FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mounting structure .for a roof rail of vehicle.
The mounting structure for roof rail comprises roof rail system whch can also
be called roof garnish.
BACKGROUND/ PRIOR ART
Roof rail (RI, R2) of the vehicle as shown in fig. 1 is used to improve
aestheticness of vehicle. It can also be used to mount supporting means for
a i r . Some already available mounting structures can be discussed
hereinbelow:
A prior art is illustrated in fig. 2 and 2A, in which the roof panel (1)) atleast one
inner panel (2) and side body panel (3) are welded together with a through hole
(';'I. This through hole in the roof panel, inner panel and side body panel is
cmployed to mount roof rail (4) on vehicle body (roof panel, inner panel, side
body panel) by means ofnut (5) and stud (61, wherein the stud (6) is integrated
to the rail.
d iowever the above is associated with the following disadvantages:
- Possibility of water leakage into passenger cabin due to presence of
through hole. Therefore it is required to use primary seal at the hole in
a.ddition to other secondary sealings which increases cost.
- It restricts the flexibility of assembly line, as for this type of mounting
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structure, roof rail needs to be fixed prior to fitment of roof liner (interior
part).
For another known art, reference may be made to fig. 3. ,The roof panel ( l'), side
b~dypa nel (2') and atleast one inner panel (3')a re welded to gather. A bracket
(4.') is welded to the vehicle body (roof panel, inner panel, side body panel).
A stud (5') is detachably attached /fixed to the bracket. A nut (6') is used to
xount rail (7') on the stud.
The dra.wbacks with the aforesaid provision can be listed hereinunder:
- Increase in height of mounting rail owing to presence of bracket
assembly. Therefore roof rail with lesser height (asthetic requirement)
can not be packaged with such mounting concept.
- Difficulty in sealant application due to bracket as presence of bracket
hinders the sealant gun application path.
- Presence of bracket adds to weight, which inturn affects the fuel
efficiency and also increases cost of vehicle.
In the area joinery between side body panel and roof multiple Panel one or
more inner panels are joined together (ref fig 3A). When bracket is added in the
sa.me area (as used in the prior art) then effective sheet thickness (t) increases.
p.l.v .,, to this high effective thickness weld, strength of the panel may not be
sufficient and proper welding may not be possible., Hence in case of the
structure shown in the prior art it may be needed to eliminate main body
welding i.e.. welding between side body, Roof and atleast one inner panel in
cornplete length of the bracket (d).
- The Present 'invention introduces a mounting structure for roof rail of vehicle,
which can address the issues of the above discussed existing technologies.
,aBJECT$ OF THE INVENTION
k .
Ar, object of this invention is to propose a mounting structure for roof rail of
vehicle which obviates shortco.mings. of Prior arts. I
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Axother object of this invention is to propose a mounting structure for roof rail
of vehicle which is compact by involving less number of parts.
Further object of this invention is to propose a mounting structure for roof rail I I
I of vehicle which ,leads to ease and flexibility in assembly
According to this invention there is provided a mounting'structure .for roof rail
01 vehicle comprising a stud 'secured to welded'vehicle body including side body
. v , - sjd.,el, atleast one inner panel and roof panel wherein the roof rail is mounted
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through the stud.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from
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