Rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly and seat armrest assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly and the seat armrest assembly itself, relating to the field of seat accessory technology. The rotary damper includes a fixed part, a rotating part, a damping cavity, a first blade, a second blade, a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve, a bypass groove, and an elastic energy storage element. The rotating part rotates with the armrest relative to the fixed part between a first position and a second position. The damping cavity is filled with damping oil. The flow resistance of the bypass groove is less than the flow resistance of the blade mating clearance. It bypasses both the first and second blades simultaneously in the middle stroke section of the rotating part, and releases the bypass to different blades in the end stroke sections adjacent to the first and second positions, respectively. The elastic energy storage element applies a rotational torque to the rotating part towards the first position. This rotary damper can balance effortless armrest operation with a gentle descent at the end to prevent falls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotary damper, specifically to a rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly and a seat armrest assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy vehicles, the center armrest of vehicle seats integrates multiple functions such as cup holders and electronic screens, and its usage frequency, weight, and structural complexity are increasing day by day. Therefore, improving the convenience and safety of the center armrest during opening and closing has become an urgent issue to be addressed in this field.

[0003] Currently, dampers used in vehicle seat armrest assemblies are mainly divided into two categories: linear dampers and cylindrical rotary dampers. Linear dampers occupy a large space and are complex to install, and have been gradually replaced by cylindrical rotary dampers. Cylindrical rotary dampers have the advantages of compact structure, simple installation, and small space occupation. Their basic working principle is to use the relative rotation of the outer shell and the rotating core to provide a slow-descent damping for the opening and falling of the armrest by utilizing the flow resistance of the damping oil.

[0004] However, current cylindrical rotary dampers can only provide descent damping for the handrail opening and falling, and have at least the following drawbacks:

[0005] 1. When the central armrest is closed, the lifting force is too large, and the damper cannot provide assistance;

[0006] 2. The central armrest must be manually closed at all times; it cannot automatically return to its original position.

[0007] 3. When the central handrail is closed more than 90 degrees, it will close faster due to gravity, causing abnormal noise and vibration.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention: The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly and a seat armrest assembly. When the armrest is opened, the end of the armrest slowly descends; when closed, it is lifted with ease; the middle section automatically returns to its original position; and the end gently closes, resulting in a smooth, quiet, and safe overall operating experience.

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention discloses a rotation damper for a seat armrest assembly, comprising:

[0011] The fixing part is used to fix it to the seat;

[0012] A rotating part is used to be fixed to the handrail and rotate with the handrail about a rotation axis; the rotating part can rotate relative to the fixed part about the rotation axis between a first position and a second position; a damping cavity filled with damping oil is formed between the fixed part and the rotating part;

[0013] The first blade and the second blade are sequentially disposed on one of the fixed part and the rotating part along the direction of rotation from the first position to the second position of the rotating part, and each blade forms a fitting gap with the other.

[0014] A first check valve and a second check valve are respectively disposed on the first blade and the second blade; the first check valve is activated when the rotating part rotates from the first position to the second position, and the second check valve is activated when the rotating part rotates from the second position to the first position.

[0015] A bypass groove, extending along the rotation direction of the rotating part, is disposed on the other of the fixed part and the rotating part, and its flow resistance is significantly less than the flow resistance of the mating gap;

[0016] And an elastic energy storage element, connecting the fixed part and the rotating part, for applying a rotational torque to the rotating part to cause the rotating part to rotate toward a first position;

[0017] The bypass groove is configured to simultaneously bypass the first blade and the second blade in the middle stroke section of the rotating part, and to release the bypass to different blades in the first end stroke section near the first position and the second end stroke section near the second position, respectively.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first position corresponds to the closed position of the armrest, and the second position corresponds to the used position of the armrest;

[0019] Along the closing direction of the handrail, the first end travel segment of the rotating part near the first position is the range from when the handrail rotates from a first predetermined angle beyond the zero gravity torque position to when the handrail is fully closed.

[0020] Along the opening direction of the handrail, the second end travel segment of the rotating part adjacent to the second position is the range within a second predetermined angle from the use position during the rotation of the handrail from the closed position to the use position.

[0021] Preferably, the direction corresponding to the zero-gravity torque position is taken as 0° reference, and the first predetermined angle beyond the zero-gravity torque position is selected from any angle between 0° and 50°;

[0022] With the usage position as a 0° reference, the second predetermined angle from the usage position is selected from any angle between -20° and 70°.

[0023] Preferably, the elastic torque of the elastic energy storage element is further configured such that, when the armrest is in the self-closing phase, it combines with the gravitational torque of the armrest to form a resultant torque along the closing direction of the armrest. The self-closing phase is an angular interval from a predetermined starting angle to a zero-gravity torque position; the zero-gravity torque position is where the center of gravity of the armrest 1 is located such that the torque of gravity about the rotation axis is zero. Preferably, with the usage position as a 0° reference, the starting point of the self-closing phase is selected from any angle between 50° and 85°.

[0024] In one embodiment, the relative circumferential positions of the bypass groove, the first blade, and the second blade are configured such that: in a first end stroke segment adjacent to a first position, the first blade is offset from the bypass groove, thereby releasing the bypass of the first blade, and the second blade is opposite to the bypass groove; in an intermediate stroke segment, both the first blade and the second blade are opposite to the bypass groove; and in a second end stroke segment adjacent to a second position, the second blade is offset from the bypass groove, thereby releasing the bypass of the second blade, and the first blade is opposite to the bypass groove.

[0025] Specifically, the bypass groove is disposed on the circumferential surface of the fixed part opposite to the rotating part; or, the bypass groove is disposed on the axial end surface of the fixed part opposite to the rotating part.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fixing part is a rotating core, used to be coaxially fixed to the fixed shaft of the seat; the central axis of the fixed shaft constitutes the rotation axis;

[0027] The rotating part is a housing, used to fix it to the connecting part of the handrail; the rotating core is housed inside the housing;

[0028] The bypass groove is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating core;

[0029] The elastic energy storage element is a coil spring, which can store energy when the rotating part rotates from the first position to the second position and release energy when it rotates in the opposite direction.

[0030] In one embodiment, the damping oil is silicone oil or hydraulic oil.

[0031] The present invention also provides a seat armrest assembly, comprising: a seat with a fixed shaft fixedly connected thereto; an armrest; and a rotary damper as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the rotating part of the rotary damper is fixedly connected to the armrest, the fixed part of the rotary damper is coaxially fixed to the fixed shaft, and the central axis of the fixed shaft constitutes the rotation axis of the rotary damper, so that the armrest rotates relative to the seat about the rotation axis between a closed position and a used position.

[0032] Beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. The seat armrest assembly using the rotational damper provided in this application shall achieve at least the following performance:

[0034] At the beginning and middle of the handrail opening stroke, the damping oil flow path formed by the bypass groove and the first one-way valve results in low flow resistance and low pressure difference for the damping oil, and no significant damping torque is generated during the opening process, making the opening operation less strenuous. At the end of the opening stroke, the second blade is de-bypassed, and the damping oil flows through the fitting gap, generating a positive internal damping torque. This positive internal damping torque, together with the rotational torque provided by the elastic energy storage element, constitutes the end positive torque, achieving a slow descent at the end and preventing the opening plate from falling. This end positive torque not only has the adaptive properties of damping force with speed changes, but also does not require providing excessive damping force, as the coil spring tension provides a portion of the force.

[0035] In the initial and middle sections of the armrest's closing stroke, the damping oil flow path formed by the bypass groove and the second one-way valve ensures that no significant reverse internal damping torque is generated in the initial and middle sections, making the lifting operation easier; at the same time, the elastic energy storage element provides a rotational torque tending towards the closing direction, providing lifting assistance and further reducing the manual lifting force;

[0036] At the end of the closing stroke, near the first position, the first blade is de-circuited, and the damping oil flows through the fitting gap, generating reverse internal damping torque to achieve a gentle closing at the end, preventing abnormal noise and vibration caused by the handrail accelerating to close after 90° under the combined action of spring force and gravity.

[0037] This design ensures that the rotary damper has a slow-descent function at the end of both the opening and closing directions, while maintaining low resistance in the remaining stroke sections, reducing operating force, and ensuring that the manual lifting, self-priming, and manual opening sections can be performed easily and effortlessly, thus optimizing the operating feel.

[0038] 2. By setting the elastic torque of the elastic energy storage element, when the handrail is in the self-closing phase, it is combined with the handrail's gravity torque to form a resultant torque along the handrail's closing direction. This allows the handrail to automatically rotate in the closing direction under the action of the resultant torque even if the user releases the handrail during the self-closing phase, thus realizing the self-closing function. No manual force is required throughout the process, significantly improving the user experience and safety performance. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, and the advantages of the present invention in the above and / or other aspects will become clearer.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the rotation damper and the handrail provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the rotating damper.

[0042] Figure 3 The positional change trend of the handrail provided in the first embodiment of this application during rotation in the opening direction.

[0043] Figure 4 A front sectional view of the elastic energy storage element provided in the first embodiment of this application when the handrail is in the closed position.

[0044] Figure 5 The main sectional view of the rotation damper provided in the first embodiment of this application when the handrail begins to rotate from the closed position to the used position.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a front sectional view of the rotary damper provided in the first embodiment of this application when the handrail is opened to the use position.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the closed state of the second one-way valve provided in the first embodiment of this application during the rotation of the handrail from the closed position to the use position.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the opening state of the first one-way valve provided in the first embodiment of this application during the rotation of the handrail from the closed position to the use position.

[0048] Figure 9 The positional change trend of the handrail provided in the first embodiment of this application during rotation in the closing direction.

[0049] Figure 10 A front sectional view of the elastic energy storage element provided in the first embodiment of this application when the handrail is in the use position.

[0050] Figure 11 The first embodiment of this application provides a main sectional view of the rotation damper when the handrail begins to rotate from the use position to the closed position.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a front cross-sectional view of the rotary damper provided in the first embodiment of this application when the handrail is raised to the self-priming section.

[0052] Figure 13 This is a front sectional view of the rotary damper provided in the first embodiment of this application, with the handrail raised to the closed position.

[0053] Figure 14 A front sectional view of the first one-way valve provided in the first embodiment of this application during the rotation of the handrail from the use position to the closed position.

[0054] Figure 15 This is a front sectional view of the second one-way valve provided in the first embodiment of this application during the rotation of the handrail from the use position to the closed position.

[0055] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are as follows: 1. Handrail; 2. Rotation damper; 3. Fixed shaft; 4. Connecting part; 5. Rotating part; 5-1. First blade; 5-2. Second blade; 5-3. Housing; 5-4. Top cover; 5-5. Shift fork; 5-6. First internal stop; 5-7. Second internal stop; 6-1. First one-way valve; 6-2. Second one-way valve; 7. Rotational sealing ring; 8. Lubricating bearing; 9. Fixed part; 9-1. Bypass groove; 9-2. The first... 9-3, Second stop; 10, Sealing ring; 11, Sealing gasket; 12, Sealing gasket; 13, Elastic energy storage element; 15, Damping oil; 16, Damping chamber; 16-1, First chamber; 16-2, Second chamber; 16-3, Third chamber; P0, Operating position; P1, Torque balance position; P2, Zero gravity torque position; P3, Closed position; PD1, Forward damping switching position; PD2, Reverse damping switching position. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Example 1

[0057] The existing rotary damper 2 only provides unidirectional slow-closing damping during the opening stroke of the handrail 1, and cannot provide any assistance or damping during the closing stroke. Specifically: when the handrail 1 is lifted from the horizontal use position to the closed position, the user needs to overcome the handrail 1's own gravitational torque. Since the existing damper does not generate damping force in the closing direction and cannot provide any lifting assistance, the lifting force is large, making operation difficult. At this time, the handrail 1 mainly relies on the torque manually applied by the user to continue closing, and cannot achieve automatic return, requiring manual operation throughout the entire process. When the handrail 1 continues to rotate towards the closed position and crosses 90°, that is, when the handrail 1 is lifted from the horizontal upward position beyond the zero gravitational torque position, the direction of the gravitational torque changes to assist closing, but the existing damper still does not provide damping in this stroke segment. The handrail 1 will accelerate to close under the action of gravity, causing problems such as impact, abnormal noise, and vibration, affecting the user experience.

[0058] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, this application improves the structure of the rotation damper for the seat armrest assembly.

[0059] Please see Figures 1 to 15 This application provides a rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly, including a rotating core 9, a housing 5, a first blade 5-1, a second blade 5-2, a bypass groove 9-1, and a coil spring 13.

[0060] Rotary core 9 is used for fixing to the seat.

[0061] The outer casing 5 is used to be fixed to the handrail 1 and rotates with the handrail 1 about the axis of rotation; such as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the outer shell 5 can rotate relative to the rotating core 9 around the rotation axis between a first position and a second position; the rotating core 9 is housed within the outer shell 5, forming a damping cavity 16 filled with damping oil 15 between them. The damping oil 15 can be silicone oil or hydraulic oil. A first stop 9-2 and a second stop 9-3 opposite to the outer shell 5 are formed on the outer side of the rotating core 9, and a first internal stop 5-6 and a second internal stop 5-7 constitute the circumferential boundary of the damping cavity 16.

[0062] like Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 are sequentially mounted on the outer casing 5 along the direction of rotation from the first position to the second position, and both form a fitting gap with the rotating core 9. The first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 divide the damping cavity 16 into a first chamber 16-1, a second chamber 16-2, and a third chamber 16-3; the first blade 5-1 is located between the second chamber 16-2 and the third chamber 16-3, and the second blade 5-2 is located between the first chamber 16-1 and the second chamber 16-2.

[0063] The first check valve 6-1 and the second check valve 6-2 are respectively disposed on the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2; for example Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the first one-way valve 6-1 is activated when the housing 5 rotates from the first position to the second position, as... Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the second one-way valve 6-2 is activated when the housing 5 rotates from the second position to the first position.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the bypass groove 9-1 is provided on the rotating core 9 along the rotation direction of the outer shell 5, and its flow resistance is less than the flow resistance of the mating clearance.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the coil spring 13 is connected between the rotating core 9 and the outer shell 5, and is used to apply a rotational torque to the outer shell 5 to cause the handrail 1 to rotate in the handrail closing direction.

[0066] The bypass groove 9-1 is configured to simultaneously bypass the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 in the middle stroke section of the housing 5, and to release the bypass to different blades in the first end stroke section near the first position and the second end stroke section near the second position, respectively.

[0067] Specifically, in this application, the relative circumferential positions of the bypass slot 9-1, the first blade 5-1, and the second blade 5-2 are configured as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 13As shown, in the first end stroke section near the first position, the bypass groove 9-1 is offset from the first blade 5-1 to release the bypass to the first blade 5-1, and the bypass groove 9-1 is opposite to the second blade 5-2 to bypass the second blade 5-2; as Figure 12 As shown, in the intermediate stroke section, the bypass slot 9-1 is opposite to the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 respectively, and simultaneously bypasses the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2; as Figure 6 and Figure 11 As shown, in the second end stroke section near the second position, the bypass groove 9-1 is offset from the second blade 5-2 to release the bypass to the second blade 5-2, and the bypass groove 9-1 is opposite to the first blade 5-1 to bypass the first blade 5-1.

[0068] In this application, bypass groove 9-1 bypassing the blade means that the chambers on both sides of the blade are connected through bypass groove 9-1, and the damping oil 15 flows around the blade through bypass groove 9-1; bypass groove 9-1 de-bypassing the blade means that the chambers on both sides of the blade are no longer connected through bypass groove 9-1, and the damping oil 15 needs to flow through the mating clearance corresponding to the blade or through the one-way valve on the blade.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the rotary damper 2 is applied to the seat armrest assembly, the first position corresponds to the closed position of the armrest 1, and the second position corresponds to the used position of the armrest 1. Preferably, the used position is the horizontal position.

[0070] Along the closing direction of the handrail 1, the first end travel segment of the outer shell 5 near the first position is the range from when the handrail 1 rotates from a first predetermined angle beyond the zero gravity torque position to the fully closed position of the handrail 1;

[0071] Along the opening direction of the armrest 1, the second end travel segment of the outer shell 5 near the second position is the range within a second predetermined angle from the use position during the rotation of the armrest 1 from the closed position to the use position.

[0072] In this application, the zero-gravity torque position refers to the position where the line connecting the center of gravity of the handrail 1 and the axis of rotation is vertical, that is, the position where the torque of gravity on the axis of rotation is zero. The zero-gravity torque position is the dividing point where the direction of the gravitational torque reverses during the rotation of the handrail 1.

[0073] Preferably, with the direction corresponding to the zero-gravity torque position as the 0° reference, the first predetermined angle exceeding the zero-gravity torque position is selected from any angle between 0° and 50°; with the usage position as the 0° reference, the second predetermined angle from the usage position is selected from any angle between -20° and 70°. In this embodiment, with the direction corresponding to the zero-gravity torque position as the 0° reference, the first predetermined angle exceeding the zero-gravity torque position is 10°; with the usage position as the 0° reference, the second predetermined angle from the usage position is 35°.

[0074] For ease of explanation, the rotation from the first position to the second position will be called the forward rotation, and the rotation from the second position to the first position will be called the reverse rotation.

[0075] Because the bypass slot 9-1 is configured to simultaneously bypass the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 in the middle stroke section of the housing 5, and to de-bypass different blades in the first end stroke section near the first position and the second end stroke section near the second position, respectively. Furthermore, the first check valve 6-1 is open when the housing 5 rotates forward and closed in reverse, and the second check valve 6-2 is open when the housing 5 rotates in reverse and closed in forward. Therefore, when the housing 5 rotates forward, the rotary damper 2 generates large positive damping only in the second end stroke section near the second position; when the housing 5 rotates in reverse, the rotary damper 2 generates large negative damping only in the first end stroke section near the first position; the remaining stroke sections maintain little or no damping.

[0076] When this rotary damper 2 is applied to the seat armrest assembly, it brings at least the following performance improvements to the seat armrest assembly:

[0077] 1. Opening end slow descent: During the end stroke of the handrail 1 as it rotates from the closed position to the use position, that is, within the range of the second predetermined angle from the use position, the rotation damper 2 generates positive large damping to counteract the gravitational acceleration of the handrail 1, so that the handrail 1 can gently and slowly descend into place, avoiding abnormal noise or damage caused by the impact of gravity on the limiting structure.

[0078] 2. End-of-cycle slow descent: During the final stroke of the handrail 1 as it rotates from the use position to the closed position, i.e. from the first predetermined angle beyond the zero-gravity torque position to the fully closed position of the handrail 1, the rotation damper 2 generates a large reverse damping inside, which suppresses the handrail 1 from accelerating downward due to gravity, allowing the handrail 1 to close gently and eliminating the noise and vibration problems of traditional handrails.

[0079] 3. Effortless operation in the middle and initial stages: During the remaining strokes of opening and closing, the rotary damper 2 maintains a state of low or no significant damping, which will not generate significant resistance to the rotation of the handrail 1, allowing the user to operate it easily without effort.

[0080] 4. Lifting assistance: The coil spring 13 applies a rotational torque to the outer shell 5, causing the outer shell 5 to rotate toward the first position. The first position corresponds to the closed position of the armrest 1. Therefore, when the user lifts the armrest 1 and rotates it from the active position to the closed position, the tension of the coil spring 13 helps to overcome the weight of the armrest 1, making the lifting operation easier.

[0081] Furthermore, the elastic torque of the coil spring 13 is configured such that when the armrest 1 is in the self-closing phase, it combines with the gravitational torque of the armrest 1 to form a resultant torque along the closing direction of the armrest. The self-closing phase is the angular range from a predetermined starting angle to the zero gravitational torque position during the rotation of the armrest 1 from the use position to the closed position.

[0082] This configuration allows the armrest 1 to automatically close after completing the remaining travel. It is understood that if the elastic torque of the coil spring 13 is consistently less than the gravitational torque, the armrest 1 needs to be manually closed, but the end damping still ensures a smooth, impact-free closure. Preferably, with the usage position as a 0° reference, the starting point of the self-closing section is selected from any angle between 50° and 85°; the angle corresponding to the zero-gravity torque position can be designed according to the armrest's center of gravity position, for example, between 85° and 100°. In this embodiment, corresponding to the armrest 1 being in the zero-gravity torque position, the ending point of the self-closing section is 95°. It should be explained that the center of gravity of the armrest 1 in this embodiment is not at the geometric center. When the armrest 1 appears vertical (90°), the center of gravity is still slightly above the axis of rotation. Therefore, it needs to rotate a little further, such as 5° in this embodiment, for the center of gravity to move exactly above the axis of rotation. In other words, the vertical position in this application is the zero-gravity torque position, not the apparent verticality of the armrest.

[0083] It should be noted that, with the usage position as the reference of 0°, the vertical position of this embodiment, i.e. the zero gravity torque position, corresponds to 95°. Therefore, 10° with the vertical position as the reference of 0° corresponds to 105° with the usage position as the reference of 0°.

[0084] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the bypass groove 9-1 is provided on the circumferential surface of the rotating core 9 opposite to the outer shell 5.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first one-way valve 6-1 and the second one-way valve 6-2 adopt a one-way valve plate structure.

[0086] Here, the correspondence between the constituent elements of this embodiment and the constituent elements of the present invention will be explained. The rotating core 9 of this embodiment corresponds to the fixing part of the present invention, and is used to be coaxially fixed on the fixing shaft 3 of the seat, thereby realizing its fixed connection with the seat; the central axis of the fixing shaft 3 constitutes the rotation axis of this embodiment; the outer shell 5 of this embodiment corresponds to the rotating part of the present invention; the coil spring 13 of this embodiment corresponds to the elastic energy storage element of the present invention.

[0087] The outer casing 5 includes a housing 5-3 and an upper cover 5-4 connected to the housing 5-3. The housing 5-3 and the upper cover 5-4 together form a damping cavity 16 for accommodating the damping oil 15. The housing 5-3 is fixed to the connecting part 4 of the handrail 1 so as to rotate synchronously with the handrail 1.

[0088] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the rotary damper 2 also includes a rotary seal ring 7, a lubricating bearing 8, a sealing ring 10, a sealing gasket 11, and a sealing gasket 12. The lubricating bearing 8 is disposed between the rotating core 9 and the housing 5-3 to support their relative rotation; the rotary seal ring 7, the sealing ring 10, the sealing gasket 11, and the sealing gasket 12 are used to seal the damping cavity 16 containing the damping oil 15 to reduce or prevent leakage of the damping oil 15.

[0089] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the coil spring 13 can store energy when the outer casing 5 rotates from the first position to the second position, and release energy when the outer casing 5 rotates in the opposite direction from the second position to the first position. The bypass groove 9-1 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating core and extends axially along the rotation axis. Figure 4 The middle arrow indicates the direction in which the outer casing 5 rotates from the first position to the second position.

[0090] This embodiment also provides a seat armrest assembly. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the seat armrest assembly includes: a seat; an armrest 1; and a rotary damper 2 as described above. The housing 5 of the rotary damper 2 is fixedly connected to the armrest 1, and the rotating core 9 of the rotary damper 2 is fixedly connected to the seat via a fixed shaft 3, so that the armrest 1 rotates relative to the seat about the rotation axis between the closed position and the used position.

[0091] Specifically, a fork 5-5 is formed on the outer shell 5 of the rotary damper 2, and a connecting part 4 is formed on the handrail 1. The fork 5-5 is fixed together with the connecting part 4 to achieve a fixed connection between the outer shell 5 of the rotary damper 2 and the handrail 1, so that the outer shell 5 of the rotary damper 2 can be flipped as the handrail 1 is flipped.

[0092] The following is combined with Figures 3 to 15 The working principle of the seat armrest assembly provided in this embodiment will be explained in detail.

[0093] For ease of explanation, the position in use is marked as P0, the position where the spring torque provided by the coil spring 13 is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the gravitational torque of the handrail 1 is marked as P1, the position with zero gravitational torque is marked as P2, the closed position is marked as P3, the positive damping switching position is marked as PD1, and the reverse damping switching position is marked as PD2.

[0094] The process of rotating handrail 1 from the closed position P3 to the usable position P0 is defined as the forward rotation process, and the process of rotating handrail 1 from the usable position P0 to the closed position P3 is defined as the reverse rotation process. The forward rotation process of handrail 1 includes a manual opening section and a free-fall section. The manual opening section extends from P3 to near P1, and the free-fall section extends from P1 to P0, as follows... Figure 3 As shown; the reverse rotation process of armrest 1 includes a manual closing section, a self-closing section, and a reversing section, as follows. Figure 9 As shown, the manual closing section is from P0 to P1, the self-priming section is from P1 to P2, and the reversing section is from P2 to P3. The rotary damper 2 forms a damping oil flow path and damping torque corresponding to the movement stroke segment when the handrail 1 is in different movement stroke segments.

[0095] Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figures 11 to 13 The arrow located outside the rotary damper indicates the direction of rotation of the outer casing 5 relative to the rotating core 9. Figures 4 to 8 as well as Figures 11 to 15 The arrow located inside the damping cavity 16 indicates the direction of the damping oil flow.

[0096] As the outer casing 5 rotates forward from the closed position P3 to the used position P0 along with the armrest 1, the coil spring 13 contracts, generating a contraction force, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In order to balance the ease of operation during the opening of the handrail 1 and the slow descent and anti-fall effect when approaching the use position P0, the forward rotation process of the handrail 1 is divided into a manual opening section and a free fall section; the rotary damper 2 forms a positive low-damping oil flow path in the manual opening section and the first part of the free fall section, and forms a positive throttling damping oil flow path at the end of the free fall section after the handrail 1 passes the positive damping switching position PD1.

[0097] In the manual opening section, the armrest 1 rotates from the closed position P3 to the usable position P0, causing the outer casing 5 to rotate relative to the rotating core 9 from the first position to the second position. The user needs to apply an opening force to the armrest 1. Figure 5 As shown, damping oil 15 flows from the first chamber 16-1 to the second chamber 16-2 through the bypass groove 9-1; simultaneously, the first one-way valve 6-1 opens under oil pressure (as shown). Figure 8 As shown), damping oil 15 flows to the third chamber 16-3 through the open first check valve 6-1, and the second check valve 6-2 closes under oil pressure (as shown). Figure 7 (As shown). During this process, the damping oil 15 flows through the positive low-damping oil flow path formed by the bypass groove 9-1 and the first one-way valve 6-1. The positive low-damping oil flow path has a large cross-sectional area and low flow resistance, resulting in a small pressure difference between the first chamber 16-1 and the second chamber 16-2. Therefore, this process does not generate significant damping torque, making the handrail 1 easy to operate in the manual opening section.

[0098] As the handrail 1 continues to rotate towards the usage position P0 and passes the torque balance position P1 to enter the free fall phase, the handrail 1 can continue to fall towards the usage position P0 under its own gravity. When the handrail 1 passes the positive damping switching position PD1 and enters the free fall end section within a second predetermined angle from the usage position P0, the outer shell 5 correspondingly enters the second end stroke section near the second position. Figure 6 As shown, the bypass groove 9-1 on the rotating core 9 releases the bypass to the second blade 5-2, that is, the second blade 5-2 is offset from the bypass groove 9-1, and the first blade 5-1 is opposite to the bypass groove 9-1, so that the damping oil 15 in the first chamber 16-1 flows through the mating gap corresponding to the second blade 5-2, which has been de-bypassed, to the second chamber 16-2. During this process, the damping oil 15 flows through the positive throttling damping oil flow path formed by the first chamber 16-1, the mating gap corresponding to the second blade 5-2, the second chamber 16-2, the first one-way valve 6-1, and the third chamber 16-3. As a result, the flow resistance of the damping oil 15 in the first chamber 16-1 increases, the oil pressure inside the first chamber 16-1 gradually increases, and the damping torque increases accordingly, so that the handrail 1 can gently and slowly descend when approaching the use position P0, preventing the board from opening and falling.

[0099] Correspondingly, when the handrail 1 rotates in the reverse direction from the use position P0 to the closed position P3, the reverse rotation process of the handrail 1 includes the manual closing section, the self-priming section, and the back-reversing section in sequence; the rotary damper 2 forms a reverse low-damping oil flow path in the manual closing section, the self-priming section, and the front section of the back-reversing section, and forms a reverse throttling damping oil flow path after the handrail 1 passes the reverse damping switching position PD2.

[0100] In the manual closing section, the handrail 1 rotates in the opposite direction from the usage position P0 to the closing position P3, requiring the user to apply a lifting force in the closing direction to the handrail 1. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the coil spring 13 provides elastic torque. At this time, the spring torque provided by the coil spring 13 is relatively large, which can assist the armrest 1 in rotating towards the closed position P3. Figure 11 As shown, the outer casing 5 rotates from the second position to the first position relative to the rotating core 9 as the armrest 1 rotates. The bypass groove 9-1 is opposite to the first blade 5-1 and bypasses the first blade 5-1. The bypass groove 9-1 is offset from the second blade 5-2 and releases the bypass to the second blade 5-2. The flow path of the damping oil 15 is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, damping oil 15 flows from the third chamber 16-3 into the second chamber 16-2 through the bypass groove 9-1 on the rotating core 9. At the same time, the first one-way valve 6-1 closes under the oil pressure of the third chamber 16-3 (as shown). Figure 14 As shown), the second one-way valve 6-2 opens under the oil pressure of the second chamber 16-2 (as shown). Figure 15As shown), the damping oil 15 in the second chamber 16-2 flows into the first chamber 16-1 through the opened second check valve 6-2. It can be seen that during this process, the third chamber 16-3, the bypass groove 9-1, the second chamber 16-2, the second check valve 6-2, and the first chamber 16-1 together form a reverse low-damping oil flow path. This reverse low-damping oil flow path has a large cross-sectional area and low flow resistance, resulting in a small pressure difference between the first chamber 16-1 and the second chamber 16-2. Therefore, this process does not generate a significant reverse internal damping torque, making the manual closing section of the handrail 1 easy to operate.

[0101] As the armrest 1 continues to rotate towards the closed position P3 and enters the self-priming stage, as Figure 12 As shown, the outer shell 5 is in the middle stroke section, and both the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 are opposite to the bypass groove 9-1, that is, the bypass groove 9-1 simultaneously bypasses the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2. The damping oil 15 still flows through the reverse low-damping oil flow path formed by the bypass groove 9-1 on the rotating core 9 and the second one-way valve 6-2. This damping oil flow path remains connected, the flow resistance is small, and no obvious damping torque is generated. At this time, the elastic torque provided by the coil spring 13 is greater than the gravitational torque of the handrail 1. The two combine to form a resultant torque along the closing direction of the handrail, causing the handrail 1 to quickly and automatically return to the closed position P3 under the action of this resultant torque, thereby forming a self-priming effect.

[0102] When handrail 1 passes the zero-gravity torque position P2 and continues to rotate towards the closed position P3, handrail 1 enters the backward tilting phase. Within the backward tilting phase, handrail 1 has already passed near the zero-gravity torque position P2 and continues to rotate in the closing direction. For example... Figure 13 As shown, when the handrail 1 rotates further towards the closed position P3 after passing the reverse damping switching position PD2, causing the outer casing 5 to enter the first end stroke section adjacent to the first position in the closed direction, the bypass groove 9-1 on the rotating core 9 ends, that is, the bypass groove 9-1 is misaligned with the first blade 5-1, thus releasing the bypass of the first blade 5-1, and the bypass groove 9-1 continues to bypass the second blade 5-2. At this time, the reverse damping oil flow path is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the damping oil 15 in the third chamber 16-3 flows through the throttling gap corresponding to the first blade 5-1 (which has been de-bypassed) to the second chamber 16-2. The third chamber 16-3, the throttling gap corresponding to the first blade 5-1, the second chamber 16-2, the second one-way valve 6-2, and the first chamber 16-1 together constitute a reverse throttling damping oil flow path. At this time, the flow resistance of the damping oil 15 in the third chamber 16-3 increases, the oil pressure between the third chamber 16-3 and the second chamber 16-2 gradually increases, and the damping torque increases accordingly. This allows the handrail 1 to smoothly approach the closed position P3 in the rearward section, achieving a gentle closure and preventing the closing mechanism from slamming shut.

[0103] Considering that the angle of the armrest 1 from the horizontal use position to the closed position is typically between 110° and 145°, the rotation angle of the rotary damper 2 is set to at least 150°. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the angle B between the first stop 9-2 and the second stop 9-3 is 100°, and the angle A between the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 is 90°, thus making the maximum rotation angle of the outer shell 5 relative to the rotating core 9 360°−(A+B)=170°. The central angle C corresponding to the bypass groove 9-1 is 140°, so the angle range of the two bypass blades in the middle is C−A=50°, with a remaining travel segment of 60° at each end. By reasonably setting the initial phase (for example, when the armrest 1 is in the use position P0, the travel distance between the second blade 5-2 and the end of the bypass groove 9-1 is 35°; when the armrest is in the zero gravity torque position, the travel distance between the first blade 5-1 and the beginning of the bypass groove 9-1 is 10°), the required large damping is generated when the open end is within 35° of the use position and when the closed end is more than 10° beyond the zero gravity torque position.

[0104] In this embodiment, the depth design of the bypass groove 9-1 is based on the damping torque generation principle of the blade rotation damper. The damping force is inversely proportional to the square of the throttling orifice area; therefore, the throttling area of ​​the small damping section needs to be as large as possible. In this embodiment, the bypass groove 9-1 has a rectangular cross-section with a depth D of 1mm and a width W of 10mm. The fitting clearance between the first blade 5-1, the second blade 5-2, and the rotating core 9 is 0.15mm. The handrail 1 weighs 7kg; the damping oil is silicone oil.

[0105] It is understandable that the cross-section of the bypass groove 9-1 can also be arc-shaped, trapezoidal, or other shapes that can form a bypass flow channel.

[0106] If the handrail 1 is relatively lightweight, an additional throttling groove can be provided to adjust the large damping torque generated by the rotary damper 2 in the end stroke section. The additional throttling groove is used to adjust the effective flow area of ​​the corresponding end throttling channel when the first blade 5-1 or the second blade 5-2 is de-bypassed, thereby adjusting the damping torque experienced by the handrail 1 when approaching the use position P0 or the closed position P3. The additional throttling groove can be provided on the first blade 5-1, the second blade 5-2, the housing 5-3, or the top cover 5-4. For a lightweight handrail 1, the large end damping torque can be reduced by increasing the effective flow area of ​​the additional throttling groove, preventing the handrail 1 from moving too slowly in the end stroke section.

[0107] In this embodiment, the elastic torque provided by the coil spring 13 is designed to match the gravitational torque generated by the armrest 1 around its rotation axis. Generally, when the central armrest is in a horizontal state near the use position P0, its gravitational torque is 10~20 N·m. When the armrest 1 rotates from the use position P0 to the closed position P3 to a predetermined self-closing angle of approximately 70~80°, the gravitational torque generated by the armrest 1 around its rotation axis is approximately 2~4 N·m. The torque provided by the coil spring 13 when the armrest 1 is in the use position is approximately 5~10 N·m, which provides lifting assistance to the armrest 1 in the manual closing section and allows it to enter the self-closing section after the armrest 1 passes the torque balance position P1, enabling it to automatically rotate towards the closed position P3 under the action of the spring torque of the coil spring 13.

[0108] Example 2

[0109] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the bypass groove 9-1 in this embodiment is provided on the axial end face of the rotating core 9 opposite to the outer shell 5.

[0110] Example 3

[0111] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the first blade 5-1 and the second blade 5-2 are sequentially mounted on the rotating core 9 along the direction of rotation of the outer shell 5 from the first position to the second position, and both form a fitting gap with the outer shell 5; the bypass groove 9-1 is provided on the outer shell 5.

[0112] Example 4

[0113] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that a third stop block is formed on the outer side of the rotating core 9, which is opposite to the outer shell 5. The two end faces of the third stop block that are opposite each other in the circumferential direction constitute the circumferential boundary of the damping cavity 16.

[0114] Example 5

[0115] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that the first one-way valve 6-1 and / or the second one-way valve 6-2 can also be mechanical valve bodies capable of opening or closing under the oil pressure of the damping oil 15. This mechanical valve body opens under oil pressure in the corresponding direction to allow the damping oil 15 to pass through; and closes under oil pressure in the opposite direction to restrict or prevent the damping oil 15 from passing through, thereby achieving the same or similar one-way conduction function as the one-way valve plate described above.

[0116] All of the above embodiments 2 to 5 can achieve the same technical effects as embodiment 1, such as opening the end descent, closing the end descent, and self-priming closure.

[0117] This invention provides a rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly, as well as the concept and method for the seat armrest assembly. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technology.

Claims

1. A rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly, characterized in that, include: The fixing part is used to fix it to the seat; A rotating part is used to be fixed to the handrail (1) and rotate with the handrail (1) about the rotation axis; the rotating part can rotate relative to the fixed part about the rotation axis between a first position and a second position; a damping cavity (16) filled with damping oil (15) is formed between the fixed part and the rotating part. The first blade (5-1) and the second blade (5-2) are sequentially disposed on one of the fixed part and the rotating part along the direction of rotation from the first position to the second position of the rotating part, and each forms a fitting gap with the other. A first check valve (6-1) and a second check valve (6-2) are respectively disposed on the first blade (5-1) and the second blade (5-2); the first check valve (6-1) is opened when the rotating part rotates from the first position to the second position, and the second check valve (6-2) is opened when the rotating part rotates from the second position to the first position; A bypass groove (9-1) is provided in the other of the fixed part and the rotating part, extending along the rotation direction of the rotating part, and its flow resistance is less than the flow resistance of the mating clearance; And an elastic energy storage element, connecting the fixed part and the rotating part, for applying a rotational torque to the rotating part to cause the rotating part to rotate toward a first position; The bypass groove (9-1) is configured to simultaneously bypass the first blade (5-1) and the second blade (5-2) in the middle stroke section of the rotating part, and to release the bypass to different blades in the first end stroke section near the first position and the second end stroke section near the second position, respectively.

2. The rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first position corresponds to the closed position of the armrest (1), and the second position corresponds to the used position of the armrest (1); Along the closing direction of the handrail (1), the first end travel segment of the rotating part near the first position is the range from when the handrail (1) rotates from a first predetermined angle beyond the zero gravity torque position to when the handrail (1) is fully closed. Along the opening direction of the handrail (1), the second end travel segment of the rotating part adjacent to the second position is the range within a second predetermined angle from the use position during the rotation of the handrail (1) from the closed position to the use position.

3. The rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, With the direction corresponding to the zero-gravity torque position as the 0° reference, the first predetermined angle beyond the zero-gravity torque position is selected from any angle between 0 and 50°; With the usage position as a 0° reference, the second predetermined angle from the usage position is selected from any angle between -20° and 70°.

4. The rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic torque of the elastic energy storage element is further configured such that when the handrail (1) is in the self-priming section, it combines with the gravitational torque of the handrail (1) to form a resultant torque along the closing direction of the handrail. The self-suction section is the angle range from a predetermined starting angle to the zero gravity torque position during the rotation of the armrest (1) from the use position to the closed position; the zero gravity torque position is the position where the center of gravity of the armrest (1) is located such that the torque of gravity on the rotation axis is zero.

5. The rotational damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, With the usage position as a reference of 0°, the starting point of the self-priming section is selected from any angle between 50° and 85°.

6. The rotational damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relative circumferential positions of the bypass groove (9-1), the first blade (5-1), and the second blade (5-2) are configured as follows: in the first end stroke section near the first position, the first blade (5-1) is offset from the bypass groove (9-1), thereby releasing the bypass of the first blade (5-1), and the second blade (5-2) is opposite to the bypass groove (9-1); in the middle stroke section, both the first blade (5-1) and the second blade (5-2) are opposite to the bypass groove (9-1); in the second end stroke section near the second position, the second blade (5-2) is offset from the bypass groove (9-1), thereby releasing the bypass of the second blade (5-2), and the first blade (5-1) is opposite to the bypass groove (9-1).

7. The rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bypass groove (9-1) is provided on the circumferential surface of the fixed part opposite to the rotating part; Alternatively, the bypass groove (9-1) is provided on the axial end face of the fixed part opposite to the rotating part.

8. The rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed part is a rotating core (9), the rotating part is a housing (5), and the rotating core (9) is housed inside the housing (5); The bypass groove (9-1) is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating core (9); The elastic energy storage element is a coil spring (13), which can store energy when the rotating part rotates from the first position to the second position and release energy when it rotates in the opposite direction.

9. The rotary damper for a seat armrest assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping oil (15) is silicone oil or hydraulic oil.

10. A seat armrest assembly, characterized in that, include: A seat, on which a fixed shaft (3) is fixedly connected; Handrail (1); And a rotary damper (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotating part of the rotary damper (2) is fixedly connected to the armrest (1), and the fixed part of the rotary damper (2) is coaxially fixed to the fixed shaft (3), wherein the central axis of the fixed shaft (3) constitutes the rotation axis of the rotary damper (2), so that the armrest (1) rotates relative to the seat around the rotation axis between the closed position and the used position.

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