Option device built-in interior member, option device, and interior member

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to enable easy addition of an option device to a vehicle. This option device built-in interior member comprises: an interior member having a housing part enabling housing and extracting of an object from a vehicle interior; an option device attached to the housing part in a state where at least a portion thereof is positioned in the housing part; and an option connector connected to the option device attached to the housing part.

Description

Optional equipment built-in interior parts, optional equipment and interior parts

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optional device-mounted interior member, an optional device, and an interior member.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automotive interior part that covers electrical components and a wire harness having a connector connected to the electrical components and is attached to the inside of the body, the automotive interior part comprising: a first interior component divided body that has a first overlapping portion on its outer periphery and is attached to the body while covering the electrical components and the connector connecting the wire harness; and a second interior component divided body that has a second overlapping portion where the first overlapping portion of the first interior component divided body is overlapped.

[0003] JP 2015-189425 A

[0004] In some cases, it may be desirable to add optional equipment to an automobile, but because conventional interior parts are not designed to accommodate the addition of optional equipment, it is expected that adding such optional equipment will be difficult.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to easily add optional equipment to a vehicle.

[0006] The interior component with built-in optional equipment of the present disclosure is an interior component with built-in optional equipment, comprising: an interior component having a storage section in which items can be stored and removed from within the vehicle interior; an optional equipment attached to the storage section with at least a portion of the optional equipment positioned within the storage section; and an option connector connected to the optional equipment attached to the storage section.

[0007] The optional equipment disclosed herein is an optional equipment that can be added to an interior member of a vehicle having a storage section, and includes an intermediate case having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the storage section, an equipment main body housed within the intermediate case, and an equipment-side connector that can be connected to the option connector on the interior member side.

[0008] The interior member of the present disclosure is an interior member that is provided with a storage section that opens into the vehicle interior through an outer opening and has a storage space forming section that forms a storage space inside the outer opening, and at least a portion of the storage space forming section has a separation region that can be separated to form an opening for connecting a connector.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, optional equipment can be easily added to a vehicle.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a door equipped with an optional device-mounted interior member according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for fixing a device main body to an intermediate case. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a configuration for fixing a device main body to an intermediate case. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the door interior member before an optional device is installed. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an installation procedure for an optional device to a door interior member. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an installation procedure for an optional device to a door interior member. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a holding structure for an optional device by a storage section. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a holding structure for an option connector. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the door interior member before an optional device is installed.

[0011] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] The optional equipment built-in interior member of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0013] (1) An interior component with an integrated optional device, comprising: an interior component having a storage section in which items can be stored and removed from the vehicle interior; an optional device attached to the storage section with at least a portion of the optional device located within the storage section; and an optional connector connected to the optional device attached to the storage section.

[0014] This optional device-integrated interior component allows optional devices to be added by simply mounting the optional device in the storage section and connecting the option connector to the optional device. This allows the storage space to be used as an installation space for optional devices, making it easy to add optional devices to the vehicle.

[0015] (2) The optional equipment built-in interior component of (1) may further include an elastic intervening member that is interposed in a compressed state between the inner surface of the storage section and the optional equipment and generates a force to hold the optional equipment within the storage section by means of elastic restoring force.

[0016] This allows the optional device to be mounted by pushing it into the storage section, causing the elastic intervening member to elastically deform, thereby allowing the optional device to be held in the storage section by the elastic restoring force of the elastic intervening member.

[0017] (3) In the optional device-embedded interior component of (1) or (2), a locking protrusion may be formed on the storage section or the optional device to lock onto the optional device or the storage section and keep the optional device attached to the storage section.

[0018] As a result, the locking projection locks onto the optional device or the storage section, thereby keeping the optional device attached to the storage section.

[0019] (4) An interior component incorporating an optional device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the optional device may include an intervening case having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the storage section, and an equipment main body housed within the intervening case.

[0020] This makes it easy to mount device bodies of various shapes in the storage section without rattle.

[0021] (5) In an interior component for incorporating optional equipment according to any one of (1) to (4), the option connector may be supported inside the outer opening of the storage section, with the connection direction aligned with the mounting direction of the optional equipment relative to the storage section.

[0022] This allows easy connection of the option connector and the option device when the option device is mounted in the storage section.

[0023] (6) An optional device-embedded interior component according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising an optional transmission line extending from the optional connector, wherein the optional transmission line may have an excess portion that enables the optional connector to be moved from the bottom of the storage section to the inside of the storage section.

[0024] This allows the option connector to be easily connected to the optional device by moving the option connector from the bottom of the storage section to the inside of the storage section.

[0025] (7) In the optional device-mounted interior member according to any one of (1) to (6), the storage section may have a bottom opening.

[0026] This allows the option device to be easily connected to the option connector using the bottom opening.

[0027] (8) In the optional device-mounted interior member of (7), at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom opening may have a fracture mark.

[0028] This allows the bottom portion that has closed the outer opening to be broken and removed, thereby forming the bottom opening.

[0029] (9) In the optional device-mounting interior member of (7) or (8), a separation area may be openably and closably connected to the periphery of the bottom opening via a hinge portion.

[0030] As a result, the separation area that closes the outer opening can be rotated around the hinge portion to open it, thereby forming the bottom opening.

[0031] (10) In the optional device-integrated interior member according to any one of (1) to (9), the interior member may be a door interior member, and the storage section may be a storage section that opens toward the interior of the vehicle cabin.

[0032] This allows for easy addition of optional equipment to the door.

[0033] The optional equipment of the present disclosure is as follows:

[0034] (11) An optional device that can be added to an interior member of a vehicle having a storage section, the optional device comprising: an intermediate case having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the storage section; an equipment main body housed in the intermediate case; and an equipment-side connector that can be connected to the option connector on the interior member side.

[0035] This optional device can be added by simply attaching the optional device to the storage section and connecting the option connector to the device-side connector of the optional device. This allows the storage space to be used as an installation space for optional devices, making it easy to add optional devices to the vehicle.

[0036] The interior member of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0037] (12) An interior member that has a storage section that opens into the vehicle interior through an outer opening and has a storage space forming section that forms a storage space inside the outer opening, and at least a portion of the storage space forming section has a separation area that can be separated to form an opening for connecting a connector.

[0038] In this case, at least a part of the separation area of ​​the storage space forming portion can be separated to form an opening for connector connection. The optional device can be attached to the storage portion, and the connector for the optional device can be easily connected to the connector through the opening for connector connection. This allows the storage space to be used as an installation space for the optional device, making it easy to add optional device to the vehicle.

[0039] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the optional device-mounted interior member, optional device, and interior member of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0040] [Embodiment] The following describes an optional device-integrated interior component, optional device, and interior component according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a side view showing a door 10 equipped with an optional device-integrated interior component 20. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. In Figure 2 and subsequent figures, the internal structure of optional device 50 and connectors 54, 60 is omitted, and only the external shapes are shown.

[0041] <Overall Configuration> The overall configuration of the optional device built-in interior member 20 will be described.

[0042] The door 10 equipped with the optional device-mounted interior member 20 is a vehicle door, i.e., a vehicle door. The door 10 is formed in an overall flat shape. The door 10 is a part of the vehicle that is openable and closable to separate the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The door 10 may be, for example, a driver's door, a passenger's door, or a rear seat door. The door 10 includes a door panel 12 and a door interior member 30.

[0043] The door panel 12 includes an outer panel 13 and an inner panel 14 (see FIG. 2). The outer panel 13 is provided on the portion of the door 10 facing the outside of the vehicle, and together with the body, constitutes the exterior of the vehicle. The inner panel 14 is provided on the passenger compartment side of the outer panel 13. The outer panel 13 and the inner panel 14 are formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. A window frame supporting a window may be formed on the upper part of the door panel 12.

[0044] The inner panel 14 is disposed at a distance from the outer panel 13 toward the passenger compartment. The space between the outer panel 13 and the inner panel 14 accommodates an open door window, a window opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the window, a mechanism for locking and unlocking the door, and the like. Other electrical devices, such as various sensors, antennas, or electronic control units connected to electrical devices incorporated in the door, may also be disposed in the space between the outer panel 13 and the inner panel 14. An opening 15 is formed in the inner panel 14. This opening can be used to easily perform the assembly of various electrical devices to the door panel 12, the wiring of transmission lines W, and the like.

[0045] A through hole through which the transmission line W can pass is formed in the door panel 12. For example, the front portion of the door panel 12 is supported on the vehicle via a hinge so as to be able to open and close. A through hole is formed in the front portion of the door panel 12. The transmission line W that connects electrical equipment on the door 10 side with electrical equipment on the vehicle body side is passed through the through hole. The transmission line W is, for example, an electric wire. The electric wire may be an electric wire for signal transmission or an electric wire for power transmission. The transmission line W may also be an optical fiber cable.

[0046] The optional device built-in interior member 20 includes a door interior member 30, an optional device 50, and an option connector 60.

[0047] The door interior member 30 is located on the passenger compartment side of the door 10 and constitutes the interior of the passenger compartment. In other words, the door interior member 30 covers the door panel 12 from the passenger compartment side. The surface texture of the door interior member 30 may be soft to the touch. The surface of the door interior member 30 may have a glossy appearance, a grained pattern, a wood grain pattern, or other decorative appearance.

[0048] An operating unit that receives operations by an occupant is attached to the door interior member 30. For example, the door interior member 30 is provided with a switch 22 as the operating unit. In this embodiment, a middle portion of the door interior member 30 in the front-rear direction is formed as an armrest portion 21 that bulges toward the passenger compartment. The armrest portion 21 is long in the front-rear direction. The switch 22 is provided in front of the armrest portion 21. The switch 22 is a switch for operating electrical equipment, such as a window opening / closing switch or a locking mechanism operating switch. The door interior member 30 may also be provided with a door handle for opening and closing the door 10.

[0049] The door interior member 30 has a storage section 40. The storage section 40 is open toward the interior of the vehicle, and an occupant can store and retrieve items in the storage section 40 from inside the vehicle.

[0050] In this embodiment, the door interior member 30 is a flat portion that extends integrally. The door interior member 30 may be divided into a region having the storage portion 40 and another region.

[0051] The optional device 50 is a device for realizing an optional function for the vehicle. The optional device 50 is attached to the storage section 40 with at least a part of the optional device 50 positioned inside the storage section 40.

[0052] The option connector 60 is a connector that can be connected to the option device 50 attached to the storage section 40. When the option device 50 is attached to the storage section 40, the option connector 60 is connected to the option device 50.

[0053] In this embodiment, an elastic intervening member 38 is interposed between the inner surface of the storage section 40 and the optional device 50. The elastic force of the elastic intervening member 38 keeps the optional device 50 attached to the storage section 40.

[0054] The configuration of each part will be described in more detail.

[0055] <Door Interior Member> The door interior member 30 is a member formed from resin, etc. The door interior member 30 is formed in a flat shape that extends along the surface of the door panel 12 facing the passenger compartment.

[0056] A storage section 40 is formed in a lower area on the passenger compartment side of the door interior member 30. The storage section 40 bulges out toward the passenger compartment more than the surrounding area of ​​the door interior member 30. The bulging of the storage section 40 toward the passenger compartment forms a storage space 41.

[0057] The storage section 40 may be formed, for example, in an area facing the seat section St of the seat from the outside in the vehicle width direction. In this case, even if the storage section 40 bulges toward the passenger compartment, it is unlikely to compress the seating space of the occupant. The storage section 40 may be formed in an area above the seat section St. For example, the storage section may be formed in the armrest.

[0058] The storage section 40 has an outer opening 42 that opens toward the interior of the vehicle. A storage space 41 extends beyond the outer opening 42. Passengers in the vehicle can put items into or take items out of the storage space 41 through the outer opening 42. The outer opening 42 may face upward, sideways, or diagonally upward. The storage space 41 may be located below, to the side, or diagonally below the outer opening 42.

[0059] In this embodiment, the outer opening 42 opens upward, and the storage space 41 extends below the outer opening 42 .

[0060] The outer opening 42 and the storage space 41 may have any shape. The outer opening 42 may be an elongated opening, a circular opening, or a square opening. The storage space 41 may have a shape that extends to the back of the outer opening 42 while maintaining the shape of the outer opening 42, or may have a shape that gradually increases or decreases from the outer opening 42 toward the back.

[0061] Here, the storage section 40 is formed in an elongated shape extending rearward from the middle in the front-rear direction of the door interior member 30. A speaker SP is disposed in front of the door interior member 30, but this is not essential.

[0062] The storage section 40 may be, for example, a storage section called a door pocket or a storage section called a drink holder.

[0063] The storage section 40 has a bottom opening 44h. The bottom opening 44h is an opening for connecting the storage space 41 to a space in which the option connector 60 is disposed. In other words, the bottom opening 44h is an opening for connecting a connector.

[0064] In this embodiment, the storage section 40 includes a bottom 44 and a peripheral wall 46. The bottom 44 is located downward and spaced apart from the outer opening 42. The peripheral wall 46 is a surrounding wall-like portion that extends from the periphery of the outer opening 42 toward the periphery of the bottom 44. A portion of the peripheral wall 46 extends along the passenger compartment side surface of the door panel 12, and the remaining portion of the peripheral wall 46 bulges toward the passenger compartment more than the portion around the door interior member 30. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 46 is formed so as to gradually narrow from the outer opening 42 toward the bottom 44.

[0065] The bottom portion 44 and the peripheral wall portion 46 constitute a storage space forming portion that forms the storage space 41. As described above, the storage space forming portion opens into the vehicle interior at the upper side through the outer opening 42. The bottom opening 44h is formed in the bottom portion 44. The storage space 41 can communicate with the section between the door panel 12 and the door interior member 30 through the bottom opening 44h.

[0066] The bottom opening 44h is formed in an area of ​​the bottom 44 where the optional device 50 is to be installed. No opening is formed in the area of ​​the bottom 44 that is not intended for installation of the optional device 50, and the area is closed. Therefore, when the optional device 50 is installed in part of the storage section 40, the remaining space of the storage section 40 can be used as storage space for items other than the optional device 50.

[0067] <Regarding optional equipment> The optional equipment 50 is electrical equipment that does not necessarily need to be installed in the vehicle as equipment for driving, but can be optionally added. The optional equipment 50 may be equipment that can be optionally selected for installation at the time of vehicle manufacture or vehicle sales. The optional equipment 50 may also be equipment that can be optionally added after the vehicle is sold. The optional equipment 50 does not necessarily need to be set as an optionally addable equipment at the time of vehicle manufacture or vehicle sales, but can also be set as an optionally addable equipment after the vehicle is sold.

[0068] The optional device 50 may be, for example, a device for realizing an autonomous driving function or a driving assistance function. The driving assistance function may be a function for realizing a collision mitigation brake, a function for suppressing acceleration when the driver presses the wrong pedal, a function for maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, or a function for suppressing deviation from a lane. The optional device 50 for realizing these functions may be, for example, a camera for recognizing the surrounding situation, a sensor such as a LIDAR (light detection and ranging), or an electronic control unit for realizing each function. In this embodiment, the optional device 50 is, for example, an electronic control unit for realizing the autonomous driving function or the driving assistance function.

[0069] The optional device 50 may also be entertainment-related devices such as AV (audiovisual) devices.

[0070] The optional device 50 is formed in a shape that allows at least a portion of it to be placed within the storage space 41. The entire optional device 50 may be placed within the storage space 41, or a portion of the optional device 50 may be placed within the storage space 41 and the remainder of the optional device 50 may be placed outside the outer opening 42.

[0071] In this embodiment, the lower part of the optional device 50 is placed inside the storage space 41 , and the upper part of the optional device 50 is placed above the outer opening 42 .

[0072] More specifically, the optional device 50 includes an intervening case 56 and a device main body 52 .

[0073] The intervening case 56 is formed to have an outer surface shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the storage section 40. An outer surface shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the storage section 40 means, for example, the same shape as at least a portion of the inner surface of the storage section 40 or a shape similarly smaller than at least a portion of the inner surface of the storage section 40. In this embodiment, the outer and inner surfaces of the inner surface of the storage section 40 in the vehicle width direction are formed to gradually narrow from the outer opening 42 to the bottom 44. The intervening case 56 is formed to gradually narrow downward, corresponding to the outer and inner surfaces of the inner surface of the storage section 40 in the vehicle width direction. When the intervening case 56 is disposed in the storage section 40, equal-width gaps are formed between the outer and inner surfaces of the inner surface of the storage section 40 in the vehicle width direction and the intervening case 56. When at least a portion of the intervening case 56 is stored in the storage section 40, the bottom of the intervening case 56 faces the bottom 44 of the storage section 40.

[0074] The upper part of the intervening case 56 extends out from the storage section 40 and is positioned above the outer opening 42. The upper part of the intervening case 56 may extend upward from the portion of the intervening case 56 that is positioned within the storage section 40 while maintaining the same shape.

[0075] In this embodiment, the interposing case 56 has a shape that is disposed in a part of the front-rear direction of the storage unit 40. The interposing case 56 may have an elongated shape that is disposed in the entire front-rear direction of the storage unit 40.

[0076] The device main body 52 is configured such that, for example, electrical elements, circuit boards, etc. for realizing optional functions are built into the housing. The housing is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The device main body 52 is housed in an intervening case 56. Because the intervening case 56 has a portion shaped to match the inner surface of the storage section 40, even if a versatile box-shaped device is used as the device main body 52, it is possible to reduce gaps that occur between the optional device 50 and the storage section 40. This makes it easier to prevent rattling of the optional device 50, integrate the design with the door interior member 30, and reduce the occurrence of areas where dust can accumulate.

[0077] The device main body 52 has a device-side connector 54 that is connected to the option connector 60. The device-side connector 54 is located at one end of the device main body 52, for example, at the end located on the bottom 44 side. An opening 56h is formed in the intervening case 56 in a portion facing the device-side connector 54. With the device main body 52 fixed inside the intervening case 56, the device-side connector 54 is exposed to the outside through the opening 56h. It is preferable that the direction in which the option connector 60 is connected to the device-side connector 54 is the same as the direction in which the optional device 50 is attached to the storage section 40.

[0078] The device body 52 may be fixed to the intermediate case 56 by any configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a pair of locking pieces 53 are formed on the device body 52. ​​The pair of locking pieces 53 are formed, for example, so as to protrude downward from outer positions on both sides of the device-side connector 54. Locking protrusions 53a protruding outward are formed at the tips of the pair of locking pieces 53.

[0079] The upper portion of the intervening case 56 is configured as a lid that can be opened and closed. With the lid removed, the device main body 52 is inserted from the top of the intervening case 56 toward the back. Then, with the bottom surface of the device main body 52 in contact with the upper surface of the exterior of the intervening case 56, the pair of locking pieces 53 can be locked and prevented from coming out by the edge of the opening 56h. This secures the device main body 52 within the intervening case 56. After securing, the lid of the intervening case 56 is closed.

[0080] 4, for example, a pair of screw-fastening fixing pieces 153 are formed on the device main body 52. ​​The pair of screw-fastening fixing pieces 153 are formed, for example, so as to protrude laterally from both side portions of the device-side connector 54. Screw insertion holes are formed in the pair of screw-fastening fixing pieces 153.

[0081] The upper portion of the intermediate case 56 is configured as a lid that can be opened and closed. Nuts N are fixed to the bottom of the intermediate case 56 at both outer positions of the opening 56h. With the lid removed, the device main body 52 is inserted from the top of the intermediate case 56 toward the back. Furthermore, a screw S is passed through the screw insertion hole of the screw-fastening piece 153 and threadedly fastened to the nut N. This screws the device main body 52 to the intermediate case 56. After the setting, the lid of the intermediate case 56 is closed.

[0082] The device body 52 may be fixed to the intermediate case 56 by adhesive, welding, or the like. The device body 52 may be fixed to the intermediate case 56 by utilizing a fixing structure of the lid portion. The intermediate case 56 may be in the form of a container that is closed on all sides, or may be in the form of a container that is partially open at the top.

[0083] The intervening case 56 may be omitted, and the device main body 52 may be attached to the storage section 40 .

[0084] <Configuration for Holding Optional Device> An example of the configuration of the storage unit 40 for holding the optional device 50 will be described.

[0085] An elastic intervening member 38 is interposed between the inner surface of the storage section 40 and the optional device 50 (see FIG. 2 ). The elastic intervening member 38 includes a sheet-like portion that is arranged along the portion of the inner surface of the storage section 40 where the optional device 50 is arranged. The thickness dimension of the elastic intervening member 38 is set to be larger than the dimension of the gap between the inner surface of the storage section 40 and the optional device 50 when at least a portion of the optional device 50 is arranged in the storage section 40.

[0086] The elastic interposing member 38 is made of a material that is elastically compressible in the thickness direction. For example, the elastic interposing member 38 may be a sheet-like sponge or a rubber sheet.

[0087] The elastic intervening member 38 is interposed in a compressed state between the inner surface of the storage section 40 and the optional device 50. The elastic restoring force of the elastic intervening member 38 as it attempts to return to its original thickness acts on the periphery of the optional device 50 in the tightening direction, thereby holding the optional device 50 in place within the storage section 40. It is preferable that the surface of the elastic intervening member 38 be non-slip relative to the inner surface of the storage section 40 and the outer surface of the optional device 50. In this state, the optional device 50 is less likely to rattle within the storage section 40 and is less likely to fall out of the storage section 40 under normal driving conditions. If the optional device 50 is pulled out with a force greater than the holding force of the elastic intervening member 38, the optional device 50 can be removed from the storage section 40.

[0088] When the optional device 50 is attached to the storage section 40 , the device-side connector 54 faces the bottom opening 44 h of the bottom 44 of the storage section 40 .

[0089] Other configuration examples for holding the optional device 50 will be described later in the modified examples.

[0090] <Regarding the Option Connector> The option connector 60 may be, for example, an electrical connector including electrical terminals formed of metal. The option connector 60 may include one or both of signal terminals and power terminals. The option connector 60 may have an optical connector structure for transmitting optical signals instead of or in addition to the electrical terminals.

[0091] The option connector 60 may be a connector conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The option connector 60 may be connected to another device via a repeater such as a USB-HUB. If the repeater has multiple connection ports, it can easily accommodate the addition of multiple option devices 50.

[0092] An option transmission line Wa extends from the option connector 60. The option transmission line Wa may be connected to another device inside the door panel 12, or may be led to the vehicle body side through a passage hole formed in the door panel 12 and connected to the device on the vehicle body side.

[0093] The option transmission line Wa may have an excess length Wb that allows the option connector 60 to move more inwardly than the bottom 44 of the storage section 40. The excess length Wb is a slack portion of the option transmission line Wa. The excess length Wb may have a length that exceeds the depth from the outer opening 42 of the storage section 40 to the bottom 44. The excess length Wb may be long enough to allow the option connector 60 to move to the outside of the outer opening 42. The excess length Wb may be left in a naturally slack state, or may be bound with a binding member such as adhesive tape or a cable tie. The excess length Wb may be temporarily fixed to the door interior member 30 or the door panel 12 with a temporary fixing member such as adhesive tape or a cable tie.

[0094] <Door Interior Member Before Optional Device Is Installed> In the above description, the door interior member 30 into which the optional device 50 is installed has been described. The door interior member 30B before the optional device 50 is installed will now be described.

[0095] Before the optional device 50 is installed, the bottom opening 44h is not formed in the bottom 44. Therefore, items can be stored in the storage space 41 with a closed bottom.

[0096] The bottom 44 and peripheral wall 46, which form the storage space, have a separation region 44R that can be separated to form an opening for connecting a connector. In this embodiment, the bottom 44 has the separation region 44R. The peripheral wall 46 may also have a separation region, and an opening for connecting the option connector 60 to the optional device 50 may be formed in the peripheral wall 46. In this case, it is preferable that the optional device 50 be located near the separation region of the peripheral wall 46.

[0097] The separation region 44R can be easily separated from the surrounding region. For example, a weakened portion 44L that is easily broken may be formed along at least a portion of the periphery of the separation region 44R. The weakened portion 44L may be, for example, a groove formed along at least a portion of the periphery of the separation region 44R. To make the weakened portion 44L less noticeable, the weakened portion 44L may be formed on the underside of the bottom portion 44. The weakened portion 44L may be a portion in which a plurality of holes or slits are formed intermittently along at least a portion of the periphery of the separation region 44R.

[0098] If weakened portions 44L are formed along the entire periphery of the separation region 44R, the separation region 44R can be easily removed from the bottom portion 44 (see FIG. 6). If weakened portions 44L are formed along part of the periphery of the separation region 44R, for example, on three sides, that part of the periphery of the separation region 44R can be separated from the bottom portion 44 while the remaining part of the periphery of the separation region 44R remains connected to the bottom portion 44. In this case, the remaining part of the periphery of the separation region 44R may be connected to the bottom portion 44 by a thin hinge portion 44b. The separation region 44R can be folded upward or downward from the bottom portion 44 while remaining connected to the bottom portion 44 via the hinge portion 44b (see FIG. 6).

[0099] It is expected that fracture marks 44he will remain as traces on the periphery of the bottom opening 44h where the separation region 44R is separated. The fracture marks 44he are, for example, traces of the plate-shaped resin portion being torn by the weakened portion 44L, and are expected to have a shape that leaves a continuous irregular uneven shape.

[0100] Before the separation region 44R is separated, the option connector 60 may be waiting below the separation region 44R. For example, below the separation region 44R, the option connector 60 may be temporarily fixed to the door interior member 30 or the door panel 12 with a temporary fixing member such as adhesive tape.

[0101] It is not essential that the separation region be torn and separated from the bottom opening. For example, the separation region may be a lid structure that fits removably to the bottom opening. For example, the separation region may be a lid structure that has a flat portion that can close the bottom opening and an annular protrusion that fits around the periphery of the bottom opening. The separation region may be fixed to the lid with screws so as to close the bottom opening.

[0102] <Example of Installation Work> Assuming that the door interior member 30B is installed in a vehicle, an example of installation work for installing the optional device 50 in the vehicle will be described.

[0103] 5, a bottom opening 44h of the bottom 44 of the storage section 40 is closed by a separation region 44R. An option connector 60 is provided below the separation region 44R.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6, at least a portion of the periphery of the separation region 44R is separated by a weakened portion 44L. The separation region 44R may be removed from the bottom portion 44. The separation region 44R may remain connected to the bottom portion 44 via the hinge portion 44b. The elastic intervening member 38 is disposed within the storage portion 40 and is arranged along the inner surface of the storage portion 40. An opening is formed in the elastic intervening member 38 at a portion corresponding to the bottom opening 44h.

[0105] Next, as shown in FIG. 7 , the option connector 60 is pulled out into the storage section 40 through the bottom opening 44h. The option connector 60 may be pulled out to the upper side of the outer opening 42. The pulled option connector 60 is connected to the device-side connector 54 of the option device 50. The option device 50 is then pushed into the storage section 40 through the outer opening 42. When the option device 50 is pushed in, the elastic intervening member 38 is compressed in the thickness direction. The elastic restoring force of the elastic intervening member 38 as it tries to return to its original thickness pushes the option device 50 from the outside toward the inside. The elastic restoring force of the elastic intervening member 38 holds the option device 50 in the storage section 40.

[0106] <Effects, etc.> With the optional-device-integrated interior component 20 configured as described above, the optional device 50 can be added by mounting the optional device 50 in the storage section 40 and connecting the option connector 60 to the optional device 50. Therefore, the storage space 41 of the storage section 40 can be used as an installation space for the optional device 50, making it possible to easily add the optional device 50 to the vehicle.

[0107] Furthermore, if a door interior member is set up to accommodate an optional device, the existing door interior member must be removed and discarded, and a new door interior member for the optional device must be installed. This wastes the door interior member and requires a large workload.

[0108] In this embodiment, the replacement and disposal of the door interior member is not necessary.

[0109] Furthermore, when the optional device 50 is inserted into the storage section 40, the elastic intervening member 38 can be elastically deformed. The elastic restoring force of the elastic intervening member 38 can then hold the optional device 50 in the storage section 40.

[0110] The optional device 50 also includes an intervening case 56 and a device main body 52. ​​The intervening case 56 has an outer surface that corresponds to the inner surface of the storage section 40. This makes it easy to attach device main bodies 52 of various shapes to the storage section 40 without rattle.

[0111] Furthermore, the option transmission line Wa extending from the option connector 60 has an excess length Wb, and by extending the excess length Wb, the option connector 60 can be moved from the bottom 44 to the inside of the storage section 40. This allows the option connector 60 to be easily connected to the option device 50.

[0112] The storage section 40 also has a bottom opening 44h, which allows the option device 50 to be easily connected to the option connector 60.

[0113] Furthermore, before the optional device 50 is installed, the storage section 40 in the door interior member 30B has a separation region 44R. Therefore, at least a portion of the separation region of the bottom 44, which forms the storage space, can be separated to form a bottom opening 44h for connecting a connector. Therefore, before the optional device 50 is installed, items can be effectively stored in the storage section 40, which does not have the bottom opening 44h. When installing the optional device 50, the option connector 60 and the optional device 50 can be easily connected through the bottom opening 44h for connecting the connector. This allows the space previously used for storage to be used as installation space for the optional device, making it easy to add optional devices to the vehicle.

[0114] The bottom opening 44h can be easily formed if the weakened portion 44L is formed on at least a portion of the periphery of the separation region 44R. When the weakened portion 44L is formed, it is expected that at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom opening 44h will have a fracture mark 44he.

[0115] If the separation region 44R is openably and closably connected to the periphery of the bottom opening 44h via the hinge portion 44b, the bottom opening 44h can be easily formed without removing the separation region 44R from the bottom portion 44.

[0116] Furthermore, since the optional device 50 is incorporated into the storage section 40 of the door interior member 30, the optional device 50 can be easily added to the door 10.

[0117] [Modification] The configuration in which the storage unit 40 holds the optional device 50 is not limited to the above example. For example, a locking protrusion may be formed on the storage unit 40 or the optional device 50, and the locking protrusion may be locked to the optional device 50 or the storage unit 40.

[0118] 8, a locking protrusion 252 is formed on the outer surface of an option device 250 corresponding to the option device 50. A locking recess 242 into which the locking protrusion 252 can be locked is formed on the inner surface of a storage section 240 corresponding to the storage section 40.

[0119] When the optional device 250 is inserted into the storage section 240, the outer wall of the optional device 250 or the storage section 240 elastically deforms so as to move away from the path along which the locking protrusion 252 moves toward the locking recess 242. When the locking protrusion 252 locks into the locking recess 242, the outer wall of the optional device 250 or the storage section 240 elastically restores to its original shape, and the locking protrusion 252 is maintained in a state of locking into the locking recess 242.

[0120] Conversely, a locking protrusion may be formed on the storage section, and the locking protrusion may be locked into a recess of the optional device. The position of the locking protrusion is also optional. For example, the locking protrusion may be formed on the upper opening of the storage section, and the locking protrusion may be locked to the optional device outside the storage section.

[0121] Furthermore, the option connector 60 does not have to be able to be pulled out upward from the bottom portion 44. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the option connector 60 may be supported at a fixed position and posture on a bottom portion 344 corresponding to the bottom portion 44.

[0122] The direction in which the option device 50 is connected to the option connector 60 preferably follows the direction in which the option device 50 is inserted into the storage section 340 corresponding to the storage section 40. The option connector 60 preferably faces the outer opening 42.

[0123] In these cases, by pushing the option device 50 into the storage section 340, the option device 50 can be connected to the option connector 60. In other words, it is preferable that the option connector 60 be supported by the bottom portion 344 as a kind of waiting connector.

[0124] 9, the optional device 50 can be held in the storage section 340 by the connection structure of the connectors 54, 60. Therefore, other holding structures, such as the elastic intervening member 38, may be omitted.

[0125] 10 , before the optional device 50 is attached, the optional device 50 supported by the bottom portion 344 may be covered by the upper bottom portion 346. In other words, before the optional device 50 is attached, the storage section 340 may have a double bottom. It is preferable that the upper bottom portion 346 be detachable by a weakened portion 344L similar to the weakened portion 44L.

[0126] The option connector 60 may be supported in a fixed position by a location other than the bottom 344, such as the inner surface of an interior member or a door panel.

[0127] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the interior member of the optional-device-integrated interior member 20 is the door interior member 30. The interior member of the optional-device-integrated interior member may be at least a part of various interior members in a vehicle. For example, a roof liner is an interior member for the ceiling, and the interior member of the optional-device-integrated interior member may be at least a part of the roof liner. Furthermore, an instrument panel in front of the driver's seat or passenger seat is also an example of an interior member, and at least a part of the instrument panel may be the optional-device-integrated interior member.

[0128] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0129] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Door 12 Door panel 13 Outer panel 14 Inner panel 15 Opening 20 Interior member for incorporating optional equipment 21 Armrest portion 22 Switch 30, 30B Door interior member 38 Elastic intervening member 40, 240, 340 Storage portion 41 Storage space 42 Outer opening 44, 344 Bottom portion 44L, 344L Weakened portion 44R Separation area 44b Hinge portion 44h Bottom opening 44he Fracture mark 46 Peripheral wall portion 50, 250 Optional equipment 52 Equipment body 53 Locking piece 53a Locking protrusion 54 Equipment-side connector 56 Intervening case 56h Opening 60 Option connector 153 Screw-fastened fixing piece 242 Locking recess 252 Locking protrusion 346 Upper base N Nut S Screw SP Speaker St Seat W Transmission line Wa Optional transmission line Wb Extra length

Claims

1. An interior component with built-in optional equipment, comprising: an interior component having a storage section that can store and remove items from within the vehicle interior; an optional device attached to the storage section with at least a portion of the optional device located within the storage section; and an option connector connected to the optional device attached to the storage section.

2. An optional device-mounted interior component as described in claim 1, further comprising an elastic intervening member that is interposed in a compressed state between the inner surface of the storage section and the optional device, and that generates a force to hold the optional device in the storage section by means of elastic restoring force.

3. An optional device built-in interior component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a locking protrusion is formed on the storage section or the optional device to lock onto the optional device or the storage section and keep the optional device attached to the storage section.

4. An optional device-mounted interior component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optional device includes an intermediate case having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the storage section, and a device main body housed within the intermediate case.

5. An optional device built-in interior component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the option connector is supported inside the outer opening of the storage section, with the connection direction aligned with the mounting direction of the optional device in the storage section.

6. An optional device built-in interior component according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an optional transmission line extending from the optional connector, the optional transmission line having an excess length that enables the optional connector to be moved from the bottom of the storage section to the inside of the storage section.

7. An optional device built-in interior component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage section has a bottom opening.

8. An optional device-mounted interior member according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom opening has a fracture mark.

9. An optional device-mounted interior member according to claim 7, wherein a separation area is openably and closably connected to the periphery of the bottom opening via a hinge portion.

10. An optional device-integrated interior member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interior member is a door interior member, and the storage section is a storage section that opens toward the interior of the vehicle.

11. An optional device that can be added to an interior member of a vehicle having a storage section, comprising: an intermediate case having an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the storage section; a device main body housed within the intermediate case; and a device-side connector that can be connected to an option connector on the interior member side.

12. An interior member comprising a storage section that opens into the vehicle interior through an outer opening and has a storage space forming section that forms a storage space inside the outer opening, wherein at least a portion of the storage space forming section has a separation region that can be separated to form an opening for connecting a connector.

Images