Locking mechanism, armrest component and seat component

Abstract

A locking mechanism configured to be located on a seat armrest such that the seat armrest and a seat are in a locked or relatively rotated state, the locking mechanism comprising: a closure, whereby one end of the handle is used to be connected to the seat armrest in a relatively rotatable manner; as well as a limiting component that includes: a pulling element that is connected to the other end of the handle; as well as A plurality of limiting elements connected to the pull element and used to be slidably connected to the seat armrest; wherein the plurality of limiting elements is used to snap together with the seat under drive by the handle and the pull element to bring the seat armrest into a locked state; and wherein the plurality of limiting elements is further used to be detached from the seat under drive by the handle and the pull element to bring the seat armrest into a relatively rotated state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of automotive seats, in particular to a locking mechanism, an armrest component and a seat component. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Currently, most vehicles feature a rotating seat armrest located centrally in the rear seat. When a passenger needs to rest their elbow or place an object, such as a cup of water, the seat armrest can be rotated to flatten the seat armrest, allowing the object to be placed on the seat armrest or the elbow to be rested on the seat armrest. When a large number of passengers occupy the rear seat, the user can rotate the seat armrest to store it in a storage cavity in the rear seat, creating a large seating space in the rear seat of the vehicle. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a locking mechanism configured to be disposed on the seat armrest such that the seat armrest and the seat are in a locked or relatively rotated state. The locking mechanism includes a handle and a limiting component. One end of the handle is used to be relatively rotatably connected to the seat armrest. The limiting component includes a tension member and a plurality of limiting members. The tension member is connected to the other end of the handle. The plurality of limiting members are connected to the tension member and are used to slidably connect to the seat armrest. The plurality of limiting members are used to be snap-connected to the seat under drive from the handle and the tension member to place the seat armrest in a locked state.The plurality of limiting members are further used to be separated from the seat under drive by the handle and the pulling member to bring the seat armrest into a relatively rotated state.

[0004] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises a connecting component, one end of the connecting component being connected to another end of the handle, and the other end of the connecting component being connected to the tension member. The connecting component is used to drive the tension member and the plurality of limiting members for movement when the handle rotates relative to the seat armrest.

[0005] In some embodiments, the tension element comprises a first tension cable, an adapter element, and a plurality of second tension cables. One end of the first tension cable is connected to the connecting component. The adapter element is connected to the other end of the first tension cable. One end of the plurality of second tension cables is connected to the adapter element. The other end of one of the second tension cables is connected to a limiting element.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the handle rotates relative to the seat armrest, the connection point between the connection component and the tension member moves along a first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the handle.

[0007] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises a U-shaped structure, wherein a U-shaped channel for connection to the seat armrest is formed inside the U-shaped structure. The tension element is guided through the U-shaped channel, with two ends of the tension element located outside the U-shaped structure. One end of the tension element is connected to the connecting component, and the other end is connected to the plurality of limiting elements.

[0008] When the connecting component drives the tension member to move, the two ends of the tension member move in opposite directions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connecting component comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element is fixedly connected to the handle. One end of the second connecting element is rotatably connected to the first connecting element about a first axis, the other end of the second connecting element being rotatably connected to the limiting component about a second axis, and both the first axis and the second axis are parallel to the rotational axis of the handle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the handle includes a main body portion and a connecting shaft. One end of the main body portion is used to connect relatively rotatably to the seat armrest. The connecting shaft is connected to the other end of the main body portion.

[0011] The first connecting element is provided with a connecting hole. A protruding portion is formed on one of the connecting shaft and the hole wall of the connecting hole, and a recessed portion is formed on the other. The connecting shaft is passed through the connecting hole, and the protruding portion is snap-connected to the recessed portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first connecting element comprises a connecting main body and a snap-connecting shaft. The connecting main body is connected to the handle. The snap-connecting shaft is connected to the connecting main body. The axis of the snap-connecting shaft overlaps with the first axis. A snap-connecting slot is formed at one end of the second connecting element. Along an extension direction of the first axis, the snap-connecting slot penetrates the surfaces on two opposite sides of the second connecting element. The snap-connecting shaft is located in the snap-connecting slot and is snap-connected to the snap-connecting slot.

[0013] When the handle rotates relative to the seat armrest, the second connecting element is rotatably connected to the snap connection shaft.

[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides an armrest component comprising a seat armrest and any of the above locking mechanisms. One end of the handle is relatively rotatably connected to the seat armrest. The limiting component is connected to the seat armrest.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides a seat component comprising a seat and any of the above armrest components. The armrest component is rotatably connected to the seat. The armrest component is used to be snap-connected to the seat such that the armrest component is in a locked state. The armrest component is further used to be separated from the seat such that the armrest component is in a relatively rotated state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a seat component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a first schematic diagram of a locking mechanism and a seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a second schematic diagram of a locking mechanism and a seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows a first schematic partial view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows a second schematic partial view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an armrest component according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 shows a first schematic diagram of a locking mechanism and a seat according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 shows a second schematic diagram of a locking mechanism and a seat according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 shows a third schematic partial view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 shows a fourth schematic partial view of a locking mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In order for those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] It should be understood that in the explanation of the present disclosure, the directional or positional relationships using terms such as "center," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "inside," "outside," etc., are based on the directional or positional relationships illustrated in the accompanying drawings. They are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure and for convenience of explanation. They do not show or imply that the illustrated devices or elements have particular directions or should be constructed and operated in particular directions. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0018] The wording of terms such as "the first," "the second," is used only to clarify the objective and should not be understood to indicate or imply the relative importance or the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "the first," "the second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly encompass one or more of the features. Unless otherwise defined, "multiple" in the explanation of the present disclosure means two or more than two.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "installation" and its variants, "coupling" and its variants, and "connection" and its variants should be understood in a broad sense in the explanation of the present disclosure, unless there are clear rules and regulations. For example, the "connection" can be either a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; the connection can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; the "connection" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a medium, and the "connection" can also be a connection between the interiors of two elements. One of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above technical terms in the present disclosure based on the specific situations.

[0020] In the explanation of the description, the specific features, structures, materials or features may be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable manner.

[0021] To improve passenger comfort and functionality, a storage armrest is typically installed in the center of a vehicle's rear seatback. The rear seat armrest is capable of holding items and supporting the passenger's arms, while also being able to be fully stored within a storage cavity on the seatback without taking up additional space in the vehicle.

[0022] In some technologies, when the seat armrest is stored in the storage cavity of the seat back, it is held in the receiving cavity by the friction created by the mutual compression between the seat armrest and the seat back.

[0023] However, since some technologies only hold the seat armrest in the storage cavity by the friction between the seat armrest and the seat backrest, and there is no limiting structure to prevent the seat armrest from coming out of the storage cavity, the seat armrest will easily rotate automatically due to inertia when the vehicle is moving and thus easily come out of the storage cavity of the seat backrest, which poses a potential safety hazard.

[0024] Based on this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a seat component as shown in Fig. 1 shown, Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a seat component 100 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, including a seat 1 and an armrest component 2. The armrest component 2 is rotatably connected to the seat 1. The armrest component 2 can be switched between an open state and a closed state by rotating relative to the seat 1.

[0025] When the armrest component 2 is rotated to the open state, a passenger can place an object, e.g. a water cup, on the armrest component 2 or support an arm on the armrest component 2.

[0026] When the armrest component 2 is rotated to the closed state, the armrest component 2 does not occupy the seating space on the seat 1, thereby facilitating the movement of the passenger on the seat 1.

[0027] It goes without saying that the seat 1 may be a separate seat 1 or a connected seat 1, and the type of the seat 1 is not limited here.

[0028] The armrest component 2 is used to be snap-connected to the seat 1 so that the armrest component 2 is in a locked state. The armrest component 2 is further used to be separated from the seat 1 so that the armrest component 2 is in a relatively rotated state.

[0029] It should be noted that when the armrest component 2 is in a locked state by snapping the armrest component 2 to the seat 1, the armrest component 2 cannot rotate relative to the seat 1. When the armrest component 2 is in a relatively rotated state by separating the armrest component 2 from the seat 1, the armrest component 2 can rotate relative to the seat 1.

[0030] Since the armrest component 2 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be snap-connected to or detached from the seat 1, when the passenger does not need to use the armrest component 2, the armrest component 2 can be rotated to the closed state, further causing the armrest component 2 to be snap-connected to the seat 1. In this way, the armrest component 2 cannot rotate relative to the seat 1, thereby effectively reducing the safety risk caused by the automatic rotation of the armrest component 2 relative to the seat 1.

[0031] When the passenger needs to use the armrest component 2, the armrest component 2 can be separated from the seat 1. In this way, the armrest component 2 can be rotated relative to the seat 1 so that it can be rotated into an open state for use by the passenger.

[0032] See also Fig. 1, in order to realize a snap connection between the armrest component 2 and the seat 1 or a separation thereof, an armrest component 2 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a seat armrest 21 and a locking mechanism (in Fig. 1 not shown).

[0033] The seat armrest 21 is rotatably connected to the seat 1. The locking mechanism is located on the seat armrest 21.

[0034] As in Fig. 2, shows Fig. 2 shows a first schematic diagram of a locking mechanism 22 and a seat provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The locking mechanism 22 can be used to be snap-connected to the seat 1 or to be separated from the seat 1. For the state of the locking mechanism 22 when it is snap-connected to the seat 1, reference can be made to Fig. 3 be taken, Fig. 3 shows a second schematic diagram of a locking mechanism 22 and a seat provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, for the state of the locking mechanism 22 when it is separated from the seat 1, reference may be made to Fig. 2 should be taken.

[0035] Since the locking mechanism 22 is arranged on the seat armrest 21, the armrest component 2 can be snap-connected to or separated from the seat 1 under the action of the locking mechanism 22.

[0036] When the locking mechanism 22 is snap-connected to the seat 1, the locking mechanism 22 may limit the seat armrest 21 to prevent the seat armrest 21 from rotating relative to the seat 1.

[0037] When the locking mechanism 22 is separated from the seat 1, the locking mechanism 22 will not restrict the seat armrest 21, and the seat armrest 21 can rotate relative to the seat 1 so that it can be rotated to an open state for use by the passengers.

[0038] In the following, the locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be presented in more detail, as in Fig. 4 shown. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a handle 221 and a limiting component 223.

[0039] One end of the handle 221 is relatively rotatable with the seat armrest 21 (as in Fig. 1). It should be noted that one end of the handle 221 may be directly pivotally connected to the seat armrest 21, or may be indirectly pivotally connected to the seat armrest 21 via other structures, as long as one end of the handle 221 is capable of rotating relative to the seat armrest 21.

[0040] For example, see further Fig. 4, the locking mechanism 22 further comprises an installation housing 224, wherein the installation housing 224 is connected to the seat armrest 21 (as in Fig. 1), and wherein one end of the handle 221 is rotatably connected to the installation housing 224.

[0041] At this time, one end of the handle 221 may be indirectly rotatably connected to the seat armrest 21 via the installation housing 224, thereby enabling relative rotation with the seat armrest 21.

[0042] As in Fig. 5, shows Fig. 5 is a first schematic partial view of a locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the limiting component 223 may include a tension member 2231 and a plurality of limiting members 2232. The tension member 2231 is connected to the other end of the handle 221 (as shown in Fig. 4). The plurality of limiting elements 2232 are connected to the tension member 2231, and the plurality of limiting elements 2232 are used to connect to the seat armrest 21 (as shown in Fig. 1) to be connected in a movable manner.

[0043] The plurality of limiting elements 2232 can be used to slide relative to the seat armrest 21 under the drive of the handle 221 and the pulling element 2231 so that they are connected to the seat 1 (as in Fig. 1) to bring the seat armrest 21 into a locked state.

[0044] Since the plurality of limiting members 2232 are slidably connected to the seat armrest 21 and can be snap-connected to the seat 1 after the limiting members 2232 are snap-connected to the seat 1, the limiting members 2232 can play a limiting role to prevent the seat armrest 21 from rotating relative to the seat 1, which effectively prevents the seat armrest 21 from automatically rotating relative to the seat 1, thus reducing the safety risks of the seat armrest 21.

[0045] The plurality of limiting elements 2232 can further be used to slide relative to the seat armrest 21 under the drive of the handle 221 and the pulling element 2231 so that they can be removed from the seat 1 (as in Fig. 1) to bring the seat armrest 21 into a relatively rotated state.

[0046] In this way, when a passenger needs to rotate the seat armrest 21 to an open state for use, since the handle 221 and the pulling member 2231 can drive the plurality of restricting members 2232 to be separated from the seat 1, the restricting members 2232 can not play a restricting role after the restricting members 2232 are separated from the seat 1, then the seat armrest 21 can be rotated relative to the seat 1, so that the passenger can normally rotate the seat armrest 21 and open the seat armrest 21 for use.

[0047] Furthermore, a plurality of limiting members 2232 are arranged in the limiting component 223, and the plurality of limiting members 2232 can be driven by the pulling member 2231 to achieve a snap connection with the seat 1, and the plurality of limiting members 2232 can exert a better limiting effect on the seat armrest 21 after being snap-connected to the seat 1, which further prevents the seat armrest 21 from automatically rotating relative to the seat 1, thereby further improving the safety of the seat armrest 21.

[0048] The number of limiting elements 2232 can be set according to the actual needs, for example, the number of limiting elements 2232 as shown in Fig. 5 shown, 2.

[0049] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 4, the locking mechanism 22 may further comprise a connecting component 222, wherein one end of the connecting component 222 is connected to another end of the handle 221, and wherein the other end of the connecting component 222 is connected to the pulling element 2231.

[0050] The connecting component 222 can be used to drive the pulling member 2231 and the plurality of limiting members 2232 to move when the handle 221 rotates relative to the seat armrest 21.

[0051] In this way, with the arrangement of the connecting component 222, the pulling element 2231 does not need to be directly connected to the handle 221, which makes the adjustment position of the pulling element 2231 more flexible.

[0052] Of course, in some other embodiments, the pull element 2231 may still be directly connected to the handle 221. In this way, it is not necessary to arrange additional structures in the locking mechanism 22 to realize the connection between the pull element 2231 and the handle 221, thereby simplifying the structure of the locking mechanism 22 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0053] The setting of the locking mechanism 22 on the seat armrest 21 can be adjusted according to the actual situation, e.g. the seat armrest 21 can be adjusted as shown in Fig. 1, a shell 211, wherein a receiving cavity (not shown) is formed within the shell 211, and wherein the shell is provided with an actuating hole 2111 and a sliding hole (not shown) communicating with the receiving cavity. At this time, as shown in Fig. 4, the installation housing 224, the handle 221 and the connecting component 222 of the locking mechanism 22 are provided in the receiving cavity.

[0054] As in Fig. 6, shows Fig. 6 shows a second schematic partial view of a locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein an installation cavity 2241 is formed inside the installation housing 224, and wherein the installation housing is provided with a first opening 2242 and a second opening 2243 that communicate with the installation cavity 2241. The installation housing 224 is connected to the shell 211 (as in Fig. 1), wherein the first opening 2242 on the installation housing 224 is opposite the actuation hole 2111 (as shown in Fig. 1).

[0055] One end of the handle 221 is located in the installation cavity 2241 and at the first opening 2242 and is rotatably connected to the installation housing 224. The other end of the handle 221 is passed through the second opening 2243 and is located outside the installation housing 224. The connecting component 222 is located outside the installation housing 224 and is connected to the other end of the handle 221.

[0056] In this way, a passenger can reach into the installation cavity 2241 through the operating hole 2111 and the first opening 2242, and then rotate the handle 221. The other end of the handle 221 can protrude through the second opening 2243 to the outside of the installation housing 224, thus connecting to the connecting component 222 located outside the installation housing 224.

[0057] As in Fig. 5, the pulling member 2231 and a part of the limiting member 2232 are located in the receiving cavity and are connected to the connecting component 222, and the other part of the limiting member 2232 can protrude through the sliding hole to the outside of the shell 211 to be snap-connected to or separated from the seat 1.

[0058] To realize a snap connection between the limiting element 2232 and the seat 1 or a separation from each other, see further Fig. 5, the limiting element 2232 is connected to the shell 211 (as in Fig. 1) are slidably connected.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the seat 1 is provided with a snap-in connection hole 11. The limiting member 2232 can slide into the snap-in connection hole 11 to be snap-connected to the seat 1. The limiting member 2232 can also slide out of the snap-in connection hole 11 to be separated from the seat 1.

[0060] It is understood that, as in Fig. 6, since one end of the handle 221 of the locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is located at the first opening 2242 of the installation housing 224 and is rotatably connected to the installation housing 224, and the other end of the handle 221 is passed through the second opening 2243 of the installation housing 224 and protrudes to the outside of the installation housing 224, the user, when using the locking mechanism 22, only needs to displace the other end of the handle 221 for movement within the shell 211 (as shown in Fig. 1). In this case, the handle 221 is an inward-buckling closure.

[0061] Another embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an outwardly buckled armrest component 2 as shown in Fig. 7, shows Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an armrest component 2 provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the armrest component 2 includes a seat armrest 21 and a locking mechanism (in Fig. 7 not shown). The seat armrest 21 comprises a shell 211, wherein a receiving cavity (not shown) is formed within the shell 211, and wherein the shell is provided with an operating hole 2111 and a sliding hole (not shown) which communicate with the receiving cavity.

[0062] As in Fig. 8, shows Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism 22 provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the locking mechanism 22 may include an installation housing 224, a handle 221, and a limiting component 223. An installation cavity 2241 is formed inside the installation housing 224, wherein the installation housing is provided with a first opening 2242 and a second opening 2243 (not shown) that communicate with the installation cavity 2241. The installation housing 224 is connected to the shell 211 (as in Fig. 7), wherein the first opening 2242 on the installation housing 224 is opposite the actuation hole 2111 (as shown in Fig. 7).

[0063] The handle 221 is inserted through the second opening 2243, one end of which protrudes through the first opening 2242 and the operating hole 2111 to the outside of the shell 211, and the other end is located outside the shell 211 and outside the installation housing 224. Two ends of the handle 221 are rotatably connected to the installation housing 224. The limiting component 223 is inserted through the sliding hole (not shown), one end of which is located in the receiving cavity (not shown) and connected to a portion inside the shell 211 of the handle 221, and the other end is located outside the shell 211.

[0064] When the handle 221 rotates, a part of the limiting component 223 located outside the shell 211 can be used to snap-connect or separate from the seat 1. For the state of the limiting component 223 when it is snap-connected to the seat 1, reference can be made to Fig. 9 can be taken. Fig. Figure 9 shows a first schematic diagram of a locking mechanism 22 and a seat provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure. For the state of the limiting component 223 when separated from the seat 1, reference may be made to Fig. 10 can be taken. Fig. 10 shows a second schematic diagram of a locking mechanism 22 and a seat provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] It should be noted that in the armrest component 2 described above, since two ends of the handle 221 are pivotally connected to the installation housing 224, the user must cause one end of the shell 221 located outside the shell 211 to move outside the shell 211 when using the locking mechanism 22. In this case, the handle 221 is an outward-buckling closure.

[0066] It should be noted that when the limiting member 2232 realizes a snap connection with the seat 1 by sliding into the snap connection hole 11 on the seat 1, it is sufficient to set the number of sliding holes and the number of snap connection holes 11 according to the number of limiting members 2232. For example, if the number of limiting members 2232 is two, the number of sliding holes and the number of snap connection holes 11 are also set to two.

[0067] In order to realize the snap connection between the limiting element 2232 and the seat 1 and the separation from each other, as shown in Fig. 5, the limiting element 2232 may include an installation bracket 2233, a limiting pin 2234, and a return spring (not shown). The installation bracket 2233 is located in the receiving cavity and is connected to the shell 211 (as shown in Fig. 1) of the seat armrest 21 (as shown in Fig. 1). The installation bracket 2233 has an installation hole (not shown) arranged opposite the sliding hole on the shell 211. The limit pin 2234 is passed through the installation hole and the sliding hole and is slidably connected to the installation hole and the sliding hole, and is connected to the tension member 2231. The return spring is located in the installation hole, with one end of the return spring being connected to the limit pin 2234 and the other end of the return spring being connected to the installation bracket 2233.

[0068] In this way, when the limiting member 2232 needs to be snap-connected to the seat 1, the user can rotate the seat armrest 21 so that the sliding hole on the seat armrest 21 is positioned opposite the snap-connecting hole 11 on the seat 11. At this time, the limiting pin 2234 can slide into the snap-connecting hole 11 under the action of the return spring, so that the limiting member 2232 can be snap-connected to the seat 1.

[0069] When the limiting member 2232 needs to be separated from the seat 1, the user can rotate the handle 221 so that the handle 221, through the connecting component 222 and the pulling member 2231, drives the limiting pin 2234 to slide in a direction close to the return spring, so that the limiting pin 2234 can be released from the snap-in connection hole 11 to realize separation of the limiting member 2232 from the seat 1.

[0070] In order to realize that the pulling element 2231 can simultaneously pull a plurality of limiting elements 2232, see further Fig. 5, in some embodiments, the tension member 2231 may comprise a first tension cable 2235, an adapter member 2236, and a plurality of second tension cables 2237. One end of the first tension cable 2235 is connected to the connecting component 222 (as shown in Fig. 4). The adapter element 2236 is connected to the other end of the first traction cable 2235. One end of the plurality of second traction cables 2237 is connected to the adapter element 2236. The other end of one of the second traction cables 2237 is connected to a limiting element 2232.

[0071] Since the adapter element 2236 is connected to the first end of the first pull cable 2235 and the first end of the plurality of second pull cables 2237, when the connecting component 222 pulls the second end of the first pull cable 2235, the first pull element 2231 can simultaneously drive the second ends of the plurality of second pull cables 2237 to move.

[0072] Since the second ends of the plurality of second traction cables 2237 are connected to the plurality of limiting elements 2232 one-to-one, respectively, the second ends of the plurality of second traction cables 2237 can simultaneously drive the plurality of limiting elements 2232 to move during movement.

[0073] By providing the adapter element 2236 in the tension element 2231, the adapter element 2236 therefore only needs to be connected to the connecting component 222 via a first tension cable 2235, which enables the connecting component 222 to simultaneously set in motion a plurality of second tension cables 2237 and thus set in motion a plurality of limiting elements 2232, thereby significantly reducing the number of tension cables used in the tension element 2231.

[0074] It is understood that the number of second traction cables 2237 is set according to the number of limiting elements 2232, and if the number of limiting elements 2232 is, for example, two, the number of second traction elements 2231 is also set to two.

[0075] Of course, in some other embodiments, the tension element 2231 may further comprise a plurality of first tension cables 2235, wherein the first ends of the plurality of first tension cables 2235 are each connected to the plurality of limiting elements 2232, and wherein the second ends of the plurality of first tension cables 2235 are each connected to the connecting component 222. When the connecting component 222 is in motion, the connecting component 222 can thus also drive the plurality of limiting elements 2232 to move via the plurality of first tension cables 2235.

[0076] As in Fig. 4 when, in some embodiments, the handle 221 is positioned relative to the seat armrest 21 (as shown in Fig. 1), the connection point between the connecting component 222 and the tension element 2231 (as shown in Fig. 5) along the first direction X. The first direction X is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the handle 221.

[0077] Since, in the process in which the handle 221 rotates relative to the seat armrest 21, the connection point between the connection component 222 and the tension member 2231 moves in a plane, the connection point between the connection component 222 and the tension member 2231 occupies a smaller space during the movement, thereby effectively reducing the space occupied by the locking mechanism 22 on the seat armrest 21.

[0078] Of course, in some other embodiments, when the handle 221 rotates relative to the seat armrest 21, the connection point between the connecting component 222 and the tension member 2231 may also rotate about the rotation axis of the handle 221. At this time, the connecting component 222 is simpler to construct and the manufacturing cost is lower.

[0079] In order for the connection point between the connecting component 222 and the tension element 2231 to be able to move along the first direction X, as shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the connecting component 222 may include a first connecting element 2221 and a second connecting element 2222. The first connecting element 2221 is fixedly connected to the handle 221. One end of the second connecting element 2222 is rotatably connected to the first connecting element 2222 about a first axis, and the other end of the second connecting element 2222 is rotatably connected to the limiting component 223 about a second axis (as shown in Fig. 4). Both the first axis and the second axis run parallel to the rotation axis of the handle 221.

[0080] Since the first end of the second link member 2222 is rotatably connected to the first link member 2221, when the handle 221 drives the first link member 2221 to rotate about the rotation axis of the handle 221, the first end of the second link member 2222 can rotate relative to the first link member 2221, so that the second end of the second link member 2222 can move along the first direction X.

[0081] Since the second end of the second connecting element 2222 is connected to the limiting component 223, and when the second end of the second connecting element 2222 moves along the first direction X, the relative position between the second connecting element 2222 and the limiting component 223 changes, when the second end of the second connecting element 2222 moves along the first direction X, the second end of the second connecting element 2222 can rotate relative to the limiting component 223 by rotatably connecting the second end of the second connecting element 2222 to the limiting component 223, so that the connection point between the second connecting element 2222 and the limiting component 223 can be stably connected and can move along the first direction X.

[0082] It should be noted that in order for the second end of the second link member 2222 to move along the first direction X, the locking mechanism 22 must further be provided with a guide structure to limit the second end of the second link member 2222 so that the second end of the second link member 2222 can only move along the first direction X.

[0083] By way of example, the locking mechanism 22 may further comprise a guide element located in the receiving cavity and connected to the shell 211. The guide element is provided with a guide groove extending along the first direction X. At the second end of the second connecting element 2222, a guide portion is formed, which is snap-connected to the interior of the guide groove and slidably connected to the guide groove.

[0084] In some other embodiments, when the handle 221 rotates, the connection point between the connecting component 222 and the limiting component 223 can of course also move in other ways along the first direction X. By way of example, the connecting component 222 comprises only a first connecting element 2221, wherein one end of the first connecting element 2221 is connected to the handle 221 for rotation about a third axis, and wherein the other end of the first connecting element 2221 is connected to the limiting component 223 for rotation about a fourth axis. Both the third axis and the fourth axis run parallel to the rotation axis of the handle 221.

[0085] In this case, in the process in which the handle 221 rotates relative to the seat armrest 21, the connection point between the first connecting member 2221 and the limiting component 223 may also move along the first direction X after one end of the first connecting member 2221 and the handle 221 relatively rotate and the first connecting member 2221 and the limiting component 223 relatively rotate.

[0086] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 5, the locking mechanism 22 may further comprise a U-shaped structure, wherein a U-shaped channel (not shown) is formed inside the U-shaped structure 225, and wherein the U-shaped structure 225 is connected to the seat armrest 21 (as shown in Fig. 1). The tension member 2231 is passed through the U-shaped channel, with two ends of the tension member 2231 located outside the U-shaped structure 225. One end of the tension member 2231 is connected to the connecting component 222, and the other end of the tension member 2231 is connected to the plurality of limiting elements 2232. When the connecting component 222 drives the tension member 2231 to move, the two ends of the tension member 2231 move in opposite directions.

[0087] In this way, by adjusting the U-shaped structure 225, since the U-shaped structure 225 can move the two ends of the tension member 2231 in opposite directions and the connection point between the tension member 2231 and the connection component 222 moves along the first direction X, the space occupied by the tension member 2231 in the first direction X is made smaller, so that the dimension of the locking mechanism 22 in the first direction X becomes smaller and the space occupied by the locking mechanism 22 on the seat armrest 21 is significantly reduced.

[0088] It should be noted that when the tension member 2231 comprises a first tension cable 2235, an adapter member 2236 and a plurality of second tension cables 2237, as shown in Fig. 5, the first traction cable 2235 is guided into the U-shaped channel, and two ends of the first traction cable 2235 are located outside the U-shaped structure 225. The two ends of the first traction cable 2235 move in opposite directions. The adapter element 2236 and the plurality of second traction cables 2237 are located outside the U-shaped structure 225.

[0089] In order to realize a firm connection of the first connecting element 2221 with the handle 221, as in Fig. 11, in some embodiments, the handle 221 may include a main body portion 2211 and a connecting shaft 2212, and Fig. Fig. 11 shows a third schematic partial view of a locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. One end of the main body portion 2211 is relatively rotatable with the seat armrest 21 (as in Fig. 1). The connecting shaft 2212 is connected to the other end of the main body portion 2211.

[0090] The first connecting element 2221 is provided with a connecting hole 2223. A protruding portion (not shown) is formed on one of the connecting shaft 2212 and the hole wall of the connecting hole 2223, and a recessed portion (not shown) is formed on the other. The connecting shaft 2212 is inserted into the connecting hole 2223, and the protruding portion is snap-fitted to the recessed portion.

[0091] Since the connecting shaft 2212 is connected to the main body portion 2211 and the connecting shaft 2212 and the first connecting member 2221 can be snap-connected by the protruding portion and the depressed portion, the main body portion 2211 can realize connection with the first connecting member 2221 through the connecting shaft 2212, and the handle 221 is thus connected to the first connecting member 2221.

[0092] The structure of the connecting shaft 2212 and the first connecting member 2221 is not specifically limited herein, but for example, a protruding portion is formed on the connecting shaft 2212, and a depressed portion is formed on the hole wall of the connecting hole 2223 of the first connecting member 2221.

[0093] In some other embodiments, the handle 221 may also be connected to the first connecting element 2221 by a threaded connection.

[0094] See also Fig. 11, in some embodiments, the first connecting element 2221 may comprise a first connecting portion 2224, a second connecting portion 2225, and a third connecting portion 2226. Along the extension direction of the rotational axis of the handle 221, the first connecting portion 2224 is located on one side of the handle 221 and is fixedly connected to the handle 221. The second connecting portion 2225 is located on a side of the handle 221 facing away from the first connecting portion 2224 and is fixedly connected to the handle 221. The third connecting portion 2226 is located between the first connecting portion 2224 and the second connecting portion 2225 and is connected to the first connecting portion 2224 and the second connecting portion 2225. The second connecting element 2222 is rotatably connected to the third connecting portion 2226 about the first axis.

[0095] Since the first connecting portion 2224 and the second connecting portion 2225 in the first connecting member 2221 are connected to the surfaces on two opposite sides of the handle 221, the first connecting member 2221 and the handle 221 are firmly connected to each other in a larger number of positions, thereby making the connection between the first connecting member 2221 and the handle 221 more robust.

[0096] Since the third connecting portion 2226 is connected to the first connecting portion 2224 and the second connecting portion 2225, and the third connecting portion 2226 is connected to the second connecting member 2222, the first connecting member 2221 is capable of driving the second connecting member 2222 to move when the handle 221 rotates.

[0097] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first connecting element 2221 may comprise only a first connecting portion 2224 and a third connecting portion 2226. The first connecting portion 2224 is fixedly connected to the handle 221, the third connecting portion 2226 is connected to the first connecting portion 2224, and the second connecting element 2222 is rotatably connected to the third connecting portion 2226 about the first axis.

[0098] In this way, when the handle 221 is rotated, the second link 2222 can be driven to move by the first link 2221. Furthermore, the first link 2221 has a simpler structure and lower manufacturing costs.

[0099] In order to realize a rotatable connection between the second connecting element 2222 and the first connecting element 2221, as in Fig. 12, in some embodiments, the first connecting element 2221 may include a connecting main body 22261 and a snap-in connecting shaft 22262, and Fig. 12 shows a fourth schematic partial view of a locking mechanism 22 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The connecting main body 22261 is connected to the handle 221. The snap-connection shaft 22262 is connected to the connecting main body 22261. The axis of the snap-connection shaft 22262 overlaps with the first axis.

[0100] At one end of the second connecting element 2222, a snap connection slot 22221 is formed. Along an extension direction of the first axis, the snap connection slot 22221 penetrates the surfaces on two opposite sides of the second connecting element 2222. The snap connection shaft 22262 is located in the snap connection slot 22221 and is snap-connected to the snap connection slot 22221. When the handle 221 is moved relative to the seat armrest 21 (as shown in Fig. 1), the second connecting element 2222 is rotatably connected to the snap connection shaft 22262.

[0101] In this way, by providing a snap-connection slot 22221 in the second connecting member 2222 and the snap-connection slot 22221 penetrating two opposite sides of the second connecting member 2222 along the extending direction of the first axis, the snap-connection shaft 22262 can penetrate the snap-connection slot 22221 and be snap-connected to the snap-connection slot 22221, and the second connecting member 2222 can rotate about the snap-connection shaft 22262, thereby realizing a rotatable connection with the first connecting member 2221.

[0102] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first connecting element 2221 may comprise only one connecting main body 22261. At this time, a snap-connection slot 22221 is formed on the connecting main body 22261. Along an extension direction of the first axis, the snap-connection slot 22221 penetrates the surfaces on two opposite sides of the connecting main body 22261. A snap-connection shaft 22262 is formed at one end of the second connecting element 2222. The snap-connection shaft 22262 is located in the snap-connection slot 22221 and is snap-connected to the snap-connection slot 22221.

[0103] After the snap-connect shaft 22262 on the second connecting member 2222 penetrated the snap-connect slot 22221 on the first connecting member 2221 and was snap-connected to the snap-connect slot 22221, the second connecting member 2222 and the first connecting member 2221 can also be connected rotatably about the first axis in the same manner.

[0104] The above content only represents the detailed embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Modifications or substitutions that are easily made by a person skilled in the art within the disclosed technical scope of the present disclosure should be considered to be covered by the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the claims. List of reference symbols 100 seat components 1 seat 2 armrest components 11 Snap connection hole 21 Seat armrest 211 bowl 2111 operating hole 22 Locking mechanism 221 handle 222 connection component 223 Limiting component 224 installation housings 225 U-shaped structure 2241 Installation cavity 2242 First opening 2243 Second Opening 2221 First connecting element 2222 Second connecting element 2231 Tension element 2232 Boundary element 2233 Installation bracket 2234 limit pin 2235 First pull rope 2236 adapter element 2237 Second pull rope 2211 Main body section 2212 connecting shaft 2223 connecting hole 2224 First connecting section 2225 Second connecting section 2226 Third connecting section 222221 Snap connection slot 22261 Connecting main body 22262 Snap connection shaft

Claims

[1] A locking mechanism configured to be disposed on a seat armrest such that the seat armrest and a seat are in a locked or relatively rotated state, the locking mechanism comprising: a closure, wherein one end of the handle is used to be connected to the seat armrest in a relatively rotatable manner; and a limiting component that includes: a pulling element connected to the other end of the handle; and a plurality of limiting members connected to the pulling member and used to be slidably connected to the seat armrest; wherein the plurality of limiting members are used to be snap-connected to the seat under the action of the handle and the pulling member to place the seat armrest in a locked state; and wherein the plurality of limiting members are further used to be separated from the seat under the action of the handle and the pulling member to place the seat armrest in a relatively rotated state. [2] The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises: a connecting component, wherein one end of the connecting component is connected to another end of the handle, and wherein the other end of the connecting component is connected to the tension member; and wherein the connecting component is used to drive the tension member and the plurality of limiting members for movement when the handle rotates relative to the seat armrest. [3] Locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the tension element comprises: a first traction cable, one end of the first traction cable being connected to the connecting component; an adapter element connected to the other end of the first traction cable; and a plurality of second traction cables, wherein one end of the plurality of second traction cables is connected to the adapter element, and wherein the other end of one of the second traction cables is connected to a limiting element. [4] The locking mechanism of claim 2, wherein, as the handle rotates relative to the seat armrest, the interface between the connecting component and the tension member moves along a first direction; and wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the handle. [5] The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises: a U-shaped structure, wherein a U-shaped channel for connection to the seat armrest is formed inside the U-shaped structure; and wherein the tension member is passed through the U-shaped channel, and wherein two ends of the tension member are located outside the U-shaped structure; and wherein one end of the tension member is connected to the connecting component, and wherein the other end of the tension member is connected to the plurality of limiting elements; and wherein, when the connecting component drives the tension member to move, the two ends of the tension member move in opposite directions. [6] The locking mechanism of claim 2, wherein the connecting component comprises: a first connecting element which is firmly connected to the handle; and a second connecting element, one end of the second connecting element being rotatably connected to the first connecting element about a first axis, and the other end of the second connecting element being rotatably connected to the limiting component about a second axis; and wherein both the first axis and the second axis are parallel to the axis of rotation of the handle. [7] A locking mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the handle comprises: a main body portion, wherein one end of the main body portion is used to be relatively rotatably connected to the seat armrest; and a connecting shaft connected to the other end of the main body portion; wherein the first connecting member is provided with a connecting hole; and wherein a protruding portion is formed on one of the connecting shaft and the hole wall of the connecting hole, and a depressed portion is formed on the other; and wherein the connecting shaft is passed through the connecting hole, and wherein the protruding portion is snap-connected to the depressed portion. [8] A locking mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the first connecting element comprises: a connecting main body connected to the handle; and a snap-in connecting shaft connected to the connecting main body, the axis of the snap-in connecting shaft overlapping with the first axis; and wherein a snap-connection slot is formed at one end of the second connecting element; and wherein, along an extension direction of the first axis, the snap-connection slot penetrates the surfaces on two opposite sides of the second connecting element; and wherein the snap-connection shaft is located in the snap-connection slot and is snap-connected to the snap-connection slot; and wherein, when the handle rotates relative to the seat armrest, the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the snap connection shaft. [9] Armrest component comprising the following: a seat armrest; and A locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one end of the handle is relatively rotatably connected to the seat armrest; and wherein the limiting component is connected to the seat armrest. [10] Seat component comprising the following: a seat; and An armrest component according to claim 9, wherein the armrest component is rotatably connected to the seat; and wherein the armrest component is used to be snap-connected to the seat such that the armrest component is in a locked state; and wherein the armrest component is further used to be separated from the seat such that the armrest component is in a relatively rotated state.

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