Cable and cable fixation structure

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Some vehicles, such as automobiles, have a console box provided between seats in the width direction of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The console box includes a housing portion that is attached to the floor or the like of the vehicle body, and a storage portion that stores items. The console box is attached to the vehicle by fixing the housing portion to the vehicle body with fixing members such as bolts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-109698 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, if the vehicle is suddenly braked while it is moving, the loaded object, such as luggage, will move and the loaded object will collide with the console box, placing a load on the console box. In order to prevent damage to the fixed portion between the console box and the vehicle (for example, the portion of the housing around the fixing member such as a bolt) from being damaged when the load is large, it is possible to suppress damage to the console box by improving the strength of the housing. However, in this case, the components of the console box, such as the housing, will become larger, and it will be necessary to change the components of the console box, such as the housing, used in existing vehicles.

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

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

[0007] Furthermore, the cable fixing structure of the present invention is a cable fixing structure for restricting movement of a component of a console box of a vehicle, the cable fixing structure comprising the above-mentioned cable, the first end of the cable being attached to a first component of the console box whose movement is to be restricted, and the second end of the cable being attached to an attachment portion of the vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or a second component of the console box that is different from the first component. Effect of the Invention

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

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided with a console box. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a console box provided with a cable according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the console box shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is an overall view of a cable for a housing. [Figure 4B] 11 is a side view of a second end of the housing cable. FIG. [Figure 4C] 11 is a plan view of a second end portion of the housing cable. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an overall view of the lid cable. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a 7×7 multi-twist structure, which is an example of a cable structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a 7×19 multi-twist structure, which is an example of a cable structure. [Figure 8] 13 is an enlarged view of a fixing point between the housing portion and the mounting portion, where a second end of the housing cable is fixed. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which movement of a housing portion of a console box is restricted by a housing cable. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which movement of a lid of a console box is restricted by a lid cable. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a cable and a cable fixing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the cable and the cable fixing structure of the present invention are not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0011] In this specification, the terms "perpendicular to A" and similar expressions do not only refer to a direction completely perpendicular to A, but also refer to a direction that is approximately perpendicular to A. In this specification, the terms "parallel to B" and similar expressions do not only refer to a direction that is completely parallel to B, but also refer to a direction that is approximately parallel to B. In this specification, the terms "C-shape" and similar expressions do not only refer to a perfect C-shape, but also refer to a shape that visually resembles a C-shape (approximately a C-shape).

[0012] The cable 1 and the cable fixing structure ST (see FIG. 2) of this embodiment are provided to restrict movement of components of a console box C of a vehicle. Although details will be described later, when an unintended load is applied to the console box C, for example, due to damage to some of the components of the console box C or improper installation of the console box C to the vehicle body V, the components of the console box C may move relative to the vehicle body V. In such a case, the cable 1 and the cable fixing structure ST suppress movement of the components of the console box C by more than a predetermined amount. In this specification, the direction connecting the front and rear sides of the vehicle is referred to as the front-rear direction D1, the left-right direction is referred to as the width direction D2 of the vehicle, and the up-down direction of the vehicle is referred to as the height direction D3 of the vehicle.

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

[0014] The console box C includes a plurality of components. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the console box C includes a housing part C1 attached to a mounting part M of the vehicle body V, a storage part C2 arranged in the housing part C1 and capable of storing objects, and a lid part C3 for closing the storage part C2. The console box C also includes an outer housing C4 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) on the outside of the housing part C1. The housing part C1, the storage part C2, the lid part C3, and the outer housing C4 are examples of the components of the console box C. The shape and structure of the console box are not particularly limited, and other components (for example, an armrest, a drink holder, a USB terminal connection part, etc.) may be provided. The console box may not have a lid part, and the storage part may be always open. Each of the "first component" and the "second component" in the claims may be any one of the components of the console box C.

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

[0016] The shape and structure of the housing part C1 are not particularly limited as long as they are configured to form the framework of the console box C. The housing part C1 is configured by one or more brackets. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the housing part C1 includes a pair of side brackets C11 and C12 that are provided opposite each other in the width direction D2, and a central bracket C13 provided between the side brackets C11 and C12. The side brackets C11 and C12 are plate-shaped brackets that extend in the front-rear direction D1 and the height direction D3 of the vehicle, and each has a housing fixing part C14 on the lower end side at the front. The central bracket C13 is provided between the side brackets C11 and C12. A narrow gap is formed between the housing part C1 (for example, between the side brackets C11 and C12 and the central bracket C13) and between the housing part C1 and the outer housing C4, and a harness H for an electric element provided in the console box C is arranged in this gap, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the cable 1 is routed in this narrow gap.

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

[0018] The lid part C3 is a part that opens and closes the storage part C2. The lid part C3 is disposed on the upper side of the housing part C1 and the storage part C2. In this embodiment, the lid part C3 includes a base part C31 attached to the housing part C1 and a lid C32 that opens and closes with respect to the base part C31. The lid C32 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis X with respect to the base part C31 by a hinge part (not shown). In this embodiment, the lid part C3 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis X extending in the width direction D2 of the vehicle at the front side of the console box C. However, the lid part C3 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the width direction D2 at the rear side of the console box C, or may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction D1 of the vehicle. In addition, the lid part may be configured to slide in the front-rear direction D1 or the width direction D2 of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the lid portion C3 is provided with a through hole HL (see the dashed line in Figs. 2 and 3) through which the harness H extending from the housing portion C1 toward the lid portion C3 (lid C32) is inserted (the harness H inserted through the through hole HL is omitted in Fig. 3). The through hole HL communicates with the above-mentioned housing portion C1 (for example, between the side brackets C11, C12 and the central bracket C13) and with a gap provided between the housing portion C1 and the outer housing C4. In this embodiment, the cable 1 (lid cable 12) is inserted together with the harness H through the through hole HL.

[0019] The cable 1 is connected to the console box C, and as described later, prevents the components of the console box C from moving more than a predetermined amount from their original positions due to breakage, detachment, or the like. The cable 1 is connected to a movement restriction target (first component) and a support portion (attachment portion M and / or second component of the console box C) in order to restrict movement of the first component of the console box C that is the movement restriction target. The cable fixing structure ST is a structure in which the cable 1 is routed along a predetermined path, and prevents the components of the console box C from moving more than a predetermined amount from their original positions due to breakage, detachment, or the like. In this embodiment, the cable fixing structure ST includes the cable 1 and the components of the console box C that are the movement restriction target (such as the housing portion C1 or the lid portion C3) to which the cable 1 is connected. The cable fixing structure ST may include the attachment portion M or the second component of the console box C that is the support portion.

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the cable fixing structure ST includes a housing cable 11 (see FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C) that restricts the movement of the housing part C1, and a lid cable 12 (see FIG. 5) that restricts the movement of the lid part C3 (hereinafter, the housing cable 11 and the lid cable 12 are collectively referred to as cable 1). The cable fixing structure ST may include only one of the housing cable 11 and the lid cable 12, or may include another cable that restricts the movement of another component of the console box C. In this embodiment, the position where the cable 1 is provided is the front side of the console box C, but the position where the cable 1 is provided is not particularly limited. For example, the cable 1 may be provided on the rear side of the console box C, or may be provided in the center part in the front-rear direction D1 of the console box C. The cable 1 may also be provided at multiple locations of the console box C, for example, both the front side and the rear side of the console box C.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the cable 1 includes a cable body 2, a first end portion 3, and a second end portion 4.

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

[0023] In this embodiment, the cable body 2 is composed of a multi-twisted cable. In this case, the bending rigidity of the cable body 2 is low, and the cable body 2 can be easily bent and arranged. Therefore, the cable 1 can be arranged in various narrow and curved paths, and the degree of freedom of the cable 1 is increased. The structure of the cable body 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined breaking strength and flexibility. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cable body 2 preferably has a multi-twisted structure of a 7×7 structure in which a core strand 21 of a 1×7 structure (a structure in which seven element wires are twisted together) is twisted around six side strands 22 of the same structure, or a multi-twisted structure of a 7×19 structure in which a core strand 21 of a 1×19 structure (a structure in which seven element wires are twisted together) is twisted around six side strands 22 of the same structure, as shown in FIG. 7.

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

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

[0026] The first end 3 is connected to one end of the cable body 2 and is attached to the first component of the console box C that is to be restricted from moving. The "first component" is the component of the console box C that is to be restricted from moving, and the first component changes depending on which component of the console box C is to be restricted from moving. In the case of the housing cable 11 whose movement is restricted is the housing part C1, the housing part C1 is the first component, and the first end 3 is attached to the housing part C1. In the case of the lid cable 12 whose movement is restricted is the lid part C3, the lid part C3 is the first component, and the first end 3 is attached to the lid part C3. The material constituting the first end 3 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, made of a metal material having a predetermined rigidity. The first end 3 may be covered with a nonwoven fabric. In this case, it is possible to suppress contact noise when the first end 3 comes into contact with the component of the console box C due to vibration of the vehicle or the like.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 4A and 5, the first end 3 has a fixing portion 31 having a fastening hole 31a that can be fixed to a component of the console box C by a fastening member F. The fixing portion 31 of the housing cable 11 shown in Fig. 4A is substantially disk-shaped like the fixing portion 31 of the lid cable 12 shown in Fig. 5, and has a circular fastening hole 31a formed in the center. The first component to be restricted in movement is connected to the cable 1 by fixing the first end 3 to the first component of the console box C via the fixing portion 31. The fastening member F for fixing the fixing portion 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the first end 3 to the first component of the console box C, but can be, for example, a bolt. The fastening member F is inserted into the fastening hole 31a of the fixing portion 31 and a fixing hole (not shown) provided in the first component of the console box C, and the fastening member F is fastened, thereby fixing the first end 3 to the first component.

[0028] The position where the first end 3 is fixed is not particularly limited, but for example, in the case of the housing cable 11, it is preferable that the first end 3 is fixed to a portion that is 2 / 3 or less of the total height of the console box C in the height direction D3 from the floor of the vehicle body V, preferably 1 / 2 or less of the total height. In this case, the length of the housing cable 11 is shorter than when the first end 3 of the housing cable 11 is fixed to the upper end of the console box C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement (see FIG. 9) of the components of the console box C from the normal routing state of the housing cable 11 before the console box C is damaged or the like to the state where the cable 1 is fully stretched due to damage or the like of the components of the console box C. The lower limit position of the first end 3 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the first end 3 is fixed to a portion that is 1 / 3 or more of the total height of the console box C in the height direction D3 from the floor of the vehicle body V.

[0029] 4A and 5, the first end 3 has a cylindrical connection portion 32 to which the cable body 2 is housed and connected. With the end of the cable body 2 housed inside the cylindrical connection portion 32, the connection portion 32 is crimped, thereby connecting the cable body 2 and the first end 3. In this embodiment, the first end 3 has the cylindrical connection portion 32 extending along the axial direction of the cable body 2, and a plate-shaped fixing portion 31 extending from the connection portion 32 along the axial direction of the cable body 2. The fastening hole 31a of the fixing portion 31 penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cable body 2.

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

[0031] The material constituting the second end 4 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a metal material having a certain rigidity. The second end 4 may be covered with a nonwoven fabric. In this case, it is possible to suppress contact noise when the second end 4 comes into contact with a component of the console box C due to vibration of the vehicle or the like.

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

[0033] The position where the second end 4 is fixed is not particularly limited. In the case of the cable for housing 11, the second end 4 is fixed to an arbitrary position of the mounting part M. In this embodiment, the second end 4 of the cable for housing 11 is fixed to the mounting part M at the housing fixing part C14 (the fastening part of the fastening member F) which is the fixing part between the housing part C1 and the mounting part M, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 8. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced by making the fixing part between the housing part C1 and the mounting part M (the fastening part of the fastening member F) and the fixing part of the second end 4 of the cable for housing 11 common. Furthermore, it becomes possible to assemble the housing part C1 and the cable for housing 11 to the mounting part M by a single assembly operation. In this embodiment, the fixing part between the housing part C1 and the mounting part M is firmly fixed by the fastening member F, and the fastening part of the fastening member F is less likely to be damaged than the housing part C1 around the fastening part of the fastening member F. Therefore, even if the housing portion C1 is damaged around the fastening portion of the fastening member F, the second end 4 of the cable 1 remains anchored to the fastening portion of the fastening member F. This makes it easy to maintain the function of the cable 1, which is to prevent components of the console box C from moving a predetermined amount or more from their original positions due to damage, detachment, or the like.

[0034] In the case of the lid cable 12, the second end 4 is fixed to an arbitrary position of the second component of the console box C. In this embodiment, the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed to the housing part C1 (the central bracket C13) as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The position in the height direction D3 to which the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable that the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed to a portion at or above a position of 1 / 2 of the total height of the console box C in the height direction D3. In this case, the length of the lid cable 12 is shorter than that in the case where the second end 4 of the lid cable 12 is fixed to the lower end of the console box C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement of the components of the console box C (see FIG. 10) from the normal arrangement state of the lid cable 12 before the console box C is damaged, etc., to the state in which the cable 1 is fully stretched due to damage, etc., of the components of the console box C. The upper limit position of the second end 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be fixed, for example, to a portion that is within 1 / 3 of the total height of the console box C in the height direction D3 from the lower end of the lid C32.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second end 4 has a connection portion 42 like the first end 3, as shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 5. The connection portion 42 is crimped while the end of the cable body 2 is housed inside the cylindrical connection portion 42, thereby connecting the cable body 2 and the second end 4. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, the second end 4 of the cable for housing 11 has a cylindrical connection portion 42 extending along the axial direction of the cable body 2, and a fixing portion 41 extending in a plate shape in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the connection portion 42 (in this embodiment, a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction). The fixing portion 41 has a fastening hole 41a in the center through which the fastening member F is inserted. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 41 has an engagement portion 41b as shown in Figs. 4A to 4C. The engagement portion 41b will be described later.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the connection part 42 has a groove G formed in the circumferential direction of the connection part 42 on the inner surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the cable body 2, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4B. Since the connection part 42 has the groove G, when the cable body 2 is crimped to the connection part 42, a part of the deformed cable body 2 enters the groove part of the groove part G. That is, when the cable body 2 is crimped to the connection part 42 having the groove part G, a part of the wire constituting the cable body 2 is plastically deformed and enters the groove part of the groove part G. Since the groove part G extends in the circumferential direction of the connection part 42, even if a force is applied to separate the cable body 2 from the connection part 42 in the axial direction, the deformed part of the cable body 2 that has entered the groove part G becomes a resistance, and the separation of the cable body 2 from the connection part 42 is suppressed. The groove part G may be provided not only in the second end part 4 but also in the first end part 3.

[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, the fixing portion 41 of the second end portion 4 has an engaging portion 41b that can engage with a component of the console box C in the rotation direction of the fastening member F. When the engaging portion 41b is provided on the fixing portion 41, the fixing portion 41 is prevented from rotating together with the fastening member F when the fastening member F is fastened. Therefore, by the fixing portion 41 rotating together with the fastening member F, it is possible to prevent the cable 1 from being deviated from a preferable routing path in design, or from being damaged or having a reduced durability due to the cable 1 being unreasonably bent. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 41b is configured to engage with a component of the console box C, but may be configured to engage with the mounting portion M.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the engagement portion 41b is provided at the second end 4 of the cable for the casing 11, but it may be provided at the first end 3 of the cable for the casing 11. The engagement portion may be provided at the first end 3 and / or the second end 4 of the cable for the lid 12.

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

[0040] The shape and structure of the engaging portion 41b are not particularly limited as long as it can engage with the components or the mounting portion M of the console box C in the rotation direction of the fastening member F. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4C, the engaging portion 41b protrudes from the peripheral portion of the fixing portion 41 and engages with the engaged portion E formed on the housing portion C1 in the rotation direction of the fastening member F. More specifically, as shown in Figs. 4B and 4C, the engaging portion 41b includes an extending portion 411 that protrudes outward from a part of the peripheral portion of the fixing portion 41 and a folded portion 412 that is folded back from the extending portion 411. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the folded portion 412 is inserted into a through hole formed in the engaged portion E, and the folded portion 412 engages with the peripheral portion of the through hole of the engaged portion E so as to be restricted from coming off the through hole of the engaged portion E. Also, the extending portion 411 engages with the periphery of the through hole of the engaged portion E in the rotation direction of the fastening member F. As a result, in the state before the fastening member F is inserted, the folded portion 412 engages with the engaged portion E so as to be restricted from being removed from the engaged portion E, so that the fixing portion 41 is held at a predetermined position where the fastening member F can be inserted. Therefore, when the fastening member F is inserted, the work of aligning the fastening hole 41a of the fixing portion 41 with the fixing hole of the housing fixing portion C14 or the mounting hole of the mounting portion M is almost unnecessary, improving the workability. In particular, when the housing cable 11 is bent and routed, the cable main body 2 tends to become straight due to its elasticity, so that the second end portion 4 receives a force so as to move out of the position where the fastening member F can be inserted, but the folded portion 412 engages with the engaged portion E, so that the fastening member F can be held at a predetermined position where it can be inserted even in the state where the housing cable 11 is bent. Furthermore, when fastening the fastening member F, the extending portion 411 engages with the engaged portion E in the rotational direction of the fastening member F, thereby preventing the fixing portion 41 from rotating together with the fastening member F. Furthermore, since the second end portion 4 of the housing cable 11, the housing part C1 of the console box C, and the mounting part M are fastened by one fastening member F, the housing cable 11, the housing part C1, and the mounting part M can be easily fixed.

[0041] As described above, the cable 1 of this embodiment includes a flexible cable main body 2, a first end portion 3 attached to a first component of the console box C that is to be restricted in movement, and a second end portion 4 attached to a mounting portion M of the vehicle body V and / or a second component different from the first component of the console box C. This makes it possible to restrict the movement of the damaged component when a load is applied to the console box C from a load or the like and the component of the console box C is damaged. In addition, since the cable 1 is flexible, it can be routed in a narrow space present in the console box C. Therefore, for example, the movement of the damaged component can be restricted without changing the structure of the existing components of the console box C (the housing part C1 such as a bracket, and the storage part C2 such as a box part for storing items). In addition, by suppressing the movement of the components of the console box C with the cable 1, it is possible to improve safety without increasing the size or thickness of the housing part C1 such as a bracket to improve the strength of the console box C itself. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the console box C while improving the safety of the console box C.

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

[0043] A specific description will be given below of the respective functions and effects of the cable for the casing 11 and the cable for the lid 12. First, the cable for the casing 11 will be described.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 8, the first end 3 of the housing cable 11 is fixed to the housing part C1, and the second end 4 is fixed to the mounting part M. As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 8, the housing cable 11 is routed through a narrow gap between the harness H and the housing part C1. Since the housing cable 11 is flexible, it can be easily passed through such a gap between the harness H and the housing part C1. In this embodiment, the cable fixing structure ST has two housing cables 11 (a first cable 11a and a second cable 11b) as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 8. The first cable 11a and the second cable 11b are connected to each other at the center in the length direction by a connecting part CN (see Fig. 4A). In this case, the first cable 11a and the second cable 11b are integrated by the connecting part CN. Therefore, the first cable 11a and the second cable 11b can be passed through a gap between the harness H and the housing part C1, etc., together, improving workability. The connecting part CN can be any configuration capable of connecting a plurality of cables, such as an adhesive tape or a cable tie.

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

[0046] In this state, assume that a large force indicated by an arrow A1 is applied to the housing part C1 of the console box C toward the front of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, for example, the force is applied to the periphery of the part where the housing part C1 and the mounting part M are fastened by the fastening member F, and the part of the housing part C1 around the fastening member F may be damaged so that the connection between the housing part C1 and the mounting part M is released. If the housing part C1 is damaged and the connection between the housing part C1 and the mounting part M is released, the entire housing part C1 moves forward of the vehicle.

[0047] On the other hand, even if the housing part C1 is damaged, as shown in Fig. 9, the housing cable 11 is maintained in a state in which the first end 3 is fixed to the housing part C1 and the second end 4 is fixed to the mounting part M, and the first end 3 and the second end 4 are connected by the cable main body 2. Therefore, even if the housing part C1 moves forward of the vehicle, when the cable main body 2 is fully stretched, the movable range of the housing part C1 is limited by the housing cable 11 (see the two-dot chain line in Fig. 9). Therefore, the movement of the housing part C1 is restricted, and the damaged housing part C1 is prevented from moving toward the driver's seat or colliding with other components of the vehicle.

[0048] Next, the lid cable 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the lid cable 12 has a first end 3 fixed to the lid C32 and a second end 4 fixed to the housing part C1. The first end 3 and the second end 4 are fastened by a fastening member F. When the lid cable 12 is routed to a fixing point to the lid C32, it is inserted into a through hole HL for passing the harness H extending to the lid C32. The lid cable 12 is made of a cable thinner than the housing cable 11 so that it can be easily inserted into a narrow gap such as the through hole HL for passing the harness H, which makes it easier to route the lid cable 12. In addition, the lid cable 12 can be routed by utilizing a hole already provided in the vehicle, such as the through hole HL for the harness H, and there is no need to form a separate hole. The lid cable 12 is routed through a through hole HL provided near the rotation axis X (hinge) of the lid C32 that rotates around the rotation axis X (hinge). Since the lid cable 12 is flexible, even if the lid C32 is opened or closed, the connection between the lid C32 and the housing part C1 by the lid cable 12 can be maintained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lid cable 12 is subjected to bending deformation due to the opening and closing of the lid C32, but the lid cable 12 has a multi-twisted structure. Therefore, the lid cable 12 has high bending durability, and even if it is provided in a part of the lid C32 that opens and closes, the above-mentioned effects can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0049] With the lid cable 12 routed, assume that a large force indicated by arrow A2 is applied to the lid part C3 toward the front of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 10. In this case, for example, the force is applied to the connection part between the lid part C3 and the housing part C1 or the hinge connection part of the lid part C3, and the lid part C3 (the entire lid part C3 or the lid C32) may break and come off. When the lid part C3 breaks, the entire lid part C3 moves forward of the vehicle.

[0050] On the other hand, even if the lid portion C3 is damaged, as shown in Fig. 10, the lid cable 12 maintains a state in which the first end 3 is fixed to the lid C32 and the second end 4 is fixed to the housing portion C1, and the first end 3 and the second end 4 are connected by the cable body 2. Therefore, even if the lid portion C3 moves forward of the vehicle, when the cable body 2 is fully stretched, the movable range of the lid portion C3 is limited by the lid cable 12 (see the two-dot chain line in Fig. 10). Therefore, the movement of the lid portion C3 is restricted, and the damaged lid portion C3 is prevented from moving toward the driver's seat or colliding with other components of the vehicle.

[0051] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Note that the above embodiment mainly describes the invention having the following configuration.

[0052] (1) A cable for restricting movement of components of a console box of a vehicle, the cable comprising: A flexible cable body; a first end portion connected to one end of the cable body and attached to a first component to be restricted in movement among the components of the console box; a second end portion connected to the other end of the cable body and attached to a mounting portion of a vehicle body to which the console box is attached and / or to a second component, which is different from the first component, among components of the console box; Equipped with a cable.

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

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

[0055] (4) The cable described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first end and / or the second end has a tubular connection portion into which the cable main body is housed and connected, and the connection portion has a groove portion formed in the circumferential direction of the connection portion on an inner surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the cable main body so that a portion of the deformed cable main body fits into the groove portion when the cable main body is crimped to the connection portion.

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

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

[0058] 1 Cable 11 Enclosure cable 11a 1st cable (cable for enclosure) 11b 2nd cable (cable for enclosure) 12 Lid cable 2 Cable body 21 Heart Strand 22 Side Strand 3 First end 31 Fixed part 31a Fastening hole 32 Connection 4 Second end 41 Fixed part 41a Fastening hole 41b Engagement part 411 Extension 412 Folded part 42 Connection A1 Force applied to the console box housing A2 Force applied to the lid C. Console box C1 Case part C11, C12 Side brackets C13 Center bracket C14 Housing fixing part C2 storage area C3 Lid part C31 base C32 lid C4 Outer Housing CN connection part D1 Anteroposterior direction D2 width direction D3 Height direction E Engaged part F Fastening member G groove H harness HL through hole M Mounting part ST Cable Fixing Structure V Body X Rotation Axis

Claims

1. A cable for restricting movement of components of a console box of a vehicle, the cable comprising: A flexible cable body; a first end portion connected to one end of the cable body and attached to a first component that is to be restricted in movement among components of the console box; a second end portion connected to the other end of the cable body and attached to a mounting portion of a vehicle body to which the console box is attached and / or to a second component, which is different from the first component, among components of the console box; Equipped with a cable.

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

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

4. 2. The cable according to claim 1, wherein the first end and / or the second end has a tubular connection portion into which the cable main body is housed and connected, and the connection portion has a groove portion formed in the circumferential direction of the connection portion on an inner surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the cable main body so that a portion of the deformed cable main body fits into the groove portion when the cable main body is crimped to the connection portion.

5. A cable fixing structure for restricting movement of a component of a console box of a vehicle, the cable fixing structure comprising the cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first end of the cable is attached to a first component that is to be restricted in movement among components of the console box, A cable fixing structure, wherein the second end of the cable is attached to a mounting portion of a vehicle body to which the console box is attached, and / or to a second component of the console box that is different from the first component.

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

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