Curved guide rail mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a curved guide rail mechanism installed in a lateral interior space on one side of a vehicle interior panel. The curved guide rail mechanism includes a fixed pivot shaft, a pivoting screen guide rotatably attached to the pivot shaft, a switching drive source, and a switching gear unit. The switching drive source is connected to the pivoting screen guide via the switching gear unit and drives the pivoting screen guide to rotate outwards into the lateral interior space and inwards into a vertical position.By switching its configuration, the swiveling screen guide directs the screen body during the projection and is retracted into the vehicle interior when not in use, thereby reducing the space occupied by the curved guide rail mechanism in a non-use state, avoiding visually conspicuous structures in the vehicle interior, and improving the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior in a non-projection state.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive technology and in particular to a curved guide rail mechanism. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To meet the growing demand for an enhanced in-vehicle passenger experience in the automotive market, some vehicle models are equipped with dedicated movable rear-seat display systems. However, developing such systems requires significant research and development costs, and designing their screen movement mechanisms also presents considerable technical challenges. With this in mind, rear-seat projection systems have been introduced to the market as a cost-effective alternative to movable displays.

[0003] A projection system typically includes a screen winding mechanism and a projector. For example, CN 202320608041,3 discloses a projection system provided for installation inside a vehicle, in which a projection screen is positioned between a left and a right B-pillar of the vehicle, and a projector is located under the vehicle's headliner. The projection screen is wound around a screen reel tube, and two ends of the screen reel tube are rotatably mounted to a U-shaped frame. Vertical screen guide rails are provided at both ends of the U-shaped frame, and the screen guide rails are connected to the vehicle's B-pillars via connecting plates. A free end of the projection screen is provided with sliders that engage slidably with the screen guide rails.The U-shaped frame is further equipped with a drive mechanism to power the gliders, allowing them to move back and forth along the screen guide rails. The projection screen is extended and retracted by this drive mechanism, which moves the gliders along the screen guide rails.

[0004] However, the aforementioned in-vehicle projection system has the following drawbacks. The projection screen is rectangular when extended, and the vehicle's left and right B-pillars either splay outwards or have a trapezoidal shape, resulting in a mismatch. Consequently, when the projection screen is extended, large triangular gaps form between the two sides of the screen and the B-pillars. To address this issue, the existing projection system incorporates a large trim panel to cover the screen guide rails and the connecting plates of the U-shaped frame, which also closes the triangular gaps.As a result, the fixed frame structures connecting opposite sides of the projection screen to the B-pillars take up a considerable amount of space, and the installed trim panel is visually conspicuous inside the vehicle, thus detracting from the overall aesthetic appearance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a curved guide rail mechanism that is able to switch between different configurations, so that the curved guide rail mechanism can be accommodated in the interior of a vehicle in a non-use state, thereby reducing the space requirement.

[0006] The present invention provides a curved guide rail mechanism arranged in a lateral interior space on one side of a vehicle interior panel. The curved guide rail mechanism includes a fixed pivot shaft, a pivotable screen guide rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft, a switching drive source, and a switching gear unit. The switching drive source is connected to the pivotable screen guide via the switching gear unit and drives the pivotable screen guide to rotate outwards into the lateral interior space and inwards into a vertical position.

[0007] Furthermore, the curved guide rail mechanism is located in the lateral interior space formed between the vehicle's interior trim and a B-pillar. The swiveling screen guide rotates outwards or inwards along the width of the vehicle.

[0008] When the swiveling screen guide is turned outwards and received in the side interior, the swiveling screen guide is in a tilted state, and a tilting direction of the swiveling screen guide is the same as a tilting direction of the B-pillar.

[0009] Furthermore, the shifting unit includes a fixed guide rail, housed in the side interior and attached to a vehicle frame, a fixed and rotatable drive gear, a drive rack that engages with the drive gear, and a first transmission link. The shifting drive source is connected to the drive gear. Two ends of the first transmission link are rotatably connected to the drive rack and the pivoting screen guide, respectively. The fixed guide rail has a rack groove that slidably engages with the drive rack.

[0010] Furthermore, the transmission unit also includes a passive connection. A first end of the passive connection is slidably engaged with the rack groove in the fixed guide rail, and a second end of the passive connection is rotatably connected to the pivoting screen guide. The passive connection is located below the first transmission connection, and an acute angle is formed between the passive connection and the first transmission connection.

[0011] Furthermore, a stop section is attached to the drive rack. A sliding block is attached to the first end of the passive connection and the sliding block is slidably housed in the fixed guide rail.

[0012] When the swiveling screen guide is rotated inwards into the vertical position, the sliding block rests against a top side of the stop section.

[0013] Furthermore, the shift unit includes a fixed nut located in the side interior and attached to the vehicle frame, a threaded spindle or rod screwed to the fixed nut, and a second transmission connection. The shift drive source is connected to the threaded spindle or rod. One end of the second transmission connection is rotatably connected to the threaded spindle or rod, and the other end of the second transmission connection is rotatably connected to the pivoting screen guide.

[0014] Furthermore, the curved guide rail mechanism also includes a cover panel assembly. The cover panel assembly comprises a cover panel that rotates about a fixed axis and a cover panel drive unit. The cover panel is connected to the swiveling screen guide via the cover panel drive unit.

[0015] If the swiveling screen guide is installed in the side interior, the trim panel will also be installed in the side interior.

[0016] When the swiveling screen guide is in the vertical position, at least one section of the trim panel extends out from the side interior and covers a gap formed between the swiveling screen guide and the vehicle interior trim.

[0017] Furthermore, the cladding panel includes several movable panels rotatably connected to the pivot shaft. Each adjacent pair of movable panels in an inside-outside direction comprises an inner and an outer movable panel. The cladding panel drive unit includes a compression spring, a transmission recess provided on the outer movable panel, and a transmission projection provided on the inner movable panel. One of the innermost of the multiple movable panels is attached to the pivoting screen guide. A first end of the compression spring is fixed, and a second end of the compression spring is connected to the outer movable panel. The transmission projection can be engaged with the transmission recess.

[0018] Furthermore, the trim panel includes several movable panels that are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. Each adjacent pair of movable panels in an inside-outside direction comprises an inner movable panel and an outer movable panel. The trim panel transmission unit includes a trim panel transmission linkage, a transmission pin attached to the trim panel transmission linkage, and a transmission slot provided in the outer movable panel. The innermost of the multiple movable panels is attached to the pivoting screen guide. A first end of the trim panel transmission linkage is movable and connected to a transmission component of the shift unit, and a second end of the trim panel transmission linkage is rotatably connected to the pivoting screen guide. The transmission pin is movably housed in the transmission slot.

[0019] As described above, the curved guide rail mechanism provided by the present invention has the following advantageous effects.

[0020] The pivoting screen guide of the present invention is a movable structure with a switchable configuration. When no projection is required, the pivoting screen guide is in a retracted state, in which the pivoting screen guide and the curved guide rail mechanism as a whole are contained within the side interior and do not protrude from the vehicle interior trim into the vehicle interior. This significantly reduces the space occupied by the curved guide rail mechanism. In particular, the curved guide rail mechanism does not occupy any additional interior space on the inside of the vehicle interior trim, thus avoiding a visually conspicuous presence in the vehicle interior and considerably improving its overall aesthetic appearance. When a projection is required, the pivoting screen guide is switched to the vertical position.In this configuration, the left and right swiveling screen guides are arranged in a rectangular shape, corresponding to that of a screen body, thus providing a guide for screen sliders on the left and right sides of the screen body. Accordingly, by switching its configuration, the swiveling screen guide directs the screen body during projection and is retracted into the vehicle interior when not in use, significantly improving the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior in a non-projection state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an installation of a vehicle projection system in a vehicle interior according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a vehicle projection system in a recorded state according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a vehicle projection system in an installed state according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle projection system of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic structural representation of the vehicle projection system of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a front view of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle projection system of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic structural representation of the vehicle projection system of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a front view of Fig. 8. Fig. Figure 10 is a front view of a pivoting screen guide in a recorded state according to embodiment 1 of a curved guide rail mechanism of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 shows a front view of the swiveling screen guide in a vertical position. Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 12 is a front view of a pivoting screen guide in a recorded state according to embodiment 2 of a curved guide rail mechanism of the present invention. Fig. Figure 13 shows a front view of the swiveling screen guide in a vertical position. Fig. 12. Fig. Figure 14 is a front view of a pivotable screen guide in a recorded state according to embodiment 3 of a curved guide rail mechanism of the present invention. Fig. Figure 15 shows a front view of the swiveling screen guide in a vertical position. Fig. 14. Fig. Figure 16 is a front view of a pivotable screen guide in a recorded state according to embodiment 4 of a curved guide rail mechanism of the present invention. Fig. Figure 17 is a front view of cladding panels in a recorded state according to embodiment 1 of a cladding panel assembly of the present invention. Fig. Figure 18 shows a front view of the fairing panels in a partially extended position. Fig. 17. Fig. Figure 19 shows a front view of the fairing panels in a fully extended position. Fig. 17. Fig. Figure 20 is a front view of cladding panels in a recorded state according to embodiment 2 of a cladding panel assembly of the present invention. Fig. Figure 21 shows a front view of the fairing panels in a fully extended position. Fig. 20. Fig. Figure 22 is a schematic representation of a component of the vehicle projection system in Fig. 21. Reference sign 10 Vehicle interior trim 20 vehicle frames 21 upper interior 22 side interior 23 Vehicle roof 24 A-pillar 25 B-pillar 26 C-pillar 30 Rotary shaft 40 swivel screen guide 50 switching drive source 61 fixed guide rail 62 Drive gear 63 Drive rack 64 first transmission connection 65 passive connection 66 Stop section 67 Sliding block 68 Festival Mother 69 Threaded spindle 610 second transmission link 71 inner movable panel 72 outer movable panel 81 Compression spring 82 Transfer advantage 83 Trim panel stop 84 Trim panel transmission connection 85 Transfer pin 86 transmission slots 90 projector 111 screen frames 112 screen bodies 113 screen sliders 114 Screen mounting rail DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The specific embodiments are described below to illustrate the implementation of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this description.

[0022] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are intended only to supplement the content disclosed in the description for the understanding and reading of those familiar with the technology, and they are not conditions to limit the implementation of the present invention. Any modification of the structure, change of the ratio, or adjustment of the size, provided it does not affect the effectiveness and purpose of this invention, should nevertheless be considered within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," "one," and the like, used in this description, serve only for the sake of clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.Any changes or adjustments to the relative relationships of the components, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the implementations of the present invention.

[0023] It should also be noted that when a component is described as "attached to" or "arranged on" another component, it may be directly on top of the other component or an intermediate element may be present. Similarly, when a component is described as "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected through an intermediate component.

[0024] Furthermore, in the present invention, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying a relative significance or as implicitly indicating the number of technical features specified. Accordingly, features qualified by the terms "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Moreover, the technical solutions of the embodiments may be combined, but such combinations must be implemented by a person skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions leads to inconsistencies or becomes unattainable, it should be taken into account that such a combination does not exist and is not within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The present invention provides a curved guide rail mechanism that can be used in offices, vehicles, and other areas. In the following embodiments, the curved guide rail mechanism is shown by way of example in a vehicle. The present invention further provides a vehicle projection system that includes the curved guide rail mechanism. For the sake of simplicity, in the following embodiments, the width direction of the vehicle is defined as a left-right direction, the length direction as a front-back direction, and the height direction as an up-down direction.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle comprises a vehicle frame 20 and a vehicle interior panel 10, which is attached to the vehicle frame 20. The vehicle frame 20 includes a vehicle roof 23, A-pillars 24 extending forward from the left and right sides of a front end of the vehicle roof 23, B-pillars 25 extending obliquely outward and downward from the left and right sides of the vehicle roof 23, and C-pillars 26 extending rearward from the left and right sides of a rear end of the vehicle roof 23. The A-pillars 24, B-pillars 25, and C-pillars 26 form the side body panels of the vehicle. An interior space is formed between the vehicle frame 20 and the vehicle interior panel 10. Accordingly, there are interior spaces between the vehicle interior trim 10 and each of the vehicle roof 23, the A-pillars 24, the B-pillars 25 and the C-pillars 26.The interior space formed between the vehicle roof 23 and the vehicle interior trim 10 is defined as an upper interior space 21, and the interior spaces formed between the vehicle interior trim 10 and each of the B-pillars 25 and C-pillars 26 are defined as lateral interior spaces 22. The upper interior space 21 is located at the top of the vehicle interior trim 10, and the lateral interior spaces 22 are located at the sides of the vehicle interior trim 10. Since the B-pillars 25 extend obliquely downwards and outwards, as shown in the . Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the left and right B-pillars of the vehicle are also spread outwards or assume a trapezoidal configuration.

[0027] As in the Fig. 2-4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle projection system includes a projector 90, a screen retraction and extension mechanism, and a curved guide rail mechanism. The projector is located in the upper interior space 21 above the second-row seats. The screen retraction and extension mechanism is positioned between the left and right B-pillars 25 of the vehicle and is located in the upper interior space 21.The screen retraction and extension mechanism comprises a screen frame 111, which is fixed in the upper interior space 21; a screen body 112, which is retractably mounted on the screen frame 111; screen gliders 113, which are attached to the left and right sides of a lower edge of the screen body 112 along a width direction of the screen body 112; screen mounting rails 114, which are arranged on the left and right sides of the screen body 112 along the width direction of the screen body 112; a retraction and extension drive source; and a retraction and extension transmission unit. The screen frame 111 is attached to the vehicle roof 23. The screen mounting rails 114 are attached to the screen frame 111, and each of the screen mounting rails 114 is provided with a first sliding groove extending in the top-bottom direction.The retraction and extension drive source is connected to the screen gliders 113 via the retraction and extension transmission unit to drive the screen gliders 113 to move in the up-down direction. The screen body 112 is rectangular, and its width direction is the same as the width direction of the vehicle.

[0028] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, two curved guide mechanisms are provided. The two curved guide mechanisms are located in the left and right side interior spaces 22 of the vehicle, respectively, and are adjacent to the left and right B-pillars 25. The curved guide mechanisms are located on the left and right sides of the screen retraction and retraction mechanism and are situated in the side interior spaces 22 formed between the vehicle interior trim 10 and the B-pillars 25. Each curved guide mechanism includes a fixed pivot shaft 30 extending in the front-to-rear direction, a pivoting screen guide 40, a switching drive source 50, and a switching transmission unit. An upper end of the pivoting screen guide 40 is rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft 30.The pivot shaft 30 is attached to the vehicle roof 23 or the screen frame 111, and the swiveling screen guide 40 is provided with a second sliding groove. The switching drive source 50 is connected to the swiveling screen guide 40 via the switching unit to drive the swiveling screen guide 40 to rotate outwards to be received in the corresponding lateral interior space 22, or inwards into a vertical position.

[0029] In other embodiments, the screen retraction and retraction mechanism and the curved guide mechanisms can be arranged on the C-pillars 26.

[0030] Furthermore, the vehicle interior panel 10 is provided with a first opening at a position corresponding to the screen retraction and extension mechanism. The first opening connects to the upper interior space 21 to allow the screen body 112 to pass through. The vehicle interior panel 10 is also provided with second openings at positions corresponding to the curved guide mechanisms. The second openings connect to the side interior spaces 22 to allow the swiveling screen guide 40 to pass through. The vehicle interior panel 10 is also provided with a third opening to expose a front lens of the projector.

[0031] As in the Fig. 4 to Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when the switching drive source 50 drives the pivoting screen guide 40 via the switching gear unit, the pivoting screen guide 40 rotates outwards and is received in the corresponding lateral interior 22. The first and second sliding grooves are not aligned with each other, and the screen body 112 is received in the upper interior 21. Because the first and second sliding grooves are not aligned with each other, one outer end of the screen slider 113 is released from the second sliding groove. Therefore, the retraction and extension drive source is unable to drive the screen slider 113 downwards along the first and second sliding grooves, causing the screen body 112 to remain in a state where it is received in the upper interior 21.Meanwhile, the curved guide rail mechanism is completely enclosed within a space between the B-pillars 25 and the vehicle interior trim 10 and does not protrude from the vehicle interior trim 10 into the vehicle interior. Therefore, the space occupied by the curved guide rail mechanism in this state is extremely small and, in particular, does not additionally occupy any interior space on the inner side of the vehicle interior trim 10. The screen retraction and extension mechanism is completely enclosed within a space between the vehicle roof 23 and the vehicle interior trim 10 and does not protrude from the vehicle interior trim 10 into the vehicle interior.As a result, in a recorded state, neither the curved guide rail mechanism nor the screen retraction and retraction mechanism additionally occupy the interior space on the inside of the vehicle interior trim 10, thereby significantly improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior in the recorded state.

[0032] As in the Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the switching drive source 50 drives the pivoting screen guide 40 to rotate inwards into the vertical position via the switching transmission unit, the pivoting screen guide 40 extends from the corresponding lateral interior spaces 22, and the second sliding groove is aligned with and communicates with the first sliding groove. At this point, the screen gliders 113 are slidingly engaged with the first and second sliding grooves. When the retraction and extension drive source drives the screen gliders 113 to move downwards along the first and second sliding grooves via the retraction and extension transmission unit, the screen gliders 113 move the lower edge of the screen body 112 downwards together, causing the screen body 112 to extend and be removed from the space in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 shown recorded state in one in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 to switch to the extended state shown. Once the screen body 112 is fully extended, the projector can be activated to project onto the screen body 112 to present the projected content to the passengers in the second-row seats. When the retraction and extension drive source drives the screen gliders 113 to move upward along the first and second sliding grooves via the retraction and extension transmission unit, the screen gliders 113 move the lower edge of the screen body 112 upward together, causing the screen body 112 to be received into the upper interior 21 and to be moved by the Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 shown extended state back into the Fig. 2 and Fig. To switch to the recorded state shown in section 4.

[0033] The pivoting screen guide 40 is configured as a movable structure, allowing it to switch between the retracted and extended positions. When no projection is required, the pivoting screen guide 40 can be retracted into the side interior 22 without protruding from the vehicle interior trim 10 into the vehicle interior. This reduces the space required by the curved guide rail mechanism, thereby avoiding any additional stress on the interior, particularly on the inside of the vehicle interior trim 10. This prevents abrupt transitions and significantly improves the overall aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior.

[0034] Preferably, the pivoting screen guide 40 can rotate outwards or inwards along the width of the vehicle. When it rotates outwards to be received in the corresponding lateral interior space 22, the pivoting screen guide 40 is in an inclined state, with one inclination direction corresponding to that of the corresponding B-pillar 25, causing the left and right pivoting screen guides 40 to spread outwards or assume a trapezoidal configuration. The left and right pivoting screen guides 40 can switch between trapezoidal and rectangular configurations, thus enabling the screen body 112 to be extended or retracted.

[0035] Four preferred embodiments of the curved guide rail mechanism are described below. embodiment 1 of a curved guide rail mechanism

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the switching drive source 50 is a motor that is housed in the upper interior space 21 and attached to the vehicle roof 23 or the screen frame 111. The switching transmission unit includes a fixed guide rail 61, a drive gear 62, a drive rack 63, and a first transmission linkage 64. The drive gear 62 is housed in the upper interior space 21 and attached to an output shaft of the switching drive source 50. The drive rack 63 is movably housed in the upper interior space 21 and the corresponding side interior space 22. The drive rack 63 engages with the drive gear 62. Two ends of the first transmission linkage 64 are each pivotally connected to a lower end of the drive rack 63 and the pivoting screen guide 40. The fixed guide rail 61 is housed in the corresponding side interior space 22 and attached to the corresponding B-pillar 25.The fixed guide rail 61 is located on an outer side of the pivoting screen guide 40. The screen frame 111 and the fixed guide rail 61 are each provided with a rack groove for sliding engagement with the drive rack 63. A single motor can simultaneously drive the drive racks 63 of both the left and right shifting gear units. In other words, the left and right curved guide rail mechanisms share the same shifting drive source 50, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0037] If the in Fig. As the switching drive source 50 shown in Figure 10 rotates clockwise, it drives the left and right drive racks 63 to move in opposite directions, causing the lower ends of the left and right drive racks 63 to move downwards along their respective rack grooves. Through the first transmission link 64, the pivoting screen guide 40 rotates inwards around the rotating shaft 30 until it reaches the vertical position, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. Figure 11 shows that by calculating the length displacement of the drive racks 63, caused by the rotation of the switching drive source 50 and the resulting end angle of the pivoting screen guide 40, it can be ensured that the pivoting screen guide 40 remains vertical when fully extended. Conversely, when the switching drive source 50 rotates counterclockwise, the two drive racks 63 move towards each other, causing their lower ends to move upward along their respective rack grooves. Through the first transmission link 64, the pivoting screen guide 40 rotates outwards around the pivot shaft 30 until it is fully received in the corresponding lateral interior 22. Furthermore, the self-locking function of the switching drive source 50 ensures that the entire switching gear unit remains locked in its position.

[0038] In other embodiments, the drive rack 63 can be a steel wire rope, provided that it can engage with the drive gear 62. embodiment 2 of a curved guide rail mechanism

[0039] The curved guide rail mechanism in embodiment 2 additionally includes a passive connection 65, which differs from that in embodiment 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the shift unit of embodiment 2 includes the passive connection 65, which is arranged below the first transmission connection 64. A first end of the passive connection 65 is slidably engaged with the rack groove of the fixed guide rail 61, and a second end of the passive connection 65 is pivotably connected to the pivotable screen guide 40. An acute angle is formed between the passive connection 65 and the first transmission connection 64.

[0040] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the passive link 65 does not transmit any force but moves synchronously with the first transmission link 64, following its inward and outward movement. When the switching drive source 50 drives the pivoting screen guide 40 to rotate inward into the vertical position via the drive gear 62, the drive rack 63, and the first transmission link 64, the passive link 65 forms an angle of 80° to 90° with the fixed guide rail 61. The passive link 65, the first transmission link 64, the fixed guide rail 61, and the pivoting screen guide 40 form two triangular structures, effectively improving the self-locking stability of the curved guide rail mechanism, particularly the stability in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. embodiment 3 of a curved guide rail mechanism

[0041] The curved guide rail mechanism in embodiment 3 differs from that in embodiment 2 in that, as in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, a stop section 66 is attached to a lower end of the drive rack 63, which can be block-shaped or hook-shaped, and a sliding block 67 is attached to an outer end of the passive connection 65 and is arranged in the fixed guide rail 61. When the switching drive source 50 drives the pivoting screen guide 40 to rotate inwards into the vertical position via the drive gear 62, the drive rack 63, and the first transmission connection 64, the sliding block 67 at the outer end of the passive connection 65 rests against the stop section 66 at the lower end of the drive rack 63, with the passive connection 65 and the fixed guide rail 61 forming an angle in the range of 80° to 90°.In this configuration, when the pivoting screen guide 40 is in the vertical position, the support between the sliding block 67 and the stop section 66 provides effective self-locking of the curved guide rail mechanism. This arrangement prevents unwanted movement or rattling when the curved guide rail mechanism is subjected to front-to-back forces or multidirectional accelerations during vehicle operation. When the pivoting screen guide 40, in the vertical position, begins to rotate outward to retract, the support between the sliding block 67 and the stop section 66 causes the outer end of the passive connection 65 to move upward, thereby changing the original 80°-90° angle between the passive connection 65 and the fixed guide rail 61 and releasing the self-locking state. embodiment 4 of a curved guide rail mechanism

[0042] The curved guide rail mechanism in embodiment 4 differs from that in embodiment 1 in the different structure of the shifting gear unit. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the shifting unit of embodiment 4 includes a fixed nut 68, which is housed in the corresponding lateral interior 22 and attached to the corresponding B-pillar 25, a threaded spindle 69, which is screwed to the fixed nut 68, and a second transmission connection 610. The shifting drive source 50 is connected to the threaded spindle 69, and two ends of the second transmission connection 610 are each rotatably connected to the threaded spindle 69 and the pivoting screen guide 40. Alternatively, the threaded spindle 69 can be replaced by a threaded rod, in which case the shifting drive source 50 is connected to the threaded rod, and the two ends of the second transmission connection 610 are each rotatably connected to the threaded rod and the pivoting screen guide 40. In embodiment 4, each of the curved guide rail mechanisms is driven by a single shifting drive source 50.When the switching drive source 50 of each of the curved guide rail mechanisms rotates the threaded spindle 69 or the threaded rod, the threaded spindle 69 or the threaded rod simultaneously moves along its longitudinal axis and, through the second transmission connection 610, drives the pivoting screen guide 40 to rotate inwards or outwards, thus enabling the left and right pivoting screen guide 40 to switch between the trapezoidal configuration and the rectangular configuration.

[0043] Furthermore, when the swiveling screen guide 40 rotates inwards into the vertical position, a triangular gap is formed between the swiveling screen guide 40 and the vehicle interior trim 10. To cover the triangular gap, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle projection system further includes two trim panel assemblies arranged on the left and right sides of the screen body 112. Each trim panel assembly includes a trim panel rotatable about a fixed axis and a trim panel drive unit. The trim panel is connected to the pivoting screen guide 40 via the trim panel drive unit. When the pivoting screen guide 40 is received in the corresponding lateral interior space 22, as shown in the Fig. 4 to Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the trim panel is also accommodated in the side interior 22. When the swiveling screen guide 40 extends from the side interior 22 into the vertical position, as shown in the Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 9, at least one section of the trim panel extends from the side interior 22 to cover the gap between the pivoting screen guide 40 and the vehicle interior trim 10, thereby improving the aesthetics of the screen body 112 when in use.

[0044] Three preferred embodiments of the cladding panel assemblies are described below. embodiment 1 of the cladding panel assemblies

[0045] In embodiment 1 of the cladding panel assemblies, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the trim panel includes several movable panels. Each adjacent pair of movable panels in an inside-outside direction comprises an inner movable panel 71 and an outer movable panel 72. The upper ends of the inner movable panel 71 and the outer movable panel 72 are rotatably connected to the pivot shaft 30. The number of movable panels is determined based on the size of the gap formed between the pivoting screen guide 40 and the vehicle interior trim 10 when the pivoting screen guide 40 is extended, typically two to five panels. In the present embodiment, the trim panel includes two movable panels. The trim panel transmission unit includes a compression spring 81, a transmission recess provided on the outer movable panel 72, and a transmission projection 82 provided on the inner movable panel 71.The inner movable panel 71 is attached to the pivoting screen guide 40. An outer end of the compression spring 81 is fixed, and an inner end of the compression spring 81 is connected to the outer movable panel 72. The transmission projection 82 can be engaged with the transmission recess. The spring force exerted by the compression spring 81 causes the outer movable panel 72 to press against the corresponding B-pillar 25, thereby counteracting the tensile force generated at a traction point formed by the transmission projection 82. In other embodiments, where the number of movable panels is three or more, an innermost of the movable panels is attached to the pivoting screen guide 40, and each adjacent pair of movable panels is connected in the same manner.

[0046] When the switching drive source 50 drives the swiveling screen guide 40 in the recorded state to rotate inwards, as shown in the Fig. 17 and Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the inner movable panel 71 rotates inwards together with the pivoting screen guide 40. Simultaneously, the transmission projection 82 at the lower end of the inner movable panel 71 moves towards the transmission recess at the lower end of the outer movable panel 72. Before the transmission projection 82 engages with the transmission recess, the outer movable panel 72 remains stationary. Subsequently, as the pivoting screen guide 40 and the inner movable panel 71 continue to rotate inwards, the transmission projection 82 engages with the transmission recess. Thereafter, as shown in the Fig. 18 and Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the inner movable panel 71 overcomes the spring force of the compression spring 81. By engaging the transmission projection 82 with the transmission recess, the outer movable panel 72 is driven to rotate inwards together with the inner panel, thus enabling the inner and outer movable panels 71, 72 to cover the triangular gap and improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the trim panel includes the rotatable inner movable panel 71 and the outer movable panel 72, which reduces the space occupied by the trim panel in its stowed state, facilitates its storage in the limited lateral interior space 22, and simultaneously improves the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior when stored. In other embodiments, the inner movable panel 71, the outer movable panel 72, and the pivoting screen guide 40 can rotate about different fixed axes, provided that the fixed axes are positioned close together. The inner movable panel 71 and the outer movable panel 72 are preferably composed of several separate components, which simplifies molding and allows the use of different trim panel materials.

[0048] Preferably, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, each of the trim panel assemblies further includes a trim panel stop 83, which is attached to the corresponding B-pillar 25 or the fixed guide rail 61. When the trim panel is received in the side interior 22, the trim panel stop 83 is positioned between the corresponding B-pillar 25 and the outer movable panel 72. Alternatively, the trim panel stop 83 is positioned between the fixed guide rail 61 and the outer movable panel 72, thus preventing rattling that can occur when the outer movable panel 72 is in close contact with the corresponding B-pillar 25 or the fixed guide rail 61.

[0049] When the trim panel assemblies are in a retracted position, the compression spring 81 and the trim panel stop 83 exert two opposing forces on the outer movable panel 72. When the trim panel assemblies are in a partially extended position, the compression spring 81 and the trim panel stop 83 exert two opposing forces on the outer movable panel 72. When the trim panel assemblies are in a fully extended position, the compression spring 81 and the traction point exert two opposing forces on the outer movable panel 72. embodiment 2 of the cladding panel assemblies

[0050] In embodiment 2 of the cladding panel assemblies, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the trim panel includes two movable panels, designated as an inner movable panel 71 and an outer movable panel 72. The upper ends of the inner movable panel 71 and the outer movable panel 72 are rotatably connected to the pivot shaft 30. The trim panel transmission unit includes a trim panel transmission link 84, a transmission pin 85 attached to the trim panel transmission link 84, and a transmission slot 86 provided on the outer movable panel 72. The inner movable panel 71 is attached to the pivoting screen guide 40. A first end of the trim panel transmission link 84 is movable and connected to the drive rack 63 of the shifting unit, and a second end of the trim panel transmission link 84 is rotatably connected to the pivoting screen guide 40.The transmission pin 85 is movably received in the transmission slot 86. Preferably, the cladding panel transmission connection 84 is the same as the first transmission connection 64. In other embodiments, where the number of movable panels is three or more, an innermost of the movable panels is attached to the pivotable screen guide 40, and each adjacent pair of movable panels is connected in the same way.

[0051] When the switching drive source 50 drives the swiveling screen guide 40 in the recorded state to rotate inwards, as shown in the Fig. 20 to Fig.As shown in Figure 22, the inner movable panel 71 rotates inwards together with the pivoting screen guide 40. Simultaneously, the transmission pin 85 moves downwards on the cover panel transmission connection 84, and the outer movable panel 72 remains stationary until the transmission pin 85 rests against the lower end of the transmission slot 86. Then, as the pivoting screen guide 40 and the inner movable panel 71 continue to rotate inwards, the transmission pin 85 rests against the lower end of the transmission slot 86.Subsequently, as the pivoting screen guide 40 and the inner movable panel 71 rotate further inwards, the inner movable panel 71 drives the outer movable panel 72 to rotate inwards together with the transmission slot 86 over the support of the transmission pin 85, thus enabling the inner and outer movable panels 71, 72 to cover the triangular gap and improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior. embodiment 3 of the cladding panel assemblies

[0052] In embodiment 3 of the panel assembly, the panel is designed as a single integral panel. An upper end of the panel is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 30, and the panel is fixedly connected to the pivoting screen guide 40, so that the pivoting screen guide 40 directly drives the panel to rotate. This structure is suitable for applications where the lateral interior space 22 is relatively large, allowing the triangular gap to be completely covered by a single rotatable panel. Compared to embodiment 1 of the panel assembly, this embodiment eliminates gear-related structures such as the compression spring 81, the transmission recess, and the panel transmission projection 84.In comparison to embodiment 2 of the cladding panel assemblies, this embodiment eliminates gear-related structures, such as the transmission pin 85 and the transmission slot 86, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0053] In summary, the present invention effectively overcomes various disadvantages of the prior art and exhibits significant industrial applicability.

[0054] The embodiments described above serve only as illustrative examples of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art may modify or alter these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, any equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art using ordinary knowledge, without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed herein, shall nevertheless be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

Curved guide rail mechanism arranged in a lateral interior space (22) on one side of a vehicle interior panel (10), the curved guide rail mechanism comprising a fixed rotary shaft (30), a pivotable screen guide (40) rotatably arranged on the rotary shaft (30), a switching drive source (50) and a switching transmission unit, the switching drive source (50) being connected to the pivotable screen guide (40) via the switching transmission unit and driving the pivotable screen guide (40) to rotate outwards into the lateral interior space (22) and inwards into a vertical position. Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the curved guide rail mechanism is arranged in the lateral interior space (22) formed between the vehicle interior trim (10) and a B-pillar (25) of a vehicle, wherein the pivotable screen guide (40) rotates outwards or inwards along a width direction of the vehicle, wherein when the pivotable screen guide (40) is rotated outwards and received in the lateral interior space (22), the pivotable screen guide (40) is in an inclined state and an inclination direction of the pivotable screen guide (40) is the same as an inclination direction of the B-pillar (25). Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the switching gear unit comprises a fixed guide rail (61) housed in the lateral interior (22) and attached to a vehicle frame (20), a fixed and rotatable drive gear (62), a drive rack (63) engaging with the drive gear (62), and a first transmission connection (64), wherein the switching drive source (50) is connected to the drive gear (62), wherein two ends of the first transmission connection (64) are each rotatably connected to the drive rack (63) and the pivotable screen guide (40), wherein the fixed guide rail (61) is provided with a rack groove that slidably engages with the drive rack (63). Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the switching gear unit further comprises a passive connection (65), wherein a first end of the passive connection (65) slidably engages with the rack groove in the fixed guide rail (61) and a second end of the passive connection (65) is rotatably connected to the pivotable screen guide (40), wherein the passive connection (65) is arranged below the first transmission connection (64) and an acute angle is formed between the passive connection (65) and the first transmission connection (64). Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 4, wherein a stop section (66) is attached to the drive rack (63), a sliding block (67) is attached to the first end of the passive connection (65), and the sliding block (67) is slidably housed in the fixed guide rail (61), wherein when the pivotable screen guide (40) is rotated inwards into the vertical position, the sliding block (67) rests against a top surface of the stop section (66). Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the shifting transmission unit comprises a fixed nut (68) housed in the lateral interior (22) and attached to a vehicle frame (20), a threaded spindle (69) or a threaded rod screwed to the fixed nut (68), and a second transmission connection (610), wherein the shifting drive source (50) is connected to the threaded spindle (69) or threaded rod, wherein a first end of the second transmission connection (610) is rotatably connected to the threaded spindle (69) or threaded rod, and a second end of the second transmission connection (610) is rotatably connected to the pivotable screen guide (40). Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a trim panel assembly, wherein the trim panel assembly comprises a trim panel rotatable about a fixed axis and a trim panel gear unit, wherein the trim panel is connected to the pivotable screen guide (40) via the trim panel gear unit, wherein when the pivotable screen guide (40) is received in the lateral interior (22), the trim panel is received in the lateral interior (22), wherein when the pivotable screen guide (40) is in the vertical position, at least one section of the trim panel extends out of the lateral interior (22) and covers a gap formed between the pivotable screen guide (40) and the vehicle interior trim (10). Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the cladding panel comprises several movable panels rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (30), each adjacent pair of the several movable panels comprising an inner movable panel (71) and an outer movable panel (72) in an inside-outside direction, the cladding panel gear unit comprising a compression spring (81), a transmission recess provided on the outer movable panel (72), and a transmission projection (82) provided on the inner movable panel (71), an innermost of the several movable panels being attached to the pivotable screen guide (40), a first end of the compression spring (81) being attached and a second end of the compression spring (81) being connected to the outer movable panel (72), the transmission projection (82) being capable of engaging with the transmission recess. Curved guide rail mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the cladding panel comprises several movable panels rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (30), each adjacent pair of the several movable panels comprising an inner movable panel (71) and an outer movable panel (72) in an inside-outside direction, the cladding panel transmission unit comprising a cladding panel transmission connection (84), a transmission pin (85) attached to the cladding panel transmission connection (84), and a transmission slot (86) provided in the outer movable panel (72), an innermost of the several movable panels being attached to the pivotable screen guide (40).wherein a first end of the trim panel transmission connection (84) is movably connected to a transmission component of the shift unit and a second end of the trim panel transmission connection (84) is rotatably connected to the pivoting screen guide (40), wherein the transmission pin (85) is movably housed in the transmission slot (86).

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