Storage part for vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a storage part (1) for vehicle, which is formed in a pocket shape in an interior member in a vehicle cabin of a vehicle. The storage part (1) comprises: an inner wall section (3) disposed on the inner side of the interior member and extending in the vertical direction; a bottom wall section (10) extending from the lower end of the inner wall section (3) toward the outer side of the interior member; and an outer wall section (4) standing upward from the end of the bottom wall section (10) at the outer side of the interior member, and disposed facing the inner wall section (3). The bottom wall section (10) has a first surface section (5) formed as a slanted surface slanting downward from the lower end of the inner wall section (3) and toward the outer side of the interior member. The outer wall section (4) is formed so as to have a lower height than the inner wall section (3), and such that the upper end thereof is located closer to the inner side of the interior member than the end of the bottom wall section (10) on the outer side.

Description

Vehicle storage area

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage section formed in a pocket shape in an interior member in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, many vehicles have a storage space (storage section) for storing small items in the cabin. For example, a structure in which a drink holder and a hook for hanging luggage are formed on an instrument panel located in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat is known. Another known structure is a console box located on the floor between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, with the top and sides of the console box allowing small items to be placed thereon (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Patent No. 3904486 Patent Publication No. 2021-008157

[0004] In recent years, storage spaces within vehicle cabins are often used as places for passengers to store their smartphones. For such uses, a design is required that allows for easy access to smartphones and prevents the smartphone from falling out while the vehicle is moving. For example, when a passenger sitting in the passenger seat temporarily places their smartphone, it is preferable for the smartphone to be held securely within reach with a portion of the smartphone screen visible so that they can respond immediately if a notification is received. Similar needs also exist when temporarily storing items other than smartphones.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a vehicle storage compartment that improves the convenience of storing items. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Description of the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technology.

[0006] The disclosed vehicle storage section can be realized as the following disclosed aspects or application examples, and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. The disclosed vehicle storage section is a storage section formed in a pocket shape in an interior member inside the vehicle cabin, and includes an inner wall portion disposed inside the interior member and extending in a vertical direction, a bottom wall portion extending from a lower end of the inner wall portion toward the outside of the interior member, and an outer wall portion erected upward from an outer end of the bottom wall portion of the interior member and disposed opposite the inner wall portion. The bottom wall portion has a first surface portion formed as an inclined surface that slopes from the lower end of the inner wall portion toward the outside and downward of the interior member. The outer wall portion is formed to be shorter in height than the inner wall portion, and is formed so that its upper end is located more inward of the interior member than the outer end of the bottom wall portion.

[0007] The disclosed vehicle storage section can prevent items from flying out or falling, improving convenience.

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle cabin in which a storage section of a vehicle according to an embodiment is arranged; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the storage section; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in an enlarged manner; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in an enlarged manner; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the storage section (cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3 );

[0009] The disclosed vehicle storage compartment is embodied, for example, in the following embodiments. The storage compartment is formed in a pocket-like shape in an interior member inside the vehicle's cabin. Specific examples of interior members in which the storage compartment is formed include door trim, pillar trim, dashboard, and console box. Regarding the definitions of directions in the embodiments, the front-to-rear direction is defined based on the forward / reverse direction of the vehicle, 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 is stopped on a flat road surface. The position and orientation of the storage compartment within the vehicle cabin can be envisioned in a wide variety of ways. Therefore, when referring to directions related to the detailed structure of the storage compartment, the inward / outward directions of the interior member in which the storage compartment is formed are used as the reference.

[0010] For example, if the storage section is formed in the door trim, the reference direction is the inward direction of the door trim (toward the outside of the vehicle as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin) or the outward direction of the door trim (the direction from the door toward the inside of the vehicle as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin). Also, if the storage section is formed in the dashboard (for example, around the glove box or on the glove box door), the reference direction is the inward direction of the dashboard (toward the outside of the vehicle as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin, that is, forward) or the outward direction of the dashboard (toward the outside of the vehicle as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin, that is, rearward). Alternatively, if the storage section is formed in the center console box, the reference direction is the inward direction or the outward direction of the center console box.

[0011] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle including a storage box 1 (interior member) having a storage section 2 formed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. The left side of the storage box 1 is shown with the passenger seat removed from a right-hand drive vehicle. The storage box 1 is a center console box located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and is provided in the center of the vehicle's interior in the vehicle's width direction. The storage box 1 has a box-like shape, with a relatively small width dimension and a relatively large front-to-rear and vertical dimensions. A selector lever, a shift lever, and switches, for example, are provided on the top side of the storage box 1. A tray for placing small items, an armrest, and the like may also be provided on the top side of the storage box 1.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the storage box 1 cut along a vertical plane whose normal direction is the front-rear direction. A storage section 2 that can be used as a storage space for small items, a smartphone 9, and other items is recessed into the side of the storage box 1 in the vehicle width direction. The storage section 2 has a shape in which the surface of the storage box 1 is recessed inward like a pocket. In Fig. 2, one storage section 2 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the storage box 1. One storage section 2 serves as a storage space for the occupant sitting in the driver's seat, and the other storage section 2 serves as a storage space for the occupant sitting in the passenger seat.

[0013] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the left storage section 2 of the storage section 2 shown in Figure 2. The storage section 2 is provided with an inner wall 3, a bottom wall 10, and an outer wall 4. The inner wall 3 is a portion of the storage section 2 that is located inside the storage box 1 (on the right side in Figure 3) and is formed in a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The inner wall 3 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the inside of the storage box 1. The bottom wall 10 extends from the lower end of the inner wall 3 toward the outside of the storage box 1 (on the left side in Figure 3) and forms the bottom of the storage section 2.

[0014] The outer wall 4 is a portion of the bottom wall 10 that extends upward from the end of the bottom wall 10 on the outside of the storage box 1 (the left side in FIG. 3 ) and faces the inner wall 3. The outer wall 4 is formed to be shorter in height than the inner wall 3. The space above the outer wall 4 serves as an opening through which items pass when they are put in or taken out of the storage section 2. The outer wall 4 is also formed with ribs 8 to increase rigidity. The ribs 8 extend from the inner surface of the outer wall 4 (the surface facing the inner wall 3) toward the inside of the storage box 1.

[0015] The upper end of the outer wall 4 is formed so as to be located more inward (to the right in FIG. 3 ) than the outer end of the bottom wall 10. Here, the outer end of the bottom wall 10 in FIG. 3 is defined as "region B." The outer wall 4 is formed so that its upper end is located more inward (to the right in FIG. 3 ) than region B in the storage box 1. For example, the upper end of the outer wall 4 is formed so as to be inclined upward and toward the inside of the storage section 2. Alternatively, the main portion of the outer wall 4 is formed in a substantially upright state from region B, and only the upper end of the outer wall 4 is formed so as to be bent toward the inside of the storage section 2. Alternatively, the outer wall 4 may be entirely inclined toward the inside of the storage section 2, with the upper end further bent inward.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom wall 10. The bottom wall 10 includes a first surface 5, a step 6, and a second surface 7. The first surface 5 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward and outward from the lower end of the inner wall 3. It is preferable that the first surface 5 be curved upward toward the inside of the storage box 1, forming a continuous surface with the inner wall 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to set the shape of the first surface 5 so that the inclination angle of the first surface 5 becomes steeper as one moves to the right in FIG. 4.

[0017] The step portion 6 is a portion provided adjacent to the first surface portion 5 on the outside of the storage box 1. The step portion 6 is formed as a surface that slopes downward and outward from the storage box 1 at a steeper incline than the first surface portion 5. The second surface portion 7 is a flat portion provided adjacent to the step portion 6 on the outside of the storage box 1 and is formed as a substantially horizontal plane. The second surface portion 7 is positioned further outward from the storage box 1 than the first surface portion 5 and is formed in a shape that is one step lower than the first surface portion 5. The step portion 6 is formed between the first surface portion 5 and the second surface portion 7. The outer wall portion 4 is formed so as to overlap above the second surface portion 7. In other words, the outer wall portion 4 is positioned so as to overlap the second surface portion 7 in a top view and is formed so as to partially cover the second surface portion 7.

[0018] 3, the height dimension of the outer wall 4 when the position (height) of the portion B is used as the reference is defined as C, and the height dimension of the inner wall 3 when the portion B is used as the reference is defined as L. The height dimension C of the outer wall 4 is set to be at least less than the height dimension L of the inner wall 3 (C<L) so that items can be easily put in and taken out. Furthermore, if the height of the outer wall 4 is too short, items will easily fall out of the storage section 2. Therefore, the height dimension C of the outer wall 4 is set to be, for example, 30 mm or more (30 mm≦C).

[0019] The height dimension L of the inner wall 3 is, for example, 60 mm or more (60 mm≦L). Alternatively, the height dimension C of the outer wall 4 is at least half the height dimension L of the inner wall 3 but less than the height dimension L [(L / 2)≦C<L]. The upper limit of the height dimension L of the inner wall 3 can be set appropriately depending on the size of the items to be stored in the storage section 2, and is not limited to a specific value, but it is preferable to set it within the range of, for example, approximately 60 to 300 mm.

[0020] 3, the dimension of inclination of the upper end of the outer wall 4 (the dimension extending from the portion B into the interior of the storage box 1) when the position of the portion B is used as a reference is designated as D. This dimension D of the outer wall 4 inwardly in the storage box 1 is equal to the overlap dimension between the outer wall 4 and the second surface 7 (the dimension of the storage box 1 in the inward-outward direction in the area where the outer wall 4 and the second surface 7 overlap when viewed from above).

[0021] The tilting dimension D is preferably at least half the width H of the second surface 7 (the dimension in the inward and outward directions of the storage box 1) [(H / 2)≦D]. For example, if the width H of the second surface 7 is 10 mm, the tilting dimension D is preferably at least 5 mm. Furthermore, the tilting dimension D is preferably equal to or less than the width H (D≦H). The width H of the second surface 7 is not limited to a specific value, but is preferably set within a range of, for example, 20 mm or less. This reduces the movement allowance (play) of items placed on the second surface 7, and can suppress positional displacement (wobbling in the inward and outward directions of the storage box 1).

[0022] In Fig. 3, the inclination of the first surface 5 is preferably set to at least 3° or more with respect to the horizontal plane. The angle E in Figs. 3 and 4 indicates the minimum value of the inclination angle of the first surface 5. It is preferable to set the shape of the first surface 5 so that this angle E is 3° or more. However, if the angle E is too large, the articles stored in the storage section 2 will easily slide on the surface of the first surface 5, reducing the ability to hold the articles. Therefore, it is preferable to set the angle E in the range of, for example, 20° or less.

[0023] 3 and 4, the height dimension F of the step portion 6 is preferably 5 mm or more. This makes it easier to prevent an item stored in the storage section 2 from moving in the opposite direction when it moves from the first surface portion 5 to the second surface portion 7. The step portion 6 functions as a stopper that prevents an item supported on the second surface portion 7 from moving toward the first surface portion 5, even when acceleration is applied to the vehicle body.

[0024] The upper limit of the height dimension F of the step portion 6 is not limited to a specific value. On the other hand, if the height dimension F of the step portion 6 is too large, there is a risk of excessive impact and noise when an article moves from the first surface portion 5 to the second surface portion 7. Therefore, it is preferable that the upper limit of the height dimension F of the step portion 6 be within a range of, for example, about 5 to 10 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable that the inclination angle G of the step portion 6 with respect to the horizontal plane be set within a range of 30° or more and 60° or less.

[0025] 3. Temporary Placement Position of Smartphone] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the storage section 2 illustrating movement of the smartphone 9. When the smartphone 9 is placed at the position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 5, for example, due to vehicle body vibration, the bottom of the smartphone 9 slides down along the upper surface of the first surface 5 and reaches the position indicated by the dashed line. The bottom of the smartphone 9 then moves over the step portion 6 to the second surface 7, and the smartphone 9 stops at the position indicated by the solid line. In this way, a temporary placement position of the smartphone 9 is realized that makes the display screen easier to see for the occupant.

[0026] When the bottom of the smartphone 9 is positioned on the second surface 7, if an external force is applied that moves the top of the smartphone 9 outside the storage box 1 (to the left in FIG. 5 ), the angle of inclination of the smartphone 9 with respect to the horizontal plane increases, and there is a risk that the top of the smartphone 9 will climb over the outer wall 4 and fall. On the other hand, by making the upper end of the outer wall 4 inward of the storage box 1 (to the right in FIG. 3 ) more than part B, the angle of inclination of the smartphone 9 with respect to the horizontal plane is less likely to increase. In other words, the smartphone 9 can more easily maintain the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 , preventing the smartphone 9 from jumping out of the storage section 2 or falling.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (A-A cross-section of FIG. 3 ) showing a cross section of the second surface 7 of the storage box 1 cut along a vertical plane whose normal is oriented in the left-right direction. The front-to-rear length K of the second surface 7 is preferably shorter than the front-to-rear length J of the storage section 2 (K<J). Additionally, the heights of the second surface 7 and the first surface 5 at the rear of the storage section 2 may be raised to approximately the same height as the top of the outer wall 4. This makes it easier to lift the smartphone 9 by sliding the bottom of the smartphone 9 toward the rear. This makes it easier to remove the smartphone 9 from the storage section 2, further improving convenience.

[0028] [4. Actions and Effects] (1) The vehicle storage section 2 of this embodiment is a pocket-shaped storage section 2 formed in a storage box 1 (interior member) inside the vehicle cabin, and includes an inner wall 3 disposed inside the storage box 1 and extending in the vertical direction, a bottom wall 10 extending from the lower end of the inner wall 3 toward the outside of the storage box 1, and an outer wall 4 erected upward from the outer end of the bottom wall 10 of the storage box 1 and disposed opposite the inner wall 3. The bottom wall 10 has a first surface 5 formed as an inclined surface that slopes from the lower end of the inner wall 3 toward the outside and downward of the storage box 1. The outer wall 4 is formed to be lower in height than the inner wall 3, and its upper end is formed so as to be located more inward than the outer end (region B) of the bottom wall 10.

[0029] With this configuration, as shown in Fig. 5, for example, the bottom of the smartphone 9 temporarily placed in the storage section 2 can be easily slid along the first surface 5, making it easier to achieve a temporary placement position for the smartphone 9 that makes the display screen easier to view for the occupant. Furthermore, by providing the outer wall 4 that is lower in height than the inner wall 3, items such as the smartphone 9 can be easily taken in and out of the storage section 2. Furthermore, because the upper end of the outer wall 4 is shaped to be recessed further into the storage box 1 than the portion B, the smartphone 9 is prevented from popping out or falling. Therefore, the convenience of the storage section 2 can be improved by preventing items from popping out or falling.

[0030] (2) The first surface 5 may be formed as a curved surface that curves upward as it approaches the interior of the storage box 1, or may form a surface that is continuous with the inner wall 3. This configuration is suitable for, for example, making the angle of inclination of the smartphone 9 shallower relative to the horizontal plane when the smartphone 9 is leaned against the inner wall 3. In other words, the smartphone 9 is less likely to be in a nearly upright position (a state in which the angle of inclination is close to 90°), making it easier to slide the bottom of the smartphone 9 along the first surface 5. This improves convenience.

[0031] (3) The outer wall 4 may be formed so that at least the upper end thereof is inclined upward and toward the inside of the storage section 2. With this configuration, for example, the upper end of the outer wall 4 shown in FIG. 3 can be easily inserted further into the storage box 1 (to the right in FIG. 3 ) than the portion B. This prevents items stored in the storage section 2 from flying out or falling, improving the convenience of the storage section 2.

[0032] (4) The outer wall 4 may be formed so that its upper end is bent toward the inside of the storage section 2. Even with this configuration, for example, the upper end of the outer wall 4 shown in FIG. 3 can be easily inserted further into the storage box 1 (to the right in FIG. 3 ) than portion B. This prevents items stored in the storage section 2 from flying out or falling, improving the convenience of the storage section 2. Note that the outer wall 4 may be inclined overall toward the inside of the storage section 2, with its upper end further bent toward the inside of the storage section 2. This configuration allows the tilt dimension D to be reasonably large, thereby improving the effect of preventing items from flying out or falling.

[0033] (5) The inner wall 3 may be formed in a concave shape that is recessed toward the inside of the storage box 1. In this case, items are put in and taken out of the storage section 2 through an opening at the top of the outer wall 4, and the concave shape of the inner wall 3 makes it easier to put in and take out items. This improves the convenience of the storage section 2.

[0034] (6) The outer wall 4 may have ribs 8 extending from the inner surface of the outer wall 4 toward the inside of the storage section 2 to increase its rigidity. This increases the rigidity of the outer wall 4 and prevents deformation or damage to the outer wall 4. This increases the effectiveness of preventing items from flying out or falling, thereby improving convenience.

[0035] (7) The bottom wall 10 may have a second surface 7 that is disposed outside the first surface 5 and is formed one step lower than the first surface 5. A step 6 may be formed between the first surface 5 and the second surface 7. The step 6 may be formed, for example, as a surface that slopes from the outside of the storage box 1 at the first surface 5 toward the outside and downward of the storage box 1 at a steeper slope than the first surface 5.

[0036] With this configuration, the bottom of an item placed on the first surface 5 can be guided toward the second surface 7, allowing the item to be held in a more stable position. In particular, when a smartphone 9 is temporarily placed in the storage section 2, a temporary placement position for the smartphone 9 can be realized that makes the display screen easier to see for the occupant. Furthermore, by providing the step section 6, the bottom of the smartphone 9 is less likely to move above the step section 6 (toward the first surface 5), improving the stability of the smartphone 9 when temporarily placed.

[0037] (8) The outer wall 4 may be formed to overlap the upper part of the second surface 7. In this case, the inclination dimension D of the outer wall 4 (the overlap dimension between the outer wall 4 and the second surface 7) may be set to be equal to or greater than half the width H of the second surface 7. This configuration can reduce the movement allowance (play) of items placed on the second surface 7. For example, it can suppress misalignment of the smartphone 9 (wobbling in the inward and outward directions of the storage box 1) shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 . This can therefore improve convenience.

[0038] (9) The storage section 2 may be recessed into the side of a console box (storage box 1) disposed between the left and right seats of the vehicle. This allows the occupants in the driver's seat and passenger seat to easily take items in and out of the storage section 2, making it more convenient.

[0039] [5. 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.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the storage section 2 is formed in the storage box 1, but the location where the storage section 2 is formed is not limited to the storage box 1. For example, the storage section 2 may be formed in the door trim, the pillar trim, or the dashboard. The storage section 2 may be formed in any interior member provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0041] The dimensions and angles of each part of the storage section 2 in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to be limited to the above values. Furthermore, the storage section 2 may be provided with an inner wall section 3, a bottom wall section 10, and an outer wall section 4. For example, the step section 6, the second surface section 7, and the rib 8 may be omitted. A storage section 2 that achieves the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be realized by at least forming an inclined first surface section 5 on the bottom wall section 10, forming the outer wall section 4 to be lower than the inner wall section 3, and positioning its upper end inside the interior member relative to the outer edge of the bottom wall section 10.

[0042] The present invention can be applied to a storage portion formed in a pocket shape in an interior member inside a vehicle, and can also be applied to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with storage portions.

[0043] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Storage box (interior member) 2 Storage section 3 Inner wall section 4 Outer wall section 5 First surface section 6 Step section 7 Second surface section 8 Rib 9 Smartphone (item) 10 Bottom wall section B Part C Height dimension D Leaning dimension E Angle F Height dimension G Inclination angle H Width J Front-rear length K Front-rear length L Height dimension

Claims

1. A storage section formed in a pocket shape on a side surface of an interior member in a vehicle cabin, an inner wall portion disposed inside the interior member and extending in a vertical direction, a bottom wall portion extending from a lower end of the inner wall portion toward the outside of the interior member, and an outer wall portion erected upward from an end portion on the outside of the interior member at the bottom wall portion and disposed opposite the inner wall portion, the bottom wall portion has a first surface portion formed as an inclined surface inclined from a lower end of the inner wall portion toward the outside and downward of the interior member, and a second surface portion disposed outside the first surface portion and formed one step lower than the first surface portion, A step portion is formed between the first surface portion and the second surface portion, The outer wall portion is formed to be lower in height than the inner wall portion, and is formed so that its upper end is located inside the interior member more than the outer end portion of the bottom wall portion. A storage section of a vehicle.

2. The first surface portion is formed in a curved shape that curves upward toward the inside of the interior member and constitutes a surface that is continuous with the inner wall portion.

2. The vehicle storage compartment according to claim 1 .

3. The outer wall portion is formed in a shape inclined upward and toward the inside of the storage portion at least at the upper end side.

3. A vehicle storage compartment according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outer wall portion has an upper end portion bent toward the inside of the storage portion. A storage section for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The inner wall portion is formed in a concave shape recessed toward the inside of the interior member, The upper part of the outer wall portion serves as an opening for inserting and removing items into the storage portion. A storage section for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The outer wall portion has a rib extending from an inner surface of the outer wall portion toward the inside of the storage portion in order to increase rigidity. A storage section for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. (delete)

8. The outer wall portion is formed to overlap the second surface portion above, The lap dimension between the outer wall portion and the second surface portion is equal to or greater than half the width of the second surface portion.

2. The vehicle storage compartment according to claim 1 .

9. A console box is disposed between the left and right seats of the vehicle. A storage section for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8.