Front windshield lower trim panel structure and automobile

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of automobile front windshield drainage, and particularly relates to a front windshield lower decorative plate structure and an automobile. The front windshield lower decorative plate structure provided by the present application comprises a front windshield lower decorative plate body and a water flow channel system installed on the front windshield lower decorative plate body. The water flow channel system comprises a water flow channel body, a water leakage hole arranged on the water flow channel body, a spiral worm arranged inside the water flow channel body and a driving motor arranged outside the water flow channel body, and the water leakage hole is located at the terminal area of the spiral worm pushing path. The spiral worm is in driving connection with the driving motor, and the driving motor is used for driving the spiral worm to rotate. The traditional gravity drainage is upgraded to active mechanical drainage, and the drainage efficiency and reliability are no longer seriously dependent on the inclination angle of the water flow channel body. Meanwhile, the spiral worm can push the small foreign matters entering along with the rainwater to the water leakage hole while pushing the water flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive windshield drainage technology, and in particular to a windshield lower decorative panel structure and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the automotive industry has continued to grow and develop, and cars are equipped with more and more functions. However, while car manufacturers and customers pursue vehicle functionality, the challenges to vehicle space layout are increasing, especially in the arrangement of the lower windshield trim panel. New situations are constantly emerging, particularly with the innovation and use of new technologies in new energy vehicles. This has redefined cars as multi-functional tools integrating entertainment, leisure, office work, and travel, rather than just traditional transportation. The innovation and use of new technologies have overturned traditional layout patterns, inevitably bringing new spatial demands and challenges, especially for range-extended electric vehicles, which place significant demands on front cabin space. The front cabin houses components such as the engine, transmission, controller, electrical box, condenser, and air conditioning, resulting in insufficient space for the lower windshield trim panel. One reason for this space shortage is that while the front cabin houses the traditional engine and controller, which better controls and balances the performance of the engine and electric motor, it also encroaches on front cabin space. Furthermore, people have increasingly higher demands for car air conditioning systems. For example, the automatic activation of the air conditioning to circulate fresh air into the car when the driver approaches after the vehicle has been parked for a certain period seems comfortable and intelligent, but it places stringent requirements on the air intake volume. This is because the air exchange activation scenario is only effective if it recognizes that the driver needs to use the vehicle. A crucial indicator of this requirement is that the driver is sufficiently close to the vehicle and in the correct position; this is not possible at the rear of the car, the passenger side, or only the driver's side. This leaves the air conditioning with a maximum activation time of no more than 5 seconds. Completely replacing all the air in such a short time is indeed difficult, but engineers aim to maximize the circulation of fresh air. Therefore, the air conditioning system must not only operate at maximum power, but the air intake and ductwork must also be as large as possible, where feasible. This requires even more space for arrangement, inevitably sacrificing space for other components such as the lower windshield trim panel.

[0003] Therefore, current automotive exterior designs suffer from the following problems: 1. The width and tilt angle of the drainage channels are severely limited, failing to meet basic gravity drainage requirements, resulting in slow drainage or even water accumulation; 2. Increased risk of water accumulation: Poor drainage may cause rainwater to flood into the engine compartment, damaging delicate internal electronic components, or be sucked into the passenger compartment through the air conditioning intake, affecting comfort and safety; 3. Prone to clogging and difficult to clean: Narrow drainage channels are more easily clogged by foreign objects such as fallen leaves, willow catkins, and sand, and the existing structure lacks automatic cleaning capabilities, making maintenance difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a front windshield trim panel structure and automobile to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, such as severely limited width and tilt angle of the drainage channel, which cannot meet the basic gravity drainage requirements, resulting in slow drainage or even water accumulation; increased risk of water accumulation, poor drainage may cause rainwater to flood into the cabin, damaging internal precision electronic components, or be sucked into the passenger compartment through the air conditioning intake, affecting comfort and safety; easy clogging and difficult cleaning, the narrow drainage channel is more easily blocked by foreign objects such as fallen leaves, willow catkins, and sand, and the existing structure lacks automatic cleaning ability, making maintenance difficult.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a front windshield lower trim panel structure, comprising: a front windshield lower trim panel body and a water channel system installed on the front windshield lower trim panel body; The water trough system includes a water trough body, a drain hole disposed on the water trough body, a spiral worm gear disposed inside the water trough body, and a drive motor disposed outside the water trough body, wherein the drain hole is located at the end area of ​​the spiral worm gear's pushing path. The worm gear is connected to the drive motor, and the drive motor is used to drive the worm gear to rotate.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the worm gear includes a main shaft, a main helical blade, and a secondary helical blade; Both the main helical blade and the secondary helical blade are arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft; The height of the main helical blade is greater than the height of the secondary helical blade; The length of the main helical blade is greater than the length of the secondary helical blade.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, a water flow channel is provided between the worm gear and the bottom of the water flow channel body.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the water tank system further includes a motor bracket, and the drive motor is connected to the water tank body through the motor bracket; The motor bracket is provided with a fixing groove, and the water trough body is provided with positioning welding ribs; The fixing groove is fixedly connected to the positioning welding rib.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the water tank body is provided with multiple welded parts; The water trough body is connected to the front windshield lower decorative panel body through the welding part.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, a recess is provided at the bottom of the water tank body near the drive motor. The bottom of the recess is provided with the drainage hole.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the bottom of the water tank body is inclined towards the recessed portion from the end away from the recessed portion.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the main helical blade has a length of 280-320 mm, a height of 15-25 mm, a pitch of 25-35 mm, and a helix angle of 20-35 degrees.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the secondary helical blade has a length of 240-270 mm, a height of 3-14 mm, a pitch of 25-35 mm, and a helix angle of 20-35 degrees.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides an automobile including the lower windshield trim panel structure described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical advantages of the windshield lower decorative panel structure and automobile provided by the present invention are as follows: The present invention provides a front windshield lower trim panel structure, comprising: a front windshield lower trim panel body and a water channel system installed on the front windshield lower trim panel body; the water channel system includes a water channel body, a drain hole disposed on the water channel body, a spiral worm gear disposed inside the water channel body, and a drive motor disposed outside the water channel body, wherein the drain hole is located at the end area of ​​the spiral worm gear's pushing path; the spiral worm gear is drivenly connected to the drive motor, and the drive motor is used to drive the spiral worm gear to rotate.

[0016] By incorporating a worm gear within the drainage trough and driving its rotation via a drive motor, traditional gravity drainage is upgraded to active mechanical drainage. Drainage efficiency and reliability no longer heavily depend on the tilt angle of the drainage trough itself, greatly adapting to the challenges of limited space in the forward compartment. Furthermore, the rotation of the worm gear generates a continuous axial thrust on the water flow, quickly draining accumulated water towards the drain hole, effectively preventing the risk of water overflow due to poor drainage. Simultaneously, while pushing the water flow, the worm gear can also push small foreign objects (such as sand and dust, and some willow catkins) that enter with rainwater towards the drain hole, providing self-cleaning capability.

[0017] The automobile provided by the present invention includes the above-mentioned lower windshield trim panel structure. Therefore, the technical advantages and effects achieved therefrom include those achieved by the above-mentioned lower windshield trim panel structure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific 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 from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of the lower windshield trim panel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the worm gear and drive motor provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water tank body structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the water tank body provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the water tank body provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the drive motor and motor bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Icons: 1- Front windshield lower trim panel body; 2- Water channel body; 3- Drain hole; 4- Drive motor; 5- Main shaft; 6- Main spiral blade; 7- Secondary spiral blade; 8- Water channel; 9- Motor bracket; 10- Fixing groove; 11- Recessed part; 12- Welding groove; 13- Spiral worm gear. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and 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.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0027] The specific structure is as follows: Figures 1 to 6 As shown.

[0028] This embodiment provides a front windshield lower trim panel structure, including: a front windshield lower trim panel body 1 and a water channel system installed on the front windshield lower trim panel body 1; the water channel system includes a water channel body 2, a drain hole 3 disposed on the water channel body 2, a spiral worm gear 13 disposed inside the water channel body 2, and a drive motor 4 disposed outside the water channel body 2, and the drain hole 3 is located at the end area of ​​the pushing path of the spiral worm gear 13; the spiral worm gear 13 is connected to the drive motor 4 for transmission, and the drive motor 4 is used to drive the spiral worm gear 13 to rotate.

[0029] In this embodiment, the lower windshield trim panel structure mainly consists of a lower windshield trim panel body 1 and a water channel system installed on it. The water channel system is the core functional component, and its water channel body 2 is used to collect rainwater flowing down from the windshield. A spiral worm gear 13 is set inside the water channel body 2, and a drive motor 4 is set outside. The two are connected by a shaft for transmission. The drive motor 4 can be an induction motor or other motors, as long as they meet the requirements. The rotation axis of the spiral worm gear 13 is basically consistent with the water flow direction, and its rotation can push the water in the channel axially. The drain hole 3 is deliberately set at the end area of ​​the pushing path of the spiral worm gear 13. When the spiral worm gear 13 rotates, it can actively push the water flow towards the drain hole 3.

[0030] This embodiment upgrades traditional gravity drainage to active mechanical drainage by setting a spiral worm gear 13 inside the water trough body 2 and driving it to rotate via a drive motor 4. The drainage efficiency and reliability no longer heavily depend on the tilt angle of the water trough body 2, greatly adapting to the layout challenges of limited space in the front cabin. Furthermore, the rotation of the spiral worm gear 13 generates a continuous axial thrust on the water flow, which can quickly drain the accumulated water to the drain hole 3, effectively preventing the risk of water overflow due to poor drainage. At the same time, while pushing the water flow, the spiral worm gear 13 can also push small foreign objects (such as sand and dust, and some willow catkins) that enter with the rainwater to the drain hole 3, thus having a self-cleaning capability.

[0031] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, the spiral worm gear 13 includes a main shaft 5 and a spiral blade. The spiral blade rotates to push water flow and foreign objects into the leakage hole 3. The structure is simple and the effect is stable.

[0032] In this preferred embodiment, the spiral worm gear 13 includes a main shaft 5, a main spiral blade 6, and a secondary spiral blade 7; both the main spiral blade 6 and the secondary spiral blade 7 are arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft 5; the height of the main spiral blade 6 is greater than the height of the secondary spiral blade 7; and the length of the main spiral blade 6 is greater than the length of the secondary spiral blade 7.

[0033] In this embodiment, the worm gear 13 adopts a double-blade design, meaning that a main helical blade 6 and an auxiliary helical blade 7 are simultaneously machined or installed on a single main shaft 5. The main helical blade 6 is taller and responsible for the primary pushing function; the auxiliary helical blade 7 is shorter and arranged helically in the same direction as the main helical blade 6. The two can partially overlap or be spaced apart axially, but the overall length of the auxiliary helical blade 7 is less than that of the main helical blade 6. The presence of the auxiliary helical blade 7 can divide and further accelerate the water flow pushed by the main helical blade 6, creating stronger local fluid pressure between the two blades, thereby achieving pressurized drainage and further improving drainage efficiency. The main helical blade 6 is responsible for pushing larger volumes of water and foreign objects, while the auxiliary helical blade 7 can better handle small foreign objects that the main blade cannot effectively carry, and has a certain breaking effect on larger, stuck foreign objects, making the self-cleaning function more complete and truly achieving pressurized drainage and self-cleaning foreign object functions.

[0034] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, a water flow channel 8 is provided between the spiral worm gear 13 and the bottom of the water flow channel body 2.

[0035] In this embodiment, when installing the worm gear 13, a certain gap is maintained between the outer edge of its blades and the bottom of the water channel body 2. This gap constitutes the water flow channel 8. The existence of this water flow channel 8 prevents the worm gear 13 from completely sealing the bottom of the channel. Even if there are a small amount of foreign matter, it may still be discharged through this water flow channel 8 with a small amount of water flow, reducing the risk of complete blockage. Even in light rain when the drive motor 4 is not running or when the vehicle is stationary, rainwater can still flow to the drain hole 3 by gravity through this water flow channel 8, achieving passive drainage.

[0036] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, the water tank system also includes a motor bracket 9; the drive motor 4 is connected to the water tank body 2 through the motor bracket 9.

[0037] In this embodiment, the drive motor 4 is not directly mounted on the water tank body 2, but is connected via a dedicated motor bracket 9. One end of the motor bracket 9 is fixed to the motor, and the other end is fixed to a predetermined position on the water tank body 2 by welding, riveting, or screw connection. This modular design allows the drive motor 4 and the water tank body 2 to be manufactured and assembled separately, improving production efficiency and ease of maintenance. The dedicated motor bracket 9 is arc-shaped, which better adapts to the complex curved surface of the water tank body 2 and provides more stable support, reducing vibration of the drive motor 4 during operation and extending its service life.

[0038] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, a fixing groove 10 is provided on the motor bracket 9, and a positioning welding rib is provided on the water trough body 2; the fixing groove 10 is fixedly connected to the positioning welding rib.

[0039] In this embodiment, the fixing groove 10 on the motor bracket 9 is a slot or positioning hole, and the positioning welding rib on the water trough body 2 is a raised rib. During assembly, the fixing groove 10 is fitted onto the positioning welding rib to achieve preliminary precise positioning, and then welding or riveting is performed for final fixation. This ensures the alignment of the drive motor 4 and the main shaft 5 of the worm gear 13, avoiding jamming or wear due to installation deviations and ensuring smooth transmission. The cooperation between the fixing groove 10 and the positioning welding rib increases the contact area and mechanical interlocking effect at the connection, making the connection more robust and reliable.

[0040] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, the water trough body 2 is provided with multiple welding parts; the water trough body 2 is connected to the front windshield lower decorative panel body 1 through the welding parts.

[0041] In this embodiment, multiple welding parts are arranged at intervals along the outer edge of the water channel body 2. The water channel body 2 is welded to the front windshield lower decorative panel body 1 through the welding parts. The structure is simple and the installation is convenient.

[0042] In this preferred embodiment, sixteen welding sections are provided, and each welding section is a welding groove 12, which facilitates connection and ensures stable connection.

[0043] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, a recessed portion 11 is provided at the bottom of the water tank body 2 near the drive motor 4; a water leakage hole 3 is provided at the bottom of the recessed portion 11.

[0044] In this embodiment, a partially sunken recess 11 is provided at one end of the bottom of the water trough body 2, and a drain hole 3 is opened at the lowest point of this recess 11. The end of the worm gear 13 extends above the recess 11. The recess 11 forms a natural water collection pit, where even a small amount of water can be collected and effectively drained by the end of the worm gear 13, reducing residual water accumulation at the bottom of the water trough body 2. The water flow is guided naturally to the drain hole 3, perfectly matching the pushing direction of the worm gear 13, thus improving the overall efficiency of the drainage system.

[0045] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, the bottom of the water tank body 2 is inclined towards the recessed part 11 from the end away from the recessed part 11.

[0046] In this embodiment, the bottom of the entire water trough body 2 is designed as a sloped surface with a certain gradient, gradually sloping downwards from the end away from the drain hole 3 toward the recessed portion 11 where the drain hole 3 is located. When the drive motor 4 is not working, the gravity drainage effect is optimized, and rainwater can automatically flow along the slope and the water channel 8 to the recessed portion 11 and be discharged through the drain hole 3. When the drive motor 4 is started, the worm gear 13 does not need to push water from the completely flat bottom of the trough. The presence of the slope helps the water flow naturally toward the worm gear 13, reducing the initial load on the motor and making the operation more efficient.

[0047] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, the length of the main helical blade 6 is 280-320mm, the height is 15-25mm, the pitch is 25-35mm, and the helix angle is 20-35 degrees.

[0048] In this embodiment, the specific dimensional parameters of the main helical blade 6 are set as follows: length 280-320mm, height 15-25mm, pitch 25-35mm, and helix angle 20-35 degrees. This parameter range ensures that the main helical blade 6 has sufficient pushing capacity and volumetric efficiency, and can achieve optimal drainage flow and pressure balance under given space constraints.

[0049] In this preferred embodiment, the main helical blade 6 has a length of 300mm, a height of 20mm, a pitch of 30mm, and a helix angle of 26 degrees.

[0050] In the optional technical solution of this embodiment, the length of the secondary helical blade 7 is 240-270mm, the height is 3-14mm, the pitch is 25-35mm, and the helix angle is 20-35 degrees.

[0051] In this embodiment, the specific dimensional parameters of the secondary helical blade 7 are set as follows: length 240-270mm, height 3-14mm, pitch 25-35mm, and helix angle 20-35 degrees. This parameter range ensures that the secondary helical blade 7 can effectively cooperate with the main blade, playing a role in pressurization and cleaning small foreign objects, without excessively increasing rotational resistance or interfering with the normal operation of the main helical blade 6.

[0052] In this preferred embodiment, the secondary helical blade 7 has a length of 265 mm, a height of 6 mm, a pitch of 30 mm, and a helix angle of 26 degrees.

[0053] This embodiment provides a car including the aforementioned lower windshield trim panel structure. Therefore, the technical advantages and effects achieved by this car include those achieved by the aforementioned lower windshield trim panel structure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0054] In this embodiment, the drive motor 4 is electrically connected to the vehicle's control system. When driving the vehicle in rainy weather or in a water-spraying scenario, the control system receives working signals from the wiper motor and other components, and then controls the drive motor 4 to start. The drive motor 4 drives the spiral worm gear 13 to rotate. Since the spiral worm gear 13 has two blades (main spiral blade 6 and auxiliary spiral blade 7), it generates two rotational driving forces of different heights when rotating axially. When there is water in the water tank body 2, while the large blade (main spiral blade 6) rotates and drives the water, the small blade (auxiliary spiral blade 7) divides the water in a single blade compartment of the large blade into two parts from the root and simultaneously forms a driving force at the bottom. In this way, the water in a single blade compartment will be driven by two different driving forces of different heights by the large and small blades, and the water pressure will be strengthened, thus realizing the function of pressurized drainage. Similarly, when there are leaves, willow catkins, sand and gravel in the main body 2 of the water trough, the large and small blades of the spiral worm gear 13 can not only play the role of dual pressure drive to transport and clean, but the small blades also have the function of breaking and dividing foreign objects so that they can be transported better. At the same time, the spiral worm gear 13 and the bottom of the water trough body 2 are designed to have a reserved water channel 8, which has the function of smooth drainage of rainwater when the vehicle is not working, avoiding the problem of rainwater blockage and backflow when the vehicle is not working.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. 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 or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front windshield lower decorative panel structure, characterized in that, include: The lower windshield trim panel body (1) and the water channel system installed on the lower windshield trim panel body (1); The water trough system includes a water trough body (2), a drain hole (3) disposed on the water trough body (2), a spiral worm gear (13) disposed inside the water trough body (2), and a drive motor (4) disposed outside the water trough body (2), and the drain hole (3) is located at the end area of ​​the pushing path of the spiral worm gear (13). The spiral worm (13) is connected to the drive motor (4) for transmission, and the drive motor (4) is used to drive the spiral worm (13) to rotate; The worm gear (13) includes a main shaft (5), a main helical blade (6), and a secondary helical blade (7). Both the main helical blade (6) and the secondary helical blade (7) are arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft (5); The height of the main helical blade (6) is greater than the height of the secondary helical blade (7); The length of the main helical blade (6) is greater than the length of the secondary helical blade (7).

2. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water flow channel (8) is provided between the spiral worm (13) and the bottom of the water flow channel body (2).

3. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank system also includes a motor bracket (9), and the drive motor (4) is connected to the water tank body (2) through the motor bracket (9). The motor bracket (9) is provided with a fixing groove (10), and the water trough body (2) is provided with a positioning welding rib; The fixing groove (10) is fixedly connected to the positioning welding bar.

4. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (2) of the water trough is provided with multiple welding parts; The water channel body (2) is connected to the front windshield lower decorative panel body (1) through the welding part.

5. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the water tank body (2) near the drive motor (4) is provided with a recess (11). The bottom of the recess (11) is provided with the water leakage hole (3).

6. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the water tank body (2) is inclined towards the recess (11) from the end away from the recess (11).

7. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main helical blade (6) has a length of 280-320mm, a height of 15-25mm, a pitch of 25-35mm, and a helix angle of 20-35 degrees.

8. The front windshield lower decorative panel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the secondary helical blade (7) is 240-270 mm, the height is 3-14 mm, the pitch is 25-35 mm, and the helix angle is 20-35 degrees.

9. A car, characterized in that, Includes the front windshield lower trim panel structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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