DE102004046784A1 - Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles, comprising a sunshade body, which is equipped with an inner holder; an axis about which the sunshade body can rotate and along which it can be further displaced, the axis remaining mounted inside a horizontal profile of the body, the axis comprising a contact end located inside the body of the sunshade, and wherein the axle is suitable for allowing the passage of cables through its interior, which are intended for conducting electrical power to actuate a first electrical device belonging to the car; and a contact element which is inserted in the profile of the body of the parasol, wherein the contact element comprises a contact region which is suitable for receiving the contact end of the axle, wherein the contact element is a sliding shoe which is mounted inside the profile of the body of the parasol, such that the sliding shoe can slide relative to the body of the sunshade, the contact area of the sliding shoe being internally provided with inner metal tongues arranged in correspondence with respective metal webs disposed at the contact end of the axle in a certain rotational position thereof, the inner metal tongues extend according to contact elements, which are suitable in a permanent electrical contact by a ...

Description

The The present patent application relates, according to its short title, to a "PERFECTED EXITABLE UMBRELLA FOR VEHICLES ", whose new characteristics in terms of structure, design and arrangement to fulfill the task for the he was specially provided, with maximum safety and effectiveness are given and numerous advantages are achieved, as in the following Description executed. The parasol is for example a sun visor.

The Umbrellas of retractable type for vehicles, which until today are known basically include a parasol body, which It is essentially made up of two pieces, in a sandwich-like manner are connected and arranged between which a reinforcement bracket is. The parasol body can rotate around an axis and move along it. The rotational movement allows an open or Shut down of the parasol to use it, articulated attachment, so that the rotation of the parasol about a vertical axis is possible. At opposite lying at the end the parasol body over one Area for attachment to a support element attached to the car (for example on the roof of the same), which is a design in the manner of a clip or a clamp. This allows a release of the Parasol body from Roof and thus turning and arranging in a lateral position, as stated above.

Also The state of the art includes parasols, which activate certain devices that belong to the car when this opened become. Therefor the parasol body must be suitable be for allowing the implementation of cables in the axis area. This is conventionally realized by rolling the cable around the surface outside the axis in a spiral manner.

The patent no. DE 10017046 Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co describes one of these parasols for vehicles. This parasol is also formed a body which can rotate about a hollow axis and also in the longitudinal direction with respect to this can be moved. The parasol body is provided with at least one switching device for turning on and off a lighting device; a remote control unit for controlling an automatic opening and closing device for doors, such as a garage or the like, and an electric cable for the power supply, which is connected to at least one switching device and a remote control unit.

Of the Main disadvantage of this parasol lies in the fact that, As stated above, the cable is wound around the axis within the hollow body is to conduct the electricity while moving the body to ensure, if this is in the mentioned side position next to the window of the vehicle extends or extended. Patent No. DE 4 328 890 by Gebr. Happich GmbH describes a parasol for vehicles, consisting of body, which is rotatable and displaceable in an axis, over which a slider attached, without possibility a twist, but with the ability an axial displacement, placed in a hollow body, which is inserted in the longitudinal edge area or longitudinal edge area of the body. The hollow body is closed at the ends with plugs, one of which is a Guide opening for the passage has the axis while the other plug is provided with a latching or toothing device to prevent an unwanted Axial displacement of the body over the Normal position. The aforementioned latching or toothing device includes two contact springs arranged on the plug and against each other isolated, being connected to electrical cables, which lead to a lighting device, which is arranged in the sun protection body is. Furthermore For example, one of the contact springs can be inserted into a ring-like cavity a contact sleeve or contact loop while the other contact spring inserted can be in a ring-like cavity of the end portion of the axis, wherein the respective springs adapt to the interior of the ring-like Cavities. The axis consists of a metal tube, which acts as a ground conductor, and by the same an insulated connection cable is led to which the contact sleeve or contact loop is connected to the end of the axis protrudes with a portion with the annular cavity and fixed is at the end of the axle with the other interposing section an insulating cover.

This Parasol uses an electrical connection device of the Type used in audio systems called "Jack". The main disadvantage of this connection path is the generation of short electrical breaks, reflecting the function of the overall arrangement impaired with regard to the electrical connection.

The present invention has been made with the aim of overcoming the disadvantages of the conventional parasols by a new, per finished, extendable sunshade for vehicles, with which important advantages are achieved, in particular with regard to a cost reduction, as described below.

Of the Sunshade according to the invention is basically formed from a parasol body and an axis about which it can rotate. The parasol can further along be moved to the axis to be able to extend it.

The Axis of the parasol is mounted inside the parasol body, inserted in one Metal profile, for example an aluminum profile, which is horizontal is mounted inside the said parasol body, in upper section of the same.

The Axle includes a contact end disposed inside a contact body, which introduced is in the interior of said metal profile of the parasol body. The called axis is suitable for an enabling the passage of cables through their interior, which are determined for conducting an electric current, which is a first electrical Device actuated, that belongs to the car, like a lighting device. The contact element has a Interior, which is suitable for receiving the contact end of the Axis.

According to the invention the contact element a sliding shoe, mounted inside the profile of the parasol body. This shoe can respect of the parasol body and glide inside. The contact area of the shoe is internally provided with internal metal tongues, which are in conformity are arranged with respective metal webs in the contact end of the Axis are arranged at a certain rotational position thereof. These inner metal tongues extend or expand according to contact elements, which are suitably adapted to be permanently in electrical To be in contact, by sliding on at least two metal tracks. These Contact tracks are arranged separately from each other, and the electrical Contact is independent of the relative longitudinal position of the shoe with respect the holder of the parasol. The sliding of the shoe with respect to the Umbrella body occurs when the user pulls on the sunshade body to extend it, while respecting the hollow axle slides.

In a first embodiment the invention, the said contact elements are contact tongues in the type of metal strip which are in flexible contact with two metal tracks, which in the lower section of the parasol profile are arranged.

In a second embodiment the said contact elements are contact blocks, for example of cylindrical Shape. At one end of said contact blocks leaf springs are arranged, which each of said contact blocks against the surface of the press both named metal tracks. In this embodiment Three metal tracks are used, which are printed on one Circuit are formed. Two of these are the same as above named webs, which are designed in the manner of a metal band (positive and negative pole of the current), and the third is a path for control signals for others Devices (for example, a registration box or "caja de registro "and others additional Services.

The Using a printed circuit board allows you to reduce the space and an enabling the enclosure or integration of said third track in the parasol device, which will be described. Furthermore, the design of the Contact blocks actuated by a leaf spring, a constant and effective electric Contact in every condition. The use of leaf springs made by light a change the spring constant is a regulation of sensitivity when sliding of the parasol.

According to the invention the retractable sunshade a switch, which is intended for an electric Connect or disconnect the metal tracks between each other. This switch is formed according to the invention of a contact metal sheet substantially in the form of a V, which is attached at one of its ends to the lower portion one of the mentioned Metal tracks. The opposite End of said switch blade is separate from the lower one Section of the metal profile arranged, but with the possibility of a Contacting the other of the webs when the second device, which belongs to the car, is in contact with said metal sheet, both webs electrically connected to each other.

According to the above embodiments, the connection and disconnection of the passage of the current of the cables is realized in two points respectively corresponding to the contact area of the sliding shoe and the mentioned switch. This results in the fact that the first device, which belongs to the car, is only connected when both elements close the electrical circuit, that is, when on the one hand the metal tongues of the contact region of the sliding shoe in contact with the metal webs of the contact end and the axis are arranged (this state is when the parasol body is in an open or deployed position, that is, in a substantially vertical position), and on the other hand, the mentioned switch verbun that is, what constitutes a situation that results when the second associated device, such as the sliding window covering a mirror mounted in the sunshade, is placed in an open position.

advantageously, has the metal profile of the holder of the sun protection body a Cross section, which from an open profile or from a closed Profile can be.

If he is of an open profile, he can preferably a cross section of the shape of an inverted U with a constriction in the lower portion have its branches. The branches have at their lower ends respective opposite approaches or protrusions, which are intended for preventing the bending of the mentioned webs by the action the metal tongues of the shoe. As can easily be understood, the mentioned opposite approaches or projections be arranged so that they go to the inside or to the uttering of open profile fall or projected. In any case, has the shoe a complementary Cross-section.

As set forth, the switch is activated by the second device, which belongs to the car, to connect or disconnect the metal tracks. This switch allows that in the connecting position of the contact region of the sliding shoe the first electrical device (in one example, the dim light the interior of the vehicle) is activated.

As set forth above, according to one embodiment the invention, the first electrical device which to the car belongs, a lighting device which is connected to the Parasol by means of the mentioned Cable while the second device (actuated by the mentioned Scarf ter), for example, the sliding cover one in said Parasol attached mirror is.

Under the numerous advantages of the extendable sunshade The present invention offers, in particular, the mention Reduction of manufacturing costs by suppressing the winding operation of cables around the outer surface of the Cable. This is very important as the parasol body is two Plastic pieces includes, which at their peripheral edges or peripheral edges together welded or soldered between them are the reinforcement bracket, which is above has been described is arranged. The union or connection the said two pieces takes place conventionally by means of a high frequency welding or high frequency soldering. This step always presupposes the difficult removal of the waste of excess plastic, which adheres to the edge of the welded or soldered Piece. The process of removing the waste is usually by a Pulling directly at the waste to the outside, and this can cause serious problems at the top of the parasol body, where the axis is located. This is the case with the umbrellas the prior art, the welding or soldering with the axis already mounted inside the parasol body, said step of eliminating the waste damaged becomes. On the other hand allows in the present invention, the arrangement of the cables through the Inside of the axle an over splash the axle with a plastic material based on polyamide, the cables are already arranged in the interior thereof and the corresponding connectors thereof are disposed at the ends thereof. Another aspect, which is related to the cost reduction, where the effectiveness of the function is not lost, is the elimination of Microswitch, which used in the conventional parasols and a significant increase in the final cost of the overall arrangement entail. The invention replaces the said microswitches through a shoe with a contact area with the metal plates the contact end of the axis in a certain rotational position thereof. It is valued, that the costs, which derive from the production of a extendable according to the invention Parasol for vehicles, a quarter of the manufacturing costs of the parasols of the same type reachable, which have been produced so far.

Further be stressed that the fact that the electrical transmission the extendable sunshade of the present invention is performed by means of metal plates made of bronze, the problem of short electrical Triggers interruptions, which are generated in the parasols comprising "Jack" type connectors.

following is exemplary, but without limitation, a preferred according to the invention embodiment a perfect extendable sunshade for cars exactly described, on the basis of which characteristics and Benefits of the same emerge more clearly. The following description refers to the enclosed drawing; it shows:

1 a plan view of an extendable sunshade invention, in which some inner elements of the same can be seen;

2 a perspective view of Sliding shoe, arranged inside the aluminum profile of the parasol;

3 a profile view of the shoe of the body of the parasol, shown in 2 ;

4 a profile view of the axis of the extendable sunshade of the invention;

5 a sectional view of the contact end of the axis, which is arranged in the interior of the sliding block;

6 a front view of the axis of the extendable sunshade of the invention; and

7 a perspective view of the shoe of an alternative embodiment of the extendable sunshade of the invention.

It In the following, a list of the various reference symbols is given. which have been used to describe the preferred embodiment the device of the present invention:

1

Umbrella body;

2

Internal support;

3

Exterior cover of the Umbrella body;

4

axis the parasol body;

5

aluminum profile the parasol body;

6

Plastic outer layer the axis;

7

articulated Attachment ends of the axle;

8th

longitudinal axis;

9

Contact end the axis;

10

shoe;

11

Plug;

12

metal webs the contact end of the axle;

13

Cable duct of the Axis;

14

cylindrical Internal passage of the axle;

15

Contact area the shoe;

16

inner Metal tongues of the sliding shoe;

17

outer metal tongues the shoe;

18

and

19

Along metal tracks;

20

switch with moving contact;

21

Contact Metal Sheet the switch;

22

cover the mirror of the parasol;

23

and

24

end up the switch;

25

longitudinal approach or longitudinal projection to separate the Me

tallbahnen

26

page constriction of the aluminum profile

In the following, an exemplary description of an exemplary embodiment of an extendable sunshade according to the invention is given with reference to the figures which accompany the present description. The said parasol is formed from a parasol body ( 1 ), which an overmolded inner holder ( 2 ), which is coated on the outside with a plastic material ( 3 ).

The parasol body ( 1 ) can move around a hollow axis ( 4 ), which is shown in the 4 and 5 , The rotation of the parasol body ( 1 ) around the mentioned axis ( 4 ) allows its arrangement in a vertical position or opening position and a horizontal position or closing position. The parasol body ( 1 ) may also be relative to the axis ( 4 ) to prevent the sun's rays from hitting the user in a position where the sunshade is in a vertical position adjacent to the window of the vehicle.

Referring again to 1 , is the bracket ( 2 ) of the parasol body ( 1 ) formed of a rigid frame of substantially rectangular shape, in the upper portion of an aluminum profile ( 5 ), which is also in the perspective view of 2 can be seen. The interior of this metal profile ( 5 ) is suitable for receiving the axis ( 4 ) in its interior.

The axis ( 4 ), which the parasol body ( 1 ) has an outer layer of sprayed polyamide ( 6 ) and is provided with one end ( 7 ), which is substantially 90 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis ( 8th ) is inclined, as in the 4 and 5 to see. The end ( 7 ) is hinged to any suitable location of the vehicle, such as the roof, by means of a support (not shown). The opposite end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ) is a contact end which is inside the profile ( 5 ) by means of a sliding shoe ( 10 ) is arranged. The contact end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ), which in 3 is shown exactly, includes a plug ( 11 ), through the interior of which a connection connection is arranged, which is provided with metal webs ( 12 ), over the end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ) stand out. These metal bars ( 12 ) are connected to the ends of cables passing through the interior of the axle ( 4 ) through a cable duct ( 13 ). For this purpose, the axis ( 4 ) a cylindrical inner passage ( 14 ), which allows the passage of said electrical cables through the interior thereof.

The The purpose of this electrical cable is to conduct the electrical Strom, which a lighting device of the interior of the Cars pressed.

In particular, referring to 2 , is the sliding shoe ( 10 ) are mounted in such a way that a possibility of sliding inside the metal profile ( 5 ) exists, as can be seen in 2 the drawing, which is enclosed. The sliding shoe ( 10 ) comprises a contact area ( 15 ), which is formed from inner metal tongues ( 16 ) which are intended to receive the contact end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ). The inner metal tongues ( 16 ) of said contact area ( 15 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) are arranged in the interior of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) in accordance with the metal webs ( 12 ) of the axis ( 4 ) in a certain rotational position with the same.

The metal plates ( 16 ) of the interior of the shoe ( 10 ) extend outwards according to outer metal tongues ( 17 ) arranged in permanent contact by sliding on two longitudinal metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ), which are separated from each other by a longitudinal projection or longitudinal projection ( 25 ), which prevents the electrical contact between them.

The contact of the metal tongues ( 17 ) with the mentioned tracks ( 18 . 19 ) is always continuous and independent of the relative longitudinal position of the shoe ( 10 ).

The aforementioned longitudinal metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ) are arranged in the lower section of the profile ( 5 ), as from the 1 and 2 the drawing can be seen.

The relative displacement between the metal tongues ( 17 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) and the metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ) of the holder ( 2 ) is generated when the user on the body of the parasol ( 1 ) pulls it to extend it and thus with respect to the hollow shaft ( 4 ).

In accordance with the 1 and 2 of the drawing which is attached to the present description, is below the range of the profile ( 5 ) over which the metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ), a switch ( 20 ) which is intended for electrically connecting or disconnecting the metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ) with each other or from each other.

As from the mentioned 1 and 2 the drawing shows, the switch ( 20 ) formed from a contact metal sheet ( 21 ) substantially in the form of a V, which at one of its ends ( 23 ), connected to one of said metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ) is appropriate. The opposite end ( 24 ) of the metal sheet ( 21 ) remains separate from the lower section of the aluminum profile ( 5 ), but with the possibility of being in electrical contact with the other of the said 18 . 19 ), whereby they are electrically connected to each other when the cover ( 22 ) of the mirror of the body of the parasol ( 1 ) in the open position, that is, to the right as shown by 1 , is pushed.

As can be seen 2 , has the aluminum profile ( 5 ) has an open profile section at its lower portion. This cross section has the shape of an inverted U with a constriction ( 26 ) in the lower portion of its branches, which at their lower ends respective opposite sets on or projections which are intended to prevent the bending of the webs ( 18 . 19 ) by the action of the metal tongues ( 17 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ). These opposing projections or protrusions may be arranged so that they go to the inside or to the exterior of the profile ( 5 ) fall or be projected. The sliding shoe ( 10 ) has a cross-section which is complementary to that of the profile ( 5 ), so that it can slide freely, said metal profile ( 5 ) as a guide of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) acts.

After the structure of the extendable sunshade of the first embodiment of 1 to 6 has been described, the operation of the same will be described below. First, it starts from the separation position, in which the body of the parasol ( 1 ) is retracted or folded towards the roof and the cover ( 22 ) of the mirror is closed, that is, the mirror is hidden.

The user opens the sunshade by turning it down until it is in a vertical position. At this point, the contact area ( 15 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) concerning the contact end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ), so that the inner tongues ( 16 ) in electrical contact with the leaves ( 12 ) of the mentioned contact end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ) are. Nevertheless, the circle is not closed because the cover ( 22 ) of the mirror remains closed, obscuring the mirror, that is, the tracks ( 18 . 19 ) are separated because the end ( 24 ) of the metal sheet ( 21 ) of the switch ( 20 ) are still separated from the tracks ( 18 . 19 ) is located.

When the body of the parasol ( 1 ) is in the vertical position and the user the cover ( 22 ) of the mirror to the right according to 1 pushes, the switch connects ( 20 ) the mentioned tracks ( 18 . 19 ) when connecting the end ( 24 ) of the switch ( 20 ) with any of the tracks ( 18 . 19 ), one in electrical contact with the other ( 18 . 19 ) is brought. This then allows the passage of current through the contact area ( 15 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) and through the cables of the axle ( 4 ) so that the vehicle's interior lighting device is turned on for the user to see.

In particular, note the fact that this circumstance is maintained even though the user 1 ), pulling it outwards with respect to the axis ( 4 ) slides, thanks to the contact by sliding of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) concerning the railways ( 18 . 19 ).

With particular reference to the alternative embodiment shown in the perspective view of FIG 7 the drawing, which is enclosed, you can see the profile ( 5 ), in this case of closed design, and with the contact area ( 15 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) equipped with contact elements which now have three contact blocks ( 27 ) are of cylindrical design whose base is in flexible contact with respective metal tracks ( 28 ), which are arranged on a printed circuit board ( 29 ), detect. The contact blocks ( 27 ) are used against the said metal tracks ( 28 ) by means of leaf springs (not shown) which are mounted inside a housing ( 30 ) are housed. The drive of the contact blocks ( 27 ) by means of the mentioned leaf springs ensures a constant and effective electrical contact in any state, wherein a regulation of the sensitivity is made possible in a sliding of the sunshade by the spring constant is changed according to the requirements.

The two tracks ( 28 ) correspond to the positive pole or the negative pole of the current, and the third track ( 28 ) is a path for control signals for other devices (for example, a "caja de registro" and other additional services).

The printed circuit board ( 29 ) allows to reduce the space and thus integrate the mentioned third track ( 28 ) in the shoe ( 10 ) of the parasol.

After this has been sufficiently described, wherein the perfected extendable sunshade for Vehicles of the present invention in accordance with the accompanying drawings it is clear that at this arbitrary detail changes which can be made suitable for be noted, provided that the essential characteristics of the invention, which are summarized in the following claims, not changed become.

Claims (10)

Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles, comprising a sun protection body ( 1 ), which with an inner holder ( 2 ) Is provided; an axis ( 4 ) to which of the sun protection bodies ( 1 ) and along which it can be moved further, wherein the axis ( 4 ) inside a horizontal profile ( 5 ) of the body ( 1 ), whereby the axis ( 4 ) a contact end ( 9 ), which inside the body of the parasol ( 1 ), and wherein the axis ( 4 ) is suitable for allowing the passage of cables through their interior ( 14 ) intended to conduct electric current to actuate a first electrical device associated with the car; and a contact element ( 10 ), which in profile ( 5 ) of the body of the parasol ( 1 ), wherein the contact element ( 10 ) a contact area ( 15 ) which is suitable for receiving the contact end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ); characterized in that the contact element ( 10 ) a sliding shoe ( 10 ), which is inside the profile ( 5 ) of the body of the parasol ( 1 ), so that the sliding shoe ( 10 ) with respect to the body of the parasol ( 1 ), the contact area ( 15 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) inside is internal metal tongues ( 16 ), which in accordance with respective metal webs ( 12 ) are arranged, which at the contact end ( 9 ) of the axis ( 4 ) are arranged in a certain rotational position thereof, wherein the inner metal tongues ( 16 ) according to contact elements ( 17 ), which are suitable in a permanent electrical contact by sliding on at least two metal tracks ( 18 . 19 . 100 ), which are arranged separately from each other, wherein the contact regardless of the relative longitudinal position of the sliding shoe ( 10 ) with respect to the holder ( 2 ) of the body of the parasol ( 1 ). Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact elements contact tongues ( 17 ) are. Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact elements contact blocks ( 170 ), each of the contact blocks ( 170 ) against the surface of the at least two metal sheets ( 18 . 19 . 100 ) by pressing a leaf spring ( 180 ) is pressed. Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises three metal sheets ( 18 . 19 . 100 ), which are printed on a printed circuit ( 200 ) are formed. Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a switch ( 20 ) comprising a movable contact which is intended for electrically connecting or disconnecting the metal tracks ( 18 . 19 ) with each other or from each other, where at the switch ( 20 ) is actuated by a second device which belongs to the car. Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile ( 5 ) of the body of the parasol ( 1 ) has an open profile cross-section. Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile ( 5 ) of the body of the parasol ( 1 ) has a cross section with a closed profile. Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 6, characterized in that the profile ( 5 ) has a cross-section in the shape of an inverted U with a constriction ( 26 ) in the lower portion having at its lower ends respective opposite projections which are intended to prevent the bending of the webs ( 18 . 19 ) by the action of the outer metal tongues ( 17 ) of the sliding shoe ( 10 ). Perfected retractable sunshade for vehicles according to claim 5, characterized in that the switch ( 20 ) is formed from a contact metal sheet ( 21 ), which at one of its ends ( 23 ) is attached to the lower portion of one of the metal sheets ( 18 . 19 ), the other, free end ( 24 ) the possibility of a connection with the other of the railways ( 18 . 19 ) has, when the second device, which belongs to the car, in contact with the metal sheet ( 21 ), both paths ( 18 . 19 ) are electrically connected to each other. A perfected extensible sunshade for vehicles according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrical device associated with the car is a lighting device connected to the sunshade by means of the cables and that the second device belonging to the car , is a mirror, which is equipped with a sliding cover ( 22 ), which is attached to the body of the parasol ( 1 ), so that the lighting device is activated when the body of the parasol ( 1 ) is tilted in vertical position or offset and the sliding cover ( 22 ) of the mirror is in the open position.