Armrest box and opening and closing control method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an armrest box and its opening and closing control method, belonging to the field of vehicle interior parts. The armrest box includes a box body, a cover, and an opening and closing mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism includes a drive module, a locking element, a mating part, and a pop-out mechanism. The drive module includes a motor and a connecting rod. The locking element rotates with the connecting rod, moving closer to or away from the mating part on the cover. The pop-out mechanism includes a slider. The connecting rod pushes the slider towards the cover, triggering the cover to open. The cover is provided with a torsion spring and a movable part. The slider pushes the movable part, causing the end of the torsion spring to transfer to the slider, and the cover flips under the action of the torsion spring. Four sets of opening and closing mechanisms are arranged in pairs on both sides of the box body. In the two sets on the same side, when the locking element of one set disengages, it triggers the pop-out mechanism of the other set, achieving synchronous and smooth opening and closing on both sides. The control method uses two signals to control the motor to rotate forward and backward to complete the opening, closing, and resetting. This invention has a compact structure, smooth opening and closing, and is suitable for automotive armrest boxes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an armrest box and its opening and closing control method, belonging to the technical field of vehicle interior parts. Background Technology

[0002] Armrest boxes (especially automotive center armrest boxes) typically require a cover that can be opened and closed. In existing technologies, some armrest boxes use electrically operated opening and closing mechanisms, such as a motor-driven latch to unlock the cover, followed by a torsion spring to open it. However, these mechanisms are prone to uneven opening and closing, and asynchronous movements on both sides, especially when the cover is wide or requires simultaneous opening from both sides. Furthermore, the reset and locking mechanisms of existing systems often require complex controls or additional power. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an armrest box that is compact, opens and closes smoothly, and is easy to control. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an armrest box that opens stably and is easy to operate.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention is: An armrest box includes a box body, a cover, and an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the cover. The opening and closing mechanism includes: a drive module disposed on the box body, and includes a drive motor and a connecting rod connected to the drive motor and capable of rotating relative to the box body. The locking element has one end connected to the connecting rod, and the other end can move closer to or away from the cover as the connecting rod rotates. The cover is provided with a mating part for engaging with the locking element when it approaches to restrict the opening of the cover. The pop-up mechanism includes a slider that is pushed toward the cover by a linkage and triggers the cover to open after the movement.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention, a torsion spring and a movable member are provided on the cover. The movable member is at least partially located on the outside of the cover. The torsion spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the cover, and the second end is located on the outside of the cover and slides against the movable member.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, when the slider is pushed towards the cover by the connecting rod, it pushes the movable part to move, so that the second end of the torsion spring disengages from the movable part and abuts against the slider, and the cover flips relative to the slider under the elastic force of the torsion spring.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, a reset spring is provided between the movable part and the cover. The movable part is pushed by the reset spring to move toward the slider. The side of the movable part facing the slider is an inclined guide surface.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the pop-out mechanism also includes a tension spring connected between the housing and the slider, which pulls the slider toward the housing.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the connecting rod is provided with a push block for pushing the slider toward the cover.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the opening and closing mechanism includes four sets, each set including a drive module, a locking component, a mating part and a pop-out mechanism; the four sets of opening and closing mechanisms are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the box.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the two sets of opening and closing mechanisms on the same side of the box, when the locking member of one set of opening and closing mechanisms disengages from the corresponding mating part, it triggers the pop-out mechanism of the other set of opening and closing mechanisms to open the cover.

[0012] The present invention also discloses an opening and closing control method for an armrest box, the armrest box including a box body, a cover body, and the aforementioned opening and closing mechanism, the method comprising: Provide a controller that is at least capable of receiving the first signal; When the controller receives the first signal, it controls the drive motor to rotate in the first direction, causing the cover to open.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the controller can also receive a second signal; when the controller receives the second signal, it controls the drive motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the slider is reset and disengaged from the cover, and at the same time the locking member and the mating part are re-engaged to lock the cover.

[0014] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are as follows: The armrest box of this invention includes a box body, a cover, and an opening and closing mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism includes a drive module, a locking element, a mating part, and a pop-out mechanism. The drive module includes a drive motor and a connecting rod. The locking element rotates with the connecting rod, moving closer to or away from the mating part on the cover. The pop-out mechanism includes a slider. The connecting rod pushes the slider towards the cover and triggers the cover to open. Thus, unlocking and opening / closing are achieved automatically and synchronously. The structure is compact, and the opening and closing are smooth, making it suitable for automotive armrest boxes. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an armrest box conforming to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the armrest box after the first cover is hidden.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the circle with the middle dashed line.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial structural diagram showing the part hidden behind the second cover.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the armrest box in its open state.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of the circle with the middle dashed line. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention discloses an armrest box 100, including a box body 1, a cover body 2, and an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the cover body 2.

[0023] The opening and closing mechanism generally includes: a drive module 3, a locking element 4, a mating part 5, and a pop-out mechanism 6. The drive module 3 is mounted on the housing 1 and includes a drive motor 31 and a connecting rod 32 connected to the drive motor 31 and capable of rotating relative to the housing 1. The locking elements 4 are arranged diagonally around the cover, with one end connected to the connecting rod 32 and the other end moving closer to or away from the cover 2 as the connecting rod 32 rotates. The cover 2 has mating parts 5 for engaging with the locking elements 4 when they approach, thus preventing the cover 2 from opening. The pop-out mechanism 6 includes a slider 61, which is pushed towards the cover 2 by the connecting rod 32 and triggers the cover 2 to open after movement.

[0024] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is a shell with an upward opening, typically fixed between vehicle seats or on a door panel. Its material can be plastic (such as PP, ABS) or metal. The cover 2 is hinged to the rear edge of the housing 1 via a hinge, allowing it to rotate up and down around the hinge axis. A mating part 5 is provided on the side of the cover 2 facing the housing 1; the mating part 5 can be a slot, a stop, a recess, or a magnetic material, etc. A drive module 3 is located around the opening to control its opening and closing relative to the cover 2.

[0025] Optionally, a damper can be installed between the cover 2 and the housing 1 to buffer the impact when closing.

[0026] The drive module 3 includes a drive motor 31 and a connecting rod 32. The drive motor 31 is a miniature DC geared motor, fixed to the side wall or bottom of the housing 1. One end of the connecting rod 32 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 31 (e.g., through a coupling or direct injection molding), and the other end is a free end. The connecting rod 32 can swing as the motor output shaft rotates.

[0027] Optionally, a reduction gear set can be provided between the drive motor 31 and the connecting rod 32 to increase the output torque. The connecting rod 32 can be in the shape of a straight rod, a bent rod, or a crank.

[0028] The locking element 4 is rod-shaped or hook-shaped, with one end connected to the connecting rod 32 and the other end being a free end. The mating part 5 is provided on the cover 2 and is used to form a detachable engagement with the free end of the locking element 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, the locking element 4 is a pin, one end of which is connected to the connecting rod 32, and the other end is a smooth cylindrical head. The mating part 5 is a slot provided on the cover 2, with the opening of the slot facing the locking element 4. When the connecting rod 32 swings downward, the locking element 4 moves forward and downward, and its cylindrical head inserts into the slot, restricting the cover 2 from opening upward; when the connecting rod 32 rotates, the locking element 4 moves accordingly, and the cylindrical head exits the slot, releasing the restriction. The rotation of the connecting rod 32 is a rotation parallel to the plane of the housing 1.

[0030] Optional: The locking element 4 is a hook-shaped element, and the mating part 5 is a stop block; the hook-shaped element hooks onto the stop block to achieve locking.

[0031] The locking element 4 is a wedge-shaped block, and the mating part 5 is a wedge-shaped groove; it is locked using the self-locking principle.

[0032] The locking part 4 is a rotatable pawl, and the mating part 5 is a ratchet; the pawl engages with the ratchet to lock.

[0033] The pop-out mechanism 6 includes a slider 61 and a tension spring 62. The slider 61 is horizontally slidably mounted on the side wall of the housing 1 and can move horizontally relative to the housing 1: the direction toward the cover 2 is the first direction, and the direction away from the cover 2 is the second direction. One end of the tension spring 62 is connected to the housing 1, and the other end is connected to the slider 61, always pulling the slider 61 inward into the housing 1.

[0034] A push block 33 is fixedly mounted on the connecting rod 32. The push block 33 is a planar rotating component, meaning that the push block 33 swings in a plane around the output shaft axis of the drive motor 31 along with the connecting rod 32. The push block 33 has a push inclined surface on the side facing the slider 61. The slider 61 has a mating inclined surface on the side facing the push block 33 that cooperates with the push inclined surface. When the connecting rod 32 rotates towards the slider 61, the push inclined surface of the push block 33 contacts and slides relative to the mating inclined surface of the slider 61. The push inclined surface converts the rotation of the push block 33 into horizontal linear movement of the slider 61, causing the slider 61 to extend towards the cover 2 against the tension of the tension spring 62. When the connecting rod 32 rotates away from the slider 61, the push inclined surface of the push block 33 disengages from the mating inclined surface of the slider 61, forming a gap between them. Under the action of the tension spring 62, the slider 61 retracts back into its original position within the housing.

[0035] In this embodiment, a torsion spring 7 and a movable member 8 are provided on the cover 2. The cover 2 includes a first cover 21 and a second cover 22 connected together, and the torsion spring 7 and the movable member 8 are both provided on the second cover 22.

[0036] A torsion spring 7 is fitted onto the hinge shaft of the cover 2. The torsion spring 7 has a first end 71 and a second end 72. The first end 71 is fixedly connected to the cover 2 (e.g., inserted into a positioning hole or slot in the cover 2). The second end 72 is a free end located on the outside of the cover 2.

[0037] The movable component 8 is a separate small component, which can be a slider, a lever, or a roller. The movable component 8 is mounted in a guide groove of the cover 2 and is movable relative to the cover 2. The movable component 8 is at least partially located on the outside of the cover 2 so as to contact the slider 61. The second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 slides against the movable component 8. In the initial state (cover closed and locked), the movable component 8 holds the second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 in place, causing the torsion spring 7 to be in a stored-energy state (with a tendency to flip the cover upwards).

[0038] The end of slider 61 facing the cover 2 (i.e., the extended end) is located to the side (or below, depending on the specific installation direction) of movable member 8. When slider 61 is pushed to extend horizontally towards the cover 2, the end of slider 61 first contacts movable member 8 and pushes movable member 8 to move (e.g., upwards or inwards towards the inside of the cover). During the movement of movable member 8, the second end 72 of torsion spring 7 slides along the surface of movable member 8, eventually disengaging from movable member 8 and sliding onto the end of slider 61 (or the support surface provided on slider 61). At this time, the elastic force of torsion spring 7 is released, and the second end 72 presses against slider 61. Since slider 61 is held in place by push block 33 and cannot extend further, the reaction force pushes cover 2 upwards, thus opening it. Slider 61 acts as a fulcrum for the second end of torsion spring during this process.

[0039] Optionally, the movable part 8 can be a roller to reduce sliding friction. The second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 can be designed as a hook or a ball head to facilitate transfer between the movable part 8 and the slider 61.

[0040] A return spring is provided between the movable part 8 and the cover 2. The movable part 8 is pushed towards the slider 61 by the return spring. When the cover 1 is manually closed, the slider 61 is driven away from the cover 2, and the movable part 8 automatically returns to its original position, so that the second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 abuts against the movable part 8 again, storing energy for the next opening.

[0041] In this embodiment, the side of the movable member 8 facing the slider is an inclined guide surface 81. This is because when the cover 2 is opened, the movable member 8 disengages from the slider 61 and is pushed by the return spring. At this time, in the vertical direction, the movable member 8 is located above the torsion spring 7. During the closing process of the cover 2, the lower surface of the movable member 8 first contacts the second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 and is stuck by the second end 72, preventing it from closing. Therefore, the guide surface 81 is needed to allow the movable member 8 to be pushed by the second end 72 of the torsion spring 7, compressing the return spring to reset in the horizontal direction. In this way, when the slider 61 moves away from the cover 2, the movable member 8 can be smoothly reset, allowing the second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 to abut against the movable member 8 again.

[0042] As a preferred solution for large armrest boxes, the opening and closing mechanism comprises four sets. Each set includes the aforementioned drive module, locking element 4, mating part 5, pop-out mechanism 6 (including slider 61, tension spring 62, and push block 33), and torsion spring 7 and movable element 8 on the cover 2. The four sets of opening and closing mechanisms are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the box 1, with two sets on each side, located at the front and rear of that side respectively. In this way, opening and closing in any direction can be achieved. Four drive motors 31 can also be provided; there is no limitation on this.

[0043] In the two sets of opening and closing mechanisms on the same side of the housing 1, the "approaching rotation direction" between the two push blocks 33 and their respective corresponding sliders 61 is opposite. Specifically, taking the left side as an example, when the push block 33 of the rear set rotates towards its rear slider 61, the push block 33 of the front set rotates away from its front slider 61. And vice versa. This design ensures that in the two sets of opening and closing mechanisms on the same side, one set is in the "pushing" state and the other set is in the "disengaged" state.

[0044] Based on the above structure, the two sets of opening and closing mechanisms on the same side form the following linkage: when the locking member 4 of one set disengages from the corresponding mating part 5, the pushing block 33 of that set rotates towards its slider 61, pushing the slider 61 of that set to extend towards the cover. This extended slider 61 triggers the pop-out mechanism 6 of the other set through mechanical linkage, causing the slider 61 of the front set to also extend towards the cover. Even if the pushing block 33 of the front set is in a distant state at this time, the front slider 61 can still extend through external triggering. In this way, the front and rear sets of sliders 61 on the same side extend simultaneously, providing torsion spring fulcrums for the front and rear points on the same side of the cover 2, so that the cover is subjected to uniform force.

[0045] The following describes the complete process of the armrest box from closing to opening, and then from opening to closing and locking, based on the above structure.

[0046] 1. Initial closed state: The cover 2 is closed onto the housing 1. The locking element 4 is inserted into the mating part 5, preventing the cover 2 from opening. The slider 61 is in the retracted position (pulled into the housing by the tension spring 62). The second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 abuts against the movable part 8. The torsion spring 7 is in a stored-energy state and has a tendency to flip the cover 2 upward, but due to the restriction of the locking element 4, the cover 2 remains closed.

[0047] 2. Opening process: The user issues an opening command (e.g., pressing the open button, generating a first signal). Upon receiving the first signal, the controller controls all drive motors 31 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., forward rotation). For the two sets of opening and closing mechanisms on the same side, the rotation direction of their push blocks 33 is opposite to that of their corresponding sliders: for example, the push block 33 of the rear set rotates towards its rear slider 61, and the push block 33 of the front set rotates away from its front slider 61.

[0048] The drive motor 31 rotates, causing the connecting rod 32 to swing. Taking the left front and rear sets as examples, the rotation of the connecting rod 32 simultaneously produces two actions: Action 1, front group: Locking member 4 is driven by connecting rod 32 to move synchronously, its free end exits from mating part 5, releases the lock on cover 2, and pushes block 33 to rotate away from slider 61.

[0049] Action 2, rear group: Push block 33 rotates towards slider 61, its pushing inclined surface contacts and slides with the mating inclined surface of slider 61, pushing the rear slider 61 to overcome the tension of spring 62 and extend horizontally towards the cover. Locking member 4 remains in the locked state of cover 2.

[0050] During the extension of the rear slider 61, its end contacts and pushes the movable part 8 to move. The movement of the movable part 8 causes the second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 to disengage from the movable part 8 and slide down to the end (or supporting surface) of the slider 61. At this time, the elastic force of the torsion spring 7 acts on the slider 61 through the second end 72. Since the slider 61 is blocked by the push block 33 and cannot continue to extend, the reaction force pushes the cover 2 to flip upward.

[0051] The left and right sides are symmetrical, and the four corners of the cover are subjected to force almost simultaneously, so as to achieve smooth opening.

[0052] The user manually presses the cover 2 downwards until it is completely closed. During the closing process, the cover 2 overcomes the elastic force of the torsion spring 7, and the movable part 8 returns to its initial position under the action of the reset structure 9 (such as an inclined plane or a reset spring) on ​​the cover 2. The second end 72 of the torsion spring 7 then abuts against the movable part 8 again.

[0053] At this point, although the cover 2 is closed, the slider 61 is still in the extended position (blocking the cover 2 or the movable part 8), and the locking part 4 is still in the disengaged position. A reset lock needs to be performed.

[0054] After the lid is closed (e.g., triggered by the lid closing button or by a set sensing element generating a second signal), the controller receives the second signal and controls all drive motors 31 to rotate in the second direction (opposite to the first direction, e.g., reverse). The reverse rotation of the drive motors 31 causes the connecting rod 32 to swing downwards. The push block 33 disengages from the slider 61, and the slider 61, under the tension of the tension spring 62, retracts horizontally back into the housing, disengaging from the lid 2 (i.e., no longer acting as a fulcrum for the torsion spring). Simultaneously, the connecting rod 32 causes the locking member 4 to rotate, and the free end of the locking member 4 re-inserts into the mating part 5, locking the lid 2.

[0055] At this point, the armrest box returns to its initial closed and locked state, awaiting the next opening command.

[0056] The present invention also provides an opening and closing control method for the above-mentioned armrest box, comprising: A controller is provided, capable of receiving at least a first signal and a second signal. When the controller receives the first signal, it controls the drive motor 31 to rotate in a first direction, causing the cover 2 to open (the specific process is as described above). When the controller receives the second signal, it controls the drive motor 31 to rotate in a second direction, causing the slider 61 to reset and disengage from the cover 2, while simultaneously causing the locking member 4 to re-engage with the mating part 5 to lock the cover 2.

[0057] Optional implementation methods: The first and second signals can come from the same button (short press to open one side, long press to open the other side). The controller can be integrated into the vehicle's BCM or it can be a separate microcontroller.

[0058] The controller may also include position sensors (such as Hall sensors) to detect the position of the cover 2, the connecting rod 32, or the slider 61 to achieve closed-loop control.

[0059] In summary, the armrest box 100 of the present invention includes a box body 1, a cover 2, and an opening and closing mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism includes a drive module 3, a locking member 4, a mating part 5, and a pop-out mechanism 6. The drive module 3 includes a drive motor 31 and a connecting rod 32. The locking member 4 rotates with the connecting rod 32 to move closer to or away from the mating part 5 on the cover 2. The pop-out mechanism 6 includes a slider 61. The connecting rod 32 pushes the slider 61 toward the cover 2 and triggers the cover 2 to open. In this way, unlocking and opening and closing are automatically and synchronously achieved. The structure is compact and the opening and closing is smooth, making it suitable for automotive armrest boxes.

[0060] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An armrest box, comprising a box body, a cover, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the cover, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism includes: A drive module is mounted on the housing and includes a drive motor and a connecting rod connected to the drive motor and capable of rotating relative to the housing; A locking element, one end of which is connected to the connecting rod, and the other end of which can move closer to or away from the cover as the connecting rod rotates. The cover is provided with a mating part for engaging with the locking element to restrict the opening of the cover when the locking element approaches. The pop-out mechanism includes a slider that is pushed toward the cover by the linkage and triggers the cover to open after the movement.

2. The armrest box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is provided with a torsion spring and a movable member. The movable member is at least partially located on the outside of the cover. The torsion spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the cover, and the second end is located on the outside of the cover and slides against the movable member.

3. The armrest box according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the slider is pushed toward the cover by the connecting rod, it pushes the movable member to move, causing the second end of the torsion spring to disengage from the movable member and abut against the slider. Under the elastic force of the torsion spring, the cover flips relative to the slider.

4. The armrest box according to claim 3, characterized in that, A return spring is provided between the movable component and the cover. The movable component is pushed towards the slider by the return spring. The side of the movable component facing the slider is an inclined guide surface.

5. The armrest box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pop-out mechanism also includes a tension spring connected between the housing and the slider, which pulls the slider toward the housing.

6. The armrest box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting rod is equipped with a push block for pushing the slider toward the cover.

7. The armrest box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism comprises four sets, each set including the drive module, the locking component, the mating part, and the pop-out mechanism; the four sets of opening and closing mechanisms are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the housing.

8. The armrest box according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the two sets of opening and closing mechanisms on the same side of the box, when the locking member of one set of opening and closing mechanisms disengages from the corresponding mating part, it triggers the pop-out mechanism of the other set of opening and closing mechanisms to open the cover.

9. A method for controlling the opening and closing of an armrest box, the armrest box comprising a box body, a cover body, and an opening and closing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method includes: A controller is provided, which is at least capable of receiving a first signal; When the controller receives the first signal, it controls the drive motor to rotate in the first direction, thereby opening the cover.

10. The method for opening and closing control of an armrest box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controller can also receive a second signal; when the controller receives the second signal, it controls the drive motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the slider is reset and disengaged from the cover, and at the same time the locking member and the mating part are re-engaged to lock the cover.

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