Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Tops – Roof structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-16
2001-11-20
Pedder, Dennis H. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Tops
Roof structure
C296S216090
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318798
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a solar cover for a motor vehicle roof with a transparent cover panel with a solar cell combination which is located on its underside and which comprises solar cells which are embedded in an elastic film composite and a carrier clement which is attached by means of peripheral foaming to the outside edge of the cover panel and of the carrier element. The invention also relates to a process for production of Such a solar cover.
2. Description of Related Art
Published German Patent Application DE 41 05 396 A1 discloses a generic solar cover in which an elastic film composite is formed by two transparent adhesive films, between which the solar cells and conductor paths for electrical connection of the solar cells are embedded. The adhesive films and the solar cells and conductor paths which are embedded in them, in turn, are enclosed between a pane of glass which forms the cover panel and a carrier layer which is formed by a sheet of metal. The carrier element is formed by an inside cover sheet which is made as a profile having elevated areas which adjoin the carrier sheet of the solar cell combination. The solar cell combination extends flush with the glass pane as far as its edge. Directly on the edge of the carrier sheet of the solar cell combination, the inside cover sheet does not adjoin the carrier sheet, a peripheral foaming extending into this area. An operating part of a displacement mechanism for the solar cover is attached to the bottom of the inside cover sheet. The solar cover can be used for sliding roofs, sliding and lifting roofs, spoiler roofs and the like.
The disadvantage in this known solar cover is that the peripheral foaming to the inside is not always well sealed because two sheets lie on top of one another on the inner end of the peripheral foaming. Improved sealing can only be achieved by means of an additional element, for example, a sealing strip or bead of adhesive. However, this would make production more complex, resulting in additional costs due to increased production time and an additional component as well as an additional tool for applying the sealing medium or component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary objects of this invention are to devise a solar cover which is seal better as much as possible without added costs, and to provide a process for production of such a solar cover.
These objects are achieved with respect to the solar cover by the peripheral foam being sealed to the inside by an emergence area of the elastic film composite which extends outwardly over the solar cells and is clamped to form a seal between the carrier element and the cover panel, and as for the process for producing such a solar cover by a vertical distance being set between the cover panel and the carrier element such that the emergence area is clamped to form a seal between the carrier element and the cover pane inwardly of the peripheral foaming.
In this approach according to the invention, it is advantageous that the emergence area of the elastic film composite acts as a sealing element between the carrier element and the cover panel, by which the peripheral foaming is sealed toward the inside, without an additional component having to be used which would raise production costs.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the carrier element is provided with a sealing bead which presses on the emergence area of the film composite. In this way, the sealing action can be improved.
Preferably, the emergence area of the film composite ends in front/inwardly of the edge of the cover panel and the carrier element; then, preferably, the peripheral foaming in the edge area extends into the area between the cover pane and the carrier element, preferably as far as the outer end of the emergence area of the film composite. This guarantees a connection between the cover pane and the carrier element which is as secure as possible.
For protective purposes and/or for aesthetic reasons, the lowermost layer of the film composite is formed preferably by an elastic cover film. Furthermore, the film composite preferably comprises two elastic adhesive films between which the solar cells are embedded.
The carrier element is preferably made in one piece and extends essentially over the entire peripheral edge area of the cover panel. The cover panel is preferably made of a glass pane, while the carrier element is preferably formed of a sheet metal profile.
The solar cover is intended especially for a sliding roof, a lifting roof, a sliding and lifting roof or a spoiler roof.
These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which, for purposes of illustration only, show a single embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 41 05 396 (1992-09-01), None
patent: 32521 (1984-02-01), None
patent: 404306126 (1992-10-01), None
Peabody LLP Nixon
Pedder Dennis H.
Safran David S.
Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
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