Patent Publication Number: US-2023158976-A1

Title: Attachment structure for functional component and interior member

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an attachment structure for a functional component and an interior member and particularly to a structure for attaching a functional component to an interior member for a conveyance and an interior member having the structure. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Patent Literature 1 discloses a structure in which a locking portion of a functional component such as a lamp device or a speaker is locked to a hole edge of a through-hole of an interior member so that a conductive portion on the side of the interior member contacts a conductive portion on the side of the functional component and the conductive portion on the side of the interior member is electrically connected to the functional component. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         PATENT LITERATURE 1: JP 2019-182087 A 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     In the attachment structure described in Patent Literature 1, since the functional component is fixed to the interior member, it is difficult to move the functional component and change the arrangement thereof. 
     On the other hand, it is required to form a more comfortable space even in a conveyance interior and to develop a structure capable of easily changing a position of a functional component such as a lamp or a speaker according to the position of an occupant or the purpose of use. 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and an object thereof is to provide an attachment structure for a functional component capable of easily changing a position while supplying power and an interior member. 
     Solution to Problem 
     The above-described problems are solved by an attachment structure for a functional component to be attached to an interior member of a conveyance includes: a rail member that is provided in the interior member and extends in a predetermined direction; and a power transmission unit which is provided in the rail member, wherein the functional component includes an engagement member that is fixed to be slidable on the rail member and a power receiving unit which is disposed to face the rail member in the engagement member. 
     Since the functional component includes the engagement member that is fixed to be slidable on the rail member with the power transmission unit and includes the power receiving unit, it is possible to easily change the position of the functional component while supplying power thereto. 
     Further, in the attachment structure for the functional component, the power transmission unit may serve as a power transmission coil and the power receiving unit may serve as a power receiving coil to supply power in a non-contact state. 
     Since power can be supplied in a non-contact state, the functional component can be fixed at an arbitrary position of the rail member. Further, since the electrode is not exposed, waterproof and antifouling can be achieved. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, a slit may be formed in the extension direction of the rail member, and the functional component may be attached to the rail member when the engagement member is inserted into the slit and is rotated. 
     Since the engagement member is rotated in the slit and is attached to the rail member, the functional component can be attached more firmly. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, a locking piece may be provided at a side portion of the engagement member to be movable in an inward and outward direction of the engagement member and comes into contact with an inner wall of the rail member when the engagement member is attached to the rail member and is rotated, and when the locking piece comes into contact with the inner wall of the rail member and is pressed toward the inside of the engagement member, the position of the power receiving coil may approach the power transmission coil and a magnetic field may be generated between the power receiving coil and the power transmission coil to supply power. 
     When the engagement member is rotated and attached, the power receiving coil and the power transmission coil get close to each other and a magnetic field is generated to supply power. Since power is not supplied during the slide and power is supplied when the functional component is fixed, unnecessary power supply can be avoided. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, the functional component may have a module attachment portion provided on the side opposite to the engagement member to attach a module component thereto. 
     Since the module attachment portion is provided, the module component can be replaced and various functional components can be attached. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, the module component may be a component having a lamp function. 
     Since the module component is the component having a lamp function, the lamp device can be movably attached to the interior member. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, the module component may be a component having a function of a hot/cold cup holder. 
     Since the module component is the component having a function of the hot/cold cup holder, the hot/cold cup holder can be movably attached to the interior member. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, the module component may be a component having a speaker function. 
     Since the module component is the component having a speaker function, the speaker can be movably attached to the interior member. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, the interior member may be a door trim. 
     Since the interior member is the door trim, the functional component can be movably attached to the door trim. 
     In the attachment structure for the functional component, the interior member may be a seat. 
     Since the interior member is the seat, the functional component can be movably attached to the seat. 
     Further, the above-described problems are solved by an interior member with the attachment structure for the functional component. 
     An interior member with a functional component capable of easily changing a position while supplying power is provided. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the attachment structure for the functional component and the interior member of the present invention, since the functional component includes the engagement member that is fixed to be slidable on the rail member with the power transmission unit and includes the power receiving unit, it is possible to easily change the position of the functional component while supplying power thereto. 
     Further, since power can be supplied in a non-contact state, the functional component can be fixed at an arbitrary position of the rail member. Further, since the electrode is not exposed, waterproof and antifouling can be achieved. 
     Further, since the engagement member is rotated in the slit and is attached to the rail member, the functional component can be attached more firmly. 
     Further, when the engagement member is rotated and attached, the power receiving coil and the power transmission coil get close to each other and a magnetic field is generated to supply power. Since power is not supplied during the slide and power is supplied when the functional component is fixed, unnecessary power supply can be avoided. 
     Further, since the module attachment portion is provided, the module component can be replaced and various functional components can be attached. 
     Further, since the module component is the component having a lamp function, the lamp device can be movably attached to the interior member. 
     Further, since the module component is the component having a function of the hot/cold cup holder, the hot/cold cup holder can be movably attached to the interior member. 
     Further, since the module component is the component having a speaker function, the speaker can be movably attached to the interior member. 
     Further, since the interior member is the door trim, the functional component can be movably attached to the door trim. 
     Further, since the interior member is the seat, the functional component can be movably attached to the seat. 
     Further, an interior member with a functional component capable of easily changing a position while supplying power is provided by the interior member including the attachment structure for the functional component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a door having an attachment structure for a functional component according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view showing a rail member and an engagement member before insertion. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view showing a rail member and an engagement member after attachment. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a plan view showing a rail member and an engagement member before rotation. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5 A  is a plan view showing a rail member and an engagement member after rotation. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  is an explanatory diagram showing a normal mode. 
         FIG.  6 B  is an explanatory diagram showing a relaxing and reading mode. 
         FIG.  6 C  is an explanatory diagram showing a TV mode. 
         FIG.  6 D  is an explanatory diagram showing a theater mode. 
         FIG.  6 E  is an explanatory diagram showing a talk mode. 
         FIG.  6 F  is an explanatory diagram showing a mode of seeing a scenery. 
         FIG.  6 G  is an explanatory diagram showing a child room mode. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     An attachment structure for a functional component according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     However, the embodiments described below are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes an equivalent thereof. 
     Further, in the following description, the contents relating to the material, shape, and size of the components constituting the interior member and the functional component are merely specific examples and do not limit the present invention. 
     Hereinafter, a door lining provided on a vehicle door D will be given as an example of an interior member for a conveyance, and an attachment structure for a functional component provided on the door lining will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the door lining for vehicles mounted on a ground-based conveyance having wheels such as automobiles or railroads, but can be applied to, for example, a vehicle door lining mounted on an aircraft or a ship moving outside the ground. 
     Additionally, in the following description, it is assumed that a rail member  10  provided in a door lining  1  extends in a direction parallel to a floor surface of the vehicle. Further, in the following description, it is assumed that an extension direction of the rail member  10  is an X axis, a gravity applying direction is a Y axis, and an axial direction perpendicular to the door lining is a Z axis. The X-axis direction may be referred to as the front to back direction, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the up and down direction, and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the width direction. Additionally, the rail member  10  may not extend in a direction parallel to the floor surface, but may extend in a direction (that is, the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the floor surface. Further, the rail member  10  may not have a linear shape, but may have, for example, a curved shape. In the case of the curved shape, the extension direction of the rail member  10  is the tangential direction of the curve formed by the rail member  10  at a certain point of the rail member  10 . 
     &lt;Vehicle Door&gt; 
     A basic configuration of the vehicle door D including the door lining  1  will be described with reference to  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  1    is a side view showing the door lining  1  provided on the vehicle door D. The vehicle door D includes a door panel P, a window W formed on the upper portion of the door panel P, and the door lining  1  provided below the window W in the door panel P. 
     &lt;Functional Component&gt; 
     The door lining  1  is provided with two rail members  10 . In this embodiment, two rail members  10  are provided to extend in a horizontal direction with respect to a floor surface of a vehicle V in a parallel state. A lamp device LI and a speaker SP are attached to the rail member  10  provided on the upper side of the door lining  1  as a functional component  20 . A hot/cold cup holder CH is provided on the rail member  10  provided on the lower side as the functional component  20 . The hot/cold cup holder CH is a device that keeps a drink held in the holder warm or cold by using electricity. The functional component  20  is not limited to a device that uses electricity, and may be, for example, a table TB. 
     Further, the functional component  20  attached to the rail member  10  is replaceable, and for example, the speaker SP and the lamp device LI may be attached to the lower rail member  10 . Further, two or more functional components  20  may be attached to the rail member  10 . 
     The functional component  20  is fixed to be slidable on the rail member  10  while receiving power. An attachment structure for attaching the functional component  20  to the rail member  10  will be described with reference to  FIGS.  2  to  5   . 
     In the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the front to back direction, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the right and left direction, and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the up and down direction. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view showing a part of the rail member  10  and an engagement member  21  attached to the rail member  10  and shows a state in which the engagement member  21  is removed. 
     The rail member  10  has a C-shaped cross-section and has a T-shaped cavity. In  FIG.  2   , a slit  13  is provided on an upper surface  10   a  (a vehicle interior side surface installed on the door lining). The slit  13  is formed along the extension direction of the rail member  10 . A power transmission coil  11  which is a power transmission unit is provided on a lower surface  10   b  (a door lining side surface installed on the door lining  1 ) of the rail member  10 . The power transmission coil  11  is connected to a battery of the vehicle and can supply power. 
     The engagement member  21  is a member having a T-shaped cross-section constituting the functional component  20  and the functional component  20  is obtained by attaching a module component  30  having functions of a lamp and a speaker to the engagement member  21 . A power receiving coil  23  which is a power receiving unit of the present invention is provided at the lower portion of the engagement member  21 . The power receiving coil  23  is disposed to face the power transmission coil when the engagement member  21  is inserted into the rail member  10 . When the power receiving coil  23  approaches the power transmission coil  11  of the rail member  10  while facing the power transmission coil  11 , a magnetic field  3  is generated and the engagement member  21  can receive power in a non-contact state due to magnetic field resonance. 
     The width W 1  (the length in the Y direction) of the engagement member body  22  of the engagement member  21  is formed to be smaller than the width W 2  of the slit  13  of the rail member  10 . Therefore, the engagement member  21  can be inserted into the rail member  10  from the slit  13  in the state shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     On the other hand, the length L 1  (the length in the X direction in  FIGS.  2  and  4 A ) of the engagement member body  22  of the engagement member  21  is formed to be larger than the width W 2  of the slit  13 . Further, the length is formed to be smaller than the width W 3  between side walls  12  of the rail member  10 . Therefore, when the engagement member  21  is inserted into the rail member  10  and is rotated by 90°, the engagement member  21  can be attached to the rail member  10 . 
     The engagement member  21  of this embodiment is provided with a pair of locking pieces  24  and support portions  25  that project from the inside to the outside (inward and outward direction). When the engagement member  21  is rotated by 90° after insertion, the locking piece  24  and the support portion  25  come into contact with the inner surface of the side wall  12  of the rail member  10  and fix the engagement member  21  while the engagement member  21  is rotated. At the time of removing the engagement member  21 , the engagement member  21  is rotated by 90° to separate the front end of the support portion  25  from the side wall  12 . Accordingly, since the fixing is released, the engagement member  21  can be pulled out from the slit  13 . 
     Further, a movable portion  27  which has the power receiving coil  23  on the lower surface side and is movable in the up and down direction (Z-axis direction) is provided inside the engagement member  21 . As shown in  FIG.  4 B , an inclined surface is formed on a side portion of the movable portion  27  and an inner end portion of the locking piece  24  comes into contact with the inclined surface. Then, when the engagement member  21  is inserted into the rail member  10  and is rotated by 90°, an outer end portion of the locking piece  24  comes into contact with an inner surface of the side wall  12  and hence the locking piece  24  is pressed into the engagement member  21 . When the locking piece  24  is pressed inward, the movable portion  27  is moved downward by the inner end portion. When the movable portion  27  moves downward, the power receiving coil  23  provided on a bottom surface moves closer to the power transmission coil  11  provided on the lower surface of the rail member  10 . When the power receiving coil  23  moves closer to a power receiving distance, the magnetic field  3  is generated between the power transmission coil  11  and the power receiving coil  23  and the engagement member  21  can receive power in a non-contact state due to the magnetic field resonance. The locking piece  24  is locked in a pressed state and a state in which power can be supplied to the engagement member  21  is maintained. 
     Since the engagement member  21  receives power in a non-contact state, power flows to the module component attached to the engagement member  21  and hence each function can be accomplished. 
     Since power is supplied in a non-contact state, noise and wear associated with the contact between the engagement member  21  and the rail member  10  and dust due to the wear are reduced and hence troubles due to connection can be suppressed. 
     Since the electrodes are not exposed at the connection portion between the engagement member  21  and the rail member  10 , waterproofing and antifouling can be achieved. 
     An end portion on the side opposite to the power receiving coil of the engagement member  21  is provided with a module attachment portion  26  to which a module component is attached. The shape of the module attachment portion  26  may be a standard shape or a special shape. As the module components, as described above, there are those having a speaker function, those having a lamp function, and those having a function of a hot/cold cup holder. The functional component  20  is obtained by attaching the module component to the engagement member  21 . 
     Since the engagement member  21  having the module component attached thereto is slidably attached to the rail member  10  provided in the interior member such as a door trim by such an attachment structure, it is possible to easily change the position of the functional component while supplying power to the functional component. 
     Hereinafter, the vehicle V having the attachment structure for the functional component of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     By moving the functional component according to the arrangement of the seat S provided in the vehicle V, the vehicle interior can be used as a more comfortable space. 
     The vehicle V is a conveyance automobile such as a minivan and as shown in  FIG.  6 A , a driver seat S 1  and an assistant seat S 2 , MID seats S 3  and S 4  provided in a second row, and 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  provided in a third row are arranged in the interior of the vehicle V in order from the front to the back of the vehicle V. In the following description, when the driver seat S 1 , the assistant seat S 2 , the MID seats S 3  and S 4 , and the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  are not particularly distinguished from each other, they may be collectively referred as the seat S. 
     Each seat is movable in the front to back direction of the vehicle by the slide rail provided on the floor surface. Further, the MID seats S 3  and S 4  and the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  are foldable, and the cushion and the seat back may be placed in opposite states so that they can be seated backward. A floor FL is provided with a recess capable of accommodating the MID seats S 3  and S 4  and the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6 . Further, the assistant seat S 2  can be in a tip-up state with the cushion flipped up. Further, a shade SH shielding external light is provided on the window of the vehicle door D. The seat S, the shade SH, and the like are connected to a drive device (not shown) for moving each of them and an ECU, and their positions and the like can be adjusted. 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 A  is a normal mode. The lamp device LI which is the functional component  20  is disposed in front of the MID seats S 3  and S 4  and the speaker SP is installed in front of the  3 rd seats S 5  and S 6 . 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 B  is a relaxing and reading mode. One of the MID seats S 3  and S 4  is folded, the other of the MID seats S 3  and S 4  is reclined, and the cushion is accommodated in the recess provided in the floor. The 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  have moved to the rearmost position. The 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  may be accommodated in the floor FL. The shade SH moves to the upper end of the window W so that the window is blindfolded. The table TB, the lamp device LI, and the speaker SP corresponding to the functional component  20  are arranged in accordance with the positions of the MID seats S 3  and S 4 . 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 C  is a TV mode seeing a TV. The MID seats S 3  and S 4  are folded and moved forward. The 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  are accommodated in the floor FL, but can be moved up and down in an accommodated state. The shade SH is located at a position to hide the window W. The lamp device LI and the speaker SP are moved in accordance with the positions of the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6 . There is a monitor on the back of the folded MID seats S 3  and S 4 , and the occupants seated on the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  can see the image displayed on the monitor M. A partition wall PW is provided between the front seats (the driver seat S 1  and the assistant seat S 2 ) and the MID seats S 3  and S 4  to enable shielding and sound insulation. The table TB, the lamp device LI, and the speaker SP corresponding to the functional component  20  slide on the slide rail (rail member  10 ) and are installed in the vicinity of the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6 . 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 D  is a theater mode in which an image can be projected on a screen provided on the rear gate (back door) to watch a movie. The 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  are folded and accommodated in a recess under the floor, and the MID seats S 3  and S 4  are installed to face backward. The shade SH moves to a position to hide the window W so that the window is blindfolded. The screen SC is attached to the inside of the rear gate RG. A partition wall PW is provided between the front seats (the driver seat and the assistant seat) and the MID seat to enable shielding and sound insulation. The table TB, the lamp device LI, and the speaker SP corresponding to the functional component  20  slide on the slide rail (rail member  10 ) and are installed in the vicinity of the MID seats S 3  and S 4 . 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 E  is a talk mode in which the occupants enjoy a conversation. The front seats (the driver seat S 1  and the assistant seat S 2 ) are in a tip-up state with the cushion flipped up. The MID seats S 3  and S 4  are installed to face backward. The shade SH moves to a position to hide the window W so that the window is blindfolded. The table TB and the lamp device LI corresponding to the functional component  20  are arranged between the MID seats S 3  and S 4  and the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  and the occupants sitting on the seats S facing each other can talk to each other. 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 F  is a mode in which the occupant sees the scenery. The 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  are installed to face the back side so that the outside scenery can be seen from the window W. The shade SH is lowered and the outside scenery can be seen through the window W. The lamp device LI and the speaker SP corresponding to the functional component  20  are arranged in accordance with the positions of the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6 . 
     A seat arrangement shown in  FIG.  6 G  is a child room mode in which children can play. In a state in which the vehicle is parked in the parking lot of the house, the vehicle interior is used as a space for children to play. The front seats (the driver seat and the assistant seat) and the MID seats S 3  and S 4  are in a tip-up state with the cushion flipped up and moved forward. The 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  are accommodated in the recess of the floor FL. The shade SH moves to a position to hide the window W so that the window is blindfolded. The floor FL may be provided with a floor mat FM. The table TB and the lamp device LI are arranged by the slide rail SR. 
     Further, the driver seat S 1 , the assistant seat S 2 , the MID seats S 3  and S 4 , and the 3rd seats S 5  and S 6  mounted on the vehicle V can be removed. A five-seater mode can be used by removing the assistant seat S 2 . 
     As described above, the attachment structure for the functional component and the interior member according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. The attachment structure for the functional component is used in a conveyance automobile such as a minivan, but the present invention is not limited to that used in a vehicle mounted on a ground traveling conveyance having wheels such as an automobile or a railroad. For example, the attachment structure can be mounted on an aircraft or a ship that moves outside the ground. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         V: vehicle 
         D: vehicle door 
           1 : door lining (interior member) 
           3 : magnetic field 
           10 : rail member 
           11 : power transmission coil (power transmission unit) 
           12 : side wall 
           13 : slit 
           20 : functional component 
           21 : engagement member 
           22 : engagement member body 
           23 : power receiving coil (power receiving unit) 
           24 : locking piece 
           25 : support portion 
           26 : module attachment portion 
           27 : movable portion 
           30 : module component 
         SP: speaker 
         LI: lamp device 
         CH: hot/cold cup holder 
         S: seat
       S 1 : driver seat   S 2 : assistant seat   S 3 , S 4 : MID seat   S 5 , S 6 : 3rd seat   
     
         W: window 
         SH: shade 
         PW: partition wall 
         SC: screen