Selective sun protection device for vehicles

Abstract

Disclosed is a selective sun protection device for vehicles, characterised in that it comprises a smart glass sheet (1), installed on a vehicle windscreen (2) and divided into several independent sections (1a), i.e. they are independently connected to an electrical power supply such that they receive or do not receive voltage and turn opaque or remain transparent independently, and a control panel (3) that connects the power supply to the independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) such that it is possible to select, manually or automatically, the independent activation / deactivation of only one section or of two or more sections (1a), according to the needs at each moment, on the basis of the incidence of sunlight on the vehicle windscreen (2) and without inconveniencing the driver, while the rest of the sections remain transparent.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SELECTIVE SUN PROTECTION EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as stated in the present descriptive report, refers to a selective sun protection equipment for vehicles that provides, to the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below, that represent an improvement over the current state of the art.

[0005] The object of the present invention is a sun protection device for the front windshield of a vehicle, primarily applicable to a coach or similar passenger transport vehicle with a large windshield, but without excluding its application to any other vehicle with a windshield, whether car, truck, van or similar, which has the advantageous feature of comprising in said windshield a sheet of smart glass, preferably based on PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology, which is divided into several independent sections selectable through a control panel, allowing the driver to operate, manually or automatically, the section of the windshield needed to become opaque and prevent sunlight from entering through that segment, thus avoiding interference with driving.while the rest of the windshield remains transparent so that the outside can still be seen.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of solar protection systems for vehicles.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As is well known, PDLC technology is a type of smart glass that uses a special film applied to glass and connected to electricity, allowing it to switch between opaque and transparent states. This technology works by applying an electric field. When there is no electricity, the liquid crystals within the film are disordered, preventing light from passing through and making the film opaque or translucent.

[0010] Another type of smart glass is based on SPD (suspended particle device) technology, which can also change its optical properties in response to an electrical current or some other external stimulus. These glasses can switch from transparent to opaque and vice versa with the flick of a switch or some other type of activation. In this case, microscopic particles are suspended between two layers of glass. These particles can be liquid crystals, nanoparticles, or other substances that can rearrange themselves in response to an electrical stimulus.

[0011] Until now, these technologies have usually been applied to the windows of buildings and constructions to achieve privacy or to prevent sunlight from entering when desired, avoiding the use of blinds or curtains, or to make the windows of some vehicles opaque.

[0012] Furthermore, in the field of vehicles, there are different protection options to prevent the entry of direct sunlight that could disturb driving.

[0013] Thus, in addition to conventional retractable sunshades, some vehicles include deployable screens, or curtains in the case of coaches, which allow covering a more or less large part of the windshield depending on the needs and, in some cases, the aforementioned smart glass technologies, but always covering the entire glass or screen that covers an entire upper part of it.

[0014] The problem with these systems is that they don't allow covering only a specific section of the windshield that bothers the driver, since they also cover the entire width of the windshield and the entire top part. This is especially true in the case of coaches, where the driver's seat is often lower than the passengers' seats and they can enjoy a great panoramic view of the landscape through the vehicle's large front windshield. When the driver partially covers the windshield because direct sunlight bothers them while driving, the passengers can no longer see the outside.

[0015] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, the development of a new solar protection system for vehicles that, taking advantage of smart glass technology, mainly PDLC technology, allows choosing which part of the windshield should be covered and protected from sunlight so as not to bother the driver and leaving the rest uncovered.

[0016] Furthermore, and with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least as far as the applicant is concerned, there is no knowledge of any other selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, nor any other invention of similar application, that presents technical and structural characteristics equal or similar to those claimed herein.

[0017] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The selective sun protection equipment for vehicles proposed by the invention is configured as an optimal solution to achieve the aforementioned objective, which, at the same time, represents an improvement over the current state of the art, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0019] Specifically, what the invention proposes, as mentioned above, is a sun protection device for the front windshield of a vehicle, mainly a coach or similar passenger transport vehicle, but without excluding any other vehicle with a windshield, which allows the driver to choose, depending on the needs of each case, and manually or automatically activate one or another section of the windshield, from among pre-established sections on the windshield, so that it becomes opaque and acts as a sunshade so that sunlight does not enter through that part, preventing it from bothering the driver, while the rest of the windshield remains transparent so that the outside can still be seen.

[0020] To this end, the equipment that is the subject of the invention essentially comprises, installed in the windshield, either integrated during its manufacture, added to an existing one on the inside, or included in an additional piece of transparent plastic, a smart glass sheet, preferably made of PDLC, which covers at least a portion of the upper half of the windshield and where said PDLC sheet is divided into several sections independently connected to the electrical power supply so that, through a control panel, the independent activation of only the desired section or sections can be selected, depending on the needs of each moment.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, this control panel also allows the activation and deactivation at will of the section or sections of the PDLC sheet that are of interest at any time, forming an active PDLC system, since, if it were a passive system, in which when the vehicle is turned off the chosen section of the sheet would be transparent and when it is turned on it would be opaque, the interior could not be protected from light when the vehicle is stationary.

[0022] Alternatively, the smart glass sheet divided into several independently connected sections that the windshield incorporates can be of SPD technology, although it will not be a preferred option as it offers less transparency.

[0023] In any case, the selective sun protection system also includes a control panel with a display screen featuring activation zones corresponding to the different sections of the smart glass windshield. These zones allow for manual activation / deactivation of the desired sections. The panel also includes selectable buttons for various operating options, enabling automatic activation of the system to switch on / off the appropriate section(s). An emergency switch, independent of the panel, deactivates all sections, leaving the entire windshield completely transparent if necessary. This emergency switch operates independently of the panel screen, providing backup in case the screen malfunctions.

[0024] Ideally, the control panel comprises a touchscreen connected to electronics and software used via menus that include zones for activating / deactivating different sections of the smart glass panel and various selective buttons (for example, in the case of a coach, these would be: auto, driver, school, and display). The emergency switch is hidden and independent of the screen.

[0025] Ideally, the control panel with the screen is integrated into the vehicle's own electronic control panel where, in addition to the areas for activating / deactivating the different sections of the smart glass sheet, with the selective buttons for automatic operation, it includes control functions for other different vehicle components that do not belong to the selective sun protection equipment, for example, in the case of coaches, a button to activate or deactivate the area where the illuminated route sign is located.

[0026] In any case, to ensure automatic operation of the selective solar protection equipment, it also includes a light or photometric sensor to activate / deactivate the different sections of the smart glass sheet depending on the incidence of sunlight on them.

[0027] This light sensor can be installed, for example, in the vehicle behind the driver's head.

[0028] Ideally, and given that the objective is to prevent sunlight from bothering the driver, which occurs if it is projected onto their eyes, the aforementioned photometric sensors are installed on the top of the driver's seat and are adjusted to be positioned at the same height as the driver's eyes, for example, by means of vertical sliding guides.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the light sensor can be installed in a device worn by the driver, for example in glasses.

[0030] These sensors detect where it is necessary to activate one section or another so that the driver, without touching any button on the control panel, is protected from sunlight at all times and the different sections of the windshield are automatically activated / deactivated depending on the incidence of sunlight and dynamically in accordance with the movement of the sun and the movement of the vehicle in its travel.

[0031] Furthermore, although the independent sections into which the smart glass sheet is divided form grid squares, they can also have other shapes or even alphanumeric figures, so that, optionally, at least one of them can be designed, for example, in the case of coaches, with the company logo to be able to activate and deactivate it as desired, serving as an advertising image of the same.

[0032] The main advantages of this system are:

[0033] - Automation when activating the sunshade so that the driver does not have to take their hands off the steering wheel and is always protected from sunlight and there is no danger of glare.

[0034] - Less risk of eye injury than with conventional curtains, since with a conventional curtain, when the sunshade is lowered, a dark environment is created in the cabin, causing the retina of the driver's eyes to increase in size due to the lack of light, creating a risk if sunlight suddenly enters through an uncovered area of ​​the glass.

[0035] - With PDLC's smart glass film, the environment created is brighter, because when it becomes opaque it actually becomes translucent, and the driver's retina is better prepared for a sudden influx of light, thus preserving the driver's eye health.

[0036] - By only activating the area of ​​the windshield necessary to continue driving, in the case of a coach, the rest of the passengers continue to have a view of the outside, which is something that the passengers greatly appreciate, since many suffer from dizziness if they do not see the road.

[0037] - It is a more aesthetically pleasing system than conventional curtains, especially if they are curtains with a guide in the center of the glass.

[0038] - It's a much faster system than conventional curtains, since the deployment time for a conventional curtain is at least 8 seconds, while the PDLC smart glass activates instantly. - When the vehicle is turned off, the PDLC film remains completely opaque, as there is no electrical current, thus protecting the temperature inside the vehicle, as well as any objects inside.

[0039] - Advertising elements can be included in the profile of one or more of the smart glass sections.

[0040] - In the case of trucks, it allows replacing the sun visor that they normally have located on the outside of the windshield and which causes extra wind resistance

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a drawing is attached to this descriptive document as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0043] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the interior of a vehicle in which an example of the selective sun protection equipment of the invention has been installed, showing the main parts and elements it comprises; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of the driver's seat with the incorporated photometric sensors that the selective sun protection equipment of the invention optionally comprises; Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in Figure 2, where an example of the means for regulating the photometric sensors of the equipment can be seen; and Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the control panel comprising the selective sun protection equipment of the invention.

[0044] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a non-limiting embodiment of the selective solar protection device for vehicles of the invention can be observed, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0045] Thus, as can be seen in the figures, the equipment of the invention essentially comprises:

[0046] - a smart glass sheet (1), preferably of PDLC technology, which, installed on the front windshield (2) of the vehicle in such a way as to cover at least a portion of the upper half of said windshield (2), is divided into several independent sections (1a), i.e., independently connected to an electrical power source (not shown), for example formed by the vehicle's own battery, so that they receive voltage or not and become opaque or not independently, and

[0047] - a control panel (3) that links the power supply with the independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) to be able to select, manually or automatically, the independent activation / deactivation of only one, two or more of said sections (1a), depending on the needs of each moment based on the incidence of sunlight on the windshield (2) of the vehicle and does not bother the driver while the rest remain transparent.

[0048] In one embodiment, the smart glass sheet (1) with independent sections (1a) is integrated into the windshield (2) during its manufacture.

[0049] In another embodiment, the smart glass sheet (1) with independent sections (1a), is a sheet added to an existing windshield (2), attached to the inside of it.

[0050] In another embodiment, the smart glass sheet (1) with independent sections (1a) is included in an additional transparent plastic piece (10) that is installed in the vehicle in front of the windshield (2), on the inside. Optionally, the smart glass sheet (1) divided into independent sections (1a) installed in the windshield (2) uses SPD technology.

[0051] In any case, preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the control panel (3) comprises a controller screen (30) with several activation zones, corresponding to the different independent sections (1a) into which the smart glass sheet (1) is divided, to allow the manual selection and activation of said sections (1a), and several selectable buttons (31) to activate the automatic operation of the equipment and to activate / deactivate the section or sections as required depending on the incidence of sunlight. In addition, an emergency switch (32) is provided, independently connected to the controller screen (30) and the control panel (3), to deactivate all sections (1a) and leave the windshield (2) completely transparent if necessary.

[0052] Preferably, the controller screen (30) of the control panel (3) is a touch screen associated with specific electronics and software to activate / deactivate the different sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1), and the selective buttons (31) for automatic operation.

[0053] Preferably, the control panel (3) with the display (30) is integrated and forms part of the vehicle's own electronic control panel, sharing its use with other components of the same.

[0054] In any case, preferably, the selective sun protection equipment (1) of the invention further comprises a photometric sensor (4) to allow automatic operation of the equipment and to activate / deactivate the different independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) depending on the incidence of sunlight on them.

[0055] The sensor (4) can be strategically installed in the vehicle behind the driver's head as shown in figures two and 3, the photometric sensors (4) are installed in the driver's seat (5) of the vehicle, at the top of it.

[0056] Preferably, the sensors (4) comprise adjustable positioning means (40) to place them at the same height as the driver's eyes. Preferably, the adjustable positioning means of the sensors (4) are vertical sliding guides.

[0057] In another embodiment of the invention, it can be installed in a device worn by the driver, for example in glasses.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, such as that shown in Figure 1, but not to be considered limiting, the division of the smart glass sheet (1) into independent sections (1a) is a grid-like division comprising two columns of independent sections (1a), one on the right (d) and one on the left (i), occupying the entire width (a) of the windshield (2), and four rows of independent sections (1a) occupying more than the upper half of said windshield (2). However, this division may have other configurations. Optionally, one or more sections (1a) may have various profiles or silhouettes, including figures and / or alphanumeric elements, for example, in the form of a logo, and serve as an advertising element.

[0059] In the preferred embodiment, based on the described division of the independent sections (1a) of the sheet into two columns and four rows, the equipment comprises, as shown in Figure 2, eight photometric sensors (4) arranged in two columns of four sensors (4), one on each side of the top of the seat (5). Each sensor (4) is linked to one of the independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) so that, when sunlight strikes it, that section is activated. However, it is important to note that the number of sensors (4) and their position may vary, depending on the specific installation and vehicle type.

[0060] 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 can understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, characterized by comprising: - a smart glass sheet (1), installed on the windshield (2) of the vehicle, which is divided into several independent sections (1a), i.e., independently connected to an electrical power source so that they receive voltage or not and become opaque or not independently, and - a control panel (3) that links the power supply with the independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) to be able to select, manually or automatically, the independent activation / deactivation of only one, two or more of said sections (1a), depending on the needs of each moment based on the incidence of sunlight on the windshield (2) of the vehicle and does not bother the driver while the rest remain transparent.

2. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the intelligent glass sheet (1) with independent sections (1a) is integrated into the windshield (2) during its manufacture.

3. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the intelligent glass sheet (1) with independent sections (1a) is a sheet added to an existing windshield (2), attached to the inside of the same.

4. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the smart glass sheet (1) with independent sections (1a) is included in an additional piece of transparent plastic (10) that is incorporated into the vehicle on the inside of the windshield (2).

5. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intelligent glass sheet (1) divided into independent sections (1a) installed on the windshield (2) is of PDLC technology.

6. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the intelligent glass sheet (1) divided into independent sections (1a) installed on the windshield (2) is of SPD technology.

7. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control panel (3) comprises a controller screen (30) with various activation zones, corresponding to the different independent sections (1a) into which the smart glass sheet (1) is divided, to allow the manual selection and activation of said sections (1a), or the automatic activation of selective buttons (31); in that an independent emergency switch (32) is provided to deactivate all sections (1a) and leave the windshield (2) completely transparent if necessary.

8. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 7, characterized in that the controller screen (30) of the control panel (3) is a touch screen associated with specific electronics and software to activate / deactivate the different sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) and the selective buttons (31).

9. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the control panel (3) with the screen (30) is integrated and forms part of the vehicle's own electronic control panel, sharing its use with other components thereof.

10. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a photometric sensor (4) to allow the automatic operation of the equipment and to activate / deactivate the different independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) depending on the incidence of sunlight on them.

11. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 10, characterized in that the photometric sensor (4) is installed in the driver's seat (5) of the vehicle, at the top of the same.

12. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the sensors (4) comprise adjustable positioning means (40) to place them at the same height as the driver's eyes.

13. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 12, characterized in that the adjustable positioning means of the sensors (4) are vertical sliding guides.

14. Selective sun protection equipment for vehicles, according to claim 10, characterized in that the photometric sensor (4) is installed in a device worn by the driver, for example in glasses.

15. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the division into independent sections (1a) of the intelligent glass sheet (1) is a grid division having two columns of independent sections (1a), one right (d) and one left (i), which occupy the entire width (a) of the windshield (2), and four rows of independent sections (1a) which occupy more than the upper half of said windshield (2).

16. Selective solar protection equipment for vehicles, according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises eight photometric sensors (4) distributed in two columns of four sensors (4), one on each side of the top of the seat (5), such that each sensor (4) is related to one of the independent sections (1a) of the smart glass sheet (1) so that, when sunlight falls on it, said section is activated.

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