Cabin decorative plate and vehicle

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of vehicle manufacturing, and discloses a cabin decorative plate and a vehicle. The decoration plate comprises a decoration plate body, the decoration plate body is installed in a vehicle cabin, an opening is formed in the decoration plate body, a water pipe penetrates through the opening, one end of the water pipe is communicated with a bucket through a water pump, the bucket is installed on the decoration plate body, the water pump can pump out liquid in the water pump through the water pipe, and the water pump can also pump outside liquid into the bucket through the water pipe; the problems that in the prior art, the cleaning function of a vehicle is single, and the current diversified requirements cannot be met are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and in particular to a cabin trim panel and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous progress of the automotive industry and the increasing level of intelligence, modern users have placed higher demands on the convenience, personalization, and multi-functionality of various vehicle features. Against this backdrop, car wash systems, as a crucial component affecting daily user experience, are receiving increasing attention for their design concepts and technological implementation. However, traditional car wash systems still have significant limitations in terms of functionality and application scenarios, urgently requiring further optimization and expansion.

[0003] Currently, most traditional car models are equipped with windshield washer systems installed under the hood. These systems use one or more nozzles on the hood to spray washer fluid onto the windshield surface to remove dust, mud, insect remains, and other contaminants. This design has been widely used for decades and has generally met the basic cleaning needs of the windshield. However, with the evolution of car designs and the diversification of user scenarios, the shortcomings of this system have gradually become apparent.

[0004] First, traditional car wash systems have extremely limited cleaning range. The nozzles are typically designed to cover only the windshield, failing to effectively clean other areas that require cleaning—such as side windows, side mirrors, headlights, and even sensor areas like cameras and lidar. In rain, snow, mud, or dusty conditions, side windows and side mirrors are easily contaminated, affecting the driver's ability to see the road. Damage to headlights and various sensors directly impacts lighting performance and the proper functioning of driver assistance systems, posing a significant safety hazard.

[0005] Secondly, the system lacks flexibility and scalability in terms of functionality. Traditional washing systems mostly use mechanical structure control with fixed spray patterns, which cannot adjust the cleaning intensity according to the actual degree of dirt, nor can they respond to users' personalized needs for cleaning different areas. For example, after a long drive, users may want to clean the headlights to improve nighttime driving safety, or clean the rear camera to ensure a clear reversing image, but existing systems cannot provide such targeted functions.

[0006] In conclusion, although traditional car wash systems have solved the basic cleaning problem of windshields to some extent, their shortcomings, such as limited functionality, limited coverage, and lack of scalability, make them difficult to meet users' growing demands for comfort, safety, and personalization. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cabin trim panel and vehicle that solves the problem that the cleaning function of vehicles under the prior art is relatively simple and cannot meet the diverse needs of today.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a cabin trim panel, including a trim panel body, the trim panel body being installed in the cabin, the trim panel body having an opening, a water pipe passing through the opening, one end of the water pipe being connected to a water bucket via a water pump, the water bucket being installed on the trim panel body, the water pump being able to draw liquid from the water pump through the water pipe, and the water pump being able to draw external liquid into the water bucket through the water pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the water pipe is wound inside a rewinding assembly, which includes a roller, a rotating shaft, and a spiral spring. The spiral spring is on the rotating shaft, and the roller is sleeved on the outside of the spiral spring. The roller is connected to the rotating shaft through the spiral spring, and the water pipe is wound around the roller.

[0010] Preferably, the water pump is electrically connected to a switch, which is mounted on the main body of the decorative panel.

[0011] Preferably, a recessed groove is formed on the main body of the decorative panel, the switch is placed in the groove, and a cover plate is installed on the upper side of the groove.

[0012] Preferably, the cover plate is attached to the main body of the trim panel by Velcro.

[0013] Preferably, the main body of the decorative panel is sheet-shaped, and the openings are provided on both sides of the main body of the decorative panel.

[0014] Preferably, a nozzle is installed at the front end of the water pipe, and the nozzle can spray the liquid out in a funnel shape.

[0015] Preferably, the nozzle has a diameter larger than the opening, and the nozzle overlaps the edge of the opening.

[0016] Preferably, the water bucket is equipped with a water injection pipe, and the water injection pipe is provided with a cap.

[0017] A vehicle includes the aforementioned cabin trim panel, wherein the cabin trim panel is mounted on the front end of the vehicle.

[0018] Beneficial effects: By adding a bucket and water pipe to the main body of the trim panel, the liquid in the bucket can be drawn out and sprayed on different parts of the vehicle. The combination of the bucket and water pipe can clean a larger area, and can also directly absorb external water sources, cleaning the vehicle anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, the bucket and water pipe can be integrated into the engine compartment trim panel, resulting in a higher level of integration. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a main drawing of the cabin decorative panel of the present invention.

[0020] In the picture: 1. Main body of the decorative panel; 2. Bucket; 3. Water pipe; 4. Nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0025] With current technology, vehicle cleaning nozzles can only clean the front part of the windshield, which cannot meet the increasingly complex requirements of today. The cleaning area is small and cannot be used for large-area cleaning.

[0026] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 1As shown, this invention provides a cabin trim panel, including a panel body 1, which is installed inside the vehicle cabin. The panel body 1 has an opening, through which a water pipe 3 passes. One end of the water pipe 3 is connected to a water tank 2 via a water pump. The water tank 2 is installed on the panel body 1. The water pump can draw liquid from its own pump through the water pipe 3, and can also draw external liquid into the water tank 2 through the water pipe 3. By integrating the water tank 2 onto one side of the cabin trim panel and connecting it to the water pipe 3 via a water pump, when the vehicle needs to be washed, the water pipe 3 is pulled out from the opening to clean any part of the vehicle's surface. If the length of the water pipe 3 is close to the length of the vehicle, any part of the vehicle can be cleaned, greatly improving cleaning capabilities.

[0027] The core of this cabin trim panel lies in the redesigned trim panel body 1, which is designed and manufactured according to the cabin structure of different vehicle models and can be securely installed on the vehicle.

[0028] The key improvement in the design of the main body of the trim panel 1 lies in the integration of a complete hydraulic system. First, a water tank 2 of appropriate capacity is embedded or fixed in the space on one side or behind the main body of the trim panel 1, effectively utilizing often overlooked redundant areas inside the vehicle without occupying additional passenger compartment or trunk space. Closely connected to the water tank 2 is a water pump, which serves as the power core of the system and has bidirectional operating capability.

[0029] The system's output terminal is a retractable or coiled cleaning hose 3. This hose 3 passes through a specially designed opening on the trim panel body 1 and connects to the water pump output. This opening is not a simple perforation; it is usually equipped with a self-resetting reel mechanism or a sealing cover. When the hose 3 is not in use, it can be completely stored inside the trim panel or the opening can be flush with the trim panel surface, effectively preventing dust intrusion and maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of the interior.

[0030] Cleaning Mode: When the user needs to wash the vehicle, simply pull the water hose 3 out of the opening. Activating the water pump's forward operating mode allows it to continuously pump the cleaning liquid (which can be clean water or a pre-mixed cleaning solution) from the water tank 2, creating a usable water flow through the hose 3. The user can then hold the end of the hose 3 and wash any part of the vehicle, including the body, windows, and wheels. Through scientific design, the hose 3 is long enough to cover the entire vehicle body from front to rear, ensuring that any external surface can be easily cleaned, greatly improving the thoroughness and convenience of the cleaning process.

[0031] Water Replenishment Mode: This system also considers the convenience of water replenishment. When the liquid in water tank 2 is depleted, the user does not need to disassemble water tank 2. Simply immerse the end of water pipe 3 into an external water source (such as a household faucet, water tank 2, etc.), and start the reverse working mode of the water pump. The water pump can then act as a water pump, drawing external liquid back into the built-in water tank 2 through the same water pipe 3 for storage, preparing it for the next cleaning, forming a perfect closed loop of use.

[0032] This invention breaks away from the traditional car wash's reliance on fixed locations and external equipment, allowing users to quickly clean their vehicles anytime, anywhere—whether traveling, outdoors, or at home—significantly improving the vehicle's practicality and the user experience.

[0033] The water pipe 3 is wound inside the rewind assembly, which includes a roller, a rotating shaft, and a spiral spring. The spiral spring is on the rotating shaft, and the roller is sleeved on the outside of the spiral spring. The roller is connected to the rotating shaft through the spiral spring. The water pipe 3 is wound around the roller. When the water pipe 3 needs to be pulled out for cleaning, the water pipe 3 is pulled out to drive the roller to roll, while the spiral spring is in a state of gradual tightening. If the water pipe 3 is released, the spiral spring will pull the roller to rotate back, eventually driving the water pipe 3 to rotate back, so that the water pipe 3 can be automatically retracted.

[0034] The rewind assembly mainly consists of three core components: a rotating shaft, a spiral spring (a clockwork spring), and a roller. These components are precisely integrated into a robust bracket and hidden behind the main body of the decorative panel 1.

[0035] The core power source is a spiral spring, a type of spiral spring made of high-strength spring steel strip, also known as a clockwork spring. It is precisely mounted on the central shaft of the assembly. The shaft is firmly fixed to the assembly support and does not rotate itself. The inner end of the spring is fixed to the shaft, while the outer end is connected to an outer roller. When an external force pulls the water pipe 3, its energy is not directly stored in the shaft, but is transferred to the spring through the roller, causing it to coil tightly, thereby storing elastic potential energy.

[0036] The roller is a cylindrical component with smooth edges and sufficient width. It is fitted onto the outside of a stationary rotating shaft via bearings, allowing for smooth rotation. The roller's core function is to support the wound water pipe 3 and to release and retrieve the water pipe 3 through its rotation. Its surface is typically designed with guide grooves to ensure that the water pipe 3 can be wound flat and orderly, preventing mutual compression, jamming, or wear. The roller is rigidly connected to the outer end of the aforementioned spiral spring, and the two move synchronously.

[0037] Workflow details:

[0038] Extraction and Energy Storage Phase: When the user needs to clean with hose 3, simply grasp the end of hose 3 and pull it outwards. This pulling force drives the roller to rotate around a fixed axis. The rotation of the roller immediately causes the connected spiral spring to tighten, thus storing more and more rebound potential energy. Although the user is exerting force throughout the process, the rebound force provided by the spring is cleverly overcome, allowing hose 3 to be smoothly extracted.

[0039] Optional, locking and working phase: The rewind assembly integrates a one-way locking mechanism. When the hose 3 is pulled to the desired length, the user can slightly rewind it to trigger the mechanism, locking the roller in that position. This eliminates the need for the user to continuously resist the spring's rewinding force during cleaning operations, greatly improving the user experience.

[0040] Automatic Rewinding and Storage Stage: After cleaning, whether you release the handle directly or gently pull again to unlock, the potential energy stored in the previously tightened spiral spring is instantly released. The spring's return to its original state drives the roller to rotate at high speed in the opposite direction, like a wound-up toy suddenly unwinding. The roller's rotation evenly and quickly rewinds the water pipe 3 back into its winding groove until the end of the water pipe 3 is completely retracted to near the opening in the trim panel. The entire recycling process requires no additional user intervention, making it efficient and labor-saving.

[0041] The water pump is electrically connected to a switch, which is mounted on the main body 1 of the trim panel. The water pump is controlled by the switch, allowing the operator to directly control its operation. When the vehicle needs washing, the user simply pulls out the water hose 3 and triggers the switch to the "start" position. The circuit is then connected, a command is sent to the water pump, and the pump immediately begins operating, pumping the liquid from the storage tank 2 and providing a continuous flow of cleaning water through the water hose 3. After washing, the user operates the switch again to the "off" position, cutting off the circuit and stopping the water pump, thus terminating the water flow.

[0042] This direct control mode has multiple advantages: First, it gives users the highest level of operational autonomy, achieving precise control of "on and off instantly," avoiding unnecessary waste of water resources; second, it seamlessly connects the water pump's power system with user commands, greatly improving the system's response speed and ease of operation; finally, integrating the switch into the trim panel maintains the overall aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle's interior environment, eliminating the need for an additional, obtrusive control panel and reflecting a highly integrated design concept.

[0043] A recessed groove is formed on the main body of the trim panel 1, within which a switch is placed. A cover plate is installed on the upper side of the groove, keeping the surface of the main body of the trim panel 1 flat and preventing dust from entering. When the cover plate is closed, it fits perfectly against the surface of the main body of the trim panel 1, forming a smooth, continuous plane. This not only eliminates protrusions that could snag clothing or debris, resulting in smoother and simpler interior lines, but also effectively avoids the risk of damage to the switch due to accidental bumps during daily use. As a physical barrier, the cover plate fundamentally prevents dust, liquids (such as accidentally spilled beverages), debris, and other foreign objects from falling into the groove through the gaps around the switch. This effectively protects the electrical contacts of the switch, preventing poor contact, short circuits, or even failure caused by dust or moisture accumulation, greatly improving the long-term reliability and service life of the entire control system.

[0044] The cover plate is attached to the main body 1 of the decorative panel using Velcro, but the method is not limited to Velcro; other structures are also possible. In specific embodiments of the present invention, the connection method between the cover plate and the main body 1 embodies a flexible and practical design concept. One preferred and cost-effective implementation is to use Velcro (also known as hook and loop fasteners or Hook and Loop tape) for attachment. Specifically, the hook side (rough side) and the napped side (soft side) of the Velcro are fixed to the corresponding placement grooves around the back of the cover plate and the main body 1, respectively. A simple press is sufficient to securely close the cover plate; when it needs to be opened, it can be easily separated by prying up the edge of the cover plate. This method is simple to install, easy to adjust and position, and effectively meets the needs of frequent opening and closing.

[0045] However, the design of this invention is not limited to a single form, and multiple options are available for fixing the cover plate:

[0046] Magnetic fixing: Small magnets or magnetic plates are embedded inside the cover and along the edge of the placement slot. When closed, the magnetic force automatically attracts the cover into place, achieving precise alignment and smooth closure.

[0047] Snap-on fixing: Flexible snaps are designed on the edge of the cover plate, and corresponding slots are designed on the side wall of the placement groove. When closing the cover plate, the snaps click into the slots, securing them firmly; when opening, simply apply a certain amount of pressure at a specific position to deform and release the snaps.

[0048] Sliding rail fixing: The cover plate is inserted into the track of the placement slot via a sliding rail on the side, allowing it to be pushed and pulled open horizontally or vertically. This method does not take up any extra space and is ideal for use in small or compact areas.

[0049] Simple hinge-type fixing: Connect one side of the cover plate to the main body 1 of the decorative panel through a pivot or flexible material (such as fabric or silicone) to achieve upward or side flipping, which can not only prevent the cover plate from being lost, but also simplify the operation process.

[0050] In summary, by providing a variety of fixing solutions, from economical Velcro to high-end magnetic closures, this invention ensures that the design can flexibly adapt to the positioning and cost considerations of different car models, guaranteeing core functions while bringing users a diverse operating experience and quality options.

[0051] The main body of the trim panel 1 is sheet-like, with openings on both sides. The water pump can be equipped with varying numbers of water pipes 3, allowing the pipes to cover both sides of the vehicle after being extended, maximizing the area the water pipes can clean. In this invention, the main body of the trim panel 1 serves as the structural foundation and load-bearing platform of the entire system, and its main form is designed as a sheet structure. This seamless integration with the vehicle's upper cabin contour ensures that it provides powerful functionality without excessively encroaching on the interior passenger space.

[0052] To maximize the cleaning range, this design incorporates a key innovation in the layout of the main body 1 of the decorative panel. Specifically, dedicated openings are symmetrically created on the left and right sides of the main body 1 of the decorative panel. These two openings are not simple perforations; each typically integrates an automatic rewinding assembly, as described earlier, for separately storing and managing the individual water pipes 3.

[0053] Single-pump dual-outlet mode: A sufficiently powerful water pump is split into two streams via a T-joint, simultaneously supplying water to both water pipes 3. This solution is cost-effective, but both water pipes 3 must be used at the same time.

[0054] Dual-pump independent control mode: Each of the left and right water pipes 3 is equipped with an independent water pump. This configuration allows users to selectively control the operation of the left or right water pipe 3 independently via two separate switches, achieving true independent cleaning on each side and maximizing operational flexibility.

[0055] The strategic advantage of the dual-sided water pipe 3 design is that:

[0056] When a user needs to wash their vehicle, they can choose to pull out the water hose 3 from the most convenient side, depending on the vehicle's parking location and the surrounding environment. For example, if the vehicle is parked close to the left wall, the user can pull out the water hose 3 from the right side to easily clean the entire right side, as well as the front and rear of the vehicle. More importantly, if the configuration allows, both water hoses 3 can even be used simultaneously, allowing two people to work together, greatly improving cleaning efficiency.

[0057] A nozzle 4 is installed at the front end of the water pipe 3. The nozzle 4 can spray liquid in a funnel shape, which allows for adjustment of the water flow spray pattern, producing either a mist or a beam, thus creating different spraying effects. The diameter of the nozzle 4 is larger than the opening, and the nozzle 4 overlaps the edge of the opening, allowing it to be easily removed by cleaning personnel. A water inlet pipe 3 is installed on the water bucket 2, and a cap is provided on the water inlet pipe 3 to seal the water bucket 2.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cabin trim panel, characterized in that, Includes a trim panel body (1), which is installed in the vehicle cabin. The trim panel body (1) has an opening, through which a water pipe (3) is inserted. One end of the water pipe (3) is connected to a water bucket (2) via a water pump. The water bucket (2) is installed on the trim panel body (1). The water pump can draw liquid from the pump through the water pipe (3). The water pump can also draw external liquid into the water bucket (2) through the water pipe (3).

2. The cabin trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pipe (3) is wound inside the rewind assembly, which includes a roller, a rotating shaft and a spiral spring. The spiral spring is on the rotating shaft, and the roller is sleeved on the outside of the spiral spring. The roller is connected to the rotating shaft through the spiral spring, and the water pipe (3) is wound around the roller.

3. The cabin trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump is electrically connected to the switch, which is installed on the main body of the decorative panel (1).

4. The cabin trim panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, A recessed groove is formed on the main body of the decorative panel (1), the switch is placed in the groove, and a cover plate is installed on the upper side of the groove.

5. The cabin trim panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover plate is attached to the main body of the decorative panel (1) by Velcro.

6. The cabin trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the decorative panel (1) is in the shape of a sheet, and the openings are provided on both sides of the main body of the decorative panel (1).

7. The cabin trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pipe (3) is equipped with a nozzle (4) at its front end, which can spray liquid out in a funnel shape.

8. The cabin trim panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The nozzle (4) has a diameter larger than the opening, and the nozzle (4) overlaps the edge of the opening.

9. The cabin trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water bucket (2) is equipped with a water injection pipe (3), and the water injection pipe (3) is provided with a cap.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the cabin trim panel as described in claim 1, wherein the cabin trim panel is installed at the front end of the vehicle.

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