The present invention relates to a sunlight screening system that also performs the function of an absorption and storage system for such energy.

In particular, the present invention relates to a solar energy absorption and/or storage system integrated in a means suitable to perform, simultaneously with the absorption of energy, at least one different function, and that therefore saves space and reduces the complexity of the installation of the solar energy absorbing means, and allows for the installation of such a system in vehicles (cars, campers, etc.) without altering or compromising the aesthetics thereof.

Currently commercially available solar energy storage systems, such as solar thermal panels or photovoltaic cells, which can also be used in photovoltaic panels, are adapted to perform primarily only a function in the cycle of energy supply in the form required by the user. Basically, in fact, components of systems suitable to absorb and/or storage sun energy must perform at least part of one or more phases of the cycle, that includes the collection, conversion, and distribution of sun energy. This cycle starts with the absorption of energy and ends with the provision of the same, in a suitably converted form, intended for various daily life needs, such as the availability of hot water, the heating, and the electric current supply.

It is clear that if a system is suitable to perform one or more functions in said cycle, or which are however closely related or ancillary to it, the space occupied by such a system is therefore not used for other functions independent from that cycle. So, as regards the performance of functions independent from and/or alien to that cycle, the space required by the system itself is wasted.

Furthermore, with specific reference to motor vehicles (cars, campers, etc.) is also true that despite the increasing popularity of hybrid or purely electric vehicles, that could benefit from the installation of photovoltaic panels for the electric current supply autonomously, without having to have a special charging station or otherwise a power outlet, such panels are not installed mainly due to aesthetic reasons, as the same should compromise the aesthetics of the vehicle in which they are installed.

The object of the present invention is to develop a sunlight screening system that performs multiple functions simultaneously, and allows for the installation of photovoltaic panels in motor vehicles without compromising the aesthetics. In particular, object of the present invention is to provide a solar energy absorption and/or storage system that is at least partially integrated in a means suitable to perform, simultaneously with that absorption and/or storage, also at least another function at least partially distinct from the phases of the absorption, conversion and distribution cycle of such energy.

Currently there are motor vehicles provided with photovoltaic cells designed to absorb sun energy on the outside of the motor vehicle when it is exposed to the sun. These photo voltaic cells are usually placed on the roof of the car, and need quite complex constraining systems to be constrained to the vehicle body, due to the particular structure of the cells themselves, and jeopardize or otherwise significantly alter the appearance of the motor vehicles in which they are installed, with respect to standard vehicles, and undermine the common aesthetic with regards the motor vehicles.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a sunlight screening system, comprising:

- screening means comprising at least one flexible photovoltaic cell - constraining means connected to said screening means (3) and configured for being connected to a frame;

- movement means suitable for moving said screening means with respect to said frame between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position and/or vice versa.

The presence of the photovoltaic cell makes the flexible screening means easily movable (in a motorized or manual manner) to be moved from the extended position to the retracted position, and vice versa.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a sunlight screening system in which the frame is defined by a part of a vehicle body.

The efficiency of the present invention is also optimized if the frame, on which the screening means is constrained, is the body of a motor vehicle, due to the fact that the inside of a motor vehicle is a place that can be exposed to sunlight for a long time when the same vehicle is not used. It is common, moreover, the desire to screen the inside of the motor vehicle when it is parked, in order to avoid to find it too hot when one returns to the same. This system also allows to benefit from the presence of photovoltaic panels without compromising or otherwise affecting the aesthetics of the motor vehicle, because the panels would be extended only when the vehicle is parked appearing substantially as usual parasols. A possible embodiment of the present invention may have at least one of the following features.

Preferably, the screening means comprise a plurality of flexible photovoltaic cells

Preferably, the screening means comprise an awning.

Preferably, the actuation means comprise a motor.

Preferably, the actuation means comprise an electric motor, or may be provided by an actuation system of manual type.

Preferably, the constraining means comprise a cavity suitable for housing the screening means in at least said retracted position. This makes it possible to use areas not easily accessible and not otherwise usable.

Preferably, the movement means are suitable for sliding the screening means between the extended position and the retracted position and/or vice versa.

Preferably, the constraining means comprise a roller around which the screening means can be wound. Preferably, the movement means are suitable for winding and unwinding the screening means respectively onto and from said roller.

This latter possible solution allows for saving space.

Preferably, the part of the body defining the frame comprises a part of a door or a part of a hatchback of a baggage compartment of the vehicle. In this way it is possible to use parts of the vehicle body which would otherwise be underused.

Preferably, the part of the body defining the frame comprises a part of a roof of the vehicle.

Preferably, the constraining means comprise a cavity suitable for housing the screening means at least in the retracted position. The cavity is formed in the part of the body defining the frame.

Preferably, the constraining means comprise a roller around which the screening means can be wound. The roller is housed in the part of the body defining the frame.

The features of the present invention will be clarified from the following detailed description provided by way of illustration, and not limitation, of the more general claimed concepts.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which

- Figures 1 and 2 are side views of a car provided with a first possible embodiment of the present invention, when the screening means are fully retracted and fully extended, respectively;

- Figures 3 and 4 are side views of a car also provided with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the screening means are fully retracted and fully extended, respectively;

- Figure 5 is a partial view of a car provided with a third embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 6 is a front view of the car of Figure 5 in a different configuration of use; and

- Figure 7 shows a perspective and enlarged view of a constructive detail of the vehicle seen from the front, with some parts cut away to better illustrate other parts.

With reference to the attached figures, 1 refers to a sunlight screening system as a whole. In particular, the aforementioned screening system is preferably associated with a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle 2, as shown, or with a camper.

3 refers to the screening means, for example in the form of awnings.

4 refers to the constraint means associated with the screening means 3 and configured to be associated to a frame 5. In the illustrated example the frame 5 is defined by a part of a vehicle 2 body.

6 refers to movement means suitable to move the screening means 3 between at least a retracted position (Figure 1 ) and at least an extended position (Figure 2). In particular, the movement means 6 comprise a motor, for example an electric motor, or a system of manual movement. In the case in which the screening system is associated with a vehicle, the movement means 6 are preferably housed inside the vehicle itself.

Advantageously, the screening means comprise at least one flexible photovoltaic cell 7, preferably a plurality of flexible photovoltaic cells suitably connected by means of respective electrical connectors of the type known to the accumulator and/or battery fitted in the motor vehicle. In Figure 1 two awnings are shown that are each integrated with more flexible photovoltaic cells, and are at least partially inserted in a cavity 8 integral with the roof of the vehicle 2. In this embodiment the constraining means 4 comprise the cavity 8 suitable for housing the screening means 3 in the retracted position. In the case in which the screening system is associated with a vehicle, the cavity 8 is formed in the part of the body defining the frame.

The two awnings of the screening means 3 can be extended manually or by means of the movement means 6, sliding out from the cavity 8 to be located eventually on the front windshield and rear window, respectively, as shown in Figure 2. Advantageously, with reference to Figure 7, the screening means 3 comprise respective lateral edges 10, parallel to each other and extending along the direction of movement of the means 3 themselves. These side edges 10 are slidably housed inside respective guides 1 1 formed on the side uprights 12 laterally defining the front windshield of the motor vehicle. In this way, during the sliding of the means 3 to the respective retracted and extended positions, the side edges 10 slide inside the guides 1 1 to be correctly positioned at the windscreen (extended position) or inside the frame (retracted position).

Still, the sliding guides 1 1 may be provided with suitable traction and antifriction systems of the side edges 10 to facilitate the movement inside the guides 1 1 themselves.

In Figure 3 it is noted how it can be advantageous to insert an awning suitable to screen the rear window, directly into the structure of hatchback of a baggage compartment. Also in this case, the awning is associated with a movement means 6.

The insertion of the awning in the baggage compartment allows for saving space on the roof that may be useful for accommodating an awning adapted to screen a sliding and/or transparent roof.

In the case of Figure 3, it is provided an awning adapted to be located on the front windshield similarly to what shown in Figure 2, by means of the relevant movement means 6.

In Figure 4 illustrates the extended position of the two awnings of Figure 3. In accordance with a possible embodiment shown in Figure 5, the constraining means 4 comprise a roller 9 around which the screening means 3 can be wound. In this case, the movement means are suitable for winding and unwinding the screening means respectively onto and from the roller. With reference to the use on the vehicle 2, the roller 9 is housed in the part of the body that defines the frame 5 of the screening system. Alternatively, the roller for the winding of the screening means could be placed at the base of the windscreen. Figure 6 shows the car 2 of Figure 5 with a screening means 3 in the extended position on the front windshield, through which the plurality of flexible photovoltaic cells 7 are noted, only some of which are indicated, that make up the screening means 3.

In general, a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a sunlight screening system at its part of the body which defines the frame. In particular, this part of the body can be one or more of a part of a door, a part of a hatchback of a baggage compartment, a part of a roof. The awning(s) of the screening system associated with the vehicle, when disposed in the extended position, is/are adapted to cover one or more of the windshield, the rear window, the side windows, and the possible transparent roof.