Vehicle sunshade with variable width

Abstract

A sunshade system for a vehicle roof includes a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length. At least one sunshade guide extends along the sunshade length and holds lateral width edges of the fabric material, and guides the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position. The sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and loosening of the plurality of pleats.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] INTRODUCTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicles having glass roofs, and in particular to a sunshade system for vehicles having a glass roof. BACKGROUND

[0003] Typical sunshades for vehicles extend to a rectangular shape to cover a selected glass area. In the design of vehicles having a glass roof, it is desirable to increase the glass area of the roof as much as possible to enhance the customer experience. To achieve this, the width of the glass panel can vary from the front to the rear of the glass panel across the body of the vehicle. Using a typical sunshade would result in the sunshade leaving portions of the glass panel uncovered, thus reducing the effectiveness of the sunshade. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a sunshade system for a vehicle roof includes a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length. At least one sunshade guide extends along the sunshade length and retains a lateral width edge of the fabric material, and guides the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position. The sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the sunshade is located in a sunshade housing when in the stowed position.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the sunshade is wrapped around a spool mechanism when in the stowed position.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide is two sunshade guides. One of the two sunshade guides is located at each lateral width edge of the fabric material.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the sunshade has a trapezoidal shape when in the extended position.

[0011] In another embodiment, a vehicle roof and sunshade assembly includes a roof assembly including at least a translucent roof panel, and a sunshade system to selectively shade the roof panel. The sunshade system includes a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length. At least one sunshade guide extends along the sunshade length and retains lateral width edges of the fabric material, and guides the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position. The sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the sunshade is located in the sunshade housing when in the stowed position.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the sunshade housing is attached to the roof assembly.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the spool mechanism is located in the sunshade housing, and the sunshade is wound around the spool mechanism when the sunshade is in the stowed position.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide is two sunshade guides. One of the two sunshade guides is located at each lateral width edge of the fabric material.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the roof panel is formed of one of glass or a polymeric material.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the roof panel has a first panel width at a rearward end of the roof panel and a second panel width at a forward end of the roof panel opposite the rearward end, the second panel width being greater than the first panel width.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the sunshade has a first sunshade width at the rearward end of the roof panel and a second sunshade width at the forward end of the roof panel when the sunshade is in the extended position, the second sunshade width being greater than the first sunshade width.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle roof and sunshade assembly includes a roof assembly including an at least semi-transparent roof panel extending from a forward end of the roof panel to an aft end of the roof panel opposite the forward end. A sunshade system selectively obscures the roof panel. The sunshade system includes a sunshade formed of a fabric material including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length. At least one sunshade guide extends along the sunshade length and retains lateral width edges of the fabric material and guides the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position. The sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats. When in the stowed position, the sunshade is disposed in a sunshade housing located at the aft end of the roof panel.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

[0024] Scheme 1. A sunshade system for a vehicle roof, the sunshade system comprising:

[0025] a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length; and

[0026] at least one sunshade guide extending along the sunshade length and retaining lateral width edges of the fabric material and guiding the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position;

[0027] wherein the sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats.

[0028] Scheme 2. The sunshade system of Scheme 1, further comprising a sunshade housing in which the sunshade is disposed when in the stowed position.

[0029] Scheme 3. The sunshade system of Scheme 1, further comprising a spool around which the sunshade is wound when in the stowed position.

[0030] Scheme 4. The sunshade system according to Scheme 1, wherein the at least one sunshade guide is two sunshade guides, one sunshade guide of the two sunshade guides being located at each lateral width edge of the fabric material.

[0031] Scheme 5. The sunshade system according to Scheme 1, wherein the at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

[0032] Scheme 6. The sunshade system according to Scheme 5, wherein the at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

[0033] Scheme 7. The sunshade system according to Scheme 1, wherein in the extended position, the sunshade is shaped as a trapezoid.

[0034] Scheme 8. A roof and sunshade assembly for a vehicle, the roof and sunshade assembly comprising:

[0035] a roof assembly including at least a translucent roof panel; and

[0036] a sunshade system to selectively shade the roof panel, the sunshade system comprising:

[0037] a sunshade formed from a fabric material, the sunshade including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length; and

[0038] at least one sunshade guide extending along the sunshade length and retaining a lateral width edge of the fabric material, and guiding the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position;

[0039] wherein the sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats.

[0040] Scheme 9. The roof and sunshade assembly according to Scheme 8, further comprising a sunshade housing in which the sunshade is disposed when in the stowed position.

[0041] Scheme 10. The roof and sunshade assembly according to Scheme 9, wherein the sunshade housing is attached to the roof assembly.

[0042] Scheme 11. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 9, further comprising a spool disposed in the sunshade housing, the sunshade being wrapped around the spool when the sunshade is in the stowed position.

[0043] Scheme 12. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 8, wherein the at least one sunshade guide is two sunshade guides, one sunshade guide of the two sunshade guides being located at each lateral width edge of the fabric material.

[0044] Scheme 13. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 8, wherein the at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

[0045] Scheme 14. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 13, wherein the at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

[0046] Scheme 15. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 8, wherein the roof panel is formed of one of glass or a polymeric material.

[0047] Scheme 16. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 8, wherein the roof panel has a first panel width at a rearward end of the roof panel and a second panel width at a forward end of the roof panel opposite the rearward end, the second panel width being greater than the first panel width.

[0048] Scheme 17. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 16, wherein in the extended position, the sunshade has a first sunshade width at the rearward end of the roof panel and a second sunshade width at the forward end of the roof panel, the second sunshade width being greater than the first sunshade width.

[0049] Scheme 18. A roof and sunshade assembly for a vehicle, the roof and sunshade assembly comprising:

[0050] a roof assembly including an at least semi-transparent roof panel extending from a forward end of the roof panel to a rearward end of the roof panel opposite the forward end; and

[0051] a sunshade system to selectively shade the roof panel, the sunshade system including:

[0052] A sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade comprising a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length; and

[0053] at least one sunshade guide extending along the length of the sunshade and holding a lateral width edge of the fabric material, and guiding the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position;

[0054] wherein the sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and loosening of the plurality of pleats;

[0055] wherein, when in the stowed position, the sunshade is disposed in a sunshade housing, the sunshade housing being at the rearward end of the roof panel.

[0056] Scheme 19. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 18, wherein the at least one sunshade guide comprises a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

[0057] Scheme 20. The roof and sunshade assembly of Scheme 19, wherein the at least one sunshade guide comprises a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retaining tab of the sunshade is inserted.

[0058] The above features and advantages of the present disclosure, and other features and advantages, are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] Other features, aspects, and details are described in only examples, and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a vehicle having an at least semi- transparent roof panel;

[0061] Figure 2A is a plan view looking up of an embodiment of a sunshade in an extended position covering a roof panel;

[0062] Figure 2B is a plan view of an embodiment of a sunshade in a stowed position in a sunshade housing;

[0063] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sunshade stowed in a sunshade housing;

[0064] Figure 4 is a width-wise cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sunshade and guide rail;

[0065] Figure 5 is the same as Figure 4 the cross-sectional view focused on the width direction of the guide rail;

[0066] Figure 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of the sunshade illustrating a plurality of pleats in the sunshade;

[0067] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pleat in a relaxed position; and

[0068] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pleat in an extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments, Figure 1 A plan view illustrating an embodiment of a vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 10 extends along a vehicle length direction 16 from a front end 12 to a rear end 14 and along a vehicle width direction 22 from a first side 18 to a second side 20. The vehicle 10 includes a roof 24 that at least partially defines a top of the vehicle 10. The roof 24 includes a glass roof panel 26 that defines at least a portion of the roof 24. Although the roof panel 26 is referred to in this description and in the drawings as a glass roof panel 26, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that it can be formed of other translucent or transparent materials, such as polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the roof panel 26 is stationary or fixed, while in other embodiments, the roof panel 26 is movable. A panel width 28 of the roof panel 26 along the vehicle width direction 22 varies at different locations along the vehicle length direction 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the roof panel 26 has a first panel width 28a at a first panel end 30 and a second panel width 28b at a second panel end 32 that is less than the first panel width 28a. In some embodiments, the first panel end 30 is the panel end closest to the front end 12, while the second panel end 32 is the panel end closest to the rear end 14. In these embodiments, the roof panel 26 is defined as substantially trapezoidal in shape such that linear panel sides 34 extend between the first panel end 30 and the second panel end 32. However, it will be appreciated that the trapezoidal configuration described herein is merely exemplary, and the roof panel 24 can be another suitable shape. Figure 1

[0071] Referring now to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the vehicle 10 includes a sunshade 36 that, when in a deployed position as shown in FIG. 2, extends across the roof panel 26 along the vehicle width direction 22. The sunshade 36 includes a plurality of pleats 38 that are arranged in a row along the vehicle length direction 16. Each of the pleats 38 is formed by a plurality of pleat panels 40 that are connected to one another along the vehicle width direction 22.​Figure 2A The sunshade at least partially covers the roof panel 26 to block light from entering the vehicle 10 through the roof panel 26 when in the extended position shown in Figure 2B The sunshade 36 is located in the interior of the vehicle 10 and is movable between a stowed position as shown in Figure 2A and an extended position as shown in Figure 3 In some embodiments, the sunshade 36 is driven between the stowed and extended positions by, for example, an electric motor or actuator (not shown) operably connected to the sunshade 36. Alternatively, the sunshade 36 can be manually moved by a user. The sunshade 36 is formed of a fabric material and, when in the extended position, the sunshade 36 is trapezoidal in shape. When in the stowed position, the sunshade 36 is stored at a spool mechanism 38 located, for example, at the second panel end 32. Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of the spool mechanism 38 is illustrated in cross-section in

[0072] Referring now to Figure 4 , rails 44 are located at opposite sides of the roof panel 26 and extend along each of the panel sides 34. In some embodiments, the rails 44 each extend parallel to the respective panel side 34. The sunshade 36 is attached to each of the rails 44 such that, as the sunshade 36 is moved between the stowed position shown in Figure 2B and the extended position shown in Figure 2A , the rails 44 hold and guide the sunshade lateral edges 46. Figure 5 An exemplary attachment is illustrated in

[0073] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the sunshade 36 is formed with a plurality of pleats 54 in the sunshade fabric material 56. The pleats 54 extend along the sunshade length 58 and allow for an increase in the sunshade width 60 at a first sunshade end 62 relative to a second sunshade end 64, thus enabling the sunshade 36 to vary along its length along the sunshade width 60 to define, for example, the trapezoidal shape as illustrated in Figure 6 More particularly, as Figure 7 and Figure 8as shown in the exemplary pleat 54. When the sunshade is in the extended position, the pleat 54 has a relatively closed or slack shape at or near the second sunshade end 64 or closer to the second sunshade end, as shown in Figure 7 Figure 8 As the sunshade 36 extends from the second sunshade end 64 to the first sunshade end 62, the pleat 54 expands as guided by the guide rail 44 (shown in Figure 5 The pleat 54 is formed in the fabric material 56 by placing the fabric material 56 in a mold and folding or crimping the mold into the desired pleat 54 shape. The mold containing the fabric material 56 is then placed in, for example, a steam cabinet to be subjected to heat and pressure. The resulting pleat 54 is a permanent fold in the fabric material 56. The polymer chains of the fabric material 56 are altered at the pleat 54 by the forming process, becoming more aligned and more rigid. The new bonds formed in the pleat 54 make the shape permanent, so when the fabric material 56 is opened and relaxed, it will return to the pleated shape.

[0074] Figure 4 In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes an interior trim element 66 that covers the guide rail 44 and overlaps a portion of the roof panel 26, such that the sunshade width 60 is less than the panel width 28.

[0075] The sunshade 36 disclosed herein having a variable sunshade width 60 along the sunshade length 58 allows for the shape of the roof panel 26 to be changed while still being able to maximize the coverage of the roof panel 26 by the sunshade 26.

[0076] While the foregoing disclosure has been described in reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure.​​

Claims

1. A sunshade system for a vehicle roof, the sunshade system comprising: a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade comprising a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length, the sunshade comprising a first sunshade end and an opposite second sunshade end; and at least one sunshade guide extending along the length of the sunshade and retaining a lateral width edge of the fabric material and guiding the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position; wherein the sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats, at least one of the plurality of pleats comprises a first fold extending along the length of the sunshade and a second fold extending along the length of the sunshade and opposite the first fold, the first and second folds having a relatively close configuration at or near the second sunshade end when the sunshade is in the extended position, the first and second folds expanding by being guided by the sunshade guide as the sunshade extends from the second sunshade end to the first sunshade end to allow the sunshade to have an increased width at the first sunshade end relative to the second sunshade end.

2. The sunshade system of claim 1, further comprising a sunshade housing in which the sunshade is disposed when in the stowed position.

3. The sunshade system of claim 1, further comprising a spool around which the sunshade is wound when the sunshade is in the stowed position.

4. The shade system of claim 1, wherein, the at least one sunshade guide is two sunshade guides, one sunshade guide at each lateral width edge of the fabric material.

5. The shade system of claim 1, wherein, the at least one sunshade guide comprises a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

6. A sun shade system according to claim 5, wherein, the at least one sunshade guide comprises a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

7. The shade system of claim 1, wherein, in the extended position, the sunshade has a trapezoidal shape.

8. A roof and sunshade assembly for a vehicle, the roof and sunshade assembly comprising: a roof assembly comprising at least a translucent roof panel; and a sunshade system to selectively shade the roof panel, the sunshade system comprising: a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade comprising a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length, the sunshade comprising a first sunshade end and an opposite second sunshade end; and at least one sunshade guide extending along the length of the sunshade and retaining a lateral width edge of the fabric material and guiding the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position; wherein the sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats, at least one of the plurality of pleats comprises a first fold extending along the length of the sunshade and a second fold extending along the length of the sunshade and opposite the first fold, the first and second folds having a relatively close configuration at or near the second sunshade end when the sunshade is in the extended position, the first and second folds expanding by being guided by the sunshade guide as the sunshade extends from the second sunshade end to the first sunshade end to allow the sunshade to have an increased width at the first sunshade end relative to the second sunshade end. At least one of the plurality of pleats includes a first fold extending along a length of the sunshade and a second fold extending along the length of the sunshade and opposite the first fold, the first and second folds having a relatively tight configuration at or near the second sunshade end when the sunshade is in the extended position, the first and second folds expanding as the sunshade extends from the second sunshade end to the first sunshade end by being guided by the sunshade guide to allow the sunshade to have an increased width at the first sunshade end relative to the second sunshade end.

9. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 8, further comprising a sunshade housing in which the sunshade is disposed when in the stowed position.

10. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 9, wherein, The sunshade housing is attached to the roof assembly.

11. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 9, further comprising a spool disposed in the sunshade housing, the sunshade being wrapped around the spool when the sunshade is in the stowed position.

12. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 8, wherein, The at least one sunshade guide is two sunshade guides, one sunshade guide of the two sunshade guides being located at each lateral width edge of the fabric material.

13. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 8, wherein, The at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

14. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 13, wherein, The at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which a retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

15. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 8, wherein, The roof panel is formed of one of glass or a polymeric material.

16. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 8, wherein, The roof panel has a first panel width at a rearward end of the roof panel and a second panel width at a forward end of the roof panel opposite the rearward end, the second panel width being greater than the first panel width.

17. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 16, wherein, In the extended position, the sunshade has a first sunshade width at the rearward end of the roof panel and a second sunshade width at the forward end of the roof panel, the second sunshade width being greater than the first sunshade width.

18. A roof and sunshade assembly for a vehicle, the roof and sunshade assembly comprising: a roof assembly including an at least semi-transparent roof panel extending from a forward end of the roof panel to a rearward end of the roof panel opposite the forward end; and a sunshade system to selectively shade the roof panel, the sunshade system including: a sunshade formed of a fabric material, the sunshade including a plurality of pleats arranged across a lateral sunshade width and extending along a sunshade length, the sunshade including a first sunshade end and an opposite second sunshade end; and at least one sunshade guide extending along the length of the sunshade and retaining a lateral width edge of the fabric material and guiding the sunshade along a path between a stowed position and an extended position; wherein, by expansion and relaxation of the plurality of pleats, the sunshade has a variable sunshade width along the sunshade length in the extended position; wherein, when in the stowed position, the sunshade is disposed in a sunshade housing, the sunshade housing being at the rearward end of the roof panel, at least one of the plurality of pleats includes a first fold extending along the length of the sunshade and a second fold extending along the length of the sunshade and opposite the first fold, the first and second folds having a relatively tight configuration at or near the second sunshade end when the sunshade is in the extended position, the first and second folds expanding as the sunshade extends from the second sunshade end to the first sunshade end by being guided by the sunshade guide to allow the sunshade to have an increased width at the first sunshade end relative to the second sunshade end.

19. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 18, wherein, the at least one sunshade guide includes a first recess into which the lateral width edge is inserted.

20. The roof and sunshade assembly of claim 19, wherein, the at least one sunshade guide includes a second recess opposite the first recess into which the retention tab of the sunshade is inserted.

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