Single-hand multi-position locking mechanism

Abstract

The present application relates to a rotary activation mechanism comprising: a release actuator; a first shaft including a locking element fixedly attached to the first shaft, the locking element configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a second shaft comprising a rotary support plate fixedly coupled to the second shaft, the second shaft being parallel to the first shaft, the rotary support plate being configured to move between a folded position and a deployed position when the locking element is in the unlocked position; wherein when the locking element is in the locked position, the rotary support plate is fixed in the folded position or the unfolded position, and wherein a first input to the release actuator rotates the first shaft, thereby rotating the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position; wherein, when the locking element is in the unlocked position, a second input to the second shaft rotates the rotary support plate between the folded position and the unfolded position. The application also relates to a vehicle seat assembly including the collapsible element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a rotary start mechanism, a vehicle seat assembly including the rotary start mechanism, and a vehicle into which the vehicle seat assembly can be mounted. Background Technology

[0002] Passenger seats in vehicles are designed to accommodate adult occupants. However, adult seats with typical three-point seat belts are insufficient for children's safety. Therefore, various child seats have been developed to provide safe travel for children in vehicles. These child seats include rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats, which can be secured to the vehicle using seat belts or ISOFIX systems. One issue with using these child seats is the need to either install them in the vehicle or remove them when an adult wants to use them.

[0003] As an alternative, there is a growing consumer demand for vehicle seats with built-in child seats, often referred to as integrated child seats, which can be folded under the seat for compact storage. These integrated child seats typically require complex folding structures, increasing both manufacturing costs and the complexity of user operation, requiring users to interact with the seat from multiple locations to control its folding / unfolding.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved integrated child seats. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of this application, a rotary start mechanism is provided. The rotary start mechanism includes: a release actuator; a first shaft including a locking element fixedly attached to the first shaft, the locking element being configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a second shaft including a rotating support plate fixedly attached to the second shaft, the second shaft being parallel to the first shaft. When the locking element is in the unlocked position, the rotating support plate is configured to move between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the locking element is in the locked position, the rotating support plate is fixed in either the folded or unfolded position. A first input to the release actuator rotates the first shaft, thereby rotating the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position; when the locking element is in the unlocked position, a second input to the second shaft rotates the rotating support plate between the folded and unfolded positions. This arrangement of the locking element and the rotating support plate provides an improved rotary start mechanism. This arrangement allows the rotary start mechanism to be unlocked before allowing movement between the folded and unfolded positions, thereby minimizing the impact of accidental folding / unfolding to protect the performance of the rotary start mechanism and minimizing user interaction with the rotary start mechanism.

[0006] In one example of this application, the first input and / or the second input correspond to manual movement. Optionally, the first input includes a compressive force perpendicular to the first axis, and the second input includes a rotational force relative to the second axis. Both inputs can be provided by a user's single hand; a compressive movement causes the locking element to unlock, while a rotational movement causes the rotating support plate to fold / unfold. This frees up the user's other hand.

[0007] In one example of this application, the rotary actuation mechanism includes a bracket with a first end connected to a release actuator and a second end connected to a first shaft. Applying a force to the first end of the bracket causes the second end of the bracket to move, thereby causing the first shaft to rotate. By using the bracket as an intermediate component between the release actuator and the first shaft, the release actuator is secured to the first shaft, and the force applied to the first end can be converted into rotational motion, thereby causing the first shaft to rotate.

[0008] In one example of this application, the rotary actuation mechanism includes a first spring attached to a bracket and configured to return a locking element to a locked position.

[0009] In one example of this application, the rotary actuation mechanism includes a second spring that attaches a locking element to a rotary support plate and is configured to return the rotary support plate to a folded position.

[0010] Springs have the advantages of absorbing shocks, distributing forces evenly across a structure, and / or providing power to a mechanism. For example, the first spring and / or the second spring can be helical springs.

[0011] In one example of this application, the rotary actuation mechanism includes a rotary positioning mechanism rotatably coupled to a second shaft. The rotary positioning mechanism includes: a through-hole through which the second shaft passes; a first arm pin and a second arm pin for engaging a locking element; and a track. In a folded position, the locking element engages with the first arm pin; and in an unfolded position, the locking element engages with the second arm pin. The track extends partially around the through-hole and adjacent to a rotary support plate. The rotary support plate moves along the track between the folded and unfolded positions. This arrangement limits or constrains the movement of the rotary support plate, preventing excessive rotation that could damage the rotary actuation mechanism. Furthermore, this limitation on the movement of the rotary support plate, combined with the arm pins, allows for pre-definition of the folded and unfolded positions and ensures that the locking element is in the locked position when engaged with either arm pin.

[0012] In one example of this application, an extension of the rotating support plate moves along a track. The extension ensures that the rotating support plate remains within the track.

[0013] In one example of this application, the rotary start mechanism includes a quick-release plate rotatably attached to a second shaft and configured to removably engage with a passenger seat. This arrangement allows the rotary start mechanism to be assembled with and removed from the passenger seat as needed.

[0014] In one example of this application, the rotary actuation mechanism includes an electrical signal detector configured to detect whether the rotary support plate is in a folded or unfolded position. By detecting whether the rotary support plate is in a folded or unfolded position, a warning device can issue an alarm to the user if the rotary support plate is not reliably unlocked / locked in either position, thereby preventing accidental folding / unfolding.

[0015] In another aspect of this application, a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The vehicle seat assembly includes a foldable element. The vehicle seat assembly is movable between a folded position for a passenger to sit on the seat cushion and lean against the backrest of the vehicle seat assembly, and an unfolded position for accommodating the foldable element. The vehicle seat assembly further includes: a rotary actuation mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims; a backrest portion fixedly coupled to a second shaft and configured to transmit a first input to a release actuator and a second input to the second shaft, wherein the backrest portion includes an outer side for the seat cushion; and a base portion. The foldable element may be a child seat, a beverage holder, a container, a table, etc.

[0016] In one example of this application, the foldable element of the vehicle seat assembly is a child seat, wherein the base portion includes a seat base; and wherein the backrest portion includes a seat back and a headrest, the headrest being adjustablely connected to the seat back and configured to transmit a first input to a release actuator. This arrangement connects the child seat to the structure of the vehicle seat without the need for seat belts, buckles, or other systems that are sometimes difficult to use and may be unreliable (especially when incorrectly positioned or positioned by someone unfamiliar with child seats). By integrating the child seat into the passenger seat of the vehicle, the use of complex removable child seats with complementary attachment elements can be avoided, thus avoiding any unsafe connections or problems associated with removable seats. Furthermore, this arrangement provides a convenient child seat when needed, while maximizing the passenger seating area when a child seat is not required.

[0017] In one example of this application, the vehicle seat assembly further includes: a headrest guide attached to the seat back; and a headrest rail attached to the headrest and movable along the headrest guide for adjusting the distance between the headrest and the seat back. This arrangement facilitates adjusting the head position according to the child's growth and age, thereby improving the child's safety when sitting in the child seat.

[0018] In one example of this application, the first input includes compression of the headrest, and the second input includes rotation of the headrest relative to the base portion. Since the headrest is configured to transmit the first input to a release actuator, the user's compression of the headrest unlocks the locking element, allowing the rotating support plate to move between a folded and unfolded position. If the user subsequently performs rotation of the backrest portion (i.e., the second input) while holding or lifting / pressing down the headrest, the rotating support plate will move between the folded and unfolded positions because the backrest portion is configured to transmit the second input to a second axis. Therefore, a user performing such input can easily fold and unfold the child seat with just one hand, while the other hand can be used for other operations, such as holding an infant.

[0019] Another aspect of this application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of passenger seats, wherein at least one of the plurality of passenger seats includes a pair of elongated support rods, each elongated support rod including: a quick-release pivot support for detachably engaging with a quick-release plate of a rotary actuation mechanism.

[0020] The rotary actuation mechanism may include multiple additional features and structures. These features and structures may be included in various combinations, such as including some features and structures, including all features and structures, or including only one of them. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a rotary start mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of the locking and unlocking positions in relation to a rotary actuation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of the rotary start mechanism is shown;

[0025] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D The folded and unfolded positions of the foldable element included in the vehicle seat assembly are shown; and

[0026] Figure 5 The rear passenger structure of the vehicle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The various aspects of this application will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate certain embodiments of the application. The same reference numerals may denote similar or identical items. Various embodiments may use elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this application, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0028] In this application, it should be understood that a child safety seat may also be referred to as an infant safety seat, a child restraint system, a child seat, an infant car seat, or a booster seat.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a rotary start mechanism 100 is shown. The rotary start mechanism 100 includes a release actuator 112, a first shaft 110, and a second shaft 120 parallel to the first shaft 110.

[0030] The first shaft 110 includes a locking element 111 fixedly attached to the first shaft 110. By fixing the locking element 111 to the first shaft 110, any rotational movement of the first shaft 110 is transmitted to the locking element 111, thereby causing the locking element 111 to rotate or move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0031] The diameter of the first shaft 110 can be smaller than the diameter of the second shaft 120. By making the diameter of the second shaft 120 larger than the diameter of the first shaft 110, the second shaft 120 can withstand greater weight and force than the first shaft, thus making the second shaft suitable for connection to an external element that serves as a passenger seat (not shown). Alternatively, the diameters of the two shafts can be similar. Or, the diameter of the first shaft can be larger than the diameter of the second shaft.

[0032] Optionally, the rotary actuation mechanism 100 may include a bracket 130. The bracket 130 includes a first end 131 connected to the release actuator 112 and a second end 132 connected to the first shaft 110. For example, the first end 131 may be a flat plate to which the release actuator 112 is attached, while the second end 132 may be cylindrical through which the first shaft 110 is connected.

[0033] The second shaft 120 includes a rotating support plate 122 fixedly connected to the second shaft 120. By fixing the rotating support plate 122 to the second shaft 120, any rotational movement of the second shaft 120 is transmitted to the rotating support plate 122, thereby causing the rotating support plate 122 to rotate or move between a folded position and an unfolded position when the locking element 111 is in the unlocked position.

[0034] When the locking element 111 is in the locked position, the rotating support plate 122 cannot move. That is, when the locking element 111 is in the locked position, the rotating support plate 122 is fixed in the folded or unfolded position, thereby preventing the rotating support plate 122 from being accidentally folded / unfolded.

[0035] Optionally, the rotary actuation mechanism 100 may further include one or more springs, such as a first spring 141 and / or a second spring 142. The first spring 141 may be attached to the bracket 130 and configured to return the locking element 110 to the locked position. The second spring 142 may attach the locking element 111 to the rotating support plate 122 and be configured to return the rotating support plate 122 to the folded position. Alternatively, the second spring 142 may be configured to return the rotating support plate 122 to the unfolded position.

[0036] The rotary starting mechanism 100 may also include a rotary positioning mechanism 150 rotatably coupled to the second shaft 120. Figure 3 An exemplary rotary positioning mechanism 150 is described.

[0037] The rotary actuation mechanism 100 includes a quick-release plate 160, which is rotatably attached to the second shaft 120 and configured to detachably engage with the passenger seat. The quick-release plate 160 can be attached to the passenger seat (not shown) by means of, for example, using an attachment device such as screws.

[0038] The rotary actuation mechanism 100 includes an electrical signal detector 162 for detecting whether the rotary support plate 122 is in a folded or unfolded position. When the rotary support plate 122 is in the folded or unfolded position, the locking element 111 is in a locked position, so the electrical signal detector 162 can detect whether the locking element 111 is in the locked position. When the rotary support plate 122 is in either the folded or unfolded position, the electrical signal detector can send an electrical signal, which can be converted into any other signal through interphase transitions, so that the user can identify whether the rotary support plate 122 is securely folded or unfolded.

[0039] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The rotation or movement of the locking element 111 between the locked position and the unlocked position is shown. Figure 2A The image shows the locking element 111 in the locked position, while... Figure 2B The locking element 111 is shown in the unlocked position.

[0040] A first input to the release actuator causes the first shaft to rotate, thereby rotating the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, when the first input is applied to the release actuator 112, the release actuator 112 transmits the input to the first end 131 of the bracket 130. Since the second end 132 of the bracket 130 is attached to the first shaft 110, the first input is transmitted to the first shaft 110 in the form of rotational motion, thereby rotating the first shaft 110 and thus rotating the locking element 111 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0041] The first input may include a compressive force in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 110. That is, the compressive force is a force applied in an axial direction perpendicular to the extension of the first axis.

[0042] When the locking element 111 is in the unlocked position and a second input is applied to the second shaft 120, the second input causes the rotating support plate 122 to rotate between a folded position and an unfolded position. The second input may include a rotational force relative to the second shaft 120. That is, the second input includes a force that causes the second shaft 120 to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0043] Optionally, the first and / or second inputs can be performed by the user's hand. By performing the first and second inputs with one hand, the user can lock / unlock and fold / unfold different components of the rotating start mechanism 100 while doing other things with the other hand, such as holding a child.

[0044] Figure 3 An exemplary portion of the rotary actuation mechanism 100 is shown. The rotary positioning mechanism 150 includes a through-hole 151 through which a second shaft 120 extends, a first arm pin 152, a second arm pin 153, and a track 154.

[0045] As previously described, the rotating support plate 122 is fixedly connected to the second shaft 120. For example, a connecting plate 126 can be used to fix the rotating support plate 122 to the second shaft 120. The connecting plate 126 may include an upper connecting plate 126a and a lower connecting plate 126b. The upper connecting plate 126a and the lower connecting plate 126b may be shaped such that when the upper connecting plate 126a is placed on the lower connecting plate 126b, a hole is formed through which the second shaft 120 can extend and be fixedly connected to the connecting plate 126, for example, by using screws or other connection methods. The connecting plate 126 may also leave space between a portion of the upper connecting plate 126a and a portion of the lower connecting plate 126b for connection to the rotating support plate 122. Although in Figure 3In the example shown, a connecting plate 126 is depicted for connecting the rotating support plate 122 to the second shaft 120, but any other element may be used. Alternatively, the rotating support plate 122 may be directly connected to the second shaft 120. The rotating support plate 122 includes an extension 124 for movement along the track 154.

[0046] The first arm pin 152 and the second arm pin 153 are configured to engage with the locking element 111. In the folded position, the locking element 111 engages with the first arm pin 153, while in the unfolded position, the locking element 111 engages with the second arm pin 154. Figure 2A As shown, when the locking element 111 is in the locked position, the locking element 111 engages with one of the arm pins (e.g., the first arm pin 152) of the rotary actuation mechanism 150, thereby preventing the second shaft 120 from rotating. Figure 2B As shown, when the locking element 111 is in the unlocked position, the locking element 111 does not engage with the arm pin of the rotary actuation mechanism 150, thereby allowing the second shaft 120 to rotate. Optionally, the rotary positioning mechanism 150 may include one or more third arm pins (not shown) for engaging the locking element 111 in one or more intermediate positions between the folded position and the unfolded position.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the track 154 extends partially around the through hole 151 and adjacent to the rotating support plate 122, such that the extension 124 of the rotating support plate 122 can move along the track 154 between a folded position and an unfolded position.

[0048] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D The folded and unfolded positions of a foldable element included in a vehicle (e.g., a car) seat assembly 200 are shown respectively. The vehicle seat assembly 200 includes a foldable element. For convenience, the vehicle seat assembly is described below as a child car seat as a foldable element. In other examples, the foldable element may be a beverage holder, a container, a table, etc.

[0049] The vehicle seat assembly 200 includes a rotary actuation mechanism 100 (e.g., the rotary actuation mechanism 100 in Figures 1 through 4), a backrest portion, and a base portion. The backrest portion is fixedly coupled to a second shaft 120 and configured to transmit a first input to a release actuator 112 and a second input to the second shaft 120. The backrest portion includes an outer side 210 for placing a seat cushion.

[0050] exist Figure 4AIn the folded position, the vehicle seat assembly 200 is in the folded position. In this folded position, a passenger can sit on the seat cushion (not shown) of the vehicle seat assembly and lean against the backrest (not shown). Figure 4B and Figure 4C In the extended position, the vehicle seat assembly 200 is in the child seat 250. In this extended position, a child can sit in the child seat 250. The backrest includes a backrest 252 for the child to sit and lean against, a seat cushion, and a headrest 253 for accommodating the child's head.

[0051] The headrest 253 is adjustablely connected to the seat back 252 and configured to transmit a first input to the release actuator 112. The base portion includes a seat base 251. The seat back 252 includes an inner side.

[0052] Figure 4D A rear view is shown in the unfolded position of the foldable element included in the vehicle seat assembly 200. The vehicle seat assembly 200 includes a headrest guide 254 and a headrest rail 255.

[0053] The headrest guide 254 is attached to the seat back 252. The headrest rail 255 is attached to the headrest 253 and can move along the headrest rail 255 to adjust the distance between the headrest 253 and the seat back 252. Figure 4C A vehicle seat assembly 200 is shown, in which a headrest 253 extends relative to a seat back 252.

[0054] Figure 5 The rear passenger configuration of the vehicle is shown, accommodating up to three passengers: one on the left, one on the right, and one in the center. The center side is pre-configured to include a pair of slim support bars 304 and a child seat (e.g., Figures 4A to 4D The child seat 250 can be engaged in the pair of elongated support rods. It should be understood that any other foldable element can be used instead of the child seat.

[0055] Each elongated support rod 304 includes a quick-release pivot mount 306 for removably engaging a quick-release plate 160 of a rotary actuation mechanism 100 included in the child seat 250. The quick-release plate 160 and the quick-release pivot mount 306 can be connected using an attachment device such as screws.

[0056] Although Figure 5 The slender support bar 304 is configured to be located on the central side, but it can be located in any other position. For example, the slender support bar 304 can be placed on the left, right, and / or central passenger rear seat and / or front passenger seat, or any combination thereof.

[0057] This application should not be considered as limited to the preferred embodiments described above; various further variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the patent claims.

Claims

1. A rotary starting mechanism (100), comprising: -Release actuator (112); - A first shaft (110) includes a locking element (111) fixedly attached to the first shaft (110), the locking element (111) being configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position; as well as - A second shaft (120) includes a rotating support plate (122) fixedly attached to the second shaft (120), the second shaft (120) being parallel to the first shaft (110), the rotating support plate (122) being configured to move between a folded position and an unfolded position when the locking element (111) is in the unlocked position; - Wherein, when the locking element (111) is in the locked position, the rotating support plate (122) is fixed in the folded or unfolded position, and -In this process, the first input to the release actuator (112) causes the first shaft (110) to rotate, thereby causing the locking element (111) to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position; -When the locking element (111) is in the unlocked position, the second input to the second shaft (120) causes the rotating support plate (122) to rotate between the folded position and the unfolded position.

2. The rotary starting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The first input and / or the second input correspond to manual movement.

3. The rotary starting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first input includes a compressive force in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (110), and the second input includes a rotational force relative to the second axis (120).

4. The rotary starting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: - A bracket (130) includes a first end (131) connected to a release actuator (112) and a second end (132) connected to a first shaft (110), wherein applying a force to the first end (131) of the bracket (130) causes the second end (132) of the bracket (130) to move, thereby causing the first shaft (110) to rotate.

5. The rotary starting mechanism according to claim 4 further includes: - A first spring (141) is attached to the bracket (130) and configured to return the locking element (111) to the locked position.

6. The rotary starting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: - A second spring (142) attaches the locking element (111) to the rotating support plate (122) and is configured to return the rotating support plate (122) to the folded position.

7. The rotary starting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a rotary positioning mechanism (150) rotatably connected to the second shaft (120), the rotary positioning mechanism (150) comprising: - The second shaft (120) extends through the through hole (151); - A first arm pin (152) and a second arm pin (153) for engaging the locking element (111), wherein, in the folded position, the locking element (111) engages the first arm pin (152), and in the unfolded position, the locking element (111) engages the second arm pin (153); and - Track (154), which extends in part around the through hole (151) and adjacent to the rotating support plate (122), wherein the rotating support plate (122) moves along the track (154) between a folded position and an unfolded position.

8. The rotary starting mechanism according to claim 7, wherein, The extension (124) of the rotating support plate (122) moves along the track (154).

9. The rotary starting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: - A quick-release plate (160) is rotatably attached to a second shaft (120) and configured to removably engage the passenger seat.

10. The rotary starting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: - An electrical signal detector (162) is configured to detect whether the rotary start mechanism is in a folded or unfolded position.

11. A vehicle seat assembly (200) including a foldable element, -in, The vehicle seat assembly (200) is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position, the folded position for seating a passenger in the seat cushion of the vehicle seat assembly and against the backrest of the vehicle seat assembly, and the unfolded position for accommodating foldable elements. -The vehicle seat assembly includes: o The rotary starting mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; The backrest portion, which is fixedly connected to the second shaft, is configured to transmit a first input to the release actuator and a second input to the second shaft, wherein... The backrest includes the outer side for the seat cushion; and o base part - Among them, foldable components are child seats, beverage racks, containers, or tables.

12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the foldable element is a child seat. -in, The base portion includes a seat base (251); as well as -The backrest includes: o Seat backrest (252), which includes the inner side; and The headrest (253) is adjustablely connected to the seat back (252) and is configured to transmit a first input to the release actuator (112).

13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, further comprising: - Headrest guide (254), which is attached to the seat back (252); - A headrest guide (255) is attached to the headrest (253) and is movable along the headrest guide (254) to adjust the distance between the headrest (253) and the seat back (252).

14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13, wherein, The first input includes compression of the headrest (253), and the second input includes rotation of the headrest (253) relative to the base portion.

15. A vehicle comprising multiple passenger seats, wherein, At least one of the plurality of passenger seats includes a pair of elongated support rods (304), each elongated support rod (304) comprising: - A quick-release pivot mount (306) for removably engaging in the quick-release plate (160) of the rotary actuation mechanism (100) according to claim 9.

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