Child safety seat

Abstract

We provide child safety seats. [Solution] The child safety seat comprises: a seat shell having a side wall provided on either the left or right side of the seat shell; a buffer portion connected to the seat shell, wherein the buffer portion is movable between a first position corresponding to a storage position in which the buffer portion is retracted toward the side wall and a second position corresponding to an extended state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the side wall; a holding mechanism connected to the seat shell having a holding position and a release position, wherein the holding mechanism is in a holding position to hold the buffer portion in the storage position and is in a release position to move the buffer portion relative to the seat shell; and a release mechanism connected to the seat shell, wherein the release mechanism is operable to switch from a holding position to a release position in order to prompt the holding mechanism to move the buffer portion from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application is a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020 - 076497 filed on April 23, 2020, a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021 - 129479 filed on August 6, 2021, a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022 - 137983 filed on August 31, 2022, and a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024 - 098832 filed on June 19, 2024, and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201910345902.1 filed on April 26, 2019.

[0002] Background Art 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a child safety seat.

Background Art

[0003] 2. Background Art Child safety seats are typically used in automobiles to properly restrain a child during a collision accident. In particular, a child safety seat can provide protection by restraining a child from moving forward or backward when the vehicle is involved in a frontal or rear - end collision.

[0004] In addition to providing protection during frontal and rear collisions, some child safety seats may further have a side impact protection structure adapted to dissipate collision energy induced by a side collision of a vehicle. For example, Chinese Patent Publication No. CN105329121B describes a side impact protection structure provided on the side wall of a child safety seat, which includes a protective element that can be retracted for storage or deployed for use, and in order to deploy it, the caregiver needs to apply pressure to the protective element to unlock or unlock it. Due to the position of the protective element on the side wall of the child safety seat, the caregiver may forget to deploy the protective element, resulting in it remaining in the retracted position and failing to provide effective protection.

[0005] Therefore, an improved child safety seat is needed that can be conveniently deployed and has a side impact protection system that can at least address the aforementioned problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Registration No. 105329121 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] This application describes a child safety seat having a side impact protection system configured to provide protection in the event of a side collision with a vehicle, which can be stored for compact storage and deployed in a convenient manner.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the child safety seat comprises a seat shell, a buffer section, a holding mechanism, and a release mechanism. The seat shell has a first side wall and a second side wall provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell, respectively. The buffer section is connected to the seat shell and is movable between a first position corresponding to a stowed position where the buffer section is retracted toward the first side wall and a second position corresponding to an extended state where the buffer section protrudes laterally from the first side wall. The holding mechanism is connected to the seat shell and has a holding position and a release position. The holding mechanism is in the holding position to hold the buffer section in the stowed position and is in the release position to move the buffer section relative to the seat shell. The release mechanism is connected to the seat shell and is operable to switch from the holding position to the release position in order to prompt the holding mechanism to move the buffer section from the first position to the second position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a child safety seat having a side impact protection system in a retracted state. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a perspective view of a child safety seat with a deployed side impact protection system. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a perspective view of the impact receiving module of the side impact protection system. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the detailed structure of the side impact protection system in an exploded view. [Figure 5] This figure shows an exploded view from the opposite side of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This diagram shows details of several assemblies of the side impact protection system in a partially exploded view. [Figure 7] The detailed structure of the retention and release mechanisms of the side impact protection system is shown in a schematic diagram. [Figure 8] This figure shows a schematic diagram of a holding mechanism in a different configuration than that of Figure 7. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the structural details of the side impact protection system. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a perspective view of the operating device provided in the release mechanism of the side impact protection system. [Figure 11] This diagram shows some of the structural details of the operating device in an exploded view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figures 1 and 2 are two perspective views showing one embodiment of the child safety seat 200. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the child safety seat 200 includes a seat shell 102 including a seat portion 110 and a backrest portion 130, and a side impact protection system 100 coupled to the seat shell 102. The seat portion 110 and the backrest portion 130 can be fixedly connected to each other. For example, the seat shell 102 can be integrally formed to include the seat portion 110 and the backrest portion 130. The seat shell 102 has two side walls, provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, to restrict the lateral movement of a child seated on the seat shell 102. The two side walls 1301 are fixedly connected to the backrest 130, and protrude forward from the backrest 130 on the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, respectively, and from the top of the backrest 130 toward the seat 110.

[0011] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the side impact protection system 100 may include, on the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, impact receiving modules 10 and retaining mechanisms 20 (better shown in Figure 9) coupled to each other, and a release mechanism 12 coupled to the retaining mechanism 20 on each side of the seat shell 102. Two impact receiving modules 10, provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, may have the same structure and may be positioned symmetrically on the two side walls 1301 of the backrest 130 (only one impact receiving module 10 is shown in Figures 1 and 2). Each impact receiving module 10 has a stowed state, as shown in Figure 1, for easy storage, and an unfolded state, as shown in Figure 2, for use. The impact receiving module 10 can be held in the stowed state by the retaining mechanism 20 coupled thereto, and can be switched from the stowed state to the unfolded state by operating the release mechanism 12. When a vehicle equipped with a child safety seat 200 is subjected to a lateral collision, one of the deployed impact receiving modules 10 can be pressed against the vehicle body (e.g., a vehicle door panel) to dissipate some of the impact energy. This allows for lateral cushioning to be achieved to better protect the child seated on the child safety seat 200.

[0012] In relation to Figures 1 and 2, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing one impact receiving module 10, and Figures 4-11 are various diagrams showing further structural details of the side impact protection system 100. Referring to Figures 1-6, each side wall 1301 may have an opening 1302 provided on its outside to accommodate the assembly of the corresponding impact receiving module 10. The impact receiving module 10 includes a buffer section 11 movably connected to the sheet shell 102. The buffer section 11 may have any suitable structure adapted to provide a cushioning effect. According to one embodiment of the structure, the buffer section 11 may include two casing sections 113 and 115 fixedly attached to each other. Examples of suitable materials for making the buffer section 11 include, but are not limited to, plastic. The buffer section 11 is movable relative to the sheet shell 102 on the outside of the side wall 1301. For example, the buffer portion 11 can move between a first position in which the distal end 11A of the buffer portion 11 is retracted toward the interior of the opening 1302, and a second position in which the distal end 11A of the buffer portion 11 protrudes sideways from the outer side wall 1301 of the opening 1302. The first position of the buffer portion 11 corresponds to the retracted state shown in Figure 1, and the second position of the buffer portion 11 corresponds to the deployed state shown in Figure 2. In the first position, the buffer portion 11 is substantially received within the opening 1302 for compact storage. In the second position, the buffer portion 11 can protrude outward, for example, substantially perpendicular to the side wall 1301. During a side impact, the buffer portion 11 in the second position is pressed against the vehicle body (e.g., the vehicle door panel), and as a result is deformed, crushed, and / or deforms part of the seat shell 102 around the buffer portion 11, thereby dissipating some of the impact energy.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the backrest portion 130 may have a front surface 130A adapted to provide support for the child's back, and the buffer portion 11 may be connected to a portion of a side wall 1301 located in front of the front surface 130A of the backrest portion 130. For example, the buffer portion 11 may be positioned in front of the front surface 130A and connected to a portion of a side wall 1301 perpendicularly adjacent to the shoulder height of a seated child. In this configuration, the pressure on the deployed buffer portion 11 as a result of a lateral impact can deform and bend the portion of the side wall 1301 located in front of the front surface 130A of the backrest portion 130 toward the interior of the seat shell 102, providing better protection for the seated child.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the structure, the buffer section 11 can be pivotably connected to the seat shell 102. For example, the mount base 13 can be fixedly attached to the side wall 1301 of the seat shell 102, and the buffer section 11 can be pivotably connected to the mount base 13. Thus, the buffer section 11 can rotate between a first position corresponding to the stowed state and a second position corresponding to the deployed state. According to one embodiment of the structure, the pivot connection of the buffer section 11 can be such that the distal end 11A of the buffer section 11 can be displaced forward to a first position and backward to a second position.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the mount base 13 can, by way of example, include a pivot support member 131 and a housing 133. The housing 133 can have a cavity 133A and can be fixedly connected to the seat shell 102 within the opening 1302 of the side wall 1301. The pivot support member 131 is fixedly connected to the seat shell 102 below the cavity 133A of the housing 133 and can extend into the cavity 133A through an opening 1331 provided in the housing 133. The portion of the pivot support member 131 that extends into the cavity 133A of the housing 133 can have a hole 1311 (shown better in FIG. 6), and a pivot shaft (not shown) can be assembled through the hole 1311 to pivotally connect the buffer portion 11 to the pivot support member 131. The buffer portion 11 assembled thereby can rotate with respect to the pivot support member 131, and the buffer portion 11 can be substantially housed within the cavity 133A of the housing 133 in the first position and can substantially protrude outside the cavity 133A of the housing 133 in the second position.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the child safety seat 200 can each include a spring 30 coupled to the buffer portion 11 on each of the left and right sides. The spring 30 can bias the buffer portion 11 toward the second position corresponding to the deployed state. According to an embodiment of the structure, the spring 30 can be a torsion spring. The spring 30 can be disposed inside the hole 1311 of the pivot support member 131 and can have both ends respectively fixed to a slot 1313 provided in the pivot support member 131 and a slot 111 provided in the buffer portion 11. The biasing action exerted by the spring 30 can facilitate the deployment of the buffer portion 11.

[0017] Two retaining mechanisms 20, provided on the left and right sides of the sheet shell 102, may have similar structures and are each positioned adjacent to two impact receiving modules 10. Figures 3, 6, 8, and 9 show details of the configuration of one retaining mechanism 20. Referring to Figures 1, 3, 6, 8, and 9, each retaining mechanism 20 can be configured to hold its associated buffer section 11 in a first position corresponding to the stowed state. According to one embodiment of the configuration, the retaining mechanism 20 may include a magnetic element 21 coupled to the sheet shell 102 and a magnetic element 23 coupled to the buffer section 11. For example, the magnetic element 21 may be positioned adjacent to the housing 133 of the mount base 13 on the sheet shell 102, and the magnetic element 23 may be fixedly attached to the buffer section 11, thereby allowing the magnetic element 23 to move together with the buffer section 11 with respect to the sheet shell 102 and the magnetic element 21. The two magnetic elements 21 and 23 may include magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic components, magnetosensitive components, and similar elements that can interact with each other via magnetic attraction. For example, one of the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 is a magnet, and the other of the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 is a portion containing iron or other ferromagnetic material. When the buffer section 11 is in the first position corresponding to the stowed state, the two magnetic bodies 21 and 23 are close to each other, and therefore a holding force can be generated by the magnetic attraction between the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 to hold the buffer section 11 in the first position. When the buffer section 11 moves from the first position to the second position, the magnetic element 23 can move away from the magnetic element 21.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 9, the release mechanism 12 has operating devices 50 operatively connected to the holding mechanism 20 on each of the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, and the operating devices 50 are operable to release each buffer portion 11 from the holding of the holding mechanism 20, and thus the buffer portion 11 can move from the first position to the second position. For example, the release mechanism 12 can be configured to displace each magnetic element 21 from the holding position (corresponding to the configuration shown in FIG. 7) with respect to the seat shell 102 to the release position (corresponding to the configuration shown in FIG. 8). When the magnetic element 21 is in the holding position and the buffer portion 11 is in the first position, the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 are close to each other, and thus a holding force can be generated by the magnetic attraction between the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 to hold the buffer portion 11 in the first position. In the release position, the magnetic element 21 is displaced away from the magnetic element 23, reducing or preventing the magnetic interaction between the magnetic elements 21 and 23, whereby the buffer portion 11 can move from the first position to the second position. According to an embodiment of the structure, the release mechanism 12 can have an operating device 50, two actuators 70 (better shown by FIGS. 4 and 6 to 9), and two link elements 60 coupling the operating device 50 to the two actuators 70 respectively.

[0019] The two actuators 70 are each positioned adjacent to the two impact receiving modules 10 and may have similar structures. Figures 4 and 6-9 show structural details of one actuator 70 provided on either the left or right side of the sheet shell 102. Referring to Figures 4 and 6-9, the actuator 70 is coupled to the magnetic element 21 and is operable to move the magnetic element 21 relative to the sheet shell 102 between a holding position shown in Figure 7 and a release position shown in Figure 8. According to an embodiment of the structure, the actuator 70 can be connected to the sheet shell 102 and may have a magnetic element carrier 71 and a spring 77. The magnetic element carrier 71 may exemplary be a single component having a rod-like elongated shape. However, it will be understood that the magnetic element carrier 71 may have other preferred shapes. The magnetic element carrier 71 can be fixedly connected to the magnetic element 21 and movably connected to the sheet shell 102, thereby allowing the magnetic element carrier 71 and the magnetic element 21 supported thereon to move in unison between a holding position and a release position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the structure, the magnetic element carrier 71 is pivotally connected to the sheet shell 102 and can rotate relative to the sheet shell 102 between a retained position and a released position. For example, the magnetic element carrier 71 may have an opening 713, and a shaft portion 1336 fixedly connected to the housing 133 at a side opposite to that of the buffering part 11 can be positioned through the opening 713 to pivotally connect the magnetic element carrier 71 around the shaft portion 1336. This allows the buffer portion 11 and the magnetic element carrier 71 to be positioned at two opposite sides of the housing 133, enabling a compact assembly. The magnetic element 21 can be fixedly attached to the end 711 of the magnetic element carrier 71 away from the shaft portion 1336 and can be at least partially housed in an arc-shaped recess 1333 provided within the housing 133. The recess 1333 can, for example, be provided on the surface of the housing 133 facing the cavity 133A. As the magnetic element carrier 71 rotates around the shaft portion 1336, the magnetic element 21 can move along the recess 1333.

[0021] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the spring 77 is connected to the sheet shell 102 and the magnetic element carrier 71, respectively, and can bias the magnetic element carrier 71 toward the retaining position. For example, the housing 133 fixed to the sheet shell 102 may have a stud 1334, the magnetic element carrier 71 may have another stud 717, and the spring 77 may have two ends connected to the studs 1334 and 717, respectively. To ensure that the magnetic element carrier 71 can be properly stopped in the retaining position, the housing 133 may include a fixing rib 1335 adapted to restrict the rotation path of the magnetic element carrier 71. When the magnetic element carrier 71, biased by the spring 77, rotates and reaches the retaining position, the magnetic element carrier 71 can come into contact with the fixing rib 1335, and the fixing rib 1335 can stop the magnetic element carrier 71 in the retaining position.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, and 11, the operating device 50 is assembled with the seat shell 102 at a distance from the two actuators 70 and can be connected to the two actuators 70, respectively, via two link elements 60. According to one embodiment of the structure, the operating device 50 can be positioned within the seat portion 110 of the seat shell 102, for example, adjacent to the thigh region of the seat shell 102. The link elements 60 can be flexible elements and can exemplify by including wires, cables, cords, etc. Each link element 60 may have an end 60A (better shown in Figure 11) fixed to the operating device 50 and another end 60B (better shown in Figures 7 and 8) operably connected to the corresponding magnetic element carrier 71. This allows the operating device 50 to operate the two magnetic element carriers 71 and the magnetic elements 21 carried thereon to move simultaneously (in parallel) from a holding position to a release position in order to release the two buffer portions 11.

[0023] Various structures may be suitable for operably connecting the end 60B of each link element 60 to the corresponding magnetic element carrier 71. According to one embodiment of the structure, the end 60B of the link element 60 can be fixed to a drive unit 73 positioned adjacent to the magnetic element carrier 71. The drive unit 73 can be assembled to be slidable with the sheet shell 102 and can contact the magnetic element carrier 71. For example, the drive unit 73 may have a guide slot 731, and the housing 133 fixed to the sheet shell 102 may have one or more protruding ribs 1332 that slide in contact with the guide slot 731. This allows the drive unit 73 to slide in the K direction relative to the sheet shell 102, contact the magnetic element carrier 71, and urge the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from a held position to a released position.

[0024] Furthermore, the spring 75 can be connected to the drive unit 73 and the seat shell 102, respectively, allowing the drive unit 73 to slide in the direction opposite to the K direction. In this configuration, the operating device 50 can be actuated to exert a tensile force through each link element 60, which in turn can cause the drive unit 73 to slide in the K direction, prompting the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the holding position to the release position. When the operating device 50 is released and no tensile force is exerted through each link element 60, the drive unit 73 can be returned to its initial position by the biasing force applied by the spring 75, and the magnetic element carrier 71 can rotate from the release position to the holding position by the biasing force applied by the spring 77. It is possible.

[0025] In one embodiment of the structure, the interaction between the magnetic element carrier 71 and the drive unit 73 can be achieved through contact between a flange 715 provided on the magnetic element carrier 71 and the end 733 of a curved arm 735 attached to the drive unit 73. For example, when the drive unit 73, pulled by the link element 60, slides in the K direction, the end 733 of the curved arm 735 can contact the magnetic element carrier 71, prompting the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from a holding position to a released position. The curved arm 735 is elastically deformable, which can facilitate the movement of the magnetic element carrier 71 toward the holding position under the biasing force of the spring 77.

[0026] The drive unit 73 is provided to facilitate the driving of the magnetic element carrier 71. However, it is understood that other configurations are possible. For example, in a variation of the structure, the drive unit 73 and spring 75 can be omitted, and the end 60B of the link element 60 can be directly fixed to the magnetic element carrier 71, thereby acting the operating device 50 and exerting a tensile force through the link element 60, prompting the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the holding position to the release position.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1, 10, and 11, the operating device 50 may include an actuation part 51, two coupling parts 53, a shaft 55, and a spring 57. The two coupling parts 53 are pivotably connected to the sheet shell 102 around the same pivot axis Y extending laterally from left to right of the sheet shell 102, and may be connected to the ends 60A of two link elements 60, respectively. According to one embodiment of the structure, each coupling part 53 may be a casing having a substantially cylindrical shape and may include an anchor part 535 protruding from its outer circumferential surface. The ends 60A of the link elements 60 can be attached to the anchor part 535 of the coupling part 53.

[0028] The actuation unit 51 can be assembled with two couplings 53 and can rotate with the couplings 53 about a pivot axis Y relative to the seat shell 102. According to one embodiment of the structure, the actuation unit 51 may include a rod portion 511 and a mounting portion 513 fixedly connected to each other. The actuation unit 51, including the rod portion 511 and the mounting portion 513, may be formed integrally. The mounting portion 513 of the actuation unit 51 may be located in a cavity 531 defined at least partially by the two couplings 53, and the rod portion 511 may protrude outward through openings 533 provided in the two couplings 53. Furthermore, the mounting portion 513 located in the internal cavity 531 is pivotably connected to the two couplings 53 about a pivot axis Y, thereby allowing relative rotation between the actuation unit 51 and the two couplings 53. For example, the mounting portion 513 may have a hole 5131, and the shaft 55 is positioned through the two coupling portions 53 and the hole 5131 in the mounting portion 513 so that the actuator 51 is pivotably connected to the two coupling portions 53. The relative rotation between the actuator 51 and the two coupling portions 53 can be defined, for example, by the path of the rod portion 511 between the two opposing edges of the opening 533. This assembly allows the actuator 51 to be pivotably connected to the seat shell 102 via the coupling portions 53 and rotate to raise or lower the rod portion 511 relative to the surface 102A of the seat shell 102 in the thigh area.

[0029] The spring 57 can be positioned around a pivot axis Y and may have two opposite ends connected to the actuator 51 and the seat shell 102, respectively. According to one embodiment of the structure, the spring 57 may be a torsion spring. The spring 57 can bias the actuator 51 and rotate the rod portion 511 to raise it relative to the surface 102A of the seat shell 102.

[0030] With the configuration of the operating device 50 as described above, the rotation of the actuation part 51 that moves the rod portion 511 relative to the surface 102A of the sheet shell 102 can cause the two connecting parts 53 to rotate in the same direction in sync, pulling on the two link elements 60 respectively, moving the drive parts 73 attached thereto to each, and prompting the magnetic element carriers 71 to rotate from the holding position to the release position. When no external force is acting on the operating device 50, the spring 57 can rotate the actuation part 51 to raise the rod portion 511 away from the surface 102A of the sheet shell 102, thereby removing the tensile force exerted on the link elements 60 by the actuation part 51 and the connecting parts 53, and each magnetic element carrier 71 can rotate from the release position to the holding position under the biasing force of the spring 77.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 9, each of the two buffer sections 11 may be provided with a latch mechanism 40 that can be operated to lock the buffer section 11 in a second position corresponding to the deployed state. The latch mechanism 40 is housed in a cavity 117 that is at least partially defined by the two casing sections 113 and 115 of the buffer section 11, and may include a latch 41, a spring 43, and a release mechanism 45.

[0032] The latch 41 can move between a locked state in which the latch 41 engages with the pivot support member 131 to lock the buffer portion 11 to a second position corresponding to the deployed state, and an unlocked state in which the latch 41 is disengaged from the pivot support member 131 to unlock the buffer portion 11 so that the buffer portion 11 can rotate relative to the seat shell 102. According to one embodiment of the structure, the latch 41 is slidably connected to the buffer portion 11 and can slide to engage with and disengage from a notch 1315 (better shown in Figure 6) provided on the pivot support member 131. In the locked state, the latch 41 engages with the notch 1315 of the pivot support member 131 and is released from the notch 1315 of the pivot support member 131 in the unlocked state.

[0033] The spring 43 has two ends connected to the latch 41 and the inner side wall of the cavity 117, respectively, and can bias the latch 41 toward the locked position for engagement with the pivot support member 131.

[0034] The release actuation unit 45 is operable to prompt the latch 41 to move from a locked state to an unlocked state. According to one embodiment of the structure, the release actuation unit 45 is fixedly connected to the latch 41 and can be exposed for operation on the buffer unit 11. For example, the release actuation unit 45 includes an operating unit 451 and a mounting unit 453 fixedly connected to each other, the operating unit 451 being exposed to the outside of the buffer unit 11 for operation, and the mounting unit 453 being fixedly mounted within an opening 411 (shown in Figure 9) provided in the latch 41. This allows the release actuation unit 45 to slide together with the latch 41 between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0035] An exemplary operation of the side impact protection system 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11. When the child safety seat 200 is not in use and there is no child on it, each buffer section 11 can be stored in a first position for convenient storage, and the magnetic interaction between the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 of the retaining mechanism 20 can hold the buffer section 11 in the first position, so that the magnetic element carrier 71 biased by the spring 77 can be in the retaining position. Furthermore, the biasing force applied by the spring 57 can hold the actuation section 51 of the actuation device 50 in position by the rod section 511 of the actuation device 50 which rises at a certain angle with respect to the surface 102A of the seat shell 102.

[0036] When a child is installed in the child safety seat 200, the actuari 51 and the two couplings 53 are prompted to rotate in the same direction in sync (for example, through manual operation by a caregiver or through contact with the child pushing the rod portion 511 of the actuari 51 toward the surface 102A of the seat shell 102), pulling the two link elements 60 respectively, moving the drive units 73 attached thereto, and prompting the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the retained position to the released position. As a result, each buffer portion 11 is released from the retaining mechanism 20 and can rotate under the biasing force of the spring 30 from a first position corresponding to the stowed state to a second position corresponding to the deployed state. When the buffer portion 11 reaches the second position, the biasing force of the spring 43 can prompt the latch 41 to move and engage with the notch 1315 of the pivot support member 131 in order to lock the buffer portion 11 in the second position.

[0037] To house the buffer section 11, the actuation unit 51 can rotate in a direction that raises the rod section 511 away from the surface 102A of the seat shell 102, thereby relieving the tensile force exerted on the link section 60 by the actuation unit 51 and the coupling section 53, and each magnetic element carrier 71 can rotate from the released position to the retained position under the biasing force of the spring 77. This rotation of the actuation unit 51 can be driven by the biasing force of the spring 57 after the child has been removed from the child safety seat 200. The caregiver can then operate the release actuation unit 45 of the latch mechanism 40, thereby causing the latch 41 to slide and disengage from the notch 1315 of the pivot support member 131. This unlocks the buffer section 11 and allows it to rotate from the second position to the first position. Once the buffer section 11 is housed in the first position, the retaining force applied by the retaining mechanism 20 can hold the buffer section 11 in place.

[0038] The above configuration allows the buffer section 11 to be deployed in a convenient manner. For example, the deployment of the two buffer sections 11 can be triggered by placing the child on the child safety seat 200, without the need for the caregiver to perform a manual unlocking step. Thus, it can be ensured that the buffer sections 11 are properly deployed to provide protection as soon as the child is seated on the child safety seat 200.

[0039] According to the modified embodiment, the operating device 50 and the link element 60 can be omitted, and the remaining structure is the same as in the previous embodiment. In this modified embodiment, when the child safety seat 200 is not in use, each buffer portion 11 can similarly be housed in the first position, and the magnetic interaction between the two magnetic elements 21, 23 can hold the buffer portion 11 in the first position as described above. When a lateral collision occurs, the collision energy can cause relative movement between the two magnetic elements 2 and 23 of at least one holding mechanism 20, and thus the corresponding buffer portion 11 can be deployed to a second position under the biasing force of the spring 30. For example, the collision energy can move the magnetic element carrier 71 and the magnetic elements 21 on it from a holding position to a released position relative to the seat shell 102 in order to release the buffer portion 11 from being held by the holding mechanism 20, and the buffer portion 11 can be deployed to a second position under the biasing force of the spring 30. Therefore, the configuration of the holding mechanism 20, which consists of two magnetic elements 21 and 23, allows for easy deployment of the buffering section 11 without requiring intervention from an assistant.

[0040] According to another modified embodiment, the operating device 50, link element 60, magnetic element carrier 71, and spring 77 can be omitted, and the magnetic element 21 can be fixedly connected to the seat shell 102. In this other modified embodiment, when the child safety seat 200 is not in use, each buffer section 11 can similarly be housed in a first position, and the magnetic interaction between two magnetic elements 21 and 23 that are in close proximity to each other can hold the buffer section 11 in the first position as described above. When a lateral collision occurs, the collision energy moves the buffer section 11 relative to the seat shell 102 against the magnetic attraction between the two magnetic elements 21 and 23, thereby allowing it to deploy outward to a second position to provide protection.

[0041] The advantages of the child safety seat described herein include the ability to provide a side impact protection system that can be stored for compact storage. Furthermore, the side impact protection system can be easily deployed when needed, which can provide adequate protection in the event of a side collision with a vehicle.

[0042] The realization of the child safety seat is described in relation to specific embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0043] [Appendix 1] A seat shell having two side walls provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell, respectively, to restrict the lateral movement of a child seated on the seat shell, wherein the two side walls include a first side wall and a second side wall, A buffer portion movably connected to the seat shell, wherein the buffer portion is movable between a first position corresponding to a storage position in which the buffer portion is retracted toward the first side wall and a second position corresponding to an extended state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the first side wall. A holding mechanism that can be operated to hold the buffer portion in the first position, A release mechanism having an operating device positioned adjacent to the thigh region of the seat shell, and being operablely connected to the retaining mechanism, wherein the operating device is operable for releasing the buffer portion from the retaining mechanism for movement of the buffer portion from the first position to the second position, A child safety seat equipped with [features / equipment]. [Appendix 2] The buffer section is pivotably connected to the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] The child safety seat has a spring connected to the buffer portion, The spring biases the buffer portion toward the second position. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] The holding mechanism comprises a first magnetic element coupled to the sheet shell and a second magnetic element coupled to the buffer portion. When the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are in close proximity to each other, a magnetic attraction is generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element in order to hold the buffer portion in the first position. A child safety seat as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 3. [Appendix 5] The aforementioned release mechanism is The actuator connected to the seat shell, The operating device further comprises a link element that connects to the actuator, The actuator is operable to move the first magnetic element between a holding position and a release position with respect to the sheet shell. When the first magnetic element is in the holding position and the buffer portion is in the first position, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are close to each other, and therefore, in order to hold the buffer portion in the first position, the magnetic field between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element A holding force is generated by the attractive force, The first magnetic element in the open position is positioned away from the second magnetic element, and therefore the buffer can move from the first position to the second position. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 4. [Appendix 6] The actuator has a magnetic element carrier and a spring. The magnetic element carrier is fixedly connected to the first magnetic element and movably connected to the sheet shell, thereby allowing the magnetic element carrier and the first magnetic element to move between the holding position and the release position. The spring biases the magnetic element carrier toward the holding position. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 5. [Appendix 7] The magnetic element carrier is pivotably connected to the sheet shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 6. [Appendix 8] The link element has a first end fixed to the operating device and a second end operably connected to the magnetic element carrier. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 6 or 7. [Appendix 9] The second end of the link element is fixed to a drive unit adapted to contact the magnetic element carrier. The drive unit is assembled to slide with the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 8. [Appendix 10] The operating device is assembled with respect to an operating part and a coupling part that are pivotably connected to the seat shell, The first end of the link element is fixed to the joint, The actuating part is rotatable with respect to the sheet shell together with the coupling part in order to exert tensile force via the link element. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 8 or 9. [Appendix 11] The operating part is pivotably connected to the coupling part. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 10. [Appendix 12] The aforementioned operating part has a rod portion, The operating part is rotatable to raise or lower the rod portion with respect to the surface of the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 10 or 11. [Appendix 13] The operating device further comprises a spring connected to the operating part, The spring biases the actuarial part in order to raise the rod portion relative to the surface of the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 12. [Appendix 14] The buffer section is provided with an operable latch mechanism for locking the buffer section in the second position. A child safety seat as described in any one of Appendix 1 through 13. [Appendix 15] The buffer portion is pivotably connected to a pivot support member provided on the seat shell. The latch mechanism comprises a latch, a spring, and a release mechanism. The latch is movable between a locked state in which the latch engages with the pivot support member to lock the buffer portion in the second position and an unlocked state in which the latch is disengaged from the pivot support member for rotation of the buffer portion. The spring biases the latch toward the locked position. The release mechanism is operable to move the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 14. [Appendix 16] The aforementioned seat shell has a backrest portion having a front surface, The buffer portion is located in front of the front surface and connects to the portion of the first side wall that is perpendicular to the shoulder height of a seated child. A child safety seat as described in any one of Appendix 1 through 15. [Appendix 17] A seat shell having two side walls provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell, respectively, to restrict the lateral movement of a child seated on the seat shell, wherein the two side walls include a first side wall and a second side wall, A buffer portion movably connected to the seat shell, wherein the buffer portion is movable between a first position corresponding to a stowed state in which the buffer portion is retracted toward the first side wall and a second position corresponding to an extended state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the first side wall. A holding mechanism operable to hold a buffer portion in the first position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first magnetic element coupled to the sheet shell and a second magnetic element coupled to the buffer portion, the second magnetic element being movable together with the buffer portion with respect to the sheet shell and the first magnetic element, and a magnetic attractive force being generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to hold the buffer portion in the first position; A child safety seat equipped with [features / equipment]. [Appendix 18] The buffer section is pivotably connected to the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 17. [Appendix 19] The child safety seat further comprises a spring connected to the buffer portion, The spring biases the buffer portion toward the second position. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 17 or 18. [Appendix 20] An actuator connected to the aforementioned seat shell, The actuator is operable to move the first magnetic element between a holding position and a release position with respect to the sheet shell. When the first magnetic element is in the holding position and the buffer portion is in the first position, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are close to each other, and therefore a holding force is generated by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to hold the buffer portion in the first position. The first magnetic element in the open position is positioned away from the second magnetic element, and therefore the buffer can move from the first position to the second position. A child safety seat as described in any one of Appendix 17 to 19. [Appendix 21] The actuator has a magnetic element carrier and a spring. The magnetic element carrier is fixedly connected to the first magnetic element and movably connected to the sheet shell, thereby the magnetic element carrier and the first magnetic element are , movable between the holding position and the release position, The spring biases the magnetic element carrier toward the holding position. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 20. [Appendix 22] The magnetic element carrier is pivotably connected to the sheet shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 21. [Appendix 23] The buffer section is provided with an operable latch mechanism for locking the buffer section in the second position. A child safety seat as described in any one of Appendix 17 to 22. [Appendix 24] The buffer portion is pivotably connected to a pivot support member provided on the seat shell. The latch mechanism comprises a latch, a spring, and a release mechanism. The latch is movable between a locked state in which the latch engages with the pivot support member to lock the buffer portion in the second position and an unlocked state in which the latch is disengaged from the pivot support member for rotation of the buffer portion. The spring biases the latch toward the locked state. The release mechanism is operable to move the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 23. [Appendix 25] The latch is slidably connected to the buffer section. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 24. [Appendix 26] The aforementioned seat shell has a backrest having a front surface, The buffer portion is located in front of the front surface and connects to the portion of the first side wall that is perpendicular to the shoulder height of a seated child. A child safety seat as described in any one of Appendix 17 to 25.

Claims

1. A seat shell having a side wall provided on either the left or right side of the seat shell, A buffer portion connected to the seat shell, wherein the buffer portion is movable between a first position corresponding to a storage position in which the buffer portion is retracted toward the side wall and a second position corresponding to an extended state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the side wall. A retaining mechanism connected to the seat shell, having a retaining position and a release position, wherein the retaining mechanism is in the retaining position to hold the buffer portion in the storage position and is in the release position to move the buffer portion relative to the seat shell, A release mechanism connected to the seat shell, wherein the release mechanism is operable to switch from the holding position to the release position in order to prompt the holding mechanism to move the buffer portion from the first position to the second position, A child safety seat characterized by having the following features.

2. The child safety seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the buffer portion is pivotably connected to the seat shell.

3. The buffer portion further has a spring connected to it, The child safety seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring biases the buffer portion toward the second position.

4. The holding mechanism has a movable element configured to move between the holding position and the release position in order to hold and release the buffer portion. The release mechanism has an actuator that is movably connected to the seat shell. The child safety seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuator is operable to facilitate the movement of the movable element of the holding mechanism from the holding position to the release position.

5. The movable element of the holding mechanism has a magnetic element, The actuator has a magnetic element carrier and a spring, The magnetic element carrier is fixedly connected to the magnetic element and movably connected to the sheet shell, thereby allowing the magnetic element carrier and the magnetic element to move between the holding position and the release position. The child safety seat according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring biases the magnetic element carrier toward the holding position.

6. The child safety seat according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic element carrier is pivotally connected to the seat shell.

7. The aforementioned magnetic element carrier is arranged adjacent to the drive unit, The drive unit is assembled to be slidable with the seat shell and is attached to a curved arm, the curved arm having one end connected to the magnetic element carrier, The child safety seat according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the curved arm is elastically deformable and facilitates the movement of the magnetic element carrier.

8. The release mechanism further comprises an operating device disposed in the seat shell and operably connected to the actuator via a link element, The child safety seat according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the operating device is activated by an external force applied to the operating device, and a tensile force is applied via the link element, thereby switching the holding mechanism from the holding position to the release position.

9. The aforementioned operating device has an operating part and a connecting part assembled together, The connecting portion is pivotably connected to the seat shell, The first end of the link element is fixed to the connecting portion. The child safety seat according to claim 8, characterized in that the operating part is rotatable with respect to the seat shell together with the connecting part.

10. The operating device comprises an operating part and a spring connected to the operating part and the seat shell. The operating part is rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the seat shell, The child safety seat according to claim 8, characterized in that the spring is arranged around the pivot axis and biases the actuation part to remove the tensile force applied to the link element when no external force is applied to the operating device.

11. The child safety seat according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the buffer portion is provided with a latch mechanism that can be operated to lock the buffer portion in the second position.

12. The buffer portion is pivotally connected to a pivot support member provided on the seat shell. The latch mechanism comprises a latch, a spring, and a release mechanism. The latch is movable between a locked state in which the latch engages with the pivot support member to lock the buffer portion in the second position and an unlocked state in which the latch disengages from the pivot support member for rotation of the buffer portion. The spring biases the latch toward the locked state, The child safety seat according to claim 11, characterized in that the release actuation unit is operable to prompt the latch to move from the locked state to the unlocked state.

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