Hinge structure and seat auxiliary equipment

Abstract

According to the hinge structure and the seat auxiliary equipment, when the angle is adjusted, the adjusting piece is rotated in the second direction, so that the elastic locking assembly is matched with different matching parts. Due to the fact that rotation of the adjusting piece in the first direction can be limited when the elastic locking assembly is matched with the matching part, it can be guaranteed that the adjusting piece is located at the needed angle. When the adjusting piece rotates to the first limit position in the second direction, the elastic locking assembly is connected with the first unlocking component in a matched mode and keeps a separation state with all the matching parts, and at the moment, the adjusting piece can rotate and reset in the first direction. When the adjusting part rotates to the second limit position in the first direction, the elastic locking assembly is separated from the first unlocking part, the elastic locking assembly is matched with the matching part again, and therefore the automatic unlocking and resetting function is achieved. In addition, by operating the second unlocking component, the elastic locking assembly is separated from all the matching parts, and therefore the hinge structure can meet the requirement for manual unlocking under different strokes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hinge technology, and in particular to hinge structures and seat auxiliary devices. Background Technology

[0002] A hinge is a mechanical device used to connect two solid objects and allow relative rotation between them. Adjustable hinge structures are frequently used in various rotating and folding products, such as furniture and seating accessories. Currently, most hinge structures on the market use ratchet mechanisms that automatically unlock at maximum rotation stroke; however, in practical applications, some products cannot always reach their maximum stroke, making it impossible to unlock at different stroke levels, thus affecting the product's folding performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a hinge structure and seat auxiliary device that can automatically unlock at the maximum rotation stroke while meeting unlocking requirements at different strokes, thereby improving folding performance.

[0004] A hinge structure includes: a base; an adjusting member disposed on the base and rotatable about a rotation axis, the base having a plurality of mating portions distributed around the outer periphery of the rotation axis; an elastic locking assembly disposed on the adjusting member, the elastic locking assembly cooperating with the mating portions to restrict the adjustment member from rotating in a first direction and allowing the adjustment member to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and an unlocking assembly including a first unlocking component and a second unlocking component both disposed on the adjusting member, wherein when the adjusting member rotates in the second direction to a first limit position, the first unlocking component engages with the elastic locking assembly and drives the elastic locking assembly to remain separated from the mating portions, and when the adjusting member rotates in the first direction to a second limit position, the first unlocking component separates from the elastic locking assembly, so that the elastic locking assembly engages with the mating portions; and the second unlocking component is drively connected to the elastic locking assembly for driving the elastic locking assembly to separate from the mating portions.

[0005] In the aforementioned hinge structure, during angle adjustment, the adjusting member rotates along the second direction, causing the elastic locking component to engage with different mating parts. Since the elastic locking component, when engaged with the mating parts, restricts the rotation of the adjusting member along the first direction, it ensures the adjusting member is at the desired angle to complete the angle adjustment operation. When the adjusting member rotates along the second direction to the first limit position, the elastic locking component engages with the first unlocking component and remains separated from each mating part. At this point, the adjusting member can rotate back to its original position along the first direction. When the adjusting member rotates along the first direction to the second limit position, the elastic locking component separates from the first unlocking component, allowing the elastic locking component to re-engage with the mating parts, thus achieving the automatic unlocking and reset function. Furthermore, by operating the second unlocking component, the elastic locking component is separated from each of the mating parts, enabling the hinge structure to support manual unlocking at different stroke levels. This design, while achieving automatic unlocking at the maximum rotation stroke, also supports unlocking at different stroke levels, improving folding performance.

[0006] In some embodiments, the resilient locking assembly includes a pawl and an elastic element. The pawl is rotatably connected to the adjusting member and has a locking end at one end. The elastic element is connected to the pawl and the adjusting member and is used to drive the locking end to engage with the mating part. When the adjusting member rotates to the first limit position, the first unlocking component engages with the locking end and drives the locking end to remain separated from the mating part. When the adjusting member rotates to the second limit position, the first unlocking component separates from the locking end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the seat body is provided with a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is located at one end of all the mating portions along the second direction, and the second guide portion is located at the other end of all the mating portions. The first unlocking component includes a first surface facing the first guide portion and a second surface facing the second guide portion. When the adjusting member is rotated to the first limit position, the first guide portion pushes the pawl to rotate along the first direction, so that the locking end disengages from the mating portion and abuts against the second surface. When the adjusting member is rotated to the second limit position, the second guide portion pushes the pawl to rotate along the second direction, so that the locking end disengages from the second surface and is located on one side of the first surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the seat body is provided with a locking cavity, which extends around the outer periphery of the rotation axis. The first guide portion, each of the mating portions and the second guide portion are sequentially disposed on the cavity wall of the locking cavity away from the rotation axis. The first unlocking component and the pawl both extend into the locking cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the adjusting member is provided with a first chamber and a second chamber communicating with the first chamber. The second chamber is located at the end of the first chamber away from the axis of rotation. The pawl is provided in the first chamber, and the first unlocking member is movably provided in the second chamber. When the adjusting member rotates to the first limit position, the second chamber pushes the first unlocking member along the cavity wall in the first direction to move between the pawl and the mating part, so that the locking end abuts against the second surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the mating portions includes an abutment surface and a pushing surface, the pushing surface being located at one end of the abutment surface along the second direction, the abutment surface abutting against the resilient locking assembly to restrict the adjustment member from rotating along the first direction; the pushing surface is configured to push the resilient locking assembly when the adjustment member rotates along the second direction, such that the resilient locking assembly abuts against the abutment surface adjacent to it along the second direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second unlocking component includes an operating member and a transmission member, the operating member being movably disposed on the adjusting member and connected to the resilient locking assembly via the transmission member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adjusting member is provided with a first chamber and a second chamber and a transmission groove respectively communicating with the first chamber. The second chamber is located on the side of the first chamber facing the mating part, and the transmission groove is located on the side of the first chamber along the first direction. The elastic locking assembly is disposed in the first chamber, the first unlocking component is movably disposed in the second chamber, and the transmission member is disposed in the transmission groove, with one end connected to the elastic locking assembly and the other end connected to the operating component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the seat includes two parallel and spaced-apart support portions and a connecting portion connected to the two support portions. The two support portions are provided with mating portions facing each other on both surfaces. The adjusting member is rotatably connected between the two support portions. The first chamber and the second chamber are both disposed through the adjusting member. The elastic locking component abuts against the mating portions on both sides. The first unlocking component frictionally abuts against the support portions on both sides.

[0014] In some embodiments, the two ends of the operating member include an operating end and a transmission end, respectively. The portion of the operating member located between the operating end and the transmission end is rotatably connected to the adjusting member. The transmission member is provided with a slot, and the transmission end is inserted into the slot.

[0015] A seat assist device, the seat assist device comprising the hinge structure described in any of the above claims.

[0016] The aforementioned seat assist device employs the hinge structure described above. During angle adjustment, the adjusting member rotates along the second direction, causing the elastic locking assembly to engage with different mating parts. Since the elastic locking assembly restricts the rotation of the adjusting member along the first direction when engaged with the mating parts, it ensures the adjusting member is at the desired angle, thus completing the angle adjustment operation. When the adjusting member rotates along the second direction to the first limit position, the elastic locking assembly engages with the first unlocking component and remains separated from each mating part. At this point, the adjusting member can rotate back to its original position along the first direction. When the adjusting member rotates along the first direction to the second limit position, the elastic locking assembly separates from the first unlocking component, allowing the elastic locking assembly to re-engage with the mating parts, thereby achieving the automatic unlocking and reset function. Furthermore, by operating the second unlocking component, the elastic locking assembly can be separated from each mating part, enabling the hinge structure to support manual unlocking at different stroke levels. This design, while achieving automatic unlocking at the maximum rotation stroke, also supports unlocking at different stroke levels, improving folding performance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure described in some embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the hinge structure described in some embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the hinge structure described in some embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the first unlocking component and the pawl when they are engaged in some embodiments of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjusting member described in some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the hinge structure described in some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0023] 100. Hinge structure; 10. Seat; 11. Fitting part; 111. Abutting surface; 112. Pushing surface; 12. First guide part; 13. Second guide part; 14. Locking cavity; 15. Rotation axis; 16. Support part; 17. Connecting part; 20. Adjusting component; 21. First chamber; 211. Arc concave surface; 22. Second chamber; 23. Transmission groove; 24. Mounting groove; 25. Limiting protrusion; 26. Rotating shaft; 30. Elastic locking assembly; 31. Pawl; 311. Locking end; 32. Elastic element; 40. Unlocking assembly; 41. First unlocking component; 411. First surface; 412. Second surface; 42. Second unlocking component; 421. Operating component; 42a. Operating end; 42b. Transmission end; 422. Transmission component; 423. Slot; X, First direction; Y, Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0030] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3This application provides a hinge structure 100, which includes: a base 10, an adjusting member 20, an elastic locking assembly 30, and an unlocking assembly 40. The adjusting member 20 is disposed on the base 10 and can rotate about a rotation axis 26. The base 10 is provided with a plurality of mating portions 11 distributed around the outer periphery of the rotation axis 26. The elastic locking assembly 30 is disposed on the adjusting member 20, and the elastic locking assembly 30 cooperates with the mating portions 11 to restrict the adjustment member 20 from rotating along a first direction X, and allows the adjustment member 20 to rotate along a second direction Y opposite to the first direction X. The unlocking assembly 40 includes a first unlocking component 41 and a second unlocking component 42, both disposed on the adjusting member 20. When the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y to the first limit position, the first unlocking component 41 engages with the elastic locking assembly 30 and drives the elastic locking assembly 30 to remain separated from the mating part 11. When the adjusting member 20 rotates along the first direction X to the second limit position, the first unlocking component 41 separates from the elastic locking assembly 30, so that the elastic locking assembly 30 engages with the mating part 11. The second unlocking component 42 is drively connected to the elastic locking assembly 30 and is used to drive the elastic locking assembly 30 to separate from the mating part 11.

[0031] In the hinge structure 100 described above, during angle adjustment, the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y, causing the elastic locking component 30 to engage with different mating parts 11. Since the elastic locking component 30, when engaged with the mating parts 11, restricts the rotation of the adjusting member 20 along the first direction X, it ensures that the adjusting member 20 is at the desired angle, thus completing the angle adjustment operation. When the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y to the first limit position, the elastic locking component 30 engages with the first unlocking component 41 and remains separated from each mating part 11. At this time, the adjusting member 20 can rotate back to its original position along the first direction X. When the adjusting member 20 rotates along the first direction X to the second limit position, the elastic locking component 30 separates from the first unlocking component 41, allowing the elastic locking component 30 to re-engage with the mating parts 11, thereby achieving the automatic unlocking and reset function. Furthermore, by operating the second unlocking component 42, the elastic locking component 30 can be separated from each mating part 11, enabling the hinge structure 100 to meet manual unlocking requirements at different stroke levels. This design, while achieving automatic unlocking at maximum rotational travel, can also meet unlocking requirements at different travel levels, thus improving folding performance.

[0032] It should be noted that the elastic locking component 30 refers to a structure with a certain elastic function. When the elastic locking component 30 is engaged with the mating part 11, the adjusting member 20 cannot rotate along the first direction X, but can continue to rotate along the second direction Y to achieve a one-way locking function. There are several ways to achieve one-way rotation locking. For example, when the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y, the force applied by the mating part 11 to the elastic locking component 30 intersects with the length direction of the adjusting member 20, causing the elastic locking component 30 to rotate elastically. When the adjusting member 20 tends to rotate along the first direction X, the force applied by the mating part 11 to the elastic locking component 30 is parallel or substantially parallel to the length direction of the adjusting member 20, so that the elastic locking component 30 will not rotate, thereby causing the mating part 11 to abut against the elastic locking component 30; or, the elastic locking component 30 can be designed to rotate along the first direction X, but cannot rotate along the second direction Y.

[0033] Wherein, the first direction X can be clockwise and the second direction Y can be counterclockwise; or, the first direction X can be counterclockwise and the second direction Y can be clockwise. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first direction X is clockwise and the second direction Y is counterclockwise.

[0034] During the automatic unlocking process, when the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first limit position along the second direction Y, the elastic locking component 30 engages with the first unlocking component 41 and remains separated from each mating part 11. For example, when the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first limit position along the second direction Y, the elastic locking component 30 is limited by the limiting structure on the base 10, causing the elastic locking component 30 to rotate or move along the first direction X to abut or engage with the first unlocking component 41, thereby making the first unlocking component 41 and the elastic locking component 30 engage together. Since the elastic locking component 30 is disengaged from the mating part 11, the adjusting member 20 can rotate along the first direction X. When it rotates to the second limit position, the elastic locking component 30 is subject to another limiting structure on the base 10, causing the elastic locking component 30 to be subjected to a force along the second direction Y, thereby disengaging the elastic locking component 30 from the first unlocking component 41. At this time, the elastic locking component 30 re-engages with each mating part 11.

[0035] The first limit position refers to the position corresponding to the maximum stroke of the adjusting member 20 rotating along the second direction Y, and the second limit position refers to the position corresponding to the maximum stroke of the adjusting member 20 rotating along the first direction X.

[0036] It should also be noted that the second unlocking component 42 refers to a structure that disengages the elastic locking component 30 from the mating part 11 by applying force to the elastic locking component 30. For example, during angle adjustment, if the adjusting member 20 has not yet reached the first limit position, the user needs to adjust in the opposite direction X. At this time, the second unlocking component 42 can be manually triggered to separate the elastic locking component 30 from the mating part 11, thereby enabling the adjusting member 20 to be manually unlocked at different rotational strokes.

[0037] The second unlocking component 42 can move in various ways on the adjusting member 20, such as: the second unlocking component 42 can move smoothly to drive the elastic locking component 30 away from the mating part 11; or the second unlocking component 42 can rotate to move the elastic locking component 30 away from the mating part 11, etc.

[0038] Further, please refer to Figure 3 The elastic locking assembly 30 includes a pawl 31 and an elastic element 32. The pawl 31 is rotatably connected to the adjusting member 20, and one end of the pawl includes a locking end 311. The elastic element 32 is connected to the pawl 31 and the adjusting member 20, and is used to drive the locking end 311 to engage with the mating part 11. When the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first limit position, the first unlocking component 41 engages with the locking end 311 and drives the locking end 311 to remain separated from the mating part 11. When the adjusting member 20 rotates to the second limit position, the first unlocking component 41 separates from the locking end 311. Therefore, when the locking end 311 of the pawl 31 engages with the mating part 11, the adjusting member 20 cannot rotate along the first direction X, achieving unidirectional rotation locking. When the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first limit position, the mating part 11 is replaced by the first unlocking component 41, which engages with the locking end 311, allowing the adjusting member 20 to rotate along the first direction X. When the adjusting member 20 is rotated to the second limit position, the first unlocking member 41 separates from the locking end 311. At this time, the locking end 311 re-engages with the mating part 11 under the elastic force of the elastic member 32.

[0039] It should be noted that the elastic element 32 is connected to the pawl 31 and the adjusting element 20, and it can be in a compressed state or a stretched state. Specifically, in some embodiments, the elastic element 32 is located on one side of the pawl 31 along the first direction X, and one end of it elastically abuts against the pawl 31, so that the locking end 311 engages with the mating part 11. The elastic element 32 can be a spring, elastic rubber, elastic metal sheet, etc.

[0040] It should also be noted that the pawl 31 is rotatably connected to the adjusting member 20, so that the pawl 31 engages or disengages with the mating part 11 by rotation. The rotatable connection can take various forms, such as: one end of the pawl 31 is hinged to the adjusting member 20, or one end of the pawl 31 is cylindrical or spherical, and the adjusting member 20 has a matching cylindrical or spherical hole.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The seat 10 is provided with a first guide portion 12 and a second guide portion 13. The first guide portion 12 is located at one end of the entire mating portion 11 along the second direction Y, and the second guide portion 13 is located at the other end of the entire mating portion 11. The first unlocking component 41 includes a first surface 411 facing the first guide portion 12 and a second surface 412 facing the second guide portion 13. When the adjusting member 20 is rotated to the first limit position, the first guide portion 12 pushes the pawl 31 to rotate along the first direction X, so that the locking end 311 disengages from the mating portion 11 and abuts against the second surface 412. When the adjusting member 20 is rotated to the second limit position, the second guide portion 13 pushes the pawl 31 to rotate along the second direction Y, so that the locking end 311 disengages from the second surface 412 and is located on one side of the first surface 411.

[0042] Therefore, when the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y to the first limit position, the first guide portion 12 pushes the pawl 31, causing the locking end 311 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 32 and disengage from the mating part 11. Under the pushing force of the first guide portion 12, the locking end 311 passes over the first unlocking member 41 from the first surface 411 and abuts against the second surface 412 of the first unlocking member 41, making it impossible for the locking end 311 to re-mate with the mating part 11 due to the abutment of the second surface 412. At this time, the locking end 311 is combined with the first unlocking member 41 and rotates along the first direction X with the adjusting member 20. When the adjusting member 20 rotates to the second limit position, the second guide portion 13 pushes the pawl 31 in the opposite direction, causing the pawl 31 to rotate along the second direction Y, driving the locking end 311 from the second surface 412 to the side where the first surface 411 is located. At this time, the locking end 311, under the elastic force of the elastic member 32, re-engages with the mating part 11 to achieve unidirectional rotational locking of the adjusting member 20.

[0043] It should be noted that the first guide portion 12 and the second guide portion 13 are located at both ends of the entire mating portion 11. The first guide portion 12 refers to the structure that can apply a force along the first direction X to the pawl 31, causing it to disengage from the mating portion 11 and abut against the second surface 412. The second guide portion 13 refers to the structure that can apply a force along the second direction Y to the pawl 31, causing the locking end 311 of the pawl 31 to disengage from the second surface 412 and be located on the side where the first surface 411 is located. The structures of the first guide portion 12 and the second guide portion 13 can have various designs. For example, both can be designed as protrusions on the seat 10, or as the cavity wall of a cavity or the groove wall of a groove in the seat 10.

[0044] It should also be noted that the first unlocking component 41 can be fixed on the adjusting member 20 or it can be movable. For example, the adjusting member 20 is provided with a cavity, and the first unlocking component 41 is movably disposed in the cavity. In this way, when the adjusting member 20 is rotated to the first limit position, the pawl 31 is pushed away from the mating part 11 by the first guide part 12. The first unlocking component 41 is then pushed along the cavity wall in the first direction X to the space between the pawl 31 and the mating part 11, so that the locking end 311 of the pawl 31 abuts against the second surface 412.

[0045] Further, please refer to Figure 3 The base 10 is provided with a locking cavity 14, which extends around the outer periphery of the rotation axis 26. The first guide part 12, each mating part 11, and the second guide part 13 are sequentially arranged on the cavity wall of the locking cavity 14 away from the rotation axis 26. The first unlocking component 41 and the pawl 31 both extend into the locking cavity 14. Thus, within the locking cavity 14, the locking end 311 of the pawl 31 engages with different mating parts 11 along the second direction Y, thereby fixing the adjusting component 20 at different strokes and achieving effective angle adjustment.

[0046] In order to ensure that the first guide part 12 and the second guide part 13 work stably, the first guide part 12 can be designed as the planar cavity wall of the locking cavity 14, and the second guide part 13 can be designed as the arc-shaped cavity wall of the locking cavity 14.

[0047] Meanwhile, in order to achieve effective rotation of the pawl 31, an arc concave surface 211 can be provided on the cavity wall of the locking cavity 14 near the rotation axis 26. Specifically, it can be a cylindrical concave surface. The end of the pawl 31 away from the locking end 311 is inserted into the arc concave surface 211 and can rotate around the rotation axis 26.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The adjusting member 20 is provided with a first chamber 21 and a second chamber 22 communicating with the first chamber 21. The second chamber 22 is located at the end of the first chamber 21 away from the rotation axis 15. A pawl 31 is provided in the first chamber 21, and a first unlocking member 41 is movably disposed in the second chamber 22. When the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first limit position, the second chamber 22 pushes the first unlocking member 41 along the cavity wall in the first direction X to move between the elastic locking assembly 30 and the mating part 11, so that the locking end 311 abuts against the second surface 412. Thus, in the process of automatic unlocking, in addition to pushing the pawl 31 to move along the first direction X and disengage from the mating part 11 through the first guide part 12, the cavity wall of the second chamber 22 also pushes the first unlocking member 41 to move between the pawl 31 and the mating part 11, making the automatic unlocking more stable and reliable.

[0049] The first unlocking component 41 is movably disposed within the second chamber 22. This means that the first unlocking component 41 can move within the limited range of the chamber wall of the second chamber 22. When the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first extreme position, the first unlocking component 41 will also be pushed by the chamber wall of the second chamber 22. The dimensional relationship between the first unlocking component 41 and the second chamber 22 can be determined according to the actual rotation stroke of the adjusting member 20. It is sufficient that when the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first extreme position, the first unlocking component 41 is pushed between the elastic locking assembly 30 and the mating part 11.

[0050] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 Each mating part 11 includes an abutment surface 111 and a pushing surface 112. The pushing surface 112 is located at one end of the abutment surface 111 along the second direction Y. The abutment surface 111 abuts against the elastic locking assembly 30 to restrict the adjustment member 20 from rotating along the first direction X. The pushing surface 112 is configured to push the elastic locking assembly 30 when the adjustment member 20 rotates along the second direction Y, so that the elastic locking assembly 30 abuts against the adjacent abutment surface 111 along the second direction Y. It can be seen that when the adjustment member 20 rotates along the second direction Y, the pushing surface 112 pushes the elastic locking assembly 30, so that the elastic locking assembly 30 can move along the first direction X and disengage from the abutment surface 111. As the rotation of the adjustment member 20 continues, the next mating part 11 along the second direction Y is opposite to the elastic locking assembly 30, so that the elastic locking assembly 30 abuts against the abutment surface 111 of the mating part 11.

[0051] Understandably, to facilitate the push surface 112 in pushing the elastic locking component 30, the push surface 112 extends protruding from one end of the abutment surface 111 and towards the rotation axis 26. In this case, the push surface 112 and the abutment surface 111 can be designed to intersect.

[0052] Further, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The elastic locking assembly 30 includes a pawl 31 and an elastic element 32. One end of the pawl 31 includes a locking end 311, which abuts against the abutment surface 111 to restrict the adjustment member 20 from rotating along the first direction X. Simultaneously, when the adjustment member 20 rotates along the second direction Y, the pushing surface 112 can push the pawl 31, causing the pawl 31 to compress or stretch elastically along the first direction X and disengage from the abutment surface 111.

[0053] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The second unlocking component 42 includes an operating member 421 and a transmission member 422. The operating member 421 is movably mounted on the adjusting member 20 and is connected to the elastic locking assembly 30 via the transmission member 422. Therefore, by driving the transmission member 422 to move via the operating member 421, the transmission member 422 causes the elastic locking assembly 30 to move, disengaging it from the mating part 11, thus achieving manual unlocking.

[0054] It should be noted that the operating member 421 can be slidably or rotated on the adjusting member 20. For example, rotating the operating member 421 causes one end of the operating member 421 to pull the transmission member 422, thereby causing the elastic locking assembly 30 to separate from the mating part 11.

[0055] Further, please refer to Figure 5 The elastic locking assembly 30 includes a pawl 31 and an elastic element 32. The elastic element 32 and the transmission element 422 are both located on one side of the pawl 31 along the first direction X. Thus, when unlocking manually, the transmission element 422 pulls the pawl 31, causing it to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 32 along the first direction X and separate from the mating part 11.

[0056] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The adjusting member 20 is provided with a first chamber 21 and a transmission groove 23 communicating with the first chamber 21. The transmission groove 23 is located on one side of the first chamber 21 along the first direction X. The elastic locking assembly 30 is disposed in the first chamber 21, and the transmission member 422 is disposed in the transmission groove 23, with one end connected to the elastic locking assembly 30 and the other end connected to the operating member 421. Thus, the introduction of the transmission groove 23 facilitates the second unlocking member 42 to stably and manually unlock the elastic locking member.

[0057] When the elastic locking assembly 30 includes a pawl 31 and an elastic member 32, to facilitate the stability of the elastic locking assembly 30 within the first chamber 21, a limiting protrusion 25 is provided on the groove wall of the transmission groove 23. One end of the elastic member 32 abuts against the limiting protrusion 25, and the other end abuts against the pawl 31 located within the first chamber 21. Simultaneously, the transmission member 422 located in the transmission groove 23 can also engage with the limiting protrusion 25 on the side facing away from the first chamber 21 to limit the travel of the transmission member 422.

[0058] Meanwhile, in some examples, the adjusting member 20 is also provided with a second chamber 22, and the first unlocking member 41 is movably disposed in the second chamber 22. This can be understood as the space dimension inside the second chamber 22 being larger than the volume of the first unlocking member 41, so as to allow the first unlocking member 41 to move within the second chamber 22. In addition, one end of all the mating parts 11 along the second direction Y is the first guide part 12, and one end of all the mating parts 11 along the first direction X is the second guide part 13. The elastic locking assembly 30 includes a pawl 31 and an elastic member 32. Thus, when the adjusting member 20 rotates to the first limit position, the first guide part 12 pushes the pawl 31 to separate from the mating part 11. At this time, the cavity wall of the second chamber 22 along the first direction X also pushes the first unlocking member 41 to move, so that it is positioned between the locking end 311 of the pawl 31 and the mating part 11, thereby keeping the locking end 311 and the mating part 11 in a separated state. When the adjusting member 20 is rotated to the second limit position, the second guide part 13 pushes the pawl 31, and the second chamber 22 pushes the first unlocking member 41 along the inner cavity of the second direction Y, so that the pawl 31 disengages from the first unlocking member 41 and re-engages with the mating part 11.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 The seat 10 includes two parallel and spaced-apart support portions 16 and a connecting portion 17 connecting the two support portions 16. Each of the two support portions 16 has a mating portion 11 facing each other on both sides. An adjusting member 20 is rotatably connected between the two support portions 16. A first chamber 21 and a second chamber 22 are both disposed through the adjusting member 20. An elastic locking assembly 30 abuts against the mating portions 11 on both sides, and a first unlocking component 41 frictionally abuts against the support portions 16 on both sides. This design facilitates stable adjustment of the adjusting member 20 between the two support portions 16, improving the stability of the hinge structure 100.

[0060] The first unlocking component 41 frictionally abuts against the support portions 16 on both sides. This can be understood as: there is friction between the first unlocking component 41 and each support portion 16. Thus, when the first unlocking component 41 is movably mounted on the adjusting member 20, such as when it is movably mounted within the second chamber 22 of the adjusting member 20, the first unlocking component 41 can remain relatively stationary relative to the support portions 16, maintaining its original position until the cavity wall of the second chamber 22 drives the first unlocking component 41 to move. The first unlocking component 41 can be a friction structure, such as a rubber structure or a plastic structure.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The operating member 421 has an operating end 42a and a transmission end 42b at its two ends. The portion of the operating member 421 located between the operating end 42a and the transmission end 42b is rotatably connected to the adjusting member 20. The transmission member 422 has a slot 423, into which the transmission end 42b is inserted. Thus, by rotating the operating member 421, the elastic locking assembly 30 is separated from the mating part 11, achieving effective manual unlocking.

[0062] It should be noted that, in order to avoid structural interference, an installation groove 24 can be provided on the adjusting member 20. The bottom wall of the installation groove 24 is provided with a rotating shaft 26. The operating member 421 is housed in the installation groove 24 and is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 26.

[0063] In some embodiments, this application provides a seat assist device, which includes the hinge structure 100 of any of the above.

[0064] The aforementioned seat assist device employs the hinge structure 100. During angle adjustment, the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y, causing the elastic locking assembly 30 to engage with different mating parts 11. Since the elastic locking assembly 30, when engaged with the mating parts 11, restricts the rotation of the adjusting member 20 along the first direction X, it ensures that the adjusting member 20 is at the desired angle, thus completing the angle adjustment operation. When the adjusting member 20 rotates along the second direction Y to the first limit position, the elastic locking assembly 30 engages with the first unlocking component 41 and remains separated from each mating part 11. At this time, the adjusting member 20 can rotate back to its original position along the first direction X. When the adjusting member 20 rotates along the first direction X to the second limit position, the elastic locking assembly 30 separates from the first unlocking component 41, allowing the elastic locking assembly 30 to re-engage with the mating parts 11, thereby achieving the automatic unlocking and reset function. Furthermore, by operating the second unlocking component 42, the elastic locking assembly 30 can be separated from each mating part 11, enabling the hinge structure 100 to meet manual unlocking requirements at different stroke levels. This design, while achieving automatic unlocking at maximum rotational travel, can also meet unlocking requirements at different travel levels, thus improving folding performance.

[0065] It should be noted that seat assistive devices refer to auxiliary structures installed on seats to facilitate position or angle adjustment by passengers or drivers according to their needs. Among these, the hinge structure 100 can be applied to the backrest connection, armrest connection, etc., of the seat assistive device.

[0066] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, The hinge structure includes: seat body; An adjusting component is provided on the base and can rotate about the axis of rotation. The base is provided with a plurality of mating parts distributed around the outer periphery of the axis of rotation. An elastic locking assembly is disposed on the adjusting member. The elastic locking assembly cooperates with the mating part to restrict the adjusting member from rotating in a first direction and allow the adjusting member to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The unlocking component includes a first unlocking component and a second unlocking component, both disposed on the adjusting member. When the adjusting member rotates along the second direction to a first limit position, the first unlocking component engages with the elastic locking component and drives the elastic locking component to remain separated from the mating part. When the adjusting member rotates along the first direction to a second limit position, the first unlocking component separates from the elastic locking component, so that the elastic locking component engages with the mating part. The second unlocking component is drively connected to the elastic locking component and is used to drive the elastic locking component to separate from the mating part.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic locking assembly includes a pawl and an elastic element. The pawl is rotatably connected to the adjusting member, and one end of the pawl includes a locking end. The elastic element is connected to the pawl and the adjusting member and is used to drive the locking end to engage with the mating part. When the adjusting member rotates to the first limit position, the first unlocking component engages with the locking end and drives the locking end to remain separated from the mating part. When the adjusting member rotates to the second limit position, the first unlocking component separates from the locking end.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seat body is provided with a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is located at one end of all the mating portions along the second direction, and the second guide portion is located at the other end of all the mating portions. The first unlocking component includes a first surface facing the first guide portion and a second surface facing the second guide portion. When the adjusting member rotates to the first limit position, the first guide portion pushes the pawl to rotate in the first direction, so that the locking end disengages from the mating portion and abuts against the second surface. When the adjusting member rotates to the second limit position, the second guide portion pushes the pawl to rotate in the second direction, so that the locking end disengages from the second surface and is located on one side of the first surface.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The seat body is provided with a locking cavity, which extends around the outer periphery of the rotation axis. The first guide portion, each of the mating portions, and the second guide portion are sequentially disposed on the cavity wall of the locking cavity away from the rotation axis. The first unlocking component and the pawl both extend into the locking cavity; and / or, The adjusting member is provided with a first chamber and a second chamber communicating with the first chamber. The second chamber is located at the end of the first chamber away from the rotation axis. The pawl is provided in the first chamber. The first unlocking member is movably provided in the second chamber. When the adjusting member rotates to the first limit position, the second chamber pushes the first unlocking member along the cavity wall in the first direction to move between the pawl and the mating part, so that the locking end abuts against the second surface.

5. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Each of the mating parts includes an abutting surface and a pushing surface. The pushing surface is located at one end of the abutting surface along the second direction. The abutting surface abuts against the elastic locking assembly to restrict the adjustment member from rotating along the first direction. The pushing surface is configured to push the elastic locking assembly when the adjustment member rotates along the second direction, such that the elastic locking assembly abuts against the abutting surface adjacent to it along the second direction.

6. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second unlocking component includes an operating component and a transmission component. The operating component is movably disposed on the adjusting component and connected to the elastic locking assembly through the transmission component.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adjusting member is provided with a first chamber and a transmission groove communicating with the first chamber. The transmission groove is located on one side of the first chamber along the first direction. The elastic locking component is provided in the first chamber. The transmission member is provided in the transmission groove, with one end connected to the elastic locking component and the other end connected to the operating member.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The seat includes two parallel and spaced support portions and a connecting portion connecting the two support portions. The two support portions are provided with mating portions facing each other on both surfaces. The adjusting member is rotatably connected between the two support portions. The first chamber and the second chamber are both disposed through the adjusting member. The elastic locking component abuts against the mating portions on both sides. The first unlocking component frictionally abuts against the support portions on both sides.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operating component has an operating end and a transmission end at both ends. The portion of the operating component located between the operating end and the transmission end is rotatably connected to the adjusting component. The transmission component has a slot, and the transmission end is inserted into the slot.

10. A seat assist device, characterized in that, The seat assist device includes the hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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