Sunshine roof panel for a vehicle

US6034320A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Automotive GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Joseph Malcherczyk · Gifhorn, DE
• Reinhard Walter · Leiferde, DE
• Fred Melzian · Kusey, DE
• Klaus Reimer · Wesendorf, DE
• Hans Gochermann · Niebüll, DE
• Werner Schwarz · Reinach, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 1998
• Grant date: Mar 7, 2000
• Expiry date: Sep 9, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/90
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A roof panel incorporating a solar power generator, for a motor vehicle sunshine roof, has a foamed plastic frame around the edge of the panel and a plurality of crystalline solar cells forming a field of solar cells extending considerably into the region of the frame. Special precautions ensure that the crystalline solar cells, which are susceptible to breakage, are not damaged when foaming around the cover to form the frame. The solar cell field enables good use of solar energy and can be accommodated in a lightweight panel.