Interior materials

Abstract

To provide an interior material in which a fastening part with another member forming an interior product can be set on a side closer to an outer edge of a back surface of a base material and can be brought closer to a parting in a design.SOLUTION: An interior material (an ornament 1) includes: a base material 2 having a plate shape; and a skin material 3 covering a front surface of the base material. The skin material has a woven fabric 6 in which optical fibers 5 are woven as constituent yarns. At an end part of a back surface of the base material, there is provided a bundle structure 21A in which the multiple optical fibers exposed from an end part of the skin material are gathered together so as to be disposed along the back surface of the base material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interior material, and more particularly to an interior material comprising a plate-shaped base material and a skin material covering the surface of the base material. [Background technology]

[0002] Ornaments constituting vehicle door trims are commonly known as conventional interior materials. As shown in FIG. 13 , the ornament 101 includes a plate-shaped base material 102 and a skin material 103 covering the surface of the base material 102. The skin material 103 may be an optical fiber skin material 103 having a fabric with optical fibers woven into it as constituent threads (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the optical fiber skin material 103, a plurality of optical fibers 105 exposed from an end of the skin material 103 are bundled at their tips with a sleeve 108 or the like to form a rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B. When such an optical fiber skin material 103 is bonded to the surface of the base material 102, the rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B protruding from the end of the skin material 103 outside the design may dangle during transportation or handling, potentially damaging the exposed optical fibers 105.

[0003] To solve the above problem, one possible solution is to protect the rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B by bundling it into a rope-like shape using a corrugated tube 148, as shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 13(b). Furthermore, one possible solution is to extend the end of the optical fiber skin material 103 and wrap it around the back surface of the base material 102, as shown in Fig. 14, thereby fixing the rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B to some extent along the back surface of the base material 102. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-193200 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-140674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the former solution requires the use of a corrugated tube 148 or the like, which increases production costs. Furthermore, the latter solution requires a wraparound margin 149 (e.g., approximately 10 to 30 mm) of the optical fiber skin 103 on the rear surface of the base material 102. This means that the fastening portion 110 with the other components 143 of the door trim 141 cannot be provided in the area on the rear surface of the base material 102 where the optical fiber skin 103 is attached (see FIG. 12(c)). Furthermore, because the rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B is present on the rear surface of the base material 102, the fastening portion 110 must be located away from the rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B to prevent the optical fibers 105 from getting caught. As a result, the fastening portion 110 cannot be located near the outer edge of the base material 102, and must be located away from the parting edge D2 of the ornament 101 design (i.e., the area where the ornament 101 design surface abuts the other interior material 145). This problem occurs not only in ornaments that constitute vehicle door trims, but also in interior materials in which the surface of a base material is covered with an optical fiber skin material.

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes a technique in which an extension of a skin material formed by a slush molding die is folded back to the back surface of the base material, and a skin-side locking part provided on the extension is locked with a base-side locking part provided on the back surface of the base material. However, it does not describe any technique for positioning the fastening part with other components that make up the interior product closer to the outer edge of the back surface of the base material, so as to be closer to the edge of the design.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned current situation, and aims to provide an interior material in which the fastening portion with other components that make up the interior product can be set closer to the outer edge of the back surface of the base material, thereby bringing it closer to the border of the design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an interior material comprising a plate-shaped base material and a skin material covering the surface of the base material, wherein the skin material has a fabric with optical fibers woven into it as constituent threads, and an end portion of the back surface of the base material is provided with a bundling structure that bundles the multiple optical fibers exposed from the end portion of the skin material along the back surface of the base material. The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the bundling structure has a standing wall erected on the back surface of the base material, and the standing wall has insertion holes formed therein through which multiple optical fibers can be inserted. The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the bundling structure has a pair of standing walls that are erected on the back surface of the base material and face each other, and each tip of the pair of standing walls is provided with a hook-shaped portion that allows multiple optical fibers to be inserted between the pair of standing walls. The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, a plurality of the bundling structures are provided along at least one side of the base material. The invention described in claim 5 is summarized as an ornament constituting a door trim for a vehicle in the invention described in claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the interior material of the present invention, the skin material has a fabric woven with optical fibers as constituent threads, and a bundling structure is provided at the edge of the back surface of the base material to bundle the multiple optical fibers exposed from the edge of the skin material along the back surface of the base material. This allows the fastening part with other components that make up the interior product to be located closer to the outer edge of the back surface of the base material, making it possible to approach the border of the design. Furthermore, when the bundling structure has a standing wall and an insertion hole is formed in the standing wall, a plurality of optical fibers can be easily bundled by inserting them into the insertion hole. Furthermore, when the bundling structure has a pair of vertical walls and a hook-shaped portion is provided at each tip of the pair of vertical walls, multiple optical fibers can be easily bundled by inserting them between the pair of vertical walls from each hook-shaped portion. Furthermore, each hook-shaped portion prevents the multiple optical fibers inserted between the pair of vertical walls from slipping out. Furthermore, when a plurality of the bundling structures are provided along at least one side of the base material, the plurality of optical fibers exposed from the end of the skin material can be divided into a predetermined number and bundled together in each bundling structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The present invention will be further described in the following detailed description by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention and with reference to the mentioned drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a vehicle door trim including an ornament according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ornament as seen from the back side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bundling structure according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged view of the portion viewed from the arrow VII in FIG. 6, where (a) shows a configuration in which the standing wall and the reinforcing rib are separated, and (b) and (c) show a configuration in which the standing wall and the reinforcing rib are connected. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a skin material according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are perspective views of bundling structures according to other embodiments, in which FIG. 10A shows a configuration having an elongated insertion hole, and FIG. 10B shows a configuration having a plurality of insertion holes. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are explanatory views for explaining an ornament according to another embodiment, in which (a) shows a perspective view of the bundling structure, (b) shows a cross-sectional view of the bundling structure, and (c) shows a view seen from the arrow c. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining an ornament according to still another embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining an ornament according to still another embodiment. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a conventional ornament, in which (a) shows a perspective view of the ornament as seen from the back, and (b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line bb. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a conventional ornament, in which (a) shows a perspective view of the ornament as seen from the back, (b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line bb, and (c) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line cc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The matters set forth herein are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to provide an illustrative description of the embodiments of the present invention, with the aim of providing what is believed to be the most effective and easily understandable explanation of the principles and conceptual features of the present invention. In this regard, it is not intended to show structural details of the present invention beyond the extent necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present invention, and the description, taken together with the drawings, will make clear to those skilled in the art how some forms of the present invention may be actually embodied.

[0012] 2 and 5, interior materials 1A to 1C according to the present embodiment comprise a plate-shaped base material 2 and a skin material 3 covering the surface of the base material 2, the skin material 3 having a woven fabric 6 with optical fibers 5 woven as constituent yarns, and bundling structures 21A to 21C provided at the end of the back surface of the base material 2 for bundling multiple optical fibers 5 exposed from the end of the skin material 3 along the back surface of the base material 2. Note that the present interior materials 1A to 1C can be components that constitute an interior product 41 (see FIG. 1).

[0013] The planar shape of the substrate 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the substrate 2 may be formed in an elongated shape. Furthermore, the back surface of the substrate 2 may be provided with fastening portions 10 (specifically, fastening bosses) to be fastened to a base member 43 (i.e., another member constituting the interior product 41) (see FIG. 4). A plurality of fastening portions 10 may be provided along at least one side 2a, 2b of the substrate 2 (e.g., one side 2a, 2b along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 2). The fastening method between the fastening portions 10 and the base member 43 is not particularly limited, and one or a combination of two or more of screw fastening, fitting fastening, fastener fastening, adhesive fastening, etc. may be appropriately selected. Specifically, the fastening portions 10 and the mounting portions 11 provided on the base member 43 may be fastened with screws 12 (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, all or some of the plurality of fastening portions 10 may be provided within 30 mm (particularly, 20 mm) from the outer edge of the substrate 2. Furthermore, a reinforcing rib 14 for preventing deformation of the base material 2 may be provided on the back surface of the base material 2 along at least one side portion 2a, 2b.

[0014] The fastening portion 10 is required to be set near the parting edges D1, D2 of the design of the interior materials 1A to 1C (i.e., the joining portions between the interior materials 1A to 1C and other interior materials 44, 45; the abutment portions of the other interior materials 44, 45 against the design surfaces of the interior materials 1A to 1C) (see Figure 3).

[0015] The material of the substrate 2 is not particularly limited. The substrate 2 may contain a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefin (particularly polypropylene), polyester, polystyrene, acrylic, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, and ABS. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, the substrate may contain the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers may be inorganic fibers (glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc.) or organic fibers (natural fibers such as plant fibers and animal fibers, or resin fibers such as polyester, polyamide, and aramid). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, plant fibers include bast-based plant fibers (e.g., kenaf, flax, jute, hemp, ramie, etc.), leaf vein-based plant fibers (e.g., abaca, sisal, agave, etc.), wood-based plant fibers (e.g., plant fibers collected from broad-leaved trees and coniferous trees, etc.), and other plant fibers (coconut husk fiber, oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber, rice straw fiber, wheat straw fiber, bamboo fiber, cotton, etc.). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The material of the base member is not particularly limited. The base member may be made of the same material as the above-mentioned substrate.

[0016] The skin material 3 covers all or part of the surface of the base material 2. The skin material 3 may or may not be adhered to the surface of the base material 2 with an adhesive or the like. The planar shape of the skin material 3 is not particularly limited. The skin material may be formed, for example, in an elongated shape. Furthermore, the skin material 3 may be formed in the same planar shape as the base material 2, or may be formed in a planar shape different from that of the base material 2.

[0017] The skin material 3 has a woven fabric 6 into which optical fibers 5 are woven as constituent threads (see FIG. 8). A plurality of optical fibers 5 are exposed (i.e., extend) from the end of the skin material 3 (i.e., the woven fabric 6). The tips of the plurality of optical fibers 5 are bound together with a sleeve 8, a heat-shrinkable tube, or the like to form an optical fiber bundle B. A plurality of optical fiber bundles B can be provided along at least one side 3b of the skin material 3 (for example, one side 3b along the longitudinal direction of the skin material 3). Furthermore, the end of the skin material 3 connected to the optical fiber bundle B is not folded back to the back side of the base material 2, but can be disposed at the end of the front surface of the base material 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0018] The skin material 3 can have a woven fabric 6 and a cushioning layer 7 laminated on the back surface of the woven fabric 6 (see FIG. 8). The material of the cushioning layer 7 is not particularly limited, but a sheet material made of soft polyurethane foam is often used. Other soft resin foams can also be used as long as they have sufficient cushioning properties.

[0019] The woven fabric 6 is a fabric woven with constituent yarns (warp yarns and weft yarns), and the weave thereof is not particularly limited. Specifically, various weaves, such as plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave, can be used. Optical fibers 5 are at least used as constituent yarns of the woven fabric 6. Various optical fibers 5 having a core-sheath structure (multilayer structure) with a core (core layer) and a sheath (clad layer), in which the refractive indexes of the core layer and the clad layer are different, can be used. The optical fibers 5 may be side-emitting optical fibers 5 in which light incident on one end is emitted from part or all of the circumferential surface, or edge-emitting optical fibers 5 in which light incident on one end is emitted from the other end. In particular, when side-emitting optical fibers 5 are used, light from the light source 9 can be emitted from the surface of the woven fabric 6 (i.e., the covering material 3) in which the optical fibers 5 are woven, thereby further enhancing the design and dramatic effect.

[0020] The optical fiber 5 is used as at least one of the warp and weft threads constituting the woven fabric, and can be used as the weft thread in particular. When the optical fiber 5 is used as the warp thread, the proportion of the optical fiber 5 as the warp thread is preferably 10% to 90% of the total number of warp threads, more preferably 20% to 80% of the total number of weft threads, and even more preferably 30% to 70% of the total number of weft threads. When the optical fiber 5 is used as the weft thread, the proportion of the optical fiber 5 as the weft thread is preferably 10% to 90% of the total number of weft threads, more preferably 20% to 80% of the total number of weft threads, and even more preferably 30% to 70% of the total number of weft threads. The diameter of the optical fiber 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.25 to 3 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, from the viewpoints of weaving ability and versatility.

[0021] The type of constituent yarns other than the optical fiber 5 that make up the woven fabric 6 (hereinafter also referred to as "other constituent yarns") is not particularly limited, but may be made from natural plant and animal fibers, regenerated fibers such as rayon, semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate, synthetic fibers made of synthetic resin, etc. Examples of resins that make up the synthetic fibers include polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyolefin resins such as high-density polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyacrylic resins.

[0022] Of the other constituent yarns constituting the woven fabric 6, the same yarn may be used for the warp yarn and the weft yarn, or different yarns may be used. The other constituent yarns used for the warp yarn may be of only one type, or two or more types may be used in combination. Similarly, the other constituent yarns used for the weft yarn may be of only one type, or two or more types may be used in combination. The fineness of the other constituent yarns is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 100 dtex to 1000 dtex, more preferably 200 dtex to 700 dtex, and even more preferably 300 dtex to 500 dtex.

[0023] The bundling structures 21A to 21C are structures for bundling a plurality of optical fibers 5 (i.e., optical fiber bundle B) along the back surface of the substrate 2. These bundling structures 21A to 21C may be separate from the substrate 2 and attached to the back surface of the substrate 2 later, but are preferably molded integrally with the substrate 2 (specifically, integrally molded) from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts. The bundling structures 21A to 21C may be provided in an area within 20 mm (particularly 10 mm) from the outer edge of the substrate 2. The bundling structures 21A to 21C may be provided only at the end of the back surface of the substrate 2, or may be provided in addition to the end of the back surface of the substrate 2, in a region spaced inward from the end of the back surface of the substrate 2 (see FIG. 11).

[0024] The number of bundling structures 21A to 21C is not particularly limited, but a plurality of them can be provided along at least one side 2b of the substrate 2 (see FIG. 4). Each of these bundling structures 21A to 21C can bundle a predetermined number (e.g., 100) of optical fibers 5. The number of optical fibers 5 bundled in each of the bundling structures 21A to 21C may be the same or different in two or more bundling structures.

[0025] 5 and 6, the bundling structure 21A has a standing wall 22 standing on the back surface of the base material 2, and the standing wall 22 can have insertion holes 23 formed therein through which a plurality of optical fibers 5 (i.e., optical fiber bundle B) can be inserted. In this bundling structure 21A, the optical fiber bundle B is inserted from the tip side into the insertion hole 23, and the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B (i.e., the side near the end of the skin material 3) is inserted into the insertion hole 23 and squeezed, whereby the optical fiber bundle B can be bundled into a rope-like or band-like shape along the back surface of the base material 2.

[0026] The standing wall 22 can be arranged so as to extend in a direction along one side 2b of the base material 2. The standing wall 22 can be arranged so as to be spaced apart from the reinforcing rib 14 (see FIG. 7(a)), or so as to be connected to the reinforcing rib 14 (see FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c)). By connecting both side surfaces of the base of the standing wall 22 to the reinforcing rib 14, the standing wall 22 can be given the function of preventing deformation of the base material 2. The reinforcing rib 14 can have a notch 15 formed at a position corresponding to the standing wall 22. This notch 15 is usually used as a space for a slide core that forms the insertion hole 23.

[0027] The vertical wall 22 may have one insertion hole 23 (for example, a circular insertion hole 23) formed therein through which one optical fiber bundle B is inserted (see FIG. 6), or one insertion hole 23 (for example, an elongated or elliptical insertion hole 23) through which multiple optical fiber bundles B (particularly two adjacent optical fiber bundles B) are inserted (see FIG. 9(a)), or multiple insertion holes 23 (for example, circular insertion holes 23) through which each of the multiple optical fiber bundles B (particularly two adjacent optical fiber bundles B) is inserted (see FIG. 9(b)).

[0028] The insertion hole 23 may have a rounded surface (i.e., a curved surface) 24 formed on the side where the tip of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted, which guides the insertion (see FIG. 2). This rounded surface 24 is usually formed around the entire circumference of the insertion hole 23. Furthermore, the shape of the insertion hole 23 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circle, an elongated hole, an ellipse, a polygon, or the like. The shape into which the optical fiber bundle B is bundled (for example, a rope-like shape, a band-like shape, etc.) is determined by the shape and size of the insertion hole 23.

[0029] 10 , the bundling structure 21B has a pair of opposing upright walls 32 that are erected on the back surface of the base material 2, and each of the pair of upright walls 32 may have a hook-shaped portion 33 at its tip end that allows a plurality of optical fibers 5 (i.e., optical fiber bundle B) to be inserted between the pair of upright walls 32. In this bundling structure 21B, the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B (i.e., the side near the end of the skin material 3) is inserted between the hook-shaped portions 33 from directly above the respective hook-shaped portions 33, and the pair of upright walls 32 is elastically deformed so that the respective hook-shaped portions 33 are spaced apart. Then, the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted between the pair of upright walls 32 and squeezed, whereby the optical fiber bundle B can be bundled into a rope-like or band-like shape along the back surface of the base material 2. In this bundled state of the optical fiber bundle B, the hook-shaped portions 33 prevent the optical fiber bundle B from slipping out. Furthermore, in the bundled state of the optical fiber bundle B, the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B may be disposed between the tip ends in the rising direction of the pair of standing walls 32, or may be disposed in the middle or base in the rising direction of the pair of standing walls 32. Note that one optical fiber bundle B may be inserted between the pair of standing walls 32, or multiple optical fiber bundles B (particularly, two adjacent optical fiber bundles B) may be inserted between the pair of standing walls 32.

[0030] Each of the pair of standing walls 32 may have the same thickness. However, from the viewpoint of elastic deformation, it is preferable that the pair of standing walls 32 have a thin portion 32a that is continuous with the rear surface of the substrate 2 and a thick portion 32b that is continuous with the thin portion 32a at one end and with the hook-shaped portion 33 at the other end. The pair of standing walls 32 may be arranged so that their positions in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the respective standing walls 32 coincide with each other. However, from the viewpoint of operability when elastically deforming by fingertip operation, it is preferable that the positions of the respective standing walls 32 are shifted in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the respective standing walls 32 (see FIG. 10(c)). The pair of standing walls 32 may be provided perpendicular to the rear surface of the substrate 2. However, from the viewpoint of effectively grouping the optical fiber bundle B, it is preferable that the pair of standing walls 32 are provided on the rear surface of the substrate 2 so that they approach each other toward their tips. Furthermore, a curved surface 34 for guiding the insertion of the optical fiber bundle B may be formed on the side of each hook-shaped portion 32 where the optical fiber bundle B is inserted.

[0031] 12, the bundling structure 21C can include a standing wall 37 erected on the back surface of the base material 2, a horizontal wall 38 extending laterally from the tip side of the standing wall 37, and a hook-shaped portion 39 provided on the tip side of the horizontal wall 38. In this bundling structure 21C, the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B (i.e., the side near the end of the skin material 3) is inserted from the side of the hook-shaped portion 39, the horizontal wall 38 is elastically deformed so that the hook-shaped portion 39 moves away from the back surface of the base material 2, and the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted between the horizontal wall 38 and the back surface of the base material 2 and squeezed, thereby bundling the optical fiber bundle B into a rope-like or band-like shape along the back surface of the base material 2. In this bundled state of the optical fiber bundle B, the hook-shaped portion 39 prevents the optical fiber bundle B from coming loose.

[0032] The lateral walls 38 may be formed with the same thickness, but from the viewpoint of elastic deformation, it is preferable that they have a thin portion 38a that is continuous with the vertical wall 37 and a thick portion 38b that has one end that is continuous with the thin portion 38a and the other end that is continuous with the hook-shaped portion 39. Furthermore, a restricting piece 41 that restricts the lateral spread of the sliver bundle B can be provided on the back surface of the substrate 2.

[0033] The use of the present interior material is not particularly limited. Examples of the present interior material include vehicle interior materials that constitute interior products such as vehicle door trim, instrument panel, roof trim, floor trim, luggage trim, rear side trim, rear parshell, package tray, pillar garnish, switch base, quarter panel, armrest, center console, overhead console, sun visor, and seat. Furthermore, the present interior material may also be an interior material that constitutes furniture such as sofas and chairs. [Example]

[0034] The present invention will be specifically described below by way of examples with reference to the drawings. In the examples, an ornament 1A constituting a door trim 41 for a vehicle is exemplified as the "interior material" according to the present invention.

[0035] 1 to 3, a vehicle door trim 41 includes a plate-shaped trim body 42 that covers a metal inner panel (not shown) from the inside of the vehicle compartment. The trim body 42 includes an ornament 1A, an upper board 44, and a lower board 45 that form a design surface on the inside of the vehicle compartment.

[0036] The ornament 1A according to this embodiment includes a plate-shaped base material 2 and a skin material 3 that covers the surface of the base material 2. The ornament 1A is disposed between an upper board 44 and a lower board 45 in the vertical direction. The lower end of the upper board 44 abuts against the surface of the upper end of the front surface of the ornament 1A (i.e., the design surface), and this abutment forms a parting edge D1 of the design of the ornament 1A. The upper end of the lower board 45 abuts against the surface of the lower end of the front surface of the ornament 1A (i.e., the design surface), and this abutment forms a parting edge D2 of the design of the ornament 1A. The base member 43 that constitutes the door trim 4 is disposed to face the back surface of the ornament 1A (see FIG. 3).

[0037] The base material 2 is formed in an elongated shape (specifically, a long rectangular shape) in the vehicle longitudinal direction A (see FIG. 4). The back surface of the base material 2 is provided with fastening portions 10 (specifically, fastening bosses) that are fastened to the base member 43. A plurality of fastening portions 10 are provided along the upper side portion 2a and the lower side portion 2b of the base material 2. Furthermore, the fastening portions 10 and mounting portions 19 provided on the base member 43 are fastened with screws 12 (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, the back surface of the base material 2 is provided with reinforcing ribs 14 that extend linearly along the upper side portion 2a and the lower side portion 2b and that serve to prevent deformation of the base material.

[0038] The skin material 3 is formed in an elongated shape (specifically, a long rectangular shape) in the vehicle longitudinal direction A. The skin material 3 includes a woven fabric 6 into which side-emitting optical fibers 5 are woven as constituent threads, and a cushioning layer 7 laminated on the back surface of the woven fabric 6 (see FIG. 8). A plurality of optical fibers 5 are exposed from the end of the skin material 3. The tips of the plurality of optical fibers 5 are bound together by a sleeve 8 or the like to form an optical fiber bundle B. A plurality of optical fiber bundles B (seven in FIG. 4) are provided along the bottom side 3b of the skin material 3. Furthermore, when the skin material 3 is attached to the surface of the base material 2, the end of the skin material 3 (specifically, the bottom side 3b) connected to the optical fiber bundle B is not folded back to the back side of the base material 2, but is disposed at the end of the front surface of the base material 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0039] Light from a light source 9 such as an LED is incident on the tip end side of the optical fiber bundle B (i.e., the side bundled by the sleeve 8 or the like) (see FIG. 8). This causes the light from the light source 9 to be emitted from the surface of the skin material 3, further enhancing the design and presentation effects. The light source 9 is held by a holder (not shown) provided on the back surface of the base material 2.

[0040] 4, a bundling structure 21A is provided at the end of the back surface of the base material 2, which bundles the optical fiber bundles B exposed from the end of the skin material 3 along the back surface of the base material 2. A plurality of bundling structures 21A (seven in FIG. 4) are provided along the lower side portion 2b of the base material 2.

[0041] 5 and 6, the bundling structure 21A has a rectangular standing wall 22 standing on the back surface of the base material 2. The standing wall 22 has a circular insertion hole 23 formed therein, through which the optical fiber bundle B can be inserted.

[0042] The standing wall 22 is arranged to extend in a direction along one side 2b of the base material 22. The standing wall 22 is arranged apart from the reinforcing rib 14 provided on the lower side 2b of the base material 2 (see FIG. 7(a)).

[0043] The insertion hole 23 has an outer diameter (for example, 7 mm) larger than the outer diameter (for example, 5 mm) of the sleeve 8. The insertion hole 23 has an R-surface (i.e., curved surface) 24 formed on the side where the tip end of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted, which guides the insertion (see FIG. 2). The R-surface 24 is formed around the entire circumference of the insertion hole 23.

[0044] Next, the effects of the ornament 1A configured as described above will be described. When attaching the skin material 3 to the surface of the base material 2, the rake-shaped optical fiber bundle B (see FIG. 8) exposed from the end of the skin material 3 is folded back toward the back surface of the base material 2, and the tip side of the bundle is inserted into the insertion hole 23, and the base side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted into the insertion hole 23. As a result, the base side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B is squeezed and gathered into a rope-like shape along the back surface of the base material 2 (see FIG. 5).

[0045] According to the ornament 1A of this embodiment, the skin material 3 has a woven fabric 6 into which optical fibers 5 are woven as constituent threads, and a bundling structure 21A is provided at the end of the back surface of the base material 2, bundling the multiple optical fibers 5 exposed from the end of the skin material 3 along the back surface of the base material 2. This allows the fastening portion 10 with the base member 43 constituting the door trim 41 to be set closer to the outer edge of the back surface of the base material 2, making it possible to bring it closer to the parting line D2 of the design.

[0046] In this embodiment, the bundling structure 21A has a standing wall 22, and an insertion hole 23 is formed in the standing wall 22. This allows multiple optical fibers 5 to be easily bundled by inserting them into the insertion hole 23.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of bundling structures 21A are provided along the lower side portion 2b of the base material 2. This allows the plurality of optical fibers 5 exposed from the end portion of the skin material 3 to be grouped into predetermined numbers and bundled together by each bundling structure 21A.

[0048] Next, an ornament 1B according to another embodiment will be described, but the same components as those of the ornament 1A will be designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] This ornament 1B has a bundling structure 21B instead of the bundling structure 21A. As shown in Fig. 10, this bundling structure 21B has a pair of opposing standing walls 32 that are erected on the back surface of the base material 2. At the tip side of each of the pair of standing walls 32, a hook-shaped portion 33 is provided that forms an insertion opening 36 through which the base side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B can be inserted between the pair of standing walls 32.

[0050] Each of the pair of standing walls 32 has a thin portion 32a that is continuous with the back surface of the base material 2, and a thick portion 32b that is continuous at one end with the thin portion 32a and at the other end with the hook-shaped portion 33. The pair of standing walls 32 are arranged with their positions offset in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the standing walls 32. The pair of standing walls 32 are provided on the back surface of the base material 2 so that they approach each other toward their tip ends. Furthermore, a curved surface 34 is formed on each hook-shaped portion 33 on the side where the base side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted, for guiding the insertion.

[0051] In this bundling structure 21B, while the hook portions 33 are moved apart by fingertip manipulation, the root side B1 of the optical fiber bundle B is inserted between the hook portions 33 from directly above them, and then inserted and squeezed between the pair of standing walls 32, whereby the optical fiber bundle B is bundled into a rope-like shape along the rear surface of the substrate 2. In this bundled state, the hook portions 33 prevent the optical fiber bundle B from slipping out. Note that the optical fiber bundle B may be inserted between the pair of standing walls 32 without moving the hook portions 33 apart by fingertip manipulation.

[0052] The ornament 1B has substantially the same effect as the ornament 1A, and the bundling structure 21B has a pair of standing walls 32, each of which has a hook-shaped portion 33 at its tip, so that multiple optical fibers 5 can be easily bundled by inserting them between the pair of standing walls 32 from each hook-shaped portion 33. Furthermore, the hook-shaped portions 33 prevent the multiple optical fibers 5 inserted between the pair of standing walls 32 from slipping out.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made depending on the purpose and application. In other words, the above-described embodiment illustrates ornaments 1A and 1B in which a plurality of optical fiber bundles B are provided along the lower edge 3b of the skin 3 and a plurality of bundling structures 21A, 21B are provided along the lower edge 2b of the base material 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ornaments 1A and 1B may be configured in which a plurality of optical fiber bundles B are provided along the upper edge 3a of the skin 3 and a plurality of bundling structures 21A, 21B are provided along the upper edge 2a of the base material 2. Furthermore, ornaments 1A and 1B may be configured in which a plurality of optical fiber bundles B are provided along the upper edge 3a and lower edge 3b of the skin 3 and a plurality of bundling structures 21A, 21B are provided along the upper edge 2a and lower edge 2b of the base material 2.

[0054] The foregoing examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the language used in describing and illustrating the invention is descriptive and exemplary, rather than limiting. As detailed herein, changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention in its form. While the description of the invention has referred to specific structures, materials, and examples, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosures therein; rather, the invention is intended to cover all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses within the scope of the appended claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] The present invention is widely used as a technique for bundling a plurality of optical fibers exposed from the end of a skin material at the end of the back surface of a substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1A-1C; Ornament (interior material), 2; Base material, 2b; Lower edge portion (one side portion), 3; Skin material, 5; Optical fiber, 6; Fabric, 10; Fastening portion, 21A-21C; Bundling structure, 22; Standing wall, 23; Insertion hole, 32; Pair of standing walls, 33; Hook-shaped portion, 41; Vehicle door trim, D1, D2; Design trim.

Claims

1. An interior material comprising a plate-shaped base material and a skin material covering a surface of the base material, the skin material has a woven fabric in which optical fibers are woven as constituent threads, An interior material characterized in that a bundling structure is provided at the end of the back surface of the base material, bundling the plurality of optical fibers exposed from the end of the skin material along the back surface of the base material.

2. the bundling structure has a standing wall that stands on the back surface of the base material, 2. The interior material according to claim 1, wherein the vertical wall has through-holes through which a plurality of the optical fibers can be inserted.

3. the bundling structure has a pair of opposing upstanding walls that are erected on the rear surface of the base material, 2. The interior material according to claim 1, wherein a hook-shaped portion is provided at each tip of the pair of upright walls, allowing the plurality of optical fibers to be inserted between the pair of upright walls.

4. The interior material according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the bundling structures are provided along at least one side of the base material.

5. 2. The interior trim material according to claim 1, which is an ornament constituting a door trim for a vehicle.

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