A front windshield lower trim panel and vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of automobiles and discloses a front windshield lower decorative plate and an automobile, which comprise a front windshield lower decorative plate body and a side shielding plate which is detachably installed on the side of the front windshield lower decorative plate body and covers the exposed area of a sheet metal gutter assembly. The side shielding plate comprises a hard rubber part and a soft rubber part. The hard rubber part is shaped according to the contour of the exposed area of the sheet metal, and the soft rubber part is arranged on the circumferential edge of the hard rubber part and is attached to the adjacent automobile body part. The application aims to solve the problems of insufficient shielding caused by the exposed joint of the front windshield lower decorative plate and the sheet metal gutter assembly and poor sealing caused by the direct exposure of the joint gap between the two, improve the overall appearance of the front compartment area, and prevent dust and water vapor from the outside from entering the interior of the front compartment through the gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive technology, specifically relating to a front windshield trim panel and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] The lower windshield trim panel, a key component of the automotive front compartment, serves both functional and decorative purposes. In existing technologies, the area where the lower windshield trim panel meets the sheet metal drainage channel is typically open on both sides when the hood is open, exposing the drainage channel and the internal sheet metal structure of the front compartment, thus affecting the overall aesthetics of the area. Current solutions to this exposure issue primarily focus on optimizing the appearance of the trim cover; however, these covers mainly cover the upper part of the front compartment, lacking effective concealment for the exposed area where the lower windshield trim panel meets the drainage channel sheet metal. Furthermore, regarding sealing, the gap between the lower windshield trim panel and the drainage channel sheet metal is usually directly exposed without a dedicated sealing structure, allowing external dust and moisture to easily enter the front compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a front windshield lower trim panel and a car. Its purpose is to solve the problem of insufficient shielding caused by the exposed joint between the front windshield lower trim panel and the sheet metal water channel, as well as the problem of poor sealing caused by the direct exposure of the joint gap between the two through the structure of the front windshield lower trim panel itself, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the front compartment area and preventing external dust and moisture from entering the front compartment through the gap.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lower windshield trim panel is provided, comprising: The main body of the lower windshield trim panel; Side panel, the side panel is detachably installed on the side of the front windshield lower decorative panel body, and the side panel covers the exposed sheet metal area of ​​the sheet metal water channel assembly. The side panel includes a hard plastic part and a soft plastic part. The hard plastic part conforms to the outline of the exposed sheet metal area, and the soft plastic part is disposed on the periphery of the hard plastic part and is attached to the adjacent body parts.

[0005] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the side panel is fixed to the body sheet metal via multiple mounting points.

[0006] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the plurality of mounting points includes a first mounting point, a second mounting point, and a third mounting point, wherein: The first mounting point and the third mounting point respectively use snap fasteners to attach the hard rubber part to the sheet metal water channel assembly and the inner plate of the reinforcing beam on the front wheel arch; The second mounting point secures the cap limiting block and the hard rubber part together to the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly by bolts.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the male and female fasteners of the first mounting point and the third mounting point are exposed snap fasteners, with a sheet metal thickness of 0.5mm to 1.0mm and a pull-out force of 150N to 200N.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a nut is provided on the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly, and the bolt is fastened in conjunction with the nut.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the soft rubber part and the hard rubber part are integrally formed by a two-color injection molding process, and the joint between the soft rubber part and the hard rubber part is provided with a joint process hole.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the diameter of the bonding process hole is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and the hole spacing is 15 mm to 20 mm; the effective bonding area width between the soft rubber part and the hard rubber part is 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the rigid rubber part.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a sponge is also attached to the bottom of the hard plastic part, and the sponge abuts against an adjacent body part.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, an automobile is provided, including the aforementioned lower windshield trim panel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a new type of lower windshield trim panel. A side shield is independently installed on the side of the lower windshield trim panel body, covering the exposed sheet metal area of ​​the sheet metal drainage channel assembly. The rigid rubber portion of the side shield conforms to the contour of the exposed sheet metal area, meaning its shape matches the boundary shape of the exposed sheet metal area. After installation, it can form a good fit with the body sheet metal, avoiding blind spots or excessive gaps caused by mismatched contours. In traditional solutions, the left and right sides of the junction between the lower windshield trim panel and the sheet metal drainage channel are usually open. When the hood is opened, the sheet metal drainage channel and the internal sheet metal structure of the front compartment are directly exposed, affecting the visual aesthetics of the front compartment area. By adding a conformally designed side shield, the originally exposed sheet metal area is physically covered. Without changing the main body structure of the vehicle, effective concealment of the exposed sheet metal on the sides of the front compartment is achieved, resulting in a cleaner and more refined visual effect for the entire front compartment. The side visor employs a composite structure of hard and soft rubber sections. The soft rubber section is positioned around the perimeter of the hard rubber section and adheres to adjacent body components. In traditional designs, the gap between the lower windshield trim panel and the sheet metal drainage channel is directly exposed without a dedicated sealing structure, allowing dust and moisture to easily enter the front compartment. By utilizing the adhesion between the soft rubber section and adjacent body components, a sealing interface is simultaneously created on top of the visor structure. After the side visor is installed, the soft rubber section, relying on its elastic deformation capability, forms a tight contact with the sheet metal drainage channel assembly and surrounding body components, filling the gap between the hard rubber section and the body sheet metal, thereby effectively preventing dust and moisture from entering the front compartment through this area. The side visor is detachably installed on the side of the lower windshield trim panel, allowing for convenient removal and reinstallation when needed. For example, during engine compartment repairs, lower windshield trim panel removal, or replacement of related parts, repair personnel can remove the side visor without damaging the side visor or surrounding components, and then reinstall it after the repair work is completed. The shielding and sealing functions are integrated into the same side panel. Structural support and shielding are achieved through a hard rubber section, while sealing is achieved through a soft rubber section. The hard rubber section conforms to the contour of the exposed sheet metal area, making the shielding structure more compact and avoiding material redundancy or structural complexity caused by contour mismatch. Traditional solutions typically require separate shielding and sealing components or multi-layered composite structures to simultaneously address shielding and sealing issues, leading to increased parts quantity, complex assembly processes, and increased vehicle weight. This solution achieves both functions with a single, independent component that can be detachably installed on the side of the existing lower windshield trim panel without altering its main structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the sheet metal thickness range for the snap-fit ​​is set from 0.5mm to 1.0mm, which covers the sheet metal thickness tolerance in conventional designs and ensures that the snap-fit ​​can form a reliable snap-fit ​​with the sheet metal. The pull-out force is set from 150N to 200N. The lower limit of 150N ensures that the snap-fit ​​will not accidentally loosen under normal vehicle use conditions, including the influence of factors such as vibration, temperature changes, and operating force; the upper limit of 200N takes into account the convenience of maintenance and disassembly, avoiding disassembly difficulties or damage to parts due to excessive pull-out force.

[0016] Furthermore, the diameter of the bonding process holes is designed to be 1.5mm to 2.5mm. Holes that are too small will make it difficult for the soft rubber material to fully fill the cavity during injection molding, affecting the bonding effect; holes that are too large will weaken the local strength of the hard rubber portion in that area. The hole spacing is 15mm to 20mm, ensuring a sufficient number of bonding process holes are distributed along the entire bonding interface, forming a continuous mechanical interlocking structure. The effective bonding area width is 5mm to 8mm, ensuring sufficient bonding area so that the bonding strength meets design requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the side panel in the lower trim panel of the windshield according to this application; Figure 2 This is a product schematic diagram of a side panel in a front windshield trim panel according to this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation state of the side panel in the lower trim panel of the windshield according to this application, namely... Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA in the middle; Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the side panel and sheet metal water channel assembly in the lower front windshield trim panel of this application at the first mounting point; Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view of the side panel, hood limiting block, and sheet metal water channel assembly of a front windshield lower decorative panel in this application at the second mounting point; Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the side panel and the inner plate of the reinforcing beam on the front wheel arch in the lower decorative panel of the windshield of this application at the third mounting point; Figure 7 This is a partial enlarged view of a side panel with a combination of soft and hard adhesive in a front windshield lower decorative panel according to this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a snap fastener in the lower trim panel of the windshield according to this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of bolts in a lower decorative panel of the windshield according to this application.

[0019] In the diagram: 100, Lower windshield trim panel body; 200, Side panel; 210, Hard rubber part; 220, Soft rubber part; 230, Sponge; 310, First mounting point; 320, Second mounting point; 330, Third mounting point; 410, Snap fastener; 420, Nut; 430, Bolt; 500, Hood limiting block; 600, Sheet metal water channel assembly; 700, Fender; 800, Front cabin trim cover. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions 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] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, the lower windshield trim panel provided in this embodiment includes a lower windshield trim panel body 100 and side visors 200. The lower windshield trim panel body 100 is installed at the junction of the lower edge of the windshield and the engine compartment, extending along the width of the vehicle and covering the area between the lower edge of the windshield and the water channel. The side visors 200 are detachably installed on the sides of the lower windshield trim panel body 100. Specifically, the side visors 200 are located at both ends of the lower windshield trim panel body 100 along the width of the vehicle, i.e., in the areas adjacent to the left and right fenders 700 of the front compartment. Figure 1 As can be seen, after assembly, the side panel 200 is located in the transition area between the fender 700 and the front windshield lower trim panel body 100, and its spatial position just covers the exposed sheet metal area between the sheet metal water channel assembly 600 and the front cabin interior.

[0022] The specific structure of the side panel 200 is as follows: Figure 2As shown, the panel comprises two parts: a hard plastic part 210 and a soft plastic part 220. The hard plastic part 210, serving as the main framework of the side panel 200, is injection molded from a relatively rigid plastic material, and its overall contour conforms to the boundary shape of the exposed sheet metal area. Specifically, the curvature, edge radius, and undulations of the mounting surface of the hard plastic part 210 in three-dimensional space all match the contour of the exposed area of ​​the sheet metal drainage channel assembly 600, allowing the hard plastic part 210 to fit closely to the sheet metal surface after installation, effectively covering the exposed sheet metal area visually. The soft plastic part 220 is located around the periphery of the hard plastic part 210, continuously distributed along the entire outer periphery of the hard plastic part 210. The soft plastic part 220 is made of an elastomer material, possessing good flexibility and compressive deformation capability. Once the side panel 200 is installed, the soft rubber part 220 fits tightly against adjacent body parts, including the flange of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600, the inner panel of the fender 700, and the side wall of the lower windshield trim panel body 100.

[0023] Figure 3 Showing along Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure cut along the AA line shows that the soft rubber portion 220 of the side visor 200 is slightly compressed during assembly. Its elastic recovery force fills the gap between the hard rubber portion 210 and the body sheet metal, thus forming a continuous and effective sealing interface between the sheet metal drainage channel assembly 600 and the side visor 200. This combination of soft and hard rubber design allows the side visor 200 to achieve both visoring and sealing functions, effectively preventing external dust and moisture from entering the front compartment through the gap between the lower windshield trim panel and the sheet metal drainage channel.

[0024] This embodiment effectively conceals the exposed sheet metal area of ​​the sheet metal drainage channel assembly 600 by setting an independent side shield 200 on the side of the lower windshield trim panel body 100 and using a composite structure combining soft and hard adhesives. The detachable installation method of the side shield 200 facilitates disassembly and reinstallation during subsequent maintenance without damaging other components. The fitting design of the soft adhesive part 220 with adjacent body components effectively seals the previously exposed mating gaps, improving the sealing performance of the front compartment area. Compared with the prior art, which relies solely on the front compartment trim cover 800 for appearance optimization, this embodiment solves both the problems of insufficient concealment and poor sealing at the component level through structural optimization of the lower windshield trim panel itself.

[0025] Example 2 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the side panel 200 is fixed to the vehicle body sheet metal via multiple mounting points. Specifically, the side panel 200 is fixed to the vehicle body sheet metal at multiple points to ensure stable and reliable installation. Figure 2 As can be seen, the hard plastic part 210 of the side panel 200 is provided with multiple mounting structures. These mounting structures correspond to different body sheet metal parts, including the sheet metal water channel assembly 600, the inner plate of the reinforcing beam on the front wheel arch, and the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600. Through the coordinated fixing of multiple mounting points in different spatial positions, the side panel 200 can resist loads from all directions, including vibrations during vehicle operation, high-temperature radiation in the engine compartment, and the operating force when the user opens the hood.

[0026] The use of multiple mounting points has the following advantages: First, multiple fixing points can distribute installation stress, avoiding excessive force on a single mounting point that could lead to snap-fit ​​failure or component deformation; second, different mounting points correspond to different vehicle body structures, allowing the load of the side panel 200 to be reasonably transferred to the main load-bearing structure of the vehicle body, thus improving the overall rigidity of the mounting system; third, multiple positioning helps to ensure the fitting accuracy between the side panel 200 and surrounding parts, ensuring that the soft rubber part 220 and adjacent vehicle body parts maintain a uniform amount of compression along the entire bonding line, thereby achieving a stable sealing effect.

[0027] Example 3 like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the side panel 200 is fixed to the body sheet metal through multiple mounting points, including a first mounting point 310, a second mounting point 320, and a third mounting point 330. The three mounting points are arranged in a triangle in space, each corresponding to a different body connection part, forming a stable fixing system.

[0028] Both the first mounting point 310 and the third mounting point 330 use snap-fit ​​410 as connecting elements to secure the hard plastic part 210 to the body sheet metal. Specifically, from Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view of the first mounting point 310, the first mounting point 310 secures the rigid rubber part 210 to the sheet metal water channel assembly 600 via a snap fastener 410. The sheet metal water channel assembly 600 has a mounting hole at this mounting position. The snap fastener 410 passes through the corresponding mounting hole on the rigid rubber part 210 and is inserted into the mounting hole of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600. The snap fastener 410's own elastic claws lock into place with the edge of the mounting hole. Similarly, as... Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the third mounting point 330 shown indicates that the hard rubber part 210 is also snapped onto the inner plate of the front wheel arch reinforcement beam via a snap fastener 410. The inner plate of the front wheel arch reinforcement beam is an important structural component of the front of the vehicle body, possessing high rigidity and strength, and providing a reliable mounting base for the side visor 200.

[0029] The second installation point 320 uses a different connection method, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting point 320 secures the hood limiting block 500 and the hard plastic part 210 together to the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600 via bolts 430. The hood limiting block 500 is a limiting component used to restrict the closed position of the engine hood, and it itself needs to be fixed to the body sheet metal by bolts. In this embodiment, the second mounting point 320 cleverly integrates the installation of the side panel 200 with the installation of the hood limiting block 500, simultaneously securing the hood limiting block 500 and the hard plastic part 210 to the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600 via the same bolt 430. This shared fastening point design optimizes the number of parts and the installation process, eliminating the need to add additional bolt mounting points for the side panel 200.

[0030] Through the combined arrangement of the three mounting points, a stable connection is formed between the side panel 200 and the vehicle body sheet metal. The first mounting point 310 and the third mounting point 330 use a snap-fit ​​method (410) for easy and quick installation and removal; the second mounting point 320 uses a bolt (430) for fastening, providing higher connection strength and reliability. The three mounting points work together to ensure the installation stability of the side panel 200 under normal use and to facilitate disassembly during subsequent maintenance.

[0031] Example 4 like Figure 8 As shown, the snap-fit ​​410 used at the first mounting point 310 and the third mounting point 330 is an exposed snap-fit ​​structure. An exposed snap-fit ​​refers to a snap-fit ​​where the head of the snap-fit ​​is exposed on the surface of the mounting part after installation. This structure facilitates unlocking by applying force with a tool during disassembly. The specific parameters of the snap-fit ​​410 are as follows: the sheet metal thickness is 0.5mm to 1.0mm, and the pull-out force is 150N to 200N.

[0032] The 0.5mm to 1.0mm thickness range for the snap-fit ​​sheet metal is based on common sheet metal thickness specifications for car bodies. In automotive body structures, the sheet metal thickness of the 600 water channel assembly and the inner panel of the front wheel arch reinforcement beam typically falls within this range. This range covers the sheet metal thickness tolerances in conventional designs while ensuring a reliable snap-fit ​​fit between the snap-fit ​​410 and the sheet metal. The pull-out force of 150N to 200N has been verified through engineering calculations and testing: the lower limit of 150N ensures that the snap-fit ​​410 will not accidentally loosen under normal vehicle operating conditions, including the influence of vibration, temperature changes, and operating forces; the upper limit of 200N considers the convenience of maintenance and disassembly, avoiding disassembly difficulties or component damage due to excessive pull-out force.

[0033] The material selection and structural design of the snap fastener 410 must also meet durability requirements. Throughout the vehicle's lifespan, the side panel 200 may undergo multiple removals and reinstallations, such as during engine compartment maintenance or the removal and installation of the lower windshield trim panel. The latch structure of the snap fastener 410 should possess sufficient elastic recovery capability to maintain the specified pull-out force range after multiple removal and installation cycles.

[0034] This embodiment ensures reliable connection between the first mounting point 310 and the third mounting point 330 by quantitatively defining the key parameters of the snap fastener 410. A reasonable range of sheet metal thickness ensures the compatibility of the snap fastener 410 with the vehicle body sheet metal; a defined pull-out force range balances the mutually constraining design requirements of connection strength and ease of disassembly. These parameter settings are derived from practical engineering experience and experimental verification, making the installation system of the side panel 200 clearly operable.

[0035] Example 5 like Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting point 320 uses a bolt 430 as a fastening element. A nut 420 is provided on the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600, and the bolt 430 cooperates with the nut 420 to achieve a fastening connection. Specifically, the bolt 430 passes sequentially through the mounting holes on the cap limiting block 500 and the hard plastic part 210, and then screws into the nut 420 provided on the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600. When the bolt 430 is fully tightened, the cap limiting block 500 and the hard plastic part 210 are clamped together between the head of the bolt 430 and the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly 600.

[0036] There are several options for how the nut 420 can be attached to the sheet metal drainage channel assembly 600 reinforcing plate. For example, the nut 420 can be welded to the reinforcing plate to form a non-removable prefabricated nut; it can also be riveted; or it can be stamped and flanged to form a self-tapping threaded hole. Regardless of the fixing method used, the key is to ensure that the nut 420 and the reinforcing plate have sufficient connection strength to withstand the preload applied when the bolt 430 is tightened, and to maintain a stable tightness during long-term use.

[0037] The selection of bolt 430 specifications needs to consider factors such as connection strength, installation space, and the versatility of standard parts. In automotive body structures, M6 bolts are a common fastener specification, possessing moderate size and good load-bearing capacity. The bolt 430 used in this embodiment is compatible with this specification, providing sufficient clamping force to ensure that the cover limiting block 500 and the hard rubber part 210 do not loosen under long-term vibration.

[0038] This design of the second mounting point 320 has several advantages. First, by simultaneously fastening the hood limiting block 500 and the side cover 200 with a shared bolt 430, the mounting points are integrated, reducing the number of parts and conforming to the design concept of minimizing components. Second, bolted connections provide higher preload and more stable long-term holding force compared to snap-fit ​​connections, which is important for the second mounting point 320, which simultaneously bears the impact force of the hood closing and the load of the side cover 200 itself. Third, the hood limiting block 500, as a hood closing limiting component, has its mounting position precisely calibrated. Sharing this position with the second mounting point 320 of the side cover 200 helps ensure the fitting accuracy between the side cover 200 and surrounding parts.

[0039] Example 6 like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the soft rubber part 220 and the hard rubber part 210 are integrally molded using a two-color injection molding process. Two-color injection molding refers to injecting two different materials into different cavities of the same mold sequentially during the same injection molding process, allowing the two materials to bond at the molecular level within the mold, forming an inseparable integrated part. In this embodiment, the hard rubber material is first injected into the mold to form the skeleton structure of the hard rubber part 210, and then the soft rubber material is injected into the peripheral edge area of ​​the hard rubber part 210. Through the design of the mold cavity, the soft rubber material and the edge portion of the hard rubber part 210 form a strong bond.

[0040] The joint between the soft rubber portion 220 and the hard rubber portion 210 is provided with bonding process holes. At the interface between the hard rubber portion 210 and the soft rubber portion 220, multiple through holes are formed on the edge region of the hard rubber portion 210; these through holes are the bonding process holes. When soft rubber material is injected during the two-color injection molding process, the soft rubber material fills these bonding process holes and forms a rivet-like structure within the holes. After the soft rubber material cures within the holes, it forms a mechanical interlock with the hard rubber portion 210, enhancing the bonding strength between the two materials and effectively preventing the soft rubber portion 220 from peeling off from the hard rubber portion 210 during use due to stretching, compression, or aging.

[0041] The specific parameters for the bonding process holes are as follows: hole diameter is 1.5mm to 2.5mm, hole spacing is 15mm to 20mm, and the effective bonding area width between the soft rubber part 220 and the hard rubber part 210 is 5mm to 8mm. The hole diameter of 1.5mm to 2.5mm takes into account two aspects: if the hole diameter is too small, the soft rubber material will have difficulty fully filling the cavity during injection molding, affecting the bonding effect; if the hole diameter is too large, it will weaken the local strength of the hard rubber part 210 in that area. The hole spacing of 15mm to 20mm ensures that a sufficient number of bonding process holes are distributed along the entire bonding interface, forming a continuous mechanical interlocking structure. The effective bonding area width of 5mm to 8mm refers to the overlap width between the hard rubber part 210 and the soft rubber part 220 at the bonding interface. This width ensures sufficient bonding area so that the bonding strength meets the design requirements.

[0042] By employing a two-color injection molding process and incorporating process holes, this embodiment achieves integrated molding of the soft rubber part 220 and the hard rubber part 210. This avoids the complex process of connecting the soft and hard rubber parts separately through adhesive or snap-fit ​​methods, which is required in traditional secondary assembly processes. The integrated side shield 200 exhibits better overall integrity, preventing the soft rubber part 220 from shifting or detaching during use, thus ensuring a durable and stable sealing effect.

[0043] Example 7 The preferred aperture value for the process orifice is 2 mm. A 2 mm aperture ensures that the soft plastic material fully fills the cavity during two-color injection molding without significantly weakening the local strength of the hard plastic portion 210. For the edge region of the hard plastic portion 210 with a thickness in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm, the hole wall thickness formed by the 2 mm aperture is sufficient to withstand tensile and shear loads under normal use conditions.

[0044] The preferred spacing between the process holes is 18mm. An 18mm spacing ensures that the process holes are evenly distributed along the bonding interface, resulting in a moderate number of holes per unit length. Too large a spacing will lead to a lack of mechanical interlocking between the holes, posing a risk of peeling; too small a spacing will increase the difficulty of mold manufacturing and may also affect the uniformity of the soft plastic material flow during injection molding.

[0045] The preferred effective bonding area width is 6 mm. A 6 mm bonding width provides ample space for the bonding process holes while ensuring a sufficiently large bonding area between the soft rubber portion 220 and the hard rubber portion 210. Within the 6 mm width range, two rows of bonding process holes can be arranged to form a double mechanical interlocking structure, further improving the bonding strength.

[0046] The above parameter combination has been verified through finite element analysis and sample testing. In fatigue tests simulating vehicle operating conditions, the soft and hard adhesive bond structure designed according to these parameters can withstand more than 100,000 opening and closing cycles without peeling. In high-temperature aging tests (80℃, 1000 hours) and low-temperature impact tests (-40℃), the bond strength retention rate reached over 90%, meeting the reliability requirements of automotive interior and exterior parts.

[0047] Example 8 A drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the rigid rubber part 210. The drainage hole is located at the lowest point of the rigid rubber part 210. When the side panel 200 is installed on the vehicle in the designed posture, the drainage hole is at the lowest position of the entire side panel 200.

[0048] The drainage holes primarily address the following issues: During vehicle use, rainwater, car wash water, or melted snow may enter the space between the lower windshield trim panel and the sheet metal drainage channel through the gap between the trim panel and the glass. Without drainage channels, this water may accumulate in the bottom area of ​​the side visor 200, potentially leading to sheet metal corrosion, parts aging, or unpleasant odors over time. Furthermore, mud and sand splashed up from the road during driving may also enter this area, forming gravel deposits.

[0049] The drainage holes allow liquids entering the area to drain promptly, preventing water accumulation and sand buildup. Furthermore, the presence of these drainage holes does not affect the concealment function of the side panel 200, as they are located at the bottom of the hard plastic section 210 and are not visible from a normal viewing angle, thus not impacting the aesthetics of the forward compartment area. The size of the drainage holes is designed to ensure unobstructed drainage while also preventing foreign objects from entering the interior through the openings; a diameter of 3mm to 5mm is generally considered suitable.

[0050] This embodiment provides drainage by creating a drainage hole at the bottom of the hard plastic part 210, which satisfies the requirements of shielding and sealing while also taking into account the drainage function. This avoids practical problems caused by neglecting drainage and improves the reliability of the product.

[0051] Example 9 like Figure 2 As shown, a sponge 230 is also attached to the bottom of the hard plastic part 210, and the sponge 230 abuts against the adjacent body parts. The sponge 230 is fixed to the bottom surface of the hard plastic part 210 by adhesive backing. From Figure 2 As can be seen, the sponge 230 is located at the bottom of the hard plastic part 210 near the edge, and its shape matches the outline of the bottom of the hard plastic part 210.

[0052] The main functions of the sponge 230 include the following: Firstly, as an elastic cushioning material, the sponge 230 can form a flexible contact between the side panel 200 and adjacent body parts, preventing the hard rubber part 210 from directly contacting the body sheet metal and causing abnormal noise. When the vehicle is driving on bumpy roads, there may be relative movement between the side panel 200 and the body. The sponge 230 can absorb this kinetic energy and eliminate noise generated by friction or impact.

[0053] Secondly, the sponge 230 has a certain sealing auxiliary function. After the sponge 230 comes into contact with the adjacent body parts, it can fill the tiny gap between the bottom of the hard rubber part 210 and the body sheet metal, forming multiple sealing barriers with the soft rubber part 220, further improving the overall sealing effect.

[0054] Thirdly, the compressibility of the sponge 230 helps compensate for installation tolerances. During the assembly of the side panel 200, due to the existence of part manufacturing tolerances and body assembly tolerances, the gap between the bottom of the hard rubber part 210 and adjacent body parts may fluctuate. The sponge 230 has a certain range of compression, which can maintain effective contact with adjacent body parts within a certain gap tolerance range, reducing the assembly accuracy requirements and improving the fault tolerance of the assembly process.

[0055] The material for Sponge 230 is typically polyurethane or EPDM rubber, which possess excellent resilience and durability. The adhesive backing uses pressure-sensitive adhesive or hot melt adhesive, enabling strong bonding at room temperature and maintaining adhesive strength throughout the part's lifespan. The thickness and density of Sponge 230 need to be selected based on the design gap and compression requirements; a thickness of 3mm to 5mm and a density of 30kg / m³ to 50kg / m³ are generally suitable.

[0056] Example 10 The vehicle includes a lower windshield trim panel as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9. Specifically, in the front compartment area of ​​the vehicle, the lower windshield trim panel body 100 is installed at the junction of the lower edge of the windshield glass and the engine compartment, and the side shield 200 is installed on the side of the lower windshield trim panel body 100, covering the exposed sheet metal area of ​​the sheet metal drainage channel assembly 600, and is attached to adjacent body parts through the soft rubber part 220 to achieve the shielding of the exposed sheet metal area and the sealing of the mating gap.

[0057] During automobile assembly, the installation sequence of the lower windshield trim panel and its side shield 200 is as follows: first, install the hood assembly and its hinges; then, install the side shield 200; and finally, install the hood limiting block 500. When installing the side shield 200, tighten the first mounting point 310, the second mounting point 320, and the third mounting point 330 in sequence. After installation, check whether the soft rubber part 220 and the sponge 230 of the side shield 200 fit well with adjacent body parts. If the soft rubber part 220 is deformed or poorly fitted after assembly, adjustments must be made to meet sealing and shielding requirements.

[0058] Cars featuring the aforementioned lower windshield trim panel exhibit significantly improved aesthetics in the front cabin area. Previously exposed sheet metal channels and internal sheet metal structures are effectively concealed by the side panel 200, resulting in a cleaner and more refined appearance. Simultaneously, the fit between the lower windshield trim panel and the sheet metal channels is effectively sealed, preventing external dust and moisture from entering the front cabin and enhancing the overall vehicle's sealing performance.

[0059] In summary, the windshield trim panel and automobile provided by this invention, by setting a detachable side panel on the side of the windshield trim panel body and adopting a composite structure combining soft and hard adhesives, utilizes the adhesion between the soft adhesive part and adjacent body parts to simultaneously achieve the concealment of exposed sheet metal areas and the sealing of mating gaps. The reasonable layout of multiple mounting points ensures stable and reliable installation, the two-color injection molding process ensures the bonding strength of the soft and hard adhesives, and the inclusion of drainage holes and sponges provides comprehensive consideration for drainage and vibration damping in actual use. This technical solution effectively improves the aesthetics and sealing performance of the front compartment area, meeting consumers' ever-increasing demands for the overall visual appeal of the vehicle.

[0060] It is understood that the specific structures, dimensional parameters, material selections, and process methods described in the above embodiments are preferred examples for achieving the objectives of this invention, and not the sole limitation thereof. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments to each technical feature according to specific vehicle platforms, body structures, and performance requirements. For example, the number of mounting points between the side panel and the body sheet metal can be increased or decreased according to actual structural strength requirements, the specific specifications of the snap fasteners can be matched and adjusted according to the sheet metal thickness, and the process hole parameters of the soft and hard adhesive bonding parts can be optimized according to injection molding process capabilities. The above adjustments are all conventional design methods for those skilled in the art and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0061] In the technical solution of this invention, the connection method between the lower windshield trim panel and the side panel is not limited to the detachable installation method described in the embodiments. Any structure that can achieve a fixed connection between the two and allow separation when needed should be considered an equivalent implementation. Similarly, the bonding method between the soft and hard parts is not limited to two-color injection molding. Other process methods that can achieve a firm bond between the soft and hard materials and meet the sealing performance requirements, such as secondary injection molding, insert injection molding, or subsequent assembly with sealing structures, are all reasonable variations of the technical concept of this invention.

[0062] The automobile protected by this invention encompasses the complete vehicle structure, including the aforementioned lower windshield trim panel. Any automobile employing the lower windshield trim panel structure provided by this invention, regardless of the configuration of its other systems, falls within the protection scope of this invention. The terms used in the claims of this invention should be interpreted according to their common meaning in the art, unless otherwise expressly defined in the specification.

[0063] Those skilled in the art should understand that the structures shown in this specification and its accompanying drawings are merely illustrative, and the actual shape, proportions, and installation positions of each component can be appropriately adjusted according to specific vehicle models. Any technical solution that, based on the technical concept of this invention, simultaneously improves both concealment and sealing through the structure of the lower windshield trim panel itself falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0064] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 this invention.

[0065] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0066] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0067] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0068] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, 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, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front windshield trim panel, characterized in that, include: Lower windshield trim panel body (100); Side shield (200), the side shield (200) is detachably installed on the side of the front windshield lower decorative panel body (100), and the side shield (200) covers the sheet metal exposed area of ​​the sheet metal water channel assembly (600); The side panel (200) includes a hard plastic part (210) and a soft plastic part (220). The hard plastic part (210) conforms to the outline of the exposed sheet metal area, and the soft plastic part (220) is disposed on the periphery of the hard plastic part (210) and is attached to the adjacent body parts.

2. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side panel (200) is fixed to the body sheet metal by multiple mounting points.

3. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting points include a first mounting point (310), a second mounting point (320), and a third mounting point (330), wherein: The first mounting point (310) and the third mounting point (330) respectively use a snap fastener (410) to attach the hard plastic part (210) to the sheet metal water channel assembly (600) and the inner plate of the front wheel arch reinforcement beam; The second mounting point (320) secures the cap limiting block (500) and the hard rubber part (210) together to the reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly (600) by bolts (430).

4. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The male and female fasteners (410) of the first mounting point (310) and the third mounting point (330) are exposed snap fasteners, with a sheet metal thickness of 0.5mm to 1.0mm and a pull-out force of 150N to 200N.

5. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate of the sheet metal water channel assembly (600) is provided with a nut (420), and the bolt (430) is fastened in conjunction with the nut (420).

6. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soft rubber part (220) and the hard rubber part (210) are integrally formed by a two-color injection molding process, and the joint part of the soft rubber part (220) and the hard rubber part (210) is provided with a joint process hole.

7. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the bonding process hole is 1.5mm to 2.5mm, and the hole spacing is 15mm to 20mm; the effective bonding area width between the soft rubber part (220) and the hard rubber part (210) is 5mm to 8mm.

8. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the hard rubber part (210).

9. The lower windshield trim panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the hard plastic part (210) is also covered with a sponge (230), which abuts against the adjacent body parts.

10. A car, characterized in that, Includes the lower windshield trim panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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