Light-shielding device

Abstract

To provide a shading device with variable shading effect. [Solution] The present invention relates to a shading device comprising a shading curtain (24) and a pulling device (22). The shading curtain comprises a first shading layer and a second shading layer, each having at least two types of light-transmitting regions with different light transmittances. The pulling device comprises a first pulling member and a second pulling member, wherein the first pulling member is connected to the first pulling layer and configured to pull the first pulling layer, and the second pulling member is connected to the second pulling layer and configured to pull the second pulling layer. The first and second pulling members are movable relative to each other between a first relative position and a second relative position, and the first and second shading layers move parallel to each other. In the first relative position, the shading curtain has a first light transmittance, and in the second relative position, the shading curtain has a second light transmittance. This shading device reliably achieves a variable shading effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-shielding device for blocking light. This light-shielding device may be applied to vehicles or the like, for example, to the side windows, front glass, rear window or sunroof of a passenger car.

Background Art

[0002] Some known vehicles are provided with a light-shielding device. The light-shielding device is used to block light such as sunlight on a sunny summer day, which is energy-efficient and will improve the comfort of passengers. The light-shielding device may have a light-shielding curtain. The conventional light-shielding curtain for vehicles has a single layer with substantially constant light transmittance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a light-shielding device that can surely achieve a variable light-shielding effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To solve this problem, a light-shielding device is proposed, which includes a light-shielding curtain having at least two light-transmitting regions with different light transmittances, namely a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer, a pulling device having a first pulling member and a second pulling member, wherein the first pulling member is connected to the first light-shielding layer and is configured to pull the first light-shielding layer, and the second pulling member is connected to the second light-shielding layer and is configured to pull the second light-shielding layer, and the pulling device and the first pulling member and the second pulling member are relatively movable with respect to each other between a first relative position and a second relative position, the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer move parallel to each other, and the light-shielding curtain has a first light transmittance at the first relative position and a second light transmittance at the second relative position.

[0005] In the light-shielding device according to the present invention, the light transmittance of the light-shielding curtain may be adjusted as needed. For example, the light-shielding curtain may be switched to its maximum light-transmitting state in order to obtain external light into the vehicle or to observe the outside from inside the vehicle. For example, the light-shielding curtain may also be switched to a minimum light-transmitting state, such as an opaque state, to block high-temperature sunlight or to ensure greater privacy.

[0006] In one embodiment, the blackout curtain may be switched between a non-operational retracted state and an operational extended state. In another embodiment, the blackout curtain may be permanently held in the operational extended state.

[0007] In one embodiment, the pull device may be configured to pull the blackout curtain from a non-operational retracted state to an operational extended state.

[0008] In one embodiment, the deployment direction of the blackout curtain may be the same as the relative movement direction of the first and second pulling members. This is particularly user-friendly in the deployment operation of the blackout curtain and the switching operation of the light-transmitting state of the blackout curtain.

[0009] In one embodiment, the light-shielding device may include a drive device configured to drive a pulling device. For example, the drive device may be an electric motor or a hydraulic drive device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the drive unit may be configured to drive the pull unit, as a result, the pull unit moves as a whole to extend and retract the blackout curtain. Alternatively or additionally, the drive unit may be configured to drive the pull unit so that the first pull member and the second pull member move linearly relative to each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drive device may be configured such that the first and second pulling members can be switched to any relative position between the first relative position and the second relative position. In another embodiment, the drive device may be configured such that the first and second pulling members can be switched to either the first relative position or the second relative position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drive device may be configured to drive one of the pulling members of the pulling device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drive device may be configured to drive the same one pull member of a pull device, such as the first or second pull member, during the unfolding movement of the blackout curtain and during the relative movement of the first pull member 221 and the second pull member that follows the unfolding movement.

[0014] In one embodiment, the drive device can drive a pulling device, such as a first pulling member of a pulling device, by a support rod.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support rod can move within a plane.

[0016] In one embodiment, the light-shielding device may include a guide rail configured to receive and guide a support rod.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive device can drive the support rod by a Bowden cable.

[0018] In one embodiment, the guide rail may be further configured to receive and guide the longitudinal side of the blackout curtain.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member can be held in one of the first and second relative positions under the action of a holding force, and can be switched to the other first and second relative position with respect to the holding force.

[0020] For example, the holding force can be realized by a detachable snap connection, the magnetic force of mutually attractive magnets or mutually repulsive magnets, static friction force or elastic deformation force.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the first pulling member and the second pulling member can be held in one relative position by the holding force of an elastic element.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the elastic element can be a spring element that biases one pulling member to a first relative position with respect to the other pulling member, and one pulling member can translate to a second relative position with respect to the other pulling member against the spring force of the spring element due to a predetermined displacement.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the spring element can be at least one of a tension spring, a compression spring, and a torsion spring.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the first and second relative positions of the first pulling member and the second pulling member may be respectively determined by a pair of stops of the pulling device.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the first pulling member and the second pulling member can be provided with stops at their ends for the second relative position.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the spring element may apply a force to the first stop of the first pulling member having its end to a first opposing position stationary with respect to the other pulling member, and may also be fixed to the other pulling member together with its other end.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the pulling device may include a spring seat disposed between the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member, where the spring element is received in the spring seat.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the spring seat may have a first opposing stop.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pulling device may include a linear guide that defines the relative direction of movement of the first pulling member and the second pulling member.

[0030] In one embodiment, the linear guide may have a guide groove on one of the first and second pulling members, and a projection on the other of the first and second pulling members, where the projection is guided within the guide groove.

[0031] In one embodiment, when viewed in the height direction of the pulling device, which is perpendicular to the relative movement direction of the first pulling member and the second pulling member, the linear guide portion may be provided with a pair of guide grooves and a pair of projections.

[0032] In one embodiment, when viewed from the height direction of the pull device, the spring element may be centrally located between a pair of guide grooves and a pair of projections.

[0033] In one embodiment, the projection may be hook-shaped.

[0034] In one embodiment, the hook-shaped projection may be held by engaging with a guide groove by a retaining plate which may be positioned between the first and second pulling members, or it may be connected to one of the pulling members.

[0035] In one embodiment, one of the first and second pulling members may have a curved edge that surrounds the other first and second pulling member within the entire circumference or, alternatively, within the circumference excluding the back surface.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first light transmittance and the second light transmittance may correspond to the same or different light transmittances of a blackout curtain.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first light transmittance may correspond to either the maximum or minimum light transmittance of the blackout curtain, preferably to the maximum light transmittance. The second light transmittance may correspond to the other of the maximum and minimum light transmittance of the blackout curtain, preferably to the minimum light transmittance, particularly to an opaque state.

[0038] In one embodiment, each light-shielding layer may have at least one of a first light-transmitting region and a second light-transmitting region distributed within it. For example, the first and second light-transmitting regions may be arranged alternately and periodically, and preferably, the extending directions of the first and second light-transmitting regions are perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the light-shielding curtain.

[0039] In one embodiment, the area size of each first light-transmitting region is less than or equal to the area size of each second light-transmitting region, and the light transmittance of the first light-transmitting region is greater than that of the second light-transmitting region.

[0040] In one embodiment, At the first relative position, the first light-transmitting regions of the first and second light-shielding layers overlap, and the second light-transmitting regions of the first and second light-shielding layers overlap. At the second relative position, the first light-transmitting region of the first light-shielding layer overlaps with the second light-transmitting region of the second light-shielding layer, and the second light-transmitting region of the first light-shielding layer overlaps with the first light-transmitting region of the second light-shielding layer. It is at least one of the following:

[0041] In one embodiment, the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer may each be made of a flexible material.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer may be in contact with each other over a surface area.

[0043] In one embodiment, the light-shielding device may be configured for a vehicle such as an automobile, particularly a passenger car. The light-shielding device may be configured for the side windows, windshield, rear window, or sunroof of an automobile.

[0044] In one embodiment, the blackout curtain may be configured to unfold from one side of the side window to the other, either the front or the rear.

[0045] In one embodiment, the blackout curtain may be designed to be rolled up.

[0046] In one embodiment, the light-blocking device may include a return spring that acts on the light-blocking curtain in the winding direction.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer may each include a reel and a return spring that acts on the reel in the winding direction.

[0048] In one embodiment, the light-shielding device may include a housing. A light-shielding curtain may be wound inside the housing, and a reel for the light-shielding curtain and a return spring may be housed within it.

[0049] In one embodiment, the housing may include a first guide edge for the first light-shielding layer and a second guide edge for the second light-shielding layer.

[0050] In one embodiment, the shading device may include a first guide rail having a groove configured to receive and guide the first longitudinal side of the shading curtain. When the shading curtain is partially or fully extended, the extended portion of the first longitudinal side of the shading curtain is at least partially received within the groove.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal side portion may have a support member, thereby allowing the first longitudinal side portion to be supported and guided within the groove.

[0052] In a light-blocking device, the first longitudinal side of the light-blocking curtain is received and guided in the groove of the first guide rail, thereby providing a relatively stable light-blocking effect, reducing unpleasant noise caused by collisions between components of the light-blocking device, or reducing light leakage that may occur in the first longitudinal direction.

[0053] In one embodiment, the groove may be U-shaped.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first light-shielding layer may have a first support member.

[0055] In one embodiment, the second light-shielding layer may have a second support member.

[0056] In one embodiment, the winding axis of the blackout curtain may be substantially vertical. Thus, the blackout curtain can be pulled laterally or unfolded and rolled up substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0057] In one embodiment, the winding axis of the blackout curtain may be positioned at an angle not exceeding 30 degrees, for example, about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, or about 15 degrees, forming a vertical line.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal side may be the upper side in the longitudinal direction, and the second longitudinal side may be the lower side in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] In comparison, in well-known light-blocking devices, the winding axis of the light-blocking curtain is on a horizontal line, allowing the curtain to be pulled up and down.

[0060] In one embodiment, the support member is configured to slide along a groove.

[0061] In one embodiment, the width of the groove in the blackout curtain and the width of the first longitudinal side portion may be compatible with each other, and as a result, a gap (clearance) may be formed in which the first longitudinal side portion of the blackout curtain fits into the groove together with the support member.

[0062] In the above research, the inventors of the present invention noticed that, compared to blackout curtains that can be pulled vertically, the upper longitudinal side of a blackout curtain is more susceptible to external interference such as vehicle vibrations. Furthermore, the inventors noticed that reinforcement measures for the upper longitudinal part of a blackout curtain may be undesirable for the shape stability of the blackout curtain during the deployment process and in the final deployed position due to increased gravity. Surprisingly, the shape stability of the blackout curtain during the deployment process and in the final deployed position can be improved by proper reception and guidance of the support member on the first guide rail. By adapting to the aforementioned clearance, the shape stability of the blackout curtain can be further enhanced. For example, the blackout curtain can maintain good flatness and stable blackout performance during the deployment process and in the final deployed position.

[0063] In one embodiment, the support member may be placed on the side surface of the first longitudinal side of each light-shielding layer.

[0064] In one embodiment, the support member may form the edge of the first longitudinal side of each light-shielding layer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the support member and the first guide rail may generate at least one of a magnetic attraction force and a magnetic repulsion force.

[0066] When blackout curtains can be drawn horizontally, especially in combination with magnetic force and the aforementioned clearance, it is possible to further ensure that the blackout curtains maintain good flatness and stable blackout performance at all times during the unfolding process and in the final unfolded position.

[0067] In one embodiment, the support member can be configured to generate at least one of a magnetic attraction and a magnetic repulsion at at least one of the side walls and bottom of the first guide rail.

[0068] In one embodiment, the support member has a magnet or is made of at least a portion of a magnetic material, and the first guide rail has a magnet or is made of at least a portion of a magnetic material.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first support member may be configured to generate magnetic attraction using the first groove wall of the first guide rail.

[0070] In one embodiment, the second support member may be configured to generate a magnetic attraction using the second groove wall of the first guide rail that faces the first groove wall.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first support member may be configured to generate magnetic attraction using the bottom of the first guide rail.

[0072] In one embodiment, the second support member may be configured to generate magnetic attraction using the bottom of the first guide rail.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first and second support members may be configured to maintain the spacing between the deployed areas of the first and second light-blocking layers during at least one of the periods when the light-blocking curtain is moving and when the light-blocking curtain is stationary.

[0074] In one embodiment, the light-shielding device may include a second guide rail with a groove.

[0075] In one embodiment, the groove of the second rail may be configured to receive and guide the second longitudinal side of the blackout curtain.

[0076] In one embodiment, the second longitudinal side may have a support member so that the second longitudinal side is received and guided in the groove of the second guide rail.

[0077] In one embodiment, the support members of the second longitudinal side and the second guide rail are capable of generating at least one of magnetic attraction and magnetic repulsion.

[0078] In one embodiment, the second longitudinal support member may be configured to cooperate particularly with the first longitudinal support member to maintain the spacing between the deployed areas of the first and second shading layers, at least during the movement of the shading curtain and when the shading curtain is stationary.

[0079] In one embodiment, the support member may be a member that extends continuously along the first longitudinal side of the blackout curtain, or it may be a plurality of members distributed along the first longitudinal side of the blackout curtain.

[0080] In one embodiment, the support member may be an integral part of each longitudinal side, or it may be attached to each longitudinal side as a separate mounting member.

[0081] In one embodiment, one of the first and second light-blocking layers of the blackout curtain may have a support member on its first longitudinal side, while the other light-blocking layer may not have a support member on its first longitudinal side. At least one of the first and second light-blocking layers is supported and guided in the groove of the second guide rail by the support member.

[0082] In one embodiment, the second guide rail and the second longitudinal side may have the same or similar magnet arrangement as the first guide rail and the first longitudinal side.

[0083] The individual technical features described above, the individual technical features described below, and the individual technical features obtained from the drawings may be combined in any way, as long as the combined technical features do not contradict each other.

[0084] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0085] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle door equipped with a light-shielding device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B]Figure 1B is a perspective view of a vehicle door equipped with a light-shielding device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a perspective view of a vehicle door equipped with a light-shielding device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 2(a) is a side view of the light-shielding device shown in Figures 1A and 1C. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the pulling device along the cross-sectional line AA in Figure 2A, in a certain state. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the pulling device along the cross-sectional line AA in Figure 2A, in a state different from a certain state. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pulling device along the cross-sectional line BB in Figure 2A. [Figure 2E] Figure 2E is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 2D. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the two guide rail structures for the light-shielding device. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the two guide rail structures for the light-shielding device. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing different states of the light-blocking curtain of the light-blocking device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing different states of the light-blocking curtain of the light-blocking device shown in Figure 1B. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing different states of the light-blocking curtain of the light-blocking device shown in Figure 1C. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an individual light-blocking layer for a light-blocking curtain. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an individual light-blocking layer for a light-blocking curtain. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing of the light-shielding device shown in Figures 1A to 1C. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0086] To facilitate a better understanding of the object, features, and advantages of the present invention, specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details are provided to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be carried out in ways other than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make modifications without departing from the meaning of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0087] It should be noted that the singular form in the text includes the plural form unless explicitly excluded. Furthermore, where used herein, when a component, step, operation, or element is “equipped with” or “includes,” it means that at least one other component, step, operation, or element may be present or added. The terms “first” and “second” in this text are used for convenience to describe and distinguish different components of the same name and do not indicate any order or primary and secondary relationship between these components.

[0088] Figures 1A to 1C are perspective views from inside a vehicle of a vehicle door 1 equipped with a light-shielding device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows the non-operational retracted state of the light-shielding device 20 (for example, a predetermined final retracted state), Figure 1B shows an intermediate state of the light-shielding device 20 during the unfolding process, and Figure 1C shows the operational unfolded state of the light-shielding device 20 (a predetermined final unfolded state). The light-shielding device 20 can at least partially shield light from outside the vehicle window from the interior of the vehicle.

[0089] The vehicle door 1 has a side window 2 having a window frame 3 and a window pane 4 fitted into the window frame. The side window 2 is provided with a light-blocking device 20 which may be located inside the interior of the vehicle, in other words, inside the side window 2. The light-blocking device 20 comprises a light-blocking curtain 24. The light-blocking device 20 may comprise a housing 21 which can be attached, for example, to the rear end region of the side window 2. Here, the light-blocking curtain 24 may be rolled up and housed in the housing 21, and then pulled out from the housing 21 by a pull device 22, i.e., to reach an activated and deployed state until it reaches the front end region of the side window 2 opposite the rear end region.

[0090] The light-shielding device 20 may further include a drive device 23. The drive device 23 may be located, for example, on a sheet metal part of a vehicle door and may be covered by a door trim panel. The drive device 23 may be, for example, an electric motor. The drive device 23 may be configured to drive the pull device 22 to move the pull device 22 as a whole, causing the light-shielding curtain 24 to extend and retract in at least one of the two ways. The transmission between the drive device 23 and the pull device 22 may be designed as appropriate as needed. For example, the drive device 23 may drive a Bowden cable which is capable of driving an operating rod 5 which is capable of operating the pull device 22. For example, the drive device 23 may also drive an endless wire rope transmission which is capable of driving an operating element such as the operating rod 5 which is capable of operating the pull device 22.

[0091] The light-shielding device may include a guide rail 26 to which an operating element, such as at least one of the operating rod 5 and the Bowden cable, may be guided. For this purpose, for example, the guide rail 26 may have a groove. The drive unit 23 drives the operating element, such as the operating rod 5, to move within the groove of the guide rail. It is advantageous that the operating rod 5 can move in a plane. It is particularly advantageous that the operating rod 5 can be tilted at a predetermined angle from a non-operating retracted position, i.e., substantially vertical position, at a predetermined deployment displacement of the light-shielding curtain 24, and that after tilting, the angular position of the operating rod 5 can be kept constant for subsequent deployment displacements of the light-shielding curtain 24. Additionally, the longitudinal side of the light-shielding curtain 24 (the lower longitudinal side of the light-shielding curtain in Figures 1A to 1C) may be supported and guided by the groove of the guide rail 26.

[0092] The light-blocking device may include a guide rail 25 configured on the other longitudinal side of the light-blocking curtain 24 (the upper longitudinal side of the light-blocking curtain in Figures 1A to 1C). The arrangement of the upper guide rail of the light-blocking device will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0093] The usage of the light-shielding device 20 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is illustrative. In one alternative usage, the extended length of the light-shielding curtain 24 may be a length equivalent to a part of the length of the side window 2, for example, half of the length. In another alternative usage, the housing of the light-shielding device may be positioned in the area at the lower end of the side window 2, and the light-shielding curtain may be extended upward toward the area at the upper end of the side window 2. In another alternative usage, the light-shielding device 20 may be held in its final extended state indefinitely.

[0094] The blackout curtain 24 may include a first blackout layer 241 and a second blackout layer 242, each having at least two light-transmitting regions with different light-transmitting properties. The blackout curtain 24 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A to 4C, 5 and 6.

[0095] A pulling device 22 according to one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2A to 2E. Here, Figure 2A is a side view of the pulling device as seen from inside the vehicle. Figures 2B and 2C are cross-sectional views of the pulling device in different states along the cross-sectional line AA of Figure 2A. Figure 2D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pulling device along the cross-sectional line BB of Figure 2A. Figure 2E is a partially enlarged view of Figure 2D.

[0096] The pulling device 22 may include a first pulling member 221 and second pulling members 221 and 222. The first pulling member 221 may be connected to the first light-shielding layer 241 and configured to pull the first light-shielding layer 241. For example, the end portion of the first light-shielding layer 241 may be fixed to the first pulling member 221. The second pulling member 222 may be connected to the second light-shielding layer 242 and configured to pull the second light-shielding layer 242. For example, the end portion of the second light-shielding layer 242 may be fixed to the second pulling member 222.

[0097] The first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222 can move relative to each other between a first relative position and a second relative position. The first relative position of the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222 is shown in Figure 2B, and the second relative position of the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222 is shown in Figure 2C. When the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222 move from the first relative position to the second relative position, this may be achieved, for example, by driving the drive device 23, and the first light-shielding layer 241 and the second light-shielding layer 242 can move relative to each other parallel to each other. In this case, it is beneficial for the optical performance of the light-shielding curtain that the first light-shielding layer 241 and the second light-shielding layer 242 do not separate from each other in the direction normal to the light-shielding curtain, or that their positional relationship does not change. At the first relative position of the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222, the light-shielding curtain 24 has the corresponding first light-transmitting properties. At the second relative positions of the first and second pulling members 221 and 222, the blackout curtain 24 has a corresponding second light-transmitting property. In the illustrated embodiment, the unfolding direction of the blackout curtain 24 may be the same as the relative movement direction R of the first and second pulling members 221 and 222.

[0098] The pulling device 22 may include a spring element 223 configured as a pressure spring in the illustrated embodiment. The pulling device 22 may also include a spring seat 224 positioned between the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling members 221, 222, with the spring element 223 being received by the spring seat. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the first pulling member 221 may include a first stop 22c, and the spring seat 224 may include an associated first opposing stop 22d. The spring element 223 is supported at one end by the second stop 222, and at the other end it applies pressure to the first pull member 221, so that the first stop 22c abuts against the first opposing stop 22d, thereby defining the relative positions of the first pull member 221 and the second pull member 221, as shown in Figure 2B. The drive device 23 can drive the first stop member 221, for example, via the operating rod 5. While the blackout curtain 24 is driven from a non-operating retracted state to an operating extended state, the first pull member 221 drives the second pull member 222 by the spring force of the spring element and moves together with it. After the blackout curtain 24 has reached its deployed state, the second pulling member 222 is stopped. If the first stopping member 221 is further driven, for example by the operating rod 5, the spring force of the spring element 223 can be overcome, and thus the spring element 223 can be further compressed, allowing the first pulling member 221 to continue moving forward in the direction of movement R with respect to the second pulling member 222 with a displacement d1 until it reaches a second relative position as shown in Figure 2C. At the second relative position, the stopping portion 22a of the first pulling member 221 and the stopping portion 22b of the second pulling member 222 meet each other. Figure 2C additionally shows the window frame 3 and glass 4 of the vehicle door. The window frame 3 may be provided with a receiving portion for the pull device 22. As an alternative to the pressure spring, extension springs, torsion springs, or combinations of multiple spring elements can also be considered. As an alternative to the mechanical spring element, an elastic element made of elastomer can also be considered. In an embodiment not shown, the holding force between the two pulling members may be achieved by a releaseable snap connection, magnetic force, or static friction force. In an embodiment not shown, only the second pulling device 222 of the two pulling members may be driven by the drive device 23, or both pulling members may be driven by the drive device 23 with a time delay.

[0099] As shown in Figures 2D and 2E, the pulling device 22 may be flat. In this case, the two pulling members 221 and 222 may each have a flat body. The two pulling members may be arranged side by side in the thickness direction. In this case, the second pulling member 222 may have an edge that curves toward the first pulling member 221. This curved edge may surround the first pulling member 221. The curved edge may extend around the entire circumference or to the circumference excluding the back surface. The curved edge may form a stopper 22b on the front side. Such a pulling device 22 has a particularly compact configuration.

[0100] The pulling device 22 may include a linear guide that defines the relative movement direction R of the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear guide includes a pair of guide grooves 226 on the first pulling member 221 and a pair of protrusions 227 on the second pulling member 222, which are guided within the guide grooves. Viewed from the height direction of the pulling device 22, which is perpendicular to the relative movement direction R of the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222 and perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling member 222, the pair of guide grooves 226 and the pair of protrusions 227 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the spring element 223. To easily hold the two pulling members, the projection 227 may be configured as a hook-shaped projection that is held by engaging with the guide groove 226 by a retaining plate 225 which may be positioned between the first pulling member 221 and the second pulling members 221 and 222, or it may be connected to the first pulling member 221.

[0101] Now, two different embodiments of the upper guide rail structure of the light-shielding device 20 will be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Here, the two light-shielding layers 241 and 242 are partially shown in the height direction perpendicular to the deployment direction. The guide rail 25 may be configured to receive and guide the upper longitudinal side of the light-shielding curtain 24 of the light-shielding device 20. The guide rail 25 may be provided with a groove 251. The longitudinal upper sides of the two light-shielding layers 241 and 242 of the light-shielding curtain 20 can be at least partially received and guided by the groove 251 at least sometimes during the deployment and retraction processes of the light-shielding curtain. The two light-shielding layers 241 and 242 may each be provided with support members 243 and 244 on their longitudinal sides, or they may be guided into the groove 251 by support members. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the support members 243 and 244 are positioned on the upper outer surface in the longitudinal direction of the light-shielding layers 241 and 242, whereas in the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, the support members 243 and 244 are positioned at the end portions of the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the light-shielding layers 241 and 242.

[0102] It is advantageous that the support members 243, 244 and the guide rail 25 are capable of mutually generating magnetic forces, such as at least one of magnetic attraction and magnetic repulsion. For example, the support members 243, 244 may be made of magnets or at least partially magnetic material, and the guide rail 25 may be made of magnets or at least partially magnetic material.

[0103] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the guide rail 25 has two magnets 252 and 253 that interact with one of the support members 243 and 244, respectively, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, the guide rail 25 has a common magnet 254 that interacts with both support members 243 and 244. The longitudinally upper sides of the two light-blocking layers 241 and 242 of the blackout curtain 20 will be well received and guided in the groove 251 of the guide rail 25 via the interaction of the magnets. When a car equipped with the blackout device 20 is in motion, vibrations may occur. Through the interaction of the magnets, the blackout curtain 20 will clearly not be affected by the vibrations of the car and will therefore be able to maintain good optical performance. Magnetic attraction may be generated between the magnets of the guide rail 25 and the magnets of the blackout curtain. Alternatively, magnetic repulsion may be generated between the magnets of the guide rail 25 and the magnets of the blackout curtain. A combination of magnetic attraction and magnetic repulsion is also possible. A configuration in which only one of the support members is a magnet and the other support member is not a magnet is also possible. Another possibility is a configuration in which the support member 243 and magnet 252 generate magnetic attraction, and the support member 244 and magnet 253 generate magnetic attraction. Another possibility is a configuration in which the support member 243 and magnet 252 generate magnetic attraction, while the support member 244 and magnet 253 generate magnetic repulsion, and the support member 244 is positioned on the upper inner surface in the longitudinal direction of the second shielding layer 242 facing the first shielding layer 241.

[0104] In addition, the guide rail 26 may also have grooves, and magnets may be arranged in the same or similar manner on the guide rail 26 and the lower longitudinal side of the blackout curtain 24. To avoid repetition, unless otherwise specified, the above description may be used for the guide rail 25 and the upper longitudinal side.

[0105] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of different states of the shading curtain 24 of the shading device 20 shown in Figures 1A to 1C. Here, the shading curtain 24 is viewed from outside the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the two shading layers 241 and 242 of the shading curtain 24 may be designed identically. For a clearer explanation of the two shading layers, they are shown offset in the height direction. In reality, the two shading layers may completely overlap in the height direction. Each shading layer 241 and 242 may comprise first light-transmitting regions 241a, 242a and second light-transmitting regions 241b, 242b arranged alternately and periodically. Each light-transmitting region may extend laterally with respect to the unfolding direction of the blackout curtain and may have a certain width. It is advantageous that the first light-transmitting regions 241a and 242a may be transparent or semi-transparent, while the second light-transmitting regions 241b and 242b may be opaque. It is also advantageous that the first light-transmitting regions may have a smaller width than the second light-transmitting regions. The blackout layer may be made of a flexible material such as fabric.

[0106] Figure 4A shows the blackout curtain 24 in its first state. The first state corresponds to the first relative position of the first pull member 221 and the second pull member, where the first light-transmitting regions 241a and 242a of the first blackout layer 241 and the second blackout layers 241 and 242 overlap, and the second light-transmitting regions 241b and 242b of the first blackout layer 241 and the second blackout layer 241 overlap. This situation corresponds to the maximum light-transmitting state of the blackout curtain 24.

[0107] Figure 4B shows the blackout curtain 24 in a second state, which may correspond to an intermediate position between the first relative position and the second relative position. Here, the first light-transmitting regions 241a and 242a of the first blackout layer 241 and the second blackout layer 242 are shifted by a displacement d2 smaller than the relative movement displacement d1 of the first and second tension members 221 and 242, while the second light-transmitting regions 241b and 242b of the first blackout layer 241 and the second blackout layers 241 and 242 are shifted by a displacement d2. This situation corresponds to an intermediate light-transmitting state of the blackout curtain 24.

[0108] Figure 4C shows the blackout curtain 24 in a third state that may correspond to the second relative positions of the first and second pulling members 221 and 2. The first blackout layer moves relative to the second blackout layer by a displacement d3 which may be equal to the relative displacement d1 of the first and second pulling members 221 and 2. The first light-transmitting region 241a of the first blackout layer overlaps with the second light-transmitting region 242b of the second blackout layer, and the second light-transmitting region 241b of the first blackout layer overlaps with the first light-transmitting region 242a of the second blackout layer. This situation corresponds to the minimum light-transmitting state of the blackout curtain 24.

[0109] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the blackout curtain 24 continuously switches from a maximum light-transmitting state to a minimum light-transmitting state during the period when the first tension member 221 and the second tension member switch from a first relative position to a second relative position. In some embodiments not shown, the blackout curtain 24 may continuously switch from a minimum light-transmitting state to a maximum light-transmitting state when the first tension member 221 and the second tension member switch from a first relative position to a second relative position. In some embodiments not shown, the blackout curtain 24 may continuously switch from a first light-transmitting state to a minimum light-transmitting state, and then from a minimum light-transmitting state to a maximum light-transmitting state, when the first tension member 221 and the second tension member switch from a first relative position to a second relative position. This situation may correspond to a "larger relative motion displacement" between the two blackout layers, or two tension members, respectively.

[0110] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the individual light-blocking layers 241, 242 for the blackout curtain 24. The two light-blocking layers may be identically configured. Each light-blocking layer has a grid-like transparent or translucent first light-transmitting region 241a and 242a and opaque second light-transmitting regions 241b and 242b in the form of horizontal and vertical stripes. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the individual light-blocking layers 241, 242 for the blackout curtain 24. The two light-blocking layers may be identically configured. Each light-blocking layer may have a continuous transparent or translucent first light-transmitting region 241a, 242a and a plurality of regularly distributed circular, opaque second light-transmitting regions 241b, 242b.

[0111] In embodiments not shown, the blackout curtain may include a third blackout layer which may be the same as or different from at least one of the first and second blackout layers, and the third blackout layer may be configured to be movable or immovable relative to at least one of the first and second blackout layers. For this purpose, for example, the pull device may have a third pull member, or one pull member may be configured to pull two of the three blackout layers together.

[0112] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing 21 of the light-shielding device shown in Figures 1A to 1C. Two reels 13 and 14 are arranged side by side inside the housing 21, each provided with a return spring (not shown) acting in the winding direction. The first light-shielding layer 241 may be wound on the first reel 13 and guided on the first guide edge 11 of the housing 21. The second light-shielding layer 242 may be wound on the second reel 14 and guided on the second guide edge 12 of the housing 21. In embodiments not shown, in the cross-section of the housing 21, the two reels 13 and 14 may be positioned with one above the other, for example, they may completely or partially overlap. In embodiments not shown, the first light-shielding layer 241 and the second light-shielding layer may be wound on a common reel.

[0113] It will be understood that the present invention will be described by relying on the specific embodiments described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will be able to modify the disclosures in this application, and not all of these modifications will deviate from the scope of protection of the present invention. The individual technical features described herein, whether described in different paragraphs of the description or in different embodiments, may be combined with each other as they do not contradict each other.

Claims

1. A shading device (20) including a shading curtain (24) having a first shading layer (241) and a second shading layer (242), the shading curtain (24) having at least two types of light-transmitting regions each having different light transmittances, a pulling device having a first pulling member (221) and a second pulling member (222), the first pulling member being connected to and configured to pull a first pulling layer, and the second pulling member being connected to and configured to pull a second pulling layer; The first pull member (221) and the second pull member (222) are movable relative to each other between a first relative position where the light-blocking curtain (24) has a first light-transmitting property and a second relative position where the light-blocking curtain (24) has a second light-transmitting property; The first light-shielding layer (241) and the second light-shielding layer (242) move parallel to each other. A shading device (20).

2. The blackout curtain (24) is switchable between an inoperative retracted state and an operative deployed state, and preferably the pulling device (22) is configured to pull the blackout curtain (24) from the inoperative retracted state to the operative deployed state; The shading device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the deployment direction of the shading curtain (24) is preferably the same as the direction (R) in which the first pull member 221 and the second pull member move relative to each other.

3. The shading device (20) comprises a driving device (23) configured to drive the pulling device (22); Preferably, the drive is an electric motor; Preferably, the driving device (23) is configured to drive the pulling device (22) so that the pulling device (22) moves as a whole to at least one of deploying and retracting the blackout curtain (24) and the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222) move linearly relative to each other; Preferably, the drive device (23) is configured such that the first pull member 221 and the second pull member (221, 222) can be switched to any intermediate relative position between the first relative position and the second relative position.

4. The driving device (23) is configured to drive one of the pulling members of the pulling device (22), and preferably the driving device (23) is configured to drive the same one pulling member of the pulling device (22) together during the unfolding movement of the light-blocking curtain (24) and during the movement of the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222) following the unfolding movement. A shading device (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that it

5. The driving device (23) is capable of driving the pulling device (22) by means of a support rod (5), and preferably the support rod (5) is movable in a plane; Preferably, the shading device comprises a guide rail (26) configured to receive and guide the support rod (5), and a drive device (23) capable of driving the support rod (5) by a Bowden cable; More preferably, the guide rail (26) is further configured to receive and guide the longitudinal sides of the blackout curtain (24). A shading device (20) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it

6. the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222) can be held in one of the first relative position and the second relative position by the action of a holding force, and can be switched to the other of the first relative position and the second relative position by the holding force; Preferably, the first pull member (221) and the second pull member (222) can be held in one relative position by the holding force of the elastic element. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it

7. The elastic element is a spring element (223) that applies a force to one of the pull members relative to the other pull member in a first relative position, and the one pull member is translatable to a second relative position relative to the other pull member against the spring force of the spring element (223) with a predetermined displacement (d1). A shading device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that it

8. the first and second relative positions of the first and second pulling members (221, 222) are respectively determined by a pair of stops (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) of the pulling device (22); Preferably, the first pull member (221) and the second pull member (221, 222) have stops (22a, 22b) at both ends for the second relative position. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises:

9. the spring element (223) fixes, with its other end, the first stop (22c) of the one pull member to the other pull member by applying a force against a first relative position on a first counter stop (22d) that is stationary with respect to the other pull member; Preferably, the pulling device (22) comprises a spring seat (224) arranged between the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222); The spring element (223) is received in the spring seat (224), the spring seat (224) having a first counter stop (22d). A shading device (20) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it

10. The pulling device (22) has a linear guide portion that defines a direction (R) in which the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222) move relative to each other; Preferably, the linear guide portion includes a guide groove (226) on one of the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222), and a protrusion (227) on the other of the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (221, 222), and the protrusion can be guided along the guide groove; Preferably, the linear guide includes a pair of guide grooves (226) and a pair of protrusions (227) in a height direction of the pulling device (22) perpendicular to a direction (R) in which the first and second pulling members move relative to each other, and the spring element (223) is disposed at a center between the pair of guide grooves (226) and the pair of protrusions (227), and the spring element applies a force to the first pulling member and the second pulling member so that they are in the first relative position, Preferably, the protrusion (227) is a hook-shaped protrusion that engages with the guide groove (226) and is held by the holding plate (225); The holding plate (225) is disposed between the first pulling member (221) and the second pulling member (222) and is connected to one of the pulling members. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it

11. One of the first and second pull members (221, 222) has a curved edge (26, 228) that surrounds the other of the first and second pull members (221, 222). A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it

12. the first light transmittance corresponds to one of the maximum light transmittance and the minimum light transmittance of the light-blocking curtain (24), and the second light transmittance corresponds to the other of the maximum light transmittance and the minimum light transmittance of the light-blocking curtain (24); Preferably, each light-shielding layer includes first light-transmitting regions (241a, 242a) and second light-transmitting regions (241b, 242b) that are alternately and periodically arranged; Preferably, at least one of an area of ​​each of the first light-transmitting regions is equal to or smaller than an area of ​​each of the second light-transmitting regions, and a light transmittance of the first light-transmitting regions is greater than an area of ​​the second light-transmitting regions, Preferably, At the first relative position, the first light-transmitting regions of the first light-shielding layer (241) and the second light-shielding layer (242) overlap, and the second light-transmitting regions of the first light-shielding layer (241) and the second light-shielding layer (242) overlap; At the second relative position, at least one of the first light-transmitting region of the first light-shielding layer overlaps the second light-transmitting region of the second light-shielding layer and the second light-transmitting region of the first light-shielding layer overlaps the first light-transmitting region of the second light-shielding layer. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it

13. The shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first shading layer (241) and the second shading layer (242) are each made of a flexible material and are in surface contact with each other.

14. The shading device is configured for use in a vehicle, Preferably, the shading device is configured for a side window of a motor vehicle, Preferably, the blackout curtain (24) is configured to be deployed from one side to the other of the front and rear sides of the side window. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises:

15. The shading curtain (24) is configured to be rollable up, and the shading device includes a return spring that acts on the shading curtain in the rolling direction. Preferably, the first light-shielding layer (241) and the second light-shielding layer (242) are provided with a reel and a return spring acting on the reel in the winding direction, respectively; Preferably, the shading device comprises a housing, in which the shading curtain (24) can be rolled up, and the reel and the return spring of the shading curtain (24) are housed; Preferably, the housing comprises a first guide edge (11) for the first light-shielding layer and a second guide edge (12) for the second light-shielding layer. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it

16. A shading device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the shading device comprises a guide rail (25) adapted to receive and guide the longitudinal sides of the shading curtain.

17. The guide rail has a groove (251), and the first and second light-shielding layers (241, 242) of the light-shielding curtain (24) have support members (243, 244) on their longitudinal sides. The shading device (20) according to claim 16, characterized in that the first and second shading layers are guideable by being received in grooves in a guide rail, the support members are magnets, and the guide rails are provided with magnets (252, 253, 254) that cooperate with the magnets of the shading layers.

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