Height-adjustable child restraint device

Abstract

A height adjustable child restraint for use in a forward facing position, the child restraint comprising: a seat portion for holding a child, and a base portion, where the base portion comprises an upper frame member for connection with the seat portion and a lower frame member for connection with the seat portion, a lower frame member to be placed on a vehicle seat, in which at least one front beam connects a front portion of the upper frame member to a front portion of the lower frame member, and at least one rear beam connects a rear portion of the upper frame member to a rear portion of the lower frame member such that a parallelogram is formed; and at least one guide plate connected to the lower frame member wherein at least one of the upper frame member and the back rest is movably connected to the guide plate for vertical movement of the upper frame member relative to the guide plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a height-adjustable child restraint device for use in a forward-facing position. Background Technology

[0002] Child restraint devices (also known as car seats) are used to protect children while they are traveling in motor vehicles and are essential for ensuring that children are safe and comfortable on both short and long journeys. Therefore, ongoing efforts are made to ensure that children and parents feel safe when traveling by car.

[0003] There are different types of child restraint devices on the market that are suitable for children of different ages and heights.

[0004] Infant carriers are used for toddlers from birth to approximately 12 months old. They are easy to get in and out of vehicles and allow children to remain in the seat without having to be picked up.

[0005] As children grow a little older, rear-facing car seats are the safest option. Rear-facing car seats are typically installed and secured in the vehicle and are not frequently moved. Many different versions are available for children ranging in height from 105 cm to a maximum of 125 cm.

[0006] Older children, preferably those taller than 125 cm, should still use forward-facing car seats (also known as high-back booster seats or simply booster seats). As the name suggests, booster seats raise children high enough that the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts can securely restrain them. This is necessary because vehicle safety systems (such as seat belts) are designed for individuals approximately 145 cm to 150 cm tall. Therefore, booster seats can be seen as an adapter between the child and the vehicle's safety systems, and a primary purpose of forward-facing child restraint devices is to ensure the child's body is correctly positioned relative to the vehicle's seat belts.

[0007] Child restraint devices can be installed and fitted via the vehicle's seatbelt or using ISOFIX connectors (the standard interface for child restraint devices). For this purpose, child restraint devices with height-adjustable seat sections can be used. However, height-adjustable seat sections generally reduce the robustness of the child restraint device and may cause the seat section to move away from the vehicle's seat back in the event of an accident. This can potentially lead to safety hazards. For example, this problem has been found with height-adjustable seat sections based on scissor-lift technology. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to provide an improved height-adjustable child restraint device that enables children of different ages and heights to ride safely in a vehicle.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, this and other objectives are achieved by a height-adjustable child restraint device used in a forward-facing position, the child restraint device comprising:

[0010] The seat portion and the base portion, the seat portion being used to secure a child, wherein the base portion includes...

[0011] An upper frame member and a lower frame member, the upper frame member being connected to a seat portion and the lower frame member being placed on a vehicle seat, wherein at least one front beam connects the front portion of the upper frame member to the front portion of the lower frame member, and at least one rear beam connects the rear portion of the upper frame member to the rear portion of the lower frame member, thus forming a parallelogram; and

[0012] At least one guide plate is connected to the lower frame member, and at least one of the upper frame member and the rear beam is movably connected to the guide plate for vertical movement of the upper frame member relative to the guide plate.

[0013] The present invention is based on the understanding that by movably connecting the upper frame member and / or rear beam to a vertically extending guide plate, the child seat can be raised or lowered while preventing forward movement in the event of an accident. In the event of an accident, the guide plate absorbs the force acting on the seat section and brings it closer to the vehicle seat back. Therefore, the upper frame member is secured near the vehicle seat back, which is important for the seat belt to remain in the correct position on the child's body.

[0014] Furthermore, the parallelogram mechanism has the advantage over the scissor mechanism in that it is easier to lock, contains simpler parts, and provides support / fits the lower leg.

[0015] The at least one guide plate may include a slide rail having an upper end position and a lower end position and extending substantially vertically, wherein at least one of the upper frame member and the rear beam may include a protrusion adapted to slide along the slide rail. The slide rail may have a certain width, which is referred to herein as a first width. Thus, the protrusion may be fitted into the first width of the slide rail.

[0016] When the protrusion is at the lower end of the slide rail, the angle between the front beam and the lower frame member can be at least 5 degrees, preferably at least 10 degrees. Similarly, when the protrusion is at the lower end of the slide rail, the angle between the rear beam and the lower frame member can be at least 5 degrees, preferably at least 10 degrees.

[0017] The guide plate may have a main extension that is substantially perpendicular to the lower frame member. This allows the upper frame member to move relative to the lower frame member in a substantially perpendicular direction.

[0018] The guide plate may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to connect to at least one of an upper frame member and a rear beam, extending parallel to a main extension. The second portion is adapted to connect to a lower frame member, wherein the second portion is offset from the main extension. In other words, at least one of the upper frame member and the rear beam may be connected to the first portion of the guide plate extending parallel to the main extension. The guide plate may further include a second portion offset from the main extension for connection to the lower frame member. Therefore, a slide rail may be disposed in the first portion of the guide plate.

[0019] The second part of the guide plate may have a main extension that is substantially non-parallel to both the lower frame member and the first part of the guide plate.

[0020] The second portion of the guide plate can be angled relative to the first portion (i.e., the main extension). This creates a gap between the second portion of the guide plate and the vehicle seat. This is advantageous because many vehicles have a headrest between the seat section and the backrest. In these cases, the gap allows the guide plate to be pressed firmly against the vehicle seat back. Furthermore, the vehicle's seat belts, particularly the seat belt buckles, can be positioned below the guide plate and / or in the gap formed on the sides of the guide plate. This is advantageous when child restraint devices are placed in the middle of the rear seats (where space is smaller than on the sides).

[0021] For the same purpose, the rear portion of the lower frame member may have an end point that extends forward to the main extension and is offset from that plane. The gap formed between the lower frame member and the backrest of the vehicle seat allows the child restraint device to be securely pressed against the backrest of the vehicle seat, and the vehicle's seat belt, particularly the seat belt buckle, can be arranged within this gap. Additionally, the base portion of the child restraint device occupies less space. For the same reason, the base portion may include retractable ISOFIX.

[0022] The child restraint device may further include a sliding member disposed within the lower frame member, wherein the front and rear beams are connected to the sliding member. The sliding member allows the front and rear beams to be locked to the lower frame member individually. Thus, a single component (the sliding member) is locked to another component (the lower frame member), rather than two components without the sliding member. The sliding member may be locked to the lower frame member by means of a pin.

[0023] By moving the sliding member back and forth in the vertical direction (i.e. in the direction of travel), the upper frame member rises and falls with the angle changes between the front beam and the lower frame member and between the rear beam and the lower frame member, respectively.

[0024] The front beam may include a stabilizing element pivotally connected to the lower frame member. The stabilizing element complements the guide plate and, in the event of an accident, prevents the upper frame member from moving forward and from making loose contact with the vehicle seat backrest. The stabilizing element may be pivotally connected to the front beam.

[0025] The front and rear beams can be pivotally connected to the upper and lower frame members. Therefore, when the lower frame member includes a sliding member, the front and rear beams can be pivotally connected to the sliding member. Thus, the front and rear beams can be directly connected to the sliding member and indirectly connected to the lower frame member.

[0026] The front and rear beams can be rotatably connected to the upper and lower frame members.

[0027] The guide plate can be integrated into the lower frame components.

[0028] When the upper frame member is positioned at its highest point, the guide plate can extend above the upper frame member.

[0029] It should be noted that the child restraint device may have a backrest attached to a guide plate. Alternatively, the child restraint device may not include a backrest. When the backrest is attached to the guide plate above the upper frame member, the pivot point of the backrest is higher than that of the lower frame member when the upper frame member is positioned at its highest point. A high pivot point is advantageous for the backrest because the rear side of the child restraint device and its backrest conform to the shape of the vehicle backrest. For safety reasons, a high pivot point of the child restraint device's backrest is advantageous because it allows the child restraint device to resemble the shape of the vehicle seat and also allows the child restraint device to fit better into the vehicle seat and be firmly pressed against the vehicle seat backrest.

[0030] The child restraint device may further include a thigh support positioned adjacent to the front beam. Padding may be provided on the thigh support. When the upper frame member is in its highest position, the thigh support provides support for the legs and feet of the smallest child. When the upper frame member is in its lowest position and the child restraint device is used by an older child, the thigh support can function as an extension of the seat.

[0031] A height-adjustable child restraint device can be configured to receive the vehicle's seat belt for securing a child. Thus, when using a height-adjustable child restraint device, the vehicle's seat belt can be used to secure the child. Alternatively, the child restraint device may include an internal harness for securing the child. In this context, the term "internal harness" should be interpreted as the internal seat belt.

[0032] Both the superframe members and the rear beam can be movably connected to the guide plate. In this context, the term "connection" should be interpreted as a direct connection.

[0033] The lower frame member may include an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the front beam, the rear beam, and the guide plate may be connected to the inner surface of the lower frame member.

[0034] The child restraint device may further include a support leg attached to the lower frame member and arranged to contact the vehicle floor to provide additional support and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a height-adjustable child restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the base portion of the height-adjustable restraint device in the diagram;

[0038] Figures 3a to 3b These are a side view and a perspective view of the base portion of a height-adjustable child restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figures 4a to 4c It shows Figure 2 Different configurations of the base portion. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 A height-adjustable child restraint device 1 is shown for use in a forward-facing position. The child restraint device 1 includes a seat portion 2 for securing a child and a base portion 3 for placement on a vehicle seat. The seat portion 2 is detachably connected to the base portion 3. In the direction of travel, the child restraint device 1 can be secured to the vehicle via ISOFIX attachments to the rear of the base portion 3 and / or support legs 5 attached to the front of the base portion 3.

[0041] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1The base portion 3 of the child restraint device 1 is shown in the figure. However, the support legs and ISOFIX are not shown in this figure. The base portion 3 includes an upper frame member 16 for holding the seat portion 2. Therefore, the upper frame member 16 forms the seat section of the seat portion 2.

[0042] The base portion 3 further includes a lower frame member 14 to be placed on the vehicle seat. The upper frame member 16 and the lower frame member 14 are connected to each other by means of at least one front beam 6. The front beam 6 is pivotally connected to the upper frame member 16. The connection between the front beam 6 and the upper frame member 16 is, in a sense, fixed, because the front beam 6 cannot slide along the upper frame member 16. The front beam 6 is also pivotally connected to the lower frame member 14, but unlike the upper frame member 16, the front beam 6 can slide along the lower frame member 14.

[0043] The base portion 3 further includes at least one rear beam 7. Thus, a parallelogram is formed by the upper frame member 16, the lower frame member 14, the front beam 6, and the rear beam 7. The front beam 6 and the rear beam 7 are substantially parallel to each other. The same is true for the upper frame member 16 and the lower frame member 14.

[0044] Front beam 6 connects the front portion of upper frame member 16 to the front portion of lower frame member 14, and rear beam 7 connects the rear portion of upper frame member 16 to the rear portion of lower frame member 14. Similar to front beam 6, rear beam 7 is pivotally connected to upper frame member 16 and cannot slide along upper frame member. Rear beam 7 is also pivotally connected to lower frame member 14 and can slide along lower frame member.

[0045] The number of front beams 6 and rear beams 7 can be varied accordingly. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, two front beams 6 connect the front portion of the upper frame member 16 to the front portion of the lower frame member 14. Similarly, two rear beams 7 connect the rear portion of the upper frame member 16 to the rear portion of the lower frame member 14.

[0046] The base portion 3 further includes at least one guide plate 9, which is substantially perpendicular to the lower frame member 14. As seen in the direction of travel, the lower portion of the guide plate 9 is connected to the rear portion of the lower frame member 14 behind the rear beam 7. The upper frame member 16 is slidably connected to the guide plate 9, allowing the upper frame member 16 to be raised or lowered in the vertical direction. This allows the position of the seat section to be raised or lowered. The connection between the upper frame member 16 and the guide plate 9 ensures that even in the event of an accident, the upper frame member 16 remains close to the backrest of the vehicle seat. The upper portion of the rear beam 7 is also slidably connected to the guide plate 9.

[0047] When the upper frame member 16 is in its highest position, the guide plate 9 can extend above the upper frame member 16. Thus, the backrest 12 can be attached to the child restraint device 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Figure 2 The child restraint device 1 is provided with two guide plates 9, both of which extend above the upper frame member 16.

[0048] The guide plate 9 includes a first portion connected to the upper frame member 16 and the rear beam 7. The first portion extends substantially parallel to the main extension of the guide plate 9. The guide plate 9 further includes a second portion connected to the lower frame member 14. The second portion is offset from the main extension. A slide rail 10 is disposed in the first portion of the guide plate 9, as shown in the image. Figures 4a to 4c Further details are provided below.

[0049] The second part is positioned at an angle relative to the first part (i.e., the main extension). This creates a gap between the second part and the vehicle seat.

[0050] The second part of the guide plate 9 has a main extension that is substantially non-parallel to both the lower frame member 14 and the first part of the guide plate 9. This creates a gap between the lower frame member 14 and the back of the vehicle seat, allowing the child restraint device 1 to be securely pressed against the back of the vehicle seat.

[0051] The rear portion of the lower frame member 14 has an end point 18 that extends forward to the main extension and is offset from that plane. Therefore, the base portion 3 of the child restraint device 1 occupies less space and thus allows for better access to the vehicle seatbelt buckle. For the same reason, the base portion 3 may include a retractable ISOFIX.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front beam 6 may include a stabilizing element 8 connected to the lower frame member 14. The stabilizing element 8 supports the parallelogram and prevents the upper frame member 16 from pivoting. The stabilizing element 8 is connected to the center portion of the front beam 6. The stabilizing element 8 is pivotally connected to the front beam 6 and to the lower frame member 14, but cannot slide along either of them.

[0053] like Figure 1 As further shown, the base portion 3 may include a thigh support 17 for supporting a child's legs when the upper frame member 16 is in its highest position. This is the position for the youngest child. As the child grows, the upper frame member 16 is used in its lowest position. In this position, the thigh support 17 can function as an extended seat portion with padding.

[0054] The thigh support 17 is positioned adjacent to the front beam 6. The angle between the thigh support 17 and the lower frame member 14 follows the angle between the front beam 6 and the lower frame member 14. When the upper frame member 16 is in its highest position, the thigh support 17 is fully raised.

[0055] Figures 3a to 3b A child restraint device 1 is shown, which includes a sliding member 15 disposed inside a lower frame member 14, with a front beam 6 and a rear beam 7 connected to the sliding member. By moving the sliding member 15 back and forth, the upper frame member 16 is raised and lowered. Therefore, the position of the sliding member 15 determines the vertical position of the upper frame member 16, and thus determines the seat portion attached to the upper frame member 16. Figures 3a to 3b (Not shown in the image)

[0056] Figures 4a to 4c Showing Figure 2 Different configurations of the base portion 3. As described above, the base portion 3 includes at least one guide plate 9 connected to the lower frame member 14, and at least one of the upper frame member 16 and the rear beam 7 is movably connected to the at least one guide plate. The movable connection between the upper frame member 16 and the guide plate 9 allows the upper frame member 16 to move in the vertical direction, thereby changing the height of the seat portion 2.

[0057] exist Figure 4a In the middle, the upper frame member 16 is located at the highest position, and... Figure 4c In the middle, the upper frame member 16 is located at the lowest position. Figure 4b In the middle, the upper frame member 16 is located between the highest and lowest positions.

[0058] As in Figures 4a to 4c As can be seen, the guide plate 9 extends substantially perpendicular to the lower frame member 14. To enable the upper frame member 16 to move vertically relative to the lower frame member 14, the guide plate 9 includes a slide rail 10 extending in the same direction as the guide plate 9, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the lower frame member 14. The slide rail 10 has an upper end position and a lower end position. The slide rail 10 has a certain width and extends substantially vertically similar to the guide plate 9. At least one of the upper frame member 16 and the rear beam 7 includes a protrusion 11 adapted to fit into and slide along the slide rail 10. When the upper frame member 16 is in its highest position, the protrusion 11 is located at the upper end position of the slide rail 10, and when the upper frame member 16 is in its lowest position, the protrusion 11 is located at the lower end position of the slide rail 10.

[0059] The upper frame member 16 and the rear beam 7 can be connected to each other, and at least one of them can be connected to the guide plate 9, which provides stability to the base section 3.

[0060] The movement of the protrusion 11 between its upper and lower positions can be adjusted by pushing the sliding member 15 back and forth. The front beam 6 and the rear beam 7 are pivotally connected to the upper frame member 12 and the lower frame member 14. When the sliding member 15 moves forward and the protrusion 11 moves toward the lower position, the angles between the front beam 6 and the lower frame member 14, and between the rear beam 7 and the lower frame member 14, change accordingly.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A height-adjustable child restraint device (1) for use in a forward-facing position, the child restraint device (1) comprising: Seat portion (2) and base portion (3), the seat portion being used to hold a child, wherein the base portion (3) includes An upper frame member (16) and a lower frame member (14), the upper frame member being connected to the seat portion (2) and the lower frame member being placed on a vehicle seat, wherein at least one front beam (6) connects the front portion of the upper frame member (16) to the front portion of the lower frame member (14), and at least one rear beam (7) connects the rear portion of the upper frame member (16) to the rear portion of the lower frame member (14), thereby forming a parallelogram; and At least one guide plate (9) is connected to the lower frame member (14), wherein at least one of the upper frame member (16) and the rear beam (7) is movably connected to the guide plate (9) for vertical movement of the upper frame member (16) relative to the guide plate (9).

2. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one guide plate (9) includes a slide rail (10) having an upper end position and a lower end position and extending substantially vertically, and at least one of the upper frame member (16) and the rear beam (7) includes at least one protrusion (11) adapted to slide along the slide rail (10).

3. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The guide plate (9) has a main extension that is substantially perpendicular to the lower frame member (14).

4. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The guide plate (9) includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being adapted to connect to at least one of the upper frame member (16) and the rear beam (7), the first portion extending parallel to the main extension, and the second portion being adapted to connect to the lower frame member (14), wherein the second portion is offset from the main extension.

5. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The second portion of the guide plate (9) has a main extension that is substantially non-parallel to both the lower frame member (14) and the first portion of the guide plate (9).

6. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rear portion of the lower frame member (14) has an end point (18) that extends forward to the plane of the main extension and is offset from the plane.

7. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a sliding member (15) disposed inside the lower frame member (14), and wherein, The front beam and the rear beam (6, 7) are connected to the sliding member (15).

8. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The front beam (6) includes a stabilizing element (8) which is pivotally connected to the lower frame member (14).

9. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The front beam and the rear beam (6, 7) are pivotally connected to the upper frame member and the lower frame member (16, 14).

10. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide plate (9) is integrated into the lower frame member (14).

11. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the upper frame member is positioned at its highest point, the guide plate (9) extends above the upper frame member (16).

12. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a thigh support (17) positioned adjacent to the front beam (6).

13. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-adjustable child restraint device is configured to receive a vehicle seat belt for securing the child.

14. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Both the upper frame member (16) and the rear beam (7) are movably connected to the guide plate (9).

15. The height-adjustable child restraint device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower frame member (14) includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the front beam (6), the rear beam (7) and the guide plate (9) are connected to the inner surface of the lower frame member (14).

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