CN216761419U - Drainage system for vehicle skylight and vehicle skylight - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof and the vehicle sunroof. Vehicle sunroof includes skylight frame, and drainage system sets up in skylight frame, drainage system includes: the drainage channel is provided with a channel wall, and a drainage port is arranged on the channel wall; a first blocking structure disposed adjacent the drain opening within the drain channel and comprising at least one rib, wherein the at least one rib defines a plurality of inlets to allow liquid within the drain channel to flow into the drain opening through the plurality of inlets. The drainage system for the vehicle skylight and the vehicle skylight can smoothly drain water, are not easy to block, and reduce the subsequent maintenance/dredging work and cost of the drainage system.

Description

Drainage system for vehicle skylight and vehicle skylight

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicle sunroofs, and more particularly to a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof.

Background

Currently, many vehicles are provided with a vehicle sunroof on the roof to improve ride and ride comfort. In order to prevent water from penetrating into the interior of the vehicle in the case of rain, car washing, or the like, a sunroof drainage system is provided on the sunroof to collect the leaked water and discharge it outside the vehicle.

Sunroof drainage systems typically include a drainage channel that communicates with the body drainage system through a drain opening so that water at the sunroof can drain out of the vehicle via the sunroof drainage system and the body drainage system in sequence. However, sundries such as leaves and fruits often fall into the drainage channel during the use of the skylight, which may cause the blockage of the drainage channel and the drainage outlet, affect the drainage of water, and further cause the damage of the components on the skylight or the water leakage of the skylight. In addition, when the drainage channel and the drainage outlet are blocked, a special tool is needed to dredge, so that not only is the cost increased, but also the time is wasted.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to providing an improved drainage system for a vehicle sunroof.

To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof, the vehicle sunroof including a sunroof frame, the drainage system being provided to the sunroof frame, the drainage system including: the drainage channel is provided with a channel wall, and a drainage port is arranged on the channel wall; a first blocking structure disposed adjacent the drain opening within the drain channel and comprising at least one rib, wherein the at least one rib defines a plurality of inlets to allow liquid within the drain channel to flow into the drain opening through the plurality of inlets.

Through setting up the first barrier structure that includes at least one rib, can block the debris that entrains in the rivers when the rivers in the drainage channel are discharged, prevent that debris from blockking the outlet.

The present invention may further include any one or more of the following alternatives according to the above technical idea.

In some alternatives, the first blocking structure comprises at least two ribs forming a cage-like structure that cages the drain opening.

In some alternatives, the channel wall comprises a bottom wall and a side wall, the drain opening is located at the bottom wall and/or the side wall, and the at least one rib comprises a first rib extending from the bottom wall across the drain opening to the side wall.

In some alternatives, the at least one rib includes a second rib extending from the bottom wall to the first rib.

In some alternatives, the first blocking structure includes two second ribs disposed on either side of the first rib.

In some alternatives, the first rib may include a first portion extending along the bottom wall and a second portion extending from the first portion to the side wall.

In some alternatives, the drainage system further comprises a flow guide rib disposed on the bottom wall for guiding liquid in the drainage channel to flow into the inlet.

In some alternatives, the drainage system further includes a second blocking structure upstream of the first blocking structure and including a plurality of tabs projecting from the bottom wall and spaced apart from one another.

In some alternatives, the tab has a convex surface and a concave surface on opposite sides thereof, the concave surface facing the drain opening.

In some alternatives, the plurality of tabs are aligned substantially along the width of the drainage channel.

In some alternatives, the first blocking structure and/or the second blocking structure is integral with the vehicle frame.

In some alternatives, the drain system further comprises a drain fitting disposed outside the drain channel and in fluid communication with the drain opening of the drain channel.

A second aspect of the utility model provides a vehicle sunroof comprising a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to the first aspect of the utility model.

The drainage system for the vehicle skylight and the vehicle skylight can smoothly drain water, are not easy to block, and reduce the subsequent maintenance/dredging work and cost of the drainage system.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by the following detailed description of alternative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sunroof frame of a vehicle sunroof according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of area A of FIG. 1, showing a portion of a drain system for a vehicle sunroof located near a drain opening at a front frame of a sunroof frame;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a drain system for a vehicle sunroof near a drain opening at a front frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of a drain system for a vehicle sunroof near a drain opening at a front frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of an area B in fig. 1, showing a portion of a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof near a drain opening at a rear frame of a sunroof frame.

Detailed Description

The making and using of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description discussed is merely exemplary of specific ways to make and use the utility model, and does not limit the scope of the utility model. The description herein of the structural positions of the respective components, such as the directions of upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., is not absolute, but relative. When the respective components are arranged as shown in the drawings, these direction expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of the respective components in the drawings are changed, these direction expressions are changed accordingly.

Fig. 1 to 5 illustrate a sunroof frame of a vehicle sunroof and a drainage system for the vehicle sunroof according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, a vehicle sunroof may include a sunroof frame 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the skylight frame 102 may be generally rectangular in shape, with a front frame 104, a rear frame 106, and two-sided guide rails 108. When the vehicle sunroof is installed in the vehicle, the front frame 104 and the rear frame 106 may extend substantially in the width direction of the vehicle, and the two guide rails 108 may extend substantially in the length direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, the front frame 104 and the rear frame 106 may be made of plastic and the two rails 108 may be made of metal. The front frame 104, the rear frame 106, and the two rails 108 may be fastened to each other by fasteners.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, a drainage system is provided on the sunroof frame 102. The drainage system may include a drainage channel 110, the drainage channel 110 having a channel wall 114 with a drainage opening 116 disposed in the channel wall 114. The drainage system may further include a first barrier structure 112, the first barrier structure 112 being disposed adjacent the drainage opening 116 within the drainage channel 110 and including at least one rib (e.g., a first rib 118 and/or a second rib 119), wherein the at least one rib defines a plurality of inlets 120 to allow liquid (typically water) within the drainage channel 110 to flow into the drainage opening 116 through the plurality of inlets 120.

Referring to fig. 1 and 3, the front frame 104, the rear frame 106, and the two rails 108 may collectively define a generally U-shaped drain channel 110. Specifically, the drain passage 110 may include a first passage section 122 disposed at the front frame 104, two second passage sections 124 disposed at the two guide rails 108, respectively, and in fluid communication with the first passage section 122, and two third passage sections 126 disposed at both sides of the rear frame 106, respectively, and in fluid communication with the two second passage sections 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel wall 114 of the drain channel 110 may be provided with drain openings 116 at both ends of the first channel section 122 and at the end of the third channel section 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel walls 114 of the drain channel 110 are provided with a total of four drain openings 116, the four drain openings 116 being located approximately at the four corners of the skylight frame 102.

The drain system may also include a drain fitting 128. The drain fitting 128 may be disposed outside of the drain passage 110 and in fluid communication with the drain opening 116 of the drain passage 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain system includes four drain fittings 128 in fluid communication with the four drain openings 116, respectively. The drain fitting 128 may be in the form of a pipe fitting. The drain connector 128 may be used in connection with a body drain system. In this manner, water at the sunroof frame 102 may flow into the body drain system through the drain passage 110, the drain port 116, and the drain connector 128 and eventually drain from the vehicle, preventing water at the sunroof frame 102 from penetrating into the vehicle compartment.

Fig. 2 to 4 show a portion of a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof located near a drainage opening 116 at a front frame 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 2 to 4, the channel wall 114 of the drain channel 110 may include a bottom wall 130 and a side wall 132 to define a flow path through which the supply water flows. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain opening 116 at the front frame 104 is disposed on a side wall 132 of the drain passage 110 (more specifically, at the first passage section 122) and adjacent to the bottom wall 130. The bottom wall 130 of the drain channel 110 includes a sunken area 134 adjacent the drain opening 116 to direct water within the drain channel 110 into the drain opening 116. It is contemplated that the drain 116 may also be disposed on the bottom wall 130 of the drain channel 110.

The first blocking structure 112 may include at least two ribs (e.g., a first rib 118 and a second rib 119) to form a cage-like structure that houses the drain opening 116. The cage structure may cooperate with the bottom wall 130 and the side wall 132 to define a plurality of inlets 120 such that water within the drain passage 110 may enter the drain opening 116 through the plurality of inlets 120 defined by the cage structure and be discharged through the drain fitting 128 in fluid communication with the drain opening 116. Each of the plurality of inlets 120 may be sized according to the size of debris (e.g., leaves, fruits) that it is desired to block to prevent debris from clogging the drain opening 116 and the drain fitting 128, thereby allowing smooth drainage. Optionally, each of the plurality of inlets 120 may be sized to block entry of a ball having a diameter greater than 5 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first blocking structure 112 may include a first rib 118, the first rib 118 extending from the bottom wall 130 across the drain opening 116 to the sidewall 132. The first barrier structure 112 may also include a second rib 119, and the second rib 119 may extend from the bottom wall 130 to the first rib 118. The first barrier structure 112 formed by the first and second ribs 118 and 119 thus extended has superior structural stability and is easily integrated with the front frame 104 by injection molding.

The first rib 118 may include a first portion 136 extending along the bottom wall 130 and a second portion 138 extending from the first portion 136 to the side wall 132. The first portion 136 of the first rib 118 may increase the strength of the connection of the first rib 118 with the channel wall 114 of the drain channel 110. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion 136 of the first rib 118 extends from one side wall 132 of the drain passage 110, and a second portion 138 of the first rib 118 extends from the first portion 136 to the other side wall 132, such that both ends of the first rib 118 are connected to the two side walls 132, respectively, to be securely connected to the passage wall 114 of the drain passage 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rib 118 (and more particularly, the second portion 138 of the first rib 118) and the second rib 119 may collectively form a cage-like structure that houses the drain opening 116 so as to block debris such as leaves, fruits, and the like from entering the drain opening 116 from all directions, and specifically, not only from entering the drain opening 116 along the drain passage 110, but also from falling into the drain opening 116 from above the drain passage 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first barrier structure 112 includes one first rib 118 and two second ribs 119 disposed on both sides of the first rib 118, respectively. The first rib 118 and the two second ribs 119 together with the bottom wall 130 and the side wall 132 define four inlets 120 that allow water within the drain channel 110 to flow into the drain opening 116 and into the drain fitting 128.

It is contemplated that the first barrier structure 112 may include any suitable number of first and second ribs 118, 119 to define any suitable number of inlets 120.

It is also contemplated that the first barrier structure 112 may include only the first rib 118. For example, the first blocking structure 112 may include one first rib 118 to cooperatively define two inlets 120 with the bottom wall 130 and the side wall 132 that allow water within the drain passage 110 to flow into the drain opening 116, and the first rib 118 may be shaped and sized such that each inlet 120 is capable of blocking the entry of debris, such as a ball having a diameter greater than 5 mm. The first barrier structure 112 may also include a plurality of first ribs 118 to define more than two inlets 120. For example, a plurality of first ribs 118 may be arranged in a spoke-like pattern around the drain opening 116.

With continued reference to fig. 2-4, the drainage system further includes a second barrier structure 140, the second barrier structure 140 being located upstream of the first barrier structure 112. The second blocking structure 140 includes a plurality of tabs 142 projecting upwardly from the bottom wall 130 and spaced apart from one another. The plurality of tabs 142 of the second blocking structure 140 may be arranged in a plurality of rows along the width direction of the drain passage 110, and the tabs 142 of two adjacent rows may be staggered to effectively block/filter impurities in the water flow when the water in the drain passage 110 flows toward the drain opening 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of tabs 142 are arranged in two rows. Each tab 142 may have a convex surface 144 and a concave surface 146 on opposite sides thereof, with the concave surface 146 facing the drain opening 116. In this manner, when water in the drainage channel 110 flows toward the drainage port 116, the convex surface 144 of the tab 142 facing the water flow can reduce the obstruction to the water flow, so that the water can flow toward the drainage port 116 smoothly.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, a second blocking structure 140 is provided on one side of the first blocking structure 112 opposite the second channel section 124 of the drain channel 110 defined by the guide rail 108 for blocking/filtering debris in the flow of water from the second channel section 124. Generally, the flow of water at the guide rail 108 is large, and the addition of the second blocking structure 140 can improve the effect of blocking/filtering the impurities. It is contemplated that a second blocking structure 140 may also be added on the other side of the first blocking structure 112 for blocking/filtering debris in the flow of water from the first channel section 122.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the drain system may further include a guide rib 148, the guide rib 148 being disposed on the bottom wall 130 for guiding the water in the drain passage 110 to flow into the inlet 120 defined by the first blocking structure 112. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of ribs 148 are disposed on the bottom wall 130 in a spoke-like arrangement about the drain opening 116 to direct water flow into the plurality of inlets 120. In the illustrated embodiment, portions of the tie-bars 148 are disposed between the first barrier structure 112 and the second barrier structure 140.

It is contemplated that the first portion 136 of the plurality of first ribs 118 may act as a flow rib in the case where the first barrier structure 112 includes a plurality of first ribs 118 having a first portion 136 and a second portion 138 and the plurality of first ribs 118 are arranged in a spoke-like arrangement about the drain opening 116.

Alternatively, the first channel section 122 of the drain channel 110 and the drain connector 128, the first blocking structure 112, the second blocking structure 140 and the flow guiding rib 148 corresponding to the drain opening 116 at the first channel section 122 may be integrated with the front frame 104 by injection molding.

Fig. 5 shows a portion of a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof near a drain opening 116 at the rear frame 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5, the configuration of the drain system near the drain opening 116 at the rear frame 106 is similar to the configuration near the drain opening 116 at the front frame 104, and the differences will be mainly described below, and the descriptions of the same will not be repeated.

In the illustrated embodiment, drain openings (not shown) at the rear frame 106 are in fluid communication with corresponding drain fittings 128. Water in the second channel section 124 of the drain channel 110 may flow into the third channel section 126 and drain out via the drain opening and the drain fitting 128. A first blocking structure 112 is provided adjacent the drain. The first barrier structure 112 includes a first rib 118 and a second rib 119 and defines a plurality of inlets 120, wherein the first rib 118 does not include a portion that extends along the bottom wall 130 of the drain channel 110. A second barrier structure 140 is provided upstream of the first barrier structure 112 to provide an improved barrier/filtering effect. A plurality of ribs 148 are disposed between the first blocking structure 112 and the second blocking structure 140 to guide the water in the drainage channel 110 to enter the plurality of inlets 120 and then to be discharged through the drainage connector 128. Alternatively, the aforementioned third channel section 126 of the drainage channel 110, and the drainage joint 128, the first blocking structure 112, the second blocking structure 140, and the flow guiding rib 148 corresponding to the drainage opening 116 at the third channel section 126 may be integrated with the rear frame 106 by injection molding.

It will be appreciated that although the drain system includes four drain openings 116 and corresponding first and/or second blocking structures 112, 140 in the exemplary embodiment described above, the drain system may include less than four or more than four drain openings 116 and corresponding first and/or second blocking structures 112, 140.

Further, it is to be understood that although it is described above that some components of the drainage system may be integrally formed with, for example, the front frame 104 or the rear frame 106, the drainage system may be separately formed and mounted to the skylight frame 102.

It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials known to those skilled in the art. The embodiments shown in fig. 1-5 illustrate only the shape, size and arrangement of various optional components of a drainage system according to the present invention, however, they are merely illustrative and not limiting and other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While the technical content and the technical features of the utility model have been disclosed, it should be understood that various changes and modifications of the concept disclosed above can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the utility model, and all of them are included in the scope of the utility model. The above description of embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the utility model is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A drainage system for a vehicle sunroof comprising a sunroof frame, the drainage system being provided to the sunroof frame, the drainage system comprising:

the drainage channel is provided with a channel wall, and a drainage port is arranged on the channel wall;

a first blocking structure disposed adjacent the drain opening within the drain channel and comprising at least one rib, wherein the at least one rib defines a plurality of inlets to allow liquid within the drain channel to flow into the drain opening through the plurality of inlets.

2. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 1, wherein the first blocking structure comprises at least two ribs forming a cage-like structure that cages the drain opening.

3. A drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel wall comprises a bottom wall and a side wall, the drain opening is located at the bottom wall and/or the side wall, and the at least one rib comprises a first rib extending from the bottom wall across the drain opening to the side wall.

4. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 3, wherein the at least one rib includes a second rib extending from the bottom wall to the first rib.

5. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 4, wherein the first blocking structure includes two second ribs disposed on both sides of the first rib, respectively.

6. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 3, wherein the first rib includes a first portion extending along the bottom wall and a second portion extending from the first portion to the side wall.

7. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 3, further comprising a flow guide rib provided on the bottom wall for guiding liquid in the drainage channel to flow into the inlet.

8. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 3, further comprising a second blocking structure located upstream of the first blocking structure and including a plurality of tabs projecting from the bottom wall and spaced apart from one another.

9. The drain system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 8, wherein the tab has a convex surface and a concave surface on opposite sides thereof, the concave surface facing the drain opening.

10. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of tabs are arranged substantially in a width direction of the drainage channel.

11. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 8, wherein the first blocking structure and/or the second blocking structure is integral with the sunroof frame.

12. The drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a drainage joint disposed outside the drainage channel and in fluid communication with the drain opening of the drainage channel.

13. A vehicle sunroof, characterized in that the vehicle sunroof comprises a drainage system for a vehicle sunroof according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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