Child car seat with support legs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a child seat (1) for mounting on a car seat, comprising a seat element and at least one support leg (2) for supporting the child seat on a base surface, wherein the support leg (2) has at least one upper part (10) and one lower part (11) that can be moved retractably relative to each other to extend and shorten the support leg, and is provided with a locking device (12) which can be set to an unlocked position and a locked position, thereby locking the support leg (2) at least with respect to the shortening of the support leg, and is provided with a lock release prevention device (26) that resists the unlocking of the locking device when an impact occurs on the back of the support leg.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Description] The present invention relates to a child seat for mounting on an automobile seat. In the prior art, providing support legs for a child seat has already been well known, for example, in DE 20 2015 104 792 U1. Here, support legs that can support the child seat on a base surface (especially the footwell) are shown. These support legs have upper and lower telescopic parts, which can be moved relative to each other to extend and shorten the support legs. A locking device is provided to lock the positions of the upper and lower telescopic parts relative to each other, and the locking device can be operated using an operating device.

[0002] The object of the present invention is to propose a child seat with support legs on which a safe and reliable adjustment of the length of the support legs can be carried out. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to propose corresponding support legs.

[0003] This object is solved in particular by the child seat according to claim 1. In particular, the objective is solved by a child seat for mounting in a car seat, comprising a seat element (particularly comprising a child dwelling unit, e.g., a seat shell, and optionally a seat base) and at least one support leg for supporting the child seat on a base surface (particularly a footwell inside a vehicle), wherein the support leg comprises at least one upper (extendable) part and one lower (extendable) part, which can move relative to each other (extendably) to extend and shorten the support leg. Furthermore, a locking device is provided (particularly as part of the support leg), which can be brought into an unlocked position and a locked position, thereby locking the support leg at least with respect to its shortening. Furthermore, preferably, a locking prevention device is provided that can resist, in particular prevent, the unlocking of the locking device (particularly when an impact occurs on the back of the support leg). The unlocking prevention device is preferably movable relative to the body of the support leg and / or relative to the upper and / or lower portions and is configured to interact with a structure that impacts the support leg (particularly its rear surface, particularly at least at the height of the locking device and / or preferably at the height of the manual operating device) so as to prevent (i.e., prevent or at least hinder) the unlocking of the locking device.

[0004] One idea behind the present invention is that, in the event of an impact to the support leg, particularly to the rear of the support leg, the release of the lock is prevented, or at least hindered, by the unlocking prevention device. It has been recognized that in accident situations, for example, in the event of a rear-end collision by another vehicle or a head-on collision with an obstacle in front of the vehicle, the rear of the support leg may strike the structure where the child seat is mounted (e.g., a bench seat or other upwardly projecting wall of a car seat), resulting in an impact to the support leg, particularly to the rear of the support leg. This impact may be due to the acceleration of the vehicle (for example, in the case of a rear-end collision), which causes the child seat, held in place by, for example, a belt system, to initially remain in place. Such an impact can also be caused by rotational and / or rebound motion occurring in the child seat. In such situations, inertia may also cause the locking device to be unintentionally released with respect to the body of the support leg, and accelerated particularly with respect to the latch receiver.

[0005] A means to resist such release is provided using a release prevention device. For example, considering Figure 1 of DE 20 2015 104 792 U1, if we assume an impact on the right side (rear) of the support leg shown in cross-section, this impact may cause the release button located on the front to move or accelerate to the right against the spring relative to the body of the support leg, which could cause the locking device to release. According to the present invention, such a risk is mitigated. Overall, the safety and reliability of the support leg and therefore the entire child seat are improved.

[0006] A child seat may be a child seat for larger children (with a backrest that is structurally separated from the seat), or a child seat formed by a seat shell (baby shell), for example, in which the seat and backrest are formed by a common shell. Preferably, the child seat is a child seat that may include a (separate) seat base that can be removed from a child accommodating unit (for accommodating a child), for example, a seat shell or possibly a baby shell.

[0007] The support legs are preferably at least 25 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm, and / or preferably (in at least one state) extend at least 25 cm, preferably at least 40 cm downward (from the lowest point of the sheet element, especially its base) when the sheet element is positioned on a horizontal plane.

[0008] The locking device is, in principle, a device that prevents the support legs from being shortened, especially when the support legs are constructed in a way that allows them to be shortened (with the unlocked locking device). Preferably, the locking device can also prevent the support legs from being extended when they are in a state where they can be extended (without the locking device functioning). However, since the support legs abut the base surface during use, it may generally suffice as long as the locking mechanism for shortening is secure.

[0009] When the locking mechanism is released, it should be understood that the length of the support legs may be extended and / or shortened, particularly in this position. The locked position should be understood as a position where the length of the support legs cannot be shortened (further), and in some cases neither shortened nor extended.

[0010] The impact on the back of the support leg may be the impact of vertically aligned rigid surfaces that strike the back of the support leg at a relative velocity of at least, or exactly 20 km / h, or at least, exactly 40 km / h.

[0011] The term “rear” in relation to the support leg shall specifically mean the part that faces the mounting location (particularly the car's seats and / or rear bench seats) when the child seat is properly mounted. Alternatively or additionally, this may be the part that faces the rear of the car when the child seat is mounted (particularly to a forward-facing rear bench seat). The rear of the support leg shall specifically be the side that is located or faces rearward. The information provided herein applies particularly to the state of the support leg where the support leg is supported by a base surface.

[0012] In general, the support legs can be rotated, for example, to retract them, and in particular, they can be positioned along the seat element. This can then be referred to as the retracted position. In embodiments, the unlocking prevention device may be part of the locking device. Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking prevention device may be designed to be interlocked with (in particular, rigidly interlocked with) the locking device. In certain embodiments, the unlocking prevention device (or at least a part thereof) and the locking device (or at least a part thereof) may be formed by a common (and possibly integrated, particularly monolithic) component (e.g., a latch, particularly a pin and / or rod). This makes it easy to prevent, particularly stop, the movement of the unlocking prevention device from moving, thereby preventing (unintended) movement of the locking device, or at least making it less likely. This improves safety by simple means.

[0013] Preferably, at least one contact portion of the unlocking prevention device is formed at at least one position relative to the body of the support leg (particularly projecting rearward). The position referred to in the preceding paragraph preferably coincides with the release position of the locking device. Such a solution achieves that a structure that strikes the support leg from the rear moves the unlocking prevention device forward (and / or prevents it from moving backward), and as a result, particularly if the locking device is formed to be interlocked with the unlocking prevention device in a particularly rigid manner, the unlocking prevention device can then prevent the locking device from being unlocked.

[0014] If the locking prevention device protrudes backward in at least one position, it may be freely accessible from the outside or may be covered (e.g., by a cover, or possibly by an elastic membrane). It is particularly important that the backward protrusion is such that the rearward impact described above causes or can cause the locking prevention device to move forward, or prevents, or at least limits, the backward movement of the locking prevention device from the outset. The impacting structure itself may help to cause an impact and subsequently prevent unintended release in a simple manner.

[0015] Preferably, a (manual) operating device, in particular an operating button, is provided to operate the locking device. Operating sliders and / or operating levers may also be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the operating button.

[0016] The (manual) operating device is preferably located on the front of the support leg and / or at the lower end of the upper part and / or at the upper end of the lower part. The unlocking prevention device is preferably configured to prevent movement of the (manual) operating device to unlock it.

[0017] The locking device may be located at the lower end of the upper section and / or the upper end of the lower section. Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking prevention device may also be located at the lower end of the upper section and / or the upper end of the lower section.

[0018] The (manual) operating device is preferably located on the side opposite to the unlocking prevention device (resulting in the operating device and the unlocking prevention device being located on different sides of the support leg). The placement of the (manual) operating device on the front of the support leg (i.e., in front of the support leg) allows the user to clearly see it, which facilitates simple and therefore safe adjustment of the seat leg, in particular insofar as it is especially easy for the user to recognize that adjustment can (and significantly should) be made there. This is all the more difficult to recognize when the (manual) operating device is located on the side of the support leg, or even on the rear.

[0019] However, in such situations, such (front-facing) placement is related to the problem already described above, namely, that if an impact occurs from the rear, the operating device (especially if a spring is attached) will be accelerated or moved toward the rear relative to the support leg, which has been recognized as potentially causing unintended movement. However, such unintended movement is prevented in a synergistic way by the unlock-blocking device, and as a result, the combination of front-facing placement and the unlock-blocking device provides an easy-to-operate and safe support leg.

[0020] Preferably, the (manual) operating device is preloaded in particular by compression and / or tension springs, preferably compression springs. The operating device is preferably operated by the fingers of a human hand and is configured to be pressed in particular, preferably by at least 25 mm 2 and / or a maximum of 10 cm 2 In some cases, up to 4cm 2 It has an (accessible) surface area.

[0021] The operating device is preferably formed to be interlocked with the locking device (in particular, designed to be rigidly interlocked with the locking device or rigidly connected to the locking device). Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking prevention device is preferably designed to be interlocked with the operating device (in particular, rigidly interlocked).

[0022] The operating device, the locking device, and, where applicable, the unlocking prevention device, may form a common (particularly rigid) assembly and / or be designed as a single unit.

[0023] The locking device and the unlocking prevention device are designed to be movable relative to each other, for example, by a solution in which a spring acts between the locking device and the unlocking prevention device, and as a result the unlocking prevention device may already be protruding outward without any external force (and in the locked position of the locking device), and in the event of a rearward impact (for example against the spring load), it may be pushed forward, and as a result the path toward the unlocked position of the locking device may then be blocked.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the locking device and / or unlocking prevention device may comprise, or be formed from, a (common) pin and / or a (common) rod and / or a (common) pivot arm.

[0025] The upper (extendable) portion and the lower (extendable) portion are at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, and possibly at least 20 cm and / or a maximum of 40 cm, and possibly a maximum of 30 cm in length.

[0026] The upper and / or lower portions may be formed by tubes (or profiles, e.g., C-profiles or U-profiles). The upper portion is preferably an outer tube (or an outer C-profile or U-profile). The lower portion is preferably an inner tube (or an inner profile, particularly a C-profile or U-profile). Conversely, the upper portion may be an inner tube (C-profile or U-profile), and the lower portion may be an outer tube (or an outer profile, particularly a C-profile or U-profile). The upper portion may surround the lower portion in an overlapping region, or (at least partially) the other way around.

[0027] The child seat, in particular the support legs, preferably have at least one recess (Ausnehmung), in particular a row of recesses (formed, for example, by an integral or separate elongate recess (Ausnehmungsleiste)). One or more of the recesses are preferably configured to receive at least one complementary latch structure of the locking device (e.g., a pin, or a rod, or a projection, or a hook). Alternatively or additionally, the locking device may also have recesses that match complementary projections (in particular pins, rods, and / or hooks). Each structure complementary to the locking device (in particular the recesses) is preferably provided in the upper part and / or the lower part of the support leg, and according to an embodiment, in the lower part.

[0028] The support legs may comprise exactly two (or, in some cases, more than two) parts that can be moved relative to each other telescopically. A foot may be provided at the lower end of the support legs, which is connected to or formed by the lower part (in some cases, without being movable relative to the lower part).

[0029] The support legs may comprise a spring. The spring may press the locking device towards the locking position and / or press the operating device against the operating direction, for example, to advance it forward.

[0030] The locking device is preferably movable (i.e., not locked there) towards the release position in the locking position. In particular, the locking device (and / or the operating device) is essentially held in the locking position only by at least a preloading force (Vorspannkraft), in particular by a spring. The locking device can thus, in particular, lock (fix) the upper part relative to the lower part, at least against a (further) shortening of the support legs, while the locking device itself is basically not prevented from moving. This enables easy locking, whereby the resulting risk can be reduced by the unlocking prevention device.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the seat element comprises a child-carrying unit, particularly a seat shell, and a seat base. Preferably, support legs are attached to the seat base (particularly to its front end), and more preferably, are attached in a rotatable manner.

[0032] The above-mentioned objectives are further solved by a support leg for supporting a child seat (configured for mounting in an automobile and comprising a seat element) on a base surface, the support leg comprising at least one upward telescopic part and one downward telescopic part that can move relative to each other to extend and shorten the support leg, and can be brought into an unlocked position and a locked position, thereby locking the support leg at least with respect to its shortening, and a locking device is provided to resist the unlocking of the locking device when an impact occurs on the back of the support leg.

[0033] Further embodiments of the present invention arise from the dependent claims. (Apart from the unlocking prevention device) Basically, the support legs can be designed as described in DE 20 2015 104 792 U1.

[0034] The present invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] A schematic side view of a car seat and a child seat according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the support legs of the child car seat. [Figure 3] A portion of the support legs is shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] The support legs shown in Figure 2 are depicted in a rear view. [Figure 5] A portion of the support legs is shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 2 shows the support legs in different configurations. [Figure 7]A portion of the support legs is shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] The support legs shown in Figure 6 are depicted in a rear view. [Figure 9] A portion of the support legs is shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] The support legs shown in Figure 2 are shown in cross-section. [Figure 11] A portion of the support legs is shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 10 shows the support legs in different configurations. [Figure 13] A portion of the support legs is shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 2 shows a horizontal cross-section passing through the support leg. [Figure 15] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the support leg components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] In the following description, the same reference number is used for the same and similarly functioning parts. Figure 1 shows a child seat 1 according to the present invention (mounted on a car seat, shown very schematically). The child seat 1 may comprise a seat shell 3 (or other child carrier unit) and optionally a base 4. The child seat further comprises support legs 2. The support legs 2 may be attached to (preferably connected to) the front end (particularly the lower) of the base 4 and may extend from the base 4 (or seat shell 3) toward the vehicle floor (at least in one position, particularly in the position shown in Figure 1).

[0037] The support leg 2 comprises an upper portion 10 and a lower portion 11, which can be moved relative to each other in an extendable and retractable manner. The upper portion 10 is closer to the base 4 of the child seat. The lower portion 11 is closer to the foot portion 23 of the support leg. The foot portion 23 may also be omitted or may be formed by the lower portion itself.

[0038] In this case, the extendable support leg 2 comprises strictly two parts 10, 11, which can move relative to each other in an extendable manner. However, the possibility of providing further (possibly extendable and movable) parts is not ruled out. The lower part 11 may be guided within (the overlapping region of) the upper part 10.

[0039] The locking device 12 is provided (inside the housing 14) to lock the upper part 10 against the lower part 11. Figures 2 and 3 show the locking device 12 from the front. The locking device 12 may be located within the housing 14 and may be connected to an operating element (operating button) 22. The operating element 22 is not operated (or, in particular, not pressed) in the position shown in Figures 2 and 3. The locking device 12 is in the locked position. Adjustment of the length of the support legs, or extensional movement between the upper part 10 and the lower part 11 of the locking device, is not possible in this position (at least shortening is not possible).

[0040] Figures 4 and 5 show the locking device 12 in the locked position from the rear. The locking device 12 comprises a locking element (latch) 13, which is located in the opening 19. In this position, the locking element 13 is preferably located entirely inside the opening 19 or inside the housing 14.

[0041] Figures 6 and 7 show the locking device 12 from the front. The operating element 22 is operated (or pushed in) and as a result the locking device 12 is in the released position. The length of the support legs 2 (i.e., the relative position in particular between the upper part 10 and the lower part 11) can be adjusted in this position, and in particular the support legs may be shortened if they are not yet in the shortest possible configuration.

[0042] Figures 8 and 9 show the locking device 12 of Figure 4 from the rear (when the operating element is operated). In this position, the locking element 13 is located at least partially outside the opening 19 or outside the housing 14, or protrudes from the housing 14. The protrusion prevents unlocking when the structure is struck in this location, i.e., from the rear, so the protrusion forms an unlocking prevention device 26 (in this position). This part is an integral part of the locking device in this example, but it could also be designed as a structurally separate component.

[0043] Figures 10 and 11 show a cross-sectional view from the side of a portion of the support leg 2 and the locking device 12 in the locked position. The lower portion 11 is preferably guided within the upper portion 10. A row 17 of recesses 18 is formed in the lower portion 11 (for example, in the form of elongated recesses). The row 17 of recesses 18 preferably includes recesses 18 formed vertically in the up-and-down direction. The locking device 12 is preferably firmly connected to the lower end of the upper portion 10.

[0044] The housing 14 may enclose the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 11. Preferably, the housing 14 is (firmly) connected to the upper portion 10. The drive element (drive device) 15 may be located (mounted) within the housing 14, surrounded by the housing 14, and possibly guided by it. The drive element 15 may surround the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 11, and may move within the housing between a first position (the locked position of the locking device 12) and a second position (the unlocked position of the locking device 12). The housing 14 preferably has a cavity 25 that can allow the drive element to move between the first and second positions. The drive element 15 may be connected at a first end to an operating element 22, which may be guided within an operating guide 21.

[0045] The operating element 22 may be at least partially terminated on the outer surface of the housing 14 (which may be covered by a cover and / or an elastic, possibly transparent, membrane) to allow user access.

[0046] The spring 20 may be supported at its first end by the upper portion 10 and at its second end by the operating element 22, thereby pushing the drive element 15 to the locked position. The drive element 15 may be connected to a locking element 13 at its other end, and the locking element 13 has a front end 13b and a rear end 13a (contact portion). The front end 13b may be attached to a locking bracket 16 of the drive element 15 and therefore may be connected to it. The rear end 13a of the locking element 13 (and the locking bracket 16) may be located in an opening 19 of the housing and may be guided by the opening 19. The front end 13b may be guided through the upper portion through a connection hole 24 and, in the locked position, may engage with one of the recesses 18 of the elongated recess 17.

[0047] The drive element 15 can move (together with the operating element 22 and the locking element 13) through the cavity 25 of the housing 14 from the locked position to the unlocked position (when the operating element 22 is operated). The foot 23 may be firmly connected to the lower part 11 at the lower end of the lower part 11.

[0048] Figures 12 and 13 show a portion of the support leg 2 in the released position in a vertical cross-section. The operating element 22 is operated, thereby moving the drive element 15 through the cavity 25 of the housing 14 from the first position to the second position (or from the locked position to the released position). The locking element 13 is also moved from the first position to the second position, so that its front end 13b no longer engages with one of the recesses 18 in the row of recesses 17, and its rear end 13a (and locking bracket 16) protrudes from the opening 19 or the housing 14.

[0049] Figure 14 shows a horizontal cross-section of a portion of the support leg 2 with the locking device in the locked position. The lower portion 11 is guided within the upper portion 10. The drive element 15 may surround the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 11. The housing 14 may then surround the drive element 15, and therefore may also surround the upper portion 10 and the lower portion 11. Furthermore, the housing 14 may surround a cavity 25 in which the drive element 15 can move between the locked and unlocked positions. The drive element 15 may be connected at a first end to an operating element 22, which may be guided within an operating guide 21 and at least partially terminated on the outer surface of the housing 14. A spring 20 may be supported at one end in the upper portion 10 and at the other end in the operating element 22, thereby allowing the spring 20 to push the drive element 15 into the locked position. The rear end 13a may be attached to the locking bracket 16 of the drive element 15 or located in an opening 19 of the housing 14. The front end 13b may be guided through the upper part via the connection hole 24, or it may engage with the recess 18.

[0050] Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the area surrounding the locking device 12. It should be noted that all of the above-mentioned components, which can be seen individually and in any combination, and whose details are shown in particular in the drawings, are hereby claimed as the essence of the present invention. Modifications thereof are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aim is to achieve the broadest possible scope of protection. In this regard, disclosures included in the claims may be specified by features described together with (but not necessarily including) further features. It is clearly noted that the parentheses and the term “especially” are intended to emphasize the voluntariness of the features in their respective contexts (this does not mean, conversely, that without such specification, a feature is considered essential in the corresponding context). The term “element” should preferably mean a cohesive structure that can then be connected to at least one other structure (and possibly form a unified, and / or immovable, whole structure), or that can be distinguished from all other structures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] [Reference sign] 1...Child seat, 2...Support leg, 3...Seat shell, 4...Base, 10...Upper part, 11...Lower part, 12...Locking device, 13...Locking element (latch), 13a...Rear end (contact part), 13b...Front end, 14...Housing, 15...Drive element (drive device), 16...Locking bracket, 17...Elongated recess, 18...Recess, 19...Opening, 20...Spring, 21...Operation guide, 22...Operation element (operation button), 23...Foot part, 24...Connection hole, 25...Cavity, 26...Unlock prevention device

Claims

1. A child seat (1) for mounting on a car seat, comprising a seat element and at least one support leg (2) for supporting the child seat on a base surface, wherein the support leg (2) has at least one upper portion (10) and one lower portion (11) that can be moved relative to each other in an extendable and retractable manner to extend and retract the support leg, a locking device (12) is provided, the locking device can be brought to an unlocked position and a locked position, thereby locking the support leg (2) at least with respect to its retraction, and a lock release prevention device (26) is provided to resist the unlocking of the locking device when an impact occurs on the back of the support leg. Child car seat (1).

2. The lock release prevention device (26) is part of the lock device (12) and / or is formed to be interlocked with the lock device (12). Characterized by, Child seat (1) according to claim 1.

3. At least one contact portion of the lock release prevention device (26) protrudes rearward relative to the body of the support leg at at least one position, and the position preferably coincides with the release position of the lock device. Characterized by, Child seat (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A (manual) operating device (22), particularly an operating button, is provided, and the operating button is preferably located on the front of the support leg and / or the lower end of the upper part and / or the upper end of the lower part and / or on the side opposite to the lock release prevention device. The locking device (12) and / or the unlocking prevention device (26) are preferably designed to be interlocked with the operating device (22) and / or to form a common assembly with the operating device (22) and / or to be designed integrally with the operating device (22). Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. The locking device and / or the unlocking prevention device (26) comprises a pin and / or a rod and / or a pivot arm, or is formed from these. Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. The upper and / or lower portions are at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, possibly at least 20 cm, and / or at most 40 cm, possibly at most 30 cm in length. Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. At least one recess (18), in particular a row of said recesses (18), is provided for receiving at least one complementary latch structure of the locking device (12). Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A spring (20) is provided to press the locking device (12) toward the locked position. Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The locking device (12) is movable toward the unlocked position in the locked position and is, in particular, held in the locked position only by a preload, especially a spring (20). Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The seat element comprises a child accommodating unit, particularly a seat shell, and a seat base, and the support legs (2) are preferably attached to the seat base. Characterized by, A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The operating device and the locking device (12) are connected to each other via a drive device (15), and the drive device is preferably guided from front to rear through the upper or lower portion on at least one side, preferably both sides. A child seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A support leg (2) for supporting a child seat having a seat element on a base surface for mounting on a car seat, wherein the support leg (2) comprises at least one upward telescopic portion (10) and one downward telescopic portion (11) that can move relative to each other to extend and shorten the support leg, a locking device is provided, the locking device can be brought to an unlocked position and a locked position so that the support leg (2) can be locked at least with respect to its shortening, and a lock release prevention device (26) is provided to resist the unlocking of the locking device (12) when an impact occurs on the back of the support leg.

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