Child seats attached to car seats

Abstract

A child car seat (10) for mounting on a motor vehicle seat, the child car seat (10) comprising at least one side and side impact protector (100), the side impact protector (100) comprising - a side impact protector base (140) and lateral elements (120) movable relative to the side impact protector base (140) and transferable from an inoperative position to a functional position, in which in the functional position the lateral elements protrude laterally beyond the lateral sides, and in the inoperative position the lateral elements do not protrude beyond the lateral sides or protrude much less beyond the same than in the functional position, position transfer means are provided which enable the transfer from the inoperative position to the functional position, in which in a first step the lateral protrusion beyond the lateral sides can be at least substantially determined, and in a second step the lateral elements are preferably configured to be movable, in particular displaceable, so that the lateral elements (120) are placed at least partially over a part of the lateral sides adjacent to the lateral elements (120).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [explanation] The present invention relates to a child car seat for mounting on a vehicle seat and further to a method for adjusting a side impact protector of the child car seat.

[0002] A child car seat is already known from EP 2 275 303 A1, in which a side impact protector is transferable from an inoperative position to an operative position. In principle, for the same purpose, DE 10 2015 214 910 A1 also discloses side elements transferable from an inoperative position to an operative position, in which the side elements, referred to as side protection blocks, are locked in the operative position by means of a button, referred to as a protection component, which can be pressed to allow the side elements to be folded or unlocked in the unfolded position. In the folded position of the protection component, the button is recessed in the protection component.

[0003] The prior art solutions are considered to require improvement from a safety point of view, in particular because there is a high risk that the side impact protectors will not be in the correct operating position when the child car seat is in use.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a side impact protector for a child car seat, which is characterized in that it can be adjusted in a simple, safe and also cost-effective manner. In particular, the object of the present invention is also to propose a side impact protector that is easy to handle. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to propose a corresponding method.

[0005] This object is solved in particular by the features of claim 1. In particular, the object is solved by a child safety seat for mounting on a motor vehicle seat, the child safety seat comprising at least one lateral and one side impact protector (wherein the side impact protector may be at least partially formed by the lateral surface or may be completely formed in addition to the lateral surface), the side impact protector comprising a side impact protector base and lateral elements which are movable (in particular rotatable and / or displaceable) relative to the side impact protector base and which are transferable between an inoperative position (rest position) located in particular inside a predetermined width of the child safety seat and a functional position located in particular outside the predetermined width (and vice versa), the lateral elements in the functional position protruding laterally beyond the lateral surface and the lateral elements in the inoperative position protruding laterally beyond the lateral surface. the lateral elements do not protrude beyond the sides or protrude much less than in the functional position, position transition means (designed for manual and / or automatic operation) are provided to enable the transition from the inoperative position to the functional position, the position transition means being such that in a first step the lateral protrusion beyond the sides can be at least substantially determined and in a second step the lateral elements or their weight preferably corresponds to at least 15 wt% (more preferably at least 25 wt%, or at least 50 wt%, or at least 90 wt%, optionally 100 wt%) of the total weight of the lateral elements and / or are at least partially visible (viewed from the outside) in the inoperative position (where "partially" preferably means at least 0.5 cm of the surface). 2 , preferably at least 1.0 cm 2 , optionally at least 2.5 cm 2 or at least 5.0 cm 2 is visible), at least one displacement part of the lateral element is preferably configured to be displaceable, in particular slidable (translationally), so that the lateral element is placed at least partially over (on) (where appropriate directly, in particular in contact with) a part of the side surface adjacent to the lateral element.

[0006] Preferably, the length of the displacement corresponds to at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, optionally at least 70% or at least 90%, and optionally at least 100% of the length of the entire lateral element. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the displacement may correspond to at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, optionally at least 70% or at least 90%, and optionally at least 100% of the width of the entire lateral element. Alternatively or additionally, the height of the displacement may correspond to at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, optionally at least 70% or at least 90%, and optionally at least 100% of the height of the entire lateral element. Alternatively or additionally, the (maximum) diameter of the displacement (understood as the distance between the pair of points of the displacement or the corresponding reference element / structure that are the longest distance from each other) corresponds to at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, optionally at least 70% or at least 90%, and optionally at least 100% of the (maximum) diameter of the entire lateral element.

[0007] One idea of ​​the invention is to separate the kinematics of the lateral elements into two steps during the transition from the inactive position to the functional position. In particular, in a first step, the lateral elements are brought at least substantially to their end positions as far as their extension or protrusion in the lateral direction (i.e. in particular outward or in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the line of sight of the child in use or in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel when the child seat is properly positioned) is concerned. In a second step, the displacement occurs in particular so that the lateral elements are placed (partially) over the sides, in particular directly.

[0008] The term "covering" is intended to include in particular the meaning that the protrusion of the lateral element overlaps a part of the side surface adjacent to the lateral element (when the protrusion is provided on this adjacent part). One direction of the protrusion preferably coincides with the surface normal of the adjacent part. The overlapping area should be at least 0.5 cm 2 , preferably at least 1 cm 2 , optionally at least 2.5 cm 2 , and / or up to 40 cm2 , or a maximum of 25 cm 2 Or a maximum of 10cm 2 , optionally up to 5 cm 2 Preferably, the region is:

[0009] Position-changing means (or position-transferable means) is understood to mean in particular those structures of the child car seat that serve to enable position transfer. For example, the position-transferring means may comprise at least one sliding surface and / or at least one stop and / or at least one bearing, e.g., a sliding bearing. The position-transferring means may also comprise at least one drive, e.g., at least one spring. The position-transferring means may be configured to enable transfer by manual and / or automatic operation.

[0010] The side surface is in particular the surface facing outwards (at least substantially away from the child or the child's accommodation space). The distance from the lateral element in the functional position of the adjacent part of the side surface (in a direction parallel to the surface normal on the adjacent part of the side surface) may be at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm, more preferably at most 2 mm, more preferably at most 1 mm. Optionally, the distance may be zero, or optionally, the lateral element and the adjacent part of the side surface may contact each other at least at some arbitrary point in the functional position.

[0011] According to the invention, the lateral element itself (or at least essential parts thereof) (in contrast to, for example, the relatively small and therefore non-robust button relocation of DE102015214910A1) is displaced in an advantageous manner in a side impact situation to lock the lateral element in a functional position (i.e. the lateral element is prevented from moving towards the child by the adjacent part of the side).

[0012] Preferably, the lateral element and / or its displacement part is movable (at least partially) during the second step at least substantially transverse to the transverse direction and / or at least substantially along the adjacent (outward-facing) side surface. In particular, an essentially transverse movement is understood to mean a movement in a direction that forms an angle of 90°±30° with the transverse direction (as defined above), preferably 90°±10°, and even more preferably 90°±5°. In particular, a movement essentially along the adjacent side surface should be understood as a movement having a direction at least substantially parallel to the adjacent side surface (where, in particular, the difference in direction is at most 30°, preferably at most 10°, and even more preferably at most 5°). If the movement is a rotation, in particular the direction of movement of at least one point (optionally all points) on the face of the lateral element facing the adjacent part of the side surface should be taken into account. In the case of a pure rotation, such a point would follow a circular path. Generally, the movement in the second step may be (pure) translational and / or (pure) rotational. In this regard, each of the above conditions should apply to at least 30%, optionally at least 80% or at least 95% of the total length of the (possibly curved or straight) path of movement.

[0013] The inoperative (resting) position is preferably a stored position in which the lateral elements provide no or only little protection in the event of a side impact (compared to the functional position). In the functional (operating or use) position, the side impact protection function of the lateral elements is significantly improved (compared to the inoperative position). The inoperative position is also referred to as the first position in the following, and the functional position as the second position. In particular, the early connection of the child seat (and thus the child accommodated in the child seat) with the dynamics of the accident can be considered protective in the event of a side impact.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a child car seat is proposed which comprises at least one lateral and one side impact protector, the side impact protector comprising a (side impact protector) base and a lateral element which is movable relative to the base, the lateral element being (reversibly) movable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, in which in the second position the lateral element protrudes laterally beyond the lateral side, and in the first position the lateral element does not protrude beyond the lateral side or protrudes much less than in the second position, wherein the transition between the first and second positions comprises a first step and a second step, in which in the first step the lateral protrusion is determined and in the second step the lateral element (or its displacement part as described above) is moved at least substantially transversely to the lateral direction and / or at least substantially along the lateral side.

[0015] The child car seat may comprise a seat area and a backrest. Advantageously, it may also comprise a headrest. The child car seat may also comprise a seat base according to an embodiment. Other features may alternatively or additionally be provided, such as restraining means for restraining the child (e.g., a harness and / or an impact shield).

[0016] The seat region preferably forms a seating surface for supporting the child's buttocks (and possibly also part of the thighs) and may have a first side. Alternatively or additionally, the seat region may comprise armrests, which extend at least substantially above the seat region, and lap belt guides for guiding a lap belt of the vehicle belt may be provided, particularly between the armrests and the seat region.

[0017] The child car seat may be provided with fastening means for fastening to the vehicle seat, in particular Isofix and / or LATCH connections and / or similar means. The fastening means may be provided at the rear and / or lower end of the seat area. In embodiments with a seat base, the fastening means may alternatively or additionally be provided at the rear and / or lower end of the seat base.

[0018] The backrest may be designed integrally with the seat area and rigidly connected thereto, or the backrest may be movable relative to the seat area, adjustable in particular with respect to tilt. Furthermore, the backrest forms a back-contacting surface against which the child's back rests and / or is supported, and preferably has a second side surface (at least one side surface of which is preferably coupled with a side impact protector as described above and / or below). The backrest may comprise side bolsters, which may be formed integrally with and rigidly connected to the part of the backrest that forms the back-contacting surface, or which may be movable relative to the back-contacting surface, adjustable in particular with respect to width. The second side surface may in particular be formed completely or partly by part of the side bolster.

[0019] The optional headrest may be formed integrally with the backrest and rigidly connected thereto, or it may be movable relative to the backrest, particularly adjustable in terms of tilt and / or the distance from the headrest to the seat area. Furthermore, the headrest may form a head contact surface for supporting the child's head and may form a third side. It may be formed integrally with the part of the headrest that forms the head contact surface and rigidly connected thereto, or it may comprise side wings that may be movable relative to the head contact surface, particularly adjustable in width. The third side may in particular be formed completely or in part by parts of the side wings. Shoulder belt guides may be provided on the headrest, in particular on the side wings, preferably at their lower ends.

[0020] In versions with a seat base, the seat base may form the fourth side. The seat and back contacting surfaces, and optionally the head contacting surface, as well as the armrests and / or side bolsters and / or the inside of the side wings define a storage area (storage space) for a child.

[0021] Each of the first to fourth sides may be (selectively) combined with a side impact protector as described above and / or below, or may form a side according to claim 1. In the context of the present application, the term child car seat should be understood to cover all types of child car seats, for example, stroller seats or booster seats (and the like). Furthermore, directional information (e.g., forward, rear, right, left, up, down, inward, outward, sideways, etc.) should be understood as reflecting the point of view of a child regularly accommodated in a child car seat and looking straight ahead. Insofar as reference is made to children and their body parts, the references may equally apply to dummies, in particular Humanetics dummies (according to the version that is or was current at the time of filing or priority claim), such as dummies from the Q series. In particular, a suitable dummy may be selected depending on the size of the seat from these dummies, for example, Q0, Q1, Q1.5, Q3, Q6 and / or Q10, where the number after the Q corresponds to the approximate age of a child of similar size and weight.

[0022] In particular, the child car seat comprises a side impact protector, which will be described in detail below. In particular, the side impact protector comprises a side impact protector base and a lateral element movable relative to the side impact protector base, wherein the lateral element is preferably envisaged to be reversibly transferable between a first position (storage position and / or retracted position) and a second position (use position and / or extended position). In the second position, the lateral element protrudes beyond the side of the child car seat (or an adjacent part thereof), whereas in the first position, the lateral element does not protrude beyond the side or protrudes much less than in the second position. The lateral side is preferably the second lateral side, but according to the embodiment, reference may also be made to the first, third and / or fourth lateral side.

[0023] Preferably, the lateral element in its second position is the part of the child seat that projects furthest laterally. The transition of the lateral element between the first and second positions preferably includes a first step in which the lateral projection is (at least substantially) stopped, and a second step in which the lateral element is (at least substantially) moved transversely and / or laterally.

[0024] The transition from the first position to the second position preferably includes first the first step followed by the second step. The transition from the second position to the first position preferably includes first the second step followed by the first step.

[0025] Preferably, the side impact protectors are attached, in particular fastened, to the sides of the child car seat or to the sides of the child car seat (this does not in particular exclude the side impact protectors also being at least partially further inward than the adjacent part of the side).

[0026] It may be provided that the side impact base or the base outer surface is formed in one piece, in particular integrally, with the side surface, wholly or partly. The side surface and the side impact base may be joined to one another.

[0027] The side impact base may comprise a frame that may form an opening. The frame may be part of a side surface that defines the opening (any function of which is described in more detail below). The side impact base may further comprise a portion that completely or partially closes the opening to the inside. The opening may be formed, for example, completely or partially as a blind hole or as a through hole in the side surface and / or in the base. According to embodiments, the side impact base may have a portion that spans the opening like a bridge or web and / or a portion that extends into the opening like a platform. The side impact base is preferably configured to cooperate with the side elements to provide one or several functions of the side impact protector.

[0028] The lateral elements may have lateral element outer surfaces that are visible in the first position (i.e., not covered by other parts of the child safety seat) and may, for example, completely or partially close the opening of the side impact base in the first position. In the first and / or second position, the lateral element outer surfaces may be at least substantially oriented away from the child. Furthermore, the lateral elements may have inner surfaces that are (substantially) not visible in the first position, for example, by being covered by other parts of the child safety seat. The inner surfaces may be at least partially designed as edge surfaces, provided that the inner surfaces are (preferably only partially) visible in the second position. In the first and / or second position, the inner surfaces may be at least substantially oriented away from the child (optionally without taking into account the edge surfaces).

[0029] The lateral element may be made up of several sub-elements, for example it may include an outer part forming the outer surface, it may also include an inner part allowing it to interact with the base, this will be explained in more detail below.

[0030] Preferably, the lateral element is (particularly solely) rotatable about an axis, in particular a fixed or movable axis, during the first step. Alternatively or additionally, the lateral element (or its displacement part) is (particularly solely) displaceable during the second step. Alternative or additional types of movement are described below.

[0031] The lateral elements are preferably designed as folding elements (flaps) that can be folded around an axis (fixed or movable) in order to perform in particular the first step of the transition between the first and second position, in which case rotation can also be superimposed by translation (or vice versa).

[0032] According to an embodiment, the first step may be performed by (pure) translation. Alternatively or additionally, the second step may be performed by (pure) rotation. Both steps may be performed by (pure) translation, where the corresponding displacement axes or displacement directions may differ (for example by at least 10°, or at least 45°, or at least 80°).

[0033] Both steps may be performed by (pure) rotation, where the corresponding rotation axes may differ (for example by at least 10°, or at least 45°, or at least 80°). The lateral elements may have a proximal portion close to the axis, and a distal portion further from the axis than the proximal portion and further outward (farther from the receiving area) than the axis in a second position. The axis may be physically formed, for example as a separate component. However, the axis may also be an imaginary axis, for example a film hinge.

[0034] The second step is preferably performed as a translation of the lateral element. In this case, the lateral element may slide on the side impact protector base and / or on the side of the child seat. Alternatively, the second step may be performed as a rotation. Preferably, one of the first and second steps comprises a rotation and the other of the first and second steps comprises a translation.

[0035] As already mentioned, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the first step of the transformation comprises (particularly exclusively) folding, while the second step comprises (particularly exclusively) translation. In another preferred embodiment, the first step comprises (particularly exclusively) translation, while the second step comprises (particularly exclusively) rotation.

[0036] As mentioned above, a shaft may be provided to form the folding mechanism, which may be formed completely or partially as a physical shaft. The side elements may have side element bearing portions, to which the shafts may be attached. The side impact protector base may have base bearing portions (especially at the rear), to which the shafts may be attached. The side element bearing portions and / or the base bearing portion may be formed to allow translation of at least one, preferably exactly one, side element in its folded position relative to the side impact protector base. For this purpose, the side element bearing portion and / or the base bearing portion may have an elongated hole in which at least one, preferably at least two, shafts may slide. The orientation of the elongated holes can be selected so that sliding of the shaft in the (respective) elongated hole is only possible when the lateral element is in one, in particular one of the positions mentioned below, between an intermediate position (starting from the first position and the first step being performed, or starting from the second position and the second step being performed) and a second position.

[0037] The second step may include a translational movement of the axis of one of the side element bearing portion and the base bearing portion. The second step may also include a movement, in particular a translational movement, of the entire side element (or at least a substantial part thereof, for example at least 15 wt %, or at least 50 wt %, or at least 90 wt %) relative to the side impact protector base. With respect to the proximal portion, the movement may be guided by the axis and the bearing portion. The distal end may slide on the side impact protector base, in particular on the front part of the side impact protector. For this purpose, the side impact protector base may have a sliding portion that may guide the side element (at least partially between the intermediate position and the second position). The side impact protector base may have a base holding portion, in particular adjacent to the sliding portion and / or at the front part of the side impact protector base. The lateral elements may have lateral element holders, particularly at the distal ends, where the lateral element holders may be supported on the base holders in the second position.

[0038] Preferably, the first step and / or the second step operate automatically (or are automatic) (if necessary after the respective locks are released) and are preferably assisted by at least one or exactly one spring (or other drive), or at least two or exactly two springs, more preferably by at least one first spring assisting the second step and / or at least one second spring assisting the first step.

[0039] The side impact protector may comprise a first spring that operates to fully transition the side element (in particular from an intermediate position in which the projection beyond the side has already been at least substantially adjusted by a first step) into the second position. The first spring may be, for example, a coil spring (e.g., a compression spring or a tension spring), a leg spring, a leaf spring, or another suitable elastic element. The first spring may have two ends, with which it can support itself, one on the side element and the other on another element of the child car seat, in particular on the side impact protector base. For this purpose, a first side element spring mounting portion may be provided on the side element, and a first base spring mounting portion may be provided on the side impact protector base. The first side element spring mounting portion and / or the first base spring mounting portion may in particular be designed as an at least approximately cylindrical protrusion on which the first spring can rest. However, depending on the type of spring used, other designs are also possible, such as, in particular, groove-like recesses into which the respective ends of the spring can be inserted. The embodiments described below in connection with the second spring are also possible.

[0040] The function of the first lateral element spring mounting portion or the first base spring mounting portion is in particular to enable stable support of the first spring on the respective element in order to enable safe and error-free execution of the second step.

[0041] The side impact protector may comprise a second spring, which preferably operates to move the side element in a first step to an intermediate position where the projection over the side is at least substantially adjusted. Alternatively, but not preferentially, the second spring may be designed to move the side element completely to the first position (in particular from the intermediate position where the projection over the side is at least substantially adjusted in a first step). The second spring may be, for example, a coil spring (e.g., a compression spring or an extension spring), a leg spring, a leaf spring, or another suitable elastic element. The second spring may have two ends, by means of which it can support itself, one on the side element and the other on another element of the child seat, in particular on the base. For this purpose, a second side element spring mounting portion may be provided on the side element, and a second base spring mounting portion may be provided on the side impact protector base. The second lateral element spring mount and / or the second base spring mount may be designed to allow the second spring to be engaged or surrounded (e.g., by locking a hooked end of the second spring into a hole or by surrounding a protrusion with an annular end), however, other embodiments are also possible depending on the type of spring used, especially those described in connection with the first spring.

[0042] The function of the second lateral element spring mounting or the second base spring mounting is in particular to enable stable support of the second spring on the respective element in order to enable safe and error-free execution of the first step.

[0043] Preferably, the side impact protector is designed such that the first and second springs fully transition the side elements from the first position to the second position. The second spring can actuate the side elements to perform a first step from the first position in order to adjust the side elements so that they protrude further beyond the outer surface than in the first position. The first spring can actuate the side elements to perform a second step in order to prevent lateral inward forces from moving the side elements to the first position against the action of the second spring.

[0044] The side impact protector may be configured such that the transition from the first position to the second position (after an initial initiation of the transition, as explained in more detail below) is fully spring-driven, in particular by the first and second springs. The transition from the second position to the first position occurs during a second step, preferably against the force of the first spring. The transition from the second position to the first position may occur during the first step against the force of the second spring.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the first spring and the second spring may be formed by a single combined spring. It may also be provided that only one second spring is provided. Each first spring, each second spring and each combined spring may comprise (exactly) one or several spring elements. However, preferably, there should be (exactly) one first spring and (exactly) one second spring, each realized by exactly one spring element.

[0046] Preferably, the functional position is lockable (against transition to the inoperative position, in particular against folding). Alternatively or additionally, the inoperative position is lockable (against transition to the functional position, in particular against unfolding). Locking is understood to mean in particular that the lateral elements can be moved in any direction towards the other of the inoperative and functional positions, respectively (at least without overcoming a force threshold of, for example, at least 0.5 N, or at least 1 N, or at least 10 N, or at least 100 N) before the corresponding locking mechanism is released.

[0047] The side elements may have side element stops, and the side impact protector base may have base stops. The side element stops and the base stops may be configured to cooperate to limit outward movement of the side elements. In particular, after the first step, during the transition from the first position to the second position, and / or in the second position, the side elements may abut the base stops at the side element stops. In the first position, the side element stops may be spaced apart from the base stops.

[0048] In the first position, further inward displacement of the lateral elements, in particular further folding of the lateral elements, can be at least substantially (except optionally for a slight remaining displacement possibility, see below) prevented by the lateral elements at least partially abutting against the side impact protector base.

[0049] The side impact protector may further comprise a retaining device for retaining the side element in the first position. This is particularly useful when, as described above, the second spring is provided pre-tensioned in the first position of the side element to operate the side element to protrude (further) laterally beyond the side. The retaining device may comprise a side element retaining device and a base retaining device. Preferably, one of the side element retaining device and the base retaining device engages with the other of the side element retaining device and the base retaining device to retain the side element in the first position. The engagement can be released to initiate the transition of the side element from the first position to the second position. According to an embodiment, for example, one of the side element retaining device and the base retaining device may have a latch, and the other of the side element retaining device and the base retaining device may have a latch receiver.

[0050] It may be provided that the holding device is designed so that the transition of the lateral elements from the first position to the second position is initiated by being pressed inwards (towards the storage space or the child), and for this purpose it may be provided that the lateral elements are slightly displaceable further inwards beyond the first position in order to release the lateral elements from the first position and / or to disengage the holding device.

[0051] In particular, the lateral element holding device may have a protrusion, in particular having a head. The base holding device may have a guide part, which may be provided by the structure of the lateral impact protector base, for example by a bridge structure, or may be provided as a separate component in the holding device receptacle. The movable part may be provided in the guide part, in particular, with at least or exactly one, or at least or exactly two arms, which are preferably designed to be elastic. The at least or exactly two arms may be designed to define an opening without external force, into which the lateral element holding device, in particular its head, can be inserted. The movable part may take an extended position relative to the guide part, in which no force acts on the arms, or a retracted position relative to the guide part, in which the guide part compresses the arms (against a spring force) to embrace the lateral element holding device, in particular its head. Mechanisms known per se may be used for switching between the extended position (as in, for example, a ballpoint pen) and the retracted position.

[0052] Preferably, the lateral element and the lateral impact protector base have a pair of complementary engagement structures, in particular at least one protrusion-recess pair, which prevent transition from the functional position to the inoperative position, and which can preferably be overcome by a force of 50 N or less, more preferably 10 N or less, and / or 0.1 N or more, preferably 0.5 N or more, optionally 1 N or more.

[0053] The side impact protector base may have a base retention engagement portion (e.g., a recess), particularly on the base retention portion. The side elements may have a side element retention engagement portion (e.g., a protrusion), particularly on the side element retention portion. In the second position of the side element, one of the base retention engagement portion and the side element retention engagement portion may engage the other of the base retention engagement portion and the side element retention engagement portion to prevent movement of the side element (away from the second position).

[0054] It may be provided that the transition of the lateral element from the second position to the first position is initiated by pressing or pushing (and / or rotating) the lateral element, particularly in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first spring moves the lateral element. It may be provided that the lateral element is moved (slightly) away from the side to release the base retention engagement and the lateral element retention engagement from each other. It may further be provided that the transition of the lateral element from the second position to the first position is completed by pressing the lateral element, particularly a distal part of the lateral element, inward.

[0055] Preferably, the lateral elements are foldable backwards during the first step (in particular so that, when viewed from above, a lateral element attached to the right side of the child car seat folds in a clockwise direction and a lateral element attached to the left side of the child car seat folds in a counterclockwise direction). Alternatively or additionally, the lateral elements or their displacement parts may be displaced forwards during the second step.

[0056] Preferably, the side impact protectors are designed and attached to the child car seat in such a way that when the lateral elements are transferred from the first position to the second position, the movement of the lateral elements in the second step is not backwards (preferably forwards). In the case of a backward movement, there is a particular risk that in the second step the lateral elements may come into contact with the vehicle backrest and / or objects located in the vicinity of the backrest and may not reach the second position. In addition, it may be difficult to access the lateral elements to release them from the second position, as the vehicle backrest and / or objects may get in the way.

[0057] The side impact protector is preferably provided at least partially, optionally completely, at the rear of the child car seat, in particular behind the back contact surface, and / or above the seat of the child car seat (optionally above the height of the highest point of the seat), and / or on the outside of the seat shell of the child car seat.

[0058] Preferably, the lateral elements are made at least substantially of a hard material, in particular it may be a hard plastic, such as for example PE and / or PP or similar. The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for adjusting a side impact protector of a child car seat of the above-mentioned kind, the child car seat comprising at least one side and one side impact protector, the side impact protector comprising: -side impact protector base; - lateral elements which are movable (in particular rotatable and / or displaceable) relative to the side impact protector base and which can be transferred between an inoperative position, in particular located inside a predetermined width of the child seat, and a functional position, in particular located outside said predetermined width, and vice versa, The lateral elements in the functional position protrude further beyond the lateral sides than in the inoperative position, preferably in a first step the lateral protrusion beyond the lateral sides is at least substantially determined and in a second step the weight thereof preferably corresponds to at least 15 wt% (more preferably at least 25 wt%, or at least 50 wt%, or at least 90 wt%, optionally 100 wt%) of the total weight of the lateral elements, and / or at least part of the lateral elements which are at least partly visible from the outside in the inoperative position preferably displace, in particular slide, such that the lateral elements rest at least partly over (preferably on) part of the lateral sides adjacent to them. Further method features arise from the above description of the child seat, whereby the functional features can be implemented as corresponding method steps.

[0059] Further embodiments arise from the dependent claims. The invention is described below on the basis of example embodiments, which are explained in more detail with the aid of figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a child car seat according to the present invention; [Figure 2]2 shows a part of the child car seat according to FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 3 shows a part of the child car seat according to FIG. 2 in a different form; [Figure 4] 4 shows an exploded view of the components of the child car seat according to FIGS. [Figure 5] 5 shows a cross section of a part of the child car seat according to FIGS. [Figure 6] 6 shows the part according to FIG. 5 in a different form. [Figure 7] 5 and 6 in a further configuration. [Figure 8] Parts of a side impact protector are shown. [Figure 9] Parts of a side impact protector are shown. [Figure 10] 1 shows a portion of an alternative embodiment partially in schematic cross section. [Figure 11] The part according to FIG. 10 is shown in a top view. [Figure 12] 11 shows the part according to FIG. 10 in a different form. [Figure 13] A diagram similar to FIG. 11 is shown in the form according to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and similarly operating parts. 1 shows a child car seat 10 according to the present invention. The child car seat 10 optionally comprises a headrest 40 having a head contact surface 41, a seat region 20 having a seat surface 21, and a backrest 30 having a back contact surface 31. The seat region 20 may comprise fastening means 22 for fastening the child car seat 10 to a vehicle seat. The seat region 20 may have a first side 24 on its outer side. In addition, side bolsters 32 are formed on the backrest 30, which have second sides 33 on the outer sides of the child car seat 10 (the sides facing away from a child seated in the child car seat). Side impact protector structures 100 are formed on each of the second sides 33 of the side bolsters 32. Side wings 42 may be formed on the headrest 40, which have third sides 43 on the outer sides of the child car seat 10.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a side view of a portion of the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32 of the child car seat 10 according to the invention. The side bolster 32 is provided with a side impact protector 100, which in particular has a side element 120 and a side element outer surface 121. As shown in Figure 1, and in particular in Figure 2, the side impact protector 100 can be embedded in the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32, so that the side element outer surface 121 mates at least substantially flush with an adjacent portion of the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32. The side impact protector 100 is here in the first position.

[0063] 3 shows a side view of a portion of the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32 of a child car seat 10 according to the invention. The side impact protector 100, having a side element 120 and a side element outer surface 121, is in a second position in this view. The side impact protector 100 is no longer embedded in the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32 but at least partially protrudes beyond it. In contrast to the first position, the end surface 122 is now visible, which protrudes beyond or protrudes or extends from the second side surface 33. In this position, the side element outer surface 121 does not fit flush with an adjacent portion of the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a side impact protector 100 according to the invention in an exploded view. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view. The side impact protector 100 comprises a side element 120, which can be pivotally arranged relative to a side impact protector system base 140 by means of an axis 110. The side impact protector base 140 is part of the side impact protector 100 and in particular serves as a fixed (e.g., rigidly mounted or attached) counterpart to the movable side element 120. The side impact protector base 140 can be at least partially mounted in the second side surface 33. The side impact protector base 140 can have an opening 142 between its rear part 149 and its front part 150, in which the side element 120 can be at least partially embedded.

[0065] The lateral element 120 preferably has a lateral element bearing 126 through which the shaft 110 can be guided. The side impact protector also comprises a second spring 112 urging the lateral element 120 into its protruding position, i.e. pushing it to the left (away from the child), and a first spring 111 urging the lateral element 120 forward (away from the child) along the second side 33 into the second position. In addition, a base retention device 144 may be provided, which is attached to the side impact protector base 140 and which locks the lateral element 110 in the first position and which can be released to initiate the transition to the second position.

[0066] The base holding device 144 may comprise or consist of a guide portion 145a and an arm 145c in which the movable portion 145b is guided. Furthermore, an optional frame 153 (which may be part of the side impact protector base 140) is provided, which may surround the side element 120 in the first position and serve as a contact surface for the side element 120 in the second position. A side element stopper 123 is provided on the side element 120, which limits the side element 120 to the second position against further deployment caused by the second spring 112.

[0067] 5 shows the side impact protector 100 in a cross section in a first position embedded in the second side surface 33 of the side bolster 32. The shaft 110 is rigidly connected to the side impact protector base 140 at the base bearing portion 146 and extends through the (guide-shaped, in particular groove-shaped) side element bearing portion 126 onto the proximal portion 129 of the side element 110, thus pivotally supporting the side element 120 relative to the base. The side element bearing portion 126 is particularly designed as a groove-shaped guide and / or as an elongated hole. In the first position, the shaft 110 is located at the distal end of the side element bearing portion 126, which end is closer to the distal portion 130 of the side element 120.

[0068] The second spring 112 may be connected at one end to the side impact protector base 140 by a second base spring mount 148 and at the other end to the side element 120 by a second side element spring mount 128. The second spring 112 may be compressed in the first position, thus pressing against the side element 120 from the inside. The head 125 of the side element 120 may engage with the arm 145c of the base retention device 144, thereby locking the side element 120 against deployment by the force of the second spring 112 so that it remains in the embedded first position.

[0069] The end faces 122 of the lateral elements 120, at least in their distal portions 130, abut against the sliding portions 156 of the lateral impact protector base 140 and are at least partially guided by the latter (during the transition to the second position).

[0070] The first spring 111 may be connected at one end to the side impact protector base 140 by a first base spring mount 147 and at the other end to the side element 120 by a first side element spring mount 147. The first spring 111 may be extended in the first position, thereby pulling the proximal end of the side element 120 (at the first side element spring mount 147) and therefore pressing the distal portion of the end face 122 against the slide 156.

[0071] By applying a force (towards the child) to the proximal portion 129 of the lateral element 120, the movable portion 145b of the base holding portion 144 can be pushed (towards the child) along the guide portion 145a, thereby moving the arm 145c to the open position.

[0072] 6 shows the side impact protector 100 in cross section in a position between the first and second positions (specifically, the unstable intermediate position) after being shifted (to the left) by the second spring 112 and before being shifted (forward) by the first spring 111. In this position, the shaft 110 is still at the distal end of the side element bearing 126. The arm 145c of the base holding device 144 is released, so that the head 125 of the side element 120 is no longer held by the arm 145c, and therefore the lock against deployment of the side element 120 is released. The side element 120 is pushed by the force of the second spring 112 into the protruding (open, deployed) position. The side element stop 123 abuts against the base stop 143, limiting the deployment of the side element 120 by the second spring 112. The interaction between the lateral element stop 123 and the base stop 143 prevents further movement of the lateral element 120 to the left (away from the child). The distal end face 122 of the lateral element 120 is no longer guided by the slide 156 and protrudes beyond it, in particular, is located outside it. Forward movement of the lateral element 120 along the second side is no longer restricted in this position, thereby releasing the first spring 111.

[0073] 7 shows the side impact protector 100 in cross section in a second position after being shifted (to the left) by the second spring 112 and shifted (forward) by the first spring 111. In this position, the shaft 110 is located at the proximal end of the side element bearing portion 126, which is closer to the proximal portion 130 of the side element 120. The force of the second spring 112 continues to push the side element 120 toward the extended (open, deployed) position. The side element stop 123 continues to abut (slightly pushed forward) against the base stop 143, preventing the side element 120 from being further deployed by the second spring 112. By releasing the first spring 111, the side element 120 has been pushed forward (to the second position) at the first side element spring mounting portion 147.

[0074] Further forward movement of the lateral element 120 is prevented by the axle 110 abutting the proximal end of the lateral element bearing portion 126. In the second position, the distal portion of the end face 122 is now located in front of the sliding portion 156, thus preventing unwanted movement of the lateral element 120 due to a possible application of a force from the left (toward the child) back to the embedded first position (e.g., in a crash scenario). In this position, the lateral element retaining engagement portion 132 engages the base retaining portion 151, which in turn engages the lateral element retaining portion 131, thereby locking the lateral element 120 against rearward (backward) sliding movement due to a possible application of a force from the front.

[0075] 8 shows the side element 120 from the rear. FIG. An alternative embodiment is partially shown in Figures 10 to 13. The lateral elements are displaced (translationally) in a first step and rotated in a second step. For this purpose, the lateral elements may have at least one gap 120a, for example a groove, optionally an annular groove.

[0076] It should be noted here that all the above-mentioned components, when considered individually and in any combination, are claimed to be essential to the invention, especially the details shown in the drawings, variations of which are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0077] Furthermore, it should be noted that the widest possible scope of protection is sought. In this respect, the invention defined in the claims may also be specified by features that are described together with further features, even if these further features are not necessarily included. It is expressly pointed out that parentheses and the term "in particular" are intended to emphasize the optionality of a feature in the respective context, and this does not mean, on the contrary, that a feature is to be considered essential in a corresponding context without such identification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] [Reference sign] 10...child seat, 11...storage space, 20...seating area, 21...seating surface, 22...fastening means, 23...armrest, 24...first side, 25...lap belt guide, 30...backrest, 31...back contact surface, 32...side bolster, 33...second side, 40...headrest, 41...head contact surface, 42...side wing, 43...third side, 44...shoulder belt guide, 100...side impact protector, 110...shaft, 111...first spring, 112...second spring, 120...side element, 120a...gap, 121...side element outer surface, 122...end surface, 123...side element stopper, 124...side element retaining device, 125...head, 126...side element bearing portion, 127...first First lateral element spring mounting portion, 128...second lateral element spring mounting portion, 129...proximal portion, 130...distal portion, 131...lateral element holding portion, 132...lateral element holding engagement portion, 133...inner portion, 134...outer portion, 140...base, 141...base outer surface, 142...opening, 143...base stopper, 144...base holding device, 145a...guide portion, 145b...movable portion, 145c...arm, 146...base bearing portion, 147...first base spring mounting portion, 148...second base spring mounting portion, 149...rear portion, 150...front portion, 151...base holding portion, 152...base holding engagement portion, 153...frame, 154...bridge, 155...holding device receiving portion, 156...sliding portion

Claims

1. A child car seat (10) for installation in a car seat, comprising at least one side and side impact protector (100), said side impact protector (100) comprising: - a side impact protector base (140), - lateral elements (120) movable relative to the side impact protector base (140) and transferable from an inoperative position, in particular located inside a predetermined width of the child seat (10), to a functional position, in particular located outside said predetermined width; Equipped with the lateral elements in the functional position protrude laterally beyond the side surfaces, and the lateral elements in the non-operative position do not protrude beyond the side surfaces or protrude much less than in the functional position, position transition means are provided to enable transition from the non-operative position to the functional position, and in a first step the lateral protrusion beyond the side surfaces can be at least substantially determined, and in a second step the lateral elements or their weight preferably corresponds to at least 15 wt % of the total weight of the lateral elements (120) and / or are at least partially visible in the non-operative position, at least one displacement part of the lateral elements (120) is preferably configured to be displaceable, in particular slidable, so that the lateral elements (120) are placed at least partially over a part of the side surfaces adjacent to the lateral elements (120). Child seats (10).

2. the lateral element (120) or the displacement part thereof is movable during the second step at least substantially transverse to the lateral direction and / or substantially along the adjacent side, 2. A child car seat (10) according to claim 1.

3. characterised in that the lateral element (120) is preferably rotatable about a fixed or movable axis during the first step and / or the lateral element (120) or the displacement part thereof is displaceable during the second step, A child car seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said first step and / or said second step optionally occur automatically after unlocking and are preferably assisted by at least one spring (111, 112), more preferably at least one first spring (111) assisting said second step and / or at least one second spring (112) assisting said first step, A child car seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

5. the functional position and / or the inoperative position can be locked, A child car seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

6. said lateral element (120) and said lateral impact protector base (140) form a pair of complementary engagement structures, in particular at least one protrusion-recess pair, said engagement structures preventing the transition from said functional position to said inoperative position, said prevention being preferably surmountable by a force of 50 N or less, more preferably 10 N or less and / or 0.1 N or more, preferably 0.5 N or more, optionally 1 N or more, A child car seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. characterised in that the lateral elements (120) or the displacement parts are foldable backward during the first step and / or displaceable forward during the second step. A child car seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. the side impact protector (100) is at least partially, optionally completely, arranged at the rear of the child car seat (10), in particular behind the back contact surface, and / or above the seat of the child car seat (10) and / or on the outside of the seat shell, A child car seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. the lateral elements (120) are made of at least substantially rigid material, A child car seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for adjusting a side impact protector (100) of a child car seat (10) in particular according to one of the preceding claims, said child car seat (10) comprising at least one side and side impact protector (100), said side impact protector (100) comprising: - a side impact protector base (140), - lateral elements (120) movable relative to the side impact protector base (140) and transferable from an inoperative position, in particular located inside a predetermined width of the child seat (10), to a functional position, in particular located outside said predetermined width; Equipped with the lateral elements in the functional position protrude laterally beyond the lateral surface, and the lateral elements in the non-operative position do not protrude beyond the lateral surface or protrude much less than in the functional position, wherein in a first step the lateral protrusion beyond the lateral surface is at least substantially determined, and in a second step its weight preferably corresponds to at least 15 wt. % of the total weight of the lateral elements, and / or at least a part of the lateral elements (120) which are at least partially visible in the non-operative position is preferably displaced, in particular slidable, so that the lateral elements are at least partially placed over a part of the lateral surface adjacent to them, method.

Images