IT202000008527A1 - Vehicle coverage system - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

In its most? In general, the present invention relates to a vehicle roofing system suitable for repairing such a vehicle from natural and atmospheric events, in particular from hail.

In particular, the present invention relates to a roofing system which finds application particularly, but not exclusively, in the field of recreational trailers or caravans.

Known art

How? well known in this specific technical sector, recreational trailers are intended for use on long journeys and, often, also for use during stops along these journeys.

Therefore, the above trailers are particularly exposed to adverse atmospheric events, in particular storms and hail, and to the possible damage that such atmospheric events can cause to them. Such damages can be of minor entity, for example on the surface of the vehicle, or sometimes they can be more? consistent to damage the vehicle.

To try to remedy the above drawbacks,? known to use waterproof tarpaulins to be placed above the vehicle in the event of an adverse weather event cos? to provide protection to the same.

However, this solution is obviously of little practicality, given that atmospheric conditions often change abruptly thus forcing the driver and / or passenger of the vehicle to carry out this covering operation with already external conditions. not favorable. Furthermore, the operations for applying the tarpaulin are usually laborious and relatively long, especially in the case of large vehicles such as recreational trailers.

The technical problem of the present invention? therefore to devise a covering system which allows to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing protection for the vehicle without requiring an effort from the user.

Further purpose? that of providing a roofing system that is simple to implement from the construction point of view and comfortable in use.

Finally, the purpose of the invention? that of providing a roofing system that can be made with commonly used means, ensuring a relatively low production cost.

Summary

The idea behind the present invention? provide a substantially automatic system that allows the user to obtain the protection of his vehicle with minimum effort.

Based on this solution idea the technical problem? solved by a retractable roofing system for vehicles, in particular having a trailer, comprising at least one guide structure that can be associated with a vehicle floor and a plurality of vehicles. of support rods connected to said guide structure by means of a connection device on a first end thereof, said rods being movable along the guide structure between an open position and a closed position and arranged at both a front section and of a rear section of this guide structure.

The retractable roofing system also comprises a plurality of of connecting elements interposed between the support rods arranged at the front section of the guide structure and the support rods arranged at the rear section of the guide structure and at least one cover connected to the support rods and the connecting elements, the cover being extendable and retractable, specifically on the trailer vehicle to be protected and roll-up under it, by means of a movement of the support rods and of the connecting elements on the guide structure between the open position and the closed position.

Advantageously, the present solution allows to use the cover of a vehicle, in particular having a trailer, requiring the user to activate the system from inside the vehicle itself.

Preferably, the guide structure comprises a front guide rail and a rear guide rail which define a path straddling the bottom of a vehicle, in particular having a trailer.

Advantageously, the present solution is optimal for the distribution of the elements of the final frame of the cover thus? to have a correct distribution of loads.

Preferably, the plurality? of support rods comprises at least four main support rods, two main support rods at the front guide rail and two main support rods at the rear guide rail, adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the towed vehicle in the open position , and at least four secondary support rods, two secondary support rods at the front guide rail and at least two secondary support rods at the rear guide rail, adapted to be positioned at a predefined angle with respect to the four support rods main in the open position.

Advantageously, this solution allows a stable and resistant roof frame to be obtained even in the face of consistent and potentially destructive atmospheric events such as hail.

Still preferably, the retractable cover system further comprises a first motorized means adapted to move the support rods between the open position and the closed position and vice versa. At the same time ? produced a winding of the retracted cover around the rods themselves.

Advantageously, this solution is optimal for the automation of the retractable roofing system, reducing the user's contribution.

Preferably, the retractable cover system further comprises a second motorized means adapted to extend the cover in the open position and retract this cover in the closed position.

Advantageously, the present solution further minimizes the contribution of the user, allowing greater automation of the retractable roofing system.

Preferably, the retractable roofing system further comprises a plurality of elements. of movable sliders along the support rods and along the connecting elements during the extension and retraction phase of the roof.

Advantageously, there? it allows to move the cover of the system according to the invention from a front to a rear section and at the same time to regulate its tension in an optimal way, thus improving its functionality. operational.

Still preferably, the guide structure comprises a support beam and a rail beam, the rail beam comprising at least one groove, the support beam and the rail beam being parallel to each other. The connecting device slides along the support beam and the rail beam.

Advantageously, the support beam, in addition to giving stability? to the support rods, determines their rotation during their movement along the rail beam.

Again advantageously, this solution is at the same time simple and very effective for allowing the translation of the support rods along the guide structure, without requiring complex maintenance interventions.

Preferably, the connection device comprises a bearing element associated with said support beam and said track beam and movable by at least one rotating element sliding along the at least one groove.

Advantageously, there? it is of simple construction but also very robust during the various operations of the retractable roofing system.

Pi? preferably, the groove in correspondence with a curved portion of the guide structure provides a conformation rotated with respect to a longitudinal translation axis.

Advantageously, this solution allows to obtain a progression of the movement of the support rods with differentiated inclination along the guide structure such as to make it possible to position them under the bottom of the vehicle in the closed position and to unwind them in the opening phase in a manner fast and without the introduction of further automatic rotation systems that would make the system more? complex realization.

Preferably, each of the support rods? loop in its bearing element. Specifically each of the support rods? solidly inserted in the inner ring of a plurality of ball bearings integral with the bearing element itself cos? to make its rotation possible.

Still preferably, the retractable cover system comprises at least two covers arranged laterally in sequence with each other.

Advantageously, this solution allows the distribution of the covering to be divided between two halves. of the guide structure.

Preferably, the coverage? made with a mesh structure, more? preferably in polyethylene fabric.

Advantageously, this solution is both light and resistant, without weighing on the overall weight of the vehicle but guaranteeing adequate coverage against adverse atmospheric events.

Further characteristics and advantages of the retractable roofing system according to the present invention will emerge from the description, given below, of a preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached figures.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a retractable roofing system according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective schematic view of frame components of the retractable roofing system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a connection device according to the invention

Figure 4 shows a perspective schematic view of the retractable roofing system of Figure 1 with half? extended coverage and met? retracted;

Figure 5 shows a view of a detail of a device for connecting the support rods according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a further view of a detail of the connection device of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the connection device of the support rods of Figure 5;

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the device for connecting the support rods of Figure 5 in rotation;

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an operation of a guide cable according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an operation of the guide cable of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a schematic view of a piston extraction system of the system 1 according to the invention;

- Figures 12A, 12B, 12C show the opening and retraction phases of the cover according to the invention;

Figure 13 shows a schematic view of a roof retraction system according to the invention;

- Figure 14 shows an automation by means of motorized means of the retractable roofing system according to the invention.

Detailed description

With reference to the attached figure 1, with 1? globally and schematically indicated a retractable roofing system made in accordance with the present invention, indicated hereinafter for simplicity. as system 1.

The system 1 comprises a guide structure 2, which? can be associated with a vehicle, not shown.

The present invention? directed in particular, as mentioned, to recreational trailers of vehicles, such as caravans, trailers, etc. given the particular need? found for long journeys and long residence times inside for drivers and passengers.

For this reason the sizing of the components for the present invention? made taking into account the considerable availability? of spaces that can be used.

The guide structure 2, in the present embodiment, comprises a front track 3A at a front section 3 of the guide structure 2 and a rear track 4A at a rear section 4 of the guide structure 2. The front track 3A and the rear track 4A are connected respectively to a front part and to a rear part of a vehicle 1 on which this system is installed.

With the terms? Anterior? and? rear? in particular reference is made to a vehicle in a straight-ahead driving configuration.

Both on the front rail 3A and on the rear rail 4A there is a plurality of flows. of support rods 6, divided between them.

Both the front rail 3A and the rear rail 4A define a path straddling the profile of the vehicle bottom, in particular of the trailer, not exceeding the maximum overall dimensions of the trailer itself.

The plurality of support rods 6 then passes from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the plurality of of support rods 6 comprises at least four main support rods 6A, two of which correspond to the front guide rail 3A and the other two correspond to the rear guide rail 4A. When in the open position these main support rods 6A are positioned close to each other. of the median line perpendicular to the vehicle.

Furthermore, preferably, the plurality? of support rods 6 comprises at least four secondary support rods 6B, two of which correspond to the front guide rail 3A and the other two correspond to the rear guide rail 4A. When in the open position these secondary support rods 6B are positioned according to a predefined angle with respect to the four main support rods 6A. The default angle can be be established according to the overall size of the system 1 cos? to give adequate structural strength to the system 1 itself and adequate protection to the trailer.

The present configuration is optimal for obtaining a frame, better visible in Figure 2, sturdy and with a correct distribution of the loads. Nothing prevents the provision of a different configuration which includes a number and a different arrangement of the support rods 6, for example a triangular configuration, such alternatives being included within the scope of the attached claims.

Are the support rods 6 of the front guide rail 3A and those of the rear guide rail 4A interposed between? connecting elements 7 comprising guide cables 5A.

At least 8 coverage? connected to the support rods 6 and to the connecting elements 7. This connection? realized, as pi? clearly described below, by means of a plurality of of sliders 21, preferably cylindrical in shape, movable along the support rods 6 and along the connecting elements 7, allowing to obtain the desired protective effect on the vehicle on which the system is engaged.

Said cover 8, in the present embodiment, has a net structure, which takes place in the passage from the closed position to the open position and retracts in the opposite phase, following in winding the translational movement of each support rod along the track. driving.

In the present embodiment, as visible in Figure 3, the connecting elements 7 are represented, as mentioned, each by a guide cable 5A. The guide wire 5A? passing through a respective support rod 6 and further extending between the end? a support rod on the guide rail 3A and a corresponding support rod on the guide rail 4A. The guide cable 5A is always in a state of tension between the respective support rods 6, even during their movement. Preferably, what will it be like? better explained below, it? connected with its ends? to winding systems moved by a single motorized system associated with a transmission belt or chain. Still preferably, only the front rods are equipped with further spring tensioning mechanisms which maintain the tension of the guide cables 5A in the sections of the path of the support rods 6 in which the motorized tensioning systems are not coupled to the relative movement gears. Preferably, coverage 8? made of a suitably rigid material once tensioned and with a certain elasticity? if released and of adequate resistance in particular to hail, such as polyethylene. Clearly nothing prevents the adoption of a different material according to the specific needs considered and the cost evaluation.

In the present embodiment, as visible in Figure 4, two covers 8 are used, arranged laterally in sequence with each other. In other words, considering as the reference system the vehicle on which the system 1 is installed, a first cover 8 extends above one half? right of the vehicle, and a second cover 8 extends over a half? left of the vehicle, the covers 8 mating in correspondence with the main support rods 6A.

Relatively to pi? long towing vehicles, nothing clearly prohibits the adoption of a cover 8 composed of pi? portions arranged differently, even with a different design of the connection system 7, so? not to overload the structure in the opening and closing phases, this alternative being included in the protection scope defined by the attached claims.

The support rods 6 are connected to the guide structure 2, by means of a connection device 9 at their first end. 24, the conformation of the guide structure 2 and of this connection device 9 being better shown in Figures 5 to 8.

The guide structure 2? consisting of a support beam 2A and a track beam 2B parallel to each other. The support beam 2A acts as a path on which at least a portion 6C of the corresponding support rod 6 rotates, while the rail beam 2B comprises at least one groove 11, to provide a guide to the connecting device 9. Inside at least a groove 11? a relative transmission cable 11A is arranged, which, by its sliding allows the movement of the connection device 9 along the guide structure 2, as better visible in Figure 9 and in Figure 10. The support beam 2A specifically provides for a toothed surface on which a corresponding toothed surface of portion 6C meshes (not shown). The support beam 2A therefore rotates as a consequence of the movement of the relative bearing element 10 induced by the transmission cable 11A. Thus the rotational movement? forwarded to each support auction 2A in virt? of their connection to the relative bearing structures 10 preferably by means of ball bearings.

The connection device 9 allows the support rods 6 to slide along this guide structure 2, thus passing between the aforementioned open and closed positions.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, returning to Figures 5 to 8, the connection device 9 comprises a supporting structure 10 substantially made in parallelepiped shape.

As can be seen in Figures 6, the supporting structure 10 provides a base 10A connected in correspondence with the support beam 2A and facing the latter. The supporting structure 10 further provides two support plates 12, said support plates 12 being connected to the base 10A at one end thereof. 13 and being facing each other. The track beam 2B extends between the support plates 12.

The support plates 12 at one end opposite 15 at the extremity? 13 are connected to two upright plates 16 facing each other and perpendicular to the support plates 12.

Between the riser plates 16? planned an axis 17 on which? keyed in a tensioning element 18 able to rotate to unwind and rewind, and therefore move, the guide cables 5A of the relative connecting element 7 which extends on the relative support rod 6.

This support rod 6 associated with the connecting device 9? passing through the base 10A and along the entire length of the connection device 9 up to the tensioning element 18 where, as mentioned, the guide cables 5A of the connection element 7 are engaged.

Further between the base 10A and the riser plates 16? at least one pin 19 is provided, engaged on the support plates 12. On this at least one pin 19? keyed a corresponding rotating element 20 sliding in correspondence with at least one groove 11 of the rail beam 2B to allow the movement of the connection device 9, and therefore of the relative support rod 6, along the guide structure 2 (Fig. 5 and 6).

The front guide rail 3A and the rear guide rail 4A define a path straddling the profile of the bottom of a vehicle, thus curving at the ends. to move from one part of the vehicle floor to another.

In correspondence with these bending of the guide structure 2 the groove 11 develops with a conformation rotated with respect to a longitudinal translation axis, thus allowing, as shown in Figure 8, also the connection device 9 and the support rod 6 to rotate.

By means of this rotation, the support rods 6 can be positioned under the bottom of the vehicle in a longitudinal position with respect to the vehicle itself when in the closed position, without causing an increase in its lateral bulk. On the other hand, in the open position the support rods can be arranged in a radial position to allow the correct support of the cover 8.

Specifically, the support rods 6 placed on the front guide rail 3A are arranged, when in the closed position, longitudinally towards the rear of the vehicle, while vice versa the support rods 6 placed on the rear guide rail 4A are arranged longitudinally towards the front. of the vehicle.

When the support rods 6 are to be placed in the open position, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 11 a piston extraction system 24 moves the system 1 away from the vehicle to which? connected, allowing optimal tensioning of the elements that constitute it and of the cover 8.

Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 12A, 12B and 12C, the system 1 comprises, as anticipated, a plurality of of cursors 21, preferably cylindrical in shape, arranged along the support rods 6 and along the connecting elements 7. These cursors 21 are freely movable along the connecting elements 7 relative to the guide cable 5A, although they are regularly constrained to the cover 8, with the exception of the first position at the front which is integral with the guide cable 5A itself. Said sliders 21 are freely movable also along the support rods 6 as they cannot rotate around them due to the presence of a reciprocal rotational locking system (not shown). The connection of each slider 21 moved along an established section of the cover 8 along the support rods and along the connecting elements 7 involves its movement both in the retraction and unwinding phase under the action of the front slider 21 attached to the guide cable. 5A. In fact, the movement of this slider 21 towards a rear position, integral with the movement of the guide cable 5A induced by the tensioning systems 18, produces in the retraction phase the progressive movement by pushing of the sliders following it, with the effect of progressive retraction of the cover. 8. As their movement progresses, they are ultimately stacked one on top of the other on the relative support rods 6 thus constituting so? a single cylinder around which, for each support rod 6, the retracted cover 8 is wound by effect of the subsequent rotary movement of the rods associated with the translational movement of the bearing elements. In this way, the entire cover 8 is wound along the support rods 6 starting from the sliders 21 to which it? connected following the movement of the rods themselves along the guide rail 4A until they are positioned under the vehicle. In the opening phase, the process takes place in the opposite direction with primary unrolling of the cover 8 and subsequent progressive unwinding under the effect of traction towards the front position of the cursor 21 connected to the guide cable 5A.

As can be seen even better in Figure 13, the guide cables 5A of the connection elements 7 are wrapped around the tensioning element 18 of the relative connection device 9 of the support rod 6 and allow the cover 8 to be moved.

System 1 preferably provides for automatic operation.

So? the system 1 comprises at least one motorized means capable of carrying out the opening and closing functions of the system 1 itself.

In the present preferred but non-limiting embodiment, as visible in Figure 14, the system 1 comprises a first motorized means 22 able to move the support rods between the open position and the closed position and vice versa.

The first motorized vehicle 22? in particular arranged transversely to the track beam 2B, and comprises an electric motor 22A which rotates a rotatable element 22B to induce, by means of the relative transmission cable, the translation movement of the support rods 6.

Furthermore, the system 1, in the present embodiment, comprises a second motorized means 23 able to allow the unwinding of the cover 8 between the open position and the closed position and vice versa.

The second motorized means 23 acts on the tensioning elements 18 by means of a gear mechanism associated with a transmission belt 25, i.e. by rotating and inducing by means of this transmission belt 25 a counter-rotation of said tensioning elements 18. Depending on the direction of rotation is thus obtained movement in one direction or in the reverse.

Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to obtain a cover for a vehicle by exploiting a lever, eliminating the need? of an external intervention by the driver or passenger of the vehicle itself.

Still advantageously, the mechanism used in the present invention? very robust and not very subject to structural damage.

Advantageously, once installed the present invention does not require particular expedients or complex instructions for the user.

An industry expert will appreciate? that the components which make up the system 1 are relatively simple, thus making a maintenance and replacement operation simple and relatively inexpensive.

Finally, advantageously, the present invention is easy to realize in the production phase.

To the skilled in the art it will result? It is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the system of the present invention, all falling within the scope of the invention defined by the attached claims.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Retractable vehicle roofing system (1) comprising: - at least one guide structure (2) which can be associated with a vehicle floor; - a plurality? of support rods (6) connected to said guide structure (2) by means of a connection device (9) on one of their first ends. (24), movable along said guide structure (2) between an open position and a closed position and arranged in correspondence with both a front section (3) and a rear section (4) of said guide structure (2 ); - a plurality? of connecting elements (7) interposed between support rods (6) arranged at the front section (3) of said guide structure (2) and support rods (6) arranged at the rear section (4) of said guide structure (2); - at least one cover (8) connected to said support rods (6) and to said connection elements (7), said cover (8) being extendable, retractable and roll-up by means of a movement of said support rods (6) connected to the relative connecting elements (7) on said guide structure (2) between said open position and said closed position. Retractable roofing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said guide structure (2) comprises a front guide rail (3A) and a rear guide rail (4A) defining a path straddling said bottom of a vehicle. Retractable roofing system (1) according to claim 2, wherein said plurality? of support rods (6) includes: - at least four main support rods (6A), two main support rods (6A) in correspondence of said front guide track (3A) and two main support rods (6B) in correspondence of said rear guide track (3B) , said at least four main support rods (6A) being able to be positioned perpendicularly to said vehicle in said open position, and - at least four secondary support rods (6B), two secondary support rods (6B) in correspondence with said front guide rail (3A) and at least two secondary support rods (6B) in correspondence with said rear guide rail (4A), said at least four secondary support rods (6B) being able to be positioned according to a predefined angle with respect to said four main support rods (6A) in said open position. Retractable cover system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first motorized means (22) adapted to move said support rods (6) between said open position and said closed position and vice versa , producing a winding of said cover (8) retracted around said support rods (6). 5. Retractable cover system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second motorized means (23) adapted to extend said cover (8) in the open position and retract said cover (8) into the open position closure. Retractable roofing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of elements. of sliders (21) movable along said support rods (6) and along said connecting elements (7) in the phase of extension and retraction of said cover (8). Retractable roofing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said guide structure (2) comprises a support beam (2A) and a rail beam (2B), said rail beam ( 2A) comprising at least one groove (11), said support beam (2A) and said rail beam (2B) being parallel to each other, said connection device (9) sliding along said support beam (2A) and said beam track (2B). Retractable roofing system (1) according to claim 7, wherein said connection device (9) comprises a bearing element (10) associated with said support beam (2A) and said rail beam (2B) and movable by means of at least one rotating element (20) sliding along said at least one groove (11). Retractable roofing system (1) according to claim 7, wherein said groove (11) in correspondence with a curved portion of said guide structure (2) provides a conformation rotated with respect to a longitudinal translation axis. Retractable cover system (1) according to claim 8, wherein each of said support rods (6)? passing through the relative bearing element (10) and solidly inserted in the inner ring of a plurality of of ball bearings integral with said bearing element (10). Retractable cover system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least two covers (8) arranged laterally in sequence with each other. Retractable cover system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said cover (8)? made with a mesh structure, preferably in polyethylene fabric.