A flashlight storage device and storage method for a vehicle

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of automobile technology, and provides a flashlight storage device and storage method for an automobile, wherein the device comprises an instrument panel framework, a flashlight, a locking mechanism and a guide mechanism; the instrument panel framework is provided with a storage cavity for storing the flashlight; the locking mechanism comprises a first locking part and a second locking part which cooperate with each other; the guide mechanism is used for guiding and positioning the cooperation of the first locking part and the second locking part during the storage of the flashlight. The present application configures a storage cavity in the instrument panel framework, stores the flashlight therein, fixes the flashlight using the locking mechanism to ensure its stability, and is equipped with a guide mechanism which can guide the locking mechanism, in addition to which the guide mechanism can not only guide the positioning of the locking mechanism, but also has a locking function itself, so that the present application has a double-locking effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive technology, and specifically relates to a flashlight storage device and storage method for automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] With the rise of outdoor activities such as wilderness exploration and off-road driving, people's reliance on portable lighting tools during outdoor activities has increased significantly, especially at night or in dimly lit environments, where flashlights have become an indispensable piece of equipment. However, in practical use, portable flashlights on the market face the problem of being difficult to store properly in cars: due to the lack of dedicated car mounting locations, these flashlights cannot be adapted to the vehicle's structure. Larger models take up too much space inside the car, making it difficult to fit into ordinary storage compartments; while smaller models, if placed haphazardly in storage boxes or glove boxes, are easily moved, lost, or even damaged by pressure due to vehicle bumps. This inconvenience not only affects the user's ease of use but also, to some extent, reduces the experience of outdoor travel. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems in the background art, this invention proposes a flashlight storage device and storage method for automobiles.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides a flashlight storage device for automobiles, including a dashboard frame, a locking mechanism, and a guiding mechanism; The dashboard frame has a storage compartment for storing a flashlight. The locking mechanism includes a first locking member and a second locking member that cooperate with each other. The first locking member is installed at the end of the flashlight, and the second locking member is installed at the corresponding position in the storage cavity. The guiding mechanism includes a first guide and a second guide that cooperate with each other. The first guide is installed at the end of the flashlight, and the second guide is installed at the corresponding position in the storage cavity. It is used to guide and position the cooperation of the first locking member and the second locking member during the storage of the flashlight.

[0005] Furthermore, the dashboard frame includes a front frame, a rear frame, and side trim panels; The front and rear frames are detachably connected, and after assembly, they enclose each other to form a storage cavity. The side trim panels are installed at the end connection between the front and rear frames to lock the connection between the front and rear frames.

[0006] Furthermore, the front frame is provided with a front storage cavity, and the rear frame is provided with a rear storage cavity at a position corresponding to the front storage cavity. The front storage cavity and the rear storage cavity are joined together after the front frame and the rear frame are assembled to form a storage cavity. The side trim panel has a limiting opening on its surface that corresponds to the position of the storage cavity. This limiting opening forms the entry and exit point for the storage cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, the side trim panel is provided with a flange, and the flange surface is provided with several mating holes; Both the ends of the front frame and the ends of the rear frame are connected to the flange through mating holes.

[0008] Furthermore, in the locking mechanism, the first locking element includes a pressure plate, a guide post, a spring, and a lock cylinder; The pressure plate is fixed to the bottom of the storage cavity; Several guide posts are provided and are symmetrically distributed on the surface of the pressure plate; each guide post is fitted with a spring on its outer periphery. The lock cylinder and guide posts are fixed together on the surface of the pressure plate, and the lock cylinder is located at the center of symmetry formed by several guide posts; The second locking component includes a lock sleeve, which is fixed to the end of the flashlight and used to connect with the lock cylinder; When the lock sleeve is connected to the lock cylinder, the guide post is inserted into the flashlight.

[0009] Furthermore, in the guiding assembly, both the first and second guiding elements are magnets; the magnets of the first and second guiding elements attract each other and are used to guide and position the engagement of the first and second locking elements.

[0010] Furthermore, the end of the flashlight away from the locking mechanism is also equipped with a fixing mechanism, which is installed on the dashboard frame.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a central control display, which is mounted on the surface of the dashboard frame.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a sensor-activated unlocking mechanism, which comprises a magnetic ring and a Hall sensor; The magnetic ring is built into the end of the flashlight, and the Hall sensor is installed at the bottom of the storage cavity; The Hall sensor is electrically connected to an unlocking switch, which is used to unlock the locking mechanism.

[0013] The present invention also provides a storage method for the above-mentioned flashlight storage device for automobiles, comprising the following steps: Place the flashlight inside the storage cavity, causing the first locking element to gradually move closer to the second locking element; When the distance between the Hall sensor and the magnetic ring is less than or equal to the sensing distance, the Hall sensor senses the magnetic ring, and the second locking element unlocks. After unlocking, the first locking element is guided to a position that matches the second locking element through the guide structure, so that the two are connected; After the first locking element and the second locking element are engaged, the second locking element automatically locks.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. The present invention provides a storage cavity within the instrument panel frame to house the flashlight. A locking mechanism is used to secure the flashlight, ensuring its stability. Furthermore, a guide mechanism is provided to guide the locking mechanism. In addition, the guide mechanism not only guides the locking mechanism to its position but also has a locking function itself. Therefore, the present invention has a dual locking effect: the first locking effect is achieved through the locking mechanism, and the second locking effect is achieved through the guide structure. 2. The flashlight of the present invention has a built-in magnetic ring at the tail end, and a Hall sensor is installed at the corresponding position in the placement cavity. When the magnetic ring is detected to be close, the control switch is triggered to unlock the locking structure, realizing a two-step operation of "approaching to pre-unlock + pressing to pop out", which solves the jamming problem that may occur in traditional pure mechanical structures.

[0015] 3. The present invention designs the flashlight position on the back of the central control display, which can hide the flashlight and improve its aesthetics. The locking mechanism allows the flashlight to be picked up and put away by pressing the end of the flashlight, which not only has a better sense of technology and a simpler design, but also enhances the user's sense of atmosphere.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a flashlight storage device for automobiles according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the instrument panel frame of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the front skeleton of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the rear skeleton of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the side trim panel of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A diagram showing the positional relationship between the fixing mechanism and the locking mechanism of the present invention is provided. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the unlocking mechanism of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 A flowchart of a storage method according to the present invention is shown.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Instrument panel frame; 101. Front frame; 1011. Front storage cavity; 102. Rear frame; 1021. Rear storage cavity; 103. Side trim panel; 1031. Flanged edge; 1032. Mating hole; 1033. Limit opening; 2. Central control display; 3. Flashlight; 4. Magnet; 5. Fixing mechanism; 6. Locking mechanism; 601. Pressure plate; 602. Guide column; 603. Spring; 604. Lock cylinder; 605. Lock sleeve; 7. Magnetic ring; 8. Hall sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention discloses a flashlight storage device for automobiles, including an instrument panel frame 1, a central control display 2, and a flashlight 3. The instrument panel frame 1 has a storage cavity inside, in which the flashlight 3 can be placed. The central control display 2 is mounted on the surface of the instrument panel frame 1. This structure makes efficient use of the interior space of the automobile, cleverly concealing the flashlight 3 behind the central control display 2, thus not affecting the overall aesthetics of the vehicle's instrument panel and providing convenient access for the user.

[0022] To make efficient use of the vehicle's interior space, the dashboard frame 1 in the center console can be composed of multiple panels. These panels are connected by snap-fit ​​mechanisms, screws, or other means to create the space needed to house the flashlight 3. This embodiment does not specifically limit the material and connection method of the dashboard frame 1, as long as it is detachable. For example, Figure 2The instrument panel frame 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 101, a rear frame 102, and a side trim panel 103. The front frame 101 and the rear frame 102 are detachably connected and, after assembly, they enclose each other to form a storage cavity. The side trim panel 103 is installed at the end connection between the front frame 101 and the rear frame 102 and is used to lock the connection between the front frame 101 and the rear frame 102.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the structure of the front frame 101 is illustrated. Multiple mounting positions are pre-set on the surface of the front frame 101 facing the central control display 2, each with a circular hole for subsequent installation of the central control display 2. Simultaneously, a front storage cavity 1011 is formed on the surface of the front frame 101 opposite to the circular holes, serving as part of the complete storage cavity. This embodiment does not specifically limit the shape of the front storage cavity 1011 or its position on the front frame 101. For example, the storage cavity 1011 is semi-cylindrical and located near the back of the central control display 2.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, the structure of the rear frame 102 is illustrated. The rear frame 102 has a rear storage cavity 1021 at a position corresponding to the front frame 101. The front storage cavity 1011 and the rear storage cavity 1021 are joined together after the front frame 101 and the rear frame 102 are assembled to form the storage cavity. This embodiment does not specifically limit the shape and position of the rear storage cavity 1021, as long as it can fit with the front storage cavity 1011. For example, in… Figure 4 The middle and rear storage cavity 1021 is semi-cylindrical and located at the top of the rear skeleton 102.

[0025] The side trim panel 103, besides locking the front frame 101 and the rear frame 102, also serves as the entry point for retrieving and placing the flashlight 3 from the storage cavity. Therefore, a limiting opening 1033 needs to be formed on the surface of the side trim panel 103. This embodiment does not specifically limit how the side trim panel 103 locks the front frame 101 and the rear frame 102, and provides optional implementation methods. See details... Figure 4 .exist Figure 4 In the middle, the edge of the side trim panel 104 is provided with an integral flange 1031. The flange 1031 has several mating holes 1032. The ends of the front frame 101 and the rear frame 102 are connected to the flange 1031 through the mating holes 1032.

[0026] To ensure the flashlight 3 can be stably placed in the storage cavity, the instrument panel frame 1 is also equipped with a locking mechanism 6, a guiding mechanism, and an unlocking mechanism. The locking mechanism 6 mainly consists of a first locking member and a second locking member. The first locking member is installed at the end of the flashlight 3, and the second locking member is installed at the corresponding position in the storage cavity. When they cooperate, they can fix the flashlight 3 in the storage cavity. The guiding mechanism mainly consists of a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member is installed at the end of the flashlight 3, and the second guide member is installed at the corresponding position in the storage cavity. It is used to guide and position the first and second locking members during the storage of the flashlight 3. The unlocking mechanism mainly senses the position of the flashlight 3. When the first locking member is about to connect with the second locking member, the unlocking mechanism can control the second locking member to unlock.

[0027] It should be noted that the guiding mechanism not only guides the locking mechanism 6 to its position, but also has a locking function itself. Therefore, the present invention has a dual locking effect, namely, the first locking effect is achieved through the locking mechanism 6, and the second locking effect is achieved through the guiding structure, thereby improving stability when the vehicle is bumpy.

[0028] It should be further noted that the positions of the first locking member and the second locking member can be interchanged, and the same applies to the first guide member and the second guide member.

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, to ensure the stability of the flashlight 3, a fixing mechanism 5 is also provided at the end of the flashlight 3 away from the locking mechanism 6. The fixing mechanism 5 is installed on the dashboard frame 1. This embodiment does not limit the structure of the fixing mechanism 5. For example, the fixing mechanism 5 can be a protrusion structure, which can prevent the flashlight 3 from shaking radially.

[0030] like Figure 6 As shown, in the locking mechanism 6, the first locking component consists of a pressure plate 601, guide posts 602, springs 603, and a lock cylinder 604. The pressure plate 601 is fixed to the bottom of the receiving cavity. Several guide posts 602 are symmetrically distributed on the surface of the pressure plate 601, and each guide post 602 is fitted with a spring 603 on its outer periphery. The lock cylinder 604 is fixed to the surface of the pressure plate 601 along with the guide posts 602, and is located at the symmetrical center formed by the guide posts 602. The second locking component includes a locking sleeve 605, which is fixed to the end of the flashlight 3 and used to connect with the lock cylinder 604. When the locking sleeve 605 is connected to the lock cylinder 604, the guide posts 602 are inserted into the flashlight 3.

[0031] Working principle: When locking is required, align the locking sleeve 605 at the end of the flashlight 3 with and bring it close to the lock cylinder 604. As the two gradually approach and connect, the guide post 602 is simultaneously inserted into the flashlight 3. At this time, the spring 603 is compressed and generates elastic force. Under the action of the spring 603, the lock cylinder 604 and the locking sleeve 605 fit tightly together, achieving a stable connection, thereby reliably locking the flashlight 3 in the storage cavity. When unlocking is required, the unlocking mechanism separates the lock cylinder 604 from the locking sleeve 605, the spring 603 returns to its original state, and the guide post 602 exits from the flashlight 3, releasing the locking state.

[0032] like Figure 7 As shown, in the guiding assembly, both the first and second guiding elements are magnets 4 (neodymium iron boron strong magnets). Due to their mutual attraction, they guide and position the engagement of the first and second locking elements. Furthermore, the inductive unlocking mechanism consists of a magnetic ring 7 and a Hall sensor 8; the magnetic ring 7 is built into the end of the flashlight 3, while the Hall sensor 8 is installed at the bottom of the storage cavity; the Hall sensor 8 is electrically connected to an unlocking switch, which can be used to unlock the locking mechanism 6, preferably by transmitting the unlocking signal via a wireless network. During operation: Due to the mutual attraction of the magnets 4 of the first and second guide members, the second locking member (lock sleeve 605) at the end of the flashlight 3 is guided to move towards the first locking member at the bottom of the storage cavity, achieving guidance and positioning before they engage. As the flashlight 3 gradually approaches the bottom of the storage cavity, the unlocking component unlocks the lock sleeve 605, and then the lock sleeve 605 slowly approaches and connects with the lock cylinder 604. Subsequently, the lock sleeve 605 automatically locks the lock cylinder 604, thus completing the locking of the flashlight 3. In addition, the guide post 602 is inserted into the flashlight 3, and the spring 603 is compressed to generate elastic force. When it is necessary to remove the flashlight 3, first press the flashlight 3 along the axial direction. At this time, the lock sleeve 605 automatically unlocks, and under the action of elastic force, the lock cylinder 604 and the lock sleeve 605 move away from each other, thus completing the removal of the flashlight 3.

[0033] The positions of the optional first locking element and the second locking element can be interchanged.

[0034] It should be noted that the magnet 4 adopts a design with opposite polarities to avoid the attraction of foreign objects; in addition, the Hall sensor 8 and the unlocking switch are mainly used for pre-unlocking during the locking of the flashlight 3, and do not participate in the control during the removal of the flashlight 3.

[0035] A storage method for the aforementioned flashlight storage device for automobiles includes the following steps: S1: Place the flashlight 3 into the storage cavity, so that the first locking member gradually approaches the second locking member. Specifically, when it is necessary to store and lock the flashlight 3, put the flashlight 3 into the storage cavity through the limiting opening 1033, so that the lock cylinder 604 on the flashlight 3 gradually approaches the lock sleeve 605.

[0036] S2: When the distance between Hall sensor 8 and magnetic ring 7 is less than or equal to the sensing distance, Hall sensor 8 senses magnetic ring 7, and the second locking element unlocks. Specifically, when the distance between Hall sensor 8 and magnetic ring 7 is less than or equal to the sensing distance (5mm), Hall sensor 8 triggers a control switch, which allows the second locking element to unlock.

[0037] S3: After unlocking, the first locking member is guided to a position that matches the second locking member through the guide structure, so that the two are connected. Specifically, after unlocking, the lock cylinder 604 continues to approach the lock sleeve 605, and finally the lock cylinder 604 is fully inserted into the lock sleeve 605. At the same time, the guide post 602 is also connected to the flashlight 3, and the spring 603 is in a compressed state.

[0038] S4: After the first locking member and the second locking member cooperate, the second locking member automatically locks. Specifically, when the lock cylinder 604 cooperates with the lock sleeve 605, the lock sleeve 605 automatically locks the lock cylinder 604.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flashlight storage device for automobiles, characterized in that, It includes a dashboard frame (1), a locking mechanism (6), a guide mechanism, and a sensor-activated unlocking mechanism; The instrument panel frame (1) is provided with a storage cavity for storing a flashlight (3). The locking mechanism (6) includes a first locking member and a second locking member that cooperate with each other. The second locking member is installed at the end of the flashlight (3), and the first locking member is installed at the corresponding position of the storage cavity. In the locking mechanism (6), the first locking member includes a pressure plate (601), a guide post (602), a spring (603), and a lock cylinder (604). The pressure plate (601) is fixed to the bottom of the storage cavity; The guide posts (602) are provided in a plurality of them and are symmetrically distributed on the surface of the pressure plate (601); the spring (603) is fitted on the outer periphery of each guide post (602). The lock cylinder (604) and the guide post (602) are fixed together on the surface of the pressure plate (601), and the lock cylinder (604) is located at the center of symmetry formed by the plurality of guide posts (602); The second locking component includes a lock sleeve (605), which is fixed to the end of the flashlight (3) and is used to connect with the lock cylinder (604); When the lock sleeve (605) is connected to the lock cylinder (604), the guide post (602) is inserted into the flashlight (3); The guiding mechanism includes a first guiding member and a second guiding member that cooperate with each other. The first guiding member is installed at the end of the flashlight (3), and the second guiding member is installed at the corresponding position in the storage cavity. It is used to guide and position the cooperation of the first locking member and the second locking member during the storage of the flashlight (3). In the guiding mechanism, both the first guide and the second guide are magnets (4); the magnets (4) of the first guide and the second guide attract each other and are used to guide and position the engagement of the first locking member and the second locking member. The inductive unlocking mechanism includes a magnetic ring (7) and a Hall sensor (8); the magnetic ring (7) is built into the end of the flashlight (3), and the Hall sensor (8) is installed at the bottom of the storage cavity; the Hall sensor (8) is electrically connected to an unlocking switch, which is used to unlock the locking mechanism (6).

2. The flashlight storage device for automobiles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The instrument panel frame (1) includes a front frame (101), a rear frame (102), and a side trim panel (103). The front frame (101) and the rear frame (102) are connected in a detachable manner, and after assembly, they enclose each other to form the storage cavity. The side trim panel (103) is installed at the end connection between the front frame (101) and the rear frame (102) to lock the connection state between the front frame (101) and the rear frame (102).

3. A flashlight storage device for automobiles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front frame (101) is provided with a front storage cavity (1011), and the rear frame (102) is provided with a rear storage cavity (1021) at a position corresponding to the front storage cavity (1011). The front storage cavity (1011) and the rear storage cavity (1021) are joined together after the front frame (101) and the rear frame (102) are assembled to form the storage cavity. The side panel (103) has a limiting opening (1033) on its surface that corresponds to the position of the storage cavity. The limiting opening (1033) constitutes the entry and exit point of the storage cavity.

4. A flashlight storage device for automobiles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side trim panel (103) is provided with a flange (1031), and the surface of the flange (1031) is provided with a plurality of mating holes (1032). The ends of the front frame (101) and the rear frame (102) are both connected to the flange (1031) through the mating hole (1032).

5. A flashlight storage device for automobiles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the flashlight (3) away from the locking mechanism (6) is also equipped with a fixing mechanism (5), which is installed on the instrument panel frame (1).

6. A flashlight storage device for automobiles according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a central control display (2), which is mounted on the surface of the instrument panel frame (1).

7. A storage method for a flashlight storage device for a car as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Place the flashlight (3) inside the storage cavity, so that the first locking member gradually approaches the second locking member; When the distance between the Hall sensor (8) and the magnetic ring (7) is less than or equal to the sensing distance, the Hall sensor (8) senses the magnetic ring (7), and the second locking element unlocks; After unlocking, the first locking member is guided to a position that matches the second locking member through the guide mechanism, so that the two are connected; After the first locking element and the second locking element are engaged, the second locking element automatically locks.

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