VEHICLE INTERIOR EDGE PROTECTION ELEMENT

Abstract

A vehicle interior edge protection element is provided, which can be attached to an end section located in a specific area according to a regulation for protrusions in vehicle interiors. The vehicle interior edge protection element comprises: a mounting section for attachment to the end section; and an overlapping section extending continuously from the mounting section, designed to cover an edge of the end section in a curved surface shape and possessing a hardness that meets a specific requirement according to the specified area.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle interior edge protection element that can be attached to an end section within an area defined by regulations for projections in vehicle interiors. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A seat backrest made of kenaf as the base material is known from the prior art. Such a base material is produced by a hot pressing process, a forming process, and the like, and a circumferential edge section is cut during the forming process, leaving an end section with an edge as a mold mark on this cut section.

[0003] Furthermore, automotive interior components must comply with the regulations for protrusions in vehicle interiors, and these regulations also apply to a seat backrest. In particular, any part of the seat backrest that can come into contact with an occupant's head must meet certain requirements (hereinafter referred to as internal protrusion requirements), such as a radius of curvature.

[0004] This means that the cut section of the base material described above does not meet the requirements for internal projections in its original cut state, so post-processing to round the edge is necessary. Furthermore, depending on the thickness of the base material, the requirements for internal projections may still not be met even after the edge is rounded. In this case, a sheet thickness that is not actually required for the base material's function may be necessary simply to comply with the regulations.

[0005] To reduce the number of processing steps and material removal or loss, it is possible to use an edge protection element as disclosed in JPH09-226822A. This means that the cut section (the edge) of the base material is covered with the edge protection element to comply with regulations.

[0006] However, the edge protection element disclosed in JPH09-226822A is only described with an essentially U-shaped cross-section, and there is no description of the requirements for internal projections.

[0007] Therefore, the problem is that even if the edge protection element is attached to the end section to cover the edge, the requirements for internal protrusions may not be met depending on the surface shape and hardness. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure provides a vehicle interior edge protection element that meets the requirements for internal projections for an end section by simply being attached to the end section arranged in a certain area in accordance with the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors.

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, the vehicle interior edge protection element of the present disclosure has the following aspects.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle interior edge protection element is attachable to an end section located in a specific area according to a requirement for projections in vehicle interiors. The vehicle interior edge protection element comprises: a fastening section for attachment to the end section; and an overlapping section forming a continuous extension of the fastening section, designed to cover an edge (5A) of the end section in a curved surface shape, and possessing a hardness that satisfies a specific requirement according to the specified area.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle interior edge protection element attached to the end section is subject to the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors instead of the end section itself, and the requirements for internal projections are met by the curved surface shape of the overlapping section. Therefore, only the attachment of the vehicle interior edge protection element to the end section can comply with the regulations.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the covering section according to the first aspect has the form of a tube with an open cross-section for covering the edge, which is formed continuously along the end section, extending in a constant cross-sectional shape. The fastening section comprises a pair of clamping elements formed at one end and the far end in a circumferential direction of the covering section and suitable for being clamped to the end section in a plate thickness direction. The vehicle interior edge protection element further comprises a first core material, which has a higher stiffness than the covering section and is contained within the covering section, extending in the circumferential direction of the tube.

[0013] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, when the cover section opens upon clamping the pair of clamping bodies to the end section, the first core material exerts a force in a closing direction on the pair of clamping bodies, making it less likely that the vehicle interior edge protection element can be detached from the end section.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the cover section according to the second aspect is elastically deformable to conform to the end section, which extends along a curve. The vehicle interior edge protection element further comprises a second core material extending in a tube axis direction within the cover section, designed to plastically deform in response to elastic deformation of the cover section bending along a curved region of the end section, and designed to retain the shape of the cover section after deformation.

[0015] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle interior edge protection element can be held in a curved shape by the plastic deformation of the second core material, and the vehicle interior edge protection element can also be easily attached to the curved area of ​​the end section.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the first core material and the second core material, according to the third aspect, are formed from a flat metal plate. The second core material extends linearly to connect several of the first core materials, which are contained at intervals in the direction of the tube axis.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, if the first core material and the second core material are formed separately, a certain thickness is required to prevent mutual interference between the second core material and the first core material extending in a pipe axis direction. However, the thickness of the overlap section can be reduced by this amount. Furthermore, the vehicle interior edge protection element can be easily cut in the pipe axis direction between the adjacent first core materials if a vehicle interior edge protection element of a desired length is required.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening section according to one of the second to fourth aspects comprises a pair of facing clamping surfaces which are brought into close surface contact with the end section in the pair of clamping bodies.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the first core material exerts a force in the closing direction on the pair of clamping bodies, and the end section and the clamping surface are brought into close surface contact with each other, thereby further reducing the probability that the vehicle interior edge protection element will detach from the end section.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the two clamping surfaces according to the fifth aspect are facing each other and separated from each other in the direction of outer sides of an opening between the two clamping bodies, so that the end section can be inserted from the opening.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle interior edge protection element can be easily attached because one side, which receives the end section, is wide open. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an end section to which a vehicle interior edge protection element is attached according to the present embodiment; Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the vehicle interior edge protection element perpendicular to a pipe axis direction, comprising a first core material; Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the vehicle interior edge protection element perpendicular to the pipe axis direction, which includes a second core material; Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the core material before shaping; Fig. Figure 5 is a view in which the vehicle interior edge protection element is applied to a seatback base material using kenaf; and Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0022] The following are embodiments according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directional terms such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are assumed to indicate a corresponding direction in the drawings. If no specific reference drawing is indicated in the following description, or if a reference drawing does not contain a corresponding reference numeral, reference is made, if necessary, to one of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 referred. (Schematic description of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1)

[0023] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is attached to an end section 5 such that an edge 5A of the end section 5 is not exposed. The end section 5, to which the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is to be attached, is located in a specific area in accordance with the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors. Examples of the end section 5 include a molded marking that remains on an end section of a molded part, such as the base material of a seat back or instrument panel. The end section 5 extends along a circumferential edge of the molded part and has a constant cross-sectional shape, and the edge 5A is formed continuously along the end section 5. Such an edge 5A is typically covered with a soft skin, felt, or the like. However, in an assessment according to the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors, a skin, felt, or the like that is not exposed is considered acceptable.An edge that has no predetermined hardness or a higher hardness is considered non-existent. Therefore, such an edge (5A) requires post-processing such as rounding.

[0024] Unlike a skin, felt, or the like, which are considered non-existent, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 has a Shore A hardness of at least 50. In other words, a Shore A hardness of at least 50 is a hardness that meets the regulations for protrusions in vehicle interiors, and because of this hardness, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, instead of end section 5, meets the regulations for protrusions in vehicle interiors, unlike a skin, felt, or the like. Specifically, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is manufactured by processing soft vinyl chloride through extrusion into an elongated form. When in use, it is cut to the required length according to the length of end section 5. (Configuration of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1)

[0025] The vehicle interior edge protection element 1 comprises a fastening section 2 to be attached to the end section 5, a covering section 3 which covers the edge 5A of the end section 5 with a curved surface shape which meets a certain requirement in accordance with a certain area, and a core material 4 contained in the covering section 3. (Cover section 3)

[0026] As it is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the overlapping section 3 transitions continuously from the fastening section 2 and has the form of a tube with a C-shaped cross-section to cover edge 5A. An outer circumferential surface of the overlapping section 3 has a shape that complies with the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors, i.e., a shape that meets the requirements for internal projections, and is formed in a curved surface shape, e.g., R4. The R-shape of the outer circumferential surface is modified accordingly, in accordance with the specified area under the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors.

[0027] The specified area is an area where an occupant could bump their head against the interior of the vehicle. Within such a specified area, examples of an interior component where end section 5 may be formed as the shape marking above could include a sun visor, a coat hanger, a roof, an instrument panel, a front seat backrest, and a rear seat backrest. The requirements for interior projections, which are necessary for all interior components, vary. Therefore, for example, if R ≥ 3.2 is required for the instrument panel, the outer circumferential surface of overlap section 3 could be, for example, R3.2. (Fortification section 2)

[0028] As it is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the fastening section 2 secures the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 to the end section 5 and maintains a state in which the edge 5A of the end section 5 is overlapped by the cover section 3. The fastening section 2 comprises a pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B, which are formed at one end and the far end of the cover section 3 in a circumferential direction to be suitable for clamping to the end section 5 in a plate thickness direction. When the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is attached to the end section 5, the end section 5 is inserted through an opening 2X between the pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B toward an inner side of the cover section 3.

[0029] Here, in the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q formed on the pair of clamping bodies 2A and 2B facilitate the insertion of the end section 5, and after insertion, an adhesive process such as with the aid of an adhesive is not required.

[0030] The opposing clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q are brought into planar contact with the end section 5. Furthermore, the clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q are mutually facing surfaces that are inclined away from each other with respect to an insertion direction and to the outer sides of the opening 2X. Specifically, the minimum width W1 of the opposing clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q is less than the thickness of the end section 5, and the maximum width W2 is greater than the thickness of the end section 5. For example, if the thickness of the end section 5 is 2.5 mm, then W1 = 1.5 mm and W2 = 4.0 mm.

[0031] Therefore, the end section 5, inserted through opening 2X, can be directed towards the inside of the cover section 3 while being guided by the clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q. Furthermore, sections of the pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B with minimum width W1 are formed with overlapping sections 2C and 2D, extending from one end and the other end of the cover section 3 in the circumferential direction to a center of the cover section 3. Upon insertion of the end section 5, the overlapping sections 2C and 2D are elastically deformed, bringing the clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q into close surface contact with the end section 5. Since the fastening section 2 is made of soft vinyl chloride, a frictional force is generated between the clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q and the two side surfaces of the end section 5, preventing the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 from easily detaching from the end section 5. (Core material 4)

[0032] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the core material 4 is formed from a flat metal plate and is a product made of a flat metal with first core materials 4A and a second core material 4B, which are arranged flush with each other before being incorporated into the cover section 3. The fastening section 2 and the cover section 3 are made of soft vinyl chloride, while the core material 4 is made of metal and thus possesses high stiffness and can be plastically deformed.

[0033] Before processing, the core material 4 comprises the second core material 4B, which extends in a straight line, and the first core materials 4A, which project at right angles from both sides of the second core material 4B. Several first core materials 4A are formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the second core material 4B. It is desirable that the intervals at which the first core materials 4A are arranged side by side in the tube axis direction are uniform and greater than the width of the first core material 4A. The core material 4 is extruded together with soft vinyl chloride while being bent to curve the first core material 4A, thus obtaining the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, in which the core material 4 is contained in the overlap section 3.

[0034] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the curved first core material 4A contained in the cover section 3 extends in the circumferential direction of the cover section 3. In particular, the first core material 4A, similar to the cover section 3, extends in a C-shaped cross-section from one end to the other end of the cover section 3 and has a central angle θ of at least 180° in a cross-sectional view. The central angle θ is preferably set to a value such that the end sections 4S and 4T of the first core material 4A extend beyond a reference line L.

[0035] Here, the reference line L is an extension of a line segment (minimum width W1) that connects the cover section 2C with the cover section 2D in the pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B via the shortest path. By incorporating such a first core material 4A into the cover section 3, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 also amplifies a force with which the pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B clamps the end section 5.

[0036] The first core material 4A and the second core material 4B can be formed separately. However, in this case, the cover section 3 must be thick enough to allow the second core material 4B to extend along the pipe axis without interfering with the first core material 4A. Since the core material 4 is formed from a flat metal plate, the thickness of the cover section 3 can be reduced compared to when core materials 4A and 4B are formed separately.

[0037] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second core material 4B contained in the cover section 3 extends in the pipe axis direction to a center on the inside of the cover section 3. In a case where the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is cut to a required length, the metal section, when the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is cut in such a cross-section, is only the second core material 4B, so that the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 can be easily cut. (Example of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1)

[0038] As an example of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, an example of the attachment of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 to a base material 9A of a backrest 9 is shown with reference to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 described. Fig. Figure 5 shows part of the base material 9A and is notched to make the shape of an end section 9B easy to understand.

[0039] The base material 9A consists of kenaf fibers and is produced through a hot pressing process, a forming process, and similar methods. In the forming process, a kenaf sheet material obtained through hot pressing is pressed through an upper and a lower die into a predetermined product shape, and a circumferential edge section is cut.

[0040] Therefore, as in en Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the end section 9B is formed with an edge 9C on the base material 9A as a shape marker. That is, the circumferential edge section of the base material 9A is bent upwards, forming the end section 9B. Furthermore, in a corner section of the base material 9A, the end section 9B extends along a curve, forming a curved area 9D. It can be applied to the Fig. 11 and Fig. Reference is made to JP2023-084393A 12, which reveals a manufacturing process for a backrest (including a step in which a cut edge is formed).

[0041] When the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is attached to such an end section 9B, edge 9C is covered, and the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, rather than end section 9B, is subject to the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors. Since the outer circumferential surface of the covering section 3 in the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 has a curved surface shape (e.g., a curved surface of R4) that meets the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors, the requirements for internal projections are satisfied. Therefore, only the attachment of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 to end section 9B can comply with the regulations.

[0042] Normally, a linear element of a predetermined length is used as the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, and the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is inserted sequentially along the end section 9B. However, in this case, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 abuts the curved area 9D in the middle. If the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is pre-bent at this point, for example, to conform to the curvature of the curved area 9D, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 can be held in a curved shape by plastic deformation of the second core material 4B. Therefore, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 can also be easily attached to the curved area 9D of the end section 9B.

[0043] If one takes a closer look at the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 after it has been attached to the end section 9B, as shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the overlapping sections 2C and 2D of the pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B, which are clamped to the end section 9B, are elastically deformed, and the clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q are brought into close, planar contact with the end section 5. Furthermore, the overlapping section 3 is also slightly widened due to the elastic deformation of the two clamping elements 2A and 2B. Since, as described above, the first core material 4A is contained within the overlapping section 3, the force with which the pair of clamping elements 2A and 2B are clamped to the end section 5 in the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 is increased, the frictional force between the clamping surfaces 2P and 2Q and the end section 9B is increased, and the probability of the vehicle interior edge protection element 1 detaching from the end section 9B is reduced.Furthermore, the fact that the cover section 3, for example, has a C-shaped cross-section, compared to a cover section with a U-shaped cross-section, prevents the bending stress from concentrating on a single section during expansion. With a U-shaped cross-section, the bending stress concentrates on two sections with a large curvature, which can lead to cracking and deterioration.

[0044] In summary, the vehicle interior edge protection element 1, according to the present embodiment, has the following configurations. In the following description, the reference numerals in parentheses correspond to the configurations described in the embodiment above.

[0045] This means that the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) can be attached to an end section (5) provided in a specific area in accordance with the regulations for protrusions in vehicle interiors. The vehicle interior edge protection element (1) comprises a fastening section (2) for attachment to the end section (5) and an overlapping section (3) which forms a continuous extension of the fastening section (2) and is designed to cover an edge (5A) of the end section (5) in a curved surface shape, and has a hardness that meets a specific requirement in accordance with the specified area.

[0046] According to the configuration above, the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) attached to the end section (5) is subject to the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors instead of the end section (5), and the requirements for interior projections are met by the curved surface shape of the overlap section (3). Therefore, the regulations can only be met by attaching the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) to the end section (5).

[0047] The overlap section (3) has the form of a tube with an open cross-section, suitable for covering the edge (5A) formed continuously along the end section (5), which extends in a constant cross-sectional shape. The fastening section (2) comprises a pair of clamping elements (2A, 2B) formed at one end and the far end of the overlap section (3) in a circumferential direction, suitable for clamping to the end section (5) in a plate thickness direction. The vehicle interior edge protection element (1) further comprises a first core material (4A) having a higher stiffness than the overlap section (3) and contained within the overlap section (3) to extend in the circumferential direction of the tube.

[0048] According to the configuration above, when the cover section (3) opens while the pair of clamping bodies (2A, 2B) is clamped to the end section (5), the first core material (4A) exerts a force in a closing direction on the pair of clamping bodies (2A, 2B), making it less likely that the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) can be detached from the end section (5).

[0049] The cover section (3) is elastically deformable along the end section (5), which extends along a curve. The vehicle interior edge protection element (1) further comprises a second core material (4B) contained within the cover section (3), extending in the direction of the tube axis, and designed to be plastically deformed in response to elastic deformation of the cover section (3) bending along a curved region (9D) of the end section (5), and designed to retain the shape of the cover section (3) after deformation.

[0050] According to the above configuration, the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) can be held in a curved shape by the plastic deformation of the second core material (4B), and the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) can also be easily attached to the curved area (9D) of the end section (5).

[0051] The first core material (4A) and the second core material (4B) are formed from a flat metal plate, and the second core material (4B) extends linearly to connect several of the first core materials (4A) that are contained at intervals in the direction of the tube axis.

[0052] According to the configuration above, if the first core material (4A) and the second core material (4B) are formed separately, a certain thickness is required to prevent mutual interference between the second core material (4B) and the first core material (4A) extending in the pipe axis direction. However, the thickness of the cover section (3) can be reduced by this amount. Furthermore, if a vehicle interior edge protection element (1) of a desired length is required, it can be easily cut in the pipe axis direction between the adjacent first core materials (4A).

[0053] The fastening section (2) comprises a pair of mutually facing clamping surfaces (2P, 2Q) which are brought into close surface contact with the end section (5) in the pair of clamping bodies (2A, 2B).

[0054] According to the configuration above, the first core material (4A) exerts a force on the pair of clamping bodies (2A, 2B) in the closing direction, and the end section (5) and the clamping surface (2P, 2Q) are brought into close contact with each other as planned, further reducing the likelihood of the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) detaching from the end section (5).

[0055] The two clamping surfaces (2P, 2Q) face each other and are separated from each other in the direction of the outside of an opening (2X) between the two clamping bodies (2A, 2B), so that the end section (5) can be inserted from the opening (2X).

[0056] According to the configuration above, the vehicle interior edge protection element (1) can be easily attached because one side, which receives the end section (5), is wide open. <Andere Ausführungsformen>

[0057] The embodiments according to the present disclosure are described above with reference to one embodiment, wherein the present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms than the embodiment mentioned above.

[0058] 1. In the embodiment above, the end section is described as a mold marking remaining on the end section of the molded part. However, the vehicle interior edge protection element can be attached to a mold marking (a protrusion) that remains on a surface of the molded part, and in this case, too, the regulations for protrusions in vehicle interiors are properly complied with.

[0059] 2. In the embodiment described above, the clamping surfaces of the fastening section are brought into close surface contact with the end section to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle interior edge protection element detaching from the end section due to friction. However, the vehicle interior edge protection element can also be attached by bonding with an adhesive. For example, a fastening section can be shaped to come into line contact with the end section, and the fastening section and the end section can be bonded together with an adhesive.

[0060] 3. In the embodiment above, the fastening section and the covering section are made of the same material and both have a Shore A hardness of at least 50. However, at least the covering section can have a Shore A hardness of at least 50, and the fastening section can, for example, be made of a material other than soft vinyl chloride. The material of the covering section is not limited to soft vinyl chloride, as long as a Shore A hardness of at least 50 can be ensured.

[0061] 4. In the embodiment above, the outer circumferential surface of the overlap section is circular and has a C-shaped cross-section. However, the overlap section can have any open cross-section, as long as the shape complies with the regulations for projections in vehicle interiors (meets the requirements for internal projections). For example, the overlap section can have a U-shaped, elliptical, or heart-shaped open cross-section.

[0062] 5. In the embodiment above, the core material is contained within the cover section. However, the core material need not be included. For example, only the first core material may be contained within the cover section, and in this case, the first core material may extend continuously in the pipe axis direction with a C-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the core material may also be contained within the cover section in another form, such as being exposed on the outer or inner circumferential surface of the cover section.

[0063] 6. In the embodiment above, the core material is formed in one piece from a flat metal plate. However, the first core material and the second core material can be separate.

[0064] 7. In the embodiment above, the first core material extends in the circumferential direction of the pipe from one end to the far end of the cover section and has a central angle of at least 180° in a cross-sectional view. However, the central angle may be less than 180°. That is, from the perspective of merely increasing the stiffness of the cover section (i.e., enhancing its stiffness), a first core material with θ < 180° may be included. Furthermore, in this case, it is desirable for the first core material to span a central part of the cover section, where the bending stress is most likely to be applied.

[0065] 8. In the above embodiment, each of the two opposing pairs of clamping surfaces is inclined. However, one of the two clamping surfaces may be parallel to an insertion direction with respect to the end section, and the other may be inclined with respect to the end section. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023-084393A

[0040]

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