Roof module, and vehicle having an accommodation facility comprising a roof module

The invention relates to a roof module for a land and/or water vehicle (10) having an accommodation facility comprising a kinematic unit (3) with two lateral guide rails (30), at least one roof segment (2) which is mounted in the guide rails (30) such that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a circumferential load-bearing frame (4) with four profiled strips (40) which are connected to form a rectangle, which load-bearing frame (4) can be fastened to a vehicle roof (100) which has an opening (101) so as to surround the opening (101) or can be fastened in the opening (101) with the formation of a water barrier, the load-bearing frame (4) at least partially supporting and/or partially forming the kinematic unit (3).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2014 206 059.1, filed Mar. 31, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a roof module for a land and/or water vehicle having an accommodation facility and to a land and/or water vehicle having an accommodation facility which has a roof module.

In conjunction with the application, caravans, motor homes and similar vehicles are called land vehicles having an accommodation facility. In conjunction with the application, in particular, a trailer for motor vehicles, in which trailer an accommodation facility is situated, is called a caravan. A motor vehicle having an interior facility which is suitable for living is called a motor home. Vehicles of this type serve as accommodation on holidays, but also as temporary or permanent places of residence. Vehicles which are suitable for movement on the water are called water vehicles. Depending on the design, movement takes place by way of sails and/or in a motor-operated manner. Land and/or water vehicles will also be called vehicles for short in the following text.

It is known to design vehicles with accommodation facilities with windows in the side walls and/or roof hatches which can be folded open. Furthermore, it is known for ventilation to provide weather-protected ventilating openings on a vehicle roof and/or side walls.

There is the requirement to equip vehicles of this type with large-area windows which can be opened if required for sufficient ventilation, an exclusive ambience and/or for a more intensive experience of nature. For this purpose, it is known, for example, from DE 81 04 849 U1 to configure a vehicle with a ventilating opening which can be closed in the roof, it being possible for the ventilating opening to be closed by way of a tilt/slide roof which forms a structural unit and for the tilt/slide roof to be moved, at least in its ventilating position, next to the ventilating opening from its normal position, in which it is situated above the ventilating opening. In practice, however, tilt/slide roofs of this type have not established themselves.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof module which can be realized inexpensively. It is a further object of the invention to provide a land and/or water vehicle with a roof module.

This object is achieved by way of the subjects having the features of claims1and15. Further advantages of the invention result from the subclaims.

According to a first aspect, a roof module for a land and/or water vehicle having an accommodation facility is provided, comprising a kinematic unit with two lateral guide rails, at least one roof segment which is mounted in the guide rails such that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a circumferential load-bearing frame with four profiled strips which are connected to form a rectangle, it being possible for the load-bearing frame to be fastened to a vehicle roof which has an opening so as to surround the opening or to be fastened in the opening with the formation of a water barrier, and the load-bearing frame at least partially supporting and/or partially forming the kinematic unit.

In one design of the load-bearing frame with four profiled strips, a simple adaptation of the size and/or shape of the roof module to given frame conditions is possible by way of selection of the length of the profiled strips. Here, the suitable design of the at least one roof segment makes a further adaptation possible to boundary conditions which exist on account of the vehicle. A roof module is therefore provided which is suitable for a multiplicity of vehicles of different sizes. As a result, the roof module can also be realized inexpensively for series vehicles in low quantities or vehicles which are manufactured in individual production.

The load-bearing frame is arranged with the formation of a water barrier on the vehicle roof, preferably so as to surround the opening on the vehicle roof. Fastening takes place in advantageous embodiments by means of adhesive bonding, in particular by way of an adhesive bead. In other embodiments, a connection by means of screwing, riveting or the like is provided as an alternative or in addition.

In one embodiment, the kinematic unit is formed at least partially by the load-bearing frame. It is provided, in particular, in one embodiment that lateral profiled strips are manufactured in one piece with the guide rails. In other embodiments, the guide rails are manufactured separately and are fastened to the profiled strips. The kinematic means preferably comprises further elements, by way of which an adjustment of the roof segments can be accomplished. In addition to the guide rails, the load-bearing frame preferably also receives the further elements of the kinematic unit, with the result that a roof module which can be preassembled is produced. In advantageous embodiments, the kinematic unit comprises at least one connecting element, preferably two connecting elements, by means of which the guide rails are connected at their ends. Here, the guide rails and the connecting elements likewise form a rectangular frame which can be inserted in a preassembled manner into the load-bearing frame.

In advantageous embodiments, all four profiled strips are manufactured in a structurally identical manner for particularly inexpensive production. Here, profiled strips with an identical cross section which can be cut to a suitable length are called structurally identical. Here, the guide rails are mounted on the lateral profiled strips.

The profiled strips are connected to form the rectangular load-bearing frame. In one embodiment, the profiled strips are connected to one another using a mitre joint. Here, the abutting regions of the profiled strips are covered with covers or the like in one embodiment.

In preferred embodiments, the four profiled strips are connected by means of corner pieces. As a result, reliable and simple connection of the profiled strips to form a rectangle is possible. Sharp-edged transitions can be avoided by means of suitable design of the corner pieces.

In advantageous embodiments, the at least one roof segment bears against the load-bearing frame in the closed position with the formation of at least one first sealing line, preferably with the formation of a first and a second sealing line, the guide rails being arranged within one sealing line, preferably within both sealing lines. As a result, the guide rails are arranged in a dry region in a closed state of the roof module and are protected against contamination and moisture in the closed state of the roof module. This is advantageous, in particular, if lines or cables for an adjusting device which can be actuated by motor are laid in the guide rails.

In advantageous embodiments, a circumferential seal element is provided on the load-bearing frame, on which seal element the at least one roof segment lies in the closed position with the formation of the first and/or the second sealing line.

In preferred embodiments, the profiled strips have a channel for conducting water, a water run-off being provided on corner regions of the load-bearing frame, in particular in the corner pieces. In one embodiment with a first and a second sealing line, the channel is preferably provided between the sealing lines and makes it possible for water which has entered via the first sealing line to run off. Via the channels and the run-offs, a space between the sealing lines is communicated with the surroundings, with the result that drying of the said space is possible. This is advantageous, for example, when the at least one roof segment is moved into the closed position only as rain begins.

A height of the profiled strips is preferably selected in such a way that the load-bearing frame protrudes beyond the at least one roof segment in the closed position. In other words, the at least one roof segment is arranged so as to lie inside the load-bearing frame in the closed position. The aerodynamic properties of the profiled strips are preferably optimized under acoustic aspects, with regard to aesthetics and/or with regard to fuel consumption.

For a movement of the at least one roof segment, the kinematic unit preferably comprises an adjusting device, in particular an adjusting device which can be actuated by motor with a drive motor and a control unit for controlling the drive motor, and/or an adjusting device which can be actuated manually. Here, the adjusting device which can be actuated manually preferably has a gear mechanism, with the result that a user is assisted during the application of the forces which are necessary for the adjusting movement of the roof segments. An actuation of the adjusting device which can be actuated manually takes place by means of a crank in advantageous embodiments. A drive motor is provided as an alternative or in addition. Here, in one embodiment, the control unit for the drive motor is integrated into the control unit of the vehicle. In other embodiments, a separate control unit is provided which is preferably communicated with the control unit of the vehicle, with the result that, for example, a signal of a rain sensor which is present in the vehicle can be used to trigger a closing movement of the roof segment.

In one advantageous refinement, an anti-pinch protection means is realized by means of the control unit. In one embodiment, the anti-pinch protection means comprises a light barrier or an alternative sensor, by means of which a body part which is situated in the opening can be detected. In advantageous embodiments, a protective cover is provided on the opening, in particular a privacy screen cover, a UV protective cover, a mosquito net and/or a fly screen, the position of the protective cover being detected. Here, a movement into the closed position is possible only when the protective cover is closed. If closure is not possible, a warning signal is emitted in advantageous embodiments. The protective cover is designed, for example, as a roller blind or as a pleated blind.

In one embodiment, the at least one roof segment has a frame and a panel element which is preferably transparent or semi-transparent and is received in the frame. In conjunction with the application, a panel element is a substantially rigid component with a low wall thickness in comparison to its extent in the plane of the vehicle roof. In advantageous embodiments, flat panel elements are used. However, embodiments with curved panel elements are also conceivable. Here, depending on requirements, the panel element can be manufactured from glass or plastic. In advantageous embodiments, the panel element is manufactured from a material which filters UV radiation and/or is provided with a coating or protective film which filters UV radiation. As a result, fading of light-sensitive objects in the interior of the vehicle is prevented or at least slowed down. In alternative embodiments, the panel element is designed as a solar module and/or has a solar module. In other embodiments, coatings or films, for example for increased scratch resistance and/or an individual colour design, are provided as an alternative or in addition. In advantageous embodiments, the frame has a water run-off and/or a segment protective cover. Here, a protective cover which extends over only one roof segment and makes individual darkening possible is called a segment protective cover.

In advantageous embodiments, the at least one roof segment is guided in the guide rails by means of a lifter kinematic means, the lifter kinematic means being designed to raise up and tilt the at least one roof segment with respect to the guide rails during a movement from the closed position. As a result of the at least one roof segment being raised up, it is separated from the sealing elements. As a result of the tilting, wetness present on the roof segment is drained. Here, the frame of the at least one roof segment is preferably designed in such a way that wetness which is present on the roof segment is discharged via the frame in the case of tilting to the load-bearing frame and via the latter to the outside. Furthermore, the oblique position of the roof segment makes space-saving stacking of a plurality of roof segments possible, the said roof segments being arranged in an overlapped manner in the open position. The lifter kinematic means is preferably also designed to lock the at least one roof segment in the closed position.

A plurality of, in particular at least three, roof segments are preferably provided. The roof segments adjoin one another in a sealing manner in a closed position and form a flat group.

For reliable closure of the vehicle, at least one roof segment, in particular all roof segments, can be fixed in at least one position on at least one guide rail by means of a locking mechanism. If all roof segments are locked, it is possible to move a first roof segment into a ventilating position, the further roof segments preventing undesired sliding open of the roof segments. The ventilating position is preferably selected in such a way that it is prevented that a person enters via the opening. Penetration of light rain is preferably also prevented, furthermore.

As an alternative to a design by means of a plurality of panel-shaped roof segments, in one embodiment the roof segment comprises a foldable panel element which is guided by means of bows in the guide rails. Here, for reliable closure of the vehicle, at least one bow, in particular all bows, can be fixed in at least one position on at least one guide rail by means of a locking mechanism. If all bows are locked, it is possible here to adjust a first bow into a ventilating position, the further bows preventing undesired sliding open of the foldable roof segment. In one embodiment, the foldable panel element is made from a transparent material and/or has transparent sections.

In advantageous embodiments, the roof module comprises a cover frame which is attached during use to an inner side of the vehicle roof, it preferably being possible for the cover frame to be mounted on the load-bearing frame and/or the guide rails.

According to a second aspect, a vehicle having an accommodation facility and having a roof module according to the invention is provided.

Further advantages of the invention result from the dependent claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention which are shown diagrammatically in the drawings. Consistent reference numerals are used for identical or similar components in the drawings. Features which are described or shown as part of one exemplary embodiment can likewise be used in another exemplary embodiment, in order to obtain a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1diagrammatically shows a vehicle10which is configured as a motor home having an accommodation facility, an opening101being provided on a vehicle roof100. The opening101can be closed by means of a roof module1.FIG. 2shows a rear end of a vehicle10similar toFIG. 1with a roof module1. In the exemplary embodiments which are shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the opening101is provided in a rear region of the vehicle10. In other embodiments, an opening is provided as an alternative or in addition in the region of the front of the vehicle.

The roof module1comprises a plurality of, three in the exemplary embodiment which is shown, roof segments2which are mounted in each case in two lateral guide rails30which extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle10, such that they can be moved between a closed position and an open position which is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

Furthermore, the roof module1comprises a circumferential load-bearing frame which, in the exemplary embodiment which is shown, is fastened to the vehicle roof100so as to surround the opening101. Here, the load-bearing frame4which is shown supports the guide rails30.

The roof segments2have in each case one frame24and one transparent or semi-transparent panel element20which is received in the frame24. Furthermore, in each case one segment protective cover21which is designed as a pleated blind is provided on the frame24.

FIG. 3diagrammatically shows the roof module1according toFIG. 1with three roof segments2in a closed position before an attachment to the diagrammatically shown vehicle roof100with the opening101. The load-bearing frame4comprises four profiled strips40which are connected to form a rectangle. The three roof segments2adjoin one another and the load-bearing frame4in a sealing manner in the closed position which is shown and form a flat group. As can be seen inFIG. 2, the pre-assembled roof module can be placed from above and therefore from the outside onto the vehicle roof100in the exemplary embodiment which is shown and can thus be attached to the vehicle roof100. In the exemplary embodiment which is shown, furthermore, the roof module1comprises a cover frame5which can be attached to a side of the vehicle roof100which faces the interior of the vehicle.

FIG. 4shows the roof module1according toFIG. 3in an exploded illustration. As can be seen inFIG. 4, the load-bearing frame4comprises four profiled strips40which are connected by means of corner pieces41to form a rectangle. In the exemplary embodiment which is shown, furthermore, four L-shaped cover pieces42are provided which can be attached to the corner pieces41so as to cover them. In the exemplary embodiment which is shown, the four profiled strips40are of structurally identical design. The length of the profiled strips40can be selected suitably in accordance with the size of the opening101.

As can be seen inFIG. 4, furthermore, the roof module1comprises a kinematic unit3which has the two lateral guide rails30. Furthermore, the kinematic unit3which is shown has two connecting elements31, by means of which the guide rails30are connected to one another at their ends with the formation of a rectangle.

Furthermore, the kinematic unit3comprises an adjusting device32which can be actuated by motor with a drive motor320and a control unit322for controlling the drive motor320. As an alternative or in addition to the adjusting device32which can be actuated by motor, an adjusting device which can be actuated manually is provided in other embodiments.

As can be seen inFIG. 4, furthermore, the three roof segments comprise in each case one panel element20which is preferably fastened in or to a frame which is not shown inFIG. 3. Sealing elements22are provided on the edges of the roof segments2, with the result that the roof segments2adjoin one another in a sealing manner in the closed position and form a flat group.

FIG. 5diagrammatically shows one detail of the roof module1in a sectioned side view after attachment to the vehicle roof100. As can be seen inFIG. 5, a profiled strip40of the load-bearing frame4is fastened to the vehicle roof100by means of an adhesive bead6in the exemplary embodiment which is shown. Here, the adhesive bead6forms a water barrier. The profiled strip40which is shown has a limb400which protrudes in the direction of the vehicle roof100and by means of which a water jet which enters during normal use is deflected, with the result that an impact of water jets on the adhesive bead6is prevented during normal use.

A guide strip30which extends in the longitudinal direction is attached to the profiled strip40. The profiled strip40and therefore the load-bearing frame4according toFIGS. 3 and 4therefore serve as a support element for the guide strip30. In alternative embodiments, the profiled strip40and the guide rail30are of single-piece design.

At one end which faces the vehicle interior, the guide rail30which is shown has a rib300, to which the cover frame5is fastened, for example, by means of latching clips which are not shown. In the exemplary embodiment which is shown, the cover frame5has a sealing strip50which bears against an inner side of the vehicle roof100. The sealing strip50permits tolerance compensation and a gap which remains between the roof module1and the vehicle roof100is covered at least visually. In advantageous embodiments, a penetration of dust or the like into a space between the guide rail30and the vehicle roof100is also prevented by means of the sealing strip.

Furthermore, the roof module1comprises a roof segment2, the roof segment2comprising a panel element20in the exemplary embodiment which is shown, which panel element20is received by a frame24. A sealing strip22is attached at one edge of the roof segment2, more precisely at one edge of the panel element20. Furthermore, a seal element7is provided on the load-bearing frame4, more precisely on the profiled strip40. In the closed position which is shown inFIG. 5, the roof segment2bears against the load-bearing frame4, more precisely the profiled strip40, with the formation of two sealing lines by means of the sealing strip22and the seal element7.

The profiled strip which is shown has a channel402for conducting water, the water being discharged to the front, rear, left or right depending on the vehicle orientation. A water run-off is preferably provided on corner regions of the load-bearing frame4, in particular in the corner pieces41which are shown inFIG. 3, via which water run-off water which is present in the channel402can flow away.

The roof segment2is guided in the guide rail30by means of sliding elements which are not shown inFIG. 5. Here, an adjustment of the roof segments2for movement between an open position and a closed position preferably takes place by means of a lifter kinematic means8which is shown diagrammatically inFIGS. 6 to 8.

The lifter kinematic means8which is shown inFIGS. 6 to 8is designed in such a way that the roof segment2which is coupled to it is tilted with respect to the guide rails30during a movement from the closed position into the open position. Here, the arrangement is such that the movement from the closed position into the open position takes place to the right in the plane of the drawing. An end which is arranged on the left in the plane of the drawing is therefore also called the front end and an end which is arranged on the right in the plane of the drawing is therefore also called the rear end.FIGS. 6 to 8in each case show a first kinematic assembly80which is assigned to a front roof segment and a second kinematic assembly81which is assigned to a second roof segment. Here,FIG. 6shows the lifter kinematic means8in the case of closed roof segments.FIG. 7shows the lifter kinematic means8after opening of the front, first roof segment.FIG. 8shows the lifter kinematic means8after opening of the first two roof segments.

The kinematic assembly80of the lifter kinetic means8comprises a carriage82which can be moved by means of sliding blocks820along the guide rail30by means of an adjusting device which can be actuated by motor and/or manually. Furthermore, the kinematic assembly80of the lifter kinematic means8comprises two lifting levers83,84which are articulated pivotably on the carriage82and are called the front lifting lever83and the rear lifting lever84in accordance with their arrangement in the direction of the guide rail30. The lifting levers83,84are attached pivotably by way of a first end in each case to a holding part85of a roof segment such that they are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A second end of the lifting levers84,85is coupled pivotably to the carriage82. The front lifting lever83is guided by means of a sliding block831in a slotted guide301on the guide rail30. Furthermore, the kinematic assembly80comprises an actuating element86which can be adjusted relative to the carriage82along the guide rail. The actuating element86engages with a first and a second pin (not visible) into slotted guides830,840of the lifting levers83,84. In the position which is shown inFIG. 6, the actuating element86prevents raising up of the holding part85and therefore of the roof segment. The roof segment is also held in the closed position according toFIG. 6on account of the weight. For reliable closure and in order to avoid rattling or the like, spring elements which are not shown in further detail are preferably provided.

In order to open the roof segment, first of all the actuating element86is adjusted towards the rear relative to the carriage82, that is to say to the right in the plane of the drawing. The movement is transmitted to the rear lifting lever84by means of the slotted guides840, with the result that a roof segment which is connected to the holding part85is raised up. The maximum displacement travel of the actuating element86relative to the carriage82is limited. After the maximum displacement travel is reached, the movement is transmitted to the carriage82. The front lifting lever83is driven during an adjusting movement of the carriage82and is pivoted on account of the guidance in the slotted guide301. The lifting levers83,84are dimensioned in such a way that the roof segment which is connected to the holding part85is tilted during a pivoting movement of the lifting levers83,84, a rear end (that is to say, arranged on the right inFIG. 6) of the roof segment being raised up further than a front end. For this purpose, the rear lifting lever84is pivoted over a greater angle than the front lifting lever83.FIG. 7diagrammatically shows the lifter kinematic means8after opening of the front, first roof segment. During a further displacement of the actuating element86with the carriage82, a front coupling element87of the carriage82comes into contact with the second kinematic assembly81which is assigned to a second roof segment. The second kinematic assembly81likewise comprises a carriage88and an actuating element89. When the first kinematic assembly80comes into contact with the second kinematic assembly81, first of all the actuating element89is adjusted relative to the carriage88, a lifting lever810,812of the second kinematic assembly81being pivoted, with the result that the associated roof segment is first of all raised up and is then tilted. During a further movement, the carriage88is moved together with the carriage82of the first kinematic assembly80.

For closure, the actuating element86is moved towards the front, that is to say to the left inFIGS. 6 to 8. Here, the second carriage88remains connected to the first carriage82by means of the coupling element87until the closed position is reached. The sliding block831of the front lifting lever83prevents pivoting of the lever83into a closed position. A pivoting movement of the front lifting lever83becomes possible only when the slotted guide301is reached in an end position of the movement.

FIG. 9diagrammatically shows a vehicle10which is designed as an alcove motor home with an accommodation facility, an opening101being provided on a vehicle roof100in the region of the alcove. The opening101can be closed by means of a roof module1.FIG. 10shows an alcove of a vehicle10similar toFIG. 9with a roof module1.

The roof module1is similar to the roof module according to the preceding figures and comprises a circumferential load-bearing frame4which is fastened to the vehicle roof100so as to surround the opening101. The load-bearing frame4which is shown supports guide rails30.

In contrast to the preceding embodiments, the roof segment in the embodiment according toFIGS. 9 and 10comprises a foldable panel element25. The foldable panel element25is guided in the guide rails30of the roof module1by means of bows (not visible).

The bows can preferably be fixed in a closed position (not shown) by means of a locking mechanism.

The roof module1according toFIGS. 9 and 10is provided in a rear region of the vehicle10in other embodiments.