Guard plate assembly, A column and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a guard plate assembly, an A column and a vehicle. The protection plate assembly comprises a camera, a protection plate and a cover plate, a containing groove is formed in the protection plate, the camera is arranged in the containing groove, the cover plate is movably connected to the protection plate, the cover plate can move relative to the protection plate so as to be switched between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the cover plate covers the containing groove so as to shield the camera, and in the second position, the cover plate covers the containing groove so as to shield the camera. At least part of the containing groove is exposed out of the cover plate so that the exposed camera can shoot a driver. According to the protection plate assembly, the situation that a protruding structure exists at the position of the protection plate due to installation of the camera can be effectively avoided, then the situation that the structure of the protection plate assembly is locally raised or an obvious external module is formed is prevented, the overall attractiveness of the vehicle interior trim is guaranteed, and the privacy of a user is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of in-vehicle photography technology, and more particularly to a protective panel assembly, an A-pillar, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent driving and vehicle safety technologies, vision-based driver status monitoring systems (such as fatigue detection and distraction warning) are gradually becoming an important part of vehicle intelligence. To achieve accurate capture of the driver's facial features (such as eye opening and closing, head posture, etc.), cameras are usually deployed in the A-pillar area inside the vehicle.

[0003] In related technologies, the camera protrudes and is fixed to the surface of the A-pillar guard plate during installation, causing the guard plate structure to bulge locally or form an obvious external module, which damages the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a protective panel assembly that ensures the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior, thereby at least partially solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, a protective panel assembly is provided, comprising:

[0006] A protective plate having a receiving groove;

[0007] The camera is disposed within the receiving slot;

[0008] A cover plate, movably connected to the guard plate, the cover plate being movable relative to the guard plate to switch between a first position and a second position;

[0009] In the first position, the cover plate covers the receiving groove to obscure the camera; in the second position, the cover plate exposes at least a portion of the receiving groove so that the exposed camera can capture images of the driver.

[0010] Optionally, the guard plate assembly further includes a locking member and a connecting member, the locking member being connected to one of the guard plate and the cover plate, and the connecting member being connected to the other of the guard plate and the cover plate;

[0011] The locking member can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member is connected to the connecting member to prevent the cover plate from moving. In the unlocked state, the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member, and the cover plate can move relative to the guard plate.

[0012] Optionally, the guard plate assembly further includes an elastic element, abutting the first end of the elastic element with the guard plate and the second end of the elastic element with the cover plate. In the locked state, the cover plate causes the elastic element to elastically deform. In the unlocked state, the elastic element applies an elastic restoring force to the cover plate to make the cover plate move relative to the guard plate.

[0013] Optionally, the elastic element is disposed within the receiving groove.

[0014] Optionally, the elastic element includes a torsion spring, the guard plate has a first limiting rib, the fixed end of the torsion spring is connected to the first limiting rib, and the movable end of the torsion spring abuts against the cover plate.

[0015] Optionally, the guard plate assembly further includes a pivot shaft that passes through the cover plate and the torsion spring.

[0016] Optionally, the guard plate assembly further includes a drive member connected to the cover plate, the drive member being used to drive the cover plate to move, so that the cover plate switches between the first position and the second position.

[0017] Optionally, the driving component includes a motor connected to the cover plate to drive the cover plate to move.

[0018] Optionally, the guard plate is provided with a first gear, the cover plate is provided with a second gear, the first gear and the second gear mesh, the motor is connected to the first gear, and the motor is used to drive the first gear to move.

[0019] Optionally, the side wall of the receiving groove is provided with a limiting post, and the cover plate forms a limiting hole. The limiting post is movably disposed in the limiting hole to restrict the movement trajectory of the cover plate.

[0020] Optionally, the guard plate assembly further includes a third gear and a fourth gear, the third gear being connected to the guard plate and the fourth gear being connected to the cover plate, the third gear and the fourth gear meshing.

[0021] Optionally, at least one of the third gear and the fourth gear is a damping gear.

[0022] Optionally, the cover plate includes a cover plate body and a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly being connected to the cover plate body and used to mount the camera.

[0023] Optionally, the mounting component includes a mounting clip, to which the camera engages.

[0024] Optionally, the number of mounting clips is at least two, and the at least two mounting clips include a first mounting clip and a second mounting clip disposed opposite to each other, with the camera located between the first mounting clip and the second mounting clip.

[0025] Optionally, a second limiting rib is formed on the inner wall surface of the cover plate body, and the camera is located between the second limiting rib and the protective plate, with the second limiting rib abutting against the camera.

[0026] According to a second aspect of this application, an A-pillar is provided, including the shroud assembly as described above.

[0027] According to a third aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, including the A-pillar as described above.

[0028] In the protective plate assembly of this application embodiment, by forming a receiving groove for accommodating the camera on the protective plate, it is possible to effectively avoid the presence of a protruding structure on the protective plate due to the installation of the camera, thereby preventing the structure of the protective plate assembly from having local bulges or forming obvious external modules, and ensuring the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior.

[0029] The cover can move relative to the protective plate. When it is necessary to use the camera to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover can be in the second position, exposing the camera to film the driver. When it is not necessary to use the camera to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover can be in the first position, covering the opening of the receiving slot and covering the camera, thus hiding the camera. The user will not see the camera, improving the smoothness and aesthetics of the entire vehicle interior, and the camera will not be able to film the user, ensuring the user's privacy.

[0030] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guard plate assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cover plate is in the first position;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guard plate assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cover plate is in the second position;

[0035] Figure 3 This is one of the partial structural schematic diagrams of the guard plate assembly provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 This is provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the guard plate assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 This is provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0039] Figure 7 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the guard plate assembly provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 This is provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram at point C;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking member provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 10 This is the fourth structural schematic diagram of the locking cover plate of the locking member provided in the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the protective plate assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 12 Fourth schematic diagram of the structure of the guard plate assembly provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 13 This is provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 12 Enlarged structural diagram at point D;

[0046] Figure 14 Fifth schematic diagram of the structure of the guard plate assembly provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 15 This is provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 14 Enlarged structural diagram at point E;

[0048] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover plate provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 1. Camera; 2. Protective plate; 3. Receiving groove; 4. Cover plate; 5. Locking component; 6. Connecting component; 7. Elastic component; 8. Rotating shaft; 9. Driving component; 10. Third gear; 11. Fourth gear; 21. First limiting rib; 22. First gear; 23. Decorative cover flipping guide post; 41. Second gear; 42. Limiting hole; 43. Cover plate body; 44. Mounting assembly; 51. Housing; 52. Locking clamp; 53. Pull rod; 54. Locking buckle limiting feature; 55. Pull rod limiting feature; 56. Wedge-shaped guide feature; 61. Decorative cover locking hook; 71. Torsion spring; 91. Motor; 431. Second limiting rib; 441. Mounting buckle; 911. Wiring harness connector structure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0053] According to the first aspect of this application, see Figures 1 to 17 This application provides a protective plate assembly.

[0054] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The protective plate assembly includes a camera 1, a protective plate 2, and a cover plate 4. The protective plate 2 has a receiving groove 3, and the camera 1 is disposed in the receiving groove 3. The cover plate 4 is movably connected to the protective plate 2 and can move relative to the protective plate 2 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0055] In the first position, the cover plate 4 covers the receiving groove 3 to block the camera 1. In the second position, the cover plate 4 exposes at least part of the receiving groove 3 so that the exposed camera 1 can capture images of the driver.

[0056] Understandably, by forming a receiving groove 3 at the guard plate 2 to accommodate the camera 1, it is possible to effectively avoid the presence of a protruding structure at the guard plate 2 due to the installation of the camera 1, thereby preventing the structure of the guard plate assembly from having local bulges or forming obvious external modules, and ensuring the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior.

[0057] The cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2. When it is necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover plate 4 can be placed in the second position, exposing the camera 1 and filming the driver. When it is not necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover plate 4 can be placed in the first position. At this time, the cover plate 4 covers the opening of the receiving groove 3, which can cover the camera 1 and hide the camera 1. The user will not see the camera 1, which improves the smoothness and aesthetics of the vehicle interior. The camera 1 also cannot film the user, thus ensuring the user's privacy.

[0058] In some examples, the first end of the cover plate 4 is movably connected to the guard plate 2. When the cover plate 4 is switched from the first position to the second position, the second end of the cover plate 4 moves away from the guard plate 2. When the cover plate 4 is switched from the second position to the first position, the second end of the cover plate 4 moves closer to the guard plate 2.

[0059] It should be noted that the term "motion" in this article can refer to rotation, translation, a combination of rotation and translation, or any other suitable form of motion.

[0060] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The guard plate assembly also includes a locking element 5 and a connecting element 6. The locking element 5 is connected to one of the guard plate 2 and the cover plate 4, and the connecting element 6 is connected to the other of the guard plate 2 and the cover plate 4.

[0061] The locking member 5 can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member 5 is connected to the connecting member 6 to prevent the cover plate 4 from moving. In the unlocked state, the locking member 5 is disengaged from the connecting member 6, and the cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2.

[0062] Understandably, when camera 1 is not needed for driver fatigue or other driving condition detection, locking member 5 can be locked, and the cover plate 4 and guard plate 2 are fixedly connected together using the connection between locking member 5 and connecting member 6, allowing cover plate 4 to remain in the first position. When camera 1 is needed for driver fatigue or other driving condition detection, locking member 5 can be unlocked, allowing cover plate 4 to move relative to guard plate 2, thereby allowing guard plate 2 to switch from the first position to the second position, enabling camera 1 to capture images of the driver.

[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The guard plate assembly also includes an elastic element 7. The first end of the elastic element 7 abuts against the guard plate 2, and the second end of the elastic element 7 abuts against the cover plate 4. In the locked state, the cover plate 4 causes the elastic element 7 to elastically deform. In the unlocked state, the elastic element 7 applies an elastic restoring force to the cover plate 4 so that the cover plate 4 moves relative to the guard plate 2.

[0064] Understandably, with the elastic element 7 positioned between the guard plate 2 and the cover plate 4, when the locking element 5 is in the locked state, the cover plate 4 covers the receiving groove 3. At this time, the cover plate 4 will compress the elastic element 7, causing it to deform. When it is necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the locking element 5 is unlocked. At this time, the locking element 5 and the connecting element 6 are disengaged, and the cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2. The compressed elastic element 7 will then apply an elastic force to the cover plate 4, causing it to move relative to the guard plate 2, thus automatically switching the cover plate 4 from the first position to the second position.

[0065] Specifically, the elastic element 7 is located inside the receiving groove 3.

[0066] It is understandable that placing the elastic element 7 inside the receiving groove 3 can improve the space utilization of the receiving groove 3, while avoiding the elastic element 7 protruding from the receiving groove 3 and affecting the appearance of the vehicle interior.

[0067] In some examples, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The elastic element 7 includes a torsion spring 71, the guard plate 2 has a first limiting rib 21, the fixed end of the torsion spring 71 is connected to the first limiting rib 21, and the movable end of the torsion spring 71 abuts against the cover plate 4.

[0068] Understandably, the fixed end of the torsion spring 71 is limited by the first limiting rib 21, keeping the fixed end of the torsion spring 71 stationary. At the same time, the movable end of the torsion spring 71 abuts against the cover plate 4, so that when the cover plate 4 moves to the first position, it will drive the movable end of the torsion spring 71 to move, causing the torsion spring 71 to deform. When the locking member 5 is in the unlocked state, the torsion spring 71 will restore its deformation and apply an elastic force to the cover plate 4, causing the cover plate 4 to move automatically to the second position.

[0069] In some examples, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The guard plate assembly also includes a pivot 8, which passes through the cover plate 4 and the torsion spring 71.

[0070] It is understandable that the rotating shaft 8 passes through both the cover plate 4 and the torsion spring 71, thereby achieving simultaneous limiting of the cover plate 4 and the torsion spring 71, which helps to simplify the structure of the guard plate 2.

[0071] For example, the rotating shaft 8 is movably connected to the guard plate 2, and the cover plate 4 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 8 so that the cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2.

[0072] For example, the rotating shaft 8 is fixedly connected to the guard plate 2, and the rotating shaft 8 is movably connected to the cover plate 4 so that the cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2.

[0073] The following example illustrates the application of this application to A-pillars:

[0074] The cover plate 4 is, for example, a DMS decorative cover, and the pivot 8 includes pivot I and pivot II.

[0075] The A-pillar upper guard plate integrates features such as a pivot I mounting base, a torsion spring mounting limit rib, a pivot II mounting hole, a damping gear mounting shaft, a DMS decorative cover limit hole, and a push-pull locking mechanism. The mounting base for pivot I is a uniform circular hole of fixed radius, used to fix and support pivot I, and to ensure that the DMS decorative cover moves in conjunction with the torsion spring during operation. The torsion spring mounting limit rib is used to fix one end of the torsion spring, ensuring that the torsion spring receives sufficient pressure when the system is closed, and smoothly springs open during system operation, popping the DMS decorative cover outward. The mounting hole for pivot II is a uniform circular hole of fixed radius, used to fix and support pivot II, and to ensure that the DMS decorative cover moves in conjunction with the damping gear during operation. The mounting shaft for the damping gear is a cylindrical protruding shaft, which fixes the damping gear to the A-pillar upper guard plate and supports the movement of the damping gear during system operation. The limiting pin for the DMS decorative cover is a cylindrical protruding shaft, which restricts the movement trajectory of the DMS decorative cover during system operation. The mounting hole for the PUSH-PUSH locking mechanism provides a square mounting hole for the housing of the PUSH-PUSH locking mechanism.

[0076] The DMS decorative cover features integrated pivot I mounting base, DMS decorative cover damping gear, DMS decorative cover limiting hole, DMS camera mounting buckle II, and decorative cover locking hook (i.e., connector 6), among other structural features. The DMS camera mounting clips I and II have two parallel square holes as mounting points for the DMS camera; the DMS camera limiting ribs are two parallel triangular prisms that vertically limit the DMS camera; the torsion spring mounting limiting pin is a cylindrical protruding shaft used to fix the other end of the torsion spring, ensuring that the torsion spring receives sufficient pressure when the system is closed and smoothly springs open when the system is working, popping the DMS decorative cover outward; the rotating shaft I mounting hole and the rotating shaft I mounting seat have two parallel and uniformly shaped circular holes of a fixed radius, used to fix and support rotating shaft I and ensure that the DMS decorative cover moves in conjunction with the torsion spring during operation; the rotating shaft II mounting hole is a uniformly shaped circular hole of a fixed radius, supporting and fixing rotating shaft II and ensuring that the DMS decorative cover moves in conjunction with the damping gear during operation; the damping gear teeth of the DMS decorative cover provide mutual resistance with the damping gear when the system is open, allowing the DMS decorative cover to pop out smoothly.

[0077] This results in the following differences between the technical solution of this application and related technologies:

[0078] The functionalities differ. By disassembling the A-pillar trim panel according to the DMS module's placement location, the DMS module can be integrated with the disassembled A-pillar trim panel. A pre-installed wiring harness location is added, and a flip structure is added to hide the structure within the A-pillar trim panel. When DMS is needed, it can be manually opened / closed by pressing. Currently, existing DMS cameras are installed on the raised surface of the A-pillar trim panel, which does not allow for the camera to be turned off.

[0079] The aesthetics differ. Without the DMS camera, the A-pillar upper guard plate has no protrusions, improving the overall smoothness and aesthetics of the vehicle's interior. Currently, existing DMS cameras are installed on the raised surfaces of the A-pillar upper guard plate, creating a protruding effect that feels oppressive and significantly reduces the smoothness and aesthetics of the vehicle's interior compared to our solution.

[0080] The user experience is different. Compared to existing technologies, our solution enables DMS operation through manual pressing to open / close, which is simple and effective, while improving the user's operability of the product functions and the technological feel of the driving experience.

[0081] The privacy protection measures differ. Our solution prevents the DMS camera on the A-pillar trim from capturing images of the vehicle interior when the structure is closed, thus preventing privacy leaks for occupants. Existing technologies lack specific privacy requirements for vehicle occupants, which can easily lead to the leakage of their information.

[0082] In some examples, the rotating shaft 8 includes rotating shaft one and rotating shaft two.

[0083] In some examples, the locking element 5 can be any structural component with a locking function. For example, a push-pull locking mechanism. The structure of the locking element 5 and the working principle of this application are illustrated below:

[0084] The connector 6 includes a decorative cover locking hook 61, and the locking component 5 includes a housing 51 and a locking clamp 52. When the system is closed, the housing, locking clamp, and decorative cover locking hook interact with each other, allowing the DMS decorative cover to remain on the same curved surface as the A-pillar upper guard plate. When the system is open, the elastic element 7 acts on the decorative cover locking hook, allowing the DMS decorative cover to pop out smoothly. When the system is closed, the pull rod 53 moves within the trajectory of the pull rod guide groove, and the position of the PUSH-PUSH locking mechanism is fixed by the latch limiting feature 54, the pull rod limiting feature 55, and the wedge-shaped guide feature 56.

[0085] When the DMS system needs to work, pressing the top of the DMS decorative cover disengages the PUSH-PUSH locking mechanism from the cover's locking hook. Under the combined action of the torsional force provided by the torsion spring and the damping gears on the protective plate engaging with the cover's damping teeth, the DMS decorative cover slowly rotates around pivot I and pivot II until the cover's limiting hole contacts the limiting pin, meaning the cover stops rotating at the predetermined angle, and the DMS camera / system is ready to operate.

[0086] When the DMS system is not needed, rotate the DMS decorative cover to its limit position along pivot I and pivot II. The PUSH-PUSH locking mechanism engages with the decorative cover's locking hook, and the DMS decorative cover will no longer pop out, thus turning off the DMS camera / system. At this point, the surface of the DMS decorative cover blends seamlessly and aesthetically with the surface of the A-pillar upper guard plate.

[0087] When the DMS decorative cover is closed, the cover locking hook is locked by the locking clamp. Because the clamp is inside the housing, it cannot be opened, and the pull rod 53 is within the pull rod limiting feature, locking the latch and preventing the DMS decorative cover from opening. Pressing the DMS decorative cover again causes the cover locking hook to move the latch until the pull rod 53 disengages from the pull rod limiting feature and, under the action of the wedge-shaped guide feature, the pull rod 53 deflects to one side. At this point, the latch moves towards the housing opening under the action of the elastic element 7 until the latch limiting feature contacts the housing guide groove, at which point it stops moving. During this process, the DMS decorative cover begins to flip outwards under the action of the torsion spring, and the cover locking hook disengages from the locking clamp.

[0088] When the DMS decorative cover is closed, the cover locking hook is locked by the locking clamp. Because the clamp is inside the housing, it cannot be disengaged, and the pull rod is within the pull rod limiting feature, locking the latch position and preventing the DMS decorative cover from opening. Pressing the DMS decorative cover again causes the cover locking hook to move the latch until the pull rod disengages from the pull rod limiting feature. Under the action of the wedge-shaped guide feature, the pull rod deflects to one side. At this point, the latch moves towards the housing opening under the action of the spring until the latch limiting feature contacts the housing guide groove and stops moving. During this process, the DMS decorative cover begins to flip outward under the action of the torsion spring, and the cover locking hook disengages from the locking clamp.

[0089] In some embodiments, see Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The guard plate assembly also includes a drive unit 9, which is connected to the cover plate 4. The drive unit 9 is used to drive the cover plate 4 to move so that the cover plate 4 switches between a first position and a second position.

[0090] It is understandable that by driving the cover plate 4 to move through the drive component 9, the cover plate 4 can switch between the first position and the second position, thereby achieving automatic control of the state of the cover plate 4.

[0091] Understandably, when the cover plate 4 is in the first position, the camera 1 is hidden between the cover plate 4 and the protective plate 2. When the cover plate 4 is in the second position, the camera 1 is at least partially exposed to capture images of the driver. In other words, the drive unit 9 can automatically switch between using the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue and not using the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue.

[0092] In some examples, see Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The driving component 9 includes a motor 91, which is connected to the cover plate 4 to drive the cover plate 4 to move.

[0093] It should be noted that this is only an example of the driving component 9 and is not specifically limited. The driving component 9 can also be any other component that can drive the cover plate 4 to move, such as a cylinder.

[0094] In some embodiments, see Figure 16 and Figure 17 The guard plate 2 is provided with a first gear 22, and the cover plate 4 is provided with a second gear 41. The first gear 22 and the second gear 41 mesh with each other. The motor 91 is connected to the first gear 22 and is used to drive the first gear 22 to move.

[0095] It is understandable that the first gear 22 is driven to move by the electrode, and the first gear 22 drives the second gear 41 to move. Since the second gear 41 is located on the cover plate 4, it can drive the cover plate 4 to move, thereby realizing the motion control of the cover plate 4 and controlling the cover plate 4 to switch between the first position and the second position.

[0096] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 The side wall of the receiving groove 3 is provided with a limiting post, and the cover plate 4 forms a limiting hole 42. The limiting post is movably located in the limiting hole 42 to limit the movement trajectory of the cover plate 4.

[0097] It is understandable that when the cover plate 4 is assembled with the guard plate 2, the limiting post of the guard plate 2 will be located within the limiting hole 42, and the limiting post can move relative to the limiting hole 42. That is to say, the limiting post can move along the limiting hole 42, while the limiting post is restricted to moving only within the limiting hole 42, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the cover plate 4.

[0098] It is understandable that when the cover plate 4 is in the first position, the limiting post is located at the first end of the limiting hole 42. When the cover plate 4 is in the second position, the limiting post is located at the second end of the limiting hole 42.

[0099] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The guard plate assembly also includes a third gear 10 and a fourth gear 11. The third gear 10 is connected to the guard plate 2, and the fourth gear 11 is connected to the cover plate 4. The third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 mesh.

[0100] It is understandable that by providing a third gear 10 at the guard plate 2 and a fourth gear 11 at the cover plate 4, the third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 mesh, and when the cover plate 4 moves relative to the guard plate 2, the third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 will mesh, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the cover plate 4.

[0101] Specifically, at least one of the third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 is a damping gear.

[0102] It is understandable that when the cover plate 4 moves relative to the guard plate 2, the third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 will move accordingly. Setting at least one of the third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 as a damping gear can provide damping force to the movement of the cover plate 4 to prevent the cover plate 4 from moving too fast.

[0103] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 and Figure 8The cover plate 4 includes a cover plate body 43 and a mounting component 44. The mounting component 44 is connected to the cover plate body and is used to mount the camera 1.

[0104] Understandably, the camera 1 can be mounted on the cover body 43 via the mounting component 44, allowing the camera 1 to move with the cover 4. When the cover 4 is in the first position, it covers the opening of the receiving groove 3, and the camera 1 is inside the receiving groove 3, not capturing images of the driver. When the cover 4 switches from the first position to the second position, part of the cover 4 moves away from the protective plate 2, causing the camera 1 to move accordingly, allowing it to be exposed or protrude from the receiving groove 3, at which point the camera 1 can capture images of the driver.

[0105] In some examples, the installation component 44 is, for example, an adhesive.

[0106] For details, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The mounting component 44 includes a mounting clip 441, and the camera 1 is engaged with the mounting clip 441.

[0107] Understandably, camera 1 can be installed simply and conveniently by engaging it with mounting clip 441 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0108] In some examples, the number of mounting clips 441 is at least two, and the at least two mounting clips 441 include a first mounting clip and a second mounting clip that are set opposite to each other, with the camera 1 located between the first mounting clip and the second mounting clip.

[0109] It is understandable that by setting at least two mounting clips 441, the camera 1 is positioned between the two mounting clips 441, so that both sides of the camera 1 are respectively engaged with the mounting clips 441, which helps to improve the installation stability of the camera 1.

[0110] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 The inner wall of the cover plate body 43 is formed with a second limiting rib 431. The camera 1 is located between the second limiting rib 431 and the guard plate 2. The second limiting rib 431 abuts against the camera 1.

[0111] Understandably, the second limiting rib 431 abuts against the camera 1, so that the camera 1 is clamped between the second limiting rib 431 and the guard plate 2, thereby limiting the camera 1 and preventing the camera 1 from shaking, which helps to improve the installation stability of the camera 1.

[0112] To accommodate the spatial arrangement requirements of the flipping mechanism and camera, and to fully utilize the space within the A-pillar trim and the car's A-pillar, a square recess is designed into the A-pillar trim. The bottom of this recess includes a flipping motor mounting structure as a motor positioning point, facilitating motor installation and positioning, and allowing for engagement with the toothed structure of the DMS decorative cover. An opening for the DMS decorative cover is provided on the outer side, offering space for its flipping and facilitating connection to the central control system for generating the flipping motion and collecting information. Furthermore, flipping guide posts 23 are designed on both sides of the trim's interior. These guide posts are uniformly cylindrical protrusions that guide the flipping motion of the decorative cover and provide a limiting function during flipping to prevent over-flipping and the camera from detaching with the cover. Simultaneously, the guide posts, in conjunction with the DMS decorative cover guide groove, can prevent the cover from shaking and producing abnormal noise. On the other side of the flipping guide post, there is a pivot mounting hole at the center of the DMS decorative cover's flipping motion. After the pivot is assembled, the DMS decorative cover can flip using the pivot as the center of motion.

[0113] Considering the size and shape of the A-pillar trim opening and the arrangement of internal components: The exterior of the trim cover features the lettering "DMS" to indicate the camera's location to the driver. Its appearance matches the shape of the A-pillar trim opening, and its surface curve follows the same trend. The trim cover's perimeter has a small gap with the A-pillar trim, and its structure extends downwards to ensure that the internal structure of the A-pillar trim is not visible when the DMS trim cover is flipped up and the DMS camera is operating. This reduces the visual impact of the camera flip module, maintains the smoothness of the interior lines, improves the consistency of the A-pillar trim, and enhances the user's sense of technology. The interior of the trim cover has an opening designed to follow the shape of the DMS camera, ensuring that it does not obstruct the camera's operation to detect the driver's driving status. Multiple DMS camera mounting ribs are provided: the DMS camera mounting point is a vertical rib with two parallel square holes that can mate with the wedge-shaped protrusions on the DMS camera housing; the DMS camera positioning ribs are two parallel triangular prisms used for vertical camera positioning. After the camera is installed, it can flip up simultaneously with the trim cover, preventing the camera from becoming loose. The DMS decorative cover features a guide groove: this guide groove is an arc-shaped movement trajectory groove simultaneously determined by the starting position and working position of the camera flip module and the A-pillar guard plate guide post. When the DMS decorative cover moves, the A-pillar guard plate guide post slides within the guide groove. A toothed structure at the center of the DMS decorative cover's movement engages with the movement gears of the DMS decorative cover's flip motor. When the flip motor receives a signal and moves, the gear structure, through its interaction, drives the entire flip module to move around the pivot in the fixed-radius circular hole between the A-pillar guard plate and the DMS decorative cover. The flip motor stops moving after reaching the DMS camera's working position. The engagement of the DMS decorative cover's toothed structure and the motor's movement gears ensures the decorative cover remains flipped, continuously monitoring driver information. When the flip motor does not receive a signal or the driver actively disables the DMS system, the engagement of the motor's movement gears and the toothed structure also retracts the flip module, ceasing information collection.

[0114] The DMS decorative cover flip motor includes a first gear 22 and a wiring harness connector structure 911. When the DMS decorative cover flip motor receives a signal from the intelligent control system, the internal module drives the first gear 22 to rotate forward / reverse. Through the transmission of the decorative cover's toothed structure, the flipping and closing actions of the DMS camera and the entire DMS decorative cover flip module are realized. The DMS decorative cover flip motor is integrated with the intelligent control system, which actively controls whether the A-pillar trim panel flip module flips according to the preset usage scenarios. At the same time, when necessary, the driver can use a privacy button set in the system to turn off the DMS module with one click, hiding the flip module in the A-pillar trim panel to ensure privacy and security.

[0115] According to a second aspect of this application, this application provides an A-pillar including the aforementioned protective panel assembly.

[0116] It is understandable that by forming a receiving groove 3 for accommodating the camera 1 at the guard plate 2, it is possible to effectively avoid the presence of a protruding structure at the guard plate 2 due to the installation of the camera 1, thereby preventing the structure of the guard plate assembly from having local bulges or forming obvious external modules, so that the A-pillar will not have obvious protruding structures, thus ensuring the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior.

[0117] The cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2. When it is necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover plate 4 can be placed in the second position, exposing the camera 1 and filming the driver. When it is not necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover plate 4 can be placed in the first position. At this time, the cover plate 4 covers the opening of the receiving groove 3, which can cover the camera 1 and hide the camera 1. The user will not see the camera 1, which improves the smoothness and aesthetics of the vehicle interior. The camera 1 also cannot film the user, thus ensuring the user's privacy.

[0118] According to a third aspect of this application, this application provides a vehicle including the aforementioned A-pillar.

[0119] It is understandable that by forming a receiving groove 3 for accommodating the camera 1 at the guard plate 2, it is possible to effectively avoid the presence of a protruding structure at the guard plate 2 due to the installation of the camera 1, thereby preventing the structure of the guard plate assembly from having local bulges or forming obvious external modules, so that the A-pillar will not have obvious protruding structures, thus ensuring the overall aesthetics of the vehicle interior.

[0120] The cover plate 4 can move relative to the guard plate 2. When it is necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover plate 4 can be placed in the second position, exposing the camera 1 and filming the driver. When it is not necessary to use the camera 1 to detect driving conditions such as fatigue, the cover plate 4 can be placed in the first position. At this time, the cover plate 4 covers the opening of the receiving groove 3, which can cover the camera 1 and hide the camera 1. The user will not see the camera 1, which improves the smoothness and aesthetics of the vehicle interior. The camera 1 also cannot film the user, thus ensuring the user's privacy.

[0121] In some examples, the vehicle may be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, etc., and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0122] In the description of this application, 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0123] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0124] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0125] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A protective plate assembly, characterized in that, include: A protective plate having a receiving groove; The camera is disposed within the receiving slot; A cover plate, movably connected to the guard plate, the cover plate being movable relative to the guard plate to switch between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the cover plate covers the receiving groove to obscure the camera; in the second position, the cover plate exposes at least a portion of the receiving groove so that the exposed camera can capture images of the driver.

2. The protective plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guard plate assembly also includes a locking element and a connecting element, wherein the locking element is connected to one of the guard plate and the cover plate, and the connecting element is connected to the other of the guard plate and the cover plate; The locking member can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member is connected to the connecting member to prevent the cover plate from moving. In the unlocked state, the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member, and the cover plate can move relative to the guard plate.

3. The protective plate assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guard plate assembly also includes an elastic element, the first end of which abuts against the guard plate and the second end of which abuts against the cover plate. In the locked state, the cover plate causes the elastic element to elastically deform. In the unlocked state, the elastic element applies an elastic restoring force to the cover plate to make the cover plate move relative to the guard plate.

4. The protective plate assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is disposed within the receiving groove.

5. The protective plate assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a torsion spring, the guard plate has a first limiting rib, the fixed end of the torsion spring is connected to the first limiting rib, and the movable end of the torsion spring abuts against the cover plate.

6. The protective plate assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guard plate assembly also includes a pivot shaft that passes through the cover plate and the torsion spring.

7. The protective plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guard plate assembly also includes a drive component connected to the cover plate. The drive component is used to drive the cover plate to move, so that the cover plate switches between the first position and the second position.

8. The protective plate assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving component includes a motor, which is connected to the cover plate to drive the cover plate to move.

9. The protective plate assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The guard plate is provided with a first gear, the cover plate is provided with a second gear, the first gear and the second gear mesh, the motor is connected to the first gear, and the motor is used to drive the first gear to move.

10. The protective plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The side wall of the receiving groove is provided with a limiting post, and the cover plate forms a limiting hole. The limiting post is movably disposed in the limiting hole to restrict the movement trajectory of the cover plate.

11. The protective plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The guard plate assembly also includes a third gear and a fourth gear, the third gear being connected to the guard plate and the fourth gear being connected to the cover plate, the third gear and the fourth gear meshing.

12. The protective plate assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one of the third gear and the fourth gear is a damping gear.

13. The protective plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The cover plate includes a cover plate body and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is connected to the cover plate body and is used to mount the camera.

14. The protective plate assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The mounting assembly includes a mounting clip, and the camera engages with the mounting clip.

15. The protective plate assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The number of mounting clips is at least two, and the at least two mounting clips include a first mounting clip and a second mounting clip that are disposed opposite to each other, with the camera located between the first mounting clip and the second mounting clip.

16. The protective plate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cover plate body is formed with a second limiting rib, the camera is located between the second limiting rib and the protective plate, and the second limiting rib abuts against the camera.

17. An A-pillar, characterized in that, Includes the protective panel assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes column A as described in claim 17.

Images