Cables and cable fixing structures

Abstract

To provide a cable that can suppress a component of a console box from moving with simple constitution and also can be provided in a narrow space where the component of the console box is present.SOLUTION: A cable 1 is configured to restrict a component of a console box C of a vehicle from moving. The cable 1 comprises: a flexible cable body 2; a first end part 3 which is connected to one end of the cable body 2, and fitted to the first component to be restricted from moving among components of the console box C; a fitting part M for a vehicle body V which is connected to the other end of the cable body 2, and fitted with the console box C; and / or a second end part 4 which is fitted to a second component different from the first component among the components of the console box C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable and a cable fixing structure.

Background Art

[0002] In vehicles such as automobiles, for example, there are some vehicles in which a console box is provided between seats in the vehicle width direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The console box includes a housing portion attached to the floor of the vehicle body or the like, and a storage portion for storing objects. The console box is attached to the vehicle by fixing the housing portion to the vehicle body with a fixing member such as a bolt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, when a sudden braking operation is performed during vehicle travel, or when a load such as luggage loaded on the vehicle moves, the load may collide with the console box and apply a load to the console box. When the load at this time is large, in order to prevent the fixing part between the console box and the vehicle (for example, the peripheral part of the fixing member such as a bolt in the housing part) from being damaged, it is conceivable to suppress the damage of the console box by improving the strength of the housing part. However, in this case, components of the console box such as the housing part will be enlarged, and it is necessary to change components of the console box such as the housing part used in existing vehicles.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a cable and cable fixing structure that can suppress the movement of console box components with a simple configuration and can be installed in a narrow space where console box components are located. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a cable for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle's console box, wherein the cable comprises a flexible cable body, a first end connected to one end of the cable body and attached to a first component of the console box whose movement is to be restricted, and a second end connected to the other end of the cable body and attached to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component.

[0007] Furthermore, the cable fixing structure of the present invention is a cable fixing structure for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle's console box, wherein the cable fixing structure comprises the cable, the first end of the cable is attached to a first component of the console box whose movement is to be restricted, and the second end of the cable is attached to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the cable and cable fixing structure of the present invention, movement of the console box components can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and it can be installed in a narrow space where the console box components are located. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a console box. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a console box with cables installed according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a front view of the console box. [Figure 4A] This is an overall diagram of the enclosure cable. [Figure 4B] This is a side view of the second end of the enclosure cable. [Figure 4C] This is a plan view of the second end of the enclosure cable. [Figure 5] This is an overall diagram of the cable for the cover. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a 7x7 multi-stranded cable structure, which is an example of a cable structure. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a 7x19 multi-stranded cable structure, which is an example of a cable structure. [Figure 8] This is a magnified view of the fixing point between the housing and the mounting part, where the second end of the housing cable is secured. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the movement of the console box's casing is restricted by the casing cables. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the movement of the console box lid is restricted by a lid cable. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes a cable and cable fixing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely examples, and the cable and cable fixing structure of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0011] In this specification, "perpendicular to A" and similar expressions shall not refer only to directions that are perfectly perpendicular to A, but shall also include directions that are approximately perpendicular to A. Furthermore, in this specification, "parallel to B" and similar expressions shall not refer only to directions that are perfectly parallel to B, but shall also include directions that are approximately parallel to B. Furthermore, in this specification, "C-shape" and similar expressions shall not refer only to perfect C-shapes, but shall also include shapes that visually resemble a C-shape (approximate C-shapes).

[0012] The cable 1 and cable fixing structure ST (see Figure 2) of this embodiment are provided to restrict the movement of components of the vehicle's console box C. As will be described in detail later, when an unintended load is applied to the console box C, components of the console box C may move relative to the vehicle body V due to, for example, damage to some components of the console box C or improper mounting of the console box C to the vehicle body V. In such cases, the cable 1 and cable fixing structure ST suppress the movement of components of the console box C beyond a predetermined amount. In this specification, the direction connecting the front and rear of the vehicle is referred to as the longitudinal direction D1, the left-right direction is referred to as the vehicle width direction D2, and the up-down direction of the vehicle is referred to as the vehicle height direction D3.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the console box C is a structure having a storage portion capable of storing objects, which is disposed between the seats of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the console box C is provided between a pair of rear seats in the width direction D2 of the vehicle at the rear side (second row or third row) of the vehicle. The console box C may be provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the console box C is attached to an attachment portion M provided on the vehicle body V. In the present embodiment, the console box C is fixed to the attachment portion M by a fastening member F and is indirectly installed on the floor of the vehicle body V via the attachment portion M. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion M is configured separately from the floor of the vehicle body V, but the attachment portion may be the floor of the vehicle body V (may be configured integrally with the vehicle body V). Note that the console box C may be provided so as not to move with respect to the vehicle body V, or the console box C may be configured to be movable with respect to the vehicle body V by the attachment portion M moving with respect to the vehicle body V by a rail or the like.

[0014] The console box C includes a plurality of components. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the console box C includes a housing portion C1 attached to the attachment portion M of the vehicle body V, a storage portion C2 disposed in the housing portion C1 and capable of storing objects, and a lid portion C3 that closes the storage portion C2. The console box C also has an outer housing C4 (see the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 2 and 3) outside the housing portion C1. The housing portion C1, the storage portion C2, the lid portion C3, and the outer housing C4 are examples of the components of the console box C. The shape and structure of the console box are not particularly limited, and other components (for example, armrests, drink holders, USB terminal connection portions, etc.) may be provided. Also, the console box may not have a lid portion and the storage portion may be in a state of being always open. Note that each of the "first component" and "second component" in the claims may be any one of the components of the console box C.

[0015] The housing portion C1 is the part that forms the frame of the console box C. The housing portion C1 is attached to the mounting portion M of the vehicle body V. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing portion C1 is attached to the mounting portion M by a housing fixing portion C14 provided at the lower part of the housing portion C1. The means of fixing between the housing fixing portion C14 and the mounting portion M is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the housing fixing portion C14 and the mounting portion M are fixed by a fastening member F. The housing fixing portion C14 has a fixing hole through which the fastening member F can be inserted. The fastening member F is inserted through both the fixing hole of the housing fixing portion C14 and the mounting hole of the mounting portion M, and the fastening member F is fastened. This fixes the housing portion C1 to the vehicle body V. The shape and structure of the mounting portion M are not particularly limited as long as they are configured to allow the housing portion C1 to be attached to the vehicle body V. In this embodiment, the mounting portion M is a base portion connected to the floor of the vehicle body V by a fastening member (not shown). In Figure 2, only the housing fixing part C14 provided on the front side of the console box C is shown, but the housing fixing part may also be provided on the rear side of the console box C.

[0016] The shape and structure of the housing portion C1 are not particularly limited as long as they can form the framework of the console box C. The housing portion C1 is composed of one or more brackets. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing portion C1 includes a pair of side brackets C11 and C12 provided opposite to each other in the width direction D2, and a central bracket C13 provided between the side brackets C11 and C12. The side brackets C11 and C12 are plate-shaped brackets extending in the longitudinal direction D1 and the height direction D3 of the vehicle, and each has a housing fixing portion C14 on the lower end side of the front. The central bracket C13 is provided between the side brackets C11 and C12. A narrow gap is formed between the housing portion C1 (for example, between the side brackets C11 and C12 and the central bracket C13) and between the housing portion C1 and the outer housing C4. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a harness H for electrical components provided in the console box C is routed through this gap. In the present embodiment, a cable 1 is routed through this narrow gap.

[0017] The storage portion C2 is a part having a space capable of storing objects. The storage portion C2 is supported by the housing portion C1. The shape and size of the storage portion C2 are appropriately changed according to the vehicle and the interior design in which it is provided. In the present embodiment, the storage portion C2 is provided between the side brackets C11 and C12 of the housing portion C1.

[0018] The lid portion C3 is the part that opens and closes the storage portion C2. The lid portion C3 is positioned above the housing portion C1 and the storage portion C2. In this embodiment, the lid portion C3 comprises a base portion C31 attached to the housing portion C1 and a lid C32 that opens and closes relative to the base portion C31. The lid C32 is configured to rotate around a pivot axis X relative to the base portion C31 by a hinge portion (not shown). In this embodiment, the lid portion C3 is configured to rotate around a pivot axis X that extends in the width direction D2 of the vehicle on the front side of the console box C. However, the lid portion C3 may be configured to rotate around a pivot axis that extends in the width direction D2 on the rear side of the console box C, or around a pivot axis that extends in the longitudinal direction D1 of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lid portion may be configured to slide in the longitudinal direction D1 or the width direction D2 of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the lid portion C3 is provided with a through-hole HL (see dashed line in Figures 2 and 3) through which a harness H extending from the housing portion C1 toward the lid portion C3 (lid C32) is inserted (in Figure 3, the harness H inserted through the through-hole HL is not shown). The through-hole HL communicates with the housing portion C1 (for example, between the lateral brackets C11, C12 and the central bracket C13) and with the gap provided between the housing portion C1 and the outer housing C4. In this embodiment, the cable 1 (lid cable 12) is inserted through this through-hole HL along with the harness H.

[0019] Cable 1 is connected to the console box C and, as described later, prevents components of the console box C from moving beyond a predetermined amount from their original position due to damage, detachment, etc. Cable 1 is connected to the object to be restricted from moving (the first component) and the support portion (mounting portion M and / or the second component of the console box C) in order to restrict the movement of the first component of the console box C that is subject to movement restriction. Furthermore, the cable fixing structure ST is a structure in which cable 1 is routed along a predetermined path and prevents components of the console box C from moving beyond a predetermined amount from their original position due to damage, detachment, etc. In this embodiment, the cable fixing structure ST comprises cable 1 and a component of the console box C to which cable 1 is connected and which is subject to movement restriction (such as the housing portion C1 or the lid portion C3). The cable fixing structure ST may also include a mounting portion M or a second component of the console box C that serves as a support portion.

[0020] In this embodiment, the cable fixing structure ST includes a housing cable 11 (see Figures 4A to 4C) that restricts the movement of the housing portion C1 and a lid cable 12 (see Figure 5) that restricts the movement of the lid portion C3, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 (hereinafter, the housing cable 11 and the lid cable 12 are collectively referred to as cable 1). The cable fixing structure ST may have only one of the housing cable 11 and the lid cable 12, or it may include other cables that restrict the movement of other components of the console box C. In this embodiment, cable 1 is provided on the front side of the console box C, but the location of cable 1 is not particularly limited. For example, cable 1 may be provided on the rear side of the console box C, or on the central part in the front-to-back direction D1 of the console box C. Also, cable 1 may be provided at multiple locations on the console box C, for example, on both the front and rear sides of the console box C.

[0021] Cable 1 comprises a cable body 2, a first end 3, and a second end 4, as shown in Figures 4A and 5.

[0022] The cable body 2 is a long section provided between the first end 3 and the second end 4, as shown in Figures 4A and 5. The cable body 2 is flexible so that it can be bent and routed. The flexibility of the cable body 2 allows it to be easily routed into narrow gaps provided inside or around the components of the console box C.

[0023] In this embodiment, the cable body 2 is made of a multi-stranded cable. In this case, the bending rigidity of the cable body 2 is low, making it easy to bend and route the cable body 2. Therefore, it becomes possible to route the cable 1 through various narrow and curved paths, increasing the degree of freedom in routing the cable 1. The structure of the cable body 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined breaking strength and flexibility. Preferably, the cable body 2 has a multi-stranded structure of 7×7, as shown in Figure 6, in which six side strands 22 of the same structure are twisted around a core strand 21 of 1×7 structure (a structure in which seven strands are twisted together), or a multi-stranded structure of 7×19, as shown in Figure 7, in which six side strands 22 of the same structure are twisted around a core strand 21 of 1×19 structure (a structure in which seven strands are twisted together).

[0024] The outer diameter of the cable body 2 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed depending on the size and weight of the console box C and the location where the cable body 2 is installed. For example, the outer diameter of the cable body 2 can be 1 to 3 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the housing cable 11 connected between the mounting part M and the housing part C1 is configured to be thicker than the thickness of the lid cable 12 connected between the lid part C3 and the housing part C1. In this case, the movement of the heavier housing part C1 is reliably restricted by the housing cable 11, which is thicker than the lid cable 12, while the movement of the lighter lid part C3 can be sufficiently restricted even with a lid cable 12 that is thinner than the housing cable 11. In addition, since there is a relatively wide space between the housing part C1 and the mounting part M compared to the routing path of the lid cable 12, routing is easy even if the housing cable 11 is somewhat thick. The lid cable 12 needs to pass through a narrow through-hole HL to connect to the lid C32 that opens and closes. However, since the lid cable 12 is thinner than the enclosure cable 11, it can be easily routed even through narrow and complex routing paths. The thickness (diameter) of the enclosure cable 11 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 2-3 mm (e.g., 2.5 mm). Similarly, the thickness (diameter) of the lid cable 12 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1-2 mm (e.g., 1.5 mm).

[0025] The cable body 2 may have a resin coating on its outer circumference. When the cable body 2 is resin-coated, damage to the harness H, which is routed along the components of the console box C, can be suppressed when the cable body 2 comes into contact with the harness H. In addition, contact noise when the cable body 2 comes into contact with components of the console box C, such as the housing part C1, due to vehicle vibrations, etc., is reduced. The material constituting the resin coating is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be polyethylene.

[0026] The first end 3 is connected to one end of the cable body 2 and attached to the first component of the console box C that is subject to movement restrictions. The "first component" is a component of the console box C that is subject to movement restrictions, and the first component changes depending on which component of the console box C is subject to movement restrictions. In the case of the housing cable 11, where the housing portion C1 is subject to movement restrictions, the housing portion C1 becomes the first component, and the first end 3 is attached to the housing portion C1. In the case of the lid cable 12, where the lid portion C3 is subject to movement restrictions, the lid portion C3 becomes the first component, and the first end 3 is attached to the lid portion C3. The material constituting the first end 3 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is made of a metal material having a predetermined rigidity. The first end 3 may be covered with a nonwoven fabric. In this case, contact noise when the first end 3 comes into contact with the components of the console box C due to vehicle vibrations, etc., can be suppressed.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4A and 5, the first end portion 3 has a fixing portion 31 with a fastening hole 31a that can be fixed to a component of the console box C by a fastening member F. The fixing portion 31 of the housing cable 11 shown in Figure 4A is substantially disc-shaped, similar to the fixing portion 31 of the lid cable 12 shown in Figure 5, with a circular fastening hole 31a formed in the center. By fixing the first end portion 3 to the first component of the console box C via the fixing portion 31, the first component subject to movement restriction is connected to the cable 1. The fastening member F that fixes the fixing portion 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the first end portion 3 to the first component of the console box C, but for example, it can be a bolt. The first end portion 3 is fixed to the first component by inserting the fastening member F into the fastening hole 31a of the fixing portion 31 and a fixing hole (not shown) provided in the first component of the console box C and fastening the fastening member F.

[0028] The position where the first end 3 is fixed is not particularly limited, but for example, in the case of the housing cable 11, it is preferable that the first end 3 be fixed at a position below 2 / 3 of the total height D3 of the console box C from the floor of the vehicle body V, preferably at a position below 1 / 2 of the total height. In this case, the length of the housing cable 11 will be shorter compared to the case where the first end 3 of the housing cable 11 is fixed to the upper end of the console box C. Therefore, the amount of movement of the components of the console box C (see Figure 9) from the normal routing state of the housing cable 11 before damage to the console box C, etc., to the state in which the cable 1 is fully extended due to damage to the components of the console box C, etc., can be reduced. The lower limit position of the first end 3 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable that it be fixed at a position above 1 / 3 of the total height D3 of the console box C from the floor of the vehicle body V.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4A and 5, the first end portion 3 has a cylindrical connector portion 32 into which the cable body 2 is housed and connected. The cable body 2 and the first end portion 3 are connected when the connector portion 32 is crimped with the end of the cable body 2 housed inside the connector portion 32. In this embodiment, the cylindrical connector portion 32 extends along the axial direction of the cable body 2 from the first end portion 3, and a plate-shaped fixing portion 31 extends from the connector portion 32 along the axial direction of the cable body 2. The fastening hole 31a of the fixing portion 31 penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cable body 2.

[0030] The first end 3 is attached to a component whose movement is restricted (the first component), while the second end 4 is attached to a support portion (the mounting portion M and / or the second component of the console box C). The second end 4 is connected to the other end of the cable body 2 and is attached to the mounting portion M of the vehicle body V to which the console box C is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box C that is different from the first component. In this embodiment, the second end 4 of the housing cable 11 is attached to the mounting portion M of the vehicle body V, which serves as a support portion for the cable 1 when a moving force is applied to the housing portion C1. The mounting portion M of the vehicle body V to which the console box C is attached is usually configured to have higher rigidity than the components of the console box C whose movement is restricted. Therefore, when the second end 4 is attached to the mounting portion M, the cable 1 is firmly supported at the mounting portion M, and even if a large force is applied to the cable 1, damage to the mounting portion M is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is attached to the housing portion C1, which serves as a support when a moving force is applied to the lid portion C3. Note that the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 may be attached to the mounting portion M instead of the housing portion C1, or it may be attached to both the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M (for example, one of the two lid cables 12 may be attached to the housing portion C1 and the other to the mounting portion M).

[0031] The material constituting the second end portion 4 is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be made of a metal material having a predetermined rigidity. The second end portion 4 may also be covered with a nonwoven fabric. In this case, contact noise when the second end portion 4 comes into contact with the components of the console box C due to vehicle vibrations, etc., can be suppressed.

[0032] The second end 4 has a fixing portion 41 with a fastening hole 41a, which can be fixed to the mounting portion M or a component of the console box C by a fastening member F, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5. The second end 4 of the housing cable 11, shown in Figures 4A to 4C, has a different shape and structure from the first end 3, which will be described later. The second end 4 of the lid cable 12, shown in Figure 5, has the same shape as the first end 3. That is, the fixing portion 41 of the lid cable 12 shown in Figure 5 is substantially disc-shaped, with a circular fastening hole 41a formed in the central part. The cable 1 is supported by the mounting portion M or the second component by fixing the second end 4 to the mounting portion M or a component of the console box C (second component) via the fixing portion 41. The fastening member F is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the second end 4 to the mounting portion M or the second component of the console box C, but for example, it can be a bolt. The fastening member F is inserted into the fastening hole 41a of the fixing part 41 and into a fixing hole (not shown) provided in the mounting part M or the second component of the console box C, thereby fastening the fastening member F and fixing the second end portion 4 to the mounting part M or the second component.

[0033] The position where the second end portion 4 is fixed is not particularly limited. In the case of the housing cable 11, the second end portion 4 is fixed at any position on the mounting portion M. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8, the second end portion 4 of the housing cable 11 is fixed to the mounting portion M at the housing fixing portion C14 (fastening portion of the fastening member F), which is the fixing point between the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced by making the fixing point between the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M (fastening portion of the fastening member F) and the fixing point of the second end portion 4 of the housing cable 11 common. Furthermore, the housing portion C1 and the housing cable 11 can be assembled to the mounting portion M in a single assembly operation. In this embodiment, the fixing point between the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M is firmly fixed by the fastening member F, and the fastening portion of the fastening member F is less likely to be damaged than the housing portion C1 surrounding the fastening portion of the fastening member F. Therefore, even if the housing portion C1 is damaged around the fastening portion of the fastening member F, the second end 4 of the cable 1 will remain anchored to the fastening portion of the fastening member F. Thus, it becomes easier to maintain the function of the cable 1, which is to prevent the components of the console box C from moving beyond a predetermined amount from their original position due to damage or detachment.

[0034] In the case of the lid cable 12, the second end 4 is fixed to any position on the second component of the console box C. In this embodiment, the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed to the housing portion C1 (central bracket C13) as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The position in the height direction D3 to which the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable that the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed to a position at or above half the total height of the console box C in the height direction D3. In this case, the length of the lid cable 12 is shorter compared to the case where the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed to the lower end of the console box C. Therefore, the amount of movement of the components of the console box C (see Figure 10) from the normal routing state of the lid cable 12 before damage to the console box C, etc., to the state in which the cable 1 is fully extended due to damage to the components of the console box C, etc., can be reduced. The upper limit position of the second end portion 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be fixed at a position within 1 / 3 of the total height D3 of the console box C from the lower end of the lid C32.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second end portion 4 has a connecting portion 42, similar to the first end portion 3, as shown in Figures 4A and 5. The cable body 2 and the second end portion 4 are connected by crimping the connecting portion 42 with the end of the cable body 2 housed inside the cylindrical connecting portion 42. In this embodiment, the second end portion 4 of the housing cable 11 has a cylindrical connecting portion 42 extending along the axial direction of the cable body 2, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, and a fixing portion 41 extends in a plate shape in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the connecting portion 42 (in this embodiment, a substantially perpendicular direction). The fixing portion 41 has a fastening hole 41a in its central part through which a fastening member F is inserted. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 41 has an engaging portion 41b, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C. The engaging portion 41b will be described later.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector 42 has a groove G formed in the circumferential direction of the connector 42 on its inner surface facing the outer surface of the cable body 2, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4B. Because the connector 42 has a groove G, when the cable body 2 is crimped to the connector 42, a part of the deformed cable body 2 enters into the groove portion of the groove G. That is, when the cable body 2 is crimped to the connector 42 having a groove G, a part of the strands constituting the cable body 2 plastically deforms and enters into the groove portion of the groove G. Since the groove G extends in the circumferential direction of the connector 42, even if a force is applied that causes the cable body 2 to detach axially from the connector 42, the deformed part of the cable body 2 that has entered into the groove G acts as resistance, suppressing the detachment of the cable body 2 from the connector 42. Note that the groove G may be provided not only at the second end portion 4 but also at the first end portion 3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 41 of the second end 4 has an engaging portion 41b that can engage with the components of the console box C in the rotational direction of the fastening member F, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C. When the fixing portion 41 is provided with an engaging portion 41b, the fixing portion 41 is prevented from rotating together with the fastening member F when the fastening member F is fastened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cable 1 from deviating from the preferred routing path in the design, or from being subjected to excessive bending, which could result in damage to the cable 1 or a decrease in durability, due to the fixing portion 41 rotating together with the fastening member F. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 41b is configured to engage with the components of the console box C, but it may also be configured to engage with the mounting portion M.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging portion 41b is provided at the second end 4 of the housing cable 11, but it may also be provided at the first end 3 of the housing cable 11. Also, the engaging portion may be provided at the first end 3 and / or the second end 4 of the lid cable 12.

[0039] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 41b is configured to engage with a component of the console box C, specifically the housing portion C1. As shown in Figure 8, the engaging portion 41b engages with a receiving portion E provided on the component of the console box C in the rotational direction of the fastening member F. In this embodiment, the receiving portion E is composed of an engaging hole configured to engage with the engaging portion 41b, but the receiving portion may be composed of a recess or projection as long as it can engage with the engaging portion 41b and the fastening member F in the rotational direction.

[0040] The shape and structure of the engaging portion 41b are not particularly limited, as long as they can engage with the components of the console box C or the mounting portion M in the rotational direction of the fastening member F. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the engaging portion 41b protrudes from the periphery of the fixed portion 41 and engages with the engaged portion E formed in the housing portion C1 in the rotational direction of the fastening member F. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C, the engaging portion 41b comprises an extended portion 411 that protrudes outward from a part of the periphery of the fixed portion 41 and a folded portion 412 that is folded back relative to the extended portion 411. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the folded portion 412 is inserted through a through hole formed in the engaged portion E and engages with the periphery of the through hole of the engaged portion E such that the folded portion 412 is prevented from disengaging from the through hole of the engaged portion E. Furthermore, the extended portion 411 engages with the periphery of the through hole of the engaged portion E and the fastening member F in the rotational direction. As a result, before the fastening member F is inserted, the folded portion 412 engages with the engaged portion E in such a way that it is prevented from detaching from the engaged portion E, thereby holding the fixing portion 41 in a predetermined position through which the fastening member F can be inserted. Therefore, when inserting the fastening member F, the work of aligning the fastening hole 41a of the fixing portion 41 with the fixing hole of the housing fixing portion C14 or the mounting hole of the mounting portion M is almost unnecessary, improving work efficiency. In particular, when the housing cable 11 is bent and routed, the cable body 2 tends to straighten due to its elasticity, so the second end portion 4 is subjected to a force that causes it to move away from the position through which the fastening member F can be inserted. However, because the folded portion 412 engages with the engaged portion E, it is possible to hold the housing cable 11 in a predetermined position through which the fastening member F can be inserted, even when the housing cable 11 is bent. Furthermore, when fastening the fastening member F, the extended portion 411 engages with the engaged portion E in the rotational direction of the fastening member F, thereby preventing the fixing portion 41 from rotating together with the fastening member F. In addition, since the second end 4 of the housing cable 11, the housing portion C1 of the console box C, and the mounting portion M are fastened together by a single fastening member F, the housing cable 11, the housing portion C1, and the mounting portion M can be easily fixed.

[0041] As described above, the cable 1 of this embodiment comprises a flexible cable body 2, a first end 3 attached to a first component of the console box C whose movement is restricted, and a second end 4 attached to a mounting part M on the vehicle body V and / or a second component of the console box C that is different from the first component. This allows for restricting the movement of a damaged component when a load is applied to the console box C from cargo or the like and the components of the console box C are damaged. Furthermore, because the cable 1 is flexible, it can be routed even in narrow spaces within the console box C. Therefore, for example, the movement of a damaged component can be restricted without changing the structure of the existing components of the console box C (such as the housing part C1 such as a bracket, and the storage part C2 such as a box for holding items). In addition, by suppressing the movement of the components of the console box C with the cable 1, safety can be improved without increasing the size or thickness of the housing part C1 such as a bracket to improve the strength of the console box C itself. As a result, the safety of the console box C can be improved while making the console box C smaller and lighter.

[0042] Furthermore, the cable fixing structure ST may comprise at least two cables (in this embodiment, two housing cables 11a and 11b). The first end 3 of the first cable 11a, one of the cables 11a and 11b, is attached to one side (right side in Figure 3) of the first component in the vehicle width direction D2, as shown in Figure 3. The second end 4 of the first cable 11a is attached to one side (left side in Figure 3) of the mounting part M (and / or the second component) in the vehicle width direction D2. The first end 3 of the second cable 11b, another of the cables 11a and 11b, is attached to the other side (left side in Figure 3) of the first component in the vehicle width direction D2, as shown in Figure 3. The second end 4 of the second cable 11b is attached to the other side (right side in Figure 3) of the mounting part M (and / or the second component) in the vehicle width direction D2. In this way, by providing the first cable 11a and the second cable 11b on one and the other sides in the vehicle's width direction, when a component of the console box C is damaged, it is suppressed from moving significantly in the vehicle's width direction D2. Therefore, the movement of the console box C in the width direction D2 is restricted to a predetermined range, and it is possible to prevent the components of the console box C from colliding with an occupant seated in a seat adjacent to the console box C.

[0043] The following will specifically explain the effects of the enclosure cable 11 and the lid cable 12. First, the enclosure cable 11 will be explained.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8, the housing cable 11 has its first end 3 fixed to the housing portion C1 and its second end 4 fixed to the mounting portion M. The housing cable 11 is routed through a narrow gap between the harness H and the housing portion C1, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8. Since the housing cable 11 is flexible, it can be easily passed through such a gap between the harness H and the housing portion C1. In this embodiment, the cable fixing structure ST has two housing cables 11 (first cable 11a and second cable 11b), as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8. The first cable 11a and the second cable 11b are connected to each other by a connecting portion CN (see Figure 4A) at their longitudinal center. In this case, the first cable 11a and the second cable 11b are integrated by the connecting portion CN. Therefore, the first cable 11a and the second cable 11b can be passed together through gaps such as between the harness H and the housing portion C1, improving work efficiency. The connecting portion CN can be any configuration that allows multiple cables to be connected, such as adhesive tape or cable ties.

[0045] The first end 3 of the first cable 11a is fixed to the central bracket C13 of the housing portion C1 by a fastening member F. The first end 3 is fastened to the central bracket C13 by the fastening member F such that the axial direction of the fastening member F is in the width direction D2. On the other hand, the second end 4 is held in a predetermined position by the folded portion 412 of the engaging portion 41b being inserted through the through hole of the engaged portion E. In this state, the fastening member F is inserted through the fastening hole 41a of the fixing portion 41, the fixing hole of the housing portion C1, and the mounting hole of the mounting portion M and fastened. Similarly, the first end 3 and the second end 4 of the second cable 11b are also fixed, and the installation of the housing cable 11 is completed.

[0046] In this state, as shown in Figure 9, suppose a large force, indicated by arrow A1, is applied to the housing portion C1 of the console box C toward the front of the vehicle. In this case, for example, the force is applied around the portion where the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M are fastened together by the fastening member F, and the portion of the housing portion C1 around the fastening member F may be damaged in such a way that the connection between the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M is released. If the housing portion C1 is damaged and the connection between the housing portion C1 and the mounting portion M is released, the entire housing portion C1 will move toward the front of the vehicle.

[0047] On the other hand, even if the housing portion C1 is damaged, as shown in Figure 9, the housing cable 11 is maintained with its first end 3 fixed to the housing portion C1 and its second end 4 fixed to the mounting portion M, and the first end 3 and the second end 4 are connected by the cable body 2. Therefore, even if the housing portion C1 moves forward in the vehicle, once the cable body 2 is fully extended, the range of motion of the housing portion C1 is restricted by the housing cable 11 (see the dashed line in Figure 9). Thus, the movement of the housing portion C1 is restricted, preventing the damaged housing portion C1 from moving towards the driver's seat or colliding with other components of the vehicle.

[0048] Next, the cover cable 12 will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cover cable 12 has a first end 3 fixed to the cover C32 and a second end 4 fixed to the housing portion C1. The first end 3 and the second end 4 are fastened together by a fastening member F. When the cover cable 12 is routed to the fixing point on the cover C32, it is inserted through a through hole HL for passing the harness H that extends to the cover C32. The cover cable 12 is made of a thinner cable than the housing cable 11 so that it can be easily inserted into narrow gaps such as the through hole HL for passing the harness H, thereby making the routing of the cover cable 12 easier. In addition, the cover cable 12 can be routed using holes already provided in the vehicle, such as the through hole HL for the harness H, and there is no need to form separate holes. The lid cable 12 is routed through a through hole HL provided near the rotation axis X (hinge) of the lid C32, which rotates around the rotation axis X (hinge). Since the lid cable 12 is flexible, it can maintain the connection between the lid C32 and the housing portion C1 even when the lid C32 is opened and closed. In this embodiment, the lid cable 12 is subjected to bending deformation when the lid C32 is opened and closed, but the lid cable 12 has a multi-strand structure. Therefore, the lid cable 12 has high bending durability and can maintain the above-mentioned effects for a long period of time even when provided in the part of the lid C32 that is opened and closed.

[0049] Assuming the cable 12 for the lid is routed, a large force, indicated by arrow A2, is applied to the lid portion C3 toward the front of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 10. In this case, for example, the force is applied to the connection between the lid portion C3 and the housing portion C1, or to the hinge connection of the lid portion C3, which may cause the lid portion C3 (the entire lid portion C3 or the lid C32) to break and detach. If the lid portion C3 is broken, the entire lid portion C3 will move toward the front of the vehicle.

[0050] On the other hand, even if the lid portion C3 is damaged, as shown in Figure 10, the lid cable 12 is maintained with its first end 3 fixed to the lid C32 and its second end 4 fixed to the housing portion C1, and the first end 3 and the second end 4 are connected by the cable body 2. Therefore, even if the lid portion C3 moves forward of the vehicle, when the cable body 2 is fully extended, the range of motion of the lid portion C3 is limited by the lid cable 12 (see the dashed line in Figure 10). Thus, the movement of the lid portion C3 is restricted, preventing the damaged lid portion C3 from moving towards the driver's seat or colliding with other components of the vehicle.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above mainly describe an invention having the following configuration.

[0052] (1) A cable for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle's console box, wherein the cable is A flexible cable body, One end of the cable body is connected to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions, and the first end is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. The other end of the cable body is connected to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or a second end is attached to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. A cable that is included.

[0053] (2) The cable described in (1), wherein the cable body is composed of a multi-stranded cable.

[0054] (3) The cable according to (1) or (2), wherein the first end and / or the second end have a fixing portion having a fastening hole, which can be fixed to the mounting portion or the component of the console box by a fastening member, and the fixing portion has an engaging portion that can engage with the mounting portion or the component of the console box in the rotational direction of the fastening member.

[0055] (4) The cable according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first end and / or the second end have a cylindrical connector into which the cable body is housed and connected, and the connector has a groove formed in the circumferential direction of the connector on the inner surface facing the outer surface of the cable body such that a deformed part of the cable body fits into the connector when the cable body is crimped to the connector.

[0056] (5) A cable fixing structure for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle console box, wherein the cable fixing structure comprises a cable as described in any one of (1) to (4), The first end of the cable is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. A cable fixing structure wherein the second end of the cable is attached to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component.

[0057] (6) The cable fixing structure comprises at least two cables, The first end of the first cable, which is one of the cables, is attached to one side of the first component in the width direction of the vehicle. The second end of the first cable is attached to the mounting portion and / or the second component on one side in the width direction of the vehicle. The first end of the second cable, which is another of the aforementioned cables, is attached to the other side of the first component in the width direction of the vehicle. The second end of the second cable is attached to the mounting portion and / or the second component on the other side in the width direction of the vehicle. (5) Cable fixing structure as described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Cable 11. Cable for enclosure 11a First cable (enclosure cable) 11b Second cable (enclosure cable) 12 Cable for the cover 2 Cable body 21 Heart Strand 22 side strands 3 First end 31 Fixed part 31a Fastening hole 32 Connection part 4 Second end 41 Fixed part 41a Fastening hole 41b Engagement part 411 Extension 412 Folded section 42 Connection part A1 Force applied to the casing of the console box A2 Force applied to the lid C Console Box C1 Enclosure C11, C12 lateral brackets C13 Center Bracket C14 Housing fixing part C2 Storage section C3 Lid part C31 base C32 lid C4 Outer Housing CN connection part D1 Anteroposterior direction D2 width direction D3 Height direction E Engaged part F Fastening member G groove H Harness HL through hole M Mounting part ST Cable Fixing Structure V-shaped body X rotation axis

Claims

1. A cable for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle's console box, wherein the cable is A flexible cable body, One end of the cable body is connected to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions, and the first end is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. The other end of the cable body is connected to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or a second end is attached to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. Equipped with, A cable wherein the first end and / or the second end have a fixing portion having a fastening hole, which can be fixed to the mounting portion or the component of the console box by a fastening member, and the fixing portion has an engaging portion that can engage with the mounting portion or the component of the console box in the rotational direction of the fastening member.

2. The cable according to claim 1, wherein the cable body is composed of a multi-stranded cable.

3. The cable according to claim 1, wherein the first end and / or the second end have a cylindrical connecting portion into which the cable body is housed and connected, and the connecting portion has a groove formed in the circumferential direction of the connecting portion on the inner surface facing the outer surface of the cable body such that a deformed part of the cable body fits into the connecting portion when the cable body is crimped to the connecting portion.

4. A cable fixing structure for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle's console box, wherein the cable fixing structure comprises a cable as described in any one of claims 1 to 3. The first end of the cable is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. A cable fixing structure wherein the second end of the cable is attached to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component.

5. The cable fixing structure comprises at least two cables, The first end of the first cable, which is one of the cables, is attached to one side of the first component in the width direction of the vehicle. The second end of the first cable is attached to the mounting portion and / or the second component on one side in the width direction of the vehicle. The first end of the second cable, which is another of the aforementioned cables, is attached to the other side of the first component in the width direction of the vehicle. The second end of the second cable is attached to the mounting portion and / or the second component that is attached to the other side in the width direction of the vehicle. The cable fixing structure according to claim 4.

6. A cable fixing structure for restricting the movement of components of a vehicle console box, wherein the cable fixing structure comprises at least two cables, Each of the aforementioned cables, A flexible cable body, One end of the cable body is connected to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions, and the first end is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. The other end of the cable body is connected to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or a second end is attached to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. Equipped with, The first end of the cable is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. The second end of the cable is attached to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. The first end of the first cable, which is one of the cables, is attached to one side of the first component in the width direction of the vehicle. The second end of the first cable is attached to the mounting portion and / or the second component on one side in the width direction of the vehicle. The first end of the second cable, which is another of the aforementioned cables, is attached to the other side of the first component in the width direction of the vehicle. The second end of the second cable is attached to the mounting portion and / or the second component that is attached to the other side in the width direction of the vehicle. Cable fixing structure.

7. A cable for restricting the movement of a component of a vehicle's console box by a predetermined amount or more when the component of the console box is damaged, wherein the cable comprises: A flexible cable body, One end of the cable body is connected to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions, and the first end is attached to the first component of the console box that is subject to movement restrictions. The other end of the cable body is connected to a mounting portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or a second end is attached to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. The included cable.

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