console box

Abstract

To provide a console box which enables a lid to be removed from a box body to supply electric power to an electronic apparatus in addition to storing articles in a storage part.SOLUTION: A console box includes: a box body having a storage part provided with an upper opening; and a lid 30 which is removably connected to the box body and opens or closes the upper opening. The lid 30 is removed from the box body to open the upper opening. A battery 80 which is electrically connected to an electronic apparatus A and supplies electric power to the electronic apparatus A is stored within the lid 30. The battery 80 has: a power storage part 82 which stores electric power supplied from an outside; and a transmission part 83 which transmits the electric power stored in the power storage part 82 to the electronic apparatus A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a double-door console box. This console box includes a box body with a storage compartment, a lid that opens and closes the opening of the storage compartment, and an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the lid around two left and right pivot shafts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-82926 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, as user needs have become more diverse, there has been a demand for console boxes that not only provide the general function of storing items in a storage compartment, but also add various other functions to meet these needs. For example, it is conceivable that the lid can be detached from the box body and used alone to fulfill the functions required. However, such a console box has not yet been provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various aspects of the console box for solving the above problems will be described below. [Mode 1] A console box comprising a box body having a storage section with an upper opening, and a lid that is removably connected to the box body to open and close the upper opening, wherein the lid opens the upper opening when removed from the box body, and a battery is housed inside the lid that is electrically connected to an electronic device and supplies power to the electronic device, and the battery has a storage section that stores power supplied from the outside and a transmission section that transmits the power stored in the storage section to the electronic device.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the top opening of the storage section is opened and closed by, for example, rotating or sliding the lid connected to the box body, and the top opening is also opened when the lid is detached from the box body.

[0007] When the top opening is opened, items outside the storage unit can be stored in the storage unit through the top opening, and items stored in the storage unit can be removed from the storage unit through the top opening.

[0008] In particular, when the top opening is opened by removing the lid from the box body, it becomes easier to put items in and take them out through the top opening. When the lid is operated while connected to the box body to open the top opening, the lid is located near the top opening. This can sometimes hinder putting items in and taking them out. In contrast, when the lid is removed, the lid is not located near the top opening.

[0009] In addition, when the lid closes the upper opening while items are stored in the storage compartment, the lid keeps the items stored in the storage compartment. In this way, the console box performs the general function of storing items in the storage compartment.

[0010] On the other hand, when power is supplied from an external source to the battery housed inside the lid, the power is stored in the power storage unit. When the electronic device is electrically connected to the battery, the power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the electronic device by the power transmission unit. The supplied power can operate the electronic device and enable the electronic device to perform its functions. Furthermore, if the electronic device has a power storage unit, the supplied power can be stored in the power storage unit.

[0011] Furthermore, when the amount of power remaining in the power storage unit (remaining power storage capacity) decreases as power is supplied to electronic devices, it is possible to increase the remaining power storage capacity by storing power supplied from outside the battery in the power storage unit.

[0012] Furthermore, when the lid is disconnected from the box body and removed from the box body, the lid containing the battery can be carried to a location away from the box body. In this case, the battery can function as a mobile battery that supplies power to electronic devices while forming part of the lid.

[0013] [Aspect 2] The console box according to [Aspect 1], wherein the power transmission unit transmits the power stored in the power storage unit to the electronic device via contactless power supply. According to the above configuration, the power transmission unit of the battery transmits the power stored in the power storage unit to the electronic device via contactless power supply. Therefore, if the electronic device is compatible with contactless power supply and operates using the power stored in the power storage unit, it can receive the transmitted power without being connected to the battery via a cable, thereby improving convenience.

[0014] [Aspect 3] A console box according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], wherein the electronic device is incorporated into the lid. According to the above configuration, the lid includes, as a part of itself, the battery and an electronic device electrically connected to the battery. In this case, the battery functions as a power source for the electronic device. The electronic device operates using power transmitted from the power transmission unit of the battery and performs its own functions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the console box, in addition to being able to store items in the storage section, the lid can be removed from the box body to supply power to electronic devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the console box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a box portion in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a support portion, a shim, and a second spring in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a front part of a support part, a shim, and a second spring in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a rear portion of a support portion, a shim, and a second spring in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lid in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of the lid in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of an upper part of the console box in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper part of the console box taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 and is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper part of the console box when the operating portion is pressed. [Figure 11] 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper part of the console box taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper part of the console box taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a mobile terminal is placed on a second surface of the lid detached from the box body and power is supplied to the mobile terminal in a contactless manner in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a mobile terminal is placed on a second surface of the lid detached from the box body and power is supplied to the mobile terminal in a contactless manner in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a lid incorporating a speaker in addition to a battery, according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of a lid incorporating a warmer as an electronic device, together with a lunch box to be kept warm. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a lid incorporating a cooler as an electronic device, together with a beverage container to be kept cool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the console box will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0018] In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is referred to as the front, and the backward direction is referred to as the rear. Furthermore, the up-down direction refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction refers to the width direction of the vehicle, which corresponds to the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0019] Here, in order to identify the position of the console box 10 in each of the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions, the center of the console box 10 in each direction is used as a reference. Of the directions, directions or sides approaching the center are referred to as "inner," "inner side," "inside," etc., and directions or sides moving away from the center are referred to as "outer," "outside," "outside," etc.

[0020] 1 shows the main part of a console box 10. The console box 10 constitutes a part of a center console disposed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat inside the vehicle.

[0021] 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 regulating portion 78 (see FIG. 11). Next, each portion constituting the console box 10 will be described.

[0022] <Box body 11> 2 and 3, the box body 11 includes a box section 12 that has an open top and a bottom, and a support section 13 that is disposed above the box section 12. The box section 12 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the front-to-rear direction than in the left-to-right direction.

[0023] The support portion 13 has a structure that is symmetrical in the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction. Therefore, hereinafter, the structure of one side of the support portion 13 in the front-rear direction will be described, and a description of the structure of the other side will be omitted. Also, the structure of one side of the support portion 13 in the left-right direction will be described, and a description of the structure of the other side will be omitted. These points are not limited to the support portion 13, but are similarly applicable to other members that make up the console box 10.

[0024] The lower part of the support part 13 is formed by a rectangular frame part 17. The space surrounded by the frame part 17 and the internal space of the box part 12 form a storage part 20 for storing small items and other articles. Of this storage part 20, the space surrounded by the frame part 17 forms an upper opening 14 of the storage part 20. The upper opening 14 has a rectangular shape, which is one embodiment of a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0025] 3, the frame 17 includes a pair of first walls 18 extending in the front-rear direction while being spaced apart and parallel to each other in the left-right direction, and a pair of second walls 19 extending in the front-rear direction while being spaced apart and parallel to each other in the front-rear direction. Each end in the left-right direction of the front second wall 19 is connected to the front end of the adjacent first wall 18. Each end in the left-right direction of the rear second wall 19 is connected to the rear end of the adjacent first wall 18.

[0026] Support walls 21 extend upward from the front and rear second wall portions 19. A shim accommodating portion 22 is opened on the inner surface of each support wall portion 21 in the front-rear direction. The shim accommodating portions 22 are provided on both left-right sides of each support wall portion 21. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , each shim accommodating portion 22 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. Each shim accommodating portion 22 has an insertion hole 23, a pair of locking holes 24, and a rotation restricting groove 25. The insertion hole 23 of each shim accommodating portion 22 penetrates the center of the bottom of the shim accommodating portion 22. The pair of locking holes 24 of each shim accommodating portion 22 are located on both left-right sides of the insertion hole 23 in the shim accommodating portion 22. The rotation restricting groove 25 extends in the front-rear direction while protruding radially outward from a portion of the outer periphery of the shim accommodating portion 22.

[0027] <Lid 30> The lid 30 is detachably connected to the box body 11. When connected to the box body 11, the lid 30 is rotatable between a closed position, in which the top opening 14 is closed, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 12, and a fully open position, in which the lid 30 is in an upright position and fully opens the top opening 14, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12. In other words, the lid 30 opens and closes the top opening 14 by rotating between the closed position and the fully open position. The lid 30 in a state in which the top opening 14 is closed will be described below.

[0028] <Basic structure of Lid 30> As shown in FIG. 6, the lid 30 includes a lid main body 31, a pair of support plate portions 46, and a pair of pivot shafts 54. The lid main body 31 has a shape and size that allows it to close the upper opening 14 from above (see FIG. 12). The thickness direction of the lid main body 31 is the up-down direction. The lid main 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 connected to the first half body 33. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates the lid 30 in a state where the first half body 33 is located above the second half body 39. Also, FIG. 15 illustrates the lid 30 in a state where the second half body 39 is located above the first half body 33.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 8, the first half 33 includes a base material 35 made of a hard resin material, a cushion layer 36 made of a foam and laminated on the base material 35, and a skin 37 laminated on the cushion layer 36. A portion of the skin 37 that forms one side surface in the thickness direction of the lid 30 constitutes a first surface 34 of the lid 30. At least a portion of the first surface 34 has an armrest surface. In the first embodiment, the entire first surface 34 constitutes the armrest surface.

[0030] The entire second half 39 is formed from a hard resin material. The second half 39 has a recess 40 that opens outward in the thickness direction (see FIG. 12). The surface of the second half 39 that is opposite (backside of) the first surface 34 in the thickness direction forms a second surface 41 of the lid 30. The portion of the second surface 41 that is within the recess 40 serves as a tray surface.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, a notch 38a is formed in the front of each of both left-right side wall portions 38 of the first half body 33. A notch 42a is also formed in the front of each of both left-right side wall portions 42 of the second half body 39. When the second half body 39 is joined to the first half body 33, the notches 38a, 42a form the operation hole 32 (see Fig. 9).

[0032] 6, the pair of support plate portions 46 are disposed on both outer sides in the front-rear direction of the lid main body 31. The front support plate portion 46 is attached to the front wall portion 43 of the second half body 39, and the rear support plate portion 46 is attached to the rear wall portion 44 of the second half body 39.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, the box body 11 and the lid 30 have a shape that allows the lid 30 to be detached and attached to the box body 11 regardless of whether the lid 30 is in a position with the first surface 34 or the second surface 41 facing upward.

[0034] The pair of pivot shafts 54 have the function of pivotably connecting the lid main body 31 to the box main body 11. As shown in Fig. 6, the pivot shafts 54 extend parallel to each other in the front-rear direction on both sides of the lid main body 31 in the left-right direction.

[0035] The lid 30 is rotatable about a selected one of the two rotation shafts 54 between the closed position and the fully open position. A pinion gear 55 is formed on the outer periphery of each of the rotation shafts 54 at both ends in the front-to-rear direction. Rack gears 45 are formed on both left-to-right sides of the front wall portion 43 and the rear wall portion 44 of the second half body 39. The pinion gear 55 at the front end of each rotation shaft 54 ​​meshes with the rack gear 45 of the front wall portion 43, and the pinion gear 55 at the rear end of each rotation shaft 54 ​​meshes 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, located further outward in the same direction than the pinion gear 55. Recesses 47 recessed inward in the front-rear direction are formed on both left and right sides of each of the front and rear support plates 46. A long hole 48 extending in the left-right direction is formed at the bottom of each recess 47, penetrating the support plate 46. The pin portion 56 of each rotating shaft 54 ​​is inserted into the long hole 48.

[0037] The lid 30 can rotate integrally with either one of the rotation shafts 54. The pinion gear 55 can roll on the rack gear 45. Each elongated hole 48 allows the pin portion 56 to move left and right, and also defines the range of movement of the pin portion 56 in the same direction.

[0038] <Housing 57> 1 and 8, the housing 57 accommodates the box body 11 with the top and side surfaces of the lid 30 exposed. Note that only a portion of the housing 57 is shown in FIG.

[0039] <Lock mechanism 60> 9 and 10, the locking mechanism 60 has the function of locking the lid 30 in a state in which the upper opening 14 is closed (closed position) and also of unlocking the lid 30. The locking mechanism 60 also has the function of switching between a connected state in which each rotating shaft 54 ​​is connected to the box body 11 and a disconnected state.

[0040] The unlocked state includes the following two states: The state in which both the left and right rotating shafts 54 are disconnected from the box body 11. A state in which the connection of one of the rotating shafts 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 Figures 7 to 9, an operation base 61 is attached to each of the left and right sides of the front portion inside the lid 30. A gate-shaped entrance / exit portion 62 is formed on the outer side of each of the left and right operation bases 61 in the same direction. The entrance / exit portion 62 for each operation base 61 is arranged in the operation hole 32 of the lid main body 31. A spring receiving portion 64 is formed on the inner side of each operation base 61 in the left and right direction.

[0042] An operating unit 65 is disposed on each operation base 61 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction through the entrance / exit portion 62. The left and right operating units 65 (a pair of operating units 65) are provided on the lid 30 as components constituting part of the locking mechanism 60. The left and right operating units 65 are provided independently of each other and correspond to the left and right rotating shafts 54 (a pair of rotating shafts 54), respectively. A spring bearing portion 66 is formed on the inner side of each operating unit 65 in the left-right direction, facing the spring bearing portion 64. A first spring 68 is disposed between the spring bearing portions 64, 66 in a state compressed in the left-right direction. The first spring 68 constantly biases each operating unit 65 outward in the left-right direction. An arc-shaped bearing portion 67 with an open top is formed on both sides of each operating unit 65 in the front-rear direction. Each rotating shaft 54 ​​is rotatably supported by the operating unit 65 by the bearing portions 67.

[0043] In the first 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.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, a shim 70 is housed in each of the left and right shim housing portions 22 of each support wall portion 21. Each shim 70 is attached to the support wall portion 21 in a state in which it is movable in the front-rear direction but its rotation is restricted. Each shim 70 has the function of removably connecting the end of the corresponding rotation shaft 54 ​​to the box main body 11. Furthermore, when the end of the corresponding rotation shaft 54 ​​is connected to the box main body 11, each shim 70 has the function of rotatably supporting the rotation shaft 54.

[0045] 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 in the center 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. The pair of locking portions 72 of each shim 70 are formed on both 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 radially outward from a portion of the outer periphery 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.

[0046] Each shim 70 is configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction between a connection position where it contacts the bottom of the recess 47 in the support plate portion 46, as shown in Figure 9, and a removal position set at a location spaced outward in the front-to-rear direction from the connection position, as shown in Figure 10.

[0047] 4 and 5, the shaft portion 71, the pair of locking portions 72, and the rotation restricting protrusion 73 of each shim 70 function to guide the movement of the shim 70 in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of locking portions 72 also function to prevent the shim 70 from falling out of the shim accommodating portion 22 inward in the front-to-rear direction. This function is achieved by each locking portion 72 being locked to the periphery of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim accommodating portion 22.

[0048] A second spring 74 is disposed in a state compressed in the front-rear direction between the inner bottom surface of each shim accommodating portion 22 in each of the front and rear support walls 21 and the shim 70. The second spring 74 constantly biases each shim 70 inward in the front-rear direction.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, each shim 70 has an accommodating recess 75 having a reference surface 75a and an inner inclined surface 75b, and an outer inclined surface 76. The accommodating recess 75 of each shim 70 is open on its inner surface in the front-to-rear direction. The reference surface 75a of each accommodating recess 75 is located at the center of the shim 70 and is perpendicular to the axis of the shim 70. The inner inclined surface 75b of each accommodating recess 75 is located inward in the left-to-right direction from 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 that the inner side in the left-to-right direction is positioned more inward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0050] The outer inclined surface 76 of each shim 70 is formed on the upper part 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 that the outer inclined surface 76 is positioned lower toward the inside in the front-rear direction.

[0051] <Pivot range determining unit 78> The rotation range limiting portion 78 is a portion that limits the rotation range of the lid 30 so that the lid 30 can rotate between the closed position and the fully open position. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 11, the rotation range limiting portion 78 includes four protrusions 49 (only the two front ones are shown in Figure 6) that the lid 30 has and grooves 77 that each shim 70 has.

[0052] More specifically, each protrusion 49 is a left or right recess 47 in each support plate portion 46, and protrudes outward in the front-rear direction from a position that is outward in the left-right direction from the long hole 48. Each protrusion 49 moves (pivots) around the axis of the rotation shaft 54 ​​as the lid 30 rotates.

[0053] Each groove 77 has an arc shape centered on the reference surface 75a of the accommodation recess 75. Each groove 77 is open on the inner surface of the shim 70 in the front-to-rear direction. Each protrusion 49 is inserted into the corresponding groove 77. Each protrusion 49 is movable circumferentially along the groove 77. When each protrusion 49 moves to one end of the groove 77 in the circumferential direction, the lid 30 is positioned at the closed position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 11. When each protrusion 49 moves to the other end of the groove 77 in the circumferential direction, the lid 30 is positioned at the fully open position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11.

[0054] <Battery 80> Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, etc., a battery 80 is accommodated inside the lid main body 31. The battery 80 constitutes part of a power supply system that supplies power to the electronic device A, and is fixed to the lid main body 31 by screw fastening or other methods. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the first embodiment, the electronic device A is a mobile terminal 86, which is a portable communication device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a wearable device. A smartphone is a portable telephone terminal that has many functions in addition to the calling function of a mobile phone. A smartphone has, for example, an imaging function using a camera and a web information display function like a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a "PC"). A wearable device is a device that is attached to a living body such as a human body, and typical examples are so-called wearable terminals such as a smart watch and smart glasses.

[0055] Although not shown, the mobile terminal 86 has a CPU, memory, a display, an input device, a communication device, etc. As shown in Fig. 13, the mobile terminal 86 has a built-in power storage unit 87 made up of a secondary battery, and is configured to perform its own functions using this power storage unit 87 as a power source. Power supplied to the mobile terminal 86 from the battery 80 is stored in this power storage unit 87.

[0056] The battery 80 includes a power receiving unit 81, a power storage unit 82, a power transmitting unit 83, and a control unit 84. The power receiving unit 81 is connected to an external power source 85 via a connector, a cable, etc., and receives power supplied from the external power source 85. In the first embodiment, an in-vehicle battery is used as the external power source 85. The external power source 85 and the electronic device A, together with the battery 80, configure a power supply system.

[0057] The power storage unit 82 is configured by a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The power transmission unit 83 transmits (supplies) a portion of the power stored in the power storage unit 82 to the mobile terminal 86. The control unit 84 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). The control unit 84 controls the transmission (supply) of power from the power transmission unit 83 to the mobile terminal 86. The control unit 84 also controls the storage of power received through the power receiving unit 81 in the power storage unit 82 based on the charge state of the power storage unit 82.

[0058] Power is supplied from the power transmission unit 83 of the battery 80 to the mobile terminal 86 by a contactless (wireless) power transmission method that can transmit power without using metal contacts, connectors, etc. This method is also called contactless power supply or contactless power transmission. In the first embodiment, an electromagnetic induction type of contactless power transmission is used, which is a type of non-radiative method that can be used in a relatively short range. The power transmission unit 83 of the battery 80 includes a power transmission coil as a primary coil that generates a magnetic field (magnetic flux) when a current flows through it. The power transmission coil is located inside the lid main body 31, close to the second surface 41 of the lid main body 31.

[0059] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 86 includes a power receiving coil as a secondary coil. When the mobile terminal 86 is placed on the second surface 41 and the power receiving coil is brought close to the power transmitting coil, the two coils are electromagnetically coupled and the magnetic field is converted into electric power. The converted electric power is stored in the power storage unit 87 of the mobile terminal 86.

[0060] As a contactless power supply method, a magnetic field resonance method, an electric field coupling method, a radio wave receiving method, or the like may be used instead of the electromagnetic induction method described above. Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0061] <When none of the operation units 65 is pressed> As shown in FIG. 9 and the solid lines in FIG. 12, when the lid 30 is in the closed position and none of the operating units 65 are being pushed in, the outer portions of the operating units 65 in the left-right direction protrude from the entrance / exit portion 62. In this case, each shim 70, which is biased inward in the front-rear direction by the second spring 74, contacts the bottom of the recess 47 in the support plate portion 46 and is held in the connected position. The biasing force of the first spring 68, which biases each operating unit 65 outward in the left-right direction, is transmitted to the rotating shaft 54 ​​via the operating unit 65. The front and rear pin portions 56 of each rotating shaft 54 ​​contact the reference surface 75a of the storage recess 75. Each pin portion 56 is located at the outer end of the elongated hole 48 in the left-right direction. The pinion gear 55 of each rotating shaft 54 ​​meshes with the outer portion of the rack gear 45 in the left-right direction. The left and right rotating shafts 54 are connected to the front and rear support wall portions 21 via the front and rear shims 70. Therefore, the lid 30 is locked in the closed position, and the upper opening 14 is maintained in the closed state.

[0062] At this time, if an article is stored in the storage section 20, the lid 30 keeps the article stored therein. Furthermore, the box body 11 and the lid 30 have shapes that allow the lid 30 to be detached from and attached to the box body 11 regardless of whether the first surface 34 or the second surface 41 is facing upward.

[0063] 12, if the lid 30 is oriented with the first surface 34 facing upward, the first surface 34 can function as a place to rest your elbows. In other words, the lid 30 can function as an elbow rest (armrest).

[0064] Although not shown, if the lid 30 is oriented with the second surface 41 facing upward, the second surface 41 can function as a tray surface on which an article is placed. In other words, the lid 30 can function as a tray.

[0065] <When one of the operating parts 65 is pressed> 10 , when one of the pair of operating parts 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 part 67 to move it inward in the left-right direction. The front and rear pinion gears 55 of the rotating shaft 54 ​​are engaged with the rack gear 45, and are capable of rolling inward in the left-right direction. The front and rear pin parts 56 of the rotating shaft 54 ​​are capable of moving inward in the left-right direction along the elongated holes 48 of the front and rear support plate parts 46. Therefore, in response to the pushing operation of the operating part 65, the rotating shaft 54 ​​moves inward in the left-right direction while rotating.

[0066] As the pivot shaft 54 ​​moves as described above, the front and rear pins 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 that the inner side in the left-right direction is positioned more inward in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front and rear shims 70 are pushed against the biasing force of the second spring 74 and move outward in the front-rear direction. At this time, the movement direction of the shims 70 is a direction away from the pivot shaft 54 ​​in the front-rear direction.

[0067] 10, when the front and rear shims 70 move to the removal position, the front and rear pin portions 56 come out of the accommodation recesses 75. The connection state of the pivot shaft 54 ​​with the support wall portion 21 (box body 11) is released. In other words, the locking by the locking mechanism 60 is partially released.

[0068] The rotation shaft 54 ​​corresponding to the operation portion 65 that has not been pressed remains connected to the support wall portion 21 (box main body 11). Therefore, the lid 30 is rotated upward around the rotation shaft 54 ​​that remains connected to the support wall portion 21 as described above. As the lid 30 rotates, the upper opening 14 is opened, and items outside the storage section 20 can be stored in the storage section 20 through the upper opening 14. In addition, items stored in the storage section 20 can be removed to the outside of the storage section 20 through the upper opening 14.

[0069] When the operating portion 65 is no longer pressed in due to the unlocking, the first spring 68 corresponding to that operating portion 65 releases the biasing force it had been storing. This released biasing force moves the operating portion 65 outward in the left-right direction along with the rotating shaft 54, as shown in FIG. 9 . At this time, the pinion gears 55 on the front and rear of the rotating shaft 54 ​​roll outward in the left-right direction on the meshing rack gears 45. This prevents the rotating shaft 54 ​​from moving left-right while tilted relative to the front-to-rear direction. The rotating shaft 54 ​​moves smoothly left-right while maintaining a state parallel to the first wall portion 18 of the support portion 13.

[0070] As a result of the movement, the outer portions of the operating 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 movement of the operating unit 65 and the rotation of the rotation shaft 54 ​​are stopped when the front and rear pin portions 56 come into contact with the outer ends of the elongated holes 48 in the left-right direction.

[0071] Additionally, the biasing force stored in the second springs 74 is released at the front and rear support walls 21. This released biasing force causes each shim 70 to move inward in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in Figure 9. The movement of each shim 70 is restricted by each locking portion 72 being locked to the periphery of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim housing portion 22.

[0072] <When both operation units 65 are pressed simultaneously> Here, the left and right operating parts 65 are independent of each other. Therefore, when both of the pair of operating parts 65 are simultaneously pressed against the biasing force of the first spring 68, the same action as that when one of the operating parts 65 is pressed is performed on both of the rotation shafts 54.

[0073] Then, as the pair of pivot shafts 54 each come out of the corresponding accommodation recess 75, the connection between both of the pair of pivot shafts 54 and the box body 11 is released. With both releases, the lid 30 becomes removable from the box body 11.

[0074] When the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11, the upper opening 14 is opened. In this case, as in the above-described case where one of the operating parts 65 is pressed in, it becomes possible to store items outside the storage section 20 into the storage section 20 through the upper opening 14. It also becomes possible to remove items stored in the storage section 20 to the outside of the storage section 20 through the upper opening 14.

[0075] In particular, when the lid 30 is removed from the box body 11 to open the top opening 14, it becomes easier to put items in and take them out through the top opening 14. When the lid 30 is operated while connected to the box body 11 to open the top opening 14, the lid 30 is located near the top opening 14. The lid 30 may interfere with putting items in and taking them out. In contrast, when the lid 30 is removed, the lid 30 is not located near the top opening 14.

[0076] When the operation units 65 are no longer pressed in due to the unlocking, as shown in Fig. 9, the biasing forces of the left and right first springs 68 of the lid 30 cause each operation unit 65 to move outward in the left-right direction along with the rotation shaft 54. 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 61.

[0077] Furthermore, in each of the front and rear support walls 21, the shims 70 move inward in the front-to-rear direction due to the biasing force of each second spring 74. The movement of each shim 70 is restricted by each locking portion 72 being locked to the periphery of the corresponding locking hole 24 in the shim accommodating portion 22.

[0078] <When attaching the lid 30 to the box body 11> Here, the lid 30 that has been removed from the box body 11 can be attached to the box body 11 regardless of whether the lid 30 is in a position with the first surface 34 or the second surface 41 facing upward.

[0079] When the lid 30 is attached to the box body 11 with the vertical positional relationship between the first surface 34 and the second surface 41 reversed from that before the lid 30 was removed, the lid 30 is pressed against the box body 11 from above. At this time, the front and rear pin portions 56 of each of the left and right pivot shafts 54 contact the outer inclined surfaces 76 of the front and rear shims 70. As shown in FIG. 5 , the outer inclined surfaces 76 of each shim 70 are inclined so that they are positioned lower toward the center in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, each shim 70 is pushed against the biasing force of the second spring 74 and moves outward in the front-to-rear direction. At this time, the shim 70 moves in the front-to-rear direction away from the pivot shaft 54. When the pin portion 56 of each pivot shaft 54 ​​passes the outer inclined surfaces 76 and descends to the center of the shim 70, the shim 70, biased by the second spring 74, moves inward in the front-to-rear direction. When the front and rear pin portions 56 of each rotating shaft 54 ​​enter the accommodation recesses 75 of the shim 70, the rotating shafts 54 are connected to the box body 11. The console box 10 is in the same state as when none of the operating portions 65 are pressed in as described above.

[0080] <Power supply to mobile terminal 86> 13 , in the battery 80 housed in the lid main body 31, power supplied from an external power source 85 to a power receiving unit 81 is stored in a power storage unit 82 by a control unit 84 controlling the power receiving unit 81. When a mobile terminal 86 is electrically connected to the battery 80, the power stored in the power storage unit 82 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 86 by the control unit 84 controlling the power transmitting unit 83.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the power stored in the power storage unit 82 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 86 by contactless power supply. Therefore, when a mobile terminal 86 that supports contactless power supply is placed on the second surface 41 as shown in FIG. 14 and the power receiving coil is brought close to the power transmitting coil, the mobile terminal 86 is electrically connected to the battery 80. The two coils are electromagnetically coupled to convert the magnetic field into electric power. The converted electric power is stored in the power storage unit 87 of the mobile terminal 86.

[0082] Furthermore, when the amount of power remaining in the power storage unit 82 (remaining power storage capacity) becomes low due to the supply of power to the mobile terminal 86, the control unit 84 controls the power receiving unit 81, and the power supplied to the power receiving unit 81 from the external power source 85 is stored in the power storage unit 82.

[0083] Furthermore, when the lid 30 is detached from the box body 11, the lid 30 containing the battery 80 can be carried to a location away from the box body 11. In this case, the battery 80 can function as a mobile battery that supplies power to a power storage unit 87 of the mobile terminal 86 while constituting a part of the lid 30.

[0084] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the lid 30 that opens and closes the upper opening 14 of the storage section 20 is removably connected to the box body 11.

[0085] The lid 30 connected to the box body 11 is rotated about one of the rotation shafts 54 to open and close the upper opening 14. Also, the upper opening 14 is opened by removing the lid 30 from the box body 11.

[0086] When the upper opening 14 is opened, items outside the storage section 20 can be stored in the storage section 20 through the upper opening 14. Also, items stored in the storage section 20 can be taken out of the storage section 20 through the upper opening 14.

[0087] Furthermore, when the upper opening 14 is closed while an article is stored in the storage section 20, the lid 30 can keep the article stored therein. In this way, the console box 10 can perform the general function of storing items in the storage section 20.

[0088] In particular, when the top opening 14 is opened by removing the lid 30 from the box body 11, it becomes easier to take items in and out through the top opening 14. (1-2) In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the battery 80 is housed in the lid main body 31. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 13, power supplied from an external power source 85 can be stored in the power storage unit 82. When a mobile terminal 86 is electrically connected to the battery 80, the power stored in the power storage unit 82 can be transmitted from the power transmission unit 83 to the mobile terminal 86 and stored in the power storage unit 87.

[0089] When the remaining amount of stored power in the power storage unit 82 becomes low due to the supply of power to the mobile terminal 86, the remaining amount of stored power can be increased by storing power supplied from the external power source 85 in the power storage unit 82. 14 and 15, by removing the lid 30 from the box body 11, the lid body 31 can be carried together with the battery 80 to a location away from the box body 11. The lid 30 can function as a mobile battery. The mobile terminal 86 can be charged at a location away from the box body 11, even outside the vehicle.

[0090] (1-3) In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the power transmission unit 83 of the battery 80 can supply the power stored in the power storage unit 82 to the mobile terminal 86 by contactless power supply. Therefore, if the mobile terminal 86 is an electronic device A that supports contactless power supply and operates using the power stored in the power storage unit 82, the mobile terminal 86 can receive the transmitted power and store the power in the power storage unit 87 without being connected to the battery 80 by a cable. The mobile terminal 86 can be easily charged by placing the mobile terminal 86 on the second surface 41 of the lid main body 31 without having to worry about the connection state between the mobile terminal 86 and the battery 80. Furthermore, convenience is improved because there is no need to carry a cable.

[0091] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the console box 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0092] In the second embodiment, a speaker 91 is used as the electronic device A, and is incorporated into the lid main body 31. The speaker 91 is attached to the lid main body 31, for example, by being embedded in the front wall portion 43 and the front support plate portion 46 of the lid main body 31. While FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which a plurality of (three) speakers 91 are used, the number of speakers 91 is not particularly limited. The speaker 91 is a type of speaker known as a wireless speaker, a mobile speaker, a portable speaker, or the like. As shown in the power supply system of FIG. 17, the speaker 91 is electrically connected to a power transmission unit 83 of a battery 80 by a cable or the like. The speaker 91, together with an external power source 85 and the battery 80, constitutes a power supply system.

[0093] The speaker 91 is connected to a terminal such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal wirelessly according to a short-range communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and outputs sound corresponding to sound source data such as music data transmitted from the terminal. Note that the speaker 91 may be of a type that transmits and receives sound source data via a wireless LAN.

[0094] The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same elements as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

[0095] The lid 30 includes, as a part thereof, a speaker 91 electrically connected to the battery 80, in addition to the battery 80. The battery 80 functions as a power source for the speaker 91. The speaker 91 operates using power transmitted from a power transmission unit 83 of the battery 80, and performs its own functions. Here, the speaker 91 outputs sound corresponding to sound source data wirelessly communicated from the terminal.

[0096] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same effect as (1-1) above, the following effect is also obtained. (2-1) In the second embodiment, a speaker 91 is incorporated into the lid 30. A battery 80 is electrically connected to the speaker 91, and power is supplied from the battery 80 to the speaker 91. Therefore, it is possible to output sound corresponding to sound source data transmitted from a terminal such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. This effect can be obtained whether the lid 30 is attached to the box body 11 or detached from the box body 11. In particular, when the lid 30 is detached from the box body 11 and taken outside the vehicle, sound source data such as music data recorded in the terminal can be heard as sound output from the speaker 91.

[0097] The above-described embodiment can also be implemented as a modified example in which the embodiment is modified as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modified example can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where no technical contradiction occurs.

[0098] <Common features of the first and second embodiments> The upper opening 14 may be formed in a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the shape of the upper opening 14 may be changed to a shape other than rectangular, provided that it remains rectangular. Furthermore, the shape of the upper opening 14 may be changed to a shape other than rectangular.

[0099] The second half 39 may have the same layer structure as the first half 33. That is, the second half 39 may include a base material made of a hard resin material, a cushion layer made of a foam and laminated on the base material, and a skin laminated on the cushion layer.

[0100] Similarly to the second half body 39, the entire first half body 33 may be made of a hard resin material. At least one of the first half body 33 and the second half body 39 may have a layered structure including a base material formed from a hard resin material and a skin layered directly on the base material without a cushioning layer in between.

[0101] The second half body 39 may have only one recess 40 (see FIG. 12), or may have multiple recesses 40. Furthermore, the recess 40 may be omitted from the second half body 39. In this case, neither the first surface 34 nor the second surface 41 has a recess 40, and the appearances are similar to each other, but the first surface 34 and the second surface 41 may have different design tones.

[0102] The pair of rotation shafts 54 may be disposed so as to extend in the left-right direction instead of the front-rear direction. One of the pair of pivot shafts 54 may be omitted, so that the lid 30 opens only one way. In this case, the locking mechanism 60 corresponding to the pivot shaft 54 ​​that has been omitted is also omitted.

[0103] Both ends of the pivot shaft 54 ​​in the front-rear direction must be shaft-shaped and extend in the same direction to pivotally connect the lid body 31 to the box body 11. Therefore, the pivot shaft 54 ​​may be shaft-shaped as a whole, as in the first embodiment. Also, the middle portion of the pivot shaft 54 ​​in the front-rear direction does not necessarily have to be shaft-shaped.

[0104] The locking mechanism 60 may be configured to lock the lid 30 in a state in which the upper opening 14 is closed without using the shim 70 . For example, each rotation shaft 54 ​​may be divided into two shaft portions in the front-to-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 biased in directions moving away from each other in the front-to-rear direction by a spring provided between them.

[0105] Meanwhile, a cylindrical bearing portion with a bottom is provided in each of the front and rear support walls 21 of the box body 11 instead of the shim accommodating portion 22. The first end and the second end of each rotating shaft 54 ​​are accommodated in each bearing portion. The first end and the second end are rotatably supported by each bearing portion.

[0106] Furthermore, a linkage mechanism is provided between the operating unit 65 and the first and second shafts, which moves the two shafts in the forward and backward directions toward each other in conjunction with the inward movement of the operating unit 65 in the left-right direction.

[0107] Even in this case, by pressing the operating portion 65, the first end and the second end can be pulled out from the bearing portion, and the connection between the rotating shaft 54 ​​and the support wall portion 21 (box main body 11) can be released.

[0108] A configuration may be adopted in which the lid 30 can be removed from the box body 11 without both of the pair of operating units 65 being operated simultaneously. For example, one operating unit 65 is operated to release the connection between the corresponding pivot shaft 54 ​​and the support wall 21. After this release, the other operating unit 65 is operated to release the connection between the corresponding pivot shaft 54 ​​and the support wall 21. Then, the connections between both pivot shafts 54 and the support wall 21 are released, and the lid 30 becomes removable.

[0109] The operating unit 65 is not limited to being operated by pushing it inward in the left-right direction, but may be a lever-type unit that is tiltable. In this case, the operating unit 65 may be provided on the box body 11 instead of the lid body 31. A conversion mechanism is provided between the operating unit 65 and the pivot shaft 54 ​​to convert, when a force for tilting the operating unit 65 is applied, the force into a force that moves the pivot shaft 54 ​​inward in the left-right direction.

[0110] <Matters related to the first embodiment> The battery 80 may be modified to receive power from an external power source 85 via contactless power supply and store the power in the power storage unit 82.

[0111] In addition to or instead of the configuration of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , a connector 105 such as a USB connector connected to a power transmission unit 83 may be provided at any location on the lid main body 31, for example, on the support plate 46, the side wall 38, etc. An electronic device A incorporating a power storage unit 87 may be connected to the connector 105 via a USB cable. In other words, power may be supplied from the battery 80 to the electronic device A via a USB cable, i.e., a so-called USB power supply. Then, the power supplied to the electronic device A may be stored in the power storage unit 87.

[0112] <Matters Regarding Electronic Device A in the Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, an electronic device A of a type different from the speaker 91 may be incorporated into the lid main body 31. Examples of such electronic devices A include a light, a mobile router, a heater, a cooler, a humidifier, an air purifier, a projector, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc drive, a hard disk player, and a tablet terminal, as shown below. However, these are merely examples, and other devices may also be used as the electronic device A.

[0113] Each electronic device A is electrically connected to the power transmission unit 83 of the battery 80 by a cable or the like. Each electronic device A is supplied with power through the power transmission unit 83 and performs the functions of the electronic device A.

[0114] The light may be, for example, an LED light using an LED as a light source. In this case, the light may be one that illuminates the surroundings when the lid 30 is attached to the box body 11, or one that illuminates the surroundings when the lid 30 is detached from the box body 11. In the former case, the light is attached to an exposed portion of the lid body 31 attached to the box body 11, such as the left and right side wall portions 38 of the lid body 31. In the latter case, the location where the light is attached is not particularly limited. In the latter case, the lid 30 can be used as a flashlight for emergencies or disaster prevention.

[0115] Note that multiple lights may be used per lid 30. In this case, each light may emit light of a different color, and each light may be operated in multiple illumination patterns with different intensities, colors, illumination times, etc.

[0116] A mobile router is a communication terminal small enough for a user to carry around. The mobile router acquires the terminal identifier of an ID card from a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet via wireless LAN communication, and authenticates the mobile communication terminal by comparing it with the terminal identifier of the ID card held by the mobile router itself. If authentication is successful, the mobile router connects the mobile communication terminal to the network via wide-area communication.

[0117] An example of a mobile router is a mobile Wi-Fi router (Wi-Fi: registered trademark). In this case, Wi-Fi can be used inside the vehicle. Even when away from home, the vehicle can access the Internet as an external network. Furthermore, by removing the lid 30 from the box body 11 and taking it outside the vehicle, Wi-Fi can be used anywhere outside the vehicle at any time. Furthermore, by using one mobile router, multiple mobile communication terminals located in the vicinity can be simultaneously connected to the Internet network.

[0118] 18 shows a lid 30 in which a warmer 98 for keeping a lunch 92 warm is incorporated into the lid body 31. The lunch container 93 of the lunch 92 has an opening at the top and is made up of a container body 94 in which food 97 is stored, and a lid body 95 that covers the opening at the top of the container body 94. In FIG. 18, the lid body 95 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0119] The lid body 31 has a recess 96 that opens on either the second surface 41 or the first surface 34. The recess 96 is sized and shaped to accommodate at least the lower portion of the container body 94. A warmer 98 equipped with a Peltier element is disposed within the lid body 31 at a location deeper than the bottom surface 96a of the recess 96 and close to the bottom surface 96a. The Peltier element is a plate-shaped semiconductor element that utilizes the Peltier effect, whereby heat is transferred from one metal to the other when an electric current is passed through the junction of two types of metal. When a direct current is passed through the Peltier element, one surface absorbs heat and the opposite surface generates heat. Reversing the polarity of the current reverses the relationship between heat absorption and heat generation. The warmer 98 is incorporated within the lid body 31 with the heat-generating surface of the Peltier element facing upward.

[0120] If a preheated lunch box 92 purchased at a convenience store or the like is brought into the vehicle and left there while the vehicle is being driven, the lunch box 92 will gradually cool. However, by passing electricity through the Peltier element of the warmer 98, the upper surface (heat-generating surface) of the Peltier element is made to heat up. At least the lower part of the container body 94 containing food 97 is placed in the recess 96 of the lid body 31 while it is being contained. Then, the heat generated by the warmer 98 is transferred to the food 97 inside the lunch container 93 via the container body 94. Therefore, the lunch box 92 can be kept warm even while the vehicle is being driven.

[0121] Furthermore, since the container body 94 is kept warm with at least the lower part housed within the recess 96, the lunch box 92 can be prevented from shifting from its position above the warmer 98. 19 shows a lid 30 incorporating a cooler 104 that keeps a container containing a beverage (beverage container B), such as a cup 101 or a beverage can 102, cool. The lid body 31 is formed with recesses 103 that open on either the second surface 41 or the first surface 34. In FIG. 19, the recesses 103, each with a circular opening, are formed at multiple locations spaced apart from each other on the second surface 41 or the first surface 34. Each recess 103 is formed to a size and shape that can accommodate at least the lower portion of the beverage container B.

[0122] A cooler 104 equipped with a Peltier element is disposed in a location deeper than and close to the bottom surface of the recess 103 within the lid body 31. The cooler 104 is incorporated into the lid body 31 with the heat absorbing surface of the Peltier element facing upward.

[0123] The lid 30 functions as a cup holder. By accommodating at least the lower portion of the beverage container B in the recess 103, the beverage container B can be held in an upright position. Furthermore, if beverage container B containing a chilled beverage is brought into the vehicle and placed in recess 103, the temperature of the beverage will rise over time. However, by passing electricity through the Peltier element, the upper surface (heat-absorbing surface) of the Peltier element will absorb heat. This will prevent the temperature rise of beverage container B, allowing the beverage to be kept chilled (kept cold).

[0124] The direction of the current flowing through the Peltier element may be changed to cause the top surface of the Peltier element to generate heat. In this case, the beverage container B can be kept warm. Also, by switching the direction of the current flowing through the Peltier element depending on the situation, the top surface of the Peltier element can be made to generate heat to keep the beverage container B warm, or absorb heat to keep the beverage container B cold.

[0125] The humidifier is a device that emits moisture vaporized or atomized by a humidifying means from an outlet. The humidifier is incorporated into the lid body 31 with the outlet exposed. Humidifiers are broadly divided into four types of humidification methods: steam, ultrasonic, evaporative, and hybrid. The steam method uses a heater to heat water to boil and turn it into steam. The ultrasonic method uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn water into mist and then releases the mist into the air using a built-in fan. The evaporative method uses a fan to blow air onto a filter soaked in water, generating water vapor. The hybrid method combines two different humidification methods. For example, it is a humidification method that combines steam and evaporative methods, or a humidification method that combines steam and ultrasonic methods. A humidifier of any of these humidification methods may be incorporated into the lid body 31 as the electronic device A.

[0126] Using a humidifier can help maintain humidity levels around you by humidifying the air in a small area, such as inside a car. It is also effective against hay fever and viruses. One reason for this is that it prevents the nose and throat from drying out and prevents a decline in the barrier function of the mucous membranes. The barrier function is the ability of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, such as the nose and throat, to eliminate foreign substances such as pollen and viruses along with mucus. Another advantage is that maintaining a moderate humidity level inside the car can help prevent the dispersion of pollen that has entered the car.

[0127] An air purifier is a device that purifies the air by capturing or removing particulate matter, pollen, influenza viruses, etc. Air purifiers come in three types: ion generating, filter, and hybrid.

[0128] The ion generating type emits ions to capture and decompose airborne bacteria. This type has high deodorizing performance and removes airborne bacteria that cause odors such as tobacco and mold. It can also be expected to electrically charge dust floating in the car, causing it to fall and weakening bacteria. The filter type sucks in airborne substances along with the air, filters it through a filter, and then releases clean air. It can capture fine particles such as pollen, PM2.5, and allergens. The hybrid type combines the ion generating type and filter type, and has high air purification and deodorizing capabilities. Either type of air purifier may be incorporated into the lid body 31 as the electronic device A.

[0129] The projector is a type of display device that displays images and videos, and is incorporated into the lid body 31 with its lens exposed. In this case, other electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet terminals, are indirectly electrically connected to the projector via wireless transmission. The projector receives a video signal from the smartphone or the like, enlarges the video, and projects it onto a screen, wall, or the like.

[0130] The lid 30 in which the projector is incorporated into the lid body 31 can be removed from the box body 11 and taken out of the vehicle, allowing users to enjoy videos and the like anytime and anywhere. A Blu-ray disc drive is an optical disc drive that is compatible with playing and recording Blu-ray discs. Blu-ray discs are an optical disc standard that uses a blue-violet semiconductor laser to read and write data. The blue-violet laser has an extremely short wavelength of light. As a result, Blu-ray discs can record data at less than half the track pitch of DVDs, another optical disc standard, and have a larger storage capacity than DVDs.

[0131] A hard disk player is a type of digital audio player, an audio device that can record and play digital music data, and uses a hard disk as its storage device. Hard disk players have the ability to record and play music data downloaded from music distribution services on the Internet or imported from CDs onto their built-in hard disk. Some hard disk players are capable of recording and playing not only music, but also videos, still images, and more.

[0132] A tablet terminal is a flat-panel, all-in-one display-integrated personal computer, a portable information terminal equipped with a touch panel as an input / output device. The touch panel is an electronic component with both input and display functions, and displays information and accepts input from the user. The display function is performed by a display device such as an LCD display. The input function is performed by a sensor or the like that detects contact with the contact surface (surface) of the display device, such as a user's finger or a dedicated or general pen. The method for detecting contact with the contact object may be any of the well-known methods, such as an electrostatic method, a resistive film method, or an optical method.

[0133] By touching the touch panel with a finger, pen, etc., various applications such as internet browser function, email function, etc. can be executed. For example, map information, road information, etc. can be displayed in real time, and information available on the Internet can be easily searched as needed.

[0134] In any of the above examples, the lid 30 includes, as a part of itself, the battery 80 and the electronic device A electrically connected to the battery 80. In this case, the battery 80 functions as a power source for the electronic device A. The electronic device A operates using power transmitted from the power transmission unit 83 of the battery 80, and performs its own functions.

[0135] The functions exhibited differ depending on the type of electronic device A. Accordingly, the functions realized by the lid 30 differ depending on the type of electronic device A incorporated into the lid 30. In other words, by devising the type of electronic device A incorporated into the lid 30, various functions can be realized by the lid 30.

[0136] In addition, the various electronic devices A exemplified above can be used as the electronic device A (mobile terminal 86) in the first embodiment if they are compatible with contactless power supply and operate using power stored in the power storage unit 82.

[0137] <Other matters> A push-up mechanism may be added that pushes up the lid 30 from the box body 11 in response to the release of the lock by the lock mechanism 60. In this case, by releasing the lock, the push-up mechanism can cause a part of the lid 30 to protrude upward from the box body 11.

[0138] When one of the operating parts 65 is pressed in, the connection between the rotating shaft 54 ​​corresponding to that operating part 65 and the box body 11 is released. The rotating shaft 54 ​​corresponding to the operating part 65 that is not pressed in remains connected to the box body 11. In this case, by grasping the part of the lid 30 that protrudes from the box body 11, the lid 30 can be easily rotated around the rotating shaft 54 ​​that remains connected, thereby opening and closing the upper opening 14. Good operability of the lid 30 is achieved.

[0139] Furthermore, when the connection between both of the pair of pivot shafts 54 and the box body 11 is released, the lid 30 can be easily removed from the box body 11 by grasping the portion of the lid 30 that protrudes from the box body 11.

[0140] Furthermore, the provision of a push-up mechanism is expected to have the following effect: it can prevent the lid 30 from becoming unable to be removed due to the pair of operating parts 65 reconnecting after the pushing operation of both of them is released. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10...Console box 11...Box body 14...Top opening 20...Storage area 30...Lid 80...Battery 82...Electricity storage unit 83...Power transmission section A...Electronic equipment

Claims

1. a box body having a storage section with an upper opening; and a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening; the lid is detached from the box body to open the upper opening; a battery electrically connected to the electronic device and configured to supply power to the electronic device is accommodated inside the lid; The battery is a console box having a storage unit that receives and stores power supplied from an external source via wireless power supply, and a transmission unit that transmits the power stored in the storage unit to the electronic device.

2. a box body having a storage section with an upper opening; and a lid removably connected to the box body for opening and closing the upper opening; the lid is detached from the box body to open the upper opening; a battery electrically connected to the electronic device and configured to supply power to the electronic device is accommodated inside the lid; the battery has a power storage unit that stores power supplied from an external source, and a power transmission unit that transmits the power stored in the power storage unit to the electronic device, The electronic device is a console box incorporated in the lid.

3. 3. The console box according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit transmits the electric power stored in the power storage unit to the electronic device by contactless power supply.

Images