Headrest locking mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to a headrest locking mechanism for a child seat having a seat back and a headrest movably mounted to the seat back, the headrest locking mechanism comprising: a track arranged at the seat back, the track defining a plurality of positions of the headrest; an actuator movable along a first axis; and at least one actuation arm connected to the actuator. The at least one actuation arm is movable along the track. At least one guide slot is arranged at the at least one actuation arm. The at least one guide slot extends at a non-parallel angle with respect to the first axis. At least one lock member is coupled to the at least one actuation arm and is engageable with the track to lock the headrest at one of the plurality of positions. The at least one lock member is movable relative to the at least one actuation arm via the at least one guide slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to child safety seats for use in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Child safety seats are commonly used in automobiles to properly restrain children in the event of an accident. Various parts of the child seat can be adjusted based on the size of the child positioned within it to maximize comfort and safety. The headrest of the child seat can be one of these adjustable components. A headrest locking mechanism is needed that can operate to lock the headrest in multiple positions in a manner that prevents unintended disengagement. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to an embodiment, a headrest locking mechanism for a child seat having a seat back and a headrest movably mounted to the seat back includes: a track disposed at the seat back, the track defining a plurality of positions of the headrest; an actuator movable along a first axis; and at least one actuating arm connected to the actuator. The at least one actuating arm is movable along the track. At least one guide groove is disposed at the at least one actuating arm. The at least one guide groove extends at a non-parallel angle relative to the first axis. At least one locking member is coupled to the at least one actuating arm and is engageable with the track to lock the headrest at one of the plurality of positions. The at least one locking member is movable relative to the at least one actuating arm via the at least one guide groove.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member may move relative to the at least one actuating arm via the at least one guide groove to disengage from the track in response to movement of the actuator along the first axis in a first direction.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one guide groove extends perpendicular to the first axis.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one guide groove is formed in the at least one actuator arm.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes a mounting protrusion slidably disposed within the at least one guide groove.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes at least one tooth capable of engaging the track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions. The mounting protrusion extends from the body of the at least one locking member in a first direction, and the at least one tooth extends from the body of the at least one locking member in a second direction.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one tooth comprises three teeth.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the mounting protrusion and the at least one tooth extend from the body of the at least one locking member in a substantially vertical direction.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one tooth extends laterally from the at least one locking member.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, a biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the at least one actuating arm. The biasing mechanism is operable to bias the at least one actuating arm in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, a biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the at least one locking member. The at least one locking member is biased by the biasing mechanism to engage with the track.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one actuating arm includes a first actuating arm and a second actuating arm, and the at least one locking member includes a first locking member and a second locking member. The first locking member is movably mounted to the first actuating arm, and the second locking member is movably mounted to the second actuating arm.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the first locking member and the second locking member move in opposite directions in response to the operation of the actuator.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the track is arranged in a channel formed in the upright support surface of the seat back.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the track is arranged on the outer surface of the seat back.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes at least one tooth capable of engaging the track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one tooth comprises a plurality of teeth that can simultaneously engage with the track.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the track includes a plurality of openings, and the at least one tooth can be received within at least one of the plurality of openings when the at least one locking member engages with the track.

[0021] According to an embodiment, a headrest locking mechanism is associated with a headrest movably mounted to a seat housing of a child seat. The headrest locking mechanism is switchable between a locked configuration, in which the headrest is immobile relative to the seat housing, and in an unlocked configuration, the headrest is movable relative to the seat housing. The headrest locking mechanism includes: at least one track defining multiple positions of the headrest relative to the seat housing; an actuation mechanism movable relative to the headrest; and at least one locking member movably directly coupled to the actuation mechanism. The at least one locking member can engage with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the multiple positions. The at least one locking member can move to disengage from the at least one track in response to operation of the actuation mechanism.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one track is positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis of the child seat than the at least one locking member.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member is supported solely by the actuation mechanism.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes an actuator and at least one actuation arm connected to the actuator.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one actuating arm is integrally formed with the actuator.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member is slidably coupled to the at least one actuating arm.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the actuation mechanism is movable in a first direction, and the at least one locking member is movable relative to the at least one actuating arm in a second direction.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one track is arranged in a channel formed in the upright support surface of the seat back of the seat housing.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes at least one tooth capable of engaging with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one tooth comprises a plurality of teeth, and the plurality of teeth may simultaneously engage with the at least one track.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one track includes a plurality of openings, and when the at least one locking member engages with the at least one track, the plurality of teeth can be received within corresponding openings of the plurality of openings.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one tooth comprises three teeth.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the at least one locking member and operable to bias the at least one locking member toward engaging the at least one track.

[0035] According to an embodiment, a headrest locking mechanism is associated with a headrest movably mounted to a seat housing of a child seat. The headrest locking mechanism is switchable between a locked configuration, in which the headrest is immobile relative to the seat housing, and in an unlocked configuration, the headrest is movable relative to the seat housing. The headrest locking mechanism includes: at least one track defining multiple positions of the headrest relative to the seat housing; an actuation mechanism movably mounted to the headrest; and at least one locking member engaging with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the multiple positions. The at least one locking member is pivotally mounted to the headrest and operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism. The at least one locking member is movable to disengage from the at least one track in response to operation of the actuation mechanism.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one track is arranged close to the outer surface of the seat back of the seat housing.

[0037] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes an actuator and at least one actuation arm connected to the actuator.

[0038] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one actuating arm is integrally formed with the actuator.

[0039] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member is slidably coupled to the at least one actuating arm.

[0040] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the actuation mechanism may translate relative to the at least one locking member.

[0041] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes a body, and a mounting arm extends from the central portion of the body. The mounting arm is slidably coupled to the at least one actuating arm.

[0042] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member may be laterally engaged with the at least one track.

[0043] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes an engaging member that can engage with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions.

[0044] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the engagement member may be laterally engaged with the at least one track.

[0045] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the at least one locking member includes a mounting arm operably coupled to the actuation mechanism. The engaging member extends from the at least one locking member in a first direction, and the mounting arm extends from the at least one locking member in a second direction.

[0046] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the first end of the at least one locking member is pivotally coupled to the headrest, and the engaging member is arranged at the opposite second end of the at least one locking member.

[0047] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the at least one locking member and operable to bias the at least one locking member toward engaging the at least one track. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same element numbers are the same:

[0049] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a child seat system according to an embodiment;

[0050] Figure 1B It is positioned on the vehicle seat according to the embodiment. Figure 1A Side view of a child car seat system;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a child seat according to an embodiment of the child seat system of FIG1, including a headrest locking mechanism;

[0052] Figure 3 According to the embodiments Figure 2 Detailed perspective view of a portion of the headrest locking mechanism of a child car seat;

[0053] Figure 4A This is a partially exploded front perspective view of a portion of a headrest locking mechanism arranged at the headrest of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 4B According to the embodiments Figure 4A A partially exploded front view of a part of the headrest locking mechanism;

[0055] Figure 5A This is a front perspective view of a portion of a headrest locking mechanism arranged at the headrest of a child seat according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 5B According to the embodiments Figure 5A Front view of a portion of the headrest locking mechanism;

[0057] Figure 6 According to the embodiments Figure 2-5B Detailed view of the locking components of the headrest locking mechanism;

[0058] Figure 7 According to the embodiments Figure 6 A perspective view of the lock components;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a partially exploded rear view of the headrest locking mechanism according to an embodiment;

[0060] Figure 9 According to the embodiments Figure 8 Detailed view of a portion of the headrest locking mechanism;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a rear view of a portion of the headrest locking mechanism according to an embodiment;

[0062] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a headrest locking mechanism in a locking configuration according to an embodiment;

[0063] Figure 11B This is a rear view of a portion of a headrest locking mechanism in a locking configuration according to an embodiment;

[0064] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the headrest locking mechanism in the unlocked configuration according to an embodiment;

[0065] Figure 12B This is a rear view of a portion of the headrest locking mechanism in the unlocked configuration according to an embodiment;

[0066] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the track of the headrest locking mechanism arranged on the back of the child seat according to an embodiment;

[0067] Figure 14 This is a rear perspective view of a child seat including a headrest locking mechanism according to another embodiment;

[0068] Figure 15A The headrest locking mechanism is arranged according to the embodiment in Figure 14 Rear view of part of the headrest area of ​​the child seat;

[0069] Figure 15B According to the embodiments Figure 15A Rear view of the headrest, with the back panel of the headrest removed;

[0070] Figure 16 This is a rear perspective view of the seat back of a child car seat according to an embodiment;

[0071] Figure 17A This is a rear view of the locking member of the headrest locking mechanism in a locking configuration according to an embodiment; and

[0072] Figure 17B It is in the unlocked configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 17A Rear view of the locking component of the headrest locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0073] This document provides a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Please refer to the following: Figure 1A-2 An example of a child seat system 20 is shown. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the child seat system 20 includes a support base 22 that can be detachably secured to the vehicle seat 10 (see [link]). Figure 1B (e.g., via a latch or anchoring mechanism not shown in the figure). This latch or anchoring system, which is often used, is sometimes referred to as a “lower anchor and tether for children,” for example, a latch system. Alternatively or additionally, the support base 22 may be detachably secured to the vehicle seat 10 via a vehicle strap associated with the vehicle seat 10.

[0075] The child seat system 20 further includes a child seat 24 associated with a support base 22. In an embodiment, the child seat 24 is detachably coupled to the support base 22, thereby allowing the child seat 24 to be separated from the support base 22. Alternatively, at least a portion of the support base 22 and the child seat 24 may be permanently connected or attached together, as will be described in detail below. As used herein, the term "permanently connected" means an embodiment in which the child seat 24 or a portion thereof is not intended to be detached from the support base 22 by a user.

[0076] The child seat 24 includes a seat housing 25 having a seat back 26 and a seat base 28 arranged at an angle relative to the seat back 26. The seat base portion 28 may, but need not, be configured to be removably coupled to the seat back 26. In the shown non-limiting embodiment, the seat back 26 includes an upright support surface 30, generally facing forward and extending from a first end or top 32 of the seat back 26 to a second opposite end or bottom 34 of the seat back 26. A first upright side member 36 may be arranged at a first side 38 of the upright support surface 30, and a second upright side member 40 may be arranged at a second opposite side 42 of the upright support surface 30. Thus, the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 form the left and right sides of the seat back 26, respectively. As shown, the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 extend forward from the upright support surface 30. The first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 may extend substantially orthogonally to the upright support surface 30, or alternatively, may extend from it at another angle, such as an angle greater than, for example, 90°. Thus, the upright support surface 30 and the first upright side member 36 and the second upright side member 40 define a backrest area or upright support cavity in which the upper body of a child is accommodated.

[0077] When the child seat 24 is installed in the vehicle, the upright side members 36, 40 can assist in the proper positioning of the vehicle strap in one or more operating modes. Although not shown, in some embodiments, each upright side member 36, 40 has an opening formed therein. The opening can be configured to receive the vehicle strap (not shown) to secure the child seat 24 to the forward-facing vehicle seat 10, or to secure the upper body of a child located within the cavity.

[0078] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the seat back portion 26 of the child seat 24 includes a headrest 46. The headrest 46 may be attached to or integrated with the seat back 26, or may be removably coupled to the seat back. The headrest 46 may be fixed, or in some embodiments, it may be configured to move relative to the upright support surface 30. For example, the headrest 46 may be configured to translate relative to the upright support surface 30 between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the child seat 24. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the seat back 26 excluding the headrest 46 are also considered herein.

[0079] The seat base 28 of the child seat 24 may include a seat support surface 50, generally facing upwards, extending from a first end or front portion 52 of the seat base 28 to a second end or rear portion 54. A first seat side member 56 may be disposed on a first side 58 of the seat support surface 50, and a second seat side member 60 may be disposed on a second opposite side 62 of the seat support surface 50. The first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 extend upwards and from the left and right sides of the seat portion, respectively. The seat support surface 50 and the first seat side member 56 and the second seat side member 60 together define an area in which at least a portion of a child's lower body can be accommodated.

[0080] As shown in the figure, seat side members 56 and 60 extend from seat support surface 50 at an angle. The angle of the first seat side member 56 relative to seat support surface 50 may, but does not need to, be the same as the angle of the first upright side member 36 relative to upright support surface 30. Similarly, the angle of the second seat side member 60 relative to seat support surface 50 may, but does not need to, be the same as the angle of the second upright side member 40 relative to upright support surface 30.

[0081] In the non-limiting embodiments shown, each seat side member 56, 60 has a groove 66 formed therein, which is configured to act as a leg strap guide during at least one usage mode of the child seat 24. In some operating modes of the child seat 24, the groove 66 may be configured to receive and position the leg strap portion of a vehicle restraint member or a separate restraint strap to secure the child within the child seat 24. As will be described in more detail below, the rotational configuration and / or tilt angle of the child seat 24 can be adjusted when the child seat 24 is connected to the support base 22.

[0082] The support base 22 is operable to mount the child seat 24 around the vehicle seat and includes a base body 70 having a base seat or base bottom 72 and a base backrest 74. Suitable materials for manufacturing the base body 70 include, but are not limited to, rigid plastics or composite materials. The base bottom 72 and the base backrest 74 may be integrally formed as a single body, or alternatively, may be formed from separate components that are removably or permanently connected together. (Continue to reference) Figure 1A and 1B In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the support base 22 includes a first base member 76 and a second base member 80, the first base member having a bottom surface 78 adapted to be placed on a support surface (e.g., a vehicle seat), and the second base member being coupled to the first base member 76. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the second base member 80 is positioned to overlap with the upper surface 82 of the first base member 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the base backrest 74 of the support base 22 is formed solely of the second base member 80, and the base bottom 72 of the support base 22 is formed by a combination of the first base member 76 and the second base member 80.

[0083] The child seat 24 may be detachably attached to the support base 22, thereby allowing the user to separate the child seat 24 from the support base 22. Alternatively, the support base 22 and the child seat 24 may be permanently attached or attached together. As used herein, the term "permanently attached" refers to embodiments where the child seat 24 is not intended to be detached from the support base 22 by a user.

[0084] Continue to refer to Figure 1A and 1B And further reference Figure 2-13 The headrest 46 is movable relative to the seat back 26 of the child seat 24 between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby allowing adjustment based on the size of the child positioned within the child seat system 20. The headrest locking mechanism 100 is operable to selectively lock the headrest 46 in a desired position relative to the seat back 26. As shown, the headrest locking mechanism 100 may include one or more channels 102a, 102b positioned around the seat housing 25. While at least one channel 102a, 102b of the headrest locking mechanism 100 can be arranged at any suitable location around the seat housing 25, such as, for example, on the exterior of the seat back 26 or on the backrest surface, in other embodiments, at least one channel 102a, 102b may be arranged at or near the upright support surface 30. Figure 2In the non-limiting embodiments shown, the at least one channel includes a first channel 102a disposed on a first side 104 of the upright support surface 30 near the first upright side member 36, and a second channel 102b disposed on a second opposite side 106 of the upright support surface 30 near the second upright side member 40. However, embodiments including more than two channels 102a, 102b or alternatively a single channel are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0085] Each channel 102a, 102b of the headrest locking mechanism 100 includes a track defined by a plurality of first teeth or ribs 110a, 110b and a plurality of first openings 112a, 112b formed between the plurality of first teeth 110a, 110b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the track formed by the first teeth 110a, 110b is arranged at or near the front of the seat back 26. As shown, the first teeth 110a, 110b may be oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the upright support surface 30, such as, for example, perpendicular to the upright support surface. The first teeth 110a, 110b may alternatively or additionally extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the channels 102a, 102b, respectively. The plurality of first teeth 110a, 110b may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the respective channels 102a, 102b, or may be arranged at another angle relative to them. For example, the first teeth 110a, 110b may extend outward, such as toward the interior of channels 102a, 120b and toward adjacent upright side members 36, 40. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first teeth 110a, 110b is substantially identical and is equidistantly spaced above the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the respective channels 102a, 102b. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of first openings 112a, 112b defined by the plurality of first teeth 110a, 110b may also be substantially uniform.

[0086] The headrest locking mechanism 100 further includes at least one locking member 120a, 120b, which is operatively coupled to at least one channel 102a, 102b. In one embodiment, at least one locking member 120a, 120b is associated with each channel 102a, 102b of the headrest locking mechanism 100. In one embodiment, at least one locking member includes a first locking member 120a associated with a first channel 102a disposed on a first side 104 of the upright support surface 30, and a second locking member 120b associated with a second channel 102b disposed on a second side 106 of the upright support surface 30. The track defined by each of the first channel 102a and the second channel 102b can be positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the child seat 24 than the corresponding locking member 120a, 120b.

[0087] As shown in the figure, each of the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b includes one or more second teeth 122a, 122b. The second teeth 122a, 122b can be received within corresponding first openings 112a, 122b formed in the tracks of adjacent channels 102a, 102b. In one embodiment, the plurality of second teeth 122a, 122b arranged at the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are spaced apart from each other, such that one or more second openings 124a, 124b are defined between them. In embodiments where each locking member 120a, 120b includes a plurality of second teeth 122a, 122b, the plurality of second teeth 122a, 122b may, but need not, be substantially identical. Although each locking member 120a, 120b is shown in the figures as having three second teeth 122a, 122b, it should be understood that embodiments of locking members 120a, 120b including a single second tooth, two second teeth, four second teeth 122a, 122b, or more than four second teeth are also considered herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that as the total number of second teeth 122a, 122b at the locking members 120a, 120b increases, the overall size of each individual second tooth 122a, 122b can decrease. For example, each individual second tooth of a locking member 120a, 120b having three or four second teeth 122a, 122b can be relatively smaller than each individual tooth of a locking member 120a, 120b having only one or two second teeth 122a, 122b. Therefore, the overall profile of the headrest locking mechanism 100 can vary in one or more dimensions between embodiments while maintaining full engagement with the track in the locked position.

[0088] The first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are in a first engagement position relative to the headrest 46. Figure 5B , 11A and 11B) and the second disengagement engagement position ( Figure 10 , 12AThe locking members 120a and 120b move between the first locking member 120a and 120b, respectively. In the first engaging position, each locking member 120a and 120b engages with the adjacent channel 102a and 102b. In the second disengaged position, each locking member 120a and 120b separates from or moves away from the track of the corresponding channel 102a and 102b. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, when both the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are engaged with the track of the corresponding channel 102a and 102b, the second teeth 122a and 122b of each locking member 120a and 120b are arranged within the first openings 112a and 122b defined by a portion of the first teeth 110a and 110b of the channel 102a and 102b. Similarly, when the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are in the engaged position, the first teeth 110a, 110b of each channel 102a, 102b can be arranged within the second openings 124a, 124b defined between the second teeth 122a, 122b of adjacent locking members 120a, 120b. When the locking members 120a, 120b are in the engaged position, the headrest locking mechanism 100 is in the locked configuration.

[0089] When the locking members 120a and 120b disengage from the corresponding channels 102a and 102b of the headrest locking mechanism 100, the second teeth 122a and 122b of the locking members 120a and 120b are positioned away from the first openings 112a and 112b of the tracks of the adjacent channels 102a and 102b, and the first teeth 110a and 110b are separated from the second openings 124a and 124b of the corresponding locking members 120a and 120b. When the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are in the disengaged position, the headrest locking mechanism 100 is in the unlocked configuration. In one embodiment, the locking members 120a and 120b, and therefore the second teeth 122a and 122b of the locking members 120a and 120b, move laterally or substantially laterally relative to the axis of the track between the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0090] Due to this staggered interface between the first teeth 110a, 110b of channels 102a, 102b and the second teeth 122a, 122b of the corresponding locking members 120a, 120b, the second teeth 122a, 122b may have a size and / or shape complementary to the first openings 112a, 112b of channels 102a, 102b, and / or the first teeth 110a, 110b of channels 102a, 102b may have a size and shape complementary to the second openings 124a, 124b arranged at adjacent locking members 120a, 120b. In one embodiment, the first teeth 110a, 110b of each channel 102a, 102b and the second teeth 122a, 122b of the locking members 102a, 102b associated with each corresponding channel 102a, 102b are substantially identical. However, embodiments in which the size and / or shape of the second teeth 122a, 122b differs from the size and / or shape of the first teeth 110a, 110b are also considered herein.

[0091] The headrest locking mechanism 100 may additionally include an actuation mechanism 130 associated with movement of the headrest 46 and unlocking of the headrest locking mechanism 100. In one embodiment, the actuation mechanism 130 includes at least one actuation arm 132a, 132b movable within channels 102a, 102b, such as in a direction along the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the channels 102a, 102b. At least one locking member 120a, 120b of the headrest locking mechanism 100 may be operatively coupled to at least one actuation arm 132a, 132b. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism 130 includes a first actuation arm 132a associated with a first locking member 120a and a second actuation arm 132b associated with a second locking member 120b. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the actuation mechanism 130 may include a single actuation arm or more than two actuation arms.

[0092] The first locking member 120a is movably connected to the first actuating arm 132a, and the second locking member 120b is movably connected to the second actuating arm 132b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first locking member 120a is slidably connected to the first actuating arm 132a, and the second locking member 120b is slidably connected to the second actuating arm 132b. As shown, each locking member 120a, 120b may have one or more mounting protrusions 134a, 134b (see Figure 1). Figure 4B , 6 And 7), such as a column, the one or more mounting protrusions are operable to engage locking members 120a, 120b to corresponding actuator arms 132a, 132b. Figure 7As shown, the second teeth 122a, 122b of each locking member 120a, 120b that can engage with the track can be arranged at the first surfaces 126a, 126b of the locking members 120a, 120b, and one or more mounting protrusions 134a, 134b can extend from the same surface, or alternatively from different second surfaces 128a, 128b of the locking members 120a, 120b. In embodiments where the second teeth 122a, 122b and the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b are arranged at different surfaces 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b of each respective locking member 120a, 120b, the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b can be oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the second teeth 122a, 122b. For example, the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b can extend perpendicularly relative to the second teeth 122a, 122b.

[0093] Each actuating arm 132a, 132b of the actuation mechanism 130 includes at least one guide groove 140a, 140b, and one of the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b of the locking members 120a, 120b can be received within the at least one guide groove. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first actuating arm 134a includes a first guide groove 140a and a second guide groove 140b, and the first mounting protrusion 134a of the first locking member 120a can be received within the first guide groove 140a, and the second mounting protrusion 134b of the first locking member 120a can be received within the second guide groove 140b. Similarly, the second actuating arm 134b includes a first guide groove 140a and a second guide groove 140b, and the first mounting protrusion 134a of the second locking member 120b can be received within the first guide groove 140a, and the second mounting protrusion 134b of the second locking member 120b can be received within the second guide groove 140b.

[0094] As shown, the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b can be arranged on the backrest surfaces 136a, 136b of the corresponding actuating arms 132a, 132b, located on the outer backrest surface 48 closest to the headrest 46. In this embodiment, each actuating arm 132a, 132b is located in front of the locking member 120a, 120b to which it is connected, and therefore closer to the head of the occupant of the child seat 24. However, in other embodiments, the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b can be arranged on the front surfaces 138a, 138b of the corresponding actuating arms 132a, 132b, such that the locking members 120a, 120b connected thereto are arranged closer to the occupant's head than the actuating arms 132a, 132b, or alternatively, arranged on the side surfaces of the corresponding actuating arms 132a, 132b. It should be understood that the positions of the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b around each locking member 120a, 120b can vary based on the positions of the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b relative to the corresponding actuating arms 132a, 132b.

[0095] An example of connecting the corresponding locking members 120a, 120b to the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b of the corresponding actuator arms 132a, 132b is shown in Figure 9 The details are shown below. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b of each actuating arm 132a, 132b extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the adjacent channels 102a, 102b. Therefore, the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b of each actuating arm 132a, 132b extend at an angle relative to the movement path of each actuating arm 132a, 132b, which is parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2. As shown, the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b extend outward away from the center of the headrest 46. Therefore, the first guide channel 140a and the second guide channel 140b may have a first direction component and a second direction component. The first direction component extends parallel to the longitudinal axes L1 and L2 of the adjacent channels 102a and 102b and the movement path of the actuators 132a and 132b, and the second direction component extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes L1 and L2 of the adjacent channels 102a and 102b and the movement path of the actuators 132a and 132b.

[0096] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, parallel first guide grooves 140a and second guide grooves 140b arranged at each actuating arm 132a, 132b are spaced apart from each other along longitudinal axes L1, L2, respectively. When the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are in the engaged position ( Figure 11A-11BWhen in the headrest 46, the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b of each locking member 120a, 120b can be arranged adjacent to the first end 142 of the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b, such as at the end closest to the center of the headrest 46. When each of the first locking members 120a and the second locking members 120b is translated relative to the headrest 46 to the disengaged position ( Figure 12A-12B In this configuration, the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b of each locking member 120a, 120b can be arranged close to the second opposing ends 144 of the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b, such as at the position furthest from the center of the headrest 46. In one embodiment, a corresponding biasing mechanism 146, such as a coil spring, is operatively coupled to the corresponding locking member in the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b. The biasing force of the biasing mechanism 146 can be operated to bias the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b of each locking member 120a, 120b toward the first end 142 of the corresponding first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b. Thus, the biasing mechanism 146 can be operated to bias the locking members 120a, 120b toward engagement with the tracks of the corresponding channels 102a, 102b.

[0097] The actuation mechanism 130 further includes an actuator 150, such as a handle, which is disposed on the exterior of the headrest 46 for user use. In the shown non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 150 is located at or near the top of the headrest 46. A first actuating arm 132a and a second actuating arm 132b are operatively coupled to the actuator 150. For example, a first end (not shown) of each actuating arm 132a, 132b may be connected to the actuator 150, or in some embodiments may be integrally formed with the actuator.

[0098] In response to the operation of the actuation mechanism 130, such as by applying a force to the actuator 150, the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b can disengage from the first openings 112a and 112b of the tracks of the respective channels 102a and 102b. Once the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b are disengaged, and thus the headrest locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, the headrest 46 can be moved relative to the child seat 24, such as by sliding the first actuating arm 132a and the second actuating arm 132b along their respective movement paths defined by each channel 102a and 102b. When the user applies a force F1 (such as an upward force) to the actuator 150, the force is transmitted to the first actuating arm 132a and the second actuating arm 132b, thereby translating the actuating arms 132a and 132b relative to the headrest 46. When each actuating arm 132a, 132b translates, the contours of the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b formed therein cause the mounting protrusions 134a, 134b of each locking member 120a, 120b to slide laterally toward the respective second end of the guide groove 140a, 140b against the biasing of the biasing mechanism 146. When the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b each translate relative to the respective actuating arm 132a, 132b via the guide grooves 140a, 140b formed therein, the second teeth 122a, 122b of each locking member 120a, 120b move to disengage from engagement with the adjacent first teeth 110a, 110b and the first openings 112a, 112b of the corresponding track.

[0099] Alternatively, in addition to the biasing mechanism 146 associated with the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b, a biasing mechanism (not shown) may be operatively coupled to the actuator 150 to bias the actuator toward the inactive position. In such embodiments, when force F1 is removed from the actuator 150, the actuator 130 will be biased back to the inactive position relative to the headrest 46 by the biasing mechanism. However, in some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 146 associated with the first locking member 120a and the second locking member 120b may also be able to bias the actuator 130 toward the inactive position. For example, when force F1 is released from the actuator 150, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 146 moves the corresponding locking members 120a, 120b toward the center of the headrest 46 and engages with one or more first openings 112a, 112b of the track associated with the corresponding channels 102a, 102b. When the locking members 120a and 120b are biased toward the engagement position, the translation of the first mounting protrusion 134a and the second mounting protrusion 134b within the first guide groove 140a and the second guide groove 140b of each actuating arm 132a and 132b can apply a force to each actuating arm 132a and 132b, thereby causing the actuating arms 132a and 132b to translate downward and return to the inactive position.

[0100] Now for reference Figure 14-17B This illustrates another embodiment of a headrest locking mechanism 220, operable to lock a headrest 210 in a desired position relative to the seat back 204 of a child seat 202 of the child seat system. The headrest locking mechanism 220 includes one or more brackets 222a, 222b arranged near the outer surface of the seat back portion 204. Figure 16 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a first bracket 222a is arranged near the first upright side member 206 at the seat back portion 204, and a second bracket 222b is arranged near the second upright side member 208 at the seat back portion 204. However, embodiments including more than two brackets 222a, 222b or alternatively a single bracket are also within the scope of this disclosure. Each bracket 222a, 222b includes a plurality of slots or openings 224a, 224b that define a plurality of corresponding vertical positions of the headrest 210. Thus, each of the first bracket 222a and the second bracket 222b defines a corresponding track along which the headrest 210 is movable relative to the seat back 204.

[0101] The headrest locking mechanism 220 further includes at least one locking member 230a, 230b, which is operatively coupled to the first bracket 222a and the second bracket 222b. For example, the first locking member 230a may be associated with the first bracket 232a disposed near the first upright side member 206, and the second locking member 230b may be associated with the second bracket 222b disposed near the second upright side member 208. In one embodiment, the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b may be in a first engagement position relative to the headrest 210 ( Figure 17A ) and the second disengagement position ( Figure 17B The headrest locking mechanism 220 moves between the respective supports 222a and 222b, for example, rotating about their respective axes. In the first engaged position, the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b engage with one of the plurality of openings 224a and 224b of the respective supports 222a and 222b. In the second disengaged position, the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b are separated from or away from the plurality of openings 224a and 224b of the respective supports 222a and 222b. When the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b are in the engaged position, the headrest locking mechanism 220 is in a locked configuration, and when the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b are in the disengaged position, the headrest locking mechanism 220 is in an unlocked configuration. In one embodiment, the locking members 230a and 230b are configured to move laterally or substantially laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the track when the headrest locking mechanism 220 changes between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0102] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each of the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b includes bodies 232a, 232b, and a first end 234a, 234b of each body 232a, 232b is rotatably connected to the headrest 210. The first locking member 230a may include an engaging member 236a that can be received within one of a plurality of openings 224a of the first support 222a, and the second locking member 230b may include an engaging member 236b that can be received within one of a plurality of openings 224b of the second support 222b, so as to lock the headrest 210 relative to the seat back of the child seat 202. As shown, engaging members 236a, 236b may be arranged at the second opposing ends 238a, 238b of each body 232a, 232b, and in some embodiments, each engaging member 236a, 236b extends from the respective body 232a, 232b in a direction toward an adjacent side of the headrest 210. A corresponding biasing mechanism (not shown), such as, for example, a torsion spring, may be operably coupled to each locking member 230a, 230b and may be configured to bias each locking member 230a, 230b toward engaging with openings 224a, 224b of adjacent supports 222a, 222b. In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is operable to bias engaging members 236a, 236b of each locking member 230a, 230b toward engaging with openings 224a, 244b of the corresponding supports 222a, 222b.

[0103] The headrest locking mechanism 220 may include an actuation mechanism 240 associated with movement of the headrest 210. In one embodiment, the actuation mechanism 240 includes at least one actuation arm 242a, 242b. At least one locking member 230a, 230b of the headrest locking mechanism 220 may be operatively coupled to at least one actuation arm 242a, 242b. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism 240 includes a first actuation arm 242a associated with a first locking member 230a and a second actuation arm 242b associated with a second locking member 230b. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the actuation mechanism 240 may include a single actuation arm or more than two actuation arms. In one embodiment, each bracket 222a, 222b may define a track along which the corresponding actuation arm 242a, 242b may move along a movement path. The respective movement paths of the actuation arms 242a, 242b may be parallel to the brackets 222a, 222b.

[0104] The first locking member 230a of the headrest locking mechanism 220 is movably connected to the first actuating arm 242a, and the second locking member 230b is movably connected to the second actuating arm 242b of the actuation mechanism 240. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b are slidably connected to the respective actuating arms 242a, 242b. As shown, each of the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b may have mounting protrusions 244a, 244b, such as, for example, posts, for engaging the locking member 230a, 230b to the respective actuating arm 242a, 242b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the body 232a, 232b of each locking member 230a, 230b includes mounting arms 246a, 246b extending from the body 232a, 232b (e.g., in the direction opposite to their engaging members 236a, 236b). In one embodiment, mounting arms 246a, 246b are located at the central portion of the bodies 232a, 232b between the first ends 234a, 234b and the second ends 238a, 238b. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which mounting arms 246a, 246b are arranged at another location around the bodies 232a, 232b and / or extend in another direction relative to the bodies 232a, 232b are also considered herein.

[0105] Each actuating arm 242a, 242b of the actuation mechanism 240 includes at least one guide groove 250a, 250b, and mounting protrusions 244a, 244b of the locking members 230a, 230b can be received in the at least one guide groove. For example, the first actuating arm 242a may include a first guide groove 250a, and the second actuating arm 242b may include a second guide groove 250b. The first guide groove 250a and the second guide groove 250b may be arranged at the rear surfaces 252a, 252b of the first actuating arm 242a and the second actuating arm, respectively. The rear surfaces 252a, 252b may be located closest to the outer surface 212 of the backrest of the headrest 210. In such embodiments, the first actuating arm 242a and the second actuating arm 242b are located in front of the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b, closer to the head of the occupant of the child seat 202. However, in other embodiments, the first guide groove 250a and the second guide groove 250b may be arranged on the front surface (not shown) of the actuating arms 242a, 242b, such that the locking members 230a, 230b are arranged closer to the occupant's head than the actuating arms 242a, 242b, or alternatively, arranged on the side surface of the respective actuating arms 242a, 242b.

[0106] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first guide groove 250a extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L1 of the first actuating arm 242a and the first support 222a, and the second guide groove 250b extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L2 of the second actuating arm 242b and the second support 222b. As shown, each of the first guide groove 250a and the second guide groove 250b may extend outward toward the center of the headrest 210 away from the locking members 230a, 230b. Therefore, the first guide groove 250a and the second guide groove 250b may have a first direction assembly and a second direction assembly, the first direction assembly extending parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the adjacent supports 222a, 222b, and the second direction assembly extending perpendicular to the adjacent supports 222a, 222b.

[0107] When each of the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b is in the engaged position ( Figure 17A The mounting protrusions 244a and 244b of the locking members 230a and 230b can be arranged close to the first end 254 of the first guide groove 250a and the second guide groove 250b, such as at the end closest to the side of the headrest 210. When each of the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b is moved to the disengaged position ( Figure 17B When the corresponding mounting protrusions 244a, 244b are positioned close to the second opposing end 256 of each guide groove 250a, 250b, for example, at a location closest to the center of the headrest 210. In one embodiment, a corresponding biasing mechanism (not shown), such as, for example, a coil spring, is operatively coupled to the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b. The biasing force of the biasing mechanism is operable to bias the mounting protrusions 244a, 244b of each locking member 230a, 230b toward the first end 252 of each corresponding guide groove 250a, 250b, and thus bias the locking members 230a, 230b toward engagement with their corresponding supports 222a, 222b.

[0108] The actuation mechanism 240 further includes an actuator 260, such as a handle, disposed on the exterior of the headrest 210 for user use. In the shown non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 260 is located at or near the top of the headrest 210. A first actuating arm 242a and a second actuating arm 242b are operatively coupled to the actuator 260. For example, a first end (not shown) of each actuating arm 242a, 242b may be connected to the actuator 260, or in some embodiments may be integrally formed with the actuator.

[0109] In response to operation of actuator 260, such as by applying force to actuator 260, each locking member 230a, 230b can disengage from one of the openings 224a, 224b formed in adjacent channels 222a, 222b. Once disengaged, headrest 210 can move relative to child seat 24. When the user applies force F2 (e.g., an upward force) to actuator 260, force F2 is transmitted to first actuator arm 242a and second actuator arm 242b, causing first actuator arm 242a and second actuator arm 242b to translate relative to headrest 210. As first actuator arm 242a and second actuator arm 242b translate, the contours of first guide groove 250a and second guide groove 250b allow each mounting protrusion 244a, 244b to slide against biasing of the biasing mechanism toward a second position within guide groove 250a, 250b. As the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b slide relative to the first actuating arm 242a and the second actuating arm 242b, each locking member 230a, 230b rotates about its respective mounting axis in a first direction, thereby causing its engaging members 236a, 236b to pivot out of engagement with the adjacent openings 224a, 224b.

[0110] When actuator 260 is released, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism causes each locking member 230a, 230b to rotate about its axis in a second direction. This rotation of the first locking member 230a and the second locking member 230b causes the corresponding engaging members 236a, 236b to move toward engagement with adjacent openings 224a, 224b. Furthermore, the rotation of the first locking member 230a about its axis in the second direction and the rotation of the second locking member 230b about its axis in the second direction cause the mounting protrusions 244a, 244b to translate within the corresponding guide grooves 250a, 250b of the first actuating arm 242a and the second actuating arm 242b. This translation allows the first actuating arm 242a and the second actuating arm 242b to move downward toward a non-operating position.

[0111] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurements based on a specific amount of equipment available at the time of application submission.

[0112] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0113] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements of this disclosure can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, but rather that this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A headrest locking mechanism for a child seat, the child seat having a seat back and a headrest movably mounted to the seat back, characterized in that, The headrest locking mechanism includes: A track, the track being arranged on the seat back, the track defining multiple positions of the headrest; An actuator capable of moving along a first axis; At least one actuating arm, the at least one actuating arm being connected to the actuator, the at least one actuating arm being capable of moving along the track; At least one guide groove is disposed at the at least one actuator arm, and the at least one guide groove extends at a non-parallel angle relative to the first axis. as well as At least one locking member is coupled to the at least one actuating arm and is capable of engaging with the track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions, the at least one locking member being movable relative to the at least one actuating arm via the at least one guide groove.

2. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one locking member is capable of moving relative to the at least one actuating arm via the at least one guide groove in response to movement of the actuator along the first axis in a first direction, so as to disengage from the track.

3. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one guide groove extends perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one guide groove is formed in the at least one actuator arm.

5. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes a mounting protrusion slidably disposed within the at least one guide groove.

6. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes at least one tooth capable of engaging the track to lock the headrest at one of the plurality of positions, the mounting protrusion extending from the body of the at least one locking member in a first direction, and the at least one tooth extending from the body of the at least one locking member in a second direction.

7. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one tooth is three teeth.

8. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting protrusion and the at least one tooth extend from the body of the at least one locking member in a substantially vertical direction.

9. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one tooth extends laterally from the at least one locking member.

10. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the at least one actuating arm, the biasing mechanism being operable to bias the at least one actuating arm in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

11. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the at least one locking member, wherein the at least one locking member is biased by the biasing mechanism to engage with the track.

12. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one actuating arm includes a first actuating arm and a second actuating arm, and the at least one locking member includes a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being movably mounted to the first actuating arm, and the second locking member being movably mounted to the second actuating arm.

13. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first locking member and the second locking member move in opposite directions in response to the operation of the actuator.

14. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track is arranged in a channel formed on the upright support surface of the seat back.

15. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track is arranged on the outer surface of the seat back.

16. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes at least one tooth that can engage with the track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions.

17. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one tooth includes a plurality of teeth, which are capable of engaging with the track simultaneously.

18. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that, The track includes multiple openings, and when the at least one locking member engages with the track, the at least one tooth can be received within at least one of the multiple openings.

19. A headrest locking mechanism associated with a headrest movably mounted to a seat housing of a child seat, characterized in that, The headrest locking mechanism is switchable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the headrest cannot move relative to the seat housing. In the unlocked configuration, the headrest can move relative to the seat housing. The headrest locking mechanism includes: At least one track, the at least one track defining multiple positions of the headrest relative to the seat housing; An actuation mechanism, which is movable relative to the headrest; as well as At least one locking member is movably directly coupled to the actuation mechanism, the at least one locking member being capable of engaging with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions, and the at least one locking member being capable of moving to disengage from the at least one track in response to operation of the actuation mechanism.

20. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one track is positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis of the child seat than the at least one locking member.

21. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one locking member is supported only by the actuation mechanism.

22. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism includes an actuator and at least one actuation arm connected to the actuator.

23. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 22, characterized in that, The at least one actuating arm is integrally formed with the actuator.

24. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 22, characterized in that, The at least one locking member is slidably connected to the at least one actuating arm.

25. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 22, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism is movable in a first direction, and the at least one locking member is movable in a second direction relative to the at least one actuating arm.

26. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 25, characterized in that, The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

27. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one track is arranged in a channel formed on the upright support surface of the seat back of the seat housing.

28. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes at least one tooth capable of engaging with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions.

29. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 28, characterized in that, The at least one tooth includes a plurality of teeth, which are capable of engaging with the at least one track simultaneously.

30. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 29, characterized in that, The at least one track includes a plurality of openings, and when the at least one locking member engages with the at least one track, the plurality of teeth can be received within corresponding openings of the plurality of openings.

31. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 28, characterized in that, The at least one tooth includes three teeth.

32. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, It further includes a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the at least one locking member, the biasing mechanism being operable to bias the at least one locking member toward engaging with the at least one track.

33. A headrest locking mechanism associated with a headrest movably mounted to a seat housing of a child seat, characterized in that, The headrest locking mechanism is switchable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the headrest cannot move relative to the seat housing. In the unlocked configuration, the headrest can move relative to the seat housing. The headrest locking mechanism includes: At least one track, the at least one track defining multiple positions of the headrest relative to the seat housing; An actuation mechanism, which is movably mounted to the headrest; as well as At least one locking member is provided, which is capable of engaging with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions. The at least one locking member is pivotally mounted to the headrest and operably coupled to the actuation mechanism, wherein the at least one locking member is capable of moving to disengage from the at least one track in response to operation of the actuation mechanism.

34. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 33, characterized in that, The at least one track is arranged close to the outer surface of the seat back of the seat housing.

35. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 33, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism includes an actuator and at least one actuation arm connected to the actuator.

36. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 35, characterized in that, The at least one actuating arm is integrally formed with the actuator.

37. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 35, characterized in that, The at least one locking member is slidably connected to the at least one actuating arm.

38. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 37, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism is capable of translation relative to the at least one locking member.

39. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 37, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes a body, and a mounting arm extends from the central portion of the body, the mounting arm being slidably coupled to the at least one actuating arm.

40. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 37, characterized in that, The at least one locking member is capable of laterally engaging with the at least one track.

41. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 33, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes an engaging member capable of engaging with the at least one track to lock the headrest in one of the plurality of positions.

42. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 41, characterized in that, The joining member is capable of laterally engaging with the at least one track.

43. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 41, characterized in that, The at least one locking member includes a mounting arm operably coupled to the actuation mechanism, the engaging member extending from the at least one locking member in a first direction, and the mounting arm extending from the at least one locking member in a second direction.

44. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 43, characterized in that, The first end of the at least one locking member is pivotally connected to the headrest, and the engaging member is arranged at the opposite second end of the at least one locking member.

45. The headrest locking mechanism according to claim 33, characterized in that, It further includes a biasing mechanism operably coupled to the at least one locking member, the biasing mechanism being operable to bias the at least one locking member toward engaging with the at least one track.

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