Button-lock armrest arrangement

Abstract

An armrest assembly includes a locking device for restraining the armrest when it is in a locked position, thereby limiting its rotation. The locking device comprises a locking shaft attached to the pivot point of the armrest and a latch provided on the armrest such that it can be moved in a locking direction towards the locking shaft and an unlocking direction away from the locking shaft in accordance with the actuation of a button.A locking section, which includes a recess into which a locking tooth is inserted when the armrest is in the locked position, and a release section extending from the locking section are formed along the circumference of the locking shaft, and the release section includes a release surface that contacts a tooth end to hold the lock in the state in which it is moved in the release direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0127114, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 22, 2023. BACKGROUND1. Area

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an armrest assembly for vehicles. 2. Description of the related facts

[0003] Vehicles include an armrest for the comfort of an occupant, such as a driver. Currently, such an armrest is provided and used in various forms in vehicles. For example, an armrest is provided in a form that forms a seat, such as a front seat or a rear seat, in the interior (passenger compartment) of vehicles, or in a form that forms a center console arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger seat in the interior of vehicles.

[0004] Generally, an armrest for vehicles is configured to be rotatable about an axis. Rotation of an armrest for vehicles can be mainly controlled by a knob provided at a distal end of the armrest and a locking module configured to be locked with the knob. In accordance with the operation of the knob by an occupant, the locking module can implement a locking mode for restraining the armrest to prevent rotation of the armrest, or an unlocking mode for releasing the restraint of the armrest to allow rotation of the armrest. The locking module is operated by a wire or a cable upon receiving an operating force applied to the knob by an occupant.

[0005] However, the related art has a problem in that the locking structure using the wire (or cable) is very complicated, and / or has a problem in that the locking structure operates incorrectly (i.e., malfunctions) due to an error in the length of the wire, expansion and contraction of the wire caused by a change in ambient temperature, a permanent change in the length of the wire caused by long-term use, or the like. Specifically, as an example of a malfunction of the locking structure, a phenomenon occurs in which the force by which the armrest is restrained is weakened due to the structural problem of the locking module, the properties of the wire, or the like, thus inadvertently releasing the armrest's restraint.Therefore, the wire and the locking module, which are connected to each other, are provided multiple times to compensate for a malfunction of the locking structure. Due to the above problems, the manufacturing and / or maintenance of the conventional armrest is costly.

[0006] Another problem is that an occupant must press the button to change the locking module's mode from unlock to lock, or continuously exert an operating force on the button to keep the locking module in unlock mode. This requires frequent button presses, causing great inconvenience during use.

[0007] In addition, in a case where the armrest is provided in a form that forms a center console between a driver's seat and a front passenger seat, the armrest may act as a member that restricts or impairs the action of an occupant sitting on the driver's seat or the front passenger seat.

[0008] Furthermore, one of the requirements for future vehicles, such as electric vehicles, is to achieve a wider variety of seat variations. In the field to which the disclosure relates, research and development are actively conducted to more efficiently implement forward / backward movement of a seat, left / right movement of a seat, swiveling of a seat, etc. for seat variation. However, in this situation, conventional armrests forming a center console can severely hinder seat variation. SUMMARY

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a button-lock armrest assembly for vehicles capable of accurately controlling the rotation of an armrest with a simplified structure.

[0010] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a button-lock armrest assembly for vehicles that can be used more conveniently.

[0011] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a button-lock armrest assembly for vehicles that allows not only a front seat occupant but also a rear seat occupant to use an armrest. In one example, an armrest is provided as a table for a rear seat.

[0012] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a button-lock armrest assembly for vehicles that is advantageous in terms of seating variation.

[0013] The objects to be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided an armrest assembly for vehicles, comprising an armrest bracket, an armrest mounted on the armrest bracket and configured to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a left-to-right direction, the armrest being configured to be positionally changed into a first position with a distal end facing forward, a second position with the distal end facing downward, or a third position with the distal end facing rearward, according to the rotation of the armrest, an actuating module provided on the armrest, the actuating module comprising a knob configured tothat it changes from a locking state to an unlocking state in response to an operation by an occupant of the vehicle and returns to the locking state using elastic force when the operation by the occupant is canceled, a locking shaft fixed to the first axis, and a main lock provided on the armrest so as to be movable in a first direction away from the locking shaft or a second direction approaching the locking shaft according to an operation of the knob, wherein the locking shaft comprises a locking portion having a locking recess and an unlocking portion extending from the locking portion to both sides,The locking portion and the unlocking portion are formed along the circumference of the locking shaft, and the main lock includes a locking tooth. When the armrest is in the first position, if the main lock is moved in the first direction, the locking tooth is inserted into the locking recess, and if the main lock is moved in the second direction, the locking tooth is separated from the locking recess. The unlocking portion includes an unlocking surface configured to be brought into contact with a tooth end of the locking tooth to hold the main lock in the state in which it is moved in the second direction.

[0015] The main lock may be configured to be rotatable about a 2A-th axis parallel to the first axis. When the main lock is rotated in a first rotational direction, the main lock may be moved in the first direction, and when the main lock is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the main lock may be moved in the second direction.

[0016] The main lock may include a front surface on which the locking tooth is disposed and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. The main lock may include two shoulders protruding from the rear surface thereof and a locking recess formed between two shoulders. Among two shoulders, a second shoulder may be spaced from a first shoulder in the direction in which the armrest is moved when rotated in the second rotational direction. The armrest assembly for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sub-lock provided on the armrest, the sub-lock configured to be rotatable about a 2B-th axis parallel to the 2A-th axis and rotated in cooperation with the knob.Here, the sub-lock may include a locking tooth configured to be brought into contact with a second shoulder inner wall in the locking recess when the sub-lock is rotated in the first rotational direction, thereby rotating the main lock in the second rotational direction, and to be brought into contact with a first shoulder inner wall in the locking recess when the sub-lock is rotated in the second rotational direction, thereby rotating the main lock in the first rotational direction.In addition, the locking tooth may include a tooth base arranged on the 2B-th axis and a tooth tip protruding from the tooth base, and when the sub-lock is rotated in the first rotational direction, the tooth base may be brought into contact with the first shoulder inner wall, and the tooth tip may be brought into contact with the second shoulder inner wall, so that the locking tooth transmits a rotational force of the sub-lock in the first rotational direction to the main lock in a manner that the rotational force is distributed in two opposite rotational directions by the first shoulder and the second shoulder.

[0017] The armrest may include a proximal end disposed on the first axis, the knob may be disposed near a distal end of the armrest, and the actuation module may include a linkage mechanism configured to transmit an actuation force applied to the knob to the sub-lock.

[0018] The operating module may further include a knob cover having a head opening located near the distal end of the armrest and an end opening located opposite the head opening. The knob may be provided in the knob cover so as to be rotatable about a knob axis extending in a left-right direction. Additionally, the knob may include a knob head located near the head opening and a knob end located opposite the knob head with respect to the knob axis and connected to the link mechanism through the end opening. The knob cover may be configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface of the knob end or a lower surface of the knob end in accordance with the rotation of the knob to limit the rotation of the knob.

[0019] The knob may include a buffer element provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the knob end that come into contact with the knob cover. The buffer element may be a buffer pad.

[0020] The linkage mechanism may include a linkage rod configured to be movable toward the distal end and the proximal end of the armrest, an input linkage disposed between the knob and the linkage rod, the input linkage configured to move the linkage rod toward the distal end or the proximal end of the armrest according to rotation of the knob, and an output linkage disposed between the linkage rod and the sub-lock, the output linkage configured to rotate the sub-lock according to movement of the linkage rod.

[0021] The link mechanism may be configured such that when the button is operated by an occupant, the input link moves the connecting rod toward the distal end of the armrest and the output link rotates the sub-lock in the second rotational direction, and the actuation module may further include an elastic member configured to exert an elastic force on the connecting rod toward the proximal end of the armrest.

[0022] Each of the input link and the output link may be a rotary link configured to be rotated about a link axis extending in the left-right direction. The actuation module may further include a link guide configured to guide the movement of the link rod. The link guide may include guide elements in contact with a left side and a right side of a straight portion of the link rod, respectively, and contact elements in contact with an upper side and a lower side of the straight portion, respectively. Each of the contact elements may be elastically deformable according to an upward / downward movement of the link rod caused by rotation of the input link and the output link in the process of moving the link rod toward the distal end and the proximal end of the armrest.

[0023] The armrest support may be arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger seat, each of which is a front seat. When the armrest is in the first position, the armrest may be provided for a front seat passenger, and when the armrest is in the third position, the armrest may be provided for a rear seat passenger.

[0024] The armrest mount may include a support configured to support the armrest in an upright position, allowing the armrest to rotate about the first axis. Additionally, when the armrest is in the second position, the armrest may be folded relative to the support.

[0025] The armrest support may further include a fixed member and a movable member coupled to the fixed member for movement in a horizontal direction. The support may be provided on the movable member.

[0026] The armrest support may further include a stop unit configured to fix the position of the movable member relative to the fixed member.

[0027] The locking portion and the unlocking portion can be connected to each other via a curved guide surface. The curved guide surface can guide the locking tooth, whose tooth end is in contact with the unlocking surface, to the locking recess.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an armrest assembly for vehicles may be provided, comprising an armrest bracket, an armrest mounted on the armrest bracket and configured to be rotatable about a main axis (first axis), the armrest being configured to be positionally changed according to its rotation, a knob provided on the armrest, a locking shaft fixed to the main axis, a lock provided on the armrest so as to be movable in a locking direction approaching the locking shaft and an unlocking direction away from the locking shaft, and a link mechanism including a plurality of links configured to lock the lock with the knob, the locking shaft including a locking recess and the lock including a locking tooth.When the armrest is in a locked position, if the lock is moved in the locking direction, the locking tooth is inserted into the locking recess, and if the lock is moved in the unlocking direction, the locking tooth is separated from the locking recess.

[0029] Solutions for solving the above problems can be concretely and clearly understood through the embodiments to be described below and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, various solutions other than the above solutions may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings incorporated into this specification illustrate exemplary embodiments and serve to further illustrate the technical concepts of the disclosure in conjunction with the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, and the disclosure should not be construed as limited to what is shown in such drawings. In the drawings, the following is shown: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an armrest assembly for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 are schematic views showing states in which the posture of an armrest is a first position, a second position, and a third position, respectively, in the armrest assembly for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the left; Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are perspective views showing a portion of the armrest in states where the posture of the armrest is the second position and the third position, respectively, in the armrest assembly for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a perspective view mainly showing a knob interlock locking device in the armrest assembly for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view showing a distal end portion of the Fig. 7 show the locking device shown; Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view showing a proximal end portion of the Fig. 7 show the locking device shown; Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B are partial cross-sectional views particularly illustrating the operation of the Fig. 8 to Fig. 11; Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the operation of the Fig. 8 to Fig. 11; Fig. 14 is a view based on Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B shows the state of a locking arrangement of the locking device when the position of the armrest is the first position in the armrest assembly for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B are views based on Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B shows the state of the locking arrangement of the locking device when the position of the armrest is the second position and the third position in the armrest assembly for vehicles according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of section G in Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description of known functions or configurations incorporated herein is omitted when it may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. In the drawings, parts that perform similar functions and operations are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0033] At least some of the terms used in this specification are terms defined in consideration of the functions obtained according to the present disclosure and may be changed according to the intention of users or operators or common practice. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be determined based on the overall content of this specification. Furthermore, throughout this specification, whenever a component is referred to as including another component, it is understood that it may further include other components, and other components are not excluded unless expressly stated otherwise.Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being connected (or coupled) to another part, the part and the other part may be directly connected (or coupled) to each other, or indirectly connected (or coupled) to each other with one or more intermediate parts disposed therebetween.

[0034] In the drawings, the sizes or shapes of components and the thickness of lines may be exaggerated to simplify explanation.

[0035] The present disclosure may provide an armrest assembly including an armrest disposed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle to improve the comfort of an occupant. Furthermore, the present disclosure may also provide a vehicle including such an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly according to the present disclosure is applicable to various members constituting the passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on an example in which the armrest assembly is employed in place of a center console between a driver's seat and a passenger seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0036] The configuration and operation of the armrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are described in the Fig. 1 to Fig. 16 shown.

[0037] As in Fig. 1, the armrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an armrest bracket 10, a shaft module 20, and an armrest 30.

[0038] The armrest assembly can be mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle through the armrest bracket 10. Although not shown in the drawings, the vehicle may include a front seat and a rear seat provided with a space therebetween in a front-backward direction (Y-axis direction) in the passenger compartment. The front seat may consist of a driver's seat and a passenger's seat arranged in a left-right direction (X-axis direction). For reference, the front-backward direction may be a direction commonly referred to as the forward direction of the vehicle and the rearward direction of the vehicle. The left-right direction may be referred to as a width direction. The front-backward direction may be referred to as a length direction.

[0039] The armrest bracket 10 can be provided so that it is located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the armrest bracket 10 may include a base 12 disposed in the space between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a support 14 extending vertically from the base 12 in an up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and a fixed bracket 16 fixed to an upper end portion of the support 14. The up-down direction may be referred to as a height direction.

[0040] The base 12 may be mounted on a floor defining the space between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. Although not shown in the drawings, the base 12 may include a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member is provided on the fixed member and is configured 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 may further include a stopper unit that retains the movable member relative to the fixed member, thereby securing the position of the movable member.

[0041] In one example, the movable member may be capable of sliding horizontally in the forward-backward direction, while the stop unit may include a pressing body that penetrates the movable member and moves in the up-down direction. The pressing body may have a bolt structure screwed to the movable member and thus may move up or down depending on the direction in which the bolt structure rotates. The lower end of the pressing body may be brought into close contact with (pressed against) the upper surface of the fixed member to lock the movable member in place, or may be upwardly separated (or released) from the upper surface of the fixed member to release the movable member, according to the up / down movement of the pressing body.

[0042] The support 14 may be coupled to the base 12 at its lower end portion. Specifically, the lower end portion of the support 14 may be coupled to the movable member of the base 12. For example, the support 14 may be provided in a plate structure in which its width is smaller than its length. Two supports 14 may be provided spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and facing each other.

[0043] 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 portion of each of two supports 14 by means of a mounting pin (not shown) or the like to be fixed in position. Two fixed brackets 16 can be arranged on the inner sides of two supports 14 so as to face each other—one on the left side and the other on the right side.

[0044] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the shaft module 20 may include two shaft members 22 configured to provide a first axis A1 extending horizontally in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and these shaft members 22 may be supported by the left and right fixed brackets 16, respectively. The shaft members 22 may be fixed shafts held in a stationary state and may each include a fixed portion 22f and a support portion 22s arranged in the left-right direction. Each of the shaft members 22 may function as a fixed shaft because the fixed portion 22f is fixedly mounted to the bracket 14 by means of a fixed plate 24 in a state where the support portion 22s is supported and fixed in position by the fixed bracket 16.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, the armrest 30 may be formed to have a predetermined length and may include a distal end portion 30a and a proximal end portion 30b formed at both ends thereof in an extending direction of the armrest 30. The proximal end portion 30b may be configured to be rotatable about the first axis A1. Such an armrest 30 may include an armrest frame 32 including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion corresponding to the distal end portion 30a and the proximal end portion 30b of the armrest 30, respectively. The armrest 30 may also include a hinge bracket 36 provided on the armrest frame 32. In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, the armrest 30 may further include a housing 34 configured to receive the fixed bracket 16, the armrest frame 32, and the hinge bracket 36 to protect them from the outside.

[0046] As in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, two hinge brackets 36 may be rotatably coupled to the support portions 22s of two shaft members 22, respectively. The proximal end portion 30b of the armrest 30 can rotate about the first axis A1 because these hinge brackets 36 are connected to the proximal end portion of the armrest frame 32. The hinge brackets 36 may protrude from the lower surface of the armrest frame 32. In one example, each of the hinge brackets 36 may be disposed between the support 14 and the fixed bracket 16, which are coupled to each other, and may be integrated with the armrest frame 32. A rotary member configured to suppress an increase in the rotational speed of the armrest 30 using frictional force may be disposed between the support portion 22s of the shaft member 22 and the hinge bracket 36 of the armrest 30. The rotating element can cause the armrest 30 to rotate at a constant speed.

[0047] Such an armrest 30 can be changed in position according to its rotation about the first axis A1. In detail, the position of the armrest 30 can be changed to a first position in which the distal end portion 30a of the armrest 30 points forward (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), a second position in which the distal end portion 30a of the armrest 30 points downwards (see Fig. 3), or a third position in which the distal end portion 30a of the armrest 30 points rearward (see Fig. 4). The armrest 30 can be unfolded with respect to the armrest bracket 10 when the posture of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position and the third position, and can be folded with respect to the armrest bracket 10 when the posture of the armrest 30 is changed to the second position. The armrest 30 can be maintained in a horizontal state when the posture of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position and the third position, and can be maintained in a downwardly inclined state (or almost vertical state) when the posture of the armrest 30 is changed to the second position.For reference, in order to accommodate the armrest 30 in a folded state with respect to the armrest bracket 10 when the posture of the armrest 30 is in the second position, the left and right supports 14 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to or greater than the width of the armrest 30 and may be formed to extend vertically in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The height of the upper end portions of the support 14 is configured to ensure a predetermined distance between the upper end portions and from the base 12.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, assuming that the angle of the armrest 30 when the position of the armrest 30 is 0 degrees, the second position may be a position in which the armrest 30 is rotated by a predetermined amount (e.g., 73 degrees) in a first rotation direction R1 from the first position (0°), and the third position may be a position in which the armrest 30 is rotated in a second rotation direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotation direction R1, from the first position to the opposite side (e.g., 180 degrees). Based on Fig. 2, which shows the armrest assembly viewed from the left of the armrest 30, the first rotation direction R1 may be a counterclockwise (CCW) rotation direction, and the second rotation direction R2 may be a clockwise (CW) direction. While a rotation amount in the second rotation direction R2 is referred to as a positive number, a rotation amount in the first rotation direction R1 based on the first position (0 degrees) may be referred to as a negative number.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the armrest 30 may be provided such that its upper surface faces upward between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, which are the front seats, when its position is the first position (0°). Accordingly, a passenger sitting in the front seat can freely use the armrest 30 in a manner such as comfortably leaning on the armrest 30 or placing his / her arm thereon.

[0050] 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 support 10 and move out of the space between a passenger in the driver's seat and a passenger in the front passenger seat. This movement creates additional space between the passenger in the driver's seat and the passenger in the front passenger seat. The front seat occupants can move more freely or adopt a more comfortable position due to the secured additional space.

[0051] 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 180 degrees. In this position, its lower surface may face upward, and its distal end portion 30a may protrude from the space between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat toward the rear seat and become available 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.

[0052] In addition, at least one of the seats (the front seat, the rear seat, etc.) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle can implement forward / backward movement, left / right movement, and / or pivoting for a seat variation, and the position of the armrest 30 can be selectively changed to an appropriate position from the first position (0°), the second position (-73°), and the third position (180°) according to a seat variation.

[0053] When the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the second position (for example -73°), the armrest 30 can be stopped by a front stop 18a (see Fig. 5) in the second position, and when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the third position (180°), the armrest 30 can be locked by a rear stop 18b (see Fig. 6) are held in the third position. The front stopper 18a can prevent the armrest 30 from being rotated by an angle exceeding the angle of the second position in the first rotation direction R1, and the rear stopper 18b can prevent the armrest 30 from being rotated by an angle exceeding the angle of the third position in the second rotation direction R2. The armrest bracket 10 can be provided with the above-described front stopper 18a and the rear stopper 18b. The front stopper 18a can be provided at a front portion of each of two fixed brackets 16, and the rear stopper 18b can be provided at a rear portion of each of two fixed brackets 16.

[0054] The front stops 18a may be provided to contact the armrest frame 32 when the armrest 30 rotates in the first rotational direction and its position is changed to the second position (-73°), thereby restricting further rotation of the armrest 30 in the first rotational direction R1. The rear stops 18b may be provided to contact the armrest frame 32 when the armrest 30 rotates in the second rotational direction and its position is changed to the third position (180°), thereby restricting further rotation of the armrest 30 in the second rotational direction R2. The armrest frame 32 may be configured to have a contact portion 38a (see Fig. 5) which is designed to be in contact with the front stops 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 stops 18b when the position of the armrest 30 is the third position.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, the armrest assembly may further include a locking device (see an actuation module 2 and a locking assembly 4) to control the rotation of the armrest 30 when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position (0°). When the position of the armrest 30 is the first position, the locking device may restrain the armrest 30 to prevent rotation of the armrest 30 (i.e., locking), or may release the restraint of the armrest 30 to allow rotation of the armrest 30 (i.e., unlocking). When the armrest 30 is in the first position, the armrest 30 may be restrained by the locking device and held in the first position.

[0056] The locking device may include an actuating module 2 for locking and unlocking operations and a locking assembly 4 configured to perform restraint and release on the armrest 30 in accordance with the operation of the actuating module 2.

[0057] The actuation module 2 is provided on the armrest 30. With reference to the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, the actuation module 2 may include a knob 61 configured to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the occupant's actuation and to automatically return to the locked state using elastic force when the occupant's actuation is released. The actuation module 2 may also include a link mechanism (referring to an input link 62, a connecting rod 63, and an output link 64) configured to transmit an actuation force applied to the knob 61 to the locking assembly 4. The actuation module 2 may be configured so that the knob 61, which is actuated by the occupant, is exposed to the outside.

[0058] The button 61 may be arranged at the distal end of the armrest 30 so that the occupant can conveniently operate the button. The operation module 2 may further include a button cover 71 coupled to a lower surface of the distal end portion of the armrest frame 32. The button 61 may be protected by the button cover 71. As shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the knob cover 71 may be formed with an internal receiving space and includes a head opening 71a and an end opening 71b, both of which communicate with the receiving space. The head opening 71a may be formed to face the distal end of the armrest frame 32 in a forward direction, and the end opening 71b may be formed to face the proximal end of the armrest frame 32 in a rearward direction. The head opening 71a and the end opening 71b may be arranged opposite each other.

[0059] With reference to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the knob 61 may be received in the receiving space in the knob cover 71. The knob 61 may be mounted in the receiving space in the knob cover 71 so as to be rotatable about a knob pin 61h. The knob pin 61h may extend horizontally in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) to provide a knob axis parallel to the first axis A1.

[0060] The knob 61 may include a knob head 611 located near the head opening 71a and a knob end 612 located near the end opening 71b. The knob pin 61h may extend through a space located between the knob head 611 and the knob end 612. The knob head 611 may be operated by the occupant, and the knob end 612 may be connected to the linkage mechanism (referring to an input link 62, a connecting rod 63, and an output link 64) through the end opening 71b.

[0061] As in the Fig. 12B and Fig. As shown in Figure 13B, when the occupant operates the button head 611 in such a way that it is raised, the button 61 can be rotated in the second rotational direction R2 about the button pin 61h, causing the button end 612 to move downward and enter the unlocked state. At least one spring can be provided for the return of the button, as shown in Figures Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The spring for returning the knob 61 may be a torsion spring 61s. The torsion spring 61s may exert an elastic force on the knob 61 to rotate the knob 61 in the first rotation direction R1. As shown in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 13A, when the operation of the knob 61 by the occupant is released, the knob 61 can be rotated back in the first rotation direction R1 around the knob pin 61h by the torsion spring 61s, thereby entering the locking state.

[0062] The knob cover 71 may be configured to limit the rotation angle range of the knob 61. The knob cover 71 may improve the operational reliability of the knob 61 by limiting the rotation angle of the knob 61. The knob cover 71 may be formed to have a lower portion that comes into contact with the lower surface of the knob end 612 when the knob 61 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2 by an operating force applied thereto by the occupant (when the knob enters the locking state) (see Fig. 12B). The knob cover 71 may be formed to have an upper portion that comes into contact with the upper surface of the knob end 612 when the knob 61 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1 by the elastic force of the torsion spring 61s (when the knob enters the locking state) (see Fig. 12A).

[0063] The knob 61 may include a buffer pad 613 with damping properties. The buffer pad 613 may be provided on both the upper surface of the knob end 612, which comes into contact with the upper portion of the knob cover 71, and the lower surface of the knob end 612, which comes into contact with the lower portion of the knob cover 71 during the rotation of the knob 61. This buffer pad 613 can prevent noise or damage to the knob 61 due to contact of the knob end 612 with the lower portion or the upper portion of the knob cover 71.

[0064] As in Fig. 7, Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the locking assembly 4 may be mounted on the proximal end portion 30b of the armrest 30. The locking assembly 4 may include a locking shaft 40 and locks (referring to a main lock 50 and a sub-lock 55).

[0065] With reference to the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 11 and Fig. 14, the locking shaft 40 may be provided horizontally on the first axis A1 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The locking shaft 40 may be spaced from the lower surface of the armrest frame 32. The locking shaft 40 may be a fixed shaft held in a stationary state and may be arranged between two fixed brackets 16 on both sides (left and right) of the armrest bracket 10. Left and right end portions 41 of the locking shaft 40 may be fixed to two fixed brackets 16, respectively, thereby allowing the locking shaft 40 to function as a fixed shaft. The locking shaft 40 may include at least one locking recess 42 formed on its peripheral surface. The locking recess 42 may be positioned between the left and right end portions 41.The locking recess 42 may be formed such that the entrance of the recess faces upward toward the lower surface of the armrest frame 32.

[0066] The locks include a main lock 50 and a sub-lock 55. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, these locks can be arranged between the armrest frame 32 and the locking shaft 40. The locks can be mounted to the armrest frame 32 by means of a locking bracket 75. In detail, the locking bracket 75 can be coupled to the armrest frame 32, and the locks can be coupled to the locking bracket 75. Accordingly, when the armrest 30 is rotated about the first axis A1, the locks can be rotated together with the armrest 30 and can thus be moved about the locking shaft 40 about the first axis A1.

[0067] With reference to the Fig. 10 to Fig. 15, the main lock 50 can be moved by rotation in accordance with the operation of the knob 61 in a first direction away from the lock shaft 40 or in a second direction approaching the lock shaft 40. The main lock 50 can be coupled to the lock bracket 75 and can be rotatable about a 2A-th axis A21 parallel to the first axis A1. Thus, the main lock 50 can be moved by rotation in the first direction (i.e., counterclockwise) or in the second direction (i.e., clockwise) about the 2A-th axis A21.

[0068] The main lock 50 may include a front surface, a rear surface, a fixed end 51, and a free end. The front surface of the main lock 50 faces the locking recess 42 in the locking shaft 40 when moved in the second direction in a state where the posture of the armrest 30 is the first position (0°). The rear surface is formed opposite to the front surface. The fixed end 51 is located relatively close to the distal end portion 30a of the armrest 30. The free end is located opposite to the fixed end 51 and is located relatively close to the proximal end portion 30b of the armrest 30. A main lock pin 50h defining the 2D axis can horizontally penetrate the fixed end 51 of the main lock 50 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). According to this configuration, when rotated in the first rotation direction R1, the main lock 50 can be moved in the first direction (ieWhen the knob 61 is moved in the first direction (i.e., raised away from the locking shaft 40), and when rotated in the second rotational direction R2, the main lock 50 can be moved in the second direction (i.e., lowered toward the locking shaft 40). Furthermore, when the knob 61 is changed from the locking state to the unlocking state by the occupant, the main lock 50 can be moved in the first direction (unlocking direction) (see ). Fig. 12B and Fig. 13B). Conversely, when the knob 61 is returned to the locking state by the torsion spring 61s, the main lock 50 can be moved in the second direction (locking direction) (see Fig. 12A and Fig. 13A).

[0069] The main lock 50 may include a locking tooth 52. The locking tooth 52 may be arranged on the front surface of the main lock 50. When the position of the armrest 30 is in the first position (0°), if the main lock 50 is moved in the second direction (i.e., locking direction), the locking tooth 52 may be inserted into the locking recess 42, and if the main lock 50 is moved in the first direction (i.e., unlocking direction), the locking tooth 52 may be separated from the locking recess 42 (see Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B, Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B). Since the locking shaft 40 is a fixed shaft and the main lock 50 is provided by the locking bracket 75 on the armrest 30, when the locking tooth 52 is inserted into the locking recess 42, the armrest 30 can be prevented from rotating in either the first rotation direction R1 or the second rotation direction R2. Accordingly, the position of the armrest 30 can be maintained in the first position.

[0070] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the locking shaft 40 may be formed such that a central portion thereof between the left and right end portions 41 has a generally cylindrical shape. The locking shaft 40 may include a locking portion having the locking recess 42 at a portion of the surface of the cylindrical shape, and an unlocking portion having an unlocking surface 43 extending from the locking portion to both sides. The locking portion and the unlocking portion may be formed along the circumference of the central portion of the locking shaft 40.In the entire portion along the circumference of the central portion of the locking shaft 40, a portion facing upward (locking portion) may include a recess defining the locking recess 42, and the remaining portion (unlocking portion) may include the unlocking surface 43 having a generally arcuate shape (ie, a partially cylindrical shape) centered on the first axis A1. Referring to FIG. Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, when the locking tooth 52 is separated from the locking recess 42 and the armrest 30 is rotated in the first position (0°) to change the position, the main lock 50 can be rotated together with the armrest 30, and the unlocking surface 43 can be brought into contact with the tooth end of the locking tooth 52. In this situation, the main lock 50 can be maintained in the state of being moved in the first direction. Accordingly, the knob 61 can remain in the unlocked state without separate operation by the occupant. Moreover, when the position of the armrest 30 is changed to the first position, the knob 61 can enter the locking state due to the torsion spring 61s, and thus the locking tooth 52 can be inserted into the locking recess 42. Therefore, the operation of the knob 61 required to change the position of the armrest 30 can be minimized.

[0071] As in Fig. 15A and Fig. As shown in Figure 15B, the locking portion and the unlocking portion of the locking shaft 40 may be connected to each other via a curved guide surface 44. The curved guide surface 44 may smoothly guide the locking tooth 52, whose tooth end is in contact with the unlocking surface 43, into the locking recess 42.

[0072] With reference to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 14, the main lock 50 may include a first shoulder 53a and a second shoulder 53b protruding from the rear surface opposite the front surface. The main lock 50 may also include a locking recess 54 formed between the first shoulder 53a and the second shoulder 53b. The second shoulder 53b may be spaced from the first shoulder 53a in the direction in which the armrest 30 is moved when rotated in the second rotational direction R2.

[0073] The sub-lock 55 may be disposed between the armrest frame 32 and the main lock 50. The sub-lock 55 may be coupled to the lock bracket 75 so as to be rotatable about a 2B-th axis A22 parallel to the first axis A1. The sub-lock 55 may be rotated in cooperation with the knob 61.

[0074] The sub-lock 55 may include a locking tooth 56. When the sub-lock 55 is rotated in the first rotational direction R1, the locking tooth 56 may be brought into contact with a second shoulder inner wall 54b in the locking recess 54, thereby rotating the main lock 50 in the second rotational direction R2. Conversely, when the sub-lock 55 is rotated in the second rotational direction R2, the locking tooth 56 may be brought into contact with a first shoulder inner wall 54a in the locking recess 54, thereby rotating the main lock 50 in the first rotational direction R1. The locking tooth 56 may have a tooth base 561 (see Fig. 14), which is arranged on the 2B-th axis A22, and a tooth head 562 (see Fig. 14), which protrudes from the tooth base 561.

[0075] A sub-lock pin 55h defining the 2B-th axis can horizontally penetrate the tooth base 561 of the sub-lock 55 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). When the sub-lock 55 is rotated in the first rotational direction R1, the tooth base 561 can be brought into contact with the first shoulder inner wall 54a, and the tooth tip 562 can be brought into contact with the second shoulder inner wall 54b, whereby the locking tooth 56 can transmit the rotational force of the sub-lock 55 in the first rotational direction R1 to the main lock 50 in a manner that distributes the rotational force in two opposite rotational directions through the first shoulder 53a and the second shoulder 53b. According to this configuration, when the locking tooth 52 is inserted into the locking recess 42, it may be possible to prevent the main lock 50 from being rotated in the first rotation direction R1 or the second rotation direction R2.Accordingly, the position, i.e. posture, of the armrest 30 can be held stable in the first position (0°) with a larger restricting force.

[0076] With reference to the Fig. 9, Fig. 11, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, the link mechanism may include a plurality of links configured to lock the latches 50 and 55 with the knob 61. In detail, the link mechanism may include an input link (first link) 62, a connecting rod 63, and an output link (second link) 64 sequentially connected to each other. The input link 62 may connect the knob 61 to the connecting rod 63, the connecting rod 63 may connect the input link 62 to the output link 64, and the output link 64 may connect the connecting rod 63 to the sub-latch 55. The sub-latch 55 may include a link arm 57 extending from the tooth base 561 toward the distal end of the armrest 30.

[0077] The knob end 612 of the knob 61 and a first end portion 62a of the input link 62 may be connected to each other via a first connecting pin P1, a second end portion 62b of the input link 62 and a first end portion 63a of the connecting rod 63 may be connected to each other via a second connecting pin P2, a second end portion 63b of the connecting rod 63 and a first end portion 64a of the output link 64 may be connected to each other via a third connecting pin P3, and a second end portion 64b of the output link 64 and the connecting arm 57 of the sub-lock 55 may be connected to each other via a fourth connecting pin P4.

[0078] The connecting rod 63 can be movable toward the distal end or the proximal end of the armrest 30 (movable in the extension direction of the armrest). The input link 62 can move the connecting rod 63 toward the distal end or the proximal end of the armrest 30 according to rotation of the knob 61. Then, the output link 64 can rotate the sub-lock 55 according to movement of the connecting rod 63. The input link 62 can be rotated about a first axis pin 62h arranged horizontally in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and the output link 64 can be rotated about a second axis pin 64h arranged horizontally in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).When the button 61 is operated by the occupant, the input link 62 can be rotated in the first rotational direction R1 about the first axis pin 62h, thereby moving the connecting rod 63 toward the distal end of the armrest 30. Then, the output link 64 can be rotated in the first rotational direction R1 about the second axis pin 64h, thereby rotating the sub-lock 55 in the second rotational direction R2.

[0079] With reference to the Fig. 7, Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B, Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, the actuation module 2 may further include a first elastic element 74a configured to exert an elastic force on the connecting rod 63 toward the proximal end of the armrest 30 such that when the actuation force exerted by the occupant on the button 61 is released, the connecting rod 63 returns toward the proximal end of the armrest 30. In addition, the actuation module 2 may, with reference to Fig. 7, Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B may further include a second elastic member 74b configured to allow the output link 64 to return to the original position (by rotating the output link 64 in the second rotational direction R2 about the second axis pin 64h), utilizing the elastic force thereof when the operating force applied by the occupant to the knob 61 is released.

[0080] The actuation module 2 may further include a connecting guide 73 configured to guide the movement of the connecting rod 63. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 16, the link guide 73 may include guide elements 73a in contact with a left side and a right side of a straight portion of the link rod 63, respectively, and contact elements 73b in contact with an upper side and a lower side of the straight portion of the link rod 63, respectively. Each of the contact elements 73b may be configured to be elastically deformable according to an upward / downward movement of the link rod 63 caused by rotation of the input link 62 and the output link 64 in the process of moving the link rod 63 toward the distal end and the proximal end of the armrest 30. In one example, the contact elements 73b may be leaf springs mounted in a cantilevered manner on the main body of the link guide 73.The connecting guide 73 may serve to ensure accurate movement of the connecting rod 63 while handling upward / downward movement of the connecting rod 63 and to prevent deformation of the connecting rod 63.

[0081] As apparent from the above description, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the position of an armrest is a first position (locking position), a main lock locked with a knob can be moved in a second direction (locking direction), and a locking tooth of the main lock can be inserted into a locking recess in a locking shaft (restriction of the armrest). When the main lock is moved in a first direction (unlocking direction) so that the locking tooth is separated from the locking recess, and when the armrest is rotated in the first position, a tooth end of the locking tooth can be brought into contact with an unlocking surface of the locking shaft, and thus the main lock can be maintained in the state of being moved in the first direction.Therefore, an unlocking state can be maintained without separate operation of the button by an occupant, and accordingly, the operation of the button required to change the position of the armrest can be minimized.

[0082] In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since a sub-lock that operates the main lock in cooperation with the knob transmits an operating force applied to the knob to the main lock in a manner that the operating force is distributed in two opposite rotational directions, it may be possible to maintain the state in which the locking tooth is inserted into the locking recess more stable and secure.

[0083] In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the armrest is arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat which are front seats, and its position can be changed to a position (third position) protruding toward a rear seat according to its rotation, a passenger on the rear seat can use the armrest as a table or the like.

[0084] In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the position of the armrest can be changed to a position (second position) folded relative to an armrest bracket according to the rotation of the armrest, the comfort of a passenger can be further improved. Furthermore, due to the folded position (second position), seating variation can be more easily performed without interfering with the armrest.

[0085] The effects obtainable by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this description and the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Although the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and those skilled in the art can modify the present disclosure in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure. It is also noted that any feature of one embodiment of the present disclosure described in the specification may be applied to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Likewise, the present invention includes any embodiment that combines features of one embodiment and features of another embodiment. Moreover, the technical features described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented independently, or two or more technical features may be combined. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2023-0127114

[0001]

Claims

[1] An armrest assembly for a vehicle, the armrest assembly comprising: an armrest holder; an armrest mounted on the armrest bracket and configured to be rotatable about a first axis in a left-right direction, the armrest being configured to be positionally changed in dependence upon rotation of the armrest into a first position with a distal end facing forward, a second position with the distal end facing downward, and a third position with the distal end facing rearward; an operation module provided on the armrest, the operation module comprising a button configured to change from a locking state to an unlocking state in response to an operation by an occupant of the vehicle and to return to the locking state using elastic force when the operation by the occupant is canceled; a locking shaft attached to the first axle; and a main lock provided on the armrest so as to be movable in a first direction away from the locking shaft or a second direction approaching the locking shaft in accordance with an operation of the button, wherein the locking shaft comprises a locking portion having a locking recess and an unlocking portion extending from the locking portion to both sides, wherein the locking portion and the unlocking portion are formed along a circumference of the locking shaft, wherein the main lock comprises a locking tooth, wherein, when the armrest is in the first position, if the main lock is moved in the second direction, the locking tooth is inserted into the locking recess, and if the main lock is moved in the first direction, the locking tooth is separated from the locking recess, and wherein the unlocking portion includes an unlocking surface configured to be brought into contact with a tooth end of the locking tooth to hold the main lock in a state of being moved in the first direction. [2] The armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the main lock is configured to be rotatable about a 2A-th locking axis parallel to the first axis, and wherein when the main lock is rotated in a first rotational direction, the main lock is moved in the first direction, and when the main lock is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the main lock is moved in the second direction. [3] The armrest assembly of claim 2, wherein the main lock comprises a front surface on which the locking tooth is disposed, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, a first shoulder and a second shoulder each projecting from the rear surface, and a locking recess formed between the first shoulder and the second shoulder, wherein the second shoulder is spaced from the first shoulder in a direction in which the armrest is moved when rotated in the second direction of rotation, wherein the armrest assembly further comprises a sub-lock provided on the armrest, the sub-lock being configured to be rotatable about a 2B-th locking axis parallel to the 2A-th locking axis and to be rotated in cooperation with the knob, wherein the sub-lock comprises a locking tooth configured to be brought into contact with a second shoulder inner wall in the locking recess when the sub-lock is rotated in the first rotational direction, thereby rotating the main lock in the second rotational direction, and to be brought into contact with a first shoulder inner wall in the locking recess when the sub-lock is rotated in the second rotational direction, thereby rotating the main lock in the first rotational direction, wherein the locking tooth comprises a tooth base arranged on the 2B-th locking axis and a tooth head protruding from the tooth base, and wherein, when the sub-lock is rotated in the first rotational direction, the tooth base is brought into contact with the first shoulder inner wall, and the tooth head is brought into contact with the second shoulder inner wall, so that the locking tooth transmits a rotational force of the sub-lock in the first rotational direction to the main lock in a manner that the rotational force is distributed in two opposite rotational directions by the first shoulder and the second shoulder. [4] The armrest assembly of claim 3, wherein the armrest includes a proximal end disposed on the first axis, wherein the button is located near a distal end of the armrest, and wherein the actuation module comprises a linkage mechanism configured to transmit an actuation force applied to the button to the sub-lock. [5] The armrest assembly of claim 4, wherein the actuation module further comprises a button cover having a head opening disposed proximate the distal end of the armrest and an end opening disposed opposite the head opening, wherein the knob is provided in the knob cover so as to be rotatable about a knob axis extending in a left-right direction, and comprises a knob head disposed near the head opening, and a knob end disposed opposite the knob head with respect to the knob axis and connected to the connecting mechanism through the end opening, and wherein the knob cover is configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface of the knob end or a lower surface of the knob end in accordance with the rotation of the knob to limit the rotation of the knob. [6] The armrest assembly according to claim 5, wherein the knob includes a buffer member provided on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the knob end that come into contact with the knob cover. [7] The armrest assembly of claim 4, wherein the knob is configured to be rotatable about a knob axis extending in a left-right direction, and wherein the linkage mechanism comprises: a connecting rod configured to be movable toward the distal end and the proximal end of the armrest; an input link disposed between the knob and the connecting rod, the input link being configured to move the connecting rod toward the distal end or the proximal end of the armrest according to rotation of the knob; and an output link disposed between the connecting rod and the sub-lock, the output link configured to rotate the sub-lock according to movement of the connecting rod. [8] The armrest assembly of claim 7, wherein the linkage mechanism is configured such that when the button is actuated by an occupant, the input linkage moves the link rod toward the distal end of the armrest and the output linkage rotates the sub-lock in the second rotational direction, and wherein the actuation module further comprises an elastic member configured to exert an elastic force on the link rod toward the proximal end of the armrest. [9] The armrest assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the input link and the output link is a rotary link configured to be rotated about a link axis extending in a left-right direction, wherein the actuation module further comprises a connecting guide configured to guide the movement of the connecting rod, wherein the connecting guide comprises guide elements in contact with a left side and a right side of a straight section of the connecting rod, respectively, and contact elements in contact with an upper side and a lower side of the straight section, respectively, and wherein each of the contact elements is elastically deformable according to an upward / downward movement of the connecting rod caused by rotation of the input link and the output link in a process in which the connecting rod is moved toward the distal end and the proximal end of the armrest. [10] The armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the armrest support is disposed between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat, each being a front seat, and wherein, when the armrest is in the first position, the armrest is provided for a passenger in the front seat, and when the armrest is in the third position, the armrest is provided for a passenger in a rear seat. [11] The armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the armrest support comprises a support configured to support the armrest in an upright position such that the armrest is rotatable about the first axis, and wherein, when the armrest is in the second position, the armrest is folded with respect to the support. [12] The armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the armrest support comprises: a fixed element; a movable member coupled to the fixed member to be movable in a horizontal direction; and a support provided on the movable member, the support configured to support the armrest such that the armrest is rotatable about the first axis. [13] The armrest assembly of claim 12, wherein the armrest mount further comprises a stop unit configured to fix a position of the movable member with respect to the fixed member. [14] The armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion and the unlocking portion are connected to each other via a curved guide surface. [15] Armrest assembly comprising: an armrest holder; an armrest mounted on the armrest bracket and configured to be rotatable about a main axis, the armrest being configured to be positionally changed according to its rotation; a button provided on the armrest; a locking shaft fixed to the main axis; and a lock provided on the armrest so as to be movable in a locking direction approaching the locking shaft and an unlocking direction away from the locking shaft in accordance with an operation of the button, wherein the locking shaft comprises a locking portion having a locking recess and an unlocking portion extending from the locking portion to both sides, wherein the locking portion and the unlocking portion are formed along a circumference of the locking shaft, wherein the lock comprises a locking tooth, wherein, when the armrest is in a locking position, if the lock is moved in the locking direction, the locking tooth is inserted into the locking recess, and if the lock is moved in the unlocking direction, the locking tooth is separated from the locking recess, and wherein the unlocking portion includes an unlocking surface configured to be brought into contact with a tooth end of the locking tooth to hold the lock in a state of being moved in the unlocking direction. [16] The armrest assembly of claim 15, further comprising a linkage mechanism including a plurality of links configured to lock the latch to the knob.

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