Console box

Abstract

To provide a console box which enables a lid to be used as a portable case.SOLUTION: A console box includes: a box body having a first 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; a first lock mechanism which locks the lid 30 in a state that the lid 30 closes the upper opening; and an operation part 65 which is operated to release a lock state of the lid 30 locked by the first lock mechanism. The lid 30 has: a second storage part 81 in which an opening 80 is provided on a second surface 41; and a lid 82 which opens or closes the opening 80.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 first storage part with an upper opening, a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening, a first locking mechanism for locking the lid in a state where the upper opening is closed, and an operation part for releasing the locked state of the lid by the first locking mechanism when operated. The lid has a second storage part with an opening provided on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid, and a lid for opening and closing the opening.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the upper opening of the first storage part is opened and closed, for example, by rotating or sliding the lid in a state of being connected to the box body. Also, 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 articles outside the first storage part into the first storage part through the upper opening. Also, it becomes possible to take out the articles stored in the first storage part to the outside of the first storage part 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 of being 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 interfere with the taking in and out of articles. On the other hand, when removed, the lid does not exist at a location close to the upper opening.

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

[0010] On one hand, the lid has a second storage part on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid. Therefore, separately from the first storage part, it is also possible to store articles in the second storage part. Also, when the lid is unlocked by the first locking mechanism by operating the operation part and the lid is removed from the box body, it becomes possible to carry the lid provided with the second storage part to a place away from the box body. In this case, the lid can be used as a portable case.

[0011] [Aspect 2] The console box according to [Aspect 1], wherein the lid has a second locking mechanism for locking the lid in a state where the opening is closed. According to the above configuration, by locking the lid in a state where the opening of the second storage part is closed by the second locking mechanism, it is possible to prevent the lid from unexpectedly opening.

[0012] [Aspect 3] The lid includes a lid body, a pair of rotation shafts that extend in a direction orthogonal to the width direction on both sides in the width direction of the lid body and connect the lid body to the box body, and a pair of the rotation shafts provided corresponding to and operated as members constituting a part of the first locking mechanism, and a pair of operation parts that release the connection state between the rotation shaft and the box body and are independent of each other. When one of the pair of operation parts is operated, the console box according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], characterized in that it is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft corresponding to the other operation part that has not been operated and is connected to the box body.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by operating one of the pair of operation parts, the lid can be opened from one side in the width direction, and by operating the other, the lid can be opened from the other side in the width direction. That is, the lid can be opened from either side of both sides in the width direction. Therefore, the usability when opening and closing the lid can be improved.

[0014] [Aspect 4] The console box according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 3], wherein one surface of the lid is constituted by an outer skin. According to the above configuration, the appearance of the lid can be improved by the outer skin.

[0015] [Aspect 5] The console box according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 4], wherein a mirror is provided on the back surface of the lid. According to the above configuration, when cosmetic tools are stored in the second storage portion of the lid, since a mirror is provided on the back surface of the lid, the mirror can be immediately used when applying makeup with the cosmetic tools. [Effect of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention has the effect that the lid can be used as a portable case. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0017]

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

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] 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 described as the front, and the reverse direction as the rear. Also, the up-down direction means the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction is the vehicle width direction and coincides with the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0019] Here, in order to specify the position of the console box in each of the front-rear direction, up-down direction, and left-right direction, the central part of the console box in each direction is used as a reference. Among each direction, the direction approaching the central part, side, etc. is referred to as "in", "inward", "inner side", etc., and the direction moving away from the central part, side, etc. is referred to as "out", "outward", "outer side", etc.

[0020] <Console box 10> Figure 1 shows the main part of the console box 10. The console box 10 forms a part of the center console arranged between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the vehicle interior. The console box 10 includes a box body 11, a lid 30, a housing 57, a first locking mechanism 60 (see FIG. 9), and a rotation range defining portion 78 (see FIG. 11). Next, each part constituting the console box 10 will be described.

[0021] <Box body 11> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the box body 11 includes a bottomed box portion 12 with an open upper end and a support portion 13 disposed above the box portion 12. The box portion 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the front-rear direction than in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction in the box portion 12, the left-right direction, which is the direction with smaller dimensions, is defined as the "width direction" of the console box 10. In the present embodiment, the width direction of the console box 10 coincides with the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

[0022] The support portion 13 has a structure that is symmetric in the front-rear direction and also has a structure that is symmetric in the left-right direction. Therefore, hereinafter, by explaining the structure of one side of the support portion 13 in the front-rear direction, the explanation of the structure of the other side may be omitted. Also, by explaining the structure of one side of the support portion 13 in the left-right direction, the explanation of the structure of the other side may be omitted. These points are not limited to the support portion 13, and the same applies to other members constituting the console box 10.

[0023] The lower part of the support portion 13 is constituted by a rectangular frame portion 17. A first 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 first storage portion 20, the space surrounded by the frame portion 17 constitutes the upper opening 14 of the first 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.

[0024] 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 parallel in 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 parallel in the front - rear direction. Each end portion in the left - right direction of the front - side second wall portion 19 is connected to the front - end portion of each first wall portion 18. Each end portion in the left - right direction of the rear - side second wall portion 19 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.

[0025] 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 in the front - rear direction of each support wall portion 21. The shim accommodation portion 22 is provided on both side portions in the left - right direction of each support wall portion 21.

[0026] 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 in the left - right direction of the insertion hole 23 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.

[0027] <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 the upper opening 14 is closed and an 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 where the upper opening 14 is closed will be described.

[0028] <Basic structure of the 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. Note that in FIG. 8, the lid 30 in a state where the first half body 33 is located above the second half body 39 is shown.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 in the left - right direction of the lid body 31. The lid 30 is rotatable between the above - mentioned closed position and the above - mentioned fully - open position about a selected one of the two rotation shafts 54.

[0035] 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 5 is meshed with the rack gear 45 of the rear wall portion 44.

[0036] 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, recesses 47 recessed inward in the front-rear direction are formed. At the bottom of each recess 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.

[0037] 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 movement range of the pin portion 56 in the same direction.

[0038] <Housing 57> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the housing 57 houses the box body 11 with the upper surface and side surface of the lid 30 exposed. Note that in FIG. 1, only a part of the housing 57 is shown.

[0039] <First locking mechanism 60> As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first locking 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 first locking 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.

[0040] The state in which 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.

[0041] 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 on 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 on the inner portions in the left - right direction of each operation base 61.

[0042] On each operation base 61, operation portions 65 are arranged so as to be able to slide in the left - right direction through the entrance / exit portion 62. 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 first locking 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.

[0043] Spring receiving portions 66 are formed at locations on the inner portions in the left - right direction of each operation portion 65, which face the spring receiving portion 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.

[0044] 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 on 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.

[0045] 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 accommodation 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 rotation shaft 54 to the box body 11. When each shim 70 connects the end portion of the corresponding rotation shaft 54 to the box body 11, it has a function of rotatably supporting the rotation shaft 54.

[0046] Each shim 70 has a cylindrical shape with an open outer portion in the front-rear direction. 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 center portion of the shim 70 and is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the corresponding shim accommodation portion 22 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0047] 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 accommodation 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 accommodation portion 22 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 housing 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 housing portion 22.

[0050] A second spring 74 is disposed in a state compressed in the front-rear direction between the inner bottom surface of each shim housing 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.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, each shim 70 includes a housing recess 75 having a reference surface 75a and an inner inclined surface 75b, and an outer inclined surface 76. The housing recess 75 for each shim 70 is opened on the inner surface in the front-rear direction. The reference surface 75a for each housing recess 75 is located at the center of the shim 70 and is orthogonal to the axis of the shim 70. The inner inclined surface 75b for each housing 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 located more inward in the left-right direction.

[0052] The outer inclined surface 76 for each shim 70 is formed at the upper portion of the inner surface of the shim 70 in the front-rear direction. Each outer inclined surface 76 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane so as to be located more downward as it is located more inward in the front-rear direction.

[0053] <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 two of the front side are shown in FIG. 6) that the lid 30 has, and groove portions 77 that each shim 70 has.

[0054] More specifically, each protrusion 49 protrudes outward in the front-rear direction from a position outside the elongated holes 48 in the left-right direction of the front and rear support plate portions 46. Each protrusion 49 pivots around the pivot axis 54 as the lid 30 rotates.

[0055] Each groove portion 77 is formed in an arc shape centered on the reference plane 75a of the accommodation 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.

[0056] <Configuration on the second surface 41 side of the lid 30> As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lid 30 has a bottomed rectangular box-shaped second storage portion 81 provided with an opening 80 on a second surface 41 which is one surface in the thickness direction of the lid 30, and a rectangular plate-shaped lid 82 for opening and closing the opening 80. The lid 82 is attached to the lid body 31 via a hinge portion 83 on the right side of the opening 80. The lid 82 is configured to be rotatable between a first position (the position shown in FIG. 14) for closing the opening 80 and a second position (the position shown in FIG. 13) for opening the opening 80 with the hinge portion 83 as the rotation center.

[0057] A locking claw 84 is formed at an end of the lid 82 on the side opposite to the hinge portion 83 side. A locking recess 85 for locking the locking claw 84 to lock the lid 82 in the first position when the lid 82 is rotated to the first position is formed on the left side surface of the second storage portion 81 of the lid body 31. In the present embodiment, a second locking mechanism 86 for locking the lid 82 in the first position where the opening 80 is closed is constituted by the locking claw 84 and the locking recess 85. That is, the lid 30 has the second locking mechanism 86.

[0058] At the center in the front-rear direction of the left side of the opening 80 on the second surface 41, a semi-circular finger hook recess 87 for hooking a finger on the lid 82 when rotating the lid 82 at the first position to the second position is formed. On the back surface (inner surface) of the lid 82, a rectangular plate-shaped mirror 88 is provided.

[0059] Note that when a force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied toward the second position by hanging a finger on the lid 82 that is locked in the first position by the second locking mechanism 86, the locking state by the second locking mechanism 86 is released. That is, when a force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied toward the second position by hanging a finger on the lid 82 that is locked in the first position, the locking claw 84 is elastically deformed and the locking state of the locking claw 84 by the locking recess 85 is released.

[0060] Next, the operation of the console box 10 will be described. <When none of the operation parts 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 is pushed in, the outer portions in the left-right direction of the left and right operation parts 65 protrude from the entrance / exit part 62. In this case, the respective shims 70 biased inward in the front-rear direction by the second spring 74 contact the bottom of the recess 47 in the support plate part 46 and are held in the connection position.

[0061] 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 the 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.

[0062] The pinion gears 55 of the respective rotation shafts 54 mesh with the outer portions in the left-right direction of the rack gear 45. 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.

[0063] At this time, if an article is stored in the first storage section 20, the lid 30 holds the article in the stored state. Also, the box body 11 and the lid 30 have a shape that allows the lid 30 to 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.

[0064] Therefore, at this time, as shown in FIG. 12, if the lid 30 is in the 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.

[0065] <When one of the operation portions 65 is pushed in> As shown in FIG. 10, when either one of the pair of operation portions 65 is pushed inward in the left - right direction against the biasing force of the first spring 68, a force is applied to the rotating 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 rotating 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 rotating shaft 54 can move inward in the left - right direction along the long holes 48 of the respective front - rear support plate portions 46. Therefore, in response to the pushing operation of the operation portion 65, the rotating shaft 54 rotates and moves inward in the left - right direction.

[0066] With the above movement of the rotating shaft 54, the respective front - 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, the respective front - rear shims 70 are pushed against the biasing force of the second spring 74 and move outward in the front - rear direction. The moving direction of the shim 70 at this time is the direction away from the rotating shaft 54 in the front - rear direction.

[0067] Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when each of the front and rear shims 70 moves to the removal position, each of the front and rear pin portions 56 comes 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 first lock mechanism 60 is released.

[0068] The rotation shaft 54 corresponding to the operation portion 65 that has not been pushed in continues to be connected to the support wall portion 21 (box body 11). Therefore, the lid 30 is in a state where it can rotate upward about the rotation shaft 54 corresponding to the operation portion 65 on the side where the push-in operation has not been performed.

[0069] When the lock is released and the operation portion 65 is no longer pushed in, the first spring 68 corresponding to the operation portion 65 releases the stored biasing force. By this released biasing force, the operation portion 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 on the front and rear sides of the rotation shaft 54 roll outward in the left-right direction on the engaged rack gear 45.

[0070] With the above movement, the outer portions of the operation portion 65 in the left-right direction protrude outward in the same direction from the entrance / exit portion 62 of the operation base 61. The movement of the operation portion 65 and the rotation of the rotation shaft 54 stop when each of the front and rear pin portions 56 contacts the outer end portions of the long hole 48 in the left-right direction.

[0071] Also, in each of the front and rear support wall portions 21, the biasing force stored in the second spring 74 is released. By this released biasing force, each shim 70 moves inward in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 9. The movement of each shim 70 is restricted by each locking portion 72 being locked to the peripheral portion of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim accommodation portion 22.

[0072] <When both operation portions 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 operation as <when one of the operation units 65 is pushed in> described above is performed on both of the rotation shafts 54. Then, when the pair of rotation shafts 54 come out of the corresponding housing 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.

[0073] When the lock is released and the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11 so that the two operation units 65 cannot be pushed in, the following occurs. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in the lid 30, each operation unit 65 is moved outward in the left - right direction along with the rotation shaft 54 by the biasing force of each of the left and right first springs 68. The outer portions of each operation unit 65 in the left - right direction protrude outward in the same direction from the entrance / exit portion 62 of the operation base 6l.

[0074] Also, in each of the front - rear support wall portions 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 fact that each locking portion 72 is locked to the peripheral portion of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim housing portion 22.

[0075] <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 portions 56 of each of the left and right rotation shafts 54 come into contact with the outer inclined surfaces 76 of each of the front - rear shims 70.

[0076] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer inclined surface 76 for each shim 70 is inclined such that the inner side in the front-rear direction is located lower. 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 axis 54 in the front-rear direction.

[0077] Then, when the pin portion 56 of each rotation axis 54 passes through the outer inclined surface 76 and descends to the central portion 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 and rear pin portions 56 of each rotation axis 54 enter the accommodation recess 75 of the shim 70, the rotation axis 54 is connected to the box body 11.

[0078] Next, the operation when the lid 30 is used as a small-item container will be described. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the lid 30 is used as a small-item container, first, the lid 82 is rotated from the first position to the second position to expose the opening 80 of the second storage portion 81. Subsequently, the small item to be stored is put into the second storage portion 81 through the opening 80. Then, the lid 82 is rotated from the second position to the first position to close the opening 80 of the second storage portion 81. At this time, the lid 82 is locked by the second locking mechanism 86.

[0079] When the lid 30 is used as a small-item container in a state where it is attached to the box body 11, the lid 30 is attached to the box body 11 with the second surface 41 facing upward. When it is not necessary to take small items in and out of the second storage portion 81 of the lid 30 for a long time, the lid 30 may be attached to the box body 11 with the first surface 34 facing upward. When the lid 30 is used as a small-item container in a state where it is removed from the box body 11, the lid 30 functions as a portable small-item container.

[0080] At this time, when the small item stored in the second storage portion 81 is a cosmetic tool, the lid 30 functions as a portable cosmetic pouch. In this case, when the lid 82 is rotated from the first position to the second position to expose the opening 80 of the second storage portion 81, the mirror 88 provided on the back surface of the lid 82 appears. Therefore, since the mirror 88 can be immediately used just by opening the lid 82 (rotating it to the second position), it is convenient for applying makeup or touch-up.

[0081] <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 first storage portion 20 provided with an upper opening 14, a lid 30 detachably connected to the box body 11 to open and close the upper opening 14, a first locking mechanism 60 for locking the lid 30 in a state where the upper opening 14 is closed, and an operation portion 65 that, when operated, releases the locked state of the lid 30 by the first locking mechanism 60. The lid 30 has, on the second surface 41, a second storage portion 81 provided with an opening 80 and a lid 82 for opening and closing the opening 80.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the upper opening 14 of the first storage portion 20 is opened and closed by rotating the lid 30 connected to the box body 11. Further, the upper opening 14 is opened when the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11.

[0083] When the upper opening 14 is opened, it becomes possible to store an article outside the first storage portion 20 into the first storage portion 20 through the upper opening 14. Also, it becomes possible to take out an article stored in the first storage portion 20 to the outside of the first storage portion 20 through the upper opening 14.

[0084] Particularly, when the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11 and the upper opening 14 is thus opened, it becomes easier to take items in and out through the upper opening 14. When the lid 30 is rotated with the lid 30 connected to the box body 11 and the upper opening 14 is opened, the lid 30 is present at a location close to the upper opening 14. For this reason, the lid may interfere with the taking in and out of items. 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.

[0085] Also, when the upper opening 14 is closed by the lid 30 with an item stored in the first storage portion 20, the lid 30 holds the item in the stored state. In this way, the console box 10 exhibits a general function of storing an item in the first storage portion 20.

[0086] On the other hand, the lid 30 has a second storage portion 81 on a second surface 41 which is one surface in the thickness direction of the lid 30. For this reason, in addition to the first storage portion 20, it is also possible to store an item in the second storage portion 81.

[0087] Further, when the locking state of the lid 30 by the first locking mechanism 60 is released by operating the operation portion 65 and the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11, it becomes possible to carry the lid 30 provided with the second storage portion 81 to a location away from the box body 11. For this reason, the lid 30 can be used as a portable case.

[0088] (2) In the console box 10, the lid 30 has a second locking mechanism 86 that locks the lid 82 in a state where the opening 80 is closed. According to the above configuration, by locking the lid 82 in a state where the opening 80 of the second storage portion 81 is closed by the second locking mechanism 86, it is possible to prevent the lid 82 from unexpectedly opening.

[0089] (3) In the console box 10, the lid 30 includes a lid body 31, a pair of rotation shafts 54 that extend in a direction orthogonal to the width direction at both sides in the width direction of the lid body 31 and connect the lid body 31 to the box body 11, and a pair of operation parts 65 that are provided corresponding to the pair of rotation shafts 54 respectively as members constituting a part of the first locking mechanism 60 and, when operated, release the connection state between the rotation shaft 54 and the box body 11 and are independent of each other. The lid 30 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 54 that corresponds to the other non-operated one and is connected to the box body 11 when one of the pair of operation parts 65 is operated.

[0090] According to the above configuration, by operating one of the pair of operation parts 65, the lid 30 can be opened from one side in the width direction, and by operating the other, the lid 30 can be opened from the other side in the width direction. That is, the lid 30 can be opened from either side in the width direction. Therefore, the usability when opening and closing the lid 30 can be improved.

[0091] (4) In the console box 10, a first surface 34, which is one surface of the lid 30, is constituted by a skin 37. According to the above configuration, the appearance of the lid 30 can be improved by the skin 37.

[0092] (5) In the console box 10, a mirror 88 is provided on the back surface of the lid 82. According to the above configuration, when cosmetic tools are stored as small items in the second storage part 81 of the lid 30, since the mirror 88 is provided on the back surface of the lid 82, the mirror 88 can be immediately used when applying or retouching makeup with the cosmetic tools.

[0093] <Modification example> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. Also, the above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0094] · 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. Furthermore, the shape of the upper opening 14 may be changed to a shape different from the rectangular shape.

[0095] · The pair of rotation axes 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 axes 54 may be omitted, and the lid 30 may be changed to a type that opens on one side. In this case, the first locking mechanism 60 corresponding to the rotation axis 54 that has been omitted also becomes the object of omission.

[0096] · For the rotation axis 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 rotatably connect the lid body 31 to the box body 11. Therefore, the rotation axis 54 may be entirely in a shaft - like shape as in the first embodiment. Also, the intermediate portion of the rotation axis 54 in the front - rear direction does not necessarily have to be in a shaft - like shape.

[0097] · The first 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 rotation axis 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 cylindrical first end and a second shaft portion having a cylindrical second end. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion are urged in a direction away from each other in the front - rear direction by a spring provided between them.

[0098] On the other hand, in each of the front and rear support wall portions 21 of the box body 11, instead of the shim housing portion 22, a bottomed cylindrical bearing portion is provided. In each bearing portion, the above - mentioned first end and second end for each rotation axis 54 are respectively accommodated. By each bearing portion, the first end and the second end are respectively rotatably supported.

[0099] Furthermore, between the operation unit 65 and the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, an interlocking 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 unit 65 in the left-right direction.

[0100] Even in this case, by pushing in the operation unit 65, the first end and the second end can be respectively pulled out from the bearing portion, and the connection state between the rotation shaft 54 and the support wall portion 21 (box main body 11) can be released.

[0101] ·A configuration may be adopted in which the lid 30 can be removed from the box main body 11 even if both of the pair of operation units 65 are not operated simultaneously. For example, one operation unit 65 is operated to release the connection state between the corresponding rotation shaft 54 and the support wall portion 21. After the release, the other operation unit 65 is operated to release the connection state between the corresponding rotation shaft 54 and the support wall portion 21. Then, the connection states between both rotation shafts 54 and the support wall portion 21 are both released, and the lid 30 becomes removable.

[0102] ·The operation unit 65 is not limited to being pushed inward in the left-right direction, and may be a lever type provided so as to be tiltable. In this case, the operation unit 65 may be provided on the box main body 11 instead of the lid main body 31. Between the operation unit 65 and the rotation shaft 54, a conversion mechanism is provided that converts the force applied to tilt the operation unit 65 into a force that moves the rotation shaft 54 inward in the left-right direction.

[0103] ·The mirror 88 may be omitted. ·At least one of the first surface 34 and the second surface 41 of the lid 30 may be constituted by the skin 37. That is, only the first surface 34 of the lid 30 may be constituted by the skin 37 as in the above embodiment, only the second surface 41 of the lid 30 may be constituted by the skin 37, or both the first surface 34 and the second surface 41 of the lid 30 may be constituted by the skin 37.

[0104] ·The second locking mechanism 86 may be omitted. · The second storage part 81 may store, for example, an emergency kit, a cooking set for camping, fishing supplies, etc.

[0105] · The lid 82 may be of a double - door type or a slide type. · The lid 82 may be configured to be detachable from the lid body 31.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0106] 10… Console box 11… Box body 12… Box part 13… Support part 14… Upper opening 15… First side 16… Second side 17… Frame part 18… First wall part 19… Second wall part 20… First storage part 21… Support wall part 22… Shim storage part 23… Insertion hole 24… Locking hole 25… Rotation restricting groove part 30… Lid 31… Lid body 32… Operation hole 33… First half - body 34… First surface 35… Base material 36… Cushion layer 37… Epidermis 38,42… Side wall part 38a,42a… Notch part 39… Second half - body 41… Second surface 43… Front wall part 44… Rear wall part 45… Rack gear 46… Support plate part 47… Recess 48… Long hole 49… Protrusion 54… Rotation shaft 55… Pinion gear 56… Pin part 57… Housing 60… First locking mechanism 61… Operating base 62… Entrance / exit part 64, 66… Spring receiving part 65… Operating part 67… Bearing part 68… First spring 70… Shim 71… Shaft part 72… Locking part 73… Rotation restricting protrusion 74… Second spring 75… Accommodation recess 75a… Reference plane 75b… Inner inclined surface 76… Outer inclined surface 77… Groove part 78… Rotation range regulating part 80… Opening 81… Second storage part 82… Lid 83… Hinge part 84… Locking claw 85… Locking recess 86… Second locking mechanism 87… Finger hook recess 88… Mirror

Claims

1. A box body having a first storage portion with an upper opening, a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening, a first locking mechanism for locking the lid in a state where the upper opening is closed, an operation portion that, when operated, releases the locked state of the lid by the first locking mechanism, and comprising: The lid has a second storage portion provided with an opening on one surface in the thickness direction of the lid, and a lid for opening and closing the opening. The console box is characterized in that.

2. The console box according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a second locking mechanism for locking the lid in a state where the opening is closed.

3. The lid comprises a lid body, a pair of rotation shafts extending in a direction orthogonal to the width direction on both sides in the width direction of the lid body and connecting the lid body to the box body, and a pair of operation portions provided corresponding to the pair of rotation shafts respectively as members constituting a part of the first locking mechanism, and when operated, releasing the connection state between the rotation shaft and the box body and being independent of each other. The console box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when one of the pair of operation portions is operated, the other non-operated operation portion is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft connected to the box body.

4. The console box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one surface of the lid is constituted by a skin.

5. The console box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a mirror is provided on the back surface of the lid.

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