Glass sliding roof module with variable permeability and multiple transparent panes

Abstract

Glass sliding roof module (10), comprising: a first transparent disc (12); a second transparent disc (14); a third transparent disk (20) packed into a space (18) between the first transparent disk (12) and the second transparent disk (14); an actuator (34) configured to move the third transparent pane (20) between a first position in which the glass sliding roof module (10) is in a transparent state and a second position in which the glass sliding roof module (10) is in an opaque state; and a first polarized film (22) on the second transparent disk (14) and a second polarized film (26) on the third transparent disk (20), wherein the first polarized film (22) and the second polarized film (26) switch from the transparent state to the opaque state by linear translation, characterized by a boundary wall (16) that runs between the first transparent disk (12) and the second transparent disk (14), wherein the space (18) is defined by the first transparent disk (12), the second transparent disk (14) and the boundary wall (16); a seal (19) that seals between the first transparent disc (12) and the boundary wall (16) and the second transparent disc (14) and the boundary wall (16) in order to seal the space (18) against environmental influences; wherein the boundary wall (16) includes a guide rail (36) and the third transparent disc (20) slides in the guide rail (36), and wherein the actuator (34) includes a first ferromagnetic element (38), a second ferromagnetic element (40), a first electromagnet (42), a second electromagnet (44) and a control (46) to selectively excite the first electromagnet (42) and / or the second electromagnet (44), and to move the third transparent disk (20) between the first position and the second position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This document generally concerns the field of motor vehicle equipment and in particular a variable-transmittance glass sliding roof module in which a sliding transparent pane is installed in a space sealed against environmental influences, and a method for switching a glass sliding roof module between a transparent state and an opaque state. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] This document concerns a new and improved glass sliding roof module that can be switched between a transparent and an opaque state. For this purpose, a sliding transparent pane is installed within the glass sliding roof module in a sealed chamber that prevents the ingress of dust, dirt, and moisture, as well as condensation and scratches that could obstruct the clear view through the glass sliding roof module.

[0003] Glass sliding roof modules are disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2009 049 114 A1, DE 42 32 660 C1 and DE 10 2012 111 884 A1. SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with the purposes and advantages described in this document, a glass sliding roof module with variable transparency according to claim 1 is provided. This glass sliding roof module comprises a first transparent pane, a second transparent pane, and a third transparent pane. The third transparent pane is packed into a space between the first and second transparent panes. The glass sliding roof module also includes an actuator.The actuator is configured to move the third transparent pane between a first position in which the glass sunroof module is in a transparent state that allows light to pass through the glass sunroof module into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and a second position in which the glass sunroof module is in an opaque state that prevents light from passing through the glass sunroof module into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0005] The glass sliding roof module also includes a first polarized film on the second transparent pane and a second polarized film on the third transparent pane. The polarized films are of a type that switches between a transparent state and an opaque state with linear translation.

[0006] The glass sliding roof module also includes a continuous boundary wall that runs between the first and second transparent panes. The space accommodating the third transparent pane is defined by the first and second transparent panes and the boundary wall.

[0007] The glass sunroof module also includes a seal that creates a barrier between the first transparent pane and the boundary wall, and between the second transparent pane and the boundary wall, sealing the space against environmental influences such as dust, dirt, and moisture. This ensures a clean, unobstructed view through the glass sunroof module and, more specifically, through the sealed third transparent pane within the space. Potential fogging and scratching of this third transparent pane are essentially prevented, guaranteeing long-term clarity even when the glass sunroof module is exposed to adverse environmental conditions commonly associated with motor vehicle operation.

[0008] The boundary wall also includes a guide rail. The third transparent disc slides in the guide rail between the first and second positions. In one of many possible embodiments, the guide rail comprises two opposing channels.

[0009] The actuator comprises a first ferromagnetic element, a second ferromagnetic element, a first electromagnet, a second electromagnet, and a control unit. The control unit enables the selective excitation of the first electromagnet and / or the second electromagnet and the movement of the third transparent pane between the first position, in which the glass sliding roof module is in a transparent state, and the second position, in which the glass sliding roof module is in an opaque state.

[0010] More specifically, the first ferromagnetic element can be located on the third transparent disk adjacent to a first edge of the third transparent disk. The second ferromagnetic element can be located on the third transparent disk adjacent to a second edge of the third transparent disk, where the first edge is opposite the second edge.

[0011] The first electromagnet can be mounted on the first transparent disk outside the space adjacent to the first ferromagnetic element. The second electromagnet can also be mounted on the first transparent disk outside the space adjacent to the second ferromagnetic element.

[0012] In at least one alternative embodiment of a multitude of possible embodiments, the actuator includes a drive motor with a drive shaft connected to a pinion. Furthermore, the actuator includes a rack into which the pinion engages. The rack is mounted on the third transparent disk, and the drive motor is held within this space.

[0013] In addition, a method for switching a glass sliding roof module between a transparent state and an opaque state is provided. This method comprises the following steps: (a) packing a third transparent pane into a space between a first transparent pane and a second transparent pane, and (b) moving the third transparent pane by means of an actuator between a first position in which the glass sliding roof module is in the transparent state and a second position in which the glass sliding roof module is in the opaque state.

[0014] The method can further include the step of exciting a first electromagnet to move the third transparent disk into the first position. Furthermore, the method can include the step of exciting a second electromagnet to move the third transparent disk into the second position.

[0015] The method can also include the step of positioning a first ferromagnetic element on the third transparent disk adjacent to a first edge of that disk. Furthermore, the method can include positioning a second ferromagnetic element on the third transparent disk adjacent to a second edge of that disk, the first edge being opposite the second edge.

[0016] Furthermore, the method can include the step of sealing the space that holds the third transparent disc. Additionally and alternatively, the method can include driving a pinion that engages with a rack mounted on the third transparent disc to move the third transparent disc between the first and second positions.

[0017] The following description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the glass sliding roof module and the corresponding method for switching the glass sliding roof module between a transparent state and an opaque state. As should be understood, the glass sliding roof module and the corresponding method are suitable for other, different embodiments, and their individual details can be modified in various obvious aspects, all without deviating from the glass sliding roof module and method as listed and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be considered illustrative, but not limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0018] The attached drawings, which are integrated into and form part of this document, illustrate several aspects of the glass sliding roof module and process and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the glass sliding roof module, showing the sealed space defined by the first transparent pane, the second transparent pane and the boundary wall, as well as the third transparent pane which can be moved between the first position and the second position. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b are each lower views of the in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a glass sliding roof module, showing the third transparent pane in the first position and in the second position. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of one possible embodiment of the actuator, which is used to move the third transparent disk between the first position and the second position. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a second possible embodiment of the actuator, which is used to move the third transparent disk between the first position and the second position. Fig. 5 illustrates the glass sliding roof module of Fig. 1 on a motor vehicle.

[0019] The preferred embodiments of the glass sliding roof module are now discussed in detail, with examples shown in the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] It will now be on Fig. Reference is made to Figures 1-3, which illustrate a first possible embodiment of the new and improved glass sliding roof module 10. As shown, the glass sliding roof module 10 includes a first transparent pane 12, a second transparent pane 14, and a continuous boundary wall 16 extending between the first and second transparent panes. Together, the first transparent pane 12, the second transparent pane 14, the boundary wall 16, the Z-angle 17, and the interacting urethane, rubber, or adhesive seals 19 define a space 18 sealed against environmental influences. Note the seals 19 that provide a seal between the first transparent pane 12 and the boundary wall 16, as well as between the second transparent pane 14 and the boundary wall. A third transparent pane 20 is packed within the sealed space 18 between the first transparent pane 12 and the second transparent pane 14.

[0021] The first transparent pane 12, the second transparent pane 14 and the third transparent pane 20 may be made of any suitable material, including - but not necessarily limited to - glass, safety glass, alkali aluminosilicate fine glass and transparent plastic, such as polycarbonate.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, a first polarized film 22 is laminated to the inner surface 24 of the second transparent disc 14. A second polarized film 26 is laminated to the surface 28 of the third transparent disc 20. In other possible embodiments, the first polarized film 22 can be laminated to the inner surface 30 of the first transparent disc 12. Naturally, the second polarized film 26 could also be laminated to the second surface 32 of the third transparent disc 20 instead of the first surface 28.

[0023] In each of these embodiments, the first polarized film 22 on the second transparent disk 14 and the second polarized film 26 on the third transparent disk 20 are of a type of polarized film that switches from the transparent state to the opaque state with linear translation.

[0024] As in Fig. Figure 3 best illustrates that an actuator is provided, generally designated by reference numeral 34, and configured to move the third transparent disk 20 between a first position located in Fig. Figure 2a illustrates the glass sliding roof module in a transparent state to allow light to pass through, and in a second position that is in Fig. Figure 2b illustrates the sliding glass roof module being in an opaque state to prevent light from passing through.

[0025] To accommodate the movement of the third transparent disc 20 within the space 18, the boundary wall 16 includes a guide rail 36, and the third transparent disc 20 slides in this guide rail. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail 36 comprises two opposing channels. These guide channels can each include two parts to facilitate the installation of the third transparent channel 20 into the guide rail 36.

[0026] In the Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 3, the actuator 34 includes a first ferromagnetic element 38, a second ferromagnetic element 40, a first electromagnet 42, a second electromagnet 44, a control unit 46, a first selector switch 48 and a second selector switch 50.

[0027] More specifically, the first ferromagnetic element 38 is mounted or attached on the third transparent disk 20 adjacent to a first edge 52 of this third transparent disk, while the second ferromagnetic element 40 is mounted or attached on the third transparent disk adjacent to a second edge 54 of this third transparent disk. As can be understood, the first edge 52 is opposite the second edge 54.

[0028] The controller 46 can be a computing device, such as a specific microprocessor or an electronic control unit (ECU), which is operated according to the instructions of suitable control software. Thus, the controller 46 can include one or more processors, one or more memories, or one or more network interfaces, all of which are interconnected via a communication bus. The controller 46 is configured to selectively excite the first electromagnet 42 and / or the second electromagnet 44 and to move the third transparent disk 20 between the first and second positions.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the first electromagnet 42 is mounted or attached to the first transparent disk 12 outside the space 18, which is arranged next to the first ferromagnetic element 38. The second electromagnet 44 is mounted or attached to the first transparent disk 12 outside the space 18, which is arranged next to the second ferromagnetic element 40.

[0030] When an operator activates the first selector switch 48, the control unit 46 energizes the first electromagnet 42 by supplying current to the first electromagnet from the power source 56. In the energized state, the first electromagnet generates a magnetic field that attracts the first ferromagnetic element 38 and the third transparent disk 20, to which the first ferromagnetic element is attached, in the direction of the action arrow A, thereby moving the third transparent disk into the first position, as shown in Fig. Figure 2a illustrates this. In this first position, the first polarized film 22 on the second transparent pane 14 is aligned with the second polarized film 26 on the third transparent pane 20, so that the glass sliding roof module is in a transparent state that allows light to pass through. After a predetermined period, which is required to complete the movement of the third transparent pane 20 into the first position, the controller 46 interrupts the power supply to the first electromagnet 42.

[0031] If the operator wishes to stop light from passing through the glass sliding roof module, the operator activates the second selector switch 50. In response, the control unit 46 supplies current from the power source 56 to the second electromagnet 44. The second electromagnet 44 then generates a magnetic field that attracts the second ferromagnetic element 40 and the third transparent disc 20 attached to it in the direction of the action arrow B, thereby moving the third transparent disc into the second position, as shown in Fig. Figure 2b illustrates this. In the second position, the first polarized film 22 on the second transparent pane 14 is aligned with the second polarized film 26 on the third transparent pane 20 to prevent light from passing through. Consequently, the glass sliding roof module 10 is in an opaque state. After a predetermined period, required to complete the movement of the third transparent pane 20 into the second position, the controller 46 switches off the first electromagnet 44.

[0032] In another possible embodiment, the two electromagnets 42, 44 can be simultaneously excited to displace the third transparent disk 20 in a desired direction. More specifically, the first electromagnet 42 could be excited to provide a repulsive force, while the second electromagnet 44 is excited to provide an attractive force to displace the third transparent disk 20 in a first direction (by simultaneous push and pull). Alternatively, the first electromagnet 42 could be excited to provide an attractive force, while the second electromagnet 44 is excited to provide a repulsive force to displace the third transparent disk in a second direction (by simultaneous pull and push).

[0033] As should be understood, the operator can operate the first selector switch 48 and the second selector switch 50 as often as desired to switch the third transparent pane 20 between the first position, in which the glass sliding roof module is in a transparent state that allows light to pass through, and the second position, in which the glass sliding roof module is in an opaque state that prevents light from passing through.

[0034] It goes without saying that the in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the actuator 34, which is based on magnetism, with no mechanical device actually touching the third transparent disk 20 to move this third transparent disk between the first position and the second position. It should be noted that the actuator 34 can take other forms. For example, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the actuator 34 comprises a control unit 58, which has a first selector switch 60 and a second selector switch 62. The control unit is connected to a drive motor 64, which has a drive shaft 66 connected to the pinion 68. The pinion 68 engages a rack 70, which is mounted on the third transparent disk 20. A second drive motor 64, the drive shaft 66, the pinion 68, and a meshing rack 70 (not shown) can be provided on the opposite side of the third transparent disk 20 to ensure a balanced, simultaneous application of the displacement force for smooth operation of the third transparent disk 20 when it is moved between the first and second positions.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the first selector switch 60 is actuated, the control unit supplies current from the power source 72 to excite the drive motor 64 in order to drive the pinions 68 and move the racks 70, as well as the third transparent disc attached to them, into the first position, with the glass sliding roof module 10 in a transparent state. Conversely, when the second selector switch 62 is actuated, the control unit 58 excites the drive motors 64 and drives the pinions 68 in the opposite direction to move the racks 70 and the third transparent disc 20 attached to them into the second position, with the glass sliding roof module in an opaque state.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the glass sliding roof module 10 in the roof R of a motor vehicle V.

[0037] In accordance with the above description, a further method for switching a glass sliding roof module 10 between a transparent state, as in Fig. 2a illustrates, and an opaque state, as in Fig. 2b illustrates and provides this procedure. This procedure includes the steps for packing a third transparent pane 20 into a space 18 between a first transparent pane 12 and a second transparent pane 14 and moving the third transparent pane by means of an actuator 34 between a first position in which the glass sliding roof module 10 is in the transparent state and a second position in which the glass sliding roof module is in the opaque state.

[0038] The method can also include the step of exciting a first electromagnet 42 to move the third transparent disk 20 into the first position. Furthermore, the method can also include the step of exciting a second electromagnet 44 to move the third transparent disk 20 into the second position. The method can further include the steps of positioning a first ferromagnetic element 38 on the third transparent disk 20 adjacent to a first edge 52, and positioning a second ferromagnetic element 40 on the third transparent disk adjacent to a second edge 54 opposite the first edge.

[0039] The procedure can also include the step of sealing the space 18 with the seal 19, as well as the alternative step of driving the pinion 68 to engage with a rack 70 which is mounted on the third transparent disc 20, as shown in Fig. 4 illustrates.

[0040] The foregoing explanation is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variants are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0041] For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 3 the actuator 34 of the cooperating ferromagnetic elements 38, 40 and the electromagnets 42, 44, to move the third transparent disk 20 between the first and second positions. In Fig.In Figure 4, the actuator 34 uses the drive motors 64 and the pinion 68, which interacts with the rack 70, to move the third transparent disc between the first and second positions. It is understood that other actuator arrangements can be used, such as a linear actuator and a gear-driven linkage. Furthermore, while the embodiments of the glass sliding roof module 10 described above include automated mechanical and electromechanical actuators, the actuator 34 could be a manual actuator or a button connected to the third transparent disc and protruding from the sealed space 18 through an O-ring seal.Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment relates to a glass sliding roof module 10 in which the third transparent pane 20 is moved back and forth to switch between the transparent and opaque states, it is understood that the glass sliding roof module could be configured to move the third transparent pane from side to side or laterally to achieve the same purpose. All modifications and alterations are within the scope of the accompanying claims when interpreted to the extent to which they are reasonably entitled under law and equity.

Claims

[1] Glass sliding roof module (10), comprising: a first transparent disc (12); a second transparent disc (14); a third transparent disk (20) packed into a space (18) between the first transparent disk (12) and the second transparent disk (14); an actuator (34) configured to move the third transparent pane (20) between a first position in which the glass sliding roof module (10) is in a transparent state and a second position in which the glass sliding roof module (10) is in an opaque state; and a first polarized film (22) on the second transparent disk (14) and a second polarized film (26) on the third transparent disk (20), wherein the first polarized film (22) and the second polarized film (26) switch from the transparent state to the opaque state by linear translation, characterized by a boundary wall (16) that runs between the first transparent disk (12) and the second transparent disk (14), wherein the space (18) is defined by the first transparent disk (12), the second transparent disk (14) and the boundary wall (16); a seal (19) that seals between the first transparent disc (12) and the boundary wall (16) and the second transparent disc (14) and the boundary wall (16) in order to seal the space (18) against environmental influences; wherein the boundary wall (16) includes a guide rail (36) and the third transparent disc (20) slides in the guide rail (36), and wherein the actuator (34) includes a first ferromagnetic element (38), a second ferromagnetic element (40), a first electromagnet (42), a second electromagnet (44) and a control (46) to selectively excite the first electromagnet (42) and / or the second electromagnet (44), and to move the third transparent disk (20) between the first position and the second position. [2] Glass sliding roof module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail (36) comprises two opposing channels. [3] Glass sliding roof module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first ferromagnetic element (38) is mounted on the third transparent pane (20) adjacent to a first edge (52) of the third transparent pane (20) and the second ferromagnetic element (40) is mounted on the third transparent pane (20) next to a second edge (54) of the third transparent pane (20), wherein the first edge (52) is opposite the second edge (54). [4] Glass sliding roof module (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first electromagnet (42) is mounted on the first transparent disk (12) outside the space (18) next to the first ferromagnetic element (38) and the second electromagnet (44) is mounted on the first transparent disk (12) outside the space (18) next to the second ferromagnetic element (40). [5] Glass sliding roof module (10) according to claim 2, wherein the actuator (34) includes a drive motor (64) which has a drive shaft (66) connected to a pinion (68) and a rack (70) into which the pinion (68) engages. [6] Glass sliding roof module (10) according to claim 5, wherein the rack (70) is mounted on the third transparent disc (20) and the drive motor (64) is held in the space (18).

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