Center armrest inertial lock

Abstract

An inertial lock assembly for a vehicle armrest includes a stopping member disposed on an armrest attachment bracket and a catch pin for engaging the stopping member. The catch pin is disposed on an armrest link journaled at one end to the attachment bracket and at an opposed end to an armrest frame. The stopping member pivots to engage the catch pin. A guide pin disposed on the armrest attachment bracket is configured to slide within an arcuate guide slot in the stopping member, to restrict a range of pivoting movement of the stopping member. A stop disposed on the armrest link is configured to bias an end of the arcuate guide slot against the guide pin when the armrest attachment bracket and armrest link are in a stowed configuration or in a fully deployed configuration. Armrest and seat assemblies including the inertial lock assembly are described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This disclosure relates generally to seats for motor vehicles, and more particularly to a locking mechanism for a seat center armrest.BACKGROUND[0002]Center seat armrests are well known in the art, and are used particularly with motor vehicle bench-type seats. The center seat armrest, as the name implies, provides a convenient place in a center portion of a seat for a passenger to rest his or her arm. Moreover, center seat armrests may be equipped with a variety of useful and convenient features such as storage bins, cup holders, and the like. Typically, a center seat armrest is configured to pivot, allowing the armrest to be translated between a stowed configuration (usually at least partially or fully nested within a recess in the vehicle seat back whereby a seat back for a passenger is provided) and a deployed, substantially horizontal configuration for use by adjacent passengers.[0003]To deploy the armrest, usually it is necessary only to grasp the armrest o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The inertial lock assembly for a vehicle armrest is designed to prevent the armrest from movement during a sudden deceleration or impact to the vehicle. It includes a stopping member and a catch pin that work together to restrict the movement of the armrest. The stopping member is attached to the armrest attachment bracket and has a guide slot through which a guide pin on the bracket engages, limiting the rotation of the stopping member. This prevents the armrest from moving too far inward or outward during a sudden stop or impact, ensuring safety for the driver or passenger.

Problems solved by technology

However, while convenient, this admits of inadvertent and undesired deployment of the armrest.

For example, this could be caused by vehicle deceleration created by a frontal impact to the vehicle, causing an otherwise unrestrained center armrest to deploy.

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