Console box

Abstract

To provide a console box which enables a lid to be used as a chair or a table etc.SOLUTION: A console box includes: a box body having a storage part provided with an upper opening; a lid 30 which is removably connected to the box body and opens or closes the upper opening. The lid 30 has: a lid body 31; and leg parts 81 provided on one surface in a thickness direction of the lid body 31. The leg part 81 is configured to be displaceable between a use position where the lid part 81 is erected relative to the lid body 31 and a folded position where the leg part 81 is folded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a console box.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a console box, for example, a double-opening console box shown in Patent Document 1 is known. Such a console box includes a substantially box-shaped box body, a lid body (lid), and an opening / closing mechanism. The box body has a storage portion provided with an opening on the upper surface. The lid body opens and closes the opening of the storage portion. The opening / closing mechanism opens and closes the lid body with either the left rotation shaft or the right rotation shaft as the rotation center.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, along with the diversification of customer needs, it has been desired to add new functions to the console box. For example, it is conceivable to configure the lid body to be removable from the box body and add functions corresponding to the above needs to the lid body itself, but such a console box has not been provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Hereinafter, each aspect of the console box for solving the above problems will be described. [Aspect 1] A console box comprising a box body having a storage portion provided with an upper opening, and a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening, wherein the lid, when removed from the box body, opens the upper opening and has a lid body and legs provided on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body, and the legs are configured to be displaceable between a use position where the legs are erected with respect to the lid body and a folded position where the legs are folded.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the upper opening of the storage portion is opened and closed, for example, by rotating or sliding the lid in a state connected to the box body. Further, the upper opening is opened when the lid is removed from the box body.

[0007] When the upper opening is opened, it becomes possible to store an article outside the storage portion into the storage portion through the upper opening. Also, it becomes possible to take out an article stored in the storage portion to the outside of the storage portion through the upper opening.

[0008] In particular, when the upper opening is opened by removing the lid from the box body, it becomes easier to take in and out articles through the upper opening. When the lid is operated in a state connected to the box body and the upper opening is opened, the lid exists at a location close to the upper opening. The lid may hinder the taking in and out of articles. On the other hand, when removed, there is no lid at a location close to the upper opening.

[0009] Also, when the upper opening is closed by the lid with articles stored in the storage portion, the lid holds the articles in the stored state. Thus, the console box exhibits a general function of storing articles in the storage portion.

[0010] On the other hand, when the connection between the lid and the box body is released and the lid is removed from the box body, the lid with legs can be carried to a place away from the box body. In this case, by displacing the legs from the folded position to the use position, the lid can be used as a chair, a table, or the like.

[0011] [Aspect 2] The console box according to [Aspect 1], characterized in that a storage recess for storing the legs is provided on the surface of the lid body on the leg side when the legs are displaced to the folded position.

[0012] According to the above configuration, by storing the legs in the storage recess, it is possible to prevent the legs from getting in the way when removing and carrying the lid from the box body or when attaching the lid to the box body.

[0013] [Aspect 3] The console box according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], characterized in that the surface of the lid body opposite to the leg side is made of a material softer than the surface of the lid body on the leg side.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when the lid is removed from the box body and used as a chair, the sitting comfort of the lid can be improved. [Aspect 4] A console box comprising a box body having a storage portion with an upper opening, and a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening, wherein the lid is removed from the box body to open the upper opening, and has a lid body and a mounting portion provided on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body, to which legs are detachably attached.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the upper opening of the storage portion is opened and closed, for example, by rotating or sliding the lid connected to the box body. Also, the upper opening is opened when the lid is removed from the box body.

[0016] When the upper opening is opened, it becomes possible to store articles outside the storage section into the storage section through the upper opening. Also, it becomes possible to take out the articles stored in the storage section to the outside of the storage section through the upper opening.

[0017] In particular, when the upper opening is opened by removing the lid from the box body, it becomes easier to take in and out articles through the upper opening. When the lid is operated with the lid connected to the box body and the upper opening is opened, the lid exists at a location close to the upper opening. In this case, the lid may interfere with the taking in and out of articles. On the other hand, when it is removed, there is no lid at a location close to the upper opening.

[0018] Also, when the upper opening is closed by the lid while articles are stored in the storage section, the lid holds the articles in the stored state. In this way, the console box exhibits a general function of storing articles in the storage section.

[0019] On the other hand, when the connection of the lid to the box body is released and the lid is removed from the box body, it becomes possible to carry the lid provided with legs to a location away from the box body. In this case, by attaching the legs to the attachment section of the lid body, the lid can be used as a chair, a table, or the like.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] The present invention has an effect that the lid can be used as a chair, a table, or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the console box will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is defined as the front, and the reverse direction is defined as the rear. Also, the vertical direction means the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the horizontal direction is the vehicle width direction and coincides with the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0023] Here, to specify the position of the console box in each of the front-rear direction, vertical direction, and horizontal direction, the center part of the console box in each direction is used as a reference. Among each direction, the direction or side approaching the center part is referred to as "in", "inward", "inner side", etc., and the direction or side moving away from the center part is referred to as "out", "outward", "outer side", etc.

[0024] <Console box 10> FIG. 1 shows the main part of the console box 10. The console box 10 constitutes a part of the center console arranged between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the vehicle interior. The console box 10 includes a box body 11, a lid 30, a housing 57, a locking mechanism 60 (see FIG. 9), and a rotation range defining part 78 (see FIG. 11). Next, each part constituting the console box 10 will be described.

[0025] <Box body 11> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the box body 11 includes a bottomed box part 12 with an open upper end and a support part 13 arranged above the box part 12. The box part 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the front-rear direction than in the horizontal direction.

[0026] The support part 13 has a structure that is symmetric in the front-rear direction and also has a structure that is symmetric in the horizontal direction. Therefore, hereinafter, by explaining the structure of one side of the support part 13 in the front-rear direction, the description of the structure of the other side may be omitted. Also, by explaining the structure of one side of the support part 13 in the horizontal direction, the description of the structure of the other side may be omitted. These points apply not only to the support part 13 but also to other members constituting the console box 10.

[0027] The lower part of the support portion 13 is constituted by a rectangular frame portion 17. A storage portion 20 for storing articles such as small items is constituted by the space surrounded by the frame portion 17 and the internal space of the box portion 12. Among this storage portion 20, the space surrounded by the frame portion 17 constitutes the upper opening 14 of the storage portion 20. The upper opening 14 has a rectangular shape which is one aspect of a rectangular shape in plan view. The upper opening 14 has a pair of first sides 15 facing each other in the left - right direction and a pair (only one is shown in FIG. 3) of second sides 16 facing each other in the front - rear direction. The first side 15 and the second side 16 are orthogonal to each other.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the frame portion 17 includes a pair of first wall portions 18 extending in the front - rear direction while being spaced apart from each other in a state parallel to the left - right direction, and a pair of second wall portions 19 extending in the left - right direction while being spaced apart from each other in a state parallel to the front - rear direction. Each end portion of the front - side second wall portion 19 in the left - right direction is connected to the front - end portion of each first wall portion 18. Each end portion of the rear - side second wall portion 19 in the left - right direction is connected to the rear - end portion of each first wall portion 18. Each first wall portion 18 has the first side 15. Each second wall portion 19 has the second side 16.

[0029] Support wall portions 21 extend upward from the front - and rear - side second wall portions 19. A shim accommodation portion 22 is opened on the inner surface of each support wall portion 21 in the front - rear direction. The shim accommodation portion 22 is provided on both side portions of each support wall portion 21 in the left - right direction.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each shim accommodation portion 22 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front - rear direction. Each shim accommodation portion 22 has an insertion hole 23, a pair of locking holes 24, and a rotation restricting groove portion 25. The insertion hole 23 for each shim accommodation portion 22 penetrates the center portion of the bottom of the shim accommodation portion 22. The pair of locking holes 24 for each shim accommodation portion 22 are located on both side portions of the insertion hole 23 in the left - right direction in the shim accommodation portion 22. The rotation restricting groove portion 25 extends in the front - rear direction in a state of protruding outward in the radial direction from a part of the outer peripheral portion of the shim accommodation portion 22.

[0031] <Lid 30> As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 30 is removably connected to the box body 11. Further, when the lid 30 is connected to the box body 11, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 12, it can rotate between a closed position where it closes the upper opening 14 and a fully open position where it stands up and fully opens the upper opening 14, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 12. In other words, the lid 30 opens and closes the upper opening 14 by rotating between the closed position and the fully open position. Therefore, hereinafter, the lid 30 in the state of closing the upper opening 14 will be described.

[0032] <Basic Structure of Lid 30> As shown in FIG. 6, the lid 30 includes a lid body 31, a pair of support plate portions 46, and a pair of rotation shafts 54. The lid body 31 has a shape and size capable of closing the upper opening 14 (see FIG. 3) from above. The lid body 31 has the vertical direction as its thickness direction. The lid body 31 includes a first half body 33 located on one side in the thickness direction and a second half body 39 located on the other side and coupled to the first half body 33. In FIG. 8, the lid 30 in the state where the first half body 33 is located above the second half body 39 is shown.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, the first half body 33 includes a base material 35 formed of a hard resin material, a cushion layer 36 laminated on the base material 35 and made of a foam, and a skin 37 laminated on the cushion layer 36. Among the skin 37, the portion that is one side surface in the thickness direction of the lid 30 constitutes the first surface 34 of the lid 30. That is, the first surface 34, which is one surface in the thickness direction of the lid 30, is constituted by the skin 37. The first surface 34 of the lid 30 has an elbow rest surface at least in part. In the present embodiment, the entire first surface 34 constitutes the elbow rest surface.

[0034] The second half body 39 is entirely formed of a hard resin material. Among the second half body 39, the surface that is on the opposite side (back side) to the first surface 34 in the above thickness direction constitutes the second surface 41 of the lid 30.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, notch portions 38a are respectively formed at the front portions of both side wall portions 38 in the left - right direction of the first half body 33. Notch portions 42a are also respectively formed at the front portions of both side wall portions 42 in the left - right direction of the second half body 39. In a state where the second half body 39 is coupled to the first half body 33, as shown in FIG. 9, an operation hole 32 is formed by the notch portions 38a and 42a.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of support plate portions 46 are arranged on both outer sides in the front - rear direction of the lid body 31. The front support plate portion 46 is attached to the front wall portion 43 of the second half body 39. The rear support plate portion 46 is attached to the rear wall portion 44 of the second half body 39. The outer surfaces of each support plate portion 46 in the front - rear direction respectively constitute a part of the side surface of the lid 30.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 8, the box body 11 and the lid 30 have a shape such that the lid 30 can be removed from and connected to the box body 11 regardless of whether the lid 30 faces upward with either the first surface 34 or the second surface 41.

[0038] A pair of rotation shafts 54 have a function of rotatably connecting the lid body 31 to the box body 11. As shown in FIG. 6, both rotation shafts 54 extend in the front - rear direction in a parallel state at both side portions of the lid body 31 in the left - right direction. The lid 30 is rotatable between the closed position and the fully open position about one of the selected rotation shafts 54 of the both rotation shafts 54.

[0039] Pinion gears 55 are formed on the outer circumferences of both end portions in the front - rear direction of each rotation shaft 54. Rack gears 45 are formed on both side portions in the left - right direction of each of the front wall portion 43 and the rear wall portion 44 in the second half body 39. The pinion gear 55 at the front end portion of each rotation shaft 54 is meshed with the rack gear 45 of the front wall portion 43, and the pinion gear 55 at the rear end portion of each rotation shaft 54 is meshed with the rack gear 45 of the rear wall portion 44.

[0040] Each rotating shaft 54 has a pin portion 56 extending in the front-rear direction, outside the pinion gear 55 in the same direction. On both left and right sides of each of the front and rear support plate portions 46, recessed portions 47 recessed inward in the front-rear direction are formed. At the bottom of each recessed portion 47, a long hole 48 extending in the left-right direction is formed in a state of penetrating the support plate portion 46. The pin portion 56 for each rotating shaft 54 is inserted into the long hole 48.

[0041] The lid 30 can rotate integrally with one of the rotating shafts 54. The pinion gear 55 can roll on the rack gear 45. At this time, each long hole 48 allows the pin portion 56 to move in the left-right direction and defines the moving range of the pin portion 56 in the same direction.

[0042] <Housing 57> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the housing 57 houses the box body 11 with the upper surface and side surfaces of the lid 30 exposed. Note that in FIG. 1, only a part of the housing 57 is shown.

[0043] <Lock mechanism 60> As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lock mechanism 60 has a function of locking the lid 30 in a state of closing the upper opening 14 (closed position) and releasing the lock. The lock mechanism 60 also has a function of switching between a connected state in which each rotating shaft 54 is connected to the box body 11 and a state in which the connection is released.

[0044] The state where the lock is released includes the following two states. · A state in which the connections of both the left and right rotating shafts 54 to the box body 11 are both released. · A state in which the connection of one rotating shaft 54 to the box body 11 is maintained and the connection of the other rotating shaft 54 to the box body 11 is released.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, operation bases 61 are respectively attached to both side portions in the left - right direction at the front part inside the lid 30. Gate - shaped entrance / exit portions 62 are formed at the outer portions in the same direction of each of the left - and right - hand operation bases 61. The entrance / exit portion 62 for each operation base 61 is disposed in the operation hole 32 of the lid main body 31. Spring receiving portions 64 are formed at the inner portions in the left - right direction of each operation base 61.

[0046] On each operation base 61, an operation portion 65 is disposed so as to be able to slide in the left - right direction through the entrance / exit portion 62. Both the left - and right - hand operation portions 65 (a pair of operation portions 65) are provided on the lid 30 as members constituting a part of the lock mechanism 60. The left - and right - hand operation portions 65 are provided independently of each other corresponding to the left - and right - hand rotation shafts 54 (a pair of rotation shafts 54) respectively.

[0047] Spring receiving portions 66 are formed at the inner portions in the left - right direction of each operation portion 65, at positions facing the spring receiving portions 64. A first spring 68 is disposed in a state of being compressed in the left - right direction between the two spring receiving portions 64 and 66.

[0048] By each first spring 68, each operation portion 65 is always biased outward in the left - right direction. Arc - shaped bearing portions 67 with open upper sides are respectively formed at both side portions in the front - rear direction of each operation portion 65. And each rotation shaft 54 is rotatably supported by the two bearing portions 67 on the operation portion 65.

[0049] In this embodiment, a coil spring is used as the first spring 68, but other types of springs may be used. This also applies to the second spring 74 described later. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, shims 70 are respectively accommodated in the left and right shim accommodating portions 22 of each support wall portion 21. Each shim 70 is assembled to the support wall portion 21 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and restricted from rotating. Each shim 70 has a function of removably connecting the end portion of the corresponding rotating shaft 54 to the box body 11. Each shim 70 has a function of rotatably supporting the rotating shaft 54 in a state where the end portion of the corresponding rotating shaft 54 is connected to the box body 11.

[0050] Each shim 70 has a cylindrical shape with an outer portion in the front-rear direction opened. Each shim 70 has a shaft portion 71 extending in the front-rear direction, a pair of locking portions 72, and a rotation restricting protrusion 73. The shaft portion 71 of each shim 70 is formed at the central portion of the shim 70 and is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the corresponding shim accommodating portion 22 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0051] The pair of locking portions 72 of each shim 70 are formed at positions on both the left and right sides of the shaft portion 71 in the shim 70 and are inserted into the locking holes 24 of the corresponding shim accommodating portion 22 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The rotation restricting protrusion 73 of each shim 70 protrudes outward in the radial direction from a part of the outer peripheral portion of the shim 70 and is engaged with the rotation restricting groove portion 25 of the corresponding shim accommodating portion 22 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, each shim 70 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction between a connection position where it contacts the bottom of the recess 47 in the support plate portion 46 and a removal position set at a location spaced outward in the front-rear direction from the connection position as shown in FIG. 10.

[0053] The shaft portion 71, the pair of locking portions 72, and the rotation restricting protrusion 73 for each shim 70 have a function of guiding the movement of the shim 70 in the front-rear direction. Further, the pair of locking portions 72 also have a function of restricting the shim 70 from dropping inward in the front-rear direction from the shim accommodating portion 22. This function is exerted when each locking portion 72 is locked to the peripheral portion of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim accommodating portion 22.

[0054] A second spring 74 is disposed in a state of being compressed in the front-rear direction between the inner bottom surface of each shim accommodating portion 22 in the front and rear support wall portions 21 and the shim 70. By this second spring 74, each shim 70 is always biased inward in the front-rear direction.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, each shim 70 includes a receiving recess 75 having a reference surface 75a and an inner inclined surface 75b, and an outer inclined surface 76. The receiving recess 75 for each shim 70 is opened on the inner surface in the front-rear direction. The reference surface 75a for each receiving recess 75 is located at the central portion of the shim 70 and is orthogonal to the axis of the shim 70. The inner inclined surface 75b for each receiving recess 75 is located on the inner side in the left-right direction with respect to the reference surface 75a and is connected to the reference surface 75a. Each inner inclined surface 75b is inclined with respect to the reference surface 75a so as to be located more inward in the front-rear direction as it is more inward in the left-right direction.

[0056] The outer inclined surface 76 for each shim 70 is formed at the upper portion of the inner surface in the front-rear direction of the shim 70. Each outer inclined surface 76 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane so as to be located more downward as it is more inward in the front-rear direction.

[0057] <Rotation range defining portion 78> The rotation range defining portion 78 is a portion that defines the rotation range of the lid 30 so that the lid 30 rotates between the above-described closed position and the fully open position. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, the rotation range defining portion 78 includes four protrusions 49 (only the two front ones are shown in FIG. 6) that the lid 30 has, and groove portions 77 that each shim 70 has.

[0058] More specifically, each protrusion 49 protrudes outward in the front-rear direction from a position outside the long hole 48 in the left-right direction of each of the front and rear support plate portions 46. Each protrusion 49 pivots around the pivot axis 54 as the lid 30 rotates.

[0059] Each groove portion 77 is formed in an arc shape centered on the reference surface 75a of the housing recess 75. Each groove portion 77 opens on the inner surface of the shim 70 in the front-rear direction. Each protrusion 49 is inserted into the corresponding groove portion 77. Each protrusion 49 is movable in the circumferential direction along the groove portion 77. And each groove portion 77 is formed such that when each protrusion 49 moves to one end in the circumferential direction of the groove portion 77, the lid 30 is in the closed position, and when it moves to the other end, the lid 30 is in the fully open position.

[0060] <Configuration on the second surface 41 side of the lid 30> As shown in FIG. 13, on the second surface 41, which is one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body 31 of the lid 30, a pair of rectangular storage recesses 80 extending in the front-rear direction are provided so as to be parallel to each other with a space therebetween in the left-right direction. The pair of storage recesses 80 are arranged to face each other across the central portion of the second surface 41 in the left-right direction. A pair of leg portions 81 having a quadrangular prism shape extending in the front-rear direction are stored in each storage recess 80.

[0061] The pair of leg portions 81 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction in each storage recess 80. The rear end portion of the leg portion 81 located at the rear side of each pair of leg portions 81 is rotatably connected to the rear end portion of each storage recess 80 about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The front end portion of the leg portion 81 located at the front side of each pair of leg portions 81 is rotatably connected to the front end portion of each storage recess 80 about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0062] Therefore, each leg portion 81 is provided on the second surface 41 which is one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body 31. That is, the second surface 41 of the lid body 31 is the surface on the leg portion 81 side of the lid body 31. On the other hand, the first surface 34 of the lid body 31 is the surface on the side opposite to the leg portion 81 side of the lid body 31.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each leg portion 81 is configured to be rotatable (displaceable) between a use position (the position shown in FIG. 14) where the leg portion 81 stands up with respect to the lid body 31 and a folded position (the position shown in FIG. 13) where the leg portion 81 is folded. The angle between the use position and the folded position of each leg portion 81 is a right angle.

[0064] When each leg portion 81 is in the folded position, it is stored in the storage recess 80 in a state of extending in the front-rear direction. That is, when each leg portion 81 is rotated (displaced) to the folded position, it is stored in the storage recess 80. When each leg portion 81 is in the use position, it extends in the vertical direction which is a direction orthogonal to the second surface 41 at the front end portion or the rear end portion of the storage recess 80. Each leg portion 81 is configured not to rotate by its own weight due to the frictional force with the storage recess 80 when the posture of the lid 30 is changed.

[0065] The lid body 31 is formed such that the second surface 41 is made of a hard resin material and the first surface 34 is constituted by the skin 37. That is, in the lid body 31, the first surface 34 is constituted by a material softer than the second surface 41.

[0066] Next, the operation of the console box 10 will be described. <When none of the operation portions 65 is pushed in> As shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 9 and 12, when the lid 30 is in the closed position and none of the operation parts 65 are being pushed in, the outer portions of the left and right operation parts 65 in the left - right direction protrude from the entrance - exit part 62. In this case, each shim 70 biased inward in the front - rear direction by the second spring 74 contacts the bottom of the recess 47 in the support plate part 46 and is held in the connected position.

[0067] The biasing force of the first spring 68 that biases each operation part 65 outward in the left - right direction is transmitted to the rotation shaft 54 via that operation part 65. The front and rear pin parts 56 of each rotation shaft 54 contact the reference surface 75a in the accommodation recess 75. Each pin part 56 is located at the outer end in the left - right direction of the long hole 48.

[0068] The pinion gear 55 of each rotation shaft 54 meshes with the outer portion of the rack gear 45 in the left - right direction. The left and right rotation shafts 54 are connected to the front and rear support wall parts 21 via the front and rear shims 70. Therefore, since the lid 30 is locked in the closed position, the upper opening 14 is held in the closed state.

[0069] At this time, if an article is stored in the storage part 20, the lid 30 holds the article in the stored state. Also, the box body 11 and the lid 30 have a shape such that the lid 30 can be removed from and connected to the box body 11 regardless of whether the first surface 34 or the second surface 41 is facing upward.

[0070] Therefore, at this time, as shown in FIG. 12, if the lid 30 takes a posture with the first surface 34 facing upward, the first surface 34 can function as a place to rest the elbow. In other words, the lid 30 can function as an armrest.

[0071] <When one of the operation parts 65 is pushed in> As shown in FIG. 10, when either one of the pair of operation units 65 is pushed inward in the left - right direction against the biasing force of the first spring 68, a force is applied to the rotation shaft 54 supported by the bearing portion 67 to move it inward in the left - right direction. The pinion gears 55 before and after the rotation shaft 54 mesh with the rack gear 45 and can roll inward in the left - right direction. The pin portions 56 before and after the rotation shaft 54 can move inward in the left - right direction along the long holes 48 of the front and rear support plate portions 46. Therefore, in response to the pushing operation of the operation unit 65, the rotation shaft 54 moves inward in the left - right direction while rotating.

[0072] With the above movement of the rotation shaft 54, the front and rear pin portions 56 move from the reference surface 75a to the inner inclined surface 75b within the accommodation recess 75. Here, the inner inclined surface 75b is inclined with respect to the reference surface 75a so as to be located more inward in the front - rear direction as it is more inward in the left - right direction. Therefore, each of the front and rear shims 70 is pushed against the biasing force of the second spring 74 and moves outward in the front - rear direction. The moving direction of the shim 70 at this time is the direction away from the rotation shaft 54 in the front - rear direction.

[0073] And as shown in FIG. 10, when each of the front and rear shims 70 moves to the removal position, the front and rear pin portions 56 come out of the accommodation recess 75. As a result, the connection state between the rotation shaft 54 and the support wall portion 21 (box body 11) is released. That is, the lock of the lid 30 by the lock mechanism 60 is released.

[0074] The rotation shaft 54 corresponding to the operation unit 65 that is not being pushed is continuously connected to the support wall portion 21 (box body 11). Therefore, the lid 30 can rotate upward around the rotation shaft 54 corresponding to the operation unit 65 on the side where no pushing operation is performed.

[0075] When the operation unit 65 is no longer pushed in due to the lock being released, the first spring 68 corresponding to the operation unit 65 releases the stored biasing force. Due to this released biasing force, the operation unit 65 is moved outward in the left - right direction along with the rotation shaft 54 as shown in FIG. 9. At this time, the pinion gears 55 before and after the rotation shaft 54 roll outward in the left - right direction on the engaged rack gear 45.

[0076] With the above - mentioned movement, the outer portions of the operation unit 65 in the left - right direction protrude outward in the same direction from the entrance - exit portion 62 of the operation base 61. The above - mentioned movement of the operation unit 65 and the rotation of the rotation shaft 54 stop when the front and rear pin portions 56 contact the outer end portions of the long hole 48 in the left - right direction.

[0077] Also, in each of the front and rear support wall portions 21, the biasing force stored in the second spring 74 is released. Due to this released biasing force, each shim 70 moves inward in the front - rear direction as shown in FIG. 9. The above - mentioned movement of each shim 70 is restricted by the locking portions 72 being locked to the peripheral portions of the corresponding locking holes 24 in the shim housing portion 22.

[0078] <When both operation units 65 are simultaneously pushed in> Here, the left and right operation units 65 are independent of each other. Therefore, when both of the pair of operation units 65 are simultaneously pushed in against the biasing force of the first spring 68, the same actions as those in the case of <when one operation unit 65 is pushed in> described above are performed on both rotation shafts 54. Then, when the pair of rotation shafts 54 come out of the corresponding accommodation recesses 75 respectively, the connection state between both of the pair of rotation shafts 54 and the box body 11 is released. As a result, the lid 30 can be removed from the box body 11.

[0079] When the lock is released and the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11, the two operating parts 65 are no longer pushed in, and the following occurs. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in the lid 30, each operating part 65 is moved outward in the left - right direction along with the rotation shaft 54 by the biasing force of each left - right first spring 68. The outer parts of each operating part 65 in the left - right direction protrude outward in the same direction from the entrance - exit part 62 of the operation base 61.

[0080] Also, in each of the front - rear support wall parts 21, each shim 70 is moved inward in the front - rear direction by the biasing force of each second spring 74. The movement of each shim 70 is restricted by the engagement of each locking part 72 with the peripheral part of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim housing part 22.

[0081] <When attaching the lid 30 to the box body 11> The lid 30 can be attached to the box body 11 in any posture with either the first surface 34 or the second surface 41 facing upward. When attaching the lid 30 to the box body 11, the lid 30 is pressed against the box body 11 from above. At this time, the front - rear pin parts 56 of each left - right rotation shaft 54 come into contact with the outer inclined surfaces 76 of each of the front - rear shims 70.

[0082] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer inclined surface 76 of each shim 70 is inclined so that it is located lower toward the inner side in the front - rear direction. Therefore, each shim 70 is pushed against the biasing force of the second spring 74 and moves outward in the front - rear direction. The moving direction of the shim 70 at this time is the direction away from the rotation shaft 54 in the front - rear direction.

[0083] Then, when the pin part 56 of each rotation shaft 54 passes through the outer inclined surface 76 and descends to the central part of the shim 70, the shim 70 biased by the second spring 74 moves inward in the front - rear direction. As a result, when the front - rear pin parts 56 of each rotation shaft 54 enter the accommodation recess 75 of the shim 70, the rotation shaft 54 is connected to the box body 11.

[0084] Next, the operation when the lid 30 is used as a chair will be described. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the lid 30 is used as a chair, first, after removing the lid 30 from the box body 11, each leg portion 81 is rotated from the folded position to the use position. Subsequently, the lid 30 is placed at a desired position outside or inside the vehicle so that the lid body 31 is supported from below by each leg portion 81. Then, by sitting with the buttocks placed on the first surface 34 of the lid body 31, the lid 30 can be used as a chair. For example, when camping or fishing, using the lid 30 as a chair is convenient when there are not enough chairs or when chairs cannot be procured immediately.

[0085] In this case, if the feet are placed on the first surface 34 of the lid body 31, the lid 30 can also be used as a footrest. Also, by placing food and drinks on the first surface 34 of the lid body 31, the lid 30 can be used as a table. Further, if the head is placed on the first surface 34 of the lid body 31 with each leg portion 81 in a state of being rotated from the use position to the folded position, the lid 30 can also be used as a pillow. After use, the lid 30 is attached to the box body 11 with each leg portion 81 in the folded position.

[0086] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects are exhibited. (1) The console box 10 includes a box body 11 having a storage portion 20 provided with an upper opening 14, and a lid 30 removably connected to the box body 11 to open and close the upper opening 14. The lid 30 is removed from the box body 11 to open the upper opening 14, and has a lid body 31 and leg portions 81 provided on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body 31. The leg portions 81 are configured to be displaceable between a use position where the leg portions 81 are erected with respect to the lid body 31 and a folded position where the leg portions 81 are folded.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the upper opening 14 of the storage portion 20 is opened and closed, for example, by rotating the lid 30 in a state where it is connected to the box body 11. Further, the upper opening 14 is opened when the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11.

[0088] When the upper opening 14 is opened, it becomes possible to store an article outside the storage portion 20 into the storage portion 20 through the upper opening 14. Also, it becomes possible to take out the article stored in the storage portion 20 to the outside of the storage portion 20 through the upper opening 14.

[0089] In particular, when the upper opening 14 is opened by removing the lid 30 from the box body 11, it becomes easier to take in and out articles through the upper opening 14. When the lid 30 is rotated in a state where it is connected to the box body 11 and the upper opening 14 is opened, the lid 30 exists at a location close to the upper opening 14. For this reason, the lid 30 may interfere with the taking in and out of articles. In contrast, when the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11, the lid 30 does not exist at a location close to the upper opening 14.

[0090] Also, when the upper opening 14 is closed by the lid 30 while an article is stored in the storage portion 20, the lid 30 holds the article in a stored state. In this way, the console box 10 exhibits a general function of storing an article in the storage portion 20.

[0091] On the other hand, when the connection of the lid 30 to the box body 11 is released and the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11, it becomes possible to carry the lid 30 having the legs 81 to a location away from the box body 11. In this case, by displacing the legs 81 from the folded position to the use position, the lid 30 can be used as a chair, a table, or the like.

[0092] (2) In the console box 10, a storage recess 80 for storing the leg portion 81 when the leg portion 81 is displaced to the folded position is provided on the surface of the lid body 31 on the side of the leg portion 81.

[0093] According to the above configuration, by storing the leg portion 81 in the storage recess 80, it is possible to prevent the leg portion 81 from getting in the way when removing the lid 30 from the box body 11 and carrying it, or when attaching the lid 30 to the box body 11.

[0094] (3) In the console box 10, the surface of the lid body 31 on the side opposite to the leg portion 81 side is made of a material softer than the surface of the lid body 31 on the leg portion 81 side.

[0095] According to the above configuration, when the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11 and the lid 30 is used as a chair, the sitting comfort of the lid 30 can be improved. <Modification example> The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. Also, the above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0096] · The upper opening 14 may be formed in a rectangular shape that is longer in the left - right direction than in the front - rear direction. Also, on the condition that the shape of the upper opening 14 is rectangular, it may be changed to a shape different from the rectangular shape. Further, the shape of the upper opening 14 may be changed to a shape different from the rectangular shape.

[0097] · The pair of rotation shafts 54 may be arranged in a posture extending in the left - right direction instead of the front - rear direction. · One of the pair of rotation shafts 54 may be omitted, and the lid 30 may be changed to a type that opens on one side. In this case, the lock mechanism 60 corresponding to the rotation shaft 54 that has become the object of omission also becomes the object of omission.

[0098] · In the case of the pivot shaft 54, both end portions in the front - rear direction need to be in a shaft - like shape extending in the same direction in order to pivotally connect the lid body 31 to the box body 11. Therefore, the pivot shaft 54 may be entirely in a shaft - like shape as in the first embodiment. Also, the intermediate portion of the pivot shaft 54 in the front - rear direction does not necessarily have to be in a shaft - like shape.

[0099] · The locking mechanism 60 may lock the lid 30 in a state where the upper opening 14 is closed without using the shim 70. For example, each pivot shaft 54 may be divided into two shaft portions in the front - rear direction. The two shaft portions consist of a first shaft portion having a columnar first end and a second shaft portion having a columnar second end. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion are biased in a direction away from each other in the front - rear direction by a spring provided between them.

[0100] On the other hand, in each of the front and rear support wall portions 21 of the box body 11, instead of the shim accommodation portion 22, a bottomed cylindrical bearing portion is provided. In each bearing portion, the above - mentioned first end and second end for each pivot shaft 54 are respectively accommodated. By each bearing portion, the first end and the second end are respectively pivotally supported.

[0101] Furthermore, between the operation portion 65 and the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, a linkage mechanism is provided that moves both shaft portions in a direction approaching each other in the front - rear direction in conjunction with the inward movement of the operation portion 65 in the left - right direction.

[0102] Even in this case, by pushing in the operation portion 65, the first end and the second end can be respectively pulled out from the bearing portion, and the connection state between the pivot shaft 54 and the support wall portion 21 (box body 11) can be released.

[0103] ·Even if both of the pair of operation parts 65 are not operated simultaneously, a configuration may be adopted in which the lid 30 can be removed from the box body 11. For example, by operating one of the operation parts 65, the connection state between the corresponding rotation shaft 54 and the support wall part 21 is released. After the release, by operating the other operation part 65, the connection state between the corresponding rotation shaft 54 and the support wall part 21 is released. Then, the connection states of both the rotation shafts 54 and the support wall part 21 are released, and the lid 30 becomes in a removable state.

[0104] ·The operation part 65 is not limited to being pushed inward in the left - right direction, and may be a lever - type that is tiltable. In this case, the operation part 65 may be provided on the box body 11 instead of the lid body 31. A conversion mechanism is provided between the operation part 65 and the rotation shaft 54, which converts the force applied when the operation part 65 is tilted into a force that moves the rotation shaft 54 inward in the left - right direction.

[0105] ·As shown in FIG. 15, the lid 30 may be configured to omit the storage recess 80 and the leg part 81, and have a fitting recess 82 as an example of an attachment part to which the leg part 81 is detachably attached on the second surface 41 which is one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body 31. In the lid 30 of this example, a configuration is adopted in which four rectangular fitting recesses 82 are provided on the second surface 41 of the lid body 31 into which one end part of the leg part 81 is fitted.

[0106] In this case, the four fitting recesses 82 are arranged well - balanced so as to surround the central part on the second surface 41. That is, the four fitting recesses 82 are arranged on the second surface 41 of the lid body 31 such that when the leg parts 81 are respectively fitted into them, the lid body 31 is supported well - balanced by the four leg parts 81.

[0107] In this way, by fitting and attaching four separately prepared leg parts 81 to the four fitting recesses 82 of the lid body 31 in a state where the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11, the lid 30 can be suitably used as a chair, a table, or the like.

[0108] · As shown in FIG. 16, in the lid 30 of FIG. 15, a female screw hole 83 may be adopted as an example of the mounting portion instead of the fitting recess 82, and the leg portion 81 may be changed to, for example, a columnar leg portion 84, and a male screw portion 85 that screws into the female screw hole 83 may be provided on one end surface of the leg portion 84.

[0109] In this way, with the lid 30 removed from the box body 11, the male screw portions 85 of the four leg portions 84 prepared separately can be screwed and attached to the four female screw holes 83 of the lid body 31 respectively. Thereby, the lid 30 can be suitably used as a chair, a table, or the like.

[0110] · The surface of the lid body 31 on the side opposite to the leg portion 81 side does not necessarily need to be made of a material softer than the surface of the lid body 31 on the leg portion 81 side. · The storage recess 80 may be omitted.

[0111] · The number of the leg portions 81 may be changed as appropriate. In this case, the thickness and arrangement of the leg portions 81 are set according to the number of the leg portions 81 so that the lid body 31 can be stably supported by the leg portions 81.

[0112] · A battery may be built into the lid body 31. In this way, power can be supplied to an external device by the battery.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 10…Console box 11…Box body 12…Box portion 13…Support portion 14…Upper opening 15…First side 16…Second side 17…Frame portion 18…First wall portion 19…Second wall portion 20…Storage portion 21…Support wall portion 22…Shim storage portion 23…Insertion hole 24…Engagement hole 25…Rotation restricting groove portion 30…Lid 31…Lid body 32…Operation hole 33…First half body 34…First surface 35…Base material 36…Cushion layer 37…Skin 38,42…Side wall portion 38a,42a…Notch portion 39…Second half body 41…Second surface 43…Front wall portion 44…Rear wall portion 45…Rack gear 46…Support plate portion 47…Recess 48…Elongated hole 49…Protrusion 54…Rotation shaft 55…Pinion gear 56…Pin portion 57…Housing 60…Lock mechanism 61…Operation base 62…Entrance / exit portion 64,66…Spring receiving portion 65…Operation portion 67…Bearing portion 68…First spring 70…Shim 71…Shaft portion 72…Engagement portion 73…Rotation restricting protrusion 74…Second spring 75…Storage recess 75a…Reference surface 75b…Inner inclined surface 76…Outer inclined surface 77…Groove portion 78…Rotation range defining portion 80…Storage recess 81,84…Leg portion 82…Fitting recess as an example of the attachment portion 83…Female screw hole as an example of the attachment portion 85…Male screw portion

Claims

1. A box body having a storage portion with an upper opening, A lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening, Comprising: When the lid is removed from the box body, the upper opening is opened, and the lid has a lid body and legs provided on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body. The console box is characterized in that the legs are configured to be displaceable between a use position where the legs are erected with respect to the lid body and a folded position where the legs are folded.

2. The console box according to claim 1, wherein a storage recess for storing the legs is provided on the surface of the lid body on the leg side when the legs are displaced to the folded position.

3. The console box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the surface of the lid body opposite to the leg side is made of a material softer than the surface of the lid body on the leg side.

4. A box body having a storage portion with an upper opening, and a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening, Comprising: When the lid is removed from the box body, the upper opening is opened, and the lid has a lid body and a mounting portion provided on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid body, and the legs are detachably attached to the mounting portion.

Images