VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPONENT AND METHOD OF INSTALLING AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

Vehicle interior component (40) comprising the following: a body (41) comprising an inner wall of a vehicle and a through-hole (42) for passing an electrical component with a component-side connector (38) through it in order to fix the electrical component to a vehicle body panel (11), wherein the body (41) has a first surface (41A) opposite the vehicle body panel (11) and a second surface (41B) opposite the first surface (41A); and a cable holder (50) for temporarily holding an end section of at least one electrical cable (21A) during the fixing of the vehicle interior component (40) to the vehicle body panel (11), wherein the end section of the at least one electrical cable (21A) is connected to a cable-side connector (22), characterized in that the cable holder (50) has the following: a base section (51) extending from a first section (43A) of a hole edge (43) of the through hole (42) to an inside of the through hole (42) and having a compliance; a free end section (52) having an end face opposite a second section of the hole edge (43); and a middle section (54) between the base section (51) and the free end section (52), wherein at least the base section (51), the free end section (52), the middle section (54) and the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) define a space (55) which has at least one dimension larger than a diameter of the end section of the electrical cable (21A) and smaller than the cable-side connector (22) in order to keep the end section of the electrical cable (21A) in the space (55) and the cable-side connector (22) closer to the second surface (41B) of the vehicle interior component (40) than to the first surface (41A) of the vehicle interior component (40) during the fixing of the vehicle interior component (40) to the vehicle body panel (11).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle interior component and a method for installing an electrical component in a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] An example of a wiring harness retaining component on a headliner is a holder with an elongated shape extending along the edge of an opening formed in the headliner. The holder includes a clamp for holding a wiring harness. Japanese patent publication number JP 2015-020472A discloses such a wiring harness retaining component according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a method for installing an electrical component in a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0003] Further vehicle interior components and methods for installing an electrical component in a vehicle are known from JP 2003 - 320 903 A and KR 10 2006 0 110 019 A.

[0004] The bracket that holds the wiring harness is provided separately from the headliner; that is, a separate component is required to secure the wiring harness. In the technical field of vehicle interior components, there is a strong demand for a reduction in the number of parts. Therefore, a technology for reducing the number of parts used to attach electrical components to a vehicle's interior is anticipated.

[0005] If the holder is simply omitted, the wiring harness cannot be held in a suitable position while fixing the headliner to a vehicle roof, and the wiring harness cannot be in a position to provide easy access to the wiring harness for an assembler or fitter to connect the wiring harness to an electrical component after the headliner is fixed to the vehicle roof. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the foregoing circumstances. The object is to provide a vehicle interior component comprising a cable holder for temporarily holding an electrical cable, which is to be connected to an electrical component, during the fixing of the vehicle interior component to a vehicle body panel or body plate without the need for extra parts, and to provide a method for installing the electrical component in the vehicle.

[0007] The vehicle interior component comprises a body and a cable holder. The body includes an interior wall of a vehicle and a through-hole for routing an electrical component, including a component-side connector, to fix the electrical component to a vehicle body panel. The body has a first surface facing the vehicle body panel and a second surface facing away from the first. The cable holder is designed to temporarily hold the end section of at least one electrical cable or wire while fixing the vehicle interior component to the vehicle body panel, with the end section being connected to a wire-side connector.The conductor holder has a base section, a free end section, and a middle section. The base section extends from a first section of the hole rim to an inner surface of the through-hole and has some flexibility. The free end section has an end face opposite a second section of the hole rim. The middle section is located between the base section and the free end section. At least the base section, the free end section, the middle section, and the first section of the hole rim define a space with at least one dimension larger than the diameter of the end section of the electrical conductor and smaller than the conductor-side connection, around which the end section of the electrical conductor can be held.to keep the electrical cable in the space and the cable-side connection closer to the second surface of the vehicle interior component than the first surface of the vehicle interior component while fixing the vehicle interior component to the vehicle body panel.

[0008] According to the configuration, the end section of the electrical cable is held by the cable holder, and the cable-side connection or plug is located inside the vehicle rather than in a space between the vehicle body panel and the interior component. Specifically, the end section of the electrical cable is hooked onto the cable holder before the interior component is attached to the vehicle body panel and is temporarily held by the cable holder during this process. During the process of fixing the interior component to the body panel before attaching the electrical component, the end section of the electrical cable and the cable-side connection can shift to unexpected positions.Because the end section of the electrical cable is held in a suitable position by the cable holder, the cable-side connection can also be held in a suitable position. Since the base section of the cable holder has some give, the cable holder rotates around an axis of rotation at the base section to a position away from the electrical component when the cable-side connection is connected to the component-side connection. The cable holder is then pushed through the through-hole by the electrical component as the component is inserted into the space between the vehicle body panel and the vehicle interior component. Because the cable holder is a section of the vehicle interior component that is integrally formed with the body, no extra parts are needed to hold the electrical cable, and therefore the number of parts for the vehicle interior component can be reduced.

[0009] The compliance of the base section is defined such that the cable holder rotates around the axis of rotation at the base section towards the vehicle body panel with a force applied to the cable holder by the electrical component, which is pressed towards the vehicle body panel. According to the configuration, the cable holder continues to rotate when pressed by the electrical component.

[0010] The first and second sections of the hole rim are adjacent to each other. The space is defined by the base section, the free end section, the middle section, the first section of the hole rim, and the second section of the hole rim. The end face of the free end section of the cable holder in its natural state faces the second section of the hole rim, with a gap between them that is smaller than the diameter of the end section of the electrical cable. The free end section has a compliance to deform from its natural state under a force applied to it, widening the gap to allow the end section of the electrical cable to pass through it and returning to its natural state upon completion of the passage of the end section of the electrical cable through the gap.According to the configuration, the end section of the cable is less likely to pass through the gap until force is applied, and accordingly, the end section of the cable is held neatly or appropriately by the cable holder.

[0011] The space has a long dimension that is smaller than a long dimension of the cable-side connection perpendicular to an axis of the electrical cable. According to the configuration, the cable-side connection is more likely to be held against the inner edges of the cable holder and / or the first or second section of the hole edge, and consequently less likely to be displaced into the space between the vehicle body panel and the vehicle interior component. Furthermore, the end section of the electrical cable is appropriately held by the cable holder.

[0012] The base section features a recess in one of its surfaces, opposite the vehicle body panel. This recess extends along the axis of rotation around which the cable holder turns. Due to the configuration, tension is concentrated in the recessed portion of the base section, allowing the cable holder to rotate even more easily in the predetermined direction. This makes it easier to position the cable holder outside the path of the electrical component being mounted to the vehicle body panel.

[0013] The compliance of the base section is greater than the compliance of the free end section. According to the configuration, the cable holder rotates even more easily around its axis of rotation at the base section.

[0014] The first and second sections of the hole rim define a corner of the through-hole. The middle section has a curve. The space is defined by an inner edge of the base section, an inner edge of the free end section, an inner edge of the middle section, a portion of the first section of the hole rim connected to the inner edge of the base section, and a portion of the second section of the hole rim connected to the portion of the first section of the hole rim. According to the configuration, the space in which the end section of the electrical cable is held can be easily defined at the corner of the through-hole using the cable holder, which has a simple configuration.

[0015] The first and second sections of the hole rim are arranged in series. The middle section has a curve. The space is defined by an inner edge of the middle section, an inner edge of the free end section, an inner edge of the middle section, a portion of the first section of the hole rim connected to the inner edge of the base section, and a portion of the second section of the hole rim connected to the portion of the first section of the hole rim. Depending on the configuration, the cable holder can be positioned closer to the component-side connection.

[0016] The body and cable holder are formed from a single piece of the same material. Depending on the configuration, the number of parts and material costs for installing the electrical component in the vehicle can be reduced.

[0017] A method for installing the electrical component in the vehicle comprises the following: routing a wiring harness including an electrical cable with the end section connected to the cable-side connector on the first face of the vehicle interior component; passing the end section of the electrical cable and the cable-side connector through the through-hole of the vehicle interior component from a first face of the vehicle interior component to a second face of the vehicle interior component; placing the end section of the electrical cable closer to the free end section of the cable holder of the vehicle interior component; sliding the end section of the electrical cable along the second section of the hole edge towards the gap; pressing the end section of the electrical cable against the free end section of the cable holder.how the gap expands and the end section of the electrical cable passes through the gap and reaches the space; a loosening or releasing of the end section of the electrical cable when the end section of the electrical cable is at a point in the space; a fixing of the vehicle interior component to the vehicle body panel or a vehicle body plate; a holding of the electrical component closer to the through-hole of the vehicle interior component on the second surface side; a connecting of the cable-side terminal to the component-side terminal; a insertion of the electrical component into the through-hole; a pressing of the cable holder with the electrical component to cause a rotation of the cable holder about an axis of rotation on the base section,until the cable holder is out of the way of the electrical component; the electrical component is inserted into a space between the first surface of the vehicle interior component and the vehicle body panel at a predefined position; and the electrical component is secured to the vehicle body panel. According to this method, it is less likely that the end section of the electrical cable and the cable-side connector will be displaced from suitable positions without the use of extra parts to hold them in place during the fastening of the vehicle interior component to the vehicle body panel. Therefore, an assembler or fitter can easily access the cable-side connector to connect it to the component-side connector.After the vehicle interior component is fixed to the vehicle body panel or body plate, the cable holder can be moved out of the way of the electrical component simply by pushing the cable holder along with the electrical component while inserting the electrical component into the space between the vehicle body panel and the first surface of the vehicle interior component through the through-hole. Therefore, it is less likely that the cable holder will obstruct the installation of the electrical component, or that an extra step to remove or reposition the cable holder is required for installation.

[0018] According to the technologies described herein, the number of parts relating to the vehicle interior component can be reduced, and the offset of the end section of the electrical cable or the cable-side connection is less likely to occur during the fastening of the vehicle interior component to the vehicle body panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a ceiling interior component or sky interior component and a lighting unit fixed to a roof panel of a vehicle, according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the lighting unit when viewed from below inside the vehicle. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lighting unit when viewed from above, outside the interior of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the outside of the ceiling interior component. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an electrical cable held by a temporary cable holder. Fig. Figures 7A to 7C are explanatory views showing how to hold the electrical cable with the temporary cable holder. Fig. Figures 8A to 8C are explanatory views showing a rotation of the temporary cable holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] One embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8. Arrows are present in the drawings. FR and RR represent the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. INSIDE and OUTSIDE indicate the inside and outside of the vehicle, respectively. L and R indicate the right and left sides of the vehicle, respectively.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle roof 10 comprises a roof panel 11 (a vehicle body panel) and a ceiling interior component 40 (a vehicle interior component). The roof panel 11 forms a ceiling exterior component made of metal. The ceiling interior component 40 is located on the inside of the vehicle relative to the roof panel 11. The ceiling interior component 40 has a first surface 41A, which faces the roof panel 11, and a second surface 41B, which faces opposite the first surface 41A. The roof panel 11 has a mounting section 12 to which a lighting unit 30 (an electrical component) is attached. The lighting unit 30 is connected to a wiring harness 20 and is attached to the ceiling interior component 40.

[0021] The assembly section or fastening section 12 is formed from a metal plate component that extends along a panel surface of the roof panel 11, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the assembly section 12 having mounting holes 12A into which clips 15 are inserted to fasten the lighting unit 30 to the roof panel 11. The roof panel 11 has supports that support the ceiling interior component 40 from the outside of the vehicle. The supports are located at the rear of the assembly section 12 and on an outside side of the assembly section 12 with respect to the width of the vehicle. One of the supports at the rear of the assembly section 12, designated by reference numeral 13, is shown in Fig. 1 shown. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the support 13 projects from the mounting section 12 towards the ceiling interior component 40 and has a distal end that bends along the first surface 41A of the ceiling interior component 40, which faces the roof panel 11. The support 13 braces a section of the ceiling interior component 40 around a through-hole 42 from the outside of the vehicle. The support 13 allows the section of the ceiling interior component 40 to be held stably around a hole edge 43 of the through-hole 42 without the need for a retainer to reinforce the hole edge 43.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the wiring harness 20 has at least one electrical cable 21A, which is to be connected to the lighting unit 30. The wiring harness 20 has electrical cables that are sheathed and bundled with insulating components or elements. The cables or wires have an electrical wire 21B, which is to be connected to a room lamp. The wiring harness 20 is routed in a predefined pattern along a front pillar to the outer surface of the ceiling interior component 40 on the exterior side or outside of the vehicle, starting at the first surface 41A of the ceiling interior component 40.

[0023] The electrical cable 21A is fixed to the first surface 41A of the ceiling interior component 40 with adhesive tape at predefined points in the pattern. The electrical cable or wire 21A has a length that corresponds to the sum of the distance between the predefined point where the electrical wire 21A is fixed to the first surface 41A of the ceiling interior component 40, a connection section where the electrical wire or cable 21A is connected to the lighting unit 30 as fixed to the roof panel 11 (a component-side connection or plug 38), and a span or clearance required to connect the cable-side plug 22 to the component-side plug 38. The span provides flexibility for the electrical cable 21A when the lighting unit 30 is installed (see Fig. 4).

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the wiring harness 20 has the cable-side connector 22 at the end section of the electrical cable 21A. The cable-side connector 22, with its block-like overall shape, is a male connector for insertion into the component-side connector 38 of the lighting unit 30, which will be described later (see Figure 6). Fig. 2) The cable-side connector 22 is to be electrically connected to the component-side connector 38 and fixed to the component-side connector 38.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lighting unit 30 is to be mounted on a section of the ceiling interior component 40 closer to the front of the vehicle and in the center of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle's width. A front sun visor 17 and a passenger-side sun visor 17 are arranged on the right and left sides relative to the lighting unit 30. The lighting unit 30 has a rectangular, two-dimensional shape and features two map reading lamps 31, each at its front corner. Sections of the map reading lamps 31 on the inside are covered with light-transmissive covers. The map reading lamps 31 are designed to emit light through the covers to a driver's sheet and a passenger's sheet, respectively, when the map reading lamps 31 are switched on.

[0026] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the lighting unit 30 has the component-side connector 38, to which the cable-side connector 22 is to be connected. The component-side connector 38, including an opening on the left side, is a female connector into which the cable-side connector 22 is to be inserted from the left side. The lighting unit 30 is designed to receive power and electrical signals for switching on the map reading lamps 31 via the wiring harness 20 and the component-side connector 38 and the cable-side connector 22, which are electrically connected to each other.

[0027] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the lighting unit 30 has a first housing 33, located on the inside or interior side, and a second housing 35, located on the outside side. The first housing 33 and the second housing 35 are assembled together. The second housing 35 is a box-shaped component located on the exterior side relative to the ceiling interior component 40. The first housing 33 is a plate-shaped component arranged to cover an opening in the second housing 35 from inside the vehicle. The lighting unit 30 has mounting bases 36 that project from the second housing 35 toward the exterior side. The lighting unit 30 is fixed to the mounting section 12 by clips 15 attached to the mounting bases 36.The lighting unit 30 can be fixed to the mounting section 12 using other types of fastening components, such as screws.

[0028] The ceiling interior component 40 has a urethane foam membrane as its base. A surface (skin) is applied to a first surface of the ceiling interior component 40 on the interior side. The surface can be a woven membrane, a non-woven membrane, a resin membrane, or another type of membrane. An air barrier layer is formed on the first surface 41A of the ceiling interior component 40 on the exterior. The ceiling interior component 40 has laminated layers and is formed in a predefined shape by hot pressing.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the ceiling interior component 40 comprises a body 41 and a temporary cable holder 50. The body 41 forms an interior wall of the vehicle and includes the through-hole 42 with the hole edge 43. The temporary cable holder 50 extends from the hole edge 43 of the through-hole 42. The body 41 has a hole in the center for a room lamp 19.

[0030] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the through-hole 42 has a rectangular shape in a top view and a size that is slightly smaller than the first housing 33 of the lighting unit 30, but larger than the second housing 35, so that the second housing 35 fits through it. The through-hole 42 is designed such that the hole rim 43 is held by the first housing 33 from the inside and by the support 13 from the outside. The hole rim 43 has a rear edge section 43A on the back side and a side edge section 43B on the left side (see Figure 5). Fig. 6) The temporary cable holder 50 extends from the rear edge section 43A. The side edge section 43B is adjacent to the component-side connector 38. A left rear corner of the through-hole 42 is designated as a corner 42A.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the body 41 and the temporary cable holder 50 are formed integrally with the body 41. The temporary cable holder 50 is a section of material from the ceiling interior component 40 that is not cut or removed during the formation of the through-hole 42. During the formation of the through-hole 42, a water jet nozzle, which is a cutting device, can be moved along an outer edge of the through-hole 42 and an outer edge of the temporary cable holder 50 to form the temporary cable holder 50 at the edge 43 of the through-hole 42. It is desirable to form a space 55 during the process of forming the through-hole 42, which will be described later. To form the space 55, which is defined by an inner edge of the temporary cable holder 50 and sections of the hole edge 43, the water jet nozzle can be moved along the outer edge of the space 55.The water jet nozzle can be moved unicursally or on one side to collectively form the through hole 42 and the temporary cable holder 50.

[0032] As in Fig. 7A and Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, the temporary cable holder 50 extends from the rear edge section 43A of the hole rim 43 towards the front and curves towards the side edge section 43B of the hole rim 43. The temporary cable holder 50 has an L-shape in plan view. In this embodiment, the temporary cable holder 50 is located at the corner 42A adjacent to the component-side connector 38 when the lighting unit 30 is attached to the ceiling interior component 40. The temporary cable holder 50 is not arranged to overlap with the map reading lamps 31 of the lighting unit 30 in plan view (see Figure 7C). Fig. 3).

[0033] The temporary cable holder 50 has a base section 51, a free end section 52, and a central section 54. The base section 51 extends from the rear edge section 43A. The free end section is adjacent to the side edge section 43B. The central section 54 is located between the base section and the free end section 52. The temporary cable holder 50 is rotatable within a limited angle about an axis of rotation extending in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction in the top view. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, the base section 51 has a groove 53 extending along the axis of rotation. The groove 53 is formed in a surface of the base section opposite the roof panel 11 during the hot pressing of the ceiling interior component 40. The groove 53 provides the base section 51 with greater flexibility compared to other sections of the temporary cable holder 50; that is, the base section 51 functions as an integral hinge.

[0034] As in Fig. 7A and Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, an end face of the free end section 52 is slightly separated from the hole edge 43, and accordingly, a gap 52A is formed between the end face of the free end section 52 and the hole edge 43. The gap 52A is smaller than the diameter of the end section of the electrical cable 21A. The temporary cable holder 50 is designed such that the free end section 52, more precisely the end face of the free end section 52, contacts the inner wall of the through-hole 42 without the gap 52A. In this embodiment, the gap 52A is defined by the end face of the free end section 52 and the hole edge 43, which are formed by linearly cutting the cross-section of the material of the ceiling interior component 40 with a cutting device, such as a waterjet cutter.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, space 55 is defined by an inner edge of the base section 51 and an inner edge of the free end section 52, an inner edge of the middle section 54, a portion of the first section 43A connected to the inner edge of the base section 51, and a portion of the second section 43B connected to the portion of the first section 43A. The space has a smallest dimension less than a long dimension of the cable-side connector 22 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrical cable 21A. The long dimension of the cable-side connector 22 in a position that is in Fig. The measurement shown in 7C is taken in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle.

[0036] The space 55 has a rectangular shape with dimensions in the front-to-rear direction and the width direction of the vehicle that are smaller than the long dimension of the cable-side connector 22. The dimensions of the space 55 are defined such that the sections of the cable-side connector 22 are outside the space 55, that is, the cable-side connector 22 has the sections that are trapped by the temporary cable holder 50 or the hole edge 43 of the through-hole 42, even when the cable-side connector 22 is rotated about the axis of the electrical cable 21A.

[0037] As in Fig. Figure 7A shows the temporary cable holder 50 when no external force is applied. In its natural state, the temporary cable holder 50 is in an initial position where the end face of the free end section 52 faces the side edge section 43B of the hole rim 43. When the external force is applied to the free end section 52, the temporary cable holder 50 rotates upwards about the axis of rotation at the base section 51 from its initial position, thus reducing the width of the groove 53.

[0038] The temporary cable holder 50 is a holder for temporarily securing the end section of the electrical cable 21A during the installation of the lighting unit 30 on the ceiling interior component 40, in order to maintain the cable-side connector 22 in a position that allows easy access to it for an assembler. Specifically, the end section of the electrical cable 21A passes through the space 55 defined by the sections of the hole edge 43 and the inner edge of the temporary cable holder 50 in its natural state. The cable-side connector 22 is pulled out from a roof space between the roof panel 11 and the ceiling interior component 40 into the interior of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration, the assembler can easily connect the cable-side connector 22 to the component-side connector 38.

[0039] To attach the lighting unit 30 to the ceiling interior component 40, the end section of the electrical cable 21A is held in space 55 such that the cable-side connector 22 remains outside the roof space and inside the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7C is shown. The cable-side connector 22 is connected to the component-side connector 38, and the lighting unit 30 is inserted into the roof space through the through-hole 42 from inside the vehicle (from one side of the second surface 41B of the ceiling interior component 40). As the lighting unit 30 advances into the roof space, it pushes the free end section 52 to rotate the temporary cable holder 50 upwards. As a result, the lighting unit 30 settles into the through-hole 42. The temporary cable holder 50 has a compliance defined such that the temporary cable holder 50 rotates about the axis of rotation at the base section 51 to widen the gap 52A in order to guide the end section of the electrical cable 21A through the gap 52A, and returns to its natural state after the end section of the electrical cable 21A settles into the space 55.Next, the steps for attaching the lighting unit 30 to the ceiling interior component 40 will be described in sequence.

[0040] Before mounting the ceiling interior component 40 to the roof panel 11, the cable harness 20 is routed on the first surface 41A of the body 41 (see Fig. 5) In particular, the electrical wire or cable 21A is placed on a predefined path until the end section of the electrical cable 21A reaches the side edge section 43B closer to the temporary cable holder 50, while the electrical cable 21A is fixed to the first surface 41A at certain points. As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, the cable-side connector 22 is pulled out of the roof space from one side of the first surface 41A to one side of the second surface 41B via the through-hole 42. At this stage, the end section of the electrical cable 21A hangs out from the side edge section 43B of the through-hole 42. As shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, the end section of the electrical cable 21A is slid along the side edge section 43B towards the rear of the vehicle until it is inserted into space 55. Specifically, the end section of the electrical cable 21A is positioned closer to the free end section 52 and slid along the side edge section 43B towards the gap 52A. The end section of the electrical cable 21A is pressed against the free end section 52 until the gap 52A widens and the end section of the electrical cable 21A passes through the gap 52A and reaches space 55. When the free end section 52 is pressed, the free end section 52 can deform elastically to allow the end section of the electrical cable 21A to pass through the gap 52A, or the temporary cable holder 50 can rotate about the axis of rotation on the base section 51, as shown in Fig. 8A is shown. After the end section of electrical cable 21A is placed in space 55, the end section of electrical cable 21A is released. The end section of electrical cable 21A remains in section 55, as shown in Fig. 7C and Fig. 8B is shown, even if the assembler loosens or releases the end section of the electrical cable 21A, and the cable-side connector 22 remains in the position on the inside relative to the ceiling interior component 40 (closer to the second surface 41B than to the first surface 41A).

[0041] Small electrical components, including a room lamp 19, i.e. subassemblies, are mounted on the ceiling interior component 40 while being connected to the wiring harness 20 (see Fig. 5) Mounting the subassemblies to the ceiling interior component 40 before fixing the ceiling interior component 40 to the roof panel 11 improves work efficiency when attaching the ceiling interior component 40. The lighting unit 30 has a weight that could cause deformation of the ceiling interior component 40. Such a heavy component is not mounted on the ceiling interior component 40, so that the assembler can easily handle the ceiling interior component 40, which is a large component.

[0042] The ceiling interior component 40 is moved closer to the roof panel 11 from inside the vehicle, and outer edge sections of the ceiling interior component 40 are clipped to the roof panel 11. The cable-side connector 22 on the end section of the electrical cable 21A can swing during handling of the ceiling interior component 40. Since the end section of the electrical cable 21A is held by the temporary cable holder 50, it is less likely that the end section of the electrical cable 21A will move from the space 55 through the through-hole 42, and therefore it is less likely that the cable-side connector 22 will move into the roof space. When the ceiling interior component 40 is fixed to the roof panel 11, the end section of the electrical cable 21A remains in space 55 and accordingly the cable-side connector 22 is held in the position on the inside relative to the ceiling interior component 40 (see figure). Fig. 2).

[0043] After the ceiling interior component 40 is fixed to the roof panel 11, the lighting unit 30 is held closer to the through-hole 42 on the side of the second surface 41B and the cable-side connector 22 is connected to the component-side connector 38 (see double-dotted dashed lines in Fig. 2) The second housing 35 of the lighting unit 30 is held in a predefined position, and then the cable-side connector 22 is inserted into the component-side connector 38. The cable-side connector 22, inserted into the component-side connector 38, is held by the component-side connector 38 and is therefore less likely to move to an unexpected position. Before inserting the cable-side connector 22 into the component-side connector 38, the end section of the electrical cable 21A can be removed from space 55 to detach the end section of the electrical cable 21A from the temporary cable holder 50.

[0044] The second housing 35 is inserted into the through-hole 42. When the second housing 35 is pushed further towards the roof panel 11, it presses the temporary cable holder 50, causing the temporary cable holder 50 to rotate around its axis of rotation on the base section 51 towards the outside of the vehicle (see Fig. 8C). Since the temporary cable holder 50 is pushed out of the through-hole 42 into the roof space, the area of ​​the through-hole 42 is enlarged, and accordingly, the second housing 35 can be inserted into the through-hole 42 and held there. When the second housing 35 is moved to a predefined position, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the mounting bases or fastening bases 36 contact the mounting section 12. At this position, the second housing 35 is fixed to the mounting section 11 by the clips 15. The second housing 35 is positioned in the through-hole 42. The first housing 33 is attached to the second housing 35 to cover the edge of the hole 43 from inside the vehicle. When the edge of the hole 43 is covered by the first housing 33, the temporary cable holder 50, which is pressed into the space between the ceiling interior component 40 and the roof panel 11, is less likely to be visible from inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the temporary cable holder 50 is held in a position that does not overlap with the map reading lamps 31. Therefore, it is less likely that the temporary cable holder 50 is visible through the covers of the map reading lamps 31.The installation of the lighting unit 30 on the ceiling interior component 40 is complete through the steps described above.

[0045] The temporary cable holder 50 of the ceiling interior component 40 holds the end of the electrical cable 21A when the temporary cable holder 50 is in its natural state, such that the cable-side connector 22 is held on the inside of the vehicle relative to the ceiling interior component 40. Specifically, the end of the electrical cable 21A can be temporarily held by the temporary cable holder 50 in such a way that the assembler can easily access the cable-side connector 22 when connecting it to the component-side connector 38. During the installation of the ceiling interior component 40 to the roof panel 11, before the lighting unit 30 is attached to the ceiling interior component 40, the end of the electrical cable 21A and the cable-side connector 22 are less likely to be placed in unexpected positions.Therefore, the cable-side connector 22 can be easily connected to the component-side connector 38 after the ceiling interior component 40 is fixed to the roof panel 11. Furthermore, when the lighting unit 30 is inserted into the roof space through the through-hole 42 from inside the vehicle, the lighting unit 30 pushes the temporary cable holder 50 upwards, rotating it around the axis of rotation such that the temporary cable holder 50 is positioned in the space between the ceiling interior component 40 and the roof panel 11, and accordingly, the lighting unit 30 is held in the through-hole 42.Specifically, after the cable-side connector 22 is connected to the component-side connector 38, the temporary cable holder 50 can be rotated to move out of the way of the lighting unit 30 by simply pressing the temporary cable holder 50 together with the lighting unit 30 while the lighting unit 30 is being attached to the ceiling interior component 40. Furthermore, since the temporary cable holder 50 is a part or section of the ceiling interior component 40 and is formed integrally with the body 41, a separate retaining element for holding the end section of the electrical cable 21A is not required. Therefore, the number of parts relating to the vehicle's interior components can be reduced.

[0046] To insert the end section of the electrical cable 21A into the space defined by the temporary cable holder 50, the end section of the electrical cable 21A is slid into the through-hole 42 on the side edge section 43B until the end section of the electrical cable 21A is positioned in the space 55. To move the end section of the electrical cable 21A through the gap 52A, the end section of the electrical cable 21A is pressed against the free end section 52 of the temporary cable holder 50 to cause the temporary cable holder 50 to rotate. As the temporary cable holder 50 rotates, the gap 52A expands, and consequently, the end section of the electrical cable 21A is guided through the gap 52A and positioned in the space 55.After the end section of the electrical cable 21A has passed through the gap 52A and is placed in space 55, the free end section 52 of the temporary cable holder 50 returns to its original position, and the temporary cable holder 50 returns to its natural state. Since the end section of the electrical cable 21A does not pass through the gap 52A until an external force is applied to rotate the temporary cable holder 50, the end section of the electrical cable 21A remains in space 55.

[0047] Furthermore, the smallest dimension of space 55 is smaller than the long dimension of the cable-side connector 22 perpendicular to the axis of the electrical cable 21A. According to the configuration, the cable-side connector 22 is held in place by the temporary cable holder 50 and / or the edge 43 of the through-hole 42. Therefore, it is less likely that the cable-side connector 22 will be pulled into the space between the ceiling interior component 40 and the roof panel 11. In fact, the cable-side connector 22 can be held in the appropriate position.

[0048] The base section 51 of the temporary cable holder 50 has a groove 53 recessed in the surface of the base section 51 opposite the roof panel 11. The groove 53 extends along the axis of rotation. According to the configuration, when an external force is applied to the free end section 52 of the temporary cable holder 50, a stress is concentrated on a surface or area of ​​the base section 51, including the groove 53, and accordingly, the temporary cable holder 50 rotates slightly in the predefined direction toward the position out of the way of the lighting unit 30, for suitable attachment of the lighting unit 30. Other embodiments

[0049] The technology described herein is not limited to the embodiment described in the preceding description and drawings. The technology described herein may include the following embodiments. (1) The technology described herein can be applied to electrical devices different from the lighting device 30, and the shape and position of the through-hole 42 can be modified from those described above to fit the electrical devices to be used. (2) The shape and position of the temporary cable holder 50 can be modified from those described above. A temporary cable holder with a U-shape formed at the center of the side edge section 43B can be included within the scope of the present invention. The rotation mechanism of the temporary cable holder or makeshift cable holder 50 and the position of the temporary cable holder 50 after rotation can be modified from those of the preceding embodiment for different types of connection to an electrical component. Furthermore, a temporary cable holder extending linearly from the side edge section 43B and having an elongated shape can be included within the scope of the present invention.In this case, the end section of the electrical cable 21A can be hooked onto the temporary cable holder without rotating the temporary cable holder; however, the temporary cable holder may rotate if the electrical component is pushed into the roof space to be out of the way of the electrical component. (3) The base section 51 may not have the groove 53. The base section 51 may be designed to have a thickness less than that of other sections in order to have more flexibility than the other sections. (4) The method of forming the through-hole 42 and the temporary cable holder 50, the material of the ceiling interior component 40 and the method of forming the ceiling interior component 40 may be modified from those of the preceding embodiment. (5) The technology described herein can be applied to air conditioners, overhead consoles and other types of electrical components. (6) The technology described herein can be applied to luggage compartment linings, luggage racks and other types of interior components of vehicles. Furthermore, the technology described herein can be applied to interior components of vehicles other than automobiles, such as ships and aircraft.

[0050] Problem: To install an interior component of a vehicle, an extra part is needed to hold a wiring harness in a suitable position.

[0051] Solution: A vehicle interior component (40) comprises: a body (41) with a through-hole (42), a first surface (41A) facing a vehicle body panel (11), and a second surface (41B) opposite the first surface (41A); and a cable holder (50) that holds an end section of an electrical cable (21A) connected to a cable-side connector (22). The cable holder (50) comprises: a base section (51) extending from a first section (43A) of a hole rim (43) of the through-hole (42) to an inner side of the through-hole (42) and having compliance; a free end section (52) with an end surface that faces or is opposite a second section (43B) of the hole rim (43); and a central section (54).The base section (51), the free end section (52), the middle section (54) and the first section (43A) define a space (55) with a dimension that is larger than a diameter of the end section and smaller than the cable-side connector (22) in order to keep the end section in the space (55) and the cable-side connector (22) closer to the second surface (41B).

Claims

[1] Vehicle interior component (40) comprising the following: a body (41) comprising an inner wall of a vehicle and a through-hole (42) for passing an electrical component with a component-side connector (38) through it in order to fix the electrical component to a vehicle body panel (11), wherein the body (41) has a first surface (41A) opposite the vehicle body panel (11) and a second surface (41B) opposite the first surface (41A); and a cable holder (50) for temporarily holding an end section of at least one electrical cable (21A) during the fixing of the vehicle interior component (40) to the vehicle body panel (11), wherein the end section of the at least one electrical cable (21A) is connected to a cable-side connector (22), characterized by , that the cable holder (50) has the following features: a base section (51) extending from a first section (43A) of a hole edge (43) of the through hole (42) to an inside of the through hole (42) and having a compliance; a free end section (52) having an end face opposite a second section of the hole edge (43); and a middle section (54) between the base section (51) and the free end section (52), wherein at least the base section (51), the free end section (52), the middle section (54) and the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) define a space (55) which has at least one dimension larger than a diameter of the end section of the electrical cable (21A) and smaller than the cable-side connector (22) in order to keep the end section of the electrical cable (21A) in the space (55) and the cable-side connector (22) closer to the second surface (41B) of the vehicle interior component (40) than to the first surface (41A) of the vehicle interior component (40) during the fixing of the vehicle interior component (40) to the vehicle body panel (11). [2] Vehicle interior component (40) according to claim 1, wherein the compliance of the base section (51) is defined such that the cable holder (50) rotates about an axis of rotation on the base section (51) towards the vehicle body panel (11) with a force applied to the cable holder (50) by the electrical component which is pressed towards the vehicle body panel (11). [3] Vehicle interior component (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) and the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) are adjacent to each other, the space (55) is defined by the base section (51), the free end section (52), the middle section (54), the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) and the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43), the end face of the free end section (52) of the cable holder (50) in a natural state is opposite the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) with a gap (52A) that is smaller than the diameter of the end section of the electrical cable (21A), and the free end section (52) has a flexibility to deform from a natural state with a force applied to the free end section (52) to expand the gap (52A) to guide the end section of the electrical cable (21A) through the gap (52A) and to return to the natural state upon completion of the passage of the end section of the electrical cable (21A) through the gap (52A). [4] Vehicle interior component (40) according to claim 3, wherein the space (55) has a long dimension that is smaller than a long dimension of the cable-side connector (22) perpendicular to an axis of the electrical cable (21A). [5] Vehicle interior component (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base section (51) has a recess in a surface of the base section (51) which is opposite the vehicle body panel (11) and extends along an axis of rotation about which the cable holder (50) rotates. [6] Vehicle interior component (40) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the compliance of the base section (51) is greater than the compliance of the free end section (52). [7] Vehicle interior component (40) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) and the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) define a corner of the through hole (42), the middle section (54) has a curve, and the space (55) is defined by an inner edge of the base section (51), an inner edge of the free end section (52), an inner edge of the middle section (54), a part of the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) that is connected to the inner edge of the base section (51), and a part of the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) that is connected to the part of the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43). [8] Vehicle interior component (40) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) and the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) are arranged in a row, the middle section (54) has a curve, and the space (55) is defined by an inner edge of the base section (51), an inner edge of the free end section (52), an inner edge of the middle section (54), a part of the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43) that is connected to the inner edge of the base section (51), and a part of the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) that is connected to the part of the first section (43A) of the hole edge (43). [9] Vehicle interior component (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the body (41) and the cable holder (50) are formed in one piece from the same material. [10] A method of installing an electrical component in a vehicle, wherein the method comprises: a routing of a cable harness (20) including an electrical cable (21A) with an end section connected to a cable-side connector (22) on a first surface (41A) of the vehicle interior component (40) according to one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first surface (41A) is opposite a vehicle body panel (11) and a second surface (41B) of the vehicle interior component (40) is opposite the first surface (41A); a guiding of the end section of the electrical cable (21A) and the cable-side connector (22) through the through hole (42) of the vehicle interior component (40) from a first surface side of the vehicle interior component (40) to a second surface side of the vehicle interior component (40); fixing the vehicle interior component (40) to a vehicle body panel (11); holding the electrical component closer to the through-hole (42) of the vehicle interior component (40) on the second surface side; a connection of the cable-side connector (22) to the component-side connector (38); an insertion of the electrical component into the through hole (42); a pressing of the cable holder (50) with the electrical component to cause a rotation of the cable holder (50) around an axis of rotation of the base section (51) until the cable holder (50) is out of the way of the electrical component; an insertion of the electrical component into a space (55) between a first surface (41A) of the vehicle interior component (40) and the vehicle body panel (11) at a predefined position; and fixing the electrical component to the vehicle body panel (11); characterized by a placement of the end section of the electrical cable (21A), after guiding the end section of the electrical cable (21A) and the cable-side connector (22) through the through hole (42) of the vehicle interior component (40), closer to the free end section (52) of the cable holder (50) of the vehicle interior component (40); a sliding of the end section of the electrical cable (21A) on the second section (43B) of the hole edge (43) towards the gap (52A); a pressing of the end section of the electrical cable (21A) against the free end section (52) of the cable holder (50) until the gap (52A) expands and the end section of the electrical cable (21A) passes through the gap (52A) and reaches the space (55); a loosening of the end section of the electrical cable (21A), prior to fixing the vehicle interior component (40) to the vehicle body panel (11), when the end section of the electrical cable (21A) is placed in the space (55).

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