GB2598826A

GB2598826A - A modified sun visor for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2598826A
Application number: GB2109308.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Taylor Wayne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-29
Filing date: 2021-06-28
Publication date: 2022-03-16
Also published as: GB202109308D0; GB202010137D0

Abstract

A sun visor 99 for a vehicle comprising: a first screen 5 moveable between stowed and deployed positions; a second screen 7 moveable between stowed and deployed positions; a vehicle mounting 1; and a deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism comprises at least one light sensor 3 configured to provide a deployment signal to deploy the second screen to the deployed position when light is detected by the light sensor. The deployment mechanism may comprise actuators 8,11 to move the first and second screens, where each actuator may comprise a motor 8,11. The second screen may be actuated by a rack 6 and pinion 9 (see Fig.5b). The second screen may be a tinted transparent screen to reduce glare but still permit some visibility. The attachment means may comprise a connector 2 to permit connection to a power supply. A timer may delay actuation of the screens. A limiter may prevent deployment of the second screen if the first screen is in a stowed position. The visor may comprise an alert means which may activate when: imminent direct sunlight is detected; direct sunlight is detected; a fault is detected; or during deployment of the second screen.

Description

A MODIFIED SUN VISOR FOR A VEHICLE

Field of Invention

The present invention provides a modified sun visor for a vehicle, in particular a sun visor with an automatic deployment means.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sun visor for a vehicle comprising: a first screen moveable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position, and a second screen moveable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position, a vehicle mounting, and a deployment mechanism; wherein the deployment mechanism comprises at least one light sensor configured to provide a deployment signal which operates the deployment mechanism to deploy at least the second screen from the first stowed position to the second deployed position, when light is detected by the at least one light sensor.

In this way the modified sun visor provides a means of deploying one or both screens when direct sunlight, that may affect the vision of a driver, is detected. This enhances safety for all road users as it is known that accident levels increase on roads that experience direct sunlight and in particular low level sunlight. As the deployment of at least one of the screens is automated a driver does not need to remove their hands from a steering wheel. As the screen or screens deploy upon detection of light and/or upon location data, a driver is not distracted by the bright sunlight as the screen is automatically deployed and typically the automatic deployment may be quicker as a driver does not have to wait for an appropriate time to remove a hand from the steering wheel and manually deploy the sun visor.

The second screen increases the area that is shaded for a driver compared to that of traditional sun visor.

In particular the modified visor is arranged to protect a driver from low angled sunlight, mainly at sunrise and sunset when traditional sun visors do not obscure the sunshine.

In some embodiments the sun visor may include location means. For example the sun visor may be operatively connected to a microprocessor and a location system such as a global positioning network (GPS) system. Data collected by the GPS system may be used to assist with determining if direct sunlight will be experienced by the driver at a particular time, by analysing location data with other parameters such as date, direction of travel, weather, and time of year.

It is appreciated that location data may be used in isolation or in conjunction with other data to identify high risk areas to assist with determining when a visor should be deployed. If direct sunlight within above a pre-set level is predicted a control signal may be initiated to activate the deployment mechanism. For example the sun visor may have a memory to store data on high risk locations, or the sun visor may include a receiver for receiving signals from a remote device that indicates a high risk area, or when a driver is approaching a high risk area. For example a warning signal may be sent to the sun visor and when the warning signal is received a warning alert may be activated.

Some embodiments of the sun visor may be envisaged in addition or the alternative to account for scenery, objects, buildings, weather, or anything else that may cause the sun to be obscured from a driver's vision leading to false positives such that the deployment of the screen is not needed, or if the screen(s) has/have been deployed it/they are retracted.

For example the light sensor may be operatively connected to a timer and if a level of light that is lower than the pre-set level is detected for a pre-set period of time, the screen or screens may be retracted. In this way if a driver is passing through a shaded area such as under tree cover, through a tunnel, or if a road is shaded from shadows from buildings the screen is automatically retracted so that a driver has optimum vision.

A user may first manually deploy the first screen, and deployment of the second screen may be automated so that when direct sunlight is detected by one or more light sensor, or if direct sunlight is predicted due to other parameters such as location data and a deployment signal is sent, the deployment mechanism is activated.

In some preferred embodiments the deployment of both the first and second screens may be automated by means of the deployment mechanism. Advantageously in this way a user is not required to manually deploy the first screen but instead detection of sunlight by the light sensor, or if direct sunlight is predicted due to other parameters such as location data and a deployment signal is sent deployment of both screens will be activated so that both screens move to the deployed positions.

Preferably the screens are deployed in sequence, the first screen and then the second screen.

A deployment signal is triggered when a pre-set level of light is detected by the at least 10 one sensor.

In some embodiments each screen may be deployed under different light conditions. For example the first screen may be deployed when a first light level is detected and the second screen may be deployed when a second, higher light level is detected.

When direct sunlight is no longer detected, the screen or screens may be retracted to the first position(s). Ideally the sun visor includes a timer so that a screen, or both screens, are not retracted for a period of time, such as one minute, in case a vehicle is momentarily in shade.

Typically the vehicle mounting includes a hinge so that the first screen can be pivoted about the hinge between the stowed and deployed positions.

The vehicle mounting typically includes a plate that is attached to the ceiling of the 25 vehicle. The plate may be designed with slots to accommodate variation in bolt locations for different makes and models of vehicle, so as to allow for after-market installation. In this way any vehicle can be fitted with the modified sun visor.

It is appreciated that the modified sun visor may be installed at vehicle manufacture.

In preferred embodiments the first screen is a non-transparent screen that blocks sunlight, as in traditional vehicle sun visors. Preferably the first screen houses the second screen within a void or pocket in the first screen so that the second screen is concealed when in the first stowed position. Ideally the void also houses the deployment mechanism.

The first screen may be formed from synthetic plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). For example the first screen may be formed of two parts slotted and screwed together, with internal ribbing to help strengthen the visor. An external face of the first screen may have a fabric cover to ensure the visor blends with the interior of the vehicle and could be supplied in different colours.

Preferably the second screen is a tinted transparent screen. In this way, although the second screen extends over an additional region of the windscreen it does not block the user's vision, but reduces glare from the sunlight, enabling a driver to maintain 10 improved vision when exposed to direct sunlight.

The second screen may be transparent, translucent, photosensitive, polychromatic, polarised, gradient or mirrored so as to prevent glare that may blind a driver.

The deployment mechanism comprises an actuator that is operatively connected to a power source. In preferred embodiments the sun visor is hard wired to a power supply from the vehicle battery. In other embodiments the sun visor may include a power supply, for example one or more battery.

The actuator moves the second screen between the first and second positions and in some embodiments the actuator(s) moves the first and second screens between first and second positions.

In preferred embodiments the second screen is arranged to move by means of a rack 25 and pinion system that is driven by a motor so as to move the second screen linearly between the stowed and deployed positions.

The actuator is activated upon receipt of a signal generated in response to a deployment signal, for example a control signal triggered by light being detected by the light sensor, or a control signal predicting imminent direct sunlight.

Preferably the actuator is operatively connected to a microprocessor that receives the deployment signal and activates the actuator in response to the receiving the signal.

Ideally the light sensor is positioned on an upper region of the first screen.

Preferably the light sensor is positioned so as to be on a forward facing part of the first screen when in the second position. In this way the light sensor is detecting light received through the front windscreen of the vehicle.

It is appreciated that the light sensor may be positioned so as to be forward facing in all orientations of the first screen. For example, the light sensor may protrude from the screen so as to detect light from all directions. In this way the sun visor can be activated at any time that direct sunlight is detected and may include light detected from ahead or to the left or right.

In some embodiments the light sensor is arranged on part of the vehicle mounting so that the sensor remains static during deployment and retraction.

In other embodiments the light sensor may be located elsewhere on the vehicle so as 15 to be remote from the visor.

In preferred embodiments a deployment signal is triggered when light is detected by the light sensor within a preset range. In this way the second screen, or optionally both screens, are only deployed when strong direct sunlight is detected.

In some embodiments the sun visor includes a limiting means to prevent deployment of the second screen from the first position to the second position, if the first screen is not in the second position. For example, the sun visor may include a gyroscopic sensor that detects when the first screen has been deployed and therefore enables the second screen to be deployed. Alternatively or additionally the sun visor may include limiter switches that cease movement of the actuator(s) when a screen is fully deployed or retracted.

In some embodiments the sun visor has an alert means. The alert means may be 30 activated when direct sunlight is detected so as to advise a driver to deploy the sun visor, or to alert the driver that the sun visor needs to be deployed.

The alert means may be a visual alert such as a light, or an audible alert such as an alarm that is activated upon receipt of a signal.

For example, an alarm may sound when direct sunlight is detected and/or an alarm may sound during, or just prior to, deployment of one, either or both screens from the first positions to the second positions.

The sun visors are shaped and dimensioned in common with existing vehicle sun visors. It is appreciated that the modified sun visor is typically thicker than traditional sun visors to accommodate internal components of the deployment mechanism and the second screen.

In some embodiments the sun visor may have an override system that forces retraction of the visor if it has been deployed.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a sketch of an isometric view of an embodiment of the sun visor according to the present invention with screen deployed; Figure 2 shows a sketch of a user's eye view of the embodiment of the sun visor shown in Figure 1, in use in a vehicle; Figure 3 shows a sketch of an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a sketch of a diagrammatic side view of the embodiment shown in 25 figure 1 in use; Figures 5A shows a vehicle mounting; Figure 5B shows a rack and pinion for moving the second screen; Figure 6 shows a printed circuit board connected to the light sensor; Figure 7 shows the light sensor; and Figure 8 shows examples of hazardous situations when direct sunlight may compromise a driver's vision.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

With reference to the figures 1 to 7 there is shown an embodiment of a sun visor 99 5 comprising a first screen 5 and a second screen 7. The visor 99 has a vehicle mounting 1 for connecting the screens 5, 7 to the vehicle 200.

A deployment mechanism is provided to move the first screen 5 from a first stowed position to a second deployed position and back again and the second screen 7 from 10 the first stowed position to the second deployed position and back again.

The first screen 5 is solid and does not allow any light to pass through. The second screen 7 is a tinted transparent screen that reduces glare to a driver's eyes (see Figure 4).

The deployment mechanism comprises at least one light sensor 3 arranged to provide a deployment signal to deploy the screens 5,7 from first storage positions to the second deployed positions. The deployment signal activates two separate actuators 8, 11 which each move a separate screen.

The light sensor 3 is operatively connected to a microprocessor arranged on a printed circuit board (see Figure 6).

A torque motor 11 permits rotation of the first screen about the hinge of the vehicle 25 mounting 1.

A low profile geared motor 8 drives a rack 6 and pinion 9 system that deploys and retracts the second screen. The rack 6 and pinion 9 acts to roll the second screen 7 in and out of the void within the first screen 5.

In the pictured embodiment the light sensor 3 is located on an upper edge of the first screen 5. The light sensor 3 is behind a transparent window and is arranged to be exposed to sunlight in both the deployed and undeployed positions.

The vehicle attachment means 1 has an opening through which a wire with a connector 2 passes to permit connection to a power supply. In this way the sun visor can be readily connected or disconnected. It may be envisaged that said connector may be connected to a 12V circuit feed from the vehicle battery.

The first visor 5 is formed of a two part housing formed from synthetic plastics such as 5 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or similar.

The vehicle mounting 1 is arranged on a spine of the first screen 5. The spine is the area about which the first screen pivots about. The vehicle mounting 1 has a metallic elbow that is hingeably connected to a plate. The elbow is cylindrical and allows 10 passage of the connector 2 and wiring therethrough.

The motors 8,11 are also contained within the void of first screen 5. The torque motor 11 is contained within in the spine region. Advantageously this arrangement reduces the size of the ceiling mounting to ensure the screens stay as flush to the ceiling as 15 possible and is as adaptable to as many vehicle types as possible.

The light sensor 3 is embedded in an edge of the spine of the first screen 5.

A discontinuation in the spine is provided to form a clip 4 for clipping the spine of the 20 visor to an anchor arranged on the vehicle. The clip 4 is at the distal end of the spine with respect to the vehicle mounting 1.

The second screen 7 is arranged within a void and extends out of the visor through an opening in at an edge that is in an opposed edge to the spine.

The second screen 7 is secured to in place by a pair of side racks 6 that run down each side edge of the second screen.

Low profile geared motors 8 that are housed either side of the first screen ensure quick 30 deployment and retraction of the second screen via the rack 6 and pinion. The screen is thereby smoothly and progressively moved up and down as required.

The second screen is substantially rigid.

Figure 8 shows examples of hazardous situations when a driver may be subjected to direct sunlight that may compromise their vision. In particular when turning and direction of light changes quickly, during overtaking when the vehicle being passed may cast a temporary shadow and travelling up a hill when the low light may blind a driver as they approach the brow of a hill. In all these situations the modified sun visor would be deployed due to detection of direct sunlight, and/or upon receipt of a control signal based on location data.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A sun visor for a vehicle comprising: a first screen moveable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position, and a second screen moveable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position, a vehicle mounting, and a deployment mechanism; wherein the deployment mechanism comprises at least one light sensor configured to provide a deployment signal which operates the deployment mechanism to deploy the second screen from the first storage position to the second deployed position, when light is detected by the at least one light sensor.
2. A sun visor according to claim 1 wherein the light sensor is configured to be operative within a preset range whereby a deployment signal is triggered when light is detected by the light sensor within a preset range.
3. A sun visor according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second screen includes a tinted transparent screen.
4. A sun visor according to any preceding claim wherein the deployment mechanism is an actuator that is operatively connected to a power source.
5. A sun visor according to claim 4 wherein the actuator is a motor.
6. A sun visor according to nay preceding claim wherein the at least one light sensor is arranged on a forward facing region of the first screen.
7. A sun visor according to any proceeding claim including a limiter to prevent deployment of the second screen from the first position to the second position, before the first screen is deployed in the second position.
S. A sun visor according to any proceeding claim including an alert means.
9. A sun visor according to claim 8 wherein the alert means which is activated when direct sunlight is detected.
10. A sun visor according to claims 8 or 9 including an alert means which is activated when a signal indicating imminent direct sunlight is detected.
11. A sun visor according to claims 8, 9 or 10 including an alert means which triggers to indicate a fault.
12. A sun visor according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein the alert means is activated when the second screen is being deployed from the first position to the second position.
13. A sun visor according to any preceding claim that is operatively connected to a location means.
14. A sun visor according to any preceding claim including a timer to monitor if light detected falls below a pre-set level for a period of time.