Patent Description:
Document <CIT> describes an electric power transmission apparatus of a sunroof for a vehicle that includes a moving glass mounted with an electric generator, and configured to slide between an opened position and a closed position, an upper electric conduction device coupled at a lower side of the moving glass, and including a moving spring that is electrically connected with the electric generator and coupled to protrude downward, a front electric conduction device including a front support portion that is a non-conductor, and a close spring that comes into contact with the moving spring when the moving glass moves to the closed position, and a rear electric conduction device including a rear support portion that is a non-conductor, and an open spring that comes into contact with the moving spring when the moving glass moves to the opened position.

Document <CIT> discloses an electric power transmission apparatus of a sunroof with a wind deflector.

In accordance with the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with incorporating electro-optic elements into movable windows have been substantially reduced or eliminated.

Particular embodiments of the claimed invention are defined by the dependent claims.

The advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure include enabling a conductive connection with a window panel that is movable. This conductive connection has the advantage of being engageable and dis-engageable. Accordingly, in embodiments where the window panel is electro-optic, the conductive connection does not inhibit movement between one or more positions. Additionally, in embodiments where the first electrical contact comprises a protrusion, the engagement between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may be focused at the protrusion. Focusing the engagement at the protrusion may have the advantage of optimizing the conductive connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. Additional benefits or advantages of various embodiments may also be realized and/or achieved.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an electrical connection method to a movable window panel. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

<FIG> illustrate a vehicle <NUM> having a movable window apparatus <NUM>. Movable window apparatus <NUM> may be operable to position into and/or enclose an opening <NUM>. Opening <NUM> may be formed by one or more panels <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, movable window apparatus <NUM> includes a window panel <NUM> operably moved between an opened position <NUM>, an intermediate position (not shown), a vented position <NUM>, a closed position <NUM>, a first position <NUM>, and/or a second position <NUM>. Window panel <NUM>, for example, may correspond to a sunroof window, side window, or windscreen. In some embodiments, window panel <NUM> may be an electro-optic dimmable window.

Where window panel <NUM> is a dimmable window, window panel <NUM> may be operable to vary the transmittance of light therethrough at one or more wavelengths. Further, the one or more wavelengths may be in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, window panel <NUM> may comprise a first substrate <NUM>, a second substrate <NUM>, an electro-optic medium <NUM>, a first electrode <NUM>, and a second electrode <NUM>.

The first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative one another. Additionally, the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of various materials. For example, the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of plastic materials, such as a clear polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, acrylic, cyclic olefin, polyethylene (PEN), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), silicone, urethane, and various polymeric material; and/or formed of glass, such as, soda lime float glass, borosilicate glass, boro-aluminosilicate glass, or various other compositions. Further, glass substrates, may be annealed, heat strengthened, chemically strengthened, tempered, or safety glass.

Electro-optic medium <NUM> is disposed between the first and second substrate <NUM>, <NUM>. Electro-optic medium <NUM>, for example, may be an electrochromic medium, a liquid crystal medium, electrophoretic medium, or a suspended particle medium. Further, electro-optic medium <NUM> is operable to enter an activated state during exposure to an electrical potential and/or field. In an activated state, electro-optic medium <NUM> may be operable to exhibit a change, relative an un-activated state, in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths in the visible spectrum.

In some embodiments, electro-optic medium <NUM> may be further operable to return to an un-activated state during an absence of an electrical potential and/or field. In other embodiments, electro-optic medium <NUM> may comprise memory chemistry technology. Accordingly, electro-optic medium <NUM> may be operable to enter an activated state and remain in the activated state for a substantial time period until an electrical potential and/or field is applied to de-activate the electro-optic medium.

First electrode <NUM> may be disposed between electro-optic medium <NUM> and first substate <NUM>. Second electrode <NUM> may likewise be disposed between electro-optic medium <NUM> and second substrate <NUM>. Further, the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically conductive and substantially transparent in the visible spectrum. For example, the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO), or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Accordingly, the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, in conjunction, may be operable to apply the electrical potential and/or field to electro-optic medium <NUM>.

Additionally, a window control module <NUM> may be communicatively connected to the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the window panel <NUM>. Window control module <NUM> may be a controller. Further, as shown in <FIG>, window control module <NUM> may comprise a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. Memory <NUM> may store various instructions and routines configured to control the transmittance of window panel <NUM>. Further, processor <NUM> may be operable to execute the various instructions and routines. Accordingly, the electrical potential and/or field applied by the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be controlled by window control module <NUM>. Therefore, window control module may be operable to vary the transmittance of one or more window panel <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>.

In varying the transmittance of one or more window panel <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>, window control module <NUM> may be configured to optimize comfort and visibility form an interior <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> by way of controlling thermal load, total light, and glare that is transmitted through window panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, window control module <NUM> may further control the transmittance of a window panel <NUM> based, at least in part, on a signal from one or more sensor <NUM>.

Sensor <NUM> may be disposed on in the interior <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or on an exterior <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, of vehicle <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, sensor <NUM> may be communicatively connected to window control module <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may be a light sensor, such as a directional light sensor, an ambient light sensor, and/or an imager. An ambient light sensor may be configured to detect an ambient lighting level of the environment in which it is disposed. A directional light sensor may be configured to identify both a lighting level and an approximate direction of origin of light <NUM>. Accordingly, the directional light sensor may be operable to determine a direction of light <NUM> impinging vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the directional light sensor may include a plurality of light sensors or imager modules configured to detect the lighting level in the orientation direction of the light sensor or imager. A light sensors or imager may comprise Semi-Conductor Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) or pixel sensors of Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semi-Conductor (CMOS) technologies.

Accordingly, the one or more sensor <NUM> may enable window control module <NUM> to monitor various external regions of vehicle <NUM> to identify or map variations in the intensity of light <NUM> impinging upon respective regions of vehicle <NUM>. Therefore, window control module <NUM> may vary one or more window panel <NUM>, based at least in part, on the variations in intensity of light <NUM>.

In some embodiments, where one or more sensor <NUM> is disposed in the interior <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>, window control module <NUM> may be operable to identify one or more levels of light <NUM> in one or more directions. Based on the levels of light <NUM> in the one or more directions, window control module <NUM> may vary the transmittance of one or more window panel <NUM> to ensure that an intensity of light <NUM> is consistently transmitted into the vehicle from one or more directions.

In some embodiments, window control module <NUM> may be connected to a navigation system <NUM>. Navigation system <NUM> may include a global positioning system (GPS) and/or a directional sensor (e.g., compass, magnetometer, etc.). The directional sensor may be operable to provide a heading direction <NUM>. Heading direction <NUM> may be an orientation of vehicle <NUM>. In other words, heading direction <NUM> may be the direction vehicle <NUM> is facing. In some embodiments, heading direction <NUM> may be determined based on a change in a position reported by navigation system <NUM>.

Based, at least in part, on readings of one or more sensor <NUM>, on heading direction <NUM>, on a time of day, and/or on a region in which vehicle <NUM> is operating, window control module <NUM> may be configured to determine a direction of light <NUM> relative vehicle <NUM> and/or one or more window panel <NUM>. In some instances, light <NUM> may be from the sun. Further, window control module <NUM> may be operable to reduce the transmittance of light <NUM> through one or more window panel <NUM> proportional to an estimated, calculated, or measured amount of light <NUM> impinging a respective window panel <NUM>. Therefore, window panels <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> facing the light source relative vehicle <NUM> interior <NUM> may be operated to have a lower light transmittance than those facing away from the light source.

Window panel <NUM> of movable window apparatus <NUM> operably moves between an open position <NUM> (<FIG>) and a closed position <NUM> (<FIG>). Additionally, movable window apparatus <NUM> provides for an electrical contact to window panel <NUM> at one or more positions.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, movable window apparatus <NUM> may comprise a positioning mechanism <NUM> coupled to the window panel <NUM>. As illustrated, movable widow apparatus <NUM> may be a sunroof. Positioning mechanism <NUM> may be configured to selectively position window panel <NUM> between opened position <NUM> and closed position <NUM>. In open position <NUM>, all or part of opening <NUM> may be exposed.

Opening <NUM> may have a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. In some embodiments, along each side of opening <NUM>, positioning mechanism <NUM> may comprise a track <NUM>. A track <NUM> may extend along and/or beyond opening <NUM>. Further, track <NUM> may be configured to receive and guide an adjustment block <NUM> along a path <NUM>. Window panel <NUM> may comprise a full or partial frame <NUM>. Frame <NUM> may support, hold, guide, and/or translate a movement to window panel <NUM>. Each adjustment block <NUM> may be mechanically connected to window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM> via a first attachment link <NUM> and a second attachment link <NUM>.

In operation, positioning mechanism <NUM> may slidably engage each adjustment block <NUM> such that each adjustment block <NUM> is guided along a respective track <NUM>. The positions of the adjustment blocks <NUM> may be controlled by one or more actuators or motors <NUM>. The positioning of the adjustment blocks <NUM> by the one or more actuator or motor <NUM> may be determined by a user interface <NUM> in the interior <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, positioning mechanism <NUM> may position window panel <NUM> in response to an input from user interface <NUM>.

Accordingly, between opened position <NUM> and the closed position <NUM>, positioning mechanism <NUM> guides window panel <NUM> along path <NUM>. In some embodiments, in response to the position of window panel <NUM> along path <NUM>, attachment links <NUM>, <NUM> may adjust a height of frame <NUM> and/or window panel <NUM> relative to the at least one panel <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, positioning mechanism <NUM> may be configured to adjust a lateral position <NUM> and/or a vertical position <NUM>, such that window panel <NUM> may be positioned between closed position <NUM> and open position <NUM>.

In some embodiments, along each of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of opening <NUM> may comprise one or more trough or channel <NUM> extending there along. Trough or channel <NUM> may further extend the length of track <NUM>. Each trough or channel <NUM> may be substantially enclosed by the one or more panels <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Therefore, an internal passage may be formed between the one or more panels <NUM> and a headliner <NUM> or various additional body components forming a roof of vehicle <NUM>. Each trough or channel <NUM> may provide a passage for one or more components of positioning mechanism <NUM>, such as track <NUM> and/or adjustment block <NUM>. Accordingly, adjustment block <NUM> may be freely positioned providing for lateral positioning <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each trough or channel <NUM> may guide and/or receive a conductive connection configured to communicate one or more of a current, a voltage, a potential, and/or an electrical signal. The conductive connection may ultimately be to a first electrode <NUM> and a second electrode <NUM> of the window panel <NUM> from the window control module <NUM>. Accordingly, window control module <NUM> may be operable to control the transmittance of window panel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, window panel <NUM> may be a sunroof. Further, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> may comprise two window panels <NUM> as a first sunroof <NUM> and a second sunroof <NUM>. In some further embodiments, first sunroof <NUM> may be disposed in heading direction <NUM> relative second sunroof <NUM>. Accordingly, first sunroof <NUM> may be a forward sunroof and second sunroof <NUM> may be a rearward sunroof. Additionally, in some embodiments, first sunroof <NUM> and second sunroof <NUM> may make up a panoramic sunroof.

In some embodiments of the panoramic sunroof, as shown in <FIG>, when first sunroof <NUM> is in an open position <NUM>, first sunroof <NUM> may be vertically positioned <NUM> relative second sunroof <NUM>. Accordingly, first sunroof <NUM> may be over top of second sunroof <NUM>. Further, second sunroof <NUM> may be disposed between tracks <NUM> of first sunroof <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, movable window apparatus <NUM> comprises a first electrical connection assembly <NUM>. First electrical connection assembly <NUM> may be operable to facilitate a conductive connection of vehicle <NUM> and/or window control module <NUM> with window panel <NUM>. The conductive connection may operably conduct one or more of a current, a voltage, a potential, and/or an electrical signal. Further, various embodiments of first electrical connection assembly <NUM> may facilitate the conductive connection when window panel <NUM> is in an opened position <NUM>, an intermediate position (not shown), a vented position <NUM>, and/or a closed position <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, first electrical connection assembly <NUM> comprises a first electrical contact <NUM> and a second electrical contact <NUM>. First electrical contact <NUM> is coupled to window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM>. Second electrical contact <NUM> may be coupled to a biasing member <NUM>. Biasing member <NUM> may be operable between an extended position (<FIG>) and a retracted position (<FIG>) based, at least in part, on pressure or displacement. However, biasing member <NUM> is biased toward the extended position. Accordingly, second electrical contact <NUM> may be operable between extended and retracted positions with a bias toward the extended position. Biasing member <NUM> may be a spring-biased member. Further, second electrical contact <NUM> is electrically connected to the vehicle <NUM>, and it may be connected to at least one of a power source, and/or window control module <NUM> via an electrical connection <NUM>. Electrical connection <NUM>, for example, may be a wire.

An interaction between biasing member <NUM> and window panel <NUM> may depend on the position of window panel <NUM> (e.g., opened, intermediate, vented, and/or closed positions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). For example, biasing member <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM> may be fully or partially displaced into the retracted position by window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM> when window panel <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>, overcoming the biasing force of biasing member <NUM>. When window panel <NUM> is in opened position <NUM>, biasing member <NUM> may return to the extended position.

Components of first electrical connection assembly <NUM> may be disposed such that the conductive connection may be formed when window panel <NUM> is in open position <NUM>, intermediate position, vented position <NUM>, and/or closed position <NUM>. The Intermediate position may correspond to a position of window panel <NUM> between open position <NUM> and closed position <NUM>. Accordingly, transmittance variance of window panel <NUM> may be enabled at any position based on a respective placement of the first electrical connection assembly <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, components of first electrical connection assembly <NUM> may operably disengage, eliminating the conductive connection, in response to window panel <NUM> moving from the respective position where the conductive connection is formed.

When window panel <NUM> is in the position where first electrical connection assembly <NUM> is intended to form the conductive connection, first electrical contact <NUM> may engage and contact second electrical contact <NUM>. The contact may be operable to fully or partially displace the second electrical contact <NUM> and biasing member <NUM> to fully or partially retracted positions. When window panel <NUM> is not in the position where first electrical connection assembly <NUM> is intended to form the conductive connection, first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM> may be disengaged.

In some embodiments when window panel <NUM> is in a position where first electrical connection assembly <NUM> is not intended to form the conductive connection, a portion of window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM> may fail to contact the second electrical contact <NUM>. In other embodiments where window panel <NUM> is in a position where first electrical connection assembly <NUM> is not intended to form the conductive connection, a portion of window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM> may contact the second electrical contact <NUM>. However, the contact is not conductive. Further, the contact may be operable to fully or partially displace the second electrical contact <NUM> and biasing member <NUM> to fully or partially retracted positions.

Further, in some embodiments, first electrical contact <NUM>, as a whole or a portion thereof, may be extended outward from window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, as the lateral position <NUM> of window panel <NUM> changes, reaching the position where first electrical connection assembly <NUM> is intended to form the conductive connection may cause first electrical contact <NUM> to vertically position <NUM> in alignment with second electrical contact <NUM>. Further, the alignment of first electrical contact <NUM> may cause displacement of second electrical contact <NUM>, which may otherwise have been fully extended.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, second electrical contact <NUM> may be biased to engage and make contact with window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM>. The contact may result in a fully or partially retracted second electrical contact <NUM> and biasing member <NUM>. Further, as the lateral position <NUM> of window panel <NUM> changes, the contact may be shifted from a nonconductive contact to a conductive contact when the engagement is shifted to first electrical contact <NUM>, due to alignment of window panel <NUM> and/or first electrical contact <NUM> with second electrical contact <NUM>.

According to the claimed invention, biasing member <NUM> is deflector <NUM>. Further, second electrical contact <NUM> is disposed on deflector <NUM>. The second electrical contact <NUM> is configured as a conductive strip extending along at least a portion of deflector <NUM>. Deflector <NUM> is operable between an extended and a retracted position. Additionally, deflector <NUM> may be disposed in heading direction <NUM> relative opening <NUM>. Accordingly, deflector <NUM> may be disposed forward vehicle <NUM> relative opening <NUM>. Deflector <NUM> operates to deflect wind and reduce noise within interior <NUM> when window panel <NUM> is in open position <NUM>. Further, when window panel <NUM> is in closed position <NUM>, window panel <NUM> is disposed onto deflector <NUM>, moving deflector <NUM> into the retracted position.

In some embodiments, first electrical contact <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. Housing <NUM> may be coupled to frame <NUM> and/or window panel <NUM>. As more closely illustrated in <FIG>, first electrical contact <NUM> may include one or more conductive connector <NUM> extending from first electrical contact <NUM> into housing <NUM> and/or window panel <NUM>. By extending into window panel <NUM>, conductive connector <NUM> may make an electrical connection with first electrode <NUM>, and/or second electrode <NUM>. Accordingly, conductive connector <NUM> may operably conduct a current, a voltage, a potential, and/or an electrical signal to window panel <NUM> and/or one or more powered feature, from first electrical contact <NUM>.

In some embodiments, first electrical contact <NUM> may comprise one or more protrusions <NUM> extending toward second electrical contact <NUM>. Accordingly, first electrical contact <NUM> may engage the second electrical contact <NUM> via the one or more protrusions <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first and/or second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may include a coating. The coating may include a dielectric grease or other substance that facilitates the sliding engagement and electrical conduction between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, window panel <NUM> may be operable to position into a venting position <NUM> (<FIG>). When in venting position <NUM>, window panel <NUM> may be disposed over opening <NUM> such that window panel <NUM> is titled relative the one or more panels <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, a gap may be created between window panel <NUM> and opening <NUM>, allowing for the ventilation of air into and/or out of interior <NUM>. In some embodiments, window panel <NUM> may be tilted such that an end remains substantially in the same position in both closed position <NUM> and venting position <NUM> of window panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, window panel <NUM> may be tilted such that the gap may be positioned at a rearward end of opening <NUM> opposite heading direction <NUM>.

In such an embodiment, the conductive connection between first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM> may be maintained while window panel <NUM> is in venting position102. For example, first electrical contact <NUM> may be disposed at the end of window panel <NUM> not elevated. In other words, first electrical contact <NUM> may be disposed proximate the end of window panel <NUM> vertically closest the one or more panels <NUM>, when window panel <NUM> is in venting position <NUM>. Likewise, second electrical contact <NUM> may be disposed proximate an end of opening <NUM> vertically closest window panel <NUM>. Accordingly, second electrical contact <NUM> may remain substantially in the same position in both closed position <NUM> and venting position <NUM> of window panel <NUM> to maintain engagement with first electrical contact <NUM>.

In operation, window panel <NUM> may move between open and closed positions <NUM>, <NUM>. At a point in the range of positions of window panel <NUM>, first electrical contact <NUM> may engage second electrical contact <NUM>. The engagement may result in a conductive connection. Accordingly, an electrical connection may be formed with window panel <NUM>. Therefore, in embodiments where window panel <NUM> is electro-optic, window control module <NUM> may be operable to vary the transmittance thereof.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, movable window apparatus <NUM> may comprise a second electrical connection assembly <NUM>. Second electrical contact <NUM> may be one or more electrical contact. Further, second electrical connection assembly <NUM> may be operable to facilitate a conductive connection between vehicle <NUM> and/or window control module <NUM> with window panel <NUM>. The conductive connection may operably conduct one or more of a current, a voltage, a potential, and/or an electrical signal. The conductive connection may be facilitated when window panel <NUM> is in a first position <NUM> (<FIG>). First position <NUM> may correspond to an open position <NUM> or a closed position <NUM>, depending on placement. Additionally, the conductive connection may be broken when window panel <NUM> is in a second position <NUM> (<FIG>). Second position <NUM> may correspond to an open position <NUM> or a closed position <NUM>, depending on placement.

Second electrical connection assembly <NUM> may comprise a contact pad holder <NUM>. Contact pad holder <NUM> may be coupled to window panel <NUM>. Further, contact pad holder <NUM> may comprise a first contact pad <NUM> and a second contact pad <NUM>. First contact pad <NUM> may correspond to a positive electrical polarity terminal. Second contact pad <NUM> may correspond to a negative electrical polarity terminal. Further, first contact pad <NUM> and second contact pad <NUM> may be operable to receive and conduct one or more of a current, a voltage, a potential, and/or an electrical signal. Accordingly, the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrical contact. Additionally, the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> are communicatively connected to window panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second contact pads <NUM> may protrude from the extent of window panel <NUM>. Accordingly, contact pad holder <NUM> and/or the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed proximate a periphery of window panel <NUM>. Further, each of the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> may have a leading portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, leading portion <NUM> may be rounded.

Second electrical connection assembly <NUM> may also comprise a first contact spring <NUM> and a second contact spring <NUM>. Each of the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be an electrically conductive material biased in a first configuration. First contact spring <NUM> may correspond to a positive electrical polarity terminal. Similarly, second contact spring <NUM> may correspond to a negative electrical polarity terminal. Accordingly, the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrical contacts. Further, the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured to a part of vehicle <NUM>, such as a panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured to vehicle <NUM> via a contact holder <NUM>. Further, the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically connected to a power source, and/or window control module <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed in a pocket comprised of one or more panel <NUM>.

In operation, window panel <NUM> may be operable between first position <NUM> and second position <NUM> along a path. In operating into first position <NUM>, the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> may travel toward the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>. Upon window panel <NUM> reaching first position <NUM>, leading portions <NUM> of the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> may slidably engage the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Upon engagement, each contact spring <NUM>, <NUM> may be operable to deflect from the biased configuration. Further, the bias toward the biased configuration may be operable to substantially force contact between a respective contact spring <NUM>, <NUM> and a respective contact pad <NUM>, <NUM>. The force may operably stabilize the conductive connection. The engagement between a respective contact spring <NUM>, <NUM> and a respective contact pad <NUM>, <NUM> may accordingly result in the conductive connection. In operation out of first position <NUM> to second position <NUM>, each of the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> may slidably disengage the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The disengagement between a respective contact spring <NUM>, <NUM> and a respective contact pad <NUM>, <NUM> may accordingly result in breaking the conductive connection. In some embodiments, operation into first position <NUM> may correspond to an end of window panel <NUM> entering the pocket comprised of one or more panel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, movable window apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a power storage device <NUM> (<FIG>). Power storage device <NUM> may be electrically connected to first electrical contact <NUM>, first contact pad <NUM>, and/or second contact pad <NUM>. Further, power storage device <NUM> may be coupled with window panel <NUM>, frame <NUM>, first electrical contact <NUM>, first contact pad <NUM>, and/or second contact pad <NUM>, such that power storage device <NUM> moves with window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM>. Further, an electrical connection between power storage device <NUM>, first electrical contact <NUM>, first contact pad <NUM>, second contact pad <NUM>, and/or window panel <NUM> may be maintained irrespective of the position of window panel <NUM> and/or the engagement of first electrical contact <NUM> with second electrical contact <NUM> or the engagement of the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> with the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>. Power storage device <NUM>, for example, may be one or more of a capacitor and a battery. In some embodiments, power storage device <NUM> may be disposed in housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM> may have a coating. The coating may include a dielectric grease or other substance that facilitates the sliding engagement and electrical conduction between the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In operation, power storage device <NUM> may be operable to supply the one or more of a current, a voltage, a potential, a power, and/or an electrical signal to window panel <NUM> in the absence of the conductive connection between first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM> or the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> with the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, power storage device <NUM> may be further operable to recharge when the conductive connection is made between first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM>.

In some embodiments, window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM> may further comprise one or more powered feature. A powered feature may be a device coupled with window panel <NUM>, frame <NUM>, first electrical contact <NUM>, first contact pad <NUM>, and/or second contact pad <NUM>. such that power storage device <NUM> moves with window panel. Further, the powered feature may require a current, a voltage, a potential, and/or an electrical signal to operate. Accordingly, the powered feature may be electrically connected to first electrical contact <NUM>, first contact pad <NUM>, second contact pad <NUM>, and/or power storage device <NUM>, in order to obtain the required power. Examples of a powered feature include a light, a sensor <NUM>, and/or a display.

In some embodiments, movable window apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a wireless communication module <NUM> (<FIG>). Wireless communication module <NUM> may be wirelessly communicatively connected to window control module <NUM> and physically communicatively connected to window panel <NUM>. The wireless communication, for example, may comprise Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, radio, infra-red, or other wireless communications technologies known in the art. Further, wireless communication module <NUM> may be coupled with window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM>, such that wireless communication module <NUM> moves with window panel <NUM> and/or frame <NUM>. Accordingly, wireless communication module may be operable to maintain communication between window control module <NUM> and window panel <NUM>, even in the absence of the conductive connection between first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM> or the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> with the first and second contact springs <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, the transmittance of window panel <NUM> may be adjusted by window control module at any position of window panel <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may have the advantage of enabling a conductive connection with a window panel <NUM> that is movable. This conductive connection has the advantage of being engageable and dis-engageable. Accordingly, in embodiments where window panel <NUM> is electro-optic, the need for a conductive connection does not inhibit movement between one or more positions. Additionally, in embodiments where first electrical contact <NUM> comprises a protrusion <NUM> extending toward second electrical contact <NUM>, the engagement between first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM> may be focused at protrusion <NUM>. Focusing the engagement at protrusion <NUM> may have the advantage of optimizing the conductive connection between first electrical contact <NUM> and second electrical contact <NUM>. Further, in embodiments where first electrical contact <NUM>, second electrical contact <NUM>, first contact pad <NUM>, second contact pads <NUM>, first contact spring <NUM>, and/or second contact spring <NUM> comprises a coating, such as a dielectric grease, may have the advantage of increased longevity of the slidably engaging elements. Additional benefits or advantages of various embodiments may also be realized and/or achieved.

In this document, relational terms, such as "first," "second," and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of the two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

The term "substantially," and variations thereof, will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art as describing a feature that is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which it is used, "substantially" may denote values within about <NUM>% of each other, such as within about <NUM>% of each other, or within about <NUM>% of each other.

The term "transparent" is applied in the relative sense. "Transparent" refers to an optical element or material that is substantially transmissive of at wavelengths in question and thus generally allows light at such wavelengths to pass therethrough. The wavelengths in question will vary based on the context. However, in the event the wavelengths in question is not readily apparent, the wavelengths in question shall generally refer to visible light.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for a vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a window panel (<NUM>) operable between an opened position (<NUM>) and a closed position (<NUM>);
a first electrical contact (<NUM>) coupled to the window panel (<NUM>); and
a second electrical contact (<NUM>) coupled to the vehicle (<NUM>);
wherein:
the first electrical contact (<NUM>) operable to:
engage the second electrical contact (<NUM>) when the window panel (<NUM>) is in a first position, and
disengage the second electrical contact (<NUM>) when the window panel (<NUM>) is out of the first position;
engagement of the second electrical contact (<NUM>) by the first electrical contact (<NUM>) forms a conductive connection;
the second electrical contact (<NUM>) is disposed on a biasing member (<NUM>) operable to move the second electrical contact (<NUM>) between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the biasing member (<NUM>) biases the second electrical contact (<NUM>) to the extended position;
the biasing member (<NUM>) is a wind deflector; and
characterised in that
the second electrical contact (<NUM>) is a conductive strip extending along at least a portion of the deflector (<NUM>) of the wind deflectoi(<NUM>) being operable to deflect wind and reduce noise within an interior (<NUM>) of the vehicle (<NUM>) when the window panel (<NUM>) is in the opened position (<NUM>).