Sliding sun visor system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sliding sun visor system comprising sliding means (1) that support and guide the movement of at least one sun visor (2), and automatic actuation means (3, 4) that automatically slide the sun visor (2) when the sun hits the windscreen (5) of the vehicle, said sun visor adapting to different positions and angles in order to block the driver from sunlight. The sliding means (1) comprise at least one guide, which can be a rail with connectors, and bearings coupled to the sun visor (2). The automatic actuation means comprise at least one light sensor (3) and a controller (4) connected to the sensor (3) to receive the signal and automatically adjust the movement of the sun visor (2) via a motor.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SLIDING SUNSHADE SYSTEM

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, relates to a sliding sunshade system that provides, for its intended function, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below.

[0005] The object of the present invention lies in a sliding sunshade system which, applicable for installation in the cabin of a vehicle, essentially comprises sliding means that support and direct the movement of at least one sunshade, and automatic drive means that allow the sunshade to slide and adapt to different positions and angles, so that it can effectively block sunlight according to the needs of the driver.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the automobile industry and vehicles in general, focusing particularly on anti-glare systems and equipment combined with windows or windscreens (installations for optical visibility of vehicles), also covering the scope of the classification corresponding to vehicle sunshades.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention arises due to the discomfort caused by the sun while driving.

[0010] This can cause discomfort, especially during the early hours of the day or at dusk when the sun is low and shines directly into your face at different angles. To avoid this problem, sunshades are popular. These sunshades are mounted on the upper part of the windshield and, secured by a hinged joint, can be positioned to cover a portion of the windshield and thus prevent the discomfort of sun glare.

[0011] The problem is that to do this, the driver must manually move the windshield into the correct position, which can be a distraction and, in turn, lead to driving risks.

[0012] Accordingly, the objective of this invention is to provide a means to avoid such distraction by means of a sliding sunshade system that automatically detects the incidence of the sun and moves the sunshade until it blocks the sunlight to prevent it from affecting the driver's visibility, so that the driver does not have to search for the sunshade and move it, since the movement will be automatic.

[0013] On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of any other invention that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those claimed here is unknown.

[0014] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The sliding sunshade system proposed by the invention is configured as an ideal solution to achieve the aforementioned objectives which, at the same time, represents an improvement on the current state of the art, with the characterizing details that make it possible and distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0016] Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously indicated, is a sliding sunshade system, applicable for installation in the cabin of a vehicle, which essentially comprises sliding means that support and direct the movement of at least one sunshade, and automatic drive means, such as a sun position sensor associated with the sunshade and connected to a controller, which allow the sunshade to slide automatically and adapt to different positions and angles, so that it can effectively block sunlight according to the driver's needs.

[0017] With this, the system solves the problem of sun glare while driving without the driver having to stop concentrating on driving.

[0018] The system is an innovative solution that improves the driving experience by solving the problem of sunburn.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive sliding sunshade system, the system's sliding means comprise a guide rail, which is fixed to at least the upper inner edge of the vehicle's front windshield and, preferably, also encompassing the upper portion of both side doors, and bearings coupled to the sunshade. This allows the sunshade, which in turn will be provided with a motor and brushes, to slide sideways, forwards, and backwards to adjust its position at any point on the rail according to the position of the sun.

[0020] Additionally, the sunshade is preferably made of a flexible material that adapts to different positions and curves of the rail installed in the vehicle.

[0021] In one solution, two sunshades are placed on this rail, one designed to protect the driver and the other the passenger. Since the sunshades must cover different seats, they will not overlap in position unless both require placement at the end of the rail, in which case the one that does reach that position will perform the function of both.

[0022] However, in another embodiment option, the system's sliding means comprise two separate blades, one installed on each side of the upper edge of the inside of the windshield with a sunshade incorporated in each of them that operate independently for the driver and co-pilot, each having its own motor and its own automatic actuation means.

[0023] For their part, the means for actuating the sun visor position, as previously mentioned, preferably comprise a sensor installed in the central area of ​​the windshield, detecting the position of the sun, and a controller to which the sensor is connected. The sensor thus identifies the position of the sun and transmits a signal to the controller, which, linked to the electric motor, automatically modifies the position and angle of the sun visor to prevent the driver from being dazzled. This type of sensor is well known, for example, in the photovoltaic field.

[0024] Likewise, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sliding system with the motor, the sensor and the controller are linked to the vehicle's electrical connections, which ensures appropriate power supply to these components.

[0025] It should be noted, however, that in other alternative embodiments, the sliding means, instead of one or two conductor rails, simply comprise one or two inert guides along which one or two sunshades slide, in which case the drive means comprise an electric motor providing the driving force and a movement transmission system, for example, based on gears, a spindle or a rack.

[0026] In any case, to use the sliding sunshade system, both the driver and passenger must trust the system, which will automatically adjust the position and angle of the sunshade to efficiently block sunlight and prevent glare.

[0027] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sunshade or sunshades comprising the sliding system are foldable so they can be attached to the vehicle's roof when not in use, preventing them from taking up space on the windshield or side door windows and obscuring vision unnecessarily. To this end, the sunshade or sunshades preferably have a folding / unfolding mechanism, for example based on extendable rods, which places the sunshade in the lowered position when in use or raised when not in use. This mechanism, in turn, is also associated with the system's controller or automatic actuation means so that the sunshade folds or unfolds automatically depending on whether the sun is shining on the windshield or not.Finally, it should be noted that the automatic windshield actuation means comprising the system of the invention, and which preferably comprise a sun position sensor connected to a controller, are preferably configured to also act on other anti-glare components that the vehicle may be equipped with, such as smart glass. In this case, the sensor and the controller are connected to the vehicle's windshield such that said controller receives signals from the sensor to automatically adjust the opacity of the windshield glass based on the intensity of sunlight.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a sheet of drawings is attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a view of the interior of a vehicle in which an example of the sliding sunshade system object of the invention has been implemented, showing the main parts and elements it comprises, having been represented with two sunshades in the deployed position for use; and Figure 2 shows a view similar to the previous one, in this case with the two sunshades represented in the folded position for non-use.

[0031] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one can observe in them a non-limiting embodiment of the sliding sunshade system of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0033] Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the sliding sunshade system essentially comprises sliding means (1), which support and direct the movement of at least one sunshade (2), and automatic drive means (3, 4) configured so that, when the sun hits the windshield (5) of the vehicle in which the system is installed, they cause the sunshade (2) to slide automatically, adapting to different positions and angles, to position itself so as to effectively block sunlight according to the needs of the driver.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the sliding means (1) comprise at least one guide with a smooth, curved surface, suitable for installation and adaptation to the upper inner edge of the windshield (5) of the vehicle.

[0035] Preferably, the aforementioned guide, in addition to the upper inner edge of the windshield (5), extends on both sides of the same, also covering the upper part of both side doors (6) of the vehicle.

[0036] In any case, the sliding means (1) also comprise bearings or wheels coupled to the parasol (2) that facilitate its movement, sideways, forwards and backwards along the guide to adjust its position according to the location of the sun.

[0037] And, preferably, the parasol (2) is made of a flexible material capable of adapting to different positions and curves along the guide.

[0038] Preferably, the system comprises two sun visors (2), one for the pilot and one for the co-pilot, which can slide along the same guide.

[0039] However, in another preferred embodiment, the sliding means (1) comprise two separate guides with a sun visor (2) in each one such that they operate independently for the driver and the co-pilot, and the two sun visors (2) each have their own automatic drive means.

[0040] In any case, in a preferred embodiment, the guide or guides comprising the sliding means (1) are made up of one or two rails with connectors and the sunshade or sunshades (2) include a small electric motor and brushes that come into contact with the conductors to provide movement. And, in other alternative embodiments, the sliding means (1) comprise one or two inert guides and the drive means comprise an electric motor and a movement transmission system, for example, based on gears, a spindle or a rack.

[0041] In any case, preferably, the automatic drive means, in addition to the motor, comprise at least one light sensor (3) capable of detecting the position of the sun and a controller (4) connected to the sensor (3) to receive the signal sent by it and automatically adjust the movement of the sun visor (2) through the motor to the different positions and angles so as to avoid dazzling the driver.

[0042] Optionally, the electrical components of the sliding means (1) and the drive means, that is, the motor, the sensor (3) and the controller (4), are connected to the electrical connections of the vehicle itself, which allows them to be adequately powered, without ruling out an independent power supply through a battery provided for this purpose.

[0043] Looking at Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen how, in one embodiment, the sunshade (2) or sunshades of the sliding system are foldable so that they can be attached to the roof of the vehicle when their use is not necessary, being able to go from an unfolded position of use (Fig. 1) to a folded position of non-use (Fig. 2). To this end, preferably, the sunshade (2) comprises a folding / unfolding mechanism (7), for example based on extendable rods, coupled to it and associated with the drive means, such as the controller (4), for its automatic folding or unfolding depending on whether the sun is shining on the windshield or not.

[0044] Preferably, when the vehicle comprises anti-glare smart glass in the windshield (5) and / or in the side door windows (6), the automatic actuation means of the sliding system comprise a sensor (3) of the position of the sun and a controller (4) configured to also act on said glass, such that the controller (4) receives signals from the sensor (3) to automatically adjust the opacity of the glass depending on the intensity of the sunlight.

[0045] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Sliding sunshade system that, applicable for installation in the cabin of a vehicle, is characterized by comprising • sliding means (1), which support and direct the movement of at least one parasol (2), • at least one light sensor (3) capable of detecting the position of the sun when it hits the windshield (5) of the vehicle and • automatic drive means (3, 4) comprising a controller (4) connected to the sensor (3) to receive the signal sent by it and make the sun visor (2) slide automatically, adapting to different positions and angles, to position the sun visor in such a way that it blocks sunlight according to the driver's needs 2.- Sliding sunshade system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding means (1) comprise at least one guide with a smooth, curved surface, installed on the upper inner edge of the windshield (5) of the vehicle. 3.- Sliding sunshade system, according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide, in addition to the upper internal edge of the windshield (5), extends on both sides of the same, also covering the upper part of both side doors (6) of the vehicle. 4.- Sliding parasol system, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sliding means (1) also comprise bearings or wheels coupled to the parasol (2) that facilitate its movement along the guide. 5.- Sliding parasol system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parasol (2) is made of a flexible material. 6.- Sliding sunshade system, according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises two sunshades (2), one for the pilot and one for the co-pilot, which slide along the same guide. 7.- Sliding sunshade system, according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the sliding means (1) comprise two separate guides with a sunshade (2) in each one with its own automatic drive means. 8.- Sliding sunshade system, according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the guide or guides of the sliding means (1) are constituted by a rail or two rails with connectors and the sunshade or sunshades (2) include an electric motor and brushes that contact the conductors. 9.- Sliding parasol system, according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the guide or guides are inert and the drive means comprise an electric motor and a transmission system, based on gears, spindle or rack. 10.- Sliding sunshade system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic drive means comprise at least one light sensor (3) capable of detecting the position of the sun and a controller (4) connected to the sensor (3) to receive the signal sent by it and automatically adjust the movement of the sunshade (2) through a motor. 11.- Sliding sunshade system, according to claim 10, characterized in that the motor, the sensor (3) and the controller (4) are connected to the electrical connections of the vehicle itself. 12.- Sliding parasol system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parasol (2) or parasols are foldable, being able to move from an unfolded position of use to a folded position of non-use. 13.- Sliding parasol system, according to claim 12, characterized in that the parasol (2) comprises a folding / unfolding mechanism (7), coupled to it and associated with the automatic drive means. 14.- Sliding sunshade system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic drive means comprise a sensor (3) of the position of the sun and a controller (4) configured to also act on anti-glare smart glass installed on the windshield (5) and / or on the side door windows (6), to automatically adjust their opacity based on the intensity of sunlight.

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