Roof rails for automobiles, automobiles, and methods for attaching roof rails to the roof of an automobile

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roof rail (3) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one gallery bar (5) and at least one fastening device (11) for fastening an end of the gallery bar (5) to a roof (2) of the motor vehicle (1), the fastening device (11) comprising a fastening element (12) as an extruded part and a cover (13) at least partially accommodating the fastening element (12). The fastening element (12) is supported by the cover (13) on a side facing away from the gallery bar (5). The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle (1) having a roof (2) and a roof rail (3) attached to the roof (2), and a method for attaching the roof rail (3) to the roof of the motor vehicle (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof rail for a motor vehicle, the roof rail for the motor vehicle having at least one gallery bar and at least one fastening device for fastening to the roof of the motor vehicle at an end of the gallery bar, the fastening device having a fastening element as an extruded part and a cover at least partially accommodating the fastening element. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a roof and a roof rail attached to the roof, and to a method for attaching a roof rail to the roof of a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art is known, for example, from document WO 2013 / 107683, which describes a roof rail for a motor vehicle comprising at least one gallery bar, at least one support element fastened to the gallery bar for bridging a gap formed between the gallery bar and the roof of the motor vehicle and for fixing the roof rail to the roof of the motor vehicle, and at least one cover for the support element, wherein the gallery bar, the support element, and the cover are formed as separate components, and it is provided that at least one end region of the gallery bar is formed as a curved section, the end face of which forms the roof-contacting edge, and the support element is formed as an extruded part, and the support element and the cover are at least partially within the region of the curved section. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to propose a roof rail for a motor vehicle which offers advantages over known roof rails, in particular which can be fixed to the roof of the motor vehicle in a very reliable and durable way and which has a very aesthetic visual design.

[0004] This is achieved according to the invention by a roof rail for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. It is provided that the fastening element rests on the cover on its side facing away from the gallery bar, as can be seen in particular from the longitudinal section.

[0005] Advantageous arrangements with advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0006] The roof rails are preferably part of the vehicle, but can of course also be separate from the vehicle. Roof rails are used, for example, to attach roof racks to the vehicle. In this case, the roof rack is supported on the roof of the vehicle via the roof rails. However, of course, the roof rails can also be arranged on the vehicle for purely visual reasons.

[0007] The roof rail comprises at least at least one gallery bar and at least one fastening device. The gallery bar is understood to be an element of the roof rail, which, after the roof rail has been mounted on the vehicle, preferably extends in the longitudinal direction or at least approximately in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is therefore arranged parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In this case, the gallery bar extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis over a substantial part of the extension of the roof, preferably over at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. However, other orientations and extensions of the gallery bar are also possible in principle.

[0008] For example, the gallery bar is configured to be supported on the roof of the vehicle, in particular continuously or uninterruptedly, over at least a large portion of its longitudinal extension, after the roof rail is mounted on the vehicle. Preferably, the gallery bar is supported on the roof of the vehicle over its entire longitudinal extent. However, it is also possible for the gallery bar to be supported only at specific regions of the roof of the vehicle, in particular at its ends, by a fastening device or by multiple fastening devices. It is also possible for the gallery bar to be supported on the roof at its ends by fastening devices and spaced apart from the roof only in specific regions between the fastening devices. The roof rail presented here can basically be used for all of the above-mentioned configurations of the gallery bar.

[0009] The gallery bar is preferably supported on the roof by a protective film, particularly made of plastic, in particular elastomer and / or foam, which reliably prevents damage to the roof by the roof rails or vice versa and / or forms a waterproof connection between the roof rails and the roof of the vehicle, preventing moisture from entering the vehicle from the external environment via the roof rails or via the roof rails' attachment to the roof. The protective film can be considered part of the roof for the purposes of this specification. Therefore, when it is said that the roof rails are supported on the roof, this can be done directly without a protective film or, preferably, via a protective film. In the former case, the roof rails rest directly on the roof, and in the latter case, they rest on a protective film disposed on the roof.

[0010] The gallery bar is or can be end-fastened to the roof of the vehicle using at least one fastening device. End-fastened means that the fastening device engages one end of the gallery bar and connects the gallery bar to the roof of the vehicle. In other words, the fastening device is disposed or fastened to one end of the gallery bar. Fastened means that the gallery bar is completely fixed by the fastening device, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal, vertical, and lateral axes of the vehicle, and no play or at most a small amount of play is allowed between the gallery bar and the roof.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the gallery bar is fastened to the roof of the vehicle by a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device serves to fasten an end of the gallery bar to the roof, and the plurality of fastening devices act on spaced apart ends of the gallery bar to secure the gallery bar to the roof. The areas of the gallery bar present between the areas of the gallery bar fastened by the fastening devices are, for example, at least partially, preferably continuously or only partially, supported on the roof of the vehicle or are continuously spaced from the roof. In either case, the gallery bar is supported at least at its ends on the roof via the fastening devices, and in particular the gallery bar itself rests there on the roof of the vehicle or on a protective film.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the roof rail comprises a plurality of gallery bars, which are arranged on the roof of the motor vehicle, in particular parallel and spaced apart from one another. Each of these gallery bars is fastened at its end to the roof of the motor vehicle by at least one fastening device. Preferably, a plurality of fastening devices, in particular exactly two fastening devices, are used to fasten each gallery bar. In this respect, the invention also relates to a roof rail for a motor vehicle, which comprises at least one gallery bar and a plurality of fastening devices for fastening the gallery bar at each end to the roof of the motor vehicle, each fastening device having a fastening element as an extruded part and a cover that at least partially accommodates the fastening element. It is also provided that the fastening element is supported on the cover on the side facing away from the gallery bar.

[0013] The fastening element is essentially configured as an extruded part, i.e., manufactured by extrusion. This means that the fastening element has a continuous, constant cross section in one direction, i.e., the extrusion direction in which the extruded part is manufactured by extrusion. Preferably, a blank is first produced using an extrusion process, which is then divided into multiple, particularly identical, fastening elements by separating them along parallel planes. Configuring the fastening element as an extruded part allows for particularly high strength and low manufacturing costs. Particularly preferably, the fastening element is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Particularly preferably, the material used for the fastening element is EN AW-6060, especially EN AW-6060-T66. Additionally or alternatively, the material is made in accordance with DIN EN 573-3 T66 and / or DIN EN 755-2. The material can also be designated as 3.3206.

[0014] Because the fastening element can only fit the contours of the roof and gallery bar in one direction due to its configuration as an extruded part, the fastening device includes a cover in addition to the fastening element, which can also be called an adapter. For example, a fastening element of the same configuration can be used for several roof rails, whereby these are intended to have gallery bars with particularly different configurations. Each roof rail has a cover that adapts the same fastening element to different gallery bars. The fastening element can therefore be produced in large quantities, which offers particularly significant cost advantages.

[0015] The cover is preferably made of plastic and is manufactured by plastic injection molding, and is therefore an injection-molded part. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in the design of the cover, and despite the design of the fastening elements as extruded parts, the fastening device adapts very precisely to the gallery bar and / or roof. As a result, on the one hand, i.e., by using the fastening elements, a high strength is achieved in the connection between the gallery bar and the roof, and on the other hand, a particularly aesthetic visual impression of the roof rail is achieved. Preferably, it is provided that the cover is manufactured in one piece and as a single material, especially by injection molding. In this respect, the cover is not made up of multiple parts that are fastened to each other, for example, by a form-fit and / or material-fit connection. Rather, the cover is already manufactured in one piece, i.e., as a single element. This also leads to cost-effective and efficient production.

[0016] In conventional roof rails, only the fastening elements serve to support and fasten the gallery bar, while the cover, if present, only serves to visually hide the fastening elements. However, according to the present invention, the cover also has a supporting effect, and in particular the fastening elements, and consequently the gallery bar, are supported on the roof of the automobile via the cover. Therefore, the roof rail is configured so that the sides of the fastening elements facing away from the gallery bar are supported by the cover, so that after the roof rail is attached to the roof, the cover is present between the fastening elements and the roof and is held there in a particularly clamped manner.

[0017] The fastening element has a side facing the gallery bar in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a side facing away from the gallery bar. Furthermore, the gallery bar has an upper side facing away from the vehicle, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or when viewed in a longitudinal cross section. The side facing the gallery bar is arranged above the side facing away from the gallery bar in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In other words, when the roof rail is positioned on the roof of the vehicle as intended, the side facing the gallery bar is the same as the side facing away from the roof and the outside environment. Conversely, in this case, the side facing away from the gallery bar is the same as the side facing the roof and the side facing away from the outside environment when viewed in a longitudinal cross section. In this respect, the fastening element is in contact with the cover on the side facing away from the roof of the vehicle. Alternatively, the fastening element is supported by the cover on the side facing away from the upper side of the gallery bar. In another configuration, the fastening element is in contact with the cover on its underside when viewed in a longitudinal cross section and when the roof rail is positioned as intended.

[0018] The gallery bar is therefore fastened to the fastening elements, which are then intended to be supported or fastened to the roof of the vehicle after the roof rail has been installed on the vehicle. It may also be envisaged that the fastening elements are supported directly only on the roof of the vehicle, i.e., in direct contact with the roof or protective film. However, it is preferred that the fastening elements are at least partially supported on the roof via a cover. It is particularly preferred that at least a majority of the fastening elements are spaced from the roof by a cover, so that only a small portion of the fastening elements is directly supported on the roof or protective film, while the remaining portion of the fastening elements is supported on the roof or protective film only via the cover. This reliably prevents damage to the roof by the fastening elements.

[0019] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the cover has fastening element receptacles in which fastening elements are arranged to rest against the fastening element receptacle bases, the fastening element receptacle bases defining the boundaries of the fastening element receptacles in a direction facing away from the gallery bar and being formed by the cover. The fastening element receptacles are formed on the side facing away from the gallery bar, and thus the side facing away from the roof of the cover. The fastening element receptacles extend through the cover only in certain areas and are defined by the fastening element receptacle bases, which are also formed by the cover. In this respect, the fastening element receptacles are recesses formed in the cover.

[0020] The fastening elements are at least partially arranged in the fastening element receptacles. In this case, the fastening elements rest against and are supported by the fastening element receptacle base. The aforementioned contact between the fastening elements and the cover on the side facing away from the gallery bar is particularly preferably understood to mean contact between the fastening elements and the fastening element receptacle base. The fastening element receptacles are preferably adapted in shape and / or dimensions to the fastening elements. In particular, the fastening element receptacles and the fastening elements are configured so that the spaced-apart parallel sides of the fastening elements lie flat against the bordering edges of the fastening element receptacle, i.e., permanently in each case. As a result, the fastening elements are securely held relative to the cover in at least one direction, particularly in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis. In any case, placing the fastening elements in the fastening element receptacles ensures that the cover and the fastening elements are securely fixed relative to each other.

[0021] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the fastening elements arranged in the fastening element receptacle rest against the fastening element receptacle base, and are aligned with the edge defining the fastening element receptacle, preferably over at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of its longitudinal extent, at least in a partial area. The edge defines the boundary of the fastening element receptacle in the direction of the gallery bar or in the direction facing away from the roof of the vehicle. The edge is circumferential and continuous, i.e., uninterrupted. Particularly preferably, the edge is part of a support surface defining the boundary of the cover in the direction of the gallery bar and conforms in shape to the fastening elements, on which the gallery bar is supported in a preferred embodiment. In this case, the support surface serves to support the gallery bar in the direction of the roof. However, it is also possible that the gallery bar does not rest against the support surface but is spaced apart from the support surface. In this case, the support surface can be referred to, for example, as the enclosing surface of the cover.

[0022] Preferably, the support surface closes the cover in the direction of the gallery bar. Therefore, the cover does not have any areas that protrude beyond the support surface. The support surface is adapted to the shape of the fastening element, in particular is precisely curved in one direction and extends continuously in a straight line perpendicular to this direction. On the one hand, the fastening element here rests against the fastening element receptacle base. On the other hand, i.e., on its side facing the gallery bar, the fastening element is aligned with the edge and / or the support surface over at least part of its longitudinal extent, in particular over most of its longitudinal extent. Thus, the alignment exists over at least 50% of the longitudinal extension of the fastening element, but preferably over a larger extent, for example over at least 60% or at least 70% of its longitudinal extension.

[0023] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the fastening element has a first fastening recess and a second fastening recess, the first fastening recess being provided and configured to receive a first screw connector that serves to fasten the fastening element to the gallery bar, and the second fastening recess being provided and configured to receive a second screw connector that serves to fasten the fastening element to the roof. The fastening element has at least two fastening recesses, i.e., the first fastening recess and the second fastening recess, and preferably has only the first fastening recess and the second fastening recess. The fastening recesses are configured as through holes, i.e., they extend completely through the fastening element.

[0024] A first threaded connector is arranged in the first fastening recess, by means of which the fastening element is fastened to the gallery bar, while a second threaded connector is arranged in the second fastening recess, by means of which the fastening element can be or is fastened to the roof. The two fastening recesses are preferably arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, which means that the longitudinal central axis of the first fastening recess extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the second fastening recess.

[0025] The screw connectors, i.e., the first and second screw connectors, are preferably screws or bolts. Each screw connector thus has at least one screw connector head and a screw connector thread. Particularly preferably, the first fastening recess is a threaded recess. Thus, a fastening element is threaded in the first fastening recess. This thread cooperates with the thread of the first screw connector to hold the first screw connector in the first fastening recess. In other words, the first screw connector is screwed into the first fastening recess. Particularly preferably, the fastening element is attached to the gallery bar solely by the first screw connector, and similarly, the fastening element is attached to the roof solely by the second screw connector. In this way, the fastening element allows a certain compensation movement or achieves a spring effect, and the gallery bar is permanently and securely held to the roof.

[0026] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element is supported on the cover between the first and second fastening recesses in a longitudinal section. In this respect, the fastening element has a contact surface that is arranged between the two fastening recesses in a longitudinal section. This contact surface is supported on the cover having an opposing contact surface. The contact surface and the opposing contact surface are in contact with each other over their entire surfaces, not just at specific points or along lines, thereby ensuring a reliable support of the fastening element on the cover.

[0027] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the first and second fastening recesses each completely penetrate the fastening element. The configuration of the two fastening recesses as through-holes has already been described. This configuration of the fastening element is simple and inexpensive to implement. For example, the fastening recesses can be machined by drilling, i.e., have the shape of holes.

[0028] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element comprises a base element bearing against the cover, and on the one hand a gallery bar connection element extending from the base element, which projects beyond the base element in the direction of the gallery bar and accommodates a first fastening recess, and on the other hand a roof connection element extending from the base element, which is offset in a direction facing away from the gallery bar and accommodates a second fastening recess, the roof connection element at least partially engaging in the through-opening in the cover, in particular completely, in the direction facing away from the gallery bar.

[0029] The gallery bar connection elements serve to connect the fastening elements to the gallery bar, and the roof connection elements serve to connect the fastening elements to the roof of the vehicle. After the roof rails are installed on the vehicle as intended, the fastening elements are fastened to the gallery bar via the gallery bar connection elements and to the roof via the roof connection elements. For each fastening, the gallery bar fastening elements have a first fastening recess and the roof fastening elements have a second fastening recess. The gallery bar connection elements and the roof connection elements are spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via the base element.

[0030] The base element rests against the cover, with a contact surface that rests flat against the opposing contact surface of the cover. At least the roof connecting element is not resting against the cover on its side facing away from the gallery bar or the roof, but is arranged in a through-opening in the cover. The through-opening completely penetrates the cover in the direction facing away from the gallery bar, so that it opens toward the roof. This ensures that the forces acting between the fastening element and the roof are transmitted directly, not indirectly, via the cover, thereby ensuring reliable fastening of the fastening element to the roof.

[0031] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the roof connection element protrudes from the through-opening on the side facing away from the gallery bar, in particular protrudes beyond the cover. The roof connection element is configured to be directly supported on the roof in this way after the roof rail is attached to the vehicle. Preferably, the roof connection element protrudes beyond the cover so that deformation of the cover, in particular compression of the cover, does not occur when the fastening element is fastened to the roof by the second screw connector.

[0032] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the cover has a blind recess on its side facing away from the gallery bar, into which the second fastening recess opens, the base of which is formed by the cover forming a continuous edge that bounds the second fastening recess. The blind recess preferably penetrates only partially through the cover, preferably by at most 30%, at most 40%, or at most 50%, in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the second fastening recess. Preferably, the blind recess is bounded by a continuous edge in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. For example, the blind recess is polygonal, in particular rectangular, or circular, when viewed in cross section.

[0033] The blind recess is bounded in the direction of the gallery bar by a base, which forms an edge that continuously bounds or continuously surrounds the second fastening recess. In the radial direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the second fastening recess, the blind recess preferably has a dimension that is at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 100% greater than the dimension of the roof connection element in the same direction. This ensures sufficient flexibility of the cover in the area of ​​the second screw connector.

[0034] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the roof connecting element has a protrusion beyond the base element that is at least equal to or greater than the wall thickness of the cover in the region of the blind recess and / or the wall thickness of the fastening element receptacle base. The advantages of such an arrangement have already been pointed out in the context of this specification.

[0035] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the fastening element comprises a support extension that rests on the cover, extends from the roof connection element on a side facing away from the base element, and is offset relative to the roof connection element in a direction opposite the base element when viewed in longitudinal section, so that the fastening element rests supported on the cover. The fastening element thus additionally comprises a support extension, which serves to support the fastening element relative to the cover. When viewed in longitudinal section, support is provided on the side of the roof fastening element facing away from the base element. In this way, the force exerted on the fastening element by the second screw connector during or after installation of the roof rail on the vehicle is evenly applied to the cover, which reliably supports the fastening element and effectively prevents tilting of the fastening element.

[0036] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the roof connection element has a U-shape when viewed in longitudinal section and forms a screw connector base receptacle for receiving the screw connector base of the second screw connector in a form-fitting manner. Due to the U-shape of the roof connection element, the roof connection element is offset relative to the base element of the fastening element. More precisely, the roof connection element has multiple legs, and the second fastening recess is formed in one of the legs. This leg is connected to the base element on the one hand and to the support extension on the other hand via two further legs. These two legs are spaced apart from each other, i.e., when viewed in longitudinal section, the screw connector base receptacle is located between the two legs.

[0037] The second fastening recess opens into the screw connector base receptacle, i.e., on its side facing the gallery bar or away from the roof. The screw connector base receptacle is provided and configured to receive the screw connector base of the second screw connector in a form-fitting manner. The screw connector base should be understood as the body of the second screw connector, preferably polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, which preferably continues from the screw connector head. The screw connector base can also be called a screw lug or bolt lug.

[0038] The screw connector base receptacle and the screw connector base are configured so that after the roof rail is installed on the vehicle, the screw connector base resides within the screw connector base receptacle and is held therein with a form-fit circumferentially about the longitudinal center axis of the second screw connector. In other words, the second screw connector is rotationally fixed and held relative to the fastening element by the screw connector base and the screw connector base receptacle. This allows for easy assembly of the roof rail or easy fastening of the fastening element to the roof of the vehicle, particularly by threading a screw nut into the second screw connector. The second screw connector passes through a recess formed in the roof. On the side of the roof facing away from the roof rail, i.e., inside the vehicle, a screw nut is threaded into the second screw connector, and the roof is held, particularly in a clamped state, between the screw nut and the fastening element.

[0039] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element has a recess in the form of a screw connector head receptacle on its side facing the gallery bar, into which the screw connector head of the second screw connector is placed. The screw connector head receptacle is preferably directly adjacent to the screw connector base receptacle. For example, the screw connector head receptacle has only a small depth. In particular, its depth is at most 5%, at most 2.5%, or at most 1% of the depth of the screw connector base receptacle. The screw connector head receptacle allows for easy and error-free positioning of the screw connector head of the second screw connector.

[0040] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the gallery bar connection element forms a counter-retaining portion for the bottom wall of the gallery bar on the side facing away from the gallery bar, and the bottom wall is held in a form-fit between the counter-retaining portion and the screw connector head of the first screw connector. To fasten the gallery bar to the fastening element, the fastening element is inserted into the gallery bar so that the bottom wall of the gallery bar rests against the counter-retaining portion. The first screw connector is then placed in the first fastening recess and connected or screwed into the fastening element. This is done so that the screw connector head of the first screw connector presses the bottom wall of the gallery bar against the gallery bar connection element or its counter-retaining portion, holding the bottom wall of the gallery bar there. This configuration of the roof rail allows for quick and easy fastening of the gallery bar to the fastening element.

[0041] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that, in a longitudinal section, the roof connection element extends away from the gallery bar at least as far as the first screw connector. After installation on the roof rail, the roof connection element and the first screw connector are preferably supported by the roof or a protective film. This reliably prevents the first screw connector from loosening.

[0042] A further embodiment of the invention provides that, in longitudinal section, the gallery bar connection element protrudes beyond the base element of the fastening element. In this respect, the gallery bar connection element protrudes beyond the base element in both directions, i.e., toward the gallery bar and toward the roof of the vehicle, forming two protrusions extending in opposite directions. As a result, the fastening element and the cover are securely fastened to each other in a form-fitting manner.

[0043] Further embodiments of the present invention provide that the cover has a further through-opening into which the first fastening recess opens and / or into which the gallery bar connecting element engages, and the first screw connector is at least partially disposed in the further through-opening. Thus, the cover has, in addition to the through-opening, a further through-opening that also completely penetrates the cover. The further through-opening is disposed so that the first fastening recess opens into it. Preferably, the gallery bar connecting element also engages in the further through-opening, and the cover is fixed to the fastening element in a form-locking manner, at least in the longitudinal direction. In each of the described embodiments, the first screw connector engages in the further through-opening. This ensures easy and quick fastening of the fastening element and the cover to the gallery bar.

[0044] A further embodiment of the present invention provides that the fastening elements and the cover are hooked into recesses in the ends of the gallery bar, and the bottom wall is supported by the counter-retaining portions of the fastening elements and the cover. The recesses in the gallery bar are formed, for example, by recesses in the bottom wall. Thus, the upper side of the gallery bar completely overlaps the recesses. The fastening elements and the cover are preferably hooked into the recesses in the gallery bar so that the bottom wall is supported by both the counter-retaining portions and the cover. Furthermore, the upper side of the gallery bar is preferably supported by the cover, which is provided with a form-fitting support contour for this purpose. Thus, a reliable and visually beautiful connection of the gallery bar to the roof of the vehicle is achieved.

[0045] A further embodiment of the invention provides that a form-fitting retaining device is arranged on the fastening element, which device cooperates in a form-fitting manner with a form-fitting retaining counter-device of the hold-down that engages in a second fastening recess on the side of the gallery bar, and the hold-down has, on its side facing away from the form-fitting retaining counter-device, a retaining device that cooperates in a form-fitting manner with a retaining counter-device of the cover, so that the hold-down is retained in a latching manner to the fastening element and the cover.

[0046] The hold-down serves to fasten the second screw connector to the fastening element and the cover. For this purpose, the second screw connector is placed in the second fastening recess, and the hold-down is then placed on the second screw connector, particularly on the screw connector head of the second screw connector. This is done so that the hold-down presses the second screw connector against the fastening element, particularly into the screw connector head receptacle. Preferably, the hold-down has a protrusion projecting toward the second screw connector, which rests on the second screw connector or engages with a drive profile of the second screw connector, such as a grooved drive profile, a cross grooved drive profile, or a hex socket drive profile.

[0047] In longitudinal section, the hold-down is held in a form-fitting manner on both sides of the second screw connector of the fastening element or the cover. Form-fitting retaining counters and retaining devices are used for this purpose. The form-fitting retaining counters interact in a form-fitting manner with the form-fitting retaining devices of the fastening element, and the retaining devices interact in a form-fitting manner with the retaining counters of the cover. For example, the form-fitting retaining devices are in the form of form-fitting recesses, especially insertion recesses, while the form-fitting retaining counters are in the form of form-fitting protrusions or insertion protrusions. Preferably, the retaining devices are configured as locking protrusions and the retaining counters are configured as locking recesses. This configuration allows for quick fastening of the hold-down to the fastening element and the cover.

[0048] The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle having a roof and roof rails fastened to the roof, in particular to roof rails according to embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, the roof rails having at least one gallery bar and at least one fastening device for fastening the ends of the gallery bar to the roof of the motor vehicle, the fastening device having fastening elements as extruded parts and a cover that at least partially accommodates the fastening elements, the fastening elements being supported on the cover on a side facing away from the gallery bar, the cover being clamped and held between the fastening elements and the roof.

[0049] The advantages of such a vehicle and roof rail configuration have been described above, and reference is now made to both the vehicle and the roof rail, as they may be further configured in accordance with the description herein.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a method for mounting a roof rail on a roof of a motor vehicle, in particular a roof rail according to an embodiment within the scope of the present disclosure, the roof rail having at least one gallery bar and at least one fastening device for fastening an end of the gallery bar to the roof of the motor vehicle, the fastening device having a fastening element as an extruded part and a cover at least partially accommodating the fastening element, wherein the fastening element is arranged to rest on the cover on its side facing away from the gallery bar, and the cover is clamped and held between the fastening element and the roof.

[0051] Again, reference is made to the description within the scope of this specification regarding advantages and possible advantageous further embodiments.

[0052] The features and combinations of features described herein, and in particular those described in the following description of the drawings and / or shown in the drawings, can be used not only in the respective combinations shown, but also in other combinations or by themselves, without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, embodiments not explicitly shown or described in the specification and / or drawings, but which may arise from or be derived from the described embodiments, should also be considered to be within the scope of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] Without limiting the invention in any way, the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a motor vehicle having a roof and roof rails attached to the roof, the roof rails having at least one gallery bar and fastening devices for attaching the gallery bar to the roof. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cover of the fastening device. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic view of a fastening device comprising a fastening element in addition to a cover. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic longitudinal section through a region of a motor vehicle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an area of ​​a motor vehicle 1 having a roof 2 and roof rails 3. The roof rails 2 are attached to the roof. A protective film 4 is arranged between the roof 2 and the roof rails 3 to prevent the roof 2 and the roof rails 3 from damaging each other. The protective film 4 can also be considered as part of the roof 2, and the roof is provided with the protective film 4 in the area where the roof rails 3 are supported or in contact with the roof 2. The roof rails 3 are provided with gallery bars 5. In principle, the roof rails 3 can have any number of gallery bars 5. In this case, it is preferable that the multiple gallery bars 5 extend parallel to each other. In the following, only the gallery bar 5 will be described. If there are multiple gallery bars 5, the description applies equally to each of these gallery bars 5.

[0055] On the side facing away from the roof 2, the gallery bar 5 has an upper side 6 that curves towards the roof 2 in the direction of one end 7. Side walls 8 extend from the upper side 6, only one of which is visible here. The side walls 8 run parallel to one another and preferably over most of the extension of the gallery bar 5. Below, the gallery bar 5 is at least partially bounded by a bottom wall 9 that is connected to the upper side 6 via the side wall 8. The bottom wall 9 has a shorter extension in the longitudinal direction of the roof rail 3 than the upper side 6 and the side wall 8. This forms a recess 10, not visible here, in the region of the end 7. Fastening devices 11 engage in the recesses 10 and are arranged at the ends of the gallery bar 5.

[0056] The fastening device 11 serves to fasten the end of the gallery bar 5 to the roof 2 of the motor vehicle 1. The fastening device 11 comprises a fastening element 12 and a cover 13. The fastening element 12 and the cover 13 are manufactured together as a single piece of material. The fastening element 12 is an extrusion-molded part, while the cover 13 is an injection-molded part and is therefore manufactured by injection molding. The fastening element 12 is preferably made of metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cover 13 is made of a material different from the material of the fastening element 12, in particular having a lower strength. The cover 13 is preferably made of plastic, for example a thermoplastic.

[0057] The fastening element 12 is attached to the gallery bar 5 by a first screw connector 14 and to the roof 2 of the motor vehicle 1 by a second screw connector 15. It can be seen that the protective film 4 comprises recesses 16 and 17 for the screw connectors 14 and 15. The fastening element 12 comprises a first fastening recess 18 and a second fastening recess 19, which is not visible here. After the roof rail 3 has been attached to the roof 2 of the motor vehicle 1, the first screw connector 14 is placed in the first fastening recess 18 and the second screw connector 15 is placed in the second fastening recess 19.

[0058] The fastening element 12 comprises a base element 20. Viewed in the longitudinal direction, a gallery bar connection element 21 extends from the base element 20 on one side and a roof connection element 22 extends from the base element 20 on the other side. A first fastening recess 18 is formed in the gallery bar connection element 21 and a second fastening recess 19 is formed in the roof connection element 22. The gallery bar connection element 21 projects beyond the base element 20 both towards the gallery bar 5 and away from the gallery bar 5, in that the projections forming the gallery bar connection element 21 extend from the base element 22. The roof connection element 22 is offset from or projects beyond the base element 20 in the direction facing away from the gallery bar 5. Preferably, the roof connection element 22 projects further beyond the base element 20 in the direction away from the gallery bar 5 than the gallery bar connection element 21.

[0059] The roof connection element 22 is U-shaped when viewed in longitudinal section. Accordingly, the roof connection element 22 has legs 23, 24, and 25, via which the leg 23 is connected to the base element 20 and the support extension 26. The legs 24 and 25 extend parallel to each other and each extend from the leg 23. The legs 24 and 25 are spaced apart from each other such that a screw connector base receptacle 27 is located between the legs 24 and 25. The second fastening recess 19, which is formed in the leg 23 and extends completely through the leg 23, also opens into this recess. In the region of the legs 24 and 25, the fastening element 12 has a recess configured as a screw connector head receptacle 28.

[0060] The cover 13 comprises a fastening element receptacle 29, which is bounded in a direction facing away from the gallery bar 5 by a fastening element receptacle base 30. The fastening element 12 is supported on the fastening element receptacle base 30 by a contact surface 31, which at this point forms a counter contact surface 32. A through-opening 33 and a further through-opening 34 extend from the fastening element receptacle base 29. The through-openings 33 and the through-openings 34 pass completely through the cover 13 or the fastening element receptacle base 30 in the direction of the roof 2.

[0061] The roof connection element 22 is placed in the through-opening 33. The gallery bar fastening element 21 engages in the through-opening 34 in a specific area. The gallery bar connection element 21, the roof connection element 22, the through-opening 33 and the through-opening 34 are dimensioned such that the fastening element 12 is held in a form-fitting manner in the fastening element receptacle 29. The fastening element receptacle 29 is surrounded by a continuous edge 35. Away from the fastening element receptacle 29, the cover 13 preferably has a support contour 36 that is adapted in shape and dimensions to the inside of the gallery bar 5 and that rests flat against the end 7 of the gallery bar 5, thereby supporting the end 7 of the gallery bar.

[0062] In addition to the elements already described, the roof rail 3 has a hold-down 37 which engages with the second screw connector 15 after the roof rail 3 has been attached to the roof 2, thereby holding the second screw connector 15 in the second fastening recess 19. This prevents the screw connector base 38 from popping out of the screw connector base receptacle 27 and the screw connector head 39 from popping out of the screw connector head receptacle 28. The hold-down 37 is preferably latchably fastened to the fastening element 12 and the cover 13. For this purpose, the fastening element 12 is formed with a form-fitting retaining device 40 which interacts in a form-fitting manner with a form-fitting retaining counter-device 41 of the hold-down 37.

[0063] On the side of the hold-down 37 facing away from the form-fitting retaining counter-device 41 in longitudinal section, a retaining device 42 is formed, which interacts in a latching manner with a retaining counter-device 43 formed on the cover 13. The hold-down 37 has a protrusion 44 projecting in the direction of the second screw connector 15, which protrusion 44 is configured to bear against the screw connector head 39 after the roof rail 3 has been attached to the roof 2, thereby retaining the second screw connector 15 in the second fastening recess 19. Furthermore, the protrusion 44 is adapted to the shape of the drive contour of the second screw connector 15 and can engage to hold the second screw connector 15 rotationally fixed.

[0064] 2 shows a schematic view of cover 13. Through openings 33 and 34 are clearly visible here, each extending completely through fastening receptacle base 30. For further discussion regarding cover 13 in the context of this specification, reference is made in its entirety.

[0065] 3 shows a schematic view of the fastening device 11 with the screw connectors 14 and 15 arranged therein. Here, it is particularly clear how the hold-down 37 is fastened to the fastening element 12 and the cover 13. It can also be seen that the fastening element 12 is flush with the edge 35 of the cover 13.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section of a region of the motor vehicle 1, again showing the roof rail 3 with the gallery bar 5 and the fastening device 11, and the roof 2 of the motor vehicle 1. The recesses 10 formed at the ends of the gallery bar 5 and into which the fastening device 11 engage can be seen. The fastening elements 12 are preferably completely accommodated in the gallery bar 5. The cover 13 is configured to completely bridge the gap between one end of the bottom wall 9 and one end of the upper side 6 of the gallery bar 5 in the longitudinal direction of the gallery bar 5. As a result, the cover 13 rests on the upper side 6 on the one hand and on the bottom wall 9 on the other, thereby completely closing the recess 10. The side walls 8 are preferably in contact with the cover 13 on both sides. Particularly preferably, the cover 13 rests on the bottom wall 9, and the upper side 6 rests on the cover 13, i.e., on the support contours 36. Thus, the fastening elements 12 and the cover 13 are suspended in the recesses 10 of the gallery bar 5 and fastened therein.

[0067] The described configuration of the motor vehicle 1, and in particular the roof rails 3, allows for a particularly reliable, cost-effective and visually pleasing attachment of the gallery bar 5 to the roof 2 of the motor vehicle 1. This is achieved, in particular, by manufacturing the fastening element 12 as an extruded part and using the cover 13 as an adapter. In this case, the fastening element 12 ensures sufficient strength of the fastening device 11, while the cover 13 allows for adaptation to different gallery bars and / or different roofs 2 without modifying the fastening element 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Automobiles 2 Roof 3 Roof rails 4 Protective Film 5. Gallery Bar 6. Top 7 End 8 side wall 9 Bottom Wall 10 recess 11 Fastening device 12 Fastening Elements 13 Cover 14 First screw connector 15 Second screw connector 16 Recess 17 Recess 18 First fastening recess 19 Second fastening recess 20 Base Elements 21 Gallery Bar Connection Elements 22 Roof connection element 23 Legs 24 Legs 25 Legs 26 Support extension 27 Threaded Connector Base Receptacle 28 Threaded Connector Head Receptacle 29 Fastening element receptacle 30 Fastening element receptacle base 31 Contact surface 32 opposing contact surfaces 33 Through opening 34 Through opening 35 Edge 36 Support Contour 37 Hold Down 38 Threaded connector base 39 Screw connector head 40 Shape fit retention device 41 Shape fitting holding opposing device 42 Holding device 43 Holding and opposing device 44 Protrusion

Claims

1. A roof rail (3) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: At least one gallery bar (5) and at least one fastening device (11) for fastening an end of the gallery bar (5) to a roof (2) of the vehicle (1), The fastening device (11) comprises a fastening element (12) and a cover (13) that at least partially houses the fastening element (12), The fastening element (12) is supported by the cover (13) on the side facing away from the gallery bar (5), the fastening element (12) comprises a first fastening recess (18) and a second fastening recess (19), the first fastening recess (18) being provided and configured to receive a first screw connector (14) that serves to fasten the fastening element (12) to the gallery bar (5), and the second fastening recess (19) being provided and configured to receive a second screw connector (15) that serves to fasten the fastening element (12) to the roof (2); the fastening element (12) is in the form of an extruded part and comprises a base element (20) bearing on the cover (13), a gallery bar connection element (21) extending from the base element (20) and projecting beyond the base element (20) in the direction of the gallery bar (5) and accommodating the first fastening recess (18), and a roof connection element (22) extending from the base element (20) and offset in a direction facing away from the gallery bar (5) and accommodating the second fastening recess, the roof connection element (22) at least partially engaging in a through-opening (33) in the cover (13) in the direction facing away from the gallery bar (5).

2. 2. The roof rail according to claim 1, wherein the cover (13) comprises a fastening element receptacle (29) arranged so that the fastening element (12) is supported by a fastening element receptacle base (30), the fastening element receptacle base (30) defining a boundary of the fastening element receptacle (29) in a direction facing away from the gallery bar (5) and being formed by the cover (13).

3. 3. The roof rail according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (12) is provided with a support extension (26) that is placed on the cover (13), extends from the roof connection element (22) on a side facing away from the base element (20), and is offset relative to the roof connection element (22) in a direction facing the base element (20) when viewed in longitudinal section, and the fastening element (12) rests on the cover (13) in a supported manner.

4. 4. The roof rail according to claim 1, wherein the roof connection element (22) is U-shaped when viewed in longitudinal section and forms a screw connector base receptacle (27) for receiving the screw connector base (38) of the second screw connector (15) in a form-fitting manner.

5. 5. The roof rail according to claim 1, wherein the gallery bar connecting element (21) forms, on a side facing away from the gallery bar (5), a counter-retaining portion for a bottom wall (9) of the gallery bar (5), and the bottom wall (9) is held in a form-fitting manner between the counter-retaining portion and a screw connector head of the first screw connector (14).

6. 6. The roof rail according to claim 1, wherein the cover (13) has a further through-opening (34) into which the first fastening recess (18) opens and / or into which the gallery bar connecting element (21) engages, and the first screw connector (14) is at least partially arranged in the further through-opening (34).

7. 1. A motor vehicle (1) having a roof (2) and a roof rail (3) fastened to the roof (2), in particular a roof rail (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the roof rail (3) has at least one gallery bar (5) and at least one fastening device (11) for fastening to the roof (2) of the motor vehicle (1) at an end of the gallery bar (5), the fastening device (11) comprising a fastening element (12) and a cover (13) at least partially accommodating the fastening element (12), the fastening element (12) bearing on the cover (13) on its side facing away from the gallery bar (5), the cover (13) being held in a clamped manner between the fastening element (12) and the roof (2), the fastening element (12) comprises a first fastening recess (18) and a second fastening recess (19), the first fastening recess (18) being provided and configured to receive a first screw connector (14) that serves to fasten the fastening element (12) to the gallery bar (5), and the second fastening recess (19) being provided and configured to receive a second screw connector (15) that serves to fasten the fastening element (12) to the roof (2); the fastening element (12) is in the form of an extruded part and comprises a base element (20) bearing on the cover (13), a gallery bar connection element (21) extending from the base element (20) and projecting beyond the base element (20) in the direction of the gallery bar (5) and accommodating the first fastening recess (18), and a roof connection element (22) extending from the base element (20) and offset in a direction facing away from the gallery bar (5) and accommodating the second fastening recess, the roof connection element (22) at least partially engaging in a through-opening (33) in the cover (13) in the direction facing away from the gallery bar (5).

8. 1. A method for mounting a roof rail (3), in particular a roof rail (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, on a roof of a motor vehicle (1), the roof rail (3) having at least one gallery bar (5) and at least one fastening device (11) for fastening an end of the gallery bar (5) to a roof (2) of the motor vehicle (1), the fastening device (11) comprising a fastening element (12) and a cover (13) at least partially accommodating the fastening element (12), the fastening element (12) being arranged so that its side facing away from the gallery bar (5) bears against the cover (13), and the cover (13) is held in a clamped manner between the fastening element (12) and the roof (2), the fastening element (12) comprises a first fastening recess (18) and a second fastening recess (19), the first fastening recess (18) being provided and configured to receive a first screw connector (14) that serves to fasten the fastening element (12) to the gallery bar (5), and the second fastening recess (19) being provided and configured to receive a second screw connector (15) that serves to fasten the fastening element (12) to the roof (2); the fastening element (12) comprises a base element (20) in the form of an extruded part and resting on the cover (13), a gallery bar connection element (21) extending from the base element (20) and projecting beyond the base element (20) in the direction of the gallery bar (5) and accommodating the first fastening recess (18), and a roof connection element (22) extending from the base element (20) and offset in a direction facing away from the gallery bar (5) and accommodating the second fastening recess, the roof connection element (22) at least partially engaging in a through-opening (33) in the cover (13) in the direction facing away from the gallery bar (5).

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