Roller blind assembly for a vehicle roof system

Abstract

This invention relates to a roller blind assembly for a vehicle, comprising a winding tube, a roller blind attached to one side of the winding tube, and a pair of parallel roller blind guides for guiding the roller blind. The roller blind is movable along the roller blind guides between a closed position and an open position. The winding tube is configured to: wind the roller blind when moving from the closed position to the open position, and to unfold the roller blind when moving from the open position to the closed position. The roller blind assembly also includes a spring assembly and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is configured to tension the spring assembly in response to the unfolding of the roller blind by the winding tube, and to relax / unwind the spring assembly in response to the winding of the roller blind by the winding tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a roller blind assembly for a vehicle roof system. More particularly, this invention relates to a roller blind assembly having a winding tube and a spring assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles (such as passenger cars) may be equipped with a roof or roof system having one or more roof panels. The roof panels can move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the roof opening is covered or uncovered, or the roof panels may be fixed. In either case, one or more roof panels may be transparent to allow light into the vehicle's passenger compartment. To control the amount of light entering, the vehicle may be equipped with a roller blind assembly or sunshade assembly (also called a roller blind assembly) comprising a roller blind that can move between a closed position and an open position, and any position in between (i.e., partially closed or partially open). In the closed position, the roller blind covers the glass panel, thereby blocking the interior of the vehicle to prevent light from the outside. In the partially open position, the roller blind exposes the glass roof panel. The blind is movable by winding onto or unwinding from a winding tube or shaft. In the fully open position, the roller blind is fully wound onto the winding tube. In the closed position, the roller blind can be almost completely unwinding from the winding tube.

[0003] In known roller blind assemblies, the roller blind is operated via a drive cable driven by a motor, which is connected to the operating beam of the roller blind via a slipper. The operating beam can also be called a pull beam because it pulls the roller blind, or it can be called a front beam, depending on its position relative to the front of the vehicle. The motor drives the movement of this drive cable, thereby moving the drive shoe and the connected operating beam. Therefore, pulling the pull beam away from the winding tube will disengage the roller blind from the winding tube. Pulling the pull beam towards the winding tube will allow the roller blind to wind onto the winding tube. Furthermore, the winding tube is typically equipped with a spring-like assembly to allow winding when the top opening of the roller blind is opened.

[0004] The diameter of the winding tube is determined by the spring assembly located inside the winding tube. Furthermore, the characteristics of the spring assembly are determined by the torque required to wind the roller blind onto the winding tube as it moves from the closed position to the open position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide an alternative roller blind assembly that allows for reduction in z-package size. For the roller blind assembly described above, the diameter of the winding tube is determined by a spring assembly located within the winding tube. Furthermore, the characteristics of the spring assembly are determined by providing the torque required to wind the roller blind onto the winding tube. According to the invention, the roller blind assembly according to the invention alleviates the limitations imposed by the spring assembly on the minimum diameter of the winding tube, and thus on the entire z-package size of the roller blind assembly.

[0006] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by providing a roller blind assembly comprising: a winding tube; an operating beam; a roller blind attached to the winding tube on one side and to the operating beam on the opposite side; a pair of drive members connected to opposite ends of the operating beam; and a pair of parallel roller blind guides for guiding the roller blind. The roller blind is movable along the roller blind guides between a closed position and an open position by driving the drive members. The winding tube is configured to wind the roller blind when it moves from the closed position to the open position, and to unfold the roller blind when it moves from the open position to the closed position. The roller blind assembly further comprises a spring assembly and a first transmission device. The first transmission device is configured to tension the spring assembly in response to the winding tube unfolding the roller blind, and to release the spring assembly in response to the winding tube winding the roller blind.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly, which further includes a spring reference point provided by a fixed support member or a spring reference point provided by a bias support member. The spring assembly is connected to the spring reference point on one side and to the winding tube on the other side. The spring assembly is arranged for tensioning relative to the winding tube and the reference point.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly in which a first transmission device provides a ratio between the rotation of the spring assembly and the winding tube.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly, wherein the spring assembly includes at least one spring element outside the winding tube.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly, wherein the spring assembly comprises at least two spring elements arranged in series or in parallel.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly wherein one of at least two spring elements is at least partially arranged within the other of the at least two spring elements.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly in which one of at least two spring elements is arranged inside a winding tube.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a roller blind assembly in which at least two spring elements provide different spring characteristics.

[0014] The first transmission device helps to set the ratio between the outer end of the spring assembly and the rotation of the winding tube, thereby accommodating different lengths of the roller blind.

[0015] A spring assembly comprising at least two spring elements facilitates adjustment of the number of rotations at which the spring assembly provides a predetermined torque. For example, at least two spring elements arranged in series will act similarly to a single spring with the same coil diameter and extended length. Alternatively, at least two spring elements arranged in parallel will act similarly to a single spring with the same length but increased coil diameter. Alternatively, instead of coil diameter, in the case of a tension spring, the thickness of the spring wire can be thinner or thicker. In either case, the amount of rotation of the spring assembly (at its outer end) used to provide the predetermined torque can be increased or decreased individually.

[0016] Specific embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] Other objects, aspects, effects, and details of specific embodiments of the invention are described below in a detailed description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] By way of example only, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1A A perspective view showing an example of a vehicle roof with an open top component;

[0020] Figure 1B It indicates Figure 1A Exploded view of the top component of the opening;

[0021] Figure 2A A perspective view showing an embodiment of a roller blind assembly in the closed position according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2B It indicates Figure 2A A roller blind assembly in a partially opened position;

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It describes in more detail Figure 2A The drive mechanism of the roller shutter assembly;

[0024] Figure 4 It indicates Figure 3B A schematic side view of the transmission device;

[0025] Figure 5A This describes a prior art roller blind assembly having a torsion spring surrounded by a winding tube;

[0026] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the spring assembly;

[0027] Figure 5C It means Figure 5A A graph showing the relationship between the spring torque and the rotation of the winding tube;

[0028] Figure 6A An embodiment of a winding tube having a spring assembly according to the invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 6B It means Figure 6A A graph showing the spring torque and rotation of an example spring assembly;

[0030] Figures 7A-7C Various embodiments of the spring assembly according to the present invention are shown;

[0031] Figure 8A and 8B This illustrates another embodiment of the spring assembly according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9A Another embodiment of the roller blind assembly according to the present invention is shown; and

[0033] Figure 9B It means Figure 9A The spring torque and rotation curve of the spring assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following description, spatial references (e.g., front, side, and rear; or below, under, and above; or forward and rearward directions, and driving motion) are made relative to the overall orientation of the vehicle (e.g., a passenger car), particularly for the driver, for example, behind the steering wheel. Additionally, the X, Y, and Z directions refer to directions corresponding to the length, width, and height of the vehicle. In the accompanying drawings, the forward driving motion of the vehicle can be indicated, for example, by arrow D, which points towards the front of the vehicle. It should be understood that the roof system can be positioned in one orientation in which the forward closing and rearward opening directions of the roof panel are aligned with the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle, respectively. In another orientation, conversely, the forward closing and rearward opening directions of the roof system are aligned with the rearward and forward directions of the vehicle, respectively.

[0035] Figure 1A and 1BThe diagram shows the top of a vehicle, which has an opening top assembly 1 disposed therein. The opening top assembly 1 includes a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closing component because it is movable above a first top opening 3a, enabling the opening 3a to be opened and closed. A wind deflector 4 is disposed on the front side of the first top opening 3a.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, in which it is positioned over and closes the first top opening 3a, and is therefore typically positioned in the plane of the vehicle roof 1. Furthermore, the movable panel 2a can be in an inclined position, in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a remains closed. Moreover, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, in which it slides open and the first top opening 3a is partially or completely exposed. In the open position, for example, compared to the closed position, both the rear end RE and the front end FE can be raised.

[0037] It should be noted that the vehicle top 1 shown corresponds to a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other type of vehicle can also be envisioned, which may be equipped with a movable panel.

[0038] Figure 1B It indicates that with Figure 1A The same vehicle roof shown, with panels 2a and 2b. In particular, although... Figure 1A This indicates that the top component 1 of the opening is in the open position, but... Figure 1B This is an exploded view of the top opening component 1 in the closed position. Furthermore, in Figure 1B In this exploded view, a second top opening 3b is shown. The first and second top openings 3a and 3b are disposed in the frame 5 of the opening top assembly 1. The edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first top opening 3a.

[0039] The second top opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b so that light can pass through the fixed panel 2b into the vehicle interior space (assuming the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, such as made of plastic or any other suitable material). The second top opening 3b and the transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b are optional and may be omitted in another embodiment of the opening top assembly 1.

[0040] Figure 1BThe diagram also shows a drive assembly comprising a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable 7, a second drive cable 8, and a drive motor 9. The first guide assembly 6a and the second guide assembly 6b are arranged on corresponding side ends SE of the movable panel 2a and may each include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is connected to the frame 5, and the mechanism includes movable parts that can slide within the guide. The first drive cable 7 and the second drive cable 8 are disposed between the mechanism of the respective guide assemblies 6a and 6b and the drive motor 9.

[0041] Drive cables 7 and 8 connect the drive motor 9 to the mechanisms of the corresponding guide components 6a and 6b, so that the mechanisms begin to move when the drive motor 9 is operated. Specifically, the cores of the drive cables 7 and 8 move via the drive motor 9 to push or pull the mechanisms of the corresponding guides 6a and 6b. Such drive components are well known in the art and will not be described further here. Furthermore, any other suitable drive components may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, guide components 6a, 6b can be initiated to move by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, thereby placing the movable panel 2a in a tilted position. Then, guide components 6a, 6b can slide from the tilted position to place the movable panel 2a in an open position. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the tilted position by raising the rear end RE, while simultaneously reaching the open position by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a below the fixed panel 2b or below any other structure or element provided behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In yet another example embodiment, the movable panel 2a may simply move between a closed position and a tilted position, or between a closed position and an open position.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor 9 is mounted in a recess 10, which is near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a in the closed position. In another embodiment, the drive motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable location. For example, the drive motor 9 can be arranged near or below the rear end Re of the movable panel 2a in the closed position, or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0044] Control unit 11 is schematically shown and operatively coupled to drive motor 9. Control unit 11 can be any type of processing unit, a software-controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, such as an ASIC, as is known to those skilled in the art. Control unit 11 can be a standalone control unit, or it can be operatively coupled to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose vehicle control unit. In another embodiment, control unit 11 can be embedded in or part of such a multi-purpose vehicle control unit. Essentially, control unit 11 can be implemented by any control unit suitable, capable of, and configured to perform operation of drive motor 9 and thus operation of movable top assembly 1.

[0045] refer to Figure 2A and 2B This illustrates an example of a roller blind assembly 20, which can be used as a sunshade or shade assembly and can be positioned, for example, below a movable top panel 2a, or, for example, below both the movable top panel 2a and the fixed top panel 2b. Furthermore, it can be combined with... Figure 1B The top component 1 is connected to the frame 5, and it can form an integrated part of the top component. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this diagram, the roller blind assembly 20 is shown in both the closed and partially open positions. The roller blind assembly 20 includes a roller blind 21 and a winding tube 22 rotatable about a stationary axis of rotation 23. The roller blind 21 extends substantially along a first direction D1 and is connected to the winding tube 22. Along the opposite second direction D2, the roller blind is connected to an operating beam 24. The roller blind assembly 20 also includes two parallel roller blind guides 25 and two sliders 26, which are connected to the operating beam 24 and arranged to slide movably along one of the roller blind guides 25, respectively. Two opposing longitudinal edges 27 of the roller blind 21 are arranged in the guides 25 together with the sliders 26 and are used to move in unison with the sliders 26 through the roller blind guides 25. The roller blind guides 25 also support the roller blind 21 and hold it in the desired position. The roller blind assembly also includes a spring assembly 29 and a transmission device 30 arranged to rotate together with the winding tube 22. The spring assembly includes at least one spring element 29a outside the winding tube 22.

[0046] In this example, the fixed frame component 33 provides support for the winding tube 22 and the drive mechanism 30. As in this example, the guide rail 25 may also be supported by the frame component 33.

[0047] When moving from the closed position to the partially or fully open position, the roller blind 21 is wound around the winding tube 22 as the winding tube rotates in the first direction. As the winding tube 22 rotates, the tension of the spring assembly 29 decreases as it unfolds via the transmission 30. The operating beam 24 is pulled by the slider 26, which slides along the roller blind guide 25 in the first direction D1.

[0048] When moving from a partially or fully open position to a closed position, the roller blind 21 unfolds from the winding tube 22 as the winding tube rotates in the second direction. As the winding tube 22 rotates, the tension of the spring assembly 29 increases as it is wound through the transmission device 30. The operating beam 24 is pulled by a slider 26, which slides along the roller blind guide 25 in the second direction D2.

[0049] To further control the movement of the roller blind 21, a drive cable 28 can be connected to a slider 26 for pulling or pushing the operating beam 24 along a second direction D2 or a first direction D1. The drive cable 28 can be operated by a drive cable motor 31. To accommodate the drive cable motor 31, the roller blind assembly 20 may include a mounting slot gap 32. The mounting slot gap 32 provides space for positioning mounting slots, mounting brackets, or other structures for accommodating drive components (e.g., a motor or drive control unit). The mounting slot gap 32 and the external spring element 29a of the spring assembly 29 are accommodated along a virtual axis 23' parallel to the winding tube 22. Figure 2A As shown, the length of at least one outer spring element 29a of the spring assembly 29a is less than the length of the winding tube 22, such that the length of the winding tube 22 extends beyond the combined length of the mounting slot gap 32 and the outer spring element. The mounting slot gap can be provided, for example, by a mounting bracket connected to the fixed frame member 33. Alternatively, it can be provided by a notch in the fixed frame member 33. Or it can be provided by another structural element capable of supporting the motor.

[0050] Therefore, the roller blind assembly disclosed above includes a spring assembly and a transmission mechanism configured to tension the spring assembly in response to the unwinding of the roller blind via the winding tube. The transmission mechanism is also configured to release the spring assembly in response to the winding of the roller blind via the winding tube.

[0051] refer to Figure 3A and 3B An example of the transmission device 30 is shown in more detail. A roller blind 21 partially wound on a winding tube 22, indicated by dashed lines, is also shown; an operating beam 24 at the leading edge of the roller blind 21 is connected to a drive cable 28 via a slider 26, and the longitudinal edge 27 of the roller blind is here implemented as a strip. Figure 3B The text indicates that the guide rail 25, the longitudinal edge 27 or strip, and the slider 26 are arranged in the guide rail 25.

[0052] The transmission device 30 consists of a frame component 33 ( Figure 3B (Not shown in the image) Support. In this embodiment, the transmission 30 includes three gears 34, 35, and 36 for transmitting rotation between the winding tube 22 and the spring assembly 29. The tube gear 34 is mounted on or at least aligned with the axis of the winding tube 22 and rotates according to the movement of the roller blind 21 when the roller blind is driven by the drive cable 28. The intermediate gear 35 transmits the rotation of the tube gear 34 to the spring assembly gear 36. The spring assembly gear 36 is mounted coaxially with the spring assembly. The size and dimensions of the gears provide a ratio between the rotation of the winding tube 22 and the torque of the spring assembly 29. More specifically, the spring assembly is connected to the winding tube at one outer end, and the rotation or turning of the winding tube is thus transmitted to the outer end of the spring assembly, thereby changing the torque provided by the spring assembly. Therefore, the transmission ratio can be selected relative to the characteristics of the spring assembly.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 This indicates that... Figure 1A The top panel 2b and rear frame components of vehicle 1 are related to Figure 3B A side view of the transmission device 30. The guide rail 25 and the fixed frame component 33 are located below the top panel 2b. Gear 34 is mounted on the axis of the winding tube. As can be seen, gears 34, 35, and 36 can provide a height difference between the winding tube 22 and the spring assembly. This further allows for balancing the dimensions of the roller blind assembly 20 to accommodate varying vehicle packaging.

[0054] refer to Figure 5A This indicates a roller blind assembly according to the prior art. Its winding tube 52 is shown in a transparent manner to show the torsion spring 51 located within the winding tube 52, as according to the prior art. The winding tube 52 includes a spring support 53 for holding the spring 51 in place.

[0055] Figure 5B It describes in more detail Figure 5A The spring assembly 29. The outer ends 51a and 51b of the spring element 51 are arranged in different ways in the spring assembly 29. One outer end 51b is fixed to the stationary spring reference point 75, thus providing the retainer side F. The other outer end 51a is fixedly connected to the inside of the winding tube 52, while the winding tube 52 can rotate freely about the support member 76, thus providing the rotator side R. In this way, the rotator side R ensures that the rotation of the winding tube causes the spring element 51 to wind, that is, to rotate together with the winding tube, thereby tensioning the spring assembly relative to the spring reference point 75 at the retainer side F.

[0056] Figure 5CA graph is shown illustrating the relationship between the rotation of the winding tube 52 and the torque of the torsion spring 51. The rotation of the winding tube is directly related to the distance the roller blind travels when winding or unwinding from the winding tube. There is a linear relationship between the spring characteristics and the rotation because the spring 51 rotates synchronously with each rotation of the tube 52. Furthermore, with each rotation, the torque accumulated in the spring 51 increases proportionally to its spring constant.

[0057] refer to Figure 6A This indicates a roller blind assembly according to the invention, having a winding tube 22 and a spring assembly 29, the spring assembly 29 having an external spring element 61. Figure 6B A graph is shown illustrating the possible relationship between the rotation of the winding tube 22 and the torque of the spring assembly 29. Again, the rotation of the winding tube is directly related to the distance the roller blind travels as it winds or unwinds on that tube. Since the transmission 30 allows adjustment of the ratio between the winding tube 22 and the spring assembly 29, the ratio between rotation and torque is also adjusted. This facilitates additional design freedom in selecting and adjusting the spring assembly for the specific application of the roller blind assembly. This allows for adaptation to various sizes of vehicles and vehicle roof systems, particularly Z-packs. Therefore, Figure 6B Option T1 is indicated, where the spring torque increases more with rotation compared to reference R, thus the torque required to wind the blind when open is achieved with less rotation. Figure 6B Option T2 is indicated, in which the spring torque increases less with rotation compared to the reference R, so the required torque is obtained by more rotations.

[0058] refer to Figures 7A-7C This illustrates various examples of spring assemblies. Figure 7A In the perspective view, spring assembly 29 is shown as having two spring elements 71 and 72; a first spring element 71 inside the winding tube 22 and a second spring element 72 outside the winding tube 22. The spring elements 71 and 72 can be arranged and connected in series or in parallel, as described below. Figure 7B and 7C Further explanation. Figure 7B A cross-sectional view is shown of a spring assembly 29 having spring elements 71 and 72 arranged in series. Figure 7C A cross-sectional view is shown of a spring assembly 29 having spring elements 71 and 72 arranged in parallel. Figure 7B In the first spring element 71, one outer end 71b provides the rotator side R, and one outer end 72b of the second spring element 72 provides the retainer side F, similar to the... Figure 5B As stated above. Figure 7BIn the winding tube 22, the other outer end 71a of the spring element 71 is connected to the gear 73, which contacts the gear 74 of the outer end 72a of the spring element 72. During operation, the rotation of the winding tube 22 will cause the spring elements 71 and 72 to rotate relative to the static reference point 75, thereby adjusting the tension of the spring assembly 29.

[0059] exist Figure 7C In this configuration, the outer end 71a of the spring element 71, located inside the winding tube 22, is connected to the inner side of the winding tube 22. The winding tube 22 is connected to a gear 77, which contacts a gear 78 on the outer end 72a of the spring element 72. During operation, rotation of the winding tube 22 causes the spring elements 71 and 72 to rotate relative to their respective static reference points 75 and 75', thereby adjusting the tension of the spring assembly 29.

[0060] Therefore, when arranged in series, the rotation of the winding tube is directly transmitted to one spring element, and indirectly to another spring element through the rotation of that spring element. When arranged in parallel, the rotation of the winding tube is transmitted to each spring element separately. Thus, in parallel, each spring element experiences the same amount of rotation of the winding tube. In series, however, the rotation of the winding tube causes the spring elements in direct contact with it to experience the same amount of rotation; the second spring element can experience a different amount of rotation due to the spring constant of the first spring.

[0061] refer to Figure 8A and 8B This illustrates another example of a roller blind assembly. The roller blind assembly includes a roller blind 21 with an operating beam 24, a parallel roller blind guide 25 for guiding the roller blind 21, a winding tube 22 for winding the roller blind 21, and a spring assembly 29. Figure 8A In this configuration, spring assembly 29 again includes two spring elements 81 and 82. Here, both the first spring element 81 and the second spring element 82 are located outside the winding tube 22. The spring elements 81 and 82 can be arranged in series or in parallel via the second transmission device 87, as described above. In this example, the spring elements are arranged in series, meaning that the spring elements 81 and 82 are connected to each other via gears in the second transmission device 87, and only one spring element 82 is connected to the spring reference point 75, while the other spring element is connected to the winding tube 22 via gears in the first transmission device 30. In another example, the spring elements can be arranged in parallel, meaning that each spring element 81 and 82 can have a retainer side connected to the spring reference point at one outer end. At the other outer end, each spring element can contact the winding tube, for example, via gears or a transmission device.

[0062] exist Figure 8BIn this configuration, spring assembly 29 again includes two spring elements 81 and 82; here, one of the spring elements 82 is at least partially disposed within the other spring element 81 of the two spring elements 81 and 82. The spring elements 81 and 82 may be arranged in series or in parallel, as described above.

[0063] These variations demonstrate that numerous variations are possible by combining two or more spring elements in different configurations, arranged in series and / or parallel. Providing spring elements with different spring characteristics further increases the ways in which spring assemblies can be supplied. Moreover, the length of the spring assembly can be varied.

[0064] In the example described, the spring element may be or includes a torsion spring. However, other options may also be suitable, such as a spindle with hydraulically or pneumatically operated elements.

[0065] refer to Figure 9A This illustrates another embodiment of the roller blind assembly 90. Figure 9A The cut-off portion D of the roller blind assembly is also shown in detail, see D'. The spring assembly 29 includes an external spring element 91 and a spring reference point 75. Here, the spring reference point 75 is not provided by a fixed support member, but by a bias support member 92. The bias support member 92 is configured to adjust the bias set point of the spring reference point 75 in response to the movement of the roller blind 21.

[0066] In this example, the bias support component 92 includes at least one bias wheel 93 and a bias drive component 94. The bias drive component 94 is configured to adjust the bias setpoint by driving the bias wheel 93. The bias drive component can be a belt, a drive cable, or other component suitable for driving the bias wheel 93. Thus, the roller blind 21 can drive the bias wheel 93 by the movement of the drive cable 28 operated by the motor 31. The rotation of the bias wheel can change the tension and (therefore) torque of the spring element 91, and thus change the bias setpoint of the spring reference point 75. Therefore, it can decrease or increase the tension of the spring element, thereby providing an additional means for controlling the proportion of rotation of the spring assembly relative to the winding tube.

[0067] refer to Figure 9BThe graph represents the relationship between the rotation of the winding tube 22 and the torque of the spring assembly 29. Again, the rotation of the winding tube is directly related to the distance the roller blind travels as it winds or unwinds on the winding tube. Adjusting the bias support member 92 by rotating the bias wheel 93 via the drive member 94 changes the relationship between the rotation of the winding tube and the torque of the spring assembly. Therefore, this relationship can vary between R1 and R2 at any given moment. For example, when the roller blind is moved from an open to a closed position, the initial torque can be set to increase at a first rate R1, while as it closes further, the rate can decrease to a second rate, as indicated by R2.

[0068] As can be understood, regardless of whether the spring reference point 75 is provided by the fixed support member or the bias support member 92, the spring assembly 29 can be connected to the spring reference point 75 on one side and to the winding tube 22 on the other side. Therefore, the spring assembly is arranged to be tensioned relative to the winding tube and the reference point.

[0069] This document discloses detailed embodiments of the invention; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to implement the invention differently with any suitable detailed structure contemplated. In particular, features set forth and described in the individual dependent claims can be applied in combination, and any advantageous combinations of these claims are disclosed herein.

[0070] Furthermore, it is anticipated that structural elements can be produced by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Therefore, any reference to a structural element will contain any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to produce such a structural element using 3D printing technology or a similar computer-controlled manufacturing technique. Moreover, any such reference to a structural element will also contain a computer-readable medium carrying such computer-executable instructions.

[0071] Furthermore, the terminology and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understanding of the invention. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. The term "a plurality of" as used herein is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the term "including and / or having" is defined as encompassing (i.e., open-ended language). As used herein, the term "link" is defined as a connection, although it does not necessarily have to be a direct connection.

[0072] Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims, and other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described above are also within the scope of these appended claims.

[0073] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described above with some example combinations of components and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments can be provided by different combinations of components and / or functions without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, it is particularly anticipated that special features described individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other separately described features or portions of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A roller shutter assembly for a vehicle, the roller shutter assembly comprising: Winding tube (22); Operating beam (24); Roller blind (21), which is attached to the winding tube (22) on one side and to the operating beam (24) on the opposite side; A pair of drive components (28) connected to opposite ends of the operating beam (24); and A pair of parallel roller blind guides (25) for guiding the roller blind (21); The roller blind (21) can move between a closed position and an open position along the roller blind guide (25) by driving the drive component (28); The winding tube (22) is configured to: When the roller blind moves from the closed position to the open position, the roller blind (21) is rolled up, and When the roller shutter moves from the open position to the closed position, the roller shutter (21) is unfolded; The roller blind assembly also includes: Spring assembly (29); and First transmission device (30); The first transmission device is configured to: The roller shutter (21) unfolds in response to the winding tube (22), thus tensioning the spring assembly (29). The roller shutter (21) is wound up in response to the winding tube (22), thereby releasing the spring assembly (29).

2. The roller blind assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first transmission device (30) provides the ratio between the rotation of the spring assembly (29) and the winding tube (22).

3. The roller blind assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The spring assembly (29) includes at least one spring element outside the winding tube (22).

4. The roller blind assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The spring assembly (29) includes at least two spring elements arranged in series or in parallel.

5. The roller blind assembly according to claim 4, wherein: One of the at least two spring elements is arranged at least partially inside the other of the at least two spring elements.

6. The roller blind assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: One of the at least two spring elements is arranged inside the winding tube (22).

7. The roller blind assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one spring element includes a torsion spring.

8. The roller blind assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The spring reference point (75) is provided by the fixed support component; or The spring reference point (75) is provided by the bias support component (92); and The spring assembly (29) is connected to the spring reference point (75) on one side and to the winding tube (22) on the other side. The spring assembly (29) is arranged to be tensioned relative to the winding tube (22) and the spring reference point (75).

9. The roller blind assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The bias support component (92) is configured to adjust the bias set point of the spring reference point (75) in response to the movement of the roller shutter (21).

10. The roller blind assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The bias support component includes: At least one gear (93) and a bias drive component (94); and The bias drive component (94) is configured to adjust the bias setpoint via the drive gear (93).

11. The roller blind assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first transmission device (30) includes a gearbox, a pulley system, or a transmission belt.

12. The roller blind assembly according to any one of claims 3-11 further comprises: The mounting slot gap (32) is used to accommodate the drive component (31), such as a motor or drive control unit; as well as The mounting slot gap (32) and at least one external spring element are set along a virtual axis parallel to the winding tube (22).

13. The roller blind assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The length of the at least one external spring element of the spring assembly (30) is less than the length of the winding tube (22), such that the length of the winding tube (22) extends beyond the combined length of the mounting slot gap (32) and the at least one external spring element.

14. The roller blind assembly according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: A motor (31) is installed in a mounting slot gap (32) for operating the drive component (28).

15. The roller blind assembly according to any one of claims 4-14, wherein: The at least two spring elements provide different spring characteristics.

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