Panel system with variable transparency

US5520434A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Webasto-Schade GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Werner Paetz · Haslach im Kinzigtal, DE
• Stefan Hauser · Oberndorf am Neckar, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 18, 1994
• Grant date: May 28, 1996
• Expiry date: May 18, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J3/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A panel system with variable light transmissiveness is formed of two essentially parallel transparent panels, and a seal encircling both panels. A cavity, defined by the panels and the seal, communicates with a liquid reservoir, from which liquid can be conveyed into the cavity by a transport element for the purpose of changing the distance between the panels by changing the thickness of the liquid layer between the panels. In order to render the panel system suitable for usage in a cover of a vehicle sliding/lifting roof, the liquid reservoir and the transport element, which is driven by a pole-reversible electric motor, are supported at an inner cover plate, which has an undercut in an edge portion in which an electrical contact element for establishing a conductive connection between the electric motor and the vehicle battery is disposed.