FR2878475A1 - Windshield protecting device for motor vehicle, has cassette placed in middle of windshield, and blinds with tarpaulins deployed towards outside and mounted on winding tubes that form non-zero angles, when blinds are deployed - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has blinds (41, 42) with tarpaulins that are deployed towards outside of a vehicle (1) on a part of surface of a windshield (11). The tarpaulins are mounted on winding tubes that form non-zero angles, when the blinds are deployed. The tubes are movable with respect to a cassette between rest and protecting positions. The cassette is placed in middle of the windshield. An integrating unit is integrated to the vehicle`s lug. An independent claim is also included for a motor vehicle including a windshield protecting device.

Description

Protection device for the windshield of a motor vehicle. and

corresponding motor vehicle

  FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The field of the invention is that of motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to the protection of the windshield of a motor vehicle against the external elements.

  2. Solutions of the Prior Art 2.1 Prior art When a vehicle is parked outside, it is often subjected to numerous attacks from the outside environment. The windshields of vehicles in particular can be soiled by many elements. Thus, they can be covered with dust. In particular, in some areas, sand-laden winds can cover the vehicles completely in a very short time with a layer of dust that makes it very difficult to see through the glass surfaces of vehicles.

  In special cases, for example when the vehicle is parked under trees, the vehicle, including the windshield, may be stained with bird droppings. Sometimes vehicles are covered with snow. More often, vehicles parked at night outside are covered with frost.

  These external elements preventing vision through the windshield, the user is obliged to clean his windshield before using his vehicle. The wipers and washer system are not always enough for this. In the case of frost in particular, it is most often necessary to scrape the frost layer, which is tedious and uncomfortable.

  Another solution to clean a windshield covered with frost is to pour in hot water. This solution, which requires having hot water at its disposal, is not very easy to implement. The user can also use the heating of his vehicle to heat the windshield from the inside and thus melt the frost. This operation is quite long, and runs the risk of rupture of the windshield by thermal shock.

  2.2 solutions of the prior art To avoid frost, some people have become accustomed to putting against their windshield a cardboard, or paper, or a piece of plastic, held by the wipers, in cold weather, that is to say when there is a risk of frost.

  This is not aesthetic or practical. Indeed, it is not inevitably obvious to find a cardboard available when it is needed.

  Tarpaulins adapted to the shape of the vehicles also exist, and make it possible to avoid all the inconveniences due to the external elements. But these tarpaulins are quite complex to put in place, because of their large dimensions, and, because of their specific shape, are not easy to bend. Their storage can not be done easily.

  The parked vehicle may also experience long periods of sunshine. This is not harmful for the windshield, but causes a very strong rise in the temperature in the vehicle, accentuated by the greenhouse effect.

  Interior blind solutions exist to protect vehicles against the sun, but these devices do not allow any protection against other external elements that may have harmful consequences for the vehicle.

  US Patent 4,805,654 proposes a device for protecting the vehicle, but this device is, to say the least, not easy to implement. In addition, it protects only the sun, not frost.

  All these solutions of the prior art therefore have the major disadvantage of being complicated to implement and / or to be inefficient. 3. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is notably to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.

  More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide effective protection of the windshield of the vehicle against all external elements such as frost, snow, dust, sun, bird droppings ...

  Another object of the invention is to provide such a protection which is very easy to set up, remove and store.

  More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide such protection that is available at any time in the vehicle.

  The invention also aims to provide such a protection whose aesthetics is consistent with that of the vehicle or several vehicles.

  Yet another object of the invention is to provide such protection, which is easy to implement, and therefore an acceptable cost.

  4. ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INVENTION These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly later, are achieved according to the invention by means of a device for protecting a windshield of a motor vehicle against the outer elements, comprising at least one blind comprising a protective fabric intended to be deployed outside said vehicle on at least a portion of the surface of said windshield.

  Thus, according to the invention, covering the outside of the windshield, for example to protect against frost, with one or more blinds.

  Advantageously, the device of the invention comprises first securing means provided to be secured to second fastening means provided on said vehicle, so as to allow the introduction and removal of said device, according to the needs .

  Thus, the device is removable, and is set up only when the vehicle is stopped. According to another embodiment, the device can be integrated into the vehicle, for example in one (or both) amount of the windshield.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention comprises a cassette containing means for storing said web or sheets, said cassette being intended to be placed substantially vertically on said windshield.

  Advantageously, it comprises two blinds, said cassette being intended to be placed substantially in the middle of said windshield, so that a first of said blinds can protect the left part of said windshield, and that the second of said blinds can protect the part right of said windshield.

  This position of the cassette allows easy assembly and unfolding of the canvases, even for a single person.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the blind or blinds are roller blinds, said protective cloth being mounted on a roller tube. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, said winding tubes form a non-zero angle, at least when said blinds are deployed.

  This optimizes the protection, compared to the curved shape of the windshield and / or the position of the lateral uprights thereof.

  In this case, advantageously, at least one of said reel tubes is movable relative to said cassette, between a rest position and a protective position.

  It can thus reduce the size, in the rest position.

  Advantageously, in this case, the axes of said reel tubes are substantially parallel to each other in said rest position and are substantially parallel to an edge of said windshield in said protective position.

  According to a particular embodiment, said cassette carries two movable parts relative to each other, each of said parts supporting a winding tube.

  Preferably, biasing means tending to bring said moving parts towards each other are provided, so that said cassette is more compact.

  According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the protection device comprises at least one support point intended to be supported at the level of the top of said windshield and at least one securing point intended to be fixed below said windshield. broken.

  Thus, there is no attachment point, or solidarity, at the flag, so as not to harm the aesthetics and aerodynamics. The fastening can for example be performed at a ventilation grid.

  Advantageously, said cassette comprises means for pressing each of said protective cloths on or near said windshield.

  This prevents frost, or any other element, between the glass and the canvas.

  Said means for flattening may in particular comprise an idler roller guiding said protective cloth towards the windshield.

  Preferably, the device of the invention comprises means for recovering at least a portion of the water present on said one or more webs, during the folding of said fabric (s).

  Thus, it avoids, or reduces, the presence of water in the vehicle, and the projection of water on the person who dismounts the device.

  Said recovery means may in particular comprise at least one absorbent element, for example felt, coming into contact with said protective fabric.

  They may also include at least one reservoir for collecting water.

  According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the protection device comprises anti-theft locking means. These may also be provided on the vehicle, in whole or in part.

  Preferably, said protective fabric has a structure and characteristics adapted to the fact that it is used outdoors.

  Advantageously, said device comprises adjusting means for adapting at least one aspect of said protective device to at least two different motor vehicles.

  Thus, it will be possible to adjust the length of the unfolded fabric, the angle formed between the two reel tubes, the position of the idler roll, the securing means, the locking means, etc.

  The invention also relates to motor vehicles comprising securing means provided to cooperate with a protection device as described above, and comprising at least one blind comprising a protective fabric intended to be deployed outside said vehicle on at least a portion of the surface of said windshield.

  Preferably, such a vehicle comprises at least one fulcrum of said protection device above said windshield and at least one securing point of said protection device below the windshield.

  Advantageously, the one or more securing points are formed in an aeration plate of said vehicle.

  Said motor vehicle preferably comprises antitheft locking means of said protection device to said vehicle.

  According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises means for attaching the at least one protective cloth, when they are deployed.

  In particular, four hooking elements can be provided, close to the four corners of said windshield, respectively. These hooking elements can cooperate with the ends of the two draw bars.

  Preferably, the vehicle means for storing and / or maintaining said protection device inside said vehicle, when said protective device is not used.

  According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising means for protecting its windscreen against external elements, comprising at least one blind comprising a protective fabric intended to be deployed outside. said vehicle on at least a portion of the surface of said windshield.

  5. List of Figures Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which: Figure 1 shows a view from the front of a vehicle equipped with a protection device according to the invention, the device not being deployed; FIG. 2 shows a view of the front of the vehicle of FIG. 1 equipped with a protection device according to the invention, the device being deployed; Figure 3 shows a view of the inside of a protection device according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 shows a view of the inside of a protection device according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 represents the top of a protection device according to the invention, installed on a vehicle; Figure 6a shows schematically the elements of a protection device according to a third embodiment of the invention, in the folded position; Figure 6b shows a sectional view of the device of Figure 6a; Figure 7a shows schematically the elements of the protective device of Figure 6a in the folded position; Figure 7b shows a sectional view of the device of Figure 7a.

  6. Description of an embodiment of the invention 6.1 Recall of the principle of the invention The invention therefore proposes to protect the outer side of the windshield of a vehicle, in particular against frost and the sun, with a removable outer device that is placed in the middle of the windshield and includes one or more blinds, which extend over the entire surface of the windshield.

  6.2 Description of an embodiment

6.2.1 Removable structure.

  Figure 1 shows the front of a motor vehicle 1 whose windshield 11 is equipped with a protective device according to the invention. It can thus be seen in the middle of the windshield 11, in the axis of the vehicle, a cassette 2 of substantially triangular shape. This cassette is removable. It is in particular removed from the windshield as soon as the vehicle 1 is used. The user of the vehicle fixes it outside the vehicle 1, against the windshield 11, when he wants to protect it.

  The positioning of the cassette in the axis of the vehicle and in the middle of the windshield makes it possible to facilitate a complete recovery of the surface of the windshield by the device and the reduction of the cone effect due to the shape of the windshield. broken.

  We can distinguish on the sides of the cassette 2 two draw bars 31 and 32. These draw bars are intended to deploy a blind on each half of the windshield 11. These draw bars, located in the middle of the windshield are easily accessible by the user who can, on one side then the other of his vehicle, pull them towards him to deploy the blinds.

  Figure 2 shows the same device whose blinds are deployed. It thus sees two blinds 41 and 42, which have been deployed by pulling respectively on the draw bars 31 and 32. These blinds, thus deployed, cover most of the windshield 11, and thus protect against frost, the sun, or against various soils.

  These blinds are respectively connected to two winding tubes, or winders that are in the cassette 2. These winders well known to those skilled in the art allow on the one hand to fold the blinds, and on the other hand to ensure their tension when they are deployed.

6.2.2 Position of the reels.

  FIG. 3 represents the inside of the cassette 2 of a protection device according to the invention. It can be seen the two reels 51 and 52 of the blinds 41 and 42. The two reels are not parallel. On the contrary, their axes form an angle of about ten degrees. This spacing allows the blind, when it is deployed, to better adapt to the shape of the windshield.

  In fact, for the majority of vehicles currently manufactured, windshields are not flat. On the contrary, they have a curved shape, which depends on the vehicle models. In addition, the side edges of the windshield are generally not parallel. The angle formed by the two retractor tubes allows the blinds to better adapt to the shape of a curved windshield, and therefore better cover it.

  Of course, the angle formed by the reels can vary according to the curve of the vehicle. There can thus be protective devices adapted to each type of vehicle, or protection devices for which the angle formed by the two reels is adjustable, which makes it possible to adapt to several vehicle models.

  6.2.3 Mobile reels with respect to each other.

  FIG. 4 represents the inside of the cassette 2 of a protection device according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this cassette, the two reels 51 and 52 are movable relative to the cassette and relative to each other.

  Indeed, the high ends 521 and 511 of the roller blinds respectively 51 and 52 are rotatably mounted relative to the cassette 2. The lower ends 522 and 512 can slide in two slots 22 and 21 of the cassette 2. Thus, each these reels can take a position parallel to the axis of the cassette 2, as the reel 51 of Figure 2, or otherwise a parallel position an edge of the cassette 2, as the reel 51 of Figure 2.

  Returning means, not shown, tend to bring the reels 51 and 52 in the position parallel to the axis of the cassette. Thus, the retractor will return to this position, said rest position, when the blind will be folded. On the contrary, when a pull is exerted on one of the draw bars, the winder will be driven to the position parallel to the edge of the cassette, said protective position. Pulling on a pull bar therefore has the double effect, in this embodiment of the invention, of deploying the blind and of varying its orientation so that it covers the windshield as perfectly as possible.

  This solution makes it even better to adapt to various forms of windshields. Indeed, the awning 42 deployed no longer has a rectangular shape; but 2878475 lo trapezoidal. This allows it to cover a windshield that would have substantially this shape.

  It is also possible to use a trapezoidal fabric, possibly associated with a frustoconical tube.

  6.2.4 Double cassette embodiment.

  Figures 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7c illustrate a third embodiment of the invention. The cassette 2 is here composed of two moving parts, or half-cassettes 201 and 202. These two half-cassettes 201 and 202 are movable relative to each other with respect to an axis of rotation 200. recall not shown tend to bring these two half-cassettes closer to one another. A stop 204 prevents them from moving away from each other beyond a predetermined angle.

  The two winders 51 and 52 are fixedly mounted on the half-cassettes respectively 201 and 202. In the folded position of the protective device, or rest position, represented by FIGS. 6a and 6b, the two half-cassettes 201 and 202 are close to each other, under the effect of recall means. In this position, the two reels 51 and 52 are substantially parallel. The protective device then occupies a minimum volume and has a rectangular shape. It is easier to store.

  On the contrary, when the user pulls the draw bars to deploy the blinds, the two half-cassettes 2001 and 2002 deviate from each other by turning about the axis 200, until the stop 2004 blocks their movement. The device is then in the protection position. At this time, the two winders 51 and 52 form an angle which, as in the previous embodiments, allows the blinds to better cover the windshield.

  6.2.5 Ties, or points of attachment.

  Fastening points provided on the vehicle can effectively fix the protection device on the windshield. In particular, the bottom of the device comprises first securing means which solidarize, below the windshield, second securing means, or attachment point, related to the vehicle. This attachment point is preferably located at the ventilation grid of the vehicle. It is therefore partially under the hood of the vehicle. Thus, this attachment point is discreet when the protective device is not installed on the vehicle. It can be glued to the vehicle, or integrated with other functions.

  This attachment point secures the protective device and prevent it from being torn off the vehicle, for example by wind. It can also prevent theft or vandalism of this device. For this, the fastening system advantageously include a key locking system. It can also be imagined that this lock is linked to the central locking system of the vehicle, which simplifies locking operations for the user.

  The locking means may be provided on the vehicle (at the level of the ventilation grid for example) and / or on the cassette.

  As shown in Figure 5, the upper part of the cassette 2 can rest on the vehicle 1, at the top of the windshield 11, by a simple support. Thus, the support piece 23, located under the cassette 2, is just placed on the vehicle. This solution avoids putting on the vehicle an attachment point at the top of the windshield. A second point of attachment at this level is indeed possible, but it could pose problems of aesthetics and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

  The pull bars of the blinds can be attached near the ends of the windshield, when the blinds are deployed. For example, the ends of the draw bars can be attached to attachment points located near the four corners of the windshield of the vehicle.

  These points of attachment can be clips specially adapted to maintain the draw bars. In this case, these clips can be glued to the body of the vehicle. Some of these attachment points may also be replaced by elements already existing on the vehicle body. For example, the hubcaps, the gouge hubcaps, the air vent covers or wiper device supports can be modified to ensure the fastening role of the ends of the blinds.

6.2.6 Storage of the cassette.

  The protection device of the windshield is of course intended to be installed on the vehicle when it is parked. When the user wants to use his vehicle, he must therefore fold the protective device and remove it from the windshield. A specific location inside the vehicle, for example in the trunk, may advantageously be provided for storing the cassette containing the reels.

  This storage location can advantageously be in the interior trim of the door. Thus, it retains the initial surface of the trunk, and we can keep the device safe from shocks. This storage location may include fasteners. Of course, this storage is facilitated in the case where the device is formed of two half-cassettes, as described above. Indeed, it has a more compact shape, easier to store.

  If the protective device has been wet, for example by rain, snow or frost, it may bend to drip. Indeed, the water present on the blinds can accumulate during the winding thereof and sink while the cassette is manipulated. The water may run on the feet of the user or in the trunk of his vehicle, while the user stores the device in its specific location.

  To avoid this, one can provide a water recovery device present on the blind, for example by scraping with a rubber lip or absorbent materials, such as felt, during the winding of the blind. The water can then be collected in one or more tanks to prevent it from sinking. This tank can be retractable to be easily emptied by the user. The interior of the cassette can also be covered with felt to absorb the water flowing from the reels.

  6.2.7 Other features and benefits.

  In order for the fabric to be well pressed against the windshield of the vehicle, it is possible to use an idler roll which guides the fabric at the exit of the winder. FIG. 7b shows a roller 6 of this type which brings the blind 42 closer to the surface of the windshield 11.

  Of course, the use of such a roll is not limited to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7b. On the contrary, it can be adapted to all embodiments, and more generally to many types of blinds.

  One can also imagine that the windshield protection device is integrated into the vehicle near the windshield and can be deployed directly when the vehicle is parked.

  The protective fabric used for the manufacture of the blind is a canvas specially adapted to be resistant to the environment, and in particular to cold, water, and dust. It is particularly suitable for washing with high pressure water.

  The cassette can be made of color thermoplastic adapted to that of the vehicle. In general, all parts of the protective device may have shapes and colors appropriate to the design of the vehicle or vehicles for which the device is designed. Several elements of the device can be adjustable, so that the device can adapt to several vehicle models.

  Protection devices similar to that described above can be deployed in front of the rear side windows, and more generally in front of all the glass parts of a vehicle.

Claims (27)

  1. Device for protecting a windshield (11) of a motor vehicle (1) against external elements, characterized in that it comprises at least one blind (41, 42) comprising a protective fabric intended to be deployed outside said vehicle (1) on at least a portion of the surface of said windshield (11).   2. Protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises first securing means provided to be secured to second securing means provided on said vehicle (1), so as to allow the introduction and removal of said device, as needed.   3. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises a cassette (2) containing means for storing said web or said webs, said cassette (2) being intended to be placed substantially vertically on said windshield (11).   4. Protective device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises two blinds (41, 42), said cassette (2) being intended to be placed substantially in the middle of said windshield (11), so that a first of said blinds (41) can protect the left part of said windshield (1l), and the second of said blinds (42) can protect the right side of said windshield (II).   5. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the or said blinds (41, 42) are roller blinds, said protective cloth being mounted on a roller tube (51, 52) .   6. Protection device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that at least one of said reel tubes (51, 52) is movable relative to said cassette (2), between a rest position and a protective position.   7. Protection device according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said reel tubes (51, 52) form a non-zero angle, at least when said blinds (41, 42) are deployed.   8. Protection device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the axes of said winding tubes (51, 52) are substantially parallel to each other, in said rest position, and are substantially parallel to an edge of said pare -brise (11) in said protective position.   9. Protection device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that said cassette (2) carries two parts (201, 202) movable relative to each other, each of said parts (201, 202) supporting a retractor tube (51, 52).   10. Protection device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises biasing means tending to bring said movable parts (201, 202) towards each other, so that said cassette (2) be more compact.   11. Protective device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one support point (23) for bearing at the top of said windshield (11) and at the at least one securing point intended to be fixed below said windshield (11).   12. Protective device according to any one of claims 3 to 1 1, characterized in that said cassette (2) comprises means for pressing each of said protective cloths on or near said windshield (11).   13. Protective device according to claim 12, characterized in that said means for pressing comprises an idler roller (6) guiding said protective fabric.   14. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises means for recovering at least a portion of the water present on said fabric or fabrics, during the folding of that ( s) -ci.   15. Protection device according to claim 14, characterized in that said recovery means comprise at least one absorbent element, coming into contact with said protective cloth.   16. Protective device according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one reservoir for collecting water.   17. Protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises anti-theft locking means.   18. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said protective fabric is suitable for use outdoors.   19. Protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises adjusting means for adapting at least one aspect of said protective device to at least two different motor vehicles.   20. Motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises securing means provided for cooperating with a protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising at least one blind (41, 42) comprising a protective fabric for to be deployed outside said vehicle (1) on at least a portion of the surface of said windshield (11).   21. Motor vehicle according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises at least one support point of said protection device above said windshield (11) and at least one securing point of said protection device underneath. windshield (11).   22. Motor vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that the one or more attachment points are formed in an aeration plate of said vehicle (1).   23. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that it comprises antitheft locking means of said protective device to said vehicle (1).   24. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that it comprises means for attachment of said protective cloth or screens, when they are deployed.   25. Motor vehicle according to claim 24, characterized in that it comprises four hooking elements, respectively near the four corners of said windshield (11).   26. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that it comprises means for storing and / or maintaining said protection device inside said vehicle (1), when said protective device is not used.   27. Motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises means of protection of its windshield (11) against the outer elements, comprising at least one blind (41, 42) comprising a protective cloth intended to be deployed to the outside said vehicle (1) on at least a portion of the surface of said windshield (11).