Lock mechanism of mobile member

A lock mechanism (for example, a small object storage device for a vehicle) includes a base (for example, a housing), a mobile member, and a lock device. The lock device includes a lock portion; a knob; a return spring; an elongate hole for movably supporting at least one end portion of a rotational axis along a moving direction (for example, a sliding direction) of the mobile member; an urging device (for example, the return spring also serving as the urging device) for urging one end portion of the rotational axis toward a position of a front side of the elongate hole; and a rotation blocking portion for blocking a rotation of the knob when the one end portion of the rotational axis moves toward a deep side of the elongate hole against an urging force of the urging device (for example, the return spring also serving as the urging device).

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a lock mechanism of a mobile member, for example, in a case of being attached to an inside of a vehicle interior, at a time of a sudden stop or a crash of a vehicle, the lock mechanism of the mobile member can prevent the mobile member from abruptly moving and protruding beforehand.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there have been proposed various types of mechanisms for preventing a locked state from being released and a glove compartment from being opened when an impact is applied to the glove compartment or a knob for unlocking the glove compartment (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

For example, when the knob is pushed by the impact, a protruded portion protruding from the knob is fitted in a concave groove of a lock main body, and blocks a rotation of the knob (see paragraph number [0017] and FIG. 4 of the Patent Document 1).

Also, when the impact is applied to the glove compartment, a stopper is deformed, and a lock portion is clamped, so that a rotation of the lock portion is blocked (pages 8, and 3 to 15, and FIG. 4 of the Patent Document 2).

Moreover, at the time of the crush of the vehicle, when an instrument panel is deformed, a rotation of a hook is blocked by a stopper portion (see paragraph numbers [0017] and [0018], and FIG. 4 of the Patent Document 3).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Published Utility Model Registration No. 2565196 (paragraph number [0017] and FIG. 4)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, all the above-mentioned conventional mechanisms were made so as to assume a case in which the impact at the time of the crush was applied to a direction closing the glove compartment, so that there was a problem such that at the time of the sudden stop or the crash of the vehicle, the mobile member attempted to protrude by an inertial force cannot be prevented from being unlocked by the glove compartment.

Thereupon, the present invention is made in view of the problem of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is as follows.

Namely, the present invention is made so as not to be able to release the locked state by an action of the inertial force and the like, and to prevent the mobile member from abruptly moving beforehand.

For example, in the case of being attached to the inside of the vehicle interior, at the time of sudden stop or crash of the vehicle, the lock mechanism of the mobile member can prevent the mobile member from abruptly moving and protruding beforehand.

Means for Solving the Problems

The present invention has the following features.

First, a lock mechanism (for example, a small object storage device for a vehicle) comprises the following structure.

Incidentally, although as the lock mechanism, the small object storage device for the vehicle is exemplified, this is not limited to the above, and may be a table, cup holder, ashtray, or the like. Also, an attachment position is not limited to a car, and may be other vehicles, furniture, office equipment, or the like.

Incidentally, as a base, although the housing is exemplified, this is not limited to the above.

(2) Mobile Member

A mobile member is movably supported relative to the base (for example, the housing).

(3) Lock Device

The lock device is disposed between the base (for example, the housing) and the mobile member, and locks the mobile member.

Secondly, the lock device comprises the following structure.

(4) Lock Portion

A lock portion is provided in either one (for example, the housing) of the base (for example, the housing) or the mobile member, and locks in a state wherein the mobile member is housed in the base (for example, the housing).

A knob is rotatably supported to the other (for example, the mobile member) of the base (for example, the housing) or the mobile member, and includes a locking portion, which is hooked in the lock portion, on one end portion by sandwiching a rotational axis thereof, and an operating portion capable of releasing a locked state of the locking portion, which has been locked by being hooked in the lock portion by rotating, on the other end portion.

Incidentally, although the lock portion is provided in the base (for example, the housing), and the knob is rotatably supported to the mobile member, they are not limited to the above, and although this is not shown in the figures, contrarily, the knob may be rotatably supported to the base (for example, the housing), and the lock portion may be provided in the mobile member.

(6) Return Spring

A return spring is for urging the locking portion toward a direction of being hooked in the lock portion.

Thirdly, the lock device comprises the following structure.

An elongate hole is for movably supporting at least one end portion of the rotational axis along a moving direction (for example, a sliding direction) of the mobile member.

(8) Urging Means (for Example, the Return Spring also Serving as the Urging Means)

For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the urging means (for example, the return spring also serving as the urging means) is for urging one end portion of the rotational axis toward a position of an immediate front side of the elongate hole.

(9) Rotation Blocking Portion

A rotation blocking portion is for blocking a rotation of the knob when one end portion of the rotational axis moves toward a deep side of the elongate hole against an urging force of the urging means (for example, the return spring also serving as the urging means).

The return spring may also serve as the urging means (for example, the return spring also serving as the urging means).

Consequently, by serving the return spring and the urging means as the same member, the number of parts, or the number of assembly processes can be reduced.

The rotation blocking portion may abut against the locking portion.

Consequently, by abutting the locking portion having a relatively high rigidity against the rotation blocking portion, the knob can be prevented from damage.

The lock mechanism according to the present invention may be structured as follows.

First, the mobile member is disposed so as to protrude toward a front from a back of the vehicle (not shown in the figures).

Secondly, in a state wherein the locking portion is locked in the lock portion, when the mobile member attempts to move in a protruding direction, one end portion of the rotational axis is allowed to move toward the deep side of the elongate hole.

Consequently, the mobile member can be prevented from abruptly protruding toward the front from the back of the vehicle.

Effect of the Invention

Since the present invention is structured as above, effects described hereinafter can be provided.

Releasing of the locked state of the mobile member due to an action of an inertia force and the like and abrupt movement can be prevented beforehand.

For example, in a case of being attached to an inside of a vehicle interior, at a time of a sudden stop or a crash of the vehicle, the present invention can prevent the mobile member from abruptly moving and protruding beforehand.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Explanation of Drawings

FIGS. 1 to 9respectively show one example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1is a side view of a lock device in a state wherein a rotation of a knob is blocked;FIG. 2is a side view of a small object storage device for a vehicle in a state wherein a mobile member is protruded;FIG. 3is a plan view of the small object storage device for the vehicle in the state wherein the mobile member is protruded;FIG. 4corresponds toFIG. 2, and is a side view of a state wherein the mobile member is housed;FIG. 5corresponds toFIG. 3, and is a plan view of the state wherein the mobile member is housed;FIG. 6is a plan view of the lock device;FIG. 7corresponds toFIG. 6, and is a plan view of the state wherein the rotation of the knob is blocked;FIG. 8corresponds toFIG. 1, and is a side view showing a locked state; andFIG. 9corresponds toFIG. 1, and is a side view showing an unlocked state, respectively.

InFIGS. 2 to 4, the reference numeral10represents a small object storage device for a vehicle, and although it is not shown in the drawings, the small object storage device for the vehicle is disposed in an inside of a vehicle interior.

The above-mentioned small object storage device10for the vehicle is one example of a lock mechanism of a mobile member30. The lock mechanism is not limited to the small object storage device10for the vehicle, and may be a table, cup holder, ashtray, or the like. Also, an attachment position of the lock mechanism is not limited to a car, and may be other vehicles, furniture, office equipment, or the like.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 5, the small object storage device10for the vehicle roughly comprises the following portions.

Incidentally, the following (1) to (3) will be explained hereinafter.

Incidentally, the portions of the small object storage device10for the vehicle are not limited to the above-mentioned (1) to (3).

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the housing20includes an opening portion21at least in a front face.

The above-mentioned housing20is one example of a base. The base is not limited to the housing20.

Specifically, the housing20is made from metal, and formed in a box shape whose front and back faces are open. Although it is not shown in the figures, the housing20is fixed to the inside of the vehicle interior.

On the other hand, the housing20comprises each following portion.

Incidentally, each portion of the housing20is not limited to the following (1) to (4).

Although the following is not shown in the figures, when the housing20is fixed to the inside of the vehicle interior, the opening portion21opens toward a front from a back of the vehicle.

Retracted-position control portions22are positioned on deep sides of the housing20, and protrude toward the inside with a pair from right-and-left side faces. As shown inFIG. 3, the retracted-position control portions22abut against retracted-position control portions54of the mobile member30described hereinafter so as to control the most retracted position of the mobile member30.

Elastic sliding portions23are positioned on immediate front sides of the housing20, and elastically protrude toward the inside with a pair from the right-and-left side faces. A plan face of the elastic sliding portions23has an approximately “V” shape, or is folded in a mountain shape. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the elastic sliding portions23elastically slide and contact guide ribs52of the mobile member30described hereinafter so as to provide a sliding resistance to the mobile member30.

Rising control portions24are positioned on deep sides of the housing20, and protrude downwardly with a pair from right-and-left both sides of an upper face. A plan face of the rising control portions24has an approximately “V” shape, or is folded in a mountain shape. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the rising control portions24slide and contact an upper margin of the mobile member30so as to control a rise of the mobile member30.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 5, the mobile member30is movably supported relative to the housing20which is the base.

Namely, the mobile member30is housed in the housing20, and protrudes through the opening portion21.

Specifically, the mobile member30is made of synthetic resin, and formed in a box shape whose upper surface is open. Then, the mobile member30is slidably supported to the housing20, and although the following is not shown in the figures, the mobile member30protrudes toward the front from the back of the vehicle.

Incidentally, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the mobile member30is slidably supported to the housing20. However, this is not limited to the above, and although the following is not shown in the figures, the mobile member30may be rotatably supported to the housing20.

On the other hand, the mobile member30roughly comprises the following portions.

Incidentally, the following (1) and (2) will be explained hereinafter.

Incidentally, portions of the mobile member30are not limited to the above-mentioned (1) and (2).

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the lock device40is disposed between the housing20, which is the base, and the mobile member30, and locks the mobile member30.

In the present embodiment, the lock device40locks in a state wherein the mobile member30is housed in the housing20.

Specifically, the lock device40comprises the following portions.

Incidentally, the following (1) to (6) will be described hereinafter.

Incidentally, the portions of the lock device40are not limited to the above-mentioned (1) to (6).

The mobile-body main body50is formed in a box shape whose upper face is open.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 6, the mobile-body main body50comprises each following portion.

Incidentally, each portion of the mobile-body main body50is not limited to the following (1) to (4).

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, a cup holder51is for retaining a container (not shown in the figures) of drinking water such as a cup, can, plastic bottle, or the like, and certifies the container in a state wherein the mobile-body main body50is protruded.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the guide ribs52respectively protrude with a pair from right-and-left outside faces of the mobile-body main body50, and are formed with plural numbers of pieces, for example, two pieces, in a rail shape along a sliding direction of the mobile-body main body50. The guide ribs52slide and contact the elastic sliding portions23of the above-mentioned housing20.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, concave portions53are formed in a middle of a length of the guide ribs52so that the elastic sliding portions23of the above-mentioned housing20are fitted in. As shown inFIG. 2, in a position wherein the mobile-body main body50is protruded the most, the elastic sliding portions23of the housing20are fitted in the concave portions53, so that the concave portions53provide a clicking feature.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the retracted-position control portions54are positioned on deep sides of the mobile-body main body50, and respectively protrude with a pair from right-and-left outside faces of the mobile-body main body50. As shown inFIG. 4, the retracted-position control portions54control the most retracted position of the mobile member30by abutting against the retracted-position control portions22of the housing20.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 5, the lid60covers an upper portion of a front face of the mobile-body main body50, and the lock device40is disposed between the front face of the mobile-body main body50.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the lock portion70is for locking either one of the housing20or the mobile member30in a state wherein the mobile member30is housed in the housing20.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 5, the lock portion70is provided in the opening portion21of the housing20, and as shown inFIG. 4, formed in a shape wherein a plan face of a metallic bar is folded in an approximately “U” shape. As shown inFIG. 2, from a view of a side face, the lock portion is formed so as to be a folded shape in an “L” shape downwardly.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, a knob80is rotatably supported to the other of the housing20or the mobile member30, and includes a locking portion82, which is hooked in the lock portion70, on one end portion by sandwiching a rotational axis81thereof, and an operating portion83capable of releasing a locked state of the locking portion82, which has been locked by being hooked in the lock portion70by rotating, on the other end portion.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the rotational axis81is rotationally supported to the mobile member30through bearing portions90described hereinafter.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the locking portion82extends upwardly from the rotational axis81, and is formed in a hook shape which is hooked in the bar-like lock portion70of the housing20.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the operating portion83extends downwardly from the rotational axis81, and protrudes downwardly from the above-mentioned lid60. Although it is not shown in the figures, the operating portion83can be pulled to an immediate front by hooking one's finger.

Incidentally, although the rotational axis81of the knob80is rotatably supported to the mobile member30, and the above-mentioned lock portion70is provided in the housing20, they are not limited to the above, and although it is not shown in the figures, the knob80may be rotatably supported to the housing20, and the lock portion70may be provided in the mobile member30.

As shown inFIG. 6, the bearing portions90protrude toward an immediate front side from right and left of the front face of the mobile-body main body50with a pair, and rotatably support both end portions of the rotational axis81of the knob80.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the bearing portions90include each following portion.

Incidentally, each portion of the bearing portions90is not limited to the following (1) and (2).

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, a circular hole91is formed on one side of one of the bearing portions90, and rotatably supports one end portion of the rotational axis81of the knob80.

Specifically, the circular hole91is formed in a “U” shape of a cross-sectional surface whose immediate front side is open, and formed in an approximately circular shape by covering an opening end by the cover100described hereinafter.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, an elongate hole92is formed on one side of the other of the bearing portions90, and as shown inFIGS. 1 and 7, the elongate hole92movably supports the other end portion of the rotational axis81along a moving direction, i.e., a sliding direction of the mobile member30.

Then, in the state wherein the locking portion82is locked in the lock portion70, as shown inFIG. 7, when the mobile member30attempts to move in a protruding direction, one end portion of the rotational axis81moves toward a deep side of the elongate hole92.

Specifically, as in the case of the circular hole91, the elongate hole92is formed in a “U” shape of a cross-sectional surface whose immediate front side is open, and formed in an approximately oval shape by covering an opening end by the cover100described hereinafter.

Incidentally, on one side of one of the bearing portions90, the circular hole91is formed, and on one side of the other of the bearing portions90, the elongate hole92is formed. However, the holes are not limited to the above, and the elongate hole92may be formed on both sides of the bearing portions90.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the cover100is for preventing the rotational axis81of the knob80from falling out of the bearing portions90by covering an immediate front side of the bearing portions90on both sides, and fixed to the front face of the mobile-body main body50.

As shown inFIG. 6, the return spring110is for urging the locking portion82toward a direction of being hooked in the lock portion70.

Specifically, in the return spring110, one end portion thereof is hooked in the mobile member30, and the other end portion is hooked in the knob80respectively by using a string spiral spring, and due to a restoring force of the spring, inFIG. 8, a clockwise rotational force is provided as a center of the rotational axis81.

Also, as shown inFIG. 6, the return spring110also serves as urging means.

As shown inFIG. 6, the above-mentioned urging means is for urging the other end portion of the rotational axis81, which has been fitted in the elongate hole92, toward a position of an immediate front side of the elongate hole92.

Incidentally, although the return spring110also serves as the urging means, this is not limited to the above, and the return spring110and the urging means may be provided separately.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 7, the rotation blocking portion120is for blocking a rotation of the knob80when the other end portion of the rotational axis81, which has been fitted in the elongate hole92, moves toward the deep side of the elongate hole92against an urging force of the return spring110also serving as the urging means.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 7, the rotation blocking portion120abuts against the locking portion82.

Namely, although it is not shown in the figures, the rotation blocking portion120is notched at a front margin on an immediate front side of the mobile-body main body50in a concave shape downwardly from an upper margin thereof, and a width of the notch is set larger than a horizontal width of the locking portion82of the knob80. Then, as shown inFIG. 1, the rotation blocking portion120blocks the rotation of the knob80by abutting a bottom of the notch of the concave shape against the locking portion82of the knob80.

Incidentally, although the rotation blocking portion120abuts against the locking portion82of the knob80, this is not limited to the above, and the operating portion83of the knob80may abut. Also, although the rotation blocking portion120is formed by notching the mobile-body main body50, this is not limited to the above, and the rotation blocking portion120may be a separate part from the mobile-body main body50.

Usage of the small object storage device10for the vehicle comprising the above-mentioned structure will be explained.

First, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, in a state wherein the mobile member30is housed inside the housing20, the mobile member30is locked in a housed state by the lock device40.

Namely, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, the hook-shaped locking portion82of the knob80is hooked in the bar-like lock portion70of the housing20.

In order to protrude the mobile member30in the housed state, the mobile member30may be pulled out to an immediate front of the housing20by releasing a locked state of the lock device40.

Namely, as shown inFIG. 9, when ones' finger is hooked on the operating portion83of the knob80, and pulled to the immediate front, the knob80rotates as the center of the rotational axis81, so that the hook-like locking portion82is disengaged downwardly from the bar-like lock portion70of the housing20, and the locked state of the lock device40is released. Consequently, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, while ones' finger is being hooked on the operating portion83of the knob80, by pulling the mobile member30to the immediate front, the mobile member30protrudes to an immediate front side from the housing20.

(Explanation of a Blocked State of the Rotation of the Knob80)

Next, a blocked state of the rotation of the knob80will be explained.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, in a state wherein the mobile member30is housed inside the housing20, when the vehicle suddenly stops, or crashes, the mobile member30attempts to protrude from the housing20due to an inertial force.

At this time, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 7, the other end portion of the rotational axis81, which has been fitted in the elongate hole92, resists the urging force of the return spring110also serving as the urging means, and the other end portion of the rotational axis81, which has been fitted in the elongate hole92, moves toward the deep side of the elongate hole92.

Consequently, the locking portion82of the knob80is fitted in the concave rotation blocking portion120of the housing20, and as shown inFIG. 1, the bottom of the concave notch of the locking portion82abuts against the locking portion82of the knob80, so that the rotation of the knob80is blocked, and the locked state of the lock device40is maintained.

On the other hand, if an inertial force of the mobile member30disappears, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8, the other end portion of the rotational axis81, which has been fitted in the elongate hole92, moves toward the immediate front side of the elongate hole92due to the urging force of the return spring110also serving as the urging means.

At this time, the locking portion82of the knob80, which has been fitted in the concave rotation blocking portion120of the housing20, falls out of the concave rotation blocking portion120.

Consequently, releasing of the locking of the lock device40becomes capable again.

Incidentally, all contents of the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-295161 filed on Nov. 19, 2008 are cited in their entirety herein and are incorporated as a disclosure of the specification of the present invention.