Storage device with air supply function

Abstract

A storage device with an air supply function is provided that can improve the air cooling efficiency of a portable electronic device stored in a storage portion. The storage device with an air supply function comprises: a storage portion having an opening formed on its upper surface for storing the portable electronic device; a support portion configured to protrude from a side surface of the storage portion into the storage portion and contact the side surface or upper and lower surfaces of the portable electronic device stored in the storage portion to sandwich and hold the portable electronic device; and an air supply portion that supplies air into the storage portion. The support portion has an air supply port for guiding air supplied by the air supply portion into the storage portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device with an air supply function. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there is known a storage device that is mounted on a vehicle or the like and stores portable electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile phones (for example, Patent Document 1). The storage device described in Patent Document 1 comprises: a storage portion that stores portable electronic devices; and a fluid transfer device that air-cools the storage space in the storage portion. In the storage device, a cavity is provided on the side wall of the storage portion for taking air from outside the storage portion into the storage portion. The cavity is provided on the side wall that contacts the surface or back of the portable electronic device. If the fluid transfer device is operating, the air outside the storage portion is sent into the storage portion through the cavity. Therefore, the operation of the fluid transfer device can suppress the portable electronic device stored in the storage portion from heating up during charging, etc.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-524997

[0004] However, in the aforementioned storage device, the air introduced into the storage portion through the cavity travels in a direction perpendicular to the front or back surface of the portable electronic device housed therein. Consequently, in this storage device, after the air contacts the front or back surface of the portable electronic device, the heated air tends to remain within the storage portion, resulting in poor air cooling efficiency for the portable electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage device with an air blowing function that improves the air cooling efficiency of a portable electronic device stored in a storage portion.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a storage device with an air supply function, comprising: a storage portion having an opening formed on an upper surface for storing a portable electronic device; a support portion configured to protrude from a side surface of the storage portion into the storage portion, contacting the side surface or upper and lower surfaces of the portable electronic device stored in the storage portion to sandwich and hold the portable electronic device; and an air supply portion that supplies air into the storage portion, the support portion having an air supply port for guiding the air supplied by the air supply portion into the storage portion.

[0007] According to this structure, the air supply port, which guides air from the air supply unit into the storage unit, is provided on the support unit, which contacts the portable electronic device stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the air directed from the air supply unit into the storage unit is transported into the storage unit near the portable electronic device, making it easier for the air to directly contact the portable electronic device. This improves the air cooling efficiency of the portable electronic device stored in the storage unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a storage device with an air blowing function according to an embodiment is mounted on a vehicle interior component.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a side view of a storage device with an air blowing function mounted on a vehicle interior component according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a plan view of a storage device with an air blowing function mounted on a vehicle interior component according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a bottom view of the storage device with an air blowing function mounted on a vehicle interior component according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The VV cross-section is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 VI-VI cross-sectional view shown.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of a main part of the storage device with an air blowing function according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a storage device with an air blowing function mounted on a vehicle interior component according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This shows the situation when a small-sized portable electronic device is stored in the storage portion of the storage device with a ventilation function according to the embodiment. Figure 3 The figure of the IX-IX section is shown.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the situation when a large portable electronic device is stored in the storage portion of the storage device with a ventilation function according to the embodiment. Figure 3 The figure of the IX-IX section is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Specific embodiments of the storage device with an air blowing function according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] A storage device 1 with an air blower function, according to one embodiment, is used to store portable electronic devices 2, such as smartphones and mobile phones, used by passengers in a vehicle. Hereinafter, the storage device 1 with an air blower function will be referred to simply as the storage device 1. The storage device 1 is mounted on a vehicle interior component 3, such as a center console. Furthermore, the storage device 1 stores the portable electronic device 2 so that it is arranged along the vehicle's longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, two directions perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction X are appropriately referred to as the vehicle width direction Y and the vertical direction Z, respectively.

[0020] The portable electronic device 2 is formed into a thin, four-sided plate. The thickness between the display surface of the portable electronic device 2 and its back surface is less than the distance between the upper and lower surfaces (i.e., height) and the distance between the left and right side surfaces (i.e., width) of the portable electronic device 2. Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces and the left and right side surfaces of the portable electronic device 2 are not surfaces with respect to the vehicle. The upper and lower surfaces of the portable electronic device 2 refer to the surfaces that become the upper and lower sides when the display surface of the portable electronic device 2 is in a reference display. Furthermore, the left and right side surfaces or side surfaces of the portable electronic device 2 refer to the surfaces that become the left and right sides when the display surface of the portable electronic device 2 is in a reference display.

[0021] The vehicle interior component 3 is box-shaped. The upper wall of the vehicle interior component 3 constitutes the upper panel of the center console. The vehicle interior component 3 has an opening 3a on its upper surface for inserting and removing the portable electronic device 2.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the storage device 1 includes a storage portion 10 , a support portion 20 , an air supply portion 30 and a wireless power supply portion 40 .

[0023] The storage unit 10 is a box that stores the portable electronic device 2. The storage unit 10 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box. The storage unit 10 is formed by a bottom wall 10b and four side walls 10s, and has a storage space 11. The storage space 11 is surrounded by the bottom wall 10b and the four side walls 10s. The storage space 11 is formed so that the upper portion is larger than the lower portion.

[0024] The four side walls 10s are formed such that the distance between the two side walls 10sL and 10sR that oppose each other in the vehicle width direction Y (hereinafter referred to as left and right side walls) is shorter than the distance between the two side walls 10sF and 10sB that oppose each other in the vehicle front-rear direction X (hereinafter referred to as front and rear side walls). The storage space 11 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction X and in the vertical direction Z, and accommodates the portable electronic device 2 in a longitudinal position along the vehicle front-rear direction X. The storage space 11 is sized to accommodate a portable electronic device 2 within a specified size.

[0025] The storage portion 10 is formed so that the front lower portion of the storage space 11 protrudes forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. The rear wall 10sB extends substantially in the vertical direction Z, while the front wall 10sF is inclined relative to the vertical direction Z so as to be located forward from the top to the bottom.

[0026] The storage portion 10 is formed to store the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 in a predetermined posture state. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the bottom wall 10b is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 tilts from bottom to top toward one side (e.g., the right side) in the vehicle width direction Y. Furthermore, one of the left and right side walls 10sL and 10sR (e.g., the left side wall 10sL) is a vertical wall extending in the up-down direction Z, while the other (e.g., the right side wall 10sR) is an inclined wall inclined from bottom to top toward one side (e.g., the right side) in the vehicle width direction Y. Hereinafter, the left and right side walls 10sL and 10sR as vertical walls will be referred to as vertical side walls 10s1, and the left and right side walls 10sL and 10sR as inclined walls will be referred to as inclined side walls 10s2.

[0027] The storage portion 10 has an inclined surface 12 that is inclined upward. Inclined surface 12 is formed on the inner surface of the inclined side wall 10s2. The portable electronic device 2 is stored in the storage space 11 with its bottom or side surface in contact with the bottom wall 10b and its back or front surface in contact with the inclined surface 12, which is the inner surface of the inclined side wall 10s2.

[0028] The inclined surface 12 has guide grooves 13. The guide grooves 13 extend along the vehicle longitudinal direction X, with a plurality of guide grooves 13 arranged in a row in the vertical direction Z. As described below, the guide grooves 13 direct the air directed into the storage portion 10, i.e., the storage space 11, toward the horizontal vehicle longitudinal direction X, thereby promoting the flow of this air along the vehicle longitudinal direction X. Specifically, the guide grooves 13 form a horizontally extending gap between the inclined surface 12 and the portable electronic device 2 in contact with the inclined surface 12, thereby improving the air cooling efficiency of the portable electronic device 2.

[0029] The storage section 10 has an opening 14. Opening 14 is formed on the upper surface of the storage section 10. Opening 14 is rectangular and has a size that matches the size of the portable electronic device 2 to be stored. Opening 14 is shaped to match the opening 3a of the vehicle interior member 3. The portable electronic device 2 is inserted and removed between the external space and the storage space 11 via opening 14.

[0030] Mounting portions 15 are provided on the side wall 10s. Mounting portions 15 are used to attach and secure the main body of the storage unit 10 to the vehicle interior component 3. Mounting portions 15 are provided, for example, at four locations on the outer surface of the side wall 10s. The storage unit 10 is attached and secured to the vehicle interior component 3 at the mounting portions 15 using bolts or the like.

[0031] The support portion 20 holds the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 within the storage portion 10. A pair of support portions 20 are provided. The support portions 20 contact the side surfaces, or the top and bottom surfaces, of the portable electronic device 2, other than the front and back surfaces, to sandwich and hold the portable electronic device 2. When the portable electronic device 2 is stored in the storage space 11, it is sandwiched and held by the pair of support portions 20.

[0032] Through-holes 16f and 16b are provided in the front and rear side walls 10sF and 10sB of the storage section 10, extending in the vehicle front-rear direction X. Each through-hole 16f and 16b is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated in the vertical direction Z. Each through-hole 16f and 16b has a size corresponding to the dimensions of the support portion 20. The support portion 20 is provided corresponding to the front and rear side walls 10sF and 10sB, respectively, and is configured to protrude from the inner surfaces of the front and rear side walls 10sF and 10sB through the through-holes 16f and 16b into the storage space 11 within the storage section 10. Hereinafter, the support portion 20 provided on the front side wall 10sF is referred to as the front support portion 20f, and the support portion 20 provided on the rear side wall 10sB is referred to as the rear support portion 20b.

[0033] The front support portion 20f and the rear support portion 20b are formed in shapes symmetrical to each other. Figure 8 As shown, the front support portion 20f includes a main body member 21f and a preload member 22f. In addition, the rear support portion 20b includes a main body member 21b and a preload member 22b.

[0034] Regarding the front support portion 20f, the main body member 21f is formed into a "くノ"-shaped cross-section, with the upper and lower center portions convex relative to the upper and lower portions toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, i.e., toward the interior of the storage space 11. The front end portions of the rearward-convex upper and lower center portions of the main body member 21f contact and hold the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11. This front end portion has a notch 23f.

[0035] The notch 23f is formed into a shape that facilitates storage of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 in the predetermined posture. Specifically, the notch 23f serves as an inclined surface that moves the portable electronic device 2 in a direction of contact with the inclined surface 12 of the inclined side wall 10s2 when the pair of support portions 20 sandwich the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11.

[0036] The main body part 21f has a rotating shaft portion 24f, an outer edge portion 25f and a protruding portion 26f. The main body part 21f is supported on the storage portion 10 in a swingable manner. The rotating shaft portion 24f is an axis body that serves as the swing center of the main body part 21f. The rotating shaft portion 24f is provided at the upper portion of the main body part 21f. The rotating shaft portion 24f is inserted into a horizontally extending shaft hole 17f provided near the through hole 16f at the upper portion of the storage portion 10. The main body part 21f swings in a manner such that the portion lower than the rotating shaft portion 24f moves in the vehicle front-rear direction X through the through hole 16f with the rotating shaft portion 24f as the swing center. In addition, the swing of the main body part 21f is limited to a specified range by a limiting member (not shown).

[0037] The outer edge portion 25f is a surface portion located at the periphery when the rotating shaft portion 24f is the center. The outer edge portion 25f is formed into a curved surface. The outer edge portion 25f is provided at the lower portion of the main body part 21f. The outer edge portion 25f is formed into an arc surface such that, even if the main body part 21f swings within a prescribed range, the main body part 21f does not come into contact with the bottom wall 10b of the storage part 10. The outer edge portion 25f is formed to be able to face the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b of the storage part 10. The arc surface of the outer edge portion 25f is generally oriented downward, and this direction changes according to the swing position of the main body part 21f.

[0038] The protrusion 26f is a claw-like portion that projects toward the bottom surface of the storage section 10, namely, the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b. The protrusion 26f has the function of preventing small objects that fall into the storage space 11, excluding the portable electronic device 2, from entering the storage area 11 through the through-hole 16f. The protrusion 26f is provided at the lower end of the main body 21f. Specifically, the protrusion 26f is provided at the front end of the lower end of the main body 21f, with the outer edge 25f positioned toward the vehicle front side, so as to be exposed toward the storage space 11. The protrusion 26f extends from the lower end of the main body 21f in a plate-like shape.

[0039] The support portion 20 (specifically, the front support portion 20f) has an air outlet 27. The air outlet 27 is an inlet for guiding the air sent out by the air supply portion 30 to the storage space 11 in the storage portion 10. The air outlet 27 is provided at the outer edge portion 25f and the protruding portion 26f of the main body member 21f. The air sent out by the air supply portion 30 is guided from the air outlet 27 to the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b in the storage portion 10. The air outlet 27 is formed in a slit shape at the outer edge portion 25f and the protruding portion 26f. The air outlet 27 is formed in such a manner that a plurality of slits extend in the up-down direction Z and are arranged in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0040] The air outlet 27 provided on the outer edge 25f and the air outlet 27 provided on the protruding portion 26f may be integrated with each other and formed into a slit shape, or may be separated and provided into slit shapes.

[0041] As described above, the storage portion 10 is formed so that the front lower portion of the storage space 11 in the vehicle front-rear direction X protrudes forward. That is, the storage portion 10 is formed so that the air outlet 27 is exposed and connected to the storage space 11 regardless of the swing position of the main body part 21f of the front support part 20f. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the bottom wall 10b is curved in the vertical direction Z near the connection portion with the front side wall 10sF. This is to facilitate air delivered from the air outlet 27 to the storage space 11 to contact the curved surface of the bottom wall 10b and flow toward the center of the storage space 11.

[0042] The preload member 22f is a member that preloads the main body 21f toward the inside of the storage space 11, with the rotating shaft 24f serving as the center of swing. The preload member 22f is, for example, a coil spring disposed on the rotating shaft 24f. The preload member 22f is mounted so that one end is supported by the main body 21f and the other end is supported by the main body 21f.

[0043] The rear support portion 20b has a main body member 21b with a "くノ"-shaped cross-section, with the upper and lower center portions convex relative to the upper and lower portions toward the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, i.e., toward the interior of the storage space 11. The front ends of the forward-convex upper and lower center portions of the main body member 21b contact and hold the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11. This front end has a notch 23b.

[0044] The notch portion 23b is formed into a shape that facilitates storage of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 in the predetermined posture state. Specifically, the notch portion 23b is an inclined surface that moves the portable electronic device 2 in a direction of contact with the inclined surface 12 of the inclined side wall 10s2 when the pair of support portions 20 sandwich the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11.

[0045] The main body part 21b has a rotating shaft portion 24b and an outer edge portion 25b. The main body part 21b is supported on the storage portion 10 in a swingable manner. The rotating shaft portion 24b is an axis body that serves as the swing center of the main body part 21b. The rotating shaft portion 24b is provided at the upper portion of the main body part 21b. The rotating shaft portion 24b is inserted into a horizontally extending shaft hole 17b provided near the through hole 16b at the upper portion of the storage portion 10. The main body part 21b swings in a manner such that the portion lower than the rotating shaft portion 24b moves in the vehicle front-rear direction X through the through hole 16b with the rotating shaft portion 24b as the swing center. In addition, the swing of the main body part 21b is limited to a specified range by a limiting member (not shown).

[0046] The outer edge portion 25b is a surface portion located at the periphery when the rotating shaft portion 24b is the center. The outer edge portion 25b is formed into a curved surface. The outer edge portion 25b is provided at the lower portion of the main body part 21b. The outer edge portion 25b is formed into an arc surface such that, even if the main body part 21b swings within a prescribed range, the main body part 21b does not come into contact with the bottom wall 10b of the storage part 10. The outer edge portion 25b is formed to be able to face the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b of the storage part 10. The arc surface of the outer edge portion 25b is generally oriented downward, and this direction changes according to the swing position of the main body part 21b.

[0047] The preload member 22b is a member that preloads the main body 21b toward the inside of the storage space 11, with the rotating shaft 24b serving as the center of swing. The preload member 22b is, for example, a coil spring disposed on the rotating shaft 24b. The preload member 22b is mounted so that one end is supported by the main body 21b and the other end is supported by the main body 21b.

[0048] The air supply unit 30 is a portion that supplies air to the storage space 11 in the storage section 10. The air supply unit 30 includes, for example, a cooling fan 31 that operates by supplying power from an external power source. The air supply unit 30 is arranged on the outside of the storage section 10. The cooling fan 31 is arranged near the boundary between the inside and outside of the storage space 11, specifically, on the outside of the air supply port 27 in a manner that blocks the through-hole 16f of the front side wall 10sF. The cooling fan 31 is rotatably supported on the front side wall 10sF. The air supply unit 30 supplies air from outside the storage space 11 to the storage space 11 through the through-hole 16f and the air supply port 27 of the front support portion 20f by the operation of the cooling fan 31.

[0049] Furthermore, the air supply unit 30 may include a cylindrical introduction path connecting the cooling fan and the through-hole 16f. In this case, air from the cooling fan is supplied to the through-hole 16f through the introduction path.

[0050] The wireless power supply unit 40 is a portion that wirelessly supplies power to the portable electronic device 2 housed in the storage space 11 within the storage unit 10. The wireless power supply unit 40 is connected to an external power source via wiring. The wireless power supply unit 40 has, for example, a power supply pad. The wireless power supply unit 40 is arranged on the inner side of the inclined surface 12 of the storage unit 10 (i.e., the inner surface of the inclined side wall 10s2). The wireless power supply unit 40 is arranged at a position where the power supply efficiency to the portable electronic device 2 housed in the storage space 11 is better, and the power supply pad is installed to contact the outer surface of the inclined side wall 10s2 and face away from the portable electronic device 2 across the inclined side wall 10s2.

[0051] Next, the operation of the storage device 1 will be described.

[0052] In the storage device 1, when the portable electronic device 2 is not stored in the storage space 11 within the storage portion 10, the main body members 21f and 21b of the support portions 20f and 20b are preloaded toward the inside of the storage space 11 by the preload force of the preload members 22f and 22b. At this time, the separation distance between the main body members 21f and 21b of the pair of support portions 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction X is minimized within the storage space 11.

[0053] If a portable electronic device 2 of the intended size is inserted into the storage space 11 from the above state, the main body components 21f, 21b of the support portions 20f, 20b contact the side surfaces or top and bottom surfaces of the portable electronic device 2. Further insertion causes the main body components 21f, 21b to be pressed outward from the storage space 11 against the preload force of the preload components 22f, 22b, causing them to swing. The amount or angle of swing of each main body component 21f, 21b corresponds to the size of the inserted portable electronic device 2. At this point, the portable electronic device 2 inserted into the storage space 11 is held within the storage space 11 by the pair of support portions 20f, 20b.

[0054] Furthermore, when the portable electronic device 2 is inserted into the storage space 11, regardless of the insertion posture of the portable electronic device 2, the portable electronic device 2 changes its posture such that its bottom or side surfaces contact the bottom wall 10b and its back or front surface contacts the inclined surface 12 of the inclined side wall 10s2, due to the shape of the bottom wall 10b, which is inclined relative to the horizontal, or the shape of the support portions 20f, 20b having the notches 23f, 23b. In other words, the portable electronic device 2 is stored in the storage space 11 in a posture state in which its bottom or side surfaces contact the bottom wall 10b and its back or front surface contacts the inclined surface 12 of the inclined side wall 10s2.

[0055] When the portable electronic device 2 is stored in the storage space 11, the wireless power supply unit 40 wirelessly powers the portable electronic device 2. This wireless power supply charges the portable electronic device 2. As described above, this charging occurs while the back or front surface of the portable electronic device 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 12 of the inclined side wall 10s2. Therefore, the portable electronic device 2 can be efficiently charged.

[0056] When the portable electronic device 2 is charged as described above, it generates heat. When the wireless power supply unit 40 performs wireless power supply, the air supply unit 30 operates to supply air into the storage space 11. When the air supply unit 30 operates, air outside the storage space 11, which is supplied by the cooling fan 31, is supplied into the storage space 11 through the through-hole 16f and the air outlet 27.

[0057] The air supply port 27 is provided in the front support portion 20f of the pair of support portions 20 that contact and sandwich the portable electronic device 2 housed in the storage space 11 within the storage section 10. Therefore, air directed from the air supply portion 30 to the storage space 11 is transported to the storage space 11 near the portable electronic device 2, allowing this air to directly contact the portable electronic device 2. This improves the air cooling efficiency of the portable electronic device 2 housed in the storage section 11. Furthermore, the cooling fan 31 is configured to block the through-hole 16f of the front side wall 10sF of the storage section 10 and is rotatably supported by the front side wall 10sF. Therefore, the air supplied from outside the storage space 11 through the air supply port 27 to the storage space 11 by the operation of the cooling fan 31 is minimally lost. Consequently, this aspect also improves the air cooling efficiency of the portable electronic device 2 housed in the storage section 11.

[0058] Furthermore, the air sent from the air supply unit 30 to the storage space 11 flows from the lower portion of the front side wall 10sf of the storage portion 10 toward the rear of the vehicle along the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b. Therefore, the air is not hindered from flowing in the lower portion of the storage space 11, but rather circulates toward the rear of the vehicle, easily flowing along the surface or back of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage section 11. Furthermore, since cold air tends to stagnate at the lower portion, the air sent from the air supply unit 30 to the storage space 11 tends to stagnate at the lower portion of the storage space 11. Therefore, air heated by the heat generated by the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 can be prevented from stagnate in the storage space 11, thereby improving the air cooling efficiency of the portable electronic device 2.

[0059] In addition, regarding the support portion 20, the swing angle of the main body parts 21f and 21b changes according to the size of the portable electronic device 2 inserted into the storage space 11. Therefore, the direction of the air outlet 27 provided on the outer edge 25f of the main body part 21f changes according to the swing angle of the main body part 21f. Figure 9 As shown, the air outlet 27 is generally directed from the main body 21f to the rear when the portable electronic device 2 of a smaller size is inserted into the storage space 11. Figure 10 As shown, when the large-sized portable electronic device 2 is inserted into the storage space 11 , the main body member 21 f is formed to be nearly perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall 10 b approximately toward the rear.

[0060] The bottom wall 10b is formed so as to curve in the vertical direction Z near the connection with the front side wall 10sF, so that the air discharged from the air outlet 27 into the storage space 11 is easily circulated toward the center of the storage space 11. Therefore, the larger the size of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11, the more likely the air discharged from the air outlet 27 into the storage space 11 will circulate toward the center of the storage space 11. Therefore, since larger portable electronic devices 2 generally generate more heat, even with the same air volume from the air outlet 27, this prevents a decrease in cooling efficiency when the size of the portable electronic device 2 is larger.

[0061] Furthermore, when the portable electronic device 2 is inserted into the storage space 11, the main body members 21f and 21b of the support portions 20f and 20b are pressed toward the outside of the storage space 11 against the preload force of the preload members 22f and 22b, thereby being sandwiched between the pair of support portions 20f and 20b. Therefore, the main body members 21f and 21b securely hold the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 due to the preload force of the preload members 22f and 22b. This reduces the likelihood of the portable electronic device 2 being shaken while stored in the storage space 11, and reduces the reduction in air cooling efficiency caused by changes in the direction of the air directed from the air outlet 27 into the storage space 11.

[0062] Furthermore, the air outlet 27 of the front support portion 20f is slit-shaped. This structure makes it easier for an object other than the portable electronic device 2 to fall onto the bottom wall 10b of the storage space 11, for example, to get caught on the main body 21f at the air outlet 27. This prevents the object from entering the storage space 11 through the air outlet 27, toward the outside of the air outlet 27, i.e., toward the cooling fan 31. This reduces the risk of clogging the outside of the air outlet 27 with foreign matter or dust, thereby minimizing the decrease in air supply function and cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the frequency of cleaning the outside of the air outlet 27 can be reduced, improving maintainability.

[0063] Furthermore, the front support portion 20f includes a protrusion 26f provided at the lower end of the main body 21f, projecting toward the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b of the storage space 10. Unlike a configuration without the protrusion 26f, this structure makes it easier for objects dropped onto the bottom wall 10b of the storage space 11 to get caught on the protrusion 26f. This prevents these objects from entering the storage space 11 through the air outlet 27 and into the outside of the air outlet 27, i.e., toward the cooling fan 31. This reduces the risk of clogging the outside of the air outlet 27 with foreign matter or dust, thereby minimizing the decrease in ventilation function and air cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the frequency of cleaning the outside of the air outlet 27 can be reduced, improving maintainability.

[0064] Furthermore, the air outlets 27 are provided not only on the outer edge 25f of the main body 21f but also on the protruding portion 26f. This configuration allows for a larger area for the air outlets 27 than would be possible without the protruding portion 26f. This prevents the air flow from the air supply unit 30 to the storage space 11 from being obstructed by the protruding portion 26f, thus minimizing a decrease in air cooling efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, the air vents 27 are provided on the outer edge portion 25f and the protruding portion 26f provided at the lower portion of the main body member 21f so as to blow air toward the inner surface of the bottom wall 10b within the storage portion 10. With this structure, even when the portable electronic device 2 is not stored in the storage space 11, the air vents 27 are not easily visible from above the opening 14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the appearance caused by visual inspection of the air vents 27.

[0066] Furthermore, the storage space 11 within the storage section 10 is formed so that the upper portion is larger than the lower portion. Specifically, the storage section 10 has an opening 14 on its upper surface that is wider than the bottom wall 10b, and the inclined surface 12 of the inclined side wall 10s2 is tilted upward. This structure significantly enlarges the opening 14 of the storage section 10, allowing air heated by the portable electronic device 2 within the storage space 11 to escape to the outside (upward) of the storage space 11 through the opening 14.

[0067] In addition, the inclined surface 12 is a surface that contacts the back or front surface of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11. The inclined surface 12 has a guide groove 13 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction X. According to this structure, when the portable electronic device 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 12, a gap extending in the vehicle front-rear direction X is formed between the portable electronic device 2 and the inclined surface 12. Therefore, the air introduced into the storage space 11 from the air supply unit 30 can enter the gap between the portable electronic device 2 in contact with the inclined surface 12 and the inclined surface 12, and the air can be circulated in the area in the vehicle front-rear direction X where the portable electronic device 2 and the inclined surface 12 are in contact. Therefore, heat can be prevented from being trapped between the portable electronic device 2 and the inclined surface 12, thereby improving the air cooling efficiency of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11.

[0068] In this manner, the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 within the storage portion 10 and being charged by wireless power supply from the wireless power supply unit 40 can be air-cooled by the air supplied by the air supply unit 30. Consequently, a decrease in charging efficiency caused by heat generated during charging of the portable electronic device 2 stored in the storage space 11 can be suppressed, and the portable electronic device stored in the storage space 11 can be efficiently charged while being air-cooled.

[0069] However, in the above embodiment, the air outlet 27 is provided only on the front support portion 20f of the pair of support portions 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air outlet 27 may be provided only on the rear support portion 20b, or may be provided on both the front support portion 20f and the rear support portion 20b.

[0070] In addition, in the above embodiment, the front support portion 20f of the pair of support portions 20 is provided with an air supply port 27, but no opening may be provided in the rear support portion 20b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The front support portion 20f may be provided with an air supply port 27 for guiding air outside the storage space 11 into the storage space 11, and the rear support portion 20b may be provided with an exhaust port for exhausting air inside the storage space 11 to the outside of the storage space 11. According to the structure of this modified form, the air exchange efficiency between the inside and outside of the storage space 11 can be improved. In addition, in this modified form, the cooling fan 31 of the air supply portion 30 can be arranged on the outside of the exhaust port in a manner that blocks the through hole 16b of the rear wall 10sB of the storage portion 10, and air is sucked into the storage space 11 through the air supply port 27 of the front support portion 20f.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the pair of support portions 20 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and is also applicable to a structure in which the pair of support portions 20 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0072] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified forms, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Description of the label

[0074] 1: Storage device with air supply function, 2: Portable electronic instrument, 3: Vehicle interior component, 10: Storage portion, 10b: Bottom wall, 10s: Side wall, 10sL, 10sR: Left and right side walls, 10sF, 10sB: Front and rear side walls, 10s2: Inclined side wall, 11: Storage space, 12: Inclined surface, 13: Guide groove, 14: Opening, 16f, 16b: Through hole, 20: Support portion, 20f: Front support portion, 20b: Rear support portion, 21f, 21b: Main body component, 22f, 22b: Pre-tightening component, 23f, 23b: Notch portion, 24f, 24b: Rotating shaft portion, 25f, 25b: Outer edge portion, 26f: Protrusion, 27: Air supply port, 30: Air supply portion, 31: Cooling fan, 40: Wireless power supply unit.

Claims

1. A storage device with air supply function, comprising: a storage portion having an opening formed on an upper surface thereof for storing portable electronic devices; a support portion configured to protrude from a side surface of the storage portion into the storage portion and contact a side surface or an upper and lower surface of the portable electronic device stored in the storage portion to sandwich and hold the portable electronic device; as well as An air supply unit supplies air into the storage unit, wherein: The support portion has an air supply port for guiding the air sent out by the air supply portion into the storage portion. The support portion has: A rotating shaft portion provided at the upper end, serving as a center of swing; An outer edge portion formed into a curved surface and provided with the air outlet; a main body member pivotally supported on the storage portion in a swingable manner; and a pre-tightening member for generating a pre-tightening force for pre-tightening the main body member toward the inner side of the accommodating portion with the rotating shaft portion as a swing center, The air sent out by the air sending portion is guided from the air sending port toward the bottom surface in the storage portion.

2. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 1, wherein: The storage portion is formed so that the air outlet communicates with the interior of the storage portion regardless of the swing position of the main body member.

3. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air outlet is formed in a slit shape on the support portion.

4. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support portion includes a protrusion which is provided at the lower end portion of the main body and protrudes toward the bottom surface of the storage portion.

5. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 4, wherein: The air supply port is also arranged on the protruding portion.

6. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air supply unit includes a cooling fan rotatably supported by the storage unit.

7. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The storage portion has an inclined surface that contacts the back surface or the front surface of the stored portable electronic device and is inclined obliquely upward. The inclined surface has a guide groove for guiding the air guided from the air outlet into the storage portion in a horizontal direction.

8. The storage device with air supply function according to claim 7, wherein: A wireless power supply unit is provided. The wireless power supply unit is arranged on the inner side of the inclined surface and wirelessly supplies power to the portable electronic device stored in the storage unit.

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