Vehicle sun shade attachment structure, sunroof assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The vehicle sunshade member attachment structure (21) facilitates the combination of the sunshade member (38) to the sunroof assembly (20) of the vehicle. The vehicle sunshade member attachment structure (21) includes a post (34b) that is combined to an attachment element (34, 134) that is configured to be movable relative to a roof of the vehicle when the sunshade member attachment structure (21) is installed in the vehicle. The sunshade member attachment structure (21) further includes a hole (38g) formed in the sunshade member (38) to be combined to the sunroof assembly (20). The sunshade member (38) is attached to the attachment element (34, 134) by inserting the post (34b) through the hole (38g). A tab (38f) of the sunshade member (38) is configured to be windable over at least a portion of the attachment element (34, 134) such that the sunshade member attachment structure (21) is not visible to an occupant seated in a passenger compartment of the vehicle when the sunshade member (38) is attached to the post (34b) and the sunshade member attachment structure (21) is installed in the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to sunroof assemblies for vehicles, and more specifically, to structures for attaching sunshades to movable portions of the sunroof assembly so that the sunshades can be deployed and retracted. Background Technology

[0002] Various structures and methods for attaching sun visors to a vehicle sunroof assembly can include adhesives, tapes, and / or mechanical fasteners. Such attachment structures and methods may increase the labor and material costs associated with attaching the sun visor. Furthermore, in the final production version of the vehicle, this attachment structure may be exposed in the vehicle's passenger compartment and visible to occupants located within the passenger compartment. Adhesive and other sun visor attachment interfaces visible to occupants in the vehicle's passenger compartment may be unsightly and may reduce the overall perceived quality of the vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0003] In one aspect of the embodiments described herein, a vehicle sunshade attachment structure is integrated into a vehicle's sunroof assembly. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure includes a post integrated into an attachment element configured to be movable relative to the vehicle's roof when the sunshade attachment structure is installed in the vehicle. The sunshade attachment structure also includes a hole formed in the sunshade to be integrated into the sunroof assembly. The sunshade is attached to the attachment element by inserting the post through the hole. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and constituting a part of this specification, illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of this disclosure. It will be understood that the element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) illustrated in the drawings represent one embodiment of a boundary. In some embodiments, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component, and vice versa. Furthermore, the elements may not be drawn to scale. Additionally, similar elements in the same or different views may be labeled with similar reference numerals.

[0005] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a sunroof assembly incorporating a vehicle sunshade attachment structure according to the embodiments described herein.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged portion of the schematic perspective view shows the portion of the vehicle sunshade attachment structure attached to the drive slide according to the embodiment described herein.

[0007] Figure 3yes Figure 2 A schematic plan view of a portion of the deployable edge of a sunshade, showing the protrusion of the sunshade.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another schematic perspective view of a portion of the sunshade shown.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the sunshade attachment structure shown.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the lower side of one side of the sunroof assembly when it is installed in the passenger compartment, as viewed from the perspective of an occupant in the passenger compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The embodiments described herein relate to a vehicle sunshade attachment structure incorporated into a sunroof assembly of a vehicle. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure includes a post incorporated into an attachment element configured to be movable relative to the vehicle roof when the sunshade attachment structure is installed in the vehicle. The sunshade attachment structure also includes a hole formed in the sunshade to be incorporated into the sunroof assembly. The sunshade is attached to the attachment element by inserting the post through the hole. A protrusion of the sunshade is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the attachment element such that the sunshade attachment structure is invisible to occupants seated in the vehicle's passenger compartment when the sunshade is attached to the post and the sunshade attachment structure is installed in the vehicle.

[0012] It will be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals have been repeated in different figures where appropriate to indicate corresponding elements or similar elements. Furthermore, many specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a sunroof assembly 20 incorporating a vehicle sunshade attachment structure (generally designated 21) according to an embodiment described herein. The sunroof assembly 20 is attached to the roof 98 of a vehicle (not shown), for example, via one or more example fasteners and / or one or more example fastening methods or techniques. Furthermore, Figure 1 The sunroof assembly 20, or at least a portion thereof, is disposed in an opening extending through the roof 98. The roof opening may be, for example, a relatively large opening in the roof 98, which is sized and / or shaped to receive one or more sunroof assembly components.

[0014] Sunroof assembly 20 may include various elements. Some of the possible elements of assembly 20 are shown in the accompanying drawings and will now be described. It will be understood that sunroof assembly 20 need not have Figure 1 All elements shown in the figures or described herein. The sunroof assembly 20 may have any combination of the various elements shown in the figures. In addition, the sunroof assembly 20 may have additional elements besides those shown in the figures and described herein.

[0015] In one or more arrangements, the sunroof assembly 20 may include a frame 22 configured to attach other elements of the sunroof assembly to a frame. The frame 22 may be fastened to the vehicle roof 98 within an opening in the vehicle roof to attach the sunroof assembly 20 to the vehicle. The frame 22 may include a first side portion 24, a second side portion 26 positioned opposite to the first side portion 24, a front side portion 28, and a rear side portion 30. The first side portion 24 and the second side portion 26 may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the vehicle's front-rear axis FA1. The front side portion 28 and the rear side portion 30 may be positioned along (and perpendicular to) the vehicle's front-rear axis FA1. In the illustrated embodiment, when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in the vehicle in its final use configuration, the first side portion 24 is the right side portion of the frame 22, and the second side portion 26 is the left side portion of the frame 22. The various sides 24, 26, 28, 30 of the frame 22 can be combined to define an opening 97 that, when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed on the vehicle, leads from the outside of the vehicle to the passenger compartment 99 of the vehicle.

[0016] In one or more arrangements, to facilitate movement of the sunshade 38 of the sunroof assembly between an open and closed position, the frame 22 may include a pair of opposing sunshade guide tracks or rails 32a, 32b extending along a first side 24 and a second side 26 of the frame. More specifically, the first rail 32a may extend along the first side 24 of the frame, and the second rail 32b may extend along the second side 26 of the frame opposite to the first rail 32a, to provide a path or guideway along which the movable sunshade component can travel.

[0017] As is known in the relevant art, sunroof assembly 20 may be provided with a "sunroof" (e.g., a glass panel) (not shown) that is configured to be controllable to move between an open position and a closed position in a known manner. Movement of the sunroof to the open position exposes the vehicle's passenger compartment 99 to the external environment. In the closed position, the opening 97 is physically blocked by the sunroof. To move the sunroof to the open position, it can retract into a cavity located between the vehicle's roof and the roof 98.

[0018] Reference Figure 1 In some configurations, the sunroof assembly 20 may also include a foldable sunroof shade (or "shade") 38. The shade 38 may be configured to be user-controlled to unfold and retract in a known manner between an open position (exposing opening 97 to expose the vehicle's passenger compartment 99 to the external environment) and a closed position, in which the shade 38 is inserted between the external environment and the passenger compartment 99. The closed shade 38 may also help reduce glare and temperature in the passenger compartment 99 and may prevent damage to the interior by blocking ultraviolet rays. The closed shade 38 may be translucent to allow a certain amount of visible light to enter the passenger compartment 99. In some configurations, the shading material is porous to allow airflow between the external environment and the passenger compartment 99.

[0019] In one or more arrangements, the shading element 38 may be formed of a foldable material having suitable UV absorption and other properties. In a particular arrangement, the shading element 38 may be configured to retract onto (and extend from) a spring-loaded roller 40 connected to the frame 22. The shading element 38 may be unwound from the roller 40 by the operation of a suitable drive mechanism, such as those described herein. The shading element 38 may be unwound from the roller 40 in direction D1 to its closed position by an associated drive mechanism. In some examples, the shading element 38 is formed of a suitable polymer film (e.g., Mylar®) or a suitable fabric (e.g., a polyester mesh or woven fabric).

[0020] In one or more arrangements, the shading member 38 may have a body portion 38b configured to unwind or unfold from the roller 40 to a closed position to cover the opening 97. The shading member body portion 38b may also have an unfoldable edge 38e (positioned relative to the end of the shading member 38 wound around the roller 40 and configured to move along the opening 97 to open and close the opening 97). The shading member 38 may also have one or more protrusions 38f extending from the body portion 38b to be folded separately from the body portion. Figure 3 yes Figure 2A schematic plan view of a portion of the deployable edge of a sun visor, showing a protrusion 38f of the sun visor. Although a single protrusion 38f is shown in the drawing for illustrative purposes, the sun visor 38 may include a pair of protrusions 38f, one of which extends from each of a first side 24 and a second side 26 adjacent to the frame 22 from the body portion 38b for attachment to a corresponding sun visor attachment element 34 (described in more detail below), which is configured to be movable relative to the vehicle roof 98 along a corresponding one of guide rails 32a, 32b. Each protrusion 38f may have a hole 38g formed therein to allow attachment of the sun visor 38 to the corresponding sun visor attachment element 34. A notch 38n may be formed between the protrusion 38f and the portion of the sun visor body portion 38b including the deployable edge 38e.

[0021] As is known in the art, to facilitate movement of the sunshade 38 between an open and closed position, the sunroof assembly 20 may include (or be operatively connected to) one or more drive mechanisms (not shown). For example, in some arrangements, suitable drive mechanisms may include one or more motors (not shown) and one or more cables, belts, chains, etc. (not shown) operatively connecting the motors to a sunshade attachment element configured to move relative to the vehicle roof 98 along one of the respective guide rails 32a, 32b.

[0022] In some arrangements, the movable attachment element of the sunshade attachment structure may be in the form of a drive slide 34 configured to slide or roll along one of the associated sunshade guide tracks 32a, 32b. The arrangement shown in the figures illustrates a pair of opposing drive slides 34, 134. In some arrangements, individual drive slides including columns as described herein may be configured to slide or roll along each of the opposing sunshade guide tracks 32a, 32b. Cables, belts, chains, etc., may be connected and configured to transfer energy from the motor to the drive slides 34, 134 by generating tension in the cables, belts, chains, etc., to simultaneously pull the drive slides 34, 134 along their respective guide tracks 32a, 32b in a first direction D1 and / or a second direction D2 parallel to the extension of the guide tracks. Referring to the figures, in some arrangements, each drive slide may be attached to an associated roller element 36 (…). Figure 4 The roller element 36 is configured to facilitate the smooth movement of the sliding tile relative to the corresponding sunshade guide track.

[0023] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the drive sliding plate 34 according to the embodiments described herein may include a body portion 34a and a post 34b extending from the body portion 34a. The body portion 34a may have an inner surface 34g, a front edge 34h extending adjacent to the inner surface 34g, and an outer surface 34j extending adjacent to the front edge 34h. The inner surface 34g may be configured to face the vehicle's passenger compartment 99 when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in its final use configuration in the vehicle. The front edge 34h may be configured to face the vehicle's forward direction when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in its final use configuration in the vehicle. The outer surface 34j may be configured to face a direction away from the vehicle's passenger compartment 99 when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in its final use configuration in the vehicle. In one or more arrangements, the post 34b extends from the body portion along the outer surface.

[0024] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in the embodiments described herein, the vehicle sunshade attachment structure 21 may include a post incorporated into an attachment element (e.g., a drive slide 34) as described herein. Figure 2 and Figure 5 A column 34b extending from the drive sliding pad body portion 34a is shown. See also: [Specific reference] Figure 5 In some arrangement structures, column 34b includes base 34r and shoulder 34s extending from base 34r.

[0025] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the decorative element 42 may extend between the attachment elements 34 and 134 for attaching a portion of the sunshade 38 to the attachment elements. The decorative element 42 may include a body portion 42a, a first end portion 42b extending from the body portion 42a, and a second end portion 42c extending from the body portion 42a opposite to the first end portion 42b. In the drawings, the first end portion 42b of the decorative element is shown connected to the first drive slide 34, and the second end portion 42c of the decorative element is shown connected to the second drive slide 134.

[0026] The trim piece 42 may also have an inner surface 42g, a front edge 42h extending adjacent to the inner surface 42g, and an outer surface 42j extending adjacent to the front edge 42h. The inner surface 42g of the trim piece may be configured to face the passenger compartment 99 of the vehicle when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in the vehicle in its final use configuration. The front edge 42h of the trim piece may be configured to face the forward direction of the vehicle when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in the vehicle in its final use configuration. The outer surface 42j of the trim piece may be configured to face the direction away from the passenger compartment 99 when the sunroof assembly 20 is installed in the vehicle in its final use configuration.

[0027] In one or more arrangement configurations, a portion of each driving sliding tile 34, 134 may be configured to cover or clamp a relevant portion of the unfoldable edge 38e of the shading body portion to the decorative element 42. For example... Figure 2The portion 34c of the drive slide 34, which secures a portion of the expandable edge 38e to the decorative element 42, is shown.

[0028] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the sunshade 38 can be attached to each of the drive slides 34, 134 by inserting the post of the corresponding drive slide into the hole 38g passing through the corresponding protrusion 38f of the sunshade. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 5 A post 34b inserted into a protrusion hole 38g is shown. A sunshade 38 can contact the post 34b along the edge 38t of the hole 38g, such that the contact between the shoulder 34s and the edge 38t of the hole 38g prevents the sunshade 38 from separating from the post 34b.

[0029] The sun visor 38 is attached to the movable attachment elements 34, 134 using a column, allowing the attachment elements to move in direction D1 (towards the front of the vehicle). This also correspondingly allows the attached trim 42 and the unfoldable edge 38e of the sun visor 38 to move in direction D1 away from the sun visor roller 40 to partially or completely cover the opening 97. Conversely, movement of the attachment elements 34, 134 in direction D2 (towards the rear of the vehicle) allows the unfolded sun visor 38 to be retracted and folded back onto the spring-loaded roller 40.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the lower side of one side of the sunroof assembly 20 when installed in the passenger compartment 99, as viewed from the perspective of an occupant in the passenger compartment 99. Refer to the accompanying drawings, and in particular to... Figure 6 In one or more arrangements, the sunshade protrusion 38f, the sunshade attachment element (drive slide) 34, and the post 34b can be configured and positioned such that, before attaching the protrusion 38f to the post 34b as previously described, the protrusion 38f can wrap around at least a portion of the outer surface 34j of the attachment element, and such that, when the sunshade 38f is attached to the post 34b and the sunshade attachment structure 21 is installed in the vehicle, the sunshade attachment structure 21 provides comfort to occupants seated in the vehicle's passenger compartment 99 (i.e., from...). Figure 6The view shown is not visible. Furthermore, in one or more arrangements, the sun visor protrusion 38f, the sun visor attachment element (drive slide) 34, and the post 34b can be configured and positioned such that the protrusion 38f can wrap around a portion of the attachment element 34, such that when the sun visor 38 is attached to the post 34b and the sun visor attachment structure 21 is installed in the vehicle, the portion of the attachment element wrapped by the protrusion 38f is not visible to occupants seated in the vehicle's passenger compartment. Additionally, in one or more arrangements, the trim 42 and the sun visor 38 can be configured such that the portion of the sun visor 38 including the deployable edge 38e can wrap around at least a portion of the inner surface 42g, the front edge 42h, and the outer surface 42j of the trim, such that when the portion of the sun visor including the deployable edge 38e is wrapped around the trim 42, the portion of the trim wrapped by the deployable edge 38e is not visible to occupants seated in the vehicle's passenger compartment 99.

[0031] Detailed implementations are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed implementations are intended only as examples. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the aspects herein differently with virtually any suitable detailed structure. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Figures 1 to 6 Various implementations are shown, but these implementations are not limited to the structures or applications illustrated.

[0032] As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more. As used herein, the term “multiple” 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 terms “comprising” and / or “having” are defined as including (i.e., open-ended terms). As used herein, the phrase “at least one of… and…” indicates and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes: only A, only B, only C, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, or ABC).

[0033] Various aspects described herein may be implemented in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of this invention. Therefore, when indicating the scope of this invention, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21), characterized in that, The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) includes: A post (34b) is incorporated into attachment elements (34, 134), the attachment elements (34, 134) being configured to be movable relative to the roof of the vehicle when the sunshade attachment structure (21) is installed in the vehicle; and A hole (38g) is formed in the sunshade (38). The sunshade (38) is attached to the attachment element (34, 134) by inserting the post (34b) through the hole (38g).

2. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attachment elements (34, 134) are drive slides operatively connected to a drive mechanism configured to move the sunshade (38) from an open position to a closed position.

3. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sunshade (38) includes a foldable body portion (38b) and a protrusion (38f) extending from the body portion (38b) so as to be folded separately from the body portion (38b), wherein the hole (38g) is formed in the protrusion (38f).

4. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion (38f) and the attachment elements (34, 134) are configured such that the protrusion (38f) can wrap around a portion of the attachment elements (34, 134) such that when the sunshade (38) is attached to the pillar (34b) and the sunshade attachment structure (21) is installed in the vehicle, the sunshade attachment structure (21) is invisible to occupants seated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion (38f) and the attachment elements (34, 134) are configured such that the protrusion (38f) can wrap around a portion of the attachment elements (34, 134) such that when the sunshade (38) is attached to the pillar (34b) and the sunshade attachment structure (21) is installed in the vehicle, the portion of the attachment elements (34, 134) wrapped by the protrusion (38f) is not visible to occupants seated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The post (34b) includes a base and a shoulder extending from the base, wherein the sunshade (38) contacts the post (34b) along the edge of the hole (38g) such that the contact between the shoulder and the edge of the hole (38g) prevents the sunshade (38) from detaching from the post (34b).

7. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the sunshade (38) including the expandable edge of the sunshade (38) is configured to wrap around a portion of the trim such that when the portion of the sunshade (38) including the expandable edge is wrapped around the trim, the expandable edge of the sunshade (38) is not visible to an occupant seated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the sunshade (38) including the expandable edge of the sunshade (38) is configured to wrap around a portion of the trim such that when the portion of the sunshade (38) including the expandable edge is wrapped around the trim, the portion of the trim wrapped by the expandable edge is not visible to an occupant seated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

9. A sunroof assembly (20), characterized in that, The sunroof assembly (20) includes the vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the vehicle sunshade attachment structure (21) according to claim 1.

Images