Vehicle cargo box

The cargo box design addresses strength and assembly issues by using a bracket insertion portion with a hook and connecting bar for secure attachment and even tensile force distribution, enhancing collision resistance and simplifying assembly.

JP7780136B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-04MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025503538
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-02
Publication Date
2025-12-04
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cargo box connection structures in vehicles are prone to breakage during rear-end collisions due to insufficient strength at the connecting points and require complex assembly processes.

Method used

A cargo box design featuring a bracket insertion portion with a hook portion and a strap bracket that is hooked to prevent disengagement, along with a connecting bar for even tensile force distribution, and an elastic tongue for secure attachment without tools.

Benefits of technology

The design enhances connection strength and simplifies assembly, preventing breakage during collisions and ensuring secure attachment of the lid board, while allowing smooth operation and easy assembly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A cargo box (3) that has an upper opening is provided in a rear luggage compartment (2) of a vehicle (1), and a lid board (5) is disposed on the opening portion. A connecting recess portion (7) which is open upward and rearward is formed at a front end portion (3c) of the cargo box (3), a bottom wall of the connecting recess portion (7) is shaped by an elastic tongue piece (8) having elasticity, and a latch portion (9) is provided to rise from a front end portion (8). Using the lower edges of right and left sidewalls (7a) of the connecting recess portion (7) as guide surfaces (12), a strap bracket (14) is inserted from the rear between the elastic tongue piece (8) and the right and left guide surfaces (12), and is latched by the latch (9) to prevent disengagement. One end portion (6a) of a strap (6) is wound around and connected to a connecting bar (16) formed on the strap bracket (14), and the other end portion (6b) of the strap (6) is connected to the lid board (5).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cargo box to be installed in a trunk of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a luggage compartment of a vehicle that has an upwardly opening storage space, and the opening is closed by a pair of first and second deck boards, one at the front and one at the rear. The front ends of a pair of left and right nylon tape hinges are fixed to the rear end of the first deck board with connecting pins, and the rear ends of each tape hinge are fixed to the front end of the second deck board with connecting pins. As a result, the first and second deck boards are connected via the tape hinges, and when the second deck board is folded forward, for example, using the tape hinges as a fulcrum, the rear half of the storage space opens upward, allowing luggage, such as tools, to be placed in and removed.

[0003] In addition to such tape hinge connection structures using connecting pins, a connection structure using bolts, as shown in FIG. 12, has also been implemented. In this conventional technology, a lid board is connected to a cargo box 101 disposed in the trunk of a vehicle via a plurality of flexible straps 102 in an openable and closable manner. FIG. 12 shows the connection point between the front end 101a of the cargo box 101 and the end of the strap 102. A bolt hole 101b is formed in the front end 101a, through which a cylindrical collar 103 is inserted, and a through hole 102a formed in the end of the strap 102 is fitted into the collar 103 from above. A bolt 104 is inserted into the collar 103 from above and threadedly engages with a nut (not shown) disposed on the underside of the cargo box 101. Therefore, the head of the bolt 104 prevents the end of the strap 102 from coming off the collar 103, and the strap 102 is connected to the front end 101a of the cargo box 101. Although not shown, the other end of the strap 102 is connected to the front end of the lid board, so that the cargo box 101 is closed or opened in response to the opening or closing of the lid board with each strap 102 as a fulcrum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-59217 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-described connecting structure of the strap 102 leaves room for improvement in terms of the strength of the connecting portion and the ease of assembly during manufacturing. As shown in FIG. 12 , the end of the strap 102 is connected to the front end 101 a of the cargo box 101 with its through hole 102 a fitted into the collar 103. For example, if another vehicle collides with the cargo box 101 from behind (hereinafter referred to as a rear-end collision), the rear of the vehicle body is crushed, causing the lid board to move forward and apply a tensile force to the strap 102. As a result, the through hole 102 a of the strap 102 is pushed open in one direction by the collar 103, making the strap 102 prone to breakage starting from the through hole 102 a. Furthermore, because the tensile force of the strap 102 acts locally around the nut via the bolt 104, deformation or breakage of the front end 101 a of the cargo box 101 may cause the bolt 104 to come loose, resulting in the loss of the fastening function of the strap 102. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the strength of the connection point of the strap 102 is sufficient, and this is also the case with the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, which uses a connecting pin.

[0006] Furthermore, in the assembly work during manufacturing, first, collar 103 is inserted into bolt hole 101b of cargo box 101, and through hole 102a of strap 102 is fitted into collar 103. Next, bolt 104 is inserted into collar 103 and screwed into a nut on the underside of cargo box 101. This complicated procedure must be repeated for each strap. In addition, since the assembly work requires the use of a tool such as an electric screwdriver, it is difficult to say that assembly is easy during manufacturing, and the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is similar in this respect.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a cargo box for a vehicle that can connect the cargo box and straps with high strength and can be easily assembled during manufacturing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the cargo box of a vehicle of the present invention is a cargo box for a vehicle which is arranged in the trunk of a vehicle and has a lid board connected to the front end of the cargo box via a flexible strap so that it can be opened and closed, and which is equipped with a bracket insertion portion formed at the front end of the cargo box, which opens toward the rear and has a hook portion formed therein, and a strap bracket which is inserted into the bracket insertion portion from the rear and hooked to the hook portion to prevent it from coming off, and which has a connecting bar formed integrally on its top surface that extends in the left-right direction, and one end of the strap is connected to the front end of the lid board and the other end is connected in a ring-shaped manner by being wound around the connecting bar of the strap bracket.

[0009] With this configuration, the end of the annular strap is connected in a wound state to the connecting bar of the strap bracket, eliminating the need to form a through hole that can become the starting point for breakage when subjected to tensile force, as in the prior art strap shown in Figure 12. Therefore, when the lid board moves forward in a rear-end collision with another vehicle, the tensile force acts almost evenly across the entire width of the strap, preventing breakage.

[0010] In addition, the tensile force of the strap acts on the bracket insert portion via the strap bracket, and the bracket insert portion resists the tensile force over a wide area, thereby preventing damage to the bracket insert portion. Furthermore, the cargo box assembly work can be completed simply by inserting and arranging the strap bracket into the bracket insertion portion, and no tools such as an electric screwdriver are required.

[0011] In another aspect, the bracket insertion portion may be inclined obliquely upward and forward. When configured in this manner, the strap bracket is pulled diagonally upward and forward via the strap in the event of a rear-end collision with another vehicle, but because the bracket insertion portion is inclined in a direction similar to this, the strap bracket is prevented from coming off.

[0012] In another aspect, the vertical width of the rear part of the bracket insertion portion may be set smaller than the vertical width of the front end of the strap bracket, and the bracket insertion portion may be elastically bent in the vertical direction to clamp the strap bracket. In this configuration, the front end of the strap bracket is clamped by the bracket insertion portion, making it difficult for the strap bracket to fall out of the bracket insertion portion.

[0013] In another aspect, the cargo box may have a connecting recess formed at its front end portion that is open upward and backward, the bracket insertion portion comprising an elastic tongue that forms the bottom wall of the connecting recess and elastically bends to displace the front end portion up and down, and a pair of downward-facing guide surfaces formed on both left and right side walls of the connecting recess, respectively, the strap bracket being inserted from the rear between the elastic tongue and the pair of left and right guide surfaces, hooked onto the hooking portion to prevent it from being disengaged, and urged upward by the elasticity of the elastic tongue, with both left and right sides abutting against the pair of left and right guide surfaces from below, and arranged in a position spanning between the left and right side walls of the connecting recess, the other end of the strap being wound around the connecting bar of the strap bracket within the connecting recess, and extending upward from within the connecting recess to connect the one end to the front end portion of the lid board.

[0014] With this configuration, when the vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle, the pulling force of the strap acts on the left and right guide surfaces via the strap bracket, but because the left and right side walls of the connecting recess have high strength, the movement of the strap bracket is restricted without being damaged even when subjected to the pulling force. In addition, the positional change of the strap at this time is allowed by the connecting recess that is open upward and rearward.

[0015] In another aspect, the strap bracket may have a hooking portion formed on the lower front side, and the elastic tongue may have the hooking portion protruding from the upper surface of the front end portion, and the hooking portion may be elastically hooked onto the hooking portion of the strap bracket. With this configuration, the hooking portion protrudes from the front end, which is displaced significantly up and down as the elastic tongue bends, so the protruding height of the hooking portion can be set large, enabling the hooked portion of the strap bracket to be more securely hooked. Also, because the hooking portion is provided on the elastic tongue that bends downward, the strap bracket is guided linearly along the guide surface until it is completely inserted into the bracket insertion portion, allowing for a smooth insertion operation.

[0016] In another embodiment, the connecting bar may have a lower portion that is substantially semicircular in cross section, and a pair of front and rear ribs that extend in the left-right direction may be integrally formed on an upper portion. In this configuration, when the strap is tensile, the end of the strap wound around the connecting bar is pressed firmly against the bottom of the connecting bar, maintaining the connected state. However, because the bottom of the connecting bar has a roughly semicircular cross section, the load is dispersed, preventing the strap from breaking. In addition, the strength of the connecting bar is increased by forming a rib, preventing damage to the connecting bar.

[0017] In another aspect, the strap bracket may be positioned in the left-right direction by the left and right ends of a pair of front and rear ribs of the connecting bar abutting against the left and right side walls of the connecting recess, respectively. In this configuration, the ribs of the connecting bar are utilized to position the strap bracket in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the cargo box for a vehicle of the present invention, the cargo box and the strap can be connected with high strength and can be easily assembled during manufacturing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle on which a cargo box according to an embodiment is mounted, viewed from a diagonally rear left side. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the cargo box alone with the lid board open. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view taken along arrow B in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing the strap bracket immediately before being inserted into the bracket insertion portion. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing the strap bracket being inserted into the bracket insertion portion. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing the strap bracket when the elastic tongue is bent to move over the hook portion. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing the initial behavior of the lid board when hit from behind by another vehicle. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing the behavior of the lid board in the middle stage when it is hit from behind by another vehicle. FIG. [Figure 11] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing the final behavior of the lid board when hit from behind by another vehicle. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a connection point between a cargo box and a strap according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cargo box for a vehicle embodying the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle on which a cargo box according to this embodiment is mounted, seen from the left rear, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cargo box alone with the lid board open. Note that Fig. 1 does not show the rear gate, rear bumper, taillights, etc., and in the following description, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are expressed based on the position of an occupant in the vehicle.

[0021] The rear luggage compartment 2 of the vehicle 1 can be accessed by opening the rear gate, and a synthetic resin cargo box 3 is embedded in the floor 2a of the rear luggage compartment 2. The cargo box 3 is generally box-shaped and opens upward, with the right side of the interior being an underfloor luggage space 3a for storing luggage such as tools, and the left side being a battery space 3b containing a 12V battery. The battery in the battery space 3b serves to supply operating power to 12V on-board equipment (not shown), and the battery space 3b is normally blocked off by an openable maintenance board 4, which is opened for battery maintenance.

[0022] A lid board 5 having approximately the same shape as the opening of the cargo box 3 is disposed on top of the cargo box 3, and four locations spaced apart on the left and right sides of the front end 3c of the cargo box 3 are connected to the front end 5a of the lid board 5 via flexible straps 6. As a result, under normal circumstances, the entire opening of the cargo box 3 is closed by the lid board 5 as shown by the solid lines in Fig. 1, and the lid board 5 functions as the floor 2a of the luggage compartment 2, allowing luggage to be stored in the luggage compartment 2. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2, when the lid board 5 is folded forward using each strap 6 as a fulcrum, the interior of the cargo box 3 is opened, allowing luggage to be put in and taken out of the underfloor luggage space, and the maintenance board 4 can be opened.

[0023] The structure of the cargo box 3 and the lid board 5 connected via the straps 6 will be described below. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of part A in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a view taken along arrow B in FIG. 4. The following description will focus on the connection point of the leftmost strap 6 as a representative example, but the other connection points have the same structure.

[0024] The front end 3c of the cargo box 3 is cut out in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape to form a connecting recess 7 that is open upward and backward. The connecting recess 7 is composed of left and right sidewalls 7a, a front wall 7b, and an elastic tongue 8 that forms a bottom wall. The elastic tongue 8 extends obliquely upward and forward from the rear of the cargo box 3 and is inclined at an angle α with respect to the front-to-rear direction as shown in Figure 4. The left and right sides and the front end 8a of the elastic tongue 8 are separated from the left and right sidewalls 7a and the front wall 7b of the connecting recess 7, thereby forming a cantilever shape that elastically bends as shown by arrow C in Figure 4, allowing the front end 8a to be displaced up and down. A hook 9 that has a generally triangular cross section in a side view protrudes from the upper surface of the front end 8a of the elastic tongue 8.

[0025] The shape of the lower edges of the left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7 is determined based on the elastic tongue 8. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower portion of the connecting recess 7 is extended left and right to form extensions 11, and the left and right side walls 7a terminate above these extensions 11, forming their respective lower edges. In a side view shown in FIG. 4, the extensions 11 are slanted obliquely upward and forward, following the inclination of the elastic tongue 8. Consequently, the lower edges of the left and right side walls 7a are also slanted obliquely upward and forward. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower edges of the left and right side walls 7a are located on both sides of the elastic tongue 8 and function as guide surfaces 12 that guide the insertion of a strap bracket 14 (described later), and the front portions of the guide surfaces 12 are bent downward to form stop surfaces 12a. The elastic tongue 8, the left and right guide surfaces 12, and the extensions 11 form a bracket insertion portion 13 that opens rearward, into which the strap bracket 14 is inserted.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing the strap bracket 14 immediately before being inserted into the bracket insertion portion 13. As shown in FIG. 4 and 6, strap bracket 14 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the vertical direction, and is inserted and placed in bracket insertion portion 13 from the rear. Specifically, strap bracket 14 is inserted and placed in a region that corresponds to the area between elastic tongue 8 and left and right guide surfaces 12 in the vertical direction, and the area that corresponds to the area between left and right extension portions 11 in the horizontal direction. The front lower portion of strap bracket 14 functions as hooked portion 14a, and is hooked onto hook portion 9 of elastic tongue 8, thereby preventing strap bracket 14 from coming off bracket insertion portion 13.

[0027] When not subjected to external force, the front end 8a of the elastic tongue 8 forms a gap t2 (corresponding to the "vertical width of the innermost portion of the bracket insertion portion" of the present invention) between itself and the left and right guide surfaces 12, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 4, and this gap t2 is set to be smaller than the vertical width t1 of the strap bracket 14 by, for example, about 0.5 mm. As a result, the strap bracket 14 is urged upward by the elasticity of the elastic tongue 8, and its left and right sides abut against the left and right guide surfaces 12 from below, respectively. As a result, the strap bracket 14 is sandwiched between the elastic tongue 8 and the guide surfaces 12 without any vertical rattle, and is disposed in a position where it spans between the left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7.

[0028] A pair of front and rear slits 15 extending laterally are formed in the strap bracket 14. Each slit 15 penetrates the strap bracket 14 vertically, forming a connecting bar 16 extending laterally between the two slits 15 on the top surface of the strap bracket 14. The lower portion of the connecting bar 16 has a generally semicircular cross section, and a pair of front and rear ribs 16a extending laterally are integrally formed on the upper portion. Circular ends 16b (corresponding to "both left and right ends of the rib" in this invention) are integrally formed on the left and right sides of the rib 16a, and the left ends and right ends of the front and rear ribs 16a are connected to each other via the circular ends 16b, respectively. Within the connecting recess 7, one end 6a of a strap 6 (corresponding to "the other end of the strap" in this invention) is connected to the connecting bar 16, and the strap 6 extends upward, with the other end 6b (corresponding to "one end of the strap" in this invention) connected to the front end 5a of the lid board 5.

[0029] Specifically, one end 6a of the strap 6 is inserted from above into the rear slit 15, passes under the connecting bar 16, is pulled upward from the front slit 15, and is then sewn into a ring shape to be connected to the connecting bar 16. Similarly, the other end 6b of the strap 6 is sewn into a ring shape and connected to the lid bracket 17, and this lid bracket 17 is fixed to the underside of the front end of the lid board 5 with a bolt (not shown). As a result, the front end 3c of the cargo box 3 is connected to the front end 5a of the lid board 5 via the strap 6. Note that the connection structure on the lid board 5 side is not limited to the above, and for example, the end of the strap 6 may be fastened with a bolt.

[0030] 5, the left and right circular end portions 16b of the strap bracket 14 face the left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7. The left and right length of the rib 16a, including the left and right circular end portions 16b, is set to be slightly shorter than the distance between the left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7. Therefore, the left and right circular end portions 16b abut against the left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7, thereby positioning the strap bracket 14 in the left-right direction.

[0031] Next, the assembly work of the cargo box 3 configured as above will be described. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 showing the strap bracket 14 in the middle of being inserted into the bracket insertion portion 13, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 showing the strap bracket 14 when the elastic tongue piece 8 is bent and the strap bracket 14 climbs over the hook portion 9.

[0032] Each component, such as the cargo box 3 and lid board 5, is fabricated in advance, and the other end 6b of each strap 6 is connected to the lid board 5 via the lid bracket 17, while one end 6a of each strap 6 is connected to the strap bracket 14. The rib 16a formed on the strap bracket 14 contributes to the connection to the strap bracket 14. That is, the rib 16a located near the slit 15 serves to guide the end of the strap 6 into the slit 15, making it easier to connect the strap 6 and ultimately simplifying the assembly work of the cargo box 3. Note that the connection work to the lid board 5 may be performed later.

[0033] Then, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the lid board 5 is folded forward relative to the cargo box 3, and each strap bracket 14 is grasped in turn and inserted into the bracket insertion portion 13 of the cargo box 3 from the rear as shown by arrow D in Figures 6 and 7. The strap bracket 14 gradually moves forward within the bracket insertion portion 13 while its lower surface is in sliding contact with the elastic tongue piece 8 and its upper surfaces on both the left and right sides are in sliding contact with the left and right guide surfaces 12.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, when hooked portion 14a of strap bracket 14 reaches hooking portion 9 of elastic tongue 8, hooked portion 14a climbs over hooking portion 9 while bending elastic tongue 8 downward as shown by arrow E. Immediately thereafter, strap bracket 14 abuts stopper surface 12a, as shown in Figure 4, and elastic tongue 8 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity. Hooking portion 9 of elastic tongue 8 hooks hooked portion 14a of strap bracket 14, preventing strap bracket 14 from coming off bracket insertion portion 13.

[0035] As the elastic tongue 8 bends, the front end 8a is displaced significantly up and down, and a hooking portion 9 protrudes from this front end 8a. This allows the protruding height of the hooking portion 9 to be set large, thereby ensuring reliable hooking of the hooked portion 14a of the strap bracket 14. Furthermore, because the hooking portion 9 is provided on the elastic tongue 8 that bends downward, the strap bracket 14 is guided linearly along the guide surface 12 until insertion into the bracket insertion portion 13 is complete. This allows for a smooth insertion operation of the strap bracket 14.

[0036] 4, the strap bracket 14 in this state is clamped between the elastic tongue 8 and the guide surface 12 without any vertical rattle. By performing the above steps for each strap 6, the assembly of the cargo box 3 is completed.

[0037] In this way, the end of the strap 6 can be connected to the front end 3c of the cargo box 3 simply by inserting and arranging the strap bracket 14 into the bracket insertion portion 13 of the cargo box 3. Therefore, compared to the prior art shown in FIG. 12, which uses a bolt 104, for example, this can be completed with a much simpler connection operation and does not require tools such as an electric screwdriver. This greatly improves the ease of assembly during the manufacture of the cargo box 3.

[0038] Meanwhile, the shape of the connecting recess 7, which is open upward and rearward of the cargo box 3, allows the strap 6 to change its position depending on the state of use of the cargo box 3. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the lid board 5 is closed, the strap 6 is in a slack state extending rearward from the connecting recess 7, and when the lid board 5 is folded forward and opened, as shown in FIG. 3, the strap 6 is stretched upward from the connecting recess 7. Because the opening of the connecting recess 7 allows the strap 6 to change its position between the two, the lid board 5 can be opened and closed smoothly. Furthermore, in the event of a rear-end collision with another vehicle, which will be described in detail later, the strap 6 is pulled forward by the lid board 5 moving forward, as shown in FIG. 11, but even in this case, the opening of the connecting recess 7 allows the strap 6 to change its position.

[0039] Next, the behavior of the cargo box 3 when it is hit from behind by another vehicle will be described. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 showing the initial behavior of the lid board 5 when hit from behind by another vehicle, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 showing the middle-stage behavior of the lid board 5 when hit from behind by another vehicle, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 showing the final-stage behavior of the lid board 5 when hit from behind by another vehicle.

[0040] In the initial stage of a rear-end collision with another vehicle, a horizontal impact is input to the entire rear of the vehicle 1, and as shown in Figure 9, the impact causes the lid board 5 to jump up, and also affects the strap bracket 14. The strap bracket 14 is prevented from coming off the bracket insertion portion 13 even when it receives an impact, because the hooking portion 9 of the elastic tongue piece 8 is hooked to the hooked portion 14a and is held between the strap bracket 14 and the guide surface 12 by the elasticity of the elastic tongue piece 8.

[0041] In addition, the fact that the bracket insertion portion 13 (the elastic tongue 8, the left and right guide surfaces 12, and the extension portion 11) is inclined obliquely upward and forward also contributes to preventing separation. For example, if the bracket insertion portion 13 were formed horizontally, the strap bracket 14 would bounce rearward in reaction to a horizontal impact, which could cause the strap bracket 14 to be released from the hook portion 9 and fall out of the bracket insertion portion 13. However, in this embodiment, the bracket insertion portion 13 is inclined obliquely upward and forward, which is different from the direction of the impact, so the strap bracket 14 is prevented from bouncing rearward in reaction to the impact. As a result, combined with the above-mentioned hooking by the hook portion 9 and clamping by the elastic tongue 8, separation of the strap bracket 14 from the bracket insertion portion 13 can be reliably prevented in the early stages of a rear-end collision.

[0042] During the subsequent mid-stage of the rear-end collision, the rear of the vehicle collapses forward as the other vehicle enters, deforming the cargo box 3 and pushing the lid board 5 forward. Because the strap bracket 14 is held within the bracket insertion portion 13 as described above, the strap 6 prevents the lid board 5 from bouncing up too much, as shown in FIG.

[0043] Then, as the rear-end collision reaches its final stage, the lid board 5 moves forward while being restricted from bouncing up. Because the connection between the bracket insertion portion 13 and the lid board 5 is maintained via the strap 6, the forward movement of the lid board 5 is restricted when the strap 6 interferes with the rear end of the decorative board 18 placed in front of the cargo box 3 and reaches its maximum extension, as shown in FIG. 11 . At this time, the strap bracket 14 abuts the guide surfaces 12 on both the left and right sides, respectively, to resist the tensile force of the strap 6. As described above, the change in the position of the strap 6 at this time is permitted by the connecting recess 7 that is open upward and rearward, so that the desired change in position of the strap 6, and therefore the desired restriction on the movement of the lid board 5, can be achieved.

[0044] In the final stages of a rear-end collision, the strap bracket 14 resists the inertial mass of the lid board 5 moving forward via the strap 6, so high connection strength is required between the connecting recess 7 of the cargo box 3 and the strap 6. In this embodiment, this requirement is met by the following factors.

[0045] 1) The end 6a of the annular strap 6 is wound and connected to the connecting bar 16 of the strap bracket 14. 12, there are no through holes 102a that could be the starting point for breakage when subjected to a tensile force, so the tensile force acts approximately evenly across the entire width of the strap 6. This improves the strength of the strap 6 itself and prevents breakage, thereby increasing the connection strength between the connecting recess 7 and the strap 6.

[0046] 2) The strap bracket 14 is not only hooked by the hook portion 9 of the elastic tongue 8, but also receives the elasticity of the elastic tongue 8 and is sandwiched between the guide surface 12 without any rattle. If there is any looseness, the strap bracket 14 is likely to fall out of the bracket insertion portion 13, and there is also the possibility that the strap bracket 14 may be displaced vertically within the range of the looseness, causing it to be released from the latch by the latch portion 9. By preventing such a situation, the latch portion 9 can reliably restrict the release, and the strap bracket 14 can be kept held in the bracket insertion portion 13.

[0047] 3) The bracket insertion portion 13 is inclined obliquely upward and forward. At the end of a rear-end collision, the strap bracket 14 is pulled diagonally upward and forward via the strap 6, and the bracket insertion portion 13 is tilted in a similar direction. Therefore, as shown by arrow F in Figure 11, the tensile force of the strap 6 acts in the direction of inserting the strap bracket 14 into the bracket insertion portion 13. Therefore, as with requirement 2), this contributes to preventing the strap bracket 14 from coming off the bracket insertion portion 13.

[0048] 4) The strap bracket 14 abuts against the guide surface 12 on both the left and right sides to resist the tensile force of the strap 6. 12, the tensile force of the strap 102 acts locally on the area of ​​the cargo box 101 that contacts the nut, causing damage. In contrast, in this embodiment, the tensile force of the strap 6 acts on the left and right guide surfaces 12 via the strap bracket 14, and the tensile force is resisted over a wide area of ​​the entire guide surfaces 12. Therefore, even if a tensile force acts, the left and right guide surfaces 12 can restrict the movement of the strap bracket 14 without being damaged.

[0049] 5) In relation to the above requirement 4), the left and right guide surfaces 12 are formed by the lower edges of the left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7. The left and right side walls 7a of the connecting recess 7 are inherently strong, and the lower edges thereof function as guide surfaces 12, so that damage to the guide surfaces 12 due to tensile force can be more reliably prevented.

[0050] 6) A pair of front and rear ribs 16a are formed on the connecting bar 16 of the strap bracket 14. The tensile force of the strap 6 acts directly on the connecting bar 16, which may cause damage if the connecting bar 16 does not have sufficient strength. By forming the rib 16a, the strength of the connecting bar 16 is increased, preventing damage, and the connection between the strap bracket 14 and the strap 6 can be reliably maintained.

[0051] 7) The lower part of the connecting bar 16 has a substantially semicircular cross section. When a tensile force acts on the strap 6 during a rear-end collision, the end of the strap 6 wound around the connecting bar 16 maintains its connected state by strongly pressing against the lower part of the connecting bar 16. For example, if the lower part of the connecting bar 16 has an acute-angled cross section, the load will be concentrated locally at the part of the strap 6 that contacts the apex, making it more likely to break. If the lower part of the connecting bar 16 has a roughly semicircular cross section, the load will be distributed, which, together with requirement 1), can more reliably prevent the strap 6 from breaking.

[0052] Due to the above requirements 1) to 7), the connecting recess 7 of the cargo box 3 and the strap 6 are connected with high strength. Therefore, even if the inertial mass of the lid board 5 moving forward at the end of a rear-end collision is received, the connecting portion does not break and the connected state between the connecting recess 7 and the strap 6 is maintained, thereby minimizing the jumping up and forward movement of the lid board 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent problems that may occur if the lid board 5 opens wide, such as unexpected incidents such as luggage in the underfloor luggage space 3a being scattered to the outside.

[0053] Although the description of the embodiment has been completed, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, a battery space 3b is provided in the cargo box 3 to accommodate a battery, and the cargo box 3 is connected to the lid board 5 via four straps 6, but this is not limited to this. For example, the battery space may be omitted, or the number of straps 6 may be changed. Furthermore, the shapes of the connecting recess 7 and the strap bracket 14, or the configuration of the bracket insertion portion 13, etc. are not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed as desired. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 vehicle 2 Rear luggage compartment 3 Cargo Box 3c Front end 5 Lidboard 6 Straps 6a One end (the other end of the strap) 6b The other end (one end of the strap) 7 Connection recess 7a side wall 8 Elastic tongue 9 Latch part 12 Guide surface 13 Bracket insertion part 14 Strap bracket 14a Latched part 16 Connecting bar 16a Rib 16b Round end (both left and right ends of the rib) t1 Vertical width t2 Gap (vertical width at the back of the bracket insertion part)

Claims

1. A cargo box for a vehicle is provided in a luggage compartment of the vehicle, and has a lid board connected to a front end of the cargo box via a flexible strap in an openable and closable manner. a bracket insertion portion formed at a front end of the cargo box, opening rearward, and having a hook portion formed therein; a strap bracket having a connecting bar integrally formed on an upper surface thereof and extending in the left-right direction, the strap bracket being inserted into the bracket insertion portion from the rear and hooked to the hook portion to prevent separation; Equipped with One end of the strap is connected to the front end of the lid board, and the other end is connected in a looped state by being wound around the connecting bar of the strap bracket. A cargo box for a vehicle, comprising:

2. The bracket insertion portion is inclined obliquely upward and forward.

2. The vehicle cargo box according to claim 1.

3. The vertical width of the innermost portion of the bracket insertion portion is set smaller than the vertical width of the strap bracket, The bracket insertion portion is elastically bent in the vertical direction to clamp the strap bracket.

2. The vehicle cargo box according to claim 1.

4. The cargo box has a connecting recess formed at a front end thereof, the connecting recess being open upward and rearward, the bracket insertion portion comprises an elastic tongue that forms a bottom wall of the connecting recess and that is elastically bent so that its front end can be displaced up and down, and a pair of left and right guide surfaces that face downward and are formed on both left and right side walls of the connecting recess, respectively; The strap bracket is inserted from the rear between the elastic tongue and the pair of left and right guide surfaces, is hooked to the hooking portion to prevent disengagement, and is urged upward by the elasticity of the elastic tongue, with both left and right sides abutting against the pair of left and right guide surfaces from below, and is disposed in a position spanning between the left and right side walls of the connecting recess, The other end of the strap is wound around the connecting bar of the strap bracket within the connecting recess, and the one end extends upward from the connecting recess and is connected to the front end of the lid board.

4. A cargo box for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The strap bracket has a hook portion formed at the front lower portion, The elastic tongue has the hook portion protruding from the upper surface of the front end portion, and the hook portion is hooked to the hooked portion of the strap bracket by elasticity.

5. The cargo box of claim 4.

6. The connecting bar has a lower portion that is substantially semicircular in cross section, and a pair of front and rear ribs that extend in the left-right direction are integrally formed on the upper portion.

5. The cargo box of claim 4.

7. The strap bracket is positioned in the left-right direction by the left and right ends of the pair of front and rear ribs of the connecting bar abutting against the left and right side walls of the connecting recess, respectively.

7. The cargo box of claim 6.

Citation Information

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