Glove box

Abstract

A glove box (4) of the present disclosure is provided in the front of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The glove box (4) is provided with an upper box (5), a lower box (6), and a fragile section (7). The upper box (5) constitutes an upper part of the glove box (4). The lower box (6) is disposed adjacent to a lower part of the upper box (5). The fragile section (7) is provided in an area in which the upper box (5) and the lower box (6) are adjacent to each other. The fragile section (7) enables the upper box (5) and the lower box (6) to be engaged with each other, and also allows the lower box (6) to relatively move forward in the event of a collision of an occupant with the lower box (6).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a glove box provided at the front of a vehicle interior. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, glove boxes located in the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle have been known to have structures that mitigate the impact load caused by a collision with the knees of an occupant. For example, structures have been proposed in which a member that absorbs impact energy is built into the glove box lid, or a lower leg restraint device is provided below the glove box. These structures can mitigate the impact load and reduce the strain on the occupant's lower legs (see Patent Documents 1 to 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-203317 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-248737 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-101985 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-224078 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To further improve occupant protection performance, it is conceivable to reduce the reaction force applied to the knees from the glove box when the knees come into contact with the glove box. This type of reaction force can be reduced, for example, by reducing the strength of the glove box. On the other hand, if the strength of the glove box is insufficient, the glove box is likely to be deformed or damaged when heavy items such as books or plastic bottles are placed inside the glove box. Therefore, it is desirable to apply a glove box structure that can reduce the reaction force applied to the knees during a collision while maintaining sufficient strength required for functionality.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention was to provide a glove box that further improves occupant protection performance, which was devised in light of the above-mentioned problems. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the various configurations shown in the "Description of the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technologies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed glove box can be realized as the following embodiments (application examples) and solves at least part of the above problems. Each embodiment from embodiment 2 onwards is an embodiment that can be selected as an additional option, and each embodiment can be omitted. None of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards discloses an embodiment or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed glove box is a glove box provided at the front of a vehicle passenger compartment. The glove box includes an upper box, a lower box, and a fragile portion. The upper box forms the upper portion of the glove box, and the lower box is disposed adjacent to and below the upper box. The fragile portion is provided at an adjacent location between the upper box and the lower box, engages the upper box with the lower box, and allows the lower box to move forward relative to the upper box when an occupant collides with the lower box.

[0008] Aspect 2. In the above aspect 1, it is preferable that the fragile portion has a hook portion and a claw portion. The hook portion is preferably provided in a front lower portion of the upper box and is formed in a hook shape or annular shape in a front view. It is preferable that the claw portion is provided in a front upper portion of the lower box and is inserted into the hook portion to suspend the lower box from the upper box.

[0009] Aspect 3. In the above aspect 1 or 2, it is preferable that the lower box has a top surface formed in a substantially horizontal plane. It is also preferable that the fragile portion is located on substantially the same plane as the top surface. Aspect 4: In the above aspect 3, it is preferable that the upper box has a bottom surface formed in a flat shape with a downward slope toward the front. It is also preferable that a gap is formed between the bottom surface and the top surface.

[0010] Aspect 5. In any of the above aspects 1 to 4, it is preferable that the upper box is disposed rearward of the deck cross member and fixed to the deck cross member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the disclosed glove box, a weak portion is provided at the location where the upper box and the lower box are adjacent to each other to engage them, allowing the lower box to move forward relative to the vehicle when an occupant hits the lower box. This reduces the reaction force associated with a collision while maintaining sufficient strength required for functionality, thereby further improving occupant protection performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a central projection view of a vehicle interior in which a glove box is installed as an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel (side view of the glove box). [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are perspective views for explaining the structure of the fragile portion, in which (A) is a perspective view of a hook portion, and (B) is a perspective view of a claw portion. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are perspective views for explaining the structure of the rear engagement portion, in which (A) is a perspective view of the arm portion, and (B) is a perspective view of the fixing portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hook portion as a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The glove box of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. Regarding the definition of directions in this embodiment, the front-to-rear direction (vehicle length direction) is defined based on the forward and backward directions of the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted, and the left-to-right direction (vehicle width direction) is defined based on the front-to-rear direction. The up-to-down direction is defined based on a state in which the vehicle in which the glove box is mounted is stopped on a flat road surface. [Example]

[0014] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a central projection view showing the interior of a vehicle compartment 1 to which a glove box 4 according to an embodiment is applied. The glove box 4 is made of resin and is mounted on an instrument panel 3 located in front of a seat 2 (passenger seat). The glove box 4 is positioned so as to face the knees of an occupant sitting in the passenger seat, allowing the occupant to easily reach out and take out items, for example. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (left side view of the glove box 4) of the instrument panel 3 to which the glove box 4 is mounted, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the glove box 4.

[0015] The glove compartment 4 is a split-type glove compartment with a storage space divided into two parts, an upper part and an lower part, and includes an upper box 5 and a lower box 6. The upper box 5 forms the upper part of the glove compartment 4, and the lower box 6 forms the lower part of the glove compartment 4, and is disposed adjacent to and below the upper box. The storage space provided inside the upper box 5 is fixed with respect to the instrument panel 3 regardless of whether the upper box 5 is open or closed. In contrast, the storage space provided inside the lower box 6 is structured to rotate in response to the opening and closing movement of the lower box 6.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper box 5 is disposed behind the deck cross member 8 and is fixed to the deck cross member 8. The deck cross member 8 is a structural member that extends in the vehicle width direction inside the instrument panel 3 and supports the steering. The overall shape of the upper box 5 in a side view can be similar to a triangular shape (or trapezoidal shape) tapering toward the front. The front end portion of the upper box 5 is disposed almost directly below the deck cross member 8. An ornament 9, which is a decorative panel member, is attached to the lower end surface of the upper box 5 facing the passenger compartment 1. The ornament 9 is optional.

[0017] The lower box 6 is disposed below the deck cross member 8 and is not fixed to the deck cross member 8, but is fixed in a suspended position relative to the upper box 5. The overall shape of the lower box 6 in a side view can be similar to a right-angled triangle (or a quadrant) with an approximately perpendicular angle between the top surface and the front surface. The lower box 6 is fixed to the upper box 5 at its front side (left side in FIG. 2 ) and rear side (right side in FIG. 2 ). Of these fixing points, the fixing point on the front side (the rear side of the instrument panel 3 as seen from the occupant) is called the fragile portion 7, and the fixing point on the rear side (the front side as seen from the occupant) is called the rear engagement portion 60.

[0018] The fragile portion 7 is provided on the rear side of the adjacent portion of the upper box 5 and the lower box 6, and is a portion that fastens the upper box 5 and the lower box 6 to each other by engaging them. A pair of fragile portions 7 are provided on the left and right with a gap in the vehicle width direction, but the number of fragile portions 7 may be one or more. The fragile portion 7 is configured to include a hook portion 12 and a claw portion 22. The specific structure of these will be described later.

[0019] The rear engagement portions 60 are provided on the front side of the adjacent portion of the upper box 5 and the lower box 6, and are portions that secure the upper box 5 and the lower box 6 by engaging them together. A pair of rear engagement portions 60 are provided on the left and right with a gap in the vehicle width direction. Note that the rear engagement portions 60 can be omitted. The rear engagement portions 60 are also configured to include an arm portion 16 and a fixing portion 24. The specific structures of these will be described later.

[0020] The fragile portion 7 has the function of allowing the lower box 6 to move forward relative to the lower box 6 when an occupant collides with the lower box 6. The fragile portion 7 is formed so that it breaks easily, for example, when the occupant's body (e.g., knees, legs, etc.) collides with the lower box 6. When the fragile portion 7 breaks, the lower box 6 remains engaged with the upper box 5 only by the rear engagement portion 60. This makes it possible to easily move the lower box 6 forward relative to the upper box 5.

[0021] The strength of the fragile portion 7 is set to be sufficiently strong against loads in the vertical direction. This prevents deformation or damage to the glove compartment 4, even if heavy items such as books or plastic bottles are placed in the lower box 6. On the other hand, the strength of the fragile portion 7 against loads in the front-rear direction is set to be weaker than the strength in the vertical direction. This allows the fragile portion 7 to break only when the body of an occupant hits the surface (rear side) of the lower box 6 facing the passenger compartment 1 with force, allowing the lower box 6 to move forward and reducing the reaction force input from the lower box 6 to the body of the occupant.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper box 5 includes a box portion 10 and a frame portion 15. The box portion 10 is a member that forms the storage space of the upper box 5 and includes a container portion 11 and a lid portion 14. The container portion 11 is a container-shaped portion with an open rear side, and the lid portion 14 closes the open opening of the container portion 11 in an openable and closable manner. The bottom surface 31, which is the lower side surface adjacent to the opening of the container portion 11, is formed in a flat shape that slopes downward toward the front. This makes it easier for items stored in the upper box 5 to move toward the back (front side) of the storage space under their own weight, stabilizing the storage state of the items. The lid portion 14 is also pivotally attached to the container portion 11 so as to be rotatable. The rotation axis of the lid portion 14 is arranged horizontally and extends in the vehicle width direction, for example, near the upper end of the lid portion 14. Preferably, a latch mechanism, lock mechanism, spring mechanism, etc. (not shown) is provided between the container 11 and the lid 14 to prevent the lid 14 from being opened or closed inadvertently.

[0023] A hook portion 12 is provided on the front lower (front and lower) portion of the box portion 10 (container portion 11) of the upper box 5. The hook portion 12 is one of the components that constitute the fragile portion 7. The hook portion 12 is formed in a hook-like or annular shape (in other words, a hook-like or ring-like shape) when viewed from the front of the vehicle (when the hook portion 12 is viewed from the front of the vehicle). The hook portion 12 is a portion from which the lower box 6 is suspended when a claw portion 22, which will be described later, is inserted into the inside of the hook portion 12. In this embodiment, the hook portions 12 are provided on each of the left and right ends of the container portion 11, but the positions and number of the hook portions 12 are not limited to this. For example, one hook portion 12 may be provided in the center of the container portion 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] A first wall portion 13 is provided in a rear-lower (rear and lower) portion of the box portion 10 (container portion 11) of the upper box 5. The first wall portion 13 is a flat portion extending downward from the bottom surface 31 of the container portion 11. The first wall portion 13 functions as a base for supporting the ornament 9, and is formed so as to be in surface contact with a second wall portion 23, which will be described later. The first wall portion 13 is optional.

[0025] The frame portion 15 is a frame-shaped member that surrounds the left and right side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces of the box portion 10. The box portion 10 fits inside the frame portion 15, and the integrated box portion 10 and frame portion 15 form the upper box 5. The box portion 10 and frame portion 15 may be formed integrally in advance. The front portion of the frame portion 15 is fixed to the deck cross member 8 via a bracket, for example.

[0026] Arm portions 16 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the frame portion 15. The arm portions 16 are planar portions extending downward from the left and right side surfaces of the frame portion 15. The arm portions 16 are one of the components that constitute the rear engagement portion 60. The arm portions 16 are portions that support the lower box 6 and are formed so as to be in surface contact with the fixing portion 24 described below. A locking hole 17 is drilled in each of the left and right arm portions 16 for locking a push-in fastener 25 of the fixing portion 24 described below. In this embodiment, the arm portions 16 are provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the frame portion 15, but the position and number of the arm portions 16 are not limited to this. For example, one arm portion 16 may be provided in the center of the vehicle width direction at the rear lower part of the frame portion 15.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3 , the lower box 6 includes a lower frame portion 20 and a drawer portion 26. The drawer portion 26 is a member that forms the storage space of the lower box 6. The drawer portion 26 is formed in the shape of a container that is open at the top, and is pivotally attached to the lower frame portion 20 so as to be rotatable. The rotation axis of the drawer portion 26 is disposed horizontally and extends in the vehicle width direction, for example, near the lower end of the drawer portion 26. Preferably, a latch mechanism, lock mechanism, spring mechanism, or the like (not shown) is provided between the lower frame portion 20 and the drawer portion 26 to prevent the drawer portion 26 from being opened or closed accidentally.

[0028] The lower frame portion 20 is a member that is suspended and fixed to the upper box 5 while supporting the drawer portion 26. The lower frame portion 20 is provided with a main body portion 21, claw portions 22, a second wall portion 23, and a fixing portion 24. The main body portion 21 is a portion formed in a frame shape that surrounds the left and right side surfaces, top surface, and bottom surface of the drawer portion 26. The top surface 41, which is the upper side surface of the main body portion 21, is formed in a substantially horizontal plane. The fragile portion 7 is formed so as to be located approximately on the same plane as the top surface 41.

[0029] A claw portion 22 is provided in the upper front (front and upper) portion of the lower frame portion 20 (main body portion 21) of the lower box 6. The claw portion 22 is one of the portions that constitute the fragile portion 7. The claw portion 22 is an axial portion that extends forward from the main body portion 21 and has a thickness that allows it to be inserted into the inside of the hook portion 12. The claw portion 22 is inserted into the inside of the hook portion 12 and functions to suspend the front portion of the lower box 6 from the upper box 5. In this embodiment, the claw portions 22 are provided at each of the left and right ends of the main body portion 21 so as to correspond to the pair of left and right hook portions 12.

[0030] A second wall portion 23 is provided in the upper rear (rear and upper) portion of the lower frame portion 20 (main body portion 21) of the lower box 6. The second wall portion 23 is a flat portion extending upward from the top surface 41 of the main body portion 21. The second wall portion 23 functions as a base for supporting the ornament 9, similar to the first wall portion 13, and is formed so as to be in surface contact with the first wall portion 13. The second wall portion 23 is optional.

[0031] A fixing portion 24 is provided in the rear portion of the lower frame portion 20 (main body portion 21) of the lower box 6. The fixing portion 24 is one of the components constituting the rear engagement portion 60, and is fixed to the arm portion 16. The fixing portion 24 is a planar portion that stands in the vehicle width direction from each of the left and right side surfaces of the main body portion 21, and is formed in a position and shape that makes surface contact with the arm portion 16. Each of the left and right fixing portions 24 is provided with a push-in fixing device 25 that engages with the locking hole 17 of the arm portion 16. The push-in fixing device 25 is fixed by being pushed into the locking hole 17 from the passenger compartment 1 side, and functions to suspend the rear portion of the lower box 6 from the upper box 5.

[0032] FIG. 4(A) is an enlarged perspective view of one hook portion 12. The hook portion 12 has a pair of left and right triangular wall portions 32, a first connecting portion 33, a pair of left and right descending wall portions 34, and a second connecting portion 35. The triangular wall portions 32 are planar portions arranged substantially parallel to each other with a gap in the left-right direction. Each triangular wall portion 32 is erected substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 31 of the container portion 11, for example, with its normal extending in the left-right direction. The shape of the triangular wall portion 32 in a side view is substantially triangular.

[0033] The first connecting portion 33 is a flat portion that connects the pair of left and right triangular wall portions 32. The first connecting portion 33 is provided so as to connect the portions of each triangular wall portion 32 that correspond to the base of the triangle in a side view almost horizontally. The descending wall portions 34 are planar portions extending downward from the front lower (front and lower) portions of the triangular wall portions 32 so as to be flush with the triangular wall portions 32. The descending wall portions 34 are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a gap in the left-right direction. The shape of the descending wall portions 34 in a side view is substantially rectangular.

[0034] The second connection portion 35 is a flat portion that connects the pair of left and right downward wall portions 34. The second connection portion 35 is provided so as to connect the portions of each downward wall portion 34 that correspond to the bottom sides of a rectangle in a side view, approximately horizontally. The first connection portion 33 and the second connection portion 35 are arranged approximately parallel to each other. When the hook portion 12 is viewed from the front (front), the pair of downward wall portions 34, the first connection portion 33, and the second connection portion 35 form an annular (ring-shaped) shape, and the portion surrounded by these forms a rectangular hole 36. The claw portion 22 of the lower box 6 is inserted inside this hole 36.

[0035] Fig. 4(B) is an enlarged perspective view of one of the claws 22. The claws 22 are disposed inside recesses 42 formed by recessing the upper rear (rear and upper) portion of the main body 21. The recesses 42 shown in Fig. 4(B) have a floor surface 44, which is a planar portion located below the top surface 41 of the main body 21, and a vertical wall surface 43, which is a planar portion substantially perpendicular to the top surface 41 and floor surface 44. The claws 22 protrude forward from the vertical wall surface 43 at a position where a predetermined gap is formed between the floor surface 44 and the recesses 42.

[0036] The claws 22 shown in FIG. 4(B) are formed in a three-dimensional shape surrounded by an upper surface 45, a lower surface 46, a pair of left and right side surfaces 47, and an inclined surface 48. The upper surface 45 is, for example, flush with the top surface 41 of the main body 21 and extends further forward from the front portion of the top surface 41. The side surfaces 47 are planes that are substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 45 and the vertical wall surfaces 43. A first separation dimension in the left-right direction between the pair of side surfaces 47 (the width dimension of the claws 22) is set to be at least equal to or smaller than a second separation dimension in the left-right direction between the pair of downward wall portions 34 (the width dimension of the holes 36), and is preferably set to be the same value as the second separation dimension. This makes it difficult for the claws 22 to shift left and right inside the holes 36, improving the mounting stability of the lower box 6.

[0037] The lower surface 46 is a surface parallel to the upper surface 45. A third vertical separation dimension (height dimension of the claw portion 22) between the upper surface 45 and the lower surface 46 is set to be at least equal to or smaller than a fourth vertical separation dimension (height dimension of the hole 36) between the first connecting portion 33 and the second connecting portion 35, and is preferably set to the same value as the fourth separation dimension. This makes it difficult for the claw portion 22 to shift vertically inside the hole 36, further improving the mounting stability of the lower box 6.

[0038] The inclined surface 48 is an end surface on the tip side of the claw portion 22, and is formed, for example, so that the normal line extends diagonally downward and forward. By slanting the surface gradient of the inclined surface 48 in this manner, the claw portion 22 can be smoothly inserted into the inside of the hook portion 12, improving the workability of assembling the upper box 5 and the lower box 6.

[0039] 5(A) is an enlarged perspective view of locking hole 17 provided in arm portion 16, and FIG. 5(B) is an enlarged perspective view of push-in fixture 25 locked in locking hole 17. Locking hole 17 is formed, for example, as a rectangular hole. Push-in fixture 25 has a pair of support walls 51 erected from the front surface of fixing portion 24, and arrowhead-shaped elastic deformation portions 52 provided at the tip end of each support wall 51. Elastic deformation portions 52 are portions that elastically deform when push-in fixture 25 is pushed into locking hole 17, allowing it to pass through locking hole 17, and after passing through, the elastic deformation is released, making it difficult for push-in fixture 25 to come out of locking hole 17.

[0040] The width dimension of the support wall 51 in the up-down direction is set to be equal to or smaller than the first opening dimension of the locking hole 17 in the up-down direction, and preferably set to the same value as the first opening dimension. This makes it difficult for the push-in fastener 25 to shift up and down inside the locking hole 17, improving the installation stability of the lower box 6. Furthermore, the width dimension of the pair of support walls 51 in the separation direction is set to be equal to or smaller than the second opening dimension of the locking hole 17 in the left-right direction, and preferably set to the same value as the second opening dimension. This makes it difficult for the push-in fastener 25 to shift left and right inside the locking hole 17, further improving the installation stability of the lower box 6.

[0041] [2.Effects] (1) The glove compartment 4 according to this embodiment is provided in the front of the vehicle interior 1 and includes an upper box 5, a lower box 6, and a fragile portion 7. The upper box 5 forms the upper portion of the glove compartment 4. The lower box 6 is disposed adjacent to and below the upper box 5. The fragile portion 7 is provided at a location adjacent to the upper box 5 and the lower box 6, and engages the upper box 5 and the lower box 6. The fragile portion 7 also has the function of allowing the lower box 6 to move forward relative to the lower box 6 when an occupant collides with the lower box 6.

[0042] This configuration reduces the reaction force caused by the occupant colliding with the lower box 6 while maintaining sufficient strength required for the functionality of the glove compartment 4. This further improves occupant protection performance. In particular, by setting the strength of the fragile portion 7 in the front-to-rear direction to be weaker than the strength in the up-to-down direction, deformation or damage to the glove compartment 4 due to the storage of heavy items can be prevented, and the fragile portion 7 can be broken only in the case of a strong collision between the occupant's body and the lower box 6, thereby improving the effect of reducing the reaction force on the occupant's body.

[0043] (2) As shown in FIG. 3 , the fragile portion 7 has a hook portion 12 and a claw portion 22. The hook portion 12 is provided in a lower front portion of the upper box 5 and is formed in a ring shape in a front view. The claw portion 22 is provided in an upper front portion of the lower box 6 and is inserted into the inside of the hook portion 12 to suspend the lower box 6 from the upper box 5. By applying a structure in which the claw portion 22 is suspended from the hook portion 12 to the fragile portion 7 in this way, the upper box 5 and the lower box 6 can be easily engaged with each other, and the fragile portion 7 can be easily broken when a load is input to the lower box 6 from the vehicle interior side.

[0044] 4(A) and 4(B), the vertical wall surface 43 of the main body 21 can efficiently press the downward wall portion 34 and the second connecting portion 35 forward when a load is applied from the vehicle interior. This more reliably breaks the downward wall portion 34 and the triangular wall portion 32 of the fragile portion 7, facilitating the forward movement of the lower box 6. This further reduces the reaction force on the occupant's body, further improving occupant protection performance.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3 , the rear engagement portion 60 provided on the rear side of the glove compartment 4 has an arm portion 16 and a fixing portion 24. The arm portion 16 extends downward from the left and right side surfaces of the upper box 5. The fixing portion 24 is provided in a rear portion of the lower box 6 and is fixed to the arm portion 16. By fixing the fixing portion 24 of the lower box 6 to the arm portion 16 in this way, the arm portion 16 can be easily bent and deformed when a load from the occupant's body is input to the lower box 6, making the arm portion 16 more likely to break. This further reduces the reaction force on the occupant's body, further improving occupant protection performance.

[0046] (3) As shown in Figure 3, the main body 21 of the lower box 6 has a top surface 41 formed in a substantially horizontal plane. The fragile portion 7 is located on substantially the same plane as the top surface 41. This makes it easier for the load generated when the occupant's body collides with the lower box 6 to be smoothly transmitted to the fragile portion 7, allowing the fragile portion 7 to break efficiently and effectively. This further improves occupant protection performance.

[0047] (4) As shown in Fig. 3, the container portion 11 of the upper box 5 has a bottom surface 31 formed in a flat shape with a downward slope toward the front. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, a gap is formed between the bottom surface 31 and the top surface 41. This gap can function as a buffer space when an occupant's body collides with the lower box 6. Therefore, a space can be secured between the upper box 5 and the lower box 6 as a margin for deformation of the lower box 6, further improving occupant protection performance.

[0048] (5) As shown in FIG. 2 , the upper box 5 is disposed behind the deck cross member 8 and is fixed to the deck cross member 8. This allows the upper box 5 to be firmly fixed to the vehicle body, making it difficult for the upper box 5 to move even when an occupant's body collides with the lower box 6. On the other hand, the lower box 6 is not fixed to the deck cross member 8, but is provided below the upper box 5 via a fragile portion 7. Therefore, when an occupant's body collides with the lower box 6, the fragile portion 7 can be efficiently broken, further improving occupant protection performance.

[0049] [3. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected as needed, or can be appropriately combined with various configurations included in known techniques.

[0050] In the above embodiment, a structure in which a pair of left and right fragile portions 7 are formed on the front side of the glove compartment 4 is exemplified, but it is sufficient to provide one or more fragile portions 7. By providing fragile portions 7 at least in the adjacent locations of the upper box 5 and the lower box 6, engaging the upper box 5 and the lower box 6, and enabling relative forward movement of the lower box 6 when an occupant collides with the lower box 6, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0051] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the hook portion 12 has an annular (ring-shaped) shape in front view, but the shape of the hook portion 12 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, one of the descending wall portions 34 may be omitted, and the hook portion 12 may have a hook-shaped (hook-shaped) shape in front view. By inserting the claw portion 22 at least inside the hook portion 12 to suspend the lower box 6 from the upper box 5, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the structure shown in Fig. 4(A). [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of glove boxes provided at the front of the vehicle interior, as well as to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with glove boxes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Cabin 2 seats 3. Instrument panel 4 Glove box 5 Upper Box 6 Lower box 7 Weakened parts 8 Deck cross member 9 Ornaments 10 Hakobe 11 Container section 12 Hook part 13 First wall 14 Lid 15 Frame 16 Arm 17 Locking hole 20 Lower frame part 21 Main body 22 Claw 23 Second wall section 24 Fixed part 25 Push-in fixture 26 Drawer section 31 bottom 32 Triangular wall 33 First connection part 34 Drop wall 35 Second connection part 36 holes 41 Top surface 42 recess 43 Vertical wall 44 Floor 45 Top 46 Bottom side 47 Side 48 Slope 51 Support wall 52 Elastic deformation part 60 Rear engaging part

Claims

1. A glove box provided at the front of a vehicle compartment, an upper box that forms an upper portion of the glove box; a lower box disposed adjacent to and below the upper box; a weakened portion provided at a location adjacent to the upper box and the lower box, which engages the upper box and the lower box and allows the lower box to move forward relative to the upper box when an occupant collides with the lower box; A glove box characterized by:

2. The fragile portion is a hook portion provided in a front lower portion of the upper box and formed in a hook shape or annular shape in a front view; a claw portion provided in an upper front portion of the lower box and inserted into the hook portion to suspend the lower box from the upper box; 2. The glove box according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the lower box has a top surface formed in a substantially horizontal plane, The weakened portion is located on approximately the same plane as the top surface.

2. The glove box according to claim 1, wherein:

4. the upper box has a bottom surface formed in a flat shape with a downward slope toward the front, A gap is formed between the bottom surface and the top surface.

4. The glove box according to claim 3, wherein:

5. The upper box is disposed behind the deck cross member and fixed to the deck cross member. The glove box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

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