CN218172137U - Hidden roof luggage rack and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hidden roof luggage rack and vehicle. Hidden roof rack includes: a plurality of roof rack covers movable up and down, each of the plurality of roof rack covers including a top wall and four side walls; and an operating mechanism covered by the corresponding roof rack cover, the operating mechanism being configured to allow the hidden roof rack to be switched between the closed state and the open state by applying a depression force to the roof rack cover, wherein the operating mechanism includes: a latch assembly including a latch frame fixed relative to the vehicle body and a primary latch and a secondary latch received in the latch frame; a striker secured to a side wall of the roof rack cover, wherein in a closed state, the striker is locked in place by the latch assembly; and a compression spring connecting and compressed between the top wall of the roof rack cover and the latch frame.

Description

Hidden roof rack and vehicle

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a field of the roof rack of vehicle particularly, relates to a hidden roof rack and a vehicle including this hidden roof rack.

Background

Generally, a roof rack of a vehicle is a fashionable and important part mounted on a vehicle such as an SUV (i.e., a sport utility vehicle), and may also be equipped with a device that can functionally carry additional luggage. Today, the most functional vehicles are often equipped with roof racks to meet the needs of the market, where leisure and outdoor activities are of vital importance.

Most roof racks on the market are mounted on the roof top and are a visible type of fixed part. For recreational vehicles such as SUVs, the market demand is for roof racks, but cars or CUVs (i.e., sedan-based utility vehicles) do not have roof racks, and vehicle designers typically do not add roof racks on the roof because roof racks are sometimes dissonant to vehicle styling. In addition, if the roof rack is forcibly installed on the car or the CUV, when the roof rack is not required to be used, since the roof rack is disposed on the roof of the vehicle, the windward area of the vehicle is increased, so that the windage coefficient is increased, which may cause an increase in fuel consumption of the vehicle; and when the vehicle travels at a high speed, the roof rack rubs against the airflow and generates a large noise, which affects the riding comfort of the passengers.

In the case where the user's vehicle is not equipped with a roof rack, and in the case where additional luggage or mounting equipment (such as a bracket on the roof for leisure activities) must be carried, the equipment on the market will inevitably be mounted on the vehicle. However, the equipment on the market may cause many problems such as damage to the vehicle body, damage to the vehicle paint, sealing problems, and assembly difficulties for the user.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An object of the utility model is to provide a can overcome the hidden roof luggage rack of above-mentioned shortcoming, wherein this hidden roof luggage rack only can realize the switching of roof luggage rack between open mode and closed state through simple promotion downwards.

Furthermore, the present invention also aims to solve or alleviate other technical problems existing in the prior art.

The utility model discloses a hidden roof luggage rack and vehicle solve above-mentioned problem.

According to the utility model discloses an aspect provides a hidden roof rack, its characterized in that, hidden roof rack includes: a plurality of roof rack covers movable up and down, each of the plurality of roof rack covers including a top wall and four side walls; and an operating mechanism covered by the corresponding roof rack cover, the operating mechanism being configured to allow the concealed roof rack to be switched between a closed state and an open state by applying a depression force to the roof rack cover, wherein the operating mechanism includes: a latch assembly including a latch frame fixed relative to a vehicle body and a primary latch and a secondary latch received in the latch frame; a striker secured to the side wall of the roof rack cover, wherein in the closed state, the striker is locked in place by the latch assembly; and a compression spring connecting and compressed between the top wall of the roof rack cover and the latch frame.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further comprises: a primary latch torsion spring secured at one end to the latch frame and at another end to the primary latch such that the primary latch torsion spring applies a rotational force to the primary latch in a first direction; and a primary latch spring retainer for retaining the primary latch torsion spring, wherein the primary latch spring retainer is secured to the latch frame, and wherein the primary latch is rotatably supported on the primary latch spring retainer.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further comprises: a secondary latch torsion spring secured at one end to the latch frame and secured at another end to the secondary latch such that the secondary latch torsion spring applies a rotational force to the secondary latch in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction; and an auxiliary latch spring retainer for retaining the auxiliary latch torsion spring, wherein the auxiliary latch spring retainer is fixed to the latch frame, and wherein the auxiliary latch is rotatably supported on the auxiliary latch spring retainer.

Optionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further comprises a primary latch stop and a secondary latch stop disposed on the latch frame, wherein the primary latch stop is configured to define a limit of rotation of the primary latch in the first direction and the secondary latch stop is configured to define a limit of rotation of the secondary latch in the second direction.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, the primary latch and the secondary latch each comprise a respective tooth, wherein in the closed state the primary latch and the secondary latch engage each other by engagement between the respective teeth.

Optionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the primary latch further comprises a recess for receiving the striker in the closed state.

Optionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the operating mechanism further comprises a push assembly including a push rod fixed to the top wall of the roof rack cover and a push portion fixed to the auxiliary latch, wherein in the closed state, the push rod is in contact with the push portion such that upon application of the downward pressure to the roof rack cover, the push rod pushes the push portion downward, thereby rotating the auxiliary latch in the first direction.

Optionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further comprises a roof rack cover stop disposed on the latch frame, the roof rack cover stop configured to define a limit of movement of the roof rack cover in an upward direction.

Optionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the latch assembly further includes a vertical slot defined by the latch frame, the vertical slot configured to receive the striker and guide up and down movement of the striker.

Optionally, according to the utility model discloses an embodiment, be fixed with the spring orientation round pin on the roof of roof rack lid, wherein, the compression spring cover is established on the spring orientation round pin.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, the concealed roof rack is positioned in a recess defined by a side outer panel, a roof side molding and a roof panel and/or a roof glass of a vehicle.

Optionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hidden roof rack can apply the downward pressure to the roof rack cover by manual operation or by means of a vehicle electronic control unit, so that the hidden roof rack switches between the closed state and the open state.

According to the utility model discloses a second aspect provides a vehicle, its characterized in that, the vehicle includes according to the utility model discloses a hidden roof luggage rack of first aspect.

Compared with the prior art, the utility model provides a hidden roof luggage rack has following beneficial effect: the structure is simple and compact, and a complex driving structure is not needed, so that the weight of the vehicle is reduced, and the cost is saved; the roof rack is easy to operate, and the switching between the opening state and the closing state of the roof rack can be realized only by simple downward pushing.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

The invention may be more particularly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale, and in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a hidden roof rack mounted on a roof according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a concealed roof rack in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a concealed roof rack in an open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a concealed roof rack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is another schematic cross-sectional view of a concealed roof rack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a crossbar is fixedly mounted on the roof rack via a crossbar retainer; and

fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an operating mechanism of a concealed roof rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements or structures.

Parts list

1. Concealed roof luggage rack

2. Side outer panel

3. Roof side molding

4. Roof panel

5. Roof glass

6. Cross beam retainer

7. Cross beam

10. Roof luggage carrier cover

11. Operating mechanism

101. Roof wall

102. Side wall

111. Firing pin

112. Latch frame

113. Primary latch

114. Auxiliary latch

115. Compression spring

116. Spring orientation pin

117. Push rod

118. Inwardly projecting section

119. Primary latch torsion spring

120. Primary latch spring retainer

121. Auxiliary latch torsion spring

122. Auxiliary latch spring retainer

123. Primary latch stop

124. Auxiliary latch stop

125. Primary latch tooth

126. First auxiliary latch tooth part

127. Second auxiliary latch tooth part

128. Concave part

129. Pushing part

130. Luggage rack cover stop

131. Vertical slot

132. Latch assembly mounting plate

133. Latch assembly mounting hole

1000. A vehicle.

Detailed Description

It is easily understood that, according to the technical solution of the present invention, a plurality of alternative structural modes and implementation modes can be proposed by those skilled in the art without changing the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting or restricting the technical solutions of the present invention in their entirety or in any other way.

The directional terms upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, front, back, top, bottom and the like that are or may be mentioned in this specification are defined relative to the configurations shown in the drawings, and are relative concepts that may be changed accordingly depending on the position and the use state of the device. Therefore, these and other directional terms should not be construed as limiting terms. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used for descriptive and descriptive purposes only and not for purposes of indication or implication as to the relative importance of the respective components.

Referring first to fig. 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of a vehicle 1000 comprising a hidden roof rack 1 mounted on the roof according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the concealed roof rack 1 includes four portions respectively disposed on both sides of a roof, wherein each portion assumes an approximately square shape. However, it should be understood that the number, shape and arrangement of the parts of the concealed roof rack 1 may be set according to the shape and dimensions of the roof and the specific requirements of the luggage carried by the roof. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the concealed roof rack 1 is concealed inside the roof, i.e. in a closed state. In this closed state, the upper surface of the concealed roof rack 1 is substantially flush with the roof surface, so that the original appearance of the roof can be maintained, while the windage coefficient of the vehicle can be reduced and the noise generated by the friction of the roof rack with the high-speed airflow can be reduced.

With continued reference to fig. 2 and 3, there are shown schematic perspective views of the concealed roof rack 1 in a closed state and an open state, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the concealed roof rack 1 is positioned in a recess defined by a side outer panel 2, a roof side molding 3, and a roof panel 4 and/or roof glass 5 of the vehicle. The side outer panel 2 protrudes a certain distance from the plane of the roof panel 4 to protect the roof rack 1 from external lateral interference. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the hidden roof rack 1 is in a closed state in which the hidden roof rack 1 is fully received in the recess to meet the aerodynamic requirements and performance of the vehicle. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the concealed roof rack 1 is moved a certain distance in the upward direction, i.e. in an open state, in which the concealed roof rack 1 is only partially accommodated in the recess. It is easy to understand that the open state of the hidden roof rack 1 corresponds to its in-use state. In this open state, since the upper surface of the concealed roof rack 1 is higher than the roof surface, devices such as a cross member holder and a cross member can be mounted on the roof rack 1, thereby avoiding damage to the vehicle body and the paint of the vehicle by these devices.

Turning now to fig. 4, a schematic cross-sectional view of a concealed roof rack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the hidden roof rack 1 includes a roof rack cover 10 that can move up and down. The roof rack cover 10 includes a top wall 101 and four side walls 102 extending perpendicularly downward from four edges of the top wall 101, thereby forming an approximately cubic shape as shown in fig. 3. As described above, the roof rack cover 10 having an approximately cubic shape is positioned in the groove defined by the side outer panel 2, the roof side molding 3, and the roof panel 4 and/or the roof glass 5 of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the recess has an approximately cubic shape that mates with the roof rack cover 10. In the closed state, the roof rack cover 10 is completely accommodated in the recess, which is indicated by solid lines in fig. 4; in the open state, the roof rack cover 10 is moved in the upward direction by a certain distance so as to be accommodated only partially in the recess, which is indicated by the dashed line in fig. 4.

In order to enable switching of the concealed roof rack 1 between the closed state and the open state, the concealed roof rack 1 further comprises an operating mechanism 11. The operating mechanism 11 is covered by the roof rack cover 10 without being exposed to the outside. This protects the various components of the operating mechanism 11 from the environment and maintains the appearance of the vehicle roof in a neat and aesthetically pleasing manner.

As shown in fig. 4, the operating mechanism 11 includes a striker 111 and a latch assembly. The striker 111 is secured to one side wall 102 of the roof rack cover 10 (e.g., by means of gluing, welding, bolting, etc.). Specifically, the striker 111 is fixed to the side wall 102 of the roof rack cover 10 adjacent to the side outer panel 2, and is arranged perpendicular to the side wall 102. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the striker 111 has a circular cross-sectional shape. The latch assembly of operating mechanism 11 includes a latch frame 112 fixed with respect to the vehicle body, and a primary latch 113 and a secondary latch 114 accommodated in latch frame 112. A side wall of the latch frame 112 adjacent to the side outer panel 2 defines a vertical slot 131 (see fig. 6), and the vertical slot 131 is configured to receive the striker 111 and guide the up-and-down movement of the striker 111. As shown, the upper portion of the vertical slot 131 is flared to reduce the amount of effort required to align the striker 111 with the vertical slot 131, thereby facilitating entry of the striker 111 into the vertical slot 131.

The states of the main latch 113 and the auxiliary latch 114 shown in fig. 4 correspond to the closed state of the roof rack 1 in which the striker 111 is locked in place by the main latch 113 and the auxiliary latch 114. Since the striker 111 is fixed relative to the roof rack cover 10, the roof rack cover 10 is accordingly locked in position in the closed state. In addition, the operating mechanism 11 also includes a vertically oriented compression spring 115, preferably two vertically oriented compression springs 115. The compression spring 115 connects and is compressed between the top wall 101 of the roof rack cover 10 and the latch frame 112, so that the compression spring 115 always applies an upward force to the roof rack cover 10. In this embodiment, a spring orientation pin 116 corresponding to the compression spring 115 is also fixed to the top wall 101 of the roof rack cover 10. The compression springs 115 are each fitted over a corresponding spring orientation pin 116 such that the compression springs 115 are always oriented in the vertical direction, thereby ensuring that the roof rack cover 10 always moves in the vertical direction without lateral deviation between the switching of the closed state and the open state.

Referring to fig. 5, there is shown another schematic cross-sectional view of a concealed roof rack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the direction of the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 4. Similar to fig. 4, fig. 5 shows the concealed roof rack 1 in a closed state and an open state, in which the roof rack cover 10 and the striker 111 in the closed state are indicated by solid lines, and the roof rack cover 10 and the striker 111 in the open state are indicated by broken lines. As shown in fig. 5, the side wall of the roof rack cover 10 facing the side outer panel 2 and adjacent to the side outer panel 2 is provided with a recess for receiving the corresponding protrusion of the cross member holder 6. Furthermore, the cross member holder 6 has a recess that is matched in shape to the top wall of the roof rack cover 10, so that the cross member holder 6 can be firmly connected to the roof rack cover 10, and the cross member 7 can be supported on the cross member holder 6. As described above, such a design can avoid damage to the vehicle body and the paint on the vehicle by the devices such as the beam holder 6 and the beam 7.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, and with simultaneous reference to fig. 6, wherein fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the operating mechanism 11 of the concealed roof rack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly illustrating various components of the latch assembly of the operating mechanism 11.

In addition to latch frame 112 and primary and secondary latches 113 and 114 received in latch frame 112, the latch assembly includes a primary latch torsion spring 119 and a primary latch spring retainer 120 for retaining primary latch torsion spring 119. Primary latch torsion spring 119 is secured at one end thereof to latch frame 112 and at the other end thereof to primary latch 113. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, primary latch torsion spring 119 passes through and is secured to an opening defined in a side wall of latch frame 112 perpendicular to side outer panel 2 at one end thereof, and is secured to a notch defined at an edge of primary latch 113 at the other end thereof. In this manner, primary latch torsion spring 119 always applies a rotational force in the first direction to primary latch 113. In this particular embodiment, the first direction is defined as a counter-clockwise direction. The primary latch spring retainer 120 is secured to the latch frame 112, specifically to the side wall of the latch frame 112 adjacent the side outer panel 2. Primary latch 113 is rotatably supported on primary latch spring retainer 120 so as to be rotatable about primary latch spring retainer 120. Similarly, the latch assembly further includes a secondary latch torsion spring 121 and a secondary latch spring retainer 122 for retaining the secondary latch torsion spring 121. A secondary latch torsion spring 121 is secured at one end thereof to latch frame 112 and at the other end thereof to secondary latch 114. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the auxiliary latch torsion spring 121 passes through and is fixed at one end thereof to an opening defined in the other side wall of the latch frame 112 perpendicular to the side outer panel 2, and is fixed at the other end thereof to a notch defined at an edge of the auxiliary latch 114. In this way, the auxiliary latch torsion spring 121 always applies a rotational force in the second direction to the auxiliary latch 114, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. In this particular embodiment, the second direction is defined as a clockwise direction. The auxiliary latch spring holder 122 is fixed to the latch frame 112, specifically to a side wall of the latch frame 112 adjacent to the side outer panel 2. The auxiliary latch 114 is rotatably supported on an auxiliary latch spring holder 122 so as to be rotatable about the auxiliary latch spring holder 122.

With continued reference to fig. 6, to limit the range of rotation of primary latch 113 and secondary latch 114, the latch assembly further includes a primary latch stop 123 and a secondary latch stop 124 disposed on latch frame 112. As shown, the primary latch stop 123 and the secondary latch stop 124 are embodied as flaps that are perpendicular relative to the side walls of the latch frame 112 adjacent the side outer panels 2. Primary latch stop 123 is configured to define a limit of rotation of primary latch 113 in a first direction, and secondary latch stop 124 is configured to define a limit of rotation of secondary latch 114 in a second direction. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 6, primary latch 113 and secondary latch 114 each include respective teeth at their ends facing each other. Specifically, primary latch 113 includes a primary latch tooth 125 at its end facing secondary latch 114, and secondary latch 114 includes a first secondary latch tooth 126 and a second secondary latch tooth 127 at its end facing primary latch 113. It should be appreciated that the states of the primary latch 113 and the secondary latch 114 shown in fig. 6 correspond to the closed state of the roof rack 1. It can be seen that in this closed state, primary latch 113 and secondary latch 114 are engaged with each other by engagement between the respective teeth, wherein primary latch tooth 125 fits in a groove between first secondary latch tooth 126 and second secondary latch tooth 127. In addition, to achieve the locking action of the latch assembly on the striker 111, the primary latch 113 further includes a recess 128 for receiving the striker 111 in the closed state of the roof rack 1. Preferably, the recess 128 has a curvature that substantially conforms to the curvature of the cross-section of the striker 111.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6 together, in order to achieve the switching of the roof rack 1 to the open state by releasing the striker 111 by applying a depression force to the roof rack 1 in the closed state, the operating mechanism 11 of the roof rack 1 further includes a push assembly. Specifically, the push assembly includes a push rod 117 fixed to the top wall 101 of the roof rack cover 10 and a push portion 129 fixed to the auxiliary latch 114. As shown in fig. 4, the push rod 117 is in the form of an elongated rod extending vertically downward from the lower surface of the top wall 101 of the roof rack cover 10. As shown in fig. 6, the push portion 129 is in the form of a bent plate extending perpendicularly to the auxiliary latch 114 from a lower edge of the auxiliary latch 114. In the closed state shown in fig. 4, the push rod 117 is aligned and in contact with the push portion 129 in the vertical direction, so that upon application of a depression force to the roof rack cover 10, the push rod 117 pushes the push portion 129 downward, thereby rotating the auxiliary latch 114 in the first direction for the purpose of releasing the locked striker 111.

To limit the maximum height of the roof rack 1 in the open state, the latch assembly further comprises a rack cover stop 130 provided on the latch frame 112. As shown in fig. 6, the roof rack cover stopper 130 is a bent portion extending outward from the upper edge of the side wall of the latch frame 112 perpendicular to the side outer panel 2. Correspondingly, as shown in fig. 4, the lower edge of the side wall 102 of the roof rack cover 10 perpendicular to the side outer panel 2 has an inward protrusion 118. During the process of switching the roof rack 1 from the closed state to the open state, the roof rack cover 10 remains vertically moved upward until the inward protrusion 118 of the roof rack cover 10 contacts the rack cover stopper 130 of the latch assembly, thereby defining the limit of movement of the roof rack cover 10 in the upward direction, i.e., limiting the maximum height of the roof rack 1 in the open state.

The operation process of switching the concealed roof rack 1 between the closed state and the open state will be described in detail below with reference to the structural details shown in fig. 4 to 6.

It is assumed that the roof rack 1 is initially in a closed state, i.e., a state indicated by a solid line portion in fig. 4. At this time, the striker 111 is locked in position by the latch assembly, the auxiliary latch 114 contacts the auxiliary latch stopper 124, i.e., at the second-direction rotation limit position, and the push rod 117 contacts the push portion 129. In order to switch the roof rack 1 from the closed state to the open state, the user may apply a depression force to the roof rack cover 10 by manual operation or by means of a vehicle electronic control unit. Under the effect of the downward pressure, the roof rack cover 10 starts to move downward, so that the push rod 117 pushes the push portion 129 downward, thereby rotating the auxiliary latch 114 in the counterclockwise direction. Primary latch 113 rotates in a clockwise direction due to the meshing relationship between the corresponding teeth of primary latch 113 and secondary latch 114. As primary latch 113 and secondary latch 114 rotate in opposite directions, respectively, primary latch tooth 125 disengages the groove between first secondary latch tooth 126 and second secondary latch tooth 127. At this time, the user can release the depression force applied to the roof rack cover 10. After the downward pressure is released, the main latch 113 receives a rotational force in the counterclockwise direction applied by the main-latch torsion spring 119, while an upward force applied to the roof rack cover 10 by the compression spring 115 is also converted into a rotational force in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the main latch 113 by the striker 111. In contrast, the auxiliary latch 114 is only subjected to a rotational force applied in a clockwise direction by the auxiliary latch torsion spring 121. Accordingly, the primary latch 113 will rotate in the counterclockwise direction at a relatively fast speed such that the primary latch tooth 125 will not be trapped in the groove between the first and second auxiliary latch teeth 126, 127. As primary latch 113 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, striker 111 received in recess 128 of primary latch 113 is released. When the main latch 113 stops rotating due to contact with the main latch stopper 123, the recess 128 opens upward, and the striker 111 is completely released. At the same time, the auxiliary latch 114 rotates in a clockwise direction until it contacts the auxiliary latch stop 124. The roof rack cover 10 moves vertically upward along with the striker 111 under the action of the compression spring 115 until the inward projection 118 of the roof rack cover 10 contacts the rack cover stop 130 of the latch assembly. At this time, the roof rack 1 is in the open state, i.e., the switching from the closed state to the open state is completed.

In order to switch the roof rack 1 from the open state to the closed state, the user may also apply a depression force to the roof rack cover 10 either manually or by means of the vehicle electronic control unit. Under the downward pressure, the roof rack cover 10 begins to move downward so that the striker 111 enters the vertical slot 131 of the latch frame 112. As the depression force continues to be applied and the roof rack cover 10 continues to move downward, the striker 111 is received in the upwardly open recess 128 of the primary latch 113 and carries the primary latch 113 to begin rotating in the clockwise direction. When primary latch tooth 125 of primary latch 113 contacts first secondary latch tooth 126 of secondary latch 114, secondary latch 114 begins to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. As primary latch 113 and secondary latch 114 rotate in opposite directions, respectively, primary latch tooth 125 disengages first secondary latch tooth 126. At this time, since the auxiliary latch 114 is subjected only to the rotational force applied in the clockwise direction by the auxiliary latch torsion spring 121, the auxiliary latch 114 rotates in the clockwise direction back to the position of contact with the auxiliary latch stopper 124. At this time, the user can release the depression force applied to the roof rack cover 10. After the lower pressure is released, primary latch 113 begins to rotate in a counterclockwise direction under the influence of primary latch torsion spring 119 and compression spring 115. However, since auxiliary latch 114 has returned to the original position at this time, primary latch 113 can only be rotated to a position where primary latch tooth 125 contacts first auxiliary latch tooth 126. The primary latch 113 cannot continue to rotate in the counterclockwise direction due to the constraint of the secondary latch 114, thereby achieving locking of the striker 111 in place. At this time, the roof rack 1 is in the closed state, i.e., the switching from the open state to the closed state is completed.

In general, the concealed roof rack 1 of the present invention can be simply taken out to the use position by a pushing operation, and devices such as the cross member holder 6 and the cross member 7 can be mounted thereon, thereby avoiding damage to the vehicle body and the paint of the vehicle by these devices. In addition, after the hidden roof rack 1 is used, the hidden roof rack 1 can be returned to the original invisible position through a simple pushing operation, so that the wind resistance coefficient of the vehicle can be reduced, the noise generated by the friction of the roof rack 1 and high-speed airflow can be reduced, the oil consumption of the vehicle can be reduced, and the riding comfort of passengers can be improved.

It should be understood that the hidden roof rack of the present invention can be installed on various vehicles, including gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, cars, trucks, buses, hybrid vehicles, pure electric vehicles, etc. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present invention is also directed to a vehicle including a concealed roof rack of the present invention.

It should be understood that all of the above preferred embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive, and that various modifications and changes in the specific embodiments described above, which may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the teachings of the present invention, are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A concealed roof rack, comprising:

a plurality of roof rack covers movable up and down, each of the plurality of roof rack covers including a top wall and four side walls; and

an operating mechanism covered by the corresponding roof rack cover, the operating mechanism being configured to allow the concealed roof rack to be switched between a closed state and an open state by applying a depression force to the roof rack cover, wherein the operating mechanism comprises:

a latch assembly including a latch frame fixed relative to a vehicle body and a primary latch and a secondary latch received in the latch frame;

a striker secured to the side wall of the roof rack cover, wherein in the closed state, the striker is locked in place by the latch assembly; and

a compression spring connecting and compressed between the top wall of the roof rack cover and the latch frame.

2. The concealed roof rack according to claim 1, wherein the latch assembly further comprises:

a primary latch torsion spring secured at one end to the latch frame and at another end to the primary latch such that the primary latch torsion spring applies a rotational force to the primary latch in a first direction; and

a primary latch spring retainer for retaining the primary latch torsion spring, wherein the primary latch spring retainer is secured to the latch frame, and wherein the primary latch is rotatably supported on the primary latch spring retainer.

3. The concealed roof rack of claim 2, wherein the latch assembly further comprises:

a secondary latch torsion spring secured at one end to the latch frame and secured at another end to the secondary latch such that the secondary latch torsion spring applies a rotational force to the secondary latch in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction; and

an auxiliary latch spring retainer for retaining the auxiliary latch torsion spring, wherein the auxiliary latch spring retainer is secured to the latch frame, and wherein the auxiliary latch is rotatably supported on the auxiliary latch spring retainer.

4. The concealed roof rack of claim 3, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a primary latch stop and a secondary latch stop disposed on the latch frame,

wherein the primary latch stop is configured to define a rotational limit of the primary latch in the first direction and the secondary latch stop is configured to define a rotational limit of the secondary latch in the second direction.

5. The concealed roof rack according to claim 4, wherein the primary latch and the secondary latch each include a respective tooth,

wherein in the closed state, the primary latch and the secondary latch engage each other through engagement between the respective teeth.

6. The concealed roof rack according to claim 5, wherein the primary latch further comprises a recess for receiving the striker in the closed state.

7. The concealed roof rack according to claim 6, wherein the operating mechanism further comprises a push assembly comprising a push rod secured to the top wall of the roof rack cover and a push portion secured to the secondary latch,

wherein in the closed state, the push rod is in contact with the push portion such that upon application of the depression force to the roof rack cover, the push rod pushes the push portion downward, thereby rotating the auxiliary latch in the first direction.

8. The concealed roof rack according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a rack cover stop disposed on the latch frame, the rack cover stop configured to define a limit of movement of the roof rack cover in an upward direction.

9. The concealed roof rack of any of claims 1-7, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a vertical slot defined by the latch frame, the vertical slot configured to receive the striker and guide up and down movement of the striker.

10. The concealed roof rack according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein a spring orientation pin is secured to the top wall of the roof rack cover, wherein the compression spring is sleeved over the spring orientation pin.

11. The concealed roof rack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the concealed roof rack is positioned in a groove defined by a side outer panel, a roof side molding and a roof panel and/or a roof glass of a vehicle.

12. The concealed roof rack according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the concealed roof rack is switchable between the closed state and the open state by applying the depression force to the roof rack cover either manually or by means of a vehicle electronic control unit.

13. A vehicle comprising a concealed roof rack according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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