Patent Publication Number: US-2007114847-A1

Title: Moving device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This is a divisional application of Ser. No. 10/835,000 filed on Apr. 30, 2004. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT  
      The invention relates to a moving device disposed in a compartment of a vehicle for allowing a movable member to move between a usable state and a non-usable state.  
      Generally, a console box is disposed at a center console between a driver seat and a passenger seat in a vehicle. The console box is formed of a box-shape housing portion and a lid for opening or closing the housing portion. When the lid is opened, the housing portion is in a usable state.  
      For example, in a patent reference No. 1, a push button is disposed to be movable in and out with respect to an upper surface of a housing portion, and the push button is pressed to release a locked state of a locking device to open a lid.  
      However, when such a mechanical type push button is pushed, it is necessary to provide an operation stroke upon pushing the button with a fingertip. Therefore, in order to open the lid, a user has to be in a posture for applying force with a fingertip. Also, in the mechanical type push button, an operating sound is made when the push button is pressed, thereby causing bothersome and poor quality.  
      Patent reference No. 1: Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 11-278514.  
      In view of the above problems, it is an object of the invention to provide a moving device, wherein a user can easily operate the moving device in any posture to allow a movable member to be in a usable state and a non-usable state, thereby obtaining high quality.  
      Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      According to a first aspect of the invention, a moving device for moving a movable member disposed in a compartment of a vehicle between a usable state or position and a non-usable state or position includes a driving device for moving the movable member; a sensor for detecting a movement of a user; and a control device for allowing the movable member to become the usable state or the non-usable state by operating the moving device.  
      In the first aspect of the invention, the movable member disposed in the compartment of the vehicle is moved to the usable state or the non-usable state by operating the driving device driven by the control device based on a signal from the sensor for detecting the movement of the user.  
      Accordingly, since the sensor is used for detecting the movement of the user, the moving device of the invention does not require an operational stroke such as pressing as compared with a mechanical sensor using a push button and the like and force to be applied with a fingertip. Therefore, the user can easily operate the driving device in any posture to thereby allow the movable member to the usable state or the non-usable state. Also, since there is no operational sound as compared with the push button, high quality can be obtained.  
      Further, in the above structure, since the sensor simply detects the movement of, for example, a finger lightly touching the sensor or a slight movement of the driver, the driver does not need to look for an operational button, and can concentrate on driving.  
      According to a second aspect of the invention, a moving device for moving a movable member covering a housing portion disposed in a compartment of a vehicle to make the housing portion in a usable state or a non-usable state, includes a driving device for moving the movable member; a sensor for detecting a movement of a user; and a control device for moving the housing portion in the usable state or the non-usable state by operating the driving device based on a signal from the sensor.  
      In the second aspect of the invention, the control device operates the driving device on the signal from the sensor for detecting the movement of the user. The movable member covering the housing portion disposed in the compartment of the vehicle is moved to make the housing portion in the usable state or the non-usable state. Thus, the same effect as described in the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.  
      According to a third aspect of the invention, the control device makes the movable member in the usable state or the non-usable state based on a signal from one single sensor. In the third aspect of the invention, the movable member is in the usable state or the non-usable state based on a signal from the one single sensor. For example, as compared with a moving device in which a mechanical opening button for opening and a mechanical closing button for closing are provided at different positions, the moving device can be operated without knowing right-and-left or ups-and-downs, so that the driver can concentrate on driving.  
      According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the control device makes the housing portion in the usable state or the non-usable state based on a signal from one single sensor. In the fourth aspect of the invention, the housing portion is in the usable state or the non-usable state based on the signal from the single sensor. Thus, the same effect as described in the third aspect of the invention can be obtained.  
      According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the sensor is attached to the movable member. In the fifth aspect of the invention, the sensor is attached to the movable member. Accordingly, according to a suitable mode of human engineering such as touching an object to be moved, the movable member can become the usable state or the non-usable state.  
      According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the sensor is attached to a periphery of the movable member. In the sixth aspect of the invention, the sensor is attached to the periphery of the movable member. Depending on a moving path of the movable member such as, for example, rotation, the sensor may be attached to the periphery of the movable member.  
      According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the movable member becomes the usable state when the movable member rotates. In the seventh aspect of the invention, the movable member becomes the usable state when the movable member rotates.  
      For example, when a sun visor is provided in the compartment of the vehicle as the movable member, the sun visor may be provided with the sensor. The sun visor rotates to become the usable state when the sensor detects the movement of the user. When the sensor detects the movement of the user again, the sun visor becomes the non-usable state.  
      According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the movable member slides to become the usable state. In the eighth aspect of the invention, the movable member slides to become the usable state.  
      For example, when a cup holder is disposed in a compartment of a vehicle as a movable member, a sensor may be provided at an end portion of the cup holder exposed in the compartment. The cup holder slides to become the usable state when the sensor detects the movement of the user. When the sensor detects the movement of the user again, the cup holder is stored to become the non-usable state.  
      According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the movable member becomes a usable state through opening or closing thereof. In the ninth aspect of the invention, the movable member becomes a usable state through opening or closing thereof.  
      For example, when a lid portion covers a housing portion of a console box disposed in a compartment of a vehicle as a movable member, a sensor may be provided around the lid portion. The lid portion opens to become the usable state when the sensor detects the movement of the user. When the sensor detects the movement of the user again, the lid portion is closed and becomes the non-usable state.  
      According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the sensor is an electromagnetic wave type sensor for detecting a movement of a hand according to a time during which an electromagnetic wave sent out from an antenna portion hits the hand and bounced back. In the tenth aspect of the invention, the electromagnetic wave type sensor detects the movement of the hand. The electromagnetic wave type sensor can detect any object capable of reflecting the electromagnetic wave, and a single sensor can cover a wide area. Further, even if the hand does not directly touch the sensor, the sensor detects the movement of the hand. Therefore, for example, in a case that the movable member is a sun visor, the user can make the sun visor in the usable state or in the non-usable state while sitting on the seat without leaning forward.  
      According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the sensor is an electrostatic capacitance type sensor detecting the movement of the hand through a change in electrostatic capacitance when the hand touches the sensor. In the eleventh aspect of the invention, the electrostatic capacitance type sensor detects the movement of the hand. Anything with conductivity can be used as a sensor electrode, so that the electrostatic capacitance type sensor is very convenient. The electrostatic capacitance type sensor is less sensitive to a noise than the electric wave type sensor, thereby causing malfunction less frequently. Further, it is easy to adjust the sensitivity of the electrostatic capacitance type sensor, and a circuit of the sensor is simple, thereby reducing cost.  
      According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the electrostatic capacitance type sensor is a material type sensor using a conductive member. The electrostatic capacitance sensor is the material type sensor using the conductive member such as a conductive coating, a conductive resin, metal, and the like.  
      According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the sensor is a heat detecting sensor for detecting the movement of the hand through a body temperature. In the thirteen aspect, the heat detecting sensor detects the movement of the hand.  
      According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the sensor is a pressure detecting sensor for detecting the movement of the hand through a pressure change when the hand touches the sensor. In the fourteenth aspect, the pressure detecting sensor detects the movement of the hand.  
      According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, the sensor is a light detecting sensor and formed of a light emitting portion for emitting light and a light receiving portion for receiving the light from the light emitting portion, so that when the hand blocks the light, the movement of the hand is detected. In the fifteenth aspect, when the hand blocks the light, the light detecting sensor detects the movement of the hand. The light detecting sensor has a high resolution, so that even when the light is slightly blocked, the movement of the hand can be detected. The light detecting sensor also has a high sensitivity and is less sensitive to an electric noise, thereby causing malfunction less frequently with respect to the electric wave from a cell phone. The sensor has a simple circuit with low cost. The light detecting sensor detects the movement of the user when the light from the light emitting portion is blocked, so that the user can use something else other than the hand.  
      According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the light detecting sensor is an infrared transmission type sensor formed of the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion opposed to each other. In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the infrared transmission type sensor is used as the light detecting sensor, wherein the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are opposed. Accordingly, when the hand blocks the light from the light emitting portion, the light does not reach the light receiving portion, so that the movement of the hand can be detected.  
      According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, the light detecting sensor is an infrared reflection type sensor wherein the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion for receiving the light from the light emitting portion and reflected at the hand are disposed adjacent to each other. In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the infrared reflection type sensor is used as the light detecting sensor, wherein the light emitting portion and light receiving portion are disposed adjacent to each other, so that the light emitted from the light emitting portion is blocked by the hand and reflected to enter the light receiving portion. Thus, the movement of the hand can be detected. The infrared reflection type sensor is used, so that the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are disposed on the same plane. Accordingly, it is easy to attach the sensor, and the sensor can be attached in a wider area as compared with the infrared transmission type sensor.  
      According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the driving device includes a rotating device for rotating the movable member and a motor for providing a rotational force to the rotating device. In the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the driving device is formed of the rotating device and the motor, so that the motor provides the rotational force to the rotating device for rotating the movable member. It is arranged such that a rotating speed of the motor can be varied, so that the rotating speed of the movable member can be changed and the movable member can rotate quietly. Accordingly, when the movable member moves, it is possible to eliminate a contact sound between the movable member and the housing portion and the like, thereby providing high quality feeling for the moving device.  
      According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the driving device is formed of a motor for providing a rotational force and a converting device for converting the rotational force from the motor to a sliding force to slide the movable member. In the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the converting device converts the rotational force from the motor to the sliding force to slide the movable member. The converting device is formed of, for example, a pinion and a rack. The rack is disposed to the movable member, and the pinion is directly connected to the motor, so that the pinion engages the rack. The rotational force of the motor is transmitted to the pinion, and the movable member slides through the rack, so that the same effect as that in the eighteenth aspect of the invention can be obtained. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an explanatory view showing an arrangement in a compartment of a moving device according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a console box with the moving device according to the embodiment of the invention in a state that a lid thereof is closed;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a console box with the moving device according to the embodiment of the invention in a state that the lid thereof is opened;  
       FIG. 4  is a side view showing a driving system of the console box to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the invention is applied;  
       FIG. 5  is an explanatory view of an electrostatic capacitance type sensor disposed to the console box to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the invention is applied;  
       FIG. 6 (A) is an explanatory view showing a mechanical type sensor with push-buttons, and  FIG. 6 (B) is an explanatory view showing an electrostatic capacitance type sensor;  
       FIG. 7  is an explanatory view showing an electromagnetic wave type sensor;  
       FIG. 8  is an explanatory view showing an infrared radiation transmission type sensor;  
       FIG. 9  is an explanatory view showing an infrared radiation reflection type sensor;  
      FIGS.  10 (A) and  10 (B) are perspective views showing a modified example of the lid of the console box to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 10 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 10 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  11 (A) and  11 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of a cup holder to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 11 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 11 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  12 (A) and  12 (B) are perspective views showing a second cup holder to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein FIG.  12 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 12 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  13 (A) and  13 (B) are perspective views showing a third cup holder to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 13 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 13 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  14 (A) and  14 (B) are perspective views showing a fourth cup holder to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 14 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 14 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
       FIG. 15  is a side view showing a movement of a pop-up armrest to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied;  
      FIGS.  16 (A) and  16 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of an armrest to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 16 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 16 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  17 (A) and  17 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of a glove box to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 17 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 17 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  18 (A) and  18 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of a navigator to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 18 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 18 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  19 (A) and  19 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of an ashtray to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 19 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 19 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  20 (A) and  20 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of a second ashtray to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 20 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 20 (B) is a view showing a usable state;  
      FIGS.  21 (A) and  21 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of a table to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 21 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 21 (B) is a view showing a usable state; and  
      FIGS.  22 (A) and  22 (B) are perspective views showing a movement of a trash box to which the moving device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, wherein  FIG. 22 (A) is a view showing a non-usable state and  FIG. 22 (B) is a view showing a usable state. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      FIGS.  1  through  FIG. 3  show a console box  10  as a moving device according to an embodiment of the invention. The console box  10  is disposed between a driver seat and a passenger seat in a vehicle, and formed of a box-shape housing portion  12  (refer to  FIG. 8 ) and a lid  14  for opening and closing the housing portion  12 . The lid  14  includes a lid  14 A and a lid  14 B, and the housing portion  12  can be opened at a center portion along a longitudinal direction thereof in a double door opened state.  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , a gear housing portion  16  is provided on a sidewall in a widthwise direction of the housing portion  12 , so that a plurality of gears  30 A and  30 B and the like can be disposed therein. A motor  18  capable of rotating in forward and reverse directions is disposed at a bottom portion of the gear housing portion  16 , and a worm gear  20  is directly connected to the motor  18 . When the motor  18  is actuated, a driving force of the motor  18  is transmitted to the worm gear  20 .  
      A gear  22  engages the worm gear  20 , and the driving force transmitted to the worm gear  20  is transmitted to rotate the gear  22 . A pinion  24  is coaxially fixed on a shaft of the gear  22  to integrally rotate with the gear  22 . Also, the pinion  24  engages a gear  26  so that the rotational force of the pinion  24  is transmitted.  
      Also, a pinion  28  is coaxially fixed to a shaft of the gear  26  to integrally rotate therewith. The pinion  28  engages a gear  30 A, and the gear  30 A engages a gear  30 B having the same diameter as that of the gear  30 A, so that the rotational force transmitted from the pinion  28  is transmitted to the gear  30 B from the gear  30 A, and the gear  30 A is rotated at the same linear velocity as that of the gear  30 B.  
      The gear  30 A and gear  30 B engage a sector gear  25 A and a sector gear  25 B, respectively. Here, the sector gears  25 A and  25 B are formed on front edge portions of the axial members  32  extending downwardly from bottom surfaces of both edge portions of the respective lids  14 A and  14 B in the longitudinal direction. When the rotational force is transmitted to the sector gears  25 A and  25 B through the gears  30 A and  30 B, the sector gears  25 A,  25 B are rotated around the shaft portions  34  fixed to the sidewall in the widthwise direction of the housing portion  12 , and the lids  14 A and  14 B are rotated through the shaft members  32  to thereby open or close the housing portion  12 .  
      The lids  14 A and  14 B are flush with the upper edge surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing portion  12  in the closed state. When the lids  14 A and  14 B move along inner sidewalls of the housing portion  12  to open, the side edge surfaces of the lids  14 A and  14 B are flush with the upper edge surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing portion  12  in the open state.  
      Incidentally, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a metal sensor electrode  38  constituting an electrostatic capacitance type sensor  36  as shown in  FIG. 5  is provided on an upper edge surface of one of the sidewalls of the housing portion  12  in the widthwise direction. When a finger is brought closer to the sensor electrode  38 , the capacity of a capacitor  42  disposed in a control device  40  changes with an electrostatic capacitance charged in a human body in a range of 10 pF to 100 pF.  
      Here, a motor  18  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) is connected to the control device  40 . When the finger is brought closer to the sensor electrode  38  and the capacity of the capacitor  42  in the control device  40  changes, the motor  18  is activated to thereby alternatively rotate in forward and reverse directions.  
      The rotational speed of the motor  18  is controlled by the control device  40 , so that the lids  14 A and  14 B are quietly opened and closed as much as possible by slowing down the rotation speed in the vicinity of the opening completion position or the closing completion position.  
      Next, an effect of the console box as a moving device according to the embodiment of the invention will be explained.  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , the sensor electrode  38  is provided on the upper edge surface of one sidewall of the housing portion  12  of the console box  10 , so that the sensor electrode  38  detects movement of a hand. As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the hand is brought closer to the sensor electrode  38  and the capacity of the capacitor  42  in the control device  40  changes, the motor  18  as shown in  FIG. 4  is actuated (rotate in the forward direction) and the lids  14 A and  14 B of the console box  10  are opened through the gear  30 A, gear  30 B, sector gear  25 A, sector gear  25 B and the like (usable state).  
      In this state, when the hand is brought closer to the sensor electrode  38  and the capacity of the capacitor  42  in the control device  40  changes, the motor  18  is actuated (rotate in the reverse direction), and the lids  14 A and  14 B of the console box  10  are closed (unusable state).  
      Here, for example, when the opened lids  14 A and  14 B are manually closed, the side edge portions of the lids  14 A and  14 B are projected from the upper edge surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing portion  12  and finger engaging portions must be provided to engage the fingers.  
      However, in the present embodiment, since the motor  18  is capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions as a driving device for opening and closing the lids  14 A and  14 B, the side edge surfaces of the lids  14 A and  14 B are substantially flush with the upper edge surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing portion  12  in the closed or open state of the lids  14 A and  14 B. Thus, it is not necessary to provide the finger engaging portions.  
      Also, since no step is formed between the side edge surfaces of the lids  14 A and  14 B and the upper edge surfaces of the sidewalls of the housing portion  12  in the closed or opened state of the lids  14 A and  14 B, a high-quality feeling can be obtained.  
      Further, the control device  40  controls the rotating speed of the motor  18 , so that the rotating speed in the vicinity of the opening completion position or the closing completion position of the lids  14 A and  14 B is slowed down. Thus, the lids  14 A and  14 B are quietly opened or closed as much as possible to thereby not generate a contact sound when the lids  14 A and  14 B are opened or closed.  
      Thus, it is not necessary to provide a felt and the like for preventing the contact sound at portions contacting the housing portion  12  on moving paths of the lids  14 A and  14 B; or at portions where the lids  14 A and  14 B contact each other in the state where the lids  14 A and  14 B are closed, thereby reducing cost.  
      On the other hand, a sensor such as an electrostatic capacitance type sensor is used for detecting the movement of the hand. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide any operational stroke such as pressing operation and the like in the sensor as shown in  FIG. 6 (B). It is also not necessary to forcibly operate with a fingertip as compared with a mechanical type sensor by a push button  45  (opening button  45 ) and the like as shown in  FIG. 6 (A). Thus, the motor  18  can be easily actuated in any posture of the user to open or close the lids  14 A and  14 B. Also, different from the sensor with the push button  45 , since the sensor of the embodiment does not make an operational sound, a high-grade feeling can be obtained.  
      Also, in an electrostatic capacitance type sensor  36  as shown in  FIG. 5 , the sensitivity can be easily adjusted, so that it is possible to detect the movement by lightly touching the sensor electrode  38  or detect the moving sign of the driver through raising the sensitivity. Thus, it is not necessary for a driver to look for an operation button with eyes to thereby concentrate attention on driving. Further, the electrostatic capacitance type sensor is less sensitive to a noise and easy to operate correctly. Furthermore, since a circuit of the sensor is simple, thereby reducing cost.  
      In the present embodiment, the lid  14  can be opened or closed by the signal from the single sensor electrode  38 . For example, as compared with a mechanical type moving device with an opening button  45  for opening and a closing button  47  for closing disposed at different positions as shown in  FIG. 6 (A), the closing or opening operation can be carried out without being aware of the right-or-left or up-or-down direction in  FIG. 6 (B). Accordingly, it is not necessary to look for the opening button  45  or the closing button  47 . Thus, the driver can concentrate on driving. (Finger touches the button in  FIG. 6 (B) to compare to  FIG. 6 (A). In actual case, a palm can simply move over the sensor electrode  38 ).  
      Incidentally, in the electrostatic capacitance type sensor  36  as shown in  FIG. 5 , any material with conductivity can be used as the sensor electrode  38 . Thus, in the present embodiment, not only a metal member but also a conductive resin or conductive coating may be used. Also, in the present embodiment, the electrostatic capacitance type sensor  36  is used, but not limited thereto, and any sensor may be used for detecting the movement.  
      For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , an electromagnetic wave type sensor  44  may be used for detecting the movement of the hand. The electromagnetic wave type sensor  44  detects the movement of the hand by a time during which an electromagnetic wave sent out from an antenna portion  46  hits against an object to be detected (human hand)  49  and returns. In the electromagnetic wave type sensor  44 , any object to be detected reflecting the electromagnetic wave can be detected, and one sensor can cover a large area.  
      Further, as a sensor for detecting movement of a human, a light-sensitive sensor may be used. The light-sensitive sensor includes an infrared radiation transmission type sensor and an infrared radiation reflection type sensor. As shown in  FIG. 8 , in the infrared radiation transmission type sensor  56 , an emitting portion  48  for emitting light and a receiving portion  50  for receiving the light from the emitting portion  48  are disposed face-to-face, so that when the hand blocks the light from the emitting portion  48 , the movement of the hand is detected.  
      In a case of a light sensitive sensor  52 , resolution is high, so that even if light is slightly blocked by the hand, the movement of the hand can be detected. Also, the light sensitive sensor  52  has a high sensitivity and is less sensitive to an electrical noise. Accordingly, there is no risk of malfunction with respect to the electric wave and the like of a cell phone. Further, the light sensitive sensor has a simple circuit and is made low cost. Furthermore, when the light path from the light emitting portion  48  is blocked, the movement of the human can be detected, and a part other than the hand may be used.  
      On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 9 , in the infrared radiation reflection type sensor  54 , a light emitting portion  48  is disposed adjacent to a light receiving portion  50 . When the light emitted from the light emitting portion  48  is blocked by a reflection object  51  (human hand), the light reflected by the hand enters the light receiving portion  50  to detect the movement of the hand.  
      In a case of the infrared radiation reflection type sensor  54 , the emitting portion  48  and the receiving portion  50  are disposed on the same plane. Accordingly, the infrared radiation reflection type sensor can be easily installed in an area larger than that of the infrared radiation transmission type sensor  56 .  
      In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, a heat detecting sensor may be used to detect a human body temperature for detecting the movement of the hand, or a pressure detecting sensor may be used to detect a pressure change when the hand touches for detecting the movement of the hand.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the double lids  14 A and  14 B are provided to the housing portion  12 , but not limited to the double lids  14 A and  14 B. A single lid  58  may be used for rotatably opening or closing as shown in FIGS.  10 (A) and  10 (B). A sliding-type lid or an accordion-fold sliding lid (not shown) may be used for slidably opening or closing.  
      Further, in the embodiment, the motor  18  is connected to the control device  40  to control the speed thereof as shown in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, a damper (not shown) may be used for controlling the rotating speed.  
      For example, dampers may be disposed on the moving paths of the sector gears  25 A and  25 B. It is arranged that when the sector gears  25 A and  25 B are rotated by a predetermined angle, the pinions provided on the dampers engage the sector gears  25 A and  25 B. Accordingly, when the lids  14 A and  14 B are rotated by a predetermined angle, the rotations thereof may be damped.  
      Incidentally, in the present embodiment, although the console box  10  is used as the moving device, any moving device disposed in a compartment of a vehicle may be used. Therefore, the moving device is not limited to the console box  10 .  
      For example, as shown in FIGS.  11 (A) through  14 (B), the moving device may be applied to cup holders  60 ,  62 ,  64  and  66 . In the cup holder  60  as shown in  FIG. 1  and FIGS.  11 (A) and  11 (B), a case  68  is attached to an instrument panel and the like at the front surface in the compartment, and the case  68  houses a holder  72  with cup holding portions  70 .  
      A rack  72 A is formed on a sidewall of the holder  72 , and an opening portion  68 A corresponding to the rack  72 A is provided to a case  68 . A pinion  67  directly connected to a motor  63  engages the rack  72 A through the opening portion  68 A. Thus, when the motor  63  is operated, the pinion  67  is rotated, and the holder  72  slides through the rack  72 A.  
      Here, the sensor electrode  38  is attached to the holder  72 . When a finger touches the sensor electrode  38 , the motor  63  is actuated (rotate in the forward direction) and the holder  72  slides, so that the cup holding portion  70  becomes a usable state (refer to  FIG. 11 (B)). When the finger touches the sensor electrode  38  again, the motor  63  is actuated (rotate in the reverse direction), so that the cup holding portions  70  accommodated in the holder  72  becomes a non-usable state (refer to  FIG. 11 (A)).  
      As described above, by attaching the sensor electrode  38  to the holder  72 , the cup holding portions  70  can be made in a usable state according to a natural mode of human engineering such as touching an object to be moved.  
      On the other hand, the cup holder  62  shown in FIGS.  12 (A) and  12 (B) includes a case  76  (may be used as the console box) having cup holding portions  74  to be attached to the center console box. After a lid  78  slides along an upper surface of the case  76 , the lid is rotated and disposed in parallel with a sidewall of the case  76 . In this state, the cup holding portions  74  is in a usable state (refer to  FIG. 12 (B)).  
      Here, while the cup holder  62  shown in FIGS.  12 (A) and  12 (B) employs a single lid  78  to be opened or closed, two lids  80  of a gate fold type may be used as shown in FIGS.  13 (A) and  13 (B).  
      Further, the cup holder  66  shown in FIGS.  14 (A) and  14 (B) includes a housing portion  86  to be attached to a rear end portion of the console or an armrest  67  for a rear seat. A cup holder  82  is rotatably supported with respect to the housing portion  86 .  
      In addition to the cup holders, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the moving device may be applied to a pop-up armrest  90 . In the armrest to be installed to a center console and the like, the pop-up armrest  90  is structured to be movable in upward and/or forward with an embedded lift mechanism such as pantograph for convenience of the user.  
      A pressure detecting sensor  84 , for example, may be attached at a leading end portion of the pop-up armrest  90 , and when a hand touches the pressure detecting sensor  84 , the movement of the hand may be detected through the pressure change when the hand touches.  
      Thus, while holding an arm on the pup-up armrest  90 , since the position of the pop-up armrest  90  can be changed by the movement of a finger-tip, the pop-up armrest  90  can be installed at an optimum position.  
      Incidentally, other sensors may be employed. Also, as shown in FIGS.  16 (A) and  16 (B), the moving device may be applied to the armrest  94  rotatably attached to a side of a seat  92 .  
      Also, as shown in FIGS.  1 ,  17 (A) and  17 (B), the moving device may be applied to a glove box  96 . The glove box  96  is provided, as a storage space, to an instrument panel of a passenger seat and the like, wherein a housing portion  98  is attached to a bracket provided to a car body. A lid  100  is opened or closed with respect to the housing portion  98 , and the housing portion  98  becomes a usable state when the lid  100  is opened.  
      Further, as shown in FIGS.  1 ,  18 (A) and  18 (B), the moving device may be applied to a navigator  102 . When applied to the navigator  102 , a monitor  104  may be housed in the instrument panel in a non-usable state. When the monitor  104  slides inside the compartment to rotate, the monitor  104  stands up to become a usable state. When a CD player (not shown) and the like is built in, the monitor stands up in the normal state, and when the CD and the like is taken out, the monitor is rotated to fall sideways.  
      Also, the moving device may be applied to an ashtray  110  as shown in FIGS.  1 ,  19 (A) and  19 (B). The ashtray  110  becomes a usable state or a non-usable state through a rotating movement of the ashtray main portion  112 . As shown in FIGS.  20 (A) and  20 (B), the ashtray becomes a usable state or a non-usable state through a sliding movement of the ashtray main portion  114 .  
      Here, as a driving device for moving the ashtray main portion  114 , not limited to a motor, a solenoid  116  may be used. Thus, a leading edge surface of a plunger  117  is directly connected to the solenoid  116  to come in or out, and is fixed to a rear surface of the ashtray main portion  114 , so that the ashtray main portion  114  slides. By using the solenoid  116 , the mechanism for moving the ashtray main portion  114  can be simplified.  
      Also, the moving device may be applied to a table  124  as shown in FIGS.  21 (A) and  21 (B). The table  124  is installed between the driver seat and the passenger seat or on a seat back to become a usable position or a non-usable position by rotating thereof.  
      Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the moving device may be applied to a case  125  for glasses. The case  125  is often attached to a roof of a vehicle, wherein a lid  126  is rotatably attached to a main body provided in the roof, and the case  125  becomes a usable state or a non-usable state by rotating the lid  126 .  
      Also, as shown in FIGS.  1 ,  22 (A) and  22 (B), the moving device may be applied to a trash box  118 . The trash box  118  is disposed on a side of a center console  121 , or near the feet portion of the driver seat and/or the passenger seat. The trash box  118  is formed of a trash box main portion  120  and a lid  122  attached to be opened or closed with respect to the trash box main portion  120 .  
      In the open state of the lid  122 , the trash box main portion  120  becomes the usable state. Here, for example, when a sensor electrode  38  is disposed on an upper surface of the lid  122 , since the upper surface of the lid  122  is positioned on a sidewall side of the center console  121  in the opened state of the lid  122 , it is difficult to use it when the lid  122  is closed. Therefore, while another sensor electrode  38  may be disposed on a sidewall of the lid  122 , it is preferable to dispose the sensor electrode on the side of the trash box main portion  120 .  
      For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when the moving device is applied to a sun visor  134  or an assist grip  138 , especially in a case of the sun visor  134 , when the sun visor  134  is viewed from the driver seat and the passenger seat, the front surface and the backside surface of the sun visor  134  become different in the non-usable state and the usable state.  
      Therefore, in s case of the sun visor  134  and the assist grip  138 , it is preferable to attach a sensor to a position other than the sun visor  134  and the assist grip  138 . For example, a heat-detecting sensor  136  is attached to the roof for detecting the movement of a hand by detecting a body temperature of a user.  
      In a case of the sun visor  134 , since the movement of the hand can be detected without directly touching the hand, the sun visor  134  can be made in the usable state or the none-usable state while the user sits on a seat. Thus, it is greatly convenient for the user not to be required to bend forward for making the sun visor  134  in the usable state or non-usable state.  
      Incidentally, the sensors used in the above-described respective moving devices are only a few samples, and are not limited thereto. The sensors vary depending on the specifications of the moving devices.  
      With the above-described structures, according to the first or second aspect of the invention, since the moving device uses the sensor for detecting the movement of the user, as compared with a mechanical type sensor as a push button and the like, an operational stroke such as pressing is not required, nor a pressing force by a fingertip is required. Thus, in any posture of the user, the driving device can be easily operated so that a movable member becomes the usable state or the non-usable state with the driving device. Also, since the driving device of the invention does not make any operating sound different from the push button, a high-grade feeling can be obtained. Further, since it is sufficient that the user lightly touches the sensor or just moving sign of the driver is detected, visual search of the operation button is not required, so that the driver can concentrate on the driving.  
      In the driving device according to the third or fourth aspect of the invention, as compared with the driving device of a mechanical type having an opening button for opening and a closing button for closing on different positions, since the opening/closing operations can be carried out without realizing the right or left, or up and down directions, the driver can concentrate on the driving.  
      In the driving device according to the fifth or sixth aspect of the invention, the movable member can be made in a usable state or non-using state according to a mode of human engineering. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the driving device is made in the usable state by rotating the movable member, and according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the driving device is made in the usable state by sliding the driving member. According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the housing portion of the driving device is made in the usable state by opening or closing the movable member.  
      In the driving device according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the movement of the hand can be detected without directly toughing to the sensor. According to the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the invention, since anything with conductivity can be used as a sensor electrode, it is convenient. Also, the sensor is less sensitive to a noise than an electric wave type sensor, and hard to malfunction. Further, the sensitivity adjustment can be easily made and, at the same time, the circuit is simple, thereby reducing cost.  
      According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the movement of the hand can be detected by a heat detecting sensor. According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the movement of the hand can be detected by the pressure detecting sensor. According to the fifteenth through seventeenth aspects of the invention, the resolution is so high that the movement of the user can be detected by simply slightly blocking the light with the user&#39;s hand. Also, since the driving device has high sensitivity and is less sensitive to the electric noise, there is no risk of malfunctioning by the radio wave of a cell phone and the like. Further, the circuit is simple, and its cost is low. Moreover, since the movement of the user can be detected when the light from the light-emitting portion is blocked, anything other than the hand of the user may be used.  
      In the driving device according to the eighteenth and nineteenth aspects of the invention, the rotating speed of the movable member can be changed through the rotating speed of the motor, and the movable member can be quietly rotated. Thus, when the movable member is moved, the contact sound between the movable member and the housing portion and the like can be eliminated, thereby obtaining a high-grade feeling as the moving device.  
      While the invention has been explained with reference to the specific embodiments of the invention, the explanation is illustrative and the invention is limited only by the appended claims.