Vehicle door interior assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle door interior assembly that can simplify the assembly process of a vehicle door. The vehicle door interior assembly (1) comprises: a vehicle door interior (80) having a button through-hole (87) extending therethrough; an indicator button (17) having an upwardly convex shape inserted into the button through-hole (87) from below and capable of rising and falling; an indicator rod (10) integrally provided with the indicator button (17) and extending downward; and a connecting rod (20) rotatably supported on the vehicle door interior (80) and having a lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10) connected at one end (21). The connecting rod (20) rotates between a first position and a second position in conjunction with the indicator button (17) and can be connected at the other end (22) to a transmission member (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door interior trim assembly. Background Art

[0002] An example of a conventional vehicle door is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-223118 , which includes a lock button, a lever, and a bellcrank.

[0003] The locking button is convex and upwardly oriented, and can be raised and lowered. A rod is integrally provided with the locking button and extends downward. The bellcrank is rotatably supported on the base frame. The lower end of the rod is connected to one end of the bellcrank. The bellcrank rotates in conjunction with the locking button between a first position and a second position. The other end of the bellcrank is connected to a rod that extends from a door lock mounted on the vehicle door.

[0004] However, in the conventional vehicle door described above, the assembly process requires the installation of a lock button, a rod, and a bellcrank on the base frame. Furthermore, the rod extending from the door lock mounted on the vehicle door must be connected to the other end of the bellcrank. Consequently, conventional vehicle doors present a problem of difficulty in simplifying the assembly process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, a non-limiting object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door trim assembly that can simplify the assembly process of the vehicle door. This object is achieved by the content of claim 1. Further developments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The vehicle door interior assembly of the present invention comprises: a door interior, which is penetrated by a button through-hole; an indicator button, which is in an upward convex shape and is inserted into the button through-hole from below and can be raised and lowered; an indicator rod, which is integrally provided with the indicator button and extends downward; and a connecting rod, which is rotatably supported on the door interior and is connected to the lower end of the indicator rod at one end, the connecting rod is linked with the indicator button and rotates between a first position and a second position, and can be connected to a transmission member at the other end.

[0007] The vehicle door trim assembly of the present invention is manufactured as a pre-step in the vehicle door assembly process. Specifically, by introducing the vehicle door trim assembly into the vehicle door assembly process, the installation of the indicator button, indicator lever, and connecting rod can be omitted. As a result, the transmission member extending from the locking device, etc., installed during the vehicle door assembly process, can be quickly connected to the other end of the connecting rod in the vehicle door trim assembly.

[0008] Therefore, in the vehicle door trim assembly of the present invention, it is possible to simplify the assembly process of the vehicle door.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, preferably, a limiter is formed on the door trim, the limiter limiting the link from rotating from the second position to the opposite side of the first position by more than a predetermined angle in conjunction with the descent of the indicator button.

[0010] In this case, when the indicator button and indicator rod descend due to their own weight, and the link passes the second position and then attempts to rotate from the second position to the side opposite to the first position, the stopper can restrict the rotation of the link. As a result, it is possible to prevent the indicator button from falling out of the button insertion hole in the door trim between the previous step and the assembly of the vehicle door.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the transmission member is preferably a transmission cable and includes an outer tube and an inner cable housed in the outer tube so as to be movable forward and backward and connected to the other end of the connecting rod. Furthermore, an outer tube fixing portion for fixing the outer tube is preferably formed on the door trim.

[0012] In this case, the outer tube fixing portion allows for the rapid connection of the inner cable to the other end of the connecting rod, and the fastening of the outer tube to the door trim, for a transmission cable extending from a locking device installed during door assembly. Furthermore, there is no need for a separate bracket or the like to secure the outer tube to the door trim, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the indicator button and the indicator rod are preferably integrally formed as a resin component. Furthermore, a first anti-detachment portion is preferably integrally formed at the lower end of the indicator rod. When one end of the connecting rod is coupled to the lower end of the indicator rod, the first anti-detachment portion is elastically deformed by being pressed by the one end of the connecting rod, thereby allowing movement of the one end of the connecting rod. Furthermore, the first anti-detachment portion engages with the one end of the connecting rod when the one end of the connecting rod is coupled to the lower end of the indicator rod.

[0014] In this case, the number of components can be reduced, and the operation of manufacturing the vehicle door trim assembly as a pre-step in the door assembly process can be simplified.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention, the door interior preferably includes a shaft support portion, and the bearing portion supports the connecting rod so that it can rotate. Preferably, the connecting rod is a resin component including a shaft supported portion that is rotatably supported on the shaft support portion. Furthermore, preferably, a second anti-slip portion is integrally formed with the shaft supported portion, and when the shaft supported portion is supported on the shaft support portion, the second anti-slip portion is elastically deformed due to pressure from the shaft supported portion, thereby allowing movement of the shaft supported portion, and the second anti-slip portion is engaged with the shaft support portion when the shaft supported portion is supported on the shaft support portion.

[0016] In this case, the number of components can be reduced, and the operation of manufacturing the vehicle door trim assembly as a pre-step in the door assembly process can be simplified.

[0017] In other embodiments of the present invention, the door interior is preferably a resin component integrally formed with an exterior wall and a hollow box body, the exterior wall constituting a portion of the exterior surface on the vehicle compartment side, and the hollow box body being arranged on the rear side of the exterior wall facing the side opposite to the vehicle compartment. Preferably, the box body includes: an opposing wall opposing the rear side; and a peripheral wall protruding from the rear side and connected to the outer peripheral edge of the opposing wall, and opening in one direction along a specific direction of the rear side. Furthermore, preferably, the shaft supporting portion is a shaft hole provided through the opposing wall. In addition, preferably, the shaft supported portion is a rotating shaft that matches the shaft hole.

[0018] In this case, multiple sliding cores can be installed in the mold used to manufacture the door trim, forming a hollow box body, known as a "doghouse." Axial holes are then formed through the opposing walls of the box body, which support the connecting rod's rotation axis. This structure eliminates the need for a recessed portion in the exterior wall for supporting the connecting rod, thereby improving the exterior wall's appearance.

[0019] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings, the diagrams illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the concepts of the present invention disclosed in the specification and the accompanying drawings as a whole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a partial side view of a vehicle to which the vehicle door trim assembly of the embodiment is applied.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a partial perspective view of the vehicle door trim assembly according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the link is in the first position and the indicator button is raised.

[0022] Figure 3This is a partial side view of the vehicle door trim assembly according to the embodiment, with the side wall of the door trim omitted from illustration, showing a state in which the link is in the second position and the indicator button is lowered.

[0023] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle door trim assembly according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing an integrally formed indicator button and indicator lever, a link, and a box formed in the door trim.

[0025] Figure 6 is with Figure 3 This is also a partial side view showing a state before the transmission cable is connected to the other end of the link.

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] 1…Vehicle door interior assembly

[0028] 87…Button through hole

[0029] 80…Door interior

[0030] 17…Indicator button

[0031] 10…Indicator rod

[0032] 20…Connecting rod

[0033] 21…One end of the connecting rod

[0034] 22…the other end of the connecting rod

[0035] 11…Lower end of indicator stem

[0036] 30…Transmission member (transmission cable)

[0037] α1…prescribed angle

[0038] 82…Limiting parts

[0039] 31…External tube

[0040] 32…Internal cable

[0041] 83…External tube fixing portion

[0042] 16…First anti-slip part

[0043] 85…Shaft support (shaft hole)

[0044] 25 ...Shaft-supported portion (rotating shaft)

[0045] 26…Second anti-slip part

[0046] 88, 89…Exterior wall (88…upper wall, 89…side wall)

[0047] 89B…Back of exterior wall (back of side wall)

[0048] 81…Box

[0049] 81A…opposite wall

[0050] 81B…peripheral wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Example

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle door interior assembly 1 (hereinafter referred to as "door interior assembly 1") according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle door 8 of a motor vehicle or the like. Door 8 is a side door for opening and closing an opening 9 provided on the side of the vehicle body for the rear seats. The following description will be based on a case where door 8 is a side door for the left rear seats.

[0054] It should be noted that Figure 2 The front-back direction, up-down direction and vehicle inside-outside direction shown in the following figures are all the same as Figure 1 Expressed accordingly.

[0055] Door schematic structure

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle door 8 includes an outer door panel 8A and an inner door panel (not shown).

[0057] The outer door panel 8A is made of a steel plate, and its surface facing the vehicle outer side constitutes the exterior of the door 8. The inner door panel (not shown) is also made of a steel plate and is joined to the outer door panel 8A from the vehicle inner side.

[0058] The outer door panel 8A and the upper portion of the inner door panel (not shown) constitute a window frame of the vehicle door 8. The door trim assembly 1 is attached to a portion of the vehicle door 8 below the window frame from the vehicle interior.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, a door lock device 90 is provided at the rear end portion of the vehicle door 8. The door lock device 90 is a well-known structure, so the description is simplified. However, when the door lock device 90 moves along with the opening and closing of the vehicle door 8, a striker 99 fixed to the vehicle body relatively enters an entrance opening (not shown) of the door lock device 90.

[0060] An outside door handle 5 is provided on the outer surface of the vehicle door 8, above the door lock device 90. Although not shown, an inside door handle is provided on the inner surface of the vehicle door 8. The outside door handle 5 and the inside door handle are connected to the door lock device 90 via a transmission rod and a transmission cable, respectively, which are not shown.

[0061] Although not shown in the figure, the door lock device 90 includes a known latch mechanism that switches between a latched state and an unlocked state. The latch mechanism switches to the latched state when the vehicle door 8 is closed and the striker 99 is inserted into an unillustrated entrance opening, thereby retaining the striker 99. Conversely, the latch mechanism switches to the unlocked state when the user opens the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle (not shown), thereby allowing the striker 99 to be released from the unillustrated entrance opening.

[0062] Although not shown, the door lock device 90 includes a known locking and unlocking mechanism that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state via an electric actuator. A user's locking operation using a remote control key (not shown) activates the electric actuator, thereby switching the locking and unlocking mechanism to the locked state and prohibiting the latch mechanism from switching from the latched state to the unlocked state. Conversely, a user's unlocking operation using a remote control key (not shown) activates the electric actuator, thereby switching the locking and unlocking mechanism to the unlocked state and allowing the latch mechanism to switch from the latched state to the unlocked state.

[0063] The door lock device 90 is connected to a transmission cable 30 that is linked to the locking and unlocking mechanism. The transmission cable 30 is an example of a "transmission member" of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the transmission cable 30 includes an outer tube 31 and an inner cable 32 .

[0064] A thick cylindrical fixed portion 33 is provided at the end portion of the outer tube 31 on the side opposite to the door lock device 90. An annular fitting groove 33A is recessed in the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 33.

[0065] The inner cable 32 is housed in the outer tube 31 in an advance-retractable manner. The inner cable 32 protrudes from the fixed portion 33 of the outer tube 31 on the side opposite to the door lock device 90 and has a cylindrical cable terminal 32A provided at the tip thereof.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking and unlocking mechanism of the door lock device 90 is switched to the unlocked state, so that the inner cable 32 advances in a manner such that the portion protruding from the outer tube 31 becomes longer. Figure 3 As shown, the locking and unlocking mechanism of the door lock device 90 is switched to the locked state, so that the inner cable 32 retreats so that the portion protruding from the outer tube 31 becomes shorter.

[0067] Door interior assembly structure

[0068] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the door trim assembly 1 includes a door trim 80 , a bezel 40 , an indicator button 17 , an indicator lever 10 , and a link 20 .

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, the door trim 80 is installed from the inside of the vehicle to the portion of the door 8 below the window frame. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the shape of the door trim 80 is greatly simplified compared to the actual shape.

[0070] The door trim 80 is a resin component formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin, etc. It should be noted that, to enhance the texture, an elastic foam layer may be formed on the surface of the door trim 80. The door trim 80 has an integrally formed upper wall 88 and side walls 89.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper wall 88 of the door trim 80 extends from the front end to the rear end of the door 8 along the lower end edge of the window frame of the door 8. Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 6 An upper wall 88 of the door trim 80 partially shown in FIG. 8 is located on the front end side of the lower end edge of the window frame of the door 8 .

[0072] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the side wall 89 is connected to the end edge of the upper wall 88 on the vehicle inner side and extends downward and extends in the front-rear direction. The side wall 89 covers a large area of ​​the door 8 below the window frame.

[0073] The surfaces of the upper wall 88 and side walls 89 exposed to the vehicle interior constitute part of the exterior surface of the vehicle interior. The upper wall 88 and side walls 89 are examples of "exterior walls" in the present invention. It should be noted that other components may be attached to the surfaces of the upper wall 88 and side walls 89.

[0074] A circular button through hole 87 is vertically formed through the upper wall 88 of the door trim 80. A positioning recess 88D is formed in the upper wall 88. The positioning recess 88D is recessed radially outward from the inner periphery of the button through hole 87.

[0075] A box 81, a stopper 82, and an external pipe fixing portion 83 are integrally formed on the side wall 89 of the door trim 80. The box 81, the stopper 82, and the external pipe fixing portion 83 are arranged on the back surface 89B of the side wall 89, which faces away from the vehicle interior. The back surface 89B of the side wall 89 is an example of the "back surface of the exterior wall" of the present invention.

[0076] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 In FIG, the box body 81, the stopper 82 and the external tube fixing portion 83 are partially shown. Figure 5 , the box 81 is partially shown.

[0077] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the housing 81 is positioned offset to the rear from directly below the button through-hole 87 in the upper wall 88. The stopper 82 is positioned offset to the rear from directly below the button through-hole 87 in the upper wall 88, and is positioned forward and downward away from the housing 81. The external tube fixing portion 83 is positioned offset to the rear from directly below the button through-hole 87 in the upper wall 88, and is positioned backward and downward away from the housing 81.

[0078] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the box body 81 is hollow and includes an opposing wall 81A and a peripheral wall 81B. The opposing wall 81A is a rectangular flat plate extending parallel to the back surface 89B. The opposing wall 81A faces the back surface 89B at a position away from the back surface 89B toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0079] Peripheral wall 81B protrudes from rear surface 89B toward the vehicle's exterior and is connected to the outer edges of the upper, front, and rear sides of opposing wall 81A. Peripheral wall 81B encloses the space between opposing wall 81A and rear surface 89B from above, in front, and behind, and is open downward. The downward direction is an example of "one specific direction."

[0080] A circular shaft hole 85 is formed through the opposing wall 81A of the box body 81 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction. The shaft hole 85 is an example of a "shaft support portion" of the present invention.

[0081] In this embodiment, a plurality of sliding cores are provided in a mold for manufacturing a door trim 80 by injection molding, thereby forming a hollow box body 81, which serves as a so-called "doghouse." Axle holes 85 are formed through opposing walls 81A of the box body 81. After injection molding, the sliding cores forming the hollow portion of the box body 81 slide downward relative to the box body 81.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the stopper 82 is a flat plate-shaped rib that protrudes from the back surface 89B toward the outside of the vehicle. Figure 6 As shown, the limiting member 82 can limit the rotation range of the connecting rod 20.

[0083] The outer tube fixing portion 83 is a rib with a C-shaped cross section that protrudes from the rear surface 89B toward the vehicle exterior. A fitting recess 83A is formed in the center of the outer edge of the outer tube fixing portion 83, recessed toward the vehicle interior. The fitting recess 83A can fit into the fitting groove 33A of the fixed portion 33 of the outer tube 31.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the bezel 40 includes an integrally formed cylindrical portion 41, a frame portion 48, a positioning protrusion 40D, and a plurality of retaining portions 46. The bezel 40 is a resin member formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin or the like.

[0085] The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 41 is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the button through-hole 87. The frame portion 48 is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 41 and has a flange shape that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 41.

[0086] The positioning projection 40D projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and extends vertically. The positioning projection 40D is arranged to mate with the positioning recess 88D of the door trim 80.

[0087] Each retaining portion 46 is a cantilever beam projecting upward and formed by a portion surrounded by a U-shaped slit formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41. Each retaining portion 46 has a mountain shape projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion 41.

[0088] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the indicator button 17 and the indicator stem 10 are resin components integrally formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin or the like.

[0089] The indicator button 17 has an upwardly convex shape. Its upper end is hemispherical, and its lower portion is cylindrical. The surface of the indicator button 17 can be a highly aesthetically pleasing surface, such as a mirrored surface, a frosted surface, or an embossed surface.

[0090] The indicator stem 10 is a rod-shaped body connected to the lower end of the indicator button 17 and extending downward. A connecting shaft 14 and a plurality of first retaining portions 16 are integrally formed at the lower end 11 of the indicator stem 10.

[0091] The connecting shaft 14 is a cylindrical shaft that protrudes from the lower end 11 of the indicator stem 10 toward the vehicle interior.

[0092] Each first retaining portion 16 is a cantilever beam that is surrounded by a U-shaped slit formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 14 and projects toward the vehicle outer side.

[0093] The link 20 has a substantially L-shape and includes an integrally formed rotation shaft 25 and a plurality of second retaining portions 26. The link 20 is a resin member formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin or the like.

[0094] The link 20 extends forward from a substantially L-shaped curved portion to one end 21 , and extends downward from the curved portion to the other end 22 .

[0095] The rotating shaft 25 is a cylindrical shaft that protrudes toward the vehicle interior from the substantially L-shaped curved portion of the connecting rod 20. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft 25 is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft hole 85. In other words, the rotating shaft 25 is aligned with the shaft hole 85. The rotating shaft 25 is an example of a "supported portion" of the present invention.

[0096] Each second retaining portion 26 is a cantilever beam projecting toward the vehicle outer side and formed by a portion surrounded by a U-shaped slit formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 25. Each second retaining portion 26 has a mountain shape projecting radially outward from the rotating shaft 25.

[0097] A circular rod connecting hole 24 is formed at one end 21 of the link 20 in the vehicle interior-exterior direction. The inner diameter of the rod connecting hole 24 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft 14 of the indicator rod 10 .

[0098] A circular cable connection hole 23 is provided at the other end 22 of the connecting rod 20, extending inward and outward from the vehicle. The inner diameter of the cable connection hole 23 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cable terminal 32A of the transmission cable 30. Furthermore, a slit 23S is cut into the other end 22 of the connecting rod 20 to allow the portion of the internal cable 32 connected to the cable terminal 32A to pass through.

[0099] Installation of the door trim assembly as a pre-step in the door assembly process

[0100] In the door trim assembly 1 having the above structure, as a pre-step in the assembly process of the door 8 , the bezel 40 , the indicator button 17 , the indicator lever 10 , and the link 20 are mounted on the door trim 80 as follows.

[0101] First, the frame 40 is lowered from a position above the upper wall 88 of the door trim 80 toward the button through hole 87 of the door trim 80. Figure 2 As shown, the cylindrical portion 41 is inserted into the button through-hole 87 of the door trim 80 from above.

[0102] At this time, the positioning protrusion 40D fits into the positioning recess 88D of the upper wall 88 to position the frame 40. In addition, each anti-detachment portion 46 is elastically deformed by being pressed by the inner peripheral surface of the button insertion hole 87, thereby allowing the movement of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0103] Then, when the cylindrical portion 41 is fitted into the button through hole 87 , the respective retaining portions 46 do not undergo elastic deformation, and the mountain-shaped portions engage with the inner periphery of the button through hole 87 from below, thereby preventing the retaining portion from slipping off.

[0104] like Figure 3 As shown, when the frame 40 is mounted on the upper wall 88 of the door interior 80, the frame portion 48 abuts against the upper wall 88 from above and Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 The inner periphery of the button through-hole 87 is shown covered.

[0105] Next, if Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the connecting shaft 14 of the indicator rod 10 is moved from a position on the vehicle outer side relative to the one end 21 of the link 20 toward the rod connecting hole 24 of the link 20 .

[0106] Therefore, if Figure 2 As shown, the connecting shaft 14 is connected to the rod connecting hole 24 of the connecting rod 20. At this time, each first anti-detachment portion 16 is elastically deformed by being pressed by the inner peripheral surface of the rod connecting hole 24, thereby allowing the movement of the connecting shaft 14.

[0107] Then, when the connecting shaft 14 is connected to the rod connecting hole 24 , each first retaining portion 16 does not elastically deform, and the mountain-shaped portion engages with the inner peripheral edge of the rod connecting hole 24 from the vehicle inside, thereby preventing the retaining portion from being disconnected.

[0108] Next, if Figure 6 As shown, the indicator button 17 is inserted from below into the cylindrical portion 41 of the bezel 40 attached to the upper wall 88 of the door trim 80. Thus, the indicator button 17 is held in the cylindrical portion 41 while being inserted from below into the cylindrical portion 41 fitted into the button through-hole 87, and can be guided by the cylindrical portion 41 to rise and fall.

[0109] Next, the rotation shaft 25 of the link 20 is moved from a position on the vehicle outer side of the box 81 of the door trim 80 to the shaft hole 85 of the facing wall 81A of the box 81 .

[0110] Thus, the rotation shaft 25 is rotatably supported by the shaft hole 85 of the case 81. At this time, each second retaining portion 26 is elastically deformed by the mountain-shaped portion being pressed by the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole 85, thereby allowing the rotation shaft 25 to move.

[0111] Then, while the rotating shaft 25 is rotatably supported in the shaft hole 85 , each second retaining portion 26 does not elastically deform, and the mountain-shaped portion engages with the inner peripheral edge of the shaft hole 85 from the vehicle inside, thereby preventing the second retaining portion 26 from being retained.

[0112] In the state where the installation work of the door trim assembly 1 is completed in this manner, even if the indicator button 17 and the indicator rod 10 are lowered due to their own weight, the link 20 is moved forward in conjunction with the lowering of the indicator button 17. Figure 6 When the paper rotates clockwise, the limiting member 82 will also abut against the end 21 side of the connecting rod 20 from below, thereby limiting the rotation of the connecting rod 20.

[0113] When the stopper 82 restricts the rotation of the link 20, the upper portion of the indicator button 17 is held by the cylindrical portion 41 of the bezel 40. This prevents the indicator button 17 from falling out of the cylindrical portion 41 fitted into the button through hole 87 of the door trim 80.

[0114] Installation of transmission cables during door assembly

[0115] In the assembly process of the vehicle door 8 , when the door trim assembly 1 having completed the previous steps is mounted on the vehicle door 8 , an operation of coupling the transmission cable 30 to the other end 22 of the link 20 is performed.

[0116] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the cable terminal 32A of the inner cable 32 of the transmission cable 30 is inserted into the cable connection hole 23 of the link 20 , and the portion of the inner cable 32 connected to the cable terminal 32A is passed through the slit 23S of the link 20 .

[0117] Next, the fixed portion 33 of the outer tube 31 of the transmission cable 30 is moved from a position further outboard of the vehicle than the outer tube fixing portion 83 of the door trim 80 toward the fitting recess 83A of the outer tube fixing portion 83. As a result, the fitting groove 33A of the fixed portion 33 fits into the fitting recess 83A, securing the fixed portion 33 to the outer tube fixing portion 83. In this manner, after the cable terminal 32A of the inner cable 32 is connected to the cable connecting hole 23 of the link 20, the outer tube fixing portion 83 secures the outer tube 31 by fitting therewith.

[0118] As a result, the link 20 rotates in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the inner cable 32, thereby raising and lowering the indicator button 17. It should be noted that the inner cable 32 can be connected to the other end 22 of the link 20 after the outer tube 31 is fixed to the side wall 89 of the door trim 80.

[0119] Indicator button linked to the locking and unlocking mechanism

[0120] In the vehicle door 8 completed as described above, when the locking and unlocking mechanism of the door lock device 90 is switched to the unlocking state, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the inner cable 32 advances, and thus the link 20 rotates in such a manner that the one end 21 rises.

[0121] As a result, the indicator button 17 and the indicator rod 10 are pushed upward, and the indicator button 17 is guided by the cylindrical portion 41 of the bezel 40 to move upward. Figure 2 The unlock display position P1 shown is raised. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the door 8 is unlocked by visually viewing the indicator button 17 (P1) through the window of the door 8 from outside the vehicle.

[0122] On the other hand, when the locking and unlocking mechanism of the door lock device 90 is switched to the locked state, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the inner cable 32 retreats, so that the link 20 rotates in such a manner that the one end 21 descends.

[0123] As a result, the indicator button 17 and the indicator rod 10 are pulled downward, and the indicator button 17 is guided by the cylindrical portion 41 of the bezel 40 toward the Figure 3 The locked display position P2 shown is lowered. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the vehicle door 8 is locked by visually viewing the indicator button 17 (P2) through the window of the vehicle door 8 from outside the vehicle.

[0124] Figure 2 The position of the connecting rod 20 shown is the first position. Figure 3 The position of the link 20 shown is the second position. That is, the link 20 rotates between the first position and the second position in conjunction with the indicator button 17 rising and falling between the unlocked display position P1 and the locked display position P2.

[0125] Figure 6 The position of the link 20 shown is a position where the stopper 82 restricts the link 20 from rotating by a predetermined angle α1 or more from the second position to the side opposite to the first position in conjunction with the indicator button 17 descending to a position below the locked display position P2. The predetermined angle α1 is set within a range in which the upper portion of the indicator button 17 is retained by the cylindrical portion 41 of the bezel 40.

[0126] Effects

[0127] like Figure 2 As shown, the door trim assembly 1 of the embodiment is manufactured as a pre-step in the assembly process of the vehicle door 8. That is, by introducing the door trim assembly 1 during the assembly process of the vehicle door 8, the work of installing the indicator button 17, the indicator lever 10, and the link 20 can be omitted.

[0128] As a result, the operation of connecting the transmission cable 30 extending from the installed locking device 90 to the other end 22 of the connecting rod 20 in the vehicle door interior assembly 1 can be quickly performed during the assembly process of the vehicle door 8. More specifically, the operation of inserting the cable terminal 32A of the internal cable 32 of the transmission cable 30 into the cable connecting hole 23 of the connecting rod 20 and passing the portion of the internal cable 32 connected to the cable terminal 32A through the slit 23S of the connecting rod 20, as well as the operation of fixing the external tube 31 to the side wall 89 of the vehicle door interior 80 can be quickly performed.

[0129] Therefore, in the vehicle door trim assembly 1 of the embodiment, it is possible to simplify the assembly process of the vehicle door 8 .

[0130] In addition, in the door trim assembly 1, when the indicator button 17 and the indicator rod 10 are lowered due to their own weight, the link 20 passes the second position and then rotates from the second position to the side opposite to the first position, i.e., Figure 6 When the link 20 is rotated clockwise in the drawing, the stopper 82 of the door trim 80 can be used to limit the link 20 from rotating beyond the predetermined angle α1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the indicator button 17 from falling out of the cylindrical portion 41 inserted into the button through-hole 87 of the door trim 80 between the previous step and the assembly step of the door 8.

[0131] Furthermore, in the vehicle door interior trim assembly 1, as Figure 2 As shown, after the cable terminal 32A of the inner cable 32 is connected to the cable connection hole 23 of the link 20, the outer tube fixing portion 83 of the door trim 80 secures the fixed portion 33 of the outer tube 31 by engaging the fitting groove 33A with the fitting recess 83A. This structure allows for the quick connection of the inner cable 32 to the other end 22 of the link 20 and the securing of the outer tube 31 to the side wall 89 of the door trim 80 during the assembly process of the vehicle door 8, with the transmission cable 30 extending from the installed locking device 90. Furthermore, since no bracket or the like is required to secure the outer tube 31, separate from the door trim 80, the number of components can be reduced.

[0132] In addition, in the vehicle door interior trim assembly 1, as Figure 5 As shown, the indicator button 17 and the indicator stem 10 are integrally formed resin components. Furthermore, a plurality of first retaining portions 16 are integrally formed at the lower end 11 of the indicator stem 10. This structure reduces the number of components and simplifies the manufacturing process of the door trim assembly 1 as a pre-step in the assembly process of the vehicle door 8.

[0133] Furthermore, in this door trim assembly 1, the link 20 is a resin component including a rotation shaft 25 rotatably supported in the shaft hole 85. Furthermore, a plurality of second retaining portions 26 are integrally formed with the rotation shaft 25. This configuration reduces the number of components and simplifies the manufacturing process of the door trim assembly 1 as a pre-step in the assembly process of the vehicle door 8.

[0134] Furthermore, in this door trim assembly 1, the door trim 80 is a resin component with a hollow box 81 integrally formed on the back surface 89B of the side wall 89. The box 81 includes an opposing wall 81A, through which a shaft hole 85 is formed, and a peripheral wall 81B, which opens downward. This structure allows the mold used to manufacture the door trim 80 by injection molding to include multiple sliding cores, thereby forming the hollow box 81, a so-called "doghouse." The shaft hole 85 is formed through the opposing wall 81A of the box 81, and the rotating shaft 25 of the connecting rod 20 is axially supported by the shaft hole 85. As a result, there is no need to form a recessed portion in the side wall 89 for axially supporting the connecting rod 20, thereby improving the appearance quality of the side wall 89.

[0135] As mentioned above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention.

[0136] For example, in the embodiment, the indicator button 17 and the indicator stem 10 are integrally formed resin components, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, a structure in which a resin indicator button is insert-molded on the upper end of a metal indicator stem is also included in the present invention.

[0137] The present invention also encompasses structures in which the transmission cable 30 of the embodiment is replaced with a transmission rod. In the embodiment, the outer tube 31 of the transmission cable 30 is secured to the outer tube securing portion 83 by engaging the fitting groove 33A with the fitting recess 83A. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the outer tube may be secured to the outer tube securing portion using screws, clamps, or the like.

[0138] In the embodiment, the connecting shaft 14 is formed at the lower end 11 of the indicator rod 10, and the rod connecting hole 24 is formed through the one end 21 of the connecting rod 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, a connecting shaft may be formed at one end of the connecting rod, and a connecting hole for connecting the connecting shaft may be formed through the lower end of the indicator rod.

[0139] In the embodiment, the door trim 80 includes the shaft hole 85 as a shaft support portion, and the connecting rod 20 includes the rotating shaft 25 as a shaft supported portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the door trim may include the rotating shaft as a shaft support portion, and the connecting rod may include the shaft hole as a shaft supported portion.

[0140] Alternatively, the box body 81 may be removed from the side wall 89 of the embodiment, and a shaft hole serving as a shaft support portion may be provided in the side wall 89 to rotatably support the rotating shaft 25 of the connecting rod 20 .

[0141] In the embodiment, the vehicle door interior assembly 1 is applied to a left rear seat side door, i.e., a vehicle door 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the vehicle door to which the vehicle door interior assembly is applied may be a side door located on the right side of the vehicle. Furthermore, a door other than a side door, such as a rear door, may also be used as long as an indicator button is provided.

[0142] For the indicator button 17 of the embodiment, it can also be that the indicator button 17 is pushed down to the locked display position P2 by the user's manual locking operation on the indicator button 17, thereby switching the locking and unlocking mechanism of the locking device 90 to the locked state. On the other hand, the indicator button 17 is pulled up to the unlocking display position P1 by the user's manual unlocking operation on the indicator button 17, thereby switching the locking and unlocking mechanism of the locking device 90 to the unlocked state.

Claims

1. A vehicle door interior trim assembly (1), characterized in that: have: A door interior (80) having a button through-hole (87) extending therethrough; an indicator button (17) which is inserted into the button through hole (87) from below and has an upward convex shape and can be raised and lowered; an indicator rod (10) integrally provided with the indicator button (17), wherein the indicator rod (10) extends downward; and A connecting rod (20) is rotatably supported on the door interior (80) and is connected to the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10) at one end (21). The connecting rod (20) rotates in conjunction with the indicator button (17) between a first position in which the indicator button (17) is raised and a second position in which the indicator button (17) is lowered, and is connected to a transmission member (30) at the other end (22). A limit member (82) is formed on the door interior (80), and the limit member (82) abuts against the connecting rod (20) to limit the connecting rod (20) from rotating from the second position to the side opposite to the first position by more than a specified angle (α1) in conjunction with the descent of the indicator button (17).

2. The vehicle door interior trim assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission member (30) is a transmission cable (30), and the transmission cable (30) includes: an outer tube (31); and an inner cable (32) which is accommodated in the outer tube (31) in a manner capable of advancing and retreating and is connected to the other end (22) of the connecting rod (20). An external pipe fixing portion (83) for fixing the external pipe (31) is formed on the door interior (80).

3. The vehicle door interior trim assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator button (17) and the indicator rod (10) are integrally formed resin components. A first anti-detachment portion (16) is integrally formed at the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10). When the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) is connected to the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10), the first anti-detachment portion (16) is elastically deformed by being pressed by the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20), thereby allowing the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) to move. In addition, the first anti-detachment portion (16) is engaged with the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) in a state in which the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) is connected to the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10).

4. The vehicle door interior trim assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The indicator button (17) and the indicator rod (10) are integrally formed resin components. A first anti-detachment portion (16) is integrally formed at the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10). When the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) is connected to the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10), the first anti-detachment portion (16) is elastically deformed by being pressed by the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20), thereby allowing the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) to move. In addition, the first anti-detachment portion (16) is engaged with the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) in a state in which the one end (21) of the connecting rod (20) is connected to the lower end (11) of the indicator rod (10).

5. The vehicle door interior trim assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The door interior (80) includes a shaft support portion (85), and the shaft support portion (85) supports the connecting rod (20) so as to be rotatable. The connecting rod (20) is a resin component including a shaft-supported portion (25) rotatably supported by the shaft-supporting portion (85). A second anti-slip portion (26) is integrally formed on the shaft-supported portion (25). When the shaft-supported portion (25) is supported on the shaft-supporting portion (85), the second anti-slip portion (26) is elastically deformed due to being pressed by the shaft-supporting portion (85), thereby allowing the shaft-supported portion (25) to move. In addition, the second anti-slip portion (26) is engaged with the shaft-supporting portion (85) when the shaft-supported portion (25) is supported on the shaft-supporting portion (85).

6. The vehicle door interior trim assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The door interior (80) is a resin component integrally formed with an exterior wall (88, 89) and a hollow box body (81), wherein the exterior wall (88, 89) constitutes a portion of the exterior surface on the vehicle compartment side, and the hollow box body (81) is arranged on the back side (89B) of the exterior wall (88, 89) facing the side opposite to the vehicle compartment. The box body (81) includes: an opposing wall (81A) that is opposite to the back surface (89B); and a peripheral wall (81B) that protrudes from the back surface (89B) and is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the opposing wall (81A), and is open in one direction along the back surface (89B). The shaft support portion (85) is a shaft hole (85) provided through the opposing wall (81A). The shaft-supported portion (25) is a rotating shaft (25) that matches the shaft hole (85).

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