GB2456071A

GB2456071A - Moveable roof element for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2456071A
Application number: GB0901793A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gian Luca Baccelli
Original assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Current assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date: 2006-08-04
Filing date: 2007-07-27
Publication date: 2009-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-27
Also published as: WO2008015173A1; GB2456071B; CN101557954B; GB0901793D0; RU2435679C2; RU2009107720A; DE102006036453A1; CN101557954A

Abstract

A motor vehicle (1) having a passenger compartment (10), wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises a left roof rack (11a) and a right roof rack (11b) as the upper limitation of a respective motor vehicle body side structure, and wherein a telescoping roof element (16) is configured between the left and right roof racks (11a ,11b), wherein the roof element (16) extends in the region between the left and the right roof racks (11a, 11b) across the width of the motor vehicle (1), and can be moved vertically upwards using a lifting motion such that the same is placed from a horizontal locking position into a horizontal opening position, in order to enlarge the storage region of the passenger compartment (10). This creates a motor vehicle having a lifting roof, by means of which an improved enlargement of the passenger compartment is possible during driving.

Description

Movable Roof Element for a Motor Vehicle

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a passenger compartment, wherein the motor vehicle comprises one left roof rack and one right roof rack as the upper limitation of a respective motor vehicle body side structure and wherein a telescoping roof element is configured between the left and right roof racks.

Motor vehicles are generally known that comprise lifting roof elements for the purpose of enlarging the passenger compartment. There, an enlarged passenger compartment is required so that when the vehicle is parked the passengers occupying the passenger compartment can move freely or even to be able to stand upright inside the vehicle.

These vehicles are referred to as minibuses, which do not derive from the vehicles under discussion here and are generally equipped with camping equipment.

The patent application DE 103 02 749 Al discloses a lifting roof for a motor vehicle of the appropriate category that comprises a roof opening covered over by a solidly fixed roof element which, at its rear edge, can be raised into an open position by means of a front cross axis. Here, the roof element extends along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle starting approximately at a front windscreen panel above the front windscreen at least up to the contact surface of the back rests of the back seats that are roughly vertically positioned and extended upwards. The roof is swivel-mounted on a joint located in the region of the windscreen panel in the front region above the windscreen, so that although it is possible to provide greater head room for passengers in the rear of the vehicle, only marginal space gain can be achieved in this part of the vehicle. The swivelling displacement of the roof element at the front axis in the region of the windscreen does not increase the passenger compartment appreciably. That way only the herein IS underlying problem can be solved of creating more room in the area of the back seats. A total increase of the passenger compartment that stretches over the front seats is not possible by means of the known lifting roofs for motor vehicles.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, to create a motor vehicle with a lifting roof that provides an improved means of expanding the passenger compartment during travel.

The object will be solved based on a motor vehicle with a lifting roof according to the preamble of claim 1 in connection with its characteristics. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The invention includes the technical claim according to which the roof element extends across the width of the motor vehicle in the area between the left and right roof racks, and, by means of a lifting motion, can be moved vertically upwards in such a manner that the roof element moves from a horizontal shout-off position to a horizontal end-up position with the purpose of enlarging the storage region of the passenger compartment.

When the roof element is raised from a horizontal locking position into a horizontal end-up position, the roof element undergoes a parallel raising movement in the vertical direction without the need for it to pivot around a joint.

Through the parallel raising movement the space within the passenger compartment increases over the entire area of the roof element, wherein the horizontal shout-off or end-up positions are understood to mean that the roof element undergoes no tilting, swivelling or turning movement, rather, in a manner similar to a lifting platform, undergoes raising displacement without any change to its horizontal position. Only by means of this plane-parallel lifting movement can the possibility arise of achieving an efficient enlargement of the passenger compartment, wherein the enlargement of the passenger compartment is intended to mean not only enlarged headroom over the back seats of the vehicle, but also that the same height difference in the front area of the lifting roof can also be made use of as part of the enlarged passenger compartment. For this purpose, the roof extends from the motor vehicle body side structure to the right motor vehicle body side structure, wherein the roof racks comprise the upper limitation of the motor vehicle body side structures. The roof racks are formed by the roof braces, which, can may also comprise reinforcing plates or similar load bearing elements, such as reinforcing plates or similar.

In this way the roof rack also extends between the motor vehicle body side structures in the region of the D-pillar from the left to the right side of the vehicle, so that a tailgate for example, can be configured in this region. In any case the roof rack defines an upper reinforcing frame for the motor vehicle, which is intended to remain after the outer skin of the motor vehicle body has been removed. Due to the construction of the roof element in such a manner that it extends over the entire width of the vehicle, maximum room gain in the volume of the passenger compartment may be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle body structure comprises at least one A-pillar, one B-pillar, one C-pillar and/or one D-pillar, and the roof element extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle at least from the B-pillar to the D-pillar. Due to the fact that the roof element extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and that it can be configured over its entire length as a level platform, the gain in added space in the passenger compartment can be maximised. Since the elevating roof element according to the invention starts in a position over the B-pillar, the passenger compartment can be enlarged already from the position starting over the front seats.

More advantageously, the upper rear area of the motor vehicle is delimited by a tailgate, where the roof element, in its locking position, delimits the top region of the tailgate in conjunction with this completes the outer skin of the motor vehicle. The roof element is so contoured that this, in its locking position relative to the top edge, delimits the tailgate, and forms a smooth transition with the outer skin of the motor vehicle body. At the same time the roof element locks with the rear doors of the motor vehicle allowing for the appropriate gap dimensions whereas in the area of a rear side panel, which is configured between the C- pillar and D-pillar, the roof element comprises an obliquely downward tending side region, which reaches lower down than over the rear doors of the motor vehicle. All in all, then, the roof element is fitted to the contours of the vehicle in the region of the roof racks, that is, in the region of the upper vehicle body structure as well as in the tailgate region. The roof element may be constructed from sheet metal or from a composite material such as glass fiber or carbon fiber.

Further, the possibility exists for the roof to comprise a multiple-component construction so that the roof element comprises a roof lining and in this roof lining, on the side facing the passenger compartment, lighting devices and the like may be placed.

A further example embodiment of the present invention provides that, between the left and right roof racks, in front of the roof element in the direction of travel, a cross member is configured, and between the front cross member and the roof element a spoiler element is positioned. This spoiler is joint-attached to the front cross member and/or the roof element, wherein the spoiler element, through the lifting movement of the roof element from its shut-off position into its end-up position, undergoes a pivoting displacement. The spoiler element takes on the function of a wind deflector or an aerodynamic device, as the roof element is possible to move into the corresponding position while the motor vehicle is in motion, or the vehicle is possible to operate while the roof element is in its end-up position. While the roof element is in its raised position, a vertically extending opening is created between the roof racks and the roof element, which, during travel, is exposed to the relative air stream created by the motion of the vehicle. Hence, in the front region of the roof element seen from the direction of the windscreen, it is necessary that a spoiler element should be provided, which, while the roof element is in its locking position, is integrated smoothly into the plane of the motor vehicle roof, and when the roof element is raised, is pivoted into an angled elevated position. Hence, a jointed connection is required between the spoiler element and the front cross member as well as the spoiler element and the roof element. In order to create the appropriate kinematics, the joint between the spoiler element and the front cross member and that between the spoiler element and the roof of the motor vehicle in the front region of the roof element can comprise a linear guide, so that the jointed connection is made to adjust its position to the raising roof element. Now if the roof element is brought into an end-up position, the raised spoiler element can add an additional gain in volume of, for example, 14 liters, whereas the room created under the roof element can be 200 liters. In order that the room gained by lifting the roof element can be utilized for the transport of tall persons or large objects, the vehicle can be operated while the roof element is in a raised position. In addition, the position of the roof element may be changed even during travel, that is, moved from the raised position into the locking position, or the other way round.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least between the roof element and the left and right roof racks and/or in the area of the tailgate, a protective -7-.

arrangement can be provided that comprises a tarpaulin or textile structure. This protective arrangement can be like a motor vehicle tarpaulin, and can be fastened between the roof element and the roof racks as a waterproofing arrangement. Now, when the roof element is in the end-up position, the protective arrangement between the roof element and the roof racks is tautened and thus forms a wall at the sides or all the way round. When on the other hand the roof element is in the locking position, the protective arrangement folds into a space provided for this purpose in such a manner that the protective arrangement is not visible either from the passenger compartment or from outside the motor vehicle. The protective arrangement offers protection from moisture or water as well as relative air stream generated during travel so that neither moisture nor wind can enter the passenger compartment. In addition, further insulation material can be provided between the roof element and the roof racks for weatherproofing the roof element in its locking position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the vertical travel distance of the roof element from its shut-off position to its end-up position is 50 mm to 400 mm, preferably 100 mm to 300 mm, and particularly preferably 200 mm. For providing a lifting motion, the roof element can be vertically displaced by means of a lifting arrangement, wherein the lifting arrangement is located between the roof element and the roof racks and is electrically actuated, and lifts the roof element horizontally throughout its entire surface. The lifting arrangement comprises an electric actuator, and a mechanical one, which is in connected to the electric actuator. The actuating mechanism can comprise, for example, a spindle system, or one capable in any other way of generating vertical linear movement. According to the embodiment examples of the present invention, one knee-lever type mechanism is provided at each corner of the rectangular roof, each capable of generating the same vertical lifting motion. When the appropriate electric actuator is operated, the knee-levers proceed to move with the formation of a corresponding angle, in order to generate the elevating movement of, for example, 200 mm. On moving the roof element from the raised position back into locking position it suffices that the direction of rotation of the electric motor is reversed, whereby the spindle system can be self- locking so that locking by means of the appropriate locking devices is not necessary but optional.

Further measures for improving the invention are given in the claims or will be elaborated in the following, in conjunction with the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with the aid of the Figures. These show: Fig. la a first a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a roof element according to the invention in the end-up position; Fig. lb a second perspective view of the roof element of the motor vehicle as in Fig. la; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a spoiler element as well as a lifting arrangement for operating the roof element according to the invention; and Fig. 3 a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a closed roof element according to the invention.

The motor vehicle shown in Figures la and lb is shown, in Figure la, from a frontal perspective view, and in Figure lb from a rear perspective view. The motor vehicle 1 is delimited on the sides by so-called motor vehicle body side structures, which, in the upper delimiting region, at the head-height of the vehicle, comprises a left and a right roof rack ha and hib. Depending on the model of the motor vehicle 1 and the number of doors, the roof racks ha and hib are delimited at the front, in the direction of travel, by an A-pillar 12, runs over a B- pillar 13 and a C-pillar 14 up to a D-pillar 15 which delimits the roof racks ha and lib on the tailgate end.

Between the left and right roof rack ha and hib, a roof element 16 is configured on the top side of the motor vehicle 1, which can be moved in a vertical direction. The size of the roof element 16 is so determined that it starts at about the height of the B-pillar 13 and extends all the way to the tailgate 17, and, in a locking state, it provides a smooth transition with the tailgate 17 in order to form a smooth and continuous motor vehicle body outer skin. In the front, that is, in the direction of travel, the roof element 16 is connected to a spoiler element 19, wherein the spoiler element 19 is joint-attached between the roof element 16 and a front cross member 18 of the motor vehicle roof. When the roof element 16 is in its locking position, the spoiler element 19 is similarly lying flat flush with the roof surface. Now, when the roof element 16 moves vertically upwards into a horizontal end-up position, the spoiler element 19 pivots up in a tilted position. In this tilted position, the spoiler element 19 can function as a wind deflector, as the roof element 16 can also be raised from its locking position into its open position during travel, where this is exposed to the relative air stream generated by travel movement.

Between the roof element 16 and the roof racks ha or lib, a protective arrangement 20 is provided, comprising a tarpaulin or textile type structure. The protective element is stretched taut as displayed in Figures la and lb between the roof element 16 and the roof racks ha and hib as well as the tailgate (17), so that the textile or tarpaulin material forms a plane surface. However when the roof element 16 is moved into its locking position, the protective arrangement 20 folds together in such a manner that it is stowed away between the roof element 16 and the roof racks ha and lib so that it is not externally visible. The protective arrangement 20 can be similar in type to cabriolet cover, which, in a similar manner, folds away into a provided casing.

Figure 2 displays a motor vehicle 1 with an roof element arrangement according to the invention, wherein the roof element itself has been removed for the purpose of demonstrating the remaining components. In Figure 2 it is plainly shown that the motor vehicle 1 comprises a roof-side opening which reveals the passenger compartment 10. In this way the roof element -not shown here -forms the roof-side closure of the passenger compartment 10. The opening in the top of the motor vehicle 1 extends from the front cross member 18, or a spoiler element 19, in the front part of the vehicle, to a tailgate 17. Laterally, the opening is delimited by the left and right roof racks ha and hib. In other words, the opening extends in the direction of travel from about the B-pillar 13, over the C-pillar 14 up to the D-pillar 15, where -I I-.

the open area in the front is so configured that a spoiler element 19 may also be lowered to be flush with the roof surface, and it only raises into a tilted position when the roof element is in an end-up position, as this, with regard to the spoiler element 19, is shown in Figure 2. For providing the lifting motion for the roof element, a lifting arrangement 21 is provided, which, according to the embodiment in Figure 2, comprises knee-lever type elements, which can be operated in a manner similar to, for example, iO a spindle system. In this way, for example, it is possible to provide an electrical actuator inside each of both the left roof rack ha and the right roof rack lib which actuates one spindle each. The spoiler element 19 configured in a joint inside the front cross member 18 of the roof of the motor vehicle 1, wherein the jointed connection can be displaced in the direction of travel in order to effect the appropriate kinematics for position adjustment when the roof element being raised. This way the spoiler element 19 can be lowered into a position level with the normal roof when the roof element is in locking position, and through a corresponding force, can adopt a tilted angle in that the jointed connection between the spoiler element 19 and the roof element moves in a vertical direction, and the jointed connection of the spoiler element 19 with the front cross member 18 undergoes a horizontal motion.

Figure 3 shows the motor vehicle 1 with a roof element 16 according to the invention in a locking position. In this figure, to make clearer the width and length relationships, the A-pillar 12, the B-pillar 13, the C-pillar 14, and the 0-pillar 15 are shown, wherein the D-pillar 15 and the tailgate 17 form the delimiter. In particular, Figure 3 shows the position of the spoiler element 19 while the roof element 16 is locked. The spoiler element 19 lies flush with the roof between the front cross member 18 and the roof element 16.

In this way it is achieved that the motor vehicle 1 with the locked roof element 16 does not suffer any aerodynamic disadvantage, and that optically the motor vehicle is indistinguishable from an ordinary motor vehicle with a solid, that is, not vertically telescoping roof.

The invention is not limited to the above described preferred embodiments. On the contrary, there are a number of conceivable variants which can make use of the demonstrated solution also in essentially different embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. Motor vehicle (1) that comprises a passenger compartment (10), wherein the motor vehicle (1) one left roof rack (ha) and one right roof rack (lib) as the upper limitation of a respective motor vehicle body side structure, and wherein a telescoping roof element (16) is configured between the left and right roof racks (ha, hib).

characterizedin that that the roof element (16) extends across the width of the motor vehicle (1) in the area between the left and right roof racks (ha, hib) and, by means of a lifting motion, can be moved vertically upwards in such a manner that the roof element moves from a horizontal locking position to a horizontal end-up position with the purpose of enlarging the storage region of the passenger compartment (10).
2. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor vehicle body side structure has at least a A-pillar (12), a B-pillar (13), a C-pillar (14) or a D-pillar (15) and the roof element (16) extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle (1) at least from the B-pillar (13) to the C-pillar (14) and preferably to the D-pillar (15).
3. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear end of the motor vehicle (1) is delimited by a tailgate (17) that is adjacent to the roof element (16) in its locking position, delimits the top region of the tailgate (17) in conjunction with this completes the outer skin of the motor vehicle.
4. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that between the left and right roof racks (ha, hib), in front of the roof element (16) in the direction of travel, a cross member (18) is extended, and between the front cross member(18) and the roof element(16) a spoiler element(19) is positioned to serve as a wind deflector.
5. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the spoiler (19) is attached to the front cross member (18) and/or the roof element (16), and the spoiler element (19), through the lifting movement of the roof element (16) from its shut-off position into its end-upposition, tilts upwards in a pivoting motion along with same.
6. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that at least between the roof element (16) and the left and right roof racks (ha, lib) and/or in the region of the tailgate (17) a protective arrangement (20), comprising a tarpaulin or textile structure, is provided.
7. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the protective arrangement (10) in the end-up position of the roof element (16) is stretched taut between same and the roof racks (ha, 11b), and in the locking position, folds away between the roof racks (ha, lib) and the roof element (16) in a position not visible from either outside the motor vehicle (1) nor from the passenger compartment (10).
8. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the roof element (16) may be moved into S..

its shut-off or end-up position while the motor vehicle (1) is being driven or the motor vehicle (1) is at least operable while the roof element (16) is in its end-up position.
9. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the telescoping displacement of the roof element (16) from the shut-off to the end-up position measures vertically 50 mm to 400 mm, preferably 100 mm to 300 mm, and particularly preferably 200 mm.
10. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the roof element (16) can be telescoped vertically by means of a raising device (21), wherein same is configured between the roof element (16) and the roof rack (11) and can be electrically operated and serves to displace horizontally the roof element (16) along its entire surface.