Vehicle visor system with multi-directional shading

Abstract

A visor system for a vehicle includes a visor body coupled with the vehicle by a hinge system. The visor body operates as a first shield. The cover is coupled with the visor body by another hinge system. The cover operates as a second shield. A mirror is disposed on the visor body, and a cover selectively covers the mirror.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle sun visors for blocking light from reaching a passenger, and more particularly to a sun visor system that provides multi-directional blocking. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles typically have a windshield, a rear window, and side windows through which light can enter the interior of the vehicle. Front seat passengers are particularly exposed to light entering through the windshield and side windows. The light may originate from multiple sources that may have various intensity levels. Some light sources may be of lower intensity and may not require blocking. Others (such as direct sunlight) may have higher intensity and may be desired to provide at least partial blocking.

[0003] In many cases, it may be desired to block a passenger's eyes from the light entering the interior of the vehicle. Since roads follow curves and the driving route includes turns, the direction in which the light source enters the vehicle may constantly change. Considering these direction changes may become repetitively necessary, which may require adjusting the sun visor to provide the desired blocking effect. For example, when driving towards the sun, a driver can lower the sun visor onto a portion of the windshield. When the vehicle turns right, the driver can rotate the sun visor away from the windshield to block a portion of the driver's side window. During a trip, this may require a large number of repetitive adjustments.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle sun visor that has the ability to accommodate a range of different light sources and driving directions. Preferably, this can be achieved while minimizing the number of manual adjustments that must be made. Additionally, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A system for blocking light entering a vehicle is provided. The sun visor system includes a sun visor body coupled to the vehicle by one hinge system. The sun visor body operates as a first blocker. A cover is coupled to the sun visor body by another hinge system. The cover operates as a second blocker. A mirror is disposed on the sun visor body, and the cover selectively covers the mirror.

[0006] In an additional embodiment, one hinge system includes a ball joint that allows the cover to move relative to the sun visor body on multiple axes.

[0007] In an additional embodiment, one hinge system includes a detachable hinge configured to separate the cover from the sun visor body.

[0008] In an additional embodiment, the cover includes an extension that extends the length of the cover from the sun visor body.

[0009] In an additional embodiment, the cover includes a peripheral portion defining an opening and includes a door coupled to the peripheral portion by a third hinge system.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, the vehicle includes a front windshield and side windows, wherein the visor body extends over the front windshield and the cover extends over the side windows to simultaneously block front light and side light.

[0011] In an additional embodiment, the cover includes a peripheral portion defining an opening and includes a door coupled to the peripheral portion by a third hinge system. The opening is aligned with a mirror such that the door alternately covers and uncovers the mirror.

[0012] In an additional embodiment, a light is provided on the visor body adjacent to the mirror. When the door is opened, a switch activates the light.

[0013] In an additional embodiment, a hinge system includes a ball joint and a detachable hinge, wherein the ball joint is configured to allow the cover to move relative to the visor body along multiple axes when the detachable hinge is removed.

[0014] In an additional embodiment, a light is included on the visor body, wherein the light is configured to remain off when the cover is opened for shading purposes.

[0015] In a plurality of additional embodiments, a visor system for a vehicle includes a visor body coupled to the vehicle by a hinge system, the visor body being configured as a first shade. A cover is coupled to the visor body by another hinge system. The cover is configured as an additional shade. A mirror is provided on the visor body. When closed, the cover selectively covers the mirror. A door is coupled to the cover by a third hinge system. When the cover is closed, the door operates to uncover the mirror.

[0016] In an additional embodiment, a hinge system includes a ball joint that allows the cover to move relative to the visor body along multiple axes.

[0017] In an additional embodiment, a hinge system includes a detachable hinge that separates the cover from the visor body.

[0018] In an additional embodiment, the cover includes an extension that extends the length of the cover from the visor body.

[0019] In an additional embodiment, the cover includes a peripheral portion defining an opening. The door operates to close the opening.

[0020] In an additional embodiment, the vehicle includes a front windshield and side windows. The visor body extends over the front windshield and the cover extends over the side windows to simultaneously block front light and side light.

[0021] In an additional embodiment, the cover includes a peripheral portion defining an opening. The opening is aligned with the mirror such that the door alternately covers and uncovers the mirror.

[0022] In an additional embodiment, a lamp is disposed on the visor body adjacent to the mirror. When the door is opened, a switch activates the lamp.

[0023] In an additional embodiment, a hinge system includes a ball joint and a detachable hinge. When the detachable hinge is removed, the ball joint allows the cover to move relative to the visor body along multiple axes.

[0024] In a number of other embodiments, a visor system for a vehicle includes a visor body coupled to the vehicle by a hinge system. The visor body operates as a shade. A cover is coupled to the visor body by another hinge system. The cover operates as another shade. A mirror is included on the visor body. When closed, the cover operates to selectively cover the mirror. A door is coupled to the cover by an additional hinge system. When the cover is closed, the door operates to selectively uncover the mirror. One of the hinge systems includes a detachable hinge and a multi-axis hinge to allow the cover to move relative to the visor body along multiple axes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where like numbers represent like elements, and where:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a visor system according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 is according to various embodiments Figure 1 of a schematic perspective view of a visor system;

[0028] Figure 3 is according to various embodiments of a Figure 1 visor system with an open mirror cover;

[0029] Figure 4 is according to various embodiments Figure 1 of a schematic perspective view of a releasable hinge of a visor system;

[0030] Figure 5 is according to various embodiments Figure 1 of a schematic perspective view of a multi-directional hinge of a visor system;

[0031] Figure 6 is according to various embodiments of a Figure 1 visor system with an open mirror cover and an extended sliding shade; and

[0032] Figure 7 A mirror cover having an open port according to various embodiments Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of a visor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , an example of a vehicle 100 is shown having a body 102 that encloses an interior 104 having a visor system 106. Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 generally includes a structure including a body 102 supported on wheel assemblies 108, such as by a suspension assembly (not shown). The body 102 can be of various types defining a physical shape for a desired purpose. The body 102 substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 100 and defines an exterior surface facing the exterior 110 and defines an interior 104. The wheel assemblies 108 are each coupled rotationally about a respective corner of the body 102. In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 can be a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or an all-wheel drive vehicle having any number of wheels, although other drive arrangements are also contemplated.

[0035] Propulsion of the vehicle 100 (such as on a road) is provided by a propulsion system (not shown). The propulsion system may be any of a variety of types, such as electric, internal combustion, hybrid, or other. The torque generated by the propulsion system is transmitted to the wheel assembly 108 to propel the vehicle 100, which may be under manual and / or autonomous control.

[0036] In the current embodiment, the body 102 includes a plurality of openings with glass windows, including a windshield 112 and side windows 114, 116. During operation of the vehicle 100, a light source 118 at the exterior 110, such as the sun, may emit light 120 that passes through the windshield 112 and / or the side windows 114, 116 into the interior 104. During operation of the vehicle 100, the amount and direction of the light 120 may repeatedly change. The visor system 106 selectively blocks the light 120 from directly impinging on a passenger, such as a driver of the vehicle 100.

[0037] Additional references Figure 2 And continue to refer to Figure 1, the sun visor system 106 includes a sun visor assembly 122. In the current embodiment, the sun visor assembly 122 is intended for the driver's side of the vehicle 100. It should be understood that the passenger side and / or other passenger positions in the vehicle 100 may have components similar to the sun visor assembly 122. In this embodiment, the sun visor assembly 122 is coupled to the body 102 at the top of the windshield 112 by hinges 130, 132. The hinges 130, 132 enable the sun visor body 134 to be placed at various angles relative to the windshield 112. For example, the sun visor body 134 can be rotated upward (raised) to expose more of the windshield 112, and can be rotated downward (lowered) to cover more of the windshield 112. A cover 136 is provided on a side 138 of the sun visor body 134 that faces the interior 104 when the sun visor body 134 is lowered as shown. In the current embodiment, the cover 136 is a mirror cover. The sun visor body 134 can be made of a material such as expanded polypropylene covered by a fabric layer, or can be other substantially rigid structures.

[0038] As Figure 3 shown, the cover 136 (shown open) is attached to the sun visor body 134 by a hinge system that includes an upper hinge 140 and a lower hinge 142. The upper hinge 140 and the lower hinge 142 are located at an outer (relative to the vehicle 100) edge 144 of the cover 136. In Figure 3 this, the cover 136 is shown rotated to an open position on the upper hinge 140 and the lower hinge 142, which exposes a mirror 146 on the sun visor body 134. In this open position, the cover 136 is disposed along the side window 114 to block light entering through the side window. As shown, the sun visor body 134 blocks light 120 entering through the windshield 112, and the cover 136 simultaneously blocks light 120 entering through the side window 114.

[0039] Referring Figure 4 to, the lower hinge 142 is shown separately. Generally, the lower hinge 142 is a detachable connection that pivotally holds the cover 136 to the sun visor body 134. The lower hinge 142 can be selectively detached to allow the cover 136 to move relative to the sun visor body 134 in any direction, in addition to allowing pivoting when attached. The lower hinge 142 includes a pin 148 that is fixed to the sun visor body 134 in this embodiment, and a pair of clips 150, 152 that are fixed to the cover 136. The clips 150, 152 have openings 154, 156 that receive the pin 148 using mouths 158, 159 that are aligned with the openings 154, 156, and allow the clips 150, 152 to releasably clamp onto the pin 148. An interference fit is provided such that a force must be applied to move the pin 148 through the mouths 158, 159.

[0040] Figure 5 The upper hinge 140 is shown separately therein. In this embodiment, the upper hinge 140 is a connector of the ball and socket type with a ball and socket, which provides multiple degrees of freedom for the movement of the cover 136 relative to the sun visor body 134 (e.g., in the x, y, and z directions and rotation about three axes). For example, when the cover 136 is opened, the lower hinge 142 can be disassembled, and the upper hinge 140 allows the cover 136 to move up and down relative to the sun visor body 134 and rotate relative thereto. In other embodiments, another form of joint may be used in the upper hinge 140 to allow multi-directional movement to adjust the cover 136 in multiple directions.

[0041] Reference Figure 6 , the cover 136 is shown in the open position, in which its extension 151 is in the deployed state. The extension 151 is included as part of the cover 136 and is slidably connected to adjust the length of the cover 136 extending from the sun visor body 134 to its terminal 153. The extension 151 can be slidably moved to make the cover 136 longer to provide additional shading at the rear of the side window 114. The extension 151 can be contained within a groove, a cavity, or by other features of the cover 136.

[0042] As Figure 7 shown therein, the cover 136 includes a peripheral portion 160 and a door 162. In Figure 7 the door 162 is shown in the open position (in Figure 2 the door 162 is shown closed). The peripheral portion 160 of the cover 136 is connected to the sun visor body 134 by the upper hinge 140 and the lower hinge 142. The peripheral portion 160 defines an opening 164, and the door 162 operates to alternately open and close the opening. The door 162 is connected to the peripheral portion 160 along its edge 166 by a hinge 168. A mirror 170 is positioned on the sun visor body 134 and is accessible when the door 162 is opened. In this regard, when the door 162 is opened, the opening 164 is aligned with the mirror 170. Lights 172, 174 are provided on the sun visor body 134 beside the mirror 170. A switch 176 is operated by the door 162 such that when the door 162 is opened relative to the peripheral portion 160, the switch 176 activates the lights 172, 174. In this way, when the cover 136 is opened relative to the sun visor body 134 by rotating on the upper hinge 140 and the lower hinge 142 with the door 162 closed, the lights 172, 174 are not turned on. Therefore, when the cover 136 is deployed for shading purposes, the lights 172, 174 are not turned on, while when the door 162 is opened, the lights 172, 174 are turned on.

[0043] Accordingly, a sun visor system with multi-directional shading capabilities is provided. Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are numerous variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A sun visor system for a vehicle, comprising: A sun visor body coupled to the vehicle by a first hinge system, the sun visor body being configured as a first blocker; A cover coupled to the sun visor body by a second hinge system, the cover being configured as a second blocker; And A mirror on the sun visor body, the cover being configured to selectively cover the mirror.

2. The sun visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The first hinge system includes a ball joint configured to allow the cover to move relative to the sun visor body along multiple axes.

3. The sun visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The first hinge system includes a detachable hinge configured to separate the cover from the sun visor body.

4. The sun visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover includes an extension configured to extend the length of the cover from the sun visor body.

5. The sun visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover includes a peripheral portion defining an opening and includes a door coupled to the peripheral portion by a third hinge system.

6. The sun visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle includes a front windshield and side windows, wherein the sun visor body extends over the front windshield and the cover extends over the side windows to simultaneously block front light and side light.

7. The visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover includes a peripheral portion defining an opening and includes a door coupled to the peripheral portion by a third hinge system, wherein the opening is aligned with the mirror such that the door is configured to alternately cover and uncover the mirror.

8. The sun visor system according to claim 7, comprising a light adjacent to the mirror on the sun visor body and including a switch configured to activate the light when the door is opened.

9. The sun visor system according to claim 1, wherein, The second hinge system includes a ball joint and a detachable hinge, wherein the ball joint is configured to allow the cover to move relative to the sun visor body along multiple axes when the detachable hinge is removed.

10. The sun visor system according to claim 1, comprising a lamp on the sun visor body, wherein, The light is configured to remain off when the cover is opened for blocking purposes.

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