Armrest locking device

Abstract

Armrest locking device (100) arranged in an armrest (210) which is rotatable in a reverse direction from an unfolded state in which the armrest (210) is unfolded from an armrest housing (300) of a rear seat backrest to a folded-in state in which the armrest (210) is stowed in the armrest housing (300) of the rear seat backrest, the device comprising: a) a locking element (130) attached to one of the armrest housing (300) or the armrest (210); b) a locking carrier (110) rotatably coupled to the other of the armrest housing (300) or the armrest (210), wherein a recess (111) is formed on a circumferential section thereof, into which the locking element (130) is inserted when the armrest (210) is stowed, and which rotates in a forward direction opposite to the reverse direction of rotation in order to be attached to the locking element (130) when the locking element (130) is inserted; and c) a retaining support (120) wherein one end of it is locked to the locking support (110) when the locking support (110) is rotated, maintaining the rotational state of the locking support (110); d) wherein the retaining support (120) is rotatably mounted on the armrest housing (300) or on the armrest (210) where the locking support (110) is located; e) wherein a first projection (112) is formed radially on the circumferential section of the locking carrier (110), and a second projection (122), which comes into contact with the first projection in (112), is formed on the circumferential section of the retaining carrier (120); and f) further comprising a first elastic section (140a) that applies a reverse torque to the locking carrier (110) when the locking carrier (110) is rotated in the forward direction, and a second elastic section (140b) that applies a forward torque to the retaining carrier (120) when the retaining carrier (120) is rotated in the reverse direction; and g) wherein, when the locking element (130) is not inserted, a rear side of the second projection (122) is in contact with a front side of the first projection (112), thereby preventing rotation in the forward direction of rotation of the locking carrier (110), and when the locking element (130) is inserted, a forward side of the second projection (122) is in contact with a rear side of the first projection (112), thereby preventing rotation in the backward direction of rotation of the locking carrier (110) by the first elastic section (140a).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest locking device and in particular an armrest locking device which prevents an armrest from being pulled out, so that the armrest can be stowed in an armrest housing in a rear seat backrest. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In general, rear seats are equipped with armrests to prevent fatigue of passengers in the rear seats by supporting the passengers' arms and dampening tension, and armrest housings to accommodate the armrests are formed in the seat back so that the armrest can be selectively pulled out or retracted only when necessary.

[0003] Since, in the related case, armrests are simply inserted into armrest housings, the armrest is unexpectedly pulled out if a vehicle suddenly stops or collides with an object, so that there is a problem in that a part of a passenger or the passenger's belongings may become trapped between a seat cushion and an armrest and consequently be damaged.

[0004] Accordingly, as disclosed in KR20-0471361 Y1 entitled "Seat Armrest for Vehicles," a fastening device has been proposed to prevent free rotation of an armrest by means of engaging or locking gears. However, a problem remains in that the fastening between the gears can become loose, and the armrest can be unexpectedly pulled out in a vehicle collision. Another armrest locking device is known from DE 199 83 557 T5. TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an armrest locking device that can secure an armrest more firmly and release it more easily in order to prevent the armrest from being unexpectedly pulled out as a result of an external impact. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0006] This problem is solved with an armrest locking device according to claim 1, and further advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The armrest locking device according to the invention, which is arranged in an armrest that is stowed in an armrest housing of a rear seat backrest, comprises: a locking element that is arranged either on the armrest housing or the armrest; a locking carrier that is rotatably coupled either to the armrest or the armrest housing, on the circumferential section of which a recess is formed into which the locking element is inserted when the armrest is stowed, and which rotates in a forward direction to be attached to the locking element when the locking element is inserted; and a retaining carrier, one end of which is locked to the locking carrier when the locking carrier is rotated, thereby maintaining the rotational state of the locking carrier.

[0008] The locking carrier can be provided in pairs and can be positioned accordingly on both sides of the armrest.

[0009] The retaining bracket is rotatably connected to the armrest housing or the armrest where the locking bracket is located.

[0010] A first projection is formed radially on the circumferential section of the locking carrier, and a second projection, which comes into contact with the first projection, is formed on the circumferential section of the retaining carrier.

[0011] The armrest locking device comprises a first elastic section that applies a backward torque to the locking carrier when the locking carrier is rotated forward, and a second elastic section that applies a forward torque to the support carrier when the support carrier is rotated backward.

[0012] If the locking element is not inserted, then a rear side of the second projection is in contact with a front side of the first projection, thus preventing forward rotation of the locking carrier, and if the locking element is inserted, then a front side of the second projection is in contact with a rear side of the first projection, thus preventing backward rotation of the locking carrier by the first elastic section.

[0013] If the front of the second projection is in contact with the rear side of the first projection, then a virtual line perpendicular to a contact surface can pass through a center of rotation of the support bracket.

[0014] Wires can be connected to the circumferential section of the support bracket to rotate the support bracket backwards when pulled.

[0015] The locking element can be in the form of a rod or beam and can be inserted or fitted into a recess that is perpendicular to an axial direction. BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

[0016] In accordance with the armrest locking device with the above-described design, unlocking is only possible by actuating the wires, so that unlocking can be carried out more easily.

[0017] Since the locking carrier is rotated and locked after the locking element has been inserted into the recess, the locking element can also be coupled more securely without being separated from the recess in the event of a sudden stop or collision. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a view showing the configuration of an armrest locking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C Views showing a process for locking the armrest locking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 a view showing a state when an armrest locking device has been installed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An armrest locking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 is a view showing the configuration of an armrest locking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2A to Fig. Figures 2C are views showing a process for locking the armrest locking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 3 is a view showing a state when an armrest locking device has been installed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] As in Fig. Figure 1 shows an armrest locking device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which is an armrest locking device arranged in an armrest 210 which is stowed in an armrest housing 300 in a rear seat backrest: a locking element 130 which is arranged on either of the armrest housing 300 and the armrest 210; and a locking carrier 110 which is rotatably coupled to the other of the armrest housing 300 and the armrest 210, wherein a recess 111 is formed on the circumferential section of which the locking element 130 is inserted when the armrest 210 is stowed, and which rotates in a forward direction to be attached to the locking element 130 when the locking element 130 is inserted or removed.is inserted; and a retaining carrier 120, wherein one end of it is locked to the locking carrier 110 when the locking carrier 110 is rotated, maintaining the rotational state of the locking carrier 110.

[0022] Further details are available. Fig. 3(a) a view when the armrest 210 is stowed in the armrest housing 300, and Fig. Figure 3(b) shows a view when the armrest 210 is extended. The locking element 130, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the armrest locking device 100 is arranged in the armrest housing 300, and the armrest locking device 100 of the present invention can be arranged in the armrest 210, with the exception of the locking element 130. However, the installation positions can be configured in various ways, depending on the designer's intentions or the layout of a lever 170 for actuating the armrest locking device 100 and wires 150, which will be described below. In this embodiment, it is described by way of example that the entire armrest locking device 100 of the present invention is arranged in the armrest 210.

[0023] Furthermore, the locking element can have 130 different shapes, such as a hook and a ring, but preferably it can be in the form of a rod, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, it can be locked to the locking carrier 110 by being inserted into the recess 111, perpendicular to the axial direction. Both ends of the locking element 130, as shown in Figure 1, can be locked to the locking carrier 110 by being inserted into the recess 111, perpendicular to the axial direction. Fig. 3 shown, can be held on both sides of the armrest housing 300 or can be locked to or held or supported by specific coupling elements 230 on both sides of the armrest housing 300.

[0024] Furthermore, the armrest locking device 100 of the present invention, with the exception of the locking element 130, can be provided in pairs and arranged at positions corresponding to both sides of the armrest 210. This serves to securely fix the armrest 210 by coupling it more firmly.

[0025] Furthermore, the locking carrier 110, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows the locking element 110 in the form of a plate, on whose circumferential section the recess 111 is open on an outer circumferential section, and it can be arranged such that the radial direction is perpendicular to the locking element 130. Of course, the locking element 110 is not limited to the form of a plate.

[0026] The locking carrier 110 is pivotally attached to the arm support 210 at the center by means of a drive shaft 113 in order to rotate freely, so that when the locking element 130 is inserted into the recess 111 and the locking carrier 110 is rotated, the locking element 130 inserted into the recess 111 is moved and is locked with a forward rotation of the locking carrier 110.

[0027] Furthermore, a central section of the support bracket 120, which has the form of a plate, can be rotatably coupled to the armrest 210 by the drive shaft 123, and the circumferential section of the support bracket 120 can be positioned close to the circumferential section of the locking bracket 110 so that they are aligned with each other. Of course, the support bracket 120 is not limited to the form of a plate.

[0028] A first projection 112 can be formed radially on the circumferential section of the locking carrier 110 and a second projection 122, which comes into contact with the first projection 112, can be formed on the circumferential section of the retaining carrier 120 such that the projections are directed towards each other.

[0029] Furthermore, a first elastic section 140a, which applies a reverse torque to the locking carrier 110 when the locking carrier 110 is rotated forward, and a second elastic section 140b, which applies a forward torque to the retaining carrier 120 when the retaining carrier 120 is rotated backward, can be provided. The first elastic section 140a and the second elastic section 140b can be elastic springs or torsion springs, each wound around the drive shafts 113 and 123 of the locking carrier 110 and the retaining carrier 120, respectively, such that their ends apply a torque to the locking carrier 110 and the retaining carrier 120, respectively. The first elastic section 140a and the second elastic section 140b can be configured as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the two sections are connected to form an elastic section where both ends can be in contact with the locking support 110 and the retaining support 120, respectively, to apply a torque. Using torsion springs minimizes the space occupied by the elastic sections, which can be advantageous in terms of layout. However, torsion springs are not mandatory, and the first elastic section 140a and the second elastic section 140b can be implemented in various ways.

[0030] Furthermore, the operation of the armrest locking device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention using the configuration described above with reference to Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C described. Fig. 2A is a view showing a state before the locking element 130 is inserted into the recess 111, Fig. 2B is a view showing a state when the locking element 130 is inserted into the recess 111, and Fig. 2C is a view showing when the locking element 130 is fully inserted into the recess 111 and locked in place by stowing the armrest in the armrest housing 300.

[0031] If, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, when the locking element 130 is not inserted or fitted, the rear side of the second projection 122 is in contact with the front side of the first projection 112, thereby interrupting a forward rotation of the locking carrier 110 and preventing free rotation of the locking carrier 110 by the elasticity of the second elastic section 140b.

[0032] If after that, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the locking element 130 is inserted into the recess 111 and the locking carrier 110 is rotated forward, then the first projection 112 pushes the second projection 122, causing the retaining carrier 120 to be rotated backward against the elasticity of the second elastic section 140b.

[0033] When the locking element 130 is further inserted and fully inserted into the recess 111, as shown in Fig. 2C shown, then the first projection 112 is moved over the second projection 122, so that the forward side of the second projection 122 is brought into contact with the back of the first projection 112, and from this state a backward rotation of the locking carrier 110 is prevented by the first elastic section 140a.

[0034] When the locking element 130 is fully inserted into the recess 111 and locked there, the locking carrier 110 continuously receives a reverse torque through the first elastic section 140a, and the contact surface and the shapes of the first projection 112 and the second projection 122 can be adjusted such that a virtual line perpendicular to the contact surface passes through the center of rotation of the retaining carrier 120 to hold the locking carrier 110 when the front of the second projection 122 is brought into contact with the rear side of the first projection 112.

[0035] The torque of the first elastic section 140a is supported to be directed towards the center of rotation of the support carrier 120, so that the locking carrier 110 can be locked or held locked to the locking element 130 without rotating the support carrier 120.

[0036] To prevent the locking carrier 110 from being separated from the recess 111 in a state where the locking carrier 110 is locked to the locking element 130, a housing 160 with a cover extending along the rotational radius of the locking carrier 110 can also be provided outside the locking carrier 110. The housing 160 can be designed to partially cover the locking carrier 110 and the retaining carrier 120, or to completely cover both. The cover can be designed to cover the inlet of the recess 111 in a state where the locking carrier 110 is locked to the locking element 130.

[0037] Furthermore, wires 150 can be connected to the circumferential section of the retaining support 120 to reverse its rotation when it is pulled, thus releasing the locking state. That is, one end of each of the wires 150 is connected to the retaining support 120, so that when the wires 150 are pulled, the retaining support 120 is rotated backward and the second projection 122 is moved over the first projection 112, bringing the rear side of the second projection 122 into contact with the front side of the first projection 112, thereby releasing the locking state. That is, when the wires 150 are pulled, the locking support 110 is no longer fixed and is rotated backward by the first elastic section 140a, ultimately releasing the locking state. This operation is performed in the reverse order of the locking operation.

[0038] Furthermore, as in Fig.As shown in 3(a), the lever 170 for releasing the locking mechanism can be arranged on the arm support 210 and the other ends of the wires 150, one end of each of which is connected to a pair of retaining brackets 120, can both be connected to the lever 170, so that when the lever 170 is actuated, the pair of retaining brackets 120 are rotated simultaneously, thereby unlocking them.

[0039] Furthermore, a specific damper (not shown) can be arranged between the housing 160 and the locking carrier 110 to be coupled to the housing 160 in such a way that a racket can dampen an impact and act as a stop by being brought into contact with the locking carrier 110 when it is rotated backward by the first elastic section 140a. A contact projection extending towards the housing 160 to make contact with the damper can be formed on the locking element 110.

[0040] In accordance with the armrest locking device 100 with the above-described structure, unlocking is only possible by actuating the wires 150, so that unlocking can be carried out more easily.

[0041] Since the locking carrier 110 is rotated and locked after the locking element 130 is inserted into the recess 111, the locking element 130 can be coupled more tightly without being separated from the recess 111 in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Claims

[1] Armrest locking device (100) arranged in an armrest (210) which is rotatable in a reverse direction from an unfolded state in which the armrest (210) is unfolded from an armrest housing (300) of a rear seat backrest to a folded-in state in which the armrest (210) is stowed in the armrest housing (300) of the rear seat backrest, the device comprising: a) a locking element (130) attached to one of the armrest housing (300) or the armrest (210); b) a locking carrier (110) rotatably coupled to the other of the armrest housing (300) or the armrest (210), wherein a recess (111) is formed on a circumferential section thereof, into which the locking element (130) is inserted when the armrest (210) is stowed, and which rotates in a forward direction opposite to the reverse direction of rotation in order to be attached to the locking element (130) when the locking element (130) is inserted; and c) a retaining support (120) wherein one end of it is locked to the locking support (110) when the locking support (110) is rotated, maintaining the rotational state of the locking support (110); d) wherein the retaining support (120) is rotatably mounted on the armrest housing (300) or on the armrest (210) where the locking support (110) is located; e) wherein a first projection (112) is formed radially on the circumferential section of the locking carrier (110), and a second projection (122), which comes into contact with the first projection in (112), is formed on the circumferential section of the retaining carrier (120); and f) further comprising a first elastic section (140a) that applies a reverse torque to the locking carrier (110) when the locking carrier (110) is rotated in the forward direction, and a second elastic section (140b) that applies a forward torque to the retaining carrier (120) when the retaining carrier (120) is rotated in the reverse direction; and g) wherein, when the locking element (130) is not inserted, a rear side of the second projection (122) is in contact with a front side of the first projection (112), thereby preventing rotation in the forward direction of rotation of the locking carrier (110), and when the locking element (130) is inserted, a forward side of the second projection (122) is in contact with a rear side of the first projection (112), thereby preventing rotation in the backward direction of rotation of the locking carrier (110) by the first elastic section (140a). [2] Armrest locking device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining support (120) is provided in pairs and is arranged at positions corresponding to both sides of the armrest (210). [3] Armrest locking device (100) according to claim 1, wherein when the front of the second projection (122) is in contact with the rear of the first projection (112), a virtual line perpendicular to a contact surface passes through a center of rotation of the support carrier (120). [4] Armrest locking device (100) according to claim 1, wherein wires (150) are connected to the circumferential section of the support bracket (120) to rotate the support bracket (120) in the reverse direction when they are pulled. [5] Armrest locking device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (130) is in the form of a rod and is inserted into a recess perpendicular to an axial direction.

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