the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends.

20. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 19, wherein the actuator is connected to the translatable one of the first and second frame ends21. A lifting mechanism as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the actuator comprises a screw actuator.

22. A lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting mechanism is electrically and / or remotely operable.

23. A roof lifting system comprising a roof frame, a roof panel and one or more lifting mechanisms as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

24. A vehicle comprising one or more lifting mechanisms as claimed in any one of claims 1-22 or comprising a roof lifting system as claimed in claim 23.

25. A method of fitting one or more lifting mechanisms as claimed in any one of claims 1-22 or a roof lifting system as claimed in claim 23 to a vehicle, the method comprising:mounting the translatable one of the first and second frame ends and the pivotable one of the first and second frame ends to a roof frame; andmounting the translatable one of the first and second panel ends and the pivotable one of the first and second panel ends to a roof panel.A