Console box

Abstract

A console box includes: a body having an opening; and a cover connected to the main body via a left hinge device and a right hinge device, and configured to open and close the opening in a double swing mode. The cover includes: a left hinge actuation mechanism for actuating the left hinge; the right hinge device actuating mechanism is used for actuating the right hinge device; a left release device coupled to the left hinge device actuation mechanism and configured to release the left hinge device actuation mechanism via pressing; a right release device coupled to the right hinge device actuation mechanism and configured to release the right hinge device actuation mechanism via pressing; and a control member configured to selectively control movement of each of the right release device and the left release device.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-078500, filed on May 14, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a console box for a vehicle. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a console box for a vehicle, the console box comprising: a console box body having a console opening; and a console cover rotatably connected to the console box body via a right hinge (right hinge axis) and a left hinge (left hinge axis), and the console cover being configured to open and close the console opening in a dual-swing mode. Background Technology

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-317310 (JP9-317310A) teaches a known vehicle console box, which includes a console box body with a console opening and a console cover. In this console box, the console cover is connected to the console box body via a right hinge (right hinge axis) and a left hinge (left hinge axis), and is configured to open and close the console opening in a dual-swing mode. That is, the console cover is configured to selectively swing or rotate about the right hinge (right hinge axis) or the left hinge (left hinge axis) in a rightward or leftward rotation direction.

[0005] Furthermore, the console cover includes a right hinge actuation mechanism for actuating the right hinge and a left hinge actuation mechanism for actuating the left hinge. The cover also includes a right button and a left button (knob), which may be referred to as release devices, and a single sliding member. The sliding member is positioned between the right and left buttons. The sliding member is configured to move or slide to the right or left by manipulating or pressing either the right or left button. The right and left buttons are connected to the right and left hinge actuation mechanisms via the sliding member. When one of the right and left buttons is pressed to slide the sliding member, one of the right and left hinge actuation mechanisms is released. This de-actuates one of the right and left hinges. Therefore, the console cover is allowed to rotate freely about the other of the right and left hinges to open the console opening. The console cover also includes a check lever. The limit lever is configured to move in coordination with the opening and closing of the control panel cover, thereby controlling the movement of the sliding component.

[0006] However, in known console cases, the release mechanism (right and left buttons and sliding member) is structurally complex. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved console case for vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, the control box may include: a body having an opening; and a cover connected to the body via a left hinge and a right hinge, the cover being configured to open and close the opening in a dual-swing mode. The cover includes: a left hinge actuation mechanism for actuating a left hinge; a right hinge actuation mechanism for actuating a right hinge; a left release mechanism connected to the left hinge actuation mechanism and configured to release the left hinge actuation mechanism by pressing; a right release mechanism connected to the right hinge actuation mechanism and configured to release the right hinge actuation mechanism by pressing; and a control member configured to selectively control the movement of each of the right and left release mechanisms. The right and left release mechanisms are arranged on the cover, with a space between them. The right and left release devices are configured such that when one of them is pressed, the right and left release devices are positioned close to the other. The control member is configured such that, when the cover is closed, the control member moves to a position allowing the right and left release devices to move relative to each other. The control member is configured such that, when one of the right and left release devices is pressed and the cover is opened, the control member moves to a position engaging with one of the right and left release devices to prevent movement of the right and left release devices relative to each other.

[0008] According to this aspect, for example, when one of the right and left release devices is pressed, the right and left release devices are positioned close to the other. Therefore, when one of the right and left release devices is pressed, pressing the other is prevented. That is, simultaneous pressing of the right and left release devices is prevented. Therefore, simultaneous release of the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism and the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism is prevented. Furthermore, when one of the right and left release devices is pressed, it does not interfere with the unpressed other of the right and left release devices. Therefore, each of the right and left release devices can be pressed smoothly. Furthermore, when one of the right and left hinge mechanism actuation mechanisms is released and the cover is opened by pressing one of the right and left release mechanisms, the engagement with the control member prevents the right and left release mechanisms from returning to their original positions. Therefore, even when the pressing operation on one of the right and left release mechanisms is released, the right and left hinge mechanism actuation mechanisms are automatically kept in the released state. Moreover, the structure of each of the right and left release mechanisms is simplified. Therefore, the number of parts can be significantly reduced.

[0009] Other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle control box according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 It is an exploded 3D view of the control box;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a bottom-view perspective view of the console cover, omitting internal components; and

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line IV-IV in the diagram;

[0014] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line VV in the middle;

[0015] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line VI-VI in the middle.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken by line VII-VII in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 8 Is with Figure 4 A similar cross-sectional view, showing the left button being manipulated or pressed;

[0018] Figure 9 Is with Figure 5 A similar cross-sectional view, showing the left button being manipulated or pressed;

[0019] Figure 10 Is with Figure 6 A similar cross-sectional view, in which the console cover rotates slightly when the left button is manipulated or pressed. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Now refer to Figures 1 to 10 The illustrative implementation methods are described in detail.

[0021] This embodiment relates to a control console 1 for a vehicle, configured to be arranged on a vehicle (not shown), such as an automobile. Furthermore, the forward, backward, right, left, upward, and downward directions described with reference to the accompanying drawings may be limited for descriptive purposes only. However, these directions may substantially correspond to the forward, backward, right, left, upward, and downward directions of the vehicle.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the console case 1 includes a console case body 2 (which will be simply referred to as body 2) and a console cover 3 (which will be simply referred to as cover 3). Figure 2 As shown, the main body 2 is a cuboid box-shaped member. In particular, the main body 2 has a rectangular opening 20 that allows access to the interior 21 of the main body 2. Furthermore, the main body 2 includes a right pin insertion hole 24 and a left pin insertion hole 24, which are formed in the right and left end portions of the front wall 23 of the main body 2.

[0023] like Figure 5 As shown, the main body 2 includes a hinge base 30, which is connected to the upper surface of the rear wall 25 of the main body 2. The hinge base 30 includes a lower hinge cover 31 and an upper hinge cover 32 mounted on the lower hinge cover 31. Figure 2 As shown, the lower hinged cover 31 includes a (left) pin insertion hole 31a formed in its left end portion.

[0024] like Figure 2As shown, the lower hinge cover 31 includes a spring attachment portion 31b formed in its right end portion. The lower hinge cover 31 includes a right torsion spring 37 attached to the spring attachment portion 31b. Furthermore, the lower hinge cover 31 includes a support portion 31c formed in its right end portion. The support portion 31c is positioned rearward of and adjacent to the spring attachment portion 31b in the front-rear direction.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the main body 2 includes a connecting arm 35 positioned in front of the hinge base 30. The connecting arm 35 includes a cylindrical spring attachment member 35a formed in the left end portion of the connecting arm 35 and projecting forward. The connecting arm 35 includes a left-hand torsion spring 36 sleeved on the spring attachment member 35a. Furthermore, the connecting arm 35 includes a through hole 35b formed in the left end portion of the connecting arm 35 and axially aligned with the spring attachment member 35a in the front-rear direction.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting arm 35 includes a spring engagement groove 35c formed in the front surface of its left end portion. One end portion 36a of the left torsion spring 36 is fitted into the spring engagement groove 35c. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting arm 35 includes a rearwardly projecting hinge shaft (right hinge shaft) 35d formed in its right end portion. Figure 4 As shown, the hinge shaft 35d is rotatably supported by a support portion 31c formed in the lower hinge cover 31. Furthermore, the connecting arm 35 includes a spring engagement groove 35e formed in the rear surface of its right end portion. A right torsion spring 37 is sleeved on the hinge shaft 35d, wherein one end portion 37a of the right torsion spring 37 is fitted into the spring engagement groove 35e. Furthermore, when the right torsion spring 37 is compressed, the other end portion 37b of the right torsion spring 37 engages with a spring engagement portion (not shown) formed in the lower hinge cover 31. Therefore, the right torsion spring 37 biases the connecting arm 35 relative to the lower hinge cover 31 in a rightward rotation direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the connecting arm 35 includes a engagement pin insertion hole 35f formed in a portion adjacent to its right end portion.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the cover 3 includes a rectangular disc-shaped inner cover member 40 and an outer cover member 60, the outer cover member 60 being configured to fit onto the inner cover member 40. The inner cover member 40 is integrally molded from a rigid synthetic resin. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the internal cover component 40 includes right and left retainers 50, right and left buttons 51, right front connecting element 53 and left front connecting element 53, right rear elongated connecting element (rod) 54 and left rear elongated connecting element (rod) 54, and a control component 55 disposed thereon. Furthermore, the internal cover component 40 includes a front wall 41. The front wall 41 includes a right through-hole 41a and a left through-hole 41a formed in its right and left end portions, and a central through-hole 41b formed in its central portion.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50 are integrally connected to the right button 51 and the left button 51, respectively. Furthermore, the right retainer 50 and the right button 51 can be referred to as the right release device, and the left retainer 50 and the left button 51 can be referred to as the left release device. The right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50 (right button 51 and left button 51) are connected via a right lateral attachment portion 42 and a left lateral attachment portion 42 formed on the inner member 40 of the cover. Figure 2 They are attached laterally to the right and left sides of the front portion of the inner part of the cover 40 in a laterally sliding manner. Furthermore, the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50 are positioned with a space between them and are generally biased laterally outward, i.e., in a direction away from each other, by a compression spring 52. Figure 3 As shown, the compression spring 52 is held between the spring retainer protrusions 50d formed on the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50, thereby biasing the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50 laterally outward.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the left retainer 50 includes a front elongated groove 50a and a rear elongated groove 50b formed therein. The front elongated groove 50a extends forward at an angle from left to right. Conversely, the rear elongated groove 50b extends backward at an angle from left to right. Furthermore, the left retainer 50 includes an engaging strip 50c formed in the inner (right) end portion and protruding forward. The left retainer 50 includes an inner end surface 50e.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the left front connecting element 53 is connected via the left front attachment portion 43 ( Figure 2The left front connecting element 53 is attached to the left side of the front portion of the inner cover member 40 in a longitudinally slidable manner. The left front connecting element 53 includes a hinge pin (left hinge shaft) 53a formed in its front end and projecting forward. The hinge pin 53a is inserted into the left through hole 41a of the inner cover member 40, while also projecting forward through the left through hole 41a. Furthermore, the hinge pin 53a is configured to be removably inserted into the left pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2. Additionally, the left front connecting element 53 includes a connecting pin 53b formed in its rear end and projecting upward. The connecting pin 53b engages movably with the front elongated groove 50a of the left retainer 50.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the left rear elongated connecting element 54 is attached via the left rear attachment portion 44. Figure 2 The cover interior member 40 is attached to the rear portion of the cover interior member 40 in a longitudinally slidable manner. The left rear elongated connecting element 54 includes a hinge pin (left hinge shaft) 54a formed in its rear end and projecting rearward. The hinge pin 54a is configured to removably pass through the spring attachment member 35a and through hole 35b of the connecting arm 35 and insert into the pin insertion hole 31a of the hinge cover 31. In addition, the cover interior member 40 includes a support member 45 formed thereon. Figure 2 The support member 45 is configured to support the spring attachment portion 35a of the connecting arm 35. Furthermore, the cover interior member 40 includes a spring attachment portion 46 formed thereon and positioned adjacent to the support member 45. Figure 2 The spring attachment portion 46 is configured such that a left torsion spring 36, which is sleeved on the spring attachment portion 35a, is fitted within the spring attachment portion 46. Furthermore, the cover interior member 40 is configured such that the other end portion 36b of the left torsion spring 36 is hooked onto a spring engagement portion (not shown) formed in the cover interior member 40. Additionally, the left rear connecting element 54 includes a connecting pin 54b formed at its front end and projecting upwards. The connecting pin 54b engages movably with the rear elongated slot 50b of the left retainer 50. Furthermore, the connecting pin 54b and the rear elongated slot 50b, together with the connecting pin 53b and the front elongated slot 50a, serve as a left cam mechanism.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the right retainer 50 includes a front elongated groove 50a and a rear elongated groove 50b formed therein. The front elongated groove 50a extends forward at an angle from right to left. Conversely, the rear elongated groove 50b is arranged inward (to the left) relative to the front elongated groove 50a and extends backward at an angle from right to left. Furthermore, the right retainer 50 includes an engaging strip-like portion 50c formed in the inner (left) end portion and projecting forward. The right retainer 50 includes an inner end surface 50e.

[0033] like Figure 4As shown, the right front connecting element 53 is connected via the right front attachment portion 43 ( Figure 2 It is attached longitudinally to the right side of the front portion of the inner cover member 40. The right front connecting element 53 includes a hinge pin (right hinge shaft) 53a formed in its front end and projecting forward. The hinge pin 53a is inserted into the right through hole 41a of the inner cover member 40, while also projecting forward through the left through hole 41a. Furthermore, the hinge pin 53a is configured to be removably inserted into the right pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2. In addition, the right front connecting element 53 includes a connecting pin 53b formed in its rear end and projecting upward. The connecting pin 53b engages movably with the front elongated groove 50a of the right retainer 50.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the right rear elongated connecting element 54 is attached via the right rear attachment portion 44. Figure 2 It is attached to the rear portion of the inner member 40 of the cover in a longitudinally slidable manner. The right rear elongated connecting element 54 includes an engaging pin 54a formed in its rear end and projecting rearward. The engaging pin 54a is configured to insert into the engaging pin insertion hole 35f of the connecting arm 35. In addition, the right rear connecting element 54 includes a connecting pin 54b formed in its front end and projecting upward. The connecting pin 54b engages movably with the rear elongated groove 50b of the right retainer 50. Furthermore, the connecting pin 54b and the rear elongated groove 50b, together with the connecting pin 53b and the front elongated groove 50a, serve as a right cam mechanism.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the control member 55 is attached to the central portion of the front part of the inner cover member 40 via a pair of (left and right) elastically deformable support strips 47 formed on the inner cover member 40 and having shaft insertion holes 47a. Specifically, the support strips 47 are positioned adjacent to the central through-hole 41b of the inner cover member 40. The control member 55 includes a right rotation shaft 55c and a left rotation shaft 55c formed therein. The control member 55 is positioned between the right and left support strips 47, wherein the rotation shaft 55c is inserted into the shaft insertion holes 47a of the support strips 47. Thus, the control member 55 is rotatably attached to the inner cover member 40. Furthermore, the support strips 47 are fixed to the inner cover member 40 while being slightly bent in directions away from each other.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the control member 55 includes a contact strip 55a formed in its front portion and a pair of (left and right) engaging protrusions 55b formed in its rear portion. The control member 55 is attached to the inner cover member 40 such that the contact strip 55a protrudes outward through the central through-hole 41b of the inner cover member 40. Furthermore, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the torsion spring 56 is positioned between the control member 55 and one of the support strips 47. Figure 6 As shown by the dashed line, the torsion spring 56 is arranged to rotate (bias) the control member 55 in the forward direction (counterclockwise), such that the contact strip 55a is pushed downward and the engagement protrusion 55b is pushed upward.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner cover member 40 includes a spring support portion 49 formed within the inner cover member 40 and positioned between the right lateral attachment portion 42 and the left lateral attachment portion 42. The spring support portion 49 supports compression springs 52 attached thereto to the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the internal component 40 of the cover includes a covering portion 48 configured to cover the hinge cover 30 and the connecting arm 35 when the cover 3 is attached to the body 2. Figure 4 As shown, the cover portion 48 includes a right slot 48a and a left slot 48a. When the cover 3 is attached to the body 2, the right slot 48a and the left slot 48a are respectively arranged to be aligned in the front-back direction with the engagement pin insertion hole 35f of the connecting arm 35 and the pin insertion hole 31a of the lower hinged cover 31.

[0038] The outer cover member 60 is fitted onto the inner cover member 40, thus forming the cover 3. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the outer cover member 60 includes a base member 61 and a cover member (not shown) that covers the base member 61. Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the outer cover member 60 includes a support bracket 61a. The support bracket 61a is formed on the inner surface of the base member 61 and has a U-shaped support surface 61b. The support bracket 61a is configured such that, when the outer cover member 60 is fitted onto the inner cover member 40, the support surface 61b contacts the support strip 47 to clamp it. Therefore, in the cover 3, excessive bending of the support strip 47 in directions away from each other can be prevented.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the cover 3 is placed on the body 2 to close the opening 20. With the cover on the body 2, the hinge pin 53a of the left front connecting element 53 is inserted into the left pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2, while the hinge pin 54a of the left rear elongated connecting element 54 passes through the spring attachment member 35a and the through hole 35b of the connecting arm 35 and is inserted into the pin insertion hole 31a of the lower hinged cover 31. Furthermore, the other end portion 36b of the left torsion spring 36 hooks onto the spring engagement portion (not shown) formed in the inner member 40 of the cover when the left torsion spring 36 is compressed. Therefore, the inner member 40 of the cover (cover 3) is biased relative to the connecting arm 35 in the left rotation direction by the left torsion spring 36. Similarly, the hinge pin 53a of the right front connecting element 53 is inserted into the right pin insertion hole 24 of the main body 2, while the engagement pin 54a of the right rear elongated connecting element 54 is inserted into the engagement pin insertion hole 35f of the connecting arm 35. Therefore, the cover 3 is connected to the main body 2 via a left hinge device (not shown) including a left hinge shaft (i.e., hinge pin 53a and hinge pin 54a) and a right hinge device (not shown) including a right hinge shaft (i.e., hinge pin 53a and hinge shaft 35d), thereby selectively opening and closing in a dual-swing mode. Furthermore, the hinge pin 53a, the left pin insertion hole 24, the hinge pin 54a, and the pin insertion hole 31a can be referred to as a left hinge device actuation mechanism 10 for actuating the left hinge device. Similarly, the hinge pin 53a, right pin insertion hole 24, hinge pin 54a, and engagement pin insertion hole 35f can be referred to as the right hinge device actuation mechanism 11 for actuating the right hinge device. Therefore, the cover 3 is attached to the body 2 ( Figure 1 ).

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown by the solid line, when the cover 3 is attached to the main body 2, i.e., when the cover 3 closes the opening 20 of the main body 2 (this state will be referred to as the initial state of the cover 3), the contact strip 55a of the control member 55 contacts the front wall 23 of the main body 2. Therefore, the control member 55 rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise) against the spring force of the torsion spring 56, causing the contact strip 55a to be pushed upward and the engagement protrusion 55b to be pushed downward.

[0041] Furthermore, when the cover 3 is attached to the main body 2, the cover 3 is biased by the left torsion spring 36 to rotate in the left opening direction about the left hinge. Conversely, the cover 3 is biased by the right torsion spring 37 to rotate together with the connecting arm 35 in the right opening direction about the right hinge.

[0042] Next, we will refer to Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figures 8 to 10 The opening and closing operations of cover 3 will be described below.

[0043] In the initial state of cover 3 ( Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In this state, both the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 and the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 are locked, thus actuating both the right and left hinge mechanisms. In this state, to open the cover 3 around the right hinge mechanism in the right opening direction, the left button 51 is pressed to overcome the spring force of the compression spring 52, which is held between the spring retainer protrusion 50d formed on the right and left retainers 50. Therefore, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the left retainer 50, integrated with the left button 51, slides to the right while compressing the compression spring 52. As the left retainer 50 slides, the connecting pin 53b of the left front connecting element 53 moves rearward along the front elongated groove 50a, thereby causing the left front connecting element 53 to slide rearward. Therefore, the hinge pin 53a of the left front connecting element 53 is removed from the left pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, when the left button 51 is pressed, the left retainer 50 does not interfere with the right retainer 50.

[0044] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, simultaneously, the connecting pin 54b of the left rear connecting element 54 moves forward along the rear elongated groove 50b, causing the left rear connecting element 54 to slide forward. Therefore, the hinge pin 54a of the left rear connecting element 54 is removed from the pin insertion hole 31a of the lower hinge cover 31 and stored in the spring attachment member 35a of the connecting arm 35. Thus, the left hinge device actuation mechanism 10 is unlocked or released, thereby stopping the actuation of the left hinge device. In this state (i.e., the state where the left hinge device actuation mechanism 10 is released), the cover 3 is allowed to rotate about the right hinge device to open the cover 3 in the rightward opening direction.

[0045] like Figure 10 As shown, when the cover 3 is rotated or opened in the rightward opening direction (referred to as the rightward opening state of the cover 3), the contact strip 55a of the control member 55 is spaced apart from the front wall 23 of the main body 2. Therefore, the control member 55 moves forward in the direction of the torsion spring 56 by the spring force of the torsion spring 56. Figure 10 The contact strip 55a is pushed downward and the engagement protrusion 55b is pushed upward, as the counterclockwise rotation of the contact strip 55a causes the contact strip 55a to be pushed downward and the engagement protrusion 55b to be pushed upward.

[0046] Therefore, when the left button 51 is released while the cover 3 is in the right-open state, due to the spring force of the compression spring 52, the engaging strip 50c of the left retainer 50 contacts or engages with the left engaging protrusion 55b of the control member 55, thereby preventing the left button 51 (left retainer 50) from returning. Thus, even when the left button 51 is released while the cover 3 is in the right-open state, the left hinge actuator actuation mechanism 10 is automatically kept in the released state.

[0047] Furthermore, when the cover 3 is rotated about the right hinge to open it in the rightward opening direction, the connecting arm 35 rotates together with the cover 3 about the hinge axis 35d of the right hinge. As previously described, the connecting arm 35 is biased relative to the lower hinged cover 31 in the rightward rotation direction by means of the right torsion spring 37. Therefore, the cover 3 can be easily rotated in the rightward opening direction by means of the spring force of the right torsion spring 37.

[0048] By pressing the left button 51 ( Figure 8 When the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 is released and the cover 3 is opened in the rightward opening direction, even when the right button 51 is pressed, the engaging strip 50c of the right retainer 50 contacts or engages with the right engaging protrusion 55b of the control member 55, thereby preventing the right button 51 from being pressed further. Therefore, the release of the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 is prevented. This means that the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 cannot be released simultaneously with the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10.

[0049] Furthermore, when the left button 51 is pressed, the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50 moves closer to the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50, thereby being positioned closer to the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50. Therefore, when the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 is released by pressing the left button 51... Figure 8 When the cover 3 is opened in the rightward direction, pressing the right button 51 allows the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50 to contact or engage with the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50, effectively preventing the right button 51 from being pressed further. Therefore, the release of the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 is effectively prevented. This helps prevent the simultaneous release of the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 and the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11.

[0050] Furthermore, even when the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 is released by pressing the left button 51 ( Figure 8With the cover 3 closed, when the right button 51 is pressed, the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50 can contact or engage with the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50, thereby effectively preventing the right button 51 (right retainer 50) from being pressed further. That is, it prevents the right button 51 and the left button 51 from being pressed simultaneously. Therefore, even in this state, it prevents the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 and the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 from being released simultaneously.

[0051] When the cover 3, which opens in the rightward direction, is closed, the contact strip 55a of the control member 55 contacts the front wall 23 of the main body 2, thereby being pushed upward. Figure 6 Therefore, the control member 55 overcomes the spring force of the torsion spring 56 and moves in the opposite direction ( Figure 6 The control member 55 rotates clockwise, causing the contact strip 55a to be pushed upward and the engagement protrusion 55b to be pushed downward. As the control member 55 rotates, the engagement strip 50c of the left retainer 50 disengages from the left engagement protrusion 55b of the control member 55. Therefore, the control member 55 moves to a position allowing the left retainer 50 to move. Consequently, the left button 51 (left retainer 50) automatically returns due to the spring force of the compression spring 52. Figure 4 ).

[0052] When the left retainer 50 returns, the connecting pin 53b of the left front connecting element 53 moves forward along the front elongated groove 50a, causing the left front connecting element 53 to slide forward. Therefore, the hinge pin 53a of the left front connecting element 53 engages with the left pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2. Simultaneously, the connecting pin 54b of the left rear connecting element 54 moves backward along the rear elongated groove 50b, causing the left rear connecting element 54 to slide backward. Therefore, the hinge pin 54a of the left rear connecting element 54 protrudes rearward from the spring attachment member 35a of the connecting arm 35 and engages with the pin insertion hole 31a of the lower hinge cover 31. Thus, the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 is locked, thereby actuating the left hinge mechanism again. Thus, the cover 3 returns to its initial state. Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 ).

[0053] Conversely, in the initial state of the cover 3, to open the cover 3 around the left hinge in the left opening direction, the right button 51 is pressed to overcome the spring force of the compression spring 52. Therefore, the right retainer 50, integrated with the right button 51, slides to the left while compressing the compression spring 52. As the right retainer 50 slides, the connecting pin 53b of the right front connecting element 53 moves rearward along the front elongated groove 50a, causing the right front connecting element 53 to slide rearward. Therefore, the hinge pin 53a of the right front connecting element 53 is removed from the right pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2. Furthermore, when the right button 51 is pressed, the right retainer 50 does not interfere with the left retainer 50.

[0054] Simultaneously, the connecting pin 54b of the right rear connecting element 54 moves forward along the rear elongated groove 50b, causing the right rear connecting element 54 to slide forward. Therefore, the engaging pin 54a of the right rear connecting element 54 is removed from the engaging pin insertion hole 35f of the connecting arm 35. This unlocks or releases the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11, thereby stopping the actuation of the right hinge mechanism. In this state (i.e., the state where the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 is released), the cover 3 is allowed to rotate around the left hinge mechanism, thereby opening the cover 3 in the leftward opening direction.

[0055] like Figure 10 As shown, when the cover 3 is rotated or opened in the leftward opening direction (referred to as the leftward opening state of the cover 3), the contact strip 55a of the control member 55 is spaced apart from the front wall 23 of the main body 2. Therefore, the control member 55 moves forward in the direction of the torsion spring 56 by the spring force of the torsion spring 56. Figure 10 The contact strip 55a is pushed downward and the engagement protrusion 55b is pushed upward by rotating counterclockwise.

[0056] Therefore, when the right button 51 is released while the cover 3 is in the left-open state, the engaging strip 50c of the right retainer 50 contacts or engages with the right engaging protrusion 55b of the control member 55 due to the spring force of the compression spring 52, thereby preventing the right button 51 (right retainer 50) from returning. Thus, even when the right button 51 is released while the cover 3 is in the left-open state, the right hinge actuator actuation mechanism 11 is automatically kept in the released state.

[0057] Furthermore, as previously described, the left torsion spring 36 biases the inner member 40 (cover 3) of the cover in the left rotation direction. Therefore, when the cover 3 is rotated about the left hinge to open the cover 3 in the left opening direction, the cover 3 can be easily rotated in the left opening direction by means of the spring force of the left torsion spring 36.

[0058] When the right hinge actuator 11 is released by pressing the right button 51 and the cover 3 is opened in the leftward opening direction, even if the left button 51 is pressed, the engaging strip 50c of the left retainer 50 still contacts or engages with the left engaging protrusion 55b of the control member 55, thereby preventing the left button 51 from being pressed further. Therefore, the release of the left hinge actuator 10 is prevented. This means that the left hinge actuator 10 cannot be released simultaneously with the right hinge actuator 11.

[0059] Furthermore, when the right button 51 is pressed, the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50 moves closer to the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50, thus being positioned close to the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50. Therefore, when the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 is released by pressing the right button 51 and the cover 3 is opened in the left opening direction, when the left button 51 is pressed, the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50 contacts or engages with the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50, thereby effectively preventing the left button 51 from being pressed further. Thus, the release of the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 is effectively prevented. This helps prevent the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 and the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 from being simultaneously deactivated.

[0060] Furthermore, even when the right hinge actuator 11 is released and the cover 3 is closed by pressing the right button 51, when the left button 51 is pressed, the end portion 50e of the left retainer 50 can contact or engage with the end portion 50e of the right retainer 50, thereby effectively preventing the left button 51 from being pressed further. Therefore, even in this state, the simultaneous release of the left hinge actuator 10 and the right hinge actuator 11 is prevented.

[0061] When the cover 3, which opens in the leftward direction, is closed, the contact strip 55a of the control member 55 contacts the front wall 23 of the main body 2, and is thus pushed upward. Figure 6 Therefore, the control member 55 overcomes the spring force of the torsion spring 56 and moves in the opposite direction ( Figure 6 The control member 55 rotates clockwise, causing the contact strip 55a to be pushed upward and the engagement protrusion 55b to be pushed downward. As the control member 55 rotates, the engagement strip 50c of the right retainer 50 disengages from the right engagement protrusion 55b of the control member 55. Therefore, the control member 55 moves to a position that allows the right retainer 50 to move. Consequently, the right button 51 (right retainer 50) automatically returns due to the spring force of the compression spring 52. Figure 4 ).

[0062] When the right retainer 50 returns, the connecting pin 53b of the right front connecting element 53 moves forward along the front elongated groove 50a, causing the right front connecting element 53 to slide forward. Therefore, the hinge pin 53a of the right front connecting element 53 engages with the right pin insertion hole 24 of the body 2. The connecting pin 54b of the right rear connecting element 54 moves backward along the rear elongated groove 50b, causing the right rear connecting element 54 to slide backward. Therefore, the engagement pin 54a of the right rear connecting element 54 engages with the engagement pin insertion hole 35f of the connecting arm 35. Therefore, the right hinge device actuation mechanism 11 is locked, thereby actuating the right hinge device again. Therefore, the cover 3 returns to its initial state.

[0063] According to the control box 1, when the cover 3 is closed, when one of the right button 51 and the left button 51 is pressed, one of the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50 is positioned close to the other of the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50. Therefore, when one of the right button 51 and the left button 51 is pressed, pressing the other of the right button 51 and the left button 51 is prevented. That is, simultaneous pressing of the right button 51 and the left button 51 is prevented. Therefore, simultaneous release of the right hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 11 and the left hinge mechanism actuation mechanism 10 is prevented. Furthermore, when one of the right button 51 and the left button 51 is pressed, the right button 51 and the left button 51 will not interfere with the other of the right button 51 and the left button 51 that is not pressed. Therefore, each of the right button 51 and the left button 51 can be pressed smoothly. Furthermore, when one of the right hinge actuator 11 and the left hinge actuator 10 is released and the cover 3 is opened by pressing one of the right button 51 and the left button 51, the engaging strip 50c of one of the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50 engages with one of the right engaging protrusion 55b and the left engaging protrusion 55b of the control member 55 due to the spring force of the compression spring 52, thereby preventing one of the right button 51 and the left button 51 (one of the right retainer 50 and the left retainer 50) from returning. Therefore, even when the pressing operation of one of the right button 51 and the left button 51 is released, the state in which one of the right hinge actuator 11 and the left hinge actuator 10 is automatically maintained. In addition, each of the right release device and the left release device (right button 51 and left button 51 and right retainer 50 and left retainer 50) is structurally simplified. Therefore, the number of parts is greatly reduced.

[0064] Various changes and modifications can be made to this embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in this embodiment, the support strip 47 is formed on the inner member 40 of the cover, while the support bracket 61a is formed on the base member 61 of the outer member 60 of the cover. However, the support strip 47 may be formed on the base member 61 of the outer member 60 of the cover, while the support bracket 61a may be formed on the inner member 40 of the cover.

[0065] The illustrative examples of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is intended only to teach those skilled in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of this disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Only the claims define the scope of the claimed disclosure. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the foregoing detailed description may not be necessary for practicing this disclosure in the broadest sense, but are merely meant to teach the description of detailed illustrative examples of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various features taught in this specification can be combined in ways not specifically enumerated to obtain other useful embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A control console, the control console comprising: The main body has an opening; as well as A cover, which is connected to the body via a left hinge and a right hinge, is configured to open and close the opening in a double-swing mode. The cover includes: a left hinge actuation mechanism for actuating the left hinge; a right hinge actuation mechanism for actuating the right hinge; a left release mechanism connected to the left hinge actuation mechanism and configured to release the left hinge actuation mechanism by pressing; a right release mechanism connected to the right hinge actuation mechanism and configured to release the right hinge actuation mechanism by pressing; and a control member configured to selectively control the movement of each of the right and left release mechanisms. The right release device and the left release device are arranged on the cover, and there is a space between the right release device and the left release device. The right release device and the left release device are configured such that when one of the right release device and the left release device is pressed, the right release device and the left release device are positioned close to the other of the right release device and the left release device. The control member is configured such that, when the cover is closed, the control member moves to a position where it allows the right release device and the left release device to move relative to each other. The control member is configured such that, when one of the right release device and the left release device is pressed and the cover is opened, the control member moves to a position where it engages with one of the right release device and the left release device to prevent the right release device and the left release device from moving relative to each other.

2. The control console according to claim 1, wherein, The cover includes internal components and external components. Wherein, one of the inner cover component and the outer cover component includes a pair of support strips, while the other of the inner cover component and the outer cover component includes a support bracket. The control component is attached to the support strip, and The support bracket is configured to clamp the support strip.

Images