Cover device and central armrest box

Abstract

The cover device is provided with: a latch body corresponding to a latch receiving portion provided in an opening forming body; a force applying unit applying force to the latch body so that it is always in a position engaged with the latch receiving portion, and a switching member movably provided in the lower cover and releasing the engagement of the latch body and the latch receiving portion in an advanced position. The upper cover is combined with the lower cover in a manner that it can slide in a direction orthogonal to the axis direction of the rotation center axis of the lower cover. A coupling member is provided, which couples the upper cover and the lower cover in a manner that when the upper cover is moved to the rotation center axis side of the lower cover, the switching member is moved to the advanced position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement of a cover device and a central armrest box using the cover device. Background Technology

[0002] A cover device is provided that releases the state of the cover body blocking the opening of the opening forming body by pressing a button provided on the side of the cover body, and the cover body can be opened by using the pressing operation side of the button as a free end. The device shown in Patent Document 1 is such a cover device.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4772541 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the cover device of Patent Document 1, when opening the cover body, it is necessary to observe and confirm the button before pressing it. In the case of a cover device such as the center console cover of a car, it is difficult to observe and confirm the button before pressing it while driving, as described above. Furthermore, in this case, it is also not easy to operate the button from the rear seat side.

[0008] The main problem to be solved by the present invention is as follows: while maintaining a high degree of aesthetic appearance, the cover device is reasonably constructed to allow for easy and intuitive opening of the cover device.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, in this invention, from a first perspective, the cover device is configured to have a main body consisting of two cover structures.

[0011] One of the two cover structures is axially supported on an opening forming body whose opening is sealed by a cover device, and has the following features:

[0012] A latch body that corresponds to the latch receiving portion provided with the aforementioned opening forming body;

[0013] A force-applying unit applies force to the latch body to ensure that the latch end of the latch body is always engaged with the latch receiving portion; and

[0014] The switching component, which is movably mounted on one of the two cover structures, presses the latch body in the opposite direction to the applied force when in the forward position, thereby releasing the latch body from the latch receiving portion.

[0015] The other of the two aforementioned cover structures is combined with one of the two aforementioned cover structures in a sliding and movable manner.

[0016] The aforementioned cover device includes a connecting member that connects the two cover structures by moving the switching member to the forward position when the aforementioned sliding movement operation is performed on the other of the two cover structures.

[0017] According to this structure, firstly, by engaging the latch body with the latch receiving portion of the opening forming body, the state in which the main body of the cover device blocks the opening of the opening forming body can be maintained. Secondly, by sliding the other side of the two cover structures from the state where the opening of the opening forming body is blocked, the engagement of the latch body can be released, allowing the main body to rotate in the direction of opening the opening of the opening forming body. This operation of opening the other side of the two cover structures can be performed intuitively. Thirdly, by resetting the main body from the state where the opening of the opening forming body is open, the state in which the main body blocks the opening of the opening forming body can be reproduced, and this state can be maintained by engaging the latch body with the latch receiving portion again.

[0018] Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned problem, from a second perspective, the cover device in this invention is configured to include a lower cover and an upper cover disposed on the lower cover.

[0019] The aforementioned lower cover is axially supported on an opening forming body whose opening is sealed by a cover device, and includes:

[0020] A latch body that corresponds to the latch receiving portion provided with the aforementioned opening forming body;

[0021] A force-applying unit applies force to the latch body to ensure that the latch end of the latch body is always engaged with the latch receiving portion; and

[0022] The switching component, which is movably mounted on the lower cover, presses the latch body in the direction opposite to the applied force when in the forward position, thereby releasing the latch body from the latch receiving portion.

[0023] The upper cover is combined with the lower cover in a manner that allows it to slide in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the lower cover.

[0024] The aforementioned cover device includes a connecting member that connects the upper cover and the lower cover in such a way that when the upper cover is moved to the rotation center axis side of the lower cover, the switching member is moved to the forward position.

[0025] According to this structure, firstly, by engaging the latch body of the lower cover with the latch receiving portion of the opening forming body, the state in which the opening of the opening forming body is blocked by the lower cover and the upper cover (hereinafter also referred to as the main body of the cover device) combined with the lower cover can be maintained. Secondly, by moving the upper cover towards the rotation center axis of the lower cover from the state in which the opening of the opening forming body is blocked, the engagement of the latch body can be released, and the main body can be rotated about the rotation center axis in the direction of opening the opening of the opening forming body. Since the main body opens from the side opposite to the rotation center with the direction of the upper cover's movement operation as the rotation center, the operation of opening the upper cover can be performed intuitively. Thirdly, by resetting the main body from the state in which the opening of the opening forming body is open, the state in which the opening of the opening forming body is blocked by the main body can be reproduced, and this state can be maintained by engaging the latch body with the latch receiving portion again.

[0026] Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned problem, from a third perspective, the cover device in this invention is configured to include a lower cover having a connecting rod and an upper cover disposed on the lower cover.

[0027] The aforementioned connecting rod of the lower cover has one end supported by a first shaft on an opening forming body that is sealed by the cover device, and the other end supported by a second shaft parallel to the first shaft on the lower cover. It also includes a latch body corresponding to the latch receiving portion provided with the opening forming body, and a force applying unit that applies force to the latch body so that the latch end of the latch body is always in a position engaged with the latch receiving portion.

[0028] The lower cover described above includes a switching component, which is configured to have a locking end that enters a locking hole formed in the connecting rod body between the two ends of the connecting rod body, and to be movable in a manner that positions the locking end in a forward position where it is inserted deepest into the connecting rod body through the locking hole, a backward position after being pulled out of the locking hole, and an intermediate position between the two positions.

[0029] When the engaging end of the aforementioned switching component is in the forward position, the latch body is pressed from the engaging end in the direction opposite to the applied force, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch body and the latch receiving part.

[0030] The upper cover is combined with the lower cover in a manner that allows it to slide in a direction orthogonal to the axial directions of the first and second axes.

[0031] It also includes a connecting member that connects the upper cover and the lower cover in the following manner:

[0032] When the upper cover is in the position before the movement, the switching component is positioned in the middle position.

[0033] When the upper cover is moved to the first axis side, the switching component is moved to the forward position.

[0034] When the upper cover is moved to the second axis side, the switching component is moved to the retracted position.

[0035] In this situation, in addition to the function of the cover device described in the second point above, since the first shaft of the connecting rod is on one end and the second shaft of the connecting rod is on the other end, when the upper cover is moved to the side of the first shaft, the main body can be opened with the first shaft as the center of rotation and the side where the second shaft is located as the free end. On the other hand, when the upper cover is moved to the side of the second shaft, the main body can be opened with the second shaft as the center of rotation and the side where the first shaft is located as the free end.

[0036] One aspect of the present invention is that the cover device is pre-equipped with an upper cover force application unit for resetting the upper cover to the previous position.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, in this invention, from a fourth point of view, the center armrest box is configured such that the lower cover, which is combined with the upper cover in any of the cover devices described above, is configured as a cover, and the opening forming body is configured as a box body, and the rotation center axis of the lower cover is arranged along the front-rear direction or left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, in this invention, from a fifth point of view, the central armrest box is configured to consist of a box body and a cover device, wherein the cover device is axially supported on the box body and is kept in a state in which the opening of the box body is blocked by a latching mechanism, and the holding state of the cover device by the latching mechanism is released by moving the cover device.

[0039] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0040] According to the present invention, since the opening operation of the cover device can be performed by sliding movement of the cover device, such opening operation can be performed easily and intuitively.

[0041] In particular, since the upper cover constitutes the upper part of the main body, rather than being an additional button or the like, the cover can reasonably possess the function of being easy and intuitive to open while maintaining a high degree of aesthetic appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a cover device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the switching component, connecting component, and connecting rod of the aforementioned cover device, omitting the description of the upper and lower covers constituting the cover device. The switching component is located in the middle position.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the aforementioned cover device and the opening forming body whose opening is sealed by the cover device.

[0045] Figure 4 It shows what comes immediately after from Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the upper cover after it has been slid and moved to the left side of the image.

[0046] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4 The diagram shows the three-dimensional structure of the body after the opening of the body is opened, caused by the rotation of the upper cover.

[0047] Figure 6 It shows from Figure 3 The state causes the upper cover to be oriented towards and Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the state after the opening of the body is opened by sliding and moving the upper cover in the opposite direction, causing it to stand up and rotate.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a top view of the switching component, connecting component, and connecting rod of the aforementioned cover device, omitting the description of the upper and lower covers constituting the cover device. The switching component is located in the middle position.

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the structure at the location of line AA.

[0050] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the structure at the BB line location.

[0051] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the structure at the CC line location.

[0052] Figure 11 From Figure 4 The description of the upper and lower covers constituting the above-mentioned cover device is omitted, and a top view of the switching components, connecting components, and connecting rods constituting the above-mentioned cover device is shown.

[0053] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the structure at the DD line location.

[0054] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the structure at the location of the EE line. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The following is based on Figures 1 to 13 Typical embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0056] The cover device 2 of this embodiment includes a main body 3 composed of two cover structures. In the illustrated example, such a main body 3 is composed of a lower cover 4, which is one of the two cover structures, and an upper cover 5, which is the other of the two cover structures, disposed on the lower cover 4.

[0057] The lower cover 4 is axially supported on the opening forming body 1, which is sealed by the cover device 2.

[0058] On the other hand, the upper cover 5 can be positioned in the axial direction x (refer to the rotation center axis of the lower cover 4, which is the first axis 12 and the second axis 13 described below) with respect to the rotation center axis of the lower cover 4. Figure 4 and Figure 7 The sliding motion in the orthogonal direction is combined with the lower cover 4 mentioned above.

[0059] That is, the main body 3 of the cover device 2 is composed of the upper cover 5 and the lower cover 4. Such a main body 3 is axially supported on the opening forming body 1 via the lower cover 4.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the main body 3 and the opening forming body 1 constitute a box-shaped storage body that is substantially hexahedral. The opening forming body 1 opens the upper surface, and this open portion is the opening 1a. The main body 3 is a quadrilateral disc shape. The upper surface 3a of the main body 3 is formed by an upper cover 5, and the lower surface 3b of the main body 3 is formed by a lower cover 4.

[0061] With the lower surface 3b of the main body 3 abutting against the upper surface of the opening 1a of the surrounding opening forming body 1, in the illustrated example, with the upper and lower surfaces 3a and 3b of the main body 3 substantially horizontal, the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked by the main body 3. Figure 3 ).

[0062] On the other hand, the upper cover 5 is combined with the lower cover 4 in such a way that it can slide substantially horizontally from the state in which the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked as described above.

[0063] Furthermore, the lower cover 4 has:

[0064] The latch body 6 corresponds to the latch receiving portion 7 provided in the opening forming body 1.

[0065] Force-applying unit 8 applies force to latch body 6 so that latch end 6a of latch body 6 is always in the position engaged with latch receiving part 7; and

[0066] The switching component 9 is movably mounted on the lower cover 4, and in the forward position, it presses the latch body 6 in the opposite direction to the applied force to release the engagement between the latch body 6 and the latch receiving part 7.

[0067] Furthermore, the cover device 2 includes a connecting member 10, which connects the upper cover 5 and the lower cover 4 in such a way that when the upper cover 5 is moved to the side of the rotation center axis (the first axis 12 described below in the illustrated example) of the lower cover 4, the switching member 9 is moved to the forward position.

[0068] According to this structure, firstly, by engaging the latch body 6 of the lower cover 4 with the latch receiving portion 7 of the opening forming body 1, the state in which the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked by the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 5 (the aforementioned main body 3) combined with the lower cover 4 can be maintained. Secondly, by moving the upper cover 5 towards the rotation center axis of the lower cover 4 from this state of blocking the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1, the engagement of the latch body 6 is released, allowing the main body 3 to rotate about the rotation center axis in the direction of opening the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1. Since the main body 3 opens from the side opposite to the rotation center with the direction of the upper cover 5's movement as the rotation center, the operation of opening the upper cover 5 can be performed intuitively. Third, by resetting the main body 3 from the state where the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is open, the state where the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked by the main body 3 can be reproduced, and this state can be maintained by making the latch body 6 engage with the latch receiving part 7 again.

[0069] In this embodiment, the lower cover 4 also includes a connecting rod 11. This connecting rod 11 has one end supported on a first shaft 12 to the opening forming body 1, which is sealed by the cover device 2, i.e., the main body 3, and the other end supported on the lower cover 4 via a second shaft 13 parallel to the first shaft 12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting rod 11 includes a latch body 6 corresponding to the latch receiving portion 7 provided with the opening forming body 1, and a force-applying unit 8 that applies force to the latch body 6 so that the latch end 6a of the latch body 6 is always in a position engaged with the latch receiving portion 7.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching component 9 provided with the lower cover 4 has a locking end 9a that enters the locking hole 11a formed in the connecting rod body 11 between the two ends of the connecting rod body 11, and can move the locking end 9a to a forward position where it passes through the locking hole 11a and enters the connecting rod body 11 to the deepest point, a backward position after being pulled out of the locking hole 11a, and an intermediate position between the two positions.

[0071] Furthermore, the upper cover 5 is combined with the lower cover 4 in a manner that allows it to slide in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction x of the first axis 12 and the second axis 13.

[0072] Furthermore, the aforementioned connecting member 10 is configured to connect the upper cover 5 and the lower cover 4 in the following manner:

[0073] When the upper cover 5 is in the position before the movement, the switching component 9 is positioned in the middle position.

[0074] When the upper cover 5 is moved to the side of the first axis 12, the switching component 9 is moved to the forward position.

[0075] When the upper cover 5 is moved to the side of the second axis 13, the switching component 9 is moved to the retracted position.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the upper cover 5 is combined with the lower cover 4 in a slidable manner as described above by combining the convex guide member 14 fixed to the lower part of the upper cover 5 with the concave guide member 15 fixed to the upper part of the lower cover 4.

[0077] In the illustrated example, a frame 16 is provided at the lower part of the upper cover 5, and the frame 16 is formed by the sliding movement direction y along the upper cover 5 (refer to...). Figure 4 and Figure 7 A pair of longer connecting rods 16a in the direction of the pair of connecting rods 16a, a frame structure 16c erected between one end of the pair of connecting rods 16a, and a frame structure 16c erected between the other end of the pair of connecting rods 16a are formed.

[0078] A pair of connecting rods 16a are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned axial direction x. A pair of frame structures 16c each have a mounting portion 16d extending horizontally toward the center of the frame body 16 between their ends.

[0079] The convex side guide member 14 is plate-shaped and is positioned in the center of the frame body 16 by means of the mounting part 16d. The upper part of the frame structure 16c of the frame body 16 is fixed to the lower center of the upper cover 5, thereby forming the convex side guide member 14 and the upper cover 5 as one unit.

[0080] On the other hand, the concave guide member 15 is configured to have a quadrilateral base plate 15a fixed to the center of the upper part of the lower cover 4, and upright portions 15b extending upward from a pair of sides of the base plate 15a along the aforementioned sliding direction y. The convex guide member 14 is inserted substantially without gap between the pair of upright portions 15b of the concave guide member 15. A claw 15c protruding toward the center of the frame body 16 is formed at the upper end of the upright portion 15b, thereby maintaining the state in which the convex guide member 14 is received within the concave guide member 15.

[0081] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the pair of connecting rods 16a above function as the connecting member 10 relative to the switching member 9 described below, which is supported on the lower cover 4 in a manner that allows it to move in the direction along the axial direction x.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the pair of connecting rods 16a are positioned with their midpoints along their lengths below the switching member 9, and a protrusion 9b protruding downwards from the lower part of the switching member 9 is incorporated into an elongated hole 16b formed at the midpoint of the length of the connecting rod 16a. The width of the elongated hole 16b is substantially equal to the diameter of the protrusion 9b. The elongated hole 16b is formed as an imaginary straight line intersecting at a substantially 45-degree angle relative to the sliding direction y of the upper cover 5 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0083] Furthermore, when the upper cover 5 is in the position before the movement, the protrusion 9b is located approximately in the middle of the length direction of the elongated hole 16b. Figure 7 At this time, the switching component 9 is positioned in the aforementioned intermediate position. Figure 7 At this time, as explained below, the latch body 6 provided with the connecting rod body 11 engages with the latch receiving portion 7 provided with the opening forming body 1, and at the engagement hole 11a position, the connecting rod body 11 and the main body 3 are also formed integrally, thus maintaining the state in which the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked by the main body 3. Figure 3 , Figures 7-10 ).

[0084] Next, when the upper cover 5 is moved to the side of the first axis 12 ( Figure 11 The right-side connecting rod 11 Figure 11 (On the upper side), protrusion 9b moves to one end of elongated hole 16b, in Figure 11 On the right side, the aforementioned switching component 9 moves to the aforementioned forward position ( Figure 11 , Figure 13 At this time, as explained below, the latch body 6 provided with the connecting rod body 11 and the latch receiving part 7 provided with the opening forming body 1 are released from engagement. Therefore, with the connecting rod body 11 and the main body 3 integrally formed at the engagement hole 11a position, the main body 3 can move forward about the first axis 12 in the direction that opens the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 11-13 ).

[0085] Conversely, when the upper cover 5 is moved to the side of the second axis 13 ( Figure 11 The right-side connecting rod 11 Figure 11On the lower side), protrusion 9b moves to the other end of elongated hole 16b, in Figure 11 On the right side, the aforementioned switching component 9 moves to the aforementioned retracted position. At this time, as explained below, with the latch body 6 provided on the connecting rod body 11 engaged with the latch receiving portion 7 provided on the opening forming body 1, the main body 3 separates from the connecting rod body 11 at the engagement hole 11a position. Therefore, with the connecting rod body 11 remaining on the opening forming body 1 side, the main body 3 can move forward about the second axis 13 in the direction that opens the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1. Figure 6 ).

[0086] In the illustrated example, the switching component 9 is rod-shaped along the aforementioned axial direction x, and has protrusions 9b at two spaced apart along the axial direction x. Furthermore, one protrusion 9b of the switching component 9 is incorporated into an elongated hole 16b of one of the pair of connecting rods 16a, and the other protrusion 9b of the switching component 9 is incorporated into an elongated groove 16b of the other of the pair of connecting rods 16a.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover device 2 includes an upper cover force-applying unit 17 for resetting the upper cover 5 to its previous position. In the illustrated example, such an upper cover force-applying unit 17 is provided on the lower cover 4. This upper cover force-applying unit 17 is composed of an abutment body 17a, which protrudes towards the center of the lower cover 4 by the action of a compression coil spring 17b and abuts against the mounting portion 16d of the frame structure 16c of the frame body 16. In the illustrated example, the abutment body 17a is supported on the lower cover 4 in a manner that allows it to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction x. Furthermore, the frame body 16 is held in a state where it is sandwiched between the abutment body 17a, which abuts against the outside of the mounting portion 16d of one of the pair of frame structures 16c constituting the frame body 16, and the abutment body 17a, which abuts against the outside of the mounting portion 16d of the other pair of frame structures 16c constituting the frame body 16. If the upper cover 5 is slidably moved, the abutment 17a located on the destination side of the movement operation will retract while compressing the spring 17b. Figure 11 If the sliding movement of the upper cover 5 is stopped, the retracting abutment 17a moves back to its original position, thereby resetting the upper cover 5 to its position before the sliding movement.

[0088] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is configured to have a generally rectangular outline with width and length, and correspondingly, the main body 3 is also configured to be a generally rectangular disc with width and length. The cover device 2 is configured such that the main body 3 blocking the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 can rotate and open with either the opposing edge of the opening 1a or, in the illustrated example, the edge 1b along the length of the opening 1a in the axial direction x as the rotation center.

[0089] As an opening forming body 1, if an opening 1a is formed that can be sealed by the main body 3 in an openable manner, then it becomes an opening forming body 1 to which the present invention can be applied. Typically, examples of such an opening forming body 1 include the main body of a storage unit installed in the interior of a vehicle such as a car or airplane, and the main body of furniture or home appliances that have storage parts.

[0090] Specifically, for example, when the opening forming body 1 is a box whose upper surface constituting the center armrest of a car is an opening 1a, the main body 3 is used as a cover for the opening forming body 1, and the present invention is applied. This cover seals the opening 1a of the box in a substantially horizontal state. Furthermore, by applying the present invention, the cover can be opened by rotating it upright from the passenger side, and also from the driver's side. Alternatively, by applying the present invention, the cover can be opened by rotating it upright from the rear seat side, and also from the front seat side. In the former case, the aforementioned axial direction x is configured in the longitudinal direction of the car to form the center armrest. And in the latter case, the aforementioned axial direction x is configured in the left-right direction of the car to form the center armrest.

[0091] That is, by applying the present invention, a central armrest box is constructed, which consists of a box body forming body as the opening forming body 1, and a cover device supported on the box body forming body and maintained by a latching mechanism (the latching body 6 and the latch receiving part 7) to block the opening of the box body forming body. The latching mechanism is released from the holding state of the cover device by the moving operation of the cover device (the sliding movement operation of the upper cover 5).

[0092] In the illustrated example, when the engaging end 9a of the switching component 9 is in the forward position, the latch body 6 is released from engagement with the latch receiving part 7 by pressing the engaging end 9a in the direction opposite to the applied force (see reference). Figure 13(On the right side). At this time, the main body 3 and the connecting rod 11 are engaged at both the second shaft 13 and the engaging end 9a of the switching member 9. On the other hand, the connecting rod 11 is engaged with the opening forming body 1 only through the first shaft 12. Therefore, at this time, the main body 3 can be rotated and opened around the first shaft 12 without separating the main body 3 from the connecting rod 11. (Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the first shaft-side rotation state.)

[0093] When the engaging end 9a of the switching component 9 is in the intermediate position, the engaging end 9a engages with the engaging hole 11a of the connecting rod body 11 while the latch body 6 and the latch receiving part 7 are still engaged. At this time, the main body 3 and the connecting rod body 11 are engaged at the second shaft 13 and the engaging end 9a of the switching component 9. On the other hand, the connecting rod body 11 and the opening forming body 1 are engaged at the first shaft 12 and the latch body 6 and the latch receiving part 7. Therefore, at this time, the main body 3 cannot rotate or open regardless of whether it is centered on the first shaft 12 or the second shaft 13, thus maintaining the state in which the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked by the main body 3. (Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the non-rotational state.)

[0094] On the other hand, when the engaging end 9a of such switching component 9 is in the retracted position, without disengaging the latch body 6 from the latch receiving part 7, the engaging end 9a does not engage with the engaging hole 11a of the connecting rod body 11 (see reference). Figure 13 (On the left side). At this time, the main body 3 and the connecting rod 11 are engaged only through the second shaft 13. On the other hand, the connecting rod 11 is engaged with the opening forming body 1 at two locations: the first shaft 12 and the latch body 6 and the latch receiving part 7. Therefore, at this time, the main body 3 can be rotated and opened around the second shaft 13 without separating the connecting rod 11 from the opening forming body 1. (Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the second shaft-side rotation state.)

[0095] For the main body 3, which is closed from the open state, when it is in the first axial rotation state, the latch body 6 engages again with the latch receiving part 7 of the opening forming body 1. In addition, when it is in the second axial rotation state, the engaging end 9a of the switching member 9 engages again with the engaging hole 11a of the connecting rod body 11 remaining on the opening forming body 1 side, thereby restoring it to the state of blocking the opening 1a.

[0096] The above relationships are illustrated below using symbols for easy understanding. (Furthermore, the symbol + is used below to indicate that the left and right parts of the symbol join at two points to form a single unit, and the symbol / is used to indicate that the left and right parts of the symbol join at only one point.)

[0097] "First axial rotation state" → Main body 3 + connecting rod 11 / opening forming body 1

[0098] "Unable to rotate" → Main body 3 + connecting rod 11 + opening forming body 1

[0099] "Second axial rotation state" → Main body 3 / Connecting rod 11 + Opening forming body 1

[0100] Since the first shaft 12 of the connecting rod 11 is on one end and the second shaft 13 of the connecting rod 11 is on the other end, the main body 3 opens with the side where the second shaft 13 is located as the free end when the first shaft side is rotating. On the other hand, when the second shaft side is rotating, the main body 3 opens with the side where the first shaft 12 is located as the free end. That is, the main body 3 is designed to be double-opening.

[0101] In this embodiment, the main body 3 is provided with double support. That is, the connecting rod body 11 is composed of a first connecting rod body 11' and a second connecting rod body 11" and the main body 3 is assembled to the opening forming body 1 via the two connecting rod bodies 11' and 11" respectively. In the illustrated example, a first connecting rod body 11' having a length along the edge 1c on one side of the width side of the opening 1a is arranged, and a second connecting rod body 11" having a length along the edge 1c on the other side of the edge 1c on the other side is arranged.

[0102] Furthermore, on one side of the width portion 3c of the aforementioned main body portion 3, the main body portion 3 is combined with the opening forming body 1 via the first connecting rod 11'.

[0103] Furthermore, on the other side of the width side of the main body 3, the main body 3 is combined with the opening forming body 1 via the second connecting rod body 11".

[0104] Furthermore, as in Figure 7 As specifically shown, the second axis 13 of the second link 11” is approximately located on an imaginary straight line L1 passing through the first axis 12 of the first link 11'.

[0105] The first axis 12 of the second link 11” is approximately located on an imaginary straight line L2 passing through the second axis 13 of the first link 11'.

[0106] Furthermore, the switching component 9 has a first engaging end 9aa relative to the first connecting rod body 11' and a second engaging end 9ab relative to the second connecting rod body 11".

[0107] When the first engaging end 9aa of the switching component 9 moves to the forward position, the second engaging end 9ab moves to the reverse position.

[0108] When the second engaging end 9ab of the switching component 9 moves to the forward position, the first engaging end 9aa moves to the backward position.

[0109] When the first engaging end 9aa of the switching component 9 moves to the forward position, one side of the width-side edge 3c of the main body 3 enters the first axial rotation state described above. Conversely, the other side of the width-side edge 3c of the main body 3 enters the second axial rotation state described above. Here, since the second axis 13 of the second link 11” is approximately located on the imaginary straight line L1 passing through the first axis 12 of the first link 11', the main body 3 can be rotated and opened. Figure 5 , Figure 13 )

[0110] When the second engaging end 9ab of the switching component 9 moves to the forward position, the other side of the width-side edge 3c of the main body 3 becomes the first axial rotation state described above. Conversely, one side of the width-side edge 3c of the main body 3 becomes the second axial rotation state described above. Here, since the first axis 12 of the second link 11” is approximately located on the imaginary straight line L2 passing through the second axis 13 of the first link 11', it is possible to rotate and open the main body 3 with the side opposite to the former as the free end. Figure 6 )

[0111] When neither the first engaging end 9aa nor the second engaging end 9ab of the switching component 9 is in the forward position, both the first engaging end 9aa and the second engaging end 9ab become positioned in the middle. At this time, one side and the other side of the width side edge 3c of the main body 3 are in the aforementioned non-rotatable state, thus maintaining the state in which the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 is blocked by the main body 3. Figure 3 , Figure 7 )

[0112] When the main body 3 is configured with double supports, it is especially possible to rotate and open the main body 3 stably.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the torsion helical spring 18, which is wound around the second shaft 13 of the first connecting rod body 11' and the second shaft 13 of the second connecting rod body 11", always applies force to the main body 3 in the direction of opening and rotating around the second shaft 13.

[0114] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation and opening of the main body 3 can be achieved by the force applied by the spring 18.

[0115] In particular, in this embodiment, regardless of which direction the main body 3 opens from, its rotation and opening can be performed by the force applied by the spring 18.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pinion 19a is provided on the side of the second shaft 13 in the lower cover 4 that constitutes such a main body 3, which meshes with the gear 13a provided on the second shaft 13, and a damping device 19 is provided to brake the rotation of the pinion 19a.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, the main body 3 rotates and opens slowly via the spring 18, thereby giving the cover device 2 and the items, equipment, and other objects using the cover device 2 a sense of luxury.

[0118] Furthermore, a receiving recess 4a for the connecting rod body 11 that opens at the bottom of the lower cover 4 is formed on the two width-side edges 3c of the main body 3 and throughout the width direction of the lower cover 4.

[0119] On the upper surface side of the lower cover 4, which is sealed by the upper cover 5, vertical walls 4b are formed along its length edge, extending between the aforementioned receiving recesses 4a. The main body 3 presents a box shape with an open upper surface by dividing the side walls 4c of the receiving recesses 4a and the vertical walls 4b (see reference). Figure 1 In the approximate center of the side wall 4c of the receiving recess 4a facing the inner side of the main body 3, a passage portion 4d is formed for the engaging end 9a of the switching member 9 that passes through the side wall 4c to pass through (see reference). Figure 10 ). Figure 1 In the text, symbol 4e is a pressing member that guides the engaging end 9a into the switching member 9 of the passing section 4d (in addition, in...) Figure 1 (The description of the pressing part 4e is omitted in the other figures).

[0120] In the illustrated example, the switching member 9 is configured as a rod and has a length that always allows its end to enter the aforementioned passage portion 4d formed in one receiving recess 4a and the aforementioned passage portion 4d formed in the other receiving recess 4a. This end functions as the aforementioned engaging end 9a.

[0121] When the upper cover 5 is in the pre-movement position, the protrusion 9b is located approximately in the middle of the length direction of the elongated hole 16b. Figure 7 )

[0122] If the upper cover 5 moves from its previous position towards Figure 7 Slide the upper side of the middle to switch component 9. Figure 7 Move to the right side of the first connecting rod body 11' located on the right side, and press the upper end 6b of the latch body 6 on the side opposite to the latch end 6a, which is separated from the latch end 6a by its rotation axis 6c, in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch receiving part 7. Figure 13 On the other hand, although the illustration is omitted, if we look at the direction from the position before the movement... Figure 7When the upper cover 5 is pressed down on the lower side, the switching component 9 moves to the left side in the figure and presses the upper end 6b of the latch body 6 of the second link body 11” located on the left side, opposite to the latch end 6a, in the direction of releasing the engagement with the latch receiving part 7.

[0123] When the upper cover 5 is in the pre-movement position, the two engaging ends 9a of the switching component 9 pass through the through portion 4d and slightly enter the engaging holes 11a of the connecting rod body 11 located in the receiving recess 4a. Figure 10 )

[0124] The connecting rod 11 is rod-shaped, with a shaft hole 11b for the first shaft 12 at one end and a shaft hole 11c for the second shaft 13 at the other end, and has a thickness that can be completely inserted into the receiving recess 4a when the main body 3 is closed.

[0125] The first axis 12 passes through from Figure 1 The bearing portion of the bearing portion protruding upward from the edge of the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1, as indicated by the symbol 1d, and the shaft hole 11b of the first shaft 12 of the connecting rod body 11.

[0126] The second shaft 13 passes through the shaft hole 4f formed on the outer wall of the receiving recess 4a in the lower cover 4 (see reference). Figure 1 The shaft hole 11c of the second shaft 13 of the connecting rod body 11 and the aforementioned gear 13a are provided at the shaft end located inside the lower cover 4.

[0127] The aforementioned engaging hole 11a is provided in a through state on the inner wall of the connecting rod 11, approximately at the middle of its length and facing the center of the lower cover 4 when housed in the receiving recess 4a. When the main body 3 is closed from the open state, the engaging end 9a of the switching member 9 is reset to the middle position by the force applied by the upper cover force application unit 17, causing the upper cover 5 to slide into contact with the outer surface of the connecting rod 11 and slightly retract, thereby allowing the main body 3 to move to the closed position. In the closed position of the main body 3, the engaging end 9a of the switching member 9 returns to the middle position again by the force applied by the upper cover force application unit 17, entering the engaging hole 11a of the connecting rod 11 and engaging with it.

[0128] In the illustrated example, the latch receiving portion 7 is formed by a through hole 7a, which is formed on the upper surface portion 14 constituting the opening forming body 1, on the side of the edge portion 1c on the width side of the opening 1a of the opening forming body 1 and at approximately the middle position thereon.

[0129] On the other hand, the latch body 6 has a latch end 6a protruding from the window 11d, wherein the window 11d is formed in a through state at approximately the middle of the length direction of the connecting rod body 11 at the lower part of the connecting rod body 11, and has an upper end 6b located inside the connecting rod body 11 and in front of the engagement hole 11a. Moreover, between the latch end 6a and the upper end 6b, the latch body 6 is supported by the connecting rod body 11 by the rotation shaft 6c so that it can rotate in the length direction of the connecting rod body 11 in the direction along the rotation center axis.

[0130] The latch end 6a is formed by a claw body 6d protruding towards the outer wall of the connecting rod body 11. Furthermore, a torsion coil spring, serving as a force-applying unit 8, is wound around the rotating shaft 6c. This spring, when the main body 3 is closed, positions the latch body 6 such that the latch end 6a enters the through hole 7a, which serves as the latch receiving part 7, and the claw body 6d engages with the inner edge of the through hole 7a. When the main body 3 is closed, if the engaging end 9a of the switching member 9 moves forward, the engaging end 9a presses down on the upper end 6b of the latch body 6, causing the latch body 6 to rotate in the direction that releases the engagement between its latch end 6a and the through hole 7a, which serves as the latch receiving part 7. Thus, with the connecting rod body 11 inserted into the receiving recess 4a of the main body 3, the main body 3 opens on this side about the first shaft 12. (The link body 11 on the side opposite to the link body 11 remains on the opening forming body 1 in a state where the latch body 6 is engaged with the latch receiving part 7.)

[0131] If the sliding movement of the upper cover 5 is stopped, the engaging end 9a returns to the intermediate position. Therefore, the latching end 6a of the latch body 6 in the connecting rod body 11, which is lifted together with the main body 3, returns to its original position by the spring, which acts as the force application unit 8. If the main body 3 is closed, the latching end 6a abuts against the edge of the through hole 7a, which acts as the latch receiving part 7, and rotates slightly against the force of the spring, which acts as the force application unit 8, to enter the through hole 7a. In the entered position, it returns to its original position and engages with the through hole 7a as described above.

[0132] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes all embodiments that can achieve the objectives of the present invention.

[0133] Explanation of symbols

[0134] x—Axial direction, 1—Opening forming body, 4—Lower cover, 5—Upper cover, 6—Latch body, 7—Latch receiving part, 8—Force application unit, 9—Switching component, 10—Connecting component.

[0135] Furthermore, the entire contents of the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-017343, filed on February 4, 2020, are incorporated herein as disclosure of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cover device, characterized in that, It has a lower cover and an upper cover disposed on the lower cover. The aforementioned lower cover is axially supported on an opening forming body whose opening is sealed by a cover device, and includes: A latch body that corresponds to the latch receiving portion provided with the aforementioned opening forming body; A force-applying unit applies force to the latch body to ensure that the latch end of the latch body is always engaged with the latch receiving portion; and The switching component, which is movably disposed on the lower cover, presses the latch body in the direction opposite to the applied force when in the forward position, thereby releasing the latch body from the latch receiving portion. The upper cover is combined with the lower cover in a manner that allows it to slide in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the lower cover. The aforementioned cover device includes a connecting member that connects the upper cover and the lower cover in such a way that when the upper cover is moved to the rotation center axis side of the lower cover, the switching member is moved to the forward position.

2. A cover device, characterized in that, It has a lower cover with a connecting rod and an upper cover disposed on the lower cover. The aforementioned connecting rod of the lower cover has one end supported by a first shaft on an opening forming body that is sealed by the cover device, and the other end supported by a second shaft parallel to the first shaft on the lower cover. It also includes a latch body corresponding to the latch receiving portion provided with the opening forming body, and a force applying unit that applies force to the latch body so that the latch end of the latch body is always in a position engaged with the latch receiving portion. The lower cover described above includes a switching component, which is configured to have a locking end that enters a locking hole formed in the connecting rod body between the two ends of the connecting rod body, and to be movable in a manner that positions the locking end in a forward position where it is inserted deepest into the connecting rod body through the locking hole, a backward position after being pulled out of the locking hole, and an intermediate position between the two positions. When the engaging end of the aforementioned switching component is in the forward position, the latch body is pressed from the engaging end in the direction opposite to the applied force, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch body and the latch receiving part. The upper cover is combined with the lower cover in a manner that allows it to slide in a direction orthogonal to the axial directions of the first and second axes. It also includes a connecting member that connects the upper cover and the lower cover in the following manner: When the upper cover is in the position before movement, the switching component is positioned in the middle position. When the upper cover is moved to the first axis side, the switching component is moved to the forward position. When the upper cover is moved to the second axis side, the switching component is moved to the retracted position.

3. The cover device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A force-applying unit for the upper cover is equipped with a force-applying unit that applies force to reposition the upper cover to its previous position.

4. A central armrest box, characterized in that, The lower cover, which is combined with the upper cover in the cover device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, is configured as a cover, and the opening forming body is configured as a box, and the rotation center axis of the lower cover is arranged along the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of the vehicle.

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