DE102022109707B3 - Roof bar device for a vehicle, method for illuminating a vehicle environment and vehicle with roof bar device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof rail device (1) for a vehicle (2) for covering an upward-pointing opening (3) in a predetermined installation space (4), with a roof rail (5) which, in a first state (Z1), covers the opening ( 3) of the specified installation space (4), characterized in that - the roof rail (5) has a lighting device (6), - the roof rail (5) in a second state (Z2) at least partially out of the opening (3) of the predetermined installation space (4), so that the lighting device (6) in the second state (Z2) protrudes from the opening (3) of the predetermined installation space (4), and- a drive device (7) of the roof rail device (1) is designed for this purpose, which To move roof bar (5) between the first state (Z1) and the second state (Z2).

Description

The invention relates to a roof rail device for a vehicle for covering an upward-pointing opening of a predetermined installation space, with a roof rail which, in a first state, closes the opening of the predetermined installation space flush. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for illuminating a vehicle environment and a vehicle with a roof rail device.

In the prior art there are devices for illuminating a vehicle environment for a vehicle, which are integrated in the housing of an exterior mirror or in the vehicle door. The disadvantage, however, is that only a small part of the side of the vehicle is illuminated here.

The DE 10 2019 124 872 A1 shows a further lighting device of a vehicle, wherein the lighting device is arranged within a cavity or hole in a vehicle roof and is used by a person to quickly locate and lock the vehicle. The disadvantage, however, is that this lighting device is not suitable for illuminating the area around the vehicle.

The EP 2 366 606 A1 discloses a rigid roof panel that serves to integrate lighting and multiple reflectors.

The WO 2014/186659 A1 describes a roof rail of a vehicle with lighting. The disadvantage of this, however, is that the lighting devices on these objects are always visible and have a negative aerodynamic and optical effect on the vehicle.

The DE 20 2004 004 302 U1 relates to a modular vehicle roof with a retractable roof rack. The DE 10 2014 220 630 A1 discloses an exterior add-on part for a motor vehicle with a lighting device. Current systems are not suitable for illuminating a poorly lit area on the side of the vehicle over a large area, especially in the dark, since they can only illuminate a small area due to their integration in the vehicle and/or due to their intended use.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device, as well as a method and a vehicle, which overcome the disadvantages described in the prior art.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description and the figures.

The invention provides a roof rail device for a vehicle for covering an upwardly directed opening of a predetermined installation space, with a roof rail which, in a first state, closes the opening of the predetermined installation space flush. According to the invention, the roof rail has a lighting device, the roof rail protruding at least partially out of the opening of the specified installation space in a second state, so that the lighting device protrudes out of the opening of the predetermined installation space in the second state, and a drive device of the roof rail device is designed for this purpose To move roof bar between the first state and the second state.

Under “above” in particular to understand a top of a vehicle in a ready-to-drive state. Pointed upwards therefore means, in particular, pointing in a direction of the vehicle vertical or in the height direction of the vehicle.

The installation space is already predetermined for the roof rail device according to the invention. The installation space can preferably be a groove-shaped transition region of a vehicle roof of the vehicle to a side wall frame of the vehicle, which are connected to one another due to production by forming the groove-shaped transition region. The installation space can thus preferably extend essentially along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with a groove width extending in a width direction of the vehicle. The groove also has a certain height in the height direction of the vehicle, so that the specified installation space can be formed by these dimensions.

The installation space is open at the top. This can be production-related or desired. In order to close the opening of the installation space, it can be covered by a roof rail.

The roof rail closes this opening flush in the first state. This means in particular firstly that the opening is essentially completely covered by the roof rail. Secondly, this means in particular that the opening is covered without forming an edge between the roof rail and an edge area of the opening of the installation space. The edge area can preferably be formed by the vehicle roof on one side and by the side wall frame on the other side. The transition of the surfaces of the Vehicle roof and the side wall frame smooth. The roof rail is designed in particular to complement the opening of the installation space, so that the opening is essentially completely covered. The roof rail therefore extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and can preferably have the entire length of the vehicle roof.

According to the invention, the roof rail has a lighting device. The lighting device can preferably have a plurality of lighting elements or lighting means, for example in the form of LEDs. A plurality of lighting elements can preferably be distributed uniformly along the longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In particular, the roof rail can comprise a housing or itself be the housing. The lighting device can preferably be integrated in the housing. Cabling for controlling and powering the lighting device can advantageously be integrated in the housing so that it is completely covered.

The lighting device can also advantageously be covered by a transparent cover, for example by glass or acrylic glass. The transparent cover can be part of the housing or cover a recess in the housing, with the lighting device being integrated in the recess.

In the first state, the lighting device can preferably be inactive, so that the lighting elements do not light up. In the second state, the lighting device can preferably be active, so that the lighting elements light up.

In the second state, the flush closure of the opening is given up by means of the roof rail. The first state can preferably be assumed while the vehicle is being driven in order to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Preferably, the second state can be assumed while the vehicle is parked. In the second state, the roof rail emerges at least partially from an imaginary connecting line between the edge areas in the vehicle width direction and therefore stands above this connecting line.

Preferably, the roof rail can also completely protrude from the opening. Alternatively, part of the roof rail can protrude from the opening and the other part of the roof rail can dip into the installation space.

Preferably, the roof rail has the lighting device in this part, which protrudes from the opening, so that the lighting device can protrude from the opening.

The drive device can in particular have one or more motors, preferably electric motors, as well as preferably mechanical means in order to be able to transmit a force or a moment generated by the motor to the roof rail in a suitable manner. The roof rail can consequently be moved in relation to the installation space or to the opening of the installation space as a result of the transmitted force or the transmitted moment.

The state is to be understood as meaning a state with regard to a position and/or an alignment of the roof rail. The status can preferably also include a status with regard to the activity of the lighting device.

This device has the advantage that the lighting device, which can preferably be used to illuminate a vehicle environment on the side of the vehicle, is positioned particularly well in order to illuminate a large area on the side of the vehicle. The advantage that the roof rail can assume two states is that the roof rail can assume an aerodynamic first state while driving and a particularly favorable irradiation angle to the vehicle surroundings of the vehicle in a second state when the vehicle is parked.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device is arranged on an underside of the roof rail facing the predetermined installation space.

In the first state, the underside of the roof rail is preferably covered in the installation space and by the roof rail and is therefore directed downwards. An upwardly directed upper side of the roof rail, which is opposite the underside, is flush with the edge area of the installation space in the first state.

This has the particular advantage that the lighting device is hidden in the installation space in the first state and is therefore also protected. In the second state, the lighting device can protrude through the movement of the roof rail and illuminate the vehicle surroundings at the side of the vehicle at a particularly favorable angle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive device can be integrated into the specified installation space. The drive device is preferably firmly connected to the vehicle in the installation space.

This is particularly advantageous since the installation space can thus be used sensibly. A further advantage is that the drive device is hidden by the roof rail in the first state and is therefore also protected. This in turn also has aerodynamic advantages when the vehicle is being driven.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive device comprises at least one pivot axis about which the roof rail can be pivoted between the first state and the second state.

The pivot axis extends in particular essentially along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The pivot axis preferably runs centrally to a shaft, with the drive device being pivotably connected to the roof rail via the shaft. By rotating the shaft, the roof rail is pivoted while the drive device remains firmly connected to the vehicle.

A pivoting movement of the roof rail is particularly advantageous since the lighting device can thus assume a particularly favorable lighting angle to the vehicle surroundings on the side of the vehicle in the second state in order to be able to advantageously illuminate it.

According to an alternative, preferred embodiment, the drive device comprises at least one lifting device, by means of which the roof rail can be moved translationally between the first state and the second state. As a result, the roof rail can advantageously be moved upwards and downwards in a translatory manner.

A translational movement of the roof rail is particularly advantageous since the lighting device can thus assume a particularly favorable lighting angle to the vehicle surroundings on the side of the vehicle in the second state in order to be able to advantageously illuminate it.

• Bereitstellen der Dachleiste in einem ersten Zustand, in dem eine nach oben gerichtete Öffnung eines nutförmigen Übergangsbereichs zwischen einem Fahrzeugdach und einem Seitenwandrahmen des Fahrzeuges von der Dachleiste bündig abgeschlossen wird;
• Bewegen der Dachleiste von dem ersten Zustand in einen zweiten Zustand, sodass die Dachleiste zumindest teilweise aus der nach oben gerichteten Öffnung des nutförmigen Übergangsbereichs hervorsteht und die Leuchtvorrichtung aus der Öffnung des nutförmigen Übergangsbereich herausragt, und
• Einschalten der Leuchtvorrichtung zur Beleuchtung der Fahrzeugumgebung.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for illuminating a vehicle environment of a vehicle by means of a roof rail of the vehicle, the roof rail having a lighting device, comprising the following steps:

• Providing the roof rail in a first state, in which an upward-pointing opening of a groove-shaped transition area between a vehicle roof and a side wall frame of the vehicle is closed off flush by the roof rail;
• moving the roof rail from the first state to a second state such that the roof rail protrudes at least partially from the upward opening of the groove-shaped transition area and the lighting device protrudes from the opening of the groove-shaped transition area, and
• Switching on the lighting device to illuminate the area around the vehicle.

The groove-shaped transition area between the vehicle roof of the vehicle and the side wall frame can preferably correspond to the installation space already described, so that the features of the transition area can correspond to the installation space.

In the second state, a radiation area of the lighting device is preferably directed towards the vehicle surroundings on the side of the vehicle. This area, which is also referred to below as the lateral vehicle area, is advantageously illuminated by switching on the lighting device. The illuminated area on the side of the vehicle preferably extends along the length of the roof rail in the direction of the vehicle. A lateral vehicle area is particularly preferably illuminated over a length of the roof rail, and a lateral vehicle area is particularly preferably illuminated over a length of the motor vehicle.

A fold-out lighting unit in the roof can advantageously provide extensive illumination of the area on the side of the vehicle. This can not only be an advantage for car users. Parked vehicles occupy public spaces. In large cities in particular, this leads to a discussion regarding the space consumed by parked vehicles. It can therefore be assumed that vehicles parked in public areas will in future also have to take on functions that serve the general public. Since electrically driven vehicles in particular represent self-sufficient systems due to the battery, such functions can be taken over by them in the future. The ambient lighting can be used to illuminate traffic routes.

According to a preferred embodiment, an activation signal for triggering the movement of the roof rail and the switching on of the lighting device is initiated by a vehicle-external device and sent to the vehicle.

In this context, external to the vehicle means that the vehicle does not include the facility. However, the vehicle-external device is preferably provided for the vehicle.

In particular, the transmitted activation signal can be received, read and further processed by the vehicle, preferably by a component of the vehicle.

The vehicle-external device can preferably be a radio key that is used primarily for unlocking and locking the vehicle by radio. The activation signal can preferably be triggered by manually actuating an actuating element, for example a button for opening and/or closing the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, a separate actuating element can be provided on the radio key in order to trigger the activation signal.

Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle-external device can preferably be a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone or tablet, which preferably includes a corresponding application (app). The activation signal can then be triggered using this app on the mobile terminal device, preferably by the vehicle user and/or a third party.

Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle-external device can be an external server device, which can preferably be provided and designed to communicate with the vehicle. The server device can be, for example, a computer running one or more software-based servers.

This has the advantage that the lighting can also be activated from outside the vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment, an activation signal for triggering the movement of the roof rail and for triggering the switching on of the lighting device is triggered by a detected movement in the area around the vehicle, which is detected by a sensor system of the vehicle.

A detected movement in the vehicle environment can be, in particular, a movement of a pedestrian or a cyclist or another road user. The detected movement can be detected by the sensor system outside the lateral vehicle area in the vehicle environment.

A sensor system can be understood, for example, as one that is able to generate sensor data or sensor signals that depict, represent or reproduce an environment of the sensor system. For example, cameras, radar systems, lidar systems or ultrasonic sensor systems can be considered as sensor systems.

The advantage of this embodiment is that the lighting takes place automatically as soon as someone moves in the detection area of the sensor system. The lighting does not have to be active all the time, but only when it is actually needed.

According to a preferred embodiment, a control device of the vehicle receives the activation signal. The activation signal can preferably be sent by the vehicle-external device and/or by the sensor system. The control device preferably outputs a first control signal for controlling the movement of the roof rail and a second control signal for controlling the switching on of the lighting device.

The control device preferably includes a receiving module in order to receive the activation signal. The vehicle preferably includes the receiving module, which forwards the activation signal to the control device in a suitable manner.

The first control signal can preferably be received by the already described drive device of the roof rail device. The second control signal can preferably be received by the lighting device.

Further components of the vehicle and/or components external to the vehicle can preferably be provided to generate, receive, process and forward corresponding signals of the invention in a suitable manner.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a roof rail device.

The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can have a data processing device or a processor device that is set up to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and/or at least one microcontroller and/or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor device can have program code which is set up to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device.

The invention also includes developments of the method according to the invention, which have features as already mentioned in connection have been described with the developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

The vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

As a further solution, the invention also comprises a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, cause this to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can e.g. at least partially as a non-volatile data memory (e.g. as a flash memory and/or as an SSD - solid state drive) and/or at least partially as a volatile data memory (e.g. as a RAM - random access memory). . A processor circuit with at least one microprocessor can be provided by the computer or computer network. The instructions may be provided in binary or assembler and/or programming language (e.g., C) source code.

The invention also includes the combinations of features of the described embodiments. The invention also includes implementations that each have a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments were not described as mutually exclusive.

• 1 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand und schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer alternativen, bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand und schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse;
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand mit einem Scherengestell;
• 4 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand mit einem Hubkolben;
• 5 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem zweiten Zustand und schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse;
• 6 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer alternativen, bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem zweiten Zustand und schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse;
• 7 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem zweiten Zustand mit einem Scherengestell;
• 8 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachleistenvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform in einem zweiten Zustand mit einem Hubkolben;
• 9 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• 10 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß einer weiteren, bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• 11 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß einer weiteren, bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• 12 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeuges mit einer Dachleistenvorrichtung aus einer Obersicht.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For this shows:

• 1 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a first state and pivotable about a pivot axis;
• 2 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to an alternative, preferred embodiment in a first state and pivotable about a pivot axis;
• 3 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a first state with a scissor frame;
• 4 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a first state with a reciprocating piston;
• 5 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a second state and pivotable about a pivot axis;
• 6 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to an alternative, preferred embodiment in a second state and pivotable about a pivot axis;
• 7 a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a second state with a scissor frame;
• 8th a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a second state with a reciprocating piston;
• 9 a schematic flow chart of a method according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment;
• 10 a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment;
• 11 a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment;
• 12 a schematic representation of a vehicle according to the invention with a roof strip device from a top view.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that each also develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is also intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those illustrated. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function. The cut in the 1 - 8th takes place along a plane spanned by a vehicle width direction and a vehicle height direction, with a vehicle longitudinal direction being the normal corresponds to the cutting plane. Corresponding lines for the power supply and control are not shown for the sake of simplicity, these being advantageously integrated in the roof rail device.

1 until 4 each show a schematic sectional view of a roof rail device 1 according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a first state Z1. The roof rail device 1 closes an upward-facing opening 3 of an installation space 4 or a groove-shaped transition area 4 between a vehicle roof 12 of a vehicle 2 and a side wall frame 13 of the vehicle 2, so that the respective outer surfaces lie essentially in one plane. The installation space extends essentially along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which cannot be shown here, and has a certain depth in the vehicle height direction and a certain width in the vehicle width direction, which are caused by production and/or design technology.

The roof rail device 1 consists essentially of a roof rail 5 and a drive device 7. The roof rail comprises a housing 16 in which a lighting device 6 is integrated on an underside 8 of the roof rail 5. The lighting device 6 is arranged in an edge region of the underside 8 facing the vehicle frame 13 . The lighting device 6 comprises at least one lighting element 6a. The lighting device 6 is covered by a transparent cover 15 so that light can pass through the cover 15 .

The drive device 7 is integrated in the installation space 4 and firmly connected to the installation space 4, for example on a floor surface of the installation space 4, and is covered by the roof rail 5 at least in the first state Z1.

In the 1 and 2 the roof rail 5 is pivotably connected to the drive device 7 about a pivot axis 9 and via a drive axle 9, the drive device 7 being shown here purely schematically as a triangle.

In 1 the pivot axis 9 is provided in the center of the roof rail 5 in the width direction. In 2 the pivot axis 9 is provided in the width direction at an edge portion of the installation space 4 toward a center of the vehicle.

3 and 4 show in contrast to the 1 and 2 the roof rail device 1 with a drive device 7, which comprises a lifting device 10a, 10b and is provided and designed to move the roof rail 5 in a translatory manner in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In 3 the lifting device 10a is designed as an example of a scissor frame 10a. In 4 the lifting device 10b is designed, for example, as a reciprocating piston 10b.

It can also be any other type of drive devices 7 provided in the 1 until 8th are not shown, in particular a combination of drive devices that allow a combination of a translatory and pivoting movement.

In 3 and 4 . the lighting device 6 is arranged on an edge of the underside 8 which is directed towards the side wall frame 13 .

The 5 until 8th show a schematic sectional view of the roof rail device 1 according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a second state Z2. In this state, the roof rail 5 protrudes at least partially from the opening 3 of the installation space 4 directed upwards and is directed towards the side wall frame 13 . The lighting device 6 protrudes from the opening 3 here. The 5 corresponds to the 1 in the second state Z2, and accordingly 6 the 2 , the 7 the 3 and the 8th the 4 .

In the second state Z2 shown, the lighting device 6 is activated, so that the at least one lighting element 6a lights up. The illuminated area is directed towards a lateral area 11a, 11b of the vehicle, which in 12 is shown.

The 5 and 6 show that the roof rail 5 is pivoted about the pivot axis 9 into the state Z2, with the underside 9 being directed towards the side wall frame 12. In 5 the roof rail 5 is essentially pivoted about a center line of the roof rail 5 running in the longitudinal direction.

In 7 and 8th the roof rail 5 is moved upwards in a translatory manner out of the opening 3 or out of the installation space 4 .

9 shows a schematic flow chart of a method according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment. In the first method step, the roof rail 5 is provided in the first state Z1. In the second method step S2, the roof rail is moved from the first state to the second state Z2, so that the roof rail 5 protrudes at least partially from the upward-pointing opening 3 of the groove-shaped transition area 4 or the installation space 4 and the lighting device 6 from the opening 3 of the groove-shaped transition region 4 protrudes. In a third step S3, the light device 6 for illuminating the vehicle surroundings 11a, 11b switched on.

It goes without saying that the method described can be reversed in a similar manner, with the roof rail 5 being moved from the second state Z2 into the first state Z1 and the lighting device 6 being switched off.

10 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment, with the in 9 shown method steps S1, S2, S3 are applied. In an initiation step S4, an activation signal for triggering the movement S2 of the roof rail 5 and the switching on S3 of the lighting device 6 is initiated by a vehicle-external device 17 or by a sensor system 14 and is sent to a control device 14 of the vehicle 2. In a control step S6, the control device 18 receives the activation signal and outputs a first control signal for controlling the movement S2 of the roof rail 5 and a second control signal for controlling the switching on S3 of the lighting device 6.

11 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment, with the in 10 shown method steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S6 are applied. In an intermediate step S5, a first activation signal, which is initiated and sent in the initiation step S4, is received by a vehicle-external server device and processed into a second activation signal. The second activation signal is then sent to control device 18 in intermediate step S5.

12 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 2 according to the invention with a roof strip device 1 from a top view. The vehicle 2 includes a sensor system 14, which has already been described, and a control device 18, which has already been described. The vehicle 2 can communicate with the device 17 external to the vehicle.

The roof strip device 1 or the roof strip 5 extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle over the entire length of the roof between the vehicle roof 12 and the side wall frame 13. In the example shown, two roof strip devices 1 are provided, with the roof strip device 1 on the right in the vehicle direction between the vehicle roof 12 and a right side wall frame 13 is provided to illuminate the right lateral vehicle area 11b. This is preferably a sidewalk for pedestrians or a cycle path.

The roof rail device 1 on the left in the direction of the vehicle between the vehicle roof 12 and a left side wall frame 13 is provided to illuminate the left lateral vehicle region 11b. The vehicle side areas 11a, 11b that are illuminated are not limited to the area shown. These can advantageously be larger or smaller in size.

Overall, the examples show how a roof strip device for a vehicle, a method for illuminating a vehicle environment and a vehicle with a roof strip device can be provided.

Claims (10)

Roof rail device (1) for a vehicle (2) for covering an upward-pointing opening (3) of a predetermined installation space (4), with - a roof rail (5) which, in a first state (Z1), covers the opening (3) of the predetermined installation space (4), characterized in that - the roof rail (5) has a lighting device (6), - the roof rail (5) in a second state (Z2) at least partially out of the opening (3) of the specified installation space (4 ) protrudes, so that the lighting device (6) in the second state (Z2) protrudes from the opening (3) of the specified installation space (4), and - a drive device (7) of the roof rail device (1) is designed to drive the roof rail (5) to move between the first state (Z1) and the second state (Z2). Roof bar device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the lighting device (6) is arranged on an underside (8) of the roof rail (5) which is directed towards the predetermined installation space (4). Roof bar device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drive device (7) can be integrated into the specified installation space (4). Roof rail device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (7) comprises at least one pivot axis (9) about which the roof rail (5) can be pivoted between the first state (Z1) and the second state (Z2). . Roof rail device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the drive device (7) comprises at least one lifting device (10a, 10b), by means of which the roof rail (5) translationally between the first th state (Z1) and the second state (Z2) is movable. Method for illuminating a vehicle environment (11a, 11b) of a vehicle (2) by means of a roof rail (5) of the vehicle (2), the roof rail (5) having a lighting device (6), comprising the steps: - Providing (S1) the roof rail (5) in a first state (Z1), in which an upward-pointing opening (3) of a groove-shaped transition area (4) between a vehicle roof (12) and a side wall frame (13) of the vehicle (2 ) is flush with the roof rail (5); - Moving (S2) the roof rail (5) from the first state (Z1) to a second state (Z2), so that the roof rail (5) protrudes at least partially from the upward-facing opening (3) of the groove-shaped transition area (4) and the lighting device (6) protrudes from the opening (3) of the groove-shaped transition region (4), and - Switching on (S3) the lighting device (6) to illuminate the area around the vehicle (11a, 11b). procedure after claim 6 , An activation signal for triggering the movement (S2) of the roof rail (5) and the switching on (S3) of the lighting device (6) being initiated by a vehicle-external device (17) and sent to the vehicle (2). procedure after claim 6 , wherein an activation signal for triggering the movement (S2) of the roof rail (5) and for triggering the switching on (S3) of the lighting device (6) is triggered by a sensor system (14) of the vehicle (2) detected movement in the vehicle environment ( 11a, 11b). procedure after claim 7 or 8th , A control device (18) of the vehicle (2) receiving the activation signal, the control device (13) receiving a first control signal for controlling the movement (S2) of the roof rail (5) and a second control signal for controlling the switching on (S3) of the lighting device (6) outputs. Vehicle (2) with a roof strip device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 .

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