LOCKING DEVICE AND BUTTONLESS ARMREST ARRANGEMENT WITH THIS

Abstract

Armrest arrangement, including: an armrest bracket (10) arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat of a vehicle; an armrest (30) mounted on the armrest bracket (10) and configured to be rotatable about a first axis (A1) in a left-right direction, wherein the armrest (30) is configured to be positionally changeable into a first position with a distal end pointing forward, a second position with the distal end pointing downward, and a third position with the distal end pointing backward, depending on the rotation of the armrest (30); a cam element (50) configured to be rotatable about a second axis (A2) parallel to the first axis (A1), the cam element (50) comprising a first contact cam (52, 53) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a first contact area (101) between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2), a second contact cam (54, 55) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a second contact area (102) defined opposite the first contact area (101) with respect to the second axis (A2), and a locking recess (51) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through the first contact area (101) according to the rotation thereof; and a rotator (40) connected to the armrest (30) to rotate together with the armrest (30), the rotator (40) being configured to transmit a rotational force of the armrest (30) by contact to the cam element (50) to control the rotation of the cam element (50) such that the locking recess (51) is in a locking position in the first contact area (101) or is moved out of the locking position, the rotator (40) comprising: a first tooth (41) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through the first contact area (101) and to move the second contact cam (54, 55) into or out of the second contact area (102) by contact with the first contact cam (52, 53) in the first contact area (101) according to the rotation of the armrest (30), a second tooth (42) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through the second contact area (102) and to move the first contact cam (52, 53) into or out of the first contact area (101) by contact with the second contact cam (54, 55) in the second contact area (102) according to the rotation of the armrest (30), and a cam rail (43) configured to approach and contact the first contact cam (52, 53) moving out of the first contact area (101), causing the second contact cam (54, 55) to move to the second contact area (102), or to approach and contact the second contact cam (54, 55) moving out of the second contact area (102), causing the first contact cam (52, 53) to move to the first contact area (101) according to the rotation of the armrest (30), wherein, when the position of the armrest (30) is changed to the first position, the first tooth (41) and the locking recess (51) are moved into the locking position, and the first tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest arrangement for vehicles.

[0002] Vehicles include an armrest for the comfort of an occupant, such as the driver. An armrest is provided in various forms within the interior (passenger compartment) of vehicles. For example, an armrest may be designed to form a vehicle seat, or it may be designed to form a center console located between the driver's and passenger's seats.

[0003] In general, a vehicle armrest includes an armrest main body configured to be rotatable about an axis, a button provided at a distal end of the armrest main body for operation by an occupant, and a locking device configured to restrict or allow the rotation of the armrest main body in conjunction with the operation of the button.

[0004] This type of vehicle armrest has a problem in that the locking mechanism has a very complex structure, and / or a problem in that the locking mechanism is prone to malfunctioning during prolonged use. For this reason, the manufacture and / or maintenance of the armrest is costly.

[0005] Additionally, rotating the armrest body requires pressing the button to release the locking mechanism. This necessitates moving a hand towards the button, creating an inconvenience in that rotating the armrest body is only possible by repeatedly pressing the button.

[0006] Additionally, in a case where the armrest is provided in a form that creates a center console between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat, the main body of the armrest may act as an element that restricts or hinders an action of an occupant sitting in the driver's seat or the passenger's seat.

[0007] Furthermore, one of the requirements for future vehicles is to achieve a wider variety of seating configurations. In the field to which the invention relates, research and development are actively being conducted to more efficiently implement forward / backward, left / right, and / or swiveling seat configurations. However, in this situation, a conventional armrest forming a center console can significantly hinder seat configurations.

[0008] US patent 2023 / 0158931A1 discloses a rotating armrest and an associated console assembly. The rotating armrest comprises a housing, a rotary knob system, and a hinge system mounted within the housing. The hinge system includes a counterweight shaft. The rotating armrest can rotate about this shaft and can be locked in three positions: in the first position, it is folded down; in the second position, it is horizontally forward; and in the third position, it is horizontally backward.

[0009] KR 10 2 340 086 B1 discloses a hinge device for a center armrest in a vehicle. A pivot joint is provided on an upper bracket to which the armrest is attached. A guide rail for guiding a guide pin of the pivot joint and a stop supported by the pivot joint are formed on an inner bracket facing the upper bracket. The armrest can be used in various positions: tilted forward and downward, horizontally forward, or horizontally backward.

[0010] The US 2020 / 0 047 651 A1 reveals another swiveling armrest for a vehicle.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide an armrest arrangement for vehicles that is able to precisely control the rotation of an armrest with a simplified structure.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an armrest arrangement for vehicles that is able to be used more conveniently.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an armrest arrangement for vehicles that enables not only an occupant in a front seat (a driver's seat or a passenger seat) but also an occupant in a rear seat to use an armrest, for example, to provide an armrest as a table for a rear seat.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an armrest arrangement for vehicles which is advantageous with regard to seating variation.

[0015] These and other problems are solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description, with reference to the figures.

[0016] According to the present invention, an armrest arrangement for vehicles is provided, comprising an armrest bracket, an armrest mounted on the armrest bracket and configured to be rotatable about a first axis, wherein the armrest is configured to be changed in its position according to its rotation, a cam element configured to be rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a rotator connected to the armrest to be rotated together with the armrest, wherein the rotator is configured to transmit a rotational force of the armrest by contact to the cam element in order to control the rotation of the cam element, wherein the rotator includes a first tooth (locking tooth) configured to be moved to pass through a locking position between the first axis and the second axis during the rotation of the rotator.wherein the cam element includes a locking recess which is movable to pass through the locking position in a contact manner according to the rotary control of the rotator, and when the position of the armrest is changed into a locking position, the first tooth and the locking recess are moved into the locking position by rotation, and the first tooth is inserted into the locking recess.

[0017] The armrest bracket can be located between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, which are the front seats mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The armrest bracket can include a fixed element positioned between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, a movable element provided on the fixed element to allow movement in a horizontal direction, and a support provided on the movable element, the support being configured to support the armrest so that the armrest can rotate about the first axis.

[0018] The first axis can be arranged in a left-right direction. The locking position can be a position in which the armrest is in a horizontal state.

[0019] When viewed from the left side of the armrest, a 1a-th rotation direction is counterclockwise and a 1b-th rotation direction is clockwise around the first axis, and the 1a-th rotation direction can correspond to a direction in which the armrest is rotated downwards from the locked position. A 2a-th rotation direction is counterclockwise and a 2b-th rotation direction is clockwise around the second axis.

[0020] The armrest can be positioned in a first position with a distal end pointing forward (see Fig. 2), a second position with the distal end pointing downwards (see Fig. 3), and a third position with the distal end pointing backwards (see Fig. 4), depending on the rotation of the armrest. The first position can be the locking position.

[0021] When the armrest is in the first position, it can be positioned for a passenger in the front seat. When the armrest is in the second position, it can be folded down relative to the support. When the armrest is in the third position, it can be positioned for a passenger in the rear seat.

[0022] When the armrest is in the second or third position, it can be held in place by a stop. The stop can include a front stop and a rear stop.

[0023] The armrest bracket may include the front stop, which is configured to limit the rotation of the armrest in the 1a-th direction of rotation when the armrest is in the second position, and may include the rear stop, which is configured to limit the rotation of the armrest in the 1b-th direction of rotation when the armrest is in the third position.

[0024] The first tooth can include a 1a-th contact side surface pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation and a contact end surface defining a tooth end of the first tooth, and the locking recess can include a 1a-th inner surface pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation and a 1b-th inner surface pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation. When the first tooth is inserted into the locking recess, the 1a-th contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 1a-th inner surface, and the contact end surface can be brought into contact with the 1b-th inner surface, so that the first tooth transmits a rotational force of the armrest in the 1a-th direction of rotation to the cam element in such a way that the rotational force is distributed in two opposite directions of rotation through the 1a-th inner surface and the 1b-th inner surface, thereby limiting the rotation of the cam element in the 2b-th direction of rotation (rotation of the armrest in the 1a-th direction of rotation).

[0025] The contact end surface can be formed in an arc shape corresponding to an imaginary inscribed circle centered on the first axis. When the first tooth is inserted into the locking recess, the 1b-th inner surface can be brought into point contact with the contact end surface outside the inscribed circle, so that when the armrest is rotated in the 1b-th direction from the first position, the first tooth can be disengaged from the locking recess.

[0026] The cam element can include a first contact cam configured to be moved to pass through a first contact area with the locking position, and a second contact cam configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a second contact area defined opposite the first contact area with respect to the second axis during its rotation.

[0027] To enable the locking recess to be located in the first contact area at the locking position, or to be moved out of the locking position in a contact manner by controlling a rotation of the cam element, the rotator can have a first tooth configured to move the second contact cam into or out of the second contact area by contacting the first contact cam in the first contact area according to a rotation of the armrest; a second tooth configured to be moved to pass through the second contact area and move the first contact cam into or out of the first contact area by contacting the second contact cam in the second contact area according to a rotation of the armrest; and a cam rail configured to approach and contact the first contact cam as it moves out of the first contact area.so that the second contact cam is moved to the second contact area, or to approach and contact the second contact cam, which is moved out of the second contact area, so that the first contact cam is moved to the first contact area according to the rotation of the armrest.

[0028] The first contact cam can include a 1a-th cam and a 1b-th cam adjacent to each other. The 1a-th inner surface can be formed on the 1a-th cam, the 1b-th inner surface can be formed on the 1b-th cam, and the locking recess can be formed between the 1a-th cam and the 1b-th cam. The 1a-th inner surface can be a 1a-th cam inner surface of the 1a-th cam, and the 1b-th inner surface can be a 1b-th cam inner surface of the 1b-th cam.

[0029] The 1a-th cam can include a 1a-th cam outer surface pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation, and the 1b-th cam can include a 1b-th cam outer surface pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation. The second contact cam can include a 2a-th cam and a 2b-th cam adjacent to each other. The 2a-th cam can include a 2a-th cam inner surface pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation and a 2a-th cam outer surface pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation, and the 2b-th cam can include a 2b-th cam inner surface pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation and a 2b-th cam outer surface pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation. The second tooth and the cam rail can be arranged opposite each other with respect to the first axis. When the armrest is in the first position, the 2a-th cam can be located in the second contact area.When the first tooth is separated from the locking recess in the first position, the second tooth can move to the second contact area. When the armrest is rotated in the 1a direction, the first contact rail of the cam rail can approach the cam element, and when the armrest is rotated in the 1b direction, the second contact rail of the cam rail can approach the cam element.

[0030] When the armrest is rotated by a set angle in the 1b direction of rotation from the first position and enters a ready position in which the first tooth is separated from the locking recess, the 2b contact side surface of the second tooth can be brought into contact with the 2a cam outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b direction of rotation so that the 1a cam is outside the first contact area and the 1b cam is in the first contact area.When the armrest is in the ready position and rotated in the 1a direction, and the position of the armrest is changed to the second position, the first tooth can be moved to the first contact area where the 1b cam is located, and the 1ate contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 1b cam outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b direction, so that the first contact cam is outside the first contact area and the second contact cam is outside the second contact area, and the first contact rail of the cam rail can approach the 2b cam outside the second contact area and can be brought into contact with the 2b cam outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2a direction, so that the 1a cam is in the first contact area.

[0031] When the armrest is rotated in the 1b direction from the second position and enters the ready position, the first tooth can be moved to the first contact area where the 1a cam is located, and the 1b contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 1a cam's outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b direction so that the 2a cam is outside the second contact area and the 2b cam is in the second contact area, and the second tooth can be moved to the second contact area where the 2b cam is located, and the 2b contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 2b cam's inner surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b direction so that the 1a cam is in the first contact area and the 1b cam is outside the first contact area.When the armrest is in the ready position and is rotated in the 1a-th direction of rotation, and the position of the armrest is changed to the first position, the first tooth can be moved to the first contact area where the 1a-th cam is located, and the 1ate contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b-th direction of rotation, so that the locking recess is moved into the locking position and allows the first tooth to be inserted into the locking recess at the locking position.

[0032] When the armrest is rotated in the 1b direction from the first position, so that the first tooth is separated from the locking recess and the position of the armrest is changed to the third position, the 2b contact side surface of the second tooth can be brought into contact with the 2a cam outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b direction, so that the first contact cam is outside the first contact area and the second contact cam is outside the second contact area, and the second contact rail of the cam rail can approach the 1a cam outside the first contact area and can be brought into contact with the 1a cam outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2a direction, so that the 2a cam is in the second contact area and the 2b cam is outside the second contact area.

[0033] When the armrest is rotated in the 1a direction from the third position and the position of the armrest is changed to the first position, the second tooth can be moved to the second contact area where the 2a cam is located, and the 2a contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 2a cam's inner surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2a direction so that the 1a cam is in the first contact area and the 1b cam is outside the first contact area, and the first tooth can be moved to the first contact area where the 1a cam is located, and the 1a contact side surface can be brought into contact with the 1a cam's inner surface, thereby rotating the cam element in the 2b direction so that the locking recess is moved into the locking position and allowsthat the first tooth is inserted into the locking recess at the locking position.

[0034] The armrest arrangement for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present invention can further include a driveshaft providing the second axis. The cam element can be coupled to the driveshaft, and the driveshaft can be configured to have a free-stop function.

[0035] Solutions to the above problems can be understood concretely and clearly through the embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings. In addition, various other solutions besides those above may also be provided.

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included in this description, illustrate exemplary embodiments and serve to further illustrate the technical ideas of the invention in conjunction with the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, and the invention is not to be construed as being limited to what is shown in such drawings. The drawings show the following: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an armrest arrangement for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 4 are schematic views showing states in which the position of an armrest is changed to a first position, a second position or a third position, in the armrest arrangement for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from the left; Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows perspective views of a section of the armrest in states where the position of the armrest is changed to the second position or the third position, in the armrest arrangement for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 is an expanded perspective view showing a section of the armrest arrangement for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 to Fig. Figures 10 are a perspective view, a perspective cross-sectional view and a left cross-sectional view, showing a locking device of the armrest arrangement for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 are views that describe the operation of the locking device based on Fig. 10 show; and Fig. 17A to Fig. Figures 20E are views showing processes for changing the position of the armrest in the armrest arrangement for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the person skilled in the art can easily carry out the embodiments. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments presented here.

[0038] In the following description of embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions or configurations included herein is omitted if it might unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention. Throughout the drawings, parts performing similar functions and operations are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0039] At least some of the terms used in this description are defined with regard to the functions obtained according to the present invention and may be modified according to the intent of users or operators or according to common practice. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be determined based on the overall content of this description. Furthermore, throughout this description, whenever a component is described as including another component, it should be understood that it may further include other components, without excluding other components, unless expressly stated otherwise.Furthermore, when a part is described as being connected (or coupled) to another part, the part and the other part may be directly connected (or coupled) to each other, or they may be indirectly connected (or coupled) to each other, with one or more intermediate parts placed between them.

[0040] In the drawings, the sizes or shapes of components and the thicknesses of lines may be exaggerated to simplify the explanation.

[0041] The present invention provides a locking device capable of performing rotary control of an armrest located in the passenger compartment of a vehicle without a conventional control knob, in order to improve passenger comfort, and an armrest assembly incorporating this device. Additionally, the present invention provides a vehicle incorporating such an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly according to the present invention is applicable to various objects that constitute the passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, the embodiments of the present invention are described based on an example in which the armrest assembly is used between a driver's seat and a front passenger seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0042] The configuration and operation of the armrest arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention are described in Fig. 1 to Fig. 20 shown.

[0043] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the armrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can include an armrest bracket 10, a shaft module 20, an armrest 30, and a locking unit (see Figures 40, 50, and 60). The armrest assembly can be mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle by means of the armrest bracket 10. Although not shown in the drawings, the vehicle can include a front seat and a rear seat, which are provided in the passenger compartment with a gap between them in a forward-backward direction (Y-axis direction). The front seat can consist of a driver's seat and a front passenger seat, which are arranged in a left-right direction (X-axis direction). For reference, the forward-backward direction can be a direction that refers both to the forward and reverse directions of the vehicle. The left-right direction can be described as a width direction.The forward-backward direction can be described as a longitudinal direction.

[0044] The armrest bracket 10 can be positioned between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the armrest bracket 10 can include a base 12 located in the space between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, a support 14 extending vertically from the base 12 in an upward-downward direction (Z-axis direction), and a fixed bracket 16 attached to an upper end section of the support 14. The upward-downward direction can be referred to as a vertical direction.

[0045] The base 12 can be mounted on a floor that defines the space between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. Although not shown in the drawings, the base 12 can include a fixed element and a movable element. The movable element is provided on the fixed element and is designed to slide in a horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) and can be repositioned according to the direction of movement. The base 12 can further include a stop unit that restricts the movable element relative to the fixed element, thereby securing the position of the movable element.

[0046] In one example, the movable element may be able to slide horizontally in a forward-backward direction, while the stop unit may include a press body that penetrates the movable element and moves in an up-down direction. The press body may have a bolted structure screwed to the movable element and can thus move up or down depending on the direction in which the bolted structure rotates. The lower end of the press body may be brought into close contact with (pressed against) the upper surface of the fixed element to lock the movable element in place, or it may be separated (or released) upward from the upper surface of the fixed element to release the movable element according to the up / down movement of the press body.

[0047] The support 14 can be coupled to the base 12 at its lower end section. In particular, the lower end section of the support 14 can be coupled to the movable element of the base 12. For example, the support 14 can be provided in a slab structure where its width is less than its length.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The armrest bracket 10 can stably support the shaft module 20 using the fixed bracket 16. The fixed bracket 16 can be firmly mounted to the upper end section of the support 14 by means of a mounting pin 2 or the like to be fixed in position.

[0049] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the shaft module 20 can include a shaft element 22 configured to provide a first axis A1 extending horizontally in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The shaft element 22 can be supported by the fixed bracket 16. The shaft element 22 can be a fixed shaft held in a stationary state and can include a fixed section 22f and a support section 22s arranged in the left-right direction. The shaft element 22 can function as a fixed shaft because the fixed section 22f is rigidly mounted to the support 14 by means of a fixed plate 24 in a state where the support section 22s is supported and positionally fixed by the fixed bracket 16.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. The armrest 30 can be formed to have a predetermined length and can include a distal end section 30a and a proximal end section 30b formed at both ends in one extension direction of the armrest 30. The proximal end section 30b can be configured to be rotatable about the first axis A1. Such an armrest 30 can include an armrest frame 32, which includes a distal end section and a proximal end section corresponding to the distal end section 30a and the proximal end section 30b of the armrest 30, respectively. The armrest 30 can also include a joint bracket 36 provided on the armrest frame 32. Additionally, as described in Fig. 2 shown, the armrest 30 further includes a housing 34 configured to accommodate the fixed bracket 16, the armrest frame 32 and the joint bracket 36 to protect them from the outside.

[0051] As in Fig. 5 to Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the joint bracket 36 can be rotatably coupled to the support section 22s of the shaft element 22. The armrest 30 can rotate about the first axis A1 because the joint bracket 36 is connected to the proximal end section of the armrest frame 32. In one example, the joint bracket 36 can be located between the support 14 and the fixed bracket 16 and can be integrated with the armrest frame 32. A rotary element, configured to suppress an increase in the rotational speed of the armrest 30 using frictional force, can be located between the support section 22s of the shaft element 22 and the joint bracket 36 of the armrest 30. The rotary element can cause the armrest 30 to rotate at a constant speed.

[0052] Such an armrest 30 can be repositioned by rotating it around the first axis A1. Specifically, the position or posture of the armrest 30 can be changed to a first position in which the distal end section 30a of the armrest 30 points forward (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), a second position (posture) in which the distal end section 30a of the armrest 30 points downwards (see Fig. 3), or a third position in which the distal end section 30a of the armrest 30 points backwards (see Fig. 4). The armrest 30 can be unfolded in the first and third positions relative to the armrest bracket 10 and can be folded in the second position relative to the armrest bracket 10. The armrest 30 can be held in a horizontal state in the first and third positions and can be held in a downward-tilted (or near-vertical) state in the second position. For reference, to accommodate the armrest 30 in a folded state relative to the armrest bracket 10 when the armrest 30 is in the second position, the support 14 can be designed to extend vertically in the upward-downward direction (Z-axis direction). The height of the upper end section of the support 14 is fixed to ensure a predetermined distance between the upper end section and the base 12.

[0053] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. In section 4, two opposite directions of rotation around the first axis A1 are designated as a 1a-th direction of rotation R1a and a 1b-th direction of rotation R1b, respectively. While a degree of rotation in the 1b-th direction R1b is designated as a positive number, a degree of rotation in the 1a-th direction R1a, based on the first position (0 degrees), can be designated as a negative number.

[0054] When armrest 30 is in the first position, it is positioned at 0 degrees. The second position occurs when armrest 30 is rotated downwards from the first position (0 degrees) by, for example, 73 degrees in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed from the left). The third position can be a position in which armrest 30 is rotated from the first position by 180 degrees in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b, opposite to the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the armrest 30 can be positioned such that its upper surface faces upwards between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat when it is in the first position (0°). Accordingly, an occupant sitting in the front seat can freely use the armrest 30, for example, by comfortably leaning against it or resting their arm on it.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, when the position of the armrest 30 is changed from the first position (0°) to the second position (for example, -73°), the armrest 30 can be folded relative to the armrest bracket 10 and move out of the space between an occupant in the driver's seat and an occupant in the front passenger seat. This movement creates additional space between the occupants in the driver's seat and the occupant in the front passenger seat. The occupants in the front seats can move more freely or assume a more comfortable position due to this additional space.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the position of the armrest 30 is changed from the first position (0°) to the third position (180°), the armrest 30 can be folded down by 180 degrees. In this position, its lower surface can face upwards, and its distal end section 30a can project from the space between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat towards the rear seat, becoming accessible to a rear-seat occupant. Accordingly, the rear-seat occupant can use the armrest 30 as a table or the like, for example, by placing an object such as a mobile phone on the upward-facing lower surface of the armrest.

[0058] In addition, at least one of the seats (the front seat, the rear seat, etc.) in the vehicle can implement a forward / backward movement, a left / right movement and / or a swivel for a seat variation, and the position of the armrest 30 can be selectively changed to a suitable position from the first position (0°), the second position (-73°) and the third position (180°) according to the seat variation.

[0059] The first position (0°) of the armrest 30 can be held by a locking unit (see 40, 50 and 60), the second position (-73°) of which can be held by a front stop 18a (see Fig. 5) can be held, and the third position (180°) of it can be held by a rear stop 18b (see Fig. 6) be held. The front stop 18a can prevent the armrest 30 from rotating further in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a beyond the angle of the second position, and the rear stop 18b can prevent the armrest 30 from rotating further in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b beyond the angle of the third position. The armrest bracket 10 can be provided with the front stop 18a and the rear stop 18b described above. In one example, the front stop 18a and the rear stop 18b can be provided on the fixed bracket 16.

[0060] The front stop 18a can be provided to limit the rotation of the armrest 30 by contact with the armrest frame 32 when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the second position (-73°), and the rear stop 18b can be provided to limit the rotation of the armrest 30 by contact with the armrest frame 32 when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the third position (180°). The armrest frame 32 can be designed to include a contact section 38a (see Fig. 5) which is designed to be in contact with the front stop 18a when the position of the armrest 30 is the second position, and a contact section 38b (see Fig. 6) which is designed to be in contact with the rear stop 18b when the position of the armrest 30 is the third position.

[0061] The locking unit (see 40, 50 and 60) can be configured to perform a locking or unlocking operation according to the rotation of the armrest 30. The locking unit (see 40, 50 and 60) can also hold the armrest 30 in the first position by means of its locking operation when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position (0°).

[0062] With reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. The locking unit can include a rotator 40, a cam element 50, and a driveshaft 60. The driveshaft 60 can provide a second axis A2, extending horizontally in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) at a position near the first axis A1. The second axis A2 is parallel to the first axis A1. The cam element 50 is configured to rotate about the second axis A2 near the first axis A1. The rotator 40 can be connected to the armrest 30 and can rotate integrally with the armrest 30 about the first axis A1. Additionally, the rotator 40 can be configured to transmit a rotational force exerted on the armrest 30 by the occupant to the cam element 50 by means of contact, thereby controlling the rotation of the cam element 50.

[0063] The cam element 50 can include first contact cams (see 52 and 53) and second contact cams (see 54 and 55) formed to contact the rotator 40 as it rotates. The second contact cams (54, 55) are positioned on the opposite side of the first contact cams (52, 53) with respect to the second axis A2, such that the second axis A2 is positioned centrally between the first contact cams (52, 53) and the second contact cams (54, 55). The first contact cams (see 52 and 53) can be formed to create a locking recess 51.The rotator 40 can include a locking element 40A, which has a first tooth 41 formed to contact the first contact cams (see 52 and 53), a contact element 40B having a second tooth 42 formed to contact the second contact cams (see 54 and 55), and an actuating cam 40C having a cam rail 43 formed to contact a selected one of the first contact cams (see 52 and 53) and the second contact cams (see 54 and 55) depending on the rotation of the rotator 40.

[0064] When the armrest 30 rotates into the first position (0°), the rotator 40 can rotate the cam element 50 to move the locking recess 51 into a locking position, and the first tooth 41 can be moved into the locking position to be inserted into the locking recess 51 (locking: limiting the rotation of the armrest 30 by limiting the rotation of the cam element 50 (see Fig. 8 to Fig. 10)). When the armrest 30 is rotated from the first position (0°) to change its position, the rotator 40 can additionally rotate the cam element 50 so that the first tooth 41 exits the locking position to be separated from the locking recess 51 (unlocking (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12)), and the insertion of the first tooth 41 into the locking recess 51 is prevented. The rotator 40 can also move the locking recess 51 so that the locking recess 51 disengages from the locking position. When the position of the armrest 30 is changed from the second position (-73°) or the third position (180°) back to the first position (0°), the locking recess 51 and the first tooth 41 can, of course, be moved into the locking position. This is described in more detail below.

[0065] The second axis A2 can be positioned at a distance from the first axis A1 in the upward-downward direction. For example, the second axis A2 can be positioned downwards from the first axis A1 and can be located in front of the first axis A1 (see Fig. 10).

[0066] Two opposite directions of rotation about the second axis A2 can each be a 2a-th direction of rotation R2a and a 2b-th direction of rotation R2b. The cam element 50 can be rotated about the second axis A2 in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a and in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, opposite to the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a. With reference to Fig. Figure 10, which shows the locking device 40, 50 and 60 viewed from the left, shows that the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a and the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a can be directions of rotation corresponding to the counterclockwise direction (CCW), and the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b and the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b can be directions of rotation corresponding to the clockwise direction (CW).

[0067] With reference to Fig. Reference numeral 101 represents a first contact area where the first tooth 41 can be in contact with the first contact cams (see 52 and 53), and reference numeral 102 represents a second contact area where the second tooth 42 can be in contact with the second contact cams (see 54 and 55). The first contact area 101 and the second contact area 102 can be arranged opposite each other with respect to the second axis A2. In detail, the first contact area 101 can be arranged between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2, and the second contact area 102 can be arranged opposite the first contact area 101 with respect to the second axis A2. The first contact area 101 can include the locking position.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. The cam element 50 can include a cam element main body arranged on the second axis A2, and the first contact cams (see 52 and 53) and the second contact cams (see 54 and 55) can be formed on two opposite sides of the cam element main body. In detail, the first contact cams (see 52 and 53) and the second contact cams (see 54 and 55) can be arranged opposite each other with respect to the second axis A2.

[0069] Each of the first contact cams (see 52 and 53) and the second contact cams (see 54 and 55) can project from the main body of the cam element. In other words, the cam element has two projections at one end, which are the first contact cams (52 and 53), and two further projections at the opposite end, which are the second contact cams (54 and 55). The first contact cams (see 52 and 53) can be shaped and positioned such that they can move and pass through the first contact area 101 when the cam element 50 is rotated, and the second contact cams (see 54 and 55) can be shaped and positioned such that they can move and pass through the second contact area 102 when the cam element 50 is rotated.The first contact cams can consist of a 1a-th cam 52 and a 1b-th cam 53 adjacent to each other, and the second contact cams can consist of a 2a-th cam 54 and a 2b-th cam 55 adjacent to each other. The 1a-th cam 52 can be spaced from the 1b-th cam 53 in the 2b-th rotation direction R2b (CW), and the 1b-th cam 53 can be spaced from the 1a-th cam 52 in the 2a-th rotation direction R2a (CCW). The 2a-th cam 54 can be spaced apart from the 2b-th cam 55 in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a (CCW), and the 2b-th cam 55 can be spaced apart from the 2a-th cam 54 in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b (CW).

[0070] With reference to Fig. 10. The first contact cams can have a locking recess 51 formed between the 1a-th cam 52 and the 1b-th cam 53. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the locking recess 51 can be formed such that it has a 1a-th inner surface 521 pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a (CCW) and a 1b-th inner surface 531 pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b (CW). The locking recess 51 can be formed such that the distance between the 1a-th inner surface 521 and the 1b-th inner surface 531 gradually increases from the bottom of the recess to the entrance of the recess (i.e., in a radially outward direction from the second axis A2). That is, the locking recess 51 can be formed in a shape whose size gradually increases from the bottom of the recess to the entrance of the recess.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 the 1a-th cam 52 can be formed such that it has a 1a-th cam inner surface (see 521) that points in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, and a 1a-th cam outer surface 522 that points in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, and the 1b-th cam 53 can be formed such that it has a 1b-th cam inner surface (see 531) that points in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, and a 1b-th cam outer surface 532 that points in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a. The inner surface of the 1a cam of the 1a cam 52 can correspond to the inner surface 521 of the locking recess 51, and the inner surface of the 1b cam of the 1b cam 53 can correspond to the inner surface 531 of the locking recess 51. Each of the projecting tip sections of the 1a cam 52 and the 1b cam 53 can be round.Thus, the inner surface of the 1a cam (1a-th inner surface 521) can include half of the round section of the 1a-th cam 52, and the outer surface of the 1a cam 522 of the 1a-th cam 52 can include the remaining half of the round section of the 1a-th cam 52. Likewise, the inner surface of the 1b cam (1b-th inner surface 531) of the 1b-th cam 53 can include half of the round section of the 1b-th cam 53, and the outer surface of the 1b cam 532 of the 1b-th cam 53 can include the remaining half of the round section of the 1b-th cam 53.

[0072] As in FI. 13 to Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the 2a-th cam 54 can be configured to have a 2a-th cam inner surface 541 pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b (CW), and a 2a-th cam outer surface 542 pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a (CCW), and the 2b-th cam 55 can be configured to have a 2b-th cam inner surface 551 pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, and a 2b-th cam outer surface 552 pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b. Each of the projecting tip sections of the 2a-th cam 54 and the 2b-th cam 55 can be rounded. Thus, the 2a-th inner cam surface 541 of the 2a-th cam 54 can include one half of the round section of the 2a-th cam 54, and the 2a-th outer cam surface 542 of the 2a-th cam 54 can include the remaining half of the round section of the 2a-th cam 54.Likewise, the 2b-th cam inner surface 551 of the 2b-th cam 55 can include one half of the round section of the 2b-th cam 55, and the 2b-th cam outer surface 552 of the 2b-th cam 55 can include the remaining half of the round section of the 2b-th cam 55.

[0073] The first contact cams can be formed such that one or both of the 1a-th cam 52 and the 1b-th cam 53 are located in the first contact area 101 according to the rotation of the cam element 50, and the second contact cams can be formed such that one or both of the 2a-th cam 54 and the 2b-th cam 55 are located in the second contact area 102 according to the rotation of the cam element 50. Of course, both the 1a-th cam 52 and the 1b-th cam 53 can be located outside the first contact area 101, and both the 2a-th cam 54 and the 2b-th cam 55 can also be located outside the second contact area 102 according to the rotation of the cam element 50.Additionally, the first contact cams can be configured such that, when the armrest 30 is in the first position (0°), the 1a-th cam 52 is located in the first contact area 101 and the locking recess 51 is in the locking position in the first contact area 101. Additionally, the second contact cams can be configured such that, when the armrest 30 is in the first position (0°), at least the 2a-th cam 54, along with the 2b-th cam 55, is located in the second contact area 102.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 10. The locking device 40A can be arranged on the first axis A1 and the contact element 40B and the actuating cam 40C can be connected to the locking device 40A.

[0075] The first tooth 41 can be configured to project from one side of the circumference of the locking element 40A and be movable along a first path 103 passing through the first contact area 101, according to the rotation of the armrest 30, thus enabling it to contact the first contact cams 52 and 53 to control the rotation of the cam element 50 in the first contact area 101. In one example, the first tooth 41 can rotate the cam element 50 by contacting the first contact cams 52 and 53, thereby moving the second contact cams 54 and 55 into or out of the second contact area 102.Since the first contact area 101 is arranged between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2, when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position (0°) and thus the first tooth 41 is moved into the locking position in the first contact area 101, the locking mechanism 40A can be arranged such that the tooth end of the first tooth 41 points forward and downward.

[0076] The contact element 40B can be configured to have a first end section and a second end section arranged opposite each other. The first end section of the contact element 40B can be coupled to the locking device 40A, and the second end section of the contact element 40B can be arranged opposite the armrest frame 32 with respect to the first axis A1. The second tooth 42 can be provided on the second end section of the contact element 40B. The second tooth 42 can be configured to be movable along a second path 104, which passes through the second contact area 102, according to the rotation of the armrest 30, and the end of the tooth can be configured to face the first axis A1, allowing the second tooth 42 to contact the second contact cams 54 and 55 to control the rotation of the cam element 50 in the second contact area 102.In one example, the second tooth 42 can rotate the cam element 50 by contacting the second contact cams 54 and 55, thereby moving the first contact cams 52 and 53 into or out of the first contact area 101. The contact element 40B can be configured such that, when the armrest 30 is in the first position (0°), the second tooth 42 is positioned under the first axis A1, while being spaced from the second contact cams 54 and 55 in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a.

[0077] The actuating cam 40C can be arranged opposite the second tooth 42 with respect to the first axis A1. The actuating cam 40C can be formed in such a way that the cam rail 43 extends from the locking element 40A and can be coupled to the lower surface of the armrest frame 32 by means of a coupling element 45C extending from the cam rail 43. The actuating cam 40C can be formed such that, when the position of the armrest 30 is the first position (0°), contact rails 431 and 432, which define a cam surface of the cam rail 43, point downwards.

[0078] With reference to Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 17D and Fig. 19D it is possible that, when the occupant rotates the armrest 30 to change the position of the armrest 30, for example, from the first position (0°) to the second position (-73°) or the third position (180°), the first tooth 41 does not touch the first contact cams 52 and 53, or the second tooth 42 does not touch the second contact cams 54 and 55, depending on the positional relationship between the first tooth 41 and the first contact cams 52 and 53 and the positional relationship between the second tooth 42 and the second contact cams 54 and 55.If, in an example, the first contact cams 52 and 53 are located outside the first contact area 101 due to the rotation of the cam element 50, and the second contact cams 54 and 55 are located outside the second contact area 102, the first tooth 41 may not be able to touch the first contact cams 52 and 53, and the second tooth 42 may not be able to touch the second contact cams 54 and 55.In this case, the cam rail 43 can approach the cam element 50 and thus touch the first contact cams 52 and 53, which are located outside the first contact area 101, thereby moving the second contact cams 54 and 55 from outside the second contact area 102 into the second contact area 102, or can touch the second contact cams 54 and 55, which are located outside the second contact area 102, thereby moving the first contact cams 52 and 53 from outside the first contact area 101 into the first contact area 101.

[0079] With reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 the first tooth 41 can be designed such that it has a 1a-th contact side surface 411 pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a, a 1b-th contact side surface 412 pointing in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b, and a contact end surface 413 defining the tooth end of the first tooth 41 between the 1a-th contact side surface 411 and the 1b-th contact side surface 412. When the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position (0°) and thus the first tooth 41 in the locking recess 51 is engaged at the locking position in the first contact area 101, the 1a-th contact side surface 411 can be in contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface 521 of the 1a-th cam 52, which corresponds to the 1a-th inner surface of the locking recess 51, and the contact end surface 413 can be in contact with the 1b-th cam inner surface 531 of the 1b-th cam 53, which corresponds to the 1b-th inner surface of the locking recess 51.

[0080] When, in this configuration, the first tooth 41 is received (i.e. locked) in the locking recess 51, the 1a-th contact side surface 411 is in contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface 521 and the contact end surface 413 is in contact with the 1b-th cam inner surface 531. In this position, when the rotational force in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a, which is generated by the weight of the armrest 30, the actuation by the occupant, the occupant load (load exerted on the armrest when the occupant uses the armrest in a manner in which, for example, in the first position, he / she leans on the armrest or places his / her arm on it) or the like, is transmitted via the contact with the first tooth 41 of the rotator 40 to the cam element 50, the force is distributed through their respective inner surfaces (the 1a-th inner surface 521 and the 1b-th inner surface 531 of the locking recess) to the 1a-th cam 52 and the 1b-th cam 53.As a result, the force is exerted on the 1a-th cam 52 and the 1b-th cam 53 in opposite directions of rotation (exerted on the 1a-th cam 52 in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b (CW) and on the 1b-th cam 53 in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a (CCW)), thereby effectively preventing the cam element 50 from rotating in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b (CW). Furthermore, the rotation of the armrest 30 in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a (CCW) can be limited, and thus the armrest 30 can be held in the first position (0°).

[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the contact end surface 413 of the first tooth 41 can be formed in an arc shape corresponding to an imaginary inscribed circle 105 centered on the first axis A1, such that it is inscribed within the inscribed circle 105. When the first tooth 41 is received in the locking recess 51, the 1b-th cam inner surface 531 of the 1b-th cam 53 can be in point contact with the contact end surface 413 outside the inscribed circle 105. For this purpose, while the 1st cam 52 is located in the first contact area 101, the 1bth cam 53 may be located outside the first contact area 101, and a contact point between the contact end surface 413 and the 1bth cam inner surface 531 may be located on the inscribed circle 105.

[0082] In this configuration, when the first tooth 41 is engaged in the locking recess 51, the 1b-th cam inner surface 531 is in point contact with the contact end surface 413 outside the inscribed circle 105, as shown in Fig. 11 shown. When the armrest 30 is rotated from the first position (0°) in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b (CW), the first tooth 41 can be moved along the first path 103 from the inside of the first contact area 101 to the outside of the first contact area 101 without interference with the locking recess 51, and can thus be separated (unlocked) from the locking recess 51.

[0083] As described above, when the armrest 30 is in the first position, the armrest arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the armrest 30 from rotating further in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a (CCW) to allow the occupant to use the armrest, but it can allow the armrest 30 to rotate in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b (CW) to unlock the armrest 30.

[0084] In order to transmit the rotational force of the armrest 30 to the cam element 50 in a contact manner, in order to control the rotation of the cam element 50, the first tooth 41 can touch the first contact cams 52 and 53 in the first contact area 101, depending on the positional relationship with the first contact cams 52 and 53 (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12). For example, the first tooth 41 can be moved along the first path 103 by rotating in the 1st direction of rotation R1a towards the first contact area 101, and thus the 1a-th contact side surface 411 of the first tooth 41 can be brought into contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface 521 of the 1a-th cam 52 or the 1b-th cam outer surface 532 of the 1b-th cam 53. Alternatively, the first tooth 41 can be moved along the first path 103 by rotating in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b in the direction of the first contact area 101, and thus the 1b-th contact side surface 412 of the first tooth 41 can be brought into contact with the 1a-th cam outer surface 522 of the 1a-th cam 52 or the 1b-th cam inner surface 531 of the 1b-th cam 53.Alternatively, the first tooth 41 can be inserted into the locking recess 51, thereby bringing the 1a-th contact side surface 411 of the first tooth 41 into contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface of the 1a-th cam 52 (the 1a-th inner surface 521 of the locking recess), and the contact end surface 413 of the first tooth 41 can be brought into contact with the 1b-th cam inner surface of the 1b-th cam 53 (the 1b-th inner surface 531 of the locking recess).

[0085] With reference to Fig. 10. The second tooth 42 can be formed such that it has a 2a-th contact surface 421 pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a, and a 2b-th contact surface 422 pointing in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b. With reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. To transmit the rotational force of the armrest 30 to the cam element 50 in a contact manner, and to control the rotation of the cam element 50, the second tooth 42 can contact the second contact cams 54 and 55 in the second contact area 102 according to the positional relationship with the second contact cams 54 and 55. For example, the second tooth 42 can be moved along the second path 104 by rotating in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a towards the second contact area 102, and thus the 2a-th contact side surface 421 of the second tooth 42 can be brought into contact with the 2a-th inner cam surface 541 of the 2a-th cam 54 or the 2b-th outer cam surface 552 of the 2b-th cam 55.Alternatively, the second tooth 42 can be moved along the second path 104 by rotating in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b towards the second contact area 102, and thus the 2b-th contact side surface 422 of the second tooth 42 can be brought into contact with the 2a-th cam outer surface 542 of the 2a-th cam 54 or the 2b-th cam inner surface 551 of the 2b-th cam 55.

[0086] When the armrest 30 is rotated by a set angle from the first position (0°) in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b, the first tooth 41 enters a ready position in which the first tooth 41 is separated from the locking recess 51 (ready position for changing position, which can be referred to as the unlocked position, since the first tooth 41 is separated from the locking recess 51) (see Fig. 11) When the second tooth 42 moves in this position along the second path 104 by rotating in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b towards the second contact area 102, the 2b-th contact side surface 422 can be brought into contact with the 2a-th cam outer surface 542 of the 2a-th cam 54 (see Fig. 13 and Fig. 17(B)). In this case, the second tooth 42 can have such a relationship to the cam element 50 that when the second tooth 42 rotates the cam element 50 by a predetermined angle in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, the 1a-th cam 52, which is located in the first contact area 101, is moved out of the first contact area 101, and the 1b-th cam 53, which is located outside the first contact area 101, is moved into the first contact area 101. For reference, the set angle can be 40 degrees.

[0087] With reference to Fig. 10. The cam rail 43 can be configured to have a first contact rail 431, which is arranged on a side that points in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a, and a second contact rail 432, which is arranged on a side that points in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b. Each of the first contact rail 431 and the second contact rail 432 can define a cam surface of the cam rail 43.

[0088] With reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. In order to transmit the rotational force of the armrest 30 to the cam element 50 in a contact manner, in order to control the rotation of the cam element 50, the cam rail 43 can contact the first contact cams 52 and 53 or the second contact cams 54 and 55, depending on the positional relationship with the first contact cams 52 and 53 or the second contact cams 54 and 55.

[0089] For example, if the armrest 30 is rotated in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a to change its position from the first position (0°) to the second position (-73°), the first contact rail 431 can approach the cam element 50 and can be brought into contact with the 2b-th cam outer surface 552 of the 2b-th cam 55, which is located outside the second contact area 102. In this case, the first contact rail 431 can be configured to rotate the cam element 50 in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, so that the 1a-th cam 52, which is located outside the first contact area 101, is moved into the first contact area 101.Alternatively, if the armrest 30 is rotated in the 1b direction of rotation R1b to change its position from the first position (0°) to the third position (180°), the second contact rail 432 can approach the cam element 50 and come into contact with the 1a outer cam surface 522 of the 1a cam 52, which is located outside the first contact area 101. In this case, the second contact rail 432 can be configured to rotate the cam element 50 in the 2a direction of rotation R2a, so that only the 2a cam 54 is moved into the second contact area 102 by the 2a cam 54 and the 2b cam 55, which is located outside the second contact area 102.

[0090] Although not shown in detail in the drawings, the driveshaft 60 can be configured to have a free-stop function, and thus can be held freely in a stationary state after rotation at any angle. In other words, the free-stop function is a feature that allows the rotation to be stopped and held at any position without the need for external locking mechanisms or brakes. For this purpose, the driveshaft 60 can include a friction shaft and a friction guide. The friction shaft of the driveshaft 60 can be rotatably mounted on the fixed support 16 and can include a coupling section and a friction section centered on the second axis A2. The coupling section and the friction section can be arranged in the left-right direction, and the friction section can have a circular cross-section.The cam element 50 can be coupled to the coupling section of the drive shaft 60 at a central section and can thus be rotated about the second axis A2 together with the drive shaft 60. The friction guide of the drive shaft 60 can be provided in a stationary state on the fixed support 16 and can have a friction hole formed therein to receive the circular friction section of the friction shaft. When the friction shaft is rotated, the inner circumference of the friction hole can be brought into frictional contact with the outer circumference of the friction section of the friction shaft.

[0091] The process of changing the position of armrest 30 is described in the Fig. 17A to Fig. 20E shown. In the Fig. 17A to Fig. In 20E, the second contact cams (see 54 and 55) are colored to be easily distinguished from the first contact cams (see 52 and 53). The operation of the armrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to these drawings.

[0092] To adjust the position of the armrest 30 from the first position (0°) (see Fig. To change the armrest 30 from position 17(A)) to the second position (-73°), it can be rotated in the first position by an angle, for example a predetermined angle of 40°, in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b. Due to such a rotation of the armrest 30, the first tooth 41 is moved by rotation in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b and is separated from the locking recess 51, thereby bringing the armrest 30 into the ready position (see Fig. 17(B)). At this time, the second tooth 42 is moved in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b and its 2b-th contact side surface 422 is brought into contact with the 2a-th cam outer surface 542 of the 2a-th cam 54, thereby rotating the cam element 50 in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, so that the 1a-th cam 52 is outside the first contact area 101 and the 1b-th cam 53 is in the first contact area 101.

[0093] The armrest 30 can then be rotated in the first direction of rotation R1a in the ready position. In this case, when the position of the armrest 30 becomes the second position (-73°), the armrest 30 is prevented from rotating further beyond the second position by contact with the front stop 18a.

[0094] In the process of changing the position of the armrest 30 from the ready position to the second position, the second tooth 42 is moved by rotation in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a and is separated from the second contact area 102. Additionally, the first tooth 41 is moved into the first contact area 101, in which the 1b-th cam 53 is located, and its 1a-th contact side surface 411 is brought into contact with the 1b-th cam outer surface 532 of the 1b-th cam 53 (see Fig. 17(C)). This allows the cam element 50 to rotate in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, so that the first contact cams 52 and 53 are located outside the first contact area 101 and the second contact cams 54 and 55 are located outside the second contact area 102. After the 1a-th contact side surface 411 touches the 1b-th cam outer surface 532, the first tooth 41 is continuously moved in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a and is separated from the first contact area 101. Additionally, the first contact rail 431 of the cam rail 43 approaches the 2b-th cam 55 outside the second contact area 102 (see Fig. 17(D)) and is brought into contact with the 2b-th cam outer surface 552 of the 2b-th cam 55, thereby rotating the cam element 50 in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, so that the 1a-th cam 52 is in the first contact area 101 (see Fig. 17(E)).

[0095] To change the position of armrest 30 from the second position (-73°) (see Fig. To change position 18(A)) to the first position (0°), the armrest 30 can be rotated in the second position in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b. The armrest 30 is rotated until it enters the ready position.

[0096] In the process of changing the position of the armrest 30 from the second position to the ready position, the first tooth 41 can be moved by rotation in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b towards the first contact area 101 in which the 1a-th cam 52 is located, and its 1b-th contact side surface 412 is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam outer surface 522 of the 1a-th cam 52 (see Fig. 18(B)), whereby the cam element 50 is rotated in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, so that the 2a-th cam 54 is located outside the second contact area 102 and the 2b-th cam 55 is located in the second contact area 102. After the 1b-th contact side surface 412 touches the 1a-th cam outer surface 522, the first tooth 41 is continuously moved in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b and is separated from the first contact area 101. Additionally, the second tooth 42 is moved in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b towards the second contact area 102, in which the 2b-th cam 55 is located, and the 2b-th contact side surface 422 of it is brought into contact with the 2b-th cam inner surface 551 of the 2b-th cam 55, thereby rotating the cam element 50 in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, so that the 1a-th cam 52 is located in the first contact area 101 and the 1b-th cam 53 is located outside the first contact area 101 (see Fig. 18(C)).

[0097] If the armrest 30 is subsequently rotated 40° in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a while in the ready position, the position of the armrest 30 can be changed to the first position (0°). In this process, the first tooth 41 is moved to the first contact area 101, in which the 1a-th cam 52 is located, and the 1a-th contact side surface 411 of this is brought into contact with the 1a-th inner surface 521 of the 1a-th cam 52 (see Fig. 18(D)), whereby the cam element 50 is rotated in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, so that the locking recess 51 is moved into the locking position. Accordingly, the first tooth 41 is inserted into the locking recess 51 in the locking position (see Fig. 18(E)). When the first tooth 41 is inserted into the locking recess 51 in this way, the armrest 30 is prevented from rotating further in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a, which results in the change of position of the armrest 30 to the first position (0°) being completed.

[0098] To adjust the position of the armrest 30 from the first position (0°) (see Fig. To change the position 19(A)) to the third position (180°), the armrest 30 is rotated 180° in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b in the first position. Then the position of the armrest 30 is changed via the ready position to the third position, and the armrest 30 is prevented from rotating further in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b by contact with the rear stop 18b.

[0099] The process by which the armrest 30 enters the ready position during the change of position of the armrest 30 from the first position to the third position (see Fig. 19(B)), is identical to the process in which the armrest 30 enters the ready position during the change of position of the armrest 30 from the first position to the second position (-73°).

[0100] In the process of changing the position of the armrest 30 from the ready position to the third position, the first tooth 41, which is separated from the locking recess 51, is moved by rotation in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b and is separated from the first contact area 101, and the second tooth 42, whose 2b-th contact side surface 422 is in contact with the 2a-th cam outer surface 542 of the 2a-th cam 54, is moved in the 1b-th direction of rotation R1b and is separated from the second contact area 102 (see Fig. 19(C)). Additionally, the second contact rail 432 of the cam rail 43 approaches the 1a-th cam 52 outside the first contact area 101 (see Fig. 19(D)) and is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam outer surface 522 of the 1a-th cam 52, thereby rotating the cam element 50 in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, so that the 2a-th cam 54 is located in the second contact area 102 and the 2b-th cam 55 is located outside the second contact area 102 (see Fig. 19(E)).

[0101] To change the position of armrest 30 from the third position (180°) (see Fig. To change armrest 30 (20(A)) to the first position (0°), it is rotated 180° in the third position in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a. Then the position of armrest 30 is changed via the ready position to the first position.

[0102] In the process of changing the position of the armrest 30 from the third position to the ready position, the first tooth 41 is moved in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a. Additionally, the second tooth 42 is moved in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a towards the second contact area 102, in which the 2a-th cam 54 is located, and its 2a-th contact side surface 421 is brought into contact with the 2a-th inner surface 541 of the 2a-th cam 54 (see Fig. 20(B)), whereby the cam element 50 is rotated in the 2a-th direction of rotation R2a, so that the 1a-th cam 52 is located in the first contact area 101 and the 1b-th cam 53 is located outside the first contact area 101 (see Fig. 20(C)).

[0103] In the process in which the armrest 30 enters the first position from the ready position during the position change of the armrest 30 from the third position to the first position, the second tooth 42 is moved by rotation in the first direction of rotation R1a and is separated from the second contact area 102.

[0104] The first tooth 41 is moved by rotation in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a to the first contact area 101, in which the 1a-th cam 52 is located, and the 1a-th contact side surface 411 of it is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface 521 of the 1a-th cam 52 (see Fig. 20(D)), whereby the cam element 50 is rotated in the 2b-th direction of rotation R2b, so that the locking recess 51 is moved into the locking position. Accordingly, the first tooth 41 is inserted into the locking recess 51 in the locking position (see Fig.20(E)). When the first tooth 41 is inserted into the locking recess 51, the armrest 30 is prevented from rotating further in the 1a-th direction of rotation R1a, resulting in the change of position of the armrest 30 to the first position (0°) being completed.

[0105] As can be seen from the above description, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an armrest is rotated by an occupant, a rotator can be rotated together with the armrest about a first axis, and a locking tooth (first tooth) of the rotator can be moved to pass through a locking position. Additionally, a cam element can be rotated to a contact position in accordance with a rotary control of the rotator, and a locking recess in the cam element can be moved to pass through the locking position. Furthermore, when the armrest is rotated and thus the position of the armrest is changed to a locking position (first position), the locking tooth and the locking recess can be moved into the locking position, and the locking tooth can be actuated to be inserted into the locking recess.Accordingly, a change in the position of the armrest can be carried out precisely and conveniently with a simple structure without a conventional control knob or without a separate drive force or spring force.

[0106] According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the armrest is arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat and its position is able to be changed into a position (third position) that projects towards a rear seat in accordance with a rotation thereof, an occupant in the rear seat can use the armrest as a table or the like.

[0107] In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the position of the armrest can be changed to a position (second position) that is folded relative to an armrest bracket in accordance with a rotation of the armrest, the user comfort of an occupant can be further improved. Furthermore, due to the folded position (second position), a change in seating position can be carried out more easily without affecting the armrest.

[0108] The effects achievable through the invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned here will be clearly understandable to the person skilled in the art from this description and the accompanying drawings. Reference symbol list 2 Mounting pins 10 Armrest bracket 12 base 14 support 16 fixed brackets 18a front stop 18b rear stop 20 wave module 22 wave element 22f fixed section 22s support section 24 plates 30 Armrest 30a distal end section 30b proximal end section 32 armrest frames 34 cases 36 Joint bracket 38a, 38b Contact section 40 Rotator 40A locking mechanism 40B Contact element 40C Actuating cam 41 first tooth 42 second tooth 43 Cam rail 45C coupling element 50 cam element 51 Locking recess 52, 53 first contact cams 54, 55 second contact cams 60 Cardan shaft 101 First Contact Area 102 second contact area 103 first path 104 second path 105 imaginary inscribed circle 411 1a-th contact surface of the first tooth 412 1b-th contact surface of the first tooth 413 Contact end surface 421 2a-th contact surface of the second tooth 422 2b-th contact surface of the second tooth 431 first contact rail 432 second contact rail 521 1a-th inner surface of the locking recess 522 1a-th cam outer surface 531 1b-th inner surface of the locking recess 532 1b-th cam outer surface 541 2a-th cam inner surface 542 2a-th cam outer surface 551 2b-th cam inner surface 552 2b-th cam outer surface A1 first axis A2 second axis R1a 1st direction of rotation R1b 1bth direction of rotation R2a 2a-th direction of rotation R2b 2b-th direction of rotation

Claims

[1] Armrest arrangement, comprising: an armrest bracket (10) arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat of a vehicle; an armrest (30) mounted on the armrest bracket (10) and configured to be rotatable about a first axis (A1) in a left-right direction, wherein the armrest (30) is configured to be positionally changeable into a first position with a distal end pointing forward, a second position with the distal end pointing downward, and a third position with the distal end pointing backward, depending on the rotation of the armrest (30); a cam element (50) configured to be rotatable about a second axis (A2) parallel to the first axis (A1), the cam element (50) comprising a first contact cam (52, 53) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a first contact area (101) between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2), a second contact cam (54, 55) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a second contact area (102) defined opposite the first contact area (101) with respect to the second axis (A2), and a locking recess (51) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through the first contact area (101) according to the rotation thereof; and a rotator (40) connected to the armrest (30) to rotate together with the armrest (30), the rotator (40) being configured to transmit a rotational force of the armrest (30) by contact to the cam element (50) to control the rotation of the cam element (50) such that the locking recess (51) is in a locking position in the first contact area (101) or is moved out of the locking position, the rotator (40) comprising: a first tooth (41) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through the first contact area (101) and to move the second contact cam (54, 55) into or out of the second contact area (102) by contact with the first contact cam (52, 53) in the first contact area (101) according to the rotation of the armrest (30), a second tooth (42) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through the second contact area (102) and to move the first contact cam (52, 53) into or out of the first contact area (101) by contact with the second contact cam (54, 55) in the second contact area (102) according to the rotation of the armrest (30), and a cam rail (43) configured to approach and contact the first contact cam (52, 53) moving out of the first contact area (101), causing the second contact cam (54, 55) to move to the second contact area (102), or to approach and contact the second contact cam (54, 55) moving out of the second contact area (102), causing the first contact cam (52, 53) to move to the first contact area (101) according to the rotation of the armrest (30), wherein, when the position of the armrest (30) is changed to the first position, the first tooth (41) and the locking recess (51) are moved into the locking position, and the first tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51). [2] Armrest arrangement according to claim 1, where, when viewed from a left side of the armrest assembly, assuming that a 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) is a counterclockwise direction of rotation and a 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b) is a clockwise direction of rotation about the first axis (A1), that a 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a) is a counterclockwise direction of rotation and a 2b-th direction of rotation (R1b) is a clockwise direction of rotation about the second axis (A2), and that the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) is a direction in which the armrest (30) is rotated downwards from the first position, the first tooth (41) comprises a 1a-th contact side surface (411) pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) and a contact end surface (413) defining a tooth end of the first tooth (41), the locking recess (51) comprises a 1a-th inner surface (521) pointing in the 2a direction of rotation (R2a), and a 1b-th inner surface (531) pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), and when the first tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51), the 1a-th contact side surface (411) is brought into contact with the 1a-th inner surface (521), and the contact end surface (413) is brought into contact with the 1b-th inner surface (531), so that the first tooth (41) transmits a rotational force of the armrest (30) in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) to the cam element (50) in such a way that the rotational force is distributed in two opposite directions of rotation through the 1a-th inner surface (521) and the 1b-th inner surface (531), thereby limiting the rotation of the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b). [3] Armrest arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the contact end surface (413) is formed in an arc shape corresponding to an imaginary inscribed circle (105) centered on the first axis (A1), and wherein, when the first tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51), the 1b-th inner surface (531) is brought into point contact with the contact end surface (413) outside the inscribed circle (105), so that when the armrest (30) is rotated in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b) from the first position, the first tooth (41) is separated from the locking recess (51). [4] Armrest arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the first contact cam (52, 53) comprises a 1a-th cam (52) and a 1b-th cam (53) adjacent to each other, wherein the 1a-th inner surface (521) is formed on the 1a-th cam (52), the 1b-th inner surface (531) is formed on the 1b-th cam (53), and the locking recess (51) is formed between the 1a-th cam (52) and the 1b-th cam (53), and wherein the 1a-th inner surface (521) is a 1a-th cam inner surface of the 1a-th cam (52), and the 1b-th inner surface (531) is a 1b-th cam inner surface of the 1b-th cam (53). [5] Armrest arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the 1a-th cam (52) comprises a 1a cam outer surface (522) that points in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), and the 1b-th cam (53) comprises a 1b-th cam outer surface (532) that points in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), wherein the second contact cam (54, 55) comprises a 2a-th cam (54) and a 2b-th cam (55) adjacent to each other, the 2a-th cam (54) comprising a 2a-th cam inner surface (541) pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), and a 2a-th cam outer surface (542) pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), and the 2b-th cam (55) comprising a 2b-th cam inner surface (551) pointing in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), and a 2b-th cam outer surface (552) pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), wherein the first tooth (41) comprises a 1b-th contact side surface (412) pointing in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b), the second tooth (42) comprises a 2a-th contact side surface (421) pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a), and a 2b-th contact side surface (422) pointing in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b), and the cam rail (43) comprises a first contact rail (431) arranged on a side pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a), and a second contact rail (432) arranged on a side pointing in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b), wherein the second tooth (42) and the cam rail (43) are arranged opposite each other with respect to the first axis (A1), wherein, when the armrest (30) is in the first position, the 2a-th cam (54) is in the second contact area (102), wherein, when the first tooth (41) is separated from the locking recess (51) in the first position, the second tooth (42) is moved to the second contact area (102), and wherein, when the armrest (30) is rotated in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a), the first contact rail (431) of the cam rail (43) approaches the cam element (50), and when the armrest (30) is rotated in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b), the second contact rail (432) of the cam rail (43) approaches the cam element (50). [6] Armrest arrangement according to claim 5, wherein when the armrest (30) is rotated by a set angle in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b) from the first position and enters a ready position in which the first tooth (41) is separated from the locking recess (51), the 2b-th contact side surface (422) of the second tooth (42) is brought into contact with the 2a-th cam outer surface (542), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), so that the 1a-th cam (52) is outside the first contact area (101) and the 1b-th cam is in the first contact area (101), and wherein, when the armrest (30) is turned in the ready position in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) and the position of the armrest (30) is changed to the second position, the first tooth (41) is moved to the first contact area (101) in which the 1b-th cam is located, and the 1a-th contact side surface (411) is brought into contact with the 1b-th cam outer surface, thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), so that the first contact cam (52, 53) is located outside the first contact area (101) and the second contact cam (54, 55) is located outside the second contact area (102), and the first contact rail (431) of the cam rail (43) approaches the 2b-th cam (55) outside the second contact area (102) and is brought into contact with the 2b-th cam outer surface (552), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), so that the 1a-th cam (52) is located in the first contact area (101). [7] Armrest arrangement according to claim 6, wherein when the armrest (30) is rotated from the second position in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b) and assumes the ready position, the first tooth (41) is moved to the first contact area (101) in which the 1a-th cam (52) is located, and the 1b-th contact side surface (412) is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam outer surface (522), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), so that the 2a-th cam (54) is outside the second contact area (102) and the 2b-th cam (55) is in the second contact area (102), and the second tooth (42) is moved to the second contact area (102) in which the 2b-th cam (55) is located, and the 2b-th contact side surface (422) is brought into contact with the 2b-th cam inner surface (551), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), so that the 1a-th cam (52) is located in the first contact area (101) and the 1b-th cam is located outside the first contact area (101), and wherein, when the armrest (30) in the ready position is rotated in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) and the position of the armrest (30) is changed to the first position, the first tooth (41) is moved to the first contact area (101) in which the 1a-th cam (52) is located, and the 1a-th contact side surface (411) is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface, thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), so that the locking recess (51) is moved into the locking position and allows the first tooth (41) to be inserted into the locking recess (51) at the locking position. [8] Armrest arrangement according to claim 5, wherein when the armrest (30) is rotated in the 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b) from the first position, such that the first tooth (41) is separated from the locking recess (51) and the position of the armrest (30) is changed to the third position, the 2b-th contact side surface (422) of the second tooth (42) is brought into contact with the 2a-th cam outer surface (542), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), so that the first contact cam (52, 53) is outside the first contact area (101) and the second contact cam (54, 55) is outside the second contact area (102), and the second contact rail (432) of the cam rail (43) approaches the 1a-th cam outside the first contact area (101) and is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam outer surface (522), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), so that the 2a-th cam (54) is located in the second contact area (102) and the 2b-th cam (55) is located outside the second contact area (102). [9] Armrest arrangement according to claim 8, wherein when the armrest (30) is rotated in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) from the third position and the position of the armrest (30) is changed to the first position, the second tooth (42) is moved to the second contact area (102) in which the 2a-th cam (54) is located, and the 2a-th contact side surface (421) is brought into contact with the 2a-th cam inner surface (541), thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a), so that the 1a-th cam (52) is located in the first contact area (101) and the 1b-th cam is located outside the first contact area (101), and the first tooth (41) is moved to the first contact area (101) in which the 1a-th cam (52) is located, and the 1a-th contact side surface (411) is brought into contact with the 1a-th cam inner surface, thereby rotating the cam element (50) in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), so that the locking recess (51) is moved into the locking position and allows the first tooth (41) to be inserted into the locking recess (51) at the locking position. [10] Armrest arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the armrest support (10) comprises: a front stop (18a) configured to limit the rotation of the armrest (30) when the armrest (30) is in the second position; and a rear stop (18b) configured to limit the rotation of the armrest (30) when the armrest (30) is in the third position. [11] Locking device comprising: a cam element (50) configured to be rotatable about a second axis (A2) parallel to a first axis (A1) that defines a pivot center of an armrest (30) for vehicles; and a rotator (40) which is connected to the armrest (30) in order to be rotated together with the armrest (30), wherein the rotator (40) is configured to transmit a rotational force of the armrest (30) by contact to the cam element (50) in order to control the rotation of the cam element (50), wherein the rotator (40) includes a locking tooth (41) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a locking position between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) during the rotation of the rotator (40), wherein the cam element (50) comprises a locking recess (51) which is movable by rotation to pass through the locking position in accordance with a rotation control of the rotator (40) in a contact manner, and wherein, when the position of the armrest (30) is changed into a locking position due to the rotation of the armrest (30), the locking tooth (41) and the locking recess (51) are moved into the locking position, and the locking tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51). [12] Locking device according to claim 11, wherein the locking position is a position in which the armrest (30) is in a horizontal state, and where, when viewed from a left side of the armrest (30), assuming that a 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) is a counterclockwise direction of rotation and a 1b-th direction of rotation (R1b) is a clockwise direction of rotation about the first axis (A1), that a 2a-th direction of rotation (R2a) is a counterclockwise direction of rotation and a 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b) is a clockwise direction of rotation about the second axis (A2), and that the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) is a direction in which the armrest (30) is rotated downwards from the locked position, the locking tooth (41) comprises a contact side surface (411) pointing in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) and a contact end surface (413) defining a tooth end of the locking tooth (41), the locking recess (51) comprises a 1a-th inner surface (521) pointing in the 2a direction of rotation (R2a), and a 1b-th inner surface (531) pointing in the 2b-th direction of rotation (R2b), and when the locking tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51), the contact side surface (411) is brought into contact with the 1a-th inner surface (521), and the contact end surface (413) is brought into contact with the 1b-th inner surface (531), so that the locking tooth (41) transmits a rotational force of the armrest (30) in the 1a-th direction of rotation (R1a) to the cam element (50) in such a way that the rotational force is distributed in two opposite directions of rotation through the 1a-th inner surface (521) and the 1b-th inner surface (531). [13] Locking device according to claim 11, further comprising a drive shaft (60) providing the second axis (A2), wherein the drive shaft (60) is configured to allow the cam element (50) to be coupled to it, wherein the drive shaft (60) has a free-stop function. [14] Armrest arrangement for vehicles, the armrest arrangement comprising: an armrest bracket (10); an armrest (30) mounted on the armrest bracket (10) and configured to be rotatable about a first axis (A1), wherein the armrest (30) is configured to be changed in position according to a rotation thereof; a cam element (50) configured to be rotatable about a second axis (A2) parallel to the first axis (A1); and a rotator (40) which is connected to the armrest (30) in order to be rotated together with the armrest (30), wherein the rotator (40) is configured to transmit a rotational force of the armrest (30) by contact to the cam element (50) in order to control the rotation of the cam element (50), wherein the rotator (40) includes a locking tooth (41) configured to be moved by rotation to pass through a locking position between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) during the rotation of the rotator (40), wherein the cam element (50) comprises a locking recess (51) which is movable by rotation to pass through the locking position in accordance with a rotation control of the rotator (40) in a contact manner, and wherein, when the position of the armrest (30) is changed into a locking position, the locking tooth (41) and the locking recess (51) are moved into the locking position by rotation, and the locking tooth (41) is inserted into the locking recess (51). [15] Armrest arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the armrest (30) is positionally changeable into a first position with a distal end (30a) pointing forward, a second position with the distal end (30a) pointing downward, and a third position with the distal end (30a) pointing backward, depending on the rotation of the armrest (30), and when the armrest (30) is in the second position or the third position, the armrest (30) is held in the second position or the third position due to a restriction of its rotation by a stop (18a, 18b), and wherein the locking position is the first position. [16] Armrest arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the armrest support (10) is arranged between a driver's seat and a front passenger seat, each being a front seat, and wherein when the armrest (30) is in the first position, the armrest (30) is provided for an occupant in the front seat, and when the armrest (30) is in the third position, the armrest (30) is provided for an occupant in a rear seat. [17] Armrest arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the armrest support (10) comprises a support (14) configured to support the armrest (30) in an upright position, such that the armrest (30) is rotatable about the first axis (A1), and wherein, when the armrest (30) is in the second position, the armrest (30) is folded in relation to the support (14). [18] Armrest arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the armrest support (10) comprises: a fixed element; a movable element that is coupled to the fixed element in order to be movable in a horizontal direction; and a support (14) provided on the movable element, wherein the support (14) is configured to support the armrest (30) so that the armrest (30) can be rotated about the first axis (A1).

Images