Description REAL SUNSHADE FOR AUTOMOBILE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a rear sunshade for an automobile, which screens a rear window of an automobile with a light blocking film in order to protect a driver and passengers from the sunshine or luminescent light from a lighting device, which enters the inside of the automobile through the rear window. Background Art

[2] Generally, a rear sunshade system for an automobile (hereinafter, referred to as

"sunshade") is a device which is installed at a lower end portion of a rear window of an automobile and is operated in a manner such that a light blocking film moves up and down at an angle in order to block sunshine or dazzling light from a variety of light fixtures which enters the inside of an automobile through the rear window of the automobile. It is driven based on a driving motor connected to an automobile power source and comprises a plurality of elements, such as rotation means (rack and pinion gear type), an actuation arm (link) which is moved up and down by the rotation of the rotation means, and power converting means between the rotation means and the actuation arm.

[3] In the past, some rear sunshades for automobiles were disclosed in Korean Patent

Registration No. 10-0726268, Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2007-0067297, Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2007-0074031, and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0582899.

[4] However, the disclosed sunshades are disadvantageous in that the rotation, the actuation mechanism of the actuation arms (linking member), and the up-down movement method are complex and ineffective, which results in frequent operation failure, severe noise during operation, irregular speed and poor smoothness of the up- down movement thereof, limited lifespan, high manufacture and installation costs, and high power consumption, which are attributable to a high load applied to the rotation means and the rotation drive motor during the up-down movement.

[5] The operation of the known rear sunshade for automobiles is performed manually by the operation of a user (for example, using an on/off switch button) regardless of the detection of light having a high intensity (sunshine, light from a light fixture, etc.) which enters inside an automobile. That is, the known rear sunshades have an ineffective structure, and thus they cannot satisfy the demand of customers for automatic control operation. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] The invention is made in view of and to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the invention is to provide a rear sunshade for automobiles having high efficiency resulting from an improved structure in which an organic coupling relationship between key elements and a skeletal structure is simple and secure. The sunshade of the invention is advantageous in that the up-down movement of a light blocking film is achieved using the smallest rotation and little power. Another object of the invention is to provide a next generation sunshade in which the up-down movement of the light-blocking film is automatically performed according to the amount of light (the sunshine, light from light fixtures, etc.) which enters an automobile through the rear window of the automobile . Technical Solution

[7] In order to accomplish the objects of the invention, there is provided a rear sunshade for automobiles, including a light blocking film roll unit on which a light blocking film is elastically wound in a roll form and which is installed at the back of a frame; actuation arms, which perform a folding operation and are fixed to rear ends of the frame, which are opposite leading ends of the frame and are spaced apart from the leading ends by a predetermined distance, by pins; and an eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device, which enables actuation rods to perform reciprocal two-way crossing motion, which causes up-down movement of the actuation arms, through a continuous unidirectional rotation and which is installed between two pin-fixed actuation arms.

[8] It is preferable that the eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device include a driving motor driven by the power of an automobile, a rotating disk which has a predetermined diameter and which is rotated at constant speed by the rotation of a rotational shaft of the driving motor as it is engaged with the rotational shaft, an eccentric pin protruding from the upper surface of the rotating disk at an eccentric center, and a first and second actuation rod which move to symmetrically cross each other by a predetermined distance, wherein either one of the first and second actuation rods is connected with a lower end of the actuation arm by a pin, and the remaining one of the first and second actuation rods is connected with an upper portion of the actuation arm by a pin.

[9] It is preferable that a light sensor electrically connected with the driving motor of the eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device be further installed near a rear window (inside or outside the automobile) so that the eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device is automatically turned on or off according to the amount of light (sunshine, light from light fixtures, etc.) which enters an automobile through a

rear window of the automobile.

[10] It is preferable that either one of the actuation arms fixed by the left and right fixing pins be integrally formed with a lower driving power transmitting bracket having a link connection pin at a lower position thereof with respect to the fixing pin, the lower position being in a range of a predetermined angle and distance from the fixing pin, and that the remaining one of the actuation arms be integrally formed with an upper driving power transmitting bracket having a link connection pin at an upper position thereof with respect to the fixing pin, the upper position being in a range of a predetermined angle and distance from the fixing pin, and wherein, when the first and second actuation rods perform linear motion, the linear motion is converted into rotary motion, which is needed to effect a folding operation of the actuation arms.

[11] It is preferable that, of the elements of the eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device, ends of the first actuation rods and the second actuation rods provided on both sides of the rotating disk of the driving motor be fixed to the same eccentric pin protruding at the eccentric center of the rotating disk, and that the remaining ends thereof be pin-fixed to the link connection pin on the lower driving power transmitting bracket integrally formed with the actuation arm and the link connection pin on the upper driving power transmitting bracket 153, which is integrally formed with the actuation arm.

[12] It is preferable that link connection pins protruding from the upper surfaces of the upper and lower driving power transmitting brackets respectively be provided at positions within a range of a predetermined angle to the center of the fixing pin of the actuation arm; that they be disposed at places within a range of rotation angles at which the actuation arm rotates around the fixing pin due to the linear motion of the first and second actuation rods; that the rotation angle correspond to a folding angle which is needed for a unidirectional folding operation of the actuation arm which is caused by the linear motion of the first and second rods; that respective ends of the first and second actuation rods disposed at left and right sides of the eccentric pin be provided at the link connection pins, which are located at the lower end and the upper end of the actuation arm, respectively, in the state in which three center points between a center of the rotating disk and the fixing pin of the actuation arm are in a horizontal line; and that either one of the link pins provided on the driving power transmitting brackets be disposed at an inner portion of the fixing pin of the actuation arm, but that the other be disposed at an outer portion of the fixing pin, so that the actuation arms are folded inward in opposite directions.

[13] It is preferable that the rear sunshade further include an auxiliary elastic spring which is disposed at a position between a rear end of the link connection pin on the driving power transmitting bracket and a predetermined position on the frame in order to

facilitate smooth and effective operation of the sunshade by reducing the load applied to the driving motor when the first and second actuation rods perform the leftward and rightward linear motions, or by converting irregular link motion to regular link motion. [14] The features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in the specification and claims of the invention may not be intended to refer exclusively to dictionary definitions, but may be intended to refer to meanings and concepts defined in accordance with the technical spirit of the invention on the ground that an inventor can act as his or her own lexicographer in order to explain his or her invention in the best way.

Advantageous Effects

[15] The sunshade of the invention is advantageous in that the rotating disk is rotated by unidirectional rotation of the driving motor thanks to the eccentric pin, and thus the up- down movement of the sunshade is performed by the rotation of the eccentric pin of the rotating disk, which rotates in a range of 360 degrees rather than using backward and forward rotation. Moreover, the invention is advantageous in that since an elastic spring, which can moderately adjust the return speed of the actuation arm during the up-down movement, is installed, it is possible to prevent the light blocking film from being abruptly driven.

[16] Further, since the up-down movement of the actuation arm is performed with a small eccentric radius, it is possible to reduce the installation space and to simplify the structure, resulting in the reduction of raw material cost. Still further, since it is possible to adjust the distance between the eccentric pin of the actuation arm and the rotating disk according to the distance between the eccentric pin and the center portion, the sunshade can operate throughout a large angular range.

[17] Yet further, the up-down movement efficiency is increased thanks to the simplified structure and the unidirectional rotation. Moreover, it is possible to drive the drive motor using a remote control. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically control the driving device of the sunshade by light having strong intensity using a light sensor installed near an inclined surface of the rear window of an automobile. That is, it is possible to operate the sunshade without manual manipulation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[18] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a sunshade for automobiles according to one embodiment of the invention; [19] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a driving device of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; [20] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating operation status of the driving device of the sunshade

according to one embodiment of the invention; [21] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a part of a sunshade, which is cut from the sunshade, according to one embodiment of the invention; [22] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a part of a sunshade, which is cut from the sunshade, according to a further embodiment of the invention; [23] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the sunshade, a part of which is cut, according to one embodiment of the invention; [24] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the operation status of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; [25] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; [26] FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; [27] FIG. 10 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating a part of an actuation rod of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; [28] FIG. 11 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating a driving device of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; [29] FIG. 12 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating a further actuation rod of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention; and [30] FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating a light blocking portion of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention. [31] <Brief Description of Key Elements of the Drawings>

[32] 10: Light blocking film roll unit

[33] 110': Driving device 100: Frame

[34] 107: Rotating disk 150: Fixing pin

[35] 153: Driving power transmitting bracket

[36] 201 : Eccentric pin 301' , 302' : Actuation rod

[37] 401: Linear motion distance 405: Folding angle

[38] 407: Rotation angle 500' : Elastic spring

[39] 600': Actuation arm 605: Link connection pin

[40] 800': Driving motor

Mode for the Invention [41] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the following detailed description. [42] Hereinafter, a rear sunshade for automobiles according to one embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [43] First, it is noted that like elements or parts in the drawings are referred to using like

reference numbers. While describing the invention, known functions or structures related to the invention will be omitted in order to avoid obscuring the spirit of the invention.

[44] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a driving device of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the operation status of the sunshade according to one embodiment of the invention, and FIGs. 4 through 13 are views illustrating sunshades according to embodiments of the invention.

[45] As shown in FIG. 1, a rear sunshade for automobiles according to one embodiment of the invention is structured as follows.

[46] 1. Basic structure

[47] A light blocking film roll unit 10, in which a light blocking film is elastically wound in a roll form, is installed at the back of a frame 100, actuation arms 600', which perform a folding operation, are fixed to rear ends of the frame 100, which are opposite leading ends of the frame 100 and are distanced from the leading ends by a predetermined distance, and an eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device 100', which enables actuation rods 301' and 302' to perform reciprocal two-way crossing motion, which causes up-down movement of the actuation arm 600', through continuous unidirectional rotations is installed between two pin-fixed actuation arms 600'.

[48] 2. Eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device

[49] The eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device 100' includes a driving motor 800' driven by the power of an automobile, a rotating disk 107, which has a predetermined diameter and which is rotated at constant speed by the rotation of a rotational shaft of the driving motor 800' as it is engaged with the rotational shaft, an eccentric pin 201, protruding from the upper surface of the rotating disk 107 at an eccentric center thereof, and a first and a second actuation rod 301, 302, which move to symmetrically cross each other (hereinafter, referred to as symmetric crossing motion) by a predetermined distance. One of the first and second actuation rods 301' and 302' is connected with a lower end of the actuation arm 600' by a pin, and the remaining of the first and second actuation rods 301' and 302' is connected with an upper portion of the actuation arm 600' by a pin.

[50] 3. Automatic control device using light sensor

[51] A light sensor electrically connected with the driving motor of the eccentric rotation- based high efficiency driving device 100' can be further installed near a rear window (inside or outside the automobile) so that on/off operation of the eccentric rotation- based high efficiency driving device 100' is automatically controlled according to the amount of light (the sunshine, light from light fixtures, etc.) which enters the

automobile through the rear window of the automobile and is detected by the light sensor.

[52] 4. Driving power transmitting means

[53] Either one of the actuation arms 600' fixed by the left and right fixing points 150 is integrally formed with a lower driving power transmitting bracket 153 having a link connection pin 605 at a lower position thereof with respect to the fixing pin 150, the lower position being in a range of a predetermined angle and distance from the fixing pin 150, and the remaining of the actuation arms 600' is integrally formed with an upper driving power transmitting bracket 153 having a link connection pin 605 at an upper position thereof with respect to the fixing pin 150, the upper position being in a range of a predetermined angle and distance from the fixing pin 150. Accordingly, when the first and second actuation rods 301' and 302' perform linear motion, the linear motion is converted into rotation motion, which is needed to achieve the folding operation of the actuation arms 600'.

[54] 5. First and second actuation rods

[55] Of the elements of the eccentric rotation-based high efficiency driving device 100', ends of the first actuation rods 301' and 302' and the second actuation rods 301' and 302' provided on both sides of the rotating disk 107 of the driving motor 800' are fixed to the same eccentric pin 201 protruding from the eccentric center of the rotating disk 107, and the remaining ends thereof are pin-fixed to the link connection pin 605 on the lower driving power transmitting bracket 153, which is integrally formed with the actuation arm 600', and the link connection pin 605 on the upper driving power transmitting bracket 153, which is integrally formed with the actuation arm 600'. As a result, rotation motion for causing the folding operation of the actuation arms 600' can be achieved through the leftward and rightward linear motions of the first and second actuation arms 600'.

[56] 6. Technical aspect for actuation mechanism

[57] The link connection pins 605 protruding from the upper surface of the upper and lower driving power transmitting brackets 153, respectively, are provided at positions within a range of a predetermined angle to the center of the fixing pin 150 of the actuation arm 600'. That is, they are disposed at locations within a range of rotation angles 407 within which the actuation arm 600 is rotated around the fixing pin 150 by the linear motion of the first and second actuation rods 301' and 302'. The rotation angle 407 corresponds to a folding angle 405 which is needed for the unidirectional folding operation of the actuation arm 600' , which is caused by the linear motion of the first and second rods 301' and 302'. Respective ends of the first and second actuation rods 301' and 302' provided on both sides of the eccentric pin 201 are provided at positions corresponding to the lower end and the upper end of the actuation arm 600' ,

respectively, in the state in which center points between the center of the rotating disk 107 and the fixing pin 150 of the actuation arm 600' are in a horizontal straight line. Either one of the link pins 605 provided on the driving power transmitting brackets 153 is disposed at an inner portion of the fixing pin 150 of the actuation arm 600' , but the other is disposed at an outer portion of the fixing pin 150. Accordingly, the actuation arms 600' are folded inward in crossing directions.

[58] 7. Auxiliary elastic spring

[59] An auxiliary elastic spring 500' is further provided at a position between a rear end of the link connection pin 605 on the driving power transmitting bracket 153 in order to facilitate smooth and effective operation by reducing the load applied to the driving motor 800' when the first and second actuation rods 301' and 302' perform the left and right linear motion, or by aiding irregular link motion.

[60] As described above, the rear sunshade device for automobiles according to the invention operates in a manner such that a rotational shaft of the driving motor (a reduction motor) rotates in one direction rather than performing two-direction (forward and backward) rotation. Even though the rotational shaft of the driving motor rotates in only one direction, the left and right linear motions of the first and second actuation rods 301 and 302 provided on both sides of the rotating disk 107 and the folding operation of the actuation arm 600' can be continuously and simply performed. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate smooth operation of the sunshade and maximize efficiency of the on/off operation.

[61] Moreover, the sunshade of the invention is advantageous in that stable and smooth operation can be performed thanks to the auxiliary elastic spring 500', which elastically reduces the load applied to the motor 800' and helps the linear motion be performed at constant speed during the rotation motion.

[62] Further, when driving the driving motor 800' , the on/off control of the driving motor

800' can be automatically controlled according to the amount of light that enters the automobile through the rear window by installing the light sensor, which is electrically connected with the driving device 100' at a position near the rear window, and in addition, can be controlled manually by a user. The driving motor 800' may be provided with a remote control signal receiving unit. In such a case, it is possible to drive and stop the driving motor 800' using a remote control.

[63] Still further, since the driving power transmitting process, from the rotation of the driving motor to the folding operation of the actuation arm, is performed by a simple power transmitting method by adopting an eccentric rotation method (driving motor, rotating disk, eccentric pin) and a pivot joint method (driving power transmitting method between the actuation rod and the actuation arm) rather than by using a gear, which is complex, the durability of the sunshade is improved and abrasion is reduced.

Accordingly, it is possible to use the sunshade for a long period without requiring repairs. Yet further, since the structure is simplified, manufacturing costs can be reduced and rapid checking and repair thereof is possible when the sunshade is out of order.

[64] The invention, which is described above, is not limited to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, but it will be obvious that it can be diversely modified and changed within the scope of the invention by people ordinarily skilled in the art as long as does not deviate from the technical spirit of the invention. Accordingly, such modifications, alterations, and changes fall within the scope of the claims of the invention.