Crumple mechanism for electric table board

Abstract

The utility model discloses a crumple mechanism for an electric table board. The crumple mechanism comprises a motor, a gear set, a worm and worm gear, a first transmission shaft, a second transmission shaft, a crumple assembly, a table board connecting rod, a torsion spring and a table board support. The motor drives the first transmission shaft to rotate through the gear set and the worm and worm gear, the two ends of the first transmission shaft are connected with the two second transmission shafts through the crumple assemblies respectively, and the second transmission shafts drive the table plate connecting rods arranged at the two ends of the table plate support to turn over the small table plate. The crumple assembly is composed of a crumple meshing block, a sleeve, a laminated spring and a nut, meshing block separation is achieved through slope matching under the overload condition, power transmission is cut off, and transmission parts are prevented from being damaged. Table plate connecting rods on the two sides are provided with torsion springs respectively, pre-tightening force is provided for the connecting rods, gaps generated after the table plates are unfolded are eliminated, and overall stability is guaranteed. The electric table plate system is compact in structure, capable of achieving overload protection and stable supporting in a limited space and suitable for various vehicle seats.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of seat accessories technology, and more specifically to a collapsible mechanism for an electric table. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of transportation, airplanes, high-speed trains, intercity trains, and long-distance buses are increasingly focusing on passenger comfort and convenience during the design process. Seat tray tables, as a common accessory, are widely used on passenger seats for scenarios such as placing food and drinks, operating laptops, and writing documents, and are an important facility for enhancing the passenger experience. Traditional tray tables are mostly manually operated, typically using mechanical hinges or folding brackets, requiring passengers to manually unfold and retract them. While simple, these structures suffer from inconvenience, insufficient reliability, and limited load-bearing capacity, especially under prolonged or high-frequency use, which can easily lead to loosening, jamming, or even structural damage.

[0003] With the trend towards electrification, electric tray tables are increasingly being used in aircraft and high-end passenger car seats. Electric tray tables automatically unfold or retract using a motor, reducing the burden on passengers and improving the human-computer interaction experience. However, existing electric tray table structures generally suffer from the following technical problems:

[0004] First, there is a lack of overload protection. In existing electric tabletops, when the tabletop is subjected to external impact or the load exceeds its design range, the transmission system often directly applies the load to the motor and gear transmission mechanism. This can easily lead to motor burnout, gear breakage, or worm gear meshing failure. Once such damage occurs, the entire transmission component often needs to be replaced, resulting in high repair costs and long maintenance cycles.

[0005] Secondly, the transmission structure is too rigid. Most existing electric tabletops use a method where the motor directly drives the tabletop linkage through a gear reducer. The transmission chain is rigidly connected and cannot be actively disengaged under overload conditions. Once the transmission system encounters abnormal loads, it can only rely on the motor's protection circuit or fuse for electrical protection, while the mechanical parts have already inevitably suffered damage.

[0006] Third, insufficient stability during deployment. While some electric tabletops can deploy and retract, gaps exist between the connecting rods, pivots, and the tabletop itself. When deployed, these gaps can cause loosening and wobbling, affecting stability and comfort. This is especially problematic in high-speed vehicles where frequent vibrations exacerbate the gaps, leading to a shorter lifespan.

[0007] Fourth, single-sided drive has the problem of uneven load distribution. Some existing electric tabletops use a single motor and single-sided drive, meaning the motor drives the tabletop to flip only through a drive shaft and connecting rod at one end. This method is prone to uneven force distribution when the tabletop is large or the load is biased to one side, causing the tabletop to jam or deform, affecting its performance.

[0008] Fifth, installation space is limited. In airplane and high-speed rail seats, the internal space of the backrest is limited, and the electric table mechanism needs to complete the transmission, drive, and fixed installation within a limited thickness. In traditional solutions, the transmission mechanism is complex and has a large number of parts, making it difficult to balance compactness and reliability, and easily increasing assembly difficulty and manufacturing costs.

[0009] In summary, while existing electric table technology has improved convenience, it still suffers from shortcomings such as insufficient safety, poor stability, and low structural adaptability. Particularly in the aviation field, where reliability and safety requirements are extremely high, a failure of the electric table not only affects passenger experience but may also create potential safety hazards. Therefore, designing a compact electric table collapse mechanism within limited space that can automatically disconnect the transmission chain under overload conditions to prevent damage to transmission components, while maintaining stable table deployment under normal operating conditions, has become an urgent technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0010] This utility model provides a collapsible mechanism for an electric tabletop. Overload protection is achieved through the cooperation of a collapsible engagement block and a stacked spring, and the tabletop shaking during use is eliminated by a torsion spring, thereby improving safety and stability.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0012] A collapsible mechanism for an electric tabletop, comprising:

[0013] The motor has a first-stage gear set, a second-stage gear, a first worm, and a first worm wheel connected sequentially to its output end, with the first worm wheel fixedly connected to the first transmission shaft.

[0014] The first drive shaft is provided with collapsible components at both ends. Each collapsible component includes a first collapsible engagement block, a second collapsible engagement block, a sleeve, a spring stack, and a spring stack nut. The first collapsible engagement block is fixedly connected to the second drive shaft, and the second collapsible engagement block is fixedly connected to the first drive shaft. The spring stack is sleeved on the outer periphery of the collapsible engagement block and limited by the sleeve and the spring stack nut.

[0015] Two second drive shafts are respectively arranged at both ends of the first drive shaft and are respectively connected to two sets of tabletop connecting rods;

[0016] The tabletop connecting rod is provided in two sets, located at both ends of the tabletop support. One set of tabletop connecting rods is provided with a first torsion spring, and the other set of tabletop connecting rods is provided with a second torsion spring.

[0017] Preferably, the primary gear set and the secondary gear are connected by gear meshing transmission, the secondary gear is connected to the first worm gear transmission, and the first worm gear meshes with the first worm wheel.

[0018] Preferably, the stacked spring is a multi-plate disc spring assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the tabletop connecting rods are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, respectively located on both sides of the tabletop support.

[0020] Preferably, one end of the first torsion spring is fixed to the corresponding tabletop connecting rod, and the other end is fixed to the tabletop support.

[0021] Preferably, one end of the second torsion spring is fixed to the corresponding tabletop connecting rod, and the other end is fixed to the tabletop support.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model, by setting collapsible components at both ends of the first drive shaft and connecting them to the second drive shaft, allows the transmission chain to automatically disengage when the table is overloaded through the action of inclined surfaces and stacked springs. This prevents damage to components such as the motor, gears, and worm gears due to abnormal torque, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the overall structure. Simultaneously, the second drive shaft is connected to two sets of table connecting rods at both ends of the table support, enabling synchronous force distribution on both sides of the table during rotation. This ensures smooth movement and uniform transmission, avoiding structural imbalance caused by unilateral drive. Furthermore, a first torsion spring is installed in one table connecting rod, and a second torsion spring is installed in the other. Both torsion springs provide preload torque to the connecting rods during operation, eliminating wobbling caused by gaps between parts when the table is unfolded, thus improving the stability and comfort of the table during use. The overall structure is compact, and the component layout is reasonable, making it well-suited to the limited installation space inside the seat back, exhibiting strong adaptability and application value. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the collapse mechanism;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission principle;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a collapsible meshing structure;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gap elimination mechanism.

[0028] In the attached diagram: 1-Motor; 2-First stage gear set; 3-Second stage gear; 4-First worm; 5-First worm wheel; 6-Second drive shaft; 7-First drive shaft; 8-First collapsible meshing block; 9-Second collapsible meshing block; 10-Sleeve; 11-Layer spring; 12-Layer spring nut; 13-Tabletop connecting rod; 14-First torsion spring; 15-Second torsion spring; 16-Tabletop bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a collapsible mechanism for an electric tabletop includes a motor 1, a primary gear set 2, a secondary gear 3, a first worm 4, a first worm wheel 5, a first transmission shaft 7, a second transmission shaft 6, a first collapsible engagement block 8, a second collapsible engagement block 9, a sleeve 10, a stacked spring 11, a stacked spring nut 12, a tabletop connecting rod 13, a first torsion spring 14, a second torsion spring 15, and a tabletop support 16.

[0032] Motor 1, serving as the power source for the entire collapsible mechanism, is installed inside the tabletop support 16. It is preferably a small DC geared motor or a stepper motor, capable of providing stable torque output. The output shaft of motor 1 is connected to a primary gear set 2, which meshes with a secondary gear 3. The secondary gear 3 is connected to a first worm gear 4, which meshes with a first worm wheel 5, thus forming a multi-stage reduction transmission system. Through this multi-stage reduction transmission, the high-speed, low-torque output of motor 1 is effectively converted into a low-speed, high-torque output, providing sufficient driving force for the flipping motion of the small tabletop.

[0033] The first worm gear 5 is fixedly connected to the first drive shaft 7, which extends laterally along the tabletop support 16, spanning the entire width of the support 16. Collapsible components are respectively installed at both ends of the first drive shaft 7. Each collapsible component consists of a first collapsible engagement block 8, a second collapsible engagement block 9, a sleeve 10, a spring stack 11, and a spring stack nut 12. Specifically, the first collapsible engagement block 8 is fixed to one end of the second drive shaft 6 by a key connection or interference fit, and the second collapsible engagement block 9 is fixed to the end of the first drive shaft 7. The first and second collapsible engagement blocks 8 and 9 are arranged opposite each other and connected by a beveled contact fit. The spring stack 11 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the collapsible engagement block, with one end of the spring stack 11 abutting against the sleeve 10 and the other end abutting against the spring stack nut 12. The spring stack nut 12 is fixedly connected to the sleeve 10 by threads. Through the preload of the stacked spring 11, the first collapsible engagement block 8 and the second collapsible engagement block 9 always maintain an inclined engagement state, and can reliably transmit torque under normal working conditions.

[0034] The first drive shaft 7 is connected to the second drive shafts 6 at both ends via a collapsible assembly. The second drive shafts 6 are located at both ends of the first drive shaft 7 and are connected to two sets of tabletop connecting rods 13. The tabletop connecting rods 13 are hinged to both ends of the tabletop bracket 16. Each set of tabletop connecting rods 13 is fixedly connected to the corresponding second drive shaft 6, so that when the first drive shaft 7 rotates under the drive of the motor, the power can be transmitted to the two second drive shafts 6 via the collapsible assembly, which in turn drives the two sets of tabletop connecting rods 13 to move, thereby realizing the overall flipping and opening of the small tabletop. Due to the adoption of a double-sided symmetrical transmission structure, the tabletop can ensure that the left and right sides are subjected to force synchronously during the flipping process, avoiding the uneven force and structural off-center load problems that may be caused by single-sided drive.

[0035] In the tabletop connecting rod 13, a first torsion spring 14 is provided on one side and a second torsion spring 15 is provided on the other side. Both the first torsion spring 14 and the second torsion spring 15 are helical torsion spring structures, with one end fixed to the corresponding tabletop connecting rod 13 and the other end fixed to the tabletop support 16. Through the pre-tensioning effect of the torsion springs, the tabletop connecting rod 13 is always subjected to torque in the opening direction during operation, thereby eliminating the shaking caused by the gap between the parts when the tabletop is unfolded, and ensuring that the tabletop remains stable during use.

[0036] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: When the motor 1 is powered on, its output power is transmitted and decelerated step by step through the first-stage gear set 2, the second-stage gear 3, the first worm gear 4, and the first worm wheel 5, driving the first transmission shaft 7 to rotate. The first transmission shaft 7 is connected to two second transmission shafts 6 through a collapsible assembly, so that the power is synchronously transmitted to the second transmission shafts 6 on the left and right sides. Then, the second transmission shafts 6 drive the two sets of table connecting rods 13 to rotate, ultimately realizing the flipping and opening of the small table. Due to the adoption of a double-sided transmission structure, the movement of the table is smooth and coordinated, ensuring the comfort and safety of passengers during use.

[0037] When the tabletop is subjected to abnormal external force or exceeds the predetermined load during use, the torque transmitted to the collapsible assembly increases. The inclined contact between the first collapsible engagement block 8 and the second collapsible engagement block 9 generates an axial component force. When this axial component force exceeds the thrust of the stacked spring 11, the first collapsible engagement block 8 overcomes the elastic force of the stacked spring 11 and separates axially from the second collapsible engagement block 9, thereby cutting off the power transmission path. At this time, the connection between the first drive shaft 7 and the second drive shaft 6 is released, and the transmission chain automatically disconnects, effectively preventing damage to the motor 1, gear set, and linkage mechanism due to overload. The collapsible assembly achieves rapid separation under overload conditions, providing a safety protection function.

[0038] After the overload is released, the stacked spring 11, under the action of its elastic restoring force, pushes the first collapsible engagement block 8 to re-engage with the second collapsible engagement block 9, thereby achieving automatic reset and restoring the collapsible mechanism to its normal transmission state. This structural design ensures the mechanism's protection capability under abnormal conditions, while also possessing a self-recovery function. It requires no manual intervention during use and boasts high reliability.

[0039] In addition to the basic working process described above, this embodiment also features optimizations in its detailed design. First, the multi-stage reduction transmission not only improves torque output but also reduces the motor's workload, extending its lifespan. Second, the collapsible assembly employs a stacked spring structure; the stacked spring 11 can be composed of multiple stacked disc springs, providing a large axial thrust. Furthermore, by adjusting the number of stacked springs and the installation method, the separation force of the collapsible assembly can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to the load requirements of different tabletops. Third, the placement of the first torsion spring 14 and the second torsion spring 15 ensures that the tabletop remains under control after unfolding, preventing loosening and vibration caused by fit gaps, thus improving passenger stability and comfort.

[0040] From an installation perspective, the motor 1 and gear transmission assembly are all housed inside the tabletop bracket 16, resulting in a compact structure that occupies little space, facilitating installation within the limited space of the seat back. The collapsible assembly and the second transmission shaft 6 are located at both ends of the bracket, ensuring not only the symmetry and stability of the transmission but also facilitating future maintenance and replacement. The hinged connection between the tabletop connecting rod 13 and the tabletop bracket 16 also facilitates assembly while ensuring the smoothness of the tabletop flipping process.

[0041] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are reflected in the following aspects: First, the collapsible assembly, through the design of inclined engagement and stacked spring pre-tensioning, can quickly separate when the table is overloaded, effectively avoiding damage to the motor and transmission mechanism and improving safety; Second, the symmetrical transmission structure on both sides ensures uniform force and smooth movement during the table flipping process, avoiding the off-center load problem caused by traditional single-sided drive; Third, the setting of the first torsion spring 14 and the second torsion spring 15 eliminates the gap in the unfolded state of the table, making the table more stable during use; Finally, the overall structure is compact, the component layout is reasonable, and it is suitable for seat backs with limited installation space, with strong adaptability and promotional application value.

[0042] The collapsible mechanism described in this embodiment is not only applicable to aircraft seats, but can also be extended to high-speed rail, buses, and other seating systems that require folding tables. Through the combined design of the collapsible component and the torsion spring, this invention can significantly improve the reliability and service life of the electric table, meeting the requirements of modern transportation for safety, comfort, and durability.

[0043] In summary, this embodiment, through structural designs such as motor drive, multi-stage reduction, collapse protection, dual-side transmission, and torsion spring pretensioning, achieves stable rotation of the electric tabletop during normal use, effective protection under overload conditions, and stability and reliability during long-term use, demonstrating significant technological advancement and practical value.

[0044] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A collapsible mechanism for an electric tabletop, characterized in that, include: Motor (1), first-stage gear set (2), second-stage gear (3), first worm (4), first worm wheel (5), first transmission shaft (7), second transmission shaft (6), first collapsible meshing block (8), second collapsible meshing block (9), sleeve (10), stacked spring (11), stacked spring nut (12), tabletop connecting rod (13), first torsion spring (14), second torsion spring (15), and tabletop bracket (16); The output end of the motor (1) is sequentially connected to a first-stage gear set (2), a second-stage gear (3), a first worm (4), and a first worm wheel (5), and the first worm wheel (5) is fixedly connected to the first transmission shaft (7); The first drive shaft (7) is provided with a collapsible assembly at both ends. Each collapsible assembly includes a first collapsible engagement block (8), a second collapsible engagement block (9), a sleeve (10), a spring stack (11), and a spring stack nut (12). The first collapsible engagement block (8) is fixedly connected to the second drive shaft (6), and the second collapsible engagement block (9) is fixedly connected to the first drive shaft (7). The spring stack (11) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the collapsible engagement blocks (8, 9) and limited by the sleeve (10) and the spring stack nut (12). Two second drive shafts (6) are respectively arranged at both ends of the first drive shaft (7) and are respectively connected to two sets of tabletop connecting rods (13); The tabletop connecting rod (13) is provided in two sets, located at both ends of the tabletop support (16). One set of tabletop connecting rod (13) is provided with a first torsion spring (14), and the other set of tabletop connecting rod (13) is provided with a second torsion spring (15).

2. The collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage gear set (2) and the second-stage gear (3) are gear meshing transmissions. The second-stage gear (3) is connected to the first worm (4) for transmission. The first worm (4) meshes with the first worm wheel (5).

3. The collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stacked spring (11) is a multi-plate disc spring assembly.

4. The collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tabletop connecting rod (13) is symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides, respectively located on both sides of the tabletop support (16).

5. The collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the first torsion spring (14) is fixed to the corresponding tabletop connecting rod (13), and the other end is fixed to the tabletop support (16).

6. The collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the second torsion spring (15) is fixed to the corresponding tabletop connecting rod (13), and the other end is fixed to the tabletop support (16).

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