Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Glare screen or visor
Reexamination Certificate
2001-11-21
2003-07-29
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Glare screen or visor
C296S097700, C296S097800, C296S097900, C160S265000, C160S370220
Reexamination Certificate
active
06598929
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern automobile body shapes are distinguished by relatively large window areas. Because of strong sunlight, the large window areas result in considerable heat generation in the interior of the vehicle and, in connection with vehicles with air conditioning, this extensive heat
For this reason, motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with windup window shades.
In this connection it is known to attach two guide rails laterally next to the window, in which the end of a traction rod of the window shade web is guided. The length of the traction rod is adjustable in order to be able to accommodate various window widths. Actuation takes place by means of thrust members running in the guide rails.
The windows in front of which such windup window shades are arranged generally have an approximately trapezoidal shape. The shape is a result of the shape of the vehicle body, wherein the roof is relatively strongly recessed in relation to the mid-section of the vehicle. When the guide rails extend along the lateral edges of the rear window, the distance which the traction rod must bridge is unavoidably changed when it is moved along the guide rails.
Therefore the traction rod of the known windup window shades is made in three sections and consists of a center element, whose length corresponds to the width of the window shade web shape at the appropriate edge, and two end elements, which can be moved in a telescope-like manner in respect to the center element.
The center element and the end elements are pushed together over sliding connections, which necessarily cause a certain minimum amount of friction.
The friction differs at the two end elements. A differential force is created during the retraction and extension of the end elements, which is more or less strong and directed toward one of the two lateral guide rails. The window shade web is transversely warped and causes waves and folds. If the differential force increases because the warping increases, the transverse stiffness of the window shade web might possibly result in sufficient centering.
As a rule, such blinds are extended from the wider edge in the direction of the narrower edge, i.e. in the direction toward the roof. The center element is pushed into a more or less centered position when, it pushes against a guide rail. However, no use can be made of this centering during retraction, so that the window shade web is possibly wound up more or less lopsided, and over time the created folds or waves are imprinted on the wound-up body.
Based on the foregoing it is the object of the invention to further improve a windup window shade of the above mentioned type in such a way that there is no danger of decentering the edge of the window shade web, which moves in front of the window surface during retraction and extension.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, the above object generally is attained by a windup window shade for regulating the entry of light through a window into the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising; at least one windup shaft, which is rotatably seated; at least one window shade web, which is fastened by one edge on the windup shaft; at least one pair of guides, each of which extends laterally beside the extended window shade web, and each of which contains at least one guide groove; a length-adjustable traction rod, which is connected with an edge remote from the windup shaft and is composed of a center element and two end elements, with the end elements being guided in the guide grooves; a centering device, which, at least approximately, centers the center element with respect to the end elements; and, a drive mechanism for moving the traction rod along the guides and or rotating the windup shaft.
The windup window shade of the invention is provided with a centering device which assures that the center element of the traction rod remains at least approximately centered.
Two options are possible for the centering device. One option operates in accordance with the principle of a differential gearing, while the other variation provides springs, which assure a floating centering.
In the case of the differential gearing or drive, the movement of one end element in relation to the center element is transmitted in the opposite direction to the other end element, wherein the amount of the length of travel displacement equals the length of travel displacement of the first-mentioned end element. Regardless of which one is actuated, the two end elements are in this way pushed oppositely back and forth by the same amount in respect to the center element. In turn, this results in a forced centering of the center element if the end elements move in respect to each other.
The centering device with the aid of springs acts floatingly. One end of the springs is supported on the center element and assures that the center element is floatingly centered in respect to the end elements. The center element will be displaced in the linear direction until the force exerted by the two springs is equal. If the springs have a comparatively steep characteristic curve, they are in a position to center the center element with sufficient accuracy even if the frictional forces of the end elements in respect to the center element differ.
Which one of the two solutions is preferred is primarily a function of the installation conditions and the extent of the trapezoidal shape, i.e. the length which the end elements must travel. In connection with a great length of travel, the differential gearing arrangement possibly has advantages, while the spring solution is easier to implement.
If a differential gearing is used as the centering device, the differential gearing can operate interlockingly, or also by frictional connection. The frictionally-connected embodiment possibly does not operate as accurately as the interlocking arrangement, but can be assembled somewhat more easily.
In each case it is advantageous if the center element is formed from a tube, preferably a profiled tube, because the end elements are displaceable in the profiled tube in a manner fixed against relative rotation. The profiled tube keeps the window shade web separate from the centering device, and at the same time protects the centering device.
The guide means preferably are guide rails containing a guide groove. But the solution in accordance with the invention can also be employed in connection with windup window shades wherein the traction rod runs on rod-shaped guide rails and has eyes at the ends.
A spring drive and an electric motor are preferably provided for moving the windup window shade. Also preferred is the seating of the spring drive in the windup shaft, while the electric motor drives the traction rod. With this arrangement the window shade web is forcibly and without any increased outlay kept stretched between the windup shaft and the traction rod. But the other driving means is also conceivable, wherein the traction rod is biased in the direction of the extended position with the aid of the springs, while the windup shaft is driven by the electric motor.
The window shade web itself preferably consists of a woven material or a perforated and dyed plastic foil.
Further embodiments of the invention are disclosed and discussed. It is intended here that also those combinations of characteristics are considered to be within the scope of the invention, even if there is no explicit exemplary embodiment.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2132986 (1938-10-01), Julien
patent: 2255822 (1941-09-01), Schunk
patent: 2594386 (1952-04-01), Blessen
patent: 4758041 (1988-07-01), Labeur
patent: 4836263 (1989-06-01), Ament
patent: 4887660 (1989-12-01), Kraus
patent: 5000506 (1991-03-01), Abu-Shumays et al.
patent: 5033527 (1991-07-01), Ouvrard et al.
patent: 5067546 (1991-11-01), Jeuffray et al.
patent: 5201810 (1993-04-01), Ojima et al.
patent: 5404926 (1995-04-01), Ojima et al.
patent: 5551744 (1996-09-01), Liao
patent: 5560668 (1996-10-01), Li
patent: 5632317 (1997-05-01), Krupke et al.
patent: 6047762 (2000-04-01), Anderson
patent: 6086133 (2
Schlecht Werner P.
Walter Herbert
Bos GmbH & Co. KG
Dayoan D. Glenn
Gutman H.
Kunitz Norman N.
Venable
LandOfFree
Windup window shade with a centering device for the traction... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Windup window shade with a centering device for the traction..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Windup window shade with a centering device for the traction... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3034656